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CONDO

CALGARY’S GUIDE TO CONDO LIVING FRIDAY, OCTObER 18, 2013 NUmbER 29

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18 bEING hEARD Getting your opinions heard on condo boards starts with doing your homework.

20 FALL mARkETS Harvest time in Calgary opens up a whole new world in produce and palate pleasers.

22 CONDO ShOppING 101 Local expert wades through the market in search of finding his ideal home base.

8 bUYER SNApShOTS New condo buyers share their experiences and advice to like-minded home hunters.

CONDO

CONTENTSStreetSide deveLopmeNtS’ red HauS projeCt iN royaL oak iS Now iN itS fourtH aNd fiNaL pHaSe, witH tHe reCeNt reLeaSe of tHe vaNdeNburG. piCtured iS tHe kitCHeN-Nook area of a SaLzburG uNit. streetsidehomes.com

on the cover

Condo Xtra is a publication of the Calgary herald Special projects Department.

CONDO XTRA EDITOR/DESIGNER:karen petkau: 403-235-7513; [email protected]

CONTRIbUTORS:barbara balfour

Ijmal haiderAlex Frazer-harrison

michelle hofermeghan Jessiman

Julie Van RosendaalAdrian Shellardpaula TrotterGavin Young

photo courtesy of Streetside Developments

joHN aNd CHeryL edmoNdSoN

bouGHt iN Sobow iN iNGLewood.

photo by Gavin Young

buyer profile

FRIDAY, OctObeR 18, 2013 NumbeR 29

VIsIt cAlgARYheRAlD.cOm/ cONDOxtRA

c a lg a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d ox t r a o C t o b e r 1 8 , 2 0 1 3 3

4 CONDO AppEAL Lifestyle perfect for families, as households become busy and time scarce.

10 A pRINCELY LOCALE prince’s island recovers from natural disaster with help of workers, volunteers.

12 SO RIGhT active, motorcycle-riding couple find their perfect place in inglewood’s Sobow.

14 NEIGhbOURhOODS Northwest Calgary’s kincora community keeps Celtic roots front and centre.

16 FALL bREwS Local breweries’ fall brews flavoured with autumn spices and harvests.

23&

In the heart of the eastern Beltline, a stone’s throw from downtown and every inner-city

amenity you can imagine, a new Guardian is rising.

The Guardian is the first Calgary project by Hon Developments. When completed, it will tower 44 storeys over the corner of 11th Avenue and 3rd Street S.E., making it Calgary’s tallest residential build-ing.

“The Guardian has been attracting lots of attention, as its location is one of its most outstanding amenities,” says Steven Cox, creative director of Cause+Affect, the brand and market-ing agency for The Guardian.

“The Guardian is at the perfect meeting point for all of Calgary’s great urban experiences. It’s min-utes from downtown and the East Village, mere steps from Stampede Park and the LRT, and it’s a short walk to 17th Avenue and Inglewood.”

The neighbourhood itself is

undergoing a transformation, Cox says, with Stampede Park’s planned expansion, a new sports club hotel by Marriott and a new public park on the way, as well newly opened local businesses such as Caffe Rosso, Village Ice Cream and Vagabond Microbrewery, to name just a few, not far away.

The Guardian appeals to a wide range of buyers and has sold excep-tionally well, with few two-bedroom, two-bathroom units remaining.

“We offer a level of design and furnishings not often seen in Calgary,” says Cox, adding Hon has recruited some of the best in the business to provide interior designs for every suite.

This includes kitchens designed by Inform Projects, which has done designs for luxury hotel develop-ments such as the Shangri-La hotels in Vancouver and Toronto and Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim. The Guardian is also the first development in Calgary to feature

kitchen and bathroom cabinets from Armony Cucine of Italy. The interior design of the suites focuses on being efficient and livable, with no wasted space, thanks to the work of Laura Vroom Design. Suites also include oversized open-air balconies of up to 472 square feet, opening up the pos-sibility for outdoor dining, entertain-ment and relaxing.

On-site amenities include the

fully appointed Lions Gym, Shanti Yoga Studio, and a 1,350-square-foot social lounge that opens up to a garden terrace. There’s even a private workshop for DIY projects.

Construction is well underway, Cox says, but there is still a chance to purchase one of the few remaining two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites.

These corner units feature floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in

abundant natural light and provide panoramic views of the rivers, moun-tains and cityscape.

These suites have undergone extensive upgrading — and buyers are eligible for two parking stalls, all at price points starting at $438,600.

For more information, visit the presentation centre at 456 12th Ave. S.E., call 403-800-3368 or visit theguardiancalgary.com.

ADVeRtIsINg FeAtuRe

The height of urban living in the heart of Calgary

12

there are plenty of advantages that condominiums have to

offer families, according to a local realtor, one of which is, not so surprisingly, the price point.

josh Nelson, condominium specialist with royal Lepage foothills, says he has seen a shift in homeownership in the last 15 years as the price bracket continues to rise for single-family homes.

the current median price for a single-family home in Calgary is about

$450,000, up over seven per cent from august 2012, according to the Calgary real estate board.

Compare that with the current median price for apartment-style and townhouse condos, which come in at $260,000 and just over $300,000 respectively.

besides price, the much-touted advantage for families — same as it is for the young singles that continue to dominate the Canadian condo market, according to Statistics Canada — is lifestyle.

we’ve all heard the condo catchphrase ‘maintenance-free’ many times before. but not having to worry about mowing the lawn, shovelling the sidewalk or dealing with a roof repair is

a major perk. and as far as families are concerned,

that perk means they’ll simply have more time to spend with the family.

“there’s an appeal on ease of use and enjoyment,” says Nelson. “a lot of people get caught off-guard when they get caught up in house maintenance issues. So a lot of people that i deal with, including those with

a family, they don’t have time for that aspect. they don’t want to be dealing with that stuff on a Saturday or Sunday. they want to be out in the mountains, skiing, biking, whatever.”

Nelson adds that another common time-saver associated with living in a condo is a reduction in commuting.

this does have a relation to cost. continued y 6

c a lg a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d ox t r a4 o C t o b e r 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

Imagine relaxing on your oversized balcony, sip-ping a latte while enjoying an incredible view of the Bow River.

Welcome to Evolution in East Village — the hottest-selling development in this vibrant, urban community.

“The East Village is evolving and we’re thrilled to be part of this transformation,” says Robert Marchand, vice-president of sales and marketing at Embassy Bosa, the developer behind Evolution.

“Construction is already underway and we’ll be above grade in the next few weeks where we will really start to see the building take shape.”

Sales for the second tower have surpassed expec-tations with over $50 million sold since May.

Marchand attributes this success to the large, liveable spaces and well-thought-out floor plans but believes the differentiating factor has been Embassy Bosa’s signature concrete demising walls.

“While most homeowners don’t know what this means at first, once we explain that we load the buildings structure into the walls instead of columns in your living area, providing unparal-lelled privacy by reducing noise transfer and

unobstructed views due to the column free design, they’re sold.

“There is nothing else like this in Calgary.”With homes up to 1,448 square feet, Evolution

offers some of the largest homes available in down-town Calgary.

But living happens outside of the home too. So when not enjoying the view from their

oversized covered balcony, residents can hang out in the fitness centre, lounge or the spacious 24,000-square-foot garden terrace designed to feel like a private park.

As autumn begins, Evolution has its sights set on the future.

“Our fall collection of 40 two-bedroom homes feature floor plans we’ve never released before — this is a very exciting time,” says Marchand.

“We’re honoured to be part of the East Village transformation that is happening as we speak.”

For information on Evolution’s Phase 2 (Pulse), visit the presentation centre, 553 Riverfront Ave. S.E., open Monday to Thursday, noon to 6 p.m., and weekends and holiday, noon to 5 p.m., or visit evolutioncalgary.com or call 403-290-0992.

