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“St Mary’s High School” by User:Thivierr – Photo taken with digital camera by User:Thivierr, who uploaded to English Wikipedia first, and then later to Commons.. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Families with young kids are drawn to the Altadore neighbourhood because there are a variety of great schools nearby.  The Altadore School is a public elementary school that accommodates kids from kindergarten to grade 6.  There are approximately 240 students and this school features an award winning naturalization area called “The Owl’s Nest”.  Students will go on to attend Mt Royal Junior High School for grades 7-9.  Central Memorial High School is the designated public high school for the area.  This school boasts an excellent theater program.  They are also affiliated with the National Sport Academy which provides additional training and resources for athletic students.

The St. James Elementary and Junior High School is the designated school in the Catholic stream.  Students will go on to attend St. Mary’s High School or Bishop Carroll High School.  Bishop Carroll differentials itself with a self-directed learning program.  Students who attend Bishop Carroll have the freedom to customize their curriculum to accommodate their personal goals, learning objectives and future plans.

There is an international French school as well as five other private schools in the Altadore area.  Rundle Academy is the leader in individualized learning for students with learning disabilities.  This school offers additional support and creative learning techniques to help students overcome difficulties with reading, writing or mathematical learning challenges.

Post-secondary students living in the Altadore area, who are planning on attending Mt Royal University, will be able to take advantage of the convenient 10 minute drive to school.  Mt Royal University provides applied degrees, career diplomas, as well as certificate programs.  The University of Calgary, which is about 15 minutes away, is another highly sought after institution.  They offer over 200 programs and are considered to be one of Canada’s top research universities.  The engineering and geoscience programs are constantly raising the bar for Calgary’s petroleum and geoscience industries.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

Planning on heading out to enjoy some of the summer festivals this year around Calgary? There are so many great events to choose from. Although nothing can quite stack up against the Stampede, each festival offers its own unique selection of food, vendors and entertainment.

Kicking off the summertime is the Lilac Festival, held on Sunday, May 25th . This one day celebration takes place on 4th Street between 13th Ave South and Elbow Drive. With spring in the air, it’s a great time to shake off the winter blues and come out for the parade and a full day of family entertainment.

In June, the Father’s Day Festival is taking place on 8th Ave between 4th and 7th . The street will be closed for pedestrian access only during the Father’s Day weekend and there will be street performers, live music and a cool car show.

The Banff Bike Fest, taking place on June 12th to 15th , is the perfect excuse to head out of town. Cycling enthusiasts will have a chance to participate in one of seven competitive and non-competitive races. There is over $20,000 in prize money up for grabs this year.

Craving some authentic souvlaki? The annual Calgary Greek Festival welcomes over 10,000 guests at the Hellenic Community Centre. This festival takes place on June 21st to the 23rd this year.

Ready for patio season? The Kensington Sun and Salsa Festival is the place to be on July 20th . This year marks the 21st anniversary of Kensington Village’s annual festivities. Visitors can sample a wide variety of salsas, shop from the street merchants and enjoy one of the many local restaurants.

This year’s Ironman 70.3, being held on July 27th , was so popular, it actually sold out. If you were lucky enough to get a spot in what is considered to be one of the most challenging and scenic Ironman courses, you are in for an exciting and memorable day.

You don’t need to go all the way to New Orleans for Mardi Gras – you can find it right here in Marda Loop! This family festival takes place on August 10th . The Kids Quarter will have bouncy castles, games and face painting. Check out the Art Tent to see some of our local talent on display.

Looking for your next favorite restaurant? The Taste of Calgary is a one-stop-shop where you can sample the best cuisine from local vendors. The event takes place from August 14th – 17th at Eau Claire Festival Plaza. Guests can purchase $1 food tickets that they can redeem for tasty snacks and beverages from over thirty local establishments. This is a great way to try something new and discover a whole bunch of great restaurants at once.

