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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

The skeptic’s guide to being better

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GOALGETTER CYCLING, SAUNAS AND COLD PLUNGES — HOW CHEF JOHN JACKSON TRANSFORMED HIS HEALTH AND HIS LIFE

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W E DDINGS & ELOP EMENT S

Host Your Wedding at Our Luxury Canmore Hotel Your dream wedding deserves a breathtaking setting. At The Malcolm Hotel, the Alberta Rockies and vibrant Canmore surroundings create a naturally romantic backdrop for your celebration. Whether you envision a lavish affair in the spectacular Edinburgh Ballroom or a cozy, heartfelt elopement, our blend of luxury and mountain ambiance sets the stage for unforgettable moments.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

5 HELPFUL WAYS TO NAVIGATE A SEPARATION Wells Family Law founder and lawyer Kathleen Wells shares advice to help you handle the divorce process.

Divorce is never easy, which is why it’s important to find compassionate guidance to help you navigate the associated challenges. With the help of divorce and family law lawyers, like the team at Wells Family Law, you can get the resources, information and help you need to find the best resolutions for you.

Wells Family Law’s preferred practice areas are property division, spousal support, child support and custody-related matters. The firm consistently approaches client cases with compassion, care and patience, recognizing that matters in family law can be complex and overwhelming for families.

Here, Kathleen Wells, Wells Family Law founder and lawyer, offers five suggestions for going through a separation.

Ensure the children are the priority When children are involved, they must always be the priority. Wells suggests parents should carefully consider how they talk about the other parent and when to talk about the separation with their children. She suggests parents should never discuss the breakdown of a relationship while the children are home, and let them know they never have to pick sides.

“Ask yourself, ‘What would you want your child to remember about their parents 8

and their divorce when they’re adults?’ What you do and how you act now is going to have a lifetime impact on your child, so choose your actions, reactions and words wisely,” says Wells.

Maintain clear, respectful communication It’s easy to match a temper or say something out of retaliation. You can’t control your ex’s thoughts or actions; you can only control how you communicate with them. Wells suggests crafting clear, concise emails when you are calm.

Establish set times to communicate important information. This helps both parties come prepared, feel calmer and be ready to cover the important matters. Don’t get sidetracked; stick to what needs to be discussed.

Understand what you truly need It’s important to understand and prioritize what you need, not necessarily what you want. Throughout her time working as a lawyer, Wells is of the opinion that "the most important need is health — the health of yourself and your children. Decide who and what you need to accomplish those,” she says.

Wells also suggests getting professional financial advice to help understand what you immediately need to

support yourself and your children, and to help make a plan for what you will require in the future. For things like parenting schedules, Wells suggests keeping an open mind. You may want a specific schedule, but consider what you actually need to make coparenting work.

Choose professional advice over friendly advice While support from family and friends is essential, don’t let the overblown myths about divorce get to your head.

Family and friends will tell you what you want to hear;

professionals will tell you what you need to hear.

A legal team will ensure appropriate representation, a psychologist can help with the emotional challenges and a financial expert can advise you on your financial future.

Avoid going to court Wells says a resolution through the court should be the last resort. It’s best to avoid the time and cost of going to court, and instead work together to compromise.

She recommends considering what may be an equitable agreement, rather than a perfectly equal agreement.

To learn more about Wells Family Law, visit wellsfamilylaw.com.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

HELPING FAMILIES THRIVE Inn from the Cold has been helping families find stability during challenging times for nearly 30 years, creating a better Calgary along the way.

Since 1997, Inn from the Cold has been a vital part of the Calgary community, helping families through hardships. For almost three decades, the Inn has worked to ensure every family and child has a safe and stable place to call home.

“Families are one of the fastest-growing populations experiencing homelessness in Canada. That means families are facing hardships some of us may never experience,” says Heather Morley, CEO of Inn from the Cold. “These families are our neighbours, and together as a community, we can show them they have support.”

PILLARS OF SUPPORT

Inn from the Cold’s main programs fall into three pillars: prevention, emergency and support. Its prevention and diversion programming helps at-risk families avoid the trauma that can come with experiencing homelessness, with a personalized plan to keep them in their existing home or find a new, permanent one as soon as possible. The Inn also offers an emergency family shelter for Calgarians who are actively experiencing homelessness. And when families have found a home, the Inn provides a supportive housing program, which 10

helps them build long-term stability and address any challenges that have been holding them back.

MEASURED IMPACT

On any given night, over 150 families sleep under an Inn from the Cold roof through its shelter and housing programs. Last year, the charity supported nearly 900 family members, and the need continues to grow.

To meet increasing demand, the Inn’s family emergency shelter expanded from 20 to 32 units, amplifying its capacity to respond to families in crisis. They’ve also introduced a 24-hour support line to ensure families can reach out for help at any time.

And it’s working: 98 per cent of families who used the Inn’s shelter responded that they were housed at the time of taking the Inn’s annual survey, and 100 per cent of school-aged children were successfully registered for school, if they weren’t already, while staying in the shelter.

Knowing how fundamental a sense of normalcy and a consistent routine with same-aged peers are for kids’ well-being, the Inn helps with school registration and ensures children have the right support to encourage ongoing attendance.

A COMMUNITY AFFAIR

The Inn’s widespread impact is thanks to a passionate team and the community’s generous support. Almost 1,000 active volunteers contributed their time last year, totalling 6,430 hours.

“Giving back is woven into our identity as Canadians; we are always willing to lift one another up and play an active role in our communities. From bottle drives to volunteering, we all do what we can to make our communities a better place for everyone,” says Morley.

With Family Day around the corner on February 16, it’s a perfect time to extend a helping hand to families facing hardships. You can support a family in your community experiencing homelessness by donating or volunteering at Inn from the Cold this Family Day, and show them they are not alone.

To learn more, visit innfromthecold.org.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

EMMA HOUSE In 2024, Emma House became Inn from the Cold’s newest transitional housing program, focused on providing compassionate care to expectant mothers and their babies.

For expectant mothers, it’s vital to have a safe and secure place to live before and after the birth of their child. Emma House offers housing with safe, private accommodations as well as access to essential items. Moms can remain at Emma House for up to 18 months after their child’s birth, ensuring they have the tools and resources to transition smoothly into independent community living.

“Finding out I was pregnant with Tynan completely changed everything for me,” recounts Brynn, an Emma House alumna.

“Emma House gave me a safe place to stay when I really needed it, and everyone there was so kind and didn’t judge me at all. I took parenting classes, got help finding affordable housing, and they supported me through applying to college.”

Emma House empowers moms to look for work that aligns with their future goals and interests, helping them build their economic independence for years to come. Between 2024 and 2025, 100 per cent of Emma House graduates were employed or looking for employment at the time they left the program.

Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, Emma House offers the resources moms and their babies need for a healthy pregnancy and a secure start to life.

“The biggest thing for me was realizing that letting people help me actually made me stronger,” says Brynn.

“I used to think I had to do everything on my own, but I know now that isn’t true.”

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L I V E • S H O P ª P L AY

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

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JAN / FEB

2026 on the cover Chef John Jackson

PHOTO BY Jared Sych

HAIR AND MAKEUP BY Michelle Simoneau-Clayton

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contents 16 Editor’s Note 20 Contributors

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D E PA R T M E N T S 23 Hello, My Name Is...

Marigold Santos. The artist expresses her observations of nature and heritage through her international exhibits.

24 Shop Talk Start the new year with eco-friendly products for wellness and lifestyle at The Apothecary in Inglewood.

25 Agenda Fun things to see, do and listen to in January and February.

26 Dish It Prohibition Lounge’s unique Tweety Bird cocktail.

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28 Made Here Routine’s natural products help you smell and feel good.

74 Dining A changing of the guard at Teatro — Mia Berloni takes over from her dad, Dario.

98 City Hack Get the scoop on Calgary’s residential recycling program.

FE AT UR ES 31 The Skeptic's Guide to Modern High Performance Avenue takes a look at the growing number of services and products that promise to help Calgarians live longer and better. And Chef John Jackson shares his transformative health story.

45 2026 Avenue's Best Wedding Services Our readers’ picks for the venues, photographers, florists and many other service providers who make Calgary’s weddings the best they can be. Plus, real wedding stories that took place in the winning venues in the last year.

76 Decor: Home is Where the Smart is More Calgarians are opting to incorporate automated systems and features into their homes.

85 Retirement, Reimagined See where Calgary’s seniors are embracing resort-style living.

96 New Stays in the Mountains Check out new hotels in Canmore and Banff offering well-rounded and impressive experiences.

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y M AT E U S Z N A P I E R A L S K I ; W E D D I N G P H O T O B Y B L A I R I N K S T E R ; B L A C K D I A M O N D C L U B P H O T O B Y S H A W N TA L B O T

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AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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he new year often spurs us to contemplate the past year and our hopes for the year ahead.

At Avenue, we’ve been thinking and talking about our role in having conversations with Calgarians and in bringing Calgary’s perspective to the world.

Sure, we cover where to eat in the city, but we also explore how our dining scene makes Calgary a world-class destination. We look at the plethora of cuisines to experience in Calgary restaurants and the people behind those businesses — how their stories contribute to what it means to be Calgarian.

We want to help readers understand Calgary and orient themselves in the city — but, more than that, we want people to feel welcome here whether they’re new arrivals, longtime transplants, visitors or born-and-raised Calgarians like myself.

As part of keeping things fresh, we’ve been experimenting with the content at the front of the magazine. We profile cool Calgarians doing cool things; deconstruct delicious restaurant offerings with Dish It; highlight fun things to do, see and listen to in Agenda; and feature local shops and makers in Shop Talk and Made Here.

We want to help readers continually learn about what's happening in our fair city.

If you really want to be in the know, please go to AvenueCalgary.com to sign up for the new Avenue City Guide, coming out in June. It will be teeming with stories and tips to help you live your best Calgary life.

For those of you exploring “New Year, New You,” check out our “Skeptic’s Guide to Modern

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COLLEEN SETO E XECUTIVE EDITOR c s e t o @ re d p o i n t m e d i a . c a

REFLECT AND REFRESH

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High Performance” starting on page 31.

The 1988 Winter Olympics set us up as a high-performance city with venues and resources to reach for peak performance. Nearly 40 years later, we’re still a city that supports being at the top of your game, whether in the sporting world or in the boardroom. We get the scoop on a variety of physical and mental health and wellness offerings and whether they can genuinely help you become the best version of yourself. Skip the sometimes questionable offerings from online wellness purveyors and see what’s available locally to meet your personal wellness goals.

As the year progresses, we’ll keep working at making the magazine engaging, inviting and, most of all, relevant to the people who work, live and play in Calgary, just as we do.

Finally, you may have noticed that we’ve turned this space into a rotating editor’s letter to hear from different members of our editorial team. We want you to get to know us, and we also want to continue getting to know you — our readers. I invite you to reach out via email, on social media or via ballots on AvenueCalgary.com. Tell us about the stories that resonate with you and what you’d like to read more of in Avenue. Here’s to a great 2026!

Note: We are humans and not AI, and regrettably, we do make mistakes.

In the Nov/Dec issue, Alex Hawke Manitopeyes’s age was incorrectly listed as 35 instead of their true age of 39. Same for Jase Lee who is also 39, not 35.

We apologize for the errors.

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

P H O T O B Y J A R E D S Y C H , L O C AT I O N : T H E N E X T PA G E I N I N G L E W O O D

EDITOR'S NOTE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISEMENT

A New Year’s Commitment to Your Skin P H OTO G R A P H S BY M C K E R R E L L P H OTO G R A P H Y

Beacon Dermatology’s memberships make it easy to prioritize healthy skin.

Having the right resources to support your goals ensures your resolutions don’t quietly fade away as you enter the new year. For those committing to healthier skin in 2026, Beacon Dermatology’s membership program offers personalized plans, monthly treatments and discounted skincare products, so you can easily take care of your skin year-round.

“Consistency is the cornerstone of healthy, radiant skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Andrei Metelitsa. “A membership approach not only encourages regular, proactive care, but it also provides meaningful savings and access to curated services that elevate long-term results.”

Beacon Dermatology’s SKIN365 membership program provides different tiered plans to help clients find the right fit for their goals and preferences. “With programs like SKIN365, we’re able to support our patients year-round with personalized plans that adapt as their needs change,” adds Metelitsa.

SKIN365 memberships include four set monthly treatments and a quarterly skin analysis to assess evolving needs. Advanced plans offer preferred pricing on select add-on treatments and injectables.

“Studies show that we get better results from combining modalities to approach the different facets of the skin, like the Sofwave [non-invasive ultrasound treatment] we offer for skin tightening, combined with Fraxel laser for refreshing the epidermis and removing unwanted pigmentation,” explains dermatologist Dr. Susan Poelman. “Memberships remind us to keep up with our skin treatments, much like regular teeth cleanings can maintain the health of our teeth.”

A Beacon Dermatology membership makes finding a sustainable, year-round skin routine easy.

To learn more, visit beaconderm.com/skin365.

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AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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avenue RedPoint Media Group 1721 29 Ave. S.W., Suite 375 Calgary, Alberta T2T 6T7 (letter mail only) Phone 403-240-9055 Toll Free 1-877-963-9333 x0 Fax 403-240-9059 info@redpointmedia.ca AvenueCalgary.com Facebook Avenue Magazine — Calgary Instagram @AvenueMagazine Subscriptions (Prices do not include 5% GST) 3 issues: $18 1 year (6 issues): $30 2 years (12 issues): $50 3 years (18 issues): $65 1 year (USA): $40 US To subscribe, visit AvenueCalgary.com/shop subscriptions@redpointmedia.ca Advertising Inquiries Phone 403-240-9055 x0 Toll Free 1-877-963-9333 x0 advertising@avenuecalgary.com AvenueCalgary.com Published six times a year by RedPoint Media Group. Copyright (2026) by RedPoint Media Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40030911.

Publisher Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca Executive Editor Colleen Seto, cseto@redpointmedia.ca Consulting Editor Meredith Bailey Design Director Steve Collins, scollins@redpointmedia.ca Digital Managing Editor Alana Willerton, awillerton@redpointmedia.ca Senior Editor Tsering Asha Leba, tleba@redpointmedia.ca Assistant Editor Chris Landry Contributing Editor Olivia Piché Staff Photographer Jared Sych Graphic Designer Sofía Velásquez Editorial Interns Sannah Chawdhry, Alicia L'Archevêque Digital Editorial Intern Viancy Salubre Contributors Carmen Cheng, Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, Sarah Comber, Christina Frangou, Alyssa Hirose, Fabian Mayer, Jacquie Moore, Mateusz Napieralski, Michaela Ream, Jarett Sitter, Sean P. Young Contributing Fact-Checkers Riley Fonger, Fabian Mayer Copyeditor Alex Rettie Proofreader Alex Frazer-Harrison Land Acknowledgement Advisors Elder Edmee Comstock, Elder Reg Crowshoe, Elder Rose Crowshoe Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich Digital Producer Paula Martínez Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten Events & Community Coordinators Dare Maurik and Eula Mengulo Printing Transcontinental RBW Distribution City Print Distribution Inc.

REDPOINT MEDIA GROUP INC. CEO, Co-owner Roger Jewett President, Co-owner Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca Director Strategy & Content Meredith Bailey, mbailey@redpointmedia.ca Art Director, RPM Content Studio Veronica Cowan, vcowan@redpointmedia.ca Accountant Jeanette Vanderveen, accounting@redpointmedia.ca

JOIN THE A-LIST TODAY We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.

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 Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

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The Avenue Editorial Advisory Council Laura Anderson, Julianne Beatty, Chrysta Benning, Alexis Berezan, Erin Best, Robert Blood, Shalini Bhatty, Brian Boulanger, Victoria Bradbury, Heather Campbell, Danielle Carrafo, Melinda Channon, Hildy Chong, Nicole Claiter, Amy Cooper, Steve Cordick, Michal Cote, Sidney Craig Courtice, Carolyn Cox, Brett Decarie, James DeKryger, Grant Doyle, Tania Drews, Brian Duggan, José Duchesne, Nicole Dyer, Russell Erickson, Meaghan Farquharson, Will Freeman, Janice Froese, Drew Gillson, Briggitte Gingras, Giono Studio Design, Naomi Grattan, Kelsey Hahn, Jillian Haneiph, Amanda Hamilton, Cat Hackman, Mark Heard, Lindsay Hill, Alayne Hing, Tara Hluchy, Rameez Husseini, Kyla Ilic, Tania Kaschl, La Klayman, Michelle Lee, Jamie Leong-Huxley, Jolene Livington, Brad Lohman, Quan Ly, Jil MacDonald, Leah Makin, Jodie Masikewich, Kris Matthews, Tammy McCorkell, Loni McDonough, Trina Morison, Heather Morris, Anna Murphy, Jeff Nechka, Melissa Norris, Maxim Olshevsky, William O'Yeung, Viktoria Paulovich, Kelly Pitaoulis, Colleen Pound, Natalie Preer, Rithesh Ram, Becky Rock, Paul Salvatore, Nolandeep Sangha, Ranny Shibley, D Smith, Mandy Smith-Haber, Cynthia Solano, Rachelle Starntes, Janet St Germain, Heather Stubbs, Ian Sutherland, Anila Umar, Gail Urquhart, Edie Vlooswyk, Janet Wakal, Andrew Ward, Christa Welsh, Wendy Winder, Naomi Withers, Kevin Wong, Stephanie Wozniak Members of Avenue’s A-List become a part of our team and have the opportunity to get a seat on Avenue’s Editorial Advisory Council and see their names here in the masthead of the magazine.

