Living Caledon
SPRING 2010
PUBLISHER KATIE BURCHELL CREATIVE DIRECTOR SIMON BURN EDITORIAL TEAM JIM CONNELLY KEVIN “CRASH” CORRIGAN PETER DE SOUSA STACEY FOKAS RICHARD KITOWSKI JOCELYN KLEMM CONTRIBUTORS HEATHER BROADBENT SIMON BURN DAVID K. DORWARD ANDREW HIND DIANA JANOSIK-WRONSKI KIMBERLEY SELDON PROOFREADER SALLY MORELL EDITORIAL DESIGN SDB CREATIVE GROUP INC. ADVERTISING DESIGN & PRODUCTION CAROLINE SWEET, SKY CREATIVE GROUP LTD. ADVERTISING SALES KATIE BURCHELL BARRIE BURCHELL SHEILA BAKER frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca Tel: 905 857 2536 While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, Frontline Media cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for information purposes only. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Owned & published by Frontline Media, P. O. Box 340, Caledon, Ontario L7E 5T3 Tel: 905 857 2536 Email: frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca Caledon Living is published 4 times a year (January, April, July, October)
www.CaledonLiving.com © 2010 1735715 Ontario Inc. Caledon Living is a Registered Trademark PRINTED IN CANADA ON PAPER FROM A SUSTAINABLE SOURCE, USING VEGETABLE-BASED INKS. PLEASE SHARE MAGAZINE WITH A FRIEND, AND THEN RECYCLE.
CONTACT US Readers are invited to contribute comments and views. Stories and ideas are always welcome for consideration. Write to us at: Caledon Living, P.O.Box 340, Caledon, Ontario L7E 5T3 Or email: frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
77
Spring 2010 25 GARDEN
13 Spectacular plant combinations HOME
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21 What’s old is new again 25 A good night’s sleep 29 Creating bathroom bliss WELLNESS 39 Create a spa retreat at home FOOD & DRINK
43 Recipes: Inspirations of Spring 52 Why wine + cheese?
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NEW
TRAVEL 56 Experiencing the real Cuba
SECTION!
PEOPLE
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65 Peter Twist, Renaissance man HERITAGE
71 Caledon Loyalist roots 77 Caledon’s ancient history MOTORING
83 2010 Volvo CX60 road test SUSTAINABLE LIVING
89 Composting
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OUT + ABOUT
10 Community news COVER Bathroom: Millington Adams Interiors. Photo: SDB Images
FROM THE PUBLISHER
FLORAL ARRANGEMENT BY FLOWER WORKSHOP, BOLTON
Flowers bathe in sunlight, while we bathe in our luxury bathrooms!
I do not profess to be a big believer but, like many, I would hope that there is something for us after death. Do I pray to God? Yes, I do. Do I believe He is up there somewhere? I don’t know, but during my two week trip to England in February I was glad that I had Him to help me. My dad unexpectedly died during that visit. He was 88 years old and a very active man. In his lifetime he not only served in the British Army during World War II, but he was also a master builder, respected by many, and loved by most. He was taken from me by complications that happened after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. No one was to blame, and I think it was by the grace of God that he did not have to suffer through what I am told is an awful illness. Yes, I now and forever will miss him. He was my rock, and I spoke with him every Sunday for about an hour and then handed the phone to my husband who also spoke with him for another hour. For those of you who still have your parents, give them an extra hug. You never know when they will be taken away. This one is for my dad, Harold Furness, who died February 13th, 2010.
THE BATHROOM is becoming the most important room in the house for many of us. It’s often the only place where we can close the door on the world, escape from the kids (and husband!) for a while, and relax in the tub for a little reflection and pampering. We have compiled a feature on latest trends and products, reno tips and ideas, and showcased some recent local bathroom renos to inspire. We’ve even undertaken our own makeover using our Creative Director’s guest bathroom to illustrate how easy and affordable these little rooms can be to transform. If soaking in a spa-like bathroom isn’t your choice for relaxing, then how about sitting amidst a plethora of colour and scent from a fabulous flower garden? Caledon horticultural expert Lorraine Roberts shares her knowledge on plant combinations to create the greatest visual impact. Jim Connelly works his magic on furniture found at an estate auction, with easy steps to follow, plus before and after pictures that are sure to impress you. Heather Broadbent talks about local prehistoric sites in Caledon, and David Dorward brings us local historian Peter Twist, who acted as historical advisor for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. On the food front, Stacey Fokas has some spring recipes for you to try, while Ric Kitowski and Jocelyn Klemm look at the perfect cheese and wine pairings. New in this issue is the introduction of a travel column by Simon Burn, who travels extensively with his camera when not busy at Caledon Living. Enjoy the rapidly warming weather and emergence of colour and fragrance in the landscape once more...Spring is here! Katie Burchell Publisher
Our team has been busy reviewing all the latest and most luxurious bathroom “smellies” for this issue’s feature story (page 39). Here are our top picks...
KATIE BURCHELL, PUBLISHER “I love the delicate and classic fragrance“ Bsq Natural Couture White Bergamot Eau de Toilette www.perfumepassions.com
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CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
SHEILA BAKER, SALES “I love the fresh and subtle scent! Lucia Olive Oil & Laurel Leaf Soap www.pureliving.ca
SIMON BURN, CREATIVE DIRECTOR “I love the nostalgic 'country house' smell” Rocky Mountain Field & Stream soap www.rockymountainsoap.com
LENA DIAZ, DESIGNER “I love the intricate detail. Perfect for showcasing fragrances!” Lukian Glass Studio Hand Painted Perfume Bottle 450 834 3177 or lukian@qc.aira.com
Contributors
LORRAINE ROBERTS WRITER. Lorraine is the coowner of Plant Paradise Country Gardens™ in Caledon. She has a wealth of knowledge in the field of horticulture, specializing in organically growing perennials and landscape design. She lectures at many horticultural societies on a wide variety of subjects and has presented workshops in collaboration with the TRCA. Lorraine is a member of the Bolton Horticultural Society, the Orangeville & District Horticultural Society and the Ontario Delphinium Club. You can read her article Spectacular plant combinations on page 13.
SIMON BURN WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER. When not working for Caledon Living or running his branding and marketing business, Simon travels extensively with a camera close at hand—it’s his true passion. His 20 years of travel photography experience qualifies him as the ideal person to head our new travel column, launching with The real Cuba on page 56. Simon trained in communication design and photography in England, and has been published extensively in Canada, USA, and Europe. We also persuaded him to help with our bathroom feature, by documenting his recent Caledon Bathroom makeover on page 34.
ANDREW HIND WRITER. Andrew is a freelance writer specialising in history, travel, gardening, and lifestyle. Along with co-author Maria Da Silva, he has written six books, the most recent being Niagara: Daredevil, Danger, and Extraordinary Stories [The Dundurn Group]. This issue, he looks at the benefits of Composting on page 89.
OUT + ABOUT
New businesses in town Ayyy Chihuahua!!! Traditional Mexican burritos, quesadillas and desserts 334 Queen Street South, Bolton 905 598 6313 (Where Caruso used to be) Simply Refreshed Interiors & Staging Provides a complete line of design services that will allow you to refresh your home’s interior easily and economically. www.simplyrefreshed.ca
Upcoming events Saturday, April 24
The Great Big Garage Sale! at Someday Farm. Lots of antiques, collectibles, clothing, hardware, kitchenware, and so much more! www.coalitioncaledon.com
Sunday, May 9
Mother’s Day Tea at Downey’s Farm Market & Winery. Mom gets the Royal Treatment, children get to paint a special clay pot just for mom! $10. www.downeysfarm.com
Lost Soles Fashionable footwear for women & men. (By the theatre in Bolton) 905 951 6441
Klementine Ladies Boutique By Sabrina Olivieri opens their second location in Caledon East at 16035 Airport Road 905 584 7734
Contest
How do you pamper yourself?
Send us photos of your before and after spainspired bathrooms and you could win this beautiful BSQ Natural Couture White Amber giftset which includes a fragranced body lotion and triple milled shea butter soap! Email us at: frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca
Win me!
Kids & Horses Foundation Barn Sale at Coffey Creek Farm. Quality finds, Hatley seconds, and a famous psychic www.kidsandhorses.ca
Monday, June 7
The Osler Open at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in support of Men's Oncology at William Osler Health System. www.theosleropen.ca
Saturday, June 19 & Sunday, June 20
Art in The Garden at Plant Paradise Country Gardens. A unique art show and sale by talented local artists in mediums that include pottery, glass, metal, woodwork & oil. www.plantparadise.ca
Tailor Made Real Estate Inc. Professional Real Estate Services serving Caledon www.tailormaderealestate.ca Kleinburg Integrated Health Naturopathy, Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Whole Personal Health Kleinburg 905 893 2898
Saturday, June 5
Our readers love our recipes!
We received this email a week after our winter issue was published:
The chili was delicious, we have a new family favourite. I couldn’t wait to make it, so we ate earlier than normal. I was not able to find the Hockley Stout and the thyme sprigs, so substituted these for Guinness and dried thyme leaves. The recipe was easy to make, and I really liked all the great healthy ingredients. I will definitely make this next week, with the Hockley Stout. – Christina G, North Hill, Bolton P.S. I found a copy of Caledon Living in my dentist’s office, I flipped to your recipe section, and guess what, the recipes were torn out. I probably would have done the same, but they beat me to it.
Grand Staircase interest Many readers
have commented on Jim Connelly & Peter De Sousa's Grand Staircase article, and have expressed an interest in the ironwork. Jim & Peter's involvement for this project was only creative input implementing decorative painting and gold leaf embellishment. The elegant ironwork was designed and created by Hois Ironworks Ltd. in Woodbridge www.hoisironworks.on.ca
Omission Two special donors were omitted from the list of people who donated to the silent auction for Caledon Breast Cancer Foundation: Deborah Jolly and Katie’s Fitness. Thanks to everyone who donated!
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GARDEN
Spectacular plant combinations BY LORRAINE ROBERTS
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Research each plant choice thoroughly so that you know its height, spread, bloom time and colour. CREATING SPECTACULAR PLANT COMBINATIONS FOR THE GREATEST IMPACT IN THE GARDEN can be an elusive skill for many gardeners. Probably one of the most commonly asked questions is, “What should I plant together with this plant?” There are many factors that have an effect on the plants you choose. A harmoniously pleasing garden blends
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colour, form, texture and design to create an esthetically beautiful look. You should also have an understanding of the soil, light and moisture conditions in your garden which will in the end determine your choice of plants. It is recommended that you group plants together that will require the same amount of moisture and light conditions. SPRING 2010 CALEDON LIVING
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To start, make a list of perennials that you like which will thrive in your growing conditions. Research each plant choice thoroughly so that you know its height, spread, bloom time and colour. After gathering this information you can draw up a plant list to begin deciding on some different combinations of plants. To get ideas for your final decision, visit your local garden centre with your list in hand. Find the plants on your list and then place them in the different combinations to see how it all comes together. The number of different plant choices you decide upon should be based on the dimensions and the scale of the garden. A large group of one plant choice placed within a composition of more large groups creates the biggest impact. Grouping individual plants of many different perennials together creates a visually confusing and jumbled effect. Depending on the size of the garden, plant in groups of odd numbers such as three, five, seven, nine or more. In a small garden this can be as simple as three different plant choices placed in individual groups of three. For example, combining only these three plants, nepeta, salvia and red valerian, will make a sizzle of colour all season long. Simplicity is the key. Choosing contrasting shapes and textures of plants, flowers and foliage will add excitement and interest to your garden for the whole season. The form and texture of individual perennials can be divided into different categories by their flower shapes. This is only a guide. Many other flower shapes, which defy simple categorization, can also be utilized in your plant choice selection.
Allium (globe shaped flower)
Heliopsis summer sun (daisy shaped flower)
Hyssop (spire shaped flower)
Echinacea tomato soup (daisy shaped flower)
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Thalictrum black stockings (plume shaped bloom)
Knautia (button shaped flower)
Flower shapes The spires have elongated blooms such as: aconitum, agastache, liatris, persicaria, salvia, veronica, perovskia, digitalis, baptisia, lupins, delphiniums, penstemon, lavender, nepeta, cimicifuga, and veronicastrum. Some of the button and globe shaped flowers are astrantia, allium, echinops, eryngium, knautia, monarda, sanguisorba, phlomis, stachys hummelo, and trifolium rubens. Filipendula (plume shaped flower)
There are bell shaped flowers such as tulips, campanula, balloon flower, daylilies, oriental and Asiatic lilies. Plume shaped blooms include astilbe, aruncus, thalictrum, red valerian, phlox, filipendula, lychnis, geum triflorum and persicaria polymorpha. Umbel shaped flowers are plants that have flat and round blooms such as achillea, amsonia, asclepias, euphorbia, eupatorium, vernonia and sedums.
Columbine (bell shaped flower)
The daisy shaped flowers are a large family that includes echinacea, gaillardia, inula, aster, helenium, coreopis, rudebeckia, dianthus, heliopsis and, of course, shasta daisies. There are plants that function as screens and curtains such as anemone pamina, verbena bonariensis and thalictrums. Many screens include perennial ornamental grasses that include panicum prairie fire, deschampsia, molina skyracer, and calamagrostis brachytricha. Finally there are filler plants that include: calamintha, limonium, perennial geraniums, gillenia trifoliata, hakonechloa grass, heuchera, hosta, saponaria max frei, baby’s breath, phlox stolonifera, artemesia, brunnera and lady’s mantle.
Lupins (spire shaped flower)
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Many of the more remarkable gardens combine plants that do not have similar characteristics. By combining plants that have contrasting texture, form, height, bloom shape and colour you create an engaging and appealing garden. Be observant of the textural similarities of different plants in your own garden. Notice how the shape of the bottlebrush blooms of Pennisetum Karley Rose Grass mimics the flower petals of Echinacea. These subtle but similar textural elements of different plants make them a great combo. Be on the lookout for many more examples. Everyone loves a perennial garden overflowing with colourful flowers. The use of both bloom and foliage colour has the biggest impact on creating the mood and feeling in the garden. Single colour combinations, such as white, bring a peaceful feeling. By contrast, warm colour combinations bring excitement. Perennial combinations using cool colours create a calming and contemplative feeling. Contrasting colour combinations add drama and sizzle. Colour echo combinations are shades and tints of a main colour that are echoed throughout the entire planting. An echo of soft pink in hues that range from light pink to mauve violet would create a soothing effect. In a shade garden, the yellow leaves of the hakonechloa aureola grass are echoed in the chartreuse foliage of the golden Japanese yew. Using a colour wheel will make it easier to make beautiful plant combinations. They can be found at art supply stores. Colours beside each other on the colour wheel share a similar pigment. Combining adjacent colours creates a harmonious composition. Opposite colours on the colour wheel are complementary colours. Combining complementary colours makes for a more vibrant composition. Adding a dash of the complementary yellow or red colour in a blue, purple and pink colour scheme will liven up a restful look. Adding a swath of white in a predominately vibrant red or violet coloured garden will help relax the mood and accentuate the stronger coloured plants. Always remember that there are many foliage colours which also play a vital role. So be careful that the foliage colour of one plant does not clash with the bloom colour of another. Designing three different combinations that bloom during specific seasons will create a feeling of continuous colour all season long. In a large garden, this pattern can be repeated for continuity and flow. The possibilities are endless! For inspiration participate in a local garden tour; visit a botanical display garden or perennial nursery and take notes of what works for you. Imitate what you have learned and use it in your garden, but always make sure it’s the right plant for your location.
