ISSUE 1 | JULY 2021
If we can see past preconceived limitations then the possibilities are endless
EDITOR'S NOTE Welcome to the very first issue of Ross Magazine. This is an exciting time. Within these pages you will discover exceptional people, learn about dynamic businesses, admire extraordinary lifestyle and savour fabulous real estate. You are going to get a little closer to people from all walks of life and step by step we are going to get to know each other. The creation of the premiere issue of Ross Magazine was a project filled with possibility. I feel truly thrilled and honoured to take the reins as editor. Possibility is everywhere. It's the common thread that holds these stories together. Possibility is always on the other side of passion. It’s this that drives the success of the 100-year-old business, maintains the roots of creative discipline, incorporates ingenuity in the face of failure, or propels us to keep standing up when life arrives with new adversity. It’s the running of that last mile, it’s showing up and it’s showing yourself, even when the doubt creeps in. “If we all did the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” ― Thomas A. Edison
As we begin to slowly shake off the 2020 Pandemic, our world teeters between what has been and what is coming. What other changes will 2021 bring? Our team intends to find out and to shed light on Canadian stories that will inspire and ignite us all as we move forward. So buckle up, this is going to be an engaging ride. DANIELLE ROURKE Editor-In-Chief
ROSS MAGAZINE EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTORS
Danielle Rourke Brigit Lister Danielle Rourke Cindy Stephen Mario Toneguzzi James Clarke-Lister Brigit Lister Danielle Rourke
ROSSMAGAZINE.COM
Editorial Inquiries Contact: danielle@rosspavl.com
03 Editor's Note 07 Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth 15 Passion Behind the Paint 27 Teatros's Newest Charms 31 Luxury Landscapes 40 The Light Beneath 49 Timelessly True 56 Alberta Advantage 73 Calgary's Oldest Jewel 79 Notable 86 Where Art Lives 91 Getting Local with Soko
THE GREATEST OUTDOOR S H O W O N E A R TH
A Testament to our Western Heritage Words by James Clarke-Lister
The lingering smells of the midway filling the air with temptation, the vibrant entertainment, the parade, the rides, extraordinary fireworks, daring rides, Pow Wow dances, chuck wagon racing and the world's largest outdoor Rodeo… what comes to mind when YOU think of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth? In the heart of downtown, hundreds of thousands of guests visit from all over the world each July to experience the ‘10 Days of Madness’ or what Calgarians proudly call the Stampede. It’s an annual presence spanning two world wars, the Great Depression and the 2013 flood. It was cancelled only once due to the 2020 pandemic. Returning this year, the 2021 Stampede will bring a slightly different on-Park experience. Either way, Calgary’s most famous celebration continues, recognising our western heritage, culture and community spirit, while significantly contributing to the city’s economic development. From its inauguration over a century ago, the Stampede one experiences today is vastly different. In light of Canada’s recent National Aboriginal Awareness campaign and reconciliation process, it’s even more important to acknowledge and celebrate the distinct, diverse cultures, languages, and traditions that significantly contributed to its success. The First Nations people play a key role in the legacy of the Calgary Stampede.
A magazine is a publication, usually a First Nation traditional aboriginal culture and periodical publication, which is printed or heritage was the primary (sometimes driving force of electronically published referred to as an online magazine). tourist attraction from the Stampede’s Magazines are generally published on a inception. Our colonial past is filled with regular schedule and contain a variety of government legislation and church leaders content. They are generally financed by of who often restricted or contested the role advertising, a purchaseinprice, by First Nationsbyparticipation the Stampede. prepaid or a blatant combination of History subscriptions, explains this unjust the three. At itswas root, the demonstrated word "magazine" discrimination often under refers to a of collection or storage location. In the guise agricultural and harvest the case of written publication, it is a concerns. The “education and reform” collection of written articles. This explains mandates of the Indian Affairs department why magazine publications share the strictly opposed the showcasing of the word root with gunpowder magazines, culture and customs for entertainment. artillery magazines, firearms magazines, Fortunately, it wasn’t a one-sided argument. and, in French, retail stores such as Despite the tensions that have taken place department stores. A magazine is a throughout Stampede's history, many people publication, usually a periodical in both political andisreligious were publication, which printedcircles, or against such discriminatory perspectives. electronically published (sometimes These groups fought for First Nations referred to as an online Peoples to have equal inclusion in the magazine). Magazines are generally Stampede.on a regular schedule and published contain a variety of content. They are In 1886 Calgary wasby quickly becoming generally financed advertising, by a purchase price, prepaid subscriptions, recognized as anby up-and-coming agricultural or a combination of the was three. At its root, hub. Agricultural growth a key industry the word "magazine" to acalled collection here at the time. Thus,refers an event the or storage location. In the case of written Agricultural Exhibition commenced, one that publication, a collection of written would serve itasisthe primary stepping stone to articles. This later explains why the magazine what would be called Calgary publications share the word root.500 people Stampede & Exhibition. With just in attendance, the Exhibition was formed courtesy of the Calgary District and Agricultural Society.
The mid-'50s to '60s represented a buoyant decade of growth and a love affair for the Stampede courtesy of Hollywood's 'Wild West' boom, which inevitably made its way into the festival and transformed it. The CanadianWestern frontier shifted, and agriculture was no longer the forerunner. This Wild West surge played a momentous role in attracting enormous amounts of attention. The '50s brought in many prominent faces like Roy Rogers and Walt Disney. Calgary's population nearly doubled with the baby boom, adding to the rapidly growing number of Stampeders. In 1976, attendance broke one million participants, and by 2019, attendance sat at 1,275,465 - quite the growth relative to 1884. As the years go on, First Nations peoples remain a central part of the Calgary Stampede. The relationship between the Blackfoot: Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda: Bearspaw, Chiniki Wesley First Nations and the Stampede organizers is mostly positive.