ADVeRtIsINg FeAtuRe

Embassy Bosa paves the way for the new East Village

condo buying

The family advantage

tHe CoNdo LifeStyLe iS ideaL for famiLieS waNtiNG to make tHe moSt of tHeir dowNtime.

Thinkstock image

quality time

INTRODUCING OUR FALL COLLECTION

40 SELECT 2-BEDROOM HOMESSTARTING FROM THE $420’SAT CALGARY’S HOTTEST NEWADDRESS

BIG SPACESBIG NEWS

· BIG BOLD LIVING SPACES UP TO 31 STOREYS ABOVE THE CALGARY SKYLINE

· EMBASSY BOSA SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: CONCRETE WALLS & BETTER DESIGN

· CONVENIENT GROUND FLOOR SHOPS & SERVICES

· 24,000 SF OF PRIVATE ELEVATED GARDENS

· STUNNING CITY ORWATER VIEWS FROM EVERY HOME

· NEW 80,000 SF GROCERY AT YOUR DOORSTEP

403 290 0992 EVOLUTIONCALGARY.COM

SALES CENTRE 553 RIVERFRONT AVENUE SE. CALGARYMON–THURS, 12–6PM, WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS, 12–5PM


Growing pains have not been an issue for the East Village revival, which is progress-

ing rapidly. The past 12 months saw numerous projects get underway as the once run-down neighbourhood transitions into a lively residential, cultural and recreational district.

Two of these projects involve building up the newest additions to the downtown skyline.

“I think people are happy to see the East Village come together, and it will really hit home for everyone when we start going vertical with concrete this October,” says Robert Marchand, vice-president of sales and marketing for Embassy Bosa, the developer behind Fuse, a 21-sto-rey condominium that broke ground in September 2012.

Fortunately, this project is still on schedule as it didn’t suffer significant damage during the extreme flooding in June.

Embassy Bosa recently started

selling units in Pulse, a 33-storey mixed-use residential tower, and will introduce a third East Village project at a later date.

“The fact that cranes are coming in, work has started on the National Music Centre, and announcements for a new library and plans for the Simmons building, I think we’re closing in on the tipping point where people will get really excited about the East Village,” says Fred Serrafero, vice-president of development and construction for FRAM Building Group, which broke ground on its 18-storey condominium FIRST in the spring.

FIRST is the first of seven build-ings FRAM+Slokker will develop in the East Village. It recently started taking reservations for Riverhouse, a luxurious residential mid-rise that will feature 12 large, high-end con-dominiums. Later this month, it will also open registration for Verve, a residential tower that will feature a

contemporary retail base.While the East Village will even-

tually be home to 11,500 residents, it will have plenty of attractions to draw all Calgarians downtown for the day. This includes the National Music Centre, which broke ground in February. Hallmarks of this facil-ity will include the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection, the largest national collection of musical instruments and sound equipment,

recording studios and a revitalized King Edward Hotel.

Work started this summer to transform St. Patrick’s Island’s 12.5 hectares from something long for-gotten into a favourite family hide-away with picnic tables, a toboggan hill, playground and more.

The island will be accessible from the new St. Patrick’s Island Bridge, which will also connect the East Village to the north banks of the Bow River for the first time.

Other announcements include plans for a 300,000-square-foot retail development, the selection of the prime design consultant of the new central library and the historic Simmons building being transformed into a culinary hot spot, home to Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and Charbar restaurant, which will open its doors in spring 2015.

To learn more about the East Village, visit evexperience.com.

ADVeRtIsINg FeAtuRe

East Village on the rise

Continued from 4

Many single-family homes in inner-city neighbourhoods are too pricy for most people. Condos in these locations, however, are typically more affordable.

So this gives families the flexibility to choose a location that is closer to the workplace and kids’ schools, freeing them potentially of hours spent on the road each day.

Beyond affordability, location and ease of life, Nelson says condos offer one more appealing advantage, especially for single-parent households — security.

“I’ve sold people out of homes and

into condominiums for those who felt their family was not as secure as they are in a highrise-style apartment,” he says, noting security cameras and security features in elevators.

Despite these handful of advantages, Nelson admits that some families remain resistant to condos and instead opt for the house with a backyard — sometimes for no other reason than time-tested tradition.

He anticipates, however, that more families will choose condo-living as the price tag for single-family homes continue to increase beyond what many can afford.

y Paula Trotter

oNe advaNtaGe famiLieS are fiNdiNG wHeN moviNG to a CoNdo deveLopmeNt iS tHe added SeCurity tHey reCeive.

Thinkstock image

security

Live closer to crafted

east village® is a trademark owned by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

Want to love your neighbours? Some of the city’s best chefs are moving to the historic Simmons Building in East Village — local foodie heroesSidewalk Citizen Bakery, Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, and the co-founders of Charcut.

Occasionally, you’ll fire up your own stove, which is why a complete, city-sized grocery store — stocked with fresh produce and every othernecessity — is also coming to East Village. RiverWalk™ is on your doorstep. There’ll be a Hilton hotel. The National Music Centre. And downtown— it’s right there. You can see it. You can walk to it — and then you can walk home to your new condo, built by Embassy Bosa or FRAM+Slokker,two of the country’s best developers of mixed-use residential properties. Come to the EV Sales and Experience Centre (553 Riverfront Ave. SE)and find the neighbours you’ve always wanted.

So much. So close. So ready for you. evexperience.com


What he bought: unit a in Streetside development’s kintalla at

redstone condo project, which jamias will take possession of in april 2014. it’s a two-storey townhome with a single-attached garage — 1,250 square feet, two bedrooms and two baths. interestingly, the condo actually has two master suites with the laundry upstairs. i especially like the open-

concept floor plan, the front and back decks and that attached garage is a huge benefit.

What he likes about the project: the development is in the northeast end of town, just north of the airport. redstone is a new area; it’s quiet, great location and affordable. i’m looking

forward in being a part of this new-up-and-coming community. i shopped around Calgary before finally choosing kintalla and i feel it’s definitely the best bang for your buck.i really like the exterior design and interior layout. i appreciated the driveway with the attached garage, it gives me a designated spot for my visitors. i also back onto a park, which is great. it’s definitely kid-friendly.

the community: Located in northeast Calgary, redstone has easy access to Stoney trail, métis trail and the Qe ii Highway. Nearby amenities include Crossiron mills, Costco and Lowe’s, as well as the airport. Skyview ranch, Saddletown Circle and Country Hills each has its own caché of amenities in close proximity, as well. redstone will grow into a village-like community with schools, corner stores, sports fields, a pond and more. there are wide-open green spaces. advice to other buyers: being a realtor and a homebuyer, my experience

over the years with various customers and builders tells me kintalla’s location and pricing is hard to find and beat. the designs are very stylish and modern and the Streetside development team is very informative and swift to work with. i highly recommend kintalla for their location, pricing, and excellent customer service. y meghan jessiman

bUYER SNApShOT

mark jamiaSname:

kiNtaLLa at redStoNe by StreetSide deveLopmeNtS

project:

reaLtoroccupation:

kiNtaLLa.ComWebsite:

Condo developer, Carlisle Group, has two projects sure to please any investment-

savvy Calgarian. Albert Park and Riverfront Pointe

present fantastic opportunities for both investors looking to add to their profile as well as Calgarians looking for a place to call home today that will garner them valuable equity in the years to come.

Located near Memorial Drive, 17th Avenue and Deerfoot Trail, Albert Park is within walking dis-tance to the Calgary park system, biking and walking paths and the Franklin LRT.

The perfect location for families on the go, or working profession-als who like to explore the city, Albert Park is close to downtown, the Calgary Zoo, the Telus Spark science centre, Telus Convention Centre, Calgary Saddledome, Calgary Stampede grounds and more.