Plant combination (salvia and lupin, cool colours)
Plant combination (shade)
Plant combination (texture)
Check out page 19 for more plant combinations
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Examples of successful plant combinations Veronicastrum, Astilbe & Persicaria “Firetail” Amsonia, Agastache & Aster Liatris, Echinacea & Achillea Veronica, Phlox, & Shasta Daisy Brunnera, Oxalis Triangularis & Hakonechloa Aureola Grass Eryngium, Calamagrostis Brachytricha, & Helenium Perovskia, Echinops, & Coreopsis Nepeta, Eupatorium & Anemone Artemsia lactiflora, Rudebeckia & Molina “Skyracer” Grass Heliopsis, Monarda & Asclepias
Contrasting colour scheme (heliopsis loraine sunshine lily)
Crocosmia with miscanthus variegatus
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HOME
What’s old is new again Catch the green wave by reinventing outdated tired furniture! BY JIM CONNELLY & PETER DE SOUSA • PHOTOS BY SDB IMAGES
BEFORE
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Designers are now reinventing clients’ existing furniture, keeping within budget, by painting it.
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A COMMON REALITY check when decorating a home with a vibrant new colour palette, or updating a room to a more current look, is that it can also make existing furniture appear old and tired. This is often most obvious when rejuvenating a dining room or master bedroom wall treatment.
We all know the initial purchase of either a dining room suite or a bedroom suite is very costly and usually a one time deal! Since a dining room suite may have a large table with two or more inserts, six or more chairs, a hutch and/or serving sideboard, and a master bedroom suite will include headboard and footboard, dressing table, chest of drawers and two bedside tables, it is wise to consider the savings of repainting versus replacing. Designers are now reinventing clients’ existing furniture, keeping within budget, by painting it. Educating yourself about all the new products now available, you can transform a costly dining room suite or master bedroom suite into a modern look simply by applying a clever paint finish. By keeping a keen eye on trends and style changes you can produce fantastic transformations by simply painting over tired and dated furniture. Traditional style furniture lends itself to a combination of painting and a faux finish. Certain historical colours work best with traditional style furniture, such as soft cream, soft grey, soft green and soft blue. Combining any of these paint colours with a little light distressing and then finishing with a soft umber glaze can change a dated dark suite into a more fresh, updated look. Preparation, priming and base coats are always the most important steps in the transformation. Contemporary style furniture looks best in a solid colour paint finish. Dark greys or grey browns work well and these colours have been forecasted to be the popular trend this year. Introducing a metallic silver/pewter base coat combined with a soft umber grey glaze makes a very modern new look and appeals to a client who wants a more high-tech urban appearance. Investing in high end design magazines is a very good way to learn the latest techniques and also makes it a lot easier for you when cloning them for yourself. Experimenting new finishes on small inexpensive pieces found at second hand furniture stores and, even better, the Goodwill store are showcased in our featured article. The beautiful sideboard had good bones but the varnish had been exposed to a sunny window, so the colour of the wood had faded considerably and unevenly with sun damage. The top was scratched and had a lot of surface stains. Always remember the earliest bird gets the fattest worm. First in line at the garage sale or out Goodwill Hunting gets the prize!
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We decided to revamp the top of the sideboard with a decorative paint finish to resemble a soft elegant simple marble. The steps are as follows: Remove all grease from the surface by using a cleaning 1 solution—we used TSP.
2
Fill any damaged areas with a wood filler. Let dry and sand lightly with a light grade sandpaper. Remove all dust with a tack cloth.
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Paint the surface with a bonder primer sealer. Let dry completely.
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Paint the surface with a Taupe Base coat—we used a latex paint. Let dry completely.
make tinted acrylic glazes we added paint to the glaze. 5 To First we rolled a layer of untinted glaze over the surface and then applied a combination of tinted glazes to create drifts of colour on top of the wet glaze. These were stippled with a stipple brush and then, most importantly, softened with a softener brush. Let dry completely.
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Seal with an oil varnish and let dry completely. Sand lightly with a light grade sandpaper, remove all dust with a tack cloth, and apply a second coat of oil varnish. Let dry completely.
7 Apply furniture paste wax, let it sit on the surface for ten
minutes, then buff to a high sheen lustre with a soft lint free cloth.
The base of the sideboard was updated with dark acrylic glaze as follows: all grease from the surface with a cleaning solution— 1 Clean we used TSP.
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Sand lightly with a light grade sandpaper and remove all dust with a tack cloth.
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Create a tinted glaze by adding black latex paint to an acrylic glaze.
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Apply an even coat of tinted glaze over the entire surface. Let dry completely.
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Seal with an oil varnish and let dry completely. Sand lightly with a light grade sandpaper, remove all dust with a tack cloth, and seal with a second coat of oil varnish. Let dry completely.
HOME
A good night’s sleep BY KIMBERLEY SELDON • PHOTOS BY TED YARWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY INTERIOR DESIGN BY KIMBERLEY SELDON DESIGN GROUP
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...include a dimmer switch which allows you to create a romantic mood or wake up gently on winter mornings.
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The full length mirror amplifies sunlight in this spacious master bedroom.
For me, a good night’s sleep is a carefully orchestrated event. A proper mattress, sumptuous bedding, and light control can mean the difference between a deep sleep and a restless night of discontent. To improve the quality of sleep and also mood and quality of life, just follow a few simple tips. Here are my dos and don’ts for getting a great night’s sleep.
Kimberley’s guide to a good night’s sleep DO invest in quality bedding. We spend a third of our lives
in bed. When you think of it in those terms, it’s hardly extravagant to choose the best bedding you can afford.
layers consist of various types of foams or felts and are designed to make the mattress “feel” softer or firmer, though they do not affect the “support” the bed provides.
DO think about the hidden value of your mattress, the con-
DO rotate the mattress every three months to maintain in-
struction. A well-made mattress accommodates a comfortable sleep, minimizes pressure points, reduces tossing and turning, and adds greatly to the quality of sleep. The coil system, comfort layers, and ticking or outer layer are the essential elements to consider. One quality coil system is the pocket coil, where each spring moves independently allowing for private sleep space and excellent spinal alignment. Comfort
tegrity and comfort.
DO opt for a featherbed, if possible, with a thin layer of down, duck and/or goose feathers, sandwiched between mattress and fitted sheet. The best versions have a pillow top of pure down, so the feathers don’t jab.
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DO opt for a thread count of between 200 and 600. However,
DON’T ignore the benefits of appropriate lighting. A proper
don’t be fooled; thread count alone does not determine the fineness of sheets. A 600 thread count sheet made of inferior cotton and poorly woven may be substandard quality.
lamp is a must if you read in bed. A well-lit closet can help you find the black pants and avoid the navy ones. For general illumination make sure to include a dimmer switch which allows you to create a romantic mood or wake up gently on winter mornings.
DO sleep under a thin, lightweight duvet if two people share the bed. A down-filled duvet adapts to your body’s temperature, so one partner can keep warm while the other stays comfortably cool.
DON’T skimp on quality sheets. Egyptian cotton is widely believed to be the world’s best, most luxurious cotton. Its long fibres create the smoothest finished product. Less popular, though coveted by many, linen has a cool crispness that is ideal for summer sleeping. The ideal sheet is a matter of personal preference. Some favour the crispness of 250 thread count percale (like a favourite GAP shirt); others swoon over 320 thread count cotton sateen sheets (‘sateen’ is pure cotton whose weave gives it a satiny sheen).
DON’T be a slave to ironing. It’s the last 20 minutes in
DON’T sleep in polyester if you are approaching or experiencing menopause. For women, changing hormone levels can bring an entirely new dimension to getting a good night’s sleep. If night sweats are a problem, opt for pure cotton sheets which breathe.
DON’T forget to provide full blackout drapes for bedroom windows if you’re a light sleeper or night owl (shift worker) who wakes late into the morning. Visit www.kimberleyseldon.com—subscribe to our newsletter and enter to win fabulous prizes. Come shop with Kimberley—at her 6th annual Designer Market, May 1-2, 2010 at the historic Distillery District in Toronto.
the dryer that causes wrinkles, so remove sheets and pillowcases after 15 minutes in the dryer; fold and smooth them over a chair or shower rod to finish drying naturally.
Blue and white are perennial favourites when it comes to decorating the bedroom.
Egyptian cotton is widely believed to be the world’s best, most luxurious cotton.
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Creating bathroom bliss BY THE CALEDON LIVING TEAM
The bathroom is often the only room in the house where we can escape from the rigors of everyday life, to relax and unwind after a stressful day. No surprise then, that bathroom renovation is on the rise, largely encouraged by the availability of many new products which can provide not only additional comfort and aesthetics, but even transform your space into a luxury spa, should you have the desire. From small items such as heated towel racks, to heated flooring and thermostatically controlled bathtubs with massage jets, pampering and a little taste of luxury has never been so easily within reach!
Paint You can actually transform your bathroom on the most modest of budgets. Simply changing the paint colour may sometimes be enough for a quick makeover of your private oasis. Homeowners are starting to make more of a personal statement—plum, violet, and browns are becoming popular, creating a rich sumptuous dÊcor. For a light and relaxing spa environment, you may prefer calming colours like a soft aqua or light warm grays and creams. Remember to use an eggshell finish for easy cleaning.
Designer Madeleine Adams chose an off white neutral paint and real stone tile to create a soothing environment.
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Bolton based Aspen recently completed two vanity installations; a trendy new design in bright red with mosaic glass tiling, and a traditional off-white design. Aspen’s Dave Di Nenno informs us “Solid whites and creams with or without glazing are still popular in both traditional and casual design.”
Vanities An increasingly fashionable upgrade option recently is to pull out that cheap and boring builder vanity that came with the house, and put in something with a little more elegance and style. Complete, ready to install units are available in a variety of styles, from carved baroque to slick modern high-gloss minimalist designs with glass bowl sinks. If you don’t like the idea of buying something ready made, there are numerous Caledon companies specializing in custom vanities. It will cost a little more, but you have the choice of more designs, colours and tops, and custom work allows you to deal with odd or tricky space issues, particularly in period homes. Alternatively, you can easily transform an old chest of drawers into a unique vanity with incredible charm. Tiles Large floor tiles and small mosaic tiles are becoming more popular. Large tiles on the floor (20"x20" or 12"x24" are in vogue right now) mean fewer grout lines and collection areas for germs, and can create the illusion of a bigger space. Small mosaic tiles are used on walls, either as feature panels behind the sink or shower, or as decorative borders. Hard wearing porcelain tiles are an alternative to costlier marble and granite finishes. They look convincingly like real stone and are great heat conductors if you plan to heat the flooring. New at Imperial Flooring in Bolton. Glass fusion mosaic tile sheets (12"x12") $29.95/sheet. Bowl and single lever faucet $450. Highly fashionable12x24 pitted full body porcelain tiles from Italy. shown in Moka & Grigio $9.49 sq ft
Lighting No longer is bathroom lighting just for illuminating your face to apply makeup or shave. Mood lighting is in great demand and will be here to stay. Dimmer switches are cheap and easy to install, allowing you to take a relaxing bath surrounded by a soft warm glow. What about an antique chandelier for flamboyance? Vanity lights or wall sconces with shades help diffuse low light and, according to HGTV’s Sarah Richardson, “They cast an intimate glow reminiscent of candlelight.” Of course, candlelight is the ultimate choice when taking a relaxing or romantic bath. Be sure to spend a little extra and buy candles made of natural ingredients such as beeswax or soy, with natural essential oils to create subtle scents in the room. Petroleum based candles with nasty manmade scents contain carcinogenic chemicals and, in such a small space, are very unhealthy.
Maax Collection’s new Roman bathtub blends traditional elegance with a whirlpool ozonator, and a powerful massage system for back and feet. Traditional wall lights, chandelier, and marble tiling, create an sumptuous classic space.
Baths & showers This is an area where the choices are limitless and you will likely spend the lion’s share of your renovation budget. Luxury spalike baths are plentiful. Deep soaking, warm air jet massaging, water jet massaging, thermostatically controlled water temperature, chromotherapy illumination—the choices are endless! Shower towers and panels with multiple jets are a treat. Systems like Sensori from Brizio offer a series of jets on both sides, from head to toe, in addition to a large showerhead. The downside to these systems is water wastage, so they are not the greenest option! Less waste, and more style, can be obtained with a ceiling mounted showerhead, although it requires a large Brizio’s luxurious Sensori Custom Shower System. www.brizio.com
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bathroom. If you do have plenty of space, another consideration is a standalone steam shower. Features include programmable controls, steam generator, foot massage, sound system, and even a telephone! A more modest shower transformation is the installation of a large square showerhead and a minimalist glass screen. Those metal and mirror sliding units are now very outdated.
Faucets, fixtures & fittings Good bathroom design is in the details. Faucets, towel racks, paper holders, vanity hardware—just replacing these items, along with a coat of paint, are enough to transform your bathroom. Higher end bathrooms have faucets with oil-rubbed bronze, matte black and nickel-plated finishes. However, one Caledon resident who recently installed nickel-plated hardware complained that it is impossible to keep clean and stainfree. Cut crystal vanity knobs are very elegant, should you opt not to have your vanity hardware match your faucets and other fixtures. A word of warning regarding plumbing in new faucets, showers and toilets—hire a licensed plumber. Plumbing is not as easy as it first appears, and the new higher-end hardware on the market can often be quite complicated to assemble properly. Incorrect plumbing by an unlicensed “handyman” is the single most common problem encountered with bathroom renovations. Timeless classic style always beats latest trends The best advice for a bathroom makeover is to keep all your structural elements light and neutral, including tiles, vanities and fitted furniture. This allows you to undertake further updates easily and inexpensively. Changing accessories and paint colour in the future can be enough to dramatically upgrade your space. Of course, if you strive to create an elegant classical look and don’t fall for fleeting trends, then your bathroom should look good for many years, without the need to update.
BATHROOM RENOVATION RESOURCES We’ve listed some useful contacts to help you renovate your bathroom. Many are people we have met and worked with, who we can recommend. Others are advertisers and local businesses of good repute.
