Bragg-About the Creek

CELEBRATING ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH
Fall 2011
BRAGG CREEK
The Crown Jewel of Canada’s Golden
Horseshoe for the 21st Century
ALBERTA’S VISIONARY
Kananaskis Country’s founder,
the Honourable Peter Lougheed
A LITTLE BC™
Twenty Minutes
from Calgary
1
Fall 2011
Viewpoint
Showcasing the beauty and wonder of Bragg Creek
and Kananaskis as seen through your eyes
The Crown Jewel of Canada’s Golden Horseshoe for the 21st Century
Bragg Creek has everything in place to become one of the best Canadian
investment opportunities on the market today: Beauty, Location and Timing
Alberta’s Determined Visionary
An exclusive interview with former Alberta Premier, the Honourable
Peter Lougheed, one of Alberta’s (and Canada’s) most popular political
figures, discussing his legacy, including the creation of Kananaskis Country
Every Picture Tells a Story
Regular
contributor Chris Martin recounts
a rainy day in K-Country, which ended with him getting “Dog Tired”
19
07
“Marsh Grasses” 30 x 30 inches
Oil on canvas by Merv Brandel
07
19
31
48
31
On the Cover
The world-renowned Kananaskis Country Golf Course, located in
the heart of K-Country. Photograph by Dr. Robert Berdan
Inset photograph: the Honourable Peter Lougheed
tees-off at the opening of the Kananaskis Country Golf Club.
Photograph courtesy of the Provincial Archives of Alberta
© Copyright
2011. All rights reserved.
Printed in Calgary, Canada on FSC certified paper. Visit: www.fsccanada.org
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including
advertising rates and availability please visit: www.braggmag.com,
email: [email protected], or call: (403) 949 3400.
Showcasing the wondrous beauty of nature as seen
through the diverse eyes of Western Canada’s most talented artists.
2
Bragg Creek Village Centre, 16 White Ave. Bragg Creek, AB. Phone: (403) 949 3777 - www.alicatgallery.com
BANDED PEAK
Communications
3
This fall marks a momentous occasion for the Bragg Creek
community,
magazine, and the
province of Alberta.
issue
celebrates
the second anniversary of
magazine. Given the magazine’s
mandate to showcase the beauty of Kananaskis Country and
the extraordinary people that are both magnetically attracted
to, and inspired by, its natural grandeur, there is no better way
to celebrate this milestone than to feature the Honourable
Peter Lougheed who, as Premier of Alberta, founded
Kananaskis Country while becoming one of Canada’s most
prominent and popular political figures.
Peter Lougheed photograph by John Cornegge.
This
Amateur Photographer
Competition
vision. So, it seems to me that if you get a person that has
the combination of both determination and vision, male or
female, I think that’s what you should be looking for.” Sage
words of advice for the contenders running in the leadership
race. (Please read the full article starting on page 31)
This fall also represents a coming of age for the hamlet of
Bragg Creek. As a result of the recent infrastructure stimulus
program, Bragg Creek has just received funding from the
municipal, provincial and federal governments for communal
water and sewage infrastructure. This investment paves the
way for significant additional investment in the community,
which will dramatically enhance Bragg Creek’s amenities
and appeal.
Additionally, Calgary is becoming a global energy
superpower. Based on current projections, it is expected that
the Calgary region will more than double in population – to
approximately three million people – by 2050. Imagine if
such an opportunity existed 20 minutes from Vancouver or
Toronto 40 years ago! The entire horseshoe-shaped Rocky
View County, which surrounds Calgary on three sides, is an
outstanding investment opportunity – I see it as Canada’s
new Golden Horseshoe of the 21st century. Bragg Creek is,
quite literally, a diamond in the rough.
Simply put, the unique convergence of Bragg Creek’s beauty,
location and timing is bound to fuel investment growth in
Bragg Creek for years to come. (Please see the full article on
Bragg Creek’s potential on page 19)
700
$
prize
pool
*
Send in your original photographs of Bragg Creek and
K-Country and you could win a share of the $700 Prize
Pool. In addition to the continued $500 sponsorship from
Rocky View County and CrossIron Mills for the top three
amateur submissions, the first-place winner will also receive
a 24”x36” stretched-canvas print of their winning photograph
from Branded Visuals Inc. (up to a value of $200).
The submission deadline for our Winter/Spring 2012 Amateur
Photographer Competition is December 26, 2011. Photographs
must be taken within the Bragg Creek or Kananaskis region.
Photographers retain full rights over their submissions.
Update to the Competition Rules
Many people from whom we receive photographs earn some
income from their photography, but it is not their primary income
source. Therefore, we are modifying the competition’s “amateur”
definition to include these contributors. The term “amateur”
will now be defined as one whose primary source of income
does not come from the sale of their photography products or
services. Exceptions apply: see below for full rules. We retain the
right to have the final say over a contributor’s amateur status.
Rick Nash: White-tailed fawn – Fall 2011 Amateur Photography Winner
Celebrating an Anniversary, an Icon,
and an Opportunity
Congratulations to Rick Nash – this issue’s winner for his
touching image of a White-tailed fawn above (larger image
featured on page 8). Second and third-place winners are
Justin Atkins and Debbie Schultz, whose photographs can
be seen on pages 11 and 17 respectively.
A big thank you again goes to the competition’s guest panelist
Dr. Robert Berdan, who has contributed a great number of
the photographs used in both of the feature articles.
Below: Liz Kerns, winner of the Summer 2011 competition, with
her stretched-canvas print, courtesy of Branded Visuals.
It is interesting to note that this year also marks the 40th
anniversary of Progressive Conservative rule in Alberta.
During the Lougheed era, the party made Alberta a major
player in Canada and the world. The party is now in the
midst of a leadership campaign.
When I interviewed Mr. Lougheed, I asked him what
characteristics people should look for in a leader. He
responded as follows: “I think there are two elements
involved. One is determination. I respect and admire people
who have determination. But I also respect people who have
4
Dwayne Zaba
Publisher
Visit us at www.braggmag.com or email [email protected]
FASHION + OUTLETS + DINING + ENTERTAINMENT
*Prize details: The total prize pool of $700 will be awarded as follows. $500 will be awarded to the amateur contributors of
the top three photographs selected for inclusion in the Winter/Spring 2012 issue of
,
as selected by our panel: 1st Prize – $250; 2nd Prize – $150; 3rd Prize – $100. Prizes will be awarded in the form of gift certificates
to CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall. A Canvas Print(s) of the winning submission will also be supplied to the 1st prize winner – total
value of up to $200. This will allow for one 24”x36” Gallery Wrap or a combination of smaller sizes (eg. 16”x24” + 12”x18”).
Entry conditions: All amateur photographs submitted to
will automatically be entered into
the seasonally relevant Amateur Photographer Competition unless specifically requested otherwise by the contributor at the time
of submission. Any photographs received after the submission deadline of 12/26/11 may not be entered into the Winter/Spring 2012
competition. For the purposes of the Amateur Photographer Competition, an “amateur photographer” is defined as someone whose
primary source of income does not come from the sale of their photography products or services. Professional photographers are
ineligible for entry into the competition but they will get full credit for any contributions that we publish, as well as exposure on the
magazine’s Featured Contributors page and on www.braggmag.com for the four-month duration of the respective issue. Employees
of
, Rocky View County, CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall, Branded Visuals Inc., as well as their
affiliates and partners, are ineligible for entry. Promotional terms and usage rights: The panel’s decision is final. All photography
submissions, along with contributors’ names, may be used by Rocky View County and
for future promotional purposes, however full rights for all photographic submissions are completely retained by the respective
contributing photographers. Branded Visuals retain the rights to display the winning canvas print in their gallery for up to one
month following the publication of the Winter/Spring 2012 issue of
.