That’s not to say the relationship has not had considerable tension. Issues such as the original location of the Elbow River Camp have been resolved. Originally situated on low-lying ground and frequently flooded in Calgary’s notorious summer downpours, it was moved back to its original location in 1974. Grievances about low fees paid to tipi owners, lack of input related to their participation and accusations of exploitations were rampant. Today, the Elbow River Camp, formerly known as the Indian Village, renamed in 2018, remains one of the most favourable exhibits. It includes sporting events, traditional dance, tipi raising, children’s races, hand games, demonstrations of cooking, tanning, beading and more. All of the nations of the Treaty 7 run the Elbow River Camp and work together to erect tipis, organize pow wows, re-enact elements of their traditional lifestyle and offer arts and crafts. The tipi owners have been long-term participants, many are third or fourth generation.
With record breaking numbers of participants from all over the world, the Stampede’s public interest has only continued to grow year-by-year. Despite areas of controversy that have risen during the Stampede’s transformations over the last century, one could agree that this yearly festive ritual should continue to bare roots in fun, unity, education, and inclusion for all. These 10 days are an opportunity to get outside, enjoy some sun, and spend time with our loved ones. It’s also a time to be curious about Western-Canadian history, to learn and to observe with emphasis the cultural roots and heritage of First Nations Peoples the bearers of the land. The First Nations culture is a key element in the success of the Stampede, and it should be honored this way. It is unlikely without this culture and mystique that it could have ever become the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
CALGARY STAMPEDE JULY 9-18, 2021 calgarystampede.com
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This intrigue of the equine world, the aesthetic and historical significance of horses, and all things Western continues to fuel his world. He is renowned for his typically large scale paintings, many of which contain the horse. The horse represents many things to Paul including beauty, passion, strength and nobility. His process for equine paintings, and all of his paintings, is one that seeks to truly capture the essence of his subject. A large painting simulates the heroic scale of a horse and its powerful essence, its muscle structure, its flowing mane and tail. Although Western themes and images routinely take centre stage, Paul paints many diverse subject matters including Flamenco and ballet dancing, figurative, nudes and his powerful First Nation portraits. It is easy to understand why he always has ‘100 paintings haunting’ in his head. Artist Paul Van Ginkel’s describes his creative life as one gigantic canvas, the lessons, the losses, the loves, are all part of the paint.
"To me, success in the arts is creating full time for the rest of my life, being rich and famous doesn’t interest me.” A Rich Tradition 70 X 40 oil painting by Paul Van Ginkel, 2008
Paul has sincerity and a realness to him
He deals directly with his valued collectors,
that’s often hard to find. You could
developing many lifelong friendships along
describe him as genuine, down to earth
the way. His work/life balance is consistent
and even humble. He has a firm no excuses
and disciplined and he stays true to
attitude when it comes to his unwavering
‘turning off the taps’ so to speak each day
devotion and disciplined work ethic. ‘It
around 5:00. Well, most days. Life happens
might not always be a perfect day, there
and whatever the situation may be, his
are days when you are on and days when
goals remain the same, ‘to me, success in
you are not, but the most important thing
the arts is creating full time for the rest of
is that you show up.’ In addition to
my life, being “rich and famous doesn’t
operating his business, he typically spends
interest me.” His main career objective is to
5-6 intense hours of studio painting per
sell his work on a consistent basis so he
day, entirely devoted to one incredible
can continue painting “until my last
painting at a time. “I know it’s done when I
breath.’
can stare at it and there is nothing else to do to improve it.” Painting hours are calculated each day on the side of the canvas, a tally that will be recorded when the painting is complete. Paul knows what each of his pieces mean to him and recognizes how fascinating and humbling it is to discover what the painting means to someone else.
"I know it’s done when I can stare at it and there is nothing else to do to improve it.” Posse Paradise 42 X 72 oil painting by Paul Van Ginkel, 2020
“In addition to creating and supporting the arts, we also have to be mindful of the influence of art. The artist must not be reckless and irresponsible with their creative expressions because art is potentially a powerful and influential vehicle on society and thinking.”
- ARTIST PAUL VAN GINKEL
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Paul Van Ginkel averaged around 90 paintings per year, however, since his work in now larger and with more detail it's now about 50. “The best way for me to get to know a subject is to paint it." Life experience is plenty. His expressive and often moving paintings are a record of his real life experiences and the intimate connection he has to his subjects. He absorbs them. Whether it’s spending time with the cowboys of western Canada, attending a Pow Wow in Santa Fe, or participating in a sweat lodge with First Nation elders in Arizona, he connects with them. Over the course of a 3 day photo shoot he can take upwards of 4,000 photographs. These images return with him to his studio where he uses them as reference to capture and convey them into the canvas. Paul has devoted his life to creating images of the subjects he so passionately explores. ‘I am never preoccupied with the technique, rather I allow the painting’s subject, expression and voice to dictate the type of “visual life” it should have. I feel each painting is a creative expression similar to a piece of music, dance performance or poetry. For me, the symbolic ritual of signing the painting represents the completion of the creation, however, also the beginning of its long journey through an unknown future.' Shaman 30 X 22 oil painting by Paul Van Ginkel, 2009
Mountain Magic 60 X 45 oil painting by Paul Van Ginkel, 2021
Add body text
Calgary is clearly a strong market for Paul’s Western paintings. This year he proudly celebrates 18 years of art exhibition at the Stampede.
