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SPRING 2010
Captivating
ESCAPE
DO-IT-YOURSELF
FLORAL
ARRANGEMENTS
LUSH LANDSCAPE
IN PROTON STATION
CORNER POCKET
GET YOUR GAME ON
plus
MAKE-AHEAD
CHICKEN CHILI
www.ourhomesmagazine.com
6 & 2007
200
Sa
l
McIntee’s To
p
5,
00
The Largest Independent Real Estate
Brokerage In Grey/Bruce County
son 2004
,2
per
es
WILFRED McINTEE & CO. LTD., Brokerage
PO Box 929, 181 High Street, Southampton, ON N0H 2L0
Bus: (519) 797-5500 Fax: (519) 797-3214
www.mcintee.ca
HAROLD FENLON, Broker
Cell: (519) 374-4448
Res: (519) 797-1335
[email protected]
myhomes.360photo.ca/4463
myhomes.360photo.ca/4215
ONE OF A KIND $379,900 Cottage in very private
LAKEVIEW setting, with beautiful mature trees &
plenty of windows to enjoy the fantastic view. 3
bedrooms, 1 bath, with original pine floors, all water
pipes drain by gravity, newer shed, water filtration
system in kitchen. Spectacular Lot!
ESTATE SETTING $899,900 Executive dream home
on a 3.6 acre private estate setting with 2 large
ponds (1 with large mouth bass), 3 hole golf course,
stone bridge, security system, ductless a/c, ceramic
floors with in-floor radiant heat, insulated workshop
& the list goes on.
WATERFRONT $429,000 Panoramic WATERFRONT
view of beautiful Colpoy’s Bay from year round
home/cottage on double lot. Some of the many features include master bedroom on main level, 2 bedrooms on second level, 2 baths, wood fireplace and
gas fireplace, Bunkie over the double garage.
myhomes.360photo.ca/2341
myhomes.360photo.ca/5095
myhomes.360photo.ca/4793
LANDMARK HOME $699,900 Lavishly restored, elegant
Victorian 5 bedroom home built in 1875. Driveway
adorned with stone walls, shuttered windows, French
style verandah, 12’ ceilings, graceful winding staircase, 4 fireplaces & many more beautiful architectural
features. Currently B & B.
PRIVATE LOT $259,900 4 bdrm 2 storey home on a
very private lot, within minutes to downtown &
blocks to sand beach with many upgrades over the
past few years. Some key features are pine walls &
cabinets in kitchen, newer windows throughout most
areas, sunroom, main level master & laundry.
WATERFRONT $814,900 Phenomenal WATERFRONT
executive 3 bedroom home with unobstructed view of
Lake Huron. Features well designed kitchen with lots
of cupboards & ceramic tile floor, newer windows &
carpeting, new roof 2007 & the list goes on. Enjoy
quality, comfort & prestige.
myhomes.360photo.ca/4504
myhomes.360photo.ca/4617
myhomes.360photo.ca/5048
EXECUTIVE HOME $439,900 Custom Built 3 bedroom
executive home in sought after Southampton
location within walking distance of sand beach,
state-of-the-art kitchen with granite countertops,
formal dining, gas fireplace with oak mantle, master
bedroom has deluxe ensuite, loft on second level,
hardwood floors throughout, full unfinished basement.
WATERFRONT $829,900 Exceptional WATERFRONT
(road between) large property with western exposure
& unobstructed views of Lake Huron, Chantry Island
& Southampton Harbour. It offers well maintained
seasonal 4 bedroom cottage. Enjoy privacy or explore
severance possibility.
Exquisite Century Home $339,900 Featuring beautiful landscaped lot, stained glass windows on 1st
level, modern kitchen, heated by economical ground
source heat, central air, updated bathrooms, natural
oak woodwork, private yard with exceptional workshop, plus another bldg. & completed attic.
View these properties (and others) at:
www.haroldfenlon.ca
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Cell 519-389-0938
1-800-413-3649 Ext.104
[email protected]
PUBLISHER DAVID LOOPSTRA
[email protected]
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF GEORGETTE MCCULLOCH
[email protected]
MANAGING EDITOR SAMANTHA MARTIN
[email protected]
ART DIRECTOR TARA CHATTELL
[email protected]
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR STACEY HILL
[email protected]
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR LYNN DERRICK
[email protected]
PRODUCTION MANAGER KELLY DONALDSON
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ACCOUNTING & SUBSCRIPTIONS DONNA DUGGAN
[email protected]
519.599.7444 ext. 201
DISTRIBUTION DON ORMSBY
[email protected]
705.444.0045
WEBMASTER DESIGN OFFICE ZEN
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS
Maria DaSilva, Bonnie Fox, Jim Fox, Rosie Harrison, Shelby Hilson,
Scott Hunter, Sandy MacKay, Stephanie Redmond, Paul Wilson
MARKETING & ADVERTISING SALES
Grey & Bruce Counties
BETTY ANN FAWCETT 519.986.2599
[email protected]
OUR HOMES is a registered trademark of
OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC.
OUR HOMES Grey & Bruce counties is published 4 times a year
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OUR HOMES is distributed to residents of Grey & Bruce Counties and to cottagers
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The publisher assumes no responsibility for opinions expressed in advertisements.
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8
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e d i t o r ’s n o t e
C
COUNTRY LIVING
IS SWEET and Grey
and Bruce counties offer
country living at its best.
Yes, we may suffer from
Internet and cell phone
dead zones and experience
frequent wafts of manure
while garde ning but,
underneath it all, it really
is fantastic.
I remember the thrill
of biking down hills on
g ravel roads, picking
apples straight from the
tree and spending the
better part of a day searching for crayfish in the river. The buses were
cancelled weekly in the winter, saying hello to a passerby didn’t mean you
knew the person but that you just wanted to be friendly and walking a
few miles to a friend’s house (taking extra time to pick wildflowers and
investigate a roadside snail) wasn’t out of the ordinary.
Of course you were always expected to help during haying season,
donning your oldest long-sleeved shirt and jeans and a good pair of gloves
in the heat of early summer to load the trailer and clean the barn when
one of the cows had a little too much fun licking the salt off the tap. Who
knew she would turn the faucet on, flooding the manure-filled barn. But
these were character building and par for the course. Living on a farm
in Meaford for most of my life, I have more stories than I know what to
do with and, though they’re not glamourous, every one of them brings a
smile to my face.
Ginny and Roy know what I’m talking about. Down a gravel road in
Grey County (actually, quite a few of them to be exact), in the middle of
farmland, sits their redesigned bungalow. They have made their vacation
home their permanent country abode, filling the property with brilliant
colour and taking the time to appreciate the setting. Hey, what’s more
country living than an outdoor shower?
And then, over in Bruce County, we took another gravel road to
a different kind of country living. As you head up the peninsula, the
MacDonalds’ cottage on the shores of Lake Huron makes living far from
the big city a breeze. With pristine waters as their backyard, this young
family finds any and all excuses to escape the city and wind their way
north to Lookabout Bay.
So bike to a friend’s house, say hello to a stranger and wade through the
river. You’ll remind yourself, and appreciate, why you live here.
To gravel roads!
Sincerely,
Samantha Martin, Managing Editor
[email protected]
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contents
spring
28
departments
10
ADVICE14
STYLE PICKS16
EDITOR’S NOTE
SA ARi
home imProvements
20
Update Your Style
ON THE
32
COVER
PEOPLE
Backstage Handiwork
A Garden Oasis
Story, page 20.
Photography by
Sandy MacKay.
