Why I Love YYC: Downtown Calgary Edition
My name is Faith (like the George Michael song) and I'm the social media gal at Battistella. I recently moved to Calgary, with my partner, from Portsmouth, a small seaside city in the UK. We moved because we felt stuck.
We were constantly working and not spending any time together. We were trapped in a life that wasn't making us happy, and we needed a change. Moving across the globe is quite a drastic decision, but for us, it felt like the right thing to do.
I'll shamefully admit we knew very little about Calgary when we arrived (sorry). But as we got to know the place better, we found ourselves gravitating towards Downtown. Don't get me wrong, Portsmouth is lovely, and of course, we miss our family and friends; however, Downtown YYC is an absolute dream.
To me, Downtown Calgary has a similar vibe to London (minus the gazillions of people and ridiculous prices), and it's bloody cool. The art, the culture, the quirky cocktail bars, and coffee shops. The city has so much character and something is happening ALL the time.
Like, seriously, I'm not sure people appreciate how cool it is. The other night I was walking down 17th Ave, and there was a secret underground rave going on! There are so many incredible local breweries, the coffee scene is brilliant (I'm a bit of a coffee snob), there's every cuisine you can think of, and it's all pretty damn tasty. There's a gig every night, it's always happy hour somewhere, and I've never seen so many cultural and community events going on.
There's a real camaraderie in YYC that gives it a warm small-town feeling. Local businesses working together, the sheer amount of Instagram accounts showcasing the best the city has to offer. The support for the Flames. I have never seen such dedication to the colour red and men with sticks on ice. It's hard to execute that feeling in a city, but somehow Calgary does it.
And that's why I LOVE living Downtown. Although, feel free to check back in when the temperatures hit -35 (burrrrr).
Battistella: More Than Just Buildings
The story of Battistella Developments began when two young Europeans came to Calgary in search of a better life.
After falling in love, settling down, and building better lives for themselves, Giovanni and Jacqueline Battistella decided to make it their mission to build better lives for their fellow Calgarians.
The story continues today with their sons Paul and Simon Battistella at its forefront. As is the legacy of Giovanni and Jacqueline, Battistella doesn't build in the burbs, nor in other cities - Battistella only builds in inner-city Calgary.
Since 1992, one at a time, we have built over 900 homes:
1992 - CONNAUGHT GARDENS
- Beltline
- 11 Homes
- Designed by Sturgess Architecture
1996 - SUMMERFIELDS
- Mount Pleasant
- 51 Homes
- Designed by Peter Garry
1998 - SOLE VISTA
- Bridgeland
- 30 Homes
- Designed by Sturgess Architecture
2000 - THE ELLINGTON
- Bridgeland
- 23 Homes
- Designed by Graham Edmunds Architects
2001 - CHARTREUSE
- Inglewood
- 12 Homes
- Designed by Peter Jungen and Graham Edmunds Architects
2003 - ORANGE LOFTS
- East Village
- 106 Lofts
- Designed by Kasian Kennedy
2005 - CHOCOLATE
- Victoria Park
- 165 Homes
- Designed by GEC Architecture
2008 - COLOURS
- Victoria Park
- 209 Homes
- Designed by GEC Architecture
2011 - BRUNETTE
- Renfrew
- 20 Homes
- Designed by GEC Architecture
2014 - PIXEL
- Kensington
- 98 Homes
- Designed by GEC Architecture
2016 - LIDO
- Kensington
- 60 Homes
- Designed by IBI
2018 - INK
- East Village
- 117 homes
- Designed by S2 Architecture
Coming Soon - NUDE
- West Beltline
- 177 homes
- Designed by S2 Architecture
Each building that Battistella develops has its own story, its own community, its own way of life, and its own unique design. But each development has something in common, each and every building is keeping the Battistella legacy, of building better lives, alive.
As long as that continues to happen, we'll continue building.
Battistella: The A-Team
The Battistella crew is, without a doubt, an extension of the family, with each member of the current 12 person team having the same pride of ownership and dedication as the Battistella brothers.
We like to think of the team as small but mighty, like the A-Team.