If you are planning on staying in the city for the August Long Weekend, you will want to check out the Dragon Boat Festival at Glenmore Reservoir.  This even draws hundreds of competitors who have been training hard all summer to be the fastest team on the water.  This exciting cultural event celebrates the ancient sport of dragon boat racing and has plenty of entertainment to make it worth spending the day.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

My wife Shirley and our son playing frisbee

My family is one of the things in my life that inspires me to work hard, take care of myself and do my best in everything that  I set out to do.  Even though our kids are getting older, my wife and I like to spend time with them whenever their busy scheduels and our allow.  We appreciate the great outdoors together by going hiking, kayaking, or just a walk with our dog Max in the local parks.  We try to go cross country skiing a few times a year.  After a busy day, we all realy enjoy a meal together at home as a family.  The time that we spend together creates lots of great memories and allows us to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

My son is especially good  at reminding my wife and I about the importance of our connections with our friends and family.  Like everyone else our lives get busy with work and other obligations, and he will freuquently ask a question –  making sure that we take the time to connect with the people that are important to us.  Sometimes our kids need to remind us where our real priorities lie when we get caught up in the details of our daily lives.

One of the best things about living in Calgary is that there is no shortage of activities that you can do as a family.  Whether your family enjoys outdoor activities, theatre, or science – there is something for every age and activity level.  Each season brings new opportunities for adventure and trying to keeping up with the kids is sure to keep you feeling young at heart.

If you are looking for an exciting event this spring, The Calgary International Children’s Festival is taking place May 21st to the 24 th .  This is a great family event that offers live shows, open air activities, and a toy theater.  Bring your kids to get their faces painted and enjoy all the lively entertainment that this show has to offer.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

As an Altadore real estate professional, it is important that I am connected to my community.  I have had the opportunity to sit on the board for the Marda Loop Communities Association.  This association manages the facilities, community events and other recreational activities in South Calgary, Altadore-River Park, Garrison Woods and the commercial district of Marda Loop.

This association assists in the issues surrounding neighbourhood planning, parks and transportation in the community.  They are also responsible for an extensive calendar of activities for kids, adults and seniors.  If you are new to the Calgary area, this is a great way to fill up your social calendar with some great fitness classes and educational events.  Be sure to stop by the outdoor pool or the ice rink depending on the season.

This non-profit association has been operating for over 40 years by a group of dedicated and hard-working volunteers.  They commit their time and talents to improving the neighbourhood life in Calgary.  If you are looking for a great way to meet new friends and get involved with your community in South Calgary, consider volunteering for the Marda Loop Communities Association.  They are always looking for extra helping hands to assist with planning, volunteer during the events, or help out with many of the children’s programs.

Although I no longer sit on the board for this association, I still enjoy participating in their community events.  The Indulge Event, held every spring, is a fantastic food and wine expo that brings many residents together.  The event gives restaurants in the Marda Loop area a chance showcase a sample from their menus.  There is a silent auction followed by a live auction later in the evening.  This event is not to be missed, and I look forward to seeing you at Indulge 2014.  Please feel free to say hello and let me know if you have questions about the Altadore real estate market.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

How do you define luxury?  Home buyers may have a variety of different ideas in mind.  Many of my clients value their outdoor space just as much as the interior of their home.  The property and surrounding area give the home its curb appeal and provide the homeowner their own private place to enjoy the outdoors.  For most, a luxury home needs to offer something unique.  There are several features that are becoming must-haves on the luxury home buyer’s list of requirements.

A designated wine cellar is the entertainer’s dream.  These rooms are being designed to showcase a collection of wines and allow the homeowner to control the temperature separately from the rest of the house.  In the past, wine cellars were often built into the basement of the home, but modern designers are finding a way to incorporate them into the main level which provides easy access for entertaining.

The finishes in a home are what truly separate an average house from a luxury home.  Natural finishes like hardwood, granite, and travertine add that extra wow factor to a house.  In real estate, you will often hear the phrase “kitchens and bathrooms sell homes”.  This is especially true in the luxury home market.  Buyers are looking for beautiful custom kitchens and bathrooms that are both functional and stylish.

Because many areas in Calgary sit on a higher elevation, home buyers are looking for a house with a view.  The surrounding areas provide a stunning backdrop with views of the city or mountains.  Unlike the cosmetic features of a home, the view is something that you cannot change and will never go out of style.  Homes with a view hold their value and are highly desirable for prospective buyers.

