Biz X magazine March 2024

$3.50

CELEBRATING 27

It’s Time To Fly

Celebrating The Best Of The Best With The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce Business Excellence Award Finalists & Winners And The St. Clair College Alumni Of Distinction & Multicultural Council Of Windsor And Essex County Foundation Recipients

The 90th Anniversary Of Tecumseh’s Royal Canadian Legion Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261

THE PARENTING BIZ Children First; Managing Screen Time For Teens; Dangers Of Youth Vaping & Keeping Your Child Active Over March Break

PLUS Red Barn Brewing Co.; Tory McKay Property Management; A HOLE Lotta Donuts; Metal Supermarkets; The Shala Yoga & Meditation Studio and more!

Do you need a vacation? For Windsorites, jetting off to Mexico and Cuba is a popular choice in the winter thanks to Sunwing Airlines and Windsor International Airport. But no matter which season, area travel agencies can help you plan an amazing trip anywhere in the world. And when you return home from the perfect holiday, you’ll be recharged and ready to tackle anything! PAGE 18

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4 Funny Stuff

5 From The Publisher: St. Clair College Set To Honour Six Graduates At 31st Alumni Of Distinction Awards Ceremony

8 Rose City Politics: The Wasted Potential Of Derelict Spaces

10 Front Lines

12 Newsflash

14 Belle Vivante: Red Barn Brewing Co., Blenheim

Our Belle Vivantes spent the afternoon exploring the great shops in downtown Blenheim. Working up a thirst for some fantastic beer, they head to the Red Barn Brewing Co. and fall in love with the original artwork for the Barnyard IPA Series by Jennifer Goodal (see top left photo by Tracey Harding)! Strawberry Peach Cow was created for the Milkshake IPA label and the canvas is available for sale at the brewery. The creative approach to making really good beer and enjoying it in a fun and lively atmosphere is what this family business is all about.

16 Food For Thought: 100% Peanut And Tree Nut Free Products Thanks To A HOLE Lotta Donuts

24 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Remembering A Legion-dary Military Hero And Marking A 90th Anniversary

Our Cup of Joe column previews the 90th anniversary, in 2024, of the Royal Canadian Legion Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261 of Tecumseh. The middle photo above (courtesy of Gloria McKibbin) was taken in July 2023 at the dedication ceremony of a powerful mural created by DERKZ on the legion’s building, to honour

PHOTOGRAPHER

Tina Huynh

PHOTOSHOP WORK

Rod Denis (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com)

the 100th anniversary of the Town of Tecumseh. From left are: Ron Pitre, Branch 261 President (now deceased); Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti and Ed McDowell, current Branch 261 President.

26 XX Files: Ashley Waugh, Founder And Yoga Teacher Of The Shala Yoga & Meditation Studio

26 Motivational Quotes With Danny

29 Guest Column: Is Now The Ideal Time To Buy A Home?

30 Ask The Experts: Metal Supermarkets, Windsor

32 The Parenting Biz

36 Awards Spotlight: Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce 2024 BEA Finalists & Winners

The chamber recently announced the Business Excellence Award (BEA) finalists and two award recipients for this year, at a news conference hosted by BEA Committee Co-Chairs Andrea Hotham (left in photo above) and Shelby Colarossi (right). They are pictured at the J.P. Wiser’s Experience Centre with WindsorEssex Regional Chamber of Commerce Event Coordinator, Jessica Jenkins. Curious to know who the finalists in the 10 categories and the two winners named are? Find out the answers here! (Photo courtesy of St. Clair College volunteers, Ibraheem Rana and Aidan Forsyth).

41 Reflections: The Beautiful Ambassador Bridge

42 Biz Of The Month: Tory McKay Property Management

ON THE COVER — It’s Time To Fly — Page 18

What’s your dream vacation? Whatever and wherever it is, the travel agents we feature in our cover story can help make it a reality. Our experts in the industry give their advice on travelling in general, river boat cruises, rail/bus and day trips to popular tourist spots, luggage tips and more. With the pandemic restrictions behind us, what better time than now to satisfy your wanderlust and get out to see the world again! Start packing!

MODELS: Aaron and Serena Ellwood. Serena is the owner of 519 Culture, a gift-giving service that highlights locally made items and food, and her husband, Aaron, is a Program Manager at QM Group.

LOCATION: Windsor International Airport (YQG), 3200 County Rd 42, Unit 200 in Windsor. The airport is Your Quick Getaway to numerous sunny destinations down south and also to various cities in Canada. (For flight information refer to: FlyYQG.ca).

PLANE: Sunwing Airlines Boeing 737-800 NG. From Windsor, Sunwing flies to Mexico (Cancun) and Cuba (Cayo Coco, Santa Clara and Varadero). Check: Sunwing.ca for flights and vacation package information, but remember too, you can book Sunwing trips through your local travel agency as well.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: A special thank you goes out to Errol McKenzie, YQG Director of Safety & Security; Ingrid Fonkou-Tague, Airport Services Regional Manager (Canada) Sunwing Airlines, and Mark Galvin, President and Chief Executive Officer, Windsor International Airport, for their assistance with this photo shoot and also with the kickoff photos to the story on Page 18.

Happy St. Paw-trick’s Day

Send your funny animal photo with your pet’s name to: deborah@bizxmagazine.com and it may be included here in an upcoming issue. Make sure it gives our readers a laugh!

Lily is our lucky charm.

Kingsley gives new meaning to the word, catwalk. (Sorry no Irish pun for this one!)

Why did Ace (right) steal the special hat from his brother Tux? The leprechaun made him do it!

Sophie will play dead for bananas. (Hey, is that an Irish fruit?)

“Striving to provide our readers with a quality magazine that contains accurate information about the businesses and people that shape our border cities; and that challenges us to appreciate, explore and contribute to our communities.”

Jack

Stan Beatty

Arms Bumanlag

David Clark

Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh

Danny Gautama

Dave Halliday

Tracey Harding

Rasha Ingratta

Joe McParland

Jim Murphy

Victoria Rose

Rose City Politics Panelists

Rebecca Wright

Six St. Clair College Graduates Honoured With 31st Alumni Of Distinction Award

By Deborah Jones

The 31st Annual Alumni of Distinction Awards will honour six St. Clair College alumni who have made outstanding professional and community contributions in their fields and community service.

All 2024 honourees will empower the present students and graduates of the college to make a difference.

The 2024 recipients of St. Clair College’s Alumni of Distinction come from diverse backgrounds, but they have all reached great success in their chosen fields.

“What is always heart-warming about our Alumni of Distinction recipients isn’t just the phenomenal success they’ve enjoyed in their professional lives, but how they’ve passed along their knowledge and skills as mentors to foster the success of others and given invaluable service to their communities in ways unrelated to their occupations,” states St. Clair College President Patti France.

“They truly are the best ambassadors of Saints Nation and all that it stands for, academically and in terms of service to the community.”

The honourees for St. Clair College’s 31st Alumni of Distinction Awards (along with their respective categories and education) are as follows . . .

Ursell Arends, Vice Prime Minister, Government of Aruba

Graduated in 2005 from the International Business Program and he is being honoured as a graduate of Business and IT.

David Cassidy, President of Unifor 444, Windsor

Graduated in 1991 from the Electrician Construction Maintenance Program. He is being honoured as a graduate of the College’s Apprenticeship Program.

Larry Delaey, President and CEO of AarKel Tooling Group in Wallaceburg, Ontario

He graduated in 1989 from the Mould Making Technician Program and is being honoured a as a graduate of Technology/ Engineering.

Chaouki Hamka, Community Leader, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Windsor Essex Chapter and Correctional Officer, South West Detention Centre, Windsor

Graduated in 2009 from the Law and Security Administration Program and is being honoured as a graduate of Community Studies.

Dan MacDonald, Radio Host at CKLW Radio/Bell Media, Windsor

He graduated in 2002 from the Journalism Program and is being honoured as a graduate of Media Art and Design.

Bhupinder Singh, Professional TNA Wrestler, Windsor

He graduated in 2018 from the Human Resources and in 2019 from the Event

Management Program and is being honoured as a Recent Graduate (past five years) of the College.

The 2024 list of honourees makes a total of 137 graduates recognized by the College since 1992.

“This year, we celebrate six outstanding graduates who exemplify the spirit of excellence, embodying the values and ideals of our esteemed institution,” indicates Belinda Bulhoes, President of the St. Clair College Alumni Association. “These amazing individuals have not only achieved remarkable success in their respective careers, but have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service. Their impact extends far beyond the confines of our campus, as they have made excellent ambassadors for our Nation . . . Saints Nation!”

The 31st annual Alumni of Distinction dinner takes place Saturday, April 13, 2024 in the Alumni Skyline Room at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West in Windsor.

The event is sponsored by belairdirect and starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and tables of eight or 10 are available.

To purchase your tickets please go to: StClairAlumni.com.

Photos Of Four Alumni Of Distinction Award Winners

David Cassidy. Photo courtesy of Unifor 444. Chaouki Hamka. Photo courtesy of the Hamka family.

Larry Delaey. Photo courtesy of AarKel Tooling Group. Dan MacDonald. Photo courtesy of Wayne Riley.

Windsor’s Derelict Spaces

In this space the Rose City Politics panel will analyze, break down, and critique a local political issue that affects each and every Windsor resident.

For March 2024, the Rose City Politics panel (with two new panelists) opines on the City of Windsor’s budget passing with another year of record spending on roads, sewers, and other infrastructure.

Although fresh road surfaces and new playgrounds are coming, the panel wanted to take this time to reflect on spaces that aren’t going to be fixed up this year, Windsor’s derelict spaces.

FRAZIER FATHERS

To be fair, most Windsor’s eyesores and derelict spaces are not City owned.

Vacant lots along major thoroughfares; boarded up homes in West Windsor; poorly lit parking lots in the city core; closed schools waiting to be repurposed or sold — these spaces, coupled with the plethora of crises facing our community (housing, affordability, mental health, and addition etc.) create visual and visceral challenges in changing perceptions that no fresh pavement or playground can combat.

The recent painting of a boarded-up house on Ouellette Avenue, spearheaded by Councillor Renaldo Agostino, along with the pop-up volleyball court on another vacant lot a block away, shows how small things can hopefully make an impact. Unfortunately, we need all levels of the city to tackle these bigger challenges and the budget didn’t do that.

MELINDA MUNRO

If I received a report that 35% of my house was in fair to very poor condition, I would be, understandably, horrified.

If it said that 55% of my house was fair to very poor, I would probably be in receipt of more than a few bylaw complaints.

In 2019, the City of Windsor produced an Asset Management Plan which indicated that 35% of all assets (parks, buildings, roads, sewers) were in fair condition or worse.

But not all assets are treated equally.

Only 20% of roads were near the end of their lives, but 55% of transit assets were below fair condition.

We are five years on and undoubtedly matters are worse. The Mayor as much as admitted it during the budget debate recently.

“You can’t tax the property tax base enough to pay for the existing shortfall,” said the city engineer in response to questions from Council.

Last year, we saw in Leamington when the town purchased the former high school, it set a requirement around affordability and attainability of housing as a condition of any sale to a developer.

The result will be a third of the new units being attainably priced and a mix of small apartments, townhomes, and semi-detached properties. Habitat for Humanity and the Bridge Youth Resource Centre both are partnered on the project with the developer and municipality.

In Chatham, the Opportunity Villages Community Land Trust (OVCLT) is developing a life-lease community, at accessible pricing below current market value in the area.

The municipality supported this innovative development and it has won high praise, making it to the finals in the Future Ground Prize, a David Suzuki Foundation award.

They currently have an expression of interest open for individuals to apply to buy a unit in this community. This is happening in the downtown of Chatham on vacant land near the Thames River.

The Mayor added: “The roads deficit was half a billion a few years ago and it’s probably more now.”

Recently, the City debated spending money to save an historic band shell that had been left to rot during the 15 years of municipal austerity budgets. The same council that approved the multi-million dollar “trolleymahal” on the Riverfront almost decided to let the rot continue.

Why preserve a place with real living memory when you can put a trolley car in a glass house as a monument to a transit system that the same council is permitting to rot before our very eyes?

The Mayor and the city engineer are right. You can’t tax the 2024 taxpayers all at once for the $6.1 billion infrastructure deficit, but the piper eventually demands her money.

So, what should have happened before now was that the City should have taxed the 2000 - 2023 tax bases properly, along with

More recently, while we debated quadplexes, the City of London is leveraging the Housing Accelerator Funding from the Federal Government, and is launching a parking lot transformation program to encourage housing to be built on downtown parking lots. Incentives to parking lot owners to build and build now!