Paul asks for your help to raise awareness and much needed money for our beloved Canadian Indigenous community by purchasing one of his prints.
Experience Paul Van Ginkel’s captivating art for yourselves at this year’s show, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 9th to 18th, Hall E of the BMO Centre on the Stampede Grounds (booth #34 in the NW corner of the Hall).
He invites you to donate directly to these charities:
Paul continues to be passionate about First Nation topics, continually looking for inspiration from the past, present and future. He has recently set up an Indigenous Fundraiser to honour the 215 Indigenous children discovered in unmarked graves at the former residential school in Kamloops, B.C. He began this fundraiser on June 16th and the goal is to raise $46,000 by selling 215 prints for $215 (minimum).
Indian Residential School Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca Legacy of Hope Foundation: https://legacyofhope.ca T k̓ emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops Band): tkemlups.ca Despite being on all Social Media platforms, the best source for his work is his website PaulVanGinkel.com. Wild Hearts 40 X 60 oil painting by Paul Van Ginkel, 2020
Brotherhood 60 X 42 oil painting by Paul Van Ginkel, 2020
Playing in the Highwood
60 x 40 Oil Painting
by Paul Van Ginkel
Tidal Wave of Horsepower
58 x 78 oil painting
by Paul Van Ginkel, 2019
NEWEST CHARMS
Vendome has adapted well to the changing needs of its Calgary community and loyal clientele, something that stems from Teatro Group’s commitment to community and excellence. When it closed down for a large renovation back in 2019, the idea was to give the restaurant a new and fresh look that aligned with the rest of the Teatro Group family of restaurants. Headed up by Chef Alejandro Buzzalino, the restaurant now boasts a mediterranean-inspired menu with fresh starters, shareables and mains. To accompany its new menu, the Teatro Group has curated an extensive beverage program that has Calgarians coming back for more, all-year round. Holy Cow YYC is the Teatro Group’s newest addition that opened back in August 2020—an old-school donut and gelato shop located just next door to Vendome. This new locale brings a fun and fresh element to the group, appealing to the rising youth and nostalgic generations. This location is known for many of the most inventive gelato and donut flavours in Calgary, most notably, the everything bagel-inspired donut named “You’re My Everything”.
On top of this savoury adventure, Holy Cow most recently introduced mouthwatering burgers, delicious hot dogs and crispy fries to their menu. Now, Calgarians can enjoy gelato, donuts and burgers all under one roof, all year round. On June 4, 2021, Holy Cow celebrated National Donut Day with a “Good in the Hood” prize wheel that promoted offerings from a number of community members located in the Kensington and Sunnyside neighbourhoods. By the end of the day, Holy Cow had sold out of donuts and strengthened the local community by supporting neighbouring businesses. The Teatro Group is ready to keep the momentum going with many more fun events, including a summer rose event by the name of Rosé Bébé. All of these signal a move toward normalcy after a year of too few events, one that Calgarians have happily and cautiously embraced. After a trying and difficult year, the Teatro Group is illustrating that progress is possible with the existence of community.
LUXURY LANDSCAPES CREATING BEAUTY FOR 45 YEARS Paul McGoey began Sundance Landscaping in 1977. This award winning design and construction firm has been building dreams ever since. With a specialty in high-end custom residential landscape architecture, Sundance Landscaping is renowned for working with custom homes in Calgary and the surrounding foothills. Over the last 45 years, Sundance has designed and built more than 500 custom landscape projects with construction budgets ranging from $50,000 to $1.5 million.
Paul's designs and visions for each project, combined with a dedicated and loyal team, is at the heart of Sundance's success. Paul McGoey has built a dynamic and experienced team of landscape designers and construction specialists, many of whom have been with the company over 20 years.
With a specialty in high-end landscape design and construction, Sundance can do just about anything. Highly qualified craftsmen, stonemasons, equipment operators and carpenters, have the expertise and equipment to professionally construct and install all aspects of landscape construction.
Several projects have appeared on TV shows and in numerous publications, won awards and were the site of many fundraising auctions. A residence was recently featured in Best Home Magazine. Another residence appeared on HGTV in 2004. One residence appeared in Alberta Gardener's Beautiful Gardens in 2006 and won the Calgary Horticultural Society Awards for Best Outdoor Living (first prize), Best Water Garden (first prize), Best Open Large Garden (first prize), and Best Perennial Garden (second prize). Another residence was the site of "Wheels for the World", raising money for Aids relif in Africa.
