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Decks in Edmonton with Helical Screw Piles

Revolutionizing Backyard Decks in Edmonton with Helical Screw Piles

Building a backyard deck in Edmonton presents unique challenges due to the region’s climate, soil conditions, and local building regulations. However, the evolution of foundation solutions has greatly improved with the introduction of helical screw piles. These innovative foundation supports are not only robust and reliable but also compliant with the stringent requirements for structures such as high decks, roofed decks, or decks supporting hot tubs. In this article, we delve into why helical screw piles are an essential choice for your deck project in Edmonton, AB.

Understanding Helical Screw Piles

Helical screw piles are deep foundation elements constructed from steel, featuring one or more helix-shaped blades attached to a central shaft. These piles are driven into the ground using hydraulic machinery, twisting like a screw into wood, which allows them to anchor deeply into the soil. This method provides exceptional stability and load-bearing capabilities, crucial for supporting structures subjected to the shifting and heaving conditions typical of Edmonton’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Advantages of Helical Screw Piles for Decks

  1. Speed of Installation: Unlike traditional concrete foundations that require excavation, curing time, and considerable labor, screw piles can be installed quickly, often within a day, depending on the scale of the project.
  2. Minimal Landscape Impact: The installation of screw piles is less invasive, producing minimal soil displacement and disturbance. This means your surrounding garden and landscape remain intact.
  3. Year-Round Installation: Screw piles can be installed in any season, despite Edmonton’s harsh winters, because they do not require poured concrete, which can be problematic in cold weather.
  4. Immediate Load Bearing: Once installed, these piles can immediately bear the load of your deck. There’s no waiting period for materials to set or cure, allowing construction to proceed without delay.
  5. Environmentally Friendly: With no need for large-scale excavation and concrete, screw piles are a greener alternative, reducing the carbon footprint of your construction project.

Regulatory Compliance for Decks in Edmonton

In Edmonton, specific regulations mandate the use of robust foundation systems like screw piles for certain types of decks:

  • Decks Over 1.8 Metres in Height: Decks that are higher than 1.8 meters off the ground face increased leverage forces from wind and usage. These decks require a foundation that can securely anchor the structure, preventing tipping or swaying. Helical screw piles are ideal for this application because they can be driven deep into the ground to reach stable soil layers, ensuring the deck’s stability and safety.
  • Decks with a Roof: Adding a roof to a deck introduces additional load and requires a foundation capable of supporting both the live and dead load without settling or shifting. Screw piles are engineered to handle specified loads, and their depth and bearing area can be adjusted to meet the demands of a roofed deck.
  • Decks with a Hot Tub: The substantial weight of a hot tub, especially when filled with water and occupants, demands a foundation that distributes this load evenly and resists sinking. Screw piles can be strategically placed and driven to depths that provide the necessary support for the heavy loads imposed by hot tubs.

Installation Process

The process of installing helical screw piles begins with a site assessment to determine the soil conditions and the depth required to reach stable ground. Specialized machinery is then used to drive the piles into the ground. The depth and number of piles depend on the structure’s load requirements and the soil analysis results.

Each pile is fitted with a pile cap, which provides a secure and level mounting point for the deck’s substructure. The precise installation ensures that the deck will not shift, even in unstable or highly plastic clays common in some areas of Edmonton.

Choosing the Right Provider

When selecting an installer for deck piles, it is crucial to choose certified professionals who comply with local building codes and standards. Look for providers with a proven track record in Edmonton, familiar with local soil conditions and capable of providing detailed load-bearing calculations.

Conclusion

Helical screw piles represent a modern solution to the traditional challenges of deck construction in Edmonton. They offer rapid installation, immediate load bearing, and compliance with stringent regulations, making them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to build safe, durable, and compliant decks. Whether your deck is ambitiously high, luxuriously roofed, or equipped with a relaxing hot tub, helical screw piles provide the foundation strength and stability needed to enjoy your outdoor space with peace of mind.

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Edmonton Housing Market Forecast: Insights for 2024

Edmonton Housing Market Forecast: Insights for 2024

Recent Market Trends

Over the past year, the Edmonton housing market has experienced significant changes. The average sale price saw a 4.3% drop, declining from $418,713 in 2022 to $400,827 in 2023. Concurrently, the number of sales fell by 11.4%, from 22,388 transactions in 2022 to 19,825 in 2023. Despite these declines, the market remains balanced, although experts predict a shift towards sellers’ conditions in the upcoming year.