We will have to fund a program like this out of our tax base if we have the courage to do it!

The Barn, the Grace site, HMCS Hunter on Ouellette, several former schools, boarded up houses across the city, or the February 26 presentation to Council to sell 25+ residential lots, are all examples of where we could have been bold, made the budget innovative, and taken steps to tackle our perception and physical challenges.

Instead, we choose to let these spaces continue to sit, vacant and derelict, and hope someone else will buy them and clean up the mess, a missed opportunity to kick-start a better Windsor for everyone.

Frazier Fathers is a Lead Consultant with Community Policy Solutions. Read his blog at: GingerPolitics.com and Rose City Politics.

using strategic debt to bring in the taxpayers between 2024 and 2054.

If they spread that deficit over 50 years of tax bases, we see a very different result.

Much like business owners use debt to fund new facilities and home owners use debt to replace the roof before it fails, not after all their furniture is drenched.

Perhaps it’s time to elect some councillors who know a little something about money rather than nothing at all about economics. Melinda Munro is a special guest columnist for this edition and a Windsor consultant working with local governments and not-for-profits on strategy and service excellence through her company, Munro Strategic Perspective.

The Rose City Politics panel includes Doug Sartori, Don Merrifield Jr., Jon Liedtke, Frazier Fathers and Kristen Siapas and broadcasts Wednesday nights on: RoseCityPolitics.ca. It is available on all your favourite podcasting and social media apps and appears in print in Biz X magazine.

KRISTEN SIAPAS

Looking over this year’s budget offers little in terms of surprises.

There are a few disappointments and frustrations, perhaps, if your daily commute involves public transit (fares are outpacing inflation with a 10% rate hike), or if you were hoping to see investment in an expansion of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund grants (another budget has come and gone without seeing the desperately needed operational funding that will help our arts industry grow and sustain itself). But, predictably, we’re seeing an unimaginative budget that forces us to tighten our belts yet again, limiting us to the bare bones that leave some Windsorites wanting more bang for their buck.

Those who dream of adaptive reuse and renovation of publicly owned spaces, like the former Windsor Arena, the still-empty Grace Hospital site, the old W.D. Lowe High School on Giles, the Children’s Aid Society building on Cataraqui, and others scattered across our city, will also find themselves coming up empty-handed,

as there aren’t any projects announced at this time that will significantly impact those neighbourhoods.

Each of these spaces represents a historic investment in the neighbourhood that once served as an anchor for the neighbouring community and helped to contribute to the type of vibrant walkable space that is desirable in this urban environment.

We have past examples of buildings like these that have been adapted for housing, in places like St. Genevieve Place Lofts (the converted St. Genevieve Catholic Elementary School) or Edith Cavell Public School in Riverside.

In these challenging times, it’s something that everyone can agree on — we are desperate for that kind of adaptive reuse wherever we can find it.

The housing crisis is a war waged on many fronts, and we need to use every strategy we have to address the problem. The City would do well to aggressively seek out developers, government programs, and partnerships that will take buildings like Lowe and turn them into affordable, accessible housing units.

There is one area, however, where we did see a small win for a group of engaged residents demanding investment in a derelict space — the Jackson Park band shell.

After approving the initial feasibility study at around $120,000, administration recently came back to council with a request to more than double the cost of the study to $300,000, which was turned down during this budget.

Council did approve administration to go ahead with the initial study cost, and when council receives the report, we will see a whole new wave of advocates come to the microphone and remind us of the significance of the unique building to Windsor’s history, to the culture of the Black community, and as a performance and presentation space that can be used year-round.

Looking toward the future, we have to hope that some of these spaces will find meaningful use and positively impact their respective neighbourhoods as they once did.

It requires us to approach these spaces with a sense of imagination and a goal of creating the vibrant, walkable, connected neighbourhoods that serve not only to support residents, but also to attract growth and investment.

Kristen Siapas is an avid theatre practitioner, engaged parent, community activist, and regular panelist on Rose City Politics. Find her at the School of Dramatic Art’s University Players at the University of Windsor.

Start Spreadin’ The News, MCC Announces Its 2024 Award Winners

The Multicultural Council (MCC) of Windsor and Essex County Foundation is getting ready once again to host its annual Awards Gala.

The 2024 event features a New York, New York theme and honours Jim Crichton and Doris Lapico who will be presented with their respective awards on Thursday May 2, 2024 at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor.

The MCC Awards Gala has a long history in our community and “Every year we present two deserving individuals with the prestigious Herb Gray Harmony Award and Champion Award,” explains Fred Francis, MCC Executive Director. “These two awards represent the hard work individuals do in our community to help make it a more welcoming place for all. Jim and Doris have worked to help others and to combat racism, discrimination, and bigotry across our region. Through their respective professional, personal, and charitable endeavours, they are both well deserving of this recognition.”

The Herb Gray Harmony Award was established in 2002 to recognize individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to building a more welcoming community for all, throughout Windsor Essex.

This year’s recipient — Jim Crichton — has a dedicated career in broadcast journalism spanning nearly 50 years, of which 21 were

with CTV News Windsor as their lead television anchor.

Born in Port Colborne, Ontario in 1953 to Scottish and English immigrant parents, Crichton’s selflessness and dedication to making our community a better place is truly commendable. Whether this is volunteering at hospitals, non-profit organizations, local agencies, or other community initiatives, he has made a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals.

His commitment as a volunteer with the MCC for over two decades has helped improve programming and services to newcomers in our community. Crichton’s willingness to step up and make a difference, without any expectation of recognition or reward, is a testament to his incredible generosity and kindness.

Moving to the next award description, the MCC Champion Award was added in 2008 to celebrate the significant contributions made by first-generation Canadians to the Windsor Essex community.

The 2024 recipient — Doris Lapico — has channelled her passion for helping others in both her successful real estate career and charitable endeavours.

Born in Switzerland to Italian parents, Lapico has seamlessly intertwined her heritage with her Canadian identity.

As a Co-Founder and Board Member of Transition to Betterness (T2B), Lapico has dedicated well over 25 years to fostering comfort, care, and dignity for patients and families throughout the local region.

In her current role as Philanthropy Officer with the Erie Shores Health Foundation, she continues to expand her efforts to support others in our community.

Lapico combines her roles as an awardwinning humanitarian and successful REALTOR (working for The Real Group

Real

Deerbrook Realty Inc.) to advocate for change and to help others achieve their own professional and personal goals.

Her many accolades include: 2001 Citizen of the Year (Town of LaSalle); 2018 Pillar of Our Community Business Excellence Award (T2B, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce) and the 2007 Italian of the Year Award (along with Tania Sorge from the Giovanni Caboto Club)

Through her commitment and dedication to helping others, she embodies all of the qualities of a community champion.

Another highlight of the MCC Awards Gala is the announcement of the recipient for the Kathleen Thomas Inspire Award

This award was established in 2018 and is presented to a Canadian newcomer who has overcome significant hardships and challenges in order to create a better life for themselves and their family.

It’s named after Thomas who was the MCC Executive Director for 30 years from 1992 to 2022 when Francis took over the reins.

All are welcome to join the recipients at this year’s MCC Awards Gala on Thursday May 2, 2024 at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor. Individual tickets are $150 each with sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information, please visit: TheMCC.com or contact Scott Despins by emailing: sdespins@themcc.com.

Windsor

Estate team with

MCC Champion Award 2024 recipient, Doris Lapico. Photos courtesy of the MCC.

2024 MCC Herb Gray Harmony Award winner, Jim Crichton.

FRONTLINES

Nominations Needed For Arts Awards And Grants

The Windsor Endowment for the Arts (WEA) and the City of Windsor are partnering once again to deliver the 2024 WEA awards and grants celebration, as well as the Windsor Mayor’s Arts Awards.

The biennial awards and grants were last presented in 2022. This year, WEA and the City present the awards on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Mackenzie Hall in Sandwich Town.

“Celebrating the vibrant spirit of our region, we invite local artists to seize the opportunity to apply for WEA art grants,” states Stephanie Barnhard, President, Windsor Endowment for the Arts. “In nurturing our creative community, we believe the arts have the transformative power to uplift, inspire, and unite our citizens. Through these grants, we aim to fuel the imaginative flame that enriches our region’s cultural tapestry, fostering a dynamic environment where creativity flourishes and the collective spirit soars.”

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens adds: “The Windsor Mayor’s Arts Awards (WMAA) program is one of many components of Council’s overall significant investment in arts, culture and heritage in Windsor. I am pleased to once again partner with WEA to present our awards together in a meaningful way that celebrates a broad spectrum of artists, arts organizations and creatives. These programs provide a further opportunity to support, encourage and recognize our local artists, while building on Windsor’s proud history of investment in our creative community. I encourage folks to apply for this recognition, and to join us later in May when we celebrate together once again.”

The WMAA celebrate and recognize those individuals and organizations that support locally developed arts — providing exciting, surprising and meaningful opportunities to strengthen Windsor’s creative community.

Only Windsor residents are eligible for the WMAA and applications/nominations began

being accepted on February 5 and are open until Sunday, March 31, 2024

There are three categories for the WMAA:

Individual Artist: $1,000, plus a keepsake award. Presented to an individual artist engaged in a broad spectrum of activities having to do with creating, practicing or demonstrating art. Art is broadly conceived to include all genres and disciplines, including performance, visual, literary, media, and design.

Arts Organization: $1,000, plus a keepsake award. Presented to an arts organization that demonstrates a clear commitment to creating, practicing and demonstrating art within the community.

Arts Volunteer: $500, plus a keepsake award. Presented to an individual that supports the arts by providing their own time and services without receiving payment for their volunteer work.

To apply for the WMMA, please visit: CityWindsor.ca/residents/Culture/Pages/ Mayor-Arts-Awards.aspx

As for the Windsor Endowment for the Arts Awards and Grants, here are the details interested artists need to know.

Launched in 2010, the Windsor Endowment for the Arts (WEA) Arts Awards and Grants program is a biennial granting program offered to recognize and support creative projects from a diverse range of homegrown talent from Windsor Essex.

Any resident of Windsor and Essex County is eligible for the WEA Awards and Grants.

In a process that began also on February 5, WEA welcomes applications via their site: WEA-arts.com until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2024 for one of their 11 art grants totalling $31,000 (up from $29,000 in 2022); or for nominations for one of their four Art Leadership Awards of merit.

The WEA Arts Awards and Grants available for 2024 are as follows . . .

Arts Leadership Awards: Four awards of merit are presented to recognize and celebrate outstanding individuals, philanthropists, businesses and/or organizations devoted to the arts in the following areas: Community Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts.

Emerging Artist Grants: $3,000 each. Four grants are presented to support the professional and creative development of emerging artists with two to seven years of professional arts practice. These grants include Emerging Artist in Film Arts Grant, Emerging Artist in Literary Arts Grant, Emerging Artist in Performing Arts Grant, and the Lois Smedick Emerging Artist in Visual Arts Grant.

Arts Infrastructure Grants: $3,000 each. Four grants are presented to individual professional artists/arts professionals, ad hoc groups, collectives, organizations and businesses dedicated to developing the arts. These grants include Community Arts Grant, Performing Arts Music Infrastructure Grant (new), Performing Arts Theatre Infrastructure Grant (new), and the Carolyne Rourke Visual Arts Infrastructure Grant.

Elizabeth Havelock Grant in the Arts: $3,000. One grant is presented to foster and support the artistic excellence of a mid-career artist with seven to 15 years of professional arts practice in any artistic discipline. This grant has been increased by $1,000 this year.

The Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation Youth Grant in the Arts: $2,000. One grant is presented to a graduating high school student who will pursue visual art studies at the post-secondary level.

The Eric Jackman Youth Grant in the Arts: $2,000. One grant is presented to a graduating high school student who will pursue performing art studies (Music or Theatre) at the post-secondary level. This grant has been increased by $1,000 this year.

For the latest on applications and more details on the awards, please visit: WEA-Arts.com.

