Style Manitoba Spring 2022

INSPIRED DESIGN

Spacious custom-built bungalow

exudes warmth & style from all sides

THE PORTER

New made-in-Winnipeg dramatic TV series unpacks black history

HOMES & NEIGHBOURHOODS

Exceptional new designs on display at the Spring 2022 Parade of Homes

3 urban contemporary design, the Starmore steals the show! Its blend of wood and acacia compliments the natural, grainy character. You can more with an integrated storage drawer end of the tabletop. CLASSIC COMFORT WITH A MODERN TWIST Custom built bungalow is fully loaded for living in style HOMES & NEIGHBOURHOODS MHBA builders & developers roll out their finest for the Fall 2019 Parade of Homes HOME AWAY FROM HOME A new custom cabin build provides the ultimate escape from life’s hustle & bustle Autumn 2019 $5.50

EDITOR

Rita van Leeuwen

ART DIRECTOR

Paul Butters

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Onalee Ames

Lea Currie

Julie Germaine

Kelly Gray

Randal McIlroy

Quentin Mills-Fenn

Leigh Patterson

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Roberts

PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Roberts

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE

Lisa Lester

DIRECTOR DIGITAL MEDIA

Joe Potenza

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Style Manitoba Autumn 2019 style MANITOBA Style Manitoba is published four times annually. Distribution : Distributed free in pre-selected areas of Manitoba, available by subscription from the publisher and by purchase at participating newsstand locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher can not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Those wishing to submit editorial should contact the editor at the business office or enclose a stamped, selfaddressed envelope for return. Copyright (c) Style Manitoba 1996. ISSN 1205-7282. Manitoba edition.

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the agenda

At writing time, it’s difficult to imagine that spring is around the corner, particularly since we’re still locked in the icy grip of what seems a never-ending Manitoba winter. I’m sure we’ll all be grateful to bid farewell to the stormy weather, along with those deeply ice-rutted roads, seven-foot snowbanks and frigid temperatures we’ve been enduring for the past while.

Hopefully, Style Manitoba’s Spring 2022 issue will help turn your thoughts from the cold weather to the new and warmer season ahead. Flip directly to the Outdoor Living section and imagine enjoying a day outside in this appealing setting! Many homeowners long for an outdoor retreat such as this one, but don’t know where to begin. For those seeking inspiration, a highly recommended source is the Winnipeg Home + Garden Show, to be held at the RBC Convention from April 7-10. Here consumers will find leading experts, the latest trends, and excellent advice for all their home and landscaping projects.

Our cover story - Inspired Design - features a custom build by a company that debuted one of their designs as Style Manitoba’s first cover story more than 25 years ago. Since that time, this firm has consistently created outstanding

residential spaces for many happy homeowners, honing their designs along the way. The build featured in this issue is no exception. Boasting a mid-century modern vibe, this spacious bungalow was built to showcase the property’s natural assets. With its soaring vaulted ceilings and abundant windows, it exudes warmth and style from all sides.

Speaking of excellent designs, check out the latest showhomes at the Spring 2022 Parade of Homes (until March 20th). Keep in mind that even after the Parade officially ends, showhomes are still available for viewing. Check with individual builders for viewing options.

Other good reads in this edition include coverage on The Porter, the new made-in-Winnipeg dramatic TV series (now available for viewing on CBC Gem), along with insights on Manitoba’s film industry.

Last but not least, Stepping Out with Style presents many entertainment options for Manitobans. Enjoying a night of entertainment out at the ballet, theatre, or a concert may well be that balm for the soul we’ve all been waiting for.

Rita van Leeuwen, Editor

Inspired design

BY LEIGH PATTERSON PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL ROBERTS

Spacious custom-built bungalow exudes warmth and style from all sides

With its soaring vaulted ceilings and abundant windows, it’s hard to believe that this is a bungalow. But it is. More than that, it is a bungalow designed and built by K. Streu Homes. That’s why it’s a home on a whole different level.

Make that two levels. Two-and-aquarter to be exact.

“We designed the 1,850-squarefoot main floor so that no matter which room you are in, you get a vaulted ceiling,” says Kurt Streu, founder and co-owner of K. Streu Homes. Yet, the same rooms never feel cool or uninviting, thanks to the builder’s thoughtful selection of materials and lighting.

Located on a large lot in East St. Paul, the home was built to showcase the property’s natural assets, as well as a constructed pond area in the backyard. To achieve that vision, the K. Streu Homes team incorporated windows extensively throughout this home, including the large frontfacing dining room window and front entry glass supplied by Duxton Windows & Doors.

“You get natural light streaming in from dawn to dusk,” says Kurt.

That vision extends to the outside, where Windeck added a Duradek enclosed in glass panels to maintain an unobstructed view from the main floor.

Generous use of wood products also helps to both ground and elevate the open concept main floor spaces. The wide plank interlocking flooring from National Interiors is a new system installed to “float” over a cushioned pad. Because it is not nailed down, the flooring is as durable as it is beautiful, and extremely comfortable underfoot.

Richly stained wood was used on the ceilings to add warmth and definition. A custom-milled 3” x 6”

The clients envisioned their dream home have a relaxed, modern feel and take advantage of the property’s natural assets. The K. Streu Homes team designed a home with lots of windows to maximize the views and exposure to sunlight. This consideration extends to the exterior, where Windeck Ltd. added a Duradek along with powder-coated railings and glass panels to allow an unobstructed view from the main floor.

fir privacy screen on the home’s exterior maintains continuity with the interior via two-by-fours separating the kitchen from the stairwell.

The builder chose rift-cut oak for use on the doors and to accent several features in the home, such as around the entertainment area in the living room. Rift-cut oak is narrower with a tighter grain pattern, making it ideal for enhancing or creating architectural details. This technique also helped achieve the midcentury modern vibe the clients desired.

A staircase leading from the foyer down to the lower level as well as up to a loft space, features treads and center-line stringer made of ash, and maple wood railings accented with metal spindles.

Lighting also plays an integral role in this home, for design and function. Strip lighting was used to highlight areas around the fireplace and television surrounds in the living room, and in the kitchen. The main floor powder room features a unique backlit mirror that the homeowner leaves on 24/7.

“It has a nice glow to it, and acts as a subtle night light,” notes Kurt.

Multiple disc lights were incorporated into the ceilings, and a unique light fixture from Super-Lite in the front foyer is one of several that contribute more style to this custom-built home.

K. Streu Homes co-owner Heather Streu co-ordinated the processes of interior design, thanks in part to Joan Sikorsky of Sequence Interior Design, who provided help and guidance on both the kitchen and fireplace detail. Heather is particularly proud of the well-appointed kitchen and casual dining space that is tucked under a unique loft area.

“Our plan was to build a canopy about eight feet high above the kitchen,” explains Kurt. “This eventually became a usable carpeted loft space, perfect for a yoga studio or study.”

The kitchen itself is a harmonious blend of materials and modern touches that makes it anything but typical.

“For a seamless look on the fridge and freezer, we used panels made of a grey PET laminate surface, which is easy to maintain, along with being scratch

The staircase leading from the foyer down to the lower level as well as up to a loft space, features treads and centre-line stringer made of ash, and maple wood railings accented with metal spindles. A unique light fixture from Super-Lite in the front foyer is one of several that contribute more style to this custom-built home.

The contemporary exterior features an attractive gray facade with black accents, along with appealing wood elements, including the fir privacy screen at the front entrance.

Generous use of wood products helps to both ground and elevate the open concept main floor spaces. The wide plank, interlocking flooring from National Interiors is as durable as it is beautiful, and extremely comfortable underfoot. Meanwhile, richly stained wood used on the ceilings adds warmth and definition.

and fingerprint-resistant,” says Heather.

The same panels are used on motorized cabinets above the stove, which hides the range hood. Woodlook, pressure-treated laminate panels were used on the storage areas flanking the main cooking zone.

The kitchen island is a multifunctional marvel, housing a built-in dishwasher and microwave drawer. Topped with a Dekton© countertop, which is highly resistant to stains, scratches and heat, the island boasts an undermount double sink replete with a faucet that supplies boiling hot water for tea and coffee, instantly. Designed to be a central entertaining space, the island also features a built-in bar fridge and a lighted wine bottle storage area.

As an alternative to conventional bar stools, “we custom-built a dining table right into the island,” says Heather. “That way, family and guests can pull up a chair, relax and feel part of the meal prep process.”

The transition from the oversized island to the wood dining table is seamless because the table itself is made of rift-cut oak and a gray strip in the middle connects it to the kitchen’s aesthetic.

To maintain continuity, more Dekton stone made its way to the family room, where it was

The dramatic master ensuite features heated ceramic tile floors throughout, two floating vanities with ample storage, and a huge glassed-in, curbless shower by Shodor.

The master bedroom on the main floor is bathed in natural light, thanks to vaulted ceiling and large windows. An elegant barn door slides back to reveal the ensuite.

Adjacent to the main floor living room is a formal dining room adorned with suspended pendant lights from Super-Lite and linear cabinets with undermount strip lighting. The large front-facing dining room window was supplied by Duxton Windows & Doors

incorporated into the fireplace surround.

Rounding out the main floor living area is a large and airy formal dining room adorned with suspended pendant lights, and cabinetry with undermount strip lighting. And of course, the aforementioned large window from Duxton.

When it came to the home’s master bedroom and ensuite, the builder pulled out all the stops. A sliding barn door reveals the ensuite, with heated ceramic tile floors, a glassed-in curbless shower by Shodor and two separate floating vanities. A skylight was incorporated into the vaulted ceiling to allow natural light to cascade down during the daytime. For convenience, a walk-in closet and laundry area can both be accessed from the ensuite.

Two more bedrooms are located on the home’s fully developed lower level, along with a cozy den. Because the same materials used on the main floor are echoed throughout the space, the transition from main to lower levels is flawless. K. Streu Homes demands quality materials and craftsmanship from all of its suppliers and trades, like Tim Fawcett of Fawcett Drywall, who provided his expertise to this project.

Completed in late 2021, the homeowners were able to settle in and enjoy their new home in time for the holiday season. Needless to say, they were thrilled with their dream home… on every possible level.

This bedroom on the lower level showcases the type of detail that goes into a K. Streu Home. Here, the builder incorporated narrow bands of rift-cut wood to create an architectural element in an unexpected place.

