Chinook Centre welcomes family of polar bears for the holidays

By Sarah Geddes | Published: November 23, 2012

Major art installation celebrates the magic of the season

November 23, 2012, Calgary, AB… With the largest bear standing more than 25 feet tall and weighing a grand 1,250 pounds, a new family of four polar bears made their final migration to Chinook Centre today to greet holiday shoppers.  Inspired by soapstone carvings and six months in the making, the massive art installation is now part of Chinook’s permanent in-mall holiday experience.

“The holidays represent a magical time of the year and our new family of polar bears truly capture the magic of the season,” said Peggy Lim, marketing director, Chinook Centre.  “Polar bears are uniquely Canadian and one of the most grand creatures on Earth and we hope this new family brings joy to those who visit them,” she said.

Heavy Industries, who have manufactured and installed some of Canada’s best known public art sculptures, put over 3,000 man hours into bringing the bears to life.

“Collaborating with the Chinook team and designers at GH+A gave us an opportunity to develop something truly original and inspiring that we’re proud to have built for our city.  The combination of shape, light, texture and shine gives the polar bears an impossible, made of snow feel – as though they’ve just stepped out of a winter wonderland dream.  The polar bears have a structural quality, but also an airness that gives them a traditional feel with a modern edge.  In much the same way as they were designed, we hope visitors to Chinook Centre will embrace the polar bears as a new take on their holiday traditions,” said Adam Weir, creative director, Heavy Industries.

Just the bear facts:

  • Creative concept by GH+A Design in conjunction with Heavy Industries
  • Fabrication and installation by Heavy Industries
  • Lighting design by Gabriel Mackinnon
  • Made of steel, EPS foam, and polyurea coating
  • Four layers of coatings and paint create the “packed snow” texture and glistening sheen

In addition to unveiling the bears, Chinook Centre also announced details on a holiday contest that provides Calgarians the chance to win and give at the same time.  With a grand prize of a Polar Bear Safari for four with Classic Canadian Tours, for every entry received, Chinook Centre will donate $1 to Polar Bears International, the world’s leading polar bear conservation group.  Up to $10,000 has been committed.

About Chinook Centre:

Stretching two full city blocks, Chinook Centre one of Calgary’s most re recognizable landmarks and has been the city’s best-known retail shopping destination for over 50 years.  With nearly 1.4 million square feet of top quality retail shops, services and entertainment venues with a central, urban location serviced by the Calgary LRT, Chinook is truly a city within a city.  Chinook Centre is owned and managed by The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited, one of North America’s largest investors, owners and managers of commercial real estate. For more information about the Chinook Centre, visit chinookcentre.com.

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Model Milk represents the West ranking second in enRoute Magazine’s coveted Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2012

By Sarah Geddes | Published: October 26, 2012

Only two restaurants west of Toronto make the list, both in Calgary

Calgary, Alberta (October 24, 2012)… Move over redneck reputation, Calgary’s wearing a new hat! Once only given kudos by food critics for its beef, a new guard of young, talented chefs has put Calgary on Canada’s culinary map rewarding their passionate work with national attention.  On the heels of being named one of Maclean Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants in Canada earlier this month, enRoute Magazine announced Model Milk second on their list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2012.
The fact that Model Milk and Borgo Trattoria (ranked ninth) are the only two restaurants west of Toronto to make the list sends a strong message to the rest of the world that Calgary is a place to go for world-class food.

“As proud as I am of our team for the heart and soul they put in everyday to have earned us such amazing recognition, I’m equally proud to be part of such a vibrant culinary community,” said Justin Leboe, executive chef and managing partner, Model Milk.  “We’d never be where we are today without the loyalty, and in some cases, honesty, of each and every customer who has walked through our door.  This recognition is as much for our guests and Calgary’s amazing culinary scene as it is for us,” he said.

This is the second time Chef Leboe has landed on enRoute’s list.  In 2009, Rush Restaurant placed third while he was at the helm.  Earlier this year he was recognized by Western Living Magazine as one of its Top Foodies Under 40.

 About Model Milk:

Model Milk reflects the personalities of the people behind the restaurant who nixed checklists, pre-conceptions and rules that govern what a “good” restaurant ought to be. Instead, they focused on what they themselves love about eating out and what would do justice to the amazing space they discovered and renewed with fresh purpose. Model Milk interiors peel back layers of history as part of its mindful restoration that sees reclaimed brick and warm woods complement an open kitchen.