Gain access to unparalleled behind-the-scenes tours, intimate dinners, secret tastings and exclusive parties. The A-List is more than a membership, it’s your passport to the extraordinary.

THEALIST.VIP Avenue is a proud member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association, Magazines Canada and the International Regional Magazine Association, and abides by the editorial standards of these organizations.

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

NEXT ISSUE MAR | APR 2026

B E ST R E STA U R A N T S Our annual rundown of must-eat places including new restaurants.

TO P 2 0 U N D E R 2 0 The second annual edition of this inspiring program presented with YMCA Calgary showcases incredible youth doing incredible things.

S E CO N DA RY S U I T E S See how homeowners and developers are creating legal suites and what it means for Calgary's housing future.

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by February 1 to get the March/ April 2026 issue to your door.

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AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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CONTRIBUTORS

CHRISTINA FRANGOU is a journalist who

In support of:

specializes in health and feature writing, including her story about mental flow state in this issue. She has received a National Newspaper Award and three National Magazine Awards, and was honoured with the Landsberg Award from the Canadian Women’s Foundation and Canadian Journalism Foundation. She likes strong coffee and fancy road bikes, and shares an office with a black dog called Ajax. christinafrangou.com Her favourite local coffee spot: Sought x Found shop: Bike and Brew in Bridgeland restaurant: Park by Sidewalk Citizen find: Grams Jams from The Heart of Bragg Creek café place: “I have a deep love for Nose Hill Park, especially at sunset.”

MATEUSZ NAPIERALSKI is a Polish-Canadian illustrator, designer and animator based in Toronto.

Blending graphic and motion design with illustration, his work features bold, geometric compositions across advertising, editorial, digital, packaging and murals. Passionate about purpose-driven collaboration, Mateusz focuses on projects that champion LGBTQ+ rights, community building, creative education and mental health. See his illustrations starting on page 31. gustofwindstudio.com His favourite local coffee spot: Phil & Sebastian in Mission shop: Recess thing to eat: Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk ice cream from Made by Marcus restaurant: Carino Japanese + Italian Kitchen

Join us in celebration of healthcare innovation in Calgary.

Your attendance will benefit Calgary Health Foundation and help raise vital funds to transform healthcare in our city.

Save The Date March 20, 2026 7PM Hotel Arts

119 12 Ave SW

Event & Raffle tickets:

bigball.ca

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OLIVIA PICHÉ is a contributing editor for RedPoint Media, where she manages Avenue’s Mountains section and likes to writes stories, too, like this issue's Shop Talk and Made Here. She also writes for RedPoint’s Content Studio magazines, including Breakthroughs, Create Calgary, Leap and spur.

When she’s not writing, you can find her running by the Bow River, exploring the Rockies or discovering new cafés and bars in town.

Her favourite local coffee spot: Q.lab by Chronicle Coffee Roasters (she also loves Phil and Sebastian) shop: Peacock Boutique thing to eat: Croissant from Butter Block & Co restaurant: Búl Dining Room & Bar find: Salt and pepper shakers from Steeling Home

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

detours

BY JACQUIE MOORE PHOTO BY JARED SYCH

P H OTO COURTESY OF ROU TIN E / TAY LOR H AN SE N

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algary-based artist Marigold Santos creates startlingly beautiful works that explore identity, transformation, heritage and the fragmented nature of cultural diaspora. This past fall, Santos unveiled a new exhibition, Efflorescence/The Way We Wake, in Lyon, France, at Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon, which also features works by fellow Canadian artist Rajini Perera. Santos’s work was inspired by a deeply personal homecoming.

“I went back to the Philippines for the first time in 11 years,” says Santos. “It was a very important return — not just for me as an artist, but as a mother.”

Travelling with her husband and young son, Santos’s visit to her native home sparked a creative renewal. “I was experiencing my culture in a very different way — through my child’s eyes and as a working artist. It felt grounding and uplifting at the same time.”

Santos’s upcoming show, opening in January 2026, featuring her new body of work at Patel Brown in Montreal, reflects that experience via lush multimedia works that knit together memory, mythology, the natural world and ancestry. “I’m thinking about heritage not only in terms of lineage, but community and the natural world,” says Santos.

Though Santos’s paintings, drawings and mixedmedia installations have been shown to international audiences (rumours that she is also a tattoo artist are true, but she inks only a handful of chosen clients each year), she is proud to call Calgary home. “I was pretty nervous about coming back here after living in Montreal, but it’s been an amazing place to raise a family and grow as an artist. I feel supported here.”

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

HELLO, MY NAME IS...

Marigold Santos This artist expresses her observations of nature and heritage through her international exhibits.

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S H O P TA L K

A-Dollars SELF CARE THAT’S GOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET Start the new year with eco-friendly products for wellness and lifestyle at The Apothecary in Inglewood.

ill Hawker has always been crafty — it’s why she started making bath and body products for her friends 25 years ago.

That became her small side business called All Things Jill. With a growing interest in clean products, Hawker ensured every ingredient she used was clean enough to eat when she took the business full time in 2004.

In 2012, she opened the doors to a small storefront for her All Things Jill products. It has since evolved into the eco-friendly and reduced-waste store The Apothecary in Inglewood.

The store has grown tremendously in the 13 years since its opening, offering Calgary’s first refillery back in 2017 along with dozens of clean local brands, workshops and markets.

Shoppers can browse natural home-cleaning products, bath and body items, natural remedies,

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and low-waste home goods such as laundry bars and soy candles. They can learn to DIY with the store’s popular workshops for bath bombs, cleaning products, candles, soap and more. And with the refillery, customers can bring any clean and dry container for Hawker and her team to fill up with their product of choice, saving money on favourite products and saving the landfills from disposable waste.

“We live in a throwaway world,” says Hawker. “We live in a fast-everything world. Slowing things down by refilling things or repurposing containers, for example, is a good thing. It’s important, because our landfills are getting full. If everybody could reduce their waste by 10 per cent — holy cow! What a difference that would make.”

921 9 Ave. S.E., the-apothecary.ca, 403-453-0313, @apothecaryyyc

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

P H OTO COURTESY OF TH E APOTH E CARY

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BY OLIVIA PICHÉ

AGENDA TRY THE MISSISSIPPI MUD MUG AT HEXAGON CAFE DURING

FUN THINGS TO DO, SEE AND LISTEN TO IN

YYC HOT CHOCOLATE FEST.

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY B Y A L I C I A L’A R C H E V Ê QU E

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H E X AG ON CAFE P H OTO BY RA NDY WO NG; PH OTO COU RTESY O F CHI NOO K B L AST ; S UM M E R B R U I S ES P H OTO BY T I M S P E N C E

Attend High Performance Rodeo January 12 to February 1 Celebrating its 40th anniversary, High Performance Rodeo kicks off the year with theatre, dance and music performances galore. Check out Christopher Hunt’s musical- and story-based exploration of Southern Albertan lore, Vivek Shraya’s orchestral pop concert and more. oyr.org/hprodeo Move and groove at Bob-Sled 2026 January 21 to 24 Brought to you by the team behind Sled Island, BobSled is a cheeky winter spin on Calgary’s beloved music and arts festival. Find refuge from the January chill among dancing crowds, local musical acts and out-of-town talent at the Palomino Smokehouse’s downstairs stage. sledisland.com Check Out Chinook Blast January 30 to February 16 This annual winter festival does it all to celebrate winter — art exhibitions, live entertainment, culinary experiences and sporty fun. This year, Chinook Blast takes place in the newly renovated Eau Claire Plaza. chinookblast.ca Watch the 2026 Winter Olympic Games February 6 to 22 Rally your friends, share some food and drink and cheer on Team Canada at the Winter Olympics.

Catch the action at places like Leopold’s Tavern, Home and Away, or your favourite sports-loving, TV-filled hangout.

Hit the gentle slopes Grab your Nordic skis and glide through the many groomed cross-country trails in Calgary’s parks. Head to spots like Bowness Park, Prince’s Island Park and Maple Ridge Golf Course to get your cross-country skiing fix — minus the mountain drive.

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

Sip at YYC Hot Chocolate Fest February 1 to 28 This city-wide festival needs your help to crown the best cup o’ cocoa in town. Sip your way through local cafés, restaurants and chocolatiers, then cast your vote. Bonus: $1 to $3 from every cup of hot chocolate supports Calgary Meals on Wheels. yychotchocolate.com Use your senses at Spark After Dark February 13 Telus Spark’s adult-only event Heart, Body & Heat explores the biology of desire and the chemistry of love with a sensory-charged experience. sparkscience.ca

TAKE IN THE SPECTACLE OF CHINOOK BLAST.

SEE Watch Oscar-nominated shorts at Globe Cinema February 20 and 27 Who are you rooting for at the Academy Awards?

Back by popular demand, CIFF presents the 2026 Oscar-nominated shorts for a weekend of bite-sized entertainment on the big screen. ciffcalgary.ca

LISTEN Stream local band Summer Bruises Listen to Out of Body, the sophomore album from Calgary-based Summer Bruises. The band’s mix of indie rock and dream pop has a pulsing edge and danceability to lift your mood even on the chilliest of days. Streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. @summerbruisesband The Music of Hans Zimmer January 16 to 17 Experience the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s renditions of award-winning film scores, including soundtracks from Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar and The Dark Knight. calgaryphil.com

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WORDS AND PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDRY

DISH IT

SUB HEAD

Tweety Bird Cocktail FROM PROHIBITION LOUNGE

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nown for its vintage Prohibition-era theme, moody basement with a secret entrance and extravagant cocktail presentations, Prohibition Lounge is a premier spot for anyone looking for a night out beyond the usual pub.

Each Prohibition cocktail comes with a bespoke story inspired by the singers, pop culture and rum-runners of the 1920s era.

Here, we uncage the story behind the Tweety Bird cocktail.

30, 720 17 Ave. S.W., 825-734-1920, prohibitionloungeyyc.com The Back Story Tweety Bird, the cartoon canary character known for his catchphrase, “I tawt I taw a puddy tat!” was introduced by Warner Bros. in 1942. He and his nemesis Sylvester the cat became Looney Tunes characters we know and love to this day. Prohibition draws inspiration from a story of an earlier vaudeville version of a real Tweety bird performer for its cocktail.

Prepare to be wowed and amazed not only by grand cocktails, but also by magical fun. Tuesday nights at Prohibition feature tableside magicians to make your night even more extraordinary.

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The Presentation Perhaps the best part of the Tweety Bird is that it comes in bird-shaped stemware garnished with a mint leaf to look like a feather — all set inside a lit birdcage. Prohibition’s dimly lit basement makes the presentation even more dramatic. Lift open the birdcage, pour your drink into a glass garnished with dried lemon and star anise, then sip and enjoy.

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

P H OTO BY TKT KTKT KTKT KTKT K

The Ingredients The Tweety Bird starts with an absinthe rinse of the cocktail glass, giving the drink complex herbal notes. Next, Tito’s vodka and St-Germain Elderflower liqueur are blended with lemon to create a cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and sour.

FEB 14—MAR 15

TICKETS: THEATRECALGARY.COM

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One roof.

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Why wait to feel better? Book your free consult today.

(587) 374-0791 lawsoncollab.com 534 23 Ave SW, Calgary AB

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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MADE HERE

BY OLIVIA PICHÉ

ROUTINE DEODORANTS IN

P H OTO BY TAY LOR H A N S E N

ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING.

O

GREEN & CLEAN

Routine’s natural products help you smell and feel good while being environmentally conscious.

ut at their shared ranch northwest of Calgary, sisters-in-law Neige and Pippa Blair are reminded of the importance of eco-friendly products.

“We swim in the river all year long.

Whatever flows downstream, it’s really important that nothing pollutes it,” says Neige.

In 2011, they founded Routine, a natural personalproduct company, best known for its deodorants. Its mission has been crystal clear: to offer clean prod-

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ucts that feel and smell incredible while strengthening the local community and honouring nature.

Nearly everything from Routine is made within a five-kilometre radius in Calgary, including the recycled plastics that the company melts to make all its bottles for shampoo, conditioner, creams and soaps. With its reusable glass deodorant jars and cardboard exterior sticks, Routine has likely saved the equivalent of millions of disposable deodorantstick containers from landfill.

Routine products can be found online and in over 3,000 stores worldwide, including the local Routine shop and refill bar. Choose from nearly 20 scents, such as Sexy Sadie with its orange, vanilla and cinnamon notes, and trust that you’ll smell good while doing good. “It’s something that you feel good about; there’s no chemicals going into your skin,” says Neige.

3, 4539 6 St. N.E., routinenaturalbeauty.com, @routinecream

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

Make stronger gums part of your New Year’s resolution.

Did you know gum grafting isn’t just for recession? This procedure strengthens and thickens your gums, helping prevent inflammation and providing long-term stability for your natural teeth and dental implants. Periodontists specialize in these treatments to build a healthier foundation for your smile. Visit albertaperiodontists.ca

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AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

29

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JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

SKEPTIC’S

GUIDE TO MODERN HIGH PERFORMANCE Life expectancy in Canada hovers around 80 years. But what if you

achieve exceptional athleticism, customizing AI-powered

want to live even longer (and harder, better, faster, stronger)?

exercises for the perfect workout, providing at-home kits that

A growing number of services and products promise to help

map your genome in 15 minutes to help you find potential health

Calgarians do just that. Avenue takes a look at wellness services

concerns and more. Come along as we dip a toe into these

that claim to do everything from training your mind to helping you

promised fountains of youth.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY GUST OF WIND STUDIO

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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BY TSERING ASHA LEBA

ommunal saunas aren’t really a new concept — you can find them worldwide throughout human history — but they are surging in popularity right now.

Unlike the mainstream spa (think tranquil, quiet, emphasizing the individual experience), the communal sauna, steam and cold-plunge facilities that have burst onto Calgary’s spa scene have activities like dedicated social and anti-social hours, group stretching classes and guided cold plunges.

Even on Friday and Saturday nights, once reserved for the quintessential “night out on the town,” you can find social saunas open and ready to be the new hangout spots, emphasizing social connection, community building and shared wellness.

With more people flirting with sobri-

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ety, looking for in-person connections and feeling an increasing appetite for hacking their health to achieve peak personal fitness — mental, physical, emotional and social — a communal wellness activity has obvious appeal.

No one will “shush” you at one of these facilities if you’re talking to your friends (at least during social hours) and you can leave feeling really good. Best of all, you’ll feel great the next day, too!

Potential therapeutic benefits of saunas and cold plunging include reduced stress levels and inflammation, better-regulated blood pressure, quicker recovery after a workout, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved mood and mental health. The list is seemingly endless. Some of these claimed effects may be the result of the body’s stress response to extreme hot and cold sensations and the feeling of accomplishment when you withstand and “overcome” the discomfort. And, while most of the health claims have not been rigorously tested by science, you can test them anecdotally yourself at these spots around the city.

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INSIDE THE SAUNA AT OFFLINE WELLNESS CLUB.

THE SOCIAL

SAUNA

Friends Who Sweat Together Stay Together.

OFFLINE WELLNESS CLUB When it opened: May 2025 Best suited for: Busy, on-the-go folks looking to log off their devices.

What to try: Social hour drop-ins for upbeat music and socializing with friends.

The run-club-turned-wellness-facility has a sauna that can seat more than 30 people,

along with free-standing cold-plunge tanks (two people per tank) offering multiple temperatures. There are dedicated social hours and quieter “anti-social” hours more reminiscent of a traditional spa. Water, tea, coffee and electrolyte drinks are offered free of charge at the lounge.

1214 11 Ave. S.W., offlinewellnessclub.com

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SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO MODERN HIGH PERFORMANCE

RENDERING OF ONE8T SAUNA SUITE.

MORE WELLNESS SPACES

ONE8T WELLNESS

THE POOLS AT SKA

P H OTO COURTESY OF OFF IN E WE LLNESS CLU B; PH OTOS COU RTESY O F S KA T HE R MAL S PA ; R E N D E R I N G F ROM ON E 8 T S A U N A

THERMAL SPA.

When it opened: Slated for December 2025 opening at time of publishing.