STYLE FILE

Builder

K. Streu Homes

Lighting Products

Super-Lite Lighting

Glass Shower Doors – Shodor

Flooring – National Interiors

Windows (front of home)

Duxton Windows & Doors

Interior Design

Sequence Interior Design (Joan Sikorsky)

Cabinetry

Woodwise Custom Millwork

Window treatments/blinds

Blind Appeal

Interior doors & trim

Dormond Industries

Staircases

Nabrzreski Wood Products

Roofing, siding, soffit, fascia

Krueger Enterprises

Garage doors

Reliable Overhead Doors

Decks & railings – Windeck

Exterior façade

Metro Plastering & Acrylics

Heating – Furnasman

Drywall – Fawcett Drywall

Painting

Homestead Painting

Plumbing fixtures

Robinson Bath

Countertops – Ital-Stone

Appliances

Stalwart Appliances

Windows (rear of home)

Durabuilt Windows & Doors

Tiles – Ceratec

Alarm, sound system, automation

K&S Electronics

Building materials

Star Building Materials

Fireplaces

Alsip’s Building Products & Services

About the builder

Attuned to every client’s lifestyle, needs and budget, the dynamic husband-and-wife team of Kurt and Heather Streu is genuinely committed to making the process of building a custom home an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Working with their clients every step of the way, Kurt and Heather establish a level of trust from the start; ensuring all questions are answered and any concerns addressed.

The Streus are the heart and soul of K. Streu Homes, a company they have built together for more than three decades. A carpenter by trade, Kurt worked alongside his father in the home construction industry for many years before creating K. Streu Homes in 1988. Since then, with his business partner Heather, the Streus have made a name for themselves as creative builders dedicated to their craft and their clientele.

Synonymous with innovation, style and quality, K. Streu Homes has been a consistent front-runner in the industry. And although they are always pushing the boundaries to achieve innovative design and incorporate new materials into their builds, they never sacrifice the comforts and conveniences that make a house a home.

Their clients can expect to enjoy the hallmarks of a K. Streu Homes build: personalized service, unparalleled craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and functional spaces made for living.

Adam Sefton Associate Wealth Advisor, Associate Portfolio Manager

Benji Miles Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor

Leah Case Associate Investment Advisor

We are so proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top Wealth Advisors!

Stepping Out with Style

By Quentin Mills-Fenn

Things seem to be finally opening again. More events are popping up and more venues are welcoming guests. Check the websites of your favourites, and keep an eye out for new things to see and do. In the meantime, here are some suggestions to get you started.

The Winnipeg Symphony was supposed to visit the Netherlands in 2020, but that didn’t work out. Instead, Matthew Whitall’s moving piece These Things Remain finally receives its world premiere. Commissioned by the WSO to mark the occasion of the WSO’s 2020 tour to the Netherlands, the piece for chorus and orchestra will be performed alongside another powerful choral work, Hector Berlioz’ Messe solenelle, with Franz Schubert’s (Unfinished) Symphony No. 8 as a bonus. (Daniel Raiskin, conductor. With Renate Arends, soprano, Henk Neven, baritone, and Winnipeg Singers and Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir, Yuri Klaz, artistic director. April 30)

For a poppier night out, Paul Shaffer takes the audience on a symphonic journey through his musical life, from his Thunder Bay birthplace to 33 years as David Letterman’s musical director and sidekick for a night of soul music, The Beatles, and the Theme from Exodus. With special guest Valerie Simpson, the Motown legend responsible for “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and more. There’s even a chance you might hear “It’s Raining Men,” co-written by one Paul Shaffer (Julian Pellicano, conductor. April 22 & 23)

Still at the WSO, BMO Night at the Movies presents Harry Potter and the

Goblet of Fire™ In Concert. Watch the movie on high-definition big screen while the orchestra performs Patrick Doyle’s score live. (Julian Pellicano, conductor. May 18 & 19)

There’s lot going on with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. Sid Robinovitch, one of the prairie’s most celebrated composers, blends folk, jazz, and contemporary classical in an oratorio based on the biblical story of Jonah, with libretto by Winnipeg’s John Weier. Plus, Aaron Copland’s boisterous Hoe Down, lifted from his cowboy ballet Rodeo, and Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis and Manuel de Falla’s Seven Spanish Songs. (Bruce Sarbit, narrator. Valdine Anderson conducts the Pembina Trails Voices. April 12 & 13, online presentation April 29)

MCO Composer-in-Residence Kevin Lau is one of Canada’s brightest young composers. His new oboe concerto, Prayer in a Green Cathedral, was written specifically for the “always sublime” (Winnipeg Free Press) oboist Caitlin Broms-Jacobs, who stars as the work’s soloist. As well, there’s Four AfroCuban Poems by Odaline Martinez, the first woman to conduct the BBC proms. The evening also includes two scoops of baroque: Vivaldi’s Double Concerto for Viola and Cello, featuring Desiree Abbey (cello) and Pamela Fay (viola). And a slice of Haydn and his Symphony No. 52. (April 26 & 27, online presentation, May 10)

Pianist-composer NahNahre Sol has one of YouTube’s top classical music channels with an online audience of over 400,000 subscribers. She’ll perform and premiere her new chamber

work, Pixels. The same concert also features percussionist Victoria Sparks in a performance of Alexina Louie’s percussion concerto Waking the Lion, premiered at MCO’s online 2021 Spring and Summer Festival. Along with these two contemporary works is a performance of Ravel’s sumptuous, but delicate String Quartet in F Major played by full strings. (May 5 and 6, online presentation May 19)

MCO Guest Artist-in-Residence

Aisslinn Nosky is a former member of Tafelmusik, Canada’s premier period orchestra. A violinist and orchestra leader, she’s showcased in a concert of Baroque and beyond, featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Johann Christian Bach’s Symphony No. 8, Handel’s Concerto grosso, Op. 6, No. 4, and Mozart Violin Concerto No. 4. (May 25 & 26, online presentation June 10)

Next at the MCO, it’s a concert of airs, dances, and waltzes with French hornist and conductor James Sommerville: Mozart’s challenging Horn Concerto No. 3, Respighi’s utterly charming Ancient Airs and Dances – Suite III, Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes, a smash hit in Vienna at the time, and an MCO-co-commissioned Horn Concerto by Canadian composer Kati Agócs, written for James Sommerville. (May 31 & June 1, online presentation June 14)

And then, the MCO features the return of Lucie Horsch, a leading ambassador for the recorder (“fearsome virtuosity and superb technique” BBC Music Magazine). The evening’s program includes Gary Kulesha’s Concerto for recorder and small orchestra, and Bach’s violin and oboe concerto where Lucie Horsch and Karl Stobbe will share the stage as the piece’s soloists. Plus, Haydn’s Symphony No. 87 and Michael Oesterle’s Scènes des bois. (June 8 & 9, online presentation June 22) The MCO’s Music Director is Anne Manson. All MCO concerts at Westminster United Church in Wolseley.

Virtuosi Concerts presents Homage a Harry, a celebration of Harry Strub –Virtuosi’s founding Artistic Director and guiding presence for 30 years. And who better to do the honours than The Gryphon Trio (“a piano trio that plays with strength and unanimity … big, bold, almost orchestral performances” Los Angeles Times).

Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story. Photo by Réjean Brandt.

(April 2, St. Andrew's River Heights Church)

The Virtuosi season closes with a postponed concert with two chamber musicians from Atlantic Canada, violinist Christina Bouey of Prince Edward Island and pianist PierreAndré Doucet of New Brunswick. (“When violinist Christina Bouey spun out that shimmering tune, I thought I died and went to heaven.” New York Post) The programme includes a pandemic inspired new work by composer Jessie Montgomery and a world premiere by Nicole Lizée, alongside works by Poulenc, Debussy, Ravel, and Messiaen. (May 8 matinee, St. Andrew's River Heights Church)

Manitoba Opera presents a concert of opera favourites at the Centennial Concert Hall as well as a livestream feed on April 2. (Manitoba Opera decided to postpone La Cenerentola, scheduled for April 2, 5, and 8. Instead, it will be presented in 2022/23, their 50th anniversary season.)

The Westminster Organ Series features Christopher Jacobson, organist of the Duke University Chapel, Durham, North Carolina, and renowned, prize-winning soloist, accompanist, conductor, and recording artist. (April 29.)

The series also presents Organ Meditations 45-minute programs of contemplative keyboard music with Jonathan Schakel, organ and harpsichord. (Bach: Organ works, March 27; Bach: Harpsichord Partita in D major, May 15. Free admission. All concerts at Westminster United)

The Winnipeg Classical Guitar Society has some rescheduled concerts: Iliana Matos (Cuba/Lethbridge) on April 2, Emma Rush on May 14, Dale Kavanagh (Germany/Canada) on June 11. (All concerts at Precious Blood Church)

Winnipeg Jazz Festival is planning to go ahead with the 2022 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, tentatively scheduled for June 14-19, 2022. Keep an eye out for details.

In the meantime, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s Mainstage presents a tribute to the Queen of Soul with Respect – the Legacy of Aretha Franklin. Joining the WJO for this show is a tour-de-force of local talent:

multiple guests vocalists alongside Murray Pulver, Marc Arnould, Daniel Roy, and Gilles Fournier. (May 8 matinee, Canadian Museum for Human Rights)

And the WJO’s Second Stage presents Last of the Blue Devils. In the 1920s, thousands of dance bands with names The Bostonians (from Kansas) and The Blue Devils played an endless series of one-nighters across the US. Seldom recorded, these “territory bands” nonetheless played an important part in shaping jazz history, eventually ushering in the Swing Era. The WJO celebrates their legacy with some of the rarely played music from that era alongside hits from the wild and raucous Kansas City jazz scene. (April 7, West End Cultural Centre)

The Groundswell season continues with GS6: GroundSwell & Ensemble Télémaque Exchange Project, with commissioned works performed by Ensemble Télémaque (soprano, flute, clarinet, trumpet, percussion, violin, cello) who will travel from France to perform in Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg. (April 20, Cercle Moliere Theatre)

In the mood to watch some movement? The Royal Winnipeg Ballet bring you Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story, a fusion of classical ballet with jazz and tap to themes from Richard Rodgers’ songbook, arranged for a live jazz orchestra led by Ron Paley. (May 11-15, venue TBA). And don’t forget the return of the RWB Ballet Ball, the ballet’s most important fundraising event, with food, cocktails, and performances by the RWB Company, Professional Division, and Recreational Schools. (April 2, Royal Winnipeg Ballet home studio).

Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers present New Creation by Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie, featuring an ensemble of Winnipeg dancers and lighting by long-time collaborator Hugh Conacher. Known for her visual and complex work, Bailie creates experimental works that are abstract, personal and reflective. (April 22 & 23 evening, April 24 matinee. Artist talk to follow Sunday matinee. Rachel Browne Theatre)

The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre has some live shows in the works on both its stages. On the John Hirsch Mainstage you can see Calpurnia by

Audrey Dwyer. Race, class and gender collide in an explosive comedy designed to start conversation. (March 23 - April 16). Next on the Mainstage, it’s The Rez Sisters, the Canadian classic by Tomson Highway. “One of the most touching, exuberant, cleverly crafted and utterly entrancing plays” (Toronto Star) (May 4 - 28).