5
To accompany this issue’s interview with the Honourable Peter Lougheed, we
wanted to include some current imagery from within the Provincial Park that
bears his name, and the world-renowned Kananaskis Country Golf Course.
With the help of Darren Robinson, the golf course’s General Manager,
(pictured here to the right of Robert), we arranged a private guided tour
for Robert (via golf-cart), where he had free reign to shoot the course as he
pleased. We are indeed thankful to both Robert for his additional time and
effort in putting together this issue, and to Darren for his gracious assistance
and the unlimited access to facilities he granted us. The spectacular images
of the iconic course on page 34 prove that it was worth the effort.
In addition to
, Robert contributes to
other publications such as Photo Life, Outdoor Nature Photographer and
Canadian Geographic, while serving as assistant professor at the University
of Calgary. He also runs his own multimedia business, Science & Art, where
he offers royalty-free CDs, prints, photography and video services, computer
training and website development.
Robert also provides practical workshops and one-on-one training for all
skill levels throughout the year, covering a wide variety of wildlife, flora and
fauna subject matter, in both local and distant locations. Contact him directly
for more information on his upcoming workshops – as well as his online
courses – or visit his website.
www.canadiannaturephotographer.com/workshops.html
(403) 247 2457 – [email protected]
As one of our longest-serving featured
photographers, Chris Martin is the
contributor of this issue’s Every Photo
Tells a Story spread (page 48), proving that
when it comes to photography, you need
to be open to unexpected opportunities.
Chris’s wildlife photography and dramatic Rocky Mountain landscapes
are found in personal collections, businesses and magazines across North
America. He’s available for group or individual workshops, commissioned
shoots and commercial photography. You can purchase prints via his
website or at Branded Visuals Wildlife Gallery in Bragg Creek.
www.christophermartinphotography.com – [email protected] – (403) 880 2411
A widely-published nature photographer
based in Calgary, Philippe Widling’s
work has appeared in magazines,
newspapers, calenders, postcards, books
and on web pages around the world.
He recently completed editing hundreds of photos he captured from
a five-week summer road trip to Quebec’s coast, where he covered
14,000 kilometres across Canada and the US. His road-trip gallery is
available for viewing at www.pwidling-photography.com, along with
a multitude of his past galleries.
Philippe is available for assignments both locally and worldwide: email
him at [email protected], or find stock images at www.designpics.com.
6
As a Calgary-based professional nature
photographer, Rob McKay’s summer
has been packed with running basic
and advanced field workshops. Due to
demand, he recently created a specific
website solely for his Birds of Prey
workshops. See: www.owlworkshops.robmckayphotography.com.
Rob is also proficient in mainstream photography services: products and
fashion; agricultural and architectural; commercial and environmental;
personal and executive portraiture; weddings; and stock photography.
Contact Rob at: [email protected] – (403) 700 1264 or visit
www.robmckayphotography.com for DSLR workshops details and his blog.
Viewpoint
A Seasonal Perspective of Bragg Creek and Kananaskis
From its origin at Elbow Pass – located 2,100 metres above sea
level – the Elbow River meanders through both K-Country
and Bragg Creek. It flows 120 kilometres and drops an
incredible 1,060 metres, passing through Allen Bill Pond,
Forgetmenot Pond and Elbow Falls before it reaches its final
destination in Calgary, where it merges with the Bow River.
Rick Nash
We are pleased to have our resident photographer Dr. Robert Berdan return as
our main Featured Contributor this issue, albeit in a slightly different role from
normal. Rob has contributed photography to both of this issue’s main articles:
some from his extensive archives; some from on-location photography.
Carleen Smith
Featured Contributors
Gilles Korent is a nature and wildlife
photographer based in Calgary.
His patience and precision shows in the
attention he puts into capturing the detail
and character of his wild subjects in their
natural environment.
Gilles works primarily in the Calgary area and throughout the Foothills
of Alberta. Capturing nature and its inhabitants is an activity that allows
him to combine photography and his passion for the outdoors.
A selection of his prints are available at the “Wildlife Gallery” in Bragg
Creek, as well as via his website.
www.wildlife-expressions.com
_________________________________________________________
Main photograph: As fall ends, the first sprinklings of snow
are seen on Mount Glasgow. Inset: An adorable pika greedily
gathers vegetation for winter storage.
7
Gorgeous, and in comparison relatively
rare to its Mule deer relatives, the Whitetailed deer is native to North, Central and
South America, being spotted at least
as far south as Peru. It is most common
east of the Rocky Mountains and found
in relative abundance throughout Bragg
Creek and Kananaskis.
Named for the characteristic white
underside on its tail, which it uses to
signal alarm, the White-tailed deer
sports a reddish-brown coat in spring/
summer and a gray-brown coat in fall/
winter. The charming spots seen on the
young fawns (left) are present at birth,
but fade during their first summer.
Philippe Widling
White-tailed deer have one to three fawns
in mid-to-late spring, which are weaned
after eight to ten weeks. Males stay with
their mothers for one year, and females
for two years, before heading off on their
own. Antlers are shed and regrown every
year by the male deer, although one in
10,000 females will also grow antlers
because of a hormone imbalance
________________________________________
Rick Nash
Opposite page, top: An innocent Whitetailed fawn enjoys some attention from
its mother near Kananaskis Village. This
page, top: King Creek snakes peacefully
through Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
8
Connie Singer
Ken Johnson
Azram Chaudhry
John Kearsley
Devin Featherstone
Gerry Ambury
Below from left: a K-Country sunset; a baby
Horned Owl; fall colours; dancing water
at Elbow Falls; a curious White-tailed doe;
unique rock formations on Mount Allan Trail.
9
Connie Singer
Justin Atkins
Cole Lord-May
The stunning emerald-green Rawson
Lake is crystal-clear, thanks to the glacier
runoff feeding it, and it is generously
stocked with Cutthroat trout. The striking
visage of Mount Sarrail rising up near the
back of the lake, and the surrounding
lush, green meadows provide for a prime
Grizzly bear habitat.
Rawson Lake is located approximately
160 kilometres southwest of Calgary in
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The trail
around it provides for an excellent day’s
hike, taking approximately three hours to
complete, with a modest elevation gain of
less than 300 metres.
________________________________________
Opposite page from top: a fledgling
Blue Jay; Canadian Geese silhouetted by
the rising sun in the Bragg Creek area;
a Ruffed Grouse grubbing about near
Beaver Flats’ campground; a pair of
swallows get vocal near Bragg Creek.
This page from top: the edge of
Rawson Lake; young ospreys share
the catch of the day.
Gilles Korent
Ken Johnson
Cole Lord-May
10
Rawson Lake (above) is a classic example
of a mountain tarn lake. A tarn (derived
from the Old Norse word “tjörn” for
pond), is a mountain lake formed in a
cirque excavated by a glacier. Referring
to a mountain lake as a “tarn” originates
from the term being used to describe
all ponds in the mountainous regions of
northern England, particularly Cumbria.
11
Chris Martin
Gilles Korent
Andrew Culin
Henrik Hansen
Connie Singer
Anyone familiar with Kananaskis knows
Elbow Falls as a popular recreation
spot. The picturesque Elbow Falls trail
(left) connects the parking lot to the
river, where you can get some fantastic
vantage points of the spectacular falls.
A leisurely stroll should take about half
an hour, and there are interpretative
signs posted along the way.