Love to enjoy a movie or game on the big screen?  Media rooms have come a long way and are a must-have in a luxury home.  The ideal media room features comfortable seating, surround sound, and a high quality projector system.  Media rooms are perfect for entertaining friends or spending a relaxing weekend at home.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

Although I am a long way off from calling myself a professional, I am definitely passionate about cycling. If you are looking to take up a new sport that helps you maintain your physical fitness, allows you to enjoy the outdoors, and pushes your personal limitations, cycling is a fun and rewarding sport.

Join a group that will motivate or inspire you to ride. Although cycling can be considered a non-competitive sport, riding with a group will help you to improve your endurance. It provides a fun social atmosphere and holds you accountable to make sure that you get out and ride at the scheduled time.

Develop a training plan. Decide how far you want to go, and figure out what you need to do to get there. Establish a plan that will gradually get you closer to your goal without over exerting yourself. If you are used to working out with cardio equipment at the gym, you may want to invest in a power meter or heart rate monitor. This allows you to have a good idea of how your body is responding to the workout.

Sign up for an event like a race or charity ride. Forcing yourself to shape up for an important event adds an extra element of accountability. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you to connect with other cyclists. If you are new to cycling, start with a non-competitive charity ride for an organization that is meaningful to you.

If you are already into cycling … a little more than your average bird … MEC in Calgary is offering a great event on Saturday, April 26 from 6:30-10:30pm. If you are over the age of 18, MEC is inviting dedicated riders, performance cyclists and club-level racers to their first MEC Rider Expo. Alex Stieda will be on hand to discuss his training regime and his Olympic and Tour de France experiences.

And there will be beer! I’m registered! Hope to see you there.

Register here. It’s free! http://events.mec.ca/event/15187/mec-calgary-rider-expo

This June will be the second annual Bike Month in Calgary. The City of Calgary established Bike Month to provide an opportunity to promote cycling education and encourage residents to adopt this fun, economical and healthy transportation alternative. There are three family-focused bike festivals happening this month in the city. There are also a series of maintenance clinics and information sessions that are available for free or by donation.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

If you are a buyer in the Altadore real estate market, you have probably considered purchasing what we call an infill home. Traditionally, homes in Calgary were built on 50′ lots. As the demand for downtown living has increased in the past 10 years , many of these original bungalows have been torn down and are being replaced by two smaller homes. Although infill homes are narrow, most less than 25′ wide, builders are finding creative ways to maximize the living space. Many of these homes feature three bedrooms and three bathrooms above grade. We are also seeing more three story infills. Infills are a great option for home buyers who are looking for a modern home that is close to the inner city.

I recently helped some clients purchase an infill. They are a young family who was looking for a home that allowed them to be close to everything that the city has to offer. The infill that they chose was close to parks and schools, and this type of home met their needs and their budget.

If you are considering this type of home, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Pay attention the street. Many of these homes are built on busy through streets. Familiarize yourself with the transit system if you will be using it, and visit the area during rush hour to see how busy the area can be. Time your drive to work to make sure this property is right for you.

Get to know your builder. If you are buying a brand new infill, it is important to understand that you may be in contact with your builder for several months after you move in. Do some research to make sure the builder has a good reputation. I recommend that my clients do a walk-though with the builder prior to closing.

Find out what is included. If this is your first time buying a new build in the Altadore real estate market, there are many details to consider. Find out if appliances are included, and make sure you are aware of the finishes that will be used to complete your new home. If the builder makes any verbal commitment for upgrades or additional modifications, make sure to get it in writing. Once the home is built, it’s always a good idea to get another professional opinion. Bring in a home inspector to point out any potential deficiencies and help you address the issues ahead of time.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

Purchasing a new home is a sentimental and emotional experience for many buyers. This makes it especially important to stage your home in a way that people can imagine themselves living there. Although an empty home may appear larger, buyers have to really tap into their imagination to envision the empty space functioning as their home. Typically a showing may last from 10 to 40 minutes, so it is important that your home makes a great first impression during this short time.