Down the street, the Tom Hendry Warehouse stages The Runner by Christopher Morris, a powerful, political thriller based on a true story. (March 30 - April 16)

Prairie Theatre Exchange features both digital and live performances. The latter includes Outside Joke: The Improvised Musical. Local musical improv company Outside Joke bring their brilliance to the PTE stage with a two-act improvised musical that will be completely different every single time. (May 4-22)

There’s more music and laughs at Celebrations Dinner Theatre. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is a salute to the women of ‘80s pop, from Cyndi Lauper to Madonna. (to April 17) Next, Summer of ‘69 goes back further in time for a musical story of peace, love, and long hair. (April 22 - June 26) All shows feature dinner along with the show. (Celebrations Dinner Theatre, Canad Inns Fort Garry)

The Manitoba Museum is open, with its collections reflecting the heritage of Manitoba and other regions of the world, with three-dimensional walk-through galleries, the Winnipeg Gallery, which recreates the city during the 1920s, and of course the Nonsuch, the full-size replica of a 17th-century sailing vessel. And kids love the Science Gallery, with its entertaining handson activities demonstrating science at work. Meanwhile, the Planetarium has two great presentations. Magic Globe is a family show, the story of 8-yearold Mia who accidentally discovers a mysterious machine that changes the world’s seasons (oops). Manitoba Skies (all ages) is a guided tour of the province’s night sky, full of constellations, planets, and celestial events. (Museum Galleries open Thursdays to Sundays, Science Gallery open Saturdays, Planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays. Check the Manitoba Museum website for Planetarium show dates.)

At the Winnipeg Art Gallery, with the Qaumajuq construction now complete, works from the WAG’s permanent col-

lection have returned to the galleries with European and Canadian paintings, sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts from 1500 to 1900. Featured in Gallery 1 are five outstanding 17th century Dutch and German paintings on loan from a private collection, including works by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Jan Davidsz de Heem, and Jan Steen. Cliff Eyland: Library of Babel – A Retrospective celebrates the life and work of the late Canadian artist, curator, writer and educator. (to May 15) Drawn from the collections of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Government of Nunavut’s Fine Art Collection, Inuk Style presents a dynamic range of clothing items spanning the Western to the Eastern regions of the Canadian Arctic. (to June 19)

And there’s more at the WAG. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Province of Manitoba in 2020, A Hard Birth continues its run, bringing together key archival documents, historic objects, and paintings with the work of 15 contemporary artists representing Metis, First Nations, and non-Indigenous communities. (to September 3) To Play in the Face of Certain Defeat, by Esmaa Mohamoud, explores the definitions of Blackness, drawing on the contemporary industry of professional sports. (June 26 to October 17)

Do you know about WAG@The Park?

The John P. Crabb Gallery, the Pavillion, 2nd floor, presents Manitoba as Muse. This exhibition celebrates the work of Walter J. Phillips with a selection of his paintings, prints, and drawings referencing Manitoba, particularly landscape. (to May 8)

Soul Gallery is a Winnipeg gallery featuring contemporary art in a home-based studio. A solo exhibition by Lisa Johnson runs from May 7th to 28th. (Open Saturday afternoons and by appointment. 163 Clare Ave)

Cre8tery is a gallery in the Exchange District that displays a variety of art styles, media, and genres. Upcoming shows include Bushland Series by Patrick Treacy (April 1-12) and Photowalker by Teena Legris (April 14-26). The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday. (Cre8ery Gallery & Studio, 125 Adelaide St)

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has lots going on. For example, Ododo Wa: Stories of Girls in War introduces

two girls from Uganda – Evelyn Amony and Grace Acan – who survived years with a rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. Now, the two use their voices to find healing and seek justice for women who survived captivity. (to November 2020).

Winnipeg has museums in all parts of town. The Grey Nuns' convent, Winnipeg's oldest building, houses Le Musee de Saint-Boniface Museum. Built for nuns who arrived in the Red River Colony in 1844, the building is an outstanding example of Red River frame construction. Step back in time, learn the ways of the Métis artisans, in the heart of St. Boniface. (494 Taché Ave)

The Transcona Museum presents a history of the Transcona community through its collection of everyday objects, some on public display for the first time. The museum is also home to CN 2747, the first steam locomotive built in Western Canada, constructed at the CN Transcona Shops in April 1926. (141 Regent Ave West)

Seven Oaks House and Ross House tell the stories of two families and one shared history. Originally owned by the Inkster and Ross families, the two structures are the two oldest homes remaining in Winnipeg and offer an immersive picture of daily life in the 19th century, presented through the eyes of two Métis families. Visit the stately country manor of wealthy traders and the middle-class home of a respected single mother. (Seven Oaks House Museum, 50 Mac St; Ross House Museum, 140 Meade St North)

Dalnavert Museum is a mansion in downtown Winnipeg, home to the Macdonald family and their live-in staff. Dalnavert Museum & Visitors' Centre is a national historic site and one of the finest examples of Queen Anne revival architecture in Western Canada, offering an opportunity to engage with history, culture, and much more. (61 Carlton St)

If you love getting out and about, Open Doors Winnipeg is back for its 19th edition. Explore Winnipeg's past though buildings not normally open to the public and exclusive tours. (May 28 & 29, at locations all over the city)

Looking for inspiration on new outdoor and indoor projects? Take in the Winnipeg Home + Garden Show. Held

at the RBC Convention Centre, expect to find leading experts, the latest trends, and the best advice for all your home and garden projects. (April 7-10)

Live Music shows are starting up again. New shows are being added all the time, so check out your favourite artists and venues. In the meantime, here’s some stuff that’s going on:

West End Cultural Centre presents Winteruption 2022, a series devoted to getting audiences out of their warm houses in order to see and hear live music at different venues in the city. Shows include Tops / Veneer (March 30, WECC), Diaphaine / Two Crows for Comfort / Bobby Dove (March 30, X-Cues Cafe & Lounge), The Lytics / Alan Ward (March 30, Good Will Social Club), 3Peat / DJ Shub / Caid Jones (March 31, The Handsome Daughter), Morgan McMichaels with The Bannock Babes (April 1, WECC), Charlotte Cornfield / Matt Foster (April 6, Good Will Social Club), and more.

Speaking of the West End Cultural Centre, Winnipeg’s much-loved Royal Canoe conclude their national 'Sidelining' album release tour at the WECC. (with Living Hour and Zoon. April 29 & 30) A few days later, another local fave, Apollo Suns, drop by with Zrada and The Remedies for an all-ages show (May 7).

The Winnipeg Folk Festival has put together a number of concerts: Sarah Harmer at the Part Theatre (April 5); Montreal's Geoffrey at the Good Will Social Club (April 5); Hawksley Workman at the Park Theatre (April 18); Ben Caplan at the Park Theatre (April 21); Frazey Ford at the Park Theatre (April 25); Dan Mangan the very next day at the Park Theatre (April 26); Passenger at the Burton Cummings Theatre (April 28); Shakey Graves at the Burton Cummings Theatre (May 9), and Donovan Woods –Long Life Tour, again at the Burt (May 12).

How about Alice Cooper at the Canada Life Centre (April 9)? Imagine Dragons at the same stage (April 19), followed by James Taylor and Jackson Brown (May 5) and Avril Lavigne (May 17).

There’s a lot going on in the city, so keep your eyes peeled, your ears open, and always stay safe.

BY KELLY GRAY

Who takes the cake?

Take heart, lovers of Marie Antoinette. Cake is at hand. Debuting this March 28 at 9:00 CT, Food Network Canada will present Wall of Bakers, a new program that puts home baker skills to the test. Under the guidance of host Noah Cappe (Wall of Chefs), amateur bakers enter into three rounds of competition and are judged by an imposing dozen of the country's leading pastry pros. The winner takes home $10,000 in prize cash.

Winnipeggers will recognize judges Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan, sisters who operate the city’s Jenna Rae Cakes Bakery locations (Academy Road, The Forks and Island Lakes). The pair stands tall among Winnipeg’s top bakers, and their shops show off top-tier gateaux, as well as fun examples of the baking arts. (Who doesn’t love their inspired cupcakes and macaroons?) Jenna and Ashley will join an illustrious group of judges, including chefs Lynn Crawford, Anna Olson and Steve Hodge.

“This is like a dream come true to work on this show,” says Ashley, who mentions that the show fits well amid the current home baking boom that grew from Canadian idle hands during

Pandemic lockdowns. “I’m a self-taught baker, and I know that good judging gives great advice and tips that make chefs better. Expect to learn as well as be entertained with Wall of Bakers,” she says.

Jenna remarks that four judges offer a wealth of feedback during each round. “There are so many aspects to great baking. The judges bring their love of food and their incredible knowledge base to each round,” she says, noting that both home baker participants in the show, as well as viewers, will benefit from the depth of experience on Wall of Bakers.

Throughout the season, home bakers will use mandatory ingredients and pairings that might include exotic concoctions such as tahini and dark chocolate, black sesame paste and bananas, or apple butter and rosemary. In each episode, a variety of themes inspire baking creativity. Episodes may offer a re-invented classic, a carnival treat or unique and interesting flavour combinations or spiced infusions.

In the first "Crowd Pleasers" round, home bakers prepare a personal signature dessert. In the second round,

called "Baker's Pantry," home bakers are challenged to create a dessert item using two staple ingredients from the pantry of one of the chefs on the Wall. In the third and final "Bakery-Worthy" round, home bakers take inspiration from a judge's signature dessert as they cook up their unique creations to win.

Plan to put the coffee on and discover who takes the cake this March as Canada’s Food Network delivers delicious viewing. Check out www.foodnetwork.ca for more

Jenna Hutchinson Ashley Kosowan

Baked Noodles with Cheese & Ham – Kugel

5 eggs

350 g ham, or ham steak

1 cup (250 mL) ricotta

1 ¼ cup (310 mL) sour cream

1 cup (250 mL) grated sharp cheddar

1/3 cup (80 mL) fresh grated Parmesan

2 Tbsp (30 mL) butter, melted

1 tsp (5 mL) salt

¾ tsp (3 mL) garlic powder

¼ tsp (1 mL) pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 pound (500 g) broad egg noodles

TOPPING:

¼ cup (60 mL) fresh grated Parmesan

½ cup (125 mL) panko breadcrumbs

2 Tbsp (30 mL) butter, melted

Instructions:

Grease 9x13 baking dish and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions.

Combine ricotta, sour cream, cheeses, butter, eggs, salt, garlic powder, pepper, garlic and green onions in a large bowl.

Combine with noodles and stir in ham. Pour into the prepared casserole dish.

To make the topping:

Melt butter. Stir in Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. Top casserole with Parmesan-panko mixture.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until top is golden brown. Broil for 3-5 minutes after baking for extra crispy crust if desired.

Servings: 8

Providing high-quality, local eggs with a commitment to responsible animal care.

Dyck family

Egg farmers from Springstein, MB

Savoury French Toast

5 eggs

1 cup (250 mL) milk

¼ cup (60 mL) grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp (2 mL) dried oregano

1 clove garlic, minced

¾ tsp (4 mL) coarse salt

½ tsp (2 mL) freshly cracked black pepper

5-6 slices French bread, or other crusty bread, cut into 1”-thick slices

1-2 Tbsp (15-30 mL) butter, for frying

Instructions:

Place eggs, milk, cheese, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper into a large, shallow dish. Whisk together well. Add slices of bread to the baking dish and let soak 1 minute per side.