Designers & Decorators
Manufacturers
Chantele & Co, Toronto www.chanteleandco.com
2001 Kitchens, Schomberg www.2001kitchens.com
CR Interior Designs www.crinteriordesigns.com
Aspen Inc, Bolton www.aspeninc.ca
Decor Solutions, Erin www.decorsolutions.ca
Aura Kitchens & Cabinetry, Brampton www.aurakitchens.com
Millington-Adams, Bolton www.millingtonadams.ca Organized Interiors, Woodbridge www.organizedinteriors.ca
Divada Kitchens & Fine Cabinetry, Schomberg www.divadakitchens.com
Simply Refreshed, Caledon www.simplyrefreshed.ca
Gemini Kitchens, Caledon 905 880 5319
Kimberley Seldon, Toronto www.kimberleyseldon.com
Plumbers
Tiles & Flooring Imperial Flooring, Bolton www.imperialflooringandbath.com
Michele Flooring, Bolton 905 951 3812
Horseshoe Hill Plumbing, Caledon 905 584 1108 Plumb Perfect, Caledon www.plumbperfect.ca
Lighting Living Lighting, Woodbridge 905 856 1204
TIP Don’t use
real wooden blinds in a bathroom, as moisture can warp the slats, and attract mould.
LEFT These new Pirouette shades from Hunter Douglas enhance a classic space with a Roman shade look. Good window shades and the ability to control lighting with a dimmer switch help create a cozy relaxed atmosphere in which to escape.
Bathroom extreme decadence
The top indulgent items to make your space more luxurious!
Fireplace Surround sound system Heated/illuminated bath tub Multiple jet shower system Wall mounted flat screen TV Kimberley Seldon designed this space with classic elements in a neutral palette. Just by changing the wall colour and a few accessories, the space can be completely transformed.
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CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
Large picture window to bring the outside in Refrigerated vanity drawers or cupboards for cold beverages Photo: Aspen Inc.
When we started compiling the bathroom article our Creative Director, Simon Burn, mentioned that he was about to renovate his guest bathroom and he was keen to see what he could learn from our research. Caledon Living publisher, Katie Burchell, challenged Simon to record and share his project with us. This is his story.
Caledon Bathroom Makeover TEXT & PHOTOS BY SIMON BURN
I HAVE A GUEST BATHROOM THAT HASN’T BEEN TOUCHED SINCE I FIRST MOVED INTO MY HOUSE TEN YEARS AGO. The décor is very “eighties” and the builder’s tiling, vanity and hardware choice were very bland and tasteless, to say the least. Previous owners had painted the room in a shade of blue that didn’t match the ugly blue floor tiles. My initial thoughts were to simply repaint the walls to improve the overall aesthetics and create a less jarring mood. During a Caledon Living editorial meeting I learnt about an upcoming bathroom feature and, when I mentioned being about to start my own bathroom project, I was immediately pounced on for details and finished the meeting feeling somewhat like a lab rat! However, it did make sense to record my experiences in renovating my bathroom. It was a typical builder’s bathroom in a typical subdivision home in Bolton, so the thinking was that many readers in the same situation might benefit from my adventure. My guideline was to use as many local companies as possible, following the magazine’s axiom of supporting local business. So, here’s how it went... The thing I learnt from talking with local designers and internet research is to use a style that has continuity with the rest of the house, and not be lured into using trendy hardware or tiling that looks cool right now, but in five years will look dated and involve a lot more work and expense to replace. I decided a traditional approach was best as it tied in with the rest of the house and is timeless. I worked from the ground up, as the worst thing about the space was those nasty blue tiles. Wanting something light and neutral with a subtle texture to create interest, I liked the idea of large marble tiles to create a luxurious environment. But the products at the big box stores are all the same. I wanted something a little different and high quality and, being a small space (40 square feet), the extra expense to buy quality products wouldn’t be that great. I located Imperial Flooring in Bolton from their magazine ad, and was impressed with the huge range of products on display. They had many large format tiles, and fewer grout lines on the floor was appealing. Joe Pasquarelli advised me to consider porcelain tiles instead of real marble, as they are far more durable, don’t scratch, and require no regular treatment to maintain their finish. His range of choices was vast and the appealing factors were that most were made in Italy and looked like real stone, unlike the big box store items that were mostly ceramic cheapies from China. To lay the new floor I pulled out the old vanity, sink, and toilet, stuffing the toilet drain with a crushed up newspaper ball to keep the sewer gasses at bay. Next I ripped up the old 34
CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
tiles with a crowbar, and luckily they came up easily, as the builder had done such a poor job of laying them down in the first place. This left a flat, thick concrete base on which to work. Cutting the porcelain tiles and laying them down was really easy and I finished in less than three hours. To cut the tiles I used a three dollar diamond-tipped cutting disk on an angle grinder—it worked like a hot knife through butter— actually quite enjoyable! A spirit level is an essential tool, and I found it’s better to use too much cement than not enough, so the tiles are easier to float around and level. If you don’t use enough cement at one corner and it sits low, it can be messy and tricky to lift the tile and add more cement. The next day, when the tiles had set, I filled in the cracks with grout—everything was looking good. Since I had chosen my flooring first, I used a sample tile to coordinate the vanity marble surface and wall colour. The original vanity had to go; it was a cheap white melamine builder’s special. There were many ready made designs available, but I wanted to choose a precise paint colour and finish for the piece, and also have a choice of the surface and sink style. Gemini Kitchens in Caledon probably install more high-end custom vanities than anyone else, and I have known owner
BEFORE
Mouldings Home Depot
$96
Lighting
Home Depot
$159
Mirror
Estate auction
$300
Blinds
Hunter Douglas EverWood速 2 inch slats in English Walnut
$352
Shower Curtain Hampton Jacquard
$39.99
Curtain Rings
Ceramic cream balls
$19.99
Walls
Farrow & Ball Charlestone Gray
$89.50/gal
Accessories
Paris ceramics Jar $24.99
Faucet
Soap Dish $12.99
Victorian Two Handle Widespread in Venetian Bronze finish from Delta $561
Sink
Paper Holder
American Standard Town Square
Moen traditional oil-rubbed bronze
$320
$52
Trim
Farrow & Ball Pointing
Towels
$89.50/gal
Turkish cotton in flax Wash cloth $15 Hand towel $28 Bath towel $48
Hardware
Rubbed bronze 1.25 inch knobs (6)
Tiles
$32
Porcellana Di Rocca 20x20 porcelain
$300
Vanity
Custom made by Gemini Kitchens
$2,500
AFTER
TOTAL MAKEOVER COST $5,200
See overleaf for product details & retail info
STYLE BOARD & RESOURCES
TILES WALLS
Farrow & Ball Charlestone Gray in Modern Emulsion $89.50/gal
TRIM
Farrow & Ball Pointing in Modern Emulsion $89.50/gal
From Bell’s Fine Art & Framing in Caledon East 905 584 4000
Porcellana Di Rocca full body rectified porcelain 20x20 tiles from Italy. Albastro Caramel colour $9.49 sq ft From Imperial Flooring, Bolton www.imperialflooringandbath.com
FAUCETS
Delta Victorian two handle widespread lavatory faucet in Venetian bronze finish $561.20 www.deltafaucet.ca for locations
SINK
American Standard Town Square 8 inch bathroom sink in white $320 www.americanstandard.ca for locations
MOULDING
I bought a cheap foam moulding from Home Depot and painted it metallic gold, and then rubbed on a glaze and chocolate paint 50/50 mix to create an antique finish I also considered using satin nickel Town Square faucets, $465 I liked these traditional Paris hotel style accessories, available at Rona or Lowes
VANITY
Custom made by Gemini Kitchens of Caledon. I chose a light cream paint with a caramel glaze, and a light marble top that matched the floor tiles, $2,500. The rubbed bronze knobs came from Lee Valley, $6.10 ea. There are hundreds to choose from at www.leevalley.ca
Gemini Kitchens uses a low emission environmentally friendly paint finish developed in Italy
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CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
John Cunic for many years, so he was my obvious choice. What clinched the deal to use his company was his environmentally friendly paint finishing. He provided me with sample finishes and marbles to take home so I could plan my wall colour, which proved to be very important. It’s best to plan your room design in as much detail as possible before you begin a project. I created a “style board” with sample swatches and photos of hardware I planned to use. Everything was chosen in advance—faucets, sink, vanity knobs, even the light switch surround. The key is to make sure everything ties together in both colour and style; good design is in the details. A new Farrow & Ball colour, Charleston Gray #243, was my choice for the walls. It’s warm, rich, yet fairly neutral, a true classic colour. What I like about Farrow & Ball is their colours are largely taken from country home interiors that have been around for centuries, have stood the test of time, and have been carefully chosen by true craftsmen. Their paint is also pre-mixed in the factory and is a true zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) product, with no odour whatsoever. It’s made with natural ingredients such as China clay and linseed oil. Expensive but worth every penny, all things considered. Other big brands are jumping on the green bandwagon HOWEVER their base paint may be low VOC but, what their lovely marketing people forget to mention, the tint needed to make the colour at the store is loaded with VOCs! Following an afternoon of painting, having the vanity installed, and putting new baseboards in place (remembering to paint them before the toilet was in the way!), it was time to put the toilet back and plumb in the new faucets. I used a wax bowl ring for the drain as I was told it is better than a rubber one; you get a better seal and it’s impervious to acids and cleaning chemicals. Although it’s advisable to use a licensed plumber, my friend George is a high-pressure pipe and boiler welder and can hook up copper piping in his sleep. He also has all the tools to do a neat and efficient job. Having pulled off the mirror to paint the walls, I had to spend an hour filling gaping holes in the drywall because the plebeian builder had used industrial strength glue to hang it, instead of proper mirror brackets that civilized people would use. That reminds me, I should have tracked him down to see if he wanted the remnants of his lunch and smoke break back, left on the floor prior to installing the original ugly vanity. His lack of taste could mean he is partially blind, which would explain the trash left behind, and the fact that the wall wasn’t at a perfect (or even near perfect) 90 degree angle. It’s a good job John Cunic had foreseen this commonplace problem and got me to measure before they cut the marble. Instead of a typical bathroom mirror replacement, I had purchased a rather ornately framed mirror at an estate auction some years ago, that would usually be placed in a dining lounge or large foyer. It happened to be of perfect proportions to fit above the vanity, below the light rack. Replacing the previous owners’ unusual (I think they were related to the builder) vanity light was really easy, but following Caledon-based designer Madeleine Adams’ advice to install a dimmer switch proved a little more tricky, so help was sought regarding wiring. I was lucky to find, at Home Depot in Bolton, a vanity light in oil-rubbed bronze that matched
the faucet perfectly. So I decided to seek out the same finish for my vanity hardware, which took a lot more time than I anticipated. Despite my best efforts locally, I ended up spending a stressful hour in Lee Valley, trying to decide from literally hundreds of styles. They have the best selection and many of their hardware items are authentic replicas of classic designs, many of which are made in Europe. In a nutshell, I didn’t need to do, or spend, a lot to achieve a dramatic makeover and create a warmer, cozier bathroom environment. New floor, new vanity, new sink and faucets, new light and mirror, plus a coat of paint—that’s all that one requires to transform a bathroom. I didn’t see any reason to change the bathtub or toilet bowl, and it’s not always necessary to change the vanity and sink. It’s possible to paint an existing vanity, or just replace the doors, and simply change the faucet. Paint colour and lighting seem to have the biggest effect. Whatever you choose, it’s probably the easiest and quickest room in the house to transform. Acknowledgements Many thanks to John Cunic and Joe Pasquarelli for their advice and guidance, Eduviges Mendoza for helping with the painting, and George Church for his plumbing expertise.
TIP Pre-plan every detail before you begin your project.
Collect samples and paint swatches, take photos, or download from manufacturers’ web sites. Look at everything and make sure colours and hardware/accessory styles work together.
Luxurious and soft Turkish towels in white, flax or ecru. Wash cloth $15 Hand towel $28 Bath towel $48 Available through Caledon Living Store 905 857 2536 Shower Curtain Hampton Jacquard $39.99 Bath Mat Super soft microfibre – 20x32 Pear Home, Orangeville www.pearhome.ca
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CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
WELLNESS
Lady Rosedale Bath Robe
Get cosy in this plush cotton bathrobe. Available at Scented Drawer in Orangeville. www.lrosedale.com, $130.00
Deluxe Edition Spa CD Sets
Relax with these kits which include tranquil spa music, meditation journals, home spa tips and beautiful photos. Available at: Hallmark in Bolton. www.avalonmusic.com, $15.99
Create a spa retreat at home step 1:
Create a relaxing atmosphere
Royal Doulton Classic White Scented Candle
Delicate white blossoms and hints of fresh citrus notes will fill your room a refreshing aromatic scent. Burn time approx 60 hrs. Made in England. Available at: Acheson's in Orangeville. www.bronnley.co.uk, $70.00
Fresh Basil + Olive Room Spray
Refresh your space with a soothing bouquet of jasmine, freesia, neroli and musk. Contains pure, natural essential oils. Made in Canada. Available at Minerva's Spa & Boutique in Erin. www.pureliving.ca, $22.00
Merben Natural Cotton Slippers
Super comfortable slippers made with natural cotton and hemp. Purchase by phone or online: 1 866 463 7236 www.merben.com, $16.00
SPRING 2010 CALEDON LIVING
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step 2:
Merben Sisal Body Brush
Handmade, natural sisal brush removes dead skin cells, eliminates body toxins, stimulates circulation and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Use wet or dry. Made ethically in Sri Lanka. Purchase by phone or online: 1 866 463 7236 www.merben.com, $32.00
Remember to always brush towards your heart!
Let the pampering commence!
Ever Bamboo Spa Pack
Beautea Organic Green Oolong Tea Revitalizing Foaming Bath
Eliminates chlorine while releasing natural minerals into your bath water. Available at: Eco-Existence in Toronto or online: www.goneshopping.ca www.everbamboo.com, $12.00
Barefoot Venus Therapeutic Mustard Bath
Draws toxins from your skin while opening pores and increasing circulation. Contains 100% natural ingredients. Made in Canada. Available at: Millcroft Inn in Altonwww.barefootvenus.com, $19.99
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CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
Tones and revitalizes the skin with antioxidant properties and organic ingredients. Made in Canada. Available at: Mille Notte in Bolton. www.pureliving.ca, $18.00
Rocky Mountain Sore Muscle Therapy Bath Salts
Helps soothe tired muscles with rosemary and lemongrass essential oils. Handmade in Alberta with 100% natural ingredients. Available at: Inglewood General Store in Inglewood www.rockymountainsoap.com, $17.99
Rocky Mountain Lavender Bath Gem Ever Bamboo Hei Charcoal Body+Face Soap
Purifies, exfoliates, detoxifies and stimulates blood flow with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Handmade in Canada with organic ingredients. Available at: Eco-Existence in Toronto or online: www.goneshopping.ca www.everbamboo.com, $20.00
Softens skin with flower petals and lavender essential oil. Handmade in Alberta with 100% natural ingredients. Available at: Inglewood General Store in Inglewood, Piety Ridge Primatives in Schomberg and www.rockymountainsoap.com, $4.99
SPRING 2010 CALEDON LIVING
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Top tips for a luxury bath experience From designer Madeleine Adams
Soft lighting: Install dimmer switches for all lighting. Supplement with candles to create restful light. Inviting visual delights: Store a generous supply of towels, ready to use, either on exposed shelving or in a basket. Hang a full towelling bath robe on the back of the door or, if there is space, on the wall. Thoughtful containers: Transfer favourite bath products into containers with character. These can range from special boxes or apothecary jars, to antique decanters.
step 3:
Add the finishing touches Pure Living Flora Zen Massage Oil
Relaxes stiff muscles and conditions the skin with calming essential oils of geranium, lavender and ylang-ylang. Contains 100% pure essential oils. Made in Canada. www.pureliving.ca, $18.00
Favourite music: Tuck an ipod dock into a discreet area, or wire small speakers into the room. Sustenance: Using a tub or a breakfast tray, set out a favourite drink, special treats, and the right reading material for that special soak. Keep it fresh: Always keep a fresh flower or two in sight to enjoy the scent and beauty.