COMFORT ZONE
Let The Games Begin
28
HOME RESOURCE DIRECTORY
FINISHING TOUCH
Simple Floral Arrangements
16
50
54
54
features
20
FEATURE HOME
Roy’l Acres: Garden Glory
GREEN LIVING
Paul Wilson On Sustainable Living
27
36
HOME AND BUILDER
A Peek Through The Porthole
COOKING AT HOME
Mouthwatering Chicken Chili
52
a legacy of quality & detail.
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36
Cabinetry design. skillfully built. PerfeCtly installed.
phone 519.375.1335
•
www.saaricabinetry.com
advice
900 10th Street West,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5R9
Designer Stephanie Redmond
answers your questions.
Dear Stephanie,
Liz Kool
Broker
519-477-0085
Jim Kirk
Sales Representative
519-477-2301
If you need help, send your questions to
[email protected] Dear Stephanie,
What kind of flooring do you recommend for a basement rec room?
– Steve
Stephanie Redmond replies:
When you say rec room, I immediately think high-use space with
low-maintenance and durable flooring. But you also have to keep in mind
that basements face variable temperatures and humidity levels that above
grade floors do not.
LAMINATE : This fibreboard and resin composite is popular because
it gives you the look of hardwood (sort of), is affordable and easy to
install. However, like wood, it is moisture sensitive and can scratch in
high-traffic areas.
How do I pick lamps for my matching bedside tables? I’ve gone out to
buy a pair on at least two occasions but leave confused over the proper
size and proportion. Can you please offer some advice?
– Kathy
Stephanie Redmond replies:
A good place to start when facing a dilemma is to flip through a
design magazine. See what attracts you and make a file. What is the
overall look of your house? If you’re a traditional person, don’t go modern
on a whim and regret it two weeks later. A lamp is a long-term purchase.
Invest in quality.
Do you prefer a wall mount light or a pair of lamps?
CARPET: Carpet is a nice choice for warmth, but water damage can be
Sweeping views of Georgian Bay
and the valley below await you from the multi-tiered deck
that surrounds this stunning home located on Coffin Ridge.
The custom built home by Berner Construction is perfectly
situated on the 28 acre property to maximize views and
sunsets. With over 3500 sq. ft. of finished living space,
this home features the `must haves’ of today, including a
stunning great room, main floor master suite, and custom
salt water heated in-ground pool. Whether you are looking
for a year round home or a weekend getaway, this home is
within easy reach of the waters of Georgian Bay and the ski
hills of Blue Mountain. $939,000
costly. Most carpets will not react well to a good soaking, but there are
options out there – look at some of the commercial-grade products.
RUBBER: It’s definitely a fun, modern approach and comes in a large
variety of colours. If you’re looking for longevity, this is a worthwhile
product to investigate. (I just have to note that my favourite is the one
with the raised circles. I leave the colour choice to you.)
PAINT: If your renovation is budget sensitive, consider painting your floor
or staining the concrete if it’s in decent shape. You will definitely have to
wear your slippers, but this cheap and cheerful approach won’t have you
fretting every time your toddler spills his juice box!
Before doing anything, I highly advise a thorough inspection with a
contractor to determine what sub-floor is appropriate for your home. This
could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Dear Stephanie,
It’s time to buy a new sofa and get rid of my dated green leather set. My
children are grown and gone but we do have a dog that likes to lounge on
the furniture. We use the room every day. What kind of fabric is durable
and pet friendly?
– Pam
Wilfred McIntee & Co. Ltd Brokerage
733 9th Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 3E6
519-376-3340 | 519-371-9112 fax
www.greybruceproperties.ca
Stephanie Redmond replies:
I had a German Shepherd named Emma who loved to lounge so I’ve learned
a thing or two from our experiences together – me and my white linen sofa.
You need texture and pattern, but most importantly, stay away from
linen, cotton and silk. Look for fabrics with a high rub count (over 30,000
double rubs is more than adequate) and with a polyester blend. Patterns
like a herringbone or a multi-colored weave will help mask the fur Fido
leaves behind, but keep in mind that too much texture can trap the fur in
the weave of the fabric (a giant headache to remove).
Another option is to slipcover. I found this to be a big relief. If it gets
a little soiled, you throw it in the wash!
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WALL MOUNT
A wall mount light is great for reading at night. They can be pushed aside
when not in use and don’t take up limited real estate on your nightstand.
People shy away from wall mount fixtures due to the cost of having them
wired. However, they are typically available with cord covers and plug
into a regular outlet.
LAMPS
Given that you have matching bedside tables, stick with a matching pair
of lamps. Sit in bed as if you were reading to determine where the light
source should be. The bottom of the shade should be around shoulder
height when sitting up in bed. Measure this height and be sure to have
it with you when you’re shopping. If you have a heavy looking bedroom
set or high headboard, choose a lamp with more bulk, like a vase-style
base. If this is too large for your bedside table, look at column bases (more
slender). Choose something in a soft colour with minimal pattern to create
a calm look. OH
Tel: 519-376-9210
Fax: 519-376-1355
style picks
A
Add style and comfort to your home this spring with seasonal selections
from this plentiful region.
“Spend the afternoon. You can’t take
it with you.” – Annie Dillard
1
HANOVER KITCHEN
& BATH GALLERY
(1) Cabinet Doors
Change the look of your kitchen or
bathroom. Choose from a variety of
dark, light, antique and detailed cabinet
designs.
492 Tenth St.
Hanover
519.364.3302
www.hanovercabinets.com
A NATURAL IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
(2) Framed Photo
This 30-by-40-inch rustic-framed piece by
Christie Newton-Schmidt was taken in gorgeous
Bruce County on the Teeswater River in Chepstow.
424 18th Ave.
Hanover
519.364.9996
www.anaturalimage.ca
2
Continued on page 18
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style picks
SUN VOLTS UNLIMITED
(3) Solar Kit
Take a load off your power grid with solar energy. Use solar
panels in conjunction with a solar charge controller to increase
your charge performance by up to 30 per cent.
715 2nd Ave. E.
Owen Sound
519.370.2525
[email protected]
www.sunvoltssolar.com
3
BMB SALES & SERVICE
THE RUSTY STAR
(5) Deacon Bench
Mennonite-built with rustic pine, this hazelnut-stained
bench with distressed finish features handy storage
under the seat.
408065 Grey Rd. 4
Maxwell
519.922.2010
www.therustystar.ca
(4) Lawnmower
Dixie Chopper’s gas, diesel and propanepowered mowers feature a three-year
bumper-to-bumper warranty. Trim your
lawn with speedy, zero-turn lawnmowers.
600361 Sideroad 50 N.
Berkeley
519.986.1673
4
5
SQUARE DEAL NEIL’S TV & APPLIANCE CENTRE
(6) Washer And Dryer
This Whirlpool Duet steam washer and dryer eliminates allergens
and bacteria, can wash up to 17 pairs of jeans in a single load
and features an eco cycle, quiet option and the industry’s fastest
washing cycle.
240 Railway St. Hwy. 21 S.
Southampton
519.797.3905
1.800.265.3795
www.squaredealneils.ca OH
6
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feature
Glorious
Acres
A bridge made from British
Columbian cedar beams repurposed
from an old building in Toronto takes
you to the backyard gazebo.
LEFT: The master bedroom is located
under the front peak of the home
and looks out onto the yard and the
farmer’s fields beyond.
B Y S A M A N T H A M A R T I N / / P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S A N D Y M A C K AY
R
Roy’l Acres is a meandering oasis. Every
room was laid out to offer a view of the
open expanse surrounding the home. Every
door opens onto another outdoor retreat
surrounded by flowers and whimsical
décorations. Every garden is lush and every
shelter a soothing unwind zone. Every
bridge and pathway takes you on a relaxing
journey to nowhere specific.