Three man-made lookout areas on the trail
provide for fantastic views of both the falls
and the river as it snakes towards Calgary.
Only 15 minutes west of Bragg Creek,
Elbow Falls is an ideal family destination,
with suitable picnic facilities and BBQ
pits. Just remember to douse your embers
in water before you leave.
Don Orchard
________________________________________
12
This spread, clockwise from bottom left:
The view during a hike back from Troll
Falls; a quick glance at the camera
before darting into the wild growth;
the view back from one of Elbow Falls’
three lookout areas; a Black Bear
cub casually ambles along; a small
creek empties into Sheep River
upstream of the spectacular falls;
a small waterfall above Troll Falls.
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13
_________________________________________________________________
This page: the Red-naped Sapsucker’s daily routine –
bring grub home, feed young, repeat as necessary.
Rob McKay
These birds are recognized by their distinctive black head with
red markings, white stripes, and a red spot on its nape – hence
their name. Adult male Sapsuckers also have a red throat patch.
Red-naped Sapsuckers migrate south or come down to lower
elevations in the winter. Locals in the Bragg Creek area might
have seen or heard them rat-a-tatting on their own homes, as
well as on nearby trees.
Rob McKay
Red-naped Sapsucker series – Ken MacDonald
The striking Red-naped Sapsucker (above) lives in mixed forests
across the Rocky Mountain and Great Basin regions of North
America, and it is commonly found throughout K-Country. It
nests in cavities in dead trees and, to no-one’s surprise, eats sap,
along with insects, seeds and berries.
Opposite spread, clockwise from bottom left: a bull elk caught midbay; a kit Red Fox soaks up the afternoon sun; a juvenile Roughlegged Hawk scours for lunch; fall colours along Highway 40.
Residential & Commercial
403.932.1216
www.caledonianexteriors.com
14
Contact us today to reserve a complimentary Roof Inspection and Consultation
Five-year Installation Warranty • Fully Licensed & Insured • Senior & Military Discounts
Gilles Korent
throughout the Foothills and across Calgary
John Kearsley
Providing Certified Exterior Installations
15
Soha Zia
Hoary Marmot series (left and above) – Debby Schultz
Gerry Ambury
Avril Derbyshire
Kerri Martin
Nicknamed “the whistler” for its high pitched warning
squeal, the Hoary Marmot was the original inspiration
for the renaming of the Whistler Resort north of
Vancouver, B.C. Hoary refers to the silver-gray fur on
their shoulders and upper back. They hibernate seven
to eight months in ground burrows and mate upon
waking up. Males establish their own “harems,” but
will also often sneak in amorous “visits” to females in
other territories whenever the coast is clear.
Sally Quon
The cute critter on the opposite page is a Hoary
Marmot, the largest member of the ground squirrel
family. It inhabits the mountains of North America,
living near tree-lines along the slopes, feeding off
grass, and making shelter under the rocks.
Philippe Widling
___________________________________________________
At left: the lower of the falls that flow into Cat Creek.
16
Remainder of this spread: squirrels, beavers
and Hoary Marmots are a small sampling of the
abundant rodent family that populates K-Country.
17
MAVERICK
WANTED
Bragg Creek:
Jeff Vanderkley
maverick
This page from top: the Rockies; the rivers; the
foothills. Whatever your preference, K-Country is
overflowing with amazing views at every turn.
CRIME: A FRESH APPROACH
TO PRACTISING LAW
ACCOMPLICES: HONESTY, SENSE OF HUMOUR, APPROACHABILITY
The Crown Jewel
of Canada’s New Golden Horseshoe
for the 21st Century
REWARD: QUALITY LEGAL SERVICES
LAST SEEN:
BRAGG CREEK, COCHRANE,
PRIDDIS, REDWOOD MEADOWS
& THE ALBERTA FOOTHILLS
_______________________________________________
CRIME:
CRIME: A FRESH APPROACH TO
PRACTICING LAW
A FRESH APPROACH
TO PRACTISING LAW
REWARD:
ACCOMPLICES: HONESTY, SENSE OF HUMOUR, APPROACHABILITY
John Kearsley
ACCOMPLICES: HONESTY,
SENSE OF HUMOUR, APPROACHABILITY
_______________________________________________
REWARD:
QUALITY LEGAL SERVICES
________________________________________________
LAST SEEN: BRAGG CREEK,
PRIDDIS, REDWOOD MEADOWS,
COCHRANE, & THE ALBERTA
FOOTHILLS
QUALITY LEGAL SERVICES
LAST SEEN:
BRAGG CREEK, COCHRANE,
PRIDDIS, REDWOOD MEADOWS
& THE ALBERTA FOOTHILLS
DAV
E RY
AN
DAVE RYAN
BARRISTER & SOLIC ITOR
TELEPHONE
BAR
R
& SO ISTER
LIC
ITO
R
4039493339
18
WWW.MAVERICKLAW.CA
Willard Moon
WW
W.M
AVE
RIC
KLA
W.C
A
Bragg Creek offers an escape from the ordinary and
rejuvenation to all who call it home. It is the gateway to
Kananaskis Country, a 4,200-square-kilometre forestry
reserve that is home to some of the most pristine, aweinspiring landscapes in the world. Kananaskis Country is
commonly referred to as “God’s Country” because of its
stunning beauty. It takes a very special place to earn a
reputation of being the “gateway to God’s country,” and
Bragg Creek really is that kind of a place.
_________________________________________________________
All photography by Dr. Robert Berdan except where specified.
This page: Spillway Lake, Kananaskis.
DAVE RY AN
BARRISTER & SOLIC ITOR
TELEPHONE
403-949-3339
19
The fact that this magazine exists is a
testament to Bragg Creek’s abundance
of wildlife, fresh mountain air, clear
running streams, and an infinite number
of spectacular untouched vistas.
Located a mere 20-minute drive west
of Canada’s most economically vibrant
city, Bragg Creek is strategically located
to welcome an increasing number
of people. Calgary is the epicentre
of Canada’s vast strength in the
hydrocarbon sector, and it is Calgary’s
intent to become the leading business
Bragg Creek has three accesses to
the growing metropolis: a 20-minute
drive to the south end of Calgary via
Highway 22X; a 20-minute ride to the
city’s west end via Highway 8, allowing
easy access to the downtown core;
and 25 minutes to the city’s north
end via the Trans-Canada Highway
(Highway 1), which also provides easy
access to Calgary’s International Airport.
View the video of the 2002 Kananaskis
G8 Summit at www.braggcreek.tv/video14
ROCKY VIEW
COUNTY
LAKE
7 LOUISE
BANFF 6
______________________________________
THE GOLDEN HORSESHOE
Highway 1
Banff
National
Park
KANANASKIS
COUNTRY
5
Highway 8
Stoney Trail
1
2
British
Columbia
Destination
Calgary North
Calgary West
Calgary South
Calgary Airport
Elbow Falls
Banff
Lake Louise
Highway 22X
Glenmore
Trail
3
kms
38
32
30
65
22
115
173
mins
25
20
19
50
15
1.25hrs
1.75hrs
Diagram is for illustration purposes only. See scale map of the region on page 33.
20
CALGARY
Tsuu T’ina
Nation
BRAGG
CREEK
Distance and travel times from Bragg Creek
Key
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4
Deerfoot Trail
The famous, world-class beauty is
shaped by three abundant natural
resources that literally define the
essence of Bragg Creek. The eastern
slopes of the Rocky Mountains, which
are home to an absolutely dazzling
array of flora and fauna, provide a
stunning natural backdrop to the gem
that is Bragg Creek; the sparkling,
crystal-clear Elbow River, which
provides a third of Albertans with fresh
water, meanders through the middle
of Bragg Creek; and rounding out this
beauty is one of the most expansive
and pristine forests in the world.
centre for integrated energy activity
in the world, positioning Canada as
a global energy superpower. Based
on current projections, it is expected
that the Calgary region will double
in population to approximately three
million people by 2050.