Best suited for: Those seeking more privacy.

What to try: The vitamin C-infused, carbonfiltered shower during or after your circuit.

The hydrotherapy routine at One8T (pronounced “one-eighty") lasts for 80 minutes. The first 20 minutes are in a semi-private area and the last 60 are inside a private luxury suite (go solo or bring up to two friends, but you won’t be socializing with strangers). The circuit includes hydrating beverages, a massage chair and Vibr8 percussion therapy (targeted massage with a massage gun).

Then you move into a private suite for infrared sauna with optional red-light and vibrational-resonance therapy, a saltwater cold plunge and finally the vitamininfused and carbon-filtered shower.

1934 33 Ave. S.W., one8t.com

SKA THERMAL SPA

PRML When it opened: June 2025 Best suited for: Post-workout and recovery.

What to try: Guided cold plunge on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m.

PRML (pronounced “primal”) is Rumble Boxing’s sauna/ cold-plunge recovery offering located above the boxing studio on 17th Avenue. The hot

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

and cold circuit is self-guided, but PRML offers guided breathwork and cold-plunge times, too. There are four individual cold-plunge tanks (two people can use each tank), a lounge area with water and tea provided and a sauna for 20.

Level 2, 720 17 Ave. S.W. prmlsocial.com

When it opened: December 2022 Best suited for: Those who want addons, like a facial or a bottle of wine while they lounge.

What to try: Combine the hydrotherapy circuit with a massage appointment.

SKA, by the same folks who founded Leela Eco Spa, is located underground in the Beltline area — convenient for downtown folks. The hot and cold tubs are communal pools, rather than individual tanks. The circuit is self-guided except for some classes that incorporate stretching and breathwork into the hot and cold ritual. You can also book various massage and facial treatments to combine with the hydrotherapy experience at SKA. 638 11 Ave. S.W., skathermalspa.com

CLEAR NORDIC SPA Who’s it for: Those looking for a nearly silent, semi-private experience.

(The spa room is silent, but the Zen room allows for socializing.) clearnordic.ca LEELA THERMAL HOUSE Who’s it for: Those who want a private experience (for up to two) and to be guided through a hydrotherapy ritual, followed by massage. leelathermalhouse.ca CEDAR AND STEAM Who’s it for: Those seeking a casual and affordable drop-in spot, with kombucha on tap and unisex saunas, as well as a steam room. cedarandsteam.com DRIFT AWAY WELLNESS SPA Who’s it for: Those wanting unique services, like a seaweed-and-beer bath or the only Kneipp path experience in town, where you walk through two ankle-deep pebbled pools — one hot and one cold. driftawaywellness.ca EAU CLAIRE ATHLETIC CLUB Who’s it for: Those looking to spend a day at a private luxury facility with outdoor patios for working out and lounging, plus premium dining. ecathleticclub.ca

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JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO MODERN HIGH PERFORMANCE

LIVE BETTER,

LONGER

These Calgary organizations use fitness, technology, alternative therapies and traditional medicine to help people try to optimize their way to longer, healthier lifespans.

B Y A L I C I A L'A R C H E V Ê Q U E

or some people, being the healthiest version of themselves requires more than an annual physical, eating nutritious food or weekly workouts. Recently, an assortment of Calgary organizations have popped up offering a type of one-stop shop of health and wellness services focused on longevity and health optimization (a.k.a., “biohacking” your health). These organizations promote alternative therapies and high-tech devices that you might not use or easily find to complement the fundamentals of health like hydration, stress reduction, sleep and movement.

Immediate gratification from an IVtherapy injection, or having someone give you personalized recommendations based on genetic testing or trackable data, is appealing. And accessing a variety of health modalities under one roof can also be a significant stress reducer.

Feeling better today bodes well for a healthier tomorrow. And some think a healthier tomorrow could help you have more “tomorrows.”

Here are some local organizations focused on hacking your health.

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AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

AEON FUTURE HEALTH ook to Aeon Future Health for the latest tech-informed therapies and treatments. According to its website, Aeon’s mission is “to mea-

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surably reverse your biological clock.”

Programs at Aeon focus on longevity, and are directed by Aeon’s staff of doctors, nurses, fitness coaches, a nutrition coach and a registered dietitian.

AI-powered technology is integrated throughout the facility. Patients begin with an intake assessment that includes 3-D body scans, lab work, naturopathic consultations, strength-and-fitness testing and a physician-led overview.

Aeon uses the assessment results to create a personalized health plan. The plan includes nutritional guidance, lifestyle adjustments, supplement and medication recommendations, hormone therapy, and a timeline of when patients can expect to reach their goals.

The fitness area's flagship AI-driven Adaptive Resistance Exercise (ARX) machine adjusts weight to match your body’s push-and-pull capacities, allowing for safe and controlled maximum effort.

CAROL (Cardiovascular Optimization Logic) is an AI-powered stationary bike

that uses algorithms and personalized resistance to achieve an intense workout in only eight minutes.

Aeon’s recovery services include infrared saunas; lymphatic drainage with compression technology; and NuCalm, a sound-wave system that uses beats to ease the brain into a meditative state.

IV therapy is also available, and can be specifically tailored to patients from DNA testing provided at Aeon. Referrals for iron infusions are accepted at Aeon, too. Aeon’s longevity-specific IV includes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a supplement that supports DNA repair and energy production on a cellular level, which is thought to help improve lifespan.

“Our focus is on helping patients feel better today, which will then help support them in feeling better in the future,” says Dr. Jonathan Bastian, medical director at Aeon. “Anti-aging is, at its core function, health optimization.”

COST: Health assessment, $1,365, plus additional costs associated with labs if required. aeonfuturehealth.com

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TELUS PRECISION HEALTH ocated in the Telus Sky building, Telus Precision Health prioritizes proactive and personalized health insights. Through assessments, tests and results tracking, Telus Precision Health shows its clients how their bodies change over time and how to prevent future potential risks.

Three assessment packages are available: Heart Health which targets lifestyle and genetic factors affecting cardiovascular wellness; Performance focuses on optimizing athletic capacity and physique; and Longevity provides actionable insights to help support long-term health. Each package includes rental of an Oura ring (a wearable device that tracks fitness, stress and sleep); a dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan that analyzes muscle mass, body-fat percentage and bone density; and blood and urine analysis. Patients also receive a mental wellness screening, a results review, a personalized action plan and access to a dashboard to track it all.

While all packages include proactive genetic screening, the scope of risk assessment in the Longevity package is more extensive, helping patients detect risks for hundreds of health conditions.

Longevity also offers full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), genetic screening to measure risk for inheritable cancers and other issues, and a 3-D “Digital Twin” replica of the patient’s body, muscles and tissue.

These advanced screening and personalized insights could mean earlier intervention via lifestyle changes. And, while the assessments are not diagnostic (and Telus Precision Health doesn’t offer treatments), the teams made up of physicians, dieticians, kinesiologists and nursepractitioners help empower patients with data-driven care and lifestyle recommendations to optimize their health.

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COST: Heart Health, $2,695; Performance, $2,695; Longevity, $4,995. telus.com/en/ health/care-centres/corporate-care/ precision-health

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THE LONGEVITY LAB or thousands of years, naturopathic care has emphasized preventative health, natural medicine and nutritional intervention. The Longevity Lab builds on these traditions by working with a wide range of health specialists, such as nurse-practitioners, psychologists, naturopathic doctors, massage therapists and dietitians. “[People] are starting families a bit later in life,” says Dr. Tim Warwick, The Longevity Lab’s medical director. “They want to be there for their kids and their grandkids, and they want to maintain their health for as long as possible.”

According to the Public Health Agency

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of Canada, approximately four in five adults have at least one modifiable risk factor for chronic disease. These include smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating and harmful use of alcohol. The clinic targets these behaviours first.

New clients start with a comprehensive initial visit that addresses lifestyle, diet, sleep, smoking and alcohol consumption. They then receive a tailored plan to address health concerns and maintain their longevity goals. Patients can access in-house services like infrared saunas, IV therapy and acupuncture.

Among the more distinctive offerings is ozone therapy — a more than 150-yearold treatment once used topically on wounded soldiers during the First World

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO MODERN HIGH PERFORMANCE

CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT (CSI) ALBERTA or Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes, the margins of performance are razor-thin — making that extra per cent of optimal health and fitness invaluable. Since 1994, The Canadian Institute of Sport (CSI) Alberta has supported elite athletes with sport-science services. Now, it’s offering that same expertise to the public, broadening its focus to overall health and longevity.

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In September 2024, CSI Alberta launched Podium Performance for Professionals (Triple P), a full- or half-day program that adapts high-performance methods to corporate team building to help teams perform at their highest level. Teams take part in fitness testing, mental-performance sessions and nutrition workshops. Olympic and Paralympic athlete appearances are included.

War. At the lab, “supercharged” oxygen is administered to clients by injection into tissue or a vein or by insufflation (into a body cavity). Ozone therapy is said to improve circulation, boost oxygen delivery, stimulate cellular-repair mechanisms and strengthen the immune system.

Many Longevity Lab clients struggle with chronic illness, cancer, autoimmunity, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and the Lab’s testing analyzes bacteria, yeast, fungi and potential parasites in the microbiome via stool samples. Treatment plans include probiotics, herbal medicine and additional nutrients.

COST: Prices vary based on assessment and services. longevitylab.clinic

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

Keynote speakers and healthy, catered meals can be added on.

The most popular Triple P package, Foundational Performance, measures aerobic fitness and strength through jump mat, grip strength and spirometry lung-capacity tests. The spirometry tests measure how much air you can expel from your lungs and how quickly you can do it, yielding charts that participants can share with their doctors for diagnostic interpretation.

Helping people connect their objective results to real-world health outcomes is central to the program. Participants learn how their scores relate to overall health and lifespan, and where they rank in comparison to the median health for someone in their age range.

“I think that’s probably the most important correlation for [participants],” says Andrew Smit, exercise physiologist.

“They want to know: ‘Am I on track?’”

COST: Foundational Performance ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per person. csialberta.ca

PRECISION TESTS AT HOME BIOARO A Calgary biotechnology company specializing in precision medicine, genomics, AI and blockchain technologies for chronic diseases and mental health. The company offers medical devices, approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada, for remote/self monitoring of blood pressure and other cardiac parameters. It also offers FDA-approved self-collection testing kits, including wholegenome sequencing, epigenomic and gut microbiome tests.

Blood or stool samples are collected at home using the kit, shipped to BioAro, then analyzed. BioAro’s trademarked AI-driven software, PanOmiQ, can perform end-toend analysis of wholegenome sequencing in under 15 minutes and process the results of multiple data-heavy tests almost immediately.

Data is uploaded to a secure portal within a day or two of the lab receiving the kit. Tests cost $299 to $2,099. bioaro.com

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Getting in the

z 38

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO MODERN HIGH PERFORMANCE

BY CHRISTINA FRANGOU

ne Flow-state training enables athletes, and now entrepreneurs and others, to become fully immersed and singularly focused for high-performing success.

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

N oah Bowman describes himself as “risk averse.” If you know anything about this Calgarian, that’s probably not how you think of him. Bowman is one of Canada’s best halfpipe skiers and has been for a long time. For more than a decade and a half, his job has been to rip up and down the icy walls of a U-shaped ramp, gathering enough speed to pop himself high into the air so he can flip upside down once or twice, while spinning, and then land back on his feet.

As sports go, this is the high end of dangerous. Well-known athletes have died in halfpipe skiing. Bowman has never been one to downplay the risks.

He’s always grappled with fear more openly than his friends or competitors.

“Even when I was a kid, it would take me a little longer to get the confidence up to do something,” he says.

In 2010, at 17, Bowman shot onto the global stage by becoming the world junior champion in halfpipe skiing at the FIS World Junior Championships.

Two years later, he was invited to be an alternate (a backup in case one of his team members couldn’t perform) for the Winter X Games in Aspen, the high-octane extreme-sports competition watched worldwide.

When Bowman was unexpectedly called into competition, he shocked everyone by performing a trick that nobody had ever landed before in a competition — a switch alley-oop double 900. In terms the rest of us mortals can

39

understand, he took off backwards, did 2.5 rotations in the air, plus two flips, and then landed backwards. The trick won him a silver medal. He was still a teenager and had already earned his place in the history books of freestyle skiing.

Soon after, he started to struggle. The tricks became trickier and the pressure greater. He felt the weight of having sponsors and fans to impress. He stopped having fun. He started to overthink the consequences of failure. That’s a difficult thing in a sport where muscle memory is a key element for success.

“I’m in my head,” he says of those years. “I was trying to just talk my way through it, and it wouldn't improve.”

Bowman turned to former Olympian Penny Werthner, a sports psychologist at the University of Calgary and certified mental-performance consultant. The pair began what has been a decade-long mental health-training program for Bowman.

themselves at times when self-doubt is dangerous. In 2020, Simone Biles took a break from competing and started therapy when she developed the “twisties” — a phenomenon where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness mid-air — during the Olympics.

But mental health training is entering a new chapter and taking on a more modern approach.

Murray Heber is a cognitive coach at MH-Elevate who works with young hockey players and entrepreneurs. He focuses on one form of mental training called flow-state training — prepping the brain to more easily shift to a mode where you are fully immersed in whatever you are doing, regardless of distractions.

“Over the last 15, 20 years, advancements in neuroimaging have enabled us to be able to look at what is actually happening in [the brain] in flow states, so we are able to go try and reproduce

“It’s so simple and obvious, but it was a huge realization that the voice in my head doesn’t help me taken action when ...

I'm scared.” N O A H B O W M A N This training has been key to Bowman’s longevity in his sport. “It’s so simple and obvious, but it was a huge realization that the voice in my head doesn’t help me take action when I'm up there and I'm scared,” he says.

Bowman started to focus on doing things creatively, bringing in tricks that were less common or had never been done before to separate himself from the field. He mentally broke his routines into small sections and repeated phrases in his head so the nervous voice couldn’t get through to him.

He was successful — becoming “the most steezy man in halfpipe skiing,” according to SBC Skier magazine (“steezy” being a combo of style and ease).

Psychological training has long been popular in sports where athletes can crack under pressure or question

40

them,” he says.

Heber is the co-founder of the Flow Factory, which uses a combination of AI, EEG brainwave-reading devices and an app to help athletes train themselves to get into the right headspace for peak performance.

The headset picks up information about the wearer’s brainwaves. When an athlete is overthinking what they’re doing, their brains are stuck in what is known as a high beta-wave state. That means a person is on high alert — anxious and focused on external factors. In competition, those factors could be the pressure they feel to perform, the crowds or the sounds of an announcer. When a person has an inward and relaxed focus, their brain shifts to alpha-theta waves.

In one of Heber’s exercises, clients put on the headset and try to trigger a small

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SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO MODERN HIGH PERFORMANCE

drone to move by getting their brainwaves into an alpha-theta state.

“The more [you] can practice and train that, you learn this is what it’s got to feel like,” Heber says.

“Flow” comes from the work of Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, a Hungarian-American psychologist who coined the phrase in the 1970s. Flow was about losing yourself in a state of hyper-focused contentment that outside stimuli could not break, whether your goal was “to write great

poetry, craft beautiful furniture, understand the motions of galaxies, or help children be happier — the self becomes largely invulnerable to the fears and setbacks of ordinary existence,” Csíkszentmihályi wrote. His 1990 book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, made the concept mainstream.

Heber says flow-state training is still in its infancy. “We’re still very much in the early-adoption phase. The people

She recommends a breathing exercise that has been tested and validated to help calm the nervous system and bring down the heart rate.

This is how you do it: first, slow down your breathing to about six breaths each minute. Take four beats for each inhalation and six for each exhalation, using your belly to control the movement. Stay focused on each breath. Werthner tells athletes to use the exercise every day.

“As you practice it, you do it better and better,” Werthner says. “I want them to use it as a tool, like in the middle of the day, so they can train it. We're quieting the mind and we're telling our system everything's okay.”

Bowman followed her advice, and it got him through some of the toughest challenges of his career. In 2022, he placed fourth in the Olympics, heartbreakingly close to a medal. That hurt.

In 2023, at the X Games, Bowman

“We’re quieting the mind and we’re telling our system everything’s okay.” P E N N Y W E R T H N E R using it today tend to be high performers on the leading edge — Olympic athletes, professional teams, entrepreneurs and executives who are always looking for ways to push themselves to their highest performance possible.”

Flow, unfortunately, doesn’t come easily. It isn’t something we can force.

Werthner believes that it’s rare for someone to get into a true flow state. But, she adds, people can do things that help develop that feeling of total immersion.

First, they need to develop the physical and mental skill set required for success in whatever they’re doing. She also

measures brainwaves in athletes to help them learn what it feels like when they have gone into an alpha-theta state.

But, even with modern technology now being applied to mental health performance training, Werthner believes the simplest things to still be the most effective.