You need a well designed plan for your outdoor living environment. There are several elements that go into creating the ideal 'outdoor room'. This exterior extension of the home should be inspird and reflect the timeless and distinct character of your home. "Simplify, simplify, simplify." -Henry David Thoreau "One 'simplify' would have sufficied." - Ralph Waldo Emerson, in response
If you want a professional job that looks timeless and is built to last, you have to use the highest quality materials and the best professionals to install them. Find out more at www.sundancelandscaping.ca
www.sundancelandscaping.ca
WORDS BY DANIELLE ROURKE
THE LIGHT BENEATH A GLIMPSE INTO THE WORLD OF ARTIST EDWARD MICHELL
HIS SECRET? HARNESSING THE CONTRADICTION BETWEEN THE LIGHT AND THE DARK World renowned, Calgary born artist, Edward Michell has been revealing the light amidst darkness for decades. His backdrop, challenging and thick like toffee. It contradicts the rules. It’s unprecedented. Edward Michell couldn’t be more pleased. Edward Michell was always creative. From junior high, to high school, to part time evening classes at ACAD, he saw art everywhere. A scholarship to Ryerson College in Toronto led to fine art education in France. It was here where Edward could freely explore painting and design. Art education was less rigid here and the museums and wealth of history magnificent. After 2 years in France, armed with classical art and art history, Edward returned home to Canada. This is when things started to get really interesting. Edward has reached a renowned global audience for over 35 years. This includes celebrity collectors, billionaires, Fortune 500 companies, museums, politicians and long lists of corporate collectors from across Europe, Asia, North America and beyond. His solo shows frequently sell out. His wait lists are long and his drying times are even longer. His secret? Harnessing the contradiction between the light and the dark.
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Edward Michell fuses an array of distinct, unique, natural materials that work together to create his transcendental abstract art pieces. The dark base is made from Bitumen, the tar from the oil sands of Alberta. He uses age-old techniques and locally sourced products to create his natural paints. Blue paint from blueberries, pinks from raspberries and beets, greens from the natural pigments extracted from grasses and leaves. Edward brings in the light with crushed gold, silver and diamonds. It all begins with the spreading of the bitumen across the canvas using large palette tools and sticks. After it dries, it is varnished, revealing what he describes as a ‘rainbow of darkness’. The primary colors are added, and the precious metals are sprinkled on top while it dries.
NATURAL PAINTS HAVE BEEN AROUND SINCE THE DAWN OF MAN This magical, multi-layered composition ofB natural textures can take up to 1½ years to dry. Edward explains that natural paints have been around forever since the dawn of man. He remains inspired by cave paintings made with charcoal iron oxide, handmade paint and blood. In his very first series of paintings, he used ox blood, the same material that was historically used by cave men. Using this controversial, yet historically accurate material for painting became the catalyst for Edward’s most memorable show.
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He shared with me this story. It was his first series, it was 35 years ago and Edward was keenly aware that he was one of the youngest artists at the show. It was a huge legendary show in Seattle called the Pacific Rim Art Show. He took a few of his newly created paintings, the ones composed of the primitive oxide charcoal, natural colors and the ox blood. He set up his big booth in preparation for the weekend show, and waited for the VIP Charity evening to begin. Tuxedos, black ties, wealthy business owners, community leaders and Bill Gates were set to arrive. These were the people who would be looking for art here, art that they could donate to a non-profit hospital, children’s foundation or other worthy organization. Edward quickly realized his material list wasn’t going well with the audience.
The ox blood was quickly becoming an issue. From proclaiming to see Satan within the pieces, to running out of the booth, to literally taking a piece off of the wall and subsequently destroying it right in front of him, you could say that sales weren’t going too well and this was only day one. On day two, once again, people initially adored and complimented the artwork, but as soon as they got close enough to the materials list, they abruptly and often rudely, left. Edward defended his choice of materials by pointing out that blood has historically been used in many famous paintings, such as those of Artist Van Gogh and Rembrandt. There were several paintings in the world famous Louvre in France and the Gallery in London. None of this seemed to matter and Edward was not selling a single painting.
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Thankfully for Edward, he had other plans. He had to. He needed to pay for his $4000 entrance fee to the show and for his hotel room, and he really didn’t want to hitch hike home to Canada. Though little money at the time, he was rich with imagination. Edward went to ‘cash corner’ in Seattle, handing out cardboard signs that read ‘Edward Michell - Serial Killer on Canvas.’ Other signs read ‘Shame Shame Shame Killing Animals for Your Art.’ He made 10 signs and hired 10 people to protest his own show. He called the media, desperately explaining that there was a crazy Canadian man who paints with blood, and that a riot was ensuing at Seattle Centre over his paintings. The radio stations and TV stations quickly began covering the show, creating enough of a buzz that every single one of those paintings sold that day.
This move took a lot of guts so to speak. But for the artist who’s often described as one who ‘paints with the guts of the land’, it fits. Edward has not used blood since. Nowadays, you can find Edward at one of his three full time open-air studios in Calgary, Dallas or Seattle. He has a number of corporate museum commissions that will be released in Texas. He says he’s very proud of these large-scale paintings, one 30‘ x 40‘, the other 15‘ x 45. Edward creates a dynamic new art collection series every year and a half. Each collection has a new style and look, still using age-old materials and natural elements from Canada
His new 2021 art series called the Joy series. Edward explains he paints for himself and for his own pleasure. His collection of new paintings is based around his perception of joy. It’s about finding joy in all parts of life, the dark times and good times. The new collection has incredibly bright colours themes and tones that are incredibly happy to look at. Multiple washes, the glazes in gold and silvers, and the natural paints overlapping the oil sands of Alberta, is truly a sense of optimism and happiness on canvas. Edward explains that some of the joy series is also very dark. He reminds us that ‘there is the Yin and the Yang, the night and the day, the joy and the sadness. They go hand-in-hand. They both must intertwine so that one benefits the other. Even in my dark paintings joy comes through, hidden behind the blackness of the tar sands oil, creeping out into our hearts to know that this too shall pass and the sun again will shine. We will go on with our lives, whatever a journey brings us, good or bad."