Highway 22
Although Bragg Creek has long been
perceived as one of the most beautiful
places on earth, the rare convergence of
beauty, location and timing is making
it one of the most exciting investment
opportunities in Canada.
Kananaskis Country was founded in
1976 by the Honourable Peter Lougheed,
the most popular Premier in the
history of Alberta, to ensure Albertans
would always have a place to recharge
their batteries well into the future.
Lougheed’s own words best describe
Kananaskis: “In my extensive travels to
various parts of the world, I have been
fortunate to have visited many special
places, but the most special place of all
is Kananaskis Country.” As a further
testament to the extraordinary beauty
of Kananaskis, when Canada hosted the
G8 summit in 2002, Kananaskis was
chosen to showcase Canada’s beauty to
the rest of the world.
MD of Foohills
Diana Murphy
In addition to its strategic proximity to
Calgary, Bragg Creek is also directly
adjacent to the province of Alberta’s
most prized jewel and its only
provincial mountain park: Kananaskis
Country, a world-class forestry reserve
that extends directly into the Banff
National Park.
Timing is everything. Alberta enjoys
one of the best employment rates
in Canada and is widely considered
by economists to have the greatest
growth potential in the country, as
well as among the best in the world.
Calgary is regularly cited as Canada’s
main economic engine for growth
and prosperity, and Canada is wellrenowned as one of the safest places in
the world to invest. The time to invest
in Bragg Creek is now. As a result of the
recent infrastructure stimulus program,
Bragg Creek has just received funding
from the municipal, provincial and
______________________________________
This page, top: The G8 Summit in
Kananaskis, June 2002. The participants
from left: Silvio Berlusconi, Italy; Gerhard
Schroder, Germany; George W. Bush,
U.S.A.; Jaques Chirac, France; Jean
Chrétien, Canada; Vladimir Putin, Russia;
Tony Blair, U.K.; Junichiro Koizumi, Japan;
Jose Maria Aznar, Spain; Romano Prodi,
European Commission.
Middle: the view across the practise
putting green towards the clubhouse at
Kananaskis Country Golf Course.
Bottom: The G8 dinner inside the clubhouse.
______________________________________
Both G8 photographs by Diane Murphy of
the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada,
courtesy of Kananaskis Country Golf Course.
21
federal governments for communal
water and sewage infrastructure. This
investment paves the way for significant
additional investment in the community,
which will dramatically enhance
Bragg Creek’s amenities and appeal.
The unparallelled beauty, healthy
lifestyle and long-term prosperity that
Bragg Creek offers will deliver a very
healthy return on investment.
Imagine if this opportunity existed 20
minutes from Vancouver or Toronto
40 years ago! The entire horseshoeshaped Rocky View County, which
surrounds Calgary on three sides, is an
outstanding investment opportunity –
it is Canada’s new Golden Horseshoe
of the 21st century. While Bragg Creek
is still, quite literally, a diamond in the
rough, the unique convergence of Bragg
Creek’s beauty, location and timing
is bound to fuel strong investment
growth for many years to come.
Bragg Creek Inquiries
BANDED PEAK
Communications
Dwayne Zaba
Publisher, Bragg-About the Creek
(403) 949 3400
[email protected]
Bragg Creek’s beauty is shaped
by three abundant natural resources:
the Rocky Mountains; the sparkling,
crystal-clear Elbow River; one of the most
expansive and pristine forests in the world.
Rocky View Inquiries
Dave Kalinchuck
Economic Development Manager
(403) 230 1401
[email protected]
22
Rick Butler
Councillor, Division One
& Deputy Reeve
(403) 863 7425
[email protected]
23
Sanctuary
A Peaceful
on the Edge of Paradise
24
At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in west Bragg Creek lies
an idyllic five-acre property with a paved, winding lane
that meanders through the gate and towering trees to
this impeccably maintained home. Custom-built for the
original owners in 1991, this very private, recently-updated
3,200-square-foot home has fabulous curb appeal, lovely
gardens and glorious long-distance views of the enchanting
surrounding paradise.
25
The foyer’s vaulted ceiling is
a glorious
welcome to
all visitors
Immediately adjacent to the kitchen is a fabulous eat-in area,
set into a huge bay window that also provides access to the
sunny BBQ deck overlooking the back garden.
A large open-concept family room extends seamlessly from
the kitchen and features a floor-to-ceiling, wood-burning
fireplace that can also be enjoyed from the kitchen area.
This entire space has huge windows that provide great views
into the surrounding wonderland. Double French pocket
doors open to the adjacent sitting room to give the space a
wonderful flow. Imagine preparing culinary delights in front
of a fire, while simultaneously enjoying the company of
family and friends.
From the open-plan foyer, you have easy
access to all areas on the main floor,
including the spacious dining room, family
room, and the newly renovated kitchen that
is truly the heart of the home.
26
A lovely formal dining room can be accessed from both the
kitchen and foyer – allowing dinner guests to dine in elegant
comfort, while taking in the magnificent views through the
big bay window overlooking the front garden. A powder
room is conveniently located adjacent to the dining room.
The main floor also features a bright laundry/mudroom that
provides quick access to the heated two-car garage.
The large, well laid-out kitchen showcases beautiful
cherry cabinetry with ample cupboard space,
granite counters and stainless-steel appliances,
including a Thermador gas cooktop.
The family room’s wood-burning fireplace is relaxing
in its own right, but coupled with the wondrous view
through the oversized windows, the space provides a
perfect spot for peaceful reflection.
27
The master bedroom is its own private
sanctuary, connecting to a luxurious en-suite
on one side, and a thoughtfully located
personal library space on the other.
Relaxed elegance continues in the upper level with a large
den overlooking both the front foyer and back garden. Builtin cabinetry enhances the space, while oversized windows
naturally illuminate the room and transport the serenity of
the natural landscape indoors.
Add the outdoor fire-pit and hot-tub area, an unfinished lower-level walkout, and
garage space for five cars, and you’ve got your own private sanctuary, all within
minutes from Bragg Creek to the east, K-Country to the west, and a half-hour
drive to Calgary.
Amazing views and an incredible amount
of natural light are dispersed throughout
the home courtesy of the numerous
oversized windows and skylights.
Video tour of this property available at: www.braggcreek.net/281
REALIZE your VISION
The master suite features an elegant sleeping area, two walkin closets and a five-piece en-suite bathroom, complete with
separate shower and toilet areas and a decadent, two-person
jetted soaker tub set into a big bay window. As is common
throughout this home, the whole suite has oversized windows
to provide fabulous views and an abundance of sunshine.
A great family area down the hall houses a large game
room, two bright spacious bedrooms and an adjacent fourpiece bathroom.
28
Technically precise design, exquisitely
crafted carpentry, high-end finishing, over
100 years of combined industry expertise,
and our renowned personalized service all
combine seamlessly to enhance the value
of our clients’ homes from the inside out.
(403) 519-5221
[email protected]
www.timberwolffdesigns.ca
From single rooms to entire homes, I
personally guarantee that we’ll turn your
vision into something that you’ll cherish
for years to come.