Continued on page 22
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21
feature
The great room opens onto the
deck and covered pergola. Ginny
and Roy spend hours relaxing here
among the bright red geraniums.
LEFT: The custom kitchen
promotes happiness with its
soft, creamy yellow cabinetry
and vibrant fiesta ware.
“Spring is when the work really begins,” says homeowner Ginny Stewart
Love, “catching up on all the weeds and cleaning all the winter debris.” It’s an
exciting time for Ginny and her husband Roy Love, waiting for the fruits of
their labour to burst from the ground and start reaching for the sun, painting
a most pleasing scene from the French doors of their sunken great room.
The doors open outside to a covered pergola, thick with vines during
the summer and sheltering a plush patio set, creating an outdoor living
room that is rarely lonely. They hold their big family dinners in the great
room on banquet tables with the doors open to the fresh air and extra
seating outside.
The couple bought the home 14 years ago, working hard to transform
their haven to the immaculate state it is in today. For nine years, this
country home in Proton Station, between Flesherton and Dundalk, acted
as a vacation property for the Oakville couple. For the past five years, it
has become home sweet home, undergoing renovations yearly.
The gardens get a facelift every year. “I like a lot of indigenous plants:
coneflowers, brown-eyed susans, phlox, yarrow, lilies and daisies,” says Ginny,
adding that she loves delphiniums as they create a sea of blue in their yard and
butterfly weed because they attract the gorgeous, peaceful insects.
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“We had a very tiny garden in our old place,” she says. “Coming here
was really a challenge because there was so much space. Even a large
garden can look dwarfed in this much space.”
Fourteen years ago, Ginny created her first garden on the property. It
began as a vegetable garden and she just kept adding. The property also
features many trees, planted by the couple. Included are 2,000 white pines
and about 200 more of various types. Ginny’s three daughters began a tree
fund for Ginny and Roy’s wedding. One of the daughters got married on
this very property four years ago.
“Everything has been a process,” says Ginny. “Every year we’ve taken
on a major project.”
The couple always planned to renovate their weekend home, slowly
transforming it into the full-time home they had always wanted. They
began by replacing the floors with hardwood throughout. From there
they decided the kitchen needed a serious update and it just burst forth
from there.
Through a glass doorway from the back deck and bountiful gardens is
the beautiful eat-in kitchen, crafted by Dave Spires of Inspires Design.
“This is where it all started,” says Ginny, gazing lovingly around her
utopian kitchen. The five-piece face-frame maple cabinetry with glass
doors shows off the fiesta ware from her grandmother’s cottage in Quebec,
piggybacking the brilliant colour from the gardens into the home.
The tumbled marble tile backsplash and Bruce County oak hardwood
countertops give the uplifting space a French feel. The hutch against the
far wall of the kitchen features built-in wine storage and keeps Ginny’s
cookbooks safe and within reach.
Beside this gourmet space is an impressive laundry room, also crafted
by Spires. The family’s growth chart is penciled onto the wall on the far
side of the old-fashioned room with large wash sink and maple counters
painted in white with a distressed finish.
The dining room sits opposite the kitchen and features a glistening
chandelier hanging over the dining table, custom–made and brought
overseas in 1965 by Ginny’s parents. A full-length wooden mirror with
crackle finish completes the French antique theme. Gold and green silk
drapes frame the large front window.
Through an open doorway from the kitchen is the living room, full
of treasures from Roy’s travels. “I tried to make this sort of a masculine
room for Roy,” says Ginny, pointing out the brown leather couch and wood
stove. The plaid chair in the corner, reupholstered three times since they’ve
owned it, is more than 100 years old. “I don’t buy new chairs,” says Ginny,
giggling at herself and her love of reupholstered antiques. Roy brought
back rugs from Turkey and from the Arctic he brought back a caribou horn
and a soapstone-carved igloo. They call this room home.
Down one step is the great room, a contrast from the intimate, dark
living room. Inside this bright space, in front of the electric fireplace
with cream-painted maple surround, are four marble tiles, handpicked
by Ginny herself.
Back up another step on the opposite side of the great room is the
front entrance. The space makes a statement of elegance and grace with
double doors, two skylights, slate flooring and arched doorways into the
rest of the home. “We put in the crown moulding and arches to make it
more intimate,” says Ginny.
Down the hall is the office, with a desk facing the window to the
blooming backyard. Across the hall is the master suite. Spires crafted the
bedroom set to match Ginny’s grandfather’s armoire. The en suite, which
acted as a storage room until three years ago, is Ginny’s favourite spot to
relax after gardening all day. Continued on page 24
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23
feature
Roy’s favourite spots are the outdoor shower and the pond. He spends
sunny afternoons fly-fishing for trout. A bridge crosses the calm, clear
waters to a gazebo on an island.
It has been many years of hard work, but this couple says they would
do it all again, and continue to work tirelessly on their landscaping. It’s all
worth it. In the late spring and early summer, Ginny and Roy are outside
all the time. “I won’t even go in until the sun is down,” says Ginny, standing
in the middle of her gardens. “I really, really love our house, inside and out.
Of course right now outside is my favourite.”
Ginny and Roy have created a utopia in the country and, without
wasting a moment, they head back outside after a cool drink to get
pruning and weeding. OH
www.wit-homes.com
519-371-7614
DESIGN BUILDER • EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOM HOMES
ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS • SUPER-EFFICIENT INSULATION
QUALITY INDOOR AIR • RADIANT FLOOR HEATING
Artemesia Daylilies: Lilies,
M a r y S a ra h A n t i q u e s :
Bench, Dundalk Custom
Upholstery: Pergola tarp,
Murray Trees: Trees, Henry
Martin: Trees, Maxwell
Landscaping: Flagstone
p a t h w a y s , Rock Solid:
G a rd e n a n d f l a g sto n e ,
Wendy Brown: Silk drapes,
Gibson Excavating: Pond,
Dave Rae & Sons: Pergola,
cedar patio box, Two Rusty
Goats: Bridge, Inspires
Design: Cabinetry, Christie
Antique Market: Chairs
The French-themed dining room
complements the antique dining set,
which once belonged to Ginny’s parents.
TOP RIGHT: The two-piece bathroom
features a custom-made, aged glaze
maple vanity with matching window
mirror, candle sconces and an old outdoor
porch lantern.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Ginny adds a whimsical
touch to the décor.
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sustainable living
WHY BUILDING
CODES MATTER
I
B Y PA U L W I L S O N
In January, I was standing in our
kitchen listening to a radio report
from Haiti while looking out the
window at a tranquil scene of peace
and quiet, the special kind of muted
silence that settles over a landscape
blanketed in snow. A reporter was
interviewing a man whose house in
Port au Prince had been destroyed
in the magnitude-seven earthquake
that had just devastated most of
that city. “I’ve lost everything,” the
man said simply, in a resigned, matter-of-fact voice, as though the enormity
of what had happened had overwhelmed any private emotions.
I tried to imagine how awful it would be to lose one’s home, and possibly
one’s loved ones – everything, in other words – in a sudden, random act of
natural destruction. It can happen: even here, in this most stable part of
the world, we are sometimes visited by natural disasters, though mostly
on a far smaller scale. Only last summer, a marauding horde of twisters
scythed their way across the province, passing not two kilometres from
where we live, reducing everything in their path to matchsticks, and killing
one young boy. It felt as though we’d been brushed by an out-of-control
18-wheeler careening down the highway. But it was a pinprick compared
to Haiti, with its death toll in the tens of thousands.