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was near the end of a run that he describes as being pure flow — fast, flying, on autopilot, but fully aware — when he suffered a catastrophic crash (flow cannot save you from accidents). He required surgery on his knee and more than a year of rehab.

But he worked his way back, training himself for a new trick, a switch double cork 1440. It had only been done by a few other people on the planet, all of them at least a decade younger than him. It was one step above the move he’d injured himself on. He nailed it.

In the summer of 2025, Bowman was doing all the little things he'd been doing for years for his mental health, and he realized that he didn’t want to compete anymore. He decided it was time to retire.

“There’s the mentality of it never being enough [in sport], right?” he says. “It's always about the next trick. But, [I’m] going to embrace this. It has been enough.”

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SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO MODERN HIGH PERFORMANCE

IT’S A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT Chef John Jackson’s decade-long fitness journey put him on a high-performance path.

ohn Jackson’s marathon goal was 10 years in the making. In late 2015, the Calgary chef had just opened his second restaurant, Charbar, and had welcomed his second child.

Because of the stressful, often-unhealthy lifestyle that can come with working in restaurants, Jackson was 100 lbs overweight, working too much, sleeping poorly and worried about how much longer he would be around.

Browsing online one evening, he saw an ad for a marathon on the Great Wall of China and was inspired to make a change.

“I planned everything out that night,” recalls Jackson.

“I planned out what my training would be, the things I needed and how I was going to build it into my work schedule. The next day, I talked to Connie.”

That would be his co-chef and business partner, Connie DeSousa. DeSousa, a fitness aficionado, immediately hopped on board. That same day, the pair set out for a run between the lunch and dinner rushes.

“My run was pathetic,” admits Jackson. “I was running 10 steps and then I’d have to walk, then run a bit more and then walk again.” He kept at it, but a bit too aggressively, and became waylaid by an injury. “I had it in my mind that I was going to get healthy, and then I ended up injuring my knee.”

Tripped up by doing too much too soon, Jackson’s running plans were put on hold. Changing tack, he decided to bike his way to fitness instead. He set a goal of cycling to work once a week, then twice, then three times. Today, Jackson cycles at an elite level, riding to work every day, rain or shine, summer or winter. He rode more than 15,000 total kilometres in 2025, includ-

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ing a 50th birthday ride to Regina and back to visit his mom, and a ride to Oregon for a Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry charity event.

“I found a way to incorporate fitness not only into my life, but also into our business culture,” says Jackson.

“We go on adventures between work. Connie and I or other staff will go out for a morning hike, or we’ll go to various classes. I lost over 100 lbs and feel great every day — physically, mentally. Finding fitness was the game changer for everything.”

Jackson’s also a believer in hot/cold or contrast therapy, embracing daily morning cold plunges and evening sauna sessions. In winter, his Lake Bonavista neighbours can spot him cutting a hole in the frozen lake, doffing his parka and lowering himself into the freezing waters. His home sauna, meanwhile, reaches sweltering temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Celsius.

“The dopamine release from cold plunging in the morning before I work out is amazing. It just keeps you buzzing all day,” says Jackson. “The sauna is amazing for recovery from cycling and running. It's the best feeling ever, and I sleep way better, too.”

Although he didn’t come to fitness until he was 40, Jackson’s hard work and wellness regimens have made him much healthier — something he’s doing not just for himself, but for his wife and two daughters. “It’s important for me to stay healthy and fit to keep up with them,” he says. “I want to be the dad that brings adventures to their life. Didn’t want to be an old, grumpy dad.”

But what of the long-awaited marathon? Though recovering from another knee injury slowed him down, Jackson successfully ran the New York City race in November 2025 — 10 years after he first decided he would run a marathon.

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H AIR A ND M AKEU P BY MI CH ELLE SIM ON E AU-CL AY TON

B Y FA B I A N M AY E R P H O T O G R A P H B Y JA R E D S YC H

JACKSON IN HIS AT-HOME SAUNA CELEBRATING THE COMPLETION OF HIS MARATHON GOAL.

“I lost over 100 pounds and feel great every day — physically, mentally.

Finding fitness was the game changer for everything.”

JOHN JACKSON

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2O26 avenue’s

BEST WEDDING SERVICES

Six years ago, at the height of the pandemic, we set out to recognize dedication to make saying “I do” an unforgettable celebration. the incredible local businesses that make wedding dreams possible

This time around, thousands of votes were cast across

with the first Avenue Best Wedding Services Readers’ Ballot. What

categories spanning attire, cakes, music, decor and more.

began as a way to support Calgary’s wedding community during a

And because nothing inspires quite like a love story, we’re also

challenging time has since grown into a popular annual tradition.

sharing local wedding stories that showcase just how magical

Each year, our readers nominate and vote for the venues, and for

these services can be. From stunning gowns to joyful venues filled

the planners, photographers, florists and many other experts who

with friends and family, all these purveyors highlight the best of

make Calgary’s weddings happen with their creativity, talent and

what Calgary’s wedding community has to offer.

S C AN F O R T H E FULL LI ST O F B E ST W E D D ING S E RV IC E S W IN NE R S. B Y M I C H A E L A R E A M , A L I C I A L’A R C H E V Ê QU E A N D V I A N C Y S A L U B R E

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WINNER

INDOOR VENUE

ALI (LEFT) AND MADISEN SEVANS DAZZLE ON THEIR WEDDING DAY.

OVER 200 GUESTS The Brownstone 120, 221 10 Ave. S.E., 403-888-4718, thebrownstoneyyc.com

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ALI AND MADISEN SEVANS

BY MICHAELA REAM

These best friends turned lovers celebrated their day at The Brownstone, winner of Avenue’s Best Wedding Services 2026: Venue Over 200 Guests.

here’s a reason the best friends-to-lovers trope is so popular — it’s a timeless tale of love.

For Ali Evans and Madisen Quinn Sutter (both now share the surname Sevans), it wasn’t just a trope, but their true love story. They have been best friends since Grade 7. In their mid20s, each realized that they were queer and that they had feelings for the other.

They decided to give love a chance.

“There’s something really special about falling in love with someone who knows you so intimately. It felt so natural,” says Ali. From the first date, both knew this was forever. In 2022, Ali proposed and, in 2024, Madisen proposed right back. “She deserved a ring, too,” says Madisen.

Having attended weddings hosted by The Brownstone before and seeing the quality and care provided by the staff, the couple knew they wanted their wedding

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managed by the same team.

Their wedding day, on Aug. 9, 2025, was a dream. The couple opted for a personalized bar menu with drinks named after the newlyweds and their pets, and, instead of a guest book they used playing cards with the number seven for guests to sign — a special homage to their new unified surname, Sevans. Madisen, an avid hobby baker, even made their wedding cake. Throughout it all, the Brownstone team ensured a stress-free experience. “Seeing how much [the staff] cared for us and [our guests] was amazing,” says Madisen.

Most noteworthy were their personalized vows. “It was such a special moment,” Madisen says with a broad smile.

“We talk all the time about how much we love each other, but to have the space to really listen to everything I mean to [Ali] and vice versa was so special.”

“It really felt like we were the only people in the room,” adds Ali, also beaming.

“THERE’S SOMETHING REALLY SPECIAL ABOUT FALLING IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE WHO KNOWS YOU SO INTIMATELY.” ALI SEVANS

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UNEXPECTED HAIL CREATED A BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP WITH FALLEN PETALS COVERING THE GROUND.

JENNA AND CHAD ARMAND

BY MICHAELA REAM

“IT WAS PERFECT IN THE MOST CHAOTIC, WONDERFUL WAY POSSIBLE.” JENNA ARMAND GUESTS TOOK COVER FROM A SUDDEN STORM IN THE ENMAX CONSERVATORY AND THE CEREMONY RESTARTED.

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hen Chad Armand first noticed Jenna Stewart at work, he was intrigued, but it took him months to build up the courage to speak to her. She was beautiful, confident, “and completely out of my league,” Chad recalls, with a laugh.

“Except I had already noticed him,” teases Jenna (now Armand). When Chad finally said hi, it sparked an undeniable connection. But, as single parents — Chad with two boys and Jenna with a daughter — they chose to stay friends to protect their children’s happiness.

When the two families met, however, it was their children’s joy that sealed things.

“I knew this was forever when I saw [Chad] with my daughter and how seamlessly he loved her like his own,” says Jenna. After welcoming their youngest daughter in 2015, they decided to plan a wedding involving all of the kids.

A decade later, on May 17, 2025, Jenna and Chad were married at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Grazers Restaurant — a special place for their family. “The zoo was our first ‘date’ with all our kids 13 years ago when we started seeing each other,” explains Jenna. Their wedding

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party was a family affair, with the eldest daughter as the “Jr. Maid of Honour,” their sons the groomsmen and their youngest daughter the flower girl.

Despite plans for a sunny, outdoor ceremony, unexpected rain created a different memorable affair. “It was perfect in the most chaotic, wonderful way possible,” Jenna says, laughing. The couple has a running joke that they always get caught in unexpected downpours, so naturally their wedding was no exception. Their guests even stayed outside in the rain as long as possible, drawing out umbrellas with grins until hail chased everyone indoors.

“Everyone ran like joyful kids splashing through puddles,” Jenna recalls.

Inside, the Grazers team quickly guided guests to the Enmax Conservatory to finish the ceremony. Grazers brought the dreamy reception to life. Inspired by the show Bridgerton, the conservatory was a combination of soft pastels, candlelight and florals hanging from the ceiling. “It was absolutely perfect,” says Chad.

Their wedding day wasn’t just a union of two hearts, but a celebration of their family. “We got married to celebrate what was already there,” says Jenna.

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The couple brought their families together at Avenue’s Best Wedding Services 2026: Unique Venue winner – Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s Grazers Restaurant.

WINNER

UNIQUE VENUE Wilder Institute/ Calgary Zoo Grazers Restaurant 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E. calgaryzoo.com

THE RECEPTION ROOM DECOR AND TABLESCAPE IN GRAZERS RESTAURANT WAS BRIDGERTON INSPIRED.

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WINNER

INDOOR VENUE

THE HAPPY COUPLE OUTSIDE OF THE NASH.

UNDER 200 GUESTS The Nash 925 11 St. S.E. 403-984-3365

“WE BROUGHT OUR OWN SIGNAGE AND FLOWERS, AND THE NASH SET EVERYTHING UP. THEY MADE IT SO EASY.” WILL MCGLYNN 50

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hen Maddie Gauthier and Will McGlynn matched on Hinge, it was his voice that captivated her.

“There was a voice note on his account about what he was looking for in a relationship. The sincerity in his message captured my attention,” says Maddie, adding with a laugh that his “cute” British accent didn’t hurt, either.

The pair connected immediately on their first date, chatting long into the night, and were soon inseparable. Since Will’s family lives in England, they spent their first Christmas together with Maddie’s family. “That was it,” Maddie says with a smile. “I just knew. This person is my family.”

Two years later, Will proposed. Maddie said yes: there was no doubt in her mind.

The pair decided on a short engagement. In January 2025, they started planning their wedding at The Nash for May of that year. The in-house wedding planner, custom arrangements and menus meant the couple only had to say yes or no to details.

“We brought our own signage and flowers, and The Nash set everything up.

They made it so easy,” says Will.

The night before they wed on May 10, 2025, Will and Maddie stayed at separate locations. That was ideal for Maddie to plan a “first look” photography session — a modern practice that was completely new to Will.

The ceremony and reception included a sax player, which is a growing trend, popular at British weddings. As two hearts joined, it was a day filled with laughter, touching messages and tears of joy. While the ceremony and celebrations were a one-day event, the venue is a permanent part of Maddie and Will’s future.

“I love that The Nash is a venue that we can return to for anniversaries and special occasions — to keep as a part of our lives moving forward,” says Maddie.

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WILL MCGLYNN AND MADDIE GAUTHIER

BY MICHAELA REAM

The pair celebrated their wedding day at Avenue’s Best Wedding Services 2026: Venue Under 200 Guests winner, The Nash.

THE WEDDING TABLESCAPE AT THE NASH.

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ANA TIRUTA AND TIM HAGGSTROM

BY MICHAELA REAM

From Hinge to hitched, the couple celebrated their day at Rouge, Avenue’s Best Wedding Services 2026: Outdoor Venue winner.

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fter Tim Haggstrom and Ana Tiruta said their wedding day “I dos,” Tim’s speech jokingly credited the dating app Hinge as their “unofficial” wedding day sponsor.

For him, June 12, 2022 — their first date after matching on Hinge — marked the day he met his future wife.

Their first date quickly led to a second, and, as the dates flowed into each other, Tim had a profound realization about the woman he had fallen for. “I pictured the two of us growing old together and realized that is what I wanted with all my heart,” says Tim. Three weeks into dating, the couple said, “I love you.”

During a summer trip to France in August 2024, Tim took the next step toward making that vision come true by proposing to Ana, who happily said yes.

When it came time to choose their venue, Ana jokes that it was a “manifestation moment.” She had long envisioned a place with an elegant building, a lush outdoor garden for dining and socializing, and exceptional cuisine.

Rouge, which she had always admired from afar, turned out to be perfect for their wedding on July 24, 2025.

With only 40 guests at the wedding, the day had an intimate atmosphere. Simple, yet elegant decorations, like the floral arrangements and fabric draped over tree branches forming a natural arch, enhanced the venue’s charm. Behind the scenes, the Rouge team ensured everything ran seamlessly, allowing Tim and Ana to fully enjoy their special day.

“The staff were so well organized, friendly and thoughtful,” says Ana. “They made it easy for us to relax and enjoy the day.”

When reflecting on their day, Tim cherishes the opportunities for those serene moments with Ana. “There were instances when we could glance at each other, take in the moment, and feel like it was just the two of us,” he says.

THE BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY SPACE IN THE ROUGE GARDEN. FABRIC DRAPED OVER TREE BRANCHES FORMED A NATURAL ARCH.

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WINNER

OUTDOOR VENUE Rouge 1240 8 Ave. S.E. 403-531-2767 rougecalgary.com

“THEY MADE IT EASY FOR US TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE DAY.” ANA TIRUTA

INSIDE THE TENT, THE HAPPY COUPLE AND THEIR GUESTS WINED AND DINED.

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WINNER

PHOTOGRAPHY Tkshotz Photography tkshotz.com

TTRENDS IN

PHOTO

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From vintage film photography to short-form wedding content, these Calgary creatives have adapted to popular photography/videography trends to help couples capture every moment of their big day in style.

BY VIANCY SALUBRE

P H O T O G R A P H Y: T KS H O T Z P H O T O G R AP HY odd Kwiczak and his company, Tkshotz Photography, have been in the wedding photography business for more than a decade. Kwiczak and his team of talented photographers offer a gallery of beautifully captured candid and editorial

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moments.

According to Kwiczak, couples are continuing to opt for the more candid, intimate feel that film offers. “The aesthetic of film has really come back in the last couple years. It just brings another layer of feeling with the nostalgic film look,” says Kwiczak.

Over time, the business has continually adopted new trends and techniques to keep evolving their services. Notably, the company has added vintage camcorders and Super 8 cameras to their equipment.

Its newest Vintage Nostalgic photo booth offers that dreamy film look with printable photos guests can take home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tkshotz Photography also introduced their popular live-streaming service that allows relatives and loved ones to be virtually present during the big day. Live streams are still offered to help faraway family members watch the ceremony.

Style alignment is an essential element for couples to keep in mind.

“We talk to clients and we see what their needs are. Some may want a more journalistic approach. Others may be fixated on a look they saw online. It’s all about finding what’s best for them,” says Kwiczak.

Ultimately, choosing a team of trusted photographers can provide a lot of comfort during some of the most stressful parts of the wedding.

“It’s all about connection and comfort.

Couples just need to know they’re not on their own,” says Kwiczak. “It’s not just about taking photos. We’re giving them support on one of their biggest days.”

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WINNER

VIDEOGRAPHY Love & Lore Films loveandlorefilms.com

MADELEINE WHITE FEDYK AND ANDREW FEDYK AT SUNSET ON THEIR WEDDING DAY.

A ROMANTIC WEDDING SHOOT AT TUNNEL MOUNTAIN.

WEDDING DAY BESTIE any couples are choosing content creators to help capture more memories on their big day. That’s where Calgary-based weddingday content creator Wedding Day Bestie comes in.

Founder Jana Janevska works like a personal paparazzo, taking hundreds of photos and video clips, as well as behind-thescenes footage. Using only a cellphone, Janevska easily slides into the background to snap more candid and intimate moments of the wedding day.

Couples can also effortlessly relive the special day with a 24-hour turnaround on edited short-form wedding content.