Rod Wolff
29
Alberta’s
Determined
Visionary
This magazine is dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Kananaskis
Country: the stunning landscapes, the awe-inspiring flora and
fauna, and the extraordinary people that are both magnetically
attracted to, and inspired by, the region’s natural grandeur. Our
publisher, Dwayne Zaba, recently had the honour of interviewing
the man who, as Premier of Alberta, founded Kananaskis Country
and became one of Canada’s most prominent and popular political
figures, the Honourable Peter Lougheed.
_________________________________________________________
This page, the Honourable Peter Lougheed photograph by
John Cornegge.
30
All other photography by Dr. Robert Berdan except where specified.
31
What moved you and your team to establish Kananaskis
Country?
PL: I had a close friend, Bill Milne, who was a Calgary
architect; in fact, he designed the Calgary Tower. Bill was
an environmentalist too, and he spent a lot of time in the
mountains. He came to me one day when I was Premier and
said, “We’ve got to take a trip into the Kananaskis Country
because it’s a very special place. Not special just in terms of
Canada but special worldwide.”
And so, we got into a helicopter on a beautiful June day. I
had driven through it, of course, and I’d skied in the area –
I knew it from that perspective – but in the helicopter that
day, I was just awed by the beauty of it. And out of that day
came the idea that we should set aside Kananaskis Country.
So I came back and told my cabinet colleagues about how
excited I was. Clarence Copithorne, who was the Minister
of Highways and lived near Kananaskis, was with me that
day. He was pretty hard to get excited, but even Clarence got
excited at the idea of what we would do. So, out of that came
the birth of Kananaskis Country.
I gather you immensely enjoy the serenity of nature and one of
your greatest pleasures is being in the mountains. Please relay
what Kananaskis Country means to you personally.
Photos courtesy of the Provincial Archives of Alberta
PL: Well, it goes back to my grandfather, who was one of
the first citizens of Calgary. He actually came here in 1883
and was here before the railway. He was the first lawyer in
the area and later became a senator. He was also the only
This page from top: Peter with his wife Jeanne at the opening of
the Kananaskis Country Golf Course; Peter at the World Scout
Jamboree in Kananaskis in 1983 for the 75th anniversary of the
Boy Scout movement; one of the signs that welcomes
visitors to the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
____________________________________________________
Opposite page: Map of Kananaskis Country, highlighting
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, the home of such spectacular
locations as Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes,
and its close proximity to Bragg Creek.
32
Adaptation of a map produced by Kananaskis Region, Parks Division, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Ministry, Government of Alberta.
The map outlines Kananaskis Country, including Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, which falls within the larger Kananaskis Region.
33
Albertan ever to be knighted – Sir
James Lougheed. He and his wife
Isabelle, who was a Métis from Fort
Resolution, developed this cottage in
Banff, by the Banff Springs Hotel. It
was just a magnificent place! I grew
up being aware of the cottage, but my
grandfather died before I was born, and
the cottage was turned into an estate.
Part of the estate was rented out, so we
never had any use of it until later in life,
but after my brother and I acquired it, it
became a big part of our life. Our cottage
in Banff got me very much attracted, of
course, to the mountains and to Banff
National Park. Out of that, we also saw
some of the defects of Banff National
Park, such as the overcrowding. So when
I became Premier in 1971, I started
looking for a change from the existing
parks. There were excellent parks in
the provincial park system, but there
was no real mountain provincial park.
There were the national parks of Jasper,
Banff and Waterton, but no provincial
mountain park.
So it was always at the back of
my mind, thinking wouldn’t it be
wonderful if we could have a provincial
mountain park? And then came the
day when I went out there with Bill
Milne and Clarence Copithorne and we
were very excited.
Do you have a favourite spot within
Kananaskis?
34
PL: I have a multitude of them. I don’t
have any one particular favourite spot.
I like it down in the lake area, down at
the bottom around the lakes, but I have
a number of places I like. I play golf, so I
like the Kananaskis Country Golf Course
and I used to downhill ski, so I love
the ski hills, but there are a multitude
of places in Kananaskis that I love. It
depends on the activity you’re interested
in: there really is something for everyone.
I gather that you protected Kananaskis Country in large part to
ensure that future generations of Albertans would always have
a place to recharge their batteries?
PL: That’s right. Because of that, we came up with the
concept of having different segments of Kananaskis Country
set aside for different uses, so that it would appeal to
all Albertans. We have the portion that is the provincial
park, where you have the very significant restrictions of a
provincial park.
But we also wanted a recreational area for both skiing and
golfing as well. And then in addition to that, as you know,
we also have the section set aside where the motorbikes can
go. So from the start, we envisioned a Kananaskis Country
that all Albertans could enjoy.
You’ve talked about the importance of Kananaskis to
Albertans. Please speak about the magnetism that it has for
the world. I mean, I really see Kananaskis as a world-class
wilderness area. In my opinion it’s the most beautiful place
on earth.
PL: It is. In my extensive travels to various parts of the world,
I have been fortunate to have visited many special places, but
the most special place of all is Kananaskis Country.
This issue came up at the outset. What are we doing this
for? Who are we doing this for? Remember, the money
came through the government of Alberta, but it really
came from the people of Alberta. So at the very outset,
we had established the plan that it would be for Albertans
first, because it was their money that was being invested to
create Kananaskis. We had to set it up in a way that ensured
Albertans were given priority. And one of the ways we did
that, of course, was to give priority to Albertans in the usage
of the different facilities.
Opposite page: The Kananaskis Country Golf Club is perfectly
designed to integrate into the natural beauty and contours of
K-Country.
___________________________________________________________
This page, above: the plaque that sits outside the golf clubhouse.
Below: the official opening of the Kananaskis Country Golf Club
by the Honourable Peter Lougheed in the summer of 1983.
So the priority for Albertans was an extremely important
part of the evolution of the Kananaskis Country. We also
recognized though, that if we were going to do this, we had to
make the effort to make it attractive to other Canadians and
communicate to other Canadians that it was there, and that
obviously led us into making it attractive and generating
awareness for people from all over the world.
And so there were these stages of development:
Albertans first, other Canadians second and the
rest of the world third, and it caught on with all
the various groups.
35
That really rings true with everything you’ve done from my
perspective. What makes you, in my opinion, the greatest
premier Alberta’s ever had, is the fact that you have always put
Albertans first. Most people that are in public office say that
they put the people first, but you actually have a legacy of
doing exactly that.
PL: Well, thank you. That was the reason I got into public life
in the first place. I was initially encouraged to go into federal
politics – my grandfather was involved in federal politics and I
was encouraged by quite a number of people to seek a seat in
the federal parliament.
But as I got into it and started to think about it, my real attraction
was to my home province of Alberta, and so I made the decision
to become the premier of this province. So I set out to become
the leader of the Conservative party. We had no seats and had
never formed a government, but from that I became leader of the
opposition in 1967 and formed a government in 1971.
So it was an evolution, but the evolution was part of my
commitment and my feelings about Alberta as a province. So
those particular feelings, my feelings about Alberta, are what
in due course got me so focused on Kananaskis Country.
Upper Kananaskis lakes yields picture-perfect
moments in any season, and at any time of day.
__________________________________________________________
How does it feel to have one of the most beautiful places in
the world named in your honour?
PL: Well, I find it very hard. It was done by my successor,
Don Getty, and for the park to be named that way, I feel very
humbled by it. It’s not something in the world you ever think
about. You never would ever have contemplated that would
have happened, but obviously I was deeply honoured by it and
I remain humbled by it.
Do you have any further vision for Kananaskis Country?