Battistella Developments has gone beyond Paul and Simon, and it's a privilege that numerous members of the team have been with Battistella for such a long time. Take the construction crew, for example. Mark, Battistella's Site Superintendent, and Peter, Battistella's Finishing & Warranty Manager, have worked hand in hand with Simon for nearly two decades! They move with every building and are directly involved with every aspect, from working with architects through to hand-off to customers and warranty.
Battistella Headquarters is more static and is where you'll find Barb and Sheena. Barb is another Battistella veteran, although good luck finding out what year she started! They deal with the daily running of the company and try their hardest to keep track of Paul as he comes and goes between meetings.
The sales team, much like the construction crew, is fluid and moves with each project. Currently, you'll find them at NUDE HQ. Chris, Stephanie, Renee, Catherine, and Faith are the part of the team who work directly with customers and homeowners; they're in charge of marketing, sales (obvs), and customer service.
And of course, the latest edition to Battistella Developments is the rental division, which is run by Peter, Kristen, and Chris. We don't just hit it and quit it; we own in our buildings. In fact, some of our team members are Battistella owners, and Giovanni still lives in PIXEL!
Without our A-Team, the legacy of Jacqueline and Giovanni Battistella wouldn't exist, and Calgary's skyline would look very different. We understand how lucky we are to have such a dedicated team, and we can't wait to continue building with them.
Battistella: Paul and Simon, the Battistella Brothers
The Battistella brothers, Paul and Simon, are committed to carrying on their parent's legacy of building better lives in Calgary.
Since the brothers were kids, Battistella Developments and its mission to build sustainable, innovative homes in inner-city Calgary, has been a significant part of their lives.
As they grew older, the brothers joined the family business full-time. Paul joined after receiving his Masters of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Victoria. A few years later, Simon joined Paul after earning his Architectural and Building Development Technologist Diploma from SAIT.
Nowadays, the brothers work side by side as Managing Partners. Simon oversees all aspects of construction, and Paul keeps the business side of things in order; however, both of them are hands-on. Both brothers are 100% involved throughout the entire development cycle.
It's how their parents Jacqueline and Giovanni did things, and it's how the brothers continue to do things. In fact, during a build, you'll find the brothers, in hard hats and steel-toed boots, on the construction site. You might even bump into Giovanni! It's that ownership, pride, and intimate understanding of a project that helps make Battistella Buildings special. Alongside timeless designs and a dedicated team, of course.
Both Paul and Simon insist that they wouldn't be able to carry on their family legacy without their team. Although small, the team is like an extension of the Battistella family. The pride of ownership extends to these dedicated individuals who share a common vision and values in the work that they do.
Building and revitalizing inner-city Calgary has always been important to the Battistella family. Much like Connaught Gardens that Jacqueline and Giovanni built in the 90s, the recent developments that the brothers have brought to life, continue to be innovative and timeless.
The ultimate reward for the Battistella family and their team remains the same as it was at the beginning. In a small but powerful manner, being able to improve the inner-city of Calgary.
Battistella: The OG Family Developers in Calgary
The name Battistella is well-known throughout Calgary, but it comes from modest means.
Giovanni Battistella came to Calgary in 1959. Life in post-war Europe was challenging, and work was hard to come by, so Giovanni, an Italian bricklayer, followed his two brothers to Calgary, Canada.
A few years later, Giovanni met Jaqueline, an Englishwoman who had come to Calgary, a city that wasn't even 100 years old yet, in her search for a better life. The two young Europeans met during a dance at the Italian Club (of all places) and fell in love.
Giovanni continued working as a bricklayer, and Jaqueline went on to get her bachelor's and her master's degree in psychology. She had considered doing a Ph.D. until the opportunity arose for the couple to build a Fourplex. Giovanni had already built a home for his own growing family, so instead of pursuing her Ph.D., Jaqueline helped Giovanni build their first Fourplex. Not long after, they began to build single-family homes on very narrow lots.
Nowadays, we know them as infill homes, but back then, they were almost unheard of in Calgary. Giovanni and Jacqueline were at the forefront of these innovative abodes, and they gained an immediate reputation for building something unique, innovative, and edgy.
In 1980, there was a panel of judges from Ottawa who were in Calgary evaluating entrants to the Governor General's award. On their way to assess another home, they saw a Battistella infill home. They pulled over, the whole jury got out and said, 'this has to be entered,' and they won! Almost 40 years later, the Governor General's award is still a badge of honor for Battistella Developments.
