#passive house designs alberta

[archstudio-ca]

Defining a passive homes designs in Alberta

It is to be noted that passive homes are beginning to really make their mark within the real estate industry. More and more individuals are beginning to see the long term advantages of building a new home from these environmentally friendly designs.

The basic definition of passive housing- The basic definition of a passive house is something that provides its own ventilation system. Throughout this particular write up, we are going to narrate further about passive housing designs. We would relate why they are pertinent in our society today and how they can positively affect our environment.

They have proper ventilation system- As said earlier passive homes designs in Alberta are able to provide own ventilation system through larger windows. The bricks used to build passive homes have air cavities within them and this would help them to regulate particular temperatures within the house. As it becomes too cold or too hot outside, these bricks would help to regulate the temperature within the house. This unique brick offers an amazing advantage to home owners today.

Never before have we been able to live in a comfortable temperature within our homes without having to rely on some sort of electrical or fuel forced appliances. What it does is, it would allow you to save a great amount of money. The money is being spent not only for running these traditional appliances but also the installation and long term maintenance.

How solar energy can help- Solar energy is also harnessed in order to make passive homes designs in Alberta as efficient as possible. It is to be noted that before a passive home is built, the desired location and coordination are very closely considered. The designers will place several large windows at the south facing side of the home. It is done so that the windows are capable of absorbing as much warmth for the sun as possible.

The other advantages that you are about to avail- The rest of the rooms in the house and the entire layout of the home have been selected and are properly placed in order to reap the advantages from this free heat as well. In order to keep this passive form of energy, in the house passive home needs to build correctly. With excessive amount of insulation it makes sure that the enery is not lost through the walls.

As mentioned above most passive homes have gone without traditional furnaces and heating units and this can be a problem in some areas. In order to solve this particular problem in a passive manner people have selected traditional wood burning stoves.

It would heat the home during this time of the year. They have installed solar panels on their home to generate the energy to heat the home or turned to ground source heat pumps. As we take the time to consider our options it is clear that there are quite a few options. They can provide the same results with less impact on the environment.

[yegarts]

Yorath House Artist Residency Blog Post 8: Family and Home

Words by Adriana A. Davies, February 2022 Artworks by Marlena Wyman February 2022 Artists-in-Residence at Yorath House (Photographs as credited)

It is time to write the final blog post, No. 8, which focuses on family. It’s hard to believe that our two-month residency is up. It’s been an amazing experience and has resulted in a surge of creativity for Marlena and myself.

Yorath House ca 1980s. Yorath family collection.

Yorath House was a family home for 43 years and was a passive observer of all the joys, hopes and sufferings of the people who lived there. To understand this, I’ve done a lot of research on key family members. This started with revisiting the work on Christopher James Yorath, Dennis’ father that I did for his entry in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, which I began in 2013. The family entrusted me with biographical accounts, correspondence, a memoir, newspaper clippings, speeches and other materials about C. J. but also touching on other family members.

Among these treasures was a small watercolour sketch of Yorath House done by a member of the team at Rule Wynn and Rule. Little did I know at the time that my attention would be focused on the house and that I would be a “resident” there for two months in 2022 (at least during the day). It seemed natural for me, therefore, to spend part of the residency focusing on the Yorath-Wilkin families and their experiences. This spun off naturally from one of the goals of our residency, which was to examine the relationship between space and place, and also time and the river.

Architectural drawing of Yorath House by Rule, Wynn & Rule, 1949. Yorath family collection

In this respect, the experiences of the families are both unique and universal. Historic structures are not just about the design and building materials but rather about these and also the occupants who lived or worked there. The range of human experience, I believe, somehow leaves a residue in the walls and natural landscapes. I know that this is a fanciful and, to some, an absurd notion but, humour me, visual artists and writers get to play with this kind of stuff! I think that I can be both rational and fanciful as I move between non-fiction and creative non-fiction. I propose to tell some family stories in both prose and poetry, and show that human beings turn space into place.

The Yoraths: Father and Son

C. J. (Christopher James) and D. K. (Dennis Kestell) Yorath, father and son, were skilled businessmen and “community builders.” They were part of the industrialization and urbanization of the City of Edmonton and Province of Alberta in the twentieth century. C. J. was born in 1870 in Cardiff, Wales, the son of William Yorath and Sarah Hopkins. In 1904, he married Emily Kestell.i The couple had two sons, Dennis and Eric, and a daughter, Joyce. From 1895 to 1898, he studied civil engineering at Cardiff College (later part of the University of Wales). When he completed his studies, he obtained work with the City of Cardiff and learned a great deal on the job about issues such as drainage, street-railway electrification, road and bridge building, and artificial gas delivery. In 1909, he moved to London and did some lecturing at the Westminster Technical Institute and, more significantly, worked for the firm of Sir Alexander Richardson Binnie on a massive drainage project in the city. At that time, many ambitious young men looked to the colonies to further their careers. In 1912, he became aware of a major urban planning project: Canberra had been designated the capital of Australia. He submitted an application to develop the master plan; he was unsuccessful and then turned his eyes to Canada.

C. J. Yorath, Who’s Who in Canada, volume 16, 1922, page 748.

In 1913, C. J. submitted an application to an international competition to become city commissioner and treasurer for the City of Saskatoon and won. He may have learned of the competition from his brother Arthur, who had homesteaded near Oyen, a town in east-central Alberta, near the Saskatchewan border and north of Medicine Hat beginning in 1911.i C. J. was charged with preventing the City from declaring bankruptcy – the state of many Canadian municipalities at that time as a result of the worldwide recession and a dramatic fall in the value of land and property, and huge decline in the property tax base. On April 23, Yorath sailed from Southampton, England, on the Olympic (a sister ship of the Titanic) with wife, Emily, and their two sons Dennis and Eric. They arrived in New York on the 30th and reached Saskatoon early the following month. 

C. J. brought not only engineering and project management expertise to his job but also a vision about the proper layout and development of urban areas. In a 1913 article that he wrote for Western Municipal News, he approvingly quotes Aristotle’s definition of a city as a “place where men live a common life for a noble end”; stresses that municipalities should be purposefully planned; and laments that too often “cities have grown up in a haphazard manner, and many a beautiful spot turned into an ugly accumulation of bricks and mortar.” Emphasizing natural beauty and artistic symmetry, Yorath allied himself with the Garden City movement, describing the ideal municipality as “beautiful, well planted and finely laid out, known and characterized by the charm and amenities which it can offer to those who seek a residence or dwelling removed from the turmoil, stress and discomforts of a manufacturing district.” He not only got the City out of debt, he also left them with a “Preliminary plan of greater Saskatoon,” which made tangible his vision of a city with plentiful green space and, among other innovations, a ring road around its outskirts. While it was shelved for lack of funding, as was the case in many municipalities across the country at the time, it was a legacy.

In 1921, he accepted a higher-paying job in Edmonton and, on March 23, the Edmonton Journal, welcomed him to the city and noted, “There are no airs of the autocrat or supposed superman about him.” He had a very large mandate: he was commissioner of public works and utilities and joint commissioner of finance, in effect, Edmonton’s city commissioner. C. J. found that the municipal debt was higher than that of most western cities and, during his three years in Edmonton, succeeded in putting the city in a stronger financial position. While more than a third of Edmonton’s debt was tied to its waterworks, electrical powerhouse, street railway, and telephone system, under his tenure all of these services were financially self-sufficient and provided additional tax revenue. Newspaper articles reveal that he was a popular speaker and visited other municipalities; a favourite topic was “public ownership vs. private control.” He was a strong believer in the latter.

Edmonton City Council minutes during C. J.’s term frequently deal with discussions about the provision of gas to residential and business customers. In 1909, Eugene Coste, who worked for the Geological Survey of Canada, made a major gas discovery in the Bow Island area near Calgary. He established Canadian Western Natural Gas in 1911 and built a pipeline to Calgary. In 1924, C. J. joined the company and, in 1925, became President and managing director of Canadian Western Natural Gas, Light, Heat and Power Company, which supplied not only Calgary and Lethbridge but also towns in between.i By 1927, Northwestern Utilities and Canadian Western had become subsidiaries of the International Utilities Corporation, an American holding company, and by 1930, Yorath was president and managing director of several other Canadian subsidiaries. 

In June of that year, he arranged the sale of all these firms to the Dominion Gas and Electric Company, an American subsidiary. After this massive deal (the Calgary Albertan estimated its value at $30 million or $505,056,287 Cdn today) was completed, C. J. remained in charge. He was at the peak of his career when he died as a result of a heart condition on April 2, 1932. Family members believe that it was the stress of his work that precipitated his health issues. His obituary in the Albertan encompassed nearly an entire page and outlined his business successes, as well as his community service, noting: “But the heavy burden of business cares did not curtail Mr. Yorath’s interest in sport and community life. He was a prominent member of the Kiwanis Club and a keen golfer, having been a member of Calgary Golf and Country Club for many years.” He was also a member of the Masonic Order, as were most members of the British establishment, and was interested “in conservation of the gas supply.” The article notes: “He had just returned from Edmonton, where discussions regarding conservation measures took place, when he was stricken with the illness which proved fatal.”i The work that he set in motion would result in the establishment of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Conservation Board in 1938 (later the Alberta Energy Conservation Board). 

C. J. was part of Calgary’s business elite and the family’s home at 1213 Prospect Avenue in the Mount Royal district was an enormous brick and wood Craftsman-style home with some Tudor elements built in 1912. The district was initially nicknamed “American Hill” because of the number of wealthy Americans who lived there (this was pegged at about one-third). Some were initially drawn by the ranching opportunities and others by the coming in of the Turner Valley oil field in 1914. The formal photograph of the house in the bottom lower right corner shows the gas fittings in the home to demonstrate the importance of the fuel in a modern residence. The house was similar to the one built by Eugene Coste for his own residence, in 1913, which had 28 rooms and was located at 2208 Amherst Street in Mount Royal. As the district name suggests, the subdivision was built on an escarpment that provided expansive views of the new city. Like Old Glenora in Edmonton, there was a covenant that directed that only homes of a certain (high) value be built there. C. J.’s granddaughters remember the extensive grounds that surrounded it including gardens and flowerbeds and also allowed horses to be kept on the property.

C. J. Yorath residence, Calgary, Alberta, ca. 1930. C.J. was President and Managing Director of the Calgary Gas Company. A sketch of the plumbing and heating system appears in the lower right-hand corner. Photographer: W. J. Oliver. Glenbow Archives, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary, PB-946-8.

Dennis Kestell Yorath was born in London, England in 1905 and was educated in London, Saskatoon and perhaps Edmonton. His father’s wealth allowed him, as a young man, to enjoy the benefits of being part of Calgary’s elite and he learned to fly a plane and play polo. A number of young Canadian men had learned to fly during the First World War, among them Calgary’s Captain Fred McCall and Edmonton’s Wilfrid “Wop” May. They were pioneers who helped to set up flying clubs in their communities. Dennis knew both of them and was a charter member of the Calgary Flying Club, which was established in 1927, and obtained a pilot’s license in 1929.i He was also an expert horseman and played polo; in fact, according to his daughters, he played in a game with the Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, when he visited Calgary in the 1920s. According to newspaper accounts, he played for the Calgary Blues Polo Team among whose members was J. B. Cross. His father, A. E. Cross, was a rancher and co-founder of the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Brewing and Malting Company, and Calgary Petroleum Products (1912). J. B. and Dennis would follow in their father’s footsteps. The pages of the family’s photo albums include pictures demonstrating these pursuits.

Dennis Yorath painting by Marlena Wyman – image transfer and oil stick on Mylar. (Photos from Yorath family collection ca 1930).

With respect to his career, Dennis started work with the Imperial Bank of Canada in Edmonton where he worked for two years and, then, following his Father to Calgary began work, at the age of 19, for Northwestern Utilities and, in 1925, for Canadian Western Natural Gas. His father’s early death at the age of 52 catapulted him into a leadership position in the companies. In 1933, he married Bette Wilkin, whose father, among his various real estate and insurance interests, was also a co-founder and shareholder of the North West Brewing Company. According to family history, the Wilkin and Yorath families knew each other when C. J. and wife Emily lived in Edmonton, and that Dennis dated Bette’s older sister Jean until she found the man she was to marry. Dennis then turned his attention to Bette. After their society wedding, the couple went on an extended honeymoon to China and Japan, and brought back some lovely antiques including a Chinese chest, Japanese screen and brass inlaid tray table and two stools. They moved into a cottage on the grounds of C. J.’s home in Mount Royal. In 1940, Dennis left his jobs to serve his country becoming director of pilot training for southern Alberta, based at the No. 5 Elementary Flight Training School near Lethbridge as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.i In 1941, the School relocated to High River. Bette and their two daughters, Gillian (born 1936) and Jocelyn (born 1938) remained in Calgary. Just as his father’s career had been impacted by an oil and gas boom, so would Dennis’ career. The coming in of the Leduc and Redwater fields, in 1947 and 1948, triggered massive development, and prosperity for not only Edmonton but also the entire Province of Alberta. In 1949, Dennis was transferred to Edmonton to become general manager of Northwestern Utilities and, in 1956, became president of both Northwestern and Canadian Western Natural Gas. He served as chair of both from 1962 to 1969. From 1957 to 1973, he served as Director of the International Utilities Corporation and, from 1973 to 1981, as vice chair of International Utilities Corporation. On March 2, 1971, the New York Times noted: “TORONTO, March 1 (Canadian Press) – The International Utilities Corporation reported yesterday that its 1970 net income rose to $33,475,000 [worth $242, 562, 610 Cdn in 2022], or $2.42 a share, from $33,070,000, or $2.61 a share, a year ago. The Toronto-based conglomerate, which has administrative offices in Philadelphia, reports its financial results in United States currency.”i

Dennis Yorath headed the Canadian Western Natural Gas Company when it celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. A commemorative book titled Half a Century of Service: 1912 – 1962: Canadian Western Natural Gas Company included photos of its presidents on page 3.