Some of Wedding Day Bestie’s recent notable coverage was for influencer Madeleine White Fedyk and Loud Luxury DJ Andrew Fedyk’s wedding, which was featured in Vogue in July 2025. weddingdaybestie.com

V I D E O GR AP H Y : L OVE & L O R E F ILMS est friends and business partners Kaella Doty and Brooke Saler have been creating beautiful wedding films since 2022. Their luxury wedding videography business, Love & Lore Films, captures the full emotion of the big day with authentic, cinematic storytelling.

“We really try mixing digital and that Super 8 [look that] also adds that nostalgic vintage vibe. A lot of couples are looking for that documentary style of wedding film. They want the hands-off approach: the fly on the wall cap-

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turing candid moments, natural audio, the vows — events that are naturally unfolding,” says Saler.

The pair typically offers wedding videos created through a mix of digital and traditional film. They use a vintage Super 8 camera to achieve the popular nostalgic film look.

Love & Lore also offers teaser video reels and video postcards 24 hours post-ceremony, ideal for sharing online.

The company tailors custom video packages to meet the needs of each couple. By understanding which shots and styles the couple wants on their wedding day, Doty

and Saler can curate their vision.

Love & Lore encourages couples to explore what style of storytelling best fits their personalities and priorities, whether that’s a candid documentary style or an editorial approach.

For a day as important as a wedding, Doty and Saler also punctuate that couples understand how the film process works.

“Asking questions like, ‘Are you backing up your files? How many audio recorders do you have?’ just truly ensures that you’re dealing with a professional who really aligns with your vision,” says Saler.

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LOV E & LORE P H OTO BY CAR ISS A MA RIE P HOTOG RAP H Y; WE DDIN G DAY BEST IE P H OTO BY J A N A J A N E V S K A

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Your love was

Written in the Stars Your wedding should be, too

Have a wedding that’s sure to get a reaction.

At TELUS Spark Science Centre, that’s in our DNA. Celebrate in spaces that are extraordinary — unique spaces full of character only found at Spark. Interactive settings that add energy, meaning, and a little sparkle. Our dedicated events team handles every detail, so all you have to do is enjoy it.

Your love story.

Our backdrop.

Down to a science.

Learn more at sparkscience.ca/host or call 403-817-6887.

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WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR WEDDING Whether you’re the happy couple or in the wedding party, look fab on the big day with help from this year’s best wedding attire winners.

WINNER

BRIDAL ATTIRE Blush & Raven 201, 903 10 Ave. S.W. 403-474-6777 blushandraven.com

B RI DAL W E AR: B LUS H & R AV E N B Y A L I C I A L’A R C H E V Ê QU E

BLUSH & RAVEN CARRIES MODERN AND VINTAGE STYLES FOR EVERY BRIDE.

ounded in 2017, Blush & Raven was born of a desire to bring a tailored, New York-style bridal shopping experience to Calgary. As Avenue’s Best Bridal Attire winner for the second year in a row, Blush & Raven’s upscale Beltline showroom has become a reputable one-stop shop for the modern bride.

The boutique boasts fashion-forward gowns from around the globe, handcrafted by couture designers from the likes of Budapest, London and L.A. For finishing touches, accessory appointments let brides try on veils, jewellery and bridal capes while wearing their gowns.

Boutique manager Emma Kilback notes that recent bridal trends lean toward vintageinspired silhouettes — like basque or dropwaist gowns — with a selection of these styles featured in the boutique’s collection.

Overall, Kilback says: “It’s more about a feeling they’re trying to capture.” This philosophy shaped the boutique’s signature approach: a supportive showroom experience designed to bring each bride’s vision to life.

The most popular option is a luxury one-onone styling session, which includes a sit-down consultation with a dedicated stylist, including tea service and small bites for the bridal party.

“Especially in Calgary, girls just love a classic look with some kind of unique twist — something different to make it feel elevated and bridal,” Kilback adds.

Each Blush & Raven gown is handmade to order by a curated designer, allowing for customization and even structural changes to achieve that sought-after uniqueness.

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PARK & FIFTH OFFERS VERSATILITY FOR BRIDAL PARTIES SUCH AS THIS MIX OF STYLES, ALL IN BUTTER SATIN.

WINNER

BRIDAL PARTY ATTIRE Park & Fifth 1317 9 Ave. S.E. 825-540-3044 parkandfifthco.com

or Park & Fifth, versatility is key. Its “Un-Bridesmaid” collection champions the idea that well-crafted bridesmaid dresses should be worn long after the wedding, with a mentality of “bridesmaid now, best-dressed guest later.”

Beyond re-wear potential, sustainability is central to the brand. 60 per cent of Park & Fifth garments are made with recycled poly-

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ester, and partnerships with textile recyclers Debrand and SuperCircle helped divert nearly 11,000 lbs of textile off-cuts from landfills in 2024.

The brand’s wide range of complementary colours and styles serves a growing trend toward personalization. At Park & Fifth, a cohesive aesthetic can be achieved throughout the bridal party while celebrating each

bridesmaid’s individual style.

“Brides want their party to feel unique and true to themselves, not overly coordinated or traditional,” says Park & Fifth’s marketing specialist, Maddie O’Neill.

In 2026, the boutique is embracing satin fabrics and varied textures — all while staying committed to contemporary style and sustainable design.

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P H OTO BY T HOM AS BU LLOCK

B RI DAL PART Y AT T IR E : PA R K & F IF T H

A Wedding Escape Unlike Any Other in Calgary Our diverse spaces let couples choose a backdrop as unique as their story — whether it's lush greenery, exotic wildlife, or sweeping natural views — our team can deliver an experience your guests will remember long after the day ends.

Shaun Alblas, Manager, Business Development Exchanging vows beneath a canopy of tropical leaves, with the scent of fresh blossoms in the air, feels like stepping into a secret escape — while the city hums just minutes away.

Couples in Calgary are discovering this rare blend of intimacy and vibrancy at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, where indoor and outdoor venues offer a uniquely immersive wedding experience without leaving the city.

Destination Wedding Energy, No Passport Required Only minutes from downtown, the zoo’s ceremony and reception spaces offer backdrops that feel worlds away: an indoor tropical rainforest, elegant botanical gardens, and dramatic views of the African Savannah. It’s this unexpected contrast — big-city hustle and bustle outside, intimate getaway inside — that makes the zoo’s wedding venues so distinctive.

The ENMAX Conservatory remains a favourite for receptions, thanks to its glass architecture and lush plant life that stays beautiful year-round.

For outdoor ceremonies, the Dorothy Harvie Gardens offers an iconic backdrop of peonies, lilies, roses, and succulents — plus the charming possibility of a free-roaming peacock stopping by.

Elevated Menus The award-winning in-house culinary team focuses on fresh ingredients, seasonal flavours, and menus that feel celebratory without being overly formal. Couples can select the dining style that suits them best - plated dinners, buffets, or interactive stations.

A Guest Experience That Feels Playful A key advantage of hosting a wedding at the zoo is the natural guest experience built into the time between ceremony and reception.

Selected pathways invite guests to explore, see their favourite animals, or take in the surrounding beauty. This usually uneventful transition becomes an engaging and memorable moment — often an unexpected favourite.

An Escape Without Leaving the City With its mix of natural beauty, remarkable backdrops, and thoughtful details, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo offers a wedding experience that feels like a getaway — without ever getting on a plane.

Learn more about weddings at the zoo by visiting: CalgaryZoo.com/Weddings

Planning Made Easy Streamlined planning packages and on-site event support help couples create a day that feels both effortless and personal.

• Intimate spaces up to 300+ guests • Indoor/outdoor ceremony and reception celebrations • Year-round greenery and flora

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WINNER

GROOM AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Atelier Suiting 308, 1117 1 St. S.W. 403-901-3199 atelierbyensemble.com

ATELIER FOUNDER LAUREN LARSEN FITS A CLIENT IN A CUSTOM TAILORED ITALIAN WOOL SUIT.

ver the past decade, Atelier Suiting has served nearly 6,000 individual clients with bespoke suits that are classic, elegant and handcrafted using time-honoured techniques.

Atelier forsakes premade templates for hand-measured ones at in-person consultations. Traditional paper patterns are created for each individual client and used to handcut the fabric of choice. Eighty per cent of the

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suit is then sewn manually — a unicorn in today’s factory-driven market.

“The main thing grooms are doing [right now] is tuxedos, which I love. To me, that’s very timeless and elegant,” says founder Lauren Larsen. “There’s [also] a lot of earth tones happening: greens and browns are really, really trendy right now.”

These popular choices are approached with enduring style in mind, achieved by pairing

traditional fits with trending colours.

Atelier sources high-quality fabrics from prestigious, generations-old Italian and English mills, and sews a horsehair canvas layer inside each suit to create a shape that forms to the body over time.

From the in-depth consultation to the final fitting, Atelier’s custom tailoring is efficient and painless — the entire process takes fewer than three appointments.

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P H OTO BY SH E EN A Z ILI NS KI

GRO O M /GRO OMS ME N : AT E LIE R SU IT ING

IMAGE CREDIT TKSHOTZ

Weddings at

AZURIDGE HOTEL AZURIDGEHOTEL.COM

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WINNER FLORAL

Flowers by Janie 403-700-8299 flowersbyjanie.com

STUNNING HEAD TABLE FLORALS

BY FLOWERS BY JANIE AT THE FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS.

LOVE BLOOMS

Flowers by Janie boasts award-winning wedding floral designs that embrace wild elegance, luxurious structures and bold variety.

rom colour-drenched arches to refined monochromatic bouquets, Flowers by Janie is one of Alberta’s most sought-after studios for oneof-a-kind, luxury wedding florals.

Known for floral designs inspired by the lush natural diversity of English gardens, the studio embraces large varieties of colours, textures and flower varieties. It also favours flower-heavy arrangements over using greenery as filler, with more than 20 flower varieties often appearing in a single design.

“English gardens are very natural and wildflower-esque. There are lots of different

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textures and heights, and I try to bring that look into my designs, as well,” says owner Janelle “Janie” Gerestein.

Flowers by Janie offers full-service floral design, including delivery and setup. With take-down service, your wedding blooms can be donated on your behalf to organizations like YW Calgary, at no cost to you. This initiative was awarded Bloom Trust Co.’s Flowering with Purpose Grant in May 2025.

Gerestein sources blooms from B.C. and Alberta flower farms when they’re in season, and even supplements with flowers from her own garden and raised beds.

Client consultations guide each floral design, which is built around the couple’s vision, colour palette, must-have varieties and individual story. Executed with care and intention, wedding florals can be a memorable and immersive experience.

“When your flowers are good quality and have beautiful designs, it elevates the look of your space and guests are really going to notice it with all of their senses,” says Gerestein.

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P H OTO BY JU STI NE M ILTON P H OTOGR AP H Y

F L O R ALS F L OWE R S BY JA N IE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION! PHOTOGRAPHS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): COURTESY HI TECH PRODUCTIONS; P H O T O G R A P H I K ; PA I S L E Y P H O T O G R A P H Y

Hi Tech Productions focuses on transforming spaces and transporting guests through creative technology, fluid lighting and personally curated music Imagine today is your big day; it may be your wedding, an important corporate event or a celebration with friends and family.

But, instead of being greeted by a simple room with tables, chairs and some décor, guests are transported into a winter wonderland with tranquil snow trickling down the walls or an underwater world where fish swim through rippling waves.

It sounds like a dream, but it’s not.

This transportive display of lighting is called projection mapping and is what Hi Tech Productions, an entertainment and DJ company, specializes in creating.

“Originally, I started in this

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business because of the technical side. I wanted to cure my appetite of merging my artistic design capabilities with my technical aptitude,” says Dan McNeil, coowner of Hi Tech Productions. “Now it’s more because it is amazing to see the impact you have on people’s events and lives.”

Since opening in 1992, Hi Tech Productions has focused on two key elements: creating lasting memories and turning regular days into extraordinary experiences. To do just that, McNeil and his team push the boundaries of technology and incorporate event lighting design, such as projections and visual effects that acts as or becomes an integral part of the décor. Additionally, Hi Tech Productions works with clients to find the perfect fit.

“We believe a DJ should be picked specifically for you, particularly for weddings” says McNeil. “For example, if one person is from an Italian background and

the other Latin, your DJ should have experience in those cultural backgrounds and music. If we don’t have the right DJ available, we simply don’t take the booking.” That, McNeil says, has been the key to their success for over 30 years.

For McNeil, lighting is one of the most important aspects of what they do at Hi Tech Productions because of its ability to be fluid, not static.

“When it comes to lighting, many people use it as an accent, like up lighting. Often in one colour only, but it can do so much more. Dynamic lighting can make northern lights appear and change colours, or we can turn a formal lounge into a rustic barn or have moving scenes like fireworks for a first dance, all at the flick of a switch,” explains McNeil.

“We transport guests and couples to whole new spaces through the use of

colours and transitions.”

Popular requests in the past have included projection-mapped cakes, which use a white or plain cake to project images, texts or moving pictures. Customized digital textures, sparklers, low-lying fog and holographic DJ systems are also popular requests. Across weddings, corporate events, anniversaries and more, McNeil says his favourite events have been the hours and work donated for events including the Boys and Girls Club and the Airdrie Health Foundation. These events offer the most creative and rewarding freedom in giving back as much as possible. “As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to give back to the community,” says McNeil. “Simply put, we love what we do and take the utmost care in doing it.”

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WINNER

CAKE/DESSERTS Birch & Butter by Black Dog Bakery blackdogbakery.ca

BIRCH & BUTTER’S BEAUTIFUL BUTTERCREAM CAKES FEEL FRESH AND ARTFUL WITH SCULPTURAL PIPING AND ROMANTIC GARDEN FLORALS.

LET THEM EAT CAKE

Led by a chef with a penchant for creative expression, Birch & Butter by Black Dog Bakery’s wedding cakes feature elevated flavour combinations with elegant designs.

CAK E AND D E SSE RT S B IRCH & BU T T E R BY B L ACK D O G B A K E RY rowing up in a large family, Chelsea Radke always saw food as the heart of celebration — and dessert as its shared, joyful finale.

Radke has been the owner of Birch & Butter

by Black Dog Bakery since 2016, creating wedding cakes that reflect a balance of culinary expertise, creative design and consultation-led personalizations.

Birch & Butter specializes in modern, editorial-style buttercream cakes with sculptural elements like wafer paper sails, unexpected uses of colour and layered piping techniques.

The multi-tiered creations also often feature

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vintage touches, interesting textures and flowing botanical designs.

As a Red Seal chef, Radke prioritizes the bold and unexpected flavours that lie beneath the cakes’ ornate exteriors. Besides triedand-true flavour profiles like zesty lemon or creamy Earl Grey, Birch & Butter’s menu features unconventional seasonal favourites like roasted strawberry and sumac or raspberry, rose and rhubarb.

Radke even draws inspiration from classic cocktails like the tequila sour-inspired passionfruit, coconut and tequila cake.

“I’m a chef for a reason,” laughs Radke. “I like the alchemy of it. I get really bored with overly sweet, generic flavours. I want something that’s a bit layered and not too sweet.”

For Radke, a wedding cake is more than the final course — it’s a thank you to loved ones and a shared moment on a day of carefully considered details.

That means creating cakes that truly encapsulate your wedding day as Radke says: “beautiful, meaningful and uniquely yours.”

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THE REST OF THE BEST All the winners and runners-up in our best local wedding services, as voted on by our readers.

WINNER MORE Events Co moreevents.ca, @moreeventsco RUNNERS-UP Evanescents Wedding Planning & Design evanescents.ca @weddingsbyevanescents CNC Event Design cnceventdesign.com @cnceventdesign Lottie Weddings lottieweddings.com @lottie.weddings

CHARBAR, READY TO HOST A RECEPTION.