PL: My major thing is preservation. I think it’s extremely
important as things move ahead in Kananaskis, and as the
province gets bigger and the demands get greater, that we don’t
lose sight of the original nature of Kananaskis Country. There
is some scope for development, perhaps in the second village,
which has been discussed, but it has to be done with great care.
The one thing that would bother me the most, perhaps, is if we
over-did it and started to develop some of the negatives that we
see in Banff National Park. We’ve got to be very, very careful
with the degree to which we develop the various segments of
Kananaskis Country. They can be developed but they should be
developed very carefully, and within the same strict limits that
have always been part of the Kananaskis Country development.
Give your feet a reason to get naked!
Below: the landscapes across Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
provide some of the most spectacular vistas in K-Country.
Tim eles s Slat e &
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36
37
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
PL: (Laughing) I suppose to me at the moment, the joy
of being together with my four children and my seven
grandchildren and with my wife, Jeanne, at some family
event that permits us all to be part of it.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
PL: Oh, Winston Churchill, because he was a parliamentarian.
I think many Canadians think about some American
statesman, but their system is so different from ours. I’m
a parliamentarian, and to me our success is rooted in the
parliamentary way.
We were only able to accomplish that because we were able
to make the parliamentary system, including the caucus,
work for us. The man that I always had the highest esteem
for was Sir Winston Churchill.
Do you have any regrets?
PL: Yeah, I wish that we’d been able to do better with the
native people in our province. We made some progress, but
not nearly as much as I wanted and, of course, I have native
background myself through my grandmother. I was asked
that exact question when I left government, and my answer
was that my only significant regret was that we didn’t get
enough done for the native people of our province.
Do you see any opportunities there moving forward?
PL: I’m optimistic about it. I know it will take time, but I
hope that there will be greater and greater recognition with
regard to the role the native people, including the Métis
people, have played and continue to play in our province.
What would you say your most marked characteristic is?
PL: It’s the ability to look ahead. I try to focus on the future
and what’s ahead, what can be done with the challenges that
are ahead, and try to avoid getting caught up too much in
peering behind and saying, “Well, I could have done that
differently.” I try to look ahead, plan ahead, and see what
we could do better.
What’s your greatest concern for the future of Alberta and
Canada as a whole?
PL: You just have to go in as a Canadian in respect to national
unity, and with the position that Quebec will be part of
Canada. I mean, anyone that doesn’t have that as their
priority should have that as their priority, in my judgment.
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Dragon
L A N D S E RV I CE S
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Over 25 years of experience in the landscape
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____________________________________________________
This page from top: low clouds hover over
Lower Kananaskis Lake; the annual spring run-off through
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park; a totally calm Spillway Lake.
39
You built the Conservative Party from
the grass-roots up; the party was really
nothing when you stepped into the game
and started recruiting small-town mayors
and newspaper editors as representatives.
What characteristics do you think people
should look for in a leader?
WESTERN LIVING STORE
Offering Tomorrow’s Heirlooms
Dr. Robert Berdan
_____________________________________________________________________
www.canadiannaturephotographer.com
Dr. Robert Berdan is a multimedia web developer, an
award-winning nature photographer, and a Photoshop/
Photography teacher in Calgary, AB.
PL: It’s not an easy question, but I think
there are two elements involved. One
is determination. I respect and admire
people who have determination, but I
also respect people who have vision.
So it seems to me that if you get a
person that has the combination of
both determination and vision, male or
female, I think that’s what you should
be looking for.
He provides practical workshops and one-on-one
training for all skill levels throughout the year. Contact
Robert at (403) 247 2457 for more information or visit:
www.canadiannaturephotographer.com/workshops.html
W E B S I T E S
www.canadiannaturephotographer.com
www.scienceandart.org
CO N TACT
What do you most value about Alberta
and Canada as a whole?
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Box 1297, Cochrane, AB T4C 1B3
40
[email protected] • 403-932-2121
www.hqmercantile.com
You’ve received numerous tributes,
awards and degrees. Which is the most
significant for you?
PL: Well, Kananaskis Country rates very
high in my judgment. I’m very proud
of the decision to put it together. All
those other things are very esteemed
and I’m honoured by them, but I rate
Kananaskis Country very high on my
list of accomplishments.
______________________________________
View a video of the Honourable Peter
Lougheed at the opening ceremonies of
the Kananaskis Country Golf Course at
www.braggcreek.tv/video15
A White-tailed doe sprints through a shallow creek in Kananaskis
Hand-Polished Reclaimed
Barnwood Cabinet, with inlaid
Copper-Top, Leather-Covered front and
sides, and a Built-in Flat-Screen: photo below
PL: Well, I think I value the fact that
we have respect for the law. Look
at some other parts of the world,
and it becomes clear we have just an
inherent respect for the law here, and
that shows with our people. There are
other things, the way we contribute as
volunteers, but overall the number one
thing is respect for the law.
[email protected] – (403) 247 2457
41
We serve the people living in Bragg Creek and those who dream of living here.
We are a highly-motivated,
interdependent team that
delivers a level of real
estate service that is second
to none to the people of
Bragg Creek and to future
residents of Bragg Creek.
are passionate about our
community; and we work
exclusively in the greater
Bragg Creek area. Our
success comes down to
one single ‘Golden Rule’
principle: the simple idea
that if you treat people
well, the way you would
like to be treated, they
will do the same.
We are a team of three
licensed Realtors® who
live in Bragg Creek; we
F AWN H ILLS D RIVE
Located on a sunny ridge, this estate-quality, timber-frame home
fits perfectly into the Rocky Mountain front ranges. Great for family
and entertaining, the kitchen is a chef’s dream, and the dining room
offers access to the expansive south-west facing deck where family
and guests will drink in the fresh country air and delight in the
breathtaking vistas of the picturesque valley below and the majestic
Rocky Mountains beyond.
Nothing comes close to the soothing experience of relaxing on the deck,
under the black, star-filled skies, enveloped by the moonlight that shines
brightly on the sparkling snow, or observing the crack and thunder of
electrical storms that illuminate the entire valley. This property affords
the rare luxury of experiencing both the sunrise and sunset. Imagine
starting your day with the dawn lighting the Rocky Mountains ablaze and
the serene beauty of a sunset silhouette of the valley of the four peaks.
West Bragg Creek
4 Bedrooms
3 Acres
4 Bathrooms
Offered at $1,050,000 • Property tour
3,615+ sq. ft.
Oversized 2-Car Garage
www.braggcreek.net/62
Tel: (403) 949 3400 – [email protected] – www.braggcreek.net
L EISURE L AKE D RIVE W EST
At the end of a private tree-lined lane, this custom home, built by
Beckedorf, is perfectly set among the towering evergreens on a
sunny eight acres.
awake in the morning to the haunting distant call of the loons and
enjoy the passing families of ducks and tundra swans; and marvel at
the wonder of life as deer give birth in your own backyard. Imagine
This property offers privacy, a subtle rustic luxury and unlimited the breathtaking natural beauty of the community the residents
opportunity to enjoy nature at its most spectacular. Bordering on endearingly refer to as “Neighbour Heaven.”
expansive reserve lands, this country haven affords peace and quiet
East Bragg Creek
8 Acres
2,630+ sq. ft.
within the community of Leisure Lake – only 15 minutes from Calgary.
Allow nature to nurture your spirit with hiking and cross-country
skiing; peek at the muskrats as you skate on the clear, frozen lake;
42
5 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Offered at $997,000 • Property tour
3-Car Garage
www.braggcreek.net/60
W EST B RAGG C REEK
Peaceful and private, the towering evergreens that define this
charming lane magically lead you to this exceptional custom log
home, built by Beckedorf. This Douglas Fir cabin, with glowing
logs, is perfectly designed to inspire heart-warming times.