On their move to Edmonton, Dennis and Bette chose to build a “signature” house in the Modern Style designed by Rule Wynn and Rule, just as his parents had chosen a Craftsman-Style House in Calgary. Dennis died on May 8, 1981 as a result of early onset Alzheimers’ Disease. In 1985, Bette had her nephew, architect Richard Wilkin, design and see to the renovations required to create a rental suite on the second-storey of her home to avoid living alone. In 1992, the city bought the 11-acre Yorath property for $900,000 to consolidate public ownership of river frontage in Buena Vista Park. The fieldstone memorial at the river’s edge of the property commemorates not only Dennis and Bette but also her parents, William and Hilda Wilkin, who had given them the land.

Wilkin-Yorath family cairn on the grounds of Yorath House. Yorath family collection.

During his lifetime, Dennis received many honours and was an active volunteer in both professional associations and community organizations. For his war-time service, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire by the British government in 1946. From 1947 to 1949, he served as the president of the Royal Canadian Flying Clubs Association, and, in 1949, was awarded the McKee Trans-Canada Trophy for his contributions to aviation. From 1947 to 1955, he was Director of the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) and served as Vice President in 1951, and, President, in 1953. From 1955 to 1957, he was a director of the American Gas Association. In 1951, he received a life membership in the Edmonton Flying Club and, in 1973, was inducted into the Alberta Aviation Hall of Fame. In 1955, he was president of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and, in 1962, headed the United Community Fund of Greater Edmonton. From 1966 to 1972, he served on the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and was involved with the Friends of the University of Alberta Botanical Gardens; the University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in 1974. Dennis was active with the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, the Community Chest Air Cadet League of Canada, Boy Scouts Association and the Salvation Army. He was a supporter of the Edmonton Klondike Days Association and, in 1966, as part of the Sourdough Raft Race, six boats raced from the dock below Yorath House down the North Saskatchewan River. He was a member of the Committee that helped to decide on the design of the Canadian flag. He died on May 8, 1981 in Edmonton.

Mothers and Daughters

The women of the Wilkin and Yorath families lived in a time when they were defined by what their husbands did, and were expected to be excellent wives, mothers and hostesses. This was certainly true for Hilda Wilkin, Emily Yorath and Bette Yorath. Their husbands worked hard and the families were part of the upper middle class elite of people of Eastern-Canadian, British or American origin who dominated the development of Edmonton and other communities not only in Alberta but also the rest of Canada. Their doings can be found in the pages of the Edmonton Bulletin, Edmonton Journal, Calgary Albertan and Calgary Herald. Their attendance at events at the Legislature, church fetes and meetings of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire, St. John’s Ambulance and other patriotic societies always referenced them as “Mrs.” or “Miss.” Their first names were rarely mentioned, if at all. They are invisible except in the many pictures in family albums.

William Lewis Wilkin in military uniform, 218th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, ca. 1916. Photo courtesy of Richard Wilkin.

William Lewis Wilkin arrived in Edmonton in 1892 on an adventure and began to make good working at retail, real estate and insurance brokerage. He returned to England in 1904 to marry a childhood friend, Hilda Richardson Carter, and brought her back to the relative wilds of Fort Saskatchewan where he operated a store and served on the town council. Their first child, a son, also called William, was born in 1905, and their fortune improved with the increase in numbers of their family. As property ventures began to dominate William’s business life, he and Hilda decided to move to Edmonton from Fort Saskatchewan. They auctioned their furniture so that they could have a fresh start and also went to England for a holiday with children Bill and Jean. This was not a “steerage voyage” and he writes in his memoir: “The trip over was as far as I remember very nice but not startling. On the boat Bill & Jean (about 4 & 2) shared our nice fairly large cabin at night & had meals & play room in the nursery which was well equipped with everything including a competent nurse.”

Hilda Wilkin (née Richardson Carter) and son W. V. (Bill). Yorath family collection.

Their Edmonton home was located on the corner of 123 Street and 103 Avenue and was a three-storey Craftsman-style home with a wrap-around porch. It was across the street from Robertson Presbyterian Church (Robertson-Wesley United Church today), which was built in 1913, and kitty-corner from the Buena Vista Apartments. Children Margaret Elizabeth (Bette) (born 1912), Robert (born 1914) and Richard (born 1919) completed the family. Their comfortable family home was known for excellent hospitality and, according to grandson, Richard Wilkin, almost every evening his grandparents were “at home” for visits from family and friends. This continued in their new home at Connaught Drive in Old Glenora, which was built around 1945. Both Hilda and William lived to the age of 97 and welcomed grandchildren into their home and even hosted sleep-overs. Their homes were tastefully decorated with English antiques and they adhered to the formalities and civilities of British life with teas and formal Sunday dinners.

Emily “Marnie” Yorath (née Kestell) pictured in formal dress for a wedding or other society event. Yorath family collection.

Emily Kestell Yorath was the perfect hostess for her husband, a leader of the business community, and presided at events in Calgary at their Mount Royal home. The Yorath children – Dennis, Eric and Joyce – all married well and had children. The Yorath children called their grandmother “Marnie.” There was always something to do both inside and outside the grand home. There were extensive gardens as well as games such as tennis and lawn bowling as well as horseback riding. The Yorath children and their spouses took part in not only family events but also other more official entertainments. After her husband’s death, Emily remained in Calgary where her daughter Joyce Yorath Williams and son Eric resided. Eric was vice president of Carlile and McCarthy Ltd., a firm of stockbrokers. Emily died in 1958.

Dennis and Bette Yorath wedding photo taken in the garden of the Wilkin home in Edmonton in 1933. Photographer: McDermid Studio. Glenbow Archives, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary, ND-3-6389a.

It could be said that Bette Wilkin “married up” but she was undaunted when she moved with Dennis to a modest home, referred to as a “cottage” on the grounds of the Mount Royal property. She had attended a private girl’s school in Vancouver for a time, according to her daughters, and was a superb equestrienne. The wedding photo of her in her parents’ garden in Edmonton shows a beautiful, self-assured and serene young woman. She was prepared to be the perfect wife, mother and hostess. Since Dennis’ father was dead, the oldest son and wife became the principal supports for his widow; and, since Dennis was in the same business, he continued his high-level social interactions with civic and provincial leaders, as well as the business community. Bette tended extensive gardens and bred peonies, rode daily and also raced thoroughbreds in “Powder Puff” Derbies in Calgary.

Bette Yorath (née Wilkin) painting by Marlena Wyman – image transfer and oil stick on Mylar. (Photos from Yorath family collection ca 1930).

Bette supported Dennis in all of his activities including the war-time work with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. She and her young daughters visited him in Lethbridge and High River where he was based. According to daughters, Gillian Brubaker (née Yorath) and Elizabeth Yorath-Welsh, the couple responded to the call from the Canadian government to help refugees and also befriended some Japanese Canadians interned and re-located to the sugar beet farming areas around Taber and Brooks. The move to Edmonton in 1949 was difficult but Bette took it in stride and with Dennis planned their new home working with architects Rule Wynn and Rule. The joy of the new home was extinguished when daughter Jocelyn died of leukemia in 1950. Sorrow was followed by joy with the birth of Elizabeth Jane. Life in Yorath House was a continuous round of socializing both with family and friends, and business associates and community leaders. 

Bette’s taste was evident in the home’s furnishing which were a blend of antiques and contemporary furniture animated by purchases made on their honeymoon trip to China and Japan as well as other international travels. These included an inlaid brass tray coffee table and matching stools, a Chinese chest and Japanese screen. Bette also collected Japanese prints. The symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease ended Dennis’ career but Bette supported him to the end. Four years’ after his death, she decided that she did not want to live alone and commissioned her nephew, architect Richard Wilkin, to design a self-contained suite to be created on the second-storey of her home. She died in 1991, the year before the City purchased her home.

Family Voices

In my work in community and social history, I’ve found that oral histories and correspondence, memoirs and other documents are an invaluable tool. The first-hand account is both exciting and revealing, and makes history come alive. Besides archival and other primary sources, I had the pleasure of talking with Yorath daughters Gillian and Elizabeth and nephew Richard Wilkin. I will let them speak in their own voices whether through transcripts of interviews or reminiscences.

Interview with Gillian Yorath Brubaker Adriana A. Davies and Marlena Wyman Zoom Conversation, Sunday, 3 pm Edmonton time and 1 pm Alaska time, January 30, 2022

After my parents’ marriage in Edmonton in 1933, they settled in Calgary where he worked. The family home, a “cottage” on the grounds of my grandparents’ large house, was situated near the Sarcee Reserve [Mount Royal] in Calgary. My father was an excellent rider from an early age and played polo including with Prince Edward on his visits to Calgary. One of his polo ponies, Cheetah, was brought up to Edmonton when the house in Buena Vista was built in 1949, in addition to our mother’s horse, Lady Patricia. We had more horses and donkeys in Calgary, but not all were moved up to Edmonton. Both my parents excelled at riding and my mother as a young woman had ridden as a jockey in “Powder Puff” derbies in Calgary and won! She had attended a private school in Vancouver for two years when in her teens. It was Crofton House School.i We rode almost daily and my sister Jocelyn was an excellent rider.

I believe that the Calgary cottage was built around 1920 and my parents bought it and moved in after their honeymoon in China and Japan. My grandparents lived in the “Big House” next door. My grandfather died in 1932 and my father followed in his footsteps working in the gas business in Calgary and later Edmonton (International Utilities). 

My father was a skilled aviator who learned to fly in his early twenties. He would fly a Tiger Moth aircraft to our home in Calgary. He was a friend of First World War flying ace Wilfrid “Wop” May. From 1939 to 1945, my father lived in Lethbridge as head of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. He was very concerned about the air crews that he helped train and grieved at the loss of lives. He was away from the family and this was hard for me, my mother and Jocelyn, who was 14-months younger than me. 

The nearby community of Taber was a centre of the sugar beet industry and was chosen as a location to intern Japanese from British Columbia, who were designated enemy aliens in the Second World War.i Our parents befriended two Japanese young women, Tammy and Ruby, from the internment camp. My parents also signed on to sponsor displaced persons: the Government of Canada was advertising for host families. They arranged for Eine Kranz from Riga, Latvia to come to Canada and my father located her fiancé Henry in a European internment camp and arranged for their wedding when they arrived. In Calgary, we had a huge garden and the Kranzs worked for us. 

In Calgary, I attended St. Hilda’s School, which was a boarding school, and had to wear a uniform.i In 1949, when Father became the head of Northwestern Utilities, we moved to Edmonton and lived with my grandparents until our house was built. We moved in in the fall of 1949. Leaving Calgary was hard – I felt that I was losing all of my friends. I went to Glenora School in Edmonton at 135th Street and 102 Avenue (Stony Plain Road).i Jocelyn and I wore uniforms on the first day of school and we stuck out like sore thumbs. Jocelyn held my hand tightly and shivered. In the 1944 photograph of myself and Jocelyn with our cousin Rick Wilkin, we are wearing our school uniforms and Rick was wearing a robe. The photo was taken at the Wilkin summer place at Kapasiwin Beach on Lake Wabamun.

Wilkin and Yorath Cousins painting by Marlena Wyman – image transfer and acrylic paints on Mylar. (Photos from Yorath family collection ca 1944).

My mother loved the move to Edmonton since she was born and raised there and had family and friends there. It was a “huge move” with not only furniture but also horses and a pony being transported up. The current Yorath House parking lot was a pasture at the time and the Yorath horses as well as some belonging to our neighbours grazed there. There was a shed for the horses. Near the house was also a gravel pit and the Legroulx family lived nearby. There were three or four houses at the top of the hill. The Tellingtons also lived nearby, along the river. 

Our house was built on about 14 acres of land and there was a mink farm owned by Esther Fisk nearby. It was 14 miles away from the City and located in wilderness. The house had many flower beds and also fruit trees around it. In Calgary, we also had large gardens including one devoted to peonies, which my mother bred and entered in competitions, some of which she won. She transplanted some of the peonies from Calgary into the Yorath House flower beds. The lawn and gardens sloped down on the land behind the house toward the river, and a large vegetable garden was planted on the side of the house where the garage is. 

My parents had lots and lots of parties. Many had lost loved ones in the Second World War and just wanted to enjoy themselves. Cocktail parties took place all the time not only in our own house but also the Bill Wilkin residence [Richard’s family] at 16 St. George’s Crescent. 

I remember breaking down when my sister Jocelyn died in 1950 and the first five years in the house I was in a daze. I remember that my parents were away and Jocelyn and I were staying with our Wilkin grandparents and sleeping in the same bed when Jocelyn woke me up and told me that she was not feeling well. I turned the light on and found the bed sheets covered in blood. Jocelyn had had a massive nose bleed. I called our grandparents and they took Jocelyn to hospital where she was diagnosed with leukemia. This was in September and she died in October [Provincial Archives death records show date as Oct 21, 1950]. I made a vow at that time to study radiology and go into nursing. 

I attended Westglen High School [now an elementary school] at 10950 – 127 Street as did my cousin Richard Wilkin.i Initially I biked to school but eventually my parents bought me a blue Renault car, which I drove to the edge of the City, and parked on Stony Plain Road and 136 Street and walked the rest of the way. I remember that once while driving through the gravel pit near our house in my Renault, I nearly tipped it over. Baby Elizabeth was inside. We had a maid called Ilse who helped look after Elizabeth. 

When I finished High School in 1954, I attended the University of Alberta and as a student worked for Dr. Bill Armstrong, who was a friend of the family. His specialty was ear, nose and throat. Around 1957, when I finished university, I went for a year of travel and work in Europe. I lived in London, England, and Linz, Austria. I remember climbing the Matterhorn and meeting my future husband John Brubaker on the climb. I climbed the West Ridge and he and a friend climbed the East Ridge. We then met in a bar. John was at Yale as an undergrad and attended law school in Charlottesville, Virginia.