NEWSFLASH

THE RUNDOWN

CCS Engineering & Construction (19 Amy Croft Drive, Unit 202 in Tecumseh) continues to expand its in-house services with the January 2024 acquisition of MJC Enterprises, a local company specializing in commercial and residential millwork. After partnering together on many projects, CCS eagerly welcomes the team on board as CCS Millwork & Cabinetry (3243 Marentette Avenue, Suite A, Windsor). CCS Engineering & Construction’s unique process reduces client costs and shortens project timelines. The acquisition of MJC Enterprises supports this client-first approach — locally designed and manufactured cabinetry improves timelines and project quality. Incredibly, CCS can now offer custom cabinetry and millwork at the price of premade units. “We’re eager to offer our clients custom cabinet solutions; the quality of these products is unmatched, and we’re proud to manufacture locally in Windsor, Ontario,” says CCS President, Carl H. Bernat

CCS has clients across a wide range of industries. This new division will serve dental and medical clients perfectly — these offices often need a variety of custom cabinetry. The acquisition of MJC Enterprises marks an exciting chapter for CCS Engineering & Construction. Residential clients and commercial clients across industries will feel the benefit of this expansion. Get further details on: MJCenterprises.ca and: CCSengcon.com.

Bin There Dump That,a leading bin rental service in Windsor, has joined the Crafty Givers program supporting the Windsor

Cancer Centre Foundation. Since the first day of January in 2024 and continuing through to December 31, 2024, Bin There Dump That is running a unique campaign, pledging to donate $1 for every bin rental to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation (WCCF). This yearlong Crafty Givers initiative, aptly named Dump Cancer One Bin at a Time, seeks to engage the local community in a combined effort to support world class cancer care close to home. “Every bin rental during the year 2024 will contribute directly to the fight against cancer,” says Ron Monaghan, Franchise Owner, at Bin There Dump That Windsor. “We are more than just a bin rental company; we are a part of this community, and we believe in giving back. Our collaboration with the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation is a significant step towards making a difference in the lives of local cancer patients.” The WCCF has expressed gratitude about this partnership, recognizing the impact such communitydriven initiatives have on advancing their mission. “We are delighted that Bin There Dump That is the newest organization to join our Crafty Givers program,” comments Houida Kassem, WCCF Executive Director. “We are grateful for organizations like theirs who are committed to supporting our cancer community.” Go to: WindsorCancerFoundation. org/bin-there-dump-that for more information. To learn of other Crafty Givers in the local community that you can purchase products or services from, please view their website: WindsorCancerFoundation.org/crafty-giversdoing-social-good.

Easter Seals Ontario has launched its annual awareness and fundraising campaign, March Is Easter Seals Month (MIESM), in the Windsor Essex region and across the province. This year’s campaign is focused on empowering children and youth with physical disabilities, raising awareness about their needs and potential, and building more inclusive communities for all. Since 1922, this organization has been offering programs and services that help children and youth with physical disabilities achieve greater independence and pursue their dreams.

In March Easter Seals has various initiatives and activities in the community and across digital platforms to increase awareness and support for its programs and services, so that more kids and families can benefit from them.

“The Windsor Essex community has been a steadfast supporter of Easter Seals Ontario for many years, and we are grateful for their

ongoing dedication,” says Starr Meloche, Community Engagement Officer at Easter Seals Ontario in Windsor and Essex County. “Each year, we are amazed by the generosity and resourcefulness of our community in their support of March Is Easter Seals Month. We know that together, we can make a real difference in the lives of kids with physical disabilities and help them achieve greater independence and reach their full potential.”

Local MIESM activities include: the Easter Seals Paper Egg Campaign running from March 8 until March 31 at participating retailers such as Giant Tiger, Home Hardware, and Booster Juice. You can donate $2 to purchase and sign a paper egg, which will be on display in the location. To stay updated on other events visit: EasterSeals.org.

Agents with Manor Windsor Realty Ltd. Brokerage once again have supported local charities or charities in need with their Keys Of Hope program and raised $15,500 for 2024 charities. This year’s beneficiaries are; Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation Inc., Street Angels Soup Shack, The Windsor Youth Centre, and student food programs at H.J. Lassaline Catholic Elementary School, David Maxwell Public School, and John A. McWilliam Public School. This makes a grand total of approximately $116,000 donated since the start of Manor Keys of Hope in 2018.The charity fund includes a portion of every sale made by contributing agents throughout the year to raise money to enhance the community they love, Windsor Essex. Manor Windsor Realty Ltd., Brokerage is an independently owned local real estate firm, serving Windsor Essex since 1986 and is in the top five agencies in Essex County. If you would like to donate to the featured charities throughout the year and/ or suggest a charity or event to receive donations, find out how on: KeysOfHope.ca.

WELCOME ON BOARD . . .

Founded in 1918, Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS (WECAR; WindsorRealEstate.com) — the second oldest real estate board in Canada — has always been a leader in the industry and prides itself on its excellent record and service to its membership. Its mission is to provide member support to enhance professional growth. Their vision is that WECAR REALTORS are the first choice for real estate services. The association is pleased to announce its new Board of Directors

CCS Millwork & Cabinetry and Company President Carl H. Bernat. Photo courtesy of CCS Engineering & Construction.

and President for 2024. (In the accompanying photo shown above by John Liviero/Sooter’s Photography, standing from left) the Past President is pictured with the new Directors: Elica Berry, Salesperson, Jump Realty Inc.; Damon Winney, Broker of Record, Jump Realty Inc.; Mark Lalovich, Broker, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. (Past President); Alyssa Ismail, Salesperson, Century 21 Local Home Team Realty Inc. and Susan Moroun, Salesperson, Buckingham Realty (Windsor) Ltd.

Krista

CAE, CRAE, Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS (Executive Officer); Maggie Chen, Broker of Record, LC Platinum Realty Inc. (President) and Julianna Biondo, REALTOR, Buckingham Realty (Windsor) Ltd. (Director).

is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information visit: MorrissBeauty.ca.

ON THE MOVE

Analytics for Business Program at St. Clair College. “I am thrilled to be joining the CMHA team,” states the new CEO. “I believe CMHA-WECB has an exceptional care model, incredible partners and an immensely talented team that is well positioned to support the changing paradigm of the Mental Health and Addictions ecosystem. As the healthcare system evolves under Ontario Health, I believe CMHA-WECB is in a position to provide innovative person-centred care that is equitable, effective and meets our community mental health and addiction needs. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead, enhancing the strengths of the agency, and I am honoured to have been selected by the Board and entrusted with this great responsibility for our community.” To find further details about their mental health services and upcoming events refer to: WindsorEssex.CMHA.ca.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO . . . ARTISTS NEEDED

Morriss & Daughters Ltd. Nail Salon celebrated its one year anniversary in February 2024 with a special celebration at their shop, located at 5604 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor. Joining them were friends, loyal customers, and mother-daughter duo Silk Echos (Heidi Richards and Josie Elysia) provided musical entertainment. With a staff of four, the salon offers manicures, pedicures, microblading, permanent tattooing, eyebrow henna, eyelash lifts and tint, nail extensions, and more! “We only use the best quality products,” says Mahshar Fard, Owner of Morriss & Daughters Ltd. “Our customer’s health and safety is very important to us so each one gets a new file, buffer and similar product each visit.” Morriss & Daughters Ltd.

The Board of Directors of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) announce the appointment of Nicole Sbrocca to the position of Chief Executive Officer, commencing March 11, 2024. She is known to the organization as she recently completed her term on the Board of Directors. Sbrocca brings to this position a background in mental health and recent experience as Regional Director for Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH). She is a senior healthcare leader with nearly 20 years of experience and proven success guiding diverse inter-professional teams to meet the operational, practice and funding mandates of large community organizations and academic programs. Most recently, she served as the Director for Cancer Services at WRH and the Regional Director for the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program, where she provided oversight for the regional care of patients throughout the cancer care continuum, from cancer prevention and screening, through treatment, palliative care and survivorship. Sbrocca has been involved in many leadership initiatives locally, regionally, and provincially. She also serves as part time faculty, supporting the Healthcare Analytics course for the Data

The organizers of the second annual Chatham-Kent Art Studio Tour are looking for artists from Chatham-Kent, who wish to share their creative spaces with the public. The Tour runs September 28 & 29, 2024 throughout Chatham-Kent. Applications (registration fee is $25) are available by emailing: chrisfordjewellery@gmail.com and must be in by March 29, 2024. “Last year proved to be a hot event, over 700 visits throughout the weekend, across 14 artists and five galleries,” says Ford, Chatham-Kent Arts & Culture Network board member. “We look forward to hearing from you!” If you have further questions, refer to the website: CKartstudiotour.com.

(Seated from left):

Gionet,

Mahshar Fard, Owner of Morriss & Daughters Ltd. Nail Salon celebrated one year in business on February 10, 2024. Photo by Jim Murphy.

Nicole Sbrocca, the new CEO for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch. Photo courtesy of CMHA-WECB.

As Belle Vivantes we are always looking for the Best of the Best and for this edition we found a gem, the Red Barn Brewing Co.

This beautifully converted barn located between Windsor and London, just five minutes off the 401 is situated at 20466 Lagoon Road in Blenheim and offers some of the finest brews in the area.

Co-owners Denny and Sandy Vervaet and Sandy’s brother Dan English are warm and friendly people who love chatting with all of their guests. The trio opened the business on July 1, 2020 (Canada Day).

The barn is bustling with people on a Sunday afternoon and laughter fills the rafters — a great place to visit with friends and family.

Children are playing games and the barn cat is roaming around looking for pets. Well behaved dogs, on leashes, are also welcome at this family friendly establishment.

Part of the charm of Red Barn is the community involvement that started with a fundraiser for the initial investment. Families could have their names on the vats for their contribution, as well as create their own beer.

The art for the beer labels is created by local artist Jennifer Goodal and handmade mugs are created by Mary Jane Comiskey

They also love to promote other local businesses by offering food delivery services in the winter and food trucks in the summer.

There is no kitchen, but we did enjoy an amazing Jalapeno Pretzel and some wonderful popcorn made with Ruby Red Popcorn, a premium red kernel corn that reduces the hull from separating when

Red Barn Brewing Co. Cultivating Community And Really Good Beer

Story And Photos By Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh And Tracey Harding

popped. It doesn’t get stuck in your teeth.

This time around, we invited our good friend and Cicerone (beer expert) Rob Hough to join us and discuss the beer.

We order a flight of beer and begin with a Belgium Wit — The Sharecropper — a light in colour and refreshing beer with traditional notes of banana and cloves.

But don’t let this light colour fool you, it is a 6.5% alcohol by volume, beer.

Next on our list is Here for The Beerd, a Double IPA. One of our favourite styles is loaded with hops, lemony notes and a bitter finish. This would be amazing with spicy curry.

Next we try “Uncle Dunkel” Munich, Germany style Dunkel rich with notes of coffee, milk chocolate, molasses and caramel.

Finally, we sample Harwich Moon, a Chocolate Porter with a bold chocolate

start and a smoky finish. This beer would be fabulous with a chocolate dessert and it is surprisingly light at 5.6% alcohol by volume.

We wrap up the tastings with a couple of novelty and summertime refreshers.

Peach Nectarine Cobbler, is a sour, and as far as sours go, not one to make your back cheeks cave in, but a mix of sweet and tart. Strawberry Peach Cow Milkshake IPA is super sweet in a delightful and unexpected way.

During our visit, we are introduced to the Head Brewer, Stephen Goodal, who takes us into the brew room for a little tour and discussion about his brewing style.

The welcoming entrance to the Red Barn Brewing Co. is easy to spot from the road with its bright red and white colours.

Head Brewer Stephen Goodal pictured in the brew room.

We shared with him, that we believe his beer to be true to style with exciting twists.

Goodal comments: “Many brewers take courses and yes, I have taken some, but like a great chef, brewing is instinct. I am passionate about what I brew.”

Red Barn also supports local talent on the Main Stage with comedy nights (Red Barn Laughs), Pint Size Quiz Nights, Barn Racers (a video game kart racing tournament) and loads of local music and other events that are listed on the website: RedBarnBrewing.com. You can also find their hours of operation and a FAQ page if you need more details.

many countries. She has worked in fashion, real estate/décor, hospitality and food service/tour industries and is an awardwinning amateur cook and a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Sommelier.

Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh (left) has travelled to over 50 countries exploring what the world has to offer in food, wine, music, art, and fashion. She is a community leader, journalist, business owner, music manager, former educator, Chief Communications Officer, and Athena Award recipient. Tracey Harding has deep roots in southwestern Ontario, but has wined, dined and lived in

A beer flight of Belgium Wit, Double IPA, Munich Dunkel and Chocolate Porter.

In the retail shop, you’ll find lots of cool Red Barn merch from unisex tanks, tees, hoodies, toques, mesh back caps and more . . . and don’t forget the beer!