“I am inspired by the darkness. It goes hand in hand with the light. However dark the days may feel, there is joy hidden behind the blackness. This too shall pass and the sun will shine again. We will go on. It’s all in how we perceive it.”
- EDWARD MICHELL
At 62, Edward feels strong in both body and imagination. Like most people who go to work each day, he feels honoured that he considers his more play. Although there are times when he will paint for 20 hours straight, for the most part Edward keeps a standard schedule. While he’s met thousands of people a day at the biggest art shows in New York and LA, Edward Michell describes himself as a mostly shy person. ‘I am an extravert covering up a very introverted person’. He doesn’t smoke, he has never been drunk and Edward doesn’t drink coffee or tea. Ice cream is his self-described addiction and he is usually in bed by 10.
He reminds us all that, “Art is everywhere in our lives, in the beauty of a canvas, the beauty of nature, the beautiful flower, the beauty of our friendship, a family member. Open your eyes and your heart and always look at the beautiful things. Surround yourself by unique and beautiful things that touch your soul. Life is very short and life is to be learned. Honour this world and the beauty of creation and all levels.” Edward Michell is currently on a tour called Big Art for Big Walls. All the pieces in his Joy series are huge, ranging between 6’ x 4’, 6’ x 8’ and 12’ x 8’. Whenever he has a new collection of paintings, the show always starts in Calgary. This year it begins at the Calgary stampede exhibition, then moves on to Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver, Seattle and finishes up in October in Los Angeles. www.edwardmichell.com
TIMELESSLY TRUE It was 1955. Calgary was quickly becoming the fastest growing city in all of Canada. Oil and gas was booming, agricultural businesses were expanding, and populations were doubling. Markets of all shapes and sizes were evolving. For one man, the underdeveloped restaurant market became the ultimate opportunity. Armed with an entrepreneurial spirit, $20,000, and knowing next to nothing about the business, Hy Aisenstat bravely opened the first Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar. Barb Steen, Hy’s current general manager of Calgary’s oldest restaurant explains, “The restaurant’s success started with Hy himself.
By Danielle Rourke
He was a larger than life personality who was a welcome face in the restaurant. His wife Barbara was lovely and always very kind to all the staff. Hy’s natural charm and gregarious personality, combined with Chef Fritz Dobernig and then girlfriend, later turned wife, Barbara Mathewson, drove this path to success. Word of mouth and clever remedies of initial short comings paved the way for the following 65 years of Hy’s legacy. Throughout the next 20 years, the team opened more than 10 additional locations across North America including Beverly Hills, Chicago, Saskatoon and Victoria. Today the focus is on the Canadian market where you’ll discover five Hy’s Steakhouse locations in Calgary, Vancouver, Whistler, Winnipeg and Toronto.
Hy’s popularity grew steadily and the restaurant became known for their impeccable service and exceptional fine dining. Hy’s Calgary has welcomed many famous guests over the years. Actors Tom Selleck, Vincent Price, Rue McCelland, Luke Perry, Sam Sheppard, Burton Cummings and John Cleese have all dined here. A late night visit after his concert by Julio Iglesias was a memorable highlight for general manager Barb Stern. She agreed when his manager called and asked them to stay open late that night. “He walked through the door, walked straight over to me, and gave me a big kiss.”
He was incredibly gracious, generously appreciating and thanking all the staff. Julio is not alone. Musicians, politicians, athletes, and high profile businesspeople have all been dedicated guests here over the years. Barb says that one of the reasons celebrities enjoy visiting Hy’s so much is their discretion. Celebrities can keep a low profile and privacy is respected. But it’s more than celebrities who make Hy’s Calgary special. Hy’s guests are the core of everything they do. Generations of family members celebrating engagements, birthdays and anniversaries have made them family. It doesn’t stop here.
The veteran servers and staff who are proud to work here have hundreds of years of hospitality service. They are the heart of Hy’s. Chef Gary Campbell is one of them. Gary started as a Sous Chef in 1997, and his passion and talent was obvious. He moved onto the floor as a dining room manager, giving him the opportunity to see exactly how the front of house worked. Gary became Hy’s Chef in 2000 and served there until the previous Calgary location closed at the end of 2006, and returned once the new location opened.
Hy’s utilizes the original Eaton’s revolving door and sidewalk canopy as a separate street entrance. Alternately, one can use the interior mall entrance in The CORE, which provides direct access to the Plus 15. Near Holt Renfrew and next door to Brooks Brothers, the new restaurant offers 270 seats, a sleek bar, cocktail lounge, patio and numerous private and semiprivate dining options.
A Hy’s dining experience is luxurious and indulgent. The beautiful new Calgary location opened in 2014. It’s 10,200 square feet at street level with soaring windows fronting on both 8th Avenue and 3rd Street.
The dining experience here remains nothing short of spectacular, starting with its timeless atmosphere. Hy’s rich history is balanced with a classic contemporary décor, luxuriously draped in red velvet, custom millwork, antique brass, deep wood grains, dark leathers, white linens, fine cutlery, exquisite glassware and ambient lighting.
The famous, iconic, charcoal grill takes center stage in the main dining room. This stunning centerpiece is housed in a beautiful circular glass surround and guests can watch as their perfectly aged Canada Prime Steaks are prepared. The menu is modern and creative, with its cornerstone being Alberta Prime Beef, the top graded beef in all of Canada, sourced right here in High River, Alberta. The traditional selection of hand-cut filets, New Yorks, and Porterhouse are accompanied by the luxury table side service. Dishes prepared right at yout table by expert servers include the traditional Hy’s Caesar salad, flambéed steak Diane, chateaubriand, and bananas foster for dessert.