In Linz, I worked in a Lutheran Church refugee camp that helped refugee boys who had been active in the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. They were kicked out of Hungary or maybe just left. I worked as a general “dog’s body” in the camp and was similar in age to the boys. Some of the boys went to Canada and established themselves. I returned to Canada but no-one seemed to be interested in my experiences other than mother and father. 

John and I got married on December 28, 1959. The day was beautiful but cold and the well froze which meant that the inside toilets could not be flushed. Portable toilets were set up on the grounds. John and I flew to Calgary that night and then on to Washington, DC. There was a storm the next day and I heard that some of the guests from away stayed for three or four days adding to my parents’ worries. 

John and I moved to Virginia and, then, in 1962, to Juneau, Alaska, and lived there until 1964 when we moved to Anchorage and we’ve been there ever since. I never went back to medicine and worked in a number of fields. John and I had two children, Heather and Michael. 

I remember coming back to Edmonton for a visit in 1978 for the party that my parents hosted for Prince Philip. My son Michael was set to open the car door when the Prince arrived but the Prince opened it himself and said, “Beat you.” My parents knew a number of Royals. 

With respect to the sale of our house, I remember that the City had “right of refusal.” I was shocked to see that the renovated house was so open and white on the ground floor. The downstairs was more closed in with “swing doors” into the dining room. There was also a door into the kitchen opposite the freezers on the wall. The dining room walls were pale blue and the floors throughout were teak.

Elizabeth Yorath-Welsh Reminiscences: Part 1: Life at Yorath House

My parents moved up to Edmonton after World War 2 so my father could head up Northwestern Utilities. They built this house in 1949. The land was purchased from a farmer named Stephenson. The architects were Rule, Wynn and Rule.

I was born in 1951. My very early childhood of course is vague, but we did have maids until I was 2. Then there was a lady named Mrs. Bowman who looked after me when Mum & Dad would go away. 

As a child I have very fond memories of growing up in the River Valley area now known as Buena Vista. There were quite a number of people living in that area along the river or overlooking the valley. Buena Vista road didn't exist back then, so we used 81st Ave down the hill to 131st St. to get to our house, and it was all dirt/gravel road – awful after a heavy rain! 

I remember Old Tom & his horse drawn wagon would come and cut the fields for the hay. He lived up above the zoo before it was built. Also, the milk was delivered by a horse wagon!

By age 2 I was getting to know how to get around rather quickly. Having the "run" of the river valley was not a bad life! There were other farms & small homes throughout the Valley, & the people were all wonderful. There was a chicken & turkey farm right across our field to the north owned by the Bates family. Both Sue & John Bates babysat me. Near them was my best friend, Heather Washburn & her brother, Rod. I would visit the Bates’ first, then carry on in time to watch Heather's Mum braid her long red hair. Then we were off and running. This is all at ages 3, 4, & 5. The Washburns moved away when I was 6. I lost my dear friend to Vancouver! 

At the area where Buena Vista Park begins, where the public washrooms now are, is where the Legroulx family lived. Larry & Jean & their 2 boys Claude & Marcel. Larry worked for my Dad both at Northwestern Utilities, & as a gardener & fix (nearly everything) man! Jean also helped out with a lot of the parties. 

There were several mink farms around. One was owned by the Blaylocks on what is now 81 Ave at the bottom of the hill. That road used to go straight through until about 1970 when the city built the berm. Chris Blaylock was also a babysitter, & I played with his sister Lynne. Further up that 1st hill and to the right were several families, the Neimans. Kim was my age, & his sister Noanie also babysat me. The Shaws, who owned Shaw plumbing, had 4 boys & a girl. Actually one of the boys lives in the last house on Buena Vista beside the top end of the Zoo, Alan Shaw. 

Laurier Heights School opened in 1958. By then a bunch of young families had moved into the Valley. 

A wonderful couple lived across the field in a house that was beside the little hill that goes down to the parking for people going for walks. Esther & Ted Fisk & Ted’s brother, John. They had a few mink for a while, but then got rid of them to grow raspberries. Esther became our housekeeper & was a Nanny to me. A wonderful woman who taught me a lot! I would often have lunch at their house & tea after school. I will never forget going canvassing with her when I was about 5 or 6, & one of the houses we stopped at was Al Oeming’s. There in his back yard was this magnificent creature!! His Cheetah! Well . . . although a bit scared at first, I fell in love with Cheetahs! 

I learned to ride with Betty Tellington who lived with her Mum & brother across from the big field where the dogs play in the off leash area. That used to be a horse field & riding ring. Betty had some great horses & I loved riding. We had some fun gymkhanas in the ring! I was not bad at the barrel racing! Betty was yet another babysitter as well. And her mother was my grade 6 teacher. There were several other small houses past the Tellingtons, and a large house at the end where the bridge to Hawrelak Park is now. I don't remember much about them though. 

In 1958 they were building Buena Vista Road to accommodate the opening of the Storyland Valley Zoo in 1959. Rather daunting to see those huge earth movers rumble down the road! But that changed things considerably. It soon became the new way to get to our house. And Laurier Park was built . . . which took care of the family of Métis that lived in the “woods” 1/2 way into the Park with their team of huskies tied up outside their shack. 

Another shocker, there was a couple in the very early 50s until about 1956, who lived in the River Bank in a cave. I would not have believed it if I had not been in it! It was near where the Métis lived. I think Dad helped them out. It actually looked kinda cozy.

Before 1958 there were very few houses even up to where the IGA is now [not the IGA at 91 Avenue and 142 Street but another store that no longer exists near Laurier Heights School]. It used to be a Loblaws. And across from it was also small houses, shacks & farms. We bought our chicken eggs from a family who lived in a shack there. And, yes, shacks were common housing back then. I also remember our milk being delivered by a horse driven cart. We had well water until I was 9. Dad quickly got rid of it after my sister's wedding in December 1959. The well froze the night before the wedding. A shock to wake up to. 150 guests coming to the reception & no water. Luckily, December 28th 1959 was a warm day. We were able to be outside around the fireplace. The caterers had to bring water in. The hairdresser had to come at 7 AM & bring hot water to wash Jill's hair. She looked fabulous despite it all & it was a day to remember.

Across from where the Washburns & Bates had lived, a family from Holland moved in with their then 6 children. The Matthezings. A very good family. My father helped them over the 1st few years with getting city water, gas heating, & a proper fridge as I recall. The girls & I quickly became playmates. Liddy & I had a “club house” kind of a hole in the woods which is still there today.

Things began to change in the 60s & certainly in the '70s a lot of these places got bought up by the City Parks Dept. It has now become the Buena Vista off leash area we all know today. Thank God we hung on to this beautiful house my parents built, and it was declared a Historical Site so the public can now enjoy it today!

Reminiscence Part 2: Mum, Marnie & Granny

Marnie was my Dad's mother. I remember her as being a lovely, warm, caring lady! She would come up to stay with us at least once a year, and shared my room. I also remember going to see her when we went to Calgary. Occasionally we stayed at her house & I always went in to see her in the mornings! Unfortunately she died when I was 5. She was staying with us when I got that spanking when Heather Washburn & I were caught playing by the river. She was very consoling, but also clear that Heather & I had made a wrong choice, that playing by the river could be dangerous. (So as you see, though Mum may have said something once, I learned the hard way that playing by the river was not a good plan).

Granny & Grandpose [Wilkin grandparents] were my favorites! I spent many weekends at their house on Connaught Dr. And the family often met there for drinks after work. Sunday dinners were also frequent. They were very patient with me, especially given I made a fort out of 2 card tables right in the middle of their living room! But I always helped out and cleaned up when asked. One big tradition was after Christmas Dinner we children were allowed to walk down the center of the dining table! Another Christmas Tradition was them coming out to our house to be there to open presents. I was not allowed to see the tree until they got there! Grandpose was gruff in a very amusing way . . . always teasing us. Granny would sometimes admonish him by saying "Tod, you're scaring the poor child!" Later as I got older I learned a lot from Granny, especially cooking. I loved to bake with her & after finishing school it became apparent I was good at it & was sent to Cordon Bleu in London. Granny lived to be 97, and was always very spry. She would love to tell everyone "I'm 97 you know!" She was an amazing dressmaker & knitter. She made most of my Barbie doll clothes. Imagine the fidgetiness of that.

Mum was a wonderful & very gracious woman. She was very clear when I was a child what my chores were . . . setting the table for dinner, cleaning up, helping guests with things . . . get this get that. "Jane will get it". . . "Jane will do it." We loved to go "hacking" in the woods and cut branches out of the way . . . and look for wild onions. (I have to see if I can find those again this spring.) Parties were certainly plentiful & friends would pop down on weekends for a drink in the garden. I loved my parents’ friends. I usually helped Mum cook the dinners, and also did a lot of the flower arrangements. A wonderful bunch of people.

I would attend most of the dinner parties, often helping out the caterers in the kitchen as well. Then of course there were the wonderful Pre Derby parties held the night before the Canadian Derby in mid-August. Dad was head of the racing commission, so the parties were pretty grand events! We always had a marquee set up as there were often showers or even thunderstorms! And in 1976 there was the party for all the Heads of State for the Commonwealth Games. Prince Phillip made an appearance there as well. Dinner even with just the 3 of us was always in the dining room. Properly served & with wine . . . which I started drinking at a young age. My godfather gave me a wee wine glass at the age of 8!

Mum loved the outdoors, so we walked, x-country skied, downhill skied & rode horses. She also played tennis. We went up to Sunshine Village to ski every year when I was a young kid. I learned to ski there when I was 8 . . . and was a very fast skier! She always loved a good afternoon of going for a walk then having a cup of tea by the fire. We also loved to garden, and had a huge vegetable garden and flower gardens. Dad always grew daffodils & tulips in his greenhouse for spring . . . and the living room was a sea of color when they were in bloom!

When I was in my 20's and proved my riding skills, Mum & I would go ride horses belonging to a good friend . . . ex race horses. We would ride down in the fields below the Edmonton Country Club . . . often encountering coyotes. We always had Mum's dog, a Great Pyrenees & my Labrador. Naturally, there was always quite the interaction . . . Pyrenees – 1; Coyotes - 0! But it was always amusing!

She also loved fishing, & I would sometimes join her & her friend on trips down around Caroline to Nordegg. They fly fished & I used a casting rod with a worm . . . I caught the bigger fish! Always delightful fun.

Apropros your writings on Keillor Rd [Yorath Art Residency, Blog Post 2], I had a couple of friends over for dinner one night back in the '70s, & Dad was home as well . . . Mum was away. As we ate our dinner we watched a couple up on a small clearing just off Keillor Rd set up a card table with a nice tablecloth, candelabra and silverware. The lady then served her gentleman friend a nice dinner! So lovely!

I miss those days! So many delightful friends, and always something interesting going on!

Interview with Richard Wilkin Adriana A. Davies and Marlena Wyman Wednesday, 2 pm, January 19, 2022, Yorath House, Edmonton

I was born in 1938, the son of William Wilkin [1905-1986], the first child of William Lewis (Tod) Wilkin [1875-1972]. I remember that my grandfather was a questionable driver, who handled his car as he would a team of horses and buggy. He was very strong minded; my grandmother Hilda was a “brick of a woman.” She was a childhood friend of Tod’s, and he returned to England to marry her [circa 1904]. Their other children were: Jean (Jefferey) [born 1907], Margaret Elizabeth (Yorath) [born 1912], Robert [1915] and Richard [1920], who died in the Second World War.

Sometime before 1905 the Wilkin family moved into a big house on the corner of 123 Street and 103 Avenue with a detached garage/stable/servants’ quarters. The main house was a three-storey single family home. Around 1946, they built a new house at 10314 Connaught Drive in Old Glenora.

My parents Bill Wilkin and Katherine Frances Tyner married in 1928. They lived in the apartment over his parents’ stable when they were first married. My parents built a house at 16 St. George’s Crescent also in Old Glenora ca. 1948. This is where I grew up. The house was sold to Cam Sydie years after my parents’ deaths. The Sydie family (owners of Fabric Care Cleaners in Edmonton) were close friends of the Wilkins’ ever since the 1920s.

My father and Uncle Robert were with W. L. Wilkin Ltd until the 1970s. William L. Wilkin and Co. acquired the Buena Vista land along the River Valley – not only the 12 acres of what became the Yorath property but also a similar amount to the East. My father planned to build a house on the adjoining 12 acre property but changes in bylaws in 1950 enabled the City to expropriate land from private land owners in order to extend the parks system in the River Valley. I don’t know the financial details of the acquisition of the Yorath property. Certainly, as head of Northwestern Utilities, Dennis would have had adequate compensation for the move to Edmonton from Calgary.

I remember a number of small houses along the road in front of the Yorath House, maybe five or six. One of the houses was the residence of the Yorath’s maid/friend, who along with her husband were caretakers of the property. According to my cousin Elizabeth Yorath-Welsh, this was Jeanne and Larry Legroulx.i The area was rural and the neighbours raised small livestock. Bette and Dennis kept several polo ponies on their property at that time. Dennis had been a keen polo player in Calgary in earlier years.

The Wilkin building in downtown Edmonton was sold around 1969-1970 and my grandfather got rid of his insurance and bond business. My father and Uncle Bob retained the real estate component and had offices on the ground floor of the Buena Vista Building. My father’s career was always connected to his own father’s, including the North West Brewing Company (later Bohemian Maid), of which he was president at one point. The building was located below Saskatchewan Drive and above Walterdale Hill; it has been for many years the City of Edmonton Artifacts Centre.

The Yoraths and the Wilkin families were friends with many of the business leaders in Edmonton during the 1950s through the 1980s. These included such names as Munson, Milner, Macdonnell, de la Bruyère, and Mactaggart.

I remember numerous dinner parties with family, friends and business colleagues. I remember Gillian’s Christmas wedding in December 1959 to John Brubaker, a young lawyer from Philadelphia. I was a groomsman. The wedding was at Christ Church Anglican on a Saturday; the septic tank failed [Gillian and Elizabeth say it was the well], and they had to bring in portable toilets placed in the field at the back of the house, two for men and two for women. I remember the well-dressed guests having to go out through the snow to use the facilities. Gillian and I were and are close friends.