As they grew older, Paul and Simon, the Battistella brothers, became embedded in their parent's mission to build sustainable, innovative homes in inner-city Calgary. The brothers would spend their weekends helping their parents, pushing brooms, and cleaning, and they quickly became as important in the family business as Giovanni and Jacqueline.
Ten years after winning the Governor General's award, Giovanni and Jacqueline built Connaught Gardens. Once again, the couple had built something original and cutting edge which unsurprisingly, won numerous architectural recognitions. To this day, Connaught Gardens truly exudes the essence of Battistella Developments, cutting edge, yet timeless design, combined with the desire to improve the quality of homes in inner-city Calgary.
That's what Giovanni and Jacqueline Battistella established, and that's what their sons Paul and Simon, alongside their dedicated team, continue to do today. In a small yet committed manner, Battistella endeavors to build better lives in Calgary's inner-city.
The Happiest of Hours: 5 Great Hangouts for a Happy Hour Special in the West Beltline
Check out some of our favourite locations to grab great happy hour specials in NUDE's neighbourhood!
Whether you’re a workaholic looking for a quick bite to eat or a social butterfly catching up with friends, Brown’s is an Oasis. With two daily happy hours, running from 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, the menu offers solutions for everyone. Drinks specials include $4 Social Lager, $4 Social wines and $4.50 Social Cocktails. Social Cocktails are the optimal starting lineup for summer afternoons on the patio, striking the perfect level of sweetness. Their Happy Hour menu also features $4 off all shareables, $10 snacks and $15 entree
Itching to go on a Mexican getaway but your wallet disagrees? Blanco’s halfy hour might be enough to satisfy your vacation cravings for the time being. With over 75 hand-selected tequilas, 20 Mexican inspired cocktails and a build-your-own nacho menu, how could you not feel like you’re on a mini-vacation? Halfy hour features half off all tacos, nachos and tequila, as well as $6 beer and margaritas.
An eclectic marriage of classic European cooking and modern Canadian flavours, Cleaver makes gourmet flavors accessible and enjoyable to all audiences. You can enjoy a selection of $3 sliders and $5 wine, beer, and cocktails their happy hours, which is every hour of the day except dinner rush of course.
At One Night Stan’s there is one rule, come as you are. With a humorous and loving attitude, they tip their hat at local dive bars of the past and create an atmosphere that reminds you of a friend’s basement. 3pm - 6pm, every day, you can enjoy $5 beers, wine, and high-balls. Their food menu features a wide variety of bar classics and some new kids on the block. Bonus, their patio is dog-friendly so you can enjoy a cold one with your four-legged friend by your side.
Craft offers Canada’s largest selection of craft beer with over 100 beers on tap. To enjoy Craft’s happy hour, stop by between 3 to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday or anytime on Sundays. During Happy Hour, there are 40 different drinks options that are $4 to choose including wine, beer, and cocktails, the menu changes seasonally.
Do you have a favourite local happy hour destination? Share it with us, and our community, on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
5 Local Businesses to Buy Home Decor in the West Beltline
One of the best things about living in the inner city is exploring local boutiques that offer the unique pieces you will never find in Big Box land.
If you are on the hunt for something to spruce up your digs and show off your unique style, check out some of our favourite decor destinations for the perfect treasure or simply some home inspiration.
1. Walls Alive
If you are currently living with empty walls it might be time to spruce things up! Shop local and pop into Walls Alive located at 1328 17 Ave SW. They have a considerable collection of painting supplies and colours. Whether you like your living space a warm neutral or intergalactic purple, Walls Alive has everything you need to start your next project with expert advice.
2. 4Living
4Living, located at 1445 17 Ave SW, features Canadian-made quality furniture that ranges from modern classic to ultra-sleek. It’s a great place to find multi-functional pieces perfect for condo living.
Lighting and textiles are important for the home’s coziness. Chintz & Company has a few locations in Western Canada, including a location at 1238 11 Ave SW in Calgary’s Beltline. It’s so close to NUDE, you can carry your new decor home! How about softening your floors with the texture of a sheepskin rug? Or switch out your bedroom light with a chandelier. Fancy, right?