Projections for 2024

Looking ahead to 2024, several key trends and predictions are shaping the Edmonton housing market:

  1. **Price and Sales Forecast**: Average residential prices are expected to increase by 4%, while the number of sales transactions is anticipated to drop by 5%. This indicates a tightening market where demand could surpass supply.
  2. **Desirable Neighbourhoods**: Three areas are set to be the most sought-after in Edmonton for 2024:

   – **Oliver/Downtown**: Favoured for its lively urban environment and proximity to key amenities.

   – **Rutherford/Heritage Valley**: A modern development in the deep south, known for its contemporary housing options.

   – **Terra Losa**: Located north of the West Edmonton Mall, this neighbourhood is gaining popularity for its convenience and accessibility.

  1. **Single-Detached Home Demand**: Single-detached homes are predicted to be in high demand. However, the focus on new, denser construction developments, along with the rising cost of living, is influencing buyer preferences. In-home rental suites, including short-term rentals, are becoming a significant consideration.

Influencing Factors

Several factors are driving these market trends:

– **Interprovincial Migration**: A significant influx of people from Ontario is affecting Edmonton’s housing supply and creating competition for entry-level properties. This migration is largely due to Edmonton’s relative affordability compared to other major Canadian cities.

– **Immigration**: Edmonton’s attractiveness is also drawing immigrants directly to the city, bypassing traditional destinations like Vancouver or Montreal. The ability to secure a new construction home within two years of arrival is a distinct advantage that Edmonton offers.

– **Interest Rates**: Rising interest rates have cooled the market somewhat. However, Edmonton’s status as one of the most affordable major cities in Canada, combined with high overall incomes, is helping to stabilize property values.

Key Trends to Monitor

  1. **Shift to Sellers’ Market**: Edmonton is expected to transition from a balanced market to a sellers’ market in 2024, driven by rising demand and limited supply.
  2. **Interest Rates and Migration**: The interaction between rising interest rates and interprovincial migration, particularly from Ontario, will play a crucial role in shaping the market.
  3. **First-Time Homebuyers**: Unlike more expensive move-up markets, first-time buyers in Edmonton are actively purchasing condos under $200,000 to enter the market. However, interest rate hikes have reduced their buying power, making affordable entry-level properties highly desirable.

Conclusion

The Edmonton housing market is set for notable changes in 2024. With rising prices, strong demand for single-detached homes, and shifting buyer demographics, the city presents a dynamic and evolving landscape for both buyers and sellers. Whether you are looking to invest, buy your first home, or move up the property ladder, staying informed about these trends will be essential in making the best decisions in the coming year.

Performance-Based School Funding

After a blue-ribbon panel was formed to study how Alberta would be able to balance its budget over the next three years, an education funding process was recommended. This is something that had rarely ever been applied in Canada. The panel suggested that they use a performance-based funding program for post–secondary institutions, such as U of A. Alberta has 26 post secondary institutions without any requirements for training students in the labour market needs. There are no rewards for schools that commercialize discoveries they have made. The report also mentioned a K-12 school funding formula that doesn’t have any incentives for performance, innovation, or efficiencies.

There are places, such as the U.S. and many European countries with more experience using performance-based funding. The programs use financial incentives that help encourage schools to meet specific goals that the government makes. This means that not all of the public funding has to be based on enrollment, or basing the funding of a university on funding from the previous years, which is what is now done in Alberta. With a performance-based funding program, government funding is based on certain conditions.

There are thirty-five of 50 U.S. states with some type of financial rewards program for post-secondary schools that meet the goals of the government. This varies between the states and might also include the number of credits that students complete, the amount of degrees granted, types of degrees, how many students graduate on time, the number of graduates who will receive job placements, research grants received from external funding agencies, and the number of studiers who will receive special licenses. There are some instances where financial rewards are directly linked to the enrollment, adult learners, visible minorities, and success of low-income students.

Ontario is exploring this model for post-secondary schools. They are pledging to provide 60% of public funding to colleges and universities by 2025. During the mid-90s, Alberta also considered adopting this method, using 2% of college and universities funding to nine measures of a students success and research. Unfortunately, the government eventually abandoned it after realizing that the incentive wasn’t enough to initiate a significant change.