Stay Connected:
Website: www.modelmilk.ca
Twitter: @ModelMilkBistro
Facebook: ModelMilk

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For media information or to coordinate interviews:
Sarah Geddes
Sass Communications Inc.
Ph: 403-830-2685
Email: sarah@sasscommunications.com

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Tiffany Opens a Store in Calgary

By Sarah Geddes | Published: May 4, 2011

Jeweller Opens in Chinook Centre, City’s Premier Shopping Destination

NEW YORK, NY (May 4, 2011)—Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) today celebrated the opening of a store in Calgary’s Chinook Centre with an official Founding Ceremony. The approximately 4,100-square-foot store occupies a prominent location within the centre’s newly expanded wing, comprising 180,000 square feet of retail space.

“The elegant new wing is the ideal location for a Tiffany store,” said store director Lynn M. Hinz. “Its gracious atmosphere is consistent with our own store environment and the Tiffany experience of quality and service that awaits everyone who visits us.”

The store’s façade features architectural details of Tiffany’s famed Fifth Avenue flagship store, including a wheat leaf pattern in carved stone and stainless steel trim. Inside, customers will find an inviting atmosphere of intimate jewellery salons with light grey wood paneling, custom furnishings in a palette of warm neutrals, pearlescent wall coverings and stainless steel framed showcases.

The spacious environment welcomes visitors to discover a heritage of glamour and style established over eight generations. This renowned tradition is brilliantly revealed in diamond engagement rings that reflect Tiffany’s reputation as the preeminent diamond authority, and in lustrous sterling silver collections that highlight Tiffany as master of American silver design. In addition, customers may choose from Tiffany Locks, a new collection of vintage-inspired yet contemporary jewellery; iconic designs such as Atlas®, based on the Atlas clock that graces the entrance of the jeweller’s famous Fifth Avenue flagship store; Tiffany 1837™, 18 karat gold and sterling silver designs engraved with the company’s founding year; exquisite charms that are lifelong keepers of memories and emotions; as well as watches, accessories and gifts.

Also available is the jewellery of Tiffany’s exclusive designers, including the nature-inspired creations of Jean Schlumberger, sculptural designs of Elsa Peretti, colourful statements of Paloma Picasso and the free-form jewellery of world renowned architect Frank Gehry. Each has influenced American fashion in important ways, and all are written into history as major contributors to the art of design.

Wrapped in the famous Tiffany Blue Box®, an international symbol of excellence, these coveted creations honour a great legacy that has made Tiffany the premier resource for gifts, as well as jewels of legendary beauty and objects of desire that epitomize a life lived well.

Tiffany’s new Chinook Centre store is the jeweller’s fourth company-operated store in Canada.

TIFFANY & CO. operates jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalogue and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit tiffany.com.

# # #

Tiffany & Co., Tiffany, T&CO., Atlas, 1837 and the Tiffany Blue Box are trademarks of Tiffany and Company and its affiliates.

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Stampede Roundup Announces 2010 Line-Up

By Sarah Geddes | Published: May 4, 2010

Stampede Roundup 2010 to Rock Stage and Fundraising Goals

- Lynyrd Skynyrd to perform in Calgary for the first time -

Monday, May 3, 2010, Calgary, AB… Stampede Roundup sponsors are about to soar in popularity once again this year with today’s announcement Lynyrd Skynyrd, 3 Doors Down and April Wine will hit the stage at the 15th annual Stampede Roundup.    Tickets for the hottest ticket of Stampede are set to go on sale on May 10th and are available by invitation only to customers and prospective clients of event sponsors.

“We’re totally pumped to be able to bring Lynyrd Skynyrd to Calgary for the first time and offer an amazing line up we hope our guests are going to love,” said Jeff Popiel, Stampede Roundup Producer.  “Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide so they’ll fit right in on the stage of Stampede’s biggest corporate bash,” he said.

Stampede Roundup 2010

Wednesday, July 14

Doors Open at 3:00pm

Fort Calgary

Monies raised for The Rotary Club of Calgary from this year’s event will once again go to Alberta’s first pediatric hospice respite centre for terminally ill children, Rotary Flames House. “This year, Stampede Roundup will pass the million dollar mark for total dollars contributed to the Rotary Club of Calgary since the event’s inception” said Don Cameron, Rotary Club of Calgary BBQ Chairman.  “We couldn’t be more proud of this accomplishment and we wish to thank all the sponsors involved especially Blakes, Arcturus and Sleeman who have been with us from the start!”.

Stampede Roundup is a PRIVATE corporate party that annually draws a crowd of over 10,000 of Calgary’s “who’s who” for its entertainment and networking opportunities.  This year’s outdoor music festival is made possible through the generous contributions of Blakes, Arcturus Realty Corporation, Sleeman Breweries, Palm Bay Coolers, Grosvenor, Hopewell Development Corporation, Direct Energy, First Capital Realty, Crescent Point Energy Corporation, Concise Design and Blackberry.