Beyond its conveniences to high-end amenities, Albert Park also

boasts something many other new condo developers can’t touch — the price.

“Albert Park is the lowest per square foot within the inner city,” says Carlisle Group’s vice-president of sales Jim Bryce. “Nobody in the inner city is selling new product under $300,000 and we have 260 units under $300,000. Not only that, we also have 176 units for less than $250,000, including parking.”

In addition to its affordability, Albert Park also boasts high-end features to suit any taste and budget.

The five-wood construction, four-storey condominiums will be fitted

with spacious kitchens, designer appliances and brushed nickel hard-ware throughout.

With units starting in the $150,000s, Albert Park has two buildings, released with 57 units in each, that are presently over 85 per cent sold.

“We have pre-released selected units for our third building, which has another 57 units in it, and will launch the remaining units at the building at our Oct 20 launch, by registration only,” adds Bryce.

Riverfront Pointe presents anoth-er fantastic opportunity.

Located minutes away from his-

toric Stephen Avenue, Riverfront Pointe boasts beautiful and serene riverfront views. Bordering Chinatown and trendy Eau Claire, Riverfront is close to some of Calgary’s greatest attractions, including Olympic Plaza and the Calgary Stampede grounds.

The 19-storey, concrete construc-tion downtown condominium, which is part of the East Village, is fitted with modern, spacious kitch-ens, luxurious bathrooms and full-size stacking washer and dryer.

Almost all the remaining units are being rented through an execu-tive rental firm to executives in the

downtown Calgary area. The majority of these units are

fully furnished and are being sold complete.

“We have a rental management company that has a quality pool of executives who are renting these units on a long-term basis, setting investors up for a win-win invest-ment opportunity,” says Bryce. “Or, an individual who can take pos-session of a fully furnished unit for immediate possession.”

In addition, Riocan has announced its East Village shop-ping complex to be completed in 2016, which will be a block away to the south, and will include a major grocery store.

Riverfront is the only East Village condominium available for immedi-ate possession. Riverfront units start in the $300,000s and are available immediately. There are less than 20 units available, so buyers shouldn’t wait to jump on this opportunity.

For more information on either property, visit carlislegroup.ca.

ADVeRtIsINg FeAtuRe

Albert Park and Riverfront Pointe home to savvy investors

CaLGary reaLtor mark jamiaS purCHaSed a 1,250-SQuare-foot. two-bedroom, two-batHroom CoNdo iN kiNtaLLa at redStoNe by StreetSide deveLopmeNtS.

meghan Jessiman photo

ideal purchase

Prices shown do not include GST and are subject to change without notice. *Ask for details, based OAC. Rendering shown is an artist concept only, actual building details may vary.

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prince’s island park was hit hard by the flood but thanks to a tremendous

effort by volunteers and the city, the island park just north of downtown is coming back to life.

it has been a long haul. after the flood, “when the water

finally receded, it was incredible the amount of damage there was,” says City of Calgary parks senior project manager Greg Stewart.

the june flood left the entire island covered with silt, large organic debris and garbage. pathways were wiped out, as was the causeway, the main connection to the island.

the first step in rebuilding was to do a safety assessment so that work could start on repairing the damage. Hundreds of volunteers and city personnel turned out to help clean up debris and garbage in the weeks that followed.

temporary bark-mulch surfaces were put down in many areas to make it easier to get around while the permanent repairs were being made.

“that keeps moisture from becoming a risk, looks beautiful and has a nice smell,” Stewart notes. “it protects users from getting their feet wet and muddy and allows a lot of people on a location which we would otherwise have to fence off.”

a little over a month after the raging waters brought so much damage to the island, thousands flocked to the grassy shores for the Calgary folk music festival from july 25 to 28, making it a huge success.

“events like the Calgary folk festival are integral to the identity of prince’s island, so the focus was always to try to accommodate those events,” Stewart says. “while the folk festival was able to take place with an incredible amount of work and collaboration of effort to pull that event off, the reality is it’s still a work in progress. there is lots of work to be done.”

in particular, regeneration and re-vegetation of large areas of the island still need to be completed. to this end, workers have been removing the bark mulch and replacing it with loam, seed and sod, and letting these areas rehabilitate at a pace that allows the plant material to thrive.

Grass in the park is re-establishing

itself, and the temporary bark mulch is being relocated to planting beds, for weed abatement and trapping of moisture.

work will continue until winter freeze up this fall, says Stewart.

“what we’re doing is taking the island piece by piece,” he adds, while keeping as much of prince’s island open as possible. “what we’re really trying to accomplish is to re-establish business as usual. as we move over the winter to 2014, we want to encourage people to come down and use the island. Come down for things such as skating on the lagoon and to see the park day to day — typical activities are what make the island special.”

in terms of festival season, the goal is to have prince’s island back to business as usual for next summer, Stewart says.

“i’d like to thank everyone for their patience and incredible amount of support through the flood recovery. we’ve had nothing but support and enthusiasm to volunteer and get involved, and we really appreciate that.” y jacqueline Louie

our community

Coming back to life

Lam traN SprayS SLeNder wHeat GraSS, witH a Hydro Seeder at priNCe’S iSLaNd, oNe week before tHouSaNdS fLoCked to tHe iSLaNd for tHe CaLGary foLk muSiC feStivaL (beLow).

daNNy mitCHeL performS witH beLize baNd GarifuNa CoLLeCtive oN tHe maiN StaGe at tHe CaLGary foLk muSiC feStivaL juLy 25.

memorable musicJuNe’S flooD Nearly PuT PrINCe’S ISlaND uNDer waTer BuT CITy aND voluNTeer CrewS workeD HarD To eNSure THe ISlaND waS oPeN for THe Calgary folk MuSIC feSTIval oNe MoNTH laTer.

Calgary herald/file

# W Y S I W Y G

#WYSIWYG - What you see is exactly what you’ll get. Tour your homebefore you decide to move in. Our condos in Airdrie start from the$190’s with BBQ-ready decks, big kitchens, high ceilings and heatedparking. Take the tour at 246 East Lake Blvd NE. Close to Tim Horton’s,Genesis Centre and CrossIron Mills. Immediate possessions available.The Edge. Big life. Great value.

WHAT YOU SEE ISWHAT YOU GET.

condosinairdrie.com 403.980.2817@StreetsideYYC


Ask any condo buyer what is the most frustrating aspect of purchas-ing a unit and it’s usually walking

into a stunning showroom only to realize that the high-quality finishing or ameni-ties aren’t included in the purchase price.

That’s why Streetside Developments, in promoting its development The Edge, stands behinds its mantra #WYSIWYG — What You See Is What You Get.

“You don’t have to buy off a floor plan. You can stand in your actual kitchen, look out your actual windows, imagine how you will arrange your living room furni-ture — that’s the essence of what you see is what you get,” says Tyler Scott, lead sales consultant for The Edge. “Seldom with a brand-new home purchase can you walk through the completed home before deciding to buy.”

Located in the heart of Airdre, just 10 minutes from CrossIron Mills, with two-bedrooms starting in the $190,000s, The Edge is affordable for most people in the market.

“The Edge suits anyone who is look-ing for maintenance-free living, without sacrificing quality,” says Scott. “We have a lot of savvy first-time buyers, and also some buyers who are looking to ‘right-size’ and enjoy lovely living spaces without the hassle of yardwork or maintenance.”

Units in The Edge feature high-end fin-ishings, such as Huntwood Maple Sonora cabinets. They also boast large kitchens, oversized windows and bright, inviting liv-ing spaces, plus underground parking with nearly all suites.

“We really listened to what our custom-ers value in a condo, and made sure we put all the best bits in,” says Scott.