Win a Bsq Natural Couture gift in White Amber! See pg 10.
MOR Cassis Noir Hand & Body Lotion Deeply hydrates your skin with shea butter and macadamia nut oils. Contains no parabens, synthetic dyes or mineral oils. Made in Australia. www.morcosmetics.com
Bsq Natural Couture White Bergamot Eau de Toilette & Body Lotion
MOR Emporium Kale & Watercress Body Butter
Nourishes your skin with shea butter, cocoa butter, and an infusion of olive and rosehip seed oil. Contains no parabens, synthetic dyes or mineral oils. Made in Australia. www.morcosmetics.com
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CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
This beautiful duo will leave you feeling completely glamorous with sparkling tea and floral notes blended with white bergamot, orange and neroli essential oils. Made in U.K. Contains no parabens, mineral oils, harsh preservatives or artificial colours. Available at Jade Holistic Spa in Bolton and online: www.perfumepassion.com, Eau de Toilette $ 75, Body Lotion $42.
Rocky Mountain Relaxation Massage Butter
This solid massage butter will leave your skin deeply moisturized while essential oils of peppermint and lavender will leave you feeling completely relaxed. Handmade in Alberta with 100% natural ingredients. Available at: Inglewood General Store in Inglewood and Piety Ridge Primatives in Schomberg. www.rockymountainsoap.com, $14.99
...don’t forget
the gentlemen’s spa
1 2
3
4
1 Mistral Pour Homme. Lather with these rich, triple milled luxury men's soaps containing toning organic grape leaf extract & conditioning grapeseed oil. Made in France. Available at Relax Shack Bed & Bath in Toronto and online www.mistralsoap.com, $10.50
2 Kent Finest Gentlemen's Hairbrushes. This English handcrafted hairbrush uses natural bristles to massage, stimulate and clean hair follicles. Made in England. Available at: Acheson's in Orangeville. www.kentbrushes.com, $80.00
3 Acca Kappa 1869 Men's Soap. This creamy triple cold-milled soap will leave your skin refreshed and moisturized. Made in Italy. www.shopaccakappa.ca, $14.00
4 James Bronnley Gentlemen's Shaving Cream. Shave with
this luxurious shaving cream containing arnica, chamomile, fresh citrus and bergamot extracts. Made in England. Available at :Acheson's in Orangeville. www.bronnley.co.uk, $32.00
your guests
6
5
7 5 Spa Serviettes Treat your guests to "spa" monogrammed guest towels. Available at: Howard the Butcher's in Caledon East, $21.99
6 Eke Deniz Wash Towel in Flax. Pamper your guests with these super soft and extra absorbant Turkish cotton hand towels. Available through Caledon Living Store, $15
7 Lucia Guest Soaps. Treat your guests to these beautifully packaged luxurious mini soaps. Available at: Flowers on Main in Schomberg. www.pureliving.ca, $2 ea. or $14/pack of 8
FOOD
Inspirations of Spring BY STACEY FOKAS
PHOTO: SDB IMAGES
A DAY LIKE TODAY, with the warm sun hitting the cold ground, gives us all a bit of spring fever here in Caledon. With all the local food resources we have, how can we not stop thinking about newly inspired recipe ideas to utilize what is soon coming into season? We have many produce options through greenhouse production, and last season’s fruits and veggies are always available in the freezer section. Sourcing local meats, chicken and fish is becoming easier all year round.
I have chosen Ontario lamb as it is in season and at its freshest in the spring. It is very popular around Easter and can be prepared in many different ways. One of the quickest ways is to BBQ the lamb and serve it with some tasty veggies. Local carrots are usually still available and peppers are grown locally in greenhouses. Sweet peas and wild blueberries were frozen last fall and, if you read the labels, you can easily find ones produced close to home. Asparagus is definitely everyone’s favourite in early spring, making it to the market (weather permitting) sometimes as early as the beginning of April. I have heard that the maple syrup has started flowing in March. It is early this year, so maybe we will see some local
produce early too. Maple syrup is a wonderful sweetener that I like to use in my cooking as it has a distinct flavour and can easily be used in main course items as well as desserts. Strawberries are just around the corner! With the right weather conditions we may see them arrive in June. If you’re hooked on fresh local produce, many Caledon grocery stores and farmers’ markets carry strawberries from June right through to the end of September. And let’s not forget about locally produced honey. One of my personal favourites is Leitch’s Honey. His bee hives are right here in Caledon. The fact that his honey is not pasteurized gives it a unique and wonderful flavour, including all the nutritional value. Go out this year, source local, and be inspired to create delicious, simple, tasty dishes that your family will love and enjoy preparing with you!
the menu APPETIZER: Spring asparagus wraps MAIN: BBQ maple balsamic Ontario lamb with veggies DESSERT: Kids’ chocolate strawberry stars
SPRING 2010 CALEDON LIVING
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Spring asparagus wraps
TIP Cooking tiny appetizers on a wire rack keeps the shape of the appetizer and prevents a leaky, sticky underside from forming while baking.
Appetizers for 4-6 people phyllo Ontario asparagus prosciutto garlic sunflower oil jalapeño pepper garlic cloves Shiitake mushrooms sea salt ground pepper
12 sheets 12 15-20 slices (for brushing phyllo) 1 3 6 to taste to taste
Tools 2 cookie sheets 2 wire racks to go on cookie sheets
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CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
PREHEAT OVEN to 350˚F Rinse asparagus in cold salted water and clip off the ends, cut in half. We are using only the tops for these appetizers so keep the other half for another recipe. Set aside. Seed the jalapeño pepper and chop it fine along with the garlic and shiitake mushrooms. Fry them on high heat in sunflower oil until they are crunchy and brown. Set aside. Lay out the phyllo sheets, oiling in between, in sets of three and cut each set into rectangular quarters. On the phyllo, lay one slice of prosciutto (in the middle on an angle) and top it with fried mushrooms. Add a stick of asparagus, placing it halfway up, also on an angle, so its tip is by a corner of the phyllo. Then fold the bottom corner of the phyllo up over the base of the asparagus before rolling the side portions tightly around it. Repeat the process until they are all rolled and wrap each with a ribbon of prosciutto as shown in the photo. Bake on wire rack for about 20 minutes or until golden.
PHOTO: PHOTOS WITH SAUCE BY MIKE MCCOLL
Prep time: approx. 20 minutes Cooking time: approx. 20 minutes
Storewide
Anniversary
SALE
April 19–May 31
20-50% OFF
*
*Excludes mastectomy products and other promotions
BBQ maple balsamic Ontario lamb with veggies Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 7-10 minutes for the lamb 3-5 minutes for the veggies
Preheat BBQ to 400˚F
Serves 4 Ontario lamb chops balsamic vinegar sunflower oil brown sugar garlic cloves Ontario Boston lettuce
12 2-4 tbsp drizzle ¼ cup 4 1 head
CURRY SWEET GRATED CARROTS
large carrots sunflower oil brown sugar sea salt curry
2 for frying ¼ cup to taste sprinkle
SPICY RED BELL PEPPERS
red bell peppers sunflower oil jalapeño pepper dried chilies sea salt
START BY MARINATING your lamb chops in the balsamic vinegar, sunflower oil, brown sugar and chopped garlic in a sealable container for about 2 hours before barbecuing.
2 for frying 1 sprinkle to taste
Clean and slice the peppers, grate the carrots, seed and finely chop the jalapeño, and measure the peas, keeping them all separate. Get 1 pot with water heating up to boil the peas. BBQ lamb chops 3-4 minutes per side until cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside. In boiling water, blanch the peas for 3-5 minutes, while frying the other veggies. On medium to high heat, fry carrots in sunflower oil for a couple of minutes, add brown sugar and season with salt and curry. Fry only a few more minutes and remove from heat. Repeat the process with the peppers, adding the jalapeño, chilies and season with salt. They should only take a few minute as well. Remove and set aside. In a small pot, heat up the maple syrup and brown sugar and let boil until it starts to reduce and get sticky. Remove from heat. Serve your lamb chops and veggies on Boston lettuce as shown in the photo. Drizzle the warm maple glaze over the chops and enjoy!
TIP When preparing vegetables like this the cooking time is kept to a minimum,
keeping all the full flavours, colours, and textures to make the veggies a little bit more interesting.
GINGER SWEET PEAS
frozen sweet peas sunflower oil ginger
2 cups drizzle sprinkle
MAPLE GLAZE
maple syrup brown sugar
½ cup ¼ cup
PHOTO: PHOTOS WITH SAUCE BY MIKE MCCOLL
Tools sealable container for marinating BBQ 2 frying pans 2 pots
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CALEDON LIVING SPRING 2010
Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: approx. 20 minutes Makes 12-15 stars or a 2 layer cake in 8 inch round pans all purpose flour whole wheat flour baking powder baking soda ginger brown sugar water non-hydrogenated shortening cocoa powder eggs vanilla apple juice
1½ cups ¼ cup 2 tsp 1 tsp 1 tsp 2 cups 2 cups 6 tbsp 2 cups 3 2 tsp ¼ cup
Kids’ chocolate strawberry stars
ICING
Lindt white chocolate sunflower oil
1-2 bars drizzle
SWEET STRAWBERRY & WILD BLUEBERRY RELISH strawberries 2 cups wild blueberries 1 cup local liquid honey 4 tbsp Tools 2 large bowls 1 medium bowl 1 small bowl 1 large frying pan
2 small frying pans whisk star cupcake trays (usually 6 per tray)
MIX YOUR DRY ingredients in one large bowl. Set aside. In a small bowl, beat the eggs.
TIP Utilizing in season fresh fruit for toppings on
cakes helps cut the calories without cutting out the sweet desserts.
PHOTOS: BERRY RELISH: RAVENRIDGE PHOTO BY LISA CLEMENTS; CHOCOLATE STARS: PHOTOS WITH SAUCE BY MIKE MCCOLL
In the large frying pan add the brown sugar and water and stir on medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat, add the non-hydrogenated shortening and whisk. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa completely and then the beaten eggs. Last but not least, don’t forget to whisk in the vanilla and the apple juice! Pour the chocolate mixture into the empty bowl. Then add your dry ingredients and mix completely. Pour into Pam sprayed trays (or cake pans) and bake for about 20 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean. (Cake pans may take up to 10 minutes more.) Cool on wire racks. Break up the chocolate bars and stir into a drizzle of oil in a small pot on low heat until melted, then turn off heat. This will probably take as long as preparing the berries. Wash the strawberries in cold salted water, remove stems and save 5 or 6 berries to slice for initial presentation as shown in the photo. Chop the rest into pieces and place in a small, warm frying pan, cooking them down for a few minutes on medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of honey and cook for a few more minutes, pour into a medium bowl, and set aside. As the strawberries are cooking, wash the wild blueberries and start to cook them in another small frying pan, adding 2 tbsp of honey as they cook down. When they are ready, spoon them into the bowl of strawberries. This is done to adjust the colour for the finished relish, often not adding all the purple juice from the blueberries. Plate the chocolate stars individually, drizzle with a spoonful of white chocolate, and serve with the bowl of sweet strawberry and wild blueberry relish. Chocolatey good!
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WINE CONNOISSEUR
Why wine + BY RIC KITOWSKI & JOCELYN KLEMM
WINE AND CHEESE have probably been fixtures at every party since the nomadic Turkic shepherds, who had more milk than they could drink, dropped in on their Georgian cousins, who had just discovered wine, some 7,000 years ago. Other than by necessity, have you ever wondered why wine and cheese go so well together?
Wine and cheese have several things in common, making them natural pairing partners. They are both products of fermentation, and both change as they refine, ripen, and age. All these processes contribute to the aromas, flavours, body, weight, and texture of the wine or cheese: from mild to sharp, subtle to intense, smooth to coarse. They can be young, fresh, and simple, or aged, mature, and complex. When the key components of cheese—proteins, fats and acidity—combine with the fruit, tannins and acidity of wine, the marriage can be magical. Wine and cheese both complement and contrast one another: cheese mellows the sharper elements of wine, and wine refreshes the palate for another bite of cheese. There are no absolute rules to wine and cheese pairing, but certain combinations are tried and true. Knowing the reasons why makes it easy to create pleasing wine and cheese pairings. Look for balance and harmony, matching weights and intensities. Pair mild cheeses with lighter style wine and strongly flavoured cheeses with intensely flavoured wine. This matching principle ensures one part of the pairing never overwhelms the other. Create interesting contrasts or complements. For example, contrast the salty bitterness of a blue cheese with the sweet fruitiness of ice wine. The acidity found in white wines like Sauvignon Blanc complements the same tart elements in goat’s cheese. It’s hard to go wrong when you pair wines and cheeses from the same country or region. Think of Brie and Burgundy, Manchego and Rioja, or Parmigiano-Reggiano and Amarone della Valpolicella. One final consideration in wine and cheese pairings is serving temperatures. If either is served too cold, aromas and flavours will be suppressed. White wines are often served over chilled; the best range is between 10-13ºC, not just 52
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out of the fridge. Red wines are often served too warm; a better range is between 15-18ºC, slightly cooler than room temperature. Ask at your cheese store about ideal serving temperatures for your favourite cheeses. Use these guidelines as a starting point, keeping in mind that cheese and wine are living things which change as they age and refine. Experiment and enjoy!
Try these at home... With goats’ cheeses, like award winning selections from Fifth Town in Prince Edward County or Chèvre (from France), look for higher acidity wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño (from Spain), or Grechetto (from Italy). With soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Niagara Gold (from Upper Canada Cheese Company), try mellower, lower acidity, white wines like Chardonnay or Gewürztraminer. With aged Balderson cheddar, or a smoked cheddar, try more intense red wines that have been oak-aged, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or a blended wine from France’s Rhône Valley. With blue-veined cheeses like Gorgonzola or Saint Agur, go with contrasting sweet wines like ice wine, fortified wines like Port, or full-bodied Amarone della Valpolicella. Stinky cheeses need wines that are up for the challenge. Époisses (from France) and good red Burgundy are an excellent match, while Munster pairs well with Late Harvest Gewürztraminer (from Alsace), or a robust young red wine from the Rhône Valley.
Ric and Jocelyn are the authors of the best-selling Clueless about Wine. Sign up for their newsletter at www.thewinecoaches.com
cheese? “ When the key components of cheese— proteins, fats and acidity—combine with the fruit, tannins and acidity of wine, the marriage can be magical.