© Can Stock Photo/Kurhan

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT A HOLE Lotta Donuts Windsor, ON

By David Clark

From a quiet South Windsor neighbourhood, an idea came to fruition during the COVID-19 pandemic that has “rolled” along into a successful business. It’s all about 100% peanut and tree nut-free, baked donuts.

With plenty of out of this world flavours on the list, A HOLE Lotta Donuts has dozens of your favourite kinds to choose from with other treats coming out every month to sweeten your palate.

“I definitely ‘wear all the hats’ when it comes to my business, as a baker, social media maker, marketer, bookkeeper, dishwasher and cleaner and, of course, I’m responsible for the heart and soul that goes into creating those tasty donuts,” states Owner Abigail Slack.

It all began in 2020 when Slack (now 23 years old) started to bake donuts for fun and posted pictures of them on her personal social media accounts.

She was constantly asked by others if she would ever sell them. After a discussion with her mother — and the demand becoming real enough — the idea for a business was born.

Three years later, Slack has created a healthinspected kitchen at her home. The large and incredibly supportive following ushered in the creation of 60 gourmet donut flavours and other spectacular sweets.

At the time, Slack hadn’t envisioned the success she would have and the passion she inherited from those newly acquired customers. Everybody encouraged her to keep it going because those goodies she created were just that good.

“At the age of two, I was diagnosed with a tactile anaphylactic allergy to all peanuts and tree nuts,” says Slack. “As a result there were not many sweets that were safe for me to eat. This is why I’m beyond passionate about my business and providing inclusive sweets that are not only safe for those with allergies, but also delicious enough to be enjoyed by everyone. I recognize the importance of making my sweets 100% peanut and

tree nut free. In particular, making the preparation area free of nuts and none of my ingredients ‘may contain’ or ‘may come into contact’ with any nuts.”

On location, leading to the kitchen is a very light, bright and colourful hot pink neon logo sign welcoming you to A HOLE Lotta Donuts. Inside is an oasis where all the baking happens with industrial strength appliances and aesthetically appealing cabinetry ready to send out those donuts to the customers, in a building behind the house where a large fridge hosts all of the sweets. The perfect set up for a contact-free service!

The donuts are sheltered from the hot and cold weather and the name of the client is on each box where they can easily be identified and taken from the fridge when they arrive . . . complete with her handwritten, go-to pun: “Thanks a HOLE Bunch!”

So how does the ordering process work?

Each month a menu is released on: AHoleLottaDonuts.com, which outlines the exact date a certain flavour will be released on a calendar with descriptions underneath.

Generally only one flavour per day is baked.

For example, for the month of March, special flavours available for you to sink your teeth into include . . .

The Magic Charm (March 15), a vanilla dough filled with Lucky Charms cereal dipped into a vanilla glaze and topped with white chocolate.

The Shammy Shake (March 16), featuring a vanilla dough dipped in a minty green glaze and topped with homemade whipped cream and a little straw on top.

The Carrot Cake (March 28), a carrot cake-inspired dough dipped into a cream cheese glaze and topped with crumbled carrot cake.

The Easter Egg Cheesecake (March 29), a vanilla dough filled with crushed Eggies (sold by Hershey’s) dipped in a cream cheese glaze and topped with even more crushed Eggies.

The Coconest (March 30), a coconut cream pie donut topped with a toasted coconut “nest” and Eggies.

A few of the bestsellers that keep them coming back are fan favourites, like the Strawberry Cheesecake, S’mores, and the Pina Colada. And for the kids, they can enjoy the Dunkies (a Dunkaroos-inspired donut on March 7) and Vanilla Dip with Sprinkles (a regular monthly feature).

There are also many other regular selections available and new ones to be created for the following months of the year.

Concerning online ordering, people can shop the menu and add to their cart the “donut babies” (a name Slack uses to describe her products because she loves her donuts so much and since she creates them, they are like her babies).

They are sold individually, so if a customer wants three donuts, they add three to the cart. The date on each donut listing is the date they are baked fresh and available for pickup.

If the client decides at 9 a.m. they feel like getting donuts today, they can place an order.

The customer then receives a confirmation email with a summary of the donut babies they ordered, as well as pickup information.

Any extra donuts that have not sold are

Photos courtesy of Abigail Slack, unless marked

A mesmerizing hot pink neon sign may welcome customers to A HOLE Lotta Donut’s area of operation, but the tasty plate of donuts equally grabs your attention. Photo courtesy of Samantha Bawden, Timed Right Photography.

The Carrot Cake donut has a cream cheese glaze and is loaded with crumbled carrot cake.

posted on: Instagram.com/aholelottadonuts and: Facebook.com/AHoleLottaDonuts on a first come, first served basis.

As for catering activities (delivery is an option here only), Slack caters weddings, showers, parties and other public events where a maximum of two donut flavours for custom orders is allowed and the client can choose any of the 60+ flavours.

If a client has a vision on a donut that is not on the menu, she can bring it to life for them.

With plans to expand her donut kitchen by acquiring a couple more ovens, Slack will also eventually grow her endeavour by hiring someone to join her team. And she has even more big plans for the business in other ways as well that will soon be announced.

“I work so incredibly hard to create sweets that make people happy and excited to eat,” she expresses. “Nothing makes me happier than to know that memories are created with or around my treats. It is such a pleasure to make the days a little bit sweeter for my customers and I am so incredibly grateful to have them here. I thank them all for making my dreams come true!”

Inspired by Dunkaroos (a snack with cookies and frosting by Betty Crocker), A HOLE Lotta Donuts version — the Dunkies — is a vanilla dough dipped into a creamy vanilla glaze and topped with sprinkles, a cinnamon cookie crumble, buttercream and a Teddy Grahams cookie (made by Nabisco) for dunking.

Delightfully colourful and dipped in a vanilla glaze and topped off with Lucky Charms cereal, the Magic Charm donut is sure to be a popular choice for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

COVER STORY By Jim Murphy

Your Passport For The Perfect Vacation Begins With Local Travel Agencies

With the pandemic restrictions behind us, there’s a growing desire for authentic travel experiences again.

As we embark on a journey to rediscover the beauty and charm of the world, local travel agency professionals are ready to help us explore — offering a gateway to hidden gems and unforgettable adventures just waiting to be uncovered.

The following article highlights a select group of travel agencies in the Windsor and Essex County region that are registered and regulated by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario; TICO.ca).

All offer various vacation options from family and couple getaways to cruises, European trips, rail/motor coach tours, allinclusive tropical getaways, destination weddings/honeymoons and more. However, each section highlights a certain aspect of the travel industry, so our readers are informed on different issues before they book their next trip.

Basic Travel Tips, Online Booking, and Riverboat Cruises

Powerbest Travel — 1206 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor — is a full-service travel agency offering their clients corporate and leisure travel options, cruises, sun packages, international travel, ski vacations, European packages, destination weddings, group tours, last-minute deals, and more!

“I personally have travelled extensively, so I can speak on the destinations to which I have travelled — especially the European riverboats — such as Avalon Waterways, Viking Cruises, Uniworld, and more,” indicates Beverly Power, Owner/Manager of Powerbest Travel whose specialty is in riverboat cruises. “We also work with suppliers who have expertise and personal travel information about the various parts of the world they promote. We are also part of the Travel Leaders Network, a vast organization offering specific suppliers from all around the world.”

Power adds: “Our business is unique and obviously, has staying power in that it has lasted since 1989. Our staff of eight

offer personalized service to our clientele, no matter what ethnic groups or destinations are involved.”

This personalized service includes driving clients home after an appointment, paying the balance of a file because a client was over their credit limit, paying for a one-way ticket for a new husband to come visit his wife, and taking care of visa applications when clients don’t know how to apply.

“When our clients depart, we are constantly on alert for any schedule changes or cancellations,” Power points out. “We advise them, even when they are at their destination, and continue to monitor their files and flights until they return.”

(LEFT) Our cover models Aaron and Serena Ellwood cozy up and snap a selfie as they wait for their Sunwing flight, next to the terminal gate in Windsor International Airport (YQG), 3200 County Road 42, Unit 200. Sunwing Airlines offers nonstop seasonal flights and vacation packages from Windsor to Cancun, Mexico and Cayo Coco, Santa Clara and Varadero in Cuba. (RIGHT) Smiling Marlo Lott is the Manager of the Gateway Grab & Café that is open prior to all departures in the pre-boarding area of the airport. All sorts of grab and go products are available, from sandwiches, bagels, fresh fruit and vegetables cups to specialty coffees. It is also fully licensed offering beer, wine and coolers with a focus on supporting local, with products from breweries, popcorn and snacks from small businesses throughout Windsor and Essex County. Please note, all items, except alcoholic beverages, are permitted on the planes. Photos by Tina Huynh.

Pictured from left are: Tania Niamo, Beverly Power, (Owner), Bonnie Dupuis and Max Nimmo.

Photo by Tina Huynh.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic impacted many businesses in a negative way. Few were hit harder than the travel industry, as airports, hotels and cruises were shut down.

“The travel industry and its various suppliers, including cruise lines, airlines, et cetera, are continuing to recover,” she comments. “Among those in our specific industry — the travel agencies — many have closed since the pandemic. The ones that remain open are very optimistic and are waiting for a big turn-around!”

Power goes on to explain that her office continued to operate during the pandemic as there were several travellers that still needed to travel.

“However, there has been a significant overall increase in prices,” she says. “Suppliers are charging for things they have never charged for including increases in baggage fees, seat fees, et cetera. If people haven’t travelled since the pandemic, they are usually pretty surprised by the cost of travel today.”

According to Power, there are some things that must be top of mind when travelling anywhere, at any time.

“It’s imperative that all travel documentation, including passports, permanent resident cards for people just entering Canada, Canadian travel documents, et cetera, be checked for proper names and expiry dates before confirming travel,” Power stresses. “Also, it needs to be determined if a travel visa is required, if travelling to a foreign country, as there are some airlines and countries that have rules not allowing people to transit through their country without a travel visa. Agents must be on top of this information as the traveller is often not aware of it or insists that they don’t need a visa.”

She strongly cautions that you do NOT purchase your tickets until you have your visa in hand! Power also warns that travellers booking online can run into problems and often end up calling a travel agent for assistance.

“Be aware that the travel agent cannot help

if you are not a client or file of the agency,” she says. “Therefore, it is always smart to book with a local travel agent. A lot of our clientele do check their travel options online, but come to our office to book with us, because if they see a promo online, we can check it out for them.”

To book your next vacation, stop by their agency or go to: PowerbestTravel.ca.

The Ideal Time To Travel

Opened in 1997, LaSalle Travel Services Inc. offer cruises, flights, tours, passport photos, honeymoons, bridal registry, groups, and family trips.

Situated at 5841 Malden Road, Suite 118 in LaSalle, their agency boasts seven full-time agents and 12 working from home.

“All our agents visit all the places we sell in order to keep our staff up to date on

destinations,” notes Jacqueline Mizon, Owner/Manager of LaSalle Travel Services. “We have close relationships with all our vendors, and they are always there to assist us with all our client needs.”

While they offer a wide variety of travel services, LaSalle Travel Services specializes in group trips such as those to Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico, plus cruises and river cruises.

While the pandemic shutdowns wreaked havoc on the travel industry, LaSalle Travel Services continued to work hard from home during this time to ensure the needs of their clients were met.

“We are personable and go the extra step for all our clients because that’s the service we expect from our vendors,” Mizon says. “We keep up with the latest technology to get the best prices, and with social media, we always know the latest trend in places to travel.”

Travel Agents with LaSalle Travel Services — from left: Kelly O’Donnell, Andrea Sears, Lisa Dyck, Alyssa Couvillon Wilkinson, Wendy Moore, Jacqueline Mizon (Owner/Manager) and Ellie Taylor — stand with a myriad of awards that they have won over the years. Photo by Tina Huynh.

LaSalle Travel Services offers after hours appointments and will work late in the evenings to get their clients booked and happy.

They also supply 24 hour emergency phone numbers for all their vendors and airlines.

“We are notified from companies when sales are going on and what is left,” she states. “Unfortunately, with over 70% of Canadians travelling now, those sales are being scooped up as fast as we can put them on our website.”

Mizon goes on to mention that March Break is not the most popular time to travel anymore as everyone now seems to be travelling at all different times of the year.

However, she comments that for 2024: “Everyone is travelling to Europe this year during the summer and this is literally the ‘hot’ trip to take.”

To see their specials, last-minute deals, and more view: LaSalleTravel.ca.