Streetside Developments is part of The Qualico Group of Companies, Western Canada’s largest privately owned developer and builder.

An expert in how western Canadian’s live, the company was recently awarded the Alberta Award for Excellence as Multi-family Builder of the Year by the Calgary Home Builders’ Association.

Calgarians looking for a high-quality unit at a reasonable rate shouldn’t wait to jump on this opportunity. Building 1 is sold out and Building 2 is already 43 per cent sold.

The new and final building, which has a new sales centre and two brand new two-bedroom suites available for viewing, is now open.

For more information, visit condosinairdrie.com or the show suite at 604 East Lake Blvd. N.E., Airdrie.

The Edge givesinside look into

what you’re buying

ADVeRtIsINg FeAtuRe


“it’s ok to change your mind. that’s the best advice i could give to any potential condo

buyers out there,” Cheryl edmondson explains over the phone from her second home in Golden, b.C., where she and her husband are spending one last extended weekend watching summer push into fall.

“we thought we would be retiring in the suburbs, but after trying it on for size, here we are switching it up again. it’s ok to do that kind of thing when it’s going to improve your overall lifestyle and that’s exactly what moving into Sobow is going to do for us.”

after trying life out in the southwest suburb of Southwood for the past few years, the edmondsons, who are both technically retired but run their own human resource and risk-consulting business, found themselves craving some of the hustle and bustle they used to experience when they were living in Sunnyside and working downtown.

for this reason, they found themselves jumping at the chance to purchase their 1,400-square-foot unit in the soon to be built Sobow development right after they attended the project launch event.

ideally perched between the heart of inglewood, the newly developed bow river pathway and 20 hectares of parkland, Sobow was the perfect blend of city and country life in the edmondson’s eyes.

“it’s a 10-minute walk into inglewood with all of its shops and great restaurants and the ironwood (Stage and Grill) with all the live music. it’s like being in a small town, but having all the amenities

of a bigger city,” john says excitedly when asked about what appealed to him about the area.

“there’s a beautiful little grocery store called the bite, so we could grocery shop daily down there if we wanted. bow river is right there beside us, the aquatic centre and the Harley-davidson dealership,” Cheryl adds.

oh yeah, did we fail to mention these 60-something freewheelers also like to ride serious motorbikes in their spare time?

No wonder the suburban life wasn’t quite cutting it in terms of excitement.

the fact that they were purchasing a condo instead of a single-family dwelling also offered

condo buyers

Biker grandparents find family-friendly, energized nest in Inglewood’s SoBow

joHN aNd CHeryL edmoNdSoN StaNd iN Sobow’S SaLeS CeNtre iN iNGLewood. tHe CoupLe purCHaSed a 1,400-SQuare-foot uNit iN tHe CoNdo deveLopmeNt.

Gavin Young photos

so right

a lot of advantages to the couple, who spends a decent amount of time travelling for both business and pleasure.

“the lock-and-go aspect of this lifestyle was very appealing to us as we have had this property out in b.C. for a number of years, but we hardly ever get here since we are doing something at the house,” john says. “with a condo, we don’t need to

be too concerned about maintenance and such. i think maybe i thought that i would enjoy looking after the yard and gardening more, but it turns out the downtown atmosphere is more for us.”

this isn’t to say that the edmondsons are going to be freewheeling in and out of the city on their Harleys all the time.

they actually had their children and grandchildren in the forefront of their mind when they decided to purchase.

“the property is going to have a barbecue area and picnic spaces, so when the grandsons come over, we can still do all that stuff,” says Cheryl.

with the massive pearce estate park, fish hatchery and bird sanctuary all in the area to explore and easy access to all the festivals at eau Claire market, come the fall of 2014 there will be no shortage of stimulation for the entire family when visiting Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

“in our opinion, buying in Sobow really is a lifestyle choice. as long as the location and style is consistent with to what you crave in your life, then it’s an ideal development for people of any age and any size of family,” Cheryl says.

“we’re going to be having fun, that’s for sure, but if there wasn’t room for the grandkids, we wouldn’t be doing it.” y meghan Jessiman


ON ThE SIDE

inglewood is a community in Calgary’s inner city that is wellknown for its chic and urban

appearance, with eclectic storefronts and historic buildings. Here are some of the local amenities:

aTTraCTIoNS: the Calgary zoo, the Sam Livingston fish Hatchery and inglewood bird Sanctuary are some of the many drawing cards to the area, in addition to fort Calgary and the Harvie passage aquatic park on the bow river.

SHoPPINg: there are more than 100 inglewood-based shops and restaurants, from florists, grocers and antique stores to health and wellness stores, salons and pet stores. So, you’re never at a loss to find places to spend a lazy afternoon strolling the streets in search of a memorable gift, pampering or a piece of furniture.

DININg: there are numerous dining establishments in inglewood, from pubs such as the Hose & Hound Neighbourhood pub, without papers pizza and jacqueline Suzanne’s bistro to inglewood drive-in and Nine Café.

HISTory: as Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, having been established adjacent to fort Calgary in 1875, inglewood was founded by major john Stewart, acheson irvine and james macleod. the community’s 9th avenue S.e. (also known as atlantic avenue) became the city’s first authentic main street. originally known as east Calgary or brewery flats, the community didn’t get its inglewood name until 1911, when it was named after the nearby homestead established by Col. james walker.

arTS aND CulTure: a hub of live music, art, culture, nightlife and festivals, inglewood is home to the Calgary international fringe festival and inglewood Sunfest.

reCreaTIoN aND PaTHwayS: the river pathways along the banks of the bow river offer scenic trails from which to get out and enjoy nature, while river park, also along the bow, offers picnic tables and off-leash pet areas from where to congregate. the inglewood Lawn bowling Club at 12th Street and 8th avenue S.e. is also a favourite destination for many local residents.

INfo: for more information on inglewood, visit calgary-inglewood.com

exterior of Sobow (SoutH of tHe bow) by m2i deveLopmeNt Corp. photo courtesy, m2i Development Corp.

LiviNG room (above) aNd bedroom (beLow) iN Sobow. photos courtesy, m2i Development Corp.

Gavin Young photo

neighbourhoods

tucked neatly among the rolling blue-green bluffs just off of Symons valley

road, passing through the far northwest development’s majestic stonework gates, lies kincora.

with its multi-storey bell tower presiding over the entire village, you can’t help but feel transported to a simpler time.

No offence to neighbouring communities such as Sage Hill and evanston, but kincora has them all beat when it comes to its enchanting landscape.

on a sunny day, which we are blessed with a lot of in Calgary, the ravine and lake upon which the community is built just shine.

better still, though, are those early grey winter days when the unexplained fogs roll over the city, allowing kincora to really resemble its namesake irish township.

it isn’t just the name that pays homage to

kincora’s

Celtic roots, however. according to local real estate agent

Sheraz anwar of urban realty, this community’s visual charms are the result of some very clever — and deeply rooted — urban planning and design.

“Calgary’s kincora began development in 2002, but the name and

design of this village goes back much further, all the way back to ireland’s High king brian boru, who is believed to have at one point ruled the entire country,” anwar explains.

“from kincora tower, to the stone entry wall, lantern street lights, landscaping and many other subtle details, the Celtic theme runs

strong throughout the

neighbourhood.”it was the rolling hills and abundance

of local amenities that convinced local resident renee acorn to make the move in 2006 with her husband trevor and daughter mikala.

the acorns are nuts about kincora.at the time, acorn was actually

working for kincora’s development company and recognized the future community (then being used mostly as farmland) would have the most green space of any in the city upon completion and just couldn’t resist.

as the years passed, the area has grown to include every amenity the acorns could hope for, allowing them to enjoy the look and feel of countryside living with all the conveniences of the city just down the hill.