The difference in the impact of a disaster is not just a factor of size. The
Loma Prieta quake in Northern California in 1989 was of roughly the same
magnitude as the one in Haiti. It made several thousand people homeless
and caused about $10 billion in damage. Yet only 63 people were killed.
Compare the magnitude-7.9 earthquake in China’s Sichuan province just
two years ago, leaving 89,000 dead or missing, including 5,000 children
who died when shoddily constructed schools collapsed.
There are many reasons why natural disasters in densely populated,
poorer countries, are far more devastating than a similar disaster would
be in the developed world, but in the Haitian tragedy, one factor stood
out for me: the buildings destroyed by the earthquake had been badly
constructed. There was no building code in place, at least not for ordinary
housing, or if there was, it had been ignored.
Here, we take building codes for granted, and though we may complain
about the need for permits and inspections and the cost of compliance,
in extreme situations those codes are often what stand between disaster
and us. They are an instrument of civilization.
In fact, building codes go back in history at least as far as Hammurabi,
the Babylonian king who decreed, 38-centuries ago, that if a house
collapses, killing its owner, the builder shall be put to death. A drastic
measure, but also a great incentive to solid construction practices.
Today’s building codes are elaborate documents that contain
prescriptions both for our own safety, and for the good of the community.
They mandate both proper practices, and encourage progressive ones.
California’s building code, for instance, is amongst other things a guide to
constructing quakeproof buildings but, since the beginning of this year, it
also incorporates provisions for making new buildings “green.” Ontario’s
recently revised code is equally progressive.
Like all laws, though, building codes are only as good as their
enforcement. Turkey has an advanced building code, yet when a
magnitude-7.9 earthquake struck the country in 1999, 17,000 people
died. It turned out that the Turkish government allows contractors to
inspect their own work.
As the dust settled in Haiti, some alarming, though hardly surprising,
information began to emerge. Because of vast deforestation in the
countryside, there is almost no local lumber available for construction. As a
result – as we saw only too vividly on television – most of the houses in the
city of Port au Prince were made of concrete. Cement is expensive, and in
a poor country, the temptation to “extend” the cement by using too much
aggregate and not enough steel reinforcements must have been irresistible.
A shabbily built cement house might withstand a tropical storm, but in
an earthquake, it’s a death trap. The combination of corrupt government,
poverty and no proper building codes turned a disaster into a catastrophe.
As we watched makeshift rescue teams struggle to pull survivors out of
the dusty rubble of Port au Prince, often with their bare hands, I wondered
if there was anything like the architectural equivalent of Doctors Without
Borders, teams of architects, designers, builders and planners who go
to disaster scenes, minister to injured buildings and devise long term
solutions – including a code – that would prevent future earthquakes and
hurricanes from wreaking such terrible havoc.
In my experience, if you can imagine something, it probably already
exists, and indeed, there is an organization called Architects for
Humanity that is already getting involved in planning for the long-term
reconstruction of Haiti, (architectureforhumanity.org). They have a plan
in place, and they have people in Haiti, looking ahead five to 10 years,
hoping to bring about substantial, long-term change. There are enormous
obstacles to overcome, yes, but in the end, long-term solutions are the
only ones that make sense.
That’s why Patricia and I decided to donate money this time, not to
the Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders, which are providing vital and
immediate aid, but to an organization (and there are many more like it)
that is working against enormous odds to bring decent and safe housing
to the wretched of the earth. OH
Paul Wilson is a writer, editor, and translator who lives full time in rural Ontario. He
can be reached at [email protected]
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27
comfort zone
Brubacher Kitchens
Quality Custom Cabinets
Heather Smillie Designs Inc.
41 Absalom St. West
Mildmay, ON
N0G 2J0
519.881.5524
[email protected]
Interior Design and Decoration
Hourly Design Consultations
Space Planning and Programming
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New Build Packages
Kitchen Design
Furniture Layout and Selections
Project Management
Clean Sweeps and Re-organization
Design Workshops and Seminars
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2140 20th Ave East
Owen Sound, ON
519.372.9216 • 1.800.926.4026
BY JIM FOX // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNIE FOX
CORNER POCKET
www.brubacherkitchens.com
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like) is the sport and William O’Brecht, also known as Duffy, the
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to those picking up the game for the first time.
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RR#1 Holland Centre, ON
Continued on page 30
■
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comfort zone
With timeless charm and comfort
that will last for generations.
WHAT’S HOT: One of the surprising customer favourites is O’Brecht’s array of
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exclusive area retailer for Canada Billiard & Bowling products.
SEASONAL: It’s all about those rainy days and nights for this business. “When
people are stuck indoors, that’s when they love to play pool,” O’Brecht says.
Spring, fall and winter all get people thinking about indoor entertainment.
FAVOURITES: Along with top-selling pool cue brands like Meucci, McDermott,
Joss, Cuetec and Dufferin, Double D sells cues of varying lengths, two-piece cues,
cue holders and cue cases. In fact, O’Brecht can outfit your entire games room
with poker tables, shuffleboards, crokinole and checkerboards, chairs, dartboards
and scoreboards.
WHERE: 4 McGivern St. W., Walkerton, 519.881.2113
30
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OH
192 Berford Street, Hwy 6 South, Wiarton, ON
519-534-2303 [email protected]
f
BENJART_ourhomes_feb.10 copy.pdf
2/12/10
1:36:26 PM
people
Your home is your castle. Meet some of the local trades people who work behind the
scenes to create your happily ever after. P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y B O N N I E F O X
www.benjart.com
DON MCMILLAN
L I V E S : Owen Sound
C O M PA N Y: Van Dolder’s
S P E C I A LT Y: Exterior installation
FAVO U R I T E E X T E R I O R W O R K : Installing doors
B E S T PA R T O F J O B : I like being in different
places all the time, moving around.
FAV O U R I T E G R E Y A N D B R U C E T O W N :
Owen Sound
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A little temptation ...
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ANDREW DREISE
L I V E S : Shallow Lake
C O M PA N Y: The Master’s Workbench
S P E C I A LT Y: Custom woodworking
FAV O U R I T E W O O D W O R K : Stairs and railings
B E S T PA R T O F J O B : The best part is when it’s all
Furniture to match your look and needs.
Let us design and build for your home.
done – standing back and looking at the finished product.
FAVO U R I T E G R E Y A N D B R U C E T O W N : Shallow Lake
P R E F E R R E D T O O L : Makita mitre saw
H O W M A N Y Y E A R S I N T R A D E : 23
T R E N D S : It’s going toward a wood and metal
combination – a traditional and modern look in one.
Continued on page 36
32
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519-376-3553
17 George St, Caledon 519-927-1789
Hwy 6 & 10, Owen Sound 519-376-4434
www.ccharm.com
“Offering custom hand crafted
timber frames for a truly unique home”
Bedrooms Buffets & Hutches Chairs & Rockers Tables Home Office
www.georgiantimberworks.com
people
Put some
in your kitchen
JOHN MCNABB
Take a
load off.
(LEFT)
L I V E S : Owen Sound
C O M PA N Y: McNabb Construction
S P E C I A LT Y: Concrete foundations
FAV O U R I T E C O N C R E T E W O R K : Repairs
B E S T PA R T O F J O B : I like overseeing projects.
FAV O U R I T E G R E Y A N D B R U C E T O W N : Meaford
P R E F E R R E D T O O L : Hammer
H O W M A N Y Y E A R S I N T R A D E : 40
T R E N D S : Stamped and decorative concrete
TROY CLOUATRE
(RIGHT)
L I V E S : Owen Sound
C O M PA N Y: McNabb Construction
S P E C I A LT Y: Concrete foundations
FAV O U R I T E C O N C R E T E W O R K :
Residential foundations
B E S T PA R T O F J O B : I really enjoy pouring the
concrete and dealing with the customers.