Melt 1 Tbsp butter in non-stick pan over medium heat.

Carefully place soaked bread slices into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes to ensure the French toast has cooked through.

Top each slice with a fried egg and optional toppings: grated

Parmesan, ham or bacon, cheese and tomato

Servings: 6

Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake

1 - ½ cups (375 mL) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 whole crackers)

1 ½ tsp (7 mL) cinnamon, divided

¾ cup (175 mL) sugar, divided

¼ cup (50 mL) butter, melted

1 - 14-ounce package caramels

2/3 cup (150 mL) evaporated milk

½ cup (125 mL) chopped pecans, divided

2- 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

2 Tbsp (30mL) all-purpose flour, divided

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1- ½ cups (375 mL) apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½ cubes

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap with two layers of foil securely around the exterior of the pan.

In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon, ¼ cup (50 mL) sugar, and butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of prepared pan. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

oIn a small saucepan over medium-low heat, cook caramels and evaporated milk, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted, and mixture is smooth. Pour 1 cup of caramel mixture over cooled crust and sprinkle with ¼ cup (50 mL) pecans. Keep remaining caramel mixture warm.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 tbsp flour, and remaining sugar using an electric mixer on high speed until smooth. Add eggs and beat on low speed just until combined. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour and cinnamon with apples. Fold apples into cream cheese mixture until combined. Pour mixture over top of caramel crust.

Place springform pan into a large roasting pan. Add 1 inch of hot water to roasting pan to create a water bath. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until center is just set, spooning remaining caramel mixture over cheesecake, and sprinkling with remaining pecans after 40 minutes.

Remove pan from water bath and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen and cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove sides of pan, place on a serving plate and enjoy.

Makes 12 servings

Affordable, Versatile, Nutritious

Beauty & Hair Care Product Roundup

Hair Care

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Skincare

Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our skin and tissues. It is capable of attracting and holding 1,000x its weight in water, and is an ideal treatment for fatigued, aging or dehydrated skin.

For optimal results, apply serums containing hyaluronic acid to damp skin to enhance absorption and efficacy, and follow up with a moisturizer to seal in added hydration.

The Intensive Collection from INSTITUT Esthederm PARIS is a beauty line with the most powerful molecules at their optimal dose for maximum effectiveness in customized beauty skincare. Intensive products use a selection of molecules and ingredients found in aesthetic dermatology to improve with targeted and lasting results for the main skin imbalances and signs of aging. Molecules are formulated to the ideal concentration, to combine efficiency and optimal tolerance.

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How do you deal with unsettling situations? Long-term stress, in particular, takes a toll on one’s mental and physical health, so it is a good idea to develop coping mechanisms to relieve tension. Perhaps one you already resort to is comfort eating? If yes, don’t worryyou’re definitely not alone - but it’s likely that your food choices are actually compounding the negative impact of everyday stressors. Wouldn’t it be great to learn what foods alleviate stress?

When we get stressed, our bodies respond with the production of the hormone cortisol. Unfortunately, this can activate some physiological consequences, such as increased body fat and reduced immune system response over time. High cortisol levels have an effect on the digestive system that can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and ultimately prompt stress hormones to further skyrocket.

Hocus-pocus! Just eat these foods and you’ll eliminate stress!

(I wish.) Of course, that’s not possible, but you can slow down the release of cortisol by incorporating some of the following items into your regular diet:

1. Compounds found in green tea can keep the GI tract less permeable, inhibiting cortisol-producing enzymes.

2. Vitamin-C rich berries, peppers or kiwi support healthy adrenal glands and balance cortisol levels.

3. Other fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium combat side effects of elevated stress levels, including bananas, honeydew, apricots, raisins, spinach and yams.

4. Fermented foods that contain probiotic lactobacillus, such as yogurt, some cottage cheeses, sauerkraut and tempeh evoke the body to release oxytocin as a way to reduce stress.

If you have to operate under constant stress, you could become less effective at work, more irritable at home, and develop warning signs of serious health deterioration, including memory loss, sleeplessness, depression, weight gain, and more. Chronic stress plagues many of us in these challenging times.

The Best Stress-Reducing Foods

Here are some tips to help:

BY JULIE GERMAINE

1. Equalize time spent between leisure and work.

2. Move your body every day!

3. Try cutting back on coffee and alcohol.

4. Commit to getting adequate sleep.

5. Start a new hobby or connect with friends who are chill and fun.

6. Book a beach get-away or plan a staycation with your favourite video game.

7. Take your dog for more walks.

8. Know when you need professional help and book time with a coach or therapist.

Julie Germaine is a 2x International Pro Fitness Champion, Certified Nutrition Expert and Specialized Fat Loss Coach. She has helped thousands of men and women lose 2” from their waistlines in less than 30 days through her virtual coaching since 2005. Check out her services at www.juliegermaine.com or book a FREE diet consultation: www.calendly.com/juliegermaine

STYLING THE STEREO

Reviewed by Randal McIlroy

CHARLES MINGUS

Mingus at Carnegie Hall –Deluxe Edition

(AtlAntic)

‘Under

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Mighty bassist/composer Charles Mingus came to Carnegie Hall in 1974 with his brawny band, with drummer Dannie Richmond, tireless pianist Don Pullen and the brawling saxophones of George Adams (tenor) and Hamiet Blueiett (baritone). As if that wasn’t enough muscle, he welcomed alumni – John Handy, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Charles McPherson on saxophones, and Jon Faddis on trumpet. The expanded band’s long jam sessions on “Perdido” and “C Jam Blues” came out on vinyl that year and confirmed the bravado and quick wits to explain why such meetings were called “cutting contests.” The new edition adds 70 minutes from the core quintet and provides a less torrid account of the night. “Celia” opens with elegant saxophones before Mingus stirs a hurricane. The lampoon of a segregationist Arkansas governor, “Fables of Faubus,” loses its circus lunacy, as well as its lyrics, but a great, knotty solo pays tribute to Mingus the bassist.

ROBB NASH

This is War (EP) (WArner Music cAnAdA)

“We are at war with a silent enemy called mental illness.” So begins the new video from Robb Nash, an artist not given to escapist pop. This is War, a three-song single prefiguring an album due this June, is the latest hard-hitting report from the Winnipeg singer/guitarist, a bold advocate for youth vulnerable to mental trauma. It’s vivid in the harrowing video available on Youtube. There’s a strong Metallica influence in the mix of rage and melody, with an orchestra bolstering the rock, but the music more than serves the message.

TRYGVE SEIM

Rumi Songs (ecM)

by Quentin Mills-Fenn

On the BOOKSHELF

The Swells (House of Anansi)

by Will Aitken

The Emerald Tranquility is the most luxurious cruise ship afloat, stuffed to the fo’c’sle with the doddering ultra rich, the brown people who serve them, and one impoverished travel journalist. Full of plot twists, stormy seas, high-end shopping experiences, sexy murderous pirates, and a mysterious woman leading a mutiny. Will Aitken has whipped up a truffle-deliciously dark satire about our world today that stings as it delights.

The Twittering Machine (Verso Books)

by Richard Seymour

What does it mean to be on social media so many hours a day?

Richard Seymour points out that these platforms don’t have to spy on us: they have created a machine for us to write to, and we tell it everything. Social media user (i.e., all of us), he says, are the unpaid producers of raw content for the social media giants that harvest the data we give them for free. An eye-opening, even alarming, study on what it means to be online all day, making posts and chasing likes.

Driven: The Secret Lives of Taxi Drivers (Biblioasis)

by Marcello Di Cintio

Taken a cab lately? Know anything about the person behind the wheel? A refugee from the civil war in Sierra Leone? A Hungarian survivor of the Holocaust? One of the women from Winnipeg’s own Ikwe Safe Rides for Indigenous, Inuit, and Metis women? Marcello Di Cintio has compiled a fascinating series of interviews of the individuals who talk about their work and their lives before they got behind the wheel.

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The Porter unpacks Black history

BY KELLY GRAY

February is Black History Month, a time of learning for us all and a point where the country can step back and consider its past relationship with people of colour. This year, CBC, and its production partner, US-based BET+, are screening The Porter, a made-in-Winnipeg TV dramatic series depicting the lives of Black porters who worked on the country’s national (and international) rail service.

Set in Montreal’s Little Burgundy amid the early years of the last century (with side stops in Detroit and Chicago), the story follows the struggles of Black railway workers and their families, of whom many are only a generation or two removed from slavery in America. The teleplay, inspired by historical events, follows the actions

of porters Junior Massey (Aml Ameen) and Zeke Garrett (Ronnie Rowe Jr.), Junior’s wife Marlene (Mouna Traoré), and nightclub performer Lucy (Loren Lott).

As tragedy strikes in the community, the group is set on radically different paths on their road to better lives. The series has Junior Massey taking advantage of a broken social system to pursue money and power in criminal activity, while Zeke fights the railway to change the system from within by unionizing Black porters relegated to sleeping car service on the country’s rail lines. Contrasting views abound with Junior’s wife, Marlene, questioning whether her work as a Black Cross nurse serves the needs of her community. Amid this backdrop of social

conflict, performer Lucy seeks to make her own success – despite the cost. The characters find their once unbreakable bonds are stretched to their limits as characters seek to turn their dreams into reality.

The production looks to a creative team that is Black-led. This group includes directors and executive producers, as well as writers and showrunners. The eight-episode series, cocreated by Arnold Pinnock and led by showrunners Annmarie Morais and Marsha Greene, was shot in Winnipeg with a local crew directed by Charles Officer and RT Thorne; and is produced by Inferno Pictures Inc. and Sienna Films. The story seeks to reframe Black Canadian history by featuring the fullness and diversity of the Black diaspora.

The lead writers and showrunners are Annmarie Morais (Killjoys, Ransom, American Soul) and Marsha Greene (Private Eyes, Ten Days In The Valley, Mary Kills People). Together, they formed one of Canada’s first Black-led writers' rooms, including Morais, Greene, Thorne, Andrew Burrows-Trotman, Priscilla White and story editor Andrea Scott.

“We need to teach future generations about this history,” says Ian Dimerman of Inferno Pictures Inc. He remarks that while people may be familiar with stories from the US that speak about the Black community and its struggles, other narratives, such as

Ronnie Rowe Jr as Zeke and Aml Ameen as Junior with additional cast of The Porter.

Photo: Shauna Townley

those from people who travelled from the small islands in the Caribbean, also made a big impact on Canada and North America. “The Porter offers these stories and frames them amid the challenges of the labour movement within Black society that we seldom hear in Canada. The Porter seeks to open people’s eyes to the real history of Canada’s early Black population.”