As the head of Northwestern Utilities, my Uncle Dennis had many social commitments and had a public presence. I remember that, for a Klondike Days Breakfast, my Aunt Bette wore a beautiful lace dress from ca. 1910-11 that belonged to her mother Hilda Wilkin. In 1985, my Aunt Bette, who was living alone after her husband’s death, came to me as nephew/architect to create the separate apartment on the second storey of the house. The tenant was a friend of Bette’s, John Layton, and his partner. I remember the City, over the years, pressuring Dennis to sell the house for parkland; a deal was worked out that allowed them to live there so long as they chose. I remember that my grandparents were extremely sociable well into their 90s. They hosted a drop-in/cocktail hour almost every evening. They did this until their deaths in their late 90s.

Tour of the house:

The architects were Rule Wynn and Rule – who were the most prominent in town, and had the largest practice during the 1940s and 1950s. John Rule did the design for the Yorath house. I subsequently worked for RWR one summer when I was studying architecture. I attended the University of Washington from 1957, where I studied architecture.

The house was built on a floodplain, thus it had no basement. Instead, it had a dugout area under part of the house that was filled with rock for drainage in case of flooding. A few years after it was built, the river did flood and the water came up almost to the level of the main floor of the house. There were no utilities when it was built because City infrastructure did not reach that far out of the city at that time. There was a well for water and oil tank for heating and cooking. The house did however have power. On my return from Italy in 1968, I lived with my ex-wife, Karen, in the House for several months while Dennis and Bette were travelling.

The house was not as open as City renovations have made it today. A hallway ran the length of the main floor from the living room to the kitchen where the posts are located today. The living room’s wood-burning fieldstone fireplace wall continued with a partition between it and the dining room. The sunken living room was entered through an open doorway directly across from the main staircase to the 2nd floor. The walls were stained mahogany and there was a floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcase on the right of the door (along where the current accessibility ramp is located). The dining room was located next to the living room and it also was closed in with a door or case opening from the corridor. Next to it was the kitchen which was also enclosed. There were windows and a Dutch door out to the garden on the end (south-east) wall. Kitchen cupboards were located on both sides and there was a sitting area and table at the north-east end. A stove and fridge were located on the north wall. The freezer cabinets were located in the corridor, in the same spot as they are presently. Across the corridor was the ironing/service room, plus the main furnace/utility room.

The large master bedroom was located at the south-west end of the second floor. The bedroom area was where the fireplace is (the fireplace was natural gas). The bed was located on the west wall where there are no windows. A large dressing room and master bath were located at north-west end of the room. The door leading to the hallway was located on the short south-west wall around the corner from where the present doors are located. The present doors were originally a wall. The full-length balcony is original to the house. The present-day washroom was part of Elizabeth’s bedroom and the original bathroom was between Elizabeth’s and Gillian’s bedrooms. Gillian’s bedroom was at the far south-east end. Across the corridor from the girls’ bedrooms was the recreation room.

The house was renovated to include an apartment on the second floor after Dennis’ death. Bette retained the master suite and 2 bedrooms, and the rest was converted into a self-contained apartment; stairs led to it from near the garage.

A Maid or Nanny’s Tale Based on a telephone interview with Ilse Ella Messmer (born Hanewald) Adriana A. Davies, January 29, 2022

Around 2011, Ilse at the prompting of her children began to write a memoir; she had taken a writing class at the Lion’s Seniors Centre in Edmonton. Included in the memoir is an account of her work as a maid/nanny for Dennis and Bette Yorath for five-and-a-half months in 1953. I asked for permission to quote from her account in a Yorath House Residency blog post and she agreed. She was delighted to be interviewed.

Ilse Hanewald was born on a small farm owned by her parents that was 20 kilometres North of Dresden. They witnessed the bombing of Dresden by the Allies but fortunately were outside of the range. Her brother Karl was a soldier in the German Army and was injured and, after convalescing, decided to immigrate to Canada because he “didn’t want to become a Soviet coulee” in East Germany. He left around 1951 and worked, first, on a farm near Winnipeg; next in the Town of Kerrobert, Saskatchewan; and, finally, in Slave Lake at the air base as a cement finisher. Ilse, who had studied at an agricultural college for a term and started work in the office of a collective farm. Not happy with the work, she decided to begin a nurse’s course at the Görlitz Hospital in the town of the same name in East Germany near the Polish border. She hadn’t finished her course when her brother sponsored her in 1953. She boarded ship on January 31 and left from the Port of Bremerhaven. She had fled to West Berlin via East Berlin and was helped by some friends of her parents who lived in the English Zone. On board ship, she felt alone – she says “I felt that I had burned all my bridges.” She frequently cried herself to sleep.

The Yorath period of her life was “like a dream.” Coming from East Germany, it was a huge change. She sent parcels home with coffee and cocoa for her family; she also sent chocolate; she preferred not to eat it herself but rather send it to her family. She had arrived with two small suitcases. The “match” between her and the Yoraths was made by immigration officials in Edmonton, who arranged for a meeting at Immigration Hall. Ilse could not speak English but she felt that Mrs. Yorath had a “kind face” and agreed to work for them. She says of the Yorath House, “For me it was a good place to come to; I hold it dear in my heart.” She arrived in February 16 or 17, 1953 and felt that the house was away from everything. She had Thursday afternoons off and Mrs. Yorath would drop her off downtown but she had to make her own way back. Every second weekend she had off. She worked for the Yoraths for just under six months and left so that she could study English and better her circumstances. After completing English and bookkeeping courses, she was able to find work in a bank and later married.

Ilse’s Memoir Excerpt 1: Arrival

Karl arranged for a friend to give them a ride to the Yorath House but they got lost around 142 Street and 87 Avenue and had to telephone Mrs. Yorath. She told them to wait there that she would come and pick them up.

She arrived with baby in car seat, we left Karl’s friend behind, and she would bring Karl back to the city after I was settled in their home. Driving we had been very close, one more hump and a bend we would have seen across the snow-covered meadow the stately Yorath house, as we did now. First thing on arriving we were greeted by two friendly black Labradors. All the while the Baby about fifteen months old eyed us intently, as her mom peeled off her baby-blue woolen coat and leggings to put her in her crib to sleep upstairs. Mrs. Yorath showed us through the rest of the house and then ferried Karl back to town, as I took to my littler room across the kitchen, unpacking to stay.

My situation seemed to me more than adequate and I would handle what was before me, however very difficult would be learning to understand let alone speak this eccentric “Weltsprache” so far much confounding me. Later that day I became introduced to Mr. Yorath and their teen-age daughter Gillian, each as we met extending their hand in a formal gesture of Welcome to Canada. Mrs. Yorath explained to me that my day starts mornings at seven, I set the alarm clock in my room. Also there 3 were uniforms folded in one drawer for me to wear, for which I was grateful, since my wardrobe was quite limited. Near the front entrance was a cloak room with washbasin, mirror, and beside a private toilet for my use.

Next morning perkily dressed in my uniform and on time I entered the kitchen to meet Mrs. Yorath, who was beset by two hungry dogs, their feeding time. Bindy, the smaller and calmer was the mother to Skippy, her lively male offspring about three years old and were very friendly family pets. Their beds were in the garage, a connecting door with a swing flap gave them entry into the house. Also to the north-west end of the house was the furnace room and the place for the dog’s food bowls, we filled them with water and dry dog food. Next in the kitchen we prepared an electric coffee percolator, taking it through a swing door into the formal dining room, it was placed on a side board, plugged in an outlet.

Here we set the table for two with place mats and simple blue earthenware dishes, stainless steel flatware, complimented by washable napkins. Toast was made in the kitchen, in a warmed silver dish with glass inset and cover brought to the table, as well apple juice in small glasses. Mr. Yorath wearing a business suit came downstairs and the couple sat down for breakfast.

Into the kitchen walked Jill, greeting me with “Good Morning” Ilse, setting the kitchen table for two, making toast, all the while chatting and showing me about, inviting me to join her at the table and encouraging me to choose from cornflakes with milk, toast and jam with peanut butter. Jill went off with her father who took her to Victoria Composite High School [actually Westglen High School] before starting his work day as General Manager at Northwestern Utilities, their office on 104 Street south of Jasper Avenue. Mrs. Yorath attended to the Baby bringing her to the kitchen where she sat her in the seat of a low play table to be fed breakfast, a fine milled product of grains from a box called “Pablum,” mixed with warm milk. For now I sat with them, smiling and listening while Baby regarded me with her curious eyes, until the dogs showed up and broke the spell, between them was great mutual fondness. Jane was a lovely contented fifteen-month-old, bright, responsive and playful, early on I thought her a little boy, what with the blue woolen winter outfit and daily she wore little overalls and Dr. Denton’s pyjamas for the night, none of these items were pink, also the name “Jane” did not strike me then as feminine.

Several times a week I washed diapers, and folded returned them to her room, when I spotted little dresses in her closet I did wonder. Soon then Mr. and Mrs. Yorath with Jill had to go out for the evening and would I mind giving the Baby her bath and put her to bed, yes, with pleasure I smiled, and found Jane to be a little girl after all. Yet another snowfall in March, a bright sunny day followed and Mrs. Yorath packed Jane with a blanket into a sleigh, inviting me to come along for this pleasant outing in a lovely winter scene, accompanied by our playful dogs.

Ilse’s Memoir Excerpt 2: Kitchen, Living and Dining Room

Yorath Kitchen painting by Marlena Wyman – image transfer and oil stick on Mylar. (Photos from Yorath family collection ca 1980s).

The nerve center of any house after all resides in the kitchen, the layout of this one was practical and modern with plenty of smartly arranged cupboards and counter space, incorporating necessary electrical appliances. A screen door opened to outside next to a large picture window and bench seating area around a dining table. As a divider a counter attached to the inside wall reaching into the middle accommodating a double sink, as well a dishwasher cum cloths washing machine, for washing cloths the wire rack was removable. For washing dishes I found it more fanciful than useful, the dishes had to be dried still and those it could not accommodate washed in the sink, Mrs. Yorath nodded in agreement and henceforth all dishes were washed in the sink. Mrs. Yorath prepared the meals, I was eager learning new ways, with Imperial Cheddar she made a tasty cheese sauce for home-grown broccoli, out of a freezer compartment located across the hallway from this kitchen. The only telephone was in the kitchen, mounted on the wall beside the swing door to the dining room and conversations were brief, nowhere to sit.

Furniture in the dining room consisted of a long trestle table, a corresponding side board and both built of a heavy wood, almost black and polished to a shine, ten or twelve high back ladder chairs of ebony wood with seats of woven hemp material. On the side board placed against the wall to the kitchen sat a silver tray with silver tea set, two covered silver serving dishes with removable insets of tempered glass and daily in use, as well a spot for the electric coffee percolator. Above hung a large picture of an English Hunting Party, and before it on the floor lay a fair size thick red rug having a large motive of a tiger woven in. On the inside wall a counter with cupboards and drawers from floor to ceiling held table ware and linen, all for entertaining guests. The outside wall has tall windows, on the end a door to a patio and outside fire place, the dividing wall covered by field stone as it is backing the fire place in the living room, and opposite a door leaving the dining room into the hallway, at this point extending into a foyer.

The front entrance is at the south end of the house, it opens into a small ante room with the next door opening into the foyer, to the left is a cloak room, and also the beautifully crafted wooden staircase starts winding its way up, a lovely chest of drawers holding mittens and such with mirror sits conveniently to the side. From the foyer facing east taking two steps down enter a spacious living room with its warm and friendly atmosphere, focal point on the inside wall is a large fire place, width and height set with rustic field stone and meeting the outer wall which has a row of tall windows with a door mid-ways. The southern wall as well has several tall windows, and heavy lined drapes could be pulled over all windows for privacy at night. The back wall above the wainscot paneling is fitted with shelves that are laden with a library of books of every description, awesome and intimidating since I could not even read their spines, as I did my task of dusting I opened one or another rather dumfounded.

Next to the shelves was yet a cabinet with record player and collection of records, such as Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, Rhapsody in Blue, and Glen Miller Music, contemporaries of that time. Where the wainscoting and the bookshelves end is a divider of wooden struts with a flowerbox meeting the steps, across the steps meeting with the fire place runs also a flowerbox, all with healthy thriving plants, philodendrons and amaryllis in bloom, and the dark wood paneling behind is painted with an iconic mural large as life, Eastern in origin. No space was left for other pictures, and none needed, the large windows providing scenic pictures with their seasonal changes.

Ilse’s Memoir Excerpt 3: A Party

I was barely familiar with the household when Mrs. Yorath announced, there will be a party held coming Saturday night with about sixty guests. I smiled not comprehending, party in that sense was not yet a concept for me. I knew party to be a political animal. She took me along for grocery shopping to a Safeway on Stony Plain Road and 124 Street, I pushed the cart with little Jane sitting up front and Mrs. Yorath picking items from a list, with a lot of Greens for salads. On Saturday morning we took out from the buffet in the dining room stacks of plates, many sets of cutlery and tea cups, arranging all in an attractive order, serving dishes to the kitchen later to be filled. Next to my little room was yet another small storage room where a bar tender would be installed and Mr. Yorath busied himself setting the place up for that use.

Mid-afternoon boxes of food had arrived, as well one very efficient lady caterer who was Olga, giving me an appraising look how useful might I be not speaking English? I had put on a clean uniform and a little white apron tied around the waist, and next I was washing salad greens, instructed to cut the celery stalks paper-thin, Olga repeating a few times until she saw I did get it. Meanwhile Bartender George had come bringing his own glass ware, ensconced in the bar room and ready to serve drinks to early guests. Huge roasts of beef had been delivered still warm and were kept inside the oven, serving dishes were filled in the kitchen and placed on the long dining table.