In the heart of 17th’s shopping district, you will find Steeling Home, at 1010 17 Ave SW. If you love all things local and eclectic, this is the right place to find your next decor addition. YYC focused Steeling Home is chock full of unique treasures, including expert bar items, unique textiles and plenty more
5. Zoe’s Store
While it is not for everyone boutique consignment shop Zoe’s Store, located at 1403 14 Street SW, is perfect when you’re in the mood to hunt down your perfect treasure. If you make it in past the items put out on the front stoop, head to the left for all Zoe’s for sale home finds. Our suggestion is an antique trunk. They are great for storage and double as a coffee or side table, plus Zoe always seems to have them in stock!
Do you have a favourite local home decor destinations? Share it with us, and our community, on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
Airbnb: Investor Pros and Cons
Is Airbnb really worth it? Often times, yes!
Hosting on Airbnb is a great way to invest, although any investment typically comes with risk. We’re here to help you work through the pros and cons of becoming an Airbnb host with your new condominium.
The pros of becoming an Airbnb host:
Increased earnings. If you’re planning on renting your condo to long-term renters, you have the added benefits of security and trusting your tenants. However, your monthly income is capped by the market. With Airbnb, you could increase your earnings exponentially if your condo is desirable.
Flexibility! Flexibility in terms of income, the way you use your own space, and the lifestyle you can live when the Airbnb app does the heavy lifting (advertising) for you. For example, if you travel a lot for work, renting your place on Airbnb for the times you are away might be a good way for you to make use of the empty space—extra cash for a little work.
Extra cash. Who doesn’t want a little extra spending money? If you live in a two-bedroom, but only need one for yourself, rent the second space on Airbnb! You can determine the availability if you want a night to yourself. It’s also a neat way to learn about different people and places as travelers pass through your home.
Low-cost advertising. Most business ventures require advertising budgets. Airbnb does all the hard work for you through their app. Optimize your listing and wait for the inquiries to roll in.
Repeat customers. Just like any hotel, if you’re hosting long enough, you may see repeat customers—trusted guests who treat your home like their home. Doesn’t that sound nice?
More control over your rental property. With short-term rentals, you are in charge of what happens and when! On the other hand, long-term tenants take a lot of that control depending on the provincial landlord and tenant laws.
The cons of listing your condo on Airbnb:
Stranger danger. There’s always an added risk when you don’t know who you’re renting to. However, reviews on Airbnb are beneficial for both hosts and guests so you can get a feel for the type of visitor they are before welcoming them. Airbnb’s host guarantee might be worth looking into.
Lack of stability on all fronts. For starters, you don’t know if you will be able to rent your unit tomorrow. Also, the rules change all the time for short-term rentals, so you should seek legal advice before getting started.
It’s a lot of work! You need to prep your condo and take proper photos, optimize your Airbnb listing, manage inquiries, respond to guests, check-in and check-out, and clean after each stay. That’s just the beginning! Running an Airbnb is similar to a job if you want to do it properly. Are you ready for the work?
Customer service. Of course, there is a communication aspect with long-term renters, but you’re able to develop a relationship with tenants over time. With Airbnb guests, you may have to deal with customer complaints more often.
So, do you think it’s worth it? We think the pros outweigh the cons!
Tips to succeed as an Airbnb host
The best way to succeed as an Airbnb host is to think of the service and features you’d love to receive when traveling and create that for them. Here are a few ideas to get started.
- Give guests a local perspective while exceeding the standards of a hotel. People love the entire experience of a hotel, especially the ritzy ones downtown. Balance that perceived lifestyle with your local knowledge to rake in the positive reviews.
- Pack your place with fun amenities to impress your guests. You can keep it simple and low-cost, but still, go above and beyond the basics. For example, people really appreciate being able to make a cup of coffee at home while traveling! Set up a Keurig and leave a few K-cups for your guests.
- Convenience is key when traveling. The location is obviously important, but you should also make check-in and check-out a breeze. Set your guests up with everything they need to have a great stay without contacting you every two minutes.
Above all, you want to think of your condo as a small business and raise their standards. Is your Airbnb clean, smelling nice, and free of clutter? Give your guests everything they’d expect and then some to keep them coming back!
Of course, do your own research before deciding if hosting on Airbnb is a good option for you. Airbnb has plenty of resources about how to start hosting, how you actually make money, and how to host safely. Remember to check the regulations of your specific community before accepting your first guests.