Professor Kevin McQuillan of the University of Calgary said that it was reasonable to want assurances that post-secondary education funding will be well spent. Governments should select indicators that give them insight into whether there is any improvement in education. There is always the chance the possibility of some institutions trying to take advantage of the system, making it appear that improvements have been made, when in actuality, they have not.

The incentives that are offered should be enough to motivate change. Currently, 54% of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions funding comes through provincial government. In light of Ontario’s proposed incentives program, there are questions about the government withholding some of the public funding if the post-secondary institutions don’t meet their goal. Its success of performance-based funding will depend on the performance of the institutions it is funding.

Breweries to Visit in Calgary On Your Self-Guided Tour

Calgary, AB, Canada has opened up a host of craft breweries in the last five years. They are increasing in popularity so quickly that most beer enthusiasts can’t keep up with them all. With recent breweries springing up all over Calgary, especially near universities, it’s a good thing regulations in recent years, have changed. Now, breweries can make smaller batches, which allow them to experiment and offer a wider variety of beers. In recent years, Calgary has become a beer destination.

We have put together of some of the most popular breweries in Calgary. There are plenty more for you to choose from if you decide to take your own self-guided beer tour through Calgary. However, here are the ones that we believe should definitely make your list.

  1. Annex Ale Project – In addition to the craft beer that they offer, they have also opened up an adult soda shop. Annex is one of the first breweries to come along and that is located in the barley belt. People in the community who have a strong appreciation for ales manage it. In the adult soda shop, spirits can be combined with the sodas made in the soda shop. There is also a burger join in the building that would pair perfectly with one of the ales offered at Annex Ale Project.
  2. Big Rock – There are some who do not see Big Rock s a craft brewery because of how big it is but we don’t see things that way. While Big Rock has found its roots in Calgary, it has expanded to Toronto and Vancouver. It is a staple in the Calgary area, which brings patrons back time and time again.
  3. Banded Peak Brewing – This is not a bells and whistles type of brewery in Calgary. It is a mountain-themed brewery in the Manchester industrial area. They keep their regular beers on tap and introduce seasonal beers too. The production area is available for all to see.
  4. Citizen Brewing Company – This is a small taproom located in northeast Calgary with 150-seat patio and a hop garden. They offer a wide selection of craft beers and simple food options is available, which is cooked in a shipping container situated outside on the patio. Some would agree that the food and beers are definitely above average. We believe that this is reason enough to put Citizen Brewing Company on your list of breweries to visit on your tour.
  5. Dandy Brewing Company – This Calgary brewery has a variety of beers but is widely known for its signature Oyster Stout. It offers smaller batches of its craft beers but they are only offered n the taproom. Dandy is certainly a favorite among locals but is fast becoming a destination of choice for visitors to the city.
  6. Cold Garden is eclectic and welcoming. While it doesn’t offer food, the laid-back setting and good beer is enough for most of the people who come here. It is in a warehouse space with long tables, couches, and unique décor. Cold Garden is even pet friendly. They offer traditional beers and some not so traditional beers like the Cakeface dessert beer, which is a must if you are visiting Calgary.

Startup Develops Women’s Work Wear

Local Edmonton startup is designing work wear for women. Jess Black will launch her new clothing line in the Spring of 202 under the name of Jess Black Inc., which targets the growing number of females choosing to work in the trade industry. The clothing will be fire resistant with a stretchy fabric. This clothing is being developed with the help of U of A researchers. Jess Black found inspiration for her line of clothing after working as a bar tender, equipment operator and first responder. She decided to create women’s clothing that you believed would be comfortable and safe under protective gear. Black admits that men’s work wear is not very attractive and that women are, unfortunately, forced to wear it because that is all that is available to them. It is not only unattractive but women also find that it doesn’t fit correctly. There are also very few options, which means that there is little room for individual style preferences.

She is targeting the increasing number of women who are working in the trade industry throughout Canada, which includes some 68, 800 women working in the electrical, industrial, equipment operation, construction, and maintenance fields. This is according to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey has compiled.