“from the drug and grocery stores, to the chiropractor and even mikala’s dance classes when she was taking them, we never really have to venture further than Creekside Shopping Centre if we don’t want to,” acorn says. “and, of course, i get my daily fix at Good earth Café.”

continued y 18

Kincora lives up to Celtic rootskiNCora took root iN 2002, but tHe deSiGN aNd Name Came from ireLaNd duriNG tHe reiGN of HiGH kiNG briaN boru, SayS LoCaL reaLtor SHeraz aNwar.

meghan Jessiman photos

enchanting

c a lg a r y h e r a l d . c o m / c o n d ox t r a14 o C T o B e r 1 8 , 2 0 1 3

A QUALEX-LANDMARK PROJECT


At MARK by Qualex-Landmark, luxury is a standard — not an upgrade.

Here, on the corner where 10th Avenue S.W. meets 8th Street, you’ll find a selec-tion of condominium suites boasting the kind of interior finishes that are typically featured in very high-end luxury homes.

From top-of-the-line European appli-ances and carefully designed floor plans that maximize use of space, to concierge service and state-of-the-art security sys-tems, no detail has been overlooked.

“MARK homeowners can brag about having their very own 34-storey rooftop lounge, complete with a firepit, outdoor barbecue and hot tub overlooking the city,” says Parham Mahboubi, vice-president of marketing and new developments at Qualex. “And that’s only the beginning.”

MARK also offers its residents a fully equipped fitness centre with a yoga studio, steam room, infrared sauna and private changing facilities. There’s even a private lounge with a wet bar, Wi-Fi access and a media centre, with enough seating to accommodate large gatherings, a billiards table and a cantilevered enclosed glass mezzanine boasting breathtaking 360- degree views of the city.

Every home comes with heated under-ground parking, storage lockers and access to a fully furnished guest suite for out-of-town guests.

On the third floor, you’ll find a beauti-fully landscaped urban garden, one of the largest of its kind for a residential highrise in the city. This mixed-use residential tower, located in Calgary’s burgeoning shopping and design districts, will also feature the artwork of internationally renowned Canadian novelist, artist and designer Douglas Coupland.

Located in a dramatic three-storey resi-dential lobby atrium, it will be Alberta’s first large-scale Coupland art commission, presenting a 21st century interpretation of the city and province.

While MARK is already 70 per cent sold, there is still an incredible selection of homes to choose from, including one-bed-room suites priced from the $320,000s and two-bedroom suites from the $390,000s.

MARK has already begun construction and units will be ready for move-in in the winter of 2015.

Visit the MARK discovery centre, show-casing two fully furnished show suites in light and dark colour palettes. The centre is located at 1120 10th Ave. S.W., open daily from noon to 5 p.m. and closed Fridays. Call 403-244-2428 for more information.

MARK gives owners access to state-of-the-art amenities

ADVeRtIsINg FeAtuRe


village brewery, brew brothers, tool Shed, wild rose and more — they all have their own style, specialties

and brewmasters.

but what they have in common is that they offer an ever-changing array of seasonal beers, in addition to their regular lineups.

at village, fall trends include spiced beers, beers made with wet hops (as opposed to dry, the standard), and ingredients from local producers and purveyors.

this fall, look for the monk, a chai-based winter porter; it is made with the addition of cardamom, clove, ginger, fennel, mint and peppercorn.

also new are the village Square variety packages. the brewery’s main beers — blonde, blacksmith and wit — plus the monk are being bottled for the first time in 330-ml bottles.

Special casks — 43-litre and 20-litre — are always in the works. they’re quirky, very small production and they don’t last long. “they’re opened that night and they’re gone that night,” says village brewery’s community affairs spokesman jim button with a laugh.

past offerings include a Stampede brew made with prairie oysters, and the annie oakley, made with rosemary and strawberries. upcoming specials include

one made with spruce tips, one with wet-hopped ale, possibly

a mustard-enhanced beer and, seriously, one with Skittles candy.

“our core brands are the ones we are most responsible about,” says button. “but our

seasonals and casks are when we can have some

fun.”brew brothers brewery has a

tiny storefront space on 11th

avenue S.w., but the main operations take place in the basement. upcoming seasonals will likely include a fresh mint-infused ale, as well as a coffee and vanilla bean-infused black pilsner. for the past few years, prairie Steamer, a Scottish-style heavy ale, has also been a favourite during the winter holiday season. and the raspberry Cream ale will be available until the end of october or so.

over at big rock brewery, the classics are all there: traditional, Grasshopper, you name it. but seasonal releases are bigger than ever for the company, which was started in 1985.

in fact, says brad Goddard, big rock’s sales manager, the company is set to release seven new brews for fans this fall, for a total of 16 new beers in 2013.

Hibernation ale and Spruce Goose (the latter made with spruce tips) will be in the upcoming Lumberjack pack. twisted antler is a dark ale, “a winter warmer,” says Goddard. and then there’s monkey’s fist royal ipa (india pale ale, for novice beer drinkers), and the Cuvee bru, a flemish-style beer made with white wine (pinot

gris) grapes. “we’ve partnered with therapy

vineyards in b.C. for that one,” he says. big rock’s wet hop offering will be

named anthea; watch for it in liquor stores this fall. and they’re experimenting with barrel-aging, too — a process that literally involves putting beer into wood barrels, somewhat like wine, for extra flavour.

Chai spices are being featured at big rock this fall, too. Life of Chai is a custom blend of rose petals, cinnamon, cardamom and more.

continued y 22

food for thought

Hoppin’ down the autumn brew trail

one of the hottest culinary trends in North america

is beer and food pairing. and there’s no better place to experiment with the two than in Calgary.

“there’s no such thing as a bad beer and food pairing,” says Lee borschowa, co-owner of vagabond brewery in Calgary. “it’s about what you enjoy. if you enjoy it, that’s what matters.”

big rock brewery’s sales manager brad Goddard, uses beer in almost everything he cooks: pizza dough, barbecue sauces, chili, marinades, biscuits, even fondue. He steams Spolumbo’s sausages in beer, and when they’re cooked, he serves them alongside fresh, cold beers, too. “just don’t be tempted to cook with beer that you wouldn’t enjoy drinking.”

wild rose brewery’s white ipa is a great pairing with fish tacos, suggests brian Smith, director of of brewery operations.

More SuggeSTIoNSn Cheese: try aged cheddar with a robust brown ale; roquefort with a strong belgian ale; parmigiano-reggiano with a gently hoppy pale ale. “it’s hard to go wrong with beer and cheese. it just works,” says Goddard.n Salads and lighter fare: “our tumbleweed is a light, spicy, unfiltered wheat beer,” says brew brothers brewmaster al yule. “it goes really well with something like a mild shrimp salad.”n roast chicken or turkey: belgian farmhouse-style ale, belgian dubbel or a German dunkelweizen (a dark wheat ale.)n Steak, game or lamb: many combos will work here, but a darker beer is common. at brew brothers brewery, yule loves pulled-pork sandwiches with his black pilsner.n Curries: an india pale ale (often just called ipa on labels) is a classic pairing; the beer’s bitter notes counteract a curry’s heat.n Chocolate: porter or stout with dark chocolate. village brewery’s jim button says he’s crazy about village brewery’s blacksmith, a dark ale, with chocolate cake. “it’s great with vanilla ice cream, too.”

ON ThE SIDE

viLLaGe brewery’S farmer CuCumber aLe aNd wit wHeat aLe witH fLavourS of oraNGe zeSt aNd CoriaNder. michelle hofer photo

brew brotHerS’ bLaCk piLSNer iS a dark europeaN-StyLe LaGer made witH roaSted maLtS, GermaN HopS aNd CzeCH piLSNer yeaSt aNd iS deLiCiouS paired witH CHoCoLate. Adrien Shellard photo

brew brotHerS brewery’S keiL wiLSoN (Left) aNd brewmaSter aL yuLe. Adrien Shellard photo

TWO OR THREE BEDROOM,THREE-STOREY HOMES

$1423*

Starting

From

Monthly, Including,Property Taxes,GST and Condo Fees.