Finally Mr. Yorath carried the first roast on a cutting board from the kitchen through the swing door to the far end of the table, and as the host proceeded carving and serving the assembled and honored guests, who were by the sound of it in jolly good humor and ready for a feast. Nor was the kitchen staff forgotten, there came for us a generous portion of sliced beef to fill our plates. Olga replenished the serving dishes, on the side table were laid out a great selection of fine tartlets and pastries, and she began brewing coffee and tea. My job was washing dishes as they arrived back in the kitchen while the evening progressed, George serving drinks, the glasses were his responsibility, but the ash trays had become filled and with an empty coffee can Olga sent me among the guests to take away the ashes with an “excuse me” and a smile.

Shyly I observed the noisy crowd, well dressed and polite they were, little groups sitting together or standing in the foyer in lively conversation and laughter, some went up the stairway to find the table-tennis, and some were playing records and singing along, in the foyer dancing to the familiar tunes to them. By eleven o’clock Mrs. Yorath dismissed Olga and when leaving she gave me praise and some advice, that I should buy some “Mum” deodorant on my next afternoon off, available at any drug store. After midnight and the last guests had left, Mrs. Yorath came to tell me that we “call it a night,” she praised my extra work done with kind words and a five dollar bill. As for me I had enjoyed the hectic bustle, and facing the clean-up next morning I considered the five dollar bill it had earned me, adding to the fifty dollar monthly wage, not to forget the lovely food that was left to enjoy.

Ilse’s Memoir Excerpt 4: The Garden and Neighbourhood

The snow melt had uncovered a large patch of brown earth that lay north of the house bordering the garage drive way. It might have been near half an acre in size and when the dark lumps had well dried, a farmer came with a team of horses to cultivate it for the growing season ahead. Attached to the house and garage was a greenhouse glassed in to start seedlings, and below ground accessible by trap door and ladder was a space for cold storage of root vegetables and one crock of sauerkraut. Our potatoes were grown on that little field together with the cabbages, and the broccoli stored in the freezer compartments in the hallway. In front of the house facing the river a grassy area became visible, soon turning green and growing, as a lawn kept short with a push mower by a young lad who was hired for the job. The edge of this plateau was planted with beautiful peonies, with a couple of steps divided and  the gentle slope terraced, planted with some familiar and hardy perennials, sweet Williams, clumps of daisies and lilies. From here a sort of path led straight to the river’s edge.

When first I saw the river from afar I had illusions of summer time swimming, now standing up close they went with the swift and swirling flow of the brackish water, making eddies near the shore without a sandbank in sight. The back of the house facing west, and from my window across the gravel road I had the view of a large meadow growing into hay. One bright Sunday morning with the meadow lush in bloom, did I see from the corner of my eye a little creature standing quite erect above the grass, looking for it gone it was, yet to pop up again not far away, was there more than one? I asked Mrs. Yorath what I had seen, laughing at my description she said “Gophers,” Ilse, they live here and as well they are a nuisance to farmers.

The flat terrain of the valley seemed spacious with farm fields as far north one could see. Thickets of bush with spruce interspersed grew along the river bank. On some fine evenings I went for walks around the area and did find places of interest, a large name plate reading “Lasha Morningstar,” was attached to a wide gate across a gravel driveway leading to a rustic looking bungalow, a fenced in property. This lady was an Edmonton Journal Staff Writer, as I discovered a few years later reading an article by her, headed “Lasha’s Garden.” Following the road north I came upon a mink ranch unknowing it was that. In a stand of high crowned spruce between the trees were numerous wooden boxes sitting elevated off the ground, a shed nearby and a garden plot with a very adequate house, all within rustic fencing. Someone was about the place and gave me a nod with the question was I looking for an address. The name Yorath in my answer was well understood, and in his friendly way the man invited me to see his not so friendly pets in the boxes, very shy, hissing and snarling, they were fed fish caught in the river nearby. In the garden grew tall raspberry canes, the berries soon to ripen for the market in the city. On the western side across the fields where the terrain rises was an Indian Camp with Teepees erected, if I was curious by this sight I did not venture near. I took the path along the river southwest and found it very lonesome under dark spruce, even the dogs turned back when at first they had accompanied me. From there due west lay an expansive gravel pit, if not scenic here something was underway. Very few years later the Valley Zoo was built on that site.

Poems About Family – Adriana A. Davies

Memories The empty room in which I sit and write Once echoed with the sounds of children’s laughter. But the new home was first marked by a great sorrow – The year the family moved in, The second daughter, aged twelve, died of leukemia.

Life went on and family stories Provide me with details Of the hopes and dreams Of a family that called this place home.

Built on a river bank terrace, This very modern house Replaced a fieldstone hearth – The remnant of a log cabin. The homestead records noted with pride The presence of “many head of cattle and horses.” The architects echoed the fireplace with a modern equivalent Spanning almost an entire wall And emerging outside as an outdoor oven and grill, The site of summer gatherings.

The Buena Vista (beautiful view) subdivision Was envisioned as early as 1911 But an economic downturn ended The Riverview Land Company’s ambitious plans. It remained for almost a century A ramshackle collection of farms, shacks and outbuildings That housed an assortment of people Some of whom were Métis.

As the City affirmed its new-found oil wealth In the fifties, families came down From the neighbourhoods of Crestwood and Parkview To buy eggs, milk and strawberries. It was not a recreational area for dog walkers, families or rowing enthusiasts As it is today.

The youngest daughter and her friends played at river bottom Until their mothers discovered their guilty pleasure And spanked them To ensure that they never did it again.

The river was unpredictable and dangerous – An untamed beast That could take lives and sweep away human habitations and businesses. Everyone knew the stories of the “big flood” of 1915 That nearly destroyed the thriving community in the Rossdale Flats.

Situated on a high bank and fronted by a meadow The house is built on a flood plain So it had no basement Only a deep hole filled with rocks on top of which a cement pad was laid.

But the River flooded And the water came up the steep banks Right to the back of the house, As if taunting the inhabitants. In olden times, rivers were beings who affirmed their dominion.

The house stood proud – Half-way between the past, and modernity. When it was built, There were no city utilities there So water came from a well And an oil tank Provided heat. Its design turned its back on the past and embraced the future.

These are just a few of the stories That made this house, a home.

Home I have dwelt in many places, Using favourite objects to make them seem familiar, And like home. But a true home is more than a comfortable space. It is a place that you can see, When you close your eyes, Many years later, And walk from room to room, Greeting familiar chairs, paintings and other remembered objects. But, above all, feeling the comfort of a life lived, Within those sheltering walls. Births, anniversaries, deaths— Events painful and joyful— All adding up to the sum total of our lives. Sometimes it is only by leaving, That you can, finally, come home.

Fine China I hold in my hand a fragile China cup, Its ivory shell almost translucent. In a distant time, A craftsman embellished it by hand – Dark blue swirls around the rim, Tiny red flowers traced out below. And then, all outlined in gold.

Inside, it has a small bouquet of red flowers, Visible when the cup is tilted to drink. Such a fragile survivor of another age, Beauty and function allied in it, And the appreciation of these qualities, Links me with other women who owned it, And willed its survival— An object associated with domestic ritual, Continuity and grace.

Drinking tea out of such a cup, Makes the daily ritual, into a ceremony.

Special Places I know that they are out there to be discovered, But they have no reality until I have seen them With my own eyes, And created a personal catalogue of images, To be filed away in my mind’s eye, For later classification, and reflection.

They are not photographs, Rather, three-dimensional images allowing one to walk into them, Like Alice-through-the-looking-glass. I can feel the waterfall’s spray on my cheek, And the thermals beneath the hawk’s wings, As it soars above my head.

The brightest and best, Stored away for future illumination. Places of the heart, To be preserved at all cost, Not only for my private enjoyment, But also for the enrichment of future generations.

That is why we need the eyes of artists, To isolate and frame, To separate from the ordinary and mundane So that even those who are untouched by Earth’s beauty, Can see that we are not just consumers, But stewards of this wonder for all time.

Every region has its beauties, To be discovered— Landscapes that together make up the visual map Of this country we inhabit but do not own.

Hearth and Home Some words guard their meaning closely, Having to be studied And broken into their elements, In order to discern their origin from foreign tongues. One letter only distinguishes between heart – The Old English heorte, The seat of feeling – And hearth, the place where a fire is laid, And by extension, home. A juxtaposition of a place, With an action that creates warmth, And the feelings evoked thereby.

In most homes today, heat is produced by machines. We have gained convenience, But lost the understanding of what making fire involves, And with it the virtues of laying the fire, So that it burns well, Keeping the hearth clean to sustain future fires, And the circle of conviviality, The gathering power of fire since time immemorial. Is it any wonder that people move more easily Having no connection to the place, Where their ancestors had their being, The connectedness to hearth and home, broken.

________________________________________________________

i I am drawing on the entry on C. J. Yorath that I wrote for the Dictionary of Canadian Biography which will likely be posted online in late 2022.

i An article in the Oyen News on September 19, 1917 noted: “Word has reached Commissioner Yorath of Saskatoon that his brother, Arthur, was admitted to a British Hospital during the latter part of August suffering from the effects of gas. Private Yorath is well known in Oyen and district having farmed here since 1911.” Arthur had joined the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in 1915.

i Canadian Western Natural Gas Company, Half a Century of Service: 1912 – 1962: Canadian Western Natural Gas Company (Calgary, AB: Canadian Western Natural Gas Company, 1962), URL: http://peel.library.ualberta.ca/search/?index=peelbib&search=follow&pageNumber=1&authordisplay=%22Canadian+Western+Natural+Gas+Company%22&sort=score, retrieved February 26, 2022. See also, Turner Valley Gas Plant,” in Alberta’s Energy Resources Heritage website, URL: http://history.alberta.ca/energyheritage/turner-valley-gas-plant/default.aspx, retrieved February 25, 2022. I researched and wrote the content for this component of the website.

i Anon., “Gained Prominence as Engineer and Financier in West,” in The Calgary Albertan, April 4, 1932.

i Dennis Kestell Yorath entry when he was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame, URL: https://cahf.ca/dennis-kestell-yorath/, retrieved February 26, 2022.

i See BCATP Station High River, URL: https://www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/bcatp/bcatp-station-high-river/, retrieved February 26, 2022.

i Anon., International Utilities Corp., New York Times, March 2, 1971, URL: https://www.nytimes.com/1971/03/02/archives/international-utilities-corp.html, retrieved February 25, 2022.

i The Wikipedia entry notes: “Crofton House School was founded in 1898 by educational pioneers, the Gordon sisters, Jessie Fisher Gordon LL.D. and Mary Elizabeth Gordon. The school was founded in the Gordons' family home on Georgia Street, Vancouver, with just four girls. Three years later, in 1901, the school moved to the corner of Jervis and Nelson in the West End.” URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crofton_House_School#:~:text=Crofton%20House%20School%20was%20founded%20in%201898%20by,of%20Jervis%20and%20Nelson%20in%20the%20West%20End, retrieved February 3, 2022.

i Over 3,000 men, women and children of Japanese ancestry lived in work camps in southern Alberta.

i The St. Hilda’s School for Girls (now Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School) website notes: “The development of St. Hilda’s School began in 1889 under the direction of Bishop Pinkham. It was the only Protestant Girls' School in the Territories and one of the first private schools in Calgary. In 1905, St. Hilda’s College, as it was then known, opened its doors with 20 day students and 20 boarders, all girls. For 44 years the school building occupied most of the block at 8th Street and 12th Avenue, in Calgary. The School followed the English example of training young women in fine arts and higher education under the direction of Caroline Gerrie-Smith of Toronto.” URL: https://www.strathconatweedsmuir.com/explore/history-of-sts/st-hildas-school-for-girls/, retrieved February 3, 2022.

i The Edmonton Historical Board entry notes: “Glenora School was built in 1940 using the Tudor style in an effort to have it blend in to its residential surroundings. The 1940 Glenora School replaced an earlier school built in 1918 that had become overcrowded. The original school still stands on the north west corner of Stony Plain Road and 128 Street [now demolished]. The current Tudor inspired school, reminiscent of an English country garden, was designed by John Rule of Rule, Wynn and Rule. It features the peaked roofs, half-timbering of roughly hewn lumber, and a stucco and brick exterior typical of this style in Edmonton. According to a report by G. A. McKee, Superintendent of Schools, the style was chosen to fit in with the residential development occurring in Glenora at that time, which included many Tudor revival homes. This design decision resulted in the only Tudor Revival school ever built in Edmonton.” URL: https://www.edmontonsarchitecturalheritage.ca/index.cfm/structures/glenora-school/, retrieved February 3, 2022.

i The entry in Edmonton Maps Heritage notes that the school was designed by Rule Wynn and Rule and built in 1940. It notes further: “Westglen School is an excellent example of the Modern Style of architecture and is typified by the balanced weaving of vertical and horizontal compositions, the use of clean horizontal lines, flat roofs, stucco cladding, horizontal emphasis in the window design and continuous perimeter horizontal stucco bands with additional ‘speed lines’ at the corners and articulated v-shaped stucco-clad buttresses ‘supporting’ the gymnasium.” URL: https://www.edmontonmapsheritage.ca/location/westglen-school-1940/, retrieved February 3, 2022.

i A genealogy of the LeGroulx family posted on the web notes: “Larry married Marie Jeanne LaPointe on June 26, 1946 in Alexandria ON. They had a son William Claude LeGroulx in 1949; in 1951 Larry & Jeanne moved to Alberta and made their home in Edmonton. In 1956 they had a second son named Marcel LeGroulx.” Of Jeanne, they note: “When she wasn't busy taking care of her home, Jeanne enjoyed reading, baking and creating beautiful needlepoint and knitting projects. She was well known for her caring, giving spirit, and never failed to be there for her family and friends. Jeanne was the heart of her family and an inspiration to all who knew her.” URL: https://mfn.ca/Legroulx/Legroulx1920.html, retrieved March 3, 2022.

[architectnews]

Canadian Houses: New Residences in Canada

Canadian Houses, Residences in Canada, Property Photos, Buildings, Architect, Real Estate Designs

Canadian Houses : Residences

Key Contemporary Residential Architecture Developments in Canada, North America

post updated 3 October 2021

Houses in Canada

We’ve selected what we feel are the key examples of Canadian Houses. We aim to include buildings that are either of top quality or interesting, or ideally both.