After leaving her job operating heavy equipment in 2016, Black decided to focus on her start-up business, Jess Black Inc., full-time. She said it was hard to find a lender or organizations that would support her research and development. However, it was through an internship program through the non-profit organization Mitacs that Black was able to put up $30,000 per year and was also awarded funds that would eventually allow her to hire a post-doctoral fellow enrolled in the clothing, materials, and textiles specialization of the Human Ecology department at U of A. Testing has been taking place at the university’s textiles and clothing lab under the supervision of Patricia Dolez, assistant professor. They would eventually create a stretch fabric, along with Black.

Black admits that she will be proud if she can see her clothing worn by the women that she is designing it for. They deserve better looking, more fashionable clothing to wear for work. Her team has been matching fabrics that are fire resistant and that will not deteriorate after continued washing. They wanted something that would last. Getting the clothing to this point would require a lot of time in the lab and to the textile manufacturers located in Quebec. She had to find the right fibers and fabric to create the correct combination of protective properties that would stretch.

The founder of Jess Black Inc., feels that it is just a matter of time before it will be necessary for first-responders to wear a completely fire resistant uniform. Most of the clothing worn in the trade industry is created from synthetic fibers, which are prone to melt. However, when fire resistant materials are too close to flames, it will automatically self-extinguish. Which is why she insist on creating fire-resistant clothing for women.

Ten Things You Should Know About Taking Baby Aspirin

These are the things you should know about taking aspirin if you HAVE NOT had a heart attack.

  • If you are in your 50’s, the medical publication, Health After 50, reported that a panel of experts has recently updated the steps for which Aspirin should be taken depending on the ages of the individual. In your 50s, people have a 10% higher risk of coronary attack or stroke with a life expectancy of at least 10 years with no increased risk of GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding. If you fall into this category then you can safely take a daily baby Aspirin of 81 milligrams.
  • If you are in your 60s you may be at a high risk of heart attack and stroke during the next 10 years and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years without an increased risk of GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding. If this applies to you then you should take a baby Aspirin. If taken for 10 years you will receive the benefits.
  • If you are at least 70 years or older or younger than 50, experts say that this doesn’t indicate whether you should take one either way, as this is no indicator that you will have a heart attack or colon cancer. If you are over 70 and you already have pre-existing health issues, the risk of your having a heart attack or stroke, increases.

These are the things you should know about taking aspirin if you HAVE HAD had a heart attack.

  • If you have already had a heart attack, stroke or have cardio-vascular disease, you should take a baby aspirin to decrease the risk of having another heart attack, stroke or possibly dying from cardio-vascular disease.
  • Small doses of Aspirin can cause GI bleeding. It has been reported that in Canada, 2,000 people and roughly 22,000 people in the U.S. die annually from GI bleeding brought on by Aspirin.
  • There are some who believe that simply by taking a lower dose of baby Aspirin can decrease the risk of GI bleeding. However, there is no scientific evidence that proves this to be true. If GI bleeding is a risk then you should limit the amount of painkillers, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and alcohol that you consume. If you do take Aspirin, it should be taken with food and water, never on an empty stomach. You should never abruptly stop taking Aspirin because this can cause a rebound effect, increasing the risk of a heart attack and blood clots.
  • You should always find out the pros and cons of Aspirin therapy with your physician.
  • 51% of heart attack victims were not taking Aspirin. Seven percent took Tylenol, which does not prevent blood clots.

The best thing that you can do is to make sure that you know what your risks are. Everyone’s situation differs, which is why it is also important to consult with your physician before starting on an Aspirin regimen.

The Founder of Earls and Joey, a B.C based restaurant chain, Dies at 90

Leroy Earl Fuller, also known to some as, Bus, was the 90-year old founder of Earls and Joey restaurant chain. Fuller, a longtime resident of West Vancouver, died recently, leaving behind a restaurant chain that was established 65 years ago. Fuller got his start in the restaurant industry in 1954 with the opening of his first restaurant, Green and White Drive-Thru, which was in Sunburst, Montana. He eventually moved with his family to Edmonton and began operating a few of the A&W franchises. He would then go on to open his first Earls restaurant in Alberta, along with his son Stan, in 1982. It is a casual dining restaurant that started expanding after the family moved to B.C. in 1983. As of today, there are 68 Earls restaurants throughout Canada and the U.S.