Everyone’s looking to the northeast forgreat value and more space. Kintalla givesyou all that and more!

Artistic representation only, may not be exactly as shown. Developer reserves the right to make changes.

Visit our sales centre at150 Redstone Grove NEor call 587.353.9201

ylno noitatneserper citsitrA .segnahc ekam ot thgir eht sevreser repoleveD .nwohs sa yltcaxe eb ton yam ,

redstone

plazane

red

stone

st

redstone dr ne

metis

trail

ne

red

stone

grove

ne

128 ave ne

SALESCENTRE

Register at kintalla.com

*Based on a mortgage amount of $239,000 + GST with 5% down payment, 3 year term at 2.99% for 25 years withmonthly payments. GST and Monthly Condo fees included. Price and renderings subject to change at developer discretion.

@StreetsideYYC

THE BEST TOWNHOMESIN REDSTONE.THE BEST TOWNHOMESIN REDSTONE.

2012

CHBA - Calgary Region

Multi-FamilyBuilder of the Year


Families know about value. They understand the need to stretch each dollar further and make sure each

purchase is a sound one.But with value should come an ease of

life. In one of Calgary’s newest northeast communities, a new townhouse develop-ment has taken that mantra onboard fully.

Kintalla at Redstone features large square footages, with minimal condo fees to pay for snow removal, landscaping, maintenance and waste removal — well worth it for most Calgarians who have braved -30 C to shovel their sidewalks.

Each townhome offers three levels of spacious living, with two- and three-bedroom options. The main floor’s open-concept floor plan with nine-foot ceilings makes it easy to entertain guests at the kitchen island or just watch a movie with family.

With glass-tile accents and urban colour choices, chances are you’ll want to invite your friends over to show it off.

What separates this development from other townhomes in the city is not only its location to Calgary’s major roadways, but also that it is being built with the whole picture in mind, says Streetside Developments’ lead consultant Lindsey Michalchuk. “When the plan for the community was created, we could have fit more townhomes within the space. But that’s not what Streetside Developments is about.

“Our philosophy is to create beautiful neighbourhoods that are open, spacious and full of green spaces for residents to enjoy.”

Part of the city’s newest set of neigh-bourhoods in the northeast, Redstone will be home to future schools and sports fields, as well as a ton of young families.

The nearby amenities in SkyView fea-ture everything from gas stations to dental offices, and even a pub.

In the near future, Redstone will also have corner stores and green spaces that are great for both kids and pets.

The first two buildings in the develop-ment are nearly sold out, with their new owners moving in early 2014. The next two buildings are now selling and offer possessions starting in Spring 2014.

For more information on Kintalla at Redstone, go to kintalla.com.

Kintalla at Redstone perfect

for the whole family

ADVeRtIsINg FeAtuRe

when you invest in a condominium, home doesn’t start at your front door. it

starts the moment you drive into your community.

“it’s essentially no different than moving into a new town, so it’s important to get a feel for where you live,” says Lauretta enders, vice-president of emerald management and realty Ltd. “read the bylaws, review the minutes from past condo board meetings, and look for the unique personality or culture of your community that might be reflected in the house rules and regulations.”

aside from understanding what you now own, it’s also important to know how to make your voice heard, both proactively and when things go wrong.

Some condo owners choose to take an active role in the decision-making process by running for a position on the condominium board.

all condo owners are invited to attend the annual general meeting where condo board representatives are elected.

“it’s a very democratic process,” says julie dempsey, a realtor and sales associate with Sotheby’s international realty. “you can put your intent in writing beforehand, or come to the aGm and submit your name in writing. at the meeting you would

stand for election and say a few words about yourself; people can then choose to vote for you, or someone else.”

board meetings are usually held on a monthly basis; members run through the financials, security issues or defects that need to be taken care of, and general day-to-day maintenance.

“these meetings are generally closed and you wouldn’t know where they’re taking place. if there’s an issue you want to discuss, you can write in to your property management company and ask permission to attend and ask questions directly,” says dempsey.

“in smaller buildings, you might know where your board member lives and go knock on their door, while other people want to maintain their privacy and don’t even want their email address handed out. it’s best to go through your property management company, which is the group that collects your condo fees. if you write them a letter, it will be sent on and read at the board meeting ”

residents can also volunteer their time and talents by starting up a committee and encouraging others to get involved.

“if you had an interest in gardening and want to help plant more flowers around your building, for example, you could indicate this to the board,” says dempsey. “in the downtown condos, some people have issues with break-ins into their parkades, so they may be inclined to set up a security patrol

amongst their members.“any time feathers get ruffled, people will take on

a more active role. with Calgary’s recent flood, we had a lot of upset homeowners and condo boards working to rectify building issues — so you’ll see a lot more owners showing up at the next aGm.”

while the notion of condo ownership as a maintenance-free lifestyle makes a great advertising tagline, this can be misleading, says enders. “the reality is that you have duties and responsibilities in addition to your rights as a homeowner. find out what those are and how you can speak up to make it your best experience and improve your equity and assets.” y barbara balfour

Continued from 14

Seemingly a daily destination for a large portion of kincora’s population, the Good earth Coffeehouse owned by kathie and Gerald janzen and their daughter and son-in-law, Holly and pete jensen, has provided the community with a comfortable meeting place with more authenticity than the coffee mega-chains out there for the past five years.

the janzens have watched kincora grow during that time and, as a result, now have a special interpersonal relationship with a huge portion of their clientele.

“the people are very friendly

and loyal up here and they actually become our friends,” kathie says. “all the babies who have been born in the last five years, we call them the café babies because we have seen

them in their mom’s stomachs and now they are heading to kindergarten and still come in regularly and say hi and play. it’s a pretty special

community.” it’s not that you can’t get that close-

knit, know-thy-neighbour feeling downtown, but it’s certainly a rare occurrence. y meghan Jessiman


condo buying

Being heard takes investment

the people are very friendly

and loyal

celtic coffee

Good eartH CoffeeHouSe iS a favourite meetiNG pLaCe for kiNCora reSideNtS.

meghan Jessiman photo

Any time feathers get ruffled, people

will take on a more active role — Julie Dempsey

Lauretta eNderS

BuiltGreen® Townhomes with garage, priced from the $260s2, 3 and 4 bedroom plans, all with a single car garage and full depth drive.

1173 – 1590 sq ft, with vault feature in most master bedrooms. Large central park with playground.

Brought to you by:

SHOW HOME LOCATED AT102 SKYVIEW RANCH ROAD NE.

For hours, please visit ArriveHome.ca andpre-register online for current promotion*

You’ll be impressed when you visit Partners Development Group’s new townhome development

within Qualico’s northeast community of Redstone.

When you arrive, a central green space and significant playground will welcome you home, with an abundance of landscap-ing, incorporating substantial trees and integrated paths that connect with the community system of more than three kilometres of pathways throughout.

ARRIVE at Redstone will consist of 24 buildings with a total of 164 units — all certified BuiltGreen — with possessions anticipated to begin in late spring of 2014. There are three types of units available; all include two-and-a-half bathrooms and single-car garages.

Partners delivers New Home EnerGuide Ratings of 80 plus, and a certified energy report of its environmentally responsible homes, with eco-friendly features and ben-eficial savings both short and long term.

The Earthstone townhomes are available in two-, three- or four-bedroom plans and range in size from 1,342 to 1,590 square feet.