European Trips

Since the late 1980s, Tecumseh Travel has offered full-service travel agencies services, including hotel, flights, tours, all-inclusive packages, and cruises.

Working now out of an office at 25 Amy Croft Drive in Tecumseh, the staff of five try to visit destinations whenever time permits, but when it doesn’t, many companies offer travel agency webinars to keep them up to date.

“An agent is there to help guide you in the right direction from beginning to end,” expresses Micheal Horvath, Co-Owner of Tecumseh Travel, along with Luc Leblanc,

who took over the business in 2012. “You just don’t get that from an online booking engine.”

Horvath continues by stating how they can help if something goes wrong for a client when he/she is away. They are able to contact the insurance company used and assist the client with procedures on how and what to do to get back home safely.

As for most European vacations, Horvath recommends that you book early!

“We have seen that airfare this season is almost double in price,” he says. “Some Mediterranean cruises are already sold out, as well as some bus tours. Since we have such diverse clients that live in Windsor and the surrounding areas, there are many popular destinations, including Italy, Greece, and river cruises — all which we organize groups to. “

For more information on this agency, visit their social media page: Facebook.com/tecumsehtravel.

Tours, Day Trips, and Motor Coach Options

Southland Travel Ltd. is a full-service travel agency with three full-time employees and eight outside travel consultants that has been in existence since 1997.

“We all travel to different destinations to experience the culture and visit sights and hotels so that we can better consult with our clients,” states Christine (Chris) Diemer of Southland Travel, who owns the business with her husband Tim. “I have been in the business for 46 years, so during that time you do get to know what companies to deal with, what destination resorts to sell, and what companies you can depend on for good customer service and good agent support. Whenever our agents travel, they will share their experiences and hotel recommendations — so that input is very valuable.”

Located at 23 Talbot Street North in Essex, they offer all types of travel services,

including airfare, all-inclusive destinations, cruises, escorted tours, group travel destination weddings, hotel reservations, travel insurance and bus tours.

“Through our winter season — November to April — we sell a lot of southern destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii,” she adds. “During the summer months it changes to Europe, Alaska, Canada, and the U.S. However, throughout the year we sell cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, the South Pacific, Alaska, and the Panama Canal, plus you can’t forget Disney World and Las Vegas.”

Diemer tells Biz X that she owes a huge thank you to the customers that stuck with them through the pandemic.

“After a few very rough years during COVID, we proved that we could survive in a business like this one that can have a lot of challenges,” she says. “Our agents were working diligently booking, rebooking, cancelling, and trying to make sure everyone had their money refunded or did eventually get to use their credits. Some of our clients waited three years to get to go on their vacations. We could not survive without them.”

In the last year, one of their outside agents — Paula Rigg has started promoting bus tours, day trips and overnight stays. Taking over from her mother and sister’s travel agency, Mae’s Travel (which closed during the pandemic), Rigg decided she would try and work on getting the motor coach business up and running again.

“Last year she only had a few tours that did very well, including one day tour and a few multi day tours,” Diemer reports.

“This year she has a full schedule of tours that will travel in Canada and the United States. Just a few of her motor coach trips this year are to: Quebec City, Montreal, Nashville, Boston, Cape Cod, Salem, St. Jacob’s and Stratford.”

Rigg not only specializes in motor coach tours, but also in group tours of all kinds.

“This year she and Southland Travel

Southland Travel Ltd. Travel Consultants (left) Denise Banks and Lisa Tetzlaff consult with owner Chris Diemer (middle) about some of the Sandals vacation packages they sell.

Photo courtesy of Jacey LaFrance.

The owners of Tecumseh Travel, Luc Leblanc (left) and Micheal Horvath are photographed at the 2022 Biz X Awards Gala after winning the category, Travel Agency That’s Definitely Going Places. Photo by Rod Denis.

have a hosted Avalon Rhine River Cruise (October 16 to 26, 2024) departing from Detroit, which also includes transfers to and from Detroit Metro Airport,” explains Diemer. “Lisa Tetzlaff, a fully licenced travel agent with Southland Travel, will be travelling with this group to assist and enhance this trip of a lifetime!”

According to Diemer, Rigg can work with any organization to plan out a great day trip or a multi-day tour. She worked with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum planning a fundraising one-day trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan last November, where funds from the trip were donated to the museum.

For further details on all their trips, near and far, visit: SouthlandTravel.ca.

Honeymoon, Destination Weddings, Generational Travel, and Rail Tours

Located at 1499 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor, Valente Travel is a full-service travel agency offering free consultation, a virtual e-brochure rack of hundreds of travel brochures, hotel and car reservations, train tickets, airfare, all-inclusive vacation packages, cruises, adventure and sports travel, group travel, motor coach tours, travel insurance, passport applications and visa assistance, free ticket delivery, bridal registry, after-hours appointments, honeymoon specialists for both leisure and corporate travel.

“Myself and my staff of 14 try to visit the areas we book trips to,” mentions Al Valente, Owner/President of Valente Travel. “I’ve been to Europe at least 30 times, Mexico at least 30 to 35 times, the Caribbean a couple of dozen times, as well as Asia, South America and at least 45 to 50 countries.”

Even if they can’t make it to a destination, they have access to an endless number of resources for destinations, including government websites regarding travel advisories or visa requirements, and tourist boards across the world that also help with tourists visiting their country.

“There are also many private sites that we use to give us an even more in-depth analysis, along with training material from most of the suppliers we use to book travel,” he points out. “But we rely a lot on personal experiences, which can’t be read about on a website or in a book.”

While Valente runs a full-service travel agency, he tends to do a lot of honeymoons and destination weddings.

“We also do a lot of ‘generational travel’ where families travel together,” he indicates. “We have previously been awarded best travel agency in Canada by Sandals Resorts and many of our agents specialize in certain areas of the world such as Jamaica, Hawaii, Europe, and Cuba and we even have a Disney specialist.”

Opened in 1993, Valente Travel has stood the test of time by offering a valuable service without charging a premium.

“Most of the trips we book do not have a service fee and we always put the clients’ needs first,” says Valente. “We try to give the best value we can in a vacation and believe a happy customer brings more happy customers. We always try to imagine that we are in our clients’ shoes and find the best fit for their vacation within their specific budget and needs. Every client is different and there is no cookie cutter trip that fits all.”

And if things happen to not run smoothly, Valente Travel is there to make things right.

“We are always here for our clients and fight for our clients when we need to as we are always an email, phone call or text away,” he states. “For a flight cancellation for example, we will make sure to get our clients booked on the next available flight. If there is a problem with the property, we will get hold of the hotel managers to get the problem resolved. Whatever the case, we are always here to help.”

Along with exceptional customer service, Valente Travel sells rail packages that are already put together through other tour companies such as Rocky Mountaineer.

Valente adds: “We can put together rail trips from Vancouver to Banff on the firstclass glass dome car for example, with an overnight in Kamloops. It’s an amazing bucket-list type trip and they even have a separate dining car where they call you down at lunch and dinner time. There are also similar rail tours up to Whistler and in Utah.”

Learn more about all their awards and services on: ValenteTravel.com.

Al Valente, Owner/President of Valente Travel is shown on a balcony in Monte Carlo, just one of the many vacation spots he frequents. Photo courtesy of Al Valente.

Opened in 2017, Bella Vista Travel (the name means ’beautiful view’) is a full-service travel agency located at 13072 Talbot Road, Suite 2 in Maidstone.

“I pride myself on amazing customer service, so I give my customers my cell phone number in case they need help or assistance while travelling and I make myself available to them,” says Jennifer DiNardo, Owner/Manager of Bella Vista Travel. “I also have a lot of customers that are not internet-savvy, may not have a cell phone, or are just too busy to search multiple airlines or hotels. So I book everything they need, as well as assist with check-in, adding baggage, making reservations for tours or special dinners and anything else they may need help doing.”

She has also assisted passengers with a variety of visible and invisible disabilities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation.

Personally DiNardo has been to more than 60 countries as she loves to travel.

“I worked abroad for 10 years, so I do have a lot of friends that live all over the world,” she says. “If I haven’t been to a destination, I reach out to my friends that either live or have lived in those destinations, to ask more

specific information. I am knowledgeable about many destinations as agents can do a lot of training and watch webinars and take online courses.”

DiNardo lived in the Middle East for 10 years, spent two months in southeast Asia, has visited Europe, the Caribbean, Brazil, Chile, and most recently, New Zealand.

“The only continent I have not been to is Antarctica, and that trip is in the works,” she indicates. “I have done lots of resorts, cruises and tours, plus next January I am climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!”

Throughout her travels, DiNardo has learned the importance of purchasing travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption and emergency medical insurance.

“Anything can happen and if you’re spending a lot of money on your vacation you should protect it,” DiNardo advises. “Often people think that because they have a credit card that covers trip cancellation that should be enough coverage. However, most credit card companies have not increased the amount they cover in more than 20 years. Also, if something happens back home while you’re away and you need to get home urgently, then the interruption portion of that insurance kicks in, and your expenses to get you back home are covered.”

Additionally, she suggests travellers should always have emergency medical insurance, for both long and short-term trips: “Even when crossing over into Detroit to go shopping, people need to be sure they have medical coverage. Medical costs in the U.S. are very expensive and emergency medical insurance is not.”

Jennifer DiNardo, Owner/Manager of Bella Vista Travel has travelled to over 60 countries and simply loves all things travel . . . the sky’s the limit for where she (and you as well) will go next! She is shown during a 2011 tandem skydive in Florida, with an instructor. Photo courtesy of Jennifer DiNardo.

Luggage Tips and Travel Insurance

As for advice on packing, DiNardo shares the following luggage tips with Biz X. She recommends that you never pack medication in your checked bag, don’t bring a valuable item if you don’t need it and put phones, tablets and laptops in your carry-on.

“If you’re travelling with another person, put half your clothes in their bag and half their clothes in yours in case a bag is lost,” she says. “Always use a luggage strap as zippers break, and always use a luggage tag with your name and phone number on it (air tags are perfect for tracking if your luggage gets lost). If possible, only pack a carry-on bag to ensure your belongings are always with you.”

She also recommends you pack liquids inside a Ziploc bag to prevent spills and bring a plastic bag to put wet, damp or dirty clothes in to bring home. And since you will probably only wear half of what you bring, pack less clothing . . . and don’t bring too many shoes!

DiNardo has a Certified Travel Manager (CTM) accreditation from the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA), and she will also be completing a Master of Arts in Tourism Management this spring. If you would like to reach out to DiNardo, connect with her via her website: BellaVistaTravel.ca. February

Despite all the obstacles in the travel industry since 2020, the travel agencies who survived the pandemic are as busy as ever.

Yet there are still a few concerns that all hope will improve soon.

“We find that a lot of clients are frustrated with all the new rules and regulations in place regarding travel and feel secure in booking with a reputable travel agency,” says Al Valente, Owner and President of Valente Travel. “As far as the industry itself, it is hit or miss. A whole new generation of

employees had to be trained to do the jobs of those that left during the pandemic. Some hotels and some properties are in need of refurbishment due to cost cutting during COVID. Supply issues are an issue at some lower-end properties, and inflation and the soaring cost of goods has also negatively affected many properties and resorts, which makes their product more costly to maintain and service. However, travel demand is as strong as it’s ever been, with no end in sight.”

All the agencies we have profiled here in this cover story are industry experts so contact them to plan your next vacation.

Safe travels everyone!

Luggage tips to keep in mind from Jennifer DiNardo of Bella Vista Travel include using a luggage strap to keep your case closed that protects most, if not all, of your belongings. In addition, using a coloured bag and suitcase will help you find it faster on a baggage carrousel, as everyone seems to have black luggage!

Tecumseh Celebrates The 90th Anniversary Of RCL Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261

By Joe McParland

Many of us had family members who served our country overseas in WWII — and some of us had grandparents and great grandparents who fought in WWI.

Veterans for Veterans founded the 1,350 Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) branches across Canada. Their mission: To serve Veterans — active, retired and deceased, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities and our country. The Legion exists so that Canada never forgets.

Canadians recognize their local RCLs through annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, poppy campaigns, commemorative activities, youth education programs, and more.

In addition to helping local Veterans, legions support seniors, provide youth sports programs, offer branch education bursaries, provide funds for community causes, volunteer to help those in need, or simply offer a place to gather for fun and celebration.