*The following information is accurate at the time of writing.
Summer Fun in Calgary
It’s summertime in the city! Downtown is the best place to live because you’re just a stone’s throw to all the action, but a quick trip to the highway when the mountains are calling.
Not sure what to add to your bucket list this summer? There’s so much fun going on! The challenge will be choosing your favourites.
Here’s our round-up of local events, festivals, and fêtes in and around downtown Calgary.
June 7, 14, 28
Kick summer off right: enjoying the fresh air with friends! Bring your crew to Central Memorial Park on Fridays in June to picnic and dance at DJs’ in the Park. It’s the perfect mix of party and chill from 4 to 9 pm.
Sled Island Music & Arts Festival
June 19-23
Sled Island’s eclectic lineup brings together music, comedy, film, and art for 5-days of fun across over 30 venues. The festival is an entirely different experience for every attendee as you pick your favourites and diy your own lineup schedule!
July 1
Celebrate Canada’s birthday with friends and family downtown Calgary. There are plenty of options to choose from including fireworks, the East Village Street Fair, the yearly favourite Eau Claire Market, Fort Calgary family fun, and the Canada Day Block Party at the Max Bell Centre. Visit Calgary knows the entire run-down.
July 5-14
Stampede is like Christmas for Calgarians! There’s no better time of year than early July when the city comes alive over a shared love for country music, midway meals, cowboy boots, and all things giddy-up!
July 25-28
After the craziness of Stampede season, relax and unwind in Prince’s Island Park at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Bring your friends and pack your snacks for a weekend of lounging and dancing under the sun.
July 27-28
Even if you don’t have a dog of your own, you might want to go to Pet-A-Palooza to pet everyone else’s dogs! This free, pet-friendly event celebrates our furry family members with fun outdoor games. Will you sign up for the ruff-mud race or puppy yoga?
Calgary International Blues Festival
July 29-August 4
Blues Fest is back again this summer at Shaw Millenium Park. The lineup is stacked and the sun will be shining! Have you grabbed your ticket yet?
August 3-4
Have you seen the Chasing Summer Festival lineup? The big DJs like Steve Aoki, Alesso, and The Chainsmokers are coming to Calgary to dance all day and night at Max Bell Centre. A quick trip from downtown to the grounds means you can maximize your time dancing in the sun.
August 3
Seize Inglewood Sunfest this summer! Local businesses, street performers, and cool music come together to celebrate the unique community of Inglewood for a full day in the sunshine. There’s so much to do and see (and eat and drink!) that you won’t know what to pick first.
August 8-11
Speaking of eating… why not try a little of this and a bit of that? Taste of Calgary gets us outside of our homes to eat, drink, and be merry with local restaurants. Live music, good food, and delicious drinks—what more could you need? Sample all that Calgary’s participating restaurants have to offer!
August 9-11
The Dragon Boat Race and Festival is free family fun in the middle of summer! Take your pick between food trucks and beer gardens, or be entertained by the performers. Of course, you need to watch at least one dragon boat race throughout the weekend.
Did we miss anything? Let us know where you hang out! Share your summer fun with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
A Conversation with Laval St. Germain, Calgary's Most Interesting Man
Whether we're summiting a peak or taking a leisurely once-in-a-while weekend hike, there's no doubt that every Calgarian comes preprogrammed with a sense of adventure. We wouldn't live so close to the mountains if we didn't. However, some of us like to take things to extreme heights — literally.
Living amongst the numerous adventurous souls of Calgary is world-famous adventurer Laval St. Germain. Laval is the only Canadian to have climbed Mount Everest without the use of supplemental oxygen, the only person to have climbed and skied Iraq's highest peak and is the holder of the fastest ever crossing of the North Atlantic Ocean by solo ocean rowboat from mainland North America to mainland Europe.
We're so excited to be sponsoring Laval's next adventure - 90° South 7th Summit - which is a solo ski expedition to the South Pole followed by a climb of Antarctica's highest mountain. And we're even more thrilled to have had a chance to sit down with Calgary's Most Interesting Man to hear about his previous expeditions before he sets out.
Battistella: Are you a natural-born adventurer, or was this something you developed a passion for at some point in your life?
Laval: Natural born. I always loved being outdoors, emulating my childhood heroes like Tarzan — the only difference is that I wear shoes now.