PHOTO: SDB IMAGES
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TRAVEL
Experiencing the real
Cuba
TEXT & PHOTOS BY SIMON BURN
CUBA IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT IN THE WORLD. It’s full of lively colonial cities steeped in atmosphere, long undeveloped stretches of coastline awaiting exploration, lush forests, wetland habitats, and dramatic mountain ranges. Also it’s one of the few places on the planet that the Americans haven’t homogenized. Luckily, at least for now, we don’t turn a street corner in Cuba and see a coffee or burger chain, or any other kind of American commercial colonisation inflicted upon the locals and visitors. 56
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Most of us who travel to Cuba don’t really visit Cuba. We go to the numerous purpose-built resorts scattered about the island, lay around the pool knocking back piña coladas and local beer, or sit in the many resort restaurants gorging ourselves on all-you-can-eat buffets three times a day. After a week, we waddle home, picking up the obligatory bottle of rum, box of cigars, and packet of coffee at the airport dutyfree. Upon our return, we proudly tell our friends that we visited Cuba. Actually, no we didn’t. Geographically, maybe, but we didn’t see or experience the real Cuba. Some may have taken a guided day trip to “do” the tourist spots in the vicinity—and perhaps caught a fleeting glimpse from the air-conditioned coach of some derelict looking streets en route—but that offers little idea of what life is really like for Cubans, or what the Cuban culture is all about. My last trip to Cuba was in December. My partner Edi and I flew to Santiago and checked into the Gran Hotel, a modest property in the historic centre of the city. From there, I was able to explore the various neighbourhoods, mix with the locals, and rent a car for a few days to explore the coastline and nearby mountains. Edi was going to spend time with her family, and accompany me on some excursions. The few tourists at the hotel were Spanish speaking, some Cuban, some from South American countries, mostly visiting friends and relatives. Santiago, unlike other more popular parts of Cuba to the north, hasn’t really embraced tourism yet and, from extensive exploration of the city, doesn’t appear to cater to the few tourists who venture there. A kilometre or so from the centre of the city we did find a couple of large hotels that accommodate tourists, complete with pools, restaurants and shops, but not many guests wander too far from their privileged enclosures to explore the streets of Santiago. We saw very few on our travels. Sitting between the Sierra Maestra mountains and the sea, Santiago is the most African and musical city in Cuba. There is an elaborate carnival in July that has the city throbbing with music and festivities for a few weeks. Little else is offered for the average tourist to enjoy within the city centre, other than a few small museums and a cathedral. Scattered bars and restaurants are good places from which to watch people and soak up the local atmosphere. Historic Hotel Casa Grande sits on the east side of Parque Céspedes, the main city square, and has a second story terrace restaurant in which to relax, plus a rooftop terrace with views across the bay. In Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana it is described as being “a hotel frequented by spies.” As I sat in the restaurant recalling that account, a middle-aged white man in a cream linen suit and Panama hat walked by, looking like he just stepped out of the novel—I should have taken his picture! Walking distance from the city centre are a number of revolutionary sites and monuments, including the former Moncada barracks which Fidel Castro led an attack on, and captured, in 1953. You had to study revolutionary history to be remotely interested in these. (I didn’t, and wasn’t.) We visited the Bacardi Museum, said to be the largest museum in Cuba, and were very disappointed. It was fairly small, full
TOP TO BOTTOM
Scenes from everyday street life in Santiago
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of colonial and war of independence pieces (and an Egyptian mummy?), and had a small second floor of paintings. There were no descriptions pertaining to the history and use of the pieces, not even in Spanish, and the paintings didn’t even have the artist’s name and date. It took all of fifteen minutes to see everything, a waste of time and money. On the other hand, a trip to Casa de Diego Velázquez on the west side of Parque Céspedes proved fascinating. This house was built by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez in 1516-30, and gives a glimpse of life during colonial times. It’s packed with antiques, and a guide takes you from room to room explaining the family history and exploits, the furniture, and how the rooms where used. The drawback is the guides only speak Spanish; luckily Edi translated for me! We rented a car for three days during the trip. A short drive east of Santiago is Castillo del Morro. Built in the mid1600s to defend the city against pirates, it offers a fantastic view of the Bay of Santiago. We had a quick look around, but didn’t go inside the fortifications to see the museum as we’d spent plenty of time there on a previous trip, and
On a remote coastal road west of Santiago, this friendly local on his rickety old bicycle with bent and missing spokes thanked me for taking his picture! TOP
One of many rooms on display in the house of Don Diego Velázquez, also know as the Museum of Historical Cuban Ambiance.
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were keen to head further east to the 197,600 acre Parque Baconao, a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve. There is a mountain drive through tropical forests, giving you the “best panoramas in Cuba,” according to the guide book. After approximately 12 kilometres of negotiating rough winding road wrapped in thick morning fog—sans best panoramas in Cuba—we found a botanical garden, a trail that led to Gran Piedra, an 82-ft granite rock on top of an extinct volcano crater 4,042 feet above sea level, and a coffee plantation dating back to the 1700s. The plantation owner’s house was one of the highlights of the trip, as it is restored and full of artefacts. A guide took us through the coffee making process from picking and drying to grinding. We learnt how the slaves were housed and treated, and the rooms in which coffee was stored, dried and ground were open for inspection. Coffee is still grown on the site and at the end of the visit we were able to try a cup, Cuban style, much the same as a strong espresso. It doesn’t get any fresher than that! Again, the drawback was the incredibly knowledgeable guide spoke only Spanish. It is interesting to note there were no other tourists visiting the sites that day, and we were on the mountain for at least five hours, passing no other traffic. Going back down the mountain in the afternoon, the fog had lifted and the sun shone intensely—those beautiful panoramas were finally in full view! After a short drive along the coast, heading further east, we found an empty restaurant overlooking a lagoon, complete with crocodile farm. Crocodile wasn’t on the menu, but we enjoyed a typical Cuban meal of rice, beans, chicken, and fried plantains, while discussing
A typical scene when exploring rural Cuba, workers in a sugar cane field.
BELOW
A view from the mountain road leading to Gran Piedra and Isabelica coffee plantation museum, in Baconao Park.
Even on the loneliest stretches of road, you will find local farmers selling fruit.
Sometimes the main streets can get a little polluted. The red truck is the main means of transportation for locals.
These buildings may look like deserted ruins, but they are actually family dwellings.
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where the tourist trade might have disappeared to. There was time to walk along a deserted stretch of coral reefed beach before heading back to Santiago after sunset. Early the next day we headed west to explore. The village of El Cobre sits high above sea level some 20 kilometres from Santiago, and is the home of Cuba’s most famous church, the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre. The main attraction is a black Virgin Mary statue, encrusted with precious stones. Driving through the village to the church, we were accosted by many locals, trying to sell religious souvenirs and flowers. For the first time on our trip, we discovered where at least a handful of those elusive tourists were hiding. This is the only tourist trap in the entire region. After a quick walk around the church we headed out to explore miles of undeveloped coastline west of Santiago, passing banana plantations, sugar cane fields, and small coves. We spent a good part of the day weaving along about 50 kilometres of pot-holed dirt road that closely hugged the coast, before deciding to turn around and head back to Santiago. This is the only road in the area, but no one owns cars out here. Most people walk to where they need to go, which can be many miles. Others catch a ride on the local bus, or take a horse and buggy. Rural life is very relaxed; no one hurries about, and everyone is incredibly friendly and accommodating. We passed only two rental cars containing tourists the entire day, and one of them looked lost. This really is a completely undiscovered part of Cuba—and is all the better for it. For the rest of the week, I wanted to explore the streets of Santiago, my main reason for visiting the city, to get a real glimpse of Cuban city life, far from the maddening tourist crowd. The endless rows of crumbling colonial houses greatly contribute to making the Cuban experience unique, and they must be seen to be believed. The entire central part of Santiago is comprised of this picturesque decay, with few postrevolution structures to be found among them. Ornate plaster detailing on limestone façades has disintegrated over the centuries, and once vibrant colours have faded from decades of relentless sunlight. Chugging around these well worn streets in thick clouds of black and blue smoke are equally worn vintage cars, mostly American and Russian—some lovingly restored, others barely held together with improvised parts, creating some four-wheeled Frankenstein’s monsters, with loud growls and moans to match! Cars, houses and, in fact, the entire economy have decayed because of the American trade embargo, further extirpated by the downturn in the 1990s following loss of Soviet aid, and partially because of domestic inefficiencies. In recent years, with a relaxed and possibly changing political arena, fuelled further by increasing tourism developments and international trade relations, basic supplies that once were impossible to obtain are starting to reappear. Rows of stores on Calle José Antonio Saco, the main shopping street bisecting the centre of downtown Santiago, sit sparse and drab. Their 1940s interiors hold rows of old wood and glass display cases, worn and bare. For decades they have had little in them to feature and sell, but slowly some goods are finding their way back.
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An entrepreneurial resident selling cake from her doorway. LEFT This local bakery only has buns to sell.
ABOVE
Many homes, street vendors, and small stores sell ham and cheese sandwiches, a Cuban staple eaten for breakfast or lunch.
BELOW LEFT Edi buys some bananas from one of the many street corner vendors found in Santiago.
BELOW RIGHT A dark uncomely entrance to a back street building that is actually a store, selling such items as grain and flour.
One store had a few cleaning products, cloths and scouring pads, with one display proudly overflowing with hundreds of green plastic boiled egg slicers. Few locals can afford the extravagance of purchasing one; even fewer can find or afford eggs to boil and slice. Basics like soap and toothpaste are still luxury items to most. I spent many days walking the backstreets, observing everyday Cuban life from early in the morning through to evening. I discovered that Cubans are very outgoing sociable people. On every street, every few houses, somebody was sitting on a door step. Most front doors are kept open and neighbours constantly visit each other to talk. Old men sit at makeshift tables on shaded sidewalks playing dominoes, young children play soccer with balls of rolled up paper, while women sit and peel vegetables, talking and laughing. Everyone is happy and full of life. I noted many homes with groups of people gathering outside, while some dark, uncomely (or so I thought) doorways lured others inside. It turns out these places are where locals buy their daily bread, cakes, fruit and other consumables, dependent upon availability. Entrepreneurial individuals, in order to make a few extra pesos, bake bread and cakes or make sandwiches to sell to their neighbours, acting as the local convenience store, although most of them only sell one or two items, supplies permitting. Cubans may want for a better life, but really, I think they are better off than we are. We have our material possessions and money; we drive everywhere cocooned from the world in our big new vehicles, and we eat processed junk foods in the name of time saving. Our children have allergies, diabetes, and weight problems, and they stay indoors in an environment of artificially conditioned air to play video games, living in a virtual world void of creativity and innovation. Stress and peer pressure to work harder surround us as adults. Cubans are happy, healthy and fit, free from the pressures of a socalled developed first world society. They walk everywhere; they are constantly socialising and interacting with others. Innovation and adaptation happens on a daily basis—this is not a disposable or wasteful society. No one has internet and video games; most don’t even have telephones! This unique Cuban life that is a visual cliché will one day be no more. I’ve read that American developers and investors are lining up to take over if the present political situation changes. Before mass development and consumerism come to this fascinating island, and we see an American burger joint on every street, go and visit, and explore the real Cuba. Living well is about experiences; we can learn from cultural experiences through travel and, in Cuba, there is a lot to learn. Go there with an open mind, and expect the unexpected. Ditch the resort buffets and eat with the locals. I recommend staying in a private home (casa particular) in the heart of a Cuban city, and not in a generic resort environment. Be a traveller, not a tourist. The English writer G. K. Chesterton summed travel up astutely when he said, “The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” Simon is planning to lead a guided photo workshop in Santiago de Cuba later this year; see his web site for full details. www.sdbimages.com
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PEOPLE
Peter Twist,
Renaissance man BY DAVID K. DORWARD
PHOTO: SDB IMAGES
WHAT DO G.I JOE, George Washington, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Canada: A People’s History all have in common? Stumped? The answer is Peter Twist, and he lives in the Hockley Valley. Hockley’s Peter Twist is the consummate Renaissance man, and his combined talents and diverse interests have taken him in fascinating life directions. Why is he a Renaissance man? Please read on.
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Teacher
Historic costumes
How many of us can say we have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a high school teaching certificate which combines the fine arts and physics? Peter was born in Etobicoke and lived there until age 9 when his family moved to Oshawa. He subsequently went to the University of Toronto where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation he took Fine Arts for one year before going to the Faculty of Education to take Physics and earn a certificate as a Fine Art Specialist. Why this unusual combination, you may ask. Well, Peter didn’t want to get cornered into only teaching math! Teaching certificate in hand, Peter then taught for 12 years including at his last school, Mayfield (incidentally where my daughter attended), leaving teaching in 1986, just before Mayfield became a Regional Arts School.
A twist of fate and a love of history led Peter into a new career as work at Hasbro started to decline, with financial and management problems taking a toll on the company by the late 1990s. As a model maker, Peter had met a person whose brother in Ottawa was a military reenactor and collector. Reenactors recreate battles, periods and units from military history. Peter went to his first reenactment and was immediately drawn to it with his love of history. He innocently asked what it would cost to make a historically accurate uniform. One thing led to another; Peter was shown how to sew and the rest is literally living history. Peter has recreated uniforms, swords, buttons, plates and head dress for many different historical periods and for movies from the The Patriot to Pirates of the Caribbean. It was through costumes and coincidence that I first met Peter. While attending a conference on Napoleon in Quebec City, in the vendors’ area I noticed a stunning reproduction Napoleonic uniform on a hanger from the cleaners we patronize in Orangeville!
A love of history Having mastered such seemingly disparate disciplines, Peter also had a passion for history. He is particularly interested in and knowledgeable about the time period from 1500 to 1900, and acquired his interest from his maternal grandfather who was a history buff and provided inspiration. Even as a child, Peter was constantly drawing knights! He has become a respected and often consulted historian.
Sculpting and G.I. Joe Sculpting became an interest starting in the early 1970s and almost immediately turned into two businesses, Twist Miniature Design, and a separate business partnership in 1973 with John Gauthier of Coronet Miniatures which produced many fine miniature figures. At this time, Peter was also exhibiting gold medal winning figures that he had painted and sculpted at military modeling shows in the United States and Canada. At one show he met Bill Merklein who was sculpting for the Hasbro toy company and he recommended that Hasbro give Peter a try out, which was successful. Peter was hired and produced over 100 four inch G.I. Joe action figures for Hasbro and other toy companies into the late 1990s. G.I., by the way, stands for “Government Issue” and Joe was a generic name given to all American “grunts” or infantrymen, hence the term G.I. Joe! Even while working part time for Hasbro Peter earned more than double his income as a teacher, so he decided to go into sculpting full time and quickly was earning more than the high school principal! 66
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Peter has recreated uniforms, swords, buttons, plates and head dress for many different historical periods and for movies from the The Patriot to Pirates of the Caribbean.