The open-concept living space, an absolutely perfect integration of
country charm and modern conveniences, is ideal for evaporating
the hustle and bustle of life. The expansive, south-west facing
deck allows you to commune with nature and wildlife, while the
bright sun streaming through the trees paints elusive shadows on
the surrounding forest. As day gives way to twilight, and the starstudded blanket of the pitch-black sky comes alive, imagine being
with family and friends gathered around a blazing campfire. This
property is the perfect retreat in the woods, only 25-minutes from
Calgary, and five-minutes to both the wilderness playground of
Kananaskis Country and the charming hamlet of Bragg Creek.
West Bragg Creek
3 Bedrooms
4 Acres
2 Bathrooms
Offered at $780,000 • Property tour
1,518+ sq. ft.
2-Car Heated Garage
www.braggcreek.net/303
43
E AST OF B RAGG C REEK
Set in the splendour of the Rocky Mountain foothills, this exceptional
property instantly evokes visceral memories of a simpler time and
freer days. The magic of this stunning locale is beautifully brought
to life as the hustle and bustle gives way to the embrace of a treelined meandering laneway that effortlessly delivers you to an
impeccably maintained country home. Spend afternoons enjoying
the glorious expanse of the 19 acres where peace and serenity reign.
Marvel at the myriad of wildlife that pass through the enchanting
landscape: moose and deer are frequent visitors and many
majestic birds soar over the tree-covered valley. Complete with a
barn, paddocks and a year-round creek, experience the freedom of
riding a horse from a property that backs directly onto 640 acres
of Crown land! Imagine this extraordinary country lifestyle only 15
minutes to Calgary and five minutes to both the glorious expanse
of Kananaskis Country and the charming hamlet of Bragg Creek.
East of Bragg Creek
4 Bedrooms
19 Acres
4 Bathrooms
Offered at $849,000 • Property tour
2,075+ sq. ft.
Garage, Workshop & Barn
www.braggcreek.net/302
W EST B RAGG C REEK
Let the beauty of nature inspire you! Build your dream home on the
sunny, southwest facing gently rolling hills of West Bragg Creek.
Nestled in the splendor of the Rocky Mountain foothills, this
private, peaceful, park-like five acres is close to the amenities of the
hamlet of Bragg Creek and within easy hiking and cross-country
Experience a harmony of contrasts, as you are embraced by the skiing distance to the wilderness playground of Kananaskis.
strength of the forest amidst a backdrop of delicate wildflowers
West Bragg Creek
5 Acres
Bare Land
and charmed by endearing encounters with families of deer,
moose and winged visitors who return year after year.
Offered at $375,000 • Property tour
www.braggcreek.net/99
44
C UMMER P LACE
Discover this extraordinary custom home, designed by Down & Livesey
Architects, offering unparallelled contemporary luxury, in the heart of
beautiful Bragg Creek. This quintessential executive home has two
home offices specifically designed for inspiration and convenience.
Begin the day with an invigourating game of squash in your own
indoor court, followed by a rejuvenating swim in the lap pool. And at
the end of the day, right from your back door, recharge your batteries
with a hike up Two Pine, the highest elevation point in the Bragg
Creek area. Two Pine is a 100-acre environmentally-protected reserve
that offers the most extraordinary panoramic vistas of the majestic
Kananaskis and Banff mountain ranges – it will delight your senses,
rejuvenate your mind and body, and nurture your soul. Imagine the
lifestyle this property affords within easy walking distance to the
amenities of Bragg Creek, a five-minute drive to Kananaskis County
and a 20-minute drive to Calgary.
West Bragg Creek
6 Bedrooms
3 Acres
6 Bathrooms
Offered at $2,890,000 • Property tour
10,000 sq. ft.
4-Car Garage
www.braggcreek.net/304
E LKANA E STATES
Build your dream home on this magical 10-acre hideaway within
Elkana Estates, one of the most sought-after developments
in Bragg Creek. With rolling hills blanketed by a mature mixed
forest, it is one of the most picturesque properties in the area.
Imagine the creative freedom of designing a country home on a hill,
with the sunlight streaming through the towering trees surrounded by
a spectacular array of flora and fauna, with a plethora of wild flowers.
All this within easy walking distance to the amenities of Bragg
Creek and within easy hiking distance to the Kananaskis trail-heads.
An enchantingly convenient place to build your dream home!
West Bragg Creek
10 Acres
Offered at $599,000 • Property tour
Bare Land
www.braggcreek.net/297
45
W EST B RAGG C REEK R OAD
Perfectly positioned on a south-west sloping hillside. Retreat to your
country home, where simplicity, peace and contentment reign. You
will never cease to be awed and inspired by the surrounding beauty.
Imagine the contrast of a family playground in the foreground,
balanced with the hues of the towering mixed forest, punctuated
with colourful wildflowers and endearing wildlife, all against the
snow-capped majestic Rocky Mountains in the distance.
Amidst the laughter of family and friends, sit around the fireplace
in the cozy living room or roast marshmallows in the glowing
embers of the campfire in the spacious backyard. Experience the
mystery and passion of the full moon in the twinkling, pitch-black
night sky, the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets – all part of the
natural grandeur that rejuvenates the creative spirit and is truly an
inspiring place to raise a family. This property is walking distance
to Kananaskis Country, a five-minute drive to Bragg Creek and 25
minutes to Calgary.
West Bragg Creek
4 Bedrooms
3 Acres
4 Bathrooms
Offered at $699,000 • Property tour
3.500 sq. ft.
2-Car Garage
www.braggcreek.net/305
L EISURE L AKE B AY
Embrace the freedom of living on this expansive lakeside property,
comprised of enchanting mixed forest and surrounded by spectacular
flora and fauna. Wake up to the symphony of the songbirds, the earthy
smell of the forest, and the sweet aroma of the bountiful wildflowers.
Imagine walking through your own private gate onto an environmental
reserve that features walking paths around Leisure Lake, and taking
time to relax on the conveniently located benches to appreciate
the beauty of nature: the deer as they nibble on the vegetation; the
moose who gives birth on the island; the haunting call of the loons;
and the entertaining procession of a variety of winged visitors.
46
Experience the freedom of riding your horse through the open
spaces. Choose solitude or be part of the fun-filled community
festivities – community skating parties on the lake, cross-country
skiing around the municipal reserve land, canoeing, ‘progressive’
dinner parties and neighbourhood hay rides. This is an exceptional
opportunity to own a spectacular lake front property only 15
minutes from Calgary.
East Bragg Creek
24 Acres
Offered at $799,000 • Property tour
Bare Land
www.braggcreek.net/172
47
Every Picture Tells a Story
Dog Tired
by Chris Martin
When I saw the morning forecast
calling for rain, I got excited. A
strange response possibly, especially
since I lived in Vancouver for several
years prior to moving to Calgary.
Acknowledging the mistake, and with
some good images in hand, I decided
to call it a day. I packed up my gear,
and headed back to Bragg Creek for a
hot beverage.
I always get excited when it rains. The
photographic opportunities that such
weather provides are fantastic. Dense
clouds diffuse the sunlight and create
soft shadows and beautiful gradations
of colour. I typically use a polarizing
filter when shooting in the rain to yield
deeply saturated colors. In addition, the
extra dimension of everything being
wet can make some subject matter
much more visually interesting.
After a quick stop at the Cinnamon
Spoon for a hot chocolate creation
and a friendly chat, I headed back
to the car, eager to get back to the
warmth of home. But then I got that
nagging feeling of being watched.