FAVOURITE GREY AND BRUCE TOWN: Owen Sound
P R E F E R R E D T O O L : Concrete pump
H O W M A N Y Y E A R S I N T R A D E : 13
T R E N D S : People are starting to get into coloured
concrete. It adds character and interest.
RON TORRY
Discover the features and benefits of the latest
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492 Tenth Street, Hanover, ON
519-364-3302 1-888-385-6660
n
Monday-Friday: 9am–5pm
n
Saturday: 10am–3pm
w w w. h a n o v e r c a b i n e t s . c o m
L I V E S : Markdale
C O M PA N Y: Ron Torry Painting
S P E C I A LT Y: Painting and wallpapering
FAVO U R I T E PA I N T I N G W O R K : Finishing staircases
B E S T PA R T O F J O B : The greatest part is meeting
and working with my clients.
FAV O U R I T E G R E Y A N D B R U C E T O W N : Markdale
P R E F E R R E D T O O L : I’d say the two-and-a-half-inch
DAVE PRICE
angle brush and the laying brush.
L I V E S : Owen Sound
C O M PA N Y: Dave Price
H O W M A N Y Y E A R S I N T R A D E : 33
T R E N D S : People are using softer colours and I’m
Painting & Decorating
S P E C I A LT Y: Painting
and wallpapering
seeing more wallpaper. Also, working with the Group
of Seven colour palettes — taking on a main colour
and blending and branching off colour tones and
shades and connecting them to adjacent rooms.
FAV O U R I T E PA I N T I N G
W O R K : Dark colours. They
look richer and go great with
rich wood finishes.
B E S T PA R T O F J O B : I like
when the trim is all finished
and everything’s cleaned up.
The worst is the preparation.
PROVIDING RELIABLE,
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SINCE 1946
FAV O U R I T E G R E Y A N D
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PREFERRED TOOL:
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YOUR INSTALLATION AND HOME MAINTENANCE NEEDS
Painter’s knife. That thing
does everything.
PLUMBING • HEATING & COOLING
ELECTRICAL • COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION
SHEET METAL FABRICATION • WATER TREATMENT
WATERFURNACE DEALER • LENNOX DEALER
HOW MANY YEARS
I N T R A D E : 15
T R E N D S : A lot of faux
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fancier stuff, is coming back. OH
34
o u r h o m e s
s p r i n g
519.376.0736 1.888.955.5464
1201 1st Avenue East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2E4
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • INSTITUTIONAL
2 0 1 0
Get the job done right
in the comfortable, easy-to-use
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home & builder
LOOKABOUT
A view from Lookabout
Bay on Lake Huron. This
waterfront property
includes abundant deck
and patio space as well
as a sandy beach for
swimming and lounging.
Bay
P
Peter and Karen MacDonald love their year-round cottage, where their triplets catch
frogs and swim, and they indulge in gourmet coffees, entertain friends and family and
B Y S H E L B Y H I L S O N / / P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S A N D Y M A C K AY
relax by the bay.
36
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home & builder
The home was designed and decorated in a fresh,
beach theme that incorporates portholes as
windows and accents.
NEXT PAGE: The high ceilings of the open-concept
living room, kitchen and dining room soar to
accommodate an entertainment loft above.
INSET: Peter’s cappuccino machine has its very
own station between the kitchen and dining room.
One summer, after renting a cottage in Wasaga Beach for their family,
Peter and Karen began to wonder what it would be like to have their own
cottage where their kids could play outside and swim all summer long.
It wasn’t long after that Peter came across an odd ad in the KitchenerWaterloo Record for a small cottage on Lookabout Bay in Lion’s Head.
Peter went to check it out one morning and bought it on the spot.
That was six years ago, when the 1950s ice-hut-turned-cottage became
theirs. It was the land that the MacDonalds were after and less than two years
ago, they moved into the retreat they had envisioned from the beginning.
Deciding who the builder of their dream cottage would be wasn’t
nearly as difficult a decision as they thought it would be. They started
asking around and everyone gave them the same response. “If you want
the very best, go to Sheldon Weatherhead.”
“We knew exactly what we wanted,” says Peter. He and Karen
spent more than a year talking about the design and working with local
draftsman Greg Williamson before handing it over to Weatherhead.
Sheldon Weatherhead Building Ltd. worked closely with the
MacDonalds to bring their vision to life. They laid the foundation one
38
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spring and built the next; completing the project in just a year and a half.
“Sheldon coordinated everything,” says Peter. “He takes the role of general
contractor very seriously.”
The company specializes in custom homes of all shapes and sizes,
from modest to high-end, with the MacDonalds’ cottage being one of
Weatherhead’s high-end products. “As a builder, when there’s a bigger
budget you can get more creative and let your creative character loose,”
says Weatherhead.
He enjoys working with high-quality materials, such as the handscraped, chestnut-stained Canadian oak floors throughout the cottage.
One aspect that was new to Weatherhead was the airflow concept that
Peter brought with him from his home country of Australia.
“Everything about the cottage is designed for airflow,” says Peter.
“The cupola in the main room has automatic windows that open when
the temperature or humidity hits a certain level.” Similar features
include airways at the top of each bedroom with fans between them and
European-style doors that open regularly, but also tilt forward to allow a
fresh breeze while staying locked and secure. Continued on page 40
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home & builder
The MacDonalds designed the home to be open concept so they could
entertain and their children could have space. Karen’s favourite room in the
cottage is the large pantry, tucked behind the kitchen and equipped with a
sliding ladder to reach the incredible amount of food packed away up high.
“Almost every week we have new people coming up,” she says, looking
at shelf after shelf of food, ready and waiting for guests. “There’s always a
crowd of 14 to 18 people here.”
There’s no doubt that Peter’s favourite spot is shared with most of their
guests: the barista bar. He loves his cappuccino machine dearly and states,
“It goes on when guests arrive and doesn’t go off until they leave.”
The suitably large dining room table was crafted by Alain Bélanger,
a French artisan cabinetmaker in Southampton. The MacDonalds found
timbers that date back more than 1,000 years, originally part of whiskey
vats in the old Seagram Distillery in Waterloo. They commissioned him to make
a table and sideboard from the timbers.
The dark wood adds a beautiful contrast to the light colours
throughout the cottage. “We love the coastal look with the bead board
and portholes,” says Karen. The vinyl-coated wood that Weatherhead
suggested for the window frames, railings and some ceilings ties in with
this style and also meets their goal of using low-maintenance materials.
Karen and Peter aren’t the only ones who like to have friends over.
Their children, Kate, Carter and Matthew, each have reading lofts in
their bedroom, reachable only by ladder, where they can hang out with
neighbouring cottagers on a rainy day. In addition, huge beanbag chairs in
the games room are actually disguised queen- and king-sized mattresses
waiting to be transformed into beds for sleepovers.
When not entertaining, the MacDonalds take the time to enjoy their
expansive master suite, which encompasses a small gym and a luxurious
aromatherapy tub that fills from the ceiling. Continued on page 42
40
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The main floor bathroom keeps the air
flowing with a tilt door that allows a breeze
but keeps the home locked and safe.
ABOVE: Daughter, Kate, helped design her
sophisticated bedroom and en suite. She
spends rainy days reading in her loft.
home & builder
An outdoor swim spa lights up at night and is a great place for
relaxation as well as fitness. The expansive flagstone patio boasts loungers,
a love seat and chairs and a dining table for those al fresco lakeside meals.