The Royal Canadian Legion Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261 at 12326 Lanoue Street (and Lesperance Road) in Tecumseh, Ontario received its charter on August 9, 1934, and will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Saturday, April 20, 2024

Gloria McKibbin, Past President (2012 to 2016) of Branch 261 and now volunteer for fundraising events in Tecumseh, and also Public Relations Officer & Seniors Chair, Royal Canadian Legion Zone A-7 (Port Stanley RCL Last Post Branch 410) reminds us: “April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and since Legion board members are all volunteers, what better time to celebrate the wonderful achievements of 90 years of volunteering!”

An open house is planned, including Honours & Awards presentations and food served which will be open to the public. Final details were not available at press time, but get the latest updates on the “Tecumseh Legion Branch 261” Facebook page and the website: RCLdistricta.com.

Colonel Paul Poisson — the individual RCL Branch 261 named their branch after — was born in Belle River, Ontario in 1887. Poisson joined the militia in Windsor at age 17.

He received a medical degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1909 and began his medical practice in 1910 in Tecumseh.

Shortly after, he enlisted as a Medical Officer and saw active duty in WWI and, despite being wounded in action, returned to the battlefield after recuperating. Poisson was again wounded in the 1916 Courcelette Campaign (TankMuseum.org), and later he was awarded the Military Cross for his contributions.

He was discharged in 1919 and returned to Canada where he resumed his medical practice.

Poisson continued his service to his country by entering the political arena and became the first Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh in 1921. He then served as a Member of the Ontario Legislature from 1926 to 1934.

During WWII, Dr. Poisson once again served his country coordinating care for injured soldiers, returning from active duty as President Medical Board M.D. No. 1, at Medical Headquarters Ottawa, as Officer Commanding Montreal Military Hospital. In total, Poisson served Canada with 41 years of military service.

The Town of Tecumseh celebrated its 100th birthday in July 2022 and as part of their festivities unveiled an inspiring panoramic mural of poppies, soldiers, and Colonel Poisson on the western wall of Branch 261’s building (see accompanying photo) by artist, DERKZ (David Derkatz).

Inside the Town of Tecumseh offices in October 2019, at the ceremonial presentation of the first poppy to the Mayor. Representing both Tecumseh branches, from left are: Ron Pitre, Zone A-1 Commander (deceased); Archie Neilson, Zone A-1 Poppy Chair for Branch 594 on Howard Avenue; Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara; Bernie Kelly, Branch 261 President, and Doris Kelly, Branch 261 Executive. The annual Poppy Campaign kicks off the last Friday of October and runs to November 11, Remembrance Day. Photo courtesy of the Town of Tecumseh.

Ed McDowell, current Royal Canadian Legion Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261 President. Photo courtesy of Gloria McKibbin.

Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara speaks about the Legion’s approaching 90th anniversary: “We are proud to have this branch of the Royal Canadian Legion named after Colonel Paul Poisson, who served as Tecumseh’s first Mayor after serving Canada in the First World War and who later served again in the Second World War. The Legion plays a key role in supporting the Veterans and their families who have given so much, and I would like to acknowledge and offer appreciation to the administrators, organizers and volunteers who work on the Legion’s behalf. Thank you for your contributions to our Veterans and the community over the last 90 years.”

Today, there are three categories of membership in the RCL: Ordinary — for Veterans; Associate — for family members of Veterans and Affiliate — for any

Celebrating

member of the public, not related to a Veteran.

Legions are a huge part of our community and Branch 261 is a strong supporter of local organizations and hosts various events throughout the year, such as the local authors Christmas Book Show, Tecumseh Christmas market and more.

However, RCLs across the country are experiencing financial challenges in these post-pandemic times. Public Relations Officer McKibbin mentions that “Legions can only appeal to the public for financial donations during the annual Poppy Campaign — the last Friday in October to November 11 each year.”

I close with a message from current President, Ed McDowell, RCL Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261: “The Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261 of the Royal Canadian Legion, has been serving Veterans, their families, and the community

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #261

Col. Paul Poisson Branch

Thank you for being an integral part of our community for the last 90 years.

for 90 years. We hope to continue serving for at least another 10 years to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2034. We need more members to get involved in the operations of our Legion by sharing their expertise as a part of the executive board. Please consider volunteering as a Legion board member. Thank you to all current and past volunteer board members, as well as the Branch 261 Ladies Auxiliary, who have been supporting Veterans, this branch, and our community for 86 years. There have been times over the years when funds were low, and with the financial support of our Ladies Auxiliary, we were able to survive.”

All of us at Biz X magazine congratulate McDowell, McKibbin and everyone involved with RCL Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261, on your 90 years of service to Canada, Veterans and their families, and to the local community.

The Town of Tecumseh celebrated their 100th birthday with the unveiling of a beautiful mural at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 261 on July 3, 2022 to honour the Canadian Armed Forces, the poppy and Colonel Paul Poisson (far right), Tecumseh’s first Mayor and War Veteran. Windsor artist David Derkatz, (known as DERKZ) created, in 12 days, the massive 127’ X 28’ tall mural using spray paint and exterior latex paint. The mural also includes real war beach scenes plus local War Veteran Joe McLeod (holding the poppy in the middle). Photo courtesy of DERKZ.

By Rebecca Wright

Ashley Waugh . . .

Making Others Feel Right “At Home” With Yoga

With all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a local business owner aims at providing opportunities to slow down, unwind and shift your mindset to a positive space.

Ashley Waugh opened The Shala Yoga & Meditation Studio in August 2021. Her boutique studio offers small-group and private yoga, meditation and breathwork classes taught by highly educated and experienced teachers in their respective specialties. (To view the types of classes refer to: TheShalaWindsor.com)

She adds: “We also offer on-site corporate wellness programming and travel to local businesses, ranging from accounting firms, to manufacturing facilities, to post-secondary education sites sharing these practices.”

Waugh feels her background as a Respiratory Therapist (RT) sets her yoga and meditation business apart from others in the industry.

“As an RT, I am acutely aware of the impact of how we breathe with regard to our body chemistry and the state of our nervous system,” she explains, mentioning she was also a professor in the RT program at Fanshawe College. “The way in which one breathes is also the central focus throughout all yoga practices: physical postures, meditation and, of course, breathwork.”

For her it was natural to marry her background of respiratory therapy and teaching with her lifelong passion of practicing yoga to create her current business.

“I have over 500 hours of formal yoga and breathwork teacher training and I actively pursue continuing education,” Waugh notes. “What we teach at our studio is yogic tradition

Motivational Quotes

Danny Gautama is an inspirational writer who writes for mental health organizations, hospitals, and is a blogger on BizXmagazine.com. He helps many on social media and is a two-time recipient of the LoveMakers Foundation Awards. Connect with him by emailing: dannygautamawellness@gmail.com.

rooted in modern scientific understanding.”

Upon moving back home to Windsor in 2019 — after nearly a decade away — she had begun networking to find her way into the local yoga and wellness community.

But shortly after, due to the pandemic, many studios were forced to close and her teaching contracts were paused or dissolved.

“The studio I had practiced at regularly, permanently closed, and as 2020 continued, there was a clear need for a safe, communitycentric space to practice,” Waugh comments. “The Shala was born out of a deep need for peer support (and connecting with others) in a time of uncertainty. I committed to creating this space driven by that exact intention.”

Located at 1603 University Avenue West in Windsor, she points out how her customers note in their reviews that the studio is clean, beautiful and “homey,” with particular appreciation for how intimate the space is.

“The word ‘Shala’ in Sanskrit means

‘at home’ and we truly embody the warmth in that sentiment,” Waugh declares. “We are proud to be breaking new-age stereotypes about what yoga and meditation are perceived to be, and students find that the way we teach is universal, accessible and refreshing.”

As far as finding balance among work, home and all spheres of life, Waugh believes it’s important to remind oneself that balance is not static.

“Balance is not calm and steady — it requires constant attention and adjustment; it is nuanced and dynamic,” she describes. “There is a quote: ‘Strategy is an art of closing doors.’ It is helpful to understand that when one chooses to do or to have something, they are simultaneously choosing to not do or have something else. In this case, you cannot choose to open a business and, at the same time, expect the security and predictability of an employed schedule and life. Of course, there is gender disparity in entrepreneurship — and there is little to no separation between ‘work life’ and ‘home life’. As a business owner, your work never leaves you — there is a skillful means of being able to give attention when required, and let go when required.”

As for her advice to other female entrepreneurs just starting out, Waugh gives an example of just how a farmer creates the perfect conditions to grow their chosen crop by tilling, fertilizing, watering and weeding. To bring forth the potential in yourself, one must create the perfect conditions.

“The conditions themselves are what give birth to potential, the excitement and drive to get out of bed in the morning,” she states. “Once you have had a taste of living your purpose, there is nothing else quite like it.”

“Never belittle someone.

Just ‘be’ a ‘little’ more kind.

Kindness is beautiful.

And it needs beautiful people to participate in it every day.”

Ashley Waugh is pictured in her boutique yoga and meditation studio located in west Windsor. Photo courtesy of her photographer and brother, Matthew Waugh.

Beyond The Bubble: Why Now Might Be The Right Time To Enter Canada’s Housing Market

By Rasha Ingratta

The housing market in Canada has soared beyond the reach of many in recent years.

Rapidly escalating prices have led numerous potential buyers to sit back, anticipating a market crash or the bursting of the so-called “bubble”.

In this article, I’ll share my viewpoint on why I believe a significant market collapse is unlikely and discuss why those waiting for a drop in housing prices might want to think about entering the market sooner rather than later.

LOW INTEREST RATES DURING THE PANDEMIC: When the pandemic hit, borrowing money became cheap. This made more people want to buy homes. There weren’t enough homes for sale, so prices went up.

LOW SUPPLY OF HOMES: There just aren’t enough homes in Canada for everyone who wants one. This problem isn’t just about how many homes there are, but also about having different kinds of homes for different people.

For example if you are retired, you’re looking to downsize possibly looking for a condo or townhouse with minimal maintenance.

HIGH POPULATION GROWTH: Canada’s welcoming a lot of new people through immigration. These individuals/families are also looking to buy homes, which adds more pressure on the already tight housing market.

ARE HOMES BECOMING MORE AFFORDABLE? You might hear that homes are becoming more affordable because of changes in interest rates, but don’t be misled. The real problems — like not enough homes and lots of people wanting to buy them — are still there. So don’t expect a housing market crash or the “bubble” to burst.

WHY YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT BUYING

NOW: If you’re thinking about buying a home, now is the time. Talk to a mortgage advisor, and figure out what you can afford. Why? With low housing supply, rates decreasing, and an

increase in population, it might not be as easy in the future as it may be today. Make sure the rate you lock in today is flexible so that when rates decrease you can lower your rate.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR CANADA’S HOUSING MARKET: I always like to ask the question: If you were able to buy a home or more homes 20 years ago, would you have? The answer I get is almost always a “yes”. In 20 years, you’ll likely be glad you bought your home today. The housing market is always changing, but getting into it now is a smart move. It’s not just about having a place to live, but also about making a good investment for your future and building wealth/equity.

Rasha Ingratta is a licenced Mortgage Agent with Mortgage Intelligence (ShopMortgages.ca) since 1999. She is a true enthusiast with three loves in life: family, friends, fur babies, and . . . real estate! Whoops, did someone sneak an extra love in there?

ask the experts

Metal Supermarkets Is Your Ally In Alloys

By Dave Halliday

Look around you, how many things incorporate metal of some form into their composition?

Many are obvious, shelving, furniture, structures, while some others are less evident.

One thing is undeniable and readily obvious, metal products are an integral component of our world as we know it.

What if we expand this past the world of the pre-manufactured?

The ability to create something that perfectly fits your needs is invaluable.

Perhaps the storage shelf you need in your garage requires a custom size, shape, or composition. What about the old trailer you have that just requires a few targeted structural repairs? Or perhaps your artistic side requires the raw metal materials to create your latest masterpiece!

While many of the items we utilize daily

are partially or fully comprised of metal components and pre-manufactured, there are endless possibilities to what we can achieve with a little know-how and the right raw materials.

Where would one get access to such raw materials you ask? Why, Metal Supermarkets of course!

Located at 2841 Walker Road in Windsor and online at: MetalSupermarkets.com, the local franchise has access to their network of over 100 brick-and-mortar stores across Canada, the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

Known as “The Convenience Stores for Metal,” Metal Supermarkets have been providing these services and products for over 40 years.

The Windsor location (which closed down about 10 to 12 years ago when the franchise owner retired) is now run by

Tom Kaschalk, owner of Pat Holdings Inc. which is the franchisee.