Best Wedding Favours WINNER Pure Portrait calgaryphotobooth.ca @pureportraitbooth RUNNERS-UP Snap Beauty Photo Booth snapbeautyphotobooth.com @snapbeautyphotobooth Peace Candle Co. peacecandle.co @peacecandle.co The Sugar Cube 115, 11769 40 St. S.E., 403-835-5543 sugarcubeyyc.com @sugarcubeyyc

Best Unique Venue WINNER Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Grazers Restaurant 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E. calgaryzoo.com RUNNERS-UP Mainspace 187 Kananaskis Way, Canmore 403-961-0436 mainspacecanmore.ca

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@mainspace_canmore Glenmore Sailing Club 8601 24 St. S.W., 403-238-2044 glenmoresailingclub.com @glenmoresailingclub Sugar Pine Island at Cottonwood ​​200, 88008 226 Ave. East Foothills, 403-938-7577 cottonwoodgcc.com @sugarpineisland Charbar 618 Confluence Way S.E. 403-452-3115, charbar.ca @charbar_yyc

Best Outdoor Venue (open-air or tent) WINNER Rouge Restaurant 1240 8 Ave. S.E., 403-531-2767 rougecalgary.com @rougerestaurant RUNNERS-UP Azuridge Estate Hotel

178057 272 St. W., Priddis 403-998-1035 azuridgehotel.com, @azuridge Sugar Pine Island at Cottonwood ​​200, 88008 226 Ave. East Foothills, 403-938-7577 cottonwoodgcc.com @sugarpineisland Deane House 806 9 Ave. S.E., 403-264-0595 deanehouse.com @deanehouseyyc Glenmore Sailing Club 8601 24 St. S.W., 403-238-2044 glenmoresailingclub.com @glenmoresailingclub

Best Indoor Venue, maximum over 200 guests (seated) WINNER The Brownstone 120, 221 10 Ave. S.E., 403-888-4718 thebrownstoneyyc.com

@thebrownstoneyyc RUNNERS-UP Sugar Pine Island at Cottonwood ​​200, 88008 226 Ave. East Foothills, 403-938-7577 cottonwoodgcc.com @sugarpineisland Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Safari Lodge 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E. calgaryzoo.com The Malcom Hotel 321 Spring Creek Dr., Canmore 403-812-0680, malcolmhotel.ca @malcolmhotelcanmore Teatro 200 8 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1012 teatro.ca, @teatrorestaurant Fairmont Palliser Crystal Ballroom & Oval Room 133 9 Ave. S.W., 403-262-1234 fairmont.com, @fairmontpalliser

Best Indoor Venue, maximum 200 guests or less (seated) WINNER The Nash 925 11 St. S.E., 403-984-3365 thenashyyc.com, @thenashyyc RUNNERS-UP The Lake House 747 Lake Bonavista Dr. S.E., 403225-3939, lakehousecalgary.com @thelakehouseyyc The Brownstone 120, 221 10 Ave. S.E., 403-888-4718 thebrownstoneyyc.com @thebrownstoneyyc Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Enmax Conservatory 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E. calgaryzoo.com

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P H OTO BY ALI CIA F URTADO P H OTO GRAP H Y

Best Wedding Planner

tkshotzphotography

Unforgettable Moments Begin with Bold Choices www.thewilderooftop.com | inquiries@thedorianhotel.com AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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Best Officiant WINNER Sue Deyell suedeyell.com, @suedeyell RUNNERS-UP Vows by Judy (Judy Wiltse) vowsbyjudy.ca, @vowsbyjudy Big Rev Weddings bigrevweddingsab.com @bigrevweddings JP Weddings (Jane Paterson) jpweddingsyyc.com @jpweddingsyyc Tamara Jones weddingsbytamara.com

Best Videographer WINNER Love & Lore Films loveandlorefilms.com @loveandlorefilms RUNNERS-UP Castaño Films castanomedia.com @castanofilms Esau Weddings connoresau.com @esauweddings Clovis Photo & Film clovisphotoandfilm.com @clovisphotoandfilm Bray and Nat brayandnat.ca, @brayandnat Tkshotz Productions tkshotz.com, @tkshotz

Best Photographer WINNER Tkshotz Photography tkshotz.com, @tkshotz RUNNERS-UP Dana Cole Photography danacolephotography.com @thedana Leigh Anne Photography leighannephotography.com @leighannephotography_ Carly Hill Photo

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carlyhillphoto.com @carlyhillphoto Esau Weddings connoresau.com @esauweddings The Nogues Photography thenogues.ca, @thenogues

Best Nails WINNER Butter Beauty Parlour 2429 4 St. S.W., 403-215-3404 315 8 Ave. S.W., 403-237-8458 butterbeautyparlour.com @butterbeautyparlouryyc RUNNERS-UP Distilled Beauty Bar 2408 34 Ave. S.W., 403-685-0119 distilledbeautybar.com @distilled_beautybaryyc MetroPolish17 1322 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-8099 metropolish17.com @metropolish17

Best Mobile Bar Service WINNER The Prosecco Cart Inc. proseccocart.ca @theproseccocart RUNNERS-UP Suds & Sodas Mobile Bar sudsandsodas.com @sudsandsodas Black Tie & Bourbon Events @blacktieandbourbonevents Sugar Water sugarwater.bar, @sugarwater.bar

Best Makeup WINNER

GOLD WEDDING BANDS WITH A HAMMERED TEXTURE

BY E.V. STENROOS.

Niky’s Beauty nikysbeauty.com, @muaniky RUNNERS-UP Elevated Artistry elevated-artistry.com @elevated__artistry Sapphire Studio Ltd. sapphire-hair.ca @sapphirestudioltd Lilies & Lace Beauty co. liliesandlace.ca @liliesandlacebeautyco

Best Invitations WINNER Paper + Petals catherinalovespetals.ca @catherinalovespetals RUNNERS-UP Seeking Light Studio seekinglightstudio.com @seekinglightstudio Lovesky Design loveskydesign.ca @loveskydesign.weddings

Best Engagement Rings WINNER E.V. Stenroos evstenroos.com, @evstenroos RUNNERS-UP Ashleigh Amber Moore Jewelry ashleighambermoorejewelry. com @ashleighambermoorejewelry Eleven Fine Jewelry elevenfinejewelry.com @elevenfinejewelryco Alberta Diamond Exchange 235, 366 Aspen Glen Landing

S.W., 403-262-5212 adxdiamonds.com @adx_diamonds

Best Jewellery/ Accessories WINNER Joanna Bisley Designs joannabisleydesigns.com @joannabisleydesigns RUNNERS-UP Ashleigh Amber Moore Jewelry ashleighambermoorejewelry. com @ashleighambermoorejewelry Subject Object subjectobject.shop @_subjectobject_ Adorn Boutique 1216 9 Ave. S.E., 403-261-9919 adornboutique.ca @adorncalgary

Best Hairstyling WINNER Sapphire Studio Ltd. sapphire-hair.ca @sapphirestudioltd RUNNERS-UP Bare Beauty shopbarebeauty.com @barebeauty___ Blush & Coco 205, 45 Greenbriar Dr. N.W., 587439-5369, blushandcoco.com @blushandcocobrides Devoted to You Artistry devotedtoyouartistry.com @devotedtoyouartistry

Best Groom/ Groomsmen Attire WINNER Atelier Suiting 308, 1117 1 St. S.W., 403-901-3199 atelierbyensemble.com @ateliersuiting RUNNERS-UP Huey Lam Suits 110, 901 Centre St. N. 403-475-7848, hueylamsuits.com @hueylamsuits Indochino

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P H OTO COURTESY OF E .V. STE N ROOS

Charbar 618 Confluence Way S.E. 403-452-3115, charbar.ca @charbar_yyc

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Photo By: Brooklyn Caroline Photography

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FROM ‘YES’ TO ‘I DO’ REFINED WEDDING & EVENT CATERING THAT’S TAILORED TO YOU.

HEARTFELT HOSPITALITY DEVOURCATERING.COM

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6455 Macleod Trl. S.W. 403- 253-0434, indochino.com @indochino

Best DJ or AV Service WINNER Hi Tech Productions 9, 11651 40 St. S.E., 403- 827-1405 hitechproductions.ca @hitechyyc RUNNERS-UP EZ DJ 403-863-0573, ez-dj.ca @ezdjyyc Split Circuit Sound 9805 Horton Rd. S.W. 403-291-4626 splitcirsuitsound.com @splitcircuitsound

Best Florals WINNER Flowers by Janie 403-700-8299 flowersbyjanie.com @flowersbyjanie RUNNERS-UP Small Flower Floral Studio 8, 2616 16 St. N.E., 2nd Floor 403-245-5543, smallflower.ca @smallflowerfloralstudio Little Daisy Florals 144 Tuscany Ridge Terrace N.W. littledaisyflorals.com @littledaisyflorals Sweet Bloom 403-463-7808, sweetbloom.ca @sweetblomfloraldesign

P H OTO BY MA RN IE B UR KH ART JAZ HART ST UDIOS

Best Drycleaning/ Preservation WINNER Stephen Cleaners Multiple locations stephencleaners.ca @stephencleanersinc RUNNERS-UP Ingenuity Couture 108, 7500 Macleod Trl. 403-240-0001 @ingenuitycouture Anna’s Alterations 103, 2515 90 Ave. S.W.

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403-238-2605 annasalterations.ca @annas_alterations Fishman’s Personal Care Cleaners Multiple locations, 403-228-6995 fishmans.ca, @fishmansyyc

BASIL PANISSE BY DEVOUR CATERING.

Best Decor and Rentals WINNER Chair Flair 18, 11651 40 St. S.E., 403-923-8751 chairflair.ca, @chairflair RUNNERS-UP Modern Rentals 4020 9 St. S.E., 403-319-0028 modernrentals.ca @modernrentals.ca Rori Ranch Rentals roriranchrentals.ca, @roriranch Special Event Rentals 101, 2312 52 Ave. S.E., 403-235-2211 calgary.specialeventrentals.com @specialeventrentals_calgary

Best Dance Lessons WINNER Christifer Duxbury Dance Collective 121C 17 Ave. N.E., 587-404-4810 cddancecollective.com @cddancecollective RUNNERS-UP Arthur Murray Dance Studio 231B Forge Rd. S.E., 403-319-0732 arthurmurraycalgary.ca @arthurmurrayyyc Decidedly Jazz Danceworks 111 12 Ave. S.E., 403-245-3533 decidedlyjazz.com @decidedlyjazz

Best Band/Soloist WINNER Quora Strings quorastrings.com, @quorastrings RUNNERS-UP Uptown Strings uptownstrings.com @uptown.strings Jesse Peters thejessepeters.com

@goldboxbakery Chartier 403-861-8785, chartieryyc.com @chartieryyc Pretty Sweet Bakeshop 536 42 Ave. S.E., 587-356-1225 prettysweetco.com @prettysweetyyc

Best Bridal Party Attire

@thejessepetersmusic

Best Caterer WINNER A Certain Flair Catering 825-413-8469, flaircatering.ca @certainflair RUNNERS-UP Devour Catering 538 42 Ave. S.E., 403-242-0046 devourcatering.com @devourcateringyyc Fork + Farm Catered Events 20, 920 28 St. N.E., 403-457-9931 forkandfarmcatering.com @forkandfarmyyc Brie & Banquet Wild Catering Co. 524 42 Ave. S.E., 403-874-7006 brieandbanquet.com @brieandbanquet

Best Cakes/Desserts WINNER Birch & Butter

by Black Dog Bakery blackdogbakery.ca @blackdog_bakery RUNNERS-UP Bake My Day 1109 8 St. S.E., 587-327-5241 bakemydaycalgary.com @bakemydayyyc Gold Box Bakery 3011 48 St. N.E., 403-390-0458 goldboxbakery.com

WINNER Park & Fifth 1317 9 Ave. S.E., 825-540-3044 parkandfifthco.com @parkandfifthco RUNNERS-UP Adorn Boutique 1216 9 Ave. S.E., 403-261-9919 adornboutique.ca,@adorncalgary David’s Bridal 319, 7337 Macleod Trl. 403-386-3250, davidsbridal.ca @davidsbridalcalgary

Best Bridal Attire WINNER Blush & Raven 201, 903 10 Ave. S.W. 403-474-6777 blushandraven.com @blushandravenyyc RUNNERS-UP The Bridal Boutique 5131 Elbow Dr. S.W., 403-281-9777 thebridalboutique.ca @thebridalboutiqueeyyc Durand Bridal 130, 9631 Macleod Trl. S.W. 403-454-2684, durandbridal.com @durandbridal

Best Undergarments WINNER Body by Chai 7, 718 17 Ave. S.W., 2nd Floor 403-243-7138, bodybychai.com @bodybychai RUNNERS-UP Knickers ‘n Lace 208, 10816 Macleod Trl. South 403-225-1413, knickersnlace.net @knickersnlace

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TEATRO TALES FROM THE FAMILY RESTAURANT

A changing of the guard: Mia Berloni takes over from her dad, Dario.

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WORDS BY CARMEN CHENG PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE COLLINS

hen the Dominion Bank building went up for auction, Dario Berloni was enamoured by its beauty. He purchased the 8 Avenue S.E. property in 1989 with a vision to create a restaurant that would last generations, inspired by European restaurants located in historic buildings.

Refurbishing heritage buildings and developing restaurants were not Dario’s primary professions. After graduating with a business degree, he worked in an executive role in his family’s plastics company. But Dario did have interests as a silent partner in a few restaurants.

Alongside Witold Twardowski and Sal Howell, the group owned some of the most iconic Calgary restaurants at that time, including River Café and Mescalero. Teatro marked the group’s first project with Dario in a hands-on, operational role.

Capitalizing on a unique space Despite its grandeur, the Dominion Bank building sat vacant for years. Critics said it was too far away from downtown's central business area, but Dario remained confident in the space. Dario and his partners believed people are drawn to places with engaging activities, so he saw Teatro catering to the theatre crowd.

“I was convinced we would become a dining destination with an open kitchen and informal dining in the unique bank space,” says Dario.

He and his partners were right. Teatro opened in October 1993 and became a fixture

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MIA AND DARIO BERLONI.

TIRAMISU MADE USING “NONNA'S” RECIPE.

in Calgary’s cultural district on Stephen Avenue, thriving for 32 years and counting. The success of Teatro led to the Teatro Group, including Alforno, Eighth Avenue Trattoria and Cucina.

Dario’s daughter, Mia, essentially grew up at the restaurant. “My dad used to live upstairs above Teatro,” she says. “I remember we would have Teatro for dinner in the apartment every night, and I would go downstairs to make Shirley Temples with the bartender.”

In the ’90s, Teatro was a casual Italian spot for coffee, lunch or even a late-night haunt for those in the know. “One of the reasons why my dad opened Teatro as an Italian restaurant is that he wanted a nice place to take his mom when she came to Calgary, which I just think is the sweetest thing,” says Mia. “My Nonna was a fantastic cook, and it’s her tiramisu recipe that is still being used at the restaurant today.”

Passing the reins Mia started working at the restaurant at 16 to earn some pocket money. She completed a university degree in environmental sciences, without any intention of taking over the restaurant business. But, during the pandemic, Dario asked her to help out. Throughout that challenging time for restaurants, Mia jumped into the deep end, working full time at Teatro Group in a variety of roles. She became the general manager at Alforno, the group’s bakery and café concept. In that role, Mia cherished the opportunity to build relationships with regulars, nurture the Alforno brand and learn from Teatro’s team of seasoned professionals.

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DINING

The rapport she built with the team motivated her to take on a leadership position.

Today, Mia serves as the president and CEO of the Teatro Group, taking over from Dario, who has since retired, but still provides mentorship.

Dario admits he wanted Mia to take over Teatro. “I did try to cajole her into it," he says.

"But, in the end, it was her decision and this made the difference. In [all] sincerity, it means the world to me.”

Mia attributes her leadership development to the mentorship from her dad and the Teatro team, along with the practical hands-on experience she gained working at the restaurants.

She takes pride in the fact that much of Teatro’s leadership team has grown from within the business.

“I love the culture of our organization,” she says. “Everyone is willing to step onto the floor at any time. That environment really helped me learn all sides of the business, and it's a culture I hope to continue to foster.”

MIA BERLONI, TEATRO'S PRESIDENT AND CEO, WHIPS UP A SHIRLEY TEMPLE JUST LIKE SHE DID AS A KID.

Standing the test of time Teatro restaurant has evolved into a finedining concept, and Mia believes the passion, experience and care on the team are critical to maintaining its longevity and her dad’s vision from 30 years ago. “From the get-go, he wanted to build a place that would withstand generations,” she affirms. While Teatro's personality may have changed over the years, Dario was never swayed by trends. He stayed focused on a quality overall dining experience and an impressive wine program. Mia is committed to continuing that vision.

For example, Dario built Teatro’s wine program en primeur, meaning the wines were purchased in bulk while still in the barrel, with the intent of benefiting from selling the matured wines at higher prices in the future. By continuing to nurture these decades-long relationships with wineries — and building her own — Mia ensures that Teatro carries on having incredible access to bottles and brands.

Dario now spends much of his time in Europe, frequenting the very establishments that inspired Teatro. When asked what he is most proud of, he simply says: “My daughter, Mia, who will make Teatro shine more than ever.”

“EVERYONE [AT TEATRO] IS WILLING T O STEP ON T O THE FL O OR AT ANY TIME. THAT ENVIRONMEN T REALLY HELPED ME LEARN ALL SIDES OF THE BUSINESS, AND IT ’S A CULT URE I HOPE T O C ON TIN UE T O F OSTER .”

Mia Berloni

200 8 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1012, teatro.ca

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DECOR

Home is The automated-home industry is growing as more Calgarians opt to incorporate security systems, motorized blinds, remote temperature control and other invisible intelligent tech into their lives.

where

IMAGINE YOUR HOME LOCKING UP AND LIGHTING UP ON ITS OWN.