The entire cottage is set up on a smart system that does everything from
control the lighting and audio in each room to measuring energy consumption
and operating cameras on the property for security purposes.
Right next door to their custom cottage are four more. The MacDonalds
own and operate a high-end cottage rental business located beyond the
tree line on the neighbouring property.
Mac’s Shacks, which just opened last summer, consists of four
luxurious cottages ranging in size. Each one was completely gutted and
renovated by Weatherhead and his team last spring with many of the same
materials used throughout Karen and Peter’s cottage. They are also all
equipped with high-end amenities including beautiful linens, comfortable
lounging furniture, wireless Internet, iPod docking stations, flat screen
televisions and, of course, cappuccino machines.
“At the beginning of the summer we had a grand opening party for Mac’s
Shacks as well as Peter’s 50th birthday,” says Karen. “We had a live band
and 150 people here and we had people
partying and dancing all over.”
Along with the cottages is a large
custom-designed pergola right on the
water with two large seating areas and
Napoleon barbeques for families to
cook, eat and spend time together before
heading over to the huge fire pit on the
beach for smores. For more information
on Mac’s Shacks visit www.macsshacks.ca.
“We wanted our guests to be as
comfortable at Mac’s Shacks as we are up
here on the Bruce,” says Karen. The couple
have certainly created an atmosphere that
will be more than comfortable for many
generations of MacDonalds, and guests
to come. OH
B r y a n ’s M e c h a n i c a l :
Gas, Georgian Bay
W i n d ow a n d D o o r : Fro n t
doo r , Miracle of Silence:
D i n i n g t a b le , s i d e b o a rd ,
ACN Electric: L i g h t i n g ,
A n d re w S a a r i : K i t c h e n ,
s t a i r s , C a u d le M a s o n r y :
Fireplace, H&H Plumbing:
Plumbing, Peninsula Out
of Do o rs : P l a n t s , B r i d g e
Excavating: H a rd s ca p e s ,
Larry’s Roofing: Roofing,
S co t t ’s H o m e H a rd w a re :
Benjamin Moore paint, Greg
Williamson: Drafting,
Tyndall’s Haulage: Septic
and rock breaking, Porter’s
Concrete Contracting:
f o u n d a t i o n , Fo re s t S o u l
Custom Carpentry and
Millwork: Woodwork
42
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One of Mac’s Shacks cottages
with a screened-in porch and
lazy hammock.
ABOVE: The MacDonald’s
fantastic, expansive patio
includes a swim spa and
covered pergola.
2 0 1 0
Lighten up
for Spring!
“Patti only had to
spend a couple of
hours with me yet
the changes she
made were quick,
easy and dramatic!
My house had been
listed for only 2 weeks
when I got an offer
and they were the
first couple through!
That only left my
friends saying
“maybe you should
have asked more”.
I’m just happy it
sold so quickly!”
- Pam
HOME STAGING SOLUTIONS
RELOCATION SERVICES – PACK/UNPACK
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Patti Smith • 519.372.8307
[email protected]
s h o w o f f s h o m e s t a g i n g . c o m
ourhomes
S T Y L E • C O M F O R T • I D E A S • R E A L E S TAT E
MARKETPLACE
To order a listing in marketplace, call us at 519.986.2599
or email us at [email protected]
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1-888-637-8802
2/28/08
12:06 PM
Page 1
Residential
and
Commercial
• Installations & Taping
• Decorative Ceilings
• Airless Prime Painting
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Markdale | Ontario | Canada
Custom Homes
Renovations & Additions
ICF foundations
General Contracting
Mike McInnes
123 Inglis Drive Singhampton, ON N0C 1M0
519-922-1295
www.universalbuilders.ca
1.800.489.7792 | www.drywallbyphasev.com
CUSTOM BUILT HOMES 519.881.1095
[email protected] www.qualityconstruction.ca
Additions
Renovations
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[email protected],Ontario
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Take Ken and Jeanette from Kincardine,
for example. They sold their house using
the PropertyGuys.com system and paid
themselves a whopping $35,000 plus
in commission. “That’s a significant
amount of money,” says Carter. Here
is what Ken had to say about selling
through PropertyGuys.com, “We would
like to thank you for all your assistance
in selling both of our properties in
Kincardine. The package that the
Propertyguys.com offers and your after
sales service is a superior product to
your competitors. It is refreshing that
“I guess they’re drawn to
how much they can pay
themselves compared
to giving up so much of
their hard earned equity
to an agent.”
Franchise operators such as the
Carters are certified Private Sale
Professionals™, which means they have
completed a rigorous training program
and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
“Our clients appreciate the fact that
they can rely on our expertise and our
organization’s decade of experience to
help them navigate through the world of
private sale.”
Private Sale Professionals™ are
committed to helping people better
understand the world of private sale.
Anyone interested in learning more
about PropertyGuys.com is urged
to check out their website at www.
PropertyGuys.com. Wouldn’t it make
sense to pay yourself when you sell your
next house? That’s fair right?
OUR HOMES SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE
>> SOURCE IT
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN
by Benj Art Inc. Landscape Architects & Contractors
Good design always precedes a great product. It is no different when it
comes to your landscaping needs. A landscape master plan of your property
is essential before doing any landscape construction work. From the new
home being built, to an addition, to just a refresh of your front or back yard,
a lot of things can be ironed out in the design stage.
It is a beneficial process to have a professional landscape architect
design all the elements of your outdoor living
areas, as they inherently understand how all
the spaces on your property will function
individually and as a collective whole. Good
planning and design will save you money in
the long run. It is more cost effective to do
this planning on paper than making changes
during the actual construction.
Clients should think of the overall feel
they want their property to have, and then
the staff at Benj Art Inc. can interpret and
translate those ideas and feelings into
a visual reality. Clients should also have
sample products and/or features they are
interested in having incorporated into their
design. Each property has its own unique
characteristics and opportunities, and it is
the landscape architects’ job at Benj Art Inc. to capture these qualities as
the essence of your very own custom designed landscape.
When you are ready to do that landscape project, think design first, and
remember that benj art is in the details.
Find out more about our professional Landscape Architectural Services
at www.benjart.com, [email protected], Owen Sound, ON, 519.376.7747
(Please see ad on page 33)
NATURALLY THE BEST!
Future Lawn introduces “possibly the best” fertilizer available to the lawn
care and gardening marketplace. After many trials and proven performance
we are convinced that we have found the safest and the best fertilizer available
to feed the soil and in turn the plant. This product is over 70% organic matter
which puts the bulk of the nutrients in a slow
release form which is ideal for lawns – feeding
the lawn over an extended period of time
compared to traditional synthetic fertilizers.
The product is full of nutrients which will help
build or rebuild soil biological life which is
imperative for a healthy soil.
Organic matter is the life of the soil and
adding more to your lawn will only help with
the overall health of your soil. This product is
like fertilizer and top dress all in one!
We will deliver to your doorstep and advise you on your season long
fertilization program. Order today and save the HST.
Future Lawn Inc., 1.800.220.5527, 519.364.3608
www.futurelawn.ca (Please see ad on page 17)
MAC TAYLOR CORPORATION
Mac Taylor is a General Contractor backed
by over 30 years’ experience working on a
variety of residential and commercial projects
in Grey and Bruce Counties. Mac enjoys working with his clients
on their projects from the beginning to
completion. From the initial building permit
stage to connecting with other local trades
people, many clients have expressed their
gratitude for the guidance Mac has provided.
All aspects of site work required for new
construction (driveway construction, digging
foundations, sewage systems to final grading)
can be completed by Mac Taylor Corporation.