For more information visit www.stampederoundup.com.

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It’s Time to Wine & Dine in Banff

By Sarah Geddes | Published: May 3, 2010

Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival Offers Mini-Getaway Packages to Sip & Savour in the Mountains May 7th – 9th, 2010

April 15, 2010…Culinary travel continues to be a top trend in 2010 with many Canadians sticking a little closer to home and taking mini-getaways packed full of memorable adventures and activities. On the weekend of May 7th to 9th, the Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival fits the bill perfectly, offering an affordable opportunity to enjoy a mini culinary vacation, with a multitude of distinct activities to choose from.

“Banff is a quick drive from Calgary so people can escape the city without traveling far – throw the bags in the car on Friday, and make it up in time for the Festival’s evening session,” say Cathy Miller, Festival Director.

Festival hotel packages offer discounted accommodation rates in the popular mountain town, offering options for both couples and groups of friends. An appealing itinerary can be built by choosing from three Grand Tasting Hall sessions, six wine and food themed side events and three late night celebrations. This, coupled with the long list of regular activities in Banff (such as shopping on Banff Ave, taking a dip in the hot springs or skiing at Sunshine Village), is the perfect recipe for an incredible mini-getaway in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Grand Tasting Hall

The Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of the finest local restaurants in Banff paired with an impressive selection of wine, premium spirits, and import beer from around the globe. Held at the Fairmont Banff Springs, consumers can choose from one of three tasting sessions – Friday 7- 10pm, Saturday 2-5pm, or Saturday 7-10pm. Tickets for each of the tasting session are sold online for $22 or $27 at the door (based on availability). Sampling coupons are available for purchase upon arrival, allowing consumers to customize what they try and how much they spend.

Hotel Packages

Banff hotels are offering special hotel packages, which include great accommodation rates, Grand Tasting Hall tickets and more!

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Conference Centre

Experience an unforgettable weekend at an iconic hotel in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Conference Center.  Enjoy one night accommodation and two entrance tickets to any one of the three Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival tasting sessions, starting at just $189.00 for two people.  Enjoy a short stroll through the hotel to reach the Grand Tasting Hall.

Sunshine Mountain Lodge

Take in the Grand Tasting Hall, a day of skiing and an incredible wine and food pairing dinner at Sunshine Mountain Lodge.  Arrive at the mountain on Saturday afternoon and take the complimentary shuttle bus to the Saturday afternoon Grand Tasting Hall session.  After being picked up and brought back to the resort, freshen up and head to A Taste of Sunshine - an incredible five course dinner complete with wine pairings at the Eagle’s Nest fine dining restaurant.  Enjoy sitting family style and making new friends, or request the privacy of your own table.  Relax overnight and then ski or ride on Sunday, enjoying first tracks in the morning.  Package starts at $289 per person.

Banff Aspen Lodge

Indulge in one night’s accommodation on Saturday evening at the Banff Aspen Lodge.  This package includes a Canadian Rockies Continental Breakfast, passes to the Banff Upper Hot Springs and tickets to the Saturday afternoon or Saturday evening Festival tasting session.  Starting at $205.00 for two people.

Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge

Treat yourself to the Culinary & Wine Lovers Getaway package for just $162.00 per person at the luxury Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge.  This romantic package includes a two night stay, complimentary parking, Grand Tasting Hall tickets, and an exquisite three course meal featuring Canadian Cuisine complete with a flight of wine pairings in the Evergreen restaurant. Can also be enjoyed with a friend!

Weekend Events & Other Celebrations
Select Banff and Lake Louise restaurants and hotels are busy planning some sensational wine and food inspired events as well as other celebrations to take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Festival weekend.  Please note a limited number of tickets are available for each event.  Some events are already sold out!

Friday, May 7th

Tour de France Dinner at Le Beaujolais - Sold Out

Winemaker’s Dinner at The Maple Leaf Grill & Lounge – Sold Out

Saltlik ‘r’ Mixer at Saltlik Steakhouse

Stoli Stir-Up at HooDoo Lounge & Nightclub

Saturday, May 8th

Banff Restaurant Baby Back Rib Cook Off at Elk & Oarsman Pub

Great Canadian Lobster Boil at St James’s Gate  - Sold Out

Swill & Shuck at Wild Bills Legendary Saloon & Cookhouse

Absolut After Party at Aurora Nightclub
Sunday, May 9th

Sunday Brunch at Saltlik Steakhouse

Enjoy the journey of wine and food nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains of Banff, Alberta.  The Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is an annual event, sponsored by Banff Lake Louise Tourism.  For tickets and more information on the Grand Tasting Hall, weekend wine events and hotel packages, visit www.rockymountainwine.com.

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