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f Colin Hamdon, founder of Calgary-based home-automation company Om, had his way, you’d never touch another light switch again. You might even put turning on a light in the same bygone category as rewinding a VHS tape or sending a fax. The average person turns lights on and off hundreds of thousands of times over their lifetime, but Hamdon’s clients aren’t living in average homes.

Automated homes, also known as smart homes, are equipped with functional technology designed to enhance the living experience. Automation covers both small tasks, like lights that magically turn on upon entry, and more comprehensive projects — such as a home

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mation industry. The high-tech homes they’re outfitting incorporate security systems, window treatments, audio/visual tools and more, but insiders say the real beauty is in how invisible it all is.

Rachel, an Om client, calls her automated home “effortless.” Her Scarboro dwelling features lighting set to match a circadian rhythm (the latitude and longitude of the home are used to calculate the optimal brightness and light temperature 24/7), a remote temperature-control system that uses her phone’s location (the heating/cooling shuts off when she leaves the house and turns back on as she approaches, which is known as “preconditioning”) and Sonos speakers in every room to keep the tunes she loves flowing. Rachel works in the health and wellness space and her automated home aligns with all her priorities. “It feels very customized to my life, and a little more luxury than I thought just lighting and music would be,” she shares.

And, no personal data ever leaves the Om system, located entirely in the home, as maintaining privacy is a top priority for both the company and its customers.

MORE SECURITY, ENERGY theatre that intuitively adjusts temperature, drapery, lighting and volume, and flashes the security feed from your front door on the screen when food delivery arrives. “My home will react to you, rather than you having to react to it — it’s very context-aware,” says Hamdon.

For Hamdon, home automation started as a personal hobby, but as he developed more refined solutions, and friends and family took notice of his tech savviness, it grew into a business.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR HOME TO YOUR LIFESTYLE Om and other Calgary companies like it are literally lighting up the home-auto-

EFFICIENCY AND ACCESSIBILITY A home that seems to think and act on its own may feel straight out of the future, but the reality is less sci-fi and more secure and sustainable, according to Blair Deault, smart home technology consultant for Calgary’s Jayman Built.

Deault explains that smart locks, video doorbells, floodlight security cameras and automated lighting (giving the appearance that someone’s home) are included in all of the company’s projects.

You can also add on features like smart leak and smoke detection. No more fretting about whether you closed the garage door or turned off the stove.

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FEATURES LIKE AUTOMATED STAIR LIGHTING MAKES LIFE SAFER AND MORE CONVENIENT.

DIY AUTOMATION

ULTIMATELY ABOUT MINIMIZING EFFORT FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT “Smart-home technology packages contribute significantly to energy efficiency by optimizing how and when energy is used,” Deault adds. No energy (and no money) is wasted through lighting or heating unoccupied rooms.

While automatic lighting has evolved well past devices like The Clapper, it’s also addressing needs far beyond convenience, luxury or simple laziness.

Courtney Gay, co-owner of Bright Home Systems, emphasizes how automated homes can also incorporate life-changing accessibility features. One of the Calgary company’s most memorable projects was for a homeowner who had a medical condition that caused temporary blindness during extreme changes in brightness. Thanks to automatic, gradual, human-centric lighting, the homeowner can easily and safely navigate his home.

“We were able to help him live independently,” Gay explains. She says that, while “the sky’s the limit” when it comes to home automation, there are plenty of small-scale projects that simply make life a little easier, like putting motorized shades on upper windows that you can’t reach.

Beyond practicality, there are also safety benefits. In 2021, Health Canada

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AND PEACE OF MIND.

implemented regulations prohibiting window coverings with long cords in order to limit the risk of strangulation, particularly to children and pets. But that makes reaching high window coverings tricky. “For high windows where you’d need a ladder [to open or close the blinds], obviously motorized blinds make a lot of sense,” Gay says.

For Hamdon, the smartest home technology is intuitive and inconspicuous. It’s not a remote full of buttons or a labyrinth of wiring. “My design philosophy is to not let technology get in the way of the homeowner.” he says. “Things just happen automatically, dependably and reliably.”

Smart home automation is ultimately about minimizing effort for maximum comfort and peace of mind. This can even include your morning caffeine — Om’s smart homes can have a cup of freshly brewed espresso ready the precise moment you step into your kitchen.

Needless to say, switching the coffee machine on or off is not required.

Invest in excellent home internet Courtney Gay of Bright Home Systems points out that many home-automation devices require Wi-Fi, and even the top-of-the-line tools won’t work if your service sucks.

“Make sure you have a decent network throughout the entire house, with no dead spots,” she advises.

Change your light bulbs “It can be very easy to achieve a ton of functionality in just a few steps,” says Blair Deault of Jayman Built. He recommends a smart-security system or doorbell camera as a beginner project, but adds that simply switching basic light bulbs to smart ones is an automated accomplishment.

Keep design in mind Colin Hamdon with Om says DIY smart tech can result in some clunky and ugly experiences. So think about how the tech will fit aesthetically into your home before buying.

“The best technology is something you don’t see or have to interact with,” he says.

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

P H OTO G R A P H BY B E A U T I F U L W O R L D M E D I A , CO U RT E SY O F O M

SMART-HOME AUTOMATION IS

Smart technology isn’t just for lavish custom homes or new builds. Here, experts offer advice to level up your living spaces with products you can purchase and install yourself.

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DISCOVER THE BEST OF CALGARY Avenue’s City Guide special edition is your go-to for where to eat, what to do, where to shop and what to know to make your Calgary life the very best it can be.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

I L L I S T R AT I O N BY A L E K S A N D A R V E L A S E V I C , F R O M i S T O C K

I N S PI R I N G E DU CATION

Calgary has many education options to help every child succeed. Whether through a dual international curriculum or the flexibility to study from anywhere in the world, Calgary’s independent schools open the doors to possibilities for students. Here, we spotlight some of the independent schools creating a brighter future for Calgary students.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

FLEXIBLE PATHWAYS FOR STUDENTS TO THRIVE STS Flex students on campus.

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School’s innovative programs empower students to achieve excellence through flexibility and personalized learning pathways.

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) prepares its students with the independence, adaptability and confidence to succeed in an ever-evolving world. STS recognizes that traditional structures don't always equate to student success. That’s why its two new innovative programs give students the flexibility to shape their own schedules and pursue passions outside of school without compromising academic excellence or access to support and resources.

The STS Flex program allows students in grades nine to 12 to blend in-person, on-campus experiences with online coursework. Students complete their core classes remotely while still having full access to the

campus for co-curricular and extracurricular programs. Advanced learners can progress more quickly, and students can tailor in-person courses to their personal schedules.

The other option is STAND Online, a fully remote program, allowing high school students to thrive wherever life takes them, whether they are competitive athletes, travelling around the world or independent learners who want to achieve more. STAND offers students the opportunity to learn at their own pace while staying connected through live tutorials and virtual check-ins.

“Our ‘why’ is always our students,” says Kristi Kraychy, principal of STAND and STS Flex. “Flexibility should never mean disconnection.

Whether students are learning online, on campus or somewhere in between, they deserve to be seen, challenged and supported in both their passions and well-being.”

Throughout its deep-rooted history, STS aims to foster a community where students pursue lives of purpose and flourish emotionally, physically and intellectually, and the flexibility in its programs ensures students can do just that.

To learn more, visit strathconatweedsmuir.com.

Join us at our next

Coffee Morning

ESVP HEEE 82

ADVERTISING FEATURE

CONNECTION BEYOND BORDERS

Calgary French and International School shapes engaged global citizens with international experiences.

Many of us can feel disconnected from international events, but at Calgary French and International School (CFIS), students are personally tied to global affairs, making the world a smaller and more interconnected place.

At CFIS, global education and experiential learning make up large parts of the curriculum. Students receive top-tier education while living realworld experiences. The school offers opportunities to host international students and participate in exchanges and trips, while also presenting ample options for global conferences and networking possibilities.

Students put their multilingual knowledge into action with the Travel Studies program. Depending on grade levels, kids can participate in various trips to practice their French and Spanish while discovering new cultures.

CFIS encourages students to step out of their comfort zone, create cross-cultural connections and relish in their curiosities. In turn, they deepen their social responsibility and create positive change in local and international communities alike.

“Global education is all about preparing us for the complex challenges of the future; it’s essentially education to make the world a better place, which is why we become teachers in the first place,” says Chantalle Bourque, associate director of global education and experiential learning at CFIS. “We really see firsthand the impact that it has on the students to be curious about a new place, to be exposed to new ideas and to be inspired by people that they’ve met.”

By travelling the world, CFIS students develop skills and learn about new communities and cultures, interact in multiple languages and make a difference wherever they go.

To learn more, visit cfis.com.

French Immersion for eginners and Fluent Speakers 19 months to Grade 12 We are on our way to becoming the only

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A QUALITY CAMPUS TO MATCH QUALITY PROGRAMS Lycée international de Calgary’s renovations offer students a new building, revamped spaces and a unified campus.

Lycée international de Calgary has successfully completed a multi-year expansion, culminating in a modernized, spacious learning environment,

designed to match the high standard of its academic programs.

The centrepiece of the renovation is a new building for the school's maternelle (French for preschool and kindergarten). This significant addition was key to connecting the previously separated learning space, creating one cohesive campus for the youngest students to join the rest of the school.

The new space offers eight spacious classrooms for kids aged three to five and even has its own gym.

“The spaces are bigger and brighter. They're much more conducive to the type of learning environment that we want to provide,” says Stéphane Massinon, the school’s director of advancement. “The renovations really connect the school as one campus. Our goal is that kids will start at the maternelle and go all the way up to grade 12 with us.”

The school celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. As one of the oldest independent schools in the city and the only school in the province to offer a dual curriculum from France and Alberta, it continues to evolve to provide excellent student experiences.

Beyond the new building,

Lycée Calgary revamped exterior spaces, adding new play structures, a basketball court, a new field and parking.

“Having new modern spaces really means that our facilities can live up to the high value of our programs,” says Massinon. “The physical space now matches the quality of what we teach.

Together, it just To learn more, visit lycee.ca. makes for a really powerful force.”

WICYYC.CA 84

P H OTO G R A P H S BY M A R I A M A D I A L LO

ADVERTISING FEATURE

R I V E RWA L K I N M I S S I O N I S J U ST ONE OF SEVERAL RETIREMENT HOMES MAKING RESIDENTS’ G O L D E N Y E A R S T R U LY S H I N E .

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B Y S E A N P. Y O U N G

P H OTO COURTESY OF R IV ERWALK

etirement living in Calgary is changing. In the wake of the pandemic, seniors are seeking vibrant, socially connected communities that offer first-class amenities — residents want concierge service, but they also want choice and independence. Developers are responding to this demand, shifting from the traditional senior “facility” model in both construction and day-to-day operations.

More of today’s seniors are wiling to pay a premium for the ultimate luxury: living their golden years on their own terms.

Retirement, Reimagined: The Rise of ResortStyle Senior Living Calgary’s seniors are embracing a new type of retirement — one that offers five-star comfort and the freedom to design their daily routines.

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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I N S I D E O N E O F R I V E RWA L K ’ S O N E - B E D RO O M S U I T E S .

DID YOU KNOW?

IN 2021, 177,405 CALGARIANS WERE AGED 65 YEARS AND OVER, UP 28 PER CENT FROM 2016.

SOURCE: 2021 FEDERAL CENSUS

I N D E P E N D E N C E I S AT T H E CO R E O F R I V E RWA L K ’ S URBAN LIFESTYLE .

he desire for autonomy defines the seniors who call Riverwalk in Cliff Bungalow home. The 12-storey retirement residence offers an extravagant slice of inner-city living. Suites are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing stunning views of the Elbow River and downtown. The views from the building are matched by the vibrance and convenience of the surrounding neighbourhood.

“Riverwalk has a very high walkability score. Our residents love being close to coffee shops, restaurants and doctors’ offices,” says Sheri Brown, director of sales and

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marketing, Western Canada, at Verve Senior Living, Riverwalk’s parent company.

A scheduled series of events, from museum trips to in-house casino nights and themed entertainment options, keeps residents busy.

Riverwalk also includes two restaurants, a spa and hair salon, a private gym and a sweeping terrace. Family and friends can join in on the fun and even book a night in one of the building’s guest suites.

Suites are designed as full apartments complete with kitchenettes (and in-suite laundry in independent-living suites), so

residents can maintain familiar routines if they choose. Resident-led committees also help shape programming, deciding on outings or events that reflect the community’s interests. These touches keep independence at the core of Riverwalk’s urban lifestyle.

“We’re definitely like a cruise ship on land,” Brown says. “Our residents wake up each day and decide what they want to do — have a coffee with friends, join an activity, or just relax in their suite. And they gain independence because they no longer have to worry about groceries, cooking or housekeeping.”

“We’re definitely like a cruise ship on land.” — SHERI BROWN 86

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

P H OTOS COU RTESY O F RI VE RWA LK

Riverwalk

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LET’S GET LOUD! CRESCENDO returns with some of Alberta’s top talent, bringing your favourite pop and rock hits to life. Don’t miss an electrifying night in support of youth mental health!

Ignited by Keller Construction Ltd. Fueled by Ovintiv.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM Werklund Centre Jack Singer Concert Hall childrenshospital.ab.ca/crescendo

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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�ank you FOR YOUR SUPPORT

This year’s Top 7 Over 70™ Gala raised over $1,000,000 These funds support InterGen’s work helping Alberta’s next-generation entrepreneurs grow and scale through experienced mentorship and community connection, while also expanding the reach and impact of the Top 7 Over 70™ initiative.

We extend our congratulations to this year’s remarkable recipients—individuals who achieved extraordinary new accomplishments after the age of seventy and continue to inspire with their impact, innovation, and drive.

770 guests joined us to celebrate their achievements. Thank you to everyone who attended—and to the sponsors whose generosity makes this celebration possible.

The 2025 recipents of the Top 7 Over 70 Awards: (left to right) Dr. Marvin Fritzler, Esmail Bharwani, Lois Mitchell, Jackie Bromley, Alf Fischer and Gerry Darichuk; (seated) Dr. Neil Webber and Ron Freckleton.

Gold Sponsors

Coril Holdings • Bill & Ruth Kujat • MBS Capital Corp.

Silver Sponsors Tanya Eklund Group • Olympia Tust Company • Mawer • Keyera • Jayman Built • Rockwood Custom Homes • Archer Exploration • METI • Cenovus Energy • Jim Davidson • W. Brett Wilson • James K Gray

Presenting Partners Bronze Sponsors The Calgary Foundation • Academy of Aging • Age Care • Airsprint • ARC Financial Corp. • ATCO • Canadian Natural • The City of Calgary • Peak Cellars • FGS Longview • Heritage Park • University of Calgary • Longbow Capital • Maggnum Ventures • Peters & Co Limited • Remingston Development Corp • Arcurve • WCD • Rubellite • Strathcona Resources • Viewpoint • Alan & Shelly Norris • David Bissett • Clayton Feick • Zeidler Family • RonGhitter • Alfred Fisher • Brian & Stephanie Felesky • Bonnie Dupont & Barry Bultz

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We also acknowledge and thank our many Patron Sponsors and donors for helping make this event possible.

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

SENIOR LIVING

DID YOU KNOW?

IN 2021, THE AVERAGE RENT FOR SENIOR RESIDENCES IN CALGARY REACHED $4,140 PER MONTH. SOURCE: CMHC 2021 SENIORS’ HOUSING SURVEY

THE JOURNEY CLUB RESIDENTS H AV E A C C E S S TO W E S T M A N V I L L AG E , I N C L U D I N G T H E P O O L .

The Journey Club f an inner-city retirement doesn’t fit their vibe, seniors can look south to The Journey Club in Mahogany. The lakeside senior residence is one of five options in the larger resort-style community of Westman Village, which was awarded Best New Community in Canada in 2022 by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

Outside, pristine fountains and a lush courtyard create a peaceful atmosphere for lake walks and visiting the more than 20 nearby boutiques and restaurants. Inside, The Journey Club is attached to Westman Village’s 40,000-square-foot amenities centre, complete with a walking track, pool, woodworking shop and teaching kitchen.

P H OTO BY DUST IN H OF FE R / DE P ICT PH OTOGR APH Y

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“It really is an all-inclusive style of living,” says Jennifer Fulkerth, The Journey Club’s executive director. “You don’t really have to leave, and, if we don’t have it, we bring it in.”

That white-glove promise extends to seniors’ evolving care needs. Fulkerth says that, in the wake of COVID-19, seniors realized how much they value both social contact and the reassurance of care close at hand.

“People don’t want a facility, they want a community that adapts to them,” she says.

The Journey Club’s flexible wellness model is built around an age-in-place design. Residents and their families choose from curated wellness plans — whether

it’s independent living, assisted living or 24-hour memory care, the services come directly to the resident’s suite, so friendships and routines remain uninterrupted.