B: What do you do when you're not climbing mountains and rowing across the ocean?
L: I am a Boeing 737 Airline Captain for an airline called Canadian North.
B: Are you more at home on the water, in the mountains, or in the air?
L: Mountains and air are my natural environments, but skiing on frozen water (AKA snow) is a true passion as well.
B: What was your first major summit?
L: My first summit was a remote mountain in South America, an Andean giant in Bolivia called Cerro Sajama, which stands at over 6,500m (21 500’ASL) at the edge of the Atacama desert.
B: What was it like?
L: Painful! I suffered from altitude sickness, gastrointestinal issues, and snow blindness — but I was hooked!
B: What came next?
L: After that came a solo climb of the highest mountain in South America, which is also the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. It’s called, Aconcagua and is located in Argentina, at about 7,000m (22800’ASL).
B: What made you decide to climb Mount Everest without supplied oxygen?
L: One of my childhood inspirations, Italian climber Reinhold Messner, was the first to climb it without oxygen and I dreamed of doing the same. Something about it being the ultimate physiological challenge was a real siren call to me.
B: What has been your greatest physical challenge to date?
L: Hmmm, purely physical would be Everest. The descent took every last ounce of my strength to make it down alive.
B: What does your summit in Antarctica entail? What's the timeline like and where exactly will you be?
L: Well, this is more than a summit. First will be a nearly two-month solo ski to the South Pole pulling a 110 kg sled for 1,200 km. Once I do that, I will fly to the highest peak on the continent and do a two-week expedition to climb Mount Vinson.
B: How do you prepare for an adventure like that?
L: Train. Always. Train smart. Did I mention always? I do something every day: weights, running, running stairs or cycling, and have been doing so for years. So nothing different in the fitness preparation department for this expedition. For the non-physical preparation, I largely rely on my experience for doing these types of things. Years of experience is important.
B: What are the unique challenges for this upcoming summit?
L: Isolation, constant daily exertion and temperatures from a balmy -20C to a more likely -45C with strong winds.
B: Where is your favourite training spot in Calgary?
L: In the actual city proper, I would say runs along the Elbow and Bow Rivers, stair running in the inner city neighbourhoods and, further afield in the city, trail runs in Fish Creek Park or Nose Hill Park.
B: What advice would you give to aspiring adventurers?
L: Don't wait. The summits will out-wait all of us, but life is short. If you have a summit or a goal of any kind, sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Just like in my motto: ”Step out Shove off,” and start. Unzip that tent door, open that front door or whatever is holding you back and step out. Shove off from that safe harbour, that comfortable dock or whatever it is keeping you tied to shore and get out there.
B: Tell us more about your partnership with Battistella. When did it begin and what does it allow you to do?
L: Battistella stepped out from what a typical developer would do and teamed with me on my solo row across the Atlantic Ocean as a sponsor. This company really promotes intentional living with homes in vibrant urban communities. I love that their projects focus on access to pedestrian or walkable neighbourhoods, cycling and a reduced reliance on the car.
My own philosophy of living with intent meshes perfectly with theirs and on this expedition to the South Pole, my complete intentional living ”home” will all be contained in one high-tech, carbon-fibre sled that I drag behind me. Battistella owns that sled and I’m very proud to have their logo on me and my — actually their — sled!
B: What’s next after conquering 7 of the 7 summits?
L: First of all, I don’t use the word conquer. It is impossible to conquer these beautiful peaks and blank spaces on the maps. I’m just thankful and honoured to touch the top and get back down alive.
I’d love to get back, take a day or two off and then do some backcountry skiing with my daughter Andréa, some scuba diving with my son Eric and a wine tour or two with my wife Janet.
B: Is there a secret society invite awaiting?
L: Yes, but it's a secret. Hence the name. Sorry.
Want to hear Laval share more stories about his expeditions? He'll be joining us at the NUDE by Battistella presentation centre on November 1. You could win a pair of tickets for this already sold-out event by entering our Instagram and Facebook contests leading up to the evening. Be sure to enter before 10 AM on October 31.
Even if you don't win tickets, you can catch Laval's talk by tuning into our Facebook Live on November 1 at 6 PM.
You can help Laval reach his fundraising goal of $200,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation by contributing here.