Museum miniatures to television
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As things progressed, Peter also started creating dioramas for museums such as the Halifax Citadel, both the Museum of Science and Technology and the Air Museum in Ottawa, Fort George and Fort York. He had the most sincere tribute possible paid to him by a “fan”—the distinction of one of his models actually being stolen while on display! Serendipitously his museum model building resulted in the chance to work in television when Canadian producer Brian McKenna, who was planning a TV series on the War of 1812, visited various museums and historic sites associated with the war, and asked who might be a good person to create and co-ordinate props and uniforms for the reenactors. Peter’s name was suggested by Parks Canada personnel. This in turn led to more television work as Peter was approached by Mark Starowitch, the executive producer of Canada: a People’s History, to be the Director of Historic Reconstruction. Peter has very fond memories of the huge sprawling project which lasted from 1998 to 2000. Who says Canadian history is boring? If you have watched the series,
you know that Canadian history is anything but boring, and “Over time piracy became more sophisticated. For example, Peter had a hand in bringing it to life! in a war a government would grant ‘letters of mark’ to people Peter moved on as a historical advisor for TV movies such who would then go and attack the enemy’s shipping. The as The Crossing with Jeff Daniels, who played George Washington, sailors and the government would basically split the money, and Public Broadcasting System’s (PBS) The War that Made and this was quite legal.” (I was fascinated to learn while America and Washington, the Warrior. visiting the port of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, that Canada had many pirates operating from there under “letters of marque” Feature films out of this and other Canadian ports. They were called “privaThen Peter branched out into big budget Hollywood movies. teers.”) A great many ship owners and sailors found this a A major project was Pirates of the Caribbean I, II and III, star- profitable way to make a living and continued the practice ring Johnny Depp, whom Peter calls a “consummate profes- after the war ended and it was no longer legal. “That’s piracy,” sional.” Johnny Depp has a real social conscience; through Peter, says Peter. he autographed a Disney book on Pirates for auction at the The islands in the Caribbean were especially valuable. “Aside Children’s Wish Gala dinner held at Palgrave’s Tournament from the gold and silver, the crops such as sugar and spices of Champions several years ago. were highly valued and well worth stealing. So it was a natural In addition, Peter has worked on other feature films inclu- place for pirates to operate.” ding Alamo, Master and Commander and La Veuve de Saint Peter says that the legendary pirate booty of buried treasure Pierre. Peter created costume items, props and offered technical is simply a myth. “Buried treasure was something that virtually advice. Recently Peter’s company, Military Heritage, provided never happened. History tells us that typical pirates, after advice and several costumes and props, including weapons taking a prize, would divide the money and then head into for Napoleon and his Imperial Guard in Night at the Museum: a relatively pirate-friendly port for a drinking and womanizing Battle of the Smithsonian, a delightful family comedy with a binge that would make the Romans blush, so there was nothing historic twist - the pun is intentional! left to bury.” For the Warner Brothers movie, The Phantom of the Opera, The most famous pirates had “rather short and violent caPeter’s company designed and produced principal uniform reers,” according to Peter, “but they did amass huge amounts costumes and props for Bloomingdale’s famous window display of money. It was the allure of the fast buck that made people to promote the movie in New York City. The results were spec- turn to piracy.” For those of you who own the first Pirates of tacular and images of the company contributions appeared the Caribbean movie on DVD, the extra features portion has in many publications including Variety magazine. an interview with Peter that you may wish to view. 2010 projects include The War of 1812 and 90th Parallel: The Underground Railroad, both of which have Peter as a technical Military heritage In 1995 Peter started a company called Military Heritage advisor, along with providing reenactors from the period. www.MilitaryHeritage.com with his business partner Robert Peter does “pirate school” Henderson. The company reproduces historical replicas, weaThe popular Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black pons and clothing and provides historical consulting services. Pearl is really a tale of fantasy. However, the filmmakers were Peter notes that despite being fascinated by the period 1500 very keen to learn as much as they could about real pirates, to 1900, very much a low technology pre-computer era, the and that’s why they hired Peter Twist. His role was to offer ad- company has been on the World Wide Web since 1995! vice and education about general historical information to every production department. This included customs and simple as- The future pects of everyday life, as well as details about dressing style, To date Peter has had three distinct careers as a teacher, sculptor nautical minutiae and military history. and a combination of film maker and maker of fine historic “A pirate is anybody who commits a crime on the high seas, replicas. As to where he is going in the future, Peter wryly comso it’s a very broad term,” notes Peter. “Theft, destruction ments, “I will go where things take me. The question presupposes the future is within my control!” of property, anything like that done on open water qualifies It all goes to show you that there’s talent “in them thar hills,” as piracy.” The movie is “a compilation of a lot of the things that were done by real pirates, and pirate codes, and so it is the Hockley Valley hills that is! fact based,” he stresses, and it is not based on any one actual David K. Dorward is a business professor at George Brown College, pirate. Humber College (Lakeshore Campus) and teaches labour relations “Piracy has been around since man first put to sea,” asserts and compensation at the Human Resources Professional AssociaPeter. “Julius Caesar was captured by pirates; the histories tion (HRPA) in Toronto. Locally he is a proud member of the Caledon of all ancient cultures refer to pirates, the Egyptians and so East Masons Peel Lodge 468 and the Palgrave Rotary Club. He can be on. They’ve always existed. The original pirates operated as reached at dkdorward@sympatico.ca. individuals; they were haphazard and undisciplined,” he says. Thanks to Disney Studio’s Production Notes
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HERITAGE
Caledon’s Loyalist roots BY DIANA JANOSIK-WRONSKI
CALEDON’S LANDSCAPE REMINDED early Scots settlers of their homeland, so they named the Township after it, romantically say our local histories. However, these also note that early settlers were not only Scots and Irish… but United Empire Loyalists!
So, who were the United Empire Loyalists, and what did they have to do with Caledon?
United Empire Loyalists: A brief history Simply put, United Empire Loyalists (UEL) were those persons living in the Thirteen Colonies who remained faithful to and/or fought for the Crown, and settled in Canada at the end of the American Revolution. Much of the history of modern Canada and many of its traditions, law, government and aversion to violent nationhood are also Loyalist legacies. When the American Revolution (or First American Civil War as historians often refer to it) broke out, contrary to popular history it was a minority of “rebels” (or “patriots” as they are called south of the border) who actually favoured revolution. A significant percentage of colonial inhabitants continued to support the Crown, or were undecided. John Adams, a rebel leader and later US President, estimated in his 1815 memoirs that one third remained loyal to the Crown and a further third were undecided. While these exact numbers have been disputed and really may never be known, more recent estimates are that ten to 15 percent (or around 250,000 persons) opposed the revolution, either passively or by speaking out, spying or fighting against the rebels. It is known that Loyalists and undecided fence sitters were branded as traitors and publicly humiliated or became victims of violence at the hands of rebels. Being stripped naked, coated in tar and feathers, and carried on a
wagon about town until they saw the “error of their ways” was not unknown to happen. Others had their property and goods taken and were banished at risk of death, or were simply threatened. They could not vote, sell land, sue debtors, or work as doctors, lawyers and teachers. These residents were harassed as early as 1775 by “committees of safety” and started to leave at that time. One source even termed this a war of propaganda with the large number of undecided. At the time, Reverend Mather Byles is recorded as having summed up, “Which is better—to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three thousand tyrants one mile away?” The Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized the United States, impelled the final migration. Loyalists who had remained in their homes were faced with continued mistreatment or exile. Many Loyalists were “celebrities.” Benjamin Franklin’s own son was the last Loyalist governor of New Jersey and left for Britain where he eventually died. If they wanted to stay in North America, they had two choices: what was then Nova Scotia and Quebec. Lord Dorchester, Governor of Quebec, honoured Canada’s Loyalist families in 1789 by stating that they and their descendants may put the initials U.E. after their names. This usage is still seen on occasion today: N.B. Those Loyalists who have adhered to the Unity of the Empire, and joined the Royal Standard before the Treaty of Separation in the year 1783, and all their Children and their Descendants by either sex, are to be distinguished by the following Capitals, affixed to their names: U.E. Alluding to their great principle The Unity of the Empire.
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Who were they? The United Empire Loyalists came from all walks of life and backgrounds, and held a common distrust of mob rule and republicanism which often resulted in the breakdown of law and order. In the end, approximately 70,000 fled the Thirteen Colonies, and about 50,000 of them came to Canada. Contrary to popular thinking of today, more than half were not of British origin. Many in fact were Germans. In our own family history, the UEL ancestor was from New York State, but the seemingly “English” name actually had been anglicized from the original name from the Palatinate of Germany. Many Palatines settled in Pennsylvania and New York State. Palatines who came to Upper Canada (or Ontario) even continued to use their German dialect here. Other origins also included First Nations, Blacks, Jewish and other Europeans. About 2,000 Mohawks followed Chief Joseph Brant of the Six Nations from New York State to a valley of the Grand River. Brant and his followers were given a grant in the Grand Valley and modern Brantford sits on some of that land! A recent episode of “Ancestors in the Attic” noted that about 3,500 Blacks went to Nova Scotia, which made the place they settled the “largest African community outside of Africa” at the time. Celebrity UEL descendants today include Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley, Justin Trudeau and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Soprano and concert star Measha Brueggergosman is also of UEL descent. Her ancestors were AfricanAmerican John Gosman, from Connecticut, and his wife Rose, from Rhode Island, who likely met in New York. They were two of the thousands of slaves escaping slavery. By leaving rebel slaveholders and siding with the British, they were promised freedom in exchange. The Gosmans with their fivemonth-old daughter, Fanny, born free behind British lines, got passage on one of the last ships to leave New York in 1783 for Nova Scotia, and later settled in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Creation of New Brunswick and Upper Canada (Ontario) The first United Empire Loyalists arrived in Nova Scotia in 1776. Many were to settle what became Saint John, as well as today’s Prince Edward Island, and they petitioned the British government to separate them from Halifax. In 1784 New Brunswick was created by the British government in response. Others, about 7,000 to 9,000 persons including disbanded Loyalist regiments, migrated to Quebec and ultimately created what became today’s Ontario. Initial settlement of what is now Ontario was along the St. Lawrence River, upstream from Montreal, and the north shore of Lake Ontario. Loyalists were given some government support, but most of it came as free land. This was granted to the heads of households according to their military rank, and the grants were extended to wives. In many cases, land was settled by Loyalist regiments, 72
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and even today family names in those areas can be traced back to members of the original military units. In 1791 the British Government passed the Canada Act, dividing Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada, so both seigneurial and British land tenure systems, laws and government could be maintained. In 1792 Governor Simcoe laid out 19 counties in what is now called Ontario. Recalling our province’s origins, Ontario’s official motto on its coat of arms states, “As she began, so she remains, Loyal” or more colloquially, “Loyal she began, loyal she remains.”
Loyalists and Caledon So what does all this have to do with Caledon? Significant for Caledon was the fact that land grants were also extended to born and unborn children, both sons and daughters. Inevitably, European settlement came inland. In 1805 “the first land purchase” of 85,000 acres from the Mississauga First Nations was made, basically along the northern shore of Lake Ontario, taking in the southern part of Halton and Peel. October 1818, a new treaty was signed with four leaders of area First Nations, and survey had likely started, opening land which included present day Caledon for grants. In 1820, this was “the second purchase” from the Mississaugas. These traditional lands were occupied by various First Nations groups with differing names. My review of United Empire Loyalist land grants in Caledon for this article, in the Region of Peel Archives, revealed some interesting facts in addition to material from other sources. To begin with, the vast majority of UEL land grant recipients were indeed the sons and daughters of United Empire Loyalists. Many of the places of residence they list reflect original settlement areas like Haldimand, Ernestown and Fredericksburgh (located in Eastern Ontario), Niagara, and even New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Grant dates start before 1820 and were given as late as the early 1830s. In some cases several family members obtained grants, which potentially meant a lot of land within one family, especially if they were in the same township! By 1820 “hardy pioneers” ventured into the wilderness. Caledon was the last Township in Peel to be settled, with Mono Mills as its most northerly point, since early pioneers thought it too far from “civilization” to be able to live. Most UEL apparently settled in Chinguacousy Township, now part of Brampton. Perkins Bull, the influential Brampton citizen who created the Perkins Bull Historical Series in the 1930s, had planned and started work on a volume about United Empire Loyalists. He states that in the course of his research he “…has encountered some 200 families…” in Peel County. For the Loyalist volume he had welcomed submissions of any family documents and heirlooms. In all, over 40 United Empire Loyalist land grants were given in the Caledon Township area. Grants were given east and west
presents an evening of
fashion, cocktails
& dreams! Our mission
We believe that our brave and beautiful thoroughbred racehorses deserve a dignified retirement. Our aim is to offer an alternative to owners and trainers—rather than have horses continue to race that are no longer able to compete, LongRun tries to help by fostering, rehabilitating and finding these racehorses permanent adoptive homes and alternative careers as pleasure horses or companion animals. We also aim to educate the Ontario thoroughbred racing community, as well as the public, about these alternatives for retired racehorses through our work.
The Big Event What When Where
Why not consider volunteering? Here's your opportunity to ensure that our brave, beautiful thoroughbreds find loving, adoptive homes after their racing days are over. Consider volunteering some time to LongRun. You will meet some wonderful people, have an opportunity to interact with our special horses, make new friends and have some fun, too. Perhaps you have a special skill that you think LongRun could use or maybe you just have an hour or two a week that you would like to spend helping the horses. Here are some of the ways we could use your valuable services: 1. Farm Inspection 2. Adoption Follow-Up
3. Fund Raising 4. Special Event Set-Up
How can I adopt? LongRun is one of the first adoption and placement programs for thoroughbred racehorses in Ontario. To learn more about us, Go to www.longrunretirement.com For further information or to be added to our mailing list, contact us at: LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society 555 Rexdale Boulevard P.O. Box 156 Toronto, Ontario M9W 5L2 Tel: 416 675 3993 ext. 3440 Email: info@longrunretirement.com
July 19th (6pm to 9pm) Hosted by Klementine Boutique at Daniels of Nobleton
Price Tickets $75.00 Includes · Auction
· Cocktails · Hors d'ouvres · Champagne Bar · Wine Bar · Martini Bar
What you can expect from an ex-racehorse? The thoroughbred is a beautiful, versatile and athletic breed, which can proudly trace its bloodlines back many centuries. It is our belief that it is a privilege to be a part of their lives and custodians of their welfare. They race for our pleasure—it’s only right we provide them with a happy retirement after their racing days are over.
Fundraiser for LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society
Proceeds Tickets
The LongRun Dream Purchase tickets at these locations: 1. Klementine Boutique (Bolton) 19 Queen St N 905 857 7380 2. Klementine Boutique (Caledon East) 16035 Airport Rd 905 584 7734 3. Daniel's of Nobleton Restaurant 12926 Hwy 27 905 859 0060
of today’s Highway 10, or Hurontario Street, which divided the Township in half. However, this does not necessarily mean the parcels were settled. By 1821 Caledon Township had only 100 residents, and Town histories noted that only one in fourteen landholders had actually settled. Perkins Bull himself said his volume would deal with not only original UEL settlers in Peel after the close of the American Revolution, but also their descendants and other families who never actually settled in the county but, through UEL claims, had obtained grants there. What lured people was a grant of 200 acres. While some never came, also keeping the grant was not that easy. Within eighteen months they had to clear five acres for every 100 acres granted and build a sixteen by twenty foot dwelling, as well as clear half the road in the front and rear of the lot. Some had to clear the side road as well if the land parcel also abutted it, so they had to clear three sides. In some cases family tragedy (such as death while clearing) and other hardships meant families were unable to finish clearing the land or afford the fees to obtain the land patent from the Crown and register their documents.