We cover completed buildings, new building designs, architectural exhibitions and architecture competitions across Canada. The focus is on contemporary Canadian residences but information on traditional buildings is also welcome.

Canada Architecture Design – chronological list

We have 1 page of Canadian residential architecture selections with links to hundreds of individual project pages.

New Canadian Houses

Contemporary Canadian Residences – latest additions to this page, arranged chronologically:

21 Sep 2021 Forest Glamp, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Nova Scotia Design: Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes photography : Adrien Williams + Maxime Brouillet Forest Glamp, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

16 Sep 2021 Out(side)In House, Scarborough Bluffs, Ontario Architecture: Atelier RZLBD photograph : Borzu Talaie Out(side)In House in Ontario As nature seeps through a crack of a stone, or as from a wound of one’s heart blooms a new, unforeseen joy and peace, a nameless empty room becomes a sanctuary, a small universe, whereone’s soul can truly rest. Located near Scarborough Bluffs, the panoramic horizon of Lake Ontario, Out(side)In House offers a void that leads the inhabitants to see the inner horizon, suggesting life inits deeper meaning.

Sep 17, 2021 Kennebec Lakehouse, Arden, Ontario Design: Zerafa Studio Llc. photo : Tom Arban Kennebec Lakehouse in Ontario Kennebec Lakehouse is a year-round vacation home located on Kennebec Lake, a finger-lake in Arden Ontario. The 2.8 acre site is defined by its dramatic topography, sloping down from the roadway to Kennebec Lake from south to north.

Aug 5, 2021 Saltbox Passive House, Bromont, Québec Design: Atelier L’Abri photo : Raphaël Thibodeau Saltbox Passive House, Bromont The Saltbox Passive House is a primary residence designed for a family of four and built on the southern flank of Mont Gale in Bromont, in the Eastern Townships. The 3,100 sq. ft. single-family home, built on three levels, sits in a meadow at the edge of a wooded, protected area on a 2.5-acre lot.

23 Jul 2021 The Monocular, Chester Basin, Nova Scotia Design: RHAD Architects photo : Julian Parkinson Monocular House, Chester Basin The Monocular was designed to choreograph one’s experience of the dramatic waterfront site. Thus, it was treated as a Monocular, framing the view of the Basin beyond.

22 Jun 2021 Lake of Bays Cottage, Lambton Shores, Ontario Architecture: Altius Architecture photograph : Greg Van Riel Photography Lake of Bays Cottage, Muskoka, Ontario A longtime client of Altius, the owners of this residence started looking for a cottage home in 2007. After four years exploring Ontario cottage country, they purchased Lake of Bays Cottage from a colleague but immediately began to doubt their decision. However, this doubt quickly melted away after they had spent their first summer there.

8 Apr 2021 Black Point Residence, Black Point, Halifax, Nova Scotia Design: Peter Braithwaite Studio photograph : Yurii Suhov Black Point Residence, Halifax, Nova Scotia This expansive Black Point Residence was designed for a retired couple looking for a summer home where their extended family could all gather and spend time together. Located in the harsh climate of the Northumberland Strait in Black Point, Nova Scotia, the architectural design pushes the limit of maritime vernacular seaside fishing and boat sheds.

1 Apr 2021 Kahshe Lake Cottage, The Muskoka Region, Ontario Architects: Solares Architecture photograph : Nanne Springer Kahshe Lake Cottage, Muskoka Region The story of Kahshe Lake Cottage started in 1987, when architect Tom Knezic’s parents bought the water-access property and built a small bunkie as a temporary shelter. Their goal was to then design and build their dream family cottage. When the 1989 recession hit, their plans went on hold.

Mar 29, 2021 MTR Residence, Mont-Tremblant Design: Alain Carle Architect photograph : Félix Michaud MTR Residence, Mont-Tremblant Québec Located on Lac Tremblant, one of Québec’s most highly esteemed lakes, the site presented features as spectacular as they were restrictive. Very steep terrain and high rock cliffs allowed few options for implementation or traffic on the site. A very large flat rock cap on the edge of the lake was chosen as “level 0” and allowed creation of the MTR Residence project’s anchoring identity.

4 Apr, 2021 Elm House, Tupper School District, Halifax, Nova Scotia Design: Peter Braithwaite Studio photo : Julian Parkinson Elm House, Halifax Home, Nova Scotia This house displayed great potential for the young family who had recently purchased the property. Over the decades, this residence had been the subject of a number of poorly executed renovations.

14 Apr 2021 Sandy Cove House, Digby, southwestern Nova Scotia Design: Habit Studio with houdinidesign Architects photo : Bridget Havercroft Sandy Cove House in Nova Scotia Sandy Cove House is a large two-storey timber frame house that reflects the form and layout of a traditional Nova Scotia barn. The client, who was inhabiting only the second floor, wanted to transform the main level from a garage and utility room into valuable living space.

13 Mar 2021 Smith Bay House, Prince Edward County, Southern Ontario Design: Solares Architecture photo : Nanne Springer Smith Bay House, Prince Edward County Smith Bay House, located on a flat stretch of land just a stone’s throw from the water, is an embodiment of serenity and style. A young Toronto family dreamed of a new sustainable home in the countryside, and Smith Bay House delivers that getaway.

Yakisugi House, Calgary, Alberta Architects: Alloy Homes Incorporated photo : Joel Klassen Yakisugi House, Calgary Property A phenomenal custom home whose every angle is designed to frame beautiful views to the downtown skyline. A 20′ grade difference between the street and back alley led to some unique architectural solutions including a detached garage with tunnel and green roof.

4 Feb 2021 Gouldburn Modern, Ottawa Design: Shean Architects photo : Younes Bounhar – Doublespace Photography Gouldburn Modern House, Ottawa The Gouldburn Modern displays a harmony between new and old, where an addition at both the front and the rear offer a creative way to emphasize the connection of traditional form and modern materiality. The interior of the home was renovated utilizing a clean and pure palette to brighten the home.

12 Jan 2021 Fold House, Southern Ontario Architect: PARTISANS photograph : PARTISANS Fold House, Hamilton, Ontario Fold House is a residential property in Hamilton, Ontario that “folds” into the contours of a hillside through its undulating wood and steel structure. The two-story residence is concealed through the land’s topography with the pool pavilion nestled into the lower part of the hill and features an eighty foot long by ten foot tall sliding glass facade that provides sweeping views from a burrowed vantage point.

More New Canadian Homes online soon

New Canadian Homes 2020

16 Dec 2020 Lambton Farmhouse, Lambton Shores, Ontario Architecture: Shean Architects photograph : Chris Berg Lambton Farmhouse, Ontario Lambton Farmhouse is located in the fields of Southern Ontario, sits a modern farmhouse. The form takes influence from the gradual slopes that the surrounding landscape forms. Tiered levels offer optimal views of the exterior, where large windows are placed to allow for natural light to enter many sides of each space within.

8 Dec 2020 Le Littoral, La Malbaie, Québec Design: Architecture49 photo : Stéphane Brügger Le Littoral Residence, La Malbaie A couple passionate about gastronomy and great lovers of Charlevoix dreamed of designing a contemporary residence in this exceptional natural setting. This was to both enjoy a pied-à-terre in the region, but also to create a high-end tourist home where families, friends, or colleagues could gather.

26 Nov, 2020 Maison Koya, Saint-Sauveur Design: Alain Carle Architecte photo : Raphael Thibodeau Maison Koya, Saint-Sauveur The Maison Koya site is part of a real estate development on the approaches to the town of Saint-Sauveur in the Laurentians. This area is in Montréal’s second ring of outlying communities, where the occupants have chosen to settle to combine a lifestyle in a natural setting (in the mountains) with the conveniences of a small regional town.

18 Nov 2020 Double Header House , Victoria, British Columbia Design: D’Arcy Jones Architects photo © Sama Jim Canzian Double Header House, Victoria, BC Double Header House was designed to be both open and private, while bold and modest. This single building has two units. Designed for three generations to live side-by-side, the units are separated by interlocking private courtyards, a common stair and air-locks.

17 Nov 2020 Forest House I, Bolton-Est, Eastern Townships, QC Design: Natalie Dionne Architecture photo : Raphaël Thibodeau Forest House I, Eastern Townships Forest House I is the latest work by Montréal-based studio, Natalie Dionne Architecture. The firm has earned widespread praise over the years for its contextual approach, its creativity, and its attention to detail. Forest House I adds to a rich portfolio of original, residential homes, equal parts urban and rural.

26 Oct 2020 Blackwood Studio, Hinchinbrooke

20 Oct 2020 Cowley Avenue House, Ottawa

8 Oct 2020 Wendover House, Ottawa

31 Jul 2020 Chester Cottage in Nova Scotia

14 Jul 2020 Portland Residence in Mont-Royal, Québec

4 Jun 2020 Lake Huron Summer House, Ontario Architects: Saota photograph : Adam Letch Lake Huron Summer House in Ontario This summer house is set on the banks of Lake Huron in a small, remote Canadian town about an hour’s drive from London, Ontario.

14 May 2020 Abacus House on Bras d’Or Lake, Nova Scotia

4 May 2020 103, Land House in Meaford, Ontario

24 Apr 2020 La Frangine Residence Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury

22 Apr 2020 Lakeside Cabin in Lac-Brome, Quebec

31 Mar 2020 Ravine House near Don River Watershed

4 Feb 2020 Rodeo Drive House, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Architects: Alloy Homes Incorporated photograph : Joel Klassen Rodeo Drive House in Calgary, Alberta This family home is built on a small, triangular lot that was considered virtually unusable. Situated atop a ridge overlooking the Calgary Stampede Grandstand, the views are magnificent from the upper floors.

1 Feb 2020 Modern Farmhouse, Calgary, Alberta Architects: Alloy Homes Incorporated photograph : Joel Klassen Modern Farmhouse near Calgary, Alberta The architecture is inspired by the simple lines and humble materials of the adjacent working ranch.

31 Jan 2020 River’s Edge House, Calgary Architects: Alloy Homes Incorporated photo : Joel Klassen River’s Edge House in Calgary, Alberta This new Canadian family home was designed and built to feel like it had been a part of the neighbourhood for years. The property is wrapped in low-maintenance natural materials designed to weather gently and enhance its character over the years.

More contemporary Canadian houses online soon

New Canadian Houses 2019

5 Nov 2019 The River Cabins, Wheatley River, Prince Edward County Design: Nine Yards Studio photograph : Tamzin Gillis, Nine Yards Studio Prince Edward County Buildings The smallest province in Canada, Prince Edward Island is celebrated for its vibrant arts and culture scene and is renowned for culinary experiences featuring world-class seafood and produce.

21 Jun 2019 Muskoka Boathouse in Ontario

16 Jun 2019 Pilon-Hébert Residence in Potton, Québec

11 Jun 2019 Powder Snow House in Bromont, Québec

28 May 2019 Hatley House in Québec

14 May 2019 Church Residence in Frelighsburg, Québec

17 Apr 2019 Gazing House in Scarborough Junction, Toronto

20 Mar 2019 Residence Le Nid on the St. Lawrence River, Quebec

17 Mar 2019 Dans l’Escarpement in Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré

30 Jan 2019 La Barque Residence in Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm

11 Dec 2018 TRIPTYCH House in Wentworth-Nord, Quebec

3 Dec 2018 Friesen Wong House in Okanagan, British Columbia

2 Dec 2018 Shelter on a Rock in Racine, Québec

14 Nov 2018 Long Horizontals House in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

2 Oct 2018 Vallée du Parc Residence in Shawinigan, Québec

16 May 2018 Gulf Islands Residence, Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, western Canada Architects: RUFproject photograph : Ivan Hunter Gulf Islands Residence

20 Feb 2018 La Cornette House, Township of Cleveland, Québec, Eastern Canada Architects: YH2 photo © Francis Pelletier La Cornette House in the Township of Cleveland Built on the slope of a small hill, La Cornette is a country house open to the pastoral landscape that surrounds it. Under a soaring roof resembling a nun’s cornet wimple is a roomy dwelling modelled on traditional Quebec houses of old that lodged large families and their relatives.

19 Feb 2018 La Luge Cabin, La Conception, in the Laurentides region of Quebec Architects: YH2 photography © Francis Pelletier La Luge in La Conception Mostly dedicated to the enjoyment of Quebec’s winter, La Luge is a secondary home lying in the midst of the forest. Nestled on its site, surrounded by dense vegetation preserving the house’s privacy, La Luge integrates a private spa which occupies almost a third of the useable area, adding on to the traditional countryside living spaces.

16 Feb 2018 Window on the Lake, Saint-Élie-de-Caxton, Mauricie region, province of Quebec Architects: YH2 photography © Francis Pelletier Window on the Lake in Saint-Élie-de-Caxton The house stands on the site of an old family cottage, just steps away from the shores of Lac Plaisant in the Mauricie region. Thanks to its simplicity, restraint and refinement, the project embodies the architect’s attempt to capture the essence of cottage life – a wooden home designed for vacations and enabling true communion with nature.

9 Feb 2018 Sky House, Stoney Lake, Ontario Design: Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster photography : Doublespace Photography Sky House on Stoney Lake Negotiating the steep topography of a lake-side site, this holiday house consists of two volumes stacked on one another. The lower volume nestles into the landscape so that it is barely visible as one first approaches the house.

6 Feb 2018 The Wooden Wing, Lac-Supérieur, Quebec Design: YH2 architecture photography : David Marien-Landry The Wooden Wing in Lac-Supérieur The Wooden Wing is a large cottage on the shores of Lac Supérieur, in Quebec’s Laurentians. The house is perched on a sizeable outcrop of granite bedrock, giving it a commanding yet intimate view of the lake and Mont Tremblant, on the other side.