Kaschalk re-opened the doors to the local store in March 2023 and is more than happy to provide Biz X readers now with a bit of insight as to what is available to local consumers of metal products. He has been personally either buying or selling some type of metal/steel for the past 25 years.

Can you touch on the materials you provide? “We can assist you with any and all jobs or projects that require metal,” states Kaschalk noting they stock a wide variety of metals like “Hot-Rolled Steel, Cold-Rolled Steel, Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, Galvanized Steel, Tool Steel, Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, and Copper.”

Are you able to guide the prospective customer with respect to their purchase and intended use of the materials?

“Yes, we do as much as we can by asking questions and understanding the application,” he indicates. “We will find the appropriate metal solutions and can source a wide variety of metals.”

Would you say the potential applications of your products are typically industrial and commercial or is there potential for the typical homeowner as well? “We provide services for all including homeowners,” informs Kaschalk. “We cut to size minimizing waste and cost, which helps all our customers, including homeowners, who may have a more stringent budget for their project.”

When planning a project incorporating metal components, what should one consider to achieve the desired performance? “The environment for the intended materials is critical whether it be commercial, residential or industrial,” he replies. “We want to help our clientele get it right and, as always, keeping in mind the aspect of safety.”

We understand that you are a local franchise in a larger chain of stores. How does that assist your client walking in looking for a particular product? “We have access to over 125 warehouses throughout North America, which allows

us a better opportunity to service the customer,” points out Kaschalk, while also noting: “We have the network and ability to locate over 8,000 different metals to assist our customers.”

So you provide access to the resources of the larger network but remain a locally owned franchise? “Yes and our team’s core values are respect, service, accountability, and integrity,” he comments. “We bring those values to our customers all day, every day.”

Well, the materials you discovered at the Metal Supermarkets store allowed you to really release your creative side.

Your yard trailer is as good as new and the new shelving unit you built to store your winter tires is perfect.

You even managed to tap into that artistic side we mentioned and released your creative mind to bring your first metal masterpiece into existence . . . “The Iron Eagle!”

It was rather large and heavy, so the trailer you repaired was especially helpful when you positioned it in the front yard on full display for all to see.

Come to think of it the trailer was also pretty handy when you had to move it back into the garage three hours later when your wife returned home from work!

THE PARENTING BIZ

For this edition of THE PARENTING BIZ in Biz X magazine, we asked certain professionals in the Windsor Essex region to share their suggestions with our readers on important issues parents may be experiencing with their children.

We start with explaining a bit about Children First, a notfor-profit agency and registered charity. They provide services for families with children up to six years of age who are at risk for, or experiencing, developmental or mental health challenges. Their section offers advice on dealing with an upset child in public.

Next we offer solutions for parents on negotiating less screen time for their teens.

Then the health unit gives tips for talking to children and youth about the dangers of vaping.

The parenting section then ends on a positive note with ideas for fun March Break activities for kids and families too.

We hope these articles on the next few pages help make your role as a parent a little easier, knowing there are many local businesses and organizations that are ready to help you raise your child to grow up to be a happy and healthy individual.

BEHAVIOURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL MATTERS

Parenting . . . Let’s Do This!

By Lori Kempe

Whoever said parenting is easy was never a parent! But we’ve got you!

Children First provides services for families with children up to six years of age who are at risk for, or experiencing, developmental or mental health challenges.

It was founded on the knowledge that the early years of life are crucial to the healthy development of children and families.

The early years are not always the easiest years as sometimes little children have

BIG emotions. Every parent has experienced it — whether it may have happened in the grocery store or on the bus.

Their emotion is BIG, but it is our response as adults that matters.

The best reaction is to remain calm. Yep, easier said than done.

Self-regulation is taking a moment between a feeling and action, to think how you will respond to a situation. Take that moment.

It’s hard to do especially if the BIG

emotion is in the middle of the candy aisle at the grocery store and everyone is staring at you!

Remain calm. Take a few deep breaths. Count to five. Stay close to your child as they need to know you are there.

Think about the emotion your child is likely feeling. Acknowledge the feeling.

Get down to their level so you can support them and name the feeling by stating: “I can see you are sad, and that’s okay.”

Be kind to yourself if this doesn’t work the first time. Remember, parenting isn’t easy! Self-regulation takes practice.

Children learn how to respond to situations by watching how the adults in their life respond and work through their emotions. Doing this with your child takes practice.

Again, just be kind to yourself if you don’t get it right. You got this!

Children First provides services to families in their homes, child care centres, other childhood settings, and at the agency.

We believe that children learn best in a secure and familiar environment with their parents and caregivers supporting them.

EarlyOn Child and Family Centres are an excellent resource for families as they offer free high-quality programming for parents and caregivers with children from birth to six years old.

They also help connect families to other services in the community, like Children First, or make referrals to health professionals.

To find a Windsor Essex EarlyOn location nearest you go to: CityWindsor.ca and search “EarlyON Child and Family Centres”.

The services provided by Children First are voluntary and at no cost to the family.

Whether you have a small concern or a big challenge, they are there for you.

For a referral, visit: Children-First.ca.

Lori Kempe is the Executive Director of Children First in Windsor and the Executive Lead, Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. Lori and her husband, Geoff, are the proud parents of two boys, Jacob and Jaxon.

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Teens & Screens, May Make You Scream

By Tara Carman-French

Their neck is sore, and they swear it isn’t because they never look up from their phone!

Here are six tips to start to manage screen time for your teen . . .

#1 Model Positive Screen Control

Evaluate your own screen habits.

Recommended screen time for teens and adults is only two hours daily. If we are modelling poor screen control, our kids’ usage will mirror ours.

Consider dittoing with your teen. Be honest about how hard it is for you, too.

Share your challenges, wins, and the benefits you find, to encourage your teen to stay on track with you. Then they won’t feel alone and attacked.

#2 Get Interactive

How are you are going to replace that screen time? Make it interactive!

Get outside. Play board games. Take some time to connect, positively.

Share the highs and lows of your day with your teen. Sharing first can open them up to sharing theirs.

Discover a new hobby, together. Go for ice cream. Make toys and play with your pet, they will love the attention.

#3

Negotiate Screen Time

Zero screen time is unrealistic.

Negotiate the terms of when and how much screen time is okay. Talk about the why’s. When teens have an understanding of why it will be

beneficial for them, they are more likely to comply.

Negotiating also teaches them appropriate self advocacy. Bonus screen time can also be negotiated. What extra things can they do to earn more screen time?

#4 Point Out Bigger Problems

Clients often relate that their children become aggravated and unpleasant when at their screens for too long.

One teen noted that his in-game performance declined severely the longer he was online. He benefitted from taking a break, but it was difficult to tear himself away.

Awareness is the first step. Help your teen become aware, in a non-judgmental way, of how the excessive screen time impacts them.

Once they are aware, the possibility of change becomes higher.

#5 Learn The Signs Of Screen Addiction

Screen addiction is a diagnostic concern.

The majority of teens do not meet the criteria for diagnosis and only require parental intervention.

If you think your teen’s screen use is more severe, visit: eMentalHealth.ca or contact the Canadian Mental Health Association

#6

Change Is Hard, Be Patient

Did you make a resolution at the start of the year to build a new habit?

How is that going now? How about remembering to bring bags to the grocery store?

New habits are very hard. It takes time to change, and we are going to fall off the wagon.

When your child falls, exercise compassion. Help them get up and try again. Celebrate their wins in big ways, even if they are small.

All of us grow greater with encouragement and positivity.

Tara Carman-French is an ADHD Coach and Director of Artemis Assessment and Treatment Centre in Windsor. Artemis provides learning disability, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Find further details on their services at: ArtemisAssessment.ca.

Youth Vaping, A Bad Fad

Supplied By The WECHU

Like big hair and leg warmers, trends come and go.

While the trend of smoking tobacco cigarettes is dropping, the use of e-cigarettes or vapes with nicotine is rising, especially among young people. In fact, vapour products are the most-used nicotine product among youth, without knowing the dangerous health effects of nicotine and what they’re inhaling.

In Windsor Essex schools, high school AND elementary kids are vaping!

The vape industry first promoted their products as a “safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes,” without studying the effects.

The other problem is how the industry began targeting youth with appealing flavours, packaging, and devices, creating a new customer base for addictive nicotine products. The Dangers Of Youth Vaping

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet — and has significant health risks — especially for youth.

It can affect brain development in those

THE PARENTING BIZ

under age 25 as the brain is still developing. This can affect memory, concentration, personality, as well as emotion and impulse control, which can be long-term.

The nicotine levels in a vape pod can be equal to, or more than, those of a full pack of cigarettes.

Higher nicotine use leads to higher risks of harm, and withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, restlessness, feeling anxious or depressed, trouble sleeping, problems concentrating, and craving nicotine — which drives more use!

Although the long-term physical harms are still being studied, we know that vaping has health risks — much like smoking cigarettes.

In fact, studies suggest that vaping could lead to similar diseases as those caused by smoking.

The toxic and cancer-causing chemicals inhaled when using vapour products have been linked to many short-term effects, including coughing, wheezing, lung inflammation and infections, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure.

How Can Parents And Caregivers Talk To Youth About Vaping?

It’s important to have regular, open talks with youth about vaping or other substances.

Here are some tips . . .

Know the facts about vaping and nicotine. Find a comfortable place and time to talk.

Does your child have any difficulties with everyday activities like crawling, walking, feeding, or talking?

John McGivney Children’s Centre proudly serves children and youth throughout Windsor-Essex from birth to 19 years of age, and up to 21 if attending high school.

Doctor referral not required. Services provided in all languages.

P

P

P

P

P

Be patient and listen. Avoid judgment.

Encourage an open dialogue and re-visit the conversation.

Be a role model — be tobacco and vape-free.

Offer help with anything troubling your child and talk about positive coping skills.

Get support when needed. For contact information on services offered by local organizations refer to: WECHU.org/gethelp. It’s Time For Youth To Use Their Voice To Say “NO” To Vapes!

Parents and their children are encouraged to learn more about the harms of vaping by participating in the Break the Vape Challenge!

Until March 8, 2024, students in grades six to 12 can create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) video for a chance to win a prize for themselves and their publicly funded school. From April 15 to April 26, 2024, students and parents can watch the video submissions together and vote for the winners!

To learn more about the contest and where to get help to quit vaping, go to the website: WECHU.org/break-the-vape.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), in partnership with other agencies and health care providers, seeks to enable all Windsor and Essex County residents to be as healthy as possible. The Health Unit is located at 1005 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor and online at: WECHU.org

hours available

519.252.7281

info@jmccentre.ca

Healthy Body Equals Healthy Mind

By Dr. Chris Carreira

With March Break quickly approaching, some parents have asked about keeping their children active over the break.

While it is true that children need breaks from school (recess, lunch breaks, 10-minute stretch breaks throughout the day, etc.) there are many advantages of keeping your kids active over the March Break to help support their physical, mental, and social development.

The unfortunate reality is that many kids spend holidays indoors watching TV or playing video games.

While downtime is important, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that children younger than two not be exposed to screens at all. Children between the ages of two and five should spend no more than one hour per day on screens, and the recommendation for kids five and up is less than two hours of screen time per day. They go on to recommend that parents keep their kids from any type of screen for at least one hour before bed.

Staying active sets a great example for your children to live an active and healthy lifestyle, and provides an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality time together.

We’ve all heard it before: Healthy body equals healthy mind, and vice-versa. When kids are active, they are building strong muscles and bones, maintaining a healthy body weight, and nurturing a healthy sense of self-esteem.

Studies have also shown that physical activity is associated with optimal brain development. Children who are regularly active have higher IQs, better memory, are more coordinated, do better in school, are more social, and have better focus and concentration than kids who are less physically active. The goal is for children to get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day.

Sometimes, kids — especially younger children — lack the vocabulary or cognitive development needed to cope effectively with their problems. Many children, therefore, express their emotions physically.

Staying active, in general, gives kids an opportunity to burn off stress from their systems.

Just sitting around and watching TV or playing video games may sound like a good break, but these activities may not give children the outlet they need to offload their stress, meaning they could potentially return to school, after the break, just as anxious or depressed and without feeling relaxed or refreshed.

The important relationship between mental health and being outdoors and connecting with nature is well understood.

Living in a cooler climate, where it becomes dark early in the winter time, we are sometimes locked indoors for months at a time. The cabin fever can really take a toll on our mental health!

Fortunately, with the weather improving, and the days getting longer, we can finally get outside for some much-needed fresh air after our annual hibernation.