Choose a fabulous hand-crafted cocktail or a wine from their Wine Spectator awarded list which includes extensive, sommelier-selected, vintages. Try the irresistible since 1955 cheese toast or the freshest sourced seafood including Atlantic lobster and salmon, sablefish, fresh oysters, jumbo prawns and scallops, crab cakes and more. Dive into the black & blue Ahi tuna with Hy’s own smoky cajun seasoning, a double-cut Berkshire pork chop or roast rack of lamb. The vegetarian meatloaf is a delicious non-meat option and the vegan bowl is a powerhouse of flavour, served with tamarind curry sauce and house made mango chutney. If a restaurant can have a hometown, that’s what Calgary is for Hy’s. Whether you come in for the lounge/patio happy hour with live music, weekday lunch, a private event or the ultimate intimate dinner, this proudly historic gem will provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.
June statistics from the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) show that the average price of apartmentstyle condominiums in Calgary is sitting at $260,000 while the average single-family home price is hovering at just under $500,000. These prices are before GST and of course, part of the Alberta Advantage is that there is no Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
OUT OF PROVINCE INVESTORS WILL SAVE
ALBERTA ADVANTAGE WRITTEN BY CINDY STEPHEN
The Alberta Advantage still prevails when it comes to investing in real estate. Whether single or multi-family, residential real estate sales in Calgary, the fourth largest city in Canada, remains robust due in part to affordability and reasonable taxes. Alberta was the first Canadian province to fully re-open, post-COVID and has also possessed a can-do attitude.
One can only speculate how far out from Toronto or Vancouver one would need to go to find equally affordable opportunities. Out-of-province investors will save on the purchase price, which in turn translates to lower mortgage payments, which can be offset by a tenant. Calgary is currently enjoying falling vacancy rates. The average monthly rent in Calgary in July 2021 was $2.30 per square foot (rentals.ca).
The city’s population has increased the first six months of 2021 due in part to international immigration and the arrival of new Canadians. All looking for homes. Despite the ups-and-downs of recent years, Calgarians still have the largest household income in the country at well over $90,000 annually. Calgary also boasts one of the youngest populations among Canada’s major urban centres, with 70.2% of residents ages 15 to 64 (according to the 2016 Census). The city is a major distribution hub in Western Canada for a large number of corporations with access to regional and global markets. Like Alberta itself, Calgary’s economy is diversifying and rapidly adapting to market conditions, emerging energy fields and high-tech industries. The recent announcement of the highspeed rail line linking Calgary to the provincial capital in Edmonton gives rise to renewed optimism in Calgary.
For information on investment opportunities in Calgary, contact: ROSS PAVL ELITE GROUP rosspavl.com
ROSS PAVL ELITE GROUP
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CALGARY'S OLDEST JEWEL UNCOVERING J. VAIR ANDERSON JEWELLERS It was 1909, it was Montreal, and it was where it all began. J. Vair Anderson was a young man, patiently completing his training to become a watchmaker. After skilfully completing his mission, he soon excitedly boards a train heading west. Originally on route to Vancouver and California, he makes a stop in Calgary to visit his uncle Harry Anderson. He never leaves. Once in Calgary, J.Vair is introduced to DE Black, one of the city’s first notable jewellers. Immediately struck by J. Vair’s talent, Black quickly offers him a spot on his very first jewellery bench. Knowing a good opportunity when he found one, J. Vair spent the next few years with working with Black then Birks, learning the ropes of the business inside and out. Dreams came true in 1925, when J. Vair officially opened what is today considered Calgary’s oldest luxury jewellery store, J.Vair Anderson Jewellers. Downtown Calgary has been home to J.Vair over the span of 9 decades of Canadian history. They’ve seen it all. From the great depression, to the Second World War, the BOOM and the Bust of the oil industry, to a global pandemic, J. Vair has remained. Decades of devotion later, this successful generational business is almost 100 years old.
“IF IT WAS EASY, THERE WOULD BE A LOT MORE IN IT.” - J. VAIR ANDERSON ON 70+ YEARS OF SUCCESS
Originating on 8th Ave in the original Bay building, the store has been on 1st St, TD Square Mall, and now its current location on 3rd Street across from the Westin hotel. Here in Calgary’s vibrant downtown core, generations of loyal customers and staff have become family and a retail labour of love has endured. Fostering personal long-term relationships is key, and it’s common to find generations of grandparents, parents and now sons and daughters, buying their wedding and engagement rings from J. Vair Anderson. It is these and other on-going relationships that are the absolute pride to the Andersons. Three years ago, new owner Annette Toro came on the scene and she plans to keep the high regard for personal relationships at the core of everything they do. Whether you’re a customer, vendor or partner, your relationship is valued and based on trust, integrity and excellence.
Enticing window displays, a recent renovation, and skilled, accredited, informative staff is what you’ll discover here today. The full time designer and gemologist are ready to design your unique engagement ring, educate you about different stones, or appraise your family heirloom. A custom project might include an in-person sketch or 3D rendering. A dated family heirloom can be transformed into the modern ring or necklace of your dreams, or your certified timepiece or estate jewellery can be bought or consigned. You can get a watch repaired or you can buy your next Rolex here. A team of skilled watchmakers have continued throughout the generations here, made of grandfathers, fathers, and sons. Their eclectic European sourced selection of brand new watches, rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets will please the most discerning customer.