For dementia care, The Journey Club uses the acclaimed Butterfly Care model, which prioritizes emotional connection and a home-like atmosphere over clinical routines. A visit from chief happiness officer Henry, a trained black lab service dog, is also easy to arrange.

These choices are what set the community apart. Residents don’t give up control when they move in: they decide which supports to add and how to spend their days.

“People don’t want a facility, they want a community that adapts to them.” — JENNIFER FULKERTH AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

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SENIOR LIVING

DID YOU KNOW?

O R I G I N ’ S R E S I D E N T S E N J OY

THE NUMBER OF CANADIANS AGED 85 AND OLDER HAS DOUBLED SINCE 2001.

T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S W I T H C YC L I N G P RO G R A M S A N D M O R E .

SOURCE: 2021 FEDERAL CENSUS

O R I G I N ’ S T H E E V E R G R E E N S A LO N A N D S PA P RO V I D E S S E RV I C E S DESIGNED FOR SENIORS.

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uxury senior living anchored within

a larger resort-style community is also available outside Calgary.

In Canmore, Origin at Spring Creek is a seniors’ hub nestled in a mountain village of trails, condos and shops.

“We always joke that we’re in the heart of Canmore, because Spring Creek is literally in the centre of town,” says Origin at Spring Creek’s general manager, Michael Hay. Set against the Rockies, Spring Creek’s level pathways make everyday strolls accessible. Origin’s residents enjoy an active lifestyle, including cycling programs, guided walks and boat rides on Ghost Lake. Indoor

amenities include a spa and heated pool, art and activity studios, and a wellness-focused fitness centre.

What seniors truly value is the sense of belonging to the larger Canmore community, Hay says. At Spring Creek’s neighbourhood pub, The Mineshaft, located onsite and open to the public, Origin’s residents can mix with locals and tourists on packed Friday nights for live music.

Being part of a larger community applies to care, as well. Origin operates under a unique agreement with Alberta Health Services, which helps the seniors’ living centre staff registered nurses on-site around the

clock. Having public health-care oversight baked into a private operation is a key selling feature, especially after COVID-19.

Hay says the integration of lifestyle and personalized health care is what gives residents control and sets the bar for what they expect from Origin. They can live among neighbours, host family in a public space and manage health decisions without leaving their community.

“Our residents have high expectations.

They're not told to move here, they choose to live here,” says Hay. “The last great moment becomes the new standard, and then we raise the bar again.”

“Our residents have high expectations. They’re not told to move here, they choose to live here.” — MICHAEL HAY 90

JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

P H OTOS COU RTESY O F SP R IN G CR EE K

Origin at Spring Creek

LUKA COETZEE

AGING IN PLACE HomeFree helps seniors age in place while providing peace of mind. uxury in retirement has a simple definition: the freedom to age well, and affordably, in the house they already love.

That’s where HomeFree comes in.

“We are proving that we can get patients out of long-term care and hospitals in a way that benefits patients, families, the health system and care workers,” says Dr. Charles Wong, HomeFree’s co-founder and medical director.

As an ER doctor, Wong says hospitals and long-term care facilities are oversubscribed with patients who could safely return home. The problem lies in hospital beds being the one place where unscheduled care can be provided immediately.

He also says traditional home care is disconnected from physician care. Once the need for any medical involvement arises, the patient is usually deemed to have “failed” home care and sent to a facility.

HomeFree’s novel model of “medically supervised home care” starts with an in-home assessment by Wong, who can coordinate with the patient’s physicians to guide care. HomeFree then works with the patient and their family to create a comprehensive plan for medical needs.

Unlike traditional home care, HomeFree provides consistent caregivers who get to know the patient and are expertly trained in their health conditions, medications and preferences. Care is reviewed by Wong weekly.

HomeFree qualifies for Alberta’s new Client Directed Home Care Invoicing program. This allows families to direct publicly funded dollars to private providers of their choice, topping up a small amount to tailor their plan. Wong says the innovative funding model positions Alberta as a leader in Canada for reforming how we look after people in their homes.

“It’s a fundamental change to how care is administered,” says Wong. “Instead of the system deciding what you need, the patient decides for themselves.”

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AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

The Music of Hans Zimmer

Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery

It Takes Two: A Symphonic Collaboration

16 + 17 January

18 January

23 + 24 January

Vivek Shraya: One Night Only

Baroque at Bella with Camille Delaforge

Revolution: The Music of The Beatles

30 January

5 February

7 February

NATALIA PONOMARCHUK

JESSICA COTTIS

Romantic Ravel

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ in Concert

IX: Shostakovich

13 + 14 February

19, 20 + 21 February

27 + 28 February

Your Phil. Your Music.

Details and tickets at calgaryphil.com

SEASON SPONSOR

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Aging is different for everyone, and Calgary’s variety of vibrant communities, services and supports make it possible to get the personalized care seniors need to age well. From independent living to assisted care and memory care, as well as innovative health solutions, older adults and their families have options to ensure they find the best lifestyle for them. Read on to discover some of the ways seniors can live well in the city.

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I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y V E R O N I C A C O W A N ; AZAZE11O, FROM iSTOCK

AGING WELL

ADVERTISING FEATURE

BETTER VISION FOR HEALTHIER AGING

Mitchell Eye Centre’s intraocular lenses offer patients, especially seniors, a new lease on life with better vision that lasts a lifetime.

As we age, our vision declines. Because of this, many stop driving at night, read less and may experience an increased risk of falls and accidents. But it doesn’t have to be this way — there are rapidly improving solutions that can slow, or even stop, the decline in vision associated with aging. Specifically, intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Dr. Robert Mitchell IOLs are small lenses placed inside the eyes to replace the natural lens after cataract surgery or a vision correction procedure where the lens is removed. The new lenses restore clear vision, and thanks to new advances, the improved sight can last a lifetime.

IOLs have been around for a long time — first used in 1948 by Dr. Harold Ridley. Since then, they have steadily improved thanks to

new technologies, such as computerized eye measurements before surgery, allowing for customized lenses to perfectly fit a patient’s eye. The result? Patients now have excellent distance and reading vision that lasts a lifetime. With the modern evolution of the procedure, patients will no longer experience vision decline as they age, unless it is due to other conditions.

Patients can drive well into their later years, have fewer falls, and the resulting clearer vision may reduce the risk of dementia. “The elderly benefit from this new technology,” says Dr. Robert Mitchell, ophthalmologist at Mitchell Eye Centre.

“But the greatest beneficiaries will be those who today are in their 50s and 60s, who will be able to keep their good vision for life.”

Mitchell Eye Centre uses the latest, most innovative technology, including the advanced science of IOLs, ensuring patients thrive with clear vision at all stages of life.

To learn more, visit mitchelleyecentre.com.

C vis ’ Learn more about IOLs at Mitchell Eye Centre Trusted in Calgary since 1984

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

A JOURNEY TO BELONGING

Riverwalk Retirement Residence’s 90-Day Program provides structure and support to help residents feel truly at home.

Moving to a new home can be difficult, and the first few months are a pivotal time in the transition. At Verve Senior Living’s Mission location, Riverwalk Retirement Residence, the team works collaboratively to ensure every resident feels heard, valued and supported, especially during those early days, thanks to Verve’s 90-Day Program.

A significant part of the 90-Day program is family involvement — both the resident and their families are involved at every step of the way. “Families often know their loved ones best; their routines, preferences and what brings them comfort. By incorporating these insights from the very beginning, we can personalize each resident’s experience,” says Crystal Finnamore, community relations manager at Riverwalk.

Seven days before the move, the team meets with future residents and their families to coordinate logistics and curate a transition plan that works best for everyone. Within the first month of moving in, the Riverwalk team checks in to make sure residents are finding their rhythm and make any required adjustments. After 60 days at the residence, Riverwalk follows up for any necessary fine tuning and also arranges a

family-inclusive housewarming event to deepen the sense of belonging. At 90 days, it hosts a special celebration with family and friends to mark the 90-day milestone. Monthly family check-ins follow.

“Ultimately, the 90-Day Program lays the foundation for a successful, fulfilling and positive experience at Riverwalk, ensuring residents feel truly at home both emotionally and socially,” says Finnamore.

Riverwalk’s resident-centric philosophy guides its care — staff take an invested interest in individual needs and well-being, ensuring a real sense of belonging right from the beginning.

To learn more, visit verveseniorliving.com/riverwalk.

Retirement living, defined by you.

A FRESH START FOR THE NEW YEAR Discover how retirement living is inspired by you.

Experience comfort, connection, and freedom at Riverwalk.

BOOK YOUR PERSONAL TOUR TODAY OR JOIN US AT OUR HAPPY HOUR EVERY FRIDAY! 403-271-7244

Independent Living • Premium Assisted Living • Memory Living 94

ADVERTISING FEATURE

EXCEPTIONAL CARE IN RETIREMENT LIVING

PERSONALIZED CARE

Discover the reasons why families trust Aspira.

For seniors who wish to remain in charge of their lives, Aspira is a trusted leader in providing exceptional care along with a choice of lifestyles, including assisted or supportive living, and memory care.

“Our goal is for residents and families to feel connected, engaged, supported and valued,” says Meg Tuason, general manager of Aspira Britannia, Calgary’s Aspira location, nestled between Elbow Drive and Macleod Trail.

Here’s why families trust the care at Aspira.

Whether they’d like help getting ready in the morning, managing their medications or more, Aspira residents feel supported with care that’s respectful to their personal wishes and schedules.

PRIORITIZED WELLNESS Aspira’s holistic approach to wellness includes enriching activities, cultural excursions and a vibrant social atmosphere, all designed to support each senior’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive health.

FLEXIBLE SUPPORT As each senior’s needs change, so does their care. The professional staff at Aspira Britannia will provide the care and support each resident needs so they don’t have to worry about moving again.

CERTIFIED STAFF The health and well-being of every resident is overseen by a director of wellness, a registered nurse with specialized training in working with seniors. An LPN is also on duty 24/7, with emergency response pendants monitored on site.

To learn more about senior living at Aspira Britannia, visit aspiralife.ca.

750-49th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB aspiralife.ca

Assisted Living: Daily specialized care in the privacy of your suite.

Memory Care: Premium personalized care from certified experts in our dedicated Memory Care suites.

Long-Term Care Services: Expert 24/7 care for all your needs.

Respite Stay: Expert 24/7 care if you are recovering from illness or surgery.

Call 403-476-8992 to book a tour 95

T H E S A LT WAT E R P O O L AT T H E K E N R I C K .

NEW STAYS AMONG THE SUMMITS

New mountain hotels offer well-rounded experiences with relaxing pools, impressive restaurants, creative amenities and more.

T H E LO B BY AT T H E OT T E R H OT E L .

BY ALANA WILLERTON

or many, where they rest their head at the end of a long day in the mountains is just as important as what they do while they’re among the peaks.

A quality, comfortable place to sleep isn’t the only thing hotel guests are prioritizing these days, though. Many accommodations elevate the mountain experience further by offering rejuvenating pools, delicious dining experiences and fun amenities, all wrapped up in eye-catching spaces.

Here’s a look at some of the hotels bringing new life to the Rockies’ hospitality scene near Calgary.

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JAN UARY/FEBRUARY 2026

M O U N TA I N S

A BL ACK DIAMOND CLUB G U E ST R O O M .

T H E K E N R I C K P H O T O B Y A U D R E Y P E R E A ; O T T E R H O T E L P H O T O B Y R O A M C R E AT I V E ; B D C P H O T O B Y S H A W N TA L B O T

MOXY BANFF Between the retro mid-century modern design and some impressive property amenities, a stay at Moxy Banff — Marriott Bonvoy’s only Moxy Hotels location in Western Canada — is never boring. Moxy Banff is bursting with entertainment options like an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, a fitness centre, the bookable Voyager Room where guests can listen to vinyl records and watch movies, and food options from a ’66 VW Kombi food truck in the lobby. Those with outings planned can rent bikes from the hotel for $30 a day, or store their own gear in the bike, ski and snowboard locker room.

555 Banff Ave., Banff, 403-762-3301 marriott.com OTTER HOTEL Many Banff hotels have great views, but most of those views aren’t from a rooftop pool.

Enter Otter Hotel, Banff Caribou Properties’ newest hotel. Guests can head up to the roof to take in panoramic views of the peaks from the two hot pools or the cozy chairs around the fire pits. Inside, the Good Folk restaurant offers seasonal Canadian fare with dishes ranging from Alberta wild-boar chop to West Coast halibut. The hotel also makes it easy to get out and explore Banff with free Roam bus passes for guests.

1000, 600 Banff Ave., Banff, 403-760-8517 otterhotel.com THE KENRICK A stunning renovation has turned Banff’s High Country Inn into a new hotel destination.

Designed by Calgary’s Mera Studio Architects, The Kenrick exudes sophistication. The earthy green and warm wood tones create a blend of nature and luxury. The incredible design extends to the hotel’s pool area, which features a saltwater pool, a sauna and steam room, whirlpools, a cold plunge tub and cabana rentals. Guests can choose from the poolside drink and snack menu, dig into Italian cuisine at The Fat Ox on-site restaurant, or grab a drink at the hotel’s Analog Coffee shop (the first Banff location for the Calgary brand).

419 Banff Ave., Banff, 403-762-2236 thekenrickhotel.com

AV E N U E C A L G A RY. C O M

ON THE HORIZON The Rocky Mountains’ hospitality scene always has something new on offer, so mountain lovers can anticipate more refreshed additions to come.

BLACK DIAMOND CLUB AT POMEROY KANANASKIS MOUNTAIN LODGE The only thing better than one incredible mountain hotel is two incredible mountain hotels. Last year, Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge launched its “resort-withina-resort concept” with the Black Diamond Club, a luxurious new expansion with 71 guest rooms beside the main lodge. Guests can tuck into a morning breakfast buffet, afternoon snacks, evening desserts and more as part of their exclusive Black Diamond Lounge access.

There’s even an adventure concierge who can help with special adventures and experiences.

1 Terrace Dr., Kananaskis, 403-591-7711 blackdiamond.lodgeatkananaskis.com

The Alexander Hotel will bring a new adults-only wellness experience to Canmore when it opens beside The Malcolm Hotel in 2027. The luxury spa hotel promises to be an exciting new addition, with features ranging from a rooftop pool to a full-service spa.

The Rimrock Resort Hotel is undergoing renovations that will set the stage for a mountainside infinity pool, saunas, meditation rooms, fresh dining experiences and more. The hotel, which recently became an Emblems Collection property, is slated to reopen in summer of 2026.

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CITY HACK

Can I recycle this?

Get the scoop on Calgary’s residential recycling program.

BY VIANCY SALUBRE ILLUSTRATION BY JARETT SITTER

B

lue carts have become a fixture in back lanes and driveways across the city. Calgarians in more than 365,000 households have been tossing their residential recycling into The City of Calgary’s Blue Cart recycling program every week for nearly 17 years. Still, many of us aren’t sure if we’re getting it right. Here are some answers to common recycling conundrums.

Q

Do recyclables actually get recycled?

“The answer is, with a giant exclamation mark, yes!" says Sharon Howland, leader of program management with the City’s Waste and Recycling unit. More than 55,000 tons of materials are recycled through the program per year. The City works with partners to manage, sort and market the recyclable materials back into the circular economy. “These organizations want to make sure that your recyclables are turned into something new. We're not just collecting to throw in the landfill,” she says.

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Q

What are common recycling mistakes?

Around 15 per cent of unrecyclable materials are diverted from blue carts each year. Items like toys, garden hoses and chip bags should go in the garbage. Among the most harmful contaminants are batteries and devices that contain them. “A lot of people don't realize that a battery can cause a fire because it still contains energy,” says Howland.

To safely dispose of batteries, go to recycleyourbatteries.ca or visit a City Eco Centre — where you can also recycle clothing and textiles, which are other items commonly misplaced in blue carts. Check the What Goes Where search tool (calgary.ca/waste/ what-goes-where) for how to properly recycle, compost and dispose of hundreds of items.

Q

If I don’t clean my peanut butter jar, am I contaminating my whole blue cart?

Recyclables need to be empty, clean and dry so they can be sorted properly at the recycling facility and so they don't get other recyclables wet and dirty. This ensures that manufacturers receive quality

recyclables. That said, your jar doesn’t have to be spotless. Just scrape out the food bits, then rinse with water. And the City does sort items to remove items that are dirty or not recyclable.

Q

What about pizza boxes?

Clean pizza boxes are recyclable. Dirty pizza boxes and liners go in compost carts. Either way, flatten them.

Q

Does it really matter if we put the wrong items in recycling?

The beauty of Calgary’s Blue Cart program is its simplicity — everything acceptable goes in one bin. But putting in the wrong items can jam equipment, create safety risks and spoil good recyclables, sending them to the landfill instead. So yeah, it matters.

For more info, download the Calgary Garbage Day app at calgary.ca/waste/residential/blue-cart.

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