Matty Matheson
COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATIONS
We provide free consultations for patients to explore our different orthodontic options and help them select the best treatment for their needs.
CONVENIENT OFFICE HOURS
With availability on weekends and evenings and two convenient practices located near major highways in Vaughan and Toronto, our office hours are flexible to best accommodate patients’ busy schedules.
WAITING ROOM & AMENITIES
Our office is designed to create a comfortable space for patients with amenities such as coffee, snacks, a gaming area, outdoor patio and mini-golf!
AFFORDABLE INTEREST-FREE PAYMENT PLANS
We provide personalized interest-free payment plans with low monthly payments. Our team helps patients choose the best option to fit their budget and maximize insurance coverage. Customer satisfaction will always be our top priority.
MATTY MATHESON:
Canada’s very own restaurateur, chef, actor and executive producer of FX series’ hit show The Bear releases his newest cookbook
16 SHE’S VANITY: How Elena Di Giovanni’s challenging journey led to beautiful destinations and entrepreneurial success
22 PROJECT SAVING LEGS: Dr. Giuseppe Papia is revolutionizing the approach to treating diabetes in health care
56 LUCIE: A little taste of France in the heart of Toronto’s financial district
64 FAIRY TALE LOCALES: West Wales Heritage Coast is home to the Florin manor beloved by newlyweds
49
58 HONOURING THE BRAVE: The Canadian Banks Law Enforcement Awards honour those combating financial crimes and safeguarding citizens
66 PATRICK PRIESTNER: Discover valuable and inspiring life lessons in a candid memoir More stories inside …
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Fernando Zerillo Co-Founder/Creative Director
BREAKING BREAD
“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him… The people who give you their food give you their heart.”
— Cesar Chavez
It’ssafe to say that some of our favorite childhood memories are of our family preparing meals, or just enjoying them with each other.
But these days, as much as we try to carry on this warm tradition, it can be a real challenge. Getting our kids to afterschool practices, after-school jobs or sports activities or being ourselves the child designated to take aging parents to their doctors’ appointments … not being able to emulate the past is often not due to our lack of desire, but simply due to having too much on our plates. But to lead a happy and healthy life is to take a moment to appreciate life’s good things — even if that means just making a simple sandwich, a panino, to share with your family or friends over a glass of wine.
Someone who knows a thing or two about having a lot (of very delicious things) on his plate due to his multiple roles as a celebrated chef, entrepