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T7X MAGAZINE
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 March/April 2020 PUBLISHER
EDITOR
Rob Lightfoot
Gene Kosowan
Contents
ART DIRECTION
Brenda Lakeman, Correna Saunders DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Correna Saunders PHOTOGRAPHY
Brenda Lakeman CONTRIBUTORS
Rudy Howell, Paula Kirman, Gene Kosowan, Markwell Lyon, Shima Zonneveld OFFICE MANAGER
Janice Lightfoot CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Image page 3 © Taras Livyy/Adobe Stock Image page 4 © Tartila/Adobe Stock Image page 12 © Natalia/Adobe Stock
ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT) ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)
For editorial inquiries or information, contact T7X magazine at info@t7xmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t7xmagazine.com. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Rob Lightfoot rob@t7xmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t7xmagazine.com
Conversations 3
T7X magazine is published by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2020 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
Pondering Over Panels Solar power installations involve a hefty investment, but is the payback worth it?
Arts & Culture A c , t s l i v o o i t6iesFrom Trash to Treasures P Parks,
Content marked by the Sponsored Content icon was produced in partnership between content producers and T7X magazine.
PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT
Rob Lightfoot: rob@t7xmagazine.com
16
Living 12
THE 7s
Repurposing Retailers Check out items for the green-minded, crafty type in all of us.
CONNECT WITH US
/t8nmagazine
13
THEN & NOW
The Heritage of Horizon Stage
How a Spruce Grove facility became a go-to spot for worldclass entertainment.
18
The thrifty, upcycling world of Bree Tetz.
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City
MEET YOU THERE Out of the Woodwork The furniture at Raggs to Riches connects the past to the present.
Spotlight 20
Bark at The Ranch
It’s nothing but the best for Fido and felines at this facility.
FOOD & GATHERINGS Going Veggie-centric How you can make it easy eating green.
T7X March/April 2020 1
I FROM THE PUBLISHER I IT’S FUNNY HOW a color this time of year could
trigger a social issue almost unimaginable more than 20 years ago. Back then, the greenery that marked the arrival of spring conjured up notions of planting gardens and mowing lawns. These days, the coming of the season has also prompted concerns surrounding climate change to enter our consciences. In response, this edition takes an eco-type perspective towards spring, also a time ripe for home renovations. Rob Lightfoot One of those upgrades many people are considering are whether to install solar panels for economic and environment reasons. We look at the pros and cons of such an investment on page 3. One of the latest ecological trends these days is a movement called upcycling and to that end, we talk to artist Bree Tetz on the effect of the trend on her work (page 6) as well as give you a rundown on shops that cater to those revitalized old items (page 12). Food is also an essential link to the environment, which is why we focus on a more green-oriented array of recipes (page 13). Outside that theme, we also look at what’s available at Raggs To Riches (page 18), trace the history of Horizon Stage (page 16) and offer a spa option for pets (page 20). Enjoy the read and remember that the one thing green shouldn’t represent is envy, because ultimately when it comes to the environment, we’re all on the same side.
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On the Cover This edition's cover features the crafty and clever works of artist Bree Tetz, who’s renowned in the region for creating original work from found items, a technique that underscores the essence of the upcycle movement. Catch her story on page 6. Photo by Brenda Lakeman.
I CONVERSATIONS I
Solar 101 Solar systems are actually pretty simple, consisting of just a few general components which follow a basic process. Photovoltaic (PV) modules, the tilted panels you see on roofs, are made of layers of silicon, a semiconductor that generates a current of DC electricity as it soaks up sunlight. This current then travels to at least one inverter, which converts it into usable AC electricity. Most of these systems are on-grid, meaning they are connected to the same electrical grid as everyone else—an important consideration, as solar energy obviously can only be produced at certain times.
Pondering Over
PANELS
Solar power installations involve a hefty investment, but is the payback worth it? BY MARKWELL LYON
CLEAN ENERGY HAS certainly
come a long way in fossil-rich Alberta. “Years ago, when people wa nted to produce their ow n energy, they would maybe think about a little wind turbine, that would kind of whirl and make this really high-pitched noise when it spun,” says Benjamin Thibault, executive director at Solar Alberta. “At this point, nobody’s doing
that anymore.” Improvements in technology, coupled with concerns about climate change and rising fossil fuel prices, have convinced a growing number of Albertans to turn to solar power for at least part of their energy needs. With that in mind, we take a look at the state of solar energy in Alberta, and how homeowners and businesses alike might benefit from its emergence.
This is one reason why, at the present time, solar’s slice of the energy pie in Alberta is still fairly small. According to the Canada Energy Regulator (formerly the National Energy Board), most of the electricity in the province is produced from coal and natural gas. Only 13 percent comes from renewables, namely wind, hydro and biomass. Solar barely registers. Yet it’s a rapidly growing sector of energy production. While solar still contributes just a small part of production provincially, it’s an important contribution and one which has been booming recently. According to the Alberta Electric System Operator, solar production represented some 1,100 sites and 5.5 MW of total installed capacity in April 2015. By October 2019, those numbers had grown to 4,600 sites and 55 MW. Large-scale projects are also contributing to this boom, such as the 130-MW facility recently being developed outside Claresholm, which will double solar power production in the province.
From 30 Above to 30 Below “That’s what demonstrates that the industry really matured over that timeframe and became a sector with its feet underneath it,” Thibault says. He thanks a drop in prices for the growth. Cheaper and more efficient module parts and increasing local competition between installers, have made solar systems more affordable than ever for homeowners and businesses. That’s good because between summer and winter, Alberta inflicts some extreme temperatures on its residents. T7X March/April 2020 3
Not coincidentally, we’re high energy users, given our greater heating and cooling needs. Fortunately, Alberta also happens to be one of the best spots in Canada for solar energy. The Solar Power Canada guide put out by EnergyHub ranks us behind only Saskatchewan in average “solar production potential,” a measurement that expresses the amount of energy that can be produced in a year given the size of a system. The upshot is that because of the relatively high amount of solar irradiation (also known as insolation) here, a household needs fewer solar panels to produce a certain amount of power than other places. “There’s parts of southern Alberta that get as much or even a bit more annual solar energy insolation as Rio De Janeiro,” he says, crediting our dry environment and relative lack of cloud cover for what he calls “the best solar resource in the country.” The sun really shines in spring and summer, which sees one of two peak times of electricity usage in the province, when air conditioners drone on muggy summer days. While our air conditioning load, like our humidity, isn’t nearly as bad as many other places, air conditioner usage is still on the rise as more Albertans seek comfort from the dog-day heat. “Within the next couple of years we’ll actually become a summer-peaking province, whereas we’ve been a winterpeaking province historically,” Thibault says. “That also happens to be when old steam turbine facilities, like coal plants, tend to have trouble.” In other words, solar is at peak production just when demand is highest in the summer and just when conventional power plants are at risk of temporary shutdowns due to heat-related problems.
Billing, Cost and Size Probably the most obvious drawback of solar is the simple fact that the sun doesn’t always shine. Utility companies deal with this in part through net-metering, in which they buy surplus power that small systems generate during peak production times. The excess is purchased at the same rate as the customer’s retail rate and fed back into the grid, and the customer receives credits in return. In 4 T7Xmagazine.com
SOLAR ENERGY IN SPRUCE GROVE “Solar collectors,” aka solar panels, are covered by Section 77 of the City’s Land Use Bylaw, available at sprucegrove.org. Generally speaking, roof-mounted collectors may project up to 0.5 m from a roof’s surface when within 5 m of a side Site Line. Elsewhere, they may project a maximum of 1.3 m above the site’s maximum permitted height. They also must not extend over the edge of a roof. Wall-mounted collectors must be at least 2.4 m above Grade, and may project 1.5 m from the wall surface when facing a rear Site Line, and 0.6 m elsewhere. In all cases, solar collectors must not throw glare into neighbouring homes or streets. Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation (alberta.ca/micro-generation.aspx) also provides useful info for the prospective solar buyer. the shorter, cloudier days of fall and winter, when production wanes, customers can use those credits to purchase power from the grid to cover their household demand. Net metering also attempts to answer another notable challenge of solar energy production: the electricity produced from solar dissipates if it isn’t stored right away. Off-grid systems in remote areas might use batteries, like the Tesla Powerwall. But as a single Powerwall can cost around $10,000 and more than one would be needed to fully power most homes, it’s a pricey option. For most homeowners, connection to the grid through a net-metering plan obviates the need for storage. While we’re on the topic of money, there’s also the setup cost. Despite prices coming down in recent years, solar systems are still a pretty penny to get going. Installers should be consulted for quotes, as every house and every solar system is unique to some degree. But for a rough estimate, a homeowner simply needs to calculate how much energy their household uses in a year. Annual energy use, in kilowatt hours (kWh), can then be divided by 1,276—the average annual number of full sunlight hours in Alberta—to determine the appropriate size of a system, in kilowatts (kW). According to EnergyHub, the average Alberta household
consumes 7,200 kWh annually; this would require a system that produces 5.64 kW. If that’s difficult to picture, then a money amount might be easier: the average solar installation cost in Alberta is around $2.89 per installed watt, meaning a 5.64 kW system could have a bill of around $16,300. There’s also the question of size and space. Panels in smaller, residential systems vary in size from brand to brand, but on average are 1.6 m long by 1.0 m wide and weigh somewhere around 18 kg. A typical 6 kW system will use 20 solar panels, requiring around 40 m2 of roof space. The total weight of panels and other equipment works out to around 1.4 to 1.8 kg per square meter, which is easily manageable for most homes.
Taking the Long View It’s an investment, but one that Thibault and other proponents of solar power argue pays for itself over the lifespan of the hardware, generally estimated at 25 years. And these savings are available even when working at scale, unlike other forms of energy, which are cost competitive only at the utility level. “With solar, you can make it work at any level,” Thibault says. “Often the modules on a large solar farm are the same or similar to the modules you put on your roof. If you’re looking at producing energy on your own right now, you’re looking at solar to do it.” The long-term savings from solar come not just from the longevity of the equipment, but also from the energy independence that ideally results. Sure, solar energy is clean, but perhaps a more persuasive argument in favour is that it allows a household or business to hedge against future increases in energy prices. “I might not save any money next month on my solar panels,” he says, “but I get that rate locked in for the next 15 or 20 years, and that’s where I can hedge against my worry that electricity costs are going to be way higher in 2035 than they are right now.”
New Energy in Oil Country For those considering a home solar system, Thibault recommends doing research and exploring options, perhaps by visiting the Solar Alberta website (solaralberta.ca). The site has a directory of service providers throughout the province, as well as publications, seminars and other free resources that break down the science and benefits of solar power, as well as detailed information on planning for a home system and choosing an installer. For Thibault, it’s not just the current state and growth of solar power that is exciting. Through technological innovation, the materials involved have made solar energy competitive and viable, and more of the same can be expected in coming years. He’s particularly excited about innovations that aren’t quite at commercial-scale yet, but will be before long. Solar siding and shingles are already on the market and coming down in price, and batteries are rapidly advancing, potentially solving one of the biggest challenges in solar energy: storing energy that would otherwise dissipate. Alberta’s love affair with oil, natural gas and coal might seem like a roadblock to adopting cleaner energy, but even in this Thibault sees opportunity. Our long history as an energy power, he argues, gives us a leg up. He cites the technical expertise of a large pool of engineers and technicians, and a rural base that already open to renewable energy as a way to get the most financially out of their land. Following in the wake of coal and natural gas and oil booms, solar and other forms of renewable energy might just be the next chapter in our energy story. “There’s a huge history to Alberta’s energy identity kind of transitioning and moving over time,” Thibault says. “That history makes it ripe for accommodating other energy sources into that identity.” t7x T7X March/April 2020 5
I ARTS & CULTURE I
treasures From trash to
The thrifty, upcycling world of Bree Tetz BY PAULA E. KIRMAN; PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA LAKEMAN
6 T7Xmagazine.com 6 T7Xmagazine.com
THE OLD SAYING that one person's trash is another person's treasure couldn't be more apt for Bree
Tetz. The Edmonton resident has been thrifting, picking, and upcycling her way to a renovated home. She doesn't just go to garage sales or antique stores to purchase things and place them in her house—she puts her own unique touches on vintage items.
T7X March/April 2020  7
Her favourite piece is a deconstructed chair that, in the hands of anyone else, would have likely ended up in a landfill. But after her alterations, the result is a unique creation that has been given new life. “It came from a home where the dog had gotten to the foam and fabric. But that was fine because I knew I was going to tear it apart,” says Tetz. “I started by removing all the fabric and stuffing, which was horse hair, dating the chair over 100 years old. I then removed all the nails—hundreds and hundreds—then re-stuffed and padded just the front of the chair leaving the back open so you could admire the craftsmanship of this chair. I added recycled drop cloth canvas and reupholstered the chair using furniture nails. I then used the foam from another upcycled chair and covered it with the same fabric.”
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Tetz has only been working on her thrifty renovations since December of 2018. However, she has been thrifting since she was a young child with her mother “out of necessity,” something she has carried over as an adult on a strict budget. So, she began thrifting again for her home renovations. “I love finding unique items or items I can refinish,” she says. “Not only is each item unique, they each have a history, and a story, and usually have a higher quality of craftsmanship.” Tetz finds the quest for one-of-a-kind pieces every bit as exciting as the creative process. “I love the thrill of the hunt— looking and waiting for the perfect piece—and the finished project. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your vision come to fruition.”
She also stresses that thrifting, picking, and upcycling is important when being conscious of sustainability. “By purchasing vintage and used pieces, we are reducing the amount of waste headed to our landfills and refusing the need for cheap, disposable furniture,” Tetz says. “This also rings true for other items as well. My entire home, minus a few pieces, has all been thrifted, including linens, small appliances, kitchen wares, pottery, utensils, glassware, artwork, and even my family's clothing. The list goes on. I think each little bit helps reduce our footprint.” t7x Besides showing her work on Instagram (@mylittleblackandwhitehouse) Bree is a vendor at the Blue Jar Antique Mall in Edmonton, with a booth where she shares her upcycled and found pieces. She also does commissioned pieces by special request.
T7X March/April 2020 9
Expertise, Experience & Dedication Caruana adds a focus on quality to those bathroom & kitchen projects
E
very house is different and there are as many reasons to renovate as there are homeowners. Some may be looking to update the styles and convenience of their home, or they may renovate to make a house more attractive to buyers and increase its potential resale value. Others may simply want more space or light or a better flow in certain rooms. Whatever the reason, Caruana Interiors and Contracting helps guide clients through the entire process. As owner Neville Ward explains, every house is as different and unique as the people who live in it. “People usually have kind of an idea of what they want to do,” says Ward. “but they don’t really know where to start.” That’s where Caruana comes in. The St. Albert company brings expertise, experience and a dedication to quality work and safety to each reno job. As for which renovation jobs Ward is approached by homeowners for advice, bathrooms and kitchens top the list.
BATHROOMS
Caruana Interiors has special expertise in bathrooms, their most common renovation. Often, the bathroom is the starting point of a full-scale home renovation. As it turns out, there’s a lot you can do with a bathroom. Some homeowners simply look to upgrade what they already have. “New vanity, new flooring, new bathtub, maybe a nicer shower faucet or toilet, that kind of stuff,” Ward says. Better lighting and ventilation, as well as improved layout, are other common bathroom renovation needs on the minds of homeowners. Such jobs may be modest, but a few clients opt for a complete overhaul. “Maybe this bathroom’s not very effective, or it’s not laid out very nicely, and they want to completely blow it out and revamp it from scratch and put in something they really love,” adds Ward. This is where things can really get creative, as a little space can be sacrificed here or there for things like a luxury tub, a longer vanity or double sinks. Like renovations in general, costs can vary. That’s not surprising for a project
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like a bathroom remodel, when done right, is an investment that can pay for itself over time. Ward estimates that the average customer spends between $18,000 and $22,000 on a typical fullscale bathroom renovation. Adding more upscale hardware will also add value. The good news is that whether your bathroom reno is midrange or luxury, a homeowner planning to sell can expect a good return on the cost—around 60 percent, according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. Like all remodeling jobs that Caruana carries out, the work begins with an in-home consultation. Quotes are never given sight unseen—the experts at Caruana want to get to know the house before a hammer is ever lifted, just as they want to understand the owner’s motivations. “We go to a person’s house, and we actually see the space,” Ward says. “We have to see what we’re dealing with, how old it is, and what condition it’s in.” Caruana’s methodical approach to every home ensures that the work matches the owner’s vision and is carried out in a safe, careful manner.
KITCHENS Caruana approaches kitchen renovations the same way. The heart of the home, kitchens are another popular renovation target. That’s not too surprising, as it’s a room where we spend a lot of time when we’re home, and an outdated or inconvenient kitchen will stand out for all the wrong reasons. Though kitchen renovations can be big, complicated jobs, homeowners often find that they’re necessary every 20 to 25 years, when styles and amenities start reaching the end of their usefulness. “Kitchens are definitely up there,” Ward says. “Not quite as popular as bathrooms, just because they cost more.” While a small job with just a few updates can be done for $10,000 or less, a typical floor-to-ceiling job might start around $50,000. What you get in return, though, is an entirely new and updated kitchen. “That would include a new floor, removing drywall, and lots of times we replace the whole ceiling,” Ward explains. “All new cabinets, backsplash, appliances, that sort of stuff.” Kitchen renos often involve a lot of rearranging. Appliances might be moved around, or a wall taken out to open things up. Often, a full electrical rewire is necessary. New appliances, modern cabinets and lighting can work together to create a fresh and modern look that improves the entire home. As with bathrooms, a kitchen upgrade can also reap some nice returns. Many experts rank kitchens highly when it comes to resale value. In fact, Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report in 2018 placed kitchens fifth among types of renovations, recouping about 81 percent of the renovation cost. While that’s a nice figure to keep in mind, Ward recommends that homeowners not worry too much about resale, whatever their reasons for renovating. After all, it’s difficult to predict what the next owner’s tastes will be. “I’d say, first and foremost, people have to do a renovation for themselves. It’s more important that something is clean and looks well maintained, then be over-the-top or fully renovated.” Just like buying a house, the decision to renovate your home is a huge one. Rest assured that no matter your reasons or the size of the job, the professionals at Caruana can help bring your remodeling dreams to life and ensure that you get the full personal value out of your renovations.
780.935.5831 f caruanainteriors.ca 9, 8 Riel Drive, St. Albert, AB Licensed & Insured for your protection Alberta Prepaid Contractor License 320821 Serving St. Albert & Edmonton since 2007
This sponsored content was produced in partnership between Caruana Interiors & Contracting and T7X magazine. T7X March/April 2020 11
I THE SEVENS I
Repurposing RETAILERS Check out items for the green-minded, crafty type in all of us BY GENE KOSOWAN
IT SOUNDS LIKE a stretch to even
Blue Jar Antique Mall (Edmonton)
Home Reusable (Edmonton)
suggest that weekend activities like hitting garage sales, antique stores a nd th rift shops is one solution to climate change. The logic goes along the lines of one item purchased from any of those establishments is one less object relegated to a landfill.
This gallery has only been around for a decade, but already it’s a hot-spot for unique artistic creations, several of them upcycled by artists serious about eco-friendliness. Some 7,000 feet of space is dedicated to those wares from restored furniture to original works of art. (bluejarantiquemall.ca)
Offering a wide selection of reclaimed building materials, this outlet provides an incentive for customers to contribute to environmental sustainability and save money at the same time. Inventory changes quite often, but you can still expect a wide array of items from electrical and hardware to antiques and interior décor. (homereuse.com)
Pinterest recently indicated the trend is catching on big-time, with searches for those wares having jumped by 446 percent over the past year. Views concerning recycled items (those broken down and blended with new materials) and upcycled products (items repurposed into an entirely new creation) have spiked by more than 2,000 percent. The capital region isn’t immune to this movement, and as proof, here’s a look at a few outlets.
Barnyard Salvage (Stony Plain) Backyard builders looking to create a shed or greenhouse without killing any trees can head to this company that specializes in reclaiming wood from abandoned structures. Bent on eco-friendliness, Barnyard features materials for such purposes as hardwood flooring, support beams and mantels. (barnyardsalvage.com) 12 T7Xmagazine.com
Ever After Antiques and Collectibles (Alberta Beach) If there’s anything that qualifies as repurposed in this space, it better have a vibe of authenticity running through it. Ever After is big on nostalgia and a look inside proves it, with old and refinished furniture that recalls those yesteryear periods. There’s not only several novelty items that sell quickly, but also a collection of Aboriginal crafts that are popular among regulars. (everafterantiques.com)
Gary C. Sharpe Antiques & Decoration (St. Albert) One of the more unique services that specialize in rejuvenating old items, this establishment has a reputation for restoring antiquated products from the 20th century into finished works with a modern touch. Sharpe tends to work with found items like chests and furniture that fit his own wow factor criteria. (garycsharpe.com)
One Man’s Treasure Antique Emporium (Stony Plain) It helps to check this shop regularly, since the inventory here changes quite rapidly, whether you’re looking for furnishings or crafts to brighten your castle’s interior. While the focus is on antiques, the store often brings in newer wares from 40 regional vendors, some with backgrounds in repurposing older items. (onemanstreasure.ca)
Raggs to Riches (Spruce Grove) Artisans tend to be on the cutting edge of repurposing old items and this shop is no exception. Proudly displaying an eclectic collection of good that were either hand-crafted or redesigned by the company owner and staff, the focus is on local products. For those inspired to do more than just purchase what’s in the store, workshops are also available. (raggstoriches.ca) t7x
I FOOD & GATHERINGS I
Going Veggie-centric How you can make it easy eating green RECIPES & STYLING BY SHIMA ZONNEVELD PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA LAKEMAN
FOOD CULTURE IS ever changing with its
current emphasis on plant based meals. Meatless Mondays are spreading to meatless any day or perhaps every day. The following recipes are just a snapshot of all the delicious veggie-centric meals that can happen in your kitchen!
T7X March/April 2020  13
Sesame Noodle Cups Warm noodles, crunchy add-ins all wrapped up in a butter lettuce leaf cup. A great portable meal when you are on the go! 1 c. grated carrots 1 red pepper, thin slivers ½ c. edamame, cooked 1 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
Nutty Vegetable Stir-fry This quick and easy stir-fry delivers on flavour and has so manycrunchy vegetables that when paired with rice is texturally satisfying. Feel free to swap out different veggies for what you have on hand.
1 head of butter lettuce (may not use it all) ⅔ c. chopped peanuts, unsalted and divided 2 tbsp. warm water 2 tbsp. rice vinegar 2 tbsp. grated ginger
½ tbsp. sesame oil 1 tbsp. of fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped 1 tbsp. hoisin sauce ½ tbsp. rice vinegar ⅛ tsp. dried chili flakes
1 bunch of asparagus, heads removed and stems cut into 3 pieces
zest of ½ lime
½ c. very thinly sliced carrot medallions, mandolin works best
1 tbsp. avocado oil
1 tbsp. soy sauce
½ c. cashews, toasted and coarsely chopped
½ c. snow peas, ends removed
1 tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. sesame oil pinch of chili flakes ½ pkg. of whole wheat spaghettini, cooked
Heat a large frying pan over medium to slightly over medium heat, add in the sesame oil and heat until shimmery.
In a blender combine half of the peanuts, water, rice vinegar, ginger, lime zest, brown sugar, avocado oil, sesame oil and chili flakes. Blend until combined. The peanuts will leave this dressing on the crunchy side!
While the oil is heating, in a small bowl whisk together the hoisin, rice vinegar, chili flakes and soy sauce. Next add in the ginger and stir for a minute. Add in the asparagus, carrots and snow peas and stir for 2-4 minutes. Stir in the hoisin mixture and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix the carrots, pepper, edamame and cilantro. Add in the warm noodles and dress the salad. Put a scoop of salad in each lettuce cup, roll up and enjoy!
Serve warm with brown rice, chopped cashews, sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
This also works if the noodles are room temperature so great for a busy, activity filled night.
1 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
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Warm Sweet Potato and Quinoa salad with a Cashew Drizzle Sweet potato is a delicious, hearty and healthy vegetable that can be incorporated into a plant based meal in many different ways. The warmth from the sweet potato and quinoa paired with the creamy cashew dressing and the freshness of the greens is a great cosy night meal. This recipe also works well at room temperature, perfect for next day’s lunch! 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. ground black pepper 2 c. chopped arugula 1 c. cooked quinoa
Quick Quesadillas This is a simple and quick lunch or dinner option that requires few ingredients and packs a healthy punch. This recipe takes advantage of roasted sweet potato that is already left in the fridge and is looking for a reinvention! These quesadillas are very satisfying on their own, but would pair great with a hearty soup or green salad.
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and toss the sweet potato cubes with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the cubes are tender and browning. Turn off the oven and keep them warm by covering with tinfoil. On a serving plate, arrange the arugula, scoop on the cooked quinoa and sprinkle with the sweet potato cubes, top with the cashew drizzle. This would also work as a Buddha bowl style meal. t7x
1c. leftover roasted sweet potato ⅓ c. white kidney beans, drained and rinsed 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro pinch of kosher salt ½ tsp. ground black pepper 4 tbsp. crumbled chevre 4 tortillas
In a food processor, combine the sweet potato, kidney beans, cilantro salt and pepper. Pulse until the ingredients form a paste. Set aside. Heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the pan, spread half of the sweet potato mixture, sprinkle 2 tbsp. of the chevre and pop the top on the quesadilla. Cook until both sides of the tortilla are golden brown. Repeat with the other 2 tortillas. This mixture freezes well, so make extra for a rushed weeknight meal!
CASHEW DRIZZLE ¼ c. cashew butter ½ c. full fat coconut milk zest of 1 lime ½ tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. soy sauce 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro 2 green onions, roughly chopped 1-3 tbsp. warm water
Combine the above ingredients into a blender to make this delicious, creamy dressing. The variation in water added is purely a personal consistency choice, thin versus thick dressing. T7X March/April 2020 15
I THEN & NOW I Theatre Manager Brandi Watson
The Heritage of
Horizon Stage
How a Spruce Grove facility became a go-to spot for world-class entertainment BY RUDY HOWELL 16 T7Xmagazine.com
BY THE LATE 1970s, Spruce Grove
was a thriving new haven for families in the greater Edmonton area looking for affordable real estate. A 20-minute drive west of the city, this growing town offered new homes, schools, and parks. But one thing was missing: a space for the arts.
1970s Recognizing that the Tri-Municipal Region of Parkland County, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain lacked a performing arts facility, a community service committee meeting was held on January 31, 1979 in Spruce Grove. Roughly 100 people attended including members of Spruce Grove Town Council, representatives from the Allied Arts Council and other service clubs and interest groups from Spruce Grove and
Parkland County. These local visionaries discussed the cultural aspirations of the region and concluded that there was an urgent need for a theatre in the area. “It really was a grassroots movement that got this thing going,” says Brandi Watson, the facility’s theatre manager.
1980s In 1982, the regions governing bodies and newly-formed Theatre Management Board decided that in order to conserve funds, such a theatre would be designed as an addition to the newly-constructed $11-million Spruce Grove Composite High School. Fortunately, Douglas Cardinal, the school’s acclaimed architect, had previous experience with this kind of project, as he had incorporated a theatre into his design of Grand Prairie Regional College in 1974. A cooperative effort between the Town of Spruce Grove, Parkland County, Parkland School Division No. 70, and the Kinsmen Club of Spruce Grove, Horizon Stage marked the first time the town and county had jointly funded the cost of a project. The partners financed roughly half of the $1.3 million facility, with Alberta Culture matching their funds. Initially called the Young People’s Centre for the Arts, Horizon Stage raised its curtain for the first time on Saturday, February 5, 1983. The inaugural evening featured music by the Meridian Singers, a recital by the Stony Plain Ukrainian Dancers, a presentation from the Spruce Grove Composite High School drama students, and a special guest performance by Alberta’s Assistant Deputy Minister of Culture, Walter Kaasa.
1990s In 1990, the Theatre Management Board was renamed and restructured into the Theatre Advisory Board. Consisting of volunteer representatives from Spruce Grove and Parkland County, the board was broken up into three separate groups who together became the beating heart of Horizon Stage. The Horizon Stagelighters would provide front-of-house services like ushering and ticket collecting, running the bar and concessions, and welcoming patrons as they arrived. The Horizon Stage Tech
Opening Night at Horizon Stage, February 5, 1983
Team would offer setup and teardown assistance as well as work behind the scenes to provide backstage and technical support such as lighting and sound. The Horizon Players, who had been involved with the facility since the beginning, would continue to provide theatre opportunities to the community, both as participants and as audience members. Since 1983, the group— consisting of actors, backstage crew, publicists, directors, and designers—has produced two mainstage productions per season.
longer could a Genie lift fit into the theatre to change a lightbulb. Therefore, the next task was to hang three stage lighting catwalks. Also installed was a new shock-absorbent stage floor and state-ofthe-art audio system and sound booth. Lastly came the redesigning of both the facility’s lobby and dressing rooms. “A renovation doesn’t always go smoothly, but the thing that made it worthwhile was someone who walked in when we did the grand reopening and said, ‘this looks like the theatre finally grew up,’” Watson says.
2000s
2010s – Today
By 2008, much of the theatre’s equipment had reached the end of its lifecycle. The tech team was beginning to have trouble providing touring artists with their lighting and sound requirements and patrons were still being seated on bleacher chairs from 1983. It was clear that renovations were required.
Today, over half a million audience members have had the opportunity to enjoy roughly 800 productions of live music, theatre, and dance from an array of entertainers ranging from local amateurs to internationally acclaimed performers. Perhaps the most famous of whom would be Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and Order of Canada member Ian Tyson, who in 2018, opened the theatre’s 35th anniversary season with his 48th performance at the venue. Other notable acts through the years include Tommy Banks, Heather Bishop, Tom Jackson, Moe Koffman, and Sylvia Tyson. t7x
“Rather than just replace things piecemeal, it was decided that we did need a more mature look for the theatre, and it needed to accommodate more of the technical demands that were coming in,” Watson says. First to go were the bleachers, replaced by 318 permanent seats. But because these new seats were not portable, no
T7X March/April 2020 17
I MEET YOU THERE I
Out of the Woodwork
The furniture at Raggs to Riches connects the past to the present BY RUDY HOWELL
IN A SOCIET Y dominated by
materialism, it can be easy to lose sight of the beauty in the old when everybody is chasing the new. Well, Rita Brisebois is one person who has yet to be blinded by the glistening white light of modern home décor, and through her business, Raggs to Riches, has dedicated her life to proving that age only adds character. Located along McLeod Avenue, Raggs to Riches is a boutique that specializes in “re-loved” furniture as Brisebois likes to say. What this means is that she will take a piece of furniture like an old table, dresser, or cabinet, and then sand it down, repaint it, and often add artwork to it. “Raggs to Riches is basically about connecting the past to the present,” Brisebois says.
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The boutique is also known for products such as Fusion Mineral Paint–an all-in-one furniture and décor paint–and Iron Orchid Designs (IOD) transfers–large stencils which can be applied to any surface. The inventory also includes April Cornell bedding and linens, a selection of women’s fashion items, as well as a number of other paint, craft, and DIY supplies. “It’s quite an eclectic experience when you come in.” When Raggs to Riches first opened its doors in 2011, Brisebois had long since been involved in the boutique business. As a lifelong crafter, she decided to start a small business in the 1980s selling her now well known “re-loved” furniture pieces out of her home. “I’ve always loved to take something that’s old and turn it into something that is beautiful, so that’s basically how my business got established,” explains Brisebois.
Over the years, as her business grew in popularity, so did the number of projects she found herself working on, and eventually her house became too small to function as both a business and a home. It was then that she decided to open up a brick and mortar store, rebranding as Raggs to Riches. At Raggs to Riches, Brisebois makes a big effort to support local and Canadian businesses. Nearly all of the décor pieces in the boutique are bought locally from either stores or individuals in the Edmonton area looking to offload old furniture. As for the other products sold at the boutique, many are purchased from Canadian suppliers including Barefoot Venus, an all-natural bath line which started in Edmonton. “We support Canadian suppliers as much as we can, but of course we do carry stuff from China, too,” chuckles Brisebois. While there are some pieces available for purchase in the boutique that come untouched, most of them are indeed hand-crafted or re-designed by Brisebois and a fellow staff member. When redesigning a piece, each is done a little bit differently, but the process usually consists of three main steps: cleaning, sanding, and painting with the Fusion Mineral Paint. If a piece is in very good shape when it is delivered to the boutique, Brisebois says she will sometimes keep its top surface original. “We kind of look at the pieces and ponder what we should do with them, and then we come up with all kinds of different ideas.” On top of its products, Raggs to Riches also offers a multitude of workshops that customers can take part in. These two-hour workshops typically take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday nights, providing participants with the opportunity to let their creativity run wild. Individuals can sign up online through the boutique’s website for workshops with such themes as IOD transfers, mixed media or wooden sign paint nights. All of the materials needed are provided by the boutique, unless one chooses to bring a specific piece of furniture to work on. Patrons are either able to finish their projects in-store or take them home to complete.
In less than a decade, Raggs to Riches has crafted a name for itself as a community focused boutique, not only in Spruce Grove, but throughout the entire Edmonton area. Brisebois attributes this to the shop’s unique atmosphere and phenomenal customer service. “We really strive on making the customer feel at home and appreciated,” says Brisebois. She explains that because Raggs to Riches is only a small boutique, it rarely experiences large floods of customers, making for a shopping experience that is usually calm, relaxing, and that allows for ample amounts of one on one time with staff members. “We have a lot of people that come in and love to just look around.”
As trends in home décor and fashion inevitably change with time, Brisebois is always updating the selection of products and workshops she offers at the boutique. In recent years, for example, Fusion Mineral Paint has become one of the store’s top selling items because of a growing interest in “do-it-yourself” projects. “I’ve always had a collection of antiques, furniture, and refurbished items, but the painting has gotten a lot larger because people are so into DIY,” notes Brisebois. Brisebois says she wants to expand on its selection of workshops, as well as continue developing its relationship with the community through the implementation of potential seasonal events like a Christmas shopping party and a summer sidewalk sale. t7x
Raggs to Riches at a glance: Location: 123 McLeod Ave, Spruce Grove Specialty: Re-loved furniture, Fusion Mineral Paint, and women’s fashion Fun fact: The boutique considers residents fleeing Edmonton on weekends to be its biggest customer base. T7X March/April 2020 19
I SPOTLIGHT I and play style,” says Brent. Offerings include sports packages, boot camps, and pampering services that can be scheduled on any visit. Guests can also enjoy individual activities such as leash walks, doggie tennis and swimming. And for cats? “Our feline guests sleep and eat in their own individual condo, but have full access to our spacious adventure area and kitty garden during the day,” says Brent.
Bark
AT THE RANCH
It’s nothing but the best for Fido and felines at this facility BY PAULA E. KIRMAN
PET OWNERS OFTEN dread having
to leave their beloved pooch or feline friends behind when travelling, or left alone during long working hours. However, it can be hard to find a good (and affordable) pet-sitter or boarding options. The Ranch Pet Care is a solution that provides daycare, boarding and – for people with extra-busy schedules – transportation to and from the facility. “With just about 12 years behind us, we have had made so many special connections with pets and their owners,” says Brent Jenkins, one of the owners of the Ranch. “We have tried incredibly hard to create a home away from home for our guests. We love watching the pups fly out of their front door to board the bark and ride shuttle or sprint from their owner’s 20 T7Xmagazine.com
car down to our office door waiting to get in to play.” Located just northwest of Edmonton, The Ranch has been operating since June of 2008. It's a family business started by the Jenkins (Gary, Judy, Kim, Neil, and Brent). “We grew up with our dogs being a central part of our family,” says Brent. “We would watch our friend’s and family’s animals while they were away, volunteer to walk dogs in the neighbourhood, and just do anything we could to be around pets of all kinds. As we grew older, creating The Ranch was just the natural progression and application of our caring and passion for pets.” The Ranch offers boarding and daycare services – and more – for dogs and cats. “With 26 different play spaces, our canine guests can enjoy playtime in a small group catered to their behaviour
There is also extra fun in the summer, when dogs and cats can also enjoy poolside parties, where the bigger pups dive in off the side to chase a ball, while some of the smaller swimmers are put on floaties to enjoy the water in the sunshine. The staff at The Ranch, not surprisingly, are people who love animals and are in it for the long haul. “When it comes to building a strong relationship with our clients, we believe that stability is extremely important for both pets and their owners,” says Brent. “Familiar faces help to create a comfortable transition for each pet. Our care team consists of experienced handlers, managerial staff with degrees in animal sciences, and individuals who are currently enrolled in educational programs with the goal to pursue a career in animal services. We also assist in providing placement and work experience programs for students in post secondary animal care programs.” And according to Brent, business is booming. “We had a great year in 2019 and are looking forward to the same in 2020. We are continuing to grow and are always looking to improve and add new services for our clientele. We some exciting plans for the upcoming year!” While the Ranch provides its services for dogs and cats, they have assisted in caring for a number of different types of animals (such as birds, guinea pics, hamsters, and rabbits) through working with a variety of organizations. t7x
Address: 54302 Range Road 261, Sturgeon County Phone: 780-459-2746 Web: theranchpetcare.com Instagram: @theranchkennels
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