Dimerman’s view is shared by producer Sami Tesfazghi, a Winnipegger who came to the city at age 12 from Eritrea. “A lot of people are not aware of this history. The Porter is a groundbreaking story that will open the doors for not only greater understanding about the Black community, but will be a bridge connecting us all with narratives that reveal more about a history that is not broadly told,” he says, mentioning that Winnipeg was the home of North America’s first Black labour union - the Order of Sleeping Car Porters (1917). The porters organized to fight unfair and racist labour practices that saw them paid less than other porters and refused sleeping accommodation and food on shifts that could last several days.

Production started in February of 2021 and following 72 days of shooting, wrapped this past September.

According to Dimerman, 95% of the crew was local talent. These were set dressers, painters and carpenters, costumers and lighting technicians, as well as others who showed up each day during a raging pandemic to create art. “Working here in Winnipeg, we were able to bring a crew together that was truly diverse in their ethnic makeup as well as their on-set and offset talents.”

Being shot in Winnipeg also meant having great locations and facilities to mirror the early 1900s. For example, Winnipeg is home to a vintage train, The Prairie Dog Central, a short line rail tour that operates one of the oldest train sets in the world. Locomotive #3 was built in Scotland in 1882 and worked last for Winnipeg Hydro before it was retired and rebuilt for tours. Winnipeg is also home to examples of some of Canada’s oldest housing stock. This selection made it less challenging for set designers to recreate the look of turn of the century Montreal from current-day apartments and streetscapes at Sara and Langside in Winnipeg’s West Broadway neighbourhood.

Sets were constructed in a massive facility on Inkster Blvd. that was once a Nygard clothing factory. Following the sale of the building, the huge structure

was repurposed as a film studio with offices and shop space. It was here on Inkster Blvd. that film crews shot train coach interiors and other creative sets such as the purpose-built Stardust Nightclub.

“Finding the right locations is a challenge every production has to undergo. We were fortunate to shoot here. The community was very supportive and accommodating, and we were able to find locations that worked perfectly with the story,” says Dimerman, mentioning the Provincial tax credit that has been a real boost to local film and television productions.

The Porter airs on CBC beginning Monday, February 21 at 9:00 PM and will also stream on CBC GEM, the CBC’s streaming app.

Alfre Woodard as Fay with additional cast of The Porter.

Photo: Arnold Pinnock

Oluniké Adeliyi as Miss Queenie in The Porter.

Photo: Arnold Pinnock

Entertainment is Recession Proof

BY ONALEE AMES

Ihave lived to tell that there is a moment in time when everything happening in the world pivots – whether good or bad. It is one of the laws of nature and it is happening in the film industry in Manitoba right now. The demand for filmed entertainment has endured the Great Depression, World Wars, the Great Recession, and now Covid.

I sure wish I could have told my father those words when I turned down a job offer from business tycoon Jim Pattison when I was fresh out of university. “I am going to be an actress instead, but thank you very much,” I grinned, as my family stood by in horror.

I did prove them wrong over the last 25 years though. I’ve had a flourishing career in film and TV, and have pursued writing, directing, producing, teaching, and of course, acting. All have paid off in great dividends, and I have not looked back. Now it’s 2022, and I can attest that my career in Winnipeg, albeit similar to that of the tortoise from the story of the tortoise and the hare, is moving forward during a pandemic.

These past few years, the demand for and investment in filmed content continues to grow despite global economic downturn, proving that entertainment is recession proof. In 2020, there was a landmark study done by Olsberg /S.P.I. They stated three things:

Firstly, that investment in the entertainment sector is growing. “According to calculations by the UBS Bank…content spending by 16 companies in the US last year was roughly equal to the sum invested in America’s oil industry in 2019.”

Secondly, the demand for entertainment continues to rise. “93% of (streaming) subscribers plan to maintain their current level or increase their number of streaming services. In total, 47% of customers aged 18 to 35 have three or more services.

Lastly, there is growth in scripted series. “The growth in scripted series has increased by 385% between 2014 and 2018 pre-pandemic. Netflix alone debuted 371 new original series and films in 2019, which represented a 55% increase in 2019. “

Winnipeg has been no stranger to consistent growth in the film industry. We have spent the past couple of years doing on-set Covid testing to keep productions safe. Our city has hosted over 41 productions in the last two years. Our crews and production companies worked through some pretty scary times successfully.

The fact is that with growth like we have been seeing, there is current demand for crew members and actors. This means jobs - jobs in a time of economic uncertainty. One of the careers that seemingly offered my parents sleepless nights, is now blossoming with promise. A pivot worthy of writing about.

Join me over the next year as I interview some of Winnipeg’s film industry specialists and professionals as they bring hope and guidance for surviving economic uncertainty. Come take a first row seat to film and television. May we continue to celebrate endurance and creativity, which has truly become the heartbeat of our city.

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Combining their love of wood & style, these local artisans thrive on designing & making unique “kreations,” ranging from shadowbox frames & signs to minimalist wood wallets. Follow them on Instagram @luckynumber3kreations or email them direct.

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Spring into Action

Spring cleaning…where to begin? The process of decluttering and then cleaning each space in your home can be daunting.

Make a list. Then start your Clear Out & Clean Out Project with labeled boxes.

Box 1: Donate / Consign

Anything you want to donate or consign goes into these boxes. If the items will not fit (like a couch, for example) keep a running list. When finished cleaning, drop it off or have items picked up at your earliest convenience.

Box 2: Repair

While decluttering, you’ll come across items that need mending or repair. Place them in this box until you’re ready to work on them. Don’t let repairs sidetrack you until you’re done cleaning.

Box 3: Put Away Box

This box is for random items scattered throughout your space. When done picking up, take that box and return everything to its rightful storage place.

To Clean Out, use organic cleaning products for all surfaces, a stack of colour coded microfiber cloths to avoid contamination, and some scrubbies. You’ll also need an extension duster, mop, pail and vacuum cleaner, all clean and in good working order.

Clean each room from top to bottom, from left to right and from back to front of surfaces. Use the wash, dry, buff method and make sure you change cloths frequently. Throw out any cloth used for cleaning toilets.

Clever Cleaning Hacks

Buff surfaces with olive oil

Olive oil has many nutritional benefits. Turns out it can also help you clean the house. It’s a great option for cleaning stainless steel, such as pots, pans and appliances. Put olive oil on a soft cloth and rub in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots.

Sanitize the garbage disposal

The garbage disposal does a lot of dirty work on a regular basis, so it’s important to keep it clean and clog-free. To clean and deodorize it, use a fresh lemon or lime. Cut fruit into quarters, and while you have the water running, put lemon pieces one by one into the disposal.

Remove carpet stains with vodka

Rubbing alcohol, vodka, and even white wine can be used for this cleaning hack. First, blot the stain. Second, pour any type of clear alcohol onto the stain. This is better than any over the counter product.

Eliminate water stains with shaving cream

Shaving cream is a great way to remove water stains from shower glass. Apply the shaving cream and let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe off.

Baking soda and vinegar will basically clean the tub for you

Mix one cup of vinegar and half a cup baking soda with hot water and pour into an empty tub, allowing it to sit for five minutes. Start filling the tub with hot water until it is approximately one-quarter filled, and let it sit for an additional five minutes. Then release drain and rinse thoroughly.

Or, call Take Time Home Cleaning, Winnipeg’s largest and most awarded home cleaning company for quality, hassle-free service. Winners of the International Top Choice Award from 2016 to 2022.

Cleaning made simple

Cleaning homes has never been easier; thanks to Vacuflo and its innovative Chameleon retractable hose system. Vacuflo has been earning its positive reputation for over 65 years in the Manitoba market with central vacuum systems that take housework to new levels of simplicity.

According to Vacuflo Manitoba owner Alan Gray, it all starts with an expert evaluation to determine the right product to fit a home’s specific needs.

“Most new homes are already roughedin for a central vacuum, but we can also retrofit systems into older homes. In most cases, there is no need for any patch repair or multiple contractors. We can access the main floor walls from below if the basement ceiling is unfinished or has removable ceiling tiles. Our technicians are well versed in older home installation, and people can expect very little mess. And, our crew is usually in and out in one day.”

What crews leave behind is a quiet, capable vacuum system that is hidden.

Traditional central vacuum systems utilize a 30 to 35-foot hose plugged into inlet valves located throughout the home. "Not only are some hoses heavy, but the biggest complaint people have about central vacuums is putting the hose away when they are finished using it,” says Gray. "With our Chameleon Retractable Hose System, it’s as easy as opening the wall receptacle

and pulling the hose out of the wall valve. Retractable hoses are available in 30-foot, 40-foot, 50-foot and 60-foot lengths. The 60-foot hose can reach areas up to 3,000 square feet. This capability means fewer wall receptacles and just one lightweight hose to clean different parts of the house," he says, adding that Chameleon hoses also have a fitted fabric cover to protect walls and furnishing from being scratched.

The Chameleon hose is far lighter than standard hoses because it does not have built-in wiring. "The RF hose handle uses lithium batteries for remote on/ off control of the system, and there are two cordless powerheads available specifically for cleaning carpets. One is pneumatic, and the other has a rechargeable lithium battery,” he says, mentioning that the central vacuum systems have made clunky portable vacuum cleaners with their cords and heavy canisters an unnecessary hassle. Now, retractable hoses are making central vacuum systems even more efficient. “Cleaning couldn’t be easier. With our Chameleon system, you open the wall receptacle, extend the hose, vacuum, and then let the hose retract. You’re done!”

Five key points spotlight Vacuflo’s advantages

*Performance - A right-sized Vacuflo central vacuum system can be up to five times more powerful than a portable vacuum.

*Convenience – In most homes, one retractable hose can often service an entire floor area, making vacuuming less time-consuming. Existing conventional systems can often be upgraded to a Hybrid system with the new Camport option. The Chameleon retractable hose can be used with conventional inlet valves. Chameleon hoses are available from 30-feet to 60-feet as well as custom lengths.

*Health - One of the biggest polluters in a home is the portable vacuum that expels a nasty mist of microscopic dirt and allergens when in operation. Most central vacuums exhaust to the outside. This removes fine dust and allergens from the home.

*Longevity - An average portable vacuum lasts just five years. A properly maintained, quality central vacuum should function for well beyond 20 years, and with Vacuflo, the original homeowner will actually have a lifetime factory warranty on the power unit.

*Value and equity - Realtors report a central vacuum is considered a musthave for new home buyers (90% of new builds offer a central vacuum), and having one in an existing home adds value beyond the cost of installation.

Discover the ease of central vacuum systems by visiting www.vacuflomanitoba.com

Pull

Vacuum Retract

Growing bold at home

BY LEIGH PATTERSON

What began as a need for privacy has grown, quite literally, into a backyard oasis for these Fort Garry homeowners.

Working with freelance landscape designer Jess Dixon and design-build firm 3 Seasons Landscaping, the homeowners expressed their need for a solution that would give them the privacy they desired for the side and rear yards, along with seating areas, places to garden, and a view of an attractive riverside lot.