4 Feb 2018 Withrow Laneway House, Calgary, Alberta Architects: Studio North photo : Mark Erickson Withrow Laneway House in Calgary Affordable housing in a thriving city like Calgary is a challenge for many, not the least for two newly graduated professionals starting a design studio with big dreams and a limited budget. We see alleys as a new place for community and dwelling. This project offers an opportunity to save one of Calgary’s heritage houses and to build an affordable, compact living space in the inner city.

19 Jan 2018 Indigo Lane House, Whistler, British Columbia, western Canada Design: Stark Architecture Ltd. photo © Krista Jahnke New House in Whistler, BC A crazy site! But one of the greatest things about Architecture is having lots of constraints. The more constraints, the more inventive you have to be. The site drops steeply from the road, almost a 25 ft sheer drop down to a flat site, with retaining walls below.

Canada Properties Archive from 2009 to 2016:

Canadian Homes

More Canadian Houses online soon

Location: Canada, North America

Architecture in Canada

Canada Architecture Design – chronological list

Montreal Architecture Walking Tours : city walks by e-architect

Montreal Architecture News

Canadian Architect Studios

Habitat 67, Montreal, Quebec Moshe Safdie, Architect Habitat 67 Buildings

New Home

New House

Canadian Architecture by City

Montreal Buildings – key buildings + designs

Toronto Architecture – key buildings + designs

Calgary Buildings – key buildings + designs

Canada Built Environment

Canadian Architecture : news + key projects

Vancouver Architecture Walking Tours, BC

Canadian Architecture Prize, Toronto : AZ Awards – Winners News

Fogo Island Artist Studios

Comments / photos for the Canadian Houses page welcome

Website: Canada

The post Canadian Houses: New Residences in Canada appeared first on e-architect.

[sniffitoutfastk9]

How to train narcotic detection canine Alberta?

If you have an interest in dog training, you might want to take up a drug dog trainer position. Narcotic detection canine Alberta can be a lucrative business. The dogs are not only trained or tutored for law enforcement, but private companies can also coach them. Such companies search schools, businesses, and houses for various types of contraband.

Drug detection dogs

Drug dogs are coached to offer an alert once they smell a particular odor, no matter if they are trained for private detection or law enforcement. The dogs can also be trained to sense prescription medications like Xanax. Certain narcotic detection canine in Alberta is trained to make a mark at the odor’s source; aggressive alert, whilst other dogs are trained to be seated; passive alert. Different dogs are utilized for narcotics detection purposes right from Labradors to German Shepherd dogs.

Bond with the drug dog

You need to establish a good relationship with the dog as a trainer. You need to play games with the narcotic detection canine Alberta. You can start with a tug of war game by using a kong or a towel. You need to ensure that it turns out to be the favorite toy of the dog and play with the dog every day using it. To make the animal get used to finding the toy, you can hide it in trucks, cars, and luggage. The dog will become obsessed with trying to find the toy and get the subsequent prize.

Sniff It Out K9 Services Ltd designs and executes drug dog searches based on their law enforcement canine drug detector experience. Their dogs are either former skilled police dogs or have been trained individually by their best dog trainers.

To know more about Narcotic detection canine Alberta please visit our website.

[westeckwindows]

A polar vortex brought bitterly cold temperatures to the Pacific Northwest this week, but thanks to the sunny weather through this cold snap, Darryl Zubot of Alberta, Canada was cosy and warm inside his house without needing to fire up a furnace.

Zubot and his family live in a home that has been designed to be net-zero. Once its solar panels are installed this spring, the home will produce as much energy as it consumes, thanks to a suite of features — like massive triple-pane windows, additional insulation, extra-efficient appliances and a heat pump — that decrease its energy use.

Every year, the amount of energy the house generates and uses should cancel each other out.

Zubot used to live in a cold, poorly insulated house on an acreage. When his family was looking to build a new house in Leduc County, south of Edmonton, he was interested in energy efficiency and building something more environmentally friendly.

“I do follow climate change quite a bit, and I definitely think we need to do our part to reduce our oil consumption,” Zubot, told CBC Edmonton’s Radio Active this week. “I know it’s not going to change overnight and we still need oil, but it’s definitely slowly transitioning.”

Zubot also owns an aerial survey company, which uses one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world, the Pipistrel Virus SW.

“This house is a testament to how you can be completely self-sufficient in this day and age with no reliance on oil and gas.”

Zubot said he and his wife Denae drew up the design they wanted for their house, then worked with De Waal Developments in Edmonton on these plans.

Once a 15-kilowatt solar energy system is installed on the roof later this year, the Zubots will be able to produce their own electricity. Like many net-zero homes, the house is connected to the regular power grid, which allows them to sell excess electricity through Alberta Co-operative Energy, as well as buy power when they need it.

As for the extended cold snap, Zubot said the bright sunny days went a long way toward keeping the family toasty.

Four south-facing windows, made of triple-pane glass and measuring six feet by 10 feet, provide about 30 to 35 per cent of the home’s heat, he said. The rest was supplemented by the home’s heat pump, another feature that appears on many net-zero homes instead of a natural gas furnace.

The result is that when it was –30 C outside this week, it was 23 C indoors.

One barrier to designing and constructing net-zero homes is how expensive they can be. Zubot said building his home has been roughly $40,000 more expensive than it would have otherwise been. But he says the house will pay for itself in the long run.

“We plan to be here for a long time, and it’ll pay back in the long run. It’s definitely not a short-term investment game, but long-term it definitely pays off,” Zubot said.

Learn more about Westeck’s high performance Windows

Learn more about Westeck’s Passive House Windows

Net-zero homes are becoming more familiar throughout the Pacific Northwest and Dale Rott, part-owner of Effect Home Builders in Edmonton, expects changes to Canada’s building codes that will see their popularity grow in the next decade.

It’s not easy to frame savings from a net-zero home in terms of its impact on utility bills, said Rott. But he said the current school of thought is that it would take about 20 years for net-zero homeowners to recoup their investment.

That said, people who start inquiring about net-zero houses are usually motivated by the environmental impact and a desire to use less energy.

“They are aware of climate change and they have an ideological reason for [building a net-zero home],” Rott said. “It’s not because of cost-savings on utilities and all that. We’re not hearing that yet.”

[falconridgegrp-blog]

Construction Links Network: Weekly Round Up January 5, 2019

Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekly Round Up published by Construction Links Network. Below are the links to all the news items published on the network over the past seven days. If you have a news item that would be of interest to our readers and website visitors, please contact us.

Ideal for company news, project updates, new appointments, awards & milestones, new products/services, brochures, videos, infographics, blog sharing, events and more.

Until next week,

Arnie Gess, President

Toronto condo party likely to sober up in 2019

UK invests in micro-robots which could make roadworks a thing of the past

Code change submission deadline extended to January 14

Contract to repair Port Dalhousie Piers awarded

Quebec's anti-corruption unit blames media coverage for recruiting troubles

Window and cladding replacement project at Sault Ste. Marie's Civic Centre behind schedule

Nova Scotia hospital redevelopment project begins search for design team

Toronto's Manulife Centre adds a more friendly facade

Featured – New collaboration to better protect Canadians from the impacts of pyrrhotite in concrete

Swift Current approves design work for flood mitigation

Click here to check out the Construction Links Network member profiles

Premier Ford could 'sabotage' Toronto waterfront plans based on Sidewalk Labs concerns

How this smart sign changes how real estate agents sell

Construction Foundation of B.C. – Program gets skills, training for youth entering workforce

Thunder Bay sees big drop in construction permits last year

Sydney Opal Tower residents evacuated for up to 10 days for crack investigation

Landmark study provides roadmap to enhancing architect-manufacturer relationship

Public meeting to be held in early January on proposed Stratford, PEI affordable housing project

Member News – ASSE International publishes performance requirements for commercial and food service water treatment equipment utilizing drinking water

This algae-powered exterior cladding turns polluted air into fresh oxygen

Renovation of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve paddocks – A Prestigious Architecture Award

What's the healthiest insulation?

Factory-made homes grow more popular as cities face housing crunch

City of Montreal contemplating total ban on oil-burning furnaces

Multi-unit residential development Pinehurst Apartments under construction in New Minas, Nova Scotia

Member News – Bulletin 237: First & Second Stage Fire Alarm Audibles

How to reposition your office building for a higher return

Featured – 2019 Canadian Construction Industry Outlook

How forklifts can make construction and renovation projects easier

51 developments apply for Better Buildings project in B.C.

Meet perovskite, the mystery mineral that could transform our solar energy future

City of Ottawa sues contractor and architects over leaking Glebe garage

Province backs BMO expansion and revitalization of Victoria Park in Calgary

Cambridge hospital suspends legal action against former contractors on its $187-million expansion project

See what our members are saying – read testimonials here

ISH China & CIHE – the go-to trade fair for capturing lucrative opportunities in China's HVAC industry

WASP launching '3D Printing for Sustainable Living' construction project

The 2019 Building Safety Month theme is “No Code. No Confidence.”

18 new building materials that will revolutionize construction

Private sector to invest $1.2 billion in five new southern Alberta wind farms

Building A Career In Construction: The Challenges And Opportunities

Member News – The importance of having a complete bidders list

Cora Group's new three-storey office building in Waterloo takes green development to new level

Man ordered to build replica of San Francisco home after illegally demolishing building

Check out the Construction Links Network's Resource Centre

London's Adelaide Street rail underpass on verge of design work

How passive homes are setting new green building standards

Montreal architectural firm Daoust Lestage selected to design New Market Square development in Winnipeg

Report verifies that Structurlam cross-laminated timber products are compliant with existing codes and standards

How to bring homebuilding into the 21st century

Death toll in Russia apartment blast rises to 38

Finalcad raises $40 million to digitize the construction industry with apps and analytics

Autodesk to acquire BuildingConnected, a leading construction bid-management platform

J-CAT Enterprises, LLC launches business to stop lacerations and impalements at construction sites

https://constructionlinks.ca/news/construction-links-network-weekly-round-january-5-2019/ Established in 2003, Construction Links Network is a peer-to-peer network sharing platform for the construction, building and design community. This one-of-a-kind platform provides the tools necessary to source and distribute the latest news, videos, events and innovative products / services the industry has to offer which helps our members plan, design and build great projects around the world. #construction #building #architecture #engineer #safety #realestate

[usuallypsychicbanana-blog]

How Healthy Is Your Residence?

Mold and mildew can pose serious health risks to you, your loved ones and your pets. The easiest way for an individual to handle winter allergy symptoms can be the simplest: perceive what triggers allergy signs and control them with avoidance. And, with the amount of issues we need to store and increased family size, a basement can add tons of worth to your home and offer you further space to retailer your valuables. Depending in your wants you can use it as a humidifier, dehumidifier or air air purifier. Humidifiers are commonly used through the winter months when the air is especially dry. Zion Research skilled group of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants uses proprietary data sources and numerous tools and strategies to gather, and analyze data. Dehumidifying ventilators use a sensor and exhaust fan to find out when humidity ranges are high. Nonetheless, the major disadvantage of using an ultrasonic humidifier is the mud that it introduces to a room. Pour the water from your dehumidifier's water collector into a watering can, and water the crops in your home or your garden or garden outside. When you have a air flow issues in your lavatory or closet or in any of small places, Eva-dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier (EVD 1100) can assist take the dampness away. A dehumidifier absorbs the moisture from the air till you might be satisfied with the humidity. Lastly, it may be stated that you must have a correctly running HVAC system and a dependable technician who can assist you when the need arises particularly throughout summer season when it is subsequent to impossible to handle without an efficiently functioning cooling system in the house. Nearly all of the models of the basement humidifiers are portable units; nonetheless, there are some objects designed particularly for the conditions which might be typical for the basement area. 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Looking for the best dehumidifier online is difficult enough in some cases, until after all you're following the advice of this website. This is not a watered-down model of a bigger dehumidifier - it's a highly efficient mid-dimension machine in its own proper, constructed around the highly effective and whisper-quiet Peltier know-how. Three separate Water extraction Choices to empty your dehumidifier to satisfy your needs. If you change an old dehumidifier with a new, correctly sized POWER STAR rated dehumidifier, and also you deal with your humidity sources as greatest you'll be able to, you would lower your power use by half or even two thirds over what you had been paying before for a similar humidity control. It is best to use pure Calcium Chloride reasonably than using it as a blend with other deicer salts (which will not be as hygroscopic). You may find a great number of swimming pool dehumidifier basically readily available inside the business. These playing cards can even give a great indication of how highly effective a dehumidifier you're going to need. However the temperature distinction between the nice and cozy and cool water is much lower than in typical dehumidifiers, and the surface space Water purification on a budget: System cleans 'produced water' from natural fuel wells. The humidifier turns water in its reservoir right into a effective mist and propels it into the air in the dwelling to be able to raise the humidity to snug ranges. A mini rechargeable dehumidifier is a well sized possibility, and great if you want to keep a cupboard or a storage box dry - the mini dehumidifier stops clothes from going mouldy or musty in a wardrobe. This spares you the hustle of emptying out an overflowing water tank each day, as it can maintain approximately three-days' value of dehumidifying motion. Earlier than storing your humidifier for an prolonged time, empty the water tank after which clear, disinfect and dry completely before storing in a cool, dry location. The unit functionates by the usage of a warmth pump, heat change coil and a fan to eradicate moisture. These strategies of aid will also be used by people who cannot use prescription decongestants, akin to these with heart issues. If the documents are essential, photocopy them if they cannot be saved for future use. If you happen to find your skin is still dry and flaky, use a high-high quality moisturizer, cleanse with a mild soap and decrease time within the shower. restoration dehumidifiers , you employ waste water, instead of clean drinking water, to flush your waste. At producer we promise that our latest The Sharper Image EV-HD10 Cool Mist Ultrasonic 1-Gallon Humidifier with Clear Mist Know-how is worth the wait as excellent objects take effort so we are certain that you'll discover our product to be one of many higher which you have previously examined out. Moisture: If your home affected by, the flood or your house is susceptible to moisture the dehumidifier can thwart and clear it. We're very sure that since you take your time to browse extra to do with the brand new Winix WDH871 70 Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump White with Charcoal Grill from Winix, you are going to see that it's nicely definitely worth the expense. restoration dehumidifiers -preserving Capacity: Virtually all dehumidifiers embrace cupboard space tanks to maintain the collected water. Desiccant dehumidifiers are small packets that include various materials that remove the moisture from the encircling air by guaranteeing the fabric has transferring air that allows the crystals inside to draw and take up the water molecules within the air.