WHETHER YOU’RE A CUSTOMER, VENDOR OR PARTNER, YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS VALUED AND BASED ON TRUST, INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE.
You will find the finest selection of diamonds, coloured stones, gold and pearls. Frequent trips are made around the globe; ensuring clients have the very best of what the world has to offer. Exclusivity often exists with their designer jewellery brands and this can include, Wellendorf, Mikimoto, Isabelle Fa, Henrich and Denzel, Lauren K. and Stephen Webster. Watch brands include Rolex, Sinn, Grand Seiko, Seiko H. Moser & Cie., NOMOS and Bremont. Sometimes life throws stones while we keep finding diamonds. A certain authenticity and a certain resolve, is what keeps this generational business in tact for nearly 100 years. A strong commitment to service, quality, and luxurious product, is sure to maintain that Calgary’s oldest luxury jeweller, J.Vair Anderson will be around for another century and many more. Keep shining bright!
J. Vair Anderson Jewellers 409 – 3rd Street SW Calgary, Alberta, T2P 4Z2 (403) 266 – 1669 Store Hours Tuesday – Friday: 10:30am – 5:30pm Saturday: 11:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Sunday: Closed www.jvairanderson.com
9 .LOV | ENIZAGAM ELYTSEFIL DETARUC A
ELYTSEFIL EREHWESLE
“Chef-driven food which is not complicated, much of what we serve is cooked over wood fire in our open kitchen rotisserie. We have always connected and partnered with our local suppliers of the best products…Our focus is on delicious well prepared food, uncomplicated and unpretentious.” - Owner and Chef Michael Noble
During the course of its evolution these past ten years, most things have remained the same. The 18 month Pandemic, after a fiveyear plus downturn in the Calgary economy has been too much for many restaurants. Despite the recent exceptionally difficult times, NOtaBLE still stands, still accommodating and pleasing the desires of its guests, making the necessary adjustments and adaptations along the way. Known around town for its excellent food and upscale dining, NOtaBLE hosts an incredibly cozy atmosphere. No TVs and a lively open kitchen, built around an open wood burning rotisserie, all lend to the warm fuzzy feeling of home It's all about the community and family and delicious food bringing people together. A decade later NOtaBLE is still connecting people, and still lifting spirits with warm smiles and knowledgeable, efficient, friendly service.
Notably humble, remarkably talented, Chef Michael Noble adds his own special touch to every dish. Chef Stefan Gusztak joins him in the kitchen, originally from Winnipeg, and former chef at Calgary restaurants Una and Anju. Chef Inspired Starters, include French inspired fare such as the Steak Tartare, along with Wood-Fire Grilled Bread & Garlic Confit, Salt & Pepper Squid, Warm Burrata & Roasted Stone Fruit, or the Fresh Tagliatelle Carbonara. Without a doubt, the guest favorites are the NOtaBLE Classics. These classic dishes are all cooked from the heart of the open wood fire kitchen, a much-loved hallmark by guests. They include the famous Rotisserie Chicken, the renowned Sterling Silver Prime Rib, the Sous Vide Cab Short Rib, or the Rib Eye Steak aged 30+ days.
Mouthwatering dishes of Alberta Lamb, Heritage Pork, and even a Beef Brisket Cheeseburger will satisfy any meat eater. Vegetarian and vegan guests have many selections such as the Parmesan & Herb Gnocchi, Eggplant & Vegetable Curry, and wide range of ultra fresh salads, all well prepared and flavourful thanks to the local sourcing and seasonal selections. No meal is complete without an extensive wine list to par with any meal choice and the array of cocktails (and mock-tails) that will quench the most discerning thirsts. A crowd pleaser is the Hotel Nacional, with its perfect balance of rum and tropical flavours. And by all means, don’t forget to save room for the Dark hazelnut Opera Cake, or amazing Warm Chocolate Pudding from the dessert menu!
NOtaBLE continues to approach everything with love, from the making of the meals, to the greeting of the guests, to the valued relationships with local farmers and producers who provide the restaurant with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Chef Noble is most proud of the many regular guests who know staff as if they are family. NOtaBLE has been generously embraced by and become part of the fabric of the community of Montgomery. Come for a nutritious meal and heartfelt service. NOtaBLE honours the Stampede with staff dressing in Western wear for parade Friday and then reverts to regular uniforms the day after...you will never see hay bales here!
OPEN FOR BRUNCH Friday thru Sunday served 11:30am - 2:30pm. OPEN FOR DINNER Tuesday to Thursday 4:30-9:00, Friday and Saturday 4:30-10:00 Sunday 4:30-9:00 Dine-in and Curbside Pickup available info@notabletherestaurant.ca Menu: notabletherestaurant.ca Phone: (403) 288-4372 Reservation: exploretock.com, notabletherestaurant.ca 4611 Bowness Road NW, Calgary Alberta
Cross Currents #10" 48"x 36" Acrylic on Canvas by Terry Gregoraschuk
WHERE ART LIVES NAVIGATING CHANGES WITH ARTIST TERRY GREGORASCHUK
For over 40+ years and through an extensive variety of mediums and styles, Terry Gergoraschuk is both a committed full time artist and teacher. He has over 140 local, national and international level exhibitions under his belt. In the Art Collections or commissioned by corporations including Canada Post, Environment Canada, The Royal Tyrrell Museum, Medicine Hat Museum, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The City of Calgary, and The Esso Art Collection, Terry has rightfully gained his reputation for supplying unique works of art to both the private and corporate sectors.