“Wet leaves and fence posts! That’s
what I’m going to focus on today,”
I said silently to myself with an
affirmative nod. “And some moody
landscapes.” They’re always on the
agenda on a rainy day. I donned my
old rain suit, gloves and my ridiculous
winter boots, which are monstrously
large but are fantastic in the rain. My
camera received the same waterproof
protection courtesy of a Glad garbage
bag – the best solutions aren’t always
high-tech.
With my gear together, I headed
down to Bragg Creek and started
walking along the Elbow River. Soon I
was within the mixed woodland that
gives way to the dense forest and the
Kananaskis mountains to the west,
and I was happily photographing away
– finding great subjects at every turn.
After a productive, and fast, couple
of hours I realized that I’d forgotten
to bring an important accessory for
any lengthy and cold photoshoot –
something to keep the tummy warm.
48
I turned around and there in the back
of a pick-up parked across the lot
was this dog, sitting patiently in wait
for its owner to return. His head (I’m
assuming it was a he) was static, but
his eyes casually followed me as I
passed in front of him.
Whether he’d enjoyed his day as much
as I had, I have no idea, but his face
seemed to mirror my exact feelings at
the time: quietly content, pretty tired,
yet keen to come back another day
and do it all over again.
I grabbed my camera and captured
the expression that summed up the
day, and bid my new friend goodbye.
He responded simply by raising a
quizzical eyebrow.
If only dogs could talk.
______________________________________
For the last two years, Chris Martin
has been a regular contributor of
photography content and articles to
.
Christopher Martin Photography
[email protected] | (403) 880 2411
www.chrisphoto.ca
49
Back of the Book
Whatever you’re looking for, we have you covered
So... what’s happening?
Whether you’d like to review an article from a past issue of
, want to browse through the past amateur
photographs we’ve published, or simply wish to learn more about the
spectacular place that some of us are lucky enough to call home, you’ll
find it all at www.braggmag.com, which is updated with every issue.
If you’re a resident of Bragg Creek, then you are well aware of the
calender of events throughout the year in and around the area. But if
you’re thinking of visiting Bragg Creek for the day – or perhaps overnight
– it’s always a good idea to plan ahead to make the most of your trip. To
help with this we’ve added a new feature to www.braggmag.com.
We’ve also added some more videos to www.braggcreek.tv recorded
during Bragg Creek Days, held this past summer, showcasing some
of the local musicians including Chris Sandvoss whom we featured in
’s Winter 2011 issue. Check out the video at
www.braggcreek.tv/video11
Simply go to the site and click on the Bragg Creek Events link on the top
bar of any page for information on notable community events occurring
in the not-to-distant future, and use the provided links to obtain more
detailed information.
Take
Take
us us
in…
in…
While you’re there, feel free to enjoy the other video footage of past
interviews, the peaceful regional vistas, documentaries, and property
tours of some of the most beautiful homes in the Bragg Creek region.
before
before
venturing
venturing
out.out.
magazine exists thanks to the hard work and
support of many people. Here are just a few of them: Dr. Robert Berdan,
not only for his superb nature photography, but also for the additional
time he put into the photoshoot at the Kananaskis Country Golf Course;
Chris Martin for his whimsical “Dog Tired” photo story; all the other
photographers that contributed to the wealth of spectacular shots in this
issue; the sponsors of our Amateur Photography Competition – Rocky View
County, CrossIron Mills and Branded Visuals Inc.; our advertisers; White
Elephant Marketing and George Guidoni for their continued high level of
service and support. We couldn’t have done it without you all. Thank you.
50
Gateway Gateway
to Kananaskis
to Kananaskis
and only and
minutes
only from
minutes
Calgary,
from Calgary,
the enchanting
the enchanting
Hamlet ofHamlet
Bragg of
Creek
Bragg
is the
Creek
ideal
is the
outpost
ideal outpost
to fuel your
to fuel
nextyour
excursion.
next excursion.
Stock up Stock
on theup
essentials
on the essentials
at one at one
of severaloffresh
several
food
fresh
markets.
food markets.
Grab a trail
Grab
guide
a trail
to zero
guideinto
onzero in on
those hiking
those
hotspots.
hiking hotspots.
And cap off
Andthe
cap
end
offof
the
your
endexpedition
of your expedition
with a Rocky
withRoad
a Rocky
ice Road
creamice
from
cream
the from
local the
sweet
local
shop.
sweet shop.
Looking for
Looking
an oasis
for an
that’s
oasis
close
that’s
to home
close but
to home
off the
but
beaten
off thepath?
beaten path
Look no further
Look nothan
further
beautiful
than beautiful
Bragg Creek.
Bragg Creek.
www.rockyview.ca
www.rockyview.ca
51
“Dwayne is by far the
most impressive
real estate agent
we have ever dealt with”
10
September 8, 20
concern:
To whom it may
k.
te in Bragg Cree
osed on real esta
cl
e
w
31
t
us
ug
On A
t.
in
as the listing agen
e had identified
Dwayne Zaba w
properties that w
e
re
eds;
th
ne
r
ew
ou
vi
et
to
m
fice initially
e properties
of
es
s
th
hi
of
d
e
te
on
ac
N
nt
.
co
na
ch
We
et sear
an additio l
area via an intern
ussing our needs,
sc
di
r
te
af
d
the Bragg Creek
an
e
fic
experts on real
turning to his of
and his team are
ne
ay
w
D
however, upon re
at
th
r
ested. It was clea
listing was sugg
g Creek area.
ag
al viewing and a
estate in the Br
able for the initi
et
tim
r
le to
ou
to
g
in
operty and was ab
ry accommodat
eable about the pr
the next
Dwayne was ve
dg
ft
le
le
s
ow
ay
kn
w
al
ry
d
ve
. He was
sh the sale an
pu
er
ev
nal in
he
d
subsequent visit
es
di
of
tremely pr sio
estions. In no way
Dwayne was ex
r,
fe
able
of
y
kl
answer all our qu
an
ic
e
qu
ak
e
m
action. We wer
we decided to
n
ns
he
tra
e
W
.
th
us
in
r
to
p
ye
ste
and bu
g both the seller
seller.
fairly representin
se price with the
ha
rc
pu
n
po
-u
ed
al
re
ag
an
at
and flow/chemic
to arrive
n of the dwelling
tio
d
ec
ha
d
sp
in
an
e
us
th
r
fo
on
nditional
ted all of this
na
di
or
co
ne
The offer was co
y
ay
da
w
D
d a onethe water wells.
hen we requeste
analysis tests of
dited fashion. W
pe
ex
ith no issues.
w
an
of
in
re
ed
ca
et
n
ediately take
m
everything compl
im
as
us
w
it
,
te
e
explain th vario
ssession da
change to the po
with the sellers to
n
io
ss
se
a
r
fo
nged
Dwayne also arra
the property.
ility systems on
ut
e
th
of
as at the
s
ng
ki
wor
timetable and w
modating of our
m
co
ere are no
ac
th
n
re
ai
su
ag
en
as
to
w
llowed up
fo
ce
sin
At close, Dwayne
s
ha
e
H
walk-through.
property to do a
ty.
t
s with the proper
ue
iss
unresolved
is by far the mos
d courteous. He
an
l
fu
d
lp
an
he
ng
l,
yi
na
ry of bu
t professio
t with in our histo
.
Dwayne was mos
ent we have deal
ag
buyers and sellers
te
th
ta
bo
es
to
al
m
re
hi
e
d
en
m
m
impressiv
co
re
ly
s. We would high
selling propertie
t Wilkinson
Ron and Margare
52