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A MISCELLANY OF THE NEW,
NEAT, UNIQUE, AND FABULOUS IN
GREY AND BRUCE COUNTIES
Mac is well known for his expertise in the area of sewage system design and
installation. In addition to conventional septic systems, Mac offers his clients
a variety of options and is an Authorized Installer for the Ecoflo Biofilter and
Waterloo Biofilter Systems.
Please visit www.mactaylor.com or call 519.794.2380 to discuss your
project with Mac. (Please see ad on page 45)
BEAT THE HEAT!
Hard to remember those hot summer
days? The weather in this area can change
quickly and it is always a good idea to plan
ahead for the summer heatwave!
Although considered a luxury for some, many use their air conditioner
to control indoor air quality and humidity in their home. This not only helps
with allergies and sickness but keeps mildew from forming around windows
and can make life much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Whether for health reasons or comfort, a reliable and efficient air
conditioning system is something to consider and/or maintain.
There are a variety of different options for air conditioning and air quality
systems for your home. Maintenance of these systems is always advised to
keep things running properly when needed! Owners should check and clean
air filters regularly to maintain proper air distribution.
When purchasing a new air conditioner or replacing an older unit, there
are a few things to consider:
• air conditioners have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)
• the higher the number, the less it will cost to provide cooling and reduce
wasted energy
• the minimum allowable SEER is 13 and the most efficient models today
will be 15 to 17 SEER
• new units only use R410a refrigerant which is better for the
environment
• a programmable thermostat is also recommended for a system to run
more efficiently
At Air-Tech Mechanical we can give you advice on what type of
system will meet your needs and which ones will qualify for company and
government rebates and incentives. With the proper system for your home,
you can create a clean, well ventilated, temperature controlled environment
to keep your family healthy and comfortable throughout the year while
helping to improve our environment.
Air-Tech Mechanical – Your HVAC Specialists, 519.934.3358, [email protected]
www.air-tech.ca “We Care About Your Air” (Please see ad on page 43)
DÉCOR DESIGN
Décor Design is pleased to announce
the opening of their showroom. Our clients
now have the opportunity to view a large
library of drapery, bedroom ensemble and
upholstery designer fabrics in an inviting
comfortable space. In 2009, Décor Design
became a Centurion dealer with Hunter
Douglas. What does this mean? We offer
the most current releases that are offered
by Hunter Douglas which is reflected in the
products on display. One of the showroom
highlights is the fireplace mantel. This
product can also be purchased as window
cornices offered by Hunter Douglas. The
window fashion capabilities have grown
substantially over the last few years. If you
are in the process of building a new home, take advantage of the opportunity
to explore your options. Remote control hardware for drapery and shading
systems is a perfect solution to having operable window coverings on those
hard to reach areas. Décor Design extends an invitation to you to take
advantage of a free showroom appointment, followed by your personal
in-home consultation.
Contact Cindy Gardiner at Décor Design 519.376.4104 or by e-mail:
[email protected] to arrange your appointment. We look
forward to serving you and creating beautiful windows in your home!
(Please see ad on page 33)
directory
OUR HOMES attracts the area’s finest businesses to advertise in our pages. Since our first issue, more than 400 companies have utilized our
unparalleled distribution and coffee-table appeal to market their products and services. Now we’re making it easier than ever for you, our readers, to
become educated as you plan your home- and real estate-related purchasing decisions. The listings below are organized alphabetically by industry.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
FLOORING, STAIRS & TRIM
LANDSCAPING/LAWN & GARDEN
SUN VOLTS UNLIMITED Page 55
CUNEO INTERIORS LTD. Page 51
MOGGIE VALLEY TIMBER INC. Page 29
SOUTH BRUCE FLOORING Page 49
BAY LANDSCAPES & POOLS Page 44
BENJ ART INC. – LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTS & CONTRACTORS Page 33
FUTURE LAWN INC Page 17, 44
GROUND EFFECTS LANDSCAPES Page 17
MAXWELL’S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY Page 41
MCCARTNEY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Page 41
PLATINUM IRRIGATION Page 45
ROCKSOLID LANDSCAPES Page 11
YESTERDAY’S GARDEN CENTRE –
LANDSCAPING & CONSTRUCTION Page 8
ART GALLERIES
ARTISTS’ CO-OP OWEN SOUND Page 5 Great Living
FOOD/DRINK/CATERING
BUILDERS
CAL WESTHOLM BUILDERS Page 44
DASEIN Page 53
FRONTIER LOG HOMES Page 31
FREEBURN FINE HOMES Page 11
GEORGIAN TIMBERWORKS Page 33
KELLY CONSTRUCTION Page 9
LAURENS WIT CONSTRUCTION Page 25
QUALITY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Page 45
UNIVERSAL BUILDERS Page 45
VICEROY HOME & COTTAGE CRAFTERS
Page 7
BUILDING/LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES
MOGGIE VALLEY TIMBER INC. Page 29
VAN DOLDER’S CUSTOM EXTERIORS Page 5
CLOTHING/FABRIC
FANCY THAT Page 5 Great Living
THE COUNTY LINE Page 5 Great Living
THREADS THAT BIND Page 7 Great Living
HARBOUR STREET BRASSERIE
Page 2 Great Living
KETTLES BACK HOME COOKIN’
Page 5 Great Living
MACLEAN’S ALES Page 5 Great Living
MIMI’S ROOFTOP CAFE & COFFEE BAR
Page 5 Great Living
WILLIAMSFORD PIE COMPANY
Page 7 Great Living
FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR
AUGUST SKIES HOME DECOR Page 41
CEDAR COUNTRY FURNITURE Page 10
COLLINS FINE FURNITURE Page 31
COUNTRY CHARM Page 33
LEGATES FINE FURNITURE Page 9
THE RUSTY STAR Page 8 Great Living
TOPNOTCH FURNITURE Page 56
GARDEN CENTRES
PENINSULA OUT OF DOORS Page 43
DESIGNERS & ARCHITECTS
HEALTH & BEAUTY
BENJ ART INC. – LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTS & CONTRACTORS Page 33
DECOR DESIGN Page 33
HEATHER SMILLIE DESIGNS INC Page 29
JK CONSULTING Page 45
MURAWSKY DESIGN & DRAFTING Page 44
HEAD FIRST Page 2 Great Living
HEATING & COOLING
AIR TECH MECHANICAL Page 43
HOME DÉCOR
WEATHERALL DOCKS & DREDGE Page 53
INSIDE IDEAS Page 35
PEEK THRU MY WINDOW Page 5 Great Living
SURROUNDINGS IN MILDMAY Page 31
DRYWALLING
HOME IMPROVEMENT
DOCKS
RIDDELL CONTRACTING Page 35
SAARI HOME IMPROVEMENTS Page 13
VAN DOLDER’S CUSTOM EXTERIORS Page 5
PHASE V – DRYWALL Page 44
EXCAVATING & SEPTIC
MAC TAYLOR CORPORATION Page 45
UNDERWOOD CONSTRUCTION Page 43
HOME STAGING
SHOW OFFS HOME STAGING Page 43
FARM SUPPLIES & MACHINERY
LAWN EQUIPMENT
BMB SALES & SERVICE Page 44
MORTGAGES
RBC ROYAL BANK Page 5 Great Living
MOVING
JOHN THOMPSON MOVERS Page 44
NEW HOME COMMUNITIES
REID’S HERITAGE HOMES Page 4, 6
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
THE FYREPLACE & PATIO SHOP Page 8
THE WATER & WELLNESS CENTRE Page 10
OUTDOOR RECREATION EQUIPMENT
BOBCAT OF OWEN SOUND Page 7 Great Living
F E AT U R E S H O W R O O M
PAINT
 Innovative Kitchens
 Custom Doors
 Any Colour & Finish
 Curved Staircases
 Design Centre
 Professional Installations
CUNEO INTERIORS LTD. Page 51
PAINTING & DECORATING