He has worked with Architects, Art Consultants, Engineers and Art Committees. Numerous awards include the “Charles Comfort Medal For Excellence In Figurative Painting” by the Canadian Society of Painters In Watercolor.Terry Gregoraschuk understands art. So it seems only natural that he established the The Knox Contemporary Gallery of Art. In 2018, this gallery was set up in a 1700 sq. ft. space at Eau Claire Market, its goal, to support and showcase the artwork of upcoming contemporary artists.
Painting by Terry Gregorashuk, Lazy Summer Day
KNOX CONTEMPORARY GALLERY OF ART
Artwork that is unique and not found anywhere else in Calgary is represented here. Terry understands that Calgary can be a hard nut to crack when it comes to gaining representation in a gallery. This artist-run gallery is different. An art studio was implemented within the main gallery space to provide interaction with patrons, to truly show the creative process. This proved to be a great success as patrons revisited the gallery numerous times to view a painting's progress, often resulting in a purchase.
Painting by Terry Gregorashuk, At Home in High River
The Knox's reputation grew steadily since its inception, starting two additional satellite galleries and representing 14 artists from across Canada along with one from Germany. Terry continues to be contacted by artists from around the world who would like to be represented by the Knox Contemporary Gallery of Art. Unfortunately, like the fate of so many businesses, the Covid pandemic proved to be too much. The Knox was forced to close its main gallery along with its two satellite galleries. Despite these challenging times, the Knox continues to operate the gallery with its bold on-line presence and plans to add several new unique artists in the upcoming months. In the meantime, eyes are kept open for a great new location to embark on as the new physical gallery. Terry’s personal art reminds us that throughout history, visual artists have the inspiration to document and capture the essence of social changes and events. He strives to do the same. Inspired by a family member’s announcement as being transgender, Terry was motivated to start a series of new paintings, drawings, photographic collages and sculptural pieces entitled “Trans4mation,” portraying the trials and tribulations of gender identity and transformation. You could say that we are all in a state of transition, in a world rapidly changing, and that has a way of remaining constant. Be sure to check Terry’s work and the work of all of the amazing Knox artists online at knoxgalleryofart.com
Playing in the Highwood 60 X 40 oil painting by Paul Van Ginkel, 2019
"Slipstream"
54"x 54"
Acrylic on Canvas
Terry Gregoraschuk
GETTING LOCAL WITH SOKO MARIO TONEGUZZI
Successful Calgary entrepreneur Nikhil Sonpal got his inspiration for a new venture after the traumatic experience of a cycling accident. The mishap landed him with two broken ribs. While recuperating from his injuries, Sonpal was trying to find local products but was having a difficult time doing that online. That’s when the idea of SokoLocal came to mind - a new local product search engine. And the idea has been wildly successful being launched in the trying times of a pandemic and ongoing economic turmoil. The search engine hit one million products on June 1 after launching March 1. As of mid June, it was 1.5 million products. “Our focus has really been my focus predominantly to give business owners the tools to be able to get their products marketed. And consumers shop for products. They don’t shop for (businesses). And that’s the niche we’re trying to fulfill,” says Sonpal, who is founder of MQLabs.
“We started SokoLocal to help better connect shoppers with local businesses..."
“We started SokoLocal to help better connect shoppers with local businesses. The interest and growth we have seen . . . is made possible because of the passion people have for supporting the communities in which they live, solidifying the need for this type of innovation . . . It’s a product search engine. I felt that there was this whole movement afoot for finding local businesses, supporting local businesses. “But the challenge, at least for me, I don’t know that these local businesses exist. I personally don’t shop for businesses by name. I shop for products. So that’s where the idea came about to create an interface like Amazon, to give users an Amazon-like experience but the convenience of what the underlying technology that Google has to catalogue and index content that is on these websites.” SokoLocal, created and developed by MQLabs, a Calgary-based technology company, and has grown a strong presence in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Toronto, with additional cities across North America currently in development.
"The idea for us is to grow this globally. We are trying to make sure that local is not a fad and we can provide the convenience of finding local and by doing so we feel Soko fills that niche.” The idea for us is to grow this globally. We are trying to make sure that local is not a fad and we can provide the convenience of finding local and by doing so we feel Soko fills that niche,” he says.
By offering a platform that allows small businesses to increase their visibility and connect with shoppers in their area and around North America, SokoLocal aims to revitalize local economies and direct sales to those who need it most, explains Sonpal.
“I’ve been in tech now for 22 years . . . The motivation for me is I really want to help small businesses be able to run their businesses efficiently and I think the biggest challenge that small businesses have is how do you get the word out to consumers that you exist. I am saddened by the state of ecommerce in the last year and a half being perceived as the next gold rush and I don’t want small business owners to feel helpless and to be taken for a ride where they feel they have to spend in some cases an unbelievable amount of money to get the word out to get consumers to come in because traditional advertising or marketing doesn’t work. Because it’s digital.”
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SOKOLOCAL.COM
Supporting local businesses is a vital step in creating new opportunities within local communities. Over the last year in particular, small businesses have been met with unprecedented challenges and have been struggling to stay afloat among giant competitors with international backing. B
"I dwell in possibility."
- EMILY DICKINSON