Dixon delivered a design that could achieve everything on their wish list, and more. The homeowners relied on the expertise of 3 Seasons Landscaping to grant their wishes by implementing the plan and realize its full potential.

Because the property grade drops the equivalent of a full story from top to bottom along the side of the home, a creative design solution was required to accommodate the entertainment

spaces as well. The plans called for a series of platforms to accommodate various functions including firewood storage, barbeque space, benches and a large lounge area.

Once installed, these hardscaping elements work to frame the view down to the river. The details and design are so unique, that just a simple mix of pressure-treated lumber and Barkman Roman pavers comes together to achieve a high-end custom look.

“It’s a bold and creative solution for an unconventional space,” notes 3 Seasons landscape designer Paul Szakacs.

The long, cantilevered wood privacy screen and pergola offers more than privacy; it provides soundproofing, lighting and storage options, too. Its south-facing position delivers shade and contributes a visually interesting interplay of light and shadow in the yard throughout the day. A place for firewood is nestled into one end, which adds texture.

3 Seasons installed the large patio area, which is perfect for entertaining. Shallow staircases, multiple linear wooden planters and benches help guide the transition from the side door of the home down to the patio.

If you consider the hardscaping as a stage, then the spectacular plantings are the stars of the show. “The planters and pots are well planted in a consistent style,” notes Szakacs. “The plantings themselves are simple, thoughtful and planned out, which truly elevate the yard.”

To have the greatest impact, scale was another important consideration. For that reason, the planters and pots are large. “You can create depth with variety and including plants of different heights with spillers, thrillers and fillers,” says Szakacs, noting the homeowners chose unique annuals and showy plants including potato vines and spikes, ornamental castor bean, Tradescantia zebrina and tropicals.

Szakacs says this project is proofpositive that “you can accomplish a lot in a small space.” They key is to go beyond a cookie-cutter approach. As a full-service, design-build landscaper, celebrating 40 years of transforming properties, 3 Seasons Landscaping has the expertise for any project, regardless of size, complexity or budget.

But that expertise is in high demand once the snow starts to melt. Even though there’s been a lot of the white stuff this winter, spring will soon be upon us and that’s when the phones ring early and often at the 3 Seasons office. For this reason, Szakacs advises homeowners to book on-site consultations as early as possible to avoid the rush.

“March or April isn’t all that early for Winnipeg when it comes to planning, landscape design and ultimately booking landscaping,” he says.

When you’re relaxing in the backyard under your newly built pergola, sitting outside on your patio around the firepit, or whatever you have on your wish list, you’ll be thankful you did.

Trade Screen Time for Sports Time

Throughout the pandemic, technology allowed us to work from home and remain connected with friends and family while staying safe. But as screen time increased, physical activity and mental health took a hit. With a Sport Court beckoning from the backyard, kids and adults alike will be more inclined to put down the screens and boost those endorphins.

“A Sport Court is a great way to spend family time in a healthy manner, while getting exercise and fresh air and keeping fit,” says Gary Weinberg, owner of Athletic Flooring, Manitoba’s only Sport Court distributor.

Sport Court flooring is a highquality recreation surface, made with high-impact polypropylene designed and engineered for sport and safety.

“A Sport Court is superior to asphalt or other types of flooring as it provides shock absorption and lateral

forgiveness, reducing strain on the body,” says Weinberg.

Athletic Flooring can install a Sport Court for a range of activities, including basketball, tennis and roller hockey. This no-maintenance flooring is suitable for our harsh climate and

can even be flooded over each winter to create an ice rink.

A Sport Court comes with a 15-year guarantee and average life span of 25 years.

Learn more: www.athleticflooring.ca

GROW YOUR PASSION

This April 7-10, 2022, get your bloom on at the Winnipeg Home & Garden Show. Held at the RBC Convention Centre, expect to find leading experts, the latest trends, and the best advice for all your home and garden projects. From kitchens and baths to floors and landscaping, the Winnipeg Home & Garden Show is the place for discovery.

On the IKEA Main Stage, personalities such as HGTV Canada’s celebrity contractor, Bryan Baeumler, will get together with a variety of local experts to help attendees get in touch with their ‘A’ game on home and garden projects. Discover tricks of the trade that can turn home project perspiration into inspiration.

Bring your plans and blueprints to Ask a Renovator, a free 15-minute consultation with an industry professional at the Show. Presented by the Manitoba Home Builders Association, this is a great opportunity to learn how your design dreams can become a reality.

The Design Studio, presented by Style Manitoba and Cloverdale Paint, partners attendees with local design industry leaders to help homeowners get a lock on makeover plans. Expect to discover cutting-edge design trends as well as tried and true advice to help transform your home.

Shed-Formations, a feature presented by Premier Portable Buildings and landscaped by Galay Landscaping, will reveal how homeowners can transform an ordinary yard into the extraordinary. Expect to learn about backyard landscaping trends and how to create an alternative space that upgrades a home’s surrounding environment.

The Pop-Up Market will make another appearance this year. This space offers a retail showcase highlighting local artisans and crafters who will be on hand to display jewellery, clothing, ceramics, and paper goods, as well as unique food and drink options.

Need a little refreshment while attending the Show? Stop by the Sidecar Bar by Peachy Green Events, the place for signature cocktails. The Sidecar Bar is located just off The IKEA Main Stage and is the perfect pit stop for attendees to relax and absorb the wealth of information on display at this year’s Winnipeg Home & Garden Show.

Times are noon to 9:00 PM Thursday and Friday (April 7-8), 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Saturday (April 9), and 10:00AM to 6:00PM Sunday (April 10). Visit www.winnipeghomeandgardenshow.com for more details.

Success breeds imitation. This thinking is what leading property developer, Ladco, has in mind with its latest project in northwest Winnipeg. Following in the footsteps of Prairie Pointe, their hugely popular south Winnipeg new home community, Highland Pointe, is a 400-acre inclusive neighbourhood that will offer something for everyone.

“Initial servicing is complete, and our group of homebuilders has taken up the full slate of 250 lots in the first phase,” says Ladco’s Vice-president of Development, David Borger. He remarks that Highland Pointe will offer everything from luxury lake walkouts to townhomes and duplexes.

“Just as in Prairie Pointe, there will be a wide range of offerings to fit numerous price points and family needs,” he says, commenting that Highland Pointe represents a return to the North End for Ladco following their Garden Grove project in the 1980s.

Here, Ladco’s Manager of Land Development, Michael Carruthers

notes that they plan for 35 acres of parkland in addition to lakes, wetlands and walking trails to complete an amenity-rich package that teams with services already on offer in the area. Highland Pointe is located between McPhillips Street and Main Street and will see Chief Peguis Trail expanded in the future south of the community.

“This new neighbourhood will be close to facilities like the Seven Oaks Hospital, as well as the assortment of major retailers and services. It is just a quick drive to the north Perimeter and easy access to the Capital Region and cottage country," says Carruthers.

Highland Pointe is an eco-conscious development that will feature a natural drainage system with ponds and interconnecting creeks. This drainage system is engineered to protect the community from flooding, but it also provides natural beauty to the area with adjacent trails and walkways planned.

According to Borger, Ladco seeks out the best in class for their builder part-

On Pointe

ners, and the current slate of new home companies in Highland Pointe reflects this. Showhome builders include A&S Homes, Ventura Homes, Hilton Homes, Discovery Homes, and KDR Homes, along with Randall Homes, Signature Homes, Broadview Homes and Sterling Homes.

“We are following the success in Prairie Pointe with a group of consistent performers that have attracted buyers with exciting showhome designs,” says Borger.

Prairie Pointe continues to deliver

While equipment is preparing the initial stage for Highland Pointe in north Winnipeg, the energy at south-end sister development Prairie Pointe continues. Located at the intersection of Waverley St. and Kenaston Blvd., this developing community is now into Stage 6, with another 318 lots to be released spring / summer of this year.

“We are extending another 1.5 kilometres of trails this coming fall with the full linear park and walkway opening

at that time linking stages 4, 5 and 6,” says David Borger.

In addition to the parks and linear pathways along the naturalized lakes, Ladco recently completed a new fiveacre park off Eaglewood Drive. This green space features a play structure, a picnic shelter and a fire pit complete with seating. Some of the province’s largest sports and recreational facilities are within convenient bicycling distance.

Prairie Pointe is only half-developed, a fact that means lots of selection as new stages are still to come on stream. New home buyers can pick from singlefamily residences to townhomes and multifamily properties. This type of assortment is in keeping with Ladco’s overall objective to create an inclusive community.

Speaking about the quality of Prairie Pointe, builder Spencer Curtis of Hilton Homes suggests that Prairie Pointe has come a long way since opening in 2015

to become a leader among Winnipeg’s new home communities.

“Certainly, the location - close to the University of Manitoba, Victoria General Hospital and big box stores along Kenaston - is important to its success. As well, amenities such as parks and trails and Prairie Pointe’s maturing appearance have proven to be major contributing factors to the community’s popularity,” says Curtis.

HOMES & Neighbourhoods

People today are spending more time at home than ever before. But that often means family members are feeling like they're living on top of one another. Enter the perfect family home. Artista Homes has created a housing masterpiece that is inviting and inspiring, with ample space for everyone.

“We wanted to continue Artista Homes' tradition of not following, but creating the trends; building awe-inspiring creations that are unique to the industry,” says Frank Cotroneo, co-owner of Artista Homes.

This sprawling 5,000-square-foot bungalow boasts 20-foot ceilings, five bedrooms and three full and two half baths, as well as an office, home gym, fully developed lower level with walkout and – the pièce de résistance – an indoor basketball court.

“We know that people are spending more time at home and these spaces make it a lot more fun,” says Cotroneo of the basketball court. “We also know that Winnipeg weather can be unpredictable and this takes the problem away. Basketball all year round!”

Outside, a huge deck overlooks the river and lush landscaping, while a wide driveway paves the way to a three-car garage.

When it came to selecting flooring that suited the home's luxurious modern style, Artista Homes turned to Curtis Carpets.

There's no place like home

BY LEA CURRIE

For a contemporary but classic style, the Curtis Carpets' team chose a gorgeous European white oak from Timeless Wood Floors for the main floor hardwood. The master bedroom, ensuite and walk-in closet radiate elegance with the matte-finish Marmi Classici tile in Bianco Calacatta.

“Marmi Classici reflects the full splendour of the world’s most sought-after marble. This tile's elegance and contemporary and harmonious design are simply unparalleled,” says Kyle Daniels, custom builder sales representative for Curtis Carpets.

Beyond selecting beautiful products, Curtis Carpets took great care in installation.

“Both the hardwood and tile in this home are laid out or 'racked' before installing. This allows the installers an opportunity to remove or switch around the boards and tiles in the area, with the goal of creating very nice, even flow through the rooms,” says Daniels.

Professional finishing details, such as custom flush hardwood vents and seamless height transitions between tile and hardwood, elevate the look.