Engaging in active play and sports during the break provides opportunities for children to socialize, make new friends, and have fun in a safe environment. Physical activities help kids explore new interests and develop new hobbies.

Children have so much energy and keeping them active provides them with a constructive way to channel their energy. Physical activity can also help with boredom, and help to

avoid household fights between restless siblings.

Activities can involve exploring your own backyard, or a local park or recreational centre.

Walking pets, going for bike rides, organized sports, family skates or taking a dip in a community pool are all excellent ways to stay active.

For those days when the weather is not cooperating, playing some good, old fashioned board games with your kids is a great idea.

In addition to fostering healthy family interactions, board games can help kids to learn to take turns, follow rules, how to strategize and plan, the virtue of patience, and perhaps even some academic skills like reading, counting, and arithmetic.

Other indoor activities such as cooking together as a family, doing arts and crafts, making a family poster, and singing to the radio can help you to learn about your kids, laugh as a family, and build healthy family connections.

Keep in mind that staying active should not be reserved only for March Break, the benefits of staying active apply to kids all year round.

Dr. Chris Carreira, Ph.D., C. Psych. is a clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. His office is located at 3063 Walker Road in Windsor, He can be reached via his website: DrChrisCarreira.com or by emailing: chris@drchriscarreira.com.

Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce 2024 Business Excellence Award Finalists

And Two

Recipients

Announced

Photos courtesy of Ibraheem Rana and Aidan Forsyth, volunteers from St. Clair College

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce recently announced details of its signature event, the Business Excellence Awards, presented by Windsor Star.

Recognizing outstanding businesses, individuals and community groups, the 2024 Business Excellence Awards (BEA) take place Wednesday, May 15 starting at 6 p.m.

The event includes a Red Carpet Arrival, Awards Show in the Chrysler Theatre showcasing 12 categories, and an elegant dinner in the Skyline Ballroom at the St. Clair College Centre For the Arts

Two award winners were revealed during the January 25 News Conference, hosted by BEA Committee Co-Chairs Shelby Colarossi and Andrea Hotham

The event at the J.P. Wiser’s Experience Centre was sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario

The recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award — sponsored by Bell — was announced as Meighen Nehme.

As President of The Job Shoppe, an international Human Resource firm, Nehme has been helping businesses with their most valuable assets — their people — for over 20 years.

Her professional achievements extend beyond her role at The Job Shoppe. Nehme has been recognized for her expertise in leadership and entrepreneurship from Profit W100 and Profit 500, landing a top 10 spot on the list of Canadian Women Entrepreneurs.

The 2024 Believe Windsor-Essex Award recipient — sponsored by WFCU — was announced as Windsor Regional Hospital to be received by David Musyj, President and CEO.

Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) has been a pivotal healthcare institution for the region, offering world-class medical services and fostering innovation in healthcare.

As one of the largest community hospitals in Ontario, it stands out with its commitment to patient-centric care and its focus on embracing the latest medical technologies. WRH employs over 4,000 front line staff and some 650 professional staff. The heart of WRH is the more than 500 volunteers that help support their patients and community.

For the remaining 10 awards, there are three finalists in each category with the overall winners announced in a “surprise reveal” format from the Chrysler Theatre stage. The BEAs are also broadcast live to Cogeco subscribers in Windsor and Leamington on YourTV.

Tickets for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards can be purchased on: WindsorEssexChamber.org.

The list of BEA finalists includes a diverse collection of individuals, start-ups and established companies and organizations of all sizes, spread across the Windsor Essex region, representing a variety of sectors and industries.

A list of finalists follows, along with photos from the news conference . . .

THE 2024 BEA FINALISTS AND AWARD SPONSORS

*All people in photos listed from the left

Enterpreneur of the Year sponsored by Grant Thornton

Michael Piccioni (CanAm Currency Exchange); Bob Hedrick (CAMufacturing Solutions); Sean Maine (FM Sylvan) and John Blanken (Sponsor).

Company of the Year 25 or Less FTE

sponsored by Families First

Sue Brunet (Ergonow Inc.); Dan Carlini (CNC Electric Inc.); Dane Chevalier (CNC Electric Inc.) and Manmander Matharu (Belle River Diagnostic Imaging).

The Athena Leadership Award recipient is Meighen Nehme, who is pictured with her husband, Tony Nehme.

The Believe Windsor-Essex Award recipient is Windsor Regional Hospital represented by employees: Steve Erwin, Dayna Eagen, Dr. Wassim Saad, Karen Riddell, David Musyj (CEO) and Ian McLeod.

Innovation Award sponsored by the University of Windsor and the University of Windsor Alumni Association Gordon Orr (Sponsor); Dorothy Leung (Sponsor); Jordan Goure (Picsume); Joshua Goure (Picsume); Michael Gawne (EarthCo Composting Corp); Ghulam Mustafa (father of Meshal Mustafa); Abida Nasreen (mother of Meshal Mustafa) and Meshal Mustafa (GrowLiv Biologicals).

Company of the Year 26 or More FTE sponsored by St. Clair College Usha Sreeram (APAG Elektronik Corp); Shelly Beaudoin (APAG Elektronik Corp); Marc Bourgeois (APAG Elektronik Corp); Dan Crosby (Canadian Protein); Jared Colwell (SPIROL Industries Ltd.) and Michael Touma (SPIROL Industries Ltd.).

New Company of the Year sponsored by Enbridge

Joey Labute (Verellen Music Academy); Jacqueline Verellen (Verellen Music Academy); Zule Ankamah (Zuleeats); Wendy FurtadoPressacco (SHIFT Interiors); Steven Pressacco (SHIFT Interiors) and Spencer Pray (Sponsor).

Pillars of Our Community sponsored by Motor City Community Credit Union Patti Lauzon (Windsor Symphony Orchestra); Alicia Higgison (Julien’s House); Laura Kay (Julien’s House); Courtney Stearns (Julien’s House); Darcie Renaud (Julien’s House) and Nadim Kara (Green Shield).

CONGRATULATIONS

WINDSOR REGIONAL HOSPITAL STAFF!

Windsor Regional Hospital is the proud recipient of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Believe Windsor-Essex award!

The award annually recognizes an organization or individual driven to making our community even better through successful achievements and contributions to Windsor -Essex.

Thank you to the Chamber and our local community for recognizing the unwavering commitment of our Windsor Regional Hospital team members!

Tourism and Hospitality sponsored by OLG/Caesars Windsor (LEFT) Warren Twigg, Myah Pathak and Dave Haas, (Lungovita Beach Retreat). (MIDDLE) Rosemary Woods, (F+B Hospitality Group). (RIGHT) Alexandra Anber and Terrance Lumadue, (Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen Inc.).

Professional of the Year sponsored by TD Commercial Banking Lindsay Lovecky (Sponsor); Tim Brady (Brady’s Drug Store); Dr. Barry Y. Emara (Dr. Barry Y. Emara Medicine Professional Corporation); Jason Melo (Melo LLP) and Jason Seitsinger (Sponsor).

Business

the

by RBC (LEFT) Kim Willis (Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County). (RIGHT) Sheri Lowrie (University of Windsor, Faculty of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences).

*Missing from photo — Karen Richards of Goodlife Fitness

Young Professional of the Year sponsored by Libro Credit Union Paul Thompson (Sponsor); Aaron Nixon (Main Street Pharmacy & Wellness Centre); Remi Sovran (Ambassador Fitness & Performance); Aaron Blata (RC Spencer Associates Inc.) and David Debergh (Sponsor).

Ambassador of

Year sponsored

Our Iconic Ambassador Bridge

Photo And Story

By Stan Beatty

The Ambassador Bridge, our beautiful old bridge, has served our business community well.

She will continue to do so, even if only in the shadow of the “new kid in town” — the Gordie Howe International Bridge

I, for one, will always view her as the grand matriarch of our waterfront, the one deserving respect and fondness.

We all may have become a little complacent in her true glory. She is stunning and ever changing in appearance through all types of weather, as illustrated in the accompanying image on this page.

The Ambassador Bridge has been an iconic landmark since opening in November 1929. Many people have told me with great pride that their grandfathers helped build the bridge.

The 1.5 mile long bridge has truly been an

ambassador between Canada and the United States. She has contributed immensely to both the Windsor and Detroit business communities and has been a lifeline of commercial exchange between the two cities and beyond.

The bridge carries roughly 25% of the goods exchanged between the two countries every day. It is the busiest international crossing in North America with more than 40,000 commuters, tourists and truck drivers carrying between three to four hundred million dollars’ worth of goods cross the Windsor-Detroit border EACH DAY.

It has provided a vital link to the Windsor economy.

We do honour her long, past service, as the new Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon help to keep up with the increasing demands and take us into the future.

The Ambassador Bridge will forever hold a place in our hearts!

Stan Beatty is a professional award winning photographer with over 40 years’ experience. He is the owner of Stanley B Photography and lives in Windsor. Prints are available of this image and others at: StanleyB.ca or can be reached at stanbeatty2@gmail.com.

Tory McKay Property Management . . . Unlocking The Power Of Rentals

By Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh

There is definitely a local housing crisis.

Canada’s vacancy rate hit a record low of 1.5% in 2023 (the lowest rate Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has ever recorded). The new census also shows us that housing prices, in some areas, have doubled in the last five years.

The rental vacancy rate in Windsor Essex is less than 2% and it also has one of the highest proportions of young adults living with their parents, according to data released by Statistics Canada. Censuses in the Windsor area reveal 44.7% of 20 to 34-year-olds lived with their parents in 2021.

One business has taken up the challenge to find housing for people during this crisis — Tory McKay Property Management Its owner, Tory McKay, has over 15 years of experience leasing and managing vacant and furnished housing.

Her successful property management business began in Sarnia, Ontario assisting the chemical plants with housing for their workers. A few years ago she expanded to the Windsor area due to the influx of people working on the Gordie Howe International Bridge and NextStar Energy (LG and Stellantis) EV battery manufacturing plant, and future projects such as building the new hospital.

McKay’s company leases, manages and specializes in furnished rentals, which now involve clients making major real estate investments.

“I have seen an increase of people buying condos and renting them once they got word of this lucrative opportunity and I even have a local company that is building 30 units custom to my needs,” McKay shares.

Her past success gives her a steady flow of clients and the new EV battery plant keeps her busy as it is expected that over 2,000 workers will be required. Many of the skilled

make while reducing the stress of renting. A degree in social work from Lambton College and degree in psychology from the University of Windsor, definitely adds to her ability to help understand and meet clients’ needs.

Emergency service is available 24/7 to tenants, and the company oversees all maintenance and repairs. They also do thorough inspections of properties at least four times per year.

“There are also many real estate agents helping us to be successful with referrals and I am so grateful for their support and believing in our team,” McKay expresses. “Some of the agents that have assisted me from The Vanguard Team at Manor Realty Ltd., include Team Leader/Broker Rhys Wyn Trenhaile and sales representatives Stephanie Saunders, Steve Jarrouge and Sadi Moro, along with Dan Marar from AW4U The Real Estate Group.”

trade workers are from out of town requiring temporary short-term and long-term housing.

McKay has been operating in Windsor for the past four years, as well as Sarnia, with over 50 properties, a large support team and a manager. Her motivation to keep her business situated in Sarnia was to be closer to family, but she now lives and works in Windsor.

“I can take this business anywhere as there is high demand for housing all over,” she points out. “Some homeowners start out being hesitant, but once the word is out, I’m constantly looking for more properties for clients.”

With a good reputation for screening and vetting A-1 tenants, her goal is to create and maintain the financial success of your investment and maximize the money you

According to Trenhaile: “Tory has done an absolutely fantastic job working side by side with us at The Vanguard Team solving one of Windsor’s massive housing challenges, namely the tenancy of those hard working tradespeople and construction workers quite literally building the city’s future. We’re proud to work alongside her on a daily basis and feel Windsor should thank its lucky stars that this consummate professional moved here with her particular abilities to house contracted workers. She is tireless. Every day we aspire to be the best real estate agents in Windsor, and she shares a similar mindset, aspiring to be Windsor’s top property manager.”

If you have a condominium, single family home, townhouse, multiplex units and/or furnished rental available, get in touch with McKay by completing a contact form or filling out a rental application on: ToryMcKayPropertyManagement.com.

Tory McKay’s goal is to offer her clients the finest selection of rental suites, condos and houses. Pictured inside a Windsor rental property, McKay has access to many out of town workers and relocating firms.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Nassar/UnitOneTwenty.com.