Some Caledon histories What Perkins Bull actually created was an extensive list of children who had received grants in Peel County, the name of each one’s UEL ancestor and the Loyalist regiment in which he had served, plus the original Township of Settlement and names of whomever they married. What jumps out from this list are some famous Loyalist regiments (there were over 50) in which many of the fathers had served. Those for Caledon included the Royal Regiment of New York, Butler’s Rangers, Loyal Rangers, Royal Yorkers, Jessup’s Loyal Rangers, King’s Rangers, Queen’s Rangers, New Jersey Volunteers and Orange Rangers. Many had been created in response to the rebel “committees of safety.” From parts of Albion Township that are now in Peel County came other interesting individuals. Margaret Clement came from Niagara and was the daughter of Joseph, who had served in the “Indian Department with General Burgoyne.” The list also notes land given to Hugh, John, Hannah, Mary and Laney Mulloy from Lancaster, children of Thomas who served under Joseph Brant, the Loyalist Mohawk Chief of the Six Nations who was previously mentioned. Some other individual Caledon histories emerge about life in those times. Caledon East, where I live with my family, has Loyalist roots! Its first name was “Tarbox Corners” because the fledgling community was built on land on the CaledonAlbion town line (now Airport Rd.) granted to Elizabeth Laurence, the wife of Elisha Tarbox who arrived in 1821. Elizabeth was also the daughter of Richard Laurence U.E., from New Brunswick. There are stories which persist to this day of a First Nations family with several children camping near her house, as her farm was likely on traditional land.
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Other UEL families settled Alton and Belfountain. There is another such story about the Frank family who got a grant near Belfountain. They were of German descent, originally having come to the Thirteen Colonies from Hannover. They built a log house from hewn timbers, and had a First Nations family camping in front of their farm. Black spots in the land from traditional camp fires were visible when ploughing took place, and tools for making sugar and skinning were found, along with stone projectiles. A grandfather clock from those times evidently still keeps time in a descendant’s home! Life wasn’t easy, and the tragedy befalling Martin Middagh Jr.’s family, near today’s Mono Mills, shows what could easily happen in those early days when trying to complete land ownership and the patent. Martin Middagh Sr. had served with the Royal Regiment of New York and settled first in Osnabruck (Eastern Ontario), then Trafalgar, and was on the 1786 Provision List. His children received grants in Caledon. One son, Martin Jr., could not finish the settling duties after he “cut his foot” although he already had built a house and barn and had cut enough for a horse and carriage to pass at either end of the lot, as well as clearing some land. As he temporarily could not support his family, he returned with them to family or friends in East Flamborough “for subsistence” and to recover. Sadly, he subsequently died of “apoplexy” in 1827, leaving a widow and seven children and no will “to protect his poor orphan children.” In this case his brother, George, petitioned on their behalf on April 10, 1830, saying “his widow was not able to pay the tax but I hope to pay a part of it in a few months, therefore I hope you will not let the fatherless be dispossessed till I can come and settle the affair.” It took until 1839 for the patent to be given to a surviving relative.
Caledon’s Loyalist legacy There are many Loyalist stories in Caledon and its landmarks. When you enjoy your Caledon property and life today, think of the many hardships these United Empire Loyalist families endured for us, both in fleeing the United States and opening up new territory in Ontario. In Perkins Bull’s own words, he wanted to “deal with the UEL ancestry of those who have played a prominent part in building up the country. ...Because of the knowledge gained by the author in the course of his research, he is more than ever confirmed in his opinion that the UEL Loyalist Story is one of the noblest and most inspiring patriotic traditions in history and is worthy of all emulation.” Diana Janosik-Wronski is a Caledon East project management and public relations consultant, who loves heritage. However she is the only one in her own family who can NOT put U.E. after her name! She thanks the Region of Peel Archives and the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada, the sources of much material for this article.
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ll a c Last
! s r e s ti r e v d a r o f
Introducing the first and only dedicated visitor guide for Caledon
Explore Caledon is an essential annual publication in which to advertise if you are a Caledon business. This publication is designed and published by the team that brings you Caledon Living. Highly acclaimed professional design, stunning photography, compelling editorial, in addition to useful guides and listings for shopping, dining, attractions and more, will make the 2010 Explore Caledon guide simply irresistible! This attractive glossy guide is full colour throughout, and distributed directly to affluent homes in Toronto, tourist information centres across southern Ontario, in addition to stores, restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions within the GTA. There will be an Explore Caledon web site which will be promoted in Caledon Living magazine.
And there’s an accompanying map too. Finally, a retail biased visitor map for Caledon. Local businesses will be literally put on the map at last! We’ve designed a beautiful and fully functional colour map to accompany our Explore Caledon guide. It is the definitive shopping and tourism map for both visitors and locals. A Caledon area map shows all the trails, conservation areas, farmers’ markets, unique country stores, restaurants and more. User-friendly 3D maps of Caledon East and Bolton showcase the shopping areas in detail like never seen before. The Explore Caledon map folds to a handy pocket size, and has a limited number of advertising spaces available.
Explore Caledon will feature: produce *Shopping *Local *Accommodation Dining Leisure activities * * *Attractions & events Distribution: 25,000 copies
Published May 2010 Last chance to book your space! To advertise contact: Katie Burchell 416 899 3738 Barrie Burchell 416 892 9923 Sheila Baker 416 804 0169 Main office 905 857 2536
Email us for a rates and data PDF: frontlinemedia1@sympatico.ca Map includes 3D illustrated shopping maps for Caledon East & Bolton
HERITAGE
Caledon’s ancient
history“ BY HEATHER R. GHEY BROADBENT
PROBABLY BECAUSE OF THE PROXIMITY of the Oak Ridges Moraine, with all its rivers, tributaries and springs plus the Niagara Escarpment, Caledon has many indicators of early human habitation—people have lived here for a very long time. The following records just a few known sites. Unfortunately the terms of my Provincial Avocational Archaeological Licence do not permit me to disclose the actual locations of these sites, but many readers will be familiar with them.
Presently the oldest known human habitation site is in the Humber River Watershed, not far north of Bolton. A small privately owned collection assembled by early farm owners contains a perfectly formed stone projectile point (probably a spear) that is about 11,000 years old. However the truly amazing thing about this particular very small field collection is that even the 'youngest' piece dates from 2,000 years ago. In other words this site was visited periodically by First Nations people for 8,000 to 9,000 years but, seemingly, not within the last 2,000 years until pioneer farming started. Another projectile, probably lost by a hunter, was found in a Bolton garden close to the Humber River and it is 8,000 years old. In Ward One in 1921 a natural kettle lake (amusingly referred to recently by a young engineer as a 'gravel pit' pond but, in fact, very old— dating from the last glacier melt—and also illustrated in early Peel Maps) was accidentally drained by road-works at one end. In the mud was discovered a very
An achaeological investigation and subsequent carbon dating indicated a single male interment and that the remains were 5,000 years old.
”
large skeleton of a deer-like animal. Variously reported as a large wapiti, an elk, or giant caribou, it was soon relocated to a nearby barn where people came from far and wide to see it after articles had appeared in Toronto and local newspapers. As the bones quickly dried out deterioration was noticed and the farmer sought the advice of two professors from the Royal Ontario Museum who vacationed each year in Caledon (in those 'historic' times parts of Caledon were regarded as 'cottage country'). Finally it was decided that the remains should be taken to the Museum for conservation. Several years ago when Caledon historians, one of whom had seen the skeleton as a child, inquired on its status (thinking that perhaps with the aid of carbon dating its age could be determined) and on its whereabouts, it seemed that neither the remains nor records of it still exist. Presumably it had continued to dry out and had 'gone to dust'. Another native village site is on a high hill with good drainage, excellent soil, and a spring that is still running today. Nearby was a maple sugar bush. Prevailing winds blew from the rear
Spear Points of various ages. TOP LEFT approximately 11,000
years old. BOTTOM RIGHT 7,000 years old.
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Rim shards from Native pottery. Circa 1500 to 2000 years old.
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Staying in one place for a decade, or longer, before moving on as wild life and suitably sized trees diminished and the soil became less productive, rather than travelling all the time, is an indicator of Natives moving to growing crops and staying to harvest them each year. They lived in family group 'long houses'. It is also believed they often moved to sites inhabited by their extended family in the past, when they did migrate to a new area a decade or so later. There the animals were back, the trees had grown again and the soil replenished.
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of the hill and the village and fields were exposed to the sun all day, making it an ideal site. It also had long distance views which enabled villagers, especially if the men were away hunting, to keep an eye on any approaching groups by watching the smoke from camp fires for several days. Earlier the village was thought to date only from the period after natives became agriculturalists, rather than nomadic hunters and gatherers, due to the large amount of pottery shards discovered in the midden and scattered around when modern ploughing occurred. However, subsequently found stone artifacts have revealed that First Nations people were visiting the site, and its spring and other attributes, for at least 5,000 to 7,000 years. Native village sites also indicate that they were more 'health' conscious than we have been recently. The living area was well away from the water source, with the midden and latrines well away from one another and from the long houses and water source. Neither did hunting groups camp next to a spring or river bank in case the animals they hunted could smell their presence. In the late 1970s, and quite by accident, an elderly gentleman, looking for a small amount of gravel to fill a wet patch in his driveway, discovered an ancient human burial. An achaeological investigation and subsequent carbon dating indicated a single male interment and that the remains were 5,000 years old. At the time it was the oldest known burial in the entire Great Lakes Region. There is another area near a large pond and wetland where evidence of native hunting had been discovered in several places over the years. This evidence is a variety of stone projectiles—the chert (stone) also coming from a variety of sources throughout Ontario and north eastern America. (There is no natural stone of suitable tool-making type available locally.) The projectiles also covered a very long time span. As a consequence, the Caledon heritage office required a heritage/archaeological assessment (under the Provincial Planning Act) when a subdivision application was received. Along with the anticipated scattering of evidence of ancient hunting, the most important discovery, scattered over a small area (probably by ploughing in post-pioneer times) was a collection of over sixty partly formed stone projectiles, cutting blades, drills and other stone tools. Another Caledon record, it was then the largest cache ever found in Central Southern Ontario. Archaeologists have known for many years that native groups could not have always mined for material themselves and must have traded for such items because the source stone frequently comes from hundreds of kilometers away from where we find artifacts today, making them easier to identify to a trained eye as they differ from local field stones. We will never know why the trader of these partly formed objects left them, probably in a hollow tree or tree root that long ago rotted away. Perhaps he (or she) had other things to carry (sixty plus stone objects are quite heavy) and hid them until the next visit to the popular hunting area, but for some reason never returned to collect them. As you can imagine, they were a very exciting find about 2,000 years later! To clarify a point of general information, many people auto-
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matically associate news of discovering a 'native habitation site' as referring to human burials. However, although not completely incorrect, it is extremely rare. In the thirty years of holding my licence only the previously mentioned single burial site and one other, where the remains had been inappropriately moved to Caledon from a burial area disturbed while building a rail line in northern Ontario in the early 1900s, have been brought to my attention. In the unlikely possibility that Caledon does have a large native burial place like the one disturbed in Vaughan in the past decade, it has not yet been discovered. Another point of information is that, quite contrary to the very early slur of 'dirty painted savages' ('savage' in this case usually meaning 'not Christian'), early natives were better conservationists than we have been and, as mentioned before, more conscious of heath concerns. They always understood that humans are part of the land and it does not 'belong' to us to use and abuse.
In other words Caledon has been inhabited by humans and the animals they hunted since the ice from the last ice age started to retreat. It was two kilometers high here, we are told, but as the large animals moved back into the area people that needed them for their very survival came as well. The evidence of that is still with us. Our pioneers started to settle here 192 years ago but very small families of nomadic First Nations people were still recorded as being here 138 years ago, in two places in Ward Four. As a footnote, it should be mentioned that it is illegal to do any type of archaeology in Ontario without a licence issued by the Ministry of Culture, and that convictions carry heavy fines. TOP Broken pipe stem.
Many years ago archaeologists discovered that by dating bones and fossils of extinct animals that no longer roamed Southern Ontario and the Great Lakes Region after the melting of the last Ice Age around 15,000 to 18,000 years ago, they could also date the stone spear heads that had killed them and were lodged in the remains (theories now confirmed by more scientific methods). Strangely the more perfectly formed, aerodynamically correct spear heads are often the extremely old ones.
Piece of Adze (native axe)
The Caledon Heritage Foundation's Speaker Series will feature internationally known Archaeologist Dr. R. Williamson, Founder and Principal Archaeologist of Archaeological Services Inc. at its Annual General Meeting at St. James Anglican Church Hall on November 4th 2010. He will be speaking on Caledon pre-history and archaeological 'digs' done locally by his company and will also run an Artifact Identification Clinic after his presentation.
Shell decoration from a necklet
Part of a broken bird effigy, pipe
stone tool
Piece of Adze (native axe) 0
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MOTORING
I’d personally put the handle of “lively” on the vehicle...
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2010
Volvo XC60 BY KEVIN “CRASH” CORRIGAN
GROWING UP IN THE UK, most of my early childhood memories of cars were of European models. Of course there were many famous automobiles on the scene back then; James Bond and his Aston Martin instantly leap to mind. Then there was the Batmobile, the Green Hornet’s sinister looking Black Beauty, Lady Penelope’s pink Rolls Royce, and who could forget Herbie the Love Bug. However, together with the aforementioned, one of the first automotive brands to plant itself into my young and impressionable mind was that of Volvo.
