In this week's Times we're taking a look at a new housing development in the city aimed at encouraging a healthy active lifestyle. Carrie Catherine, a local artist and Shift Development partner, is an avid runner who's passionate about contributing to a vibrate and healthy community - and that's exactly what she believes her latest project, the Element Urban Village in Riversdale will do.
Check out this video before we get to our Q&A to get a bit of an overview of the project - and see Carrie on the run!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue7mAgvfTAw.
Q&A with Carrie Catherine
Tara: Before we get to questions about your exciting new project, let's first learn a bit more about you as a runner. When did you start running, and role does it play in your busy life now?
Carrie: I started running when I was in university and soon made a quick half an hour run in the morning part of my routine. When I had kids, it became especially important for my mind and body to get in that time for myself, get fresh air, and start the day right. It wasn't until a few years ago that I felt compelled to try a half marathon and really invested in becoming better and running longer distances. I booked a trip to Vancouver, stayed with a girlfriend and did my first half marathon around the Seawall at Stanley Park. I'll be a runner for life—it feeds my mind, body and soul!
Tara: You are a prime example Saskatoon's vibrate, and passionate community of people who are committed to leading active, healthy lifestyles. How did this mindset play into the development of the Element Urban Village?
Carrie: My husband Curtis and I strongly believe that a city is what you make it, so we've been creating living and work spaces that facilitate the kind of lifestyle we want—one where we can walk/bike to where we want to go, meet our neighbours, feel connected, and take advantage of living in a river city. We started with spaces like The Two Twenty—work space for entrepreneurs and creative industries with a thriving cafe at the heart of it. We did a residential condo project called Mosaic for entry level home buyers in the heart of Riversdale. Element Urban Village feels like the crown jewel of what we've done so far—perched right on the river, with amazing views and trails. Victoria Park is the front yard! We loved the project so much, we moved in and this location has opened so many possibilities for enjoying the outdoors and river with our two young boys. It feels like I'm living at the lake, while still immersed in the pulse of the city.
Carrie heading out for a run along the river.
Tara: What made you decide to develop in Riversdale?
Carrie: Riversdale has an amazing balance of old spaces/businesses that retain the history of the community, and new ones that bring in energy and ideas. For example, start at the historic Roxy Theatre for a flick and wander a few blocks down to Village Guitar & Amp, one of the best vibes in Saskatoon for live music. It's also one of the most culturally diverse communities in Saskatoon, and there is an amazing selection of interesting restaurants. Add to this intersection of people and places the proximity to the river, and you've got the makings for a great lifestyle—accessible all on foot.
Tara: Has there been a positive response to the project so far?
Carrie: We've had a great response! During the design phase, we spent a lot of time imagining how people would use the space, what they would feel when they walked in the door. It's very rewarding to see that work pay off. As I watch that incredible sunrise every morning, it doesn't require much motivation to cross the street and start a run. A beautiful view or the ability to walk to work—these may seem like small things, but they can make a big difference in changing the vibe of our everyday routines. As people come through Element Urban Village, they start to see the possibilities inherent in living on the river.
Tara: How do you believe this project, and others similar, with help grow Saskatoon in a direction conducive to an active lifestyle?
Carrie: I believe that if we set the right conditions that make active lifestyles easy to pursue, people will respond. We've seen this emerging more and more through our work in Riversdale and Caswell Hill. We joke that every project Shift Development has pursued has been within walking distance of our office—and it's true. Because when we build interesting spaces in core neighbourhoods that allow us to walk to where we need to go, we realize how fulfilling and eventful our days become. We become invested in the people and places that are along our commutes. And that's the making of a rich, healthy community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2016 PR Athletics First Chance Meet
This track meet is an opportunity for those born in 2007 or later to compete on December 3 at the Saskatoon Field House. All athletes will receive a medal. Entries will be limited to the first 50 entrants. For more information contact Ivan Tam at
Athletics Canada Road Running Survey
Athletics Canada is asking runners to take a moment to fill out the 2016 Athletics Canada Road Running Survey. These questions allow Athletics Canada to learn more about Canadian runners and provide a better experience in 2017. As a thank you, you can receive a coupon for 15% off at http://shop.athletics.cathat is good until December 31, 2016. Click the following link to get started: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3028417/c3ba78016764.
Start2Finish
Every week, at one of Saskatoon's community schools, volunteers and children come together for a running and reading program called Start2Finish. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Saskatoon's at-risk children. You run, read, and share a word of the day with the group of kids. Start2Finish not only allows you the opportunity to give back to the community, and gain a rewarding experience, but also allows you to help children grow in a positive way. If you are interested in giving a couple hours of your time to read and run with these children please email: http://
Charity Challenge - Hike Machu Picchu, Peru
Hike to Machu Picchu, Peru May 13 to 20, 2017! This is an opportunity for a great adventure, while also funding life-saving research to beat blood cancers through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Join challenge leader, Mavis Derksen at the Brainsport Run Club Wednesday's at 6 p.m. where she'll be leading a weekly walk in preparation for the hike! For more information go to:https://www.charitychallenge.ca/expedition2.html?id=1885&cid=3106.
Triathlon Training
Transition Sport and Fitness is offering Distance Group, or Personalized Coaching for anyone wanting to take their swim, bike, or run training to the next level. Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.cafor more info on all programs.
Leopold's Tavern
There's a new place in the Broadway district to grab some well deserved food and drink after those long runs. Leopold's Tavern now open at 616 10th street E. Great food, great beers and good times! Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. -2 a.m. with full menu until close. Bring something to pin up on the walls - you'll see . . .
Product of the Week
Saucony Xodus ISO Runshield