MCCALLUM PAINTING & DECORATING Page 45
RON TORRY PAINTING Page 44
REAL ESTATE
PROPERTYGUYS.COM Page 46, 47
REMAX GREY BRUCE REALTY Page 25
ROYAL LEPAGE RCR REALTY Page 15
WILFRED MCINTEE & CO. LTD. –
HAROLD FENLON Page 2
WILFRED MCINTEE & CO. LTD. –
LIZ KOOL, JIM KIRK Page 14
BOBCAT OF OWEN SOUND Page 7 Great Living
HURON TRACTOR JOHN DEERE Page 35
MAXWELL FARM SERVICE Page 8 Great Living
HOT TUBS & SAUNAS
FINE WOODWORKING
DUKE IRON Page 29
HY-GRADE STEEL ROOFING Page 3
INTERLOCK INDUSTRIES Page 19
KITCHEN AND BATH
SPECIAL EVENTS
BRUBACHER KITCHENS Page 29
DURNIN’S CUSTOM CABINETS Page 31
EXQUISITE WOOD DESIGNS Page 51
HANOVER KITCHEN & BATH GALLERY Page 35
ROYAL OAK KITCHEN & BATH Page 26
SAARI HOME IMPROVEMENTS Page 13
GREY BRUCE HOME & COTTAGE EXPO
Page 8 Great Living
DASEIN Page 53
EXQUISITE WOOD DESIGNS Page 51
MIRACLE OF SILENCE Page 41
FIREPLACES & STOVES
THE FYREPLACE & PATIO SHOP Page 8
HEARTH & LEISURE Page 45
THE WATER & WELLNESS CENTRE Page 10
IRON WORK
ROOFING
STORAGE/ORGANIZING
INNOVATIVE GARAGE Page 26
WINDOW FASHIONS
CUNEO INTERIORS LTD. Page 51
OUR HOMES is committed to ensuring the businesses above appear under the correct headings. To make a correction, or to have your business
listed under more than one heading, please email us at [email protected]. To have your business listed in our Home Resource Directory, call us to advertise at 519.599.7444.
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Manufactured in our local facility to your exact specifications!
Exquisite Wood Designs
Custom Cabinetry
1980 20th St. East, Owen Sound
519-370-0808 [email protected]
cooking at home
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
B Y M A R I A D A S I L VA / / P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S C O T T H U N T E R
W
eatherall Dock
& Dredge Inc.
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
Makes 6 servings
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless
chicken thighs or breasts
1 white onion, diced
2 cubanelle peppers,
seeded and diced
1 jalapeno pepper,
seeded and minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp each ground cumin
and ground coriander
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cans (each 19 oz)
white kidney beans
2 cans (each 127 mL)
chopped green chilies
4 cups water or chicken broth
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp lime juice
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
We specialize
in constructing:
There is so much to do around the house in spring – fixing, cleaning,
planting and enjoying the great outdoors. All that extra activity
makes everyone hungry and it’s just easier to have a wonderful
dinner ready when the whole family gathers after a busy day. Makeahead meals make sense.
• Docks new – Wood, Cement, Floating
• Dock repairs • Groins
• Retaining walls – Sheet pile marine
• Dam building • Excavation • Dredging
• Licensed installer of septic systems
• Construct driveways
Although red chili is classic and hearty, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up. Enter, white
chicken chili. Green chilies, white kidney beans, tender chicken and a hint of lime bring a taste
of the southwest to the table.
We can work on or off shore
using our barge.
TO PREPARE:
• In large pot, heat 1 tbsp of the oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches, transfer to plate.
• In same pot, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, cubanelle peppers, jalapeno
pepper, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, oregano and pepper until vegetables are softened and
golden, about 10 minutes. Return chicken to pot. Stir in beans, chilies and water. Bring to boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
• In small bowl, whisk together flour and 3 tbsp water until smooth. Whisk into chili. Boil for two
minutes to thicken. Stir in lime juice. Sprinkle with cilantro.
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SLOW COOKER VARIATION:
Brown chicken and sauté vegetables as above.
Transfer to slow cooker. Stir in beans, chilies and
water. Cover and cook on low for about six hours.
Whisk flour with water as above. Whisk into chili
and cook on high for 20 minutes to thicken. Stir
in lime juice. Sprinkle with cilantro. OH
Morgan H. Weatherall, RR #4,
Markdale, ON, N0C 1H0
519•986•3516
Visit our website:
www.weatheralldockanddredge.com
finishing touch
Floral Arrangements
PHOTOS AND STORY BY SAMANTHA MARTIN
ARRANGEMENTS BY ROSIE HARRISON
Flowers are a powerful bunch. Studies show that keeping fresh-cut flowers in your
home boosts happiness and creativity and reduces stress. OUR HOMES shares some
tips on creating your own flower arrangements from simple bouquets.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Interesting vases
A couple of simple bouquets
Sharp trimmers
CHOOSE YOUR MATERIALS
There are bunches of inexpensive options out there at grocery stores and
flower shops. Choose shades that complement the season, as you would
clothing – lighter, brighter colours for the warm months and deeper,
warmer colours for the cold months.
THE RIGHT BLOOMS
Roses last and come in various shades. Daisies are a popular option and
are varied in colour and size for optimum arrangement opportunities.
Pick a couple of flowers you like and a bunch of something interesting
like button mums, purple heather or berries to mix in.
GREENERY IS KEY
Most bouquets come with greenery, but you can also browse the garden
or local trail for some snippets. Pick interesting leaves, a scented sprig
like lavender or mint or something with a seasonal flare. Greenery means
you don’t need as many flowers to fill your vase.
VASE VARIETY
Simple is better. You want the flowers to be the main event, but shape
adds to the overall appeal. Everyone has a glass vase in a cupboard
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somewhere, but bulbous, antique pitchers and smaller, rusted buckets
add that sense of whimsy and give the illusion that you simply plucked
the blooms from your plentiful garden. Remember to fill it. You don’t want
the arrangement to look incomplete or sparse.
ALL THE TRIMMINGS
Even if you trim only half a centimetre off the stems, it takes off any dry
ends and refreshes the flowers so they can drink freely. Also, remove
excess leaves on the flowers (usually around 50 per cent) so they don’t
overtake the colour and cloud the water.
THE ART OF ARRANGING
Add stems one by one, equally dispersing the different blooms and
greenery. Don’t over think it. You want it to look effortless. Add extra
greenery around the outside to frame the burst of colour.
UPKEEP
Most arrangements will last more than a week. Use the plant food
included in your bouquet as it extends the life of your flowers by two
to three days. Also, change the water every three days for additional
freshness and longevity. OH
•
•
•
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SOLAR GRID TIE SYSTEMS
WIND GRID TIE SYSTEMS
SOLAR POOL HEATING
PROPANE APPLIANCES
•
•
•
•
SOLAR HOT WATER
AERATION WINDMILLS
COMPOSTING TOILETS
EMERGENCY BACK UP SYSTEMS
Sales
• Installation • Service
Fully Licensed Electrical Contractor
Please drop by our showroom at:
715 2nd Avenue East • Owen Sound
Tues - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm
Collingwood: 705.446.9981
•
[email protected]
Owen Sound: 519.370.2525
www.sunvoltssolar.com
1.800.558.7939