Why, you may ask? After all, most superheroes wouldn’t have looked twice at a vehicle from the ultra-safe Swedish manufacturer. However, that’s precisely why the Volvo brand stood out for me. You see, when I was very young, my father’s twin brother was involved in a serious collision on the outskirts of London. He was T-boned at over 70mph whilst driving his Volvo 245 wagon. The car, although renowned for being immensely tough, ended up resembling a banana. In fact, the emergency services found my Uncle pinned inside the vehicle with his shoulders almost touching both the driver’s and passenger’s doors. He had to be extricated from the vehicle
by the fire department and yet, amazingly, he escaped from the wreckage with just minor cuts and bruises. Obviously, this story was told many times over the family dinner table and it always ended with the same wording... “If he hadn’t been driving a Volvo, he wouldn’t be with us today.” Stories like that can really affect a youngster, and that’s why I’ve always had a great deal of respect for the Volvo brand. Of course, Volvo products of the 70s and 80s were a tad on the dull side and would hardly muster up much excitement, but if you wanted your loved ones to be safe and sound, there wasn’t a better vehicle in which to place them. I’ve even owned a couple, including an ultra-reliable 245 wagon just like my Uncle Bert’s, and a rather luxurious 760GLE. In fact, I can recall a well known UK motoring journalist of the day comparing the ride quality of the 760 to that of a Rolls Royce. Now that’s what I’d call high praise coming from an Englishman! That tends to be an ongoing trend with Volvo. One minute it’s sitting on the sidelines being overlooked by all but its hardcore Volvo fan club, and the next, it’s totally astounding every-
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one...which brings us nicely back to the vehicle in hand. The new Volvo XC60 ticks all the right boxes for a modern AWD wagon. It features a host of Volvo safety technology which we have come to trust, and yet at the same time, it’s quite a handsome beast. I should also mention that it performs better than some might predict. I’ve often felt that we can get a little hung up on Volvo’s safety record and forget that the company’s also produced one or two super-quick automobiles in the past. Cast your memory back to the 850 T-5R wagon of 1995. Now that was a pretty fast load lugger!!! Viewing the XC60 from the front, it carries a pleasant blend of sporty toughness, and although the vehicle sits a fair bit higher than most wagons on the market today, its length carries that off rather well. You can term it a crossover if it pleases you, but in my mind, “There’s nothing wrong with a station wagon, and that’s how I see it!” I also particularly like the way the sides of the vehicle slope gently upwards towards the rear, and the way that the business end finishes in the proper manner. By that I mean it’s pretty much squared off, making the most sensible use of a wagon rear end. Maybe not quite to the extent of boxy Volvo wagons of old, but it’s nice that they haven’t taken the whole sporty look too far. We now come to the interior. Although I’d be pushed to describe it as super luxurious, it is suitable for a practical wagon and better than I expected in both quality and finish. The vehicle is, after all, quite reasonably priced for what you get. My test vehicle was the base 3.2L 235hp AWD and carried a sticker price of just $44,495. (There is also a 2WD version starting at $39,995 and a Premium T6 model available for $49,995.) This places the vehicle right in there with one of my favourite wagons of all time, the Audi Avant, and yet, in some ways I’m actually starting to lean towards the Swedish design.
...in some ways I’m actually starting to lean towards the Swedish design.
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You see, the Volvo has a real feeling of space inside, which is something that the Audi simply can’t carry off to anywhere near the same extent. Yes, the German wagon’s lower profile perhaps handles hard and fast cornering slightly better, but then it’s not as easy to enter and exit as the Volvo. At the end of the day, I think that the smart wagon buyer would plump for the Volvo simply for its ease of use. From the interior feel standpoint, there’s little to choose between the two. The Audi is perhaps slightly more car-like as opposed to the almost crossover feel of the Volvo. The quality of materials used is very similar, although I would give the upper hand to the Swedes when it comes to the positioning of controls and available storage compartments. Well, that is, apart from the slightly weird empty space behind the centre panel. As this panel slopes towards the rear of the vehicle, Volvo designers in their wisdom decided to make use of the space behind it to produce a cubbyhole. Sounds great, but as you can’t actually see into it, it simply becomes a wonderful place in which to lose items. However, the Volvo scores well when we move towards the rear end or, as I term this in a wagon, the business end. There’s plenty of room in the rear seats and more than enough head room. Much of this has to do with the semi-vertical back which not only makes the most sense for a wagon, but also allows for greater headroom for its rear seat passengers. Yes, I know that the sloped rear looks sporty and all, but most people purchase a wagon for its practicality and losing interior space for the sake of design simply doesn’t fall under that heading. As you can possibly tell, I’m a bit of a wagon fan, and I could go on and on comparing the Volvo to the Audi forever, and that’s before I even get into the BMW and Mercedes. But I won’t bore you with all that. I’ll just say that they all have
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their pluses and minuses which, in my mind, balance them out pretty evenly. Performance wise, the 3.2L delivers well but I wouldn’t stretch to terming it a sports wagon. I think that moniker is possibly best left for the T6 version, although I would say that the 3.2L might surprise one or two non-believers out there. I’d personally put the handle of “lively” on the vehicle, and I’m sure that it will please most wagon buyers. Of course, this wouldn’t be a Volvo review if I failed to mention the safety features on the vehicle. The XC60 boasts Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability & Traction Control (DSTC), driver and passenger multi-stage airbags, side curtain airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners. It even boasts a Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) and a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and, if that’s not enough gobbledygook for you, the XC60 even comes with something called the City Safety low-speed collision avoidance/mitigation system. Now I’m sure that you’re all perfectly aware of what these systems do. If not, take next week off work and I’ll try to explain one or two of them for you! Seriously though, the last item on that list truly is something a tad special. This system actually senses when the vehicle if front of you brakes, and if you’re not paying full attention (which you really should be doing), it will actually slow down and stop your vehicle for you. Not that this was designed to enable you to window shop in downtown traffic, but we’ve all seen, or been involved in, the “Sorry, I was distracted for a moment” fender bender. It’s actually quite amazing how this all works and, in the demonstrations which I’ve witnessed, it really does add to road safety. Then again, isn’t that where we started off talking about Volvos? I guess, when all is said and done, the company still maintains that owners’ safety should come first on its list of priorities. However, it’s also nice to see that Volvo is moving along with the times. The new XC60 is a great all-round family vehicle and one which I would not hesitate to recommend. Canadians used to love station wagons before the arrival of large SUVs and, although we now have the somewhat smaller quasi-SUVs or crossovers, I still believe that there’s a place in the market for a well thought out wagon, and that’s precisely what the new Volvo XC60 is. So well done guys! Oh yes, and a big thank you for taking care of my Uncle many years ago!! Pros: A sensibly sized and well put together family wagon. Cons: Interior storage compartments could be a little better thought out. Visit www.carkeys.ca for all the latest reviews
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Rating
78%
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SUSTAINABLE LIVING
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We are currently collecting 133 kilograms per household per year...
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BY ANDREW HIND
COMPOSTING, WHETHER ON A MUNICIPAL SCALE or simply in one’s own yard, makes perfect sense: it reduces waste in landfills, provides nutrient rich soil that can be added to gardens, and encourages an eco-friendly lifestyle. But though undoubtedly a boon to the environment and step towards sustainability, composting is not without its challenges. Pushed by the Ontario government to recycle organics, municipalities collected over 300,000 tonnes of kitchen scraps in ‘green bins’ in 2009, diverting them from landfill and into compost. Peel Region has been at the forefront of the movement. “The program was launched in April of 2007 to 295,000 homes across the Region, and we are currently at 50% participation level,” explains Trevor Barton, Supervisor of Waste Management Planner for the Region of Peel. “The amazing thing is
How municipal composting works: At the composting facility, the organics are emptied onto a receiving floor, mixed with chipped wood or chipped brush, then mechanically shredded and mixed. The certified compostable bags, newsprint or paper bags are also shredded and become part of the mix.
The mixed material is conveyed to large sealed cement boxes which are designed to allow air to be blown through the material. In the presence of oxygen (called aerobic composting) the microbes in the organics start the decomposition process and the mixed material temperature will increase in the box.
the Region anticipated that there would be approximately 90 kilograms per household per year from each household collected. We are currently collecting 133 kilograms per household per year, so the 50% participating are certainly enthusiastic and we want to keep that momentum going. We are about to embark on a real push to get more people setting out their organics for weekly collection.” Every municipality collects different items and uses a slightly different composting process, but the system generally works similar to that in Peel. Here, curbside organics are collected weekly from green bins at the curb and delivered to a composting facility, in our case the Caledon Composting Facility which services the Town of Caledon and north Brampton and has 12,000 tonnes per year capacity (for south Brampton and Mississauga, organics are collected and delivered to a centralized composter with a capacity for 60,000 tonnes per year).
At the end of 10 days the boxes are emptied and the primary compost is trucked to the Region’s compost curing facility where the material is placed in long rows and covered with fabric. The curing process takes about 8 weeks and, at the end, the compost is screened to remove wood that didn’t break down.
The screened compost is allowed to sit for another few weeks to bring down the temperature; then it is tested for pathogens, trace heavy metals and chemicals under Provincial and Federal regulations.
Finished compost can be purchased from the Region of Peel at the Community Recycling Centres.
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Problem Solving
“Composting is a great initiative and we have strong markets for the finished compost in the form of our residents, landscapers, horticulturalists and topsoil blenders,” says Mr. Barton. “Our biggest challenge in the Province is the lack of organics processing capacity, which hinders our ability to recycle more waste.” When the collected waste surpasses a municipality’s capacity to process it, the material must be shipped to distant facilities, sometimes as far away as the United States, adding to our carbon footprint.
Backyard Composting What can you do to help? Consider adding a compost bin or pile in your yard to reduce the amount committed to green bins. At little or no expense, and very little effort, you can transform waste into treasure. Danielle Buklis, of the Compost Council of Canada, points out that one key difference between composting on your own and the composting done by municipalities is the materials which should be included in the process. “Vegetable and fruit scraps, leaves and grass, soil, tea bags, coffee grounds, egg shells, and shredded paper products are fine,” she says, “but do not use meat or fish, bones, dairy products, invasive weeds, treated wood or sawdust, vacuum cleaner contents or dryer lint, fats or oils, and plastics.” Home composting can be done with the use of a self-built bin or a simple pile, or a commercial unit purchased from a retail outlet. Regardless of what option you opt for, it’s important that you select a sunny, well-drained site for your composter. Begin by turning the soil in the chosen location, to improve drainage and air circulation. After placing the composter, cover its base with a layer of small branches. This will also assist in air flow and drainage. Alternate wet (e.g. kitchen scraps) and dry (e.g. yard material) waste, and never layer any one kind of waste thicker than 10 or 15 centimetres. Add some soil or compost accelerator (available at most garden centres) to the pile, which will help speed up the process of decomposition. Turn the compost every few weeks to keep it well aerated. The composting process can take from two months to more than a year, depending on the materials used and the effort invested in helping it along. Compost is ready to use when it is dark in colour, crumbly and has an ‘earthy’ smell. Sift the compost to separate any material that has not been fully composted, returning it to the pile. Compost can be added to gardens, lawns, around trees, or in flower containers. Buklis points out some of the numerous benefits of composting: improved soil porosity, greater moisture retention, rejuvenation of vital nutrients in the soil, and enhanced development of sound root systems. 90
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Even though the process of composting is easy and effective, problems nevertheless occasionally emerge. Here are some of the more common problems, and solutions to get your compost pile back on track. Pest Infestation: You have reason for concern if you see dogs, raccoons, or rodents nosing through your compost, or if there is an abundance of flies, wasps and ants. A properly attended compost pile should not attract critters of any kind. What are you doing wrong? It’s probable that you’ve added meat, pet waste, fats, or bones to the compost pile, all of which attract animals or insects. Food scraps should be covered with several centimeters of soil or wetted newspaper, and the pile should be turned weekly to encourage decomposition. Too Weedy: There will almost always be some weeds in compost. It’s almost inevitable, and shouldn’t be a concern. But if weeds begin to take over, you’ve got problems— after all, you don’t want to introduce weeds or their seeds into your gardens when you enrich them with compost. Adding manure, fresh grass clippings, kitchen scraps, or other high nitrogen level materials should solve the matter. Failure to Decompose: If your pile isn’t decomposing, add more nitrogen rich items such as grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and coffee grounds. It’s a good idea to add a shovel full of earth to the pile, since earth is full of microorganisms and bacteria that will help break down the material. Decomposition only begins with a combination of moisture and heat. If the pile is too dry, organic matter simply won’t break down, so make sure it remains moist. Bear in mind that some organic matter, fresh leaves and grass clippings in particular, can be surprisingly resistant to the decomposition process. You can hurry the process by shredding the material and mixing in straw or dry leaves. Too Wet: Ironically, while compost needs moisture to decompose, a pile that is too wet won’t be effective either. The ideal compost material is as moist as a damp kitchen cloth. It’s therefore important to cover the pile during heavy rains. A simple plastic tarp will eliminate most of your problems. You should also turn the pile on a weekly basis, and work in dry materials (straw, sawdust, or dry leaves) as you do so. Bad Odour: Another common problem associated with compost piles is a nauseating, rotting smell. This shouldn’t happen in a well maintained compost pile. When you get a bad odour, it means there’s either not enough air circulation or the pile is too wet. To remedy, simply turn the soil to increase oxygen flow and add coarse, dry material such as straw or shredded leaves to break up the heavy compost.
Composting, whether done on a municipal or individual level, allows us to take organic waste and turn it into something of value for our yards, while at the same time reducing landfill and greenhouse gas reductions. It’s literally turning trash into treasure. For more information on home composting, go to www.compost.org
CaledonHomes The finest properties in Caledon and surrounding areas |
SPRING 2010
Bolton, $999,000 Yvonne Devins, Sales Representative Royal LePage RCR Realty, Brokerage 905 857 0651
On the following pages we feature a selection of appealing properties that have been recently released on the market by some of our best area realtors.
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BOOKS
CATERING
CATERING
CHILDREN'S CLOTHING
CHILDREN'S FURNITURE
CONCRETE DESIGNS
COLLISION & TOWING
FITNESS
The Directory
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
The Directory
FRAMING & FINE ART
FRAMING & FINE ART
GRAPHIC DESIGN
HEALTH & WELLNESS
HOME DECOR
INSURANCE
MARKETING
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
PHOTOGRAPHY
RENOVATIONS
TRAVEL
TUTORING
WEDDING DECOR
WELLNESS
The Directory
PLANT NURSERIES
Caledon Living locations If you didn’t receive your copy in the mail, or need a spare copy for a friend, you can find Caledon Living, available free, at the following locations:
ACTON
CHELTENHAM
Leathertown Lumber 264 Main Street
Cheltenham Country Store 14386 Creditview Road
ALTON
DUFFERIN
Alton Mill 1402 Queen Street
Dufferin County Museum Airport Road & Hwy 89
Millcroft Inn 55 John Street
ERIN
BELFOUNTAIN Ascot Room 17228 Mississauga Road
BOLTON Aspen Fine Custom Cabinetry 19 McEwan Drive West Chef Talk Bistro 334 Queen Street South Forster’s Book Garden 55 Healey Road Mille Notte Lingerie 4 Queen Street North RE/MAX West Realty Inc. 1 Queensgate Blvd Royal LePage RCR Realty 12612 Highway 50 Skylark Framing & Fine Art 256 Queen Street Soup Du Jour 170 McEwan Drive East
CALEDON EAST Bell’s Framing & Fine Art 16078 Airport Road Caledon Town Hall Customer Service Centre, 6311 Old Church Road
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The Weathervane 74 Main Street
INGLEWOOD Inglewood General Store 15596 McLaughlin Road
KING CITY Rose Gallery 18 Doctors Lane
ORANGEVILLE Orangeville Best Western Inn & Suites 7 Buena Vista Drive Orangeville Furniture Mono Plaza, Hwy 10
VICTORIA Coffee Bean Café 15499 Hurontario Street