“They understood our vision and came up with wonderful flooring selections that went perfectly with our build,” says Cotroneo.

Visit this showhome located at 60 Curry Drive in Taylor Farm in Headingley.

Exceptional Design Elements

It's hard to believe that glass – something that is generally inconspicuous and intended to be seen through – could act as such a strong design piece. But used in the right way in a beautiful setting, and this versatile material makes a statement in itself.

“Glass provides reflections of the home that you wouldn't see with a standard wall,” says Monica White, sales and business development manager for

Fort Rouge Glass. “These reflections of glass create sightlines that emphasize a space, not only making it appear larger, but creating a powerful visual effect.”

Fort Rouge Glass created and installed a variety of glass products in Artista Homes' showhome at 60 Curry Drive, including the ensuite bathroom's glass entrance, shower glass and oversized mirror.

To install the glass in a modern and aesthetically pleasing way, the mirror and shower glass were mounted with channels. While showers always have a channel of some sort, Fort Rouge Glass embedded it in the tile to create a seamless, floating effect and add depth.

The team also created the glass surround for the indoor basketball court. Safety glass, of course, that can with-

stand the hit of a ball. Safety and quality are top priorities to the custom glass company.

“There are many different small details involved when installing glass, and ensuring that you have it to the nearest millimetre. We ensure when we do a job we do it right, and if it is not done right, we fix it,” says White.

If it's made from glass, Fort Rouge Glass can create it, from a sheet of glass to protect the wood top of your table to heavy commercial glass for building exteriors. Even after 54 years in business perfecting what they do, the company's focus is on trying new things.

“We are growing, not only in numbers, but in what we do,” says White. “We face new challenges every day with new design tactics. We love to

collaborate on new ideas and come up with new ways of doing things.”

“We often come to (Fort Rouge Glass) with very demanding and challenging designs,” says Frank Cotroneo, coowner of the home's builder, Artista Homes. “They always come through and often exceed our expectations.”

While COVID hit many businesses hard, Fort Rouge Glass got creative and began producing glass safety barriers that could better withstand abrasive cleaners to maintain a high level of safety.

“The community has supported us, not only over the last 54 years, but especially through COVID, and we are so appreciative,” says White.

Learn more: frg.ca

A Home That Works

Nowadays, you’re not just buying a house, you’re also buying an office. With the work-fromhome trend not going anywhere, it’s imperative to consider this new lifestyle reality when house hunting.

Pageantry Homes is currently crafting a new build that can naturally function as home and office without sacrificing space. The 2,443-squarefoot, two-storey home in Scotswood Meadows includes a private den with doors that can easily become your new 9-5 locale. For after office hours, the home has three bedrooms plus a loft, and two-and-a-half bathrooms.

While still under construction, the house will feature the high-quality craftsmanship that has become synonymous with Pageantry Homes. As a smaller company, the builders can focus their attention on each client and property.

Similar to the home pictured, the new space will be bright and open with lots

of windows. The well-planned layout also boasts a mudroom, large foyer with double closet, eating area with backyard views and second-floor laundry. Fine details like quartz countertops and a fireplace abound.

The neighbourhood of Scotswood Meadows, a new sub-division in Charleswood, has a high standard for building quality and design that Pageantry Homes successfully matches. The area includes a playground, walking trail, retention pond and mature trees.

All in the Family

BY KELLY GRAY

At Timber Ridge Homes, the cottage is more than just a structure to house great times and get-togethers. They see the cottage as part of the family and construct resort properties with this in mind.

Over the last couple of decades, Jason and Gerrilyn Fehr have made Timber Ridge Homes the go-to company for the design and construction of homes and cottages that accentuate the family element.

“These are places where families make memories, gather and escape the stresses of daily life. Over the years, cottages take on a life of their own and become like one of the family. Our designs take this into mind and enhance and support a family’s need to be together and celebrate life,” says Jason Fehr.

Timber Ridge Home’s showhome at Caddy Lake in the Whiteshell is a perfect case in point. Located on the Northwest corner of Caddy Lake, the low profile property offers 1600 square feet on the main level with another 250 square feet of loft space. Altogether

there are three bedrooms, two baths, and a spacious screen room amid a post and beam timber design reminiscent of mountain chalets.

The Fehr’s design utilized wood and natural elements throughout both interior and exterior aspects. For example, while the exterior utilizes PVC windows for their maintenance-free good looks, the interior has wood jamb extensions that accentuate the open timber design. The design looked to a Swiss-

sourced solid granite rock sink carved from a single stone in the ensuite bathroom off the master bedroom area and in the main bathroom. The exterior is a mix of Hardie Board siding and cedar shake to create a timeless lakefront curb appeal that works effortlessly with the natural landscape.

“We placed a lot of windows to help bring the outside in,” says Jason, adding that views from every room are a masterpiece. “In the screen room, we

This way to your next great memory.

turned to Weather Master for the fullsized screens that offer priceless views of the lake and forest.”

According to Jason, they were fortunate to acquire the very private site that features a southeast view over the lake. This position means prevailing winds blow out to the bay and leave waters calm close to the shore. The low-profile lot also provides easy access to a stunning beach that's ideal for children to splash and play, or for kayak and canoe fun. The massive wood deck at the shore’s edge is a perfect relaxation destination to soak up the summer sun or for stargazing.

“In the kitchen, the design has a farmhouse feel. We went with an unusual millwork style that uses a mixed rough sawn pine in combination with the cabinetry to enhance the cabin feel in both the kitchen and on bathroom vanities.”

The flooring is another key element that adds to the overall design. Jason reports that they utilized Chateauneuf oak hardwood throughout. “It's rustic and durable, and the butterfly joints

really make this floor a thing of beauty. We picked it because we have kids, and we know how easily sand and dirt can get tracked into a home, especially at the lake. Clean-up is a breeze with this floor.”

The fireplace is another important design aspect that adds to the cozy attributes of this lakeside home.

Manufactured by Astria Fireplaces, the unit itself offers great design and performance with its Montecito Estate model. The firebox is housed inside a full wall chimney made with Eldorado Stone, an element that blends and heightens the mountain chalet design.

Turning dreams into reality

According to Jason, the Caddy Lake property is an example of how they marry great design with family needs. “Each family has their unique requirements. Our goal is to have each new home we build achieve its full potential, and when clients input and ask questions, this helps us get to a place of total satisfaction for our customers.”

It all starts with an initial meeting to establish the big picture. “Then we get together at the design stage and invite interaction as we move forward. All along the way, we encourage clients to be on-site as often as they can. This visibility helps to ensure we are meeting all expectations.”

Relationships are an important aspect of Timber Ridge’s success. For example,

the company undertakes 8-10 new builds each year in cottage country. To do this, they have established strong associations with organizations such as Manitoba Parks and Recreation.

“We understand the regulations and the mission of the agency. Together we work as a team to make the build as seamless as possible, given the pristine nature of the environment in this beautiful area,” he says, concluding that building a property that captures the essence of family is one that is all about relationships.

Discover how Timber Ridge Homes can take cottage life to new heights. Visit www.timberridgehomes.ca for more information.

NOW SELLING 1-3 BEDROOM LUXURY CONDOS FROM 1,100-1,900 SQ. FT.

Any way you look at it, Vue Taché is a new way to see your world.

Both on the tip of the vibrant St. Boniface neighbourhood and adjacent to Winnipeg’s downtown, Vue Taché links you to a bustling residential community while steps away from the urban epicentre of the city.

Enjoy river-facing views and captivating urban skylines from Vue Taché’s top floors, or uplifting sights from any of the seven-storey concrete building’s sprawling patios.

STARTING AT $279,900

COME SEE FOR YOURSELF. VUETACHE.CA

Enjoy some freedom in StreetSide’s expansive new floor plans

BY MARGAUX BRAUND

StreetSide Developments, a Qualico Company, has been busy working on their latest condominium project, Vue Taché, designed for those looking for some added luxury and convenience in their life. Located at 780 Tache Avenue in Winnipeg’s historic St.Boniface neighbourhood, Vue Taché offers owners a chance to live in a bustling residential community, while steps away from the urban epicentre of the city.

With river-facing views and captivating skylines, Vue Taché is one of a kind in Winnipeg. Met by popular demand, the development is already 70% sold out in its pre-sale phase, with first possessions starting in early 2023. One of the development’s floor plans stands out and delivers both functionality and style – the Freedom plan.

The Freedom spans over 1500 square feet and boasts 2 large bedrooms with a third lifestyle room which can function as a workspace, yoga room or any other hobby or lifestyle need. The open concept living and dining area with designer kitchen is the perfect space for entertaining, with a patio door leading out to a spacious balcony.

For those with an inner chef, the premium kitchen offers custom Kitchen Craft cabinets, a 5-piece black stainless steel appliance set with over the range hood and a large island with quartz countertops. The primary bedroom is complete with its own large walk-in closet and ensuite

bathroom featuring dual sinks, a sleek tiled shower and quartz countertops. Windows are abundant in each suite, maximizing the river views.

“The Freedom floor plan is the perfect suite for anyone looking to right size their life and move into something that offers a bit of luxury and functionality,” says Kelli Roach, Sales & Marketing Manager with StreetSide Developments.

“After the confining past couple years of the pandemic, buyers are looking for that “get-up and go” lifestyle, so they can travel for the winter, visit friends and family, and don’t have to focus their attention on maintaining their homes.”

Those living at Vue Taché will never run out of things to do in the area. From having The Forks Market just a short walking distance away, along with museums, concert venues and restaurants just outside their doorstep, residents can experience all that downtown Winnipeg has to offer.

Whether homeowners want to hit up a patio along Provencher

Boulevard, or relax on their own private balcony, the choice is theirs. Residents will also get a sense of ease leaving their condominiums with security, and home deliveries enhanced with live feeds of building entries available on an app.

Learn more about Vue Tache and the Freedom floor plan at www.vuetache.ca

About StreetSide

With a solid reputation for providing superior value, unprecedented customer service and an authentic commitment to the communities we serve, StreetSide Developments is proud to build on Qualico’s strong vision and tradition of hard work, quality and trust. As the builder of past successes in St. Boniface like Place Joseph Royal, Mode Taché and Verve Taché, Vue Taché is yet another way we’ve fostered an immersive community along these streets.

www.streetside.ca

300 EXCLUSIVE

Imagine living in a central location with luxury and exclusive amenities. That’s 300 Main, the most anticipated development in Winnipeg.

Not only is 300 Main an architectural landmark for the city, but it also reinvented apartment living in Winnipeg, with 395 units offering elegant finishes, versatile planning, and exclusive appliances.

The architecture of the building is designed to impress, celebrating breathtaking views that stretch across the horizon and featuring stunning amenities that include a 2nd-floor terrace and a 40th-floor luxurious lounge.

The 40th-floor lounge is your space to relax after work, build community with your neighbours, or enjoy the comfort of a good book. This is an uncomplicated and elegant setting to unwind and socialize. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the highest point in the prairies.