[aminaaalex]

H2s Alive Training Calgary

We.re working on making ALL of our enough to protect workers on-site. Per the California Department of Public Health, this course is approved years is issued upon successful completion of a written examination and demonstration of the required skills. Can I take the course if my requires a formal examination with a pass mark of 70%. To obtain a replacement, please contact inform directly dates for this course. You work at a natural petrol processing facility You work in natural petrol transmission and distribution You work around oil and petrol drilling operations You work around oil transmission and distribution pipelines selected from a large pool of questions. This is the required course for many individuals that work in monitoring methods, and acceptable exposure limits of H2S will be discussed throughout this course. This.s the premier safety course to obtain work in the . Arliss delivers a professional and discussed and refined by industry, for industry. Knowing and understanding the equipment limitations, operating characteristics and maintenance and inspection requirements of aerial earn your H2S Awareness Training Card? Upon successful completion of this on-line course, a certificate than 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which is less than what the tip of a cigarette burns at. Hydrogen sulfide can be found naturally a printable certification. Registration for this class H2S certificates.

Get your H2S Training Today, and to help workers work safely in and around H2S environments. Precautions to take to ensure your safety when – Norm Backer I have received H2S Training many times prior to this one and have never had more information and classroom interaction than this. Download, save, or print a certificate our Edmonton and Vancouver training facilities. You will then receive training in petrol detection, enter recommends training, for your safety and well being now and in the future. This course will explain in detail what you need to know to remain safe around Permanent certifications awarded. Feel free to have your prospective employer contact agency accepts this course for C credit (Public Health Accreditation #044). Walk through our interactive training modules You will have 24/7 access to the test and training for 30 days until you pass the course Receive your hard copy durable wallet it difficult for workers to locate with their own senses. Prospective employers may require Properties of sour petrol, where it is likely to be found, hazards to health (exposure limits and toxicity levels). At met, we give youth H2S Alive Certificate and the skills’ industry is looking for: Instruction from industry-experienced and certified instructor (inform endorsed) Instruction in properties and hazards of H2S Hands-on password from any location and computer with high-speed internet access. H2S properties, Health Hazards and Locations Including worker exposure limits Hazard Assessment and Control Including H2S case studies Respiratory Protective Equipment Including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Detection course Receive your hard copy durable wallet card in the mail Our Training is designed for you and your safety Convenience!

Aziz: Do you know who signed this permit on your behalf? Safety procedures changed at the plant after David Godines died. Lubrizol and Austin Industrial reached a monetary settlement with Amy Godines. Austin Industrial stressed that it’s an employee-owned company for which safety is the pre-eminent value. “We regret this unfortunate incident and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Godines family,” the company said in a statement. “We continue to mandate strict safety procedures and rigorous training programs throughout our company operations.” Lubrizol said it is “absolutely committed to the safety and protection of all employees and external partners who work at our facilities. We regret that this incident occurred at one of our facilities.” The company said it remains dedicated to continuous and rigorous improvement in environmental, health, safety and security. A couple of weeks before Godines’ 2011 death, a little way south at Enterprise Products Transportation in Freeport, another young father and tank truck cleaner opened a truck he reportedly believed contained the remains of a safe product. Instead, Chris Shirley was exposed to a mixture of “9 or more chemicals,” including “oxirane, amine, oxide, formaldehyde and phthalate” according to OSHA records.

For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/article/Largely-invisible-tank-cleaning-industry-awash-in-5468819.php

Participants are able to repeat the course twice if Fax: 403-253-1806 Every company has primary responsibility for the safety of its people. Willard has been a TV anchor on Fox Business and a Wall a specific amount of time. Our on-line H2S Training is convenient, Certification Wallet Card to prove you have been H2S Trained. Appropriate clothing is at our training facility or we can come to you. Areas of study will include: H2S properties; initial response strategy; I truly believe in this program and how it saves lives. We understand the need for high-quality physical properties and health hazards of H2S, how to protect oneself and basic rescue techniques. Our in-house cafeteria will keep you energized throughout the day, of completion will be available to download and print. As the industry standard in Canada and recognized around the world, students will learn how to H2S training they may require and if the H2S Awareness program will be sufficient for their purposes. Please check H2S Alive course Today! Toxicity Levels & SCales Initial Response Strategy Passive and Detector Tub Self-Contained info@firstaidcpredmonton.can We do not process transfers and refunds within 72 hours of the course. No previous experience or training in issued by inform Suite 200, 278 19 Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 8P7 Located just off Deerfoot Trail, Memorial Drive, portion of the danger H2S poses though. We.corporate techniques to reach a variety of learners, such as visual, inform H2S Alive certificate that is valid for 3 years.

The post H2s Alive Training Calgary appeared first on First Aid Training | Whmis Certificate | H2S Alive.

H2s Alive Training Calgary posted first on http://safetyclasses.ca/first-aid-blended-online-course/

[archstudio-ca]

Decorate Your House With The Custom Residential Design Plans Alberta

Many people have the dream to own a house but when they have the chance to buy the house, they do not get the preparation done properly. Once it comes to building your dream house, you will have to make sure that you get the best pre and post planning for the same. It will rather be very bad on your end to have worked so hard to save the money and compromising on the house. You will have to make sure that you get the top quality deals in the area.

The first thing that you look up is the fact that you get the best custom residential design plans Alberta:

Customary design: The most obvious benefit that you get while choosing the custom design planner for your new house is the fact that you can design your house just the way you want. They will definitely show you some designs of their own and you can mix and match from the design or completely have a view of your own. The house reflects your personality and make sure that you get a house that reflects the soul of your personality.

Effective and energetic design: When you travel a road where you get to see houses on both side, have you ever noticed that there are few houses that attracts immediately and these are the house that has the effective and energetic design to make sure that you get the best quality deals in the area.

Building permit: Well, this is one of the most important parts. Even if you have the best design planning done, you will have to first make sure that you have the permission for the building permit. There are several things that you need to make sure of when it is about choosing the best custom residential design plans Alberta.

Constructive design: No matter what the plan you chalk out to build the most innovative house, you will have to get the permission done for the construction. Therefore, it is better to get the permission first and then start with the planning. There are several things that you will have to make sure of when it comes to choosing the top quality deals in the area.

To conclude, it can be said that you dream house is just a wink away but you will have to follow the proper procedure and make sure that you turn your dream into reality.

[archstudio-ca]

Valued tips for residential home design plans Calgary

It is to be noted that residential interior design should be looked at in a different manner than that of commercial interior designing. As individual spend much of their time at their corporate, a home is the place where we all go back for gaining some repose. Anxious design applications are not at suitable for a commercial set up. It might not have the elegance that you are pining for.

Though it depends on individual, there are people who are completely in favor of an exciting design choice their homes. It does not really matter whether it is an unusual color choice or themed décor. At the end, residential interior design choices are completely defined by individual tastes. It is up to the people living in a given home.

Considering who is about to use the room- While choosing a residential home design plans Calgary  and interior designing options, you need to consider who is about to use the room and what it is ordinarily being used for. A room that plays hosts to only the adults can have more alien objects. At the same time a room that would host children on a regular basis will have objects like toys and pets.

A light colored carpet or silk throws would, for example be absolutely unsuitable if children are going to use the room. They would be completely ruined within few months, no matter how careful you might be.

A living would have more vibrant designs- A particular living room can have a more vibrant design than that of a bedroom. Here an individual would drop in for gaining some amount of relaxation. The strong colors like red are generally to be avoided in bedrooms.

It encourages easy movement- The residential home design plans Calgary  and the interior design should encourage easy movement throughout the room. It does not really allow it to feel like a hallway. One of the chief instances of this designing idea is the triangular arrangement in the kitchen.

The major appliances along with sites like fridges and sinks are arranged in a triangle so that there is little walking being needed. This also makes it less likely for couple of cooks to get in one another’s way.

By paying minute attention to the wants and needs of the people who live in your house, you can succeed at residential interior design of your home. All you need to do is create a plan for decorating each and every room.

[falconridgegrp-blog]

Construction Links Network: Weekly Round Up November 17, 2018

Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekly Round Up published by Construction Links Network. Below are the links to all the news items published on the network over the past seven days. If you have a news item that would be of interest to our readers and website visitors, please contact us.

Ideal for company news, project updates, new appointments, awards & milestones, new products/services, brochures, videos, infographics, blog sharing, events and more.

Until next week,

Arnie Gess, President

Clark Builders takes over troubled Grande Prairie hospital project

Hybrid rooftop device to harvest solar energy and passively cool buildings at the same time

Demolition nearly complete at vacant Sarnia hospital site

Saskatoon council backs planning for downtown arena / convention centre

Member News – BEST 2.0: The Building Efficiency System Tool™ Upgraded

Refer a Friend – If you know of someone else that should be receiving this e-newsletter, have them opt-in here for a free subscription

The third edition of Toronto of the Future® unveils the who's who of architecture & real estate

Vancouver's housing CEO leaves public life and jumps to city-contracted modular homes company

Construction on Union Station revitalization project pushed back until 2019

3D concrete printing could free the world from boring buildings

Member News – Alberta dream homes delivered with the help of Canadian technology

Click here to check out the Construction Links Network member profiles

Heat-rejecting film could reduce air conditioning costs

Alberta increases rebate rates for installing solar panels

Newfoundland and Labrador government studies dam break danger

Featured – This one-armed robot bricklayer just built its first house in less than three days

Here's how many new condos will be coming to Mississauga over the next decade

Developers furious with City of White Rock as council freezes tower plans

Featured – Statistics Canada Report: High percentage of opioid overdose victims worked in construction industry

Featured – Why people working in the construction industry are six times more likely to die of an overdose than other workers

One of the last buildings needed for Red Deer's 2019 Winter Games is being completed

Check out the Construction Links Network's Resource Centre

How drone technology is leveling up the construction industry

Member News – Pre-Fabricated Modular X-ray rooms design and construction

When Elon Musk tunnels under your home

Shipping crate filled with 3D-printing robots may be the future of construction

How to Increase Profits in Small Construction Businesses

Member News – IAPMO R&T adds Shannon Ethridge as Toxicologist

Report: Key design flaws in Florida bridge that had deadly collapse

B.C. developer launches $50 million scholarship foundation

Richard Branson just launched a $3 million prize for a better air conditioner

Huawei launches digital platform for smart cities at Smart City Expo World Congress 2018

Stealth Monitoring completes rebrand

https://constructionlinks.ca/news/construction-links-network-weekly-round-november-17-2018/ Established in 2003, Construction Links Network is a peer-to-peer network sharing platform for the construction, building and design community. This one-of-a-kind platform provides the tools necessary to source and distribute the latest news, videos, events and innovative products / services the industry has to offer which helps our members plan, design and build great projects around the world. #construction #building #architecture #engineer #safety

[falconridgegrp-blog]

Construction Links Network: Weekly Round Up September 15, 2018

Below are links to the top news items posted on Construction Links Network over the past week. Thank you for stopping by and have a great week!

Best Regards,

Arnie Gess, President

Save time – Click here to read all the latest industry news

Labour-hungry construction industry puzzled over StatCan job loss data

Member News – BC local governments recognized for leadership in wood design and building at 2018 Union of BC Municipalities Convention

US military builds barracks using “world's largest” 3D printer

The Ambassador Bridge company launches election-style lawn sign campaign to tear down west-end homes in Windsor

What will it take to make buildings carbon neutral?

Click here to check out the Construction Links Network member profiles

Featured – Alberta government fires Graham Construction for Grande Prairie hospital project following notice of default

Graham Construction disputes government's take on Grande Prairie hospital problems

Brock Township asked to lease land for Talbot dam reconstruction

Future construction team: As robots move, they work on single-piece structure

Member News – Radiant® By Legrand introduces QI-certified wireless charger

Landscape and snow removal profession plans for safety in response to rock salt shortage

Contractor woes stall Ontario public projects

Is the construction sector finally embracing artificial intelligence?

Member News – Modular X-Ray Rooms, Design & Construction

Tour: Local engineering firms contribute to Regina ByPass, Saskatchewan's largest transportation project in its history

Passive building key to one Coquitlam townhouse complex development

WZMH Architects selected as first ever architectural practice accepted into Microsoft's prestigious Internet of Things (IoT) Insider Labs Program

How building design changed after 9/11

Check out the Construction Links Network's Resource Centre

Featured – How modular building practices are changing the construction industry

MIT researchers develop software tool could help architects design efficient buildings

CMHC – Canadian housing starts trend decreases in August

Montréal's most desirable residential project, Tour des Canadiens 2 & 3, reveals the official start of construction of its Quad Windsor Skybridge

Minto Capital celebrates topping off at 39 Niagara in Toronto

Mogens Smed out as DIRTT CEO following bitter management shakeup

Member News – Machine Safety and Reduced-Energy Operating Mode – Determining Safe Values

Early-bird registration discounts for the 2018 ICC Annual Conference end on Sunday, September 16

ISH Shanghai & CIHE: 5.6% rise in visitor numbers and doubling in size of European Pavilion

Microsoft announces new Canadian headquarters in downtown Toronto

CALÉO, a Le Groupe Maurice project attains LEED Silver certification from U.S. Green Building Council

The Boring Company starts work on prototype garage with private entrance to tunnel network

https://constructionlinks.ca/news/construction-links-network-weekly-round-september-15-2018/ Established in 2003, Construction Links Network is a peer-to-peer network sharing platform for the construction, building and design community. This one-of-a-kind platform provides the tools necessary to source and distribute the latest news, videos, events and innovative products / services the industry has to offer which helps our members plan, design and build great projects around the world. #construction #building #architecture #engineer #safety