Highlight your home’s strengths. Think about what you first noticed when you purchased your home. A beautiful fireplace, large windows, or an updated kitchen are all things that could set your home apart from the other listings on the market. Ask your friends what they like best about your home and then make sure those features are showcased.

Clearing up clutter is the most important task. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with clutter, especially if you have a busy family. We have a rule in my house that whenever we bring something new into the house, we get rid of something else. This is a great way to manage toys, clothing and other stuff that starts to accumulate over time. When the time comes to list your house, get rid of extra unwanted items by donating them to charity or have a yard sale.

Make a great first impression. The front door, mailbox and house numbers should look clean and new. Add some potted plants to your entrance way, and make sure that the yard is well-kept and free of debris.

Bring in the professionals. A professional stager can make your home look like the perfect 10. Last year I listed a home for a client at slightly above market value. The home sat on the market for several weeks with no activity. We made the decision to take the home off the market and bring in a professional stager to overhaul the home. We put the house back on the market, and it sold for 99.5% of the asking price. Even though the market hadn’t changed, professional staging helped to increase the perceived value of this home to potential buyers.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

Our dog Max is an Australian Shepherd/Collie mix. He is 11 years old and has always loved tagging along with our family when we went hiking or kayaking.  Although a dog is supposed to be a man’s best friend, Max seems to prefer my wife over me.

I used to bring him running with me when he was a puppy.  He had plenty of energy and had no problem keeping up.  Now that he is 11, he has no interest in hitting the pavement.  If I put my shoes on and ask him if he wants to go for a run, he avoids eye contact and hides behind my wife.

Although he’s not much a runner, Max loves to go for walks.  We walk him twice a day, using a nylon leash.  This helps to keep him off other people’s lawns and helps us to maintain control if he gets excited from seeing another dog.

If you are like us and you like to bring your dog on hiking adventures outside the city, the public health office is warning that deer ticks continue to be a problem.  Although the percentage of deer ticks that are testing positive for Lyme disease is still relatively low in Alberta, it’s a good idea to check your dog’s coat after spending time in a forest or around long grass.

As a dog owner, it is also important to know that spring is considered to be flea season.  There are many things that you can do to help your dog prevent fleas naturally.  A balanced diet strengthens their immune system and will help them resist pests on their own.  Give your dog a bath every six weeks with a gentle shampoo that won’t dry out their skin.  If your dog has a bed, it’s also a good idea to wash it or replace it on a regular basis.

Calgary has 150 leash free parks within the city.  The Altadore Park provides an excellent leash free area that stretches between 38th  Avenue and 50 th  Avenue where you can bring your dog to let off some energy and get to know the other dogs (and humans) in your neighbourhood.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

In a city that is experiencing tremendous growth, the Altadore-River Park area is establishing itself as a highly desirable neighbourhood for home buyers. The Altadore neighbourhood is an older community in Calgary that is going through an exciting revitalization.  Altadore has been named one of Calgary’s best neighbourhoods for the last few years in a row.  Trendy young professionals and growing families are attracted to this neighbourhood because of new luxury homes and its convenient proximity to parks and the Marda Loop shopping district.

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, the average sale price in the Altadore-River Park community was approximately $826,000 for a single family home in 2012.  The year-end data for 2013 reported that the average sale price had increased to $912,000.  That is an increase of 10% in just one year.  Compared to the Calgary-wide increase of 4%, Altadore is establishing itself as an excellent place for home buyers to invest.

If you are thinking of selling your home in this community, this is a great time to list your property.  The area is in high demand, and many of listings sell with competing offers.  This is the perfect time to capitalize on the equity in your home.  The number of available listings in this area has decreased, and buyers are eagerly waiting for the opportunity to become part of this vibrant community.

If you are looking to buy a beautiful home in an up-and-coming neighbourhood, Altadore has everything that you are looking for.  This neighbourhood needs to be seen to be appreciated.  Many of the developers in this area have built homes with unique, yet classic designs.  Most of the homes feature modern finishes, vaulted ceilings, and open concept living areas.  As prices continue to rise, buyers can purchase a home in this community with confidence knowing that their investment is secure in a home that will continue to increase in value.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.