Many who had the pleasure of working with Bus would agree that they lost a wonderful mentor, who was inspirational, and a charismatic man who many considered to be a good friend. Fuller leaves a legacy that he created due to his dedication and commitment to hard work. He has surrounded himself by great people over the years, which is why he has been so successful. The family statement says that he touched the hearts of many and will be forever loved and missed. The statement also mentioned that he died peacefully, while surrounded by family.

Fuller was considered to be a trendsetter that changed the Canadian restaurant landscape through his, then, business model. He was a huge influence on many. There were no upscale dining concepts that were also chain restaurants that offered consistently quality food until Fuller opened Earls. He didn’t just involve himself with his restaurant, as he has left his mark on other restaurants by helping them to create their menus.

He helped his son start the chain restaurant, Joey in 1992. There are now 28 Joey chain restaurants throughout North America. The family also owns part of the Cactus Club chain that started in 1988 by two former Earl’s serves. One of the owner’s went on to start the Brown’s Restaurant Group, which is, believe it or not, a competitor to Earls and the Cactus Club.

There is no denying that the death of fuller was felt deeply at the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame induction gala, as Fuller was one of the first 2005 inductees. Earls restaurant was known to have started food and beverage trends that are still being used today in the Edmonton restaurant scene. The chain owner was known for sending their chefs on culinary trips around the world so that they could bring back some inspiration to the restaurant. This helped them to learn about food and wine and later how to provide quality service.

Fuller (Bus) was a trendsetter who set the standards for the way restaurants are run today. His presence and input are sure to be felt without him.

Strange Edmonton Vegetables

If you have ever seen strange looking vegetables before and wondered where they came from, you are not alone. These types of vegetables can grow because of abiotic and biotic reasons. The abiotic reasons might be related to the weather and biotic could simply be due to living organisms, such as insects and diseases.

There are some vegetables that are common on prairies and here is a list of some of them:

Fussed Cucumbers

These are more common than you might realize. They sometimes develop a fruit that in the shape of a crescent moon with another cucumber developing on the inner surface of the fruit. This creates a fusion of two fruit conjoined. There are some varieties of cucumbers that are more prone to this type of fusion. This starts to develop after pollination due to a connection of fruit ovaries.  It is eatable.

Hairy Carrots

There are some occasions when a smooth carrot becomes hairy. The taproots create a fusion of fine, white hairs that make them look odd. Hairy roots develop because of too much soil nitrogen due to excessive manure being applied to it. Carrots require fertilizer but only a small amount to actually produce the results that are most common.

Knobby Potatoes

The smooth tubers quickly start developing small nodules that will eventually erupt directly from the skin’s surface. This will then create an interesting amount of appendages. These odd potatoes develop because the potatoes went through a drought period that was then followed by a lot of soil moisture. Its tubers react fast to take in the water, however, this won’t increase the girth, knobby offshoots develop. They can be eaten but the knobs break easily. This leads to the potato rotting if they are stored. Russet Burbank is one type of prairie potato that is prone to developing knobby potatoes. In this case, the prairie potato should consistently have moist soil so that they grow smooth and knob-free. Please take not that there is no difference in the taste in the knob-free potatoes and the knobby potatoes. Both of them look the same once they have been smashed.

Bald Headed Vegetables

We’ve mentioned a hairy vegetable but there are also some that are bald. Bald plants don’t fully develop to maturity. If seeds are not handled properly this will cause cracked seed coats that damage tiny yet sensitive growing point inside the seed. The most common vegetables that are prone to being bald is string beans, cauliflower, and cabbage.

Stunted Corn

When the temperature is too cold it will limit the height and width of the plant. However, transported corn will fail to grow more than a foot or two no matter how much sunlight, fertilizer, or rainfall it receives. It is because of root restriction in the corns cell that its growth becomes stunted. It has to mature early to grow to maximum capacity.

Collecting odd and weird vegetables is something that many people have fun doing, Edmonton restaurants have even begun to use them .

Canada’s Most Affordable Real Estate

The benchmark home prices in Edmonton places it ahead of many other cities due to its affordable real estate market. A local realty firm has conducted a study of median incomes in 15 major markets throughout Canada. They have compared them to the benchmark home prices in these cities.