Do you love arcades, billiards, and poker? Enjoy the games room with a few friends and complete the evening beside the fireplaces on the patio deck. Private reading nooks, kitchen, dining room, and a group theatre space complement this exclusive space for residents.

An outdoor oasis, the 2nd-floor terrace is your backyard in the heart of the city. This unique outdoor space allows you to entertain in style with friends and family in one of the private dining areas equipped with a BBQ and pizza oven. After dinner, break away and relax around a roaring fireplace with a few friends.

For pet lovers, 300 Main has it all. Your furry friends are treated as family

Redefining the Luxury Rental Experience in Downtown Winnipeg

members with a pet playground, private relief area, and washing stations.

Let’s not forget that 300 Main sets a new benchmark for downtown living in Winnipeg. The unique location offers tenants the convenience of living just minutes from The Exchange District, Osborne Village, and Saint Boniface, with its distinctive charm and lively cultural scene.

Residents of 300 Main not only benefit from an exciting lineup of neighbourhood retail and services, but can also enjoy the restaurants located at the property.

The elegant Earl’s Kitchen + Bar and the beloved breakfast diner OEB Breakfast based on the main floor of 300 Main provides a dining and entertaining experience incomparable in Manitoba. From the fantastic gastronomy to the design of the spaces, the restaurants will bring

sophistication and convenience to your everyday life.

Fifty-six different transit routes converging downtown, walking distance to hundreds of locations and biking connectivity to so much more, 300 Main is approximately a 20-minute drive from anywhere in the city. Residents of 300 Main are connected to all the best Winnipeg has to offer.

The building has direct access to the existing 3-level underground Parkade of Winnipeg Square, especially advantageous during the long cold winter of Winnipeg. On-site concierge, 24h security guard, modern security system, and many other upscale conveniences complete this incredible downtown rental experience.

For leasing inquiries, call (204) 818-2333 or visit 300 Main website www.300main.ca.

SPACIOUS UNITS

Designed by Raymond SC Wan Architects, the suites at 300 Main offer more than sophistication. Each suite features ample 7.5 feet insulated glass windows, open concept floor plans, and premium stainless steel appliances.

300 Main offers spacious apartments ranging from 681 sq ft to 1680 sq ft and a layout that includes in-suite laundry, central heating and air conditioning. The other definitive aspect of living at 300 Main is the astonishing views. The property was designed to maximize these extraordinary panoramas.

Visit www.300main.ca and check our versatile floor plans.

Floor-to-Ceiling windows

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Get a free home energy report in 10 minutes or less.

There are lots of ways to make your home more energy efficient. The number of options can feel overwhelming, making it hard to know what project to tackle first.

Understanding your home’s energy use is a great place to start. The chart below shows how the average Manitoba household consumes energy. Your home and water heating systems can account for a whopping 75% of your energy bill! Finding ways to cut your heating costs is a smart first step.

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Clear thinking

Border Glass has learned a few things over its 53 years as a leader in commercial glazing products in Winnipeg and Canada. So when Belgium-based Reynaers Aluminum was looking to expand into the Canadian market, they quickly crossed paths. The result is a new company called GRENS Inc.

Located in Winnipeg, GRENS has set up a 37,000-sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the St. Boniface Industrial Park. Products include aluminum windows, innovative lift and slide doors, folding door systems, as well as curtain walls that use Reynaers’ best-in-class technology.

“We’re seeing more requests for high performing products on residential jobs where people want the architectural appearance of aluminum, the structural performance of aluminum, the sustainability of aluminum, but with better thermal performance than has been typically available with aluminum,” says GRENS Managing Director Tim Borys. “Our experience in commercial aluminum products taught us that the fundamentals needed to change to make an aluminum window suitable for the residential market. We went looking for companies that could meet the challenge. We found that company in Europe where glazing products and standards tend to be a generation ahead of what we do here.”

With the new GRENS facility, buyers don’t have to compromise. Architects and owners like the features of aluminum: high-quality powder coated and anodized finishes, crisp frame profiles, wind load strength, durability, and sustainability. However, cost and poor thermal performance often put off customers. The GRENS products put all that in the past with designs that feature cutting-edge thermal performance, thanks to polyamide and foam inserts and sustainable attributes in windows and doors that go beyond what is currently on the market.

According to Borys, the GRENS line will compete most closely with fibreglass but combines the best attributes of fibreglass with the best attributes of aluminum.

“A triple glazed window from the GRENS line can be quoted very close to the cost of a similar fibreglass product but offers considerably more value. For example, GRENS products are powder coated or anodized versus spray painted, and GRENS products can solve structural challenges in architects’ designs that fibreglass profiles can’t. And, maybe most importantly, GRENS products present a truly sustainable solution when you understand that 80% of the aluminum produced in the world is still in useful existence. Right now, fibreglass is not a very green product from a recyclable

perspective or a hazardous material perspective,” he says. “The truth is, fibreglass is an amazing material, but it’s simplistic to make the entire window frame out of it. Good design uses the appropriate materials in the appropriate places,” Borys adds.

To get things underway, Borys sent a team to Belgium to learn firsthand the production techniques and get a solid grounding on the core ideas behind the Reynaers philosophy and process.

“While there is highly automated CNC manufacturing in the construction of each unit, there is also a rigorous quality-controlled assembly process. Our fabricators are true craftsmen. We were impressed by the attention to detail in each stage of production, as well as the company’s relentless pursuit of quality, and the support for manufacturing partners like GRENS. So often, companies talk the talk but fail to live up to core principles on things such as sustainability. It was refreshing to see Reynaers’ strength of commitment. We think the market will be impressed by the GRENS advantages.”

Discover the beauty, strength and value proposition of GRENS windows and door products.

Visit www.grens.ca for more information.

Beautifully inspiring

Cosentino continues to innovate with natural and manufactured architectural surface products to meet current trends and set new directions in design.

HybriQ+ was launched in 2020 and represents a qualitative leap in the evolution of the brand. HybriQ+ is a new production process that shows the company’s commitment to the environment, the circular economy and sustainable management. The manufacturing for Silestone with HybriQ+, in addition to Cosentino’s other environmental milestones, uses 99% recycled water with no spillage, 100% renewable electric energy,

and a minimum of 20% of recycled raw materials in its composition.

Cosentino recently displayed two of the first Silestone collections made with the new HybriQ by Silestone technology. Silestone Sunlit Days and Silestone Ethereal were spotlighted for the first time at KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) 2022, following their launch in the summer of 2021.

Silestone Sunlit Days Collection is Cosentino’s first-ever carbon neutral collection. With a robust colour offering inspired by nature in the Mediterranean, Sunlit Days includes five hues: Faro White, Cincel Grey, Arcilla Red, Cala Blue, and Posidonia Green. The new colours offer a wide range of applications with the potential to serve not only as countertops but also as backsplashes or wall cladding in high-moisture or high-traffic areas.

Silestone Ethereal Collection is marble-inspired and includes four colour ways: Dusk, Haze, Glow and Noctis. The collection comes forward with an artistic interpretation of the fleeting, heavenly patterns cast in the sky. It showcases fine lines in deep hues against a white canvas that captures the interplay of colour and light seen from dawn to nightfall.

Cosentino’s Manitoba facility on Red Fife Road in North West Winnipeg

offers wide in-stock selection and product advice. “At any given time, we have over 2,500 slabs stocked in our distribution warehouse,” says Cosentino Winnipeg General Manager, Scott MacKenzie. “The huge assortment allows us to show actual full-size slabs to our customers, noting that the location offers a 4000-square-foot showroom, a 20,000 square-foot warehouse, a sample room, and a space for continuing education and events. The site even has an outdoor kitchen concept showing Cosentino’s Dekton product line outdoor capabilities and a ventilated wall façade display.

MacKenzie invites prairie-based trades, designers, architects and the public to investigate the advantages Cosentino has on offer.

Designing - Creating - Installing the Art of Woodworking

Learn why more people are choosing to use Springfield Woodworking. It’s not just quality cabinets and solid workmanship that are driving people to choose us for custom cabinets in Winnipeg. Attention to deadlines and clear communication throughout your entire kitchen or bathroom project are reasons why more people choose to work with us. Don’t just take it from us, hear it from our customers and read our testimonials.

Our custom cabinetry make Manitoba kitchens the beautiful heart of every home; as well as vanities, bars, entertainment units, laundry rooms, home offices, and more. We also offer all types of countertops including laminate and beautiful granite and quartz for every area of your home.

Showroom Location 893A Redonda, Wpg., MB

Ph: 1 204 222-8797

Email: Sales@sfww.ca

www.springfieldwoodworking.com

Best in Class

When you do good work, you get noticed. This year, local cabinetmakers, Springfield Woodworking, were recognized for their manufacturing and customer service excellence and were accorded the Top Choice Award for cabinetry. The Top Choice Award is an honour presented to businesses that receive the most customer votes in the annual Top Choice Awards Survey conducted by iTrustLocal.

“We were very surprised to receive notification that we had won an award,” says Springfield Woodworking General Manager, Pauly Kleinsasser. The process for the Top Choice Award is one where a satisfied customer nominates a business with local consumers voting on the final outcome. Springfield Woodworking joins a slate of nearly 50 top local businesses such as Ventura Custom Homes, Bill Knight Flooring and Smart Tech Windows and Doors.

“When we started in 1999, we had no idea we would be received so well by our customers and community,” he says, mentioning that their idea from the outset has been to treat each customer with kindness and respect and build relationships with the same care they build kitchen cabinets. “I have always said that anybody can make a cabinet or door. The difference

is the positive relationship you earn through customer service. We don’t stop until the customer is satisfied.”

Behind their success is a great staff that is approachable, personable and kind. “Yes, we have some of the very best tools, but you have to have the quality people to go along with the equipment. We have both,” says Kleinsasser, pointing to their unique finishing line.

Springfield made a million-dollar investment in paint technology when it purchased a finishing line from Italy-based Cefla Finishing Products. The equipment purchase allowed Springfield to step above its competitors with cabinets that offer substantial durability thanks to a 5MM Ultraviolet (UV) water-based topcoat. Springfield Woodworking offers unique finishes comparable to products used on hardwood flooring. The finishing product's formula helps cabinets resist scuffing and scratches for a long-lasting, durable appearance. A water-based UV finish is 30% harder than conventional finishes and gives the best possible durability and stain resistance on cabinetry.

“We offer a custom touch that few can replicate. Our cabinets are made to actually fit the opening. When a customer stipulates a size we make

that size. This attention to detail means carpenters don’t have to fill in the gaps when they build your kitchen as they do with cabinets from big box stores,” he says.

Kleinsasser reports that they do 50% of their trade on a retail basis to the general public, with the other portion going to commercial contractors. “Word of mouth has been our best advertising. We have grown the business on referrals from satisfied customers,” he says, inviting the public, contractors and designers to discover their Award-winning service at Springfield Woodworking by dropping into their showroom at 893 Redonda Street in Transcona.

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