The Windstone townhomes include two-bedroom-plus-den layouts, ranging from 1,210 to 1,348 square feet and have been a very popular layout at their ARRIVE at SkyView Ranch location.

With west-facing walkouts, the three-bedroom Waterstone townhomes back onto the pond in the community’s south-west corner and boast unobstructed moun-tain views, featuring private backyards with the option of double master bedrooms. They range in size from 1,173 to 1,196 square feet.

“We are using an abundance of stone-work to complement our dramatic colour palettes and considerable heavy beams throughout each building, which will give most decks and front entries a trellis feel-ing,” says Jade Mahon, sales and market-ing manager with Partners. “Our designs feature a kitchen island with an eating bar, which is great for entertaining and maxi-mizing space.”

Pre-construction pricing starts in the $260,000s. Show homes are located at 102 Skyview Ranch Rd. N.E., open from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and weekends from noon to 5 p.m.

Visit arrivehome.ca to register for online promotions, or call 403-264-8963 for private viewing.

ARRIVE at Redstone a responsible fit for

many buyers

ADVeRtIsINg FeAtuRe



Late summer and early fall is the very best time of year to hit farmers’ markets — almost

everything, produce-wise, is at its peak.

all matter of greens, peppers and tomatoes are brilliant, flavourful and abundant, and are usually more inexpensive due to sheer quantity.

meals tend to be more veggie-heavy during harvest time, and as days grow shorter, people stock up for the winter, planning ahead to preserve

the best of the season by jarring, freezing and making preserves.in early fall, we saw a lot

of tomatoes, peppers, hardy greens and root veggies

piled in farmers’

market stalls. kale has

been the it-veggie of 2013, making waves as kale chips, in soups, salads and slaw. (if you have not yet experienced a kale chip, tear leaves into big bite-sized pieces, toss with a drizzle of oil, sprinkle with salt and bake in a single layer on a baking sheet at 350˚f for 10 to 15 minutes, until crisp.)

a member of the brassica family, hardy kale lasts in the fridge longer than more fragile greens, particularly if you tuck a paper towel into the bag to absorb excess moisture.

brussels sprouts are slowly becoming the new kale – essentially tiny cabbages, they can be roasted whole or halved, thinly sliced into slaw or added to salads, stir-fried or tossed with buttered or cheesy pasta.

beets and other root vegetables, such as turnips and parsnips, are always abundant in the fall, and while they were once relegated to the bottom of the onion and potato bin, these uglier veggies are gaining popularity.

all root veggies are delicious cubed and roasted, baked into fries, simmered into soups and mashed into potatoes.

brilliant beets will show up in shades of purple, pink, yellow and gold. to roast them — something you can do anytime the oven is on — wrap them individually (or two or three at a time if they’re small) in foil and bake directly on the oven rack for about an hour. they can then be kept in a bowl in the fridge, still wrapped, until you’re ready to slice them into salads, soup or pasta — the skins will peel away easily with your fingers.

Grated raw beets also make a delicious, healthy addition to cakes, muffins and quickbreads, and can be frozen in that state to add directly to recipes.

of course late summer is corn on the cob season, but it might be harder to come by this year. “a favourite at the outdoor farmers’ market (open until oct. 31) is Linda thiessen’s authentic taber Corn,” says Colin kendall, co-owner of the Crossroads farmers’ market, “but taber got hit hard with floods and hail this year, so there’s limited legit taber corn on the market, and hers is fantastic.”

if you can get your hands on some, and you’re

food for thought

Fall into flavour with savoury market offerings

cooking al fresco, grill your corn rather than boiling it: soak whole cobs in their husks in a sink or bowl full of water for 15 minutes; drain and grill directly on the rack for 10 minutes, or until the husks are charred. Shuck the corn and grill for another five to 10 minutes for a smoky, charred flavour.

to adorn your cob of corn, mash soft butter with garlic and parmesan or a pinch of chili powder and a squeeze of lime; or brush your freshly cooked cobs with mayo and sprinkle with finely crumbled salty feta cheese.

whatever it is you’re trying to preserve, freezing produce on its own can take up lots of space and leave fragile fruits and veggies susceptible to freezer burn. turning them into pots of soup first will help it freeze well, and it’s a very good thing to have a stash of real meals tucked away as we head into the busy fall and winter season. y Julie Van Rosendaal

the best restaurants in Calgary tend to focus on regional, seasonal produce to inspire their menus, and

while many chefs develop relationships with local farmers and producers, many like shopping the farmers’ markets for

weekly inspiration when they have the time. Chef paul mcGreevy, executive chef at Craft beer market,

recently picked up 227 kilograms (500 pounds) of pickling cukes for the house-made pickles they use on sandwiches, burgers, charcuterie boards.

“a little bit of spice, dill and a ton of garlic,” he says. you can make smaller batches at home — for your own jar of refrigerator pickles:

ingredients:250 ml (1 cup) apple cider

vinegar30 ml (2 tbsp.) sugar15 ml (1 tbsp.) coarse salt1 smashed clove of garlic 10 ml (2 tsp.) pickling spicebring ingredients to

a simmer; pour over a bowl or jar of sliced baby cucumbers.

Let them hang out in the fridge for at least a day or two before you eat them.


ON ThE SIDEdon your tote and head off to a farmers’ market

this weekend to catch the fresh eats while they are still hot. to help you get inspired with the abundance of fall flavours available, here are a couple of recipes to whet your appetite:

roaSTeD BeeT & SweeT PoTaTo SouPthe combination of beets and sweet potato

(or substitute winter squash) turn this soup a brilliant red. it’s beautiful served in shallow bowls, dramatically dolloped with a dab of plain yogurt or sour cream, or sip it from a mug to ward off the winter chill. the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for large-batch cooking. canola or olive oil, for cooking 1 medium dark-fleshed sweet potato, poked 3 medium-large beets, tops trimmed 1 large onion, chopped 2 large garlic cloves, crushed 250 ml (1 cup) orange juice 1 L (1 quart) chicken or vegetable stock salt sour cream, for serving (optional)

preheat the oven to 350˚f. Spread the squash on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with oil. wrap the beets individually in foil and place directly on the oven rack along with the sweet potato (poke it first with a fork) and roast for an hour.

in a medium pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onion for a few minutes, until it’s starting to soften. add the garlic and cook for another minute. when they’re cool enough to handle, peel the beets and sweet potato with your fingers, chop them roughly and add to the pot along with the orange juice and stock and simmer for about half an hour. add cream, season with salt and purée the soup with a hand-held immersion blender right in the pot, or transfer in batches to a blender to purée until smooth. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream. Serves 4-6.

kale & BruSSelS SProuT SalaDthis deliciously different salad is hardy enough

to be transported to work or school for lunch, and makes a healthy alternative to the usual spring greens. adapted from bon appétit. 1 bunch leafy green kale 10 big brussels sprouts 1 small tart apple, diced 75 ml to 125 ml (1/3 to 1/2 cup) whole roasted, salted, almonds, roughly chopped 125 ml (1/2 cup) grated parmesan or pecorino cheeseDressing: 125 ml (1/2 cup) extra-virgin olive oil 50 ml (1/4 cup) lemon juice 30 ml (2 tbsp.) grainy mustard 1 small garlic clove, finely grated 10 ml (2 tsp.) honey salt and freshly ground black pepper

remove the ribs by holding each leaf by a rib and pulling off the leaves. Stack the leaves and thinly slice them. Cut the brussels sprouts in half lengthwise and thinly slice them too, holding onto the stem (and then tossing the last bit of stem out). put the kale and brussels sprouts into a large bowl. to make the dressing, shake all the ingredients together in a jar or whisk them in a small bowl. drizzle generously over the kale and brussels sprouts and toss to coat. Scatter with almonds and parmesan, toss and serve, or let sit or refrigerate until needed — marinating improves

ON ThE SIDE

fall flavours

at Left, kaLe & bruSSeLS Sprout SaLad. at riGHt, roaSted beet aNd Sweet potato Soup.

Julie Van Rosendaal photos


condo shopping

Calgary’s bustling condo market is a great indication of the growth

happening in the city, and the changes in culture and design.

with all these cutting edge and architecturally appealing buildings to catch our attention, how are we supposed to find out which ones suit us best?

there are some rules and guidelines that are important when shopping for a condo, aside from it being aesthetically appealing.

think about these things and it will help in making an informed decision, and don’t let all the bells and whistles cloud the truth and overwhelm your decision.

being that it’s 2013, and we have become a society driven by technology, many builders are incorporating that trend into their project features.

features are a major buying consideration and a great marketing tool, but we cannot let that steer us away from the important questions.

to make the most informed decision,

it’s important to take the time to do a little research and find out the builder’s and developer’s past history and projects.

one thing i find most important, as someone shopping the market, is to pay attention to the warranties.

a strong warranty backed by a reputable organization speaks volumes

about the quality and experience of the builder and the project.

essentially, it shows the project is backed by a respectable company, which gives us peace of mind, knowing our deposits are safe, along with our investments.

financing at each project is always different, so make sure to find out what kind of downpayment is needed and closing dates.

in addition, it is also a good idea to ask about the estimated condo fees and what exactly is included in those fees (amenities, utilities, reserve fund, maintenance, etc.).

Lastly, make sure the project, neighbourhood, floor plans and amenities make sense with what you’re looking for. Certain projects speak to

us — whether it’s the design, the location or the amenities. they hold value to us and fulfil the wants and needs we have in mind.

although features and extras are appealing, don’t allow decisions to be based solely on gadgets. aside from the business side of the project, it is always fun to explore the new features in each building and find the one

that best suits your lifestyle. just make sure that it suits your finances, as well, and make an educated purchase. take your time and buy the condo that best suits you. y Ijmal haider

(Ijmal Haider is a sociologist, designer, marketing analyst, writer and blogger, currently working in the industry as a marketing analyst and designer for the DaVinci Group.)

Finding ‘the one’ begins with knowing who you are

A strong warranty backed by a reputable organization speaks

volumes of the quality and experience of the

builder and the project

Continued from 16

“it’s an aromatic ale, just a beautiful beer for cooking with,” says Goddard. “it’s on the darker side; the darker a beer is, the more caramelized sugar there is in it.”

tool Shed brewing Company isn’t technically a Calgary-based brewery yet, but it’s owned by two Calgarians, Graham Sherman and jeff orr, and the plan is to relocate it here from aldergrove, b.C.

Currently, the pair offer three beers: red rage, a red ale, Star Cheek (“for those hopheads to call their own”), and people Skills, “a patio-friendly cream ale, for those who need a pint of people skills,” Sherman says with a laugh.

Closer to fall, look for a pumpkin ale, based on a pie recipe from orr’s grandmother, and before Christmas, “a barrel-aged coffee imperial stout.”

for the past decade or so, one of the city’s most beloved seasonal beers has been the wild rose Cherry porter. made with cherries from british Columbia, it is rich and dark, a fine beer for a cold winter’s night.

brian Smith, wild rose brewery’s director of brewery operations, says we can expect it to hit store shelves in early November.

also new will be a seasonal white ipa, “a wheat beer that’s been spiced with orange peel and coriander. it’s unfiltered, and it’s also got a fairly aggressive dose of hops,” Smith says.

Look for it in stores and at various pubs around the city.

“we are constantly experimenting. we do a test batch, something new each week,” says Smith. if it turns out, they serve it at their brew pub in Currie barracks. “people can follow our twitter feed, @wildrosebrewery, to find out what’s going on.”

and they want to know because, well, Calgarians are passionate about their pints. Says button: “people care about what’s being made and how it’s made and where it comes from.” y Shelley boettcher


What he bought: Hewton-waters purchased the Neutron floor plan, which is about 800 square feet, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. He takes possession in spring 2014.

What he likes about the project: it’s a top-floor unit in the northwest corner of the building. the master bedroom has an ensuite, which i really wanted, so the second bathroom is available for guests.i like that the patio isn’t right beside that of the neighbouring unit, adding some privacy. i was pretty set on having secure, indoor parking and this building offers that. in the winter, it

will be awesome having a warm vehicle that i don’t need to clear off. it’s not why i bought the unit, but the eintelligence system they’re putting in certainly caught my attention and sounded pretty cool. it will let me unlock doors, control temperature and lighting, and view security cameras, all from my iphone. i’m also

really looking forward to having access to the rooftop garden next spring and summer—i can go up there to hang out and even barbecue with friends.

What he liked about the community: one reason i really liked einstein was its marda Loop-adjacent location. i work out at the mount royal university gym and my office is near Chinook mall, so i’m able to get to either in under 10 minutes from einstein. the other great thing is it’s very close to marda Loop, 17th avenue and downtown.i wanted to be close to downtown because i have a lot of friends who live in the area and wanted to be able to enjoy all the great restaurants and shops without having to deal with traffic anymore. y meghan jessiman

bUYER SNApShOT

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iN SpriNG 2014, tHomaS HewtoN-waterS wiLL take poSSeSSioN of tHe NeutroN fLoor pLaN iN eiNSteiN by tHe provideNCe Group, a CoNdo deveLopmeNt NortH of marda Loop aNd SoutH of 17tH aveNue S.w.meghan Jessiman photo

springing into action

For many Calgarians, being able to work from home is a dream come true.

The Block by Avi Urban, the multi-family division of Homes by Avi, is not only making this dream a reality, but it’s doing it in one of the city’s most-coveted locations, right off 17th Avenue S.W.

After pioneering live/work communities with The Olive in Bridgeland, Avi Urban has launched another unique townhome opportu-nity for professionals wanting work-space in the inner city.

The Block, located at 17th Avenue and 9A Street, is described by Avi Urban president Charron Ungar as a boutique, four-storey building offer-ing townhome floor plans ranging from 1,500 to 1,600 square feet.

What makes these properties unique is that they are already zoned for live/work use and include double-car garages of more than 400 square feet that can optionally be converted into home-office space or studio-

plus-parking layouts.“The inclusion of the live/work

townhomes is a direct result of a market need to both live and work within the same space,” says Ungar. “The townhomes at The Block provide an amazing place to live, zero commute time, and significant efficiencies, both logistically and financially, over the traditional ‘home vs. office’ situation the majority of us live with every day.”

Located on the north side of Lower Mount Royal, The Block is surrounded by business and retail services, as well as restaurants, with nearly everything you need just a short walk away, including down-town, with nearby 14th Street pro-viding quick access to other areas of the city.

The townhomes are designed so that workspace and living space are separated, which is important for those who want to leave their work behind for the evening and weekend.

Above the garage/office, the open-

concept living space features the living room, kitchen, and dining area, while the top storey has the home’s two bedrooms, each with its own ensuite. On-site amenities include a landscaped courtyard and suite features include in-floor slab heating, oversized windows and customiza-

tion options such as being able to choose your own front-door colour.

Construction is underway on these unique townhomes, with prices start-ing in the $570,000s. Interested buy-ers should act fast, though, as only about a half-dozen of these two-bedroom townhomes remain.

Other Avi Urban projects under-way include The Post in Nolan Hill, Edison at Walden, Sawyer Silverado, and Victoria Cross.

For more information about The Block and other developments, visit aviurban.com (check out the blog for the latest construction updates).

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The Block offers stylish setting for Calgarians working from home

CONDO - Calgary Heraldit’s a short walk to 17th Avenue and ... townhouse condos, which come in ......

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