The maximum mortgage amount was calculated for those with median incomes in the city. They later compared the maximum mortgage to the benchmark home rate in the same city to determine if it would be a large amount to then buy. In short, at least eight cities were considered affordable. This meant that people would be able to qualify for a mortgage that would cover the majority of the cost and they could save enough for a down payment in less time. The most affordable cities include Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Halifax-Dartmouth.

Edmonton ranked ahead of Calgary. It’s benchmark price is $321,300 with a median income of $94,447. Based on this information someone in the market for a new home or business would qualify for a mortgage of $317,344. This would require a down payment of roughly $16,000. It would cost the buyer almost a years savings or 20% of pre-tax income. This is reasonable for most new homebuyers. The benchmark price of a house in Calgary, which ranked sixth, is $420,500. The median household income is approximately $99,583 before taxes. This means that the median mortgage would be $415,454. If the homebuyer were to save 20% of their household income, it would take one year for them to save 5% of the price for their down payment, which would be approximately $21,000.

Most of the cities in the report were considered affordable but seven of them were not. The ones that were not considered affordable include St. Thomas, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton-Burlington, Greater Vancouver, Greater Toronto, Victoria, and Fraser Valley. There is becoming a wider disparity between what is affordable and what is not affordable. This is based on the benchmark findings. Greater Vancouver was the least affordable market surveyed. It has a benchmark price of $993,300. However, the median income in Greater Vancouver is lower in some of the prairie provinces with an average rate of $72,652. This means that homebuyers with this amount of income will qualify for a mortgage of $241,994. To complete the deal the homebuyer would need to come up with a down payment amount of $751,306. This is 76% of the home price. This definitely isn’t the ideal situation for a homebuyer.

Fraser Valley was the second least affordable market where buyers would have to save for 42 years to purchase a home. In Greater Toronto, homebuyers would have to save for 32 years to purchase a home. The benchmark price on average in all the cities in the study was $627,400 with median prices of $70,336, which means they would qualify for a $280,703 mortgage. This would be enough to account for 55% of the price.

First Time Canadian Derby Winner – Explode!

The owner of Explode, Ole Nielsen was just a small boy when he used to collect pop bottles so that he would have enough to go bet on a horse at Northlands Park when he first began dreaming of participating in the Canadian Derby. He guesses that he was just 14 years old at that time. After sixty-years of dreaming of the Canadian Derby, he has finally won a race with his three-year-old horse, Explode and his rider, Amadao Perez. Explode finished second after Journeyman, ridden by Dan Nelson, in the mile and eighth in the 90th running of the race.

However, it was ruled that Explode was blocked when coming down the stretch, which caused him to come in second, beating out favorite, Final Jeopardy, which landed Journeyman 7 to 1 in the place position.

Nielson saw Explode’s win as the highlight dream day of his career, after so many years of horse racing. He was born and grew up in Edmonton and went to school at Scona. He still feels strong connections to his hometown of Edmonton although he now lives in Vancouver. When he began his journey he had the goal of winning the Canadian Derby. He admits that he wanted to win this one more than the B.C Derby.

He said that he began collecting pop bottles on the weekends and cashing them in for money that he could then use to go to Northlands to play a show parlay. He would at least get six or seven bucks as a result of his efforts. He remember Chariot Chaser winning the Canadian Derby. Back then he betted a hundred dollars on her and it paid off with a nice amount of money. He bought a ticket bound for Vancouver as a way to treat himself. He eventually went to U of A and received a law degree, went to a horse sale, and bought a yearling. He eventually won three B.C Derby races and also won the Longacres.

This was the first time he has run in the Canadian Derby. After his win at the Longacres in B.C he decided that he wanted to win Oaks because it was worth more money once their careers end. He has been fortunate enough to win six Oaks Derby. He admits that he had given up his dream of winning the Canadian Derby. However, after going to a horse sale to improve the population of horses, he wound up with his horse, Explode.

They were attempting to increase the population of horse in Vancouver and therefore, several owners decided to visit the Kentucky sale in Keenland last November. Nielson walked away with five horses for cost reserves. The reserve for Explode was $15,000. The twist is that Vancouver multi-millionaire, Peter Redekop spent approximately $450,000 to buy the horse, Final Jeopardy, which he would race in the $250,000 Canadian Derby and the B.C. Derby only to get beat by a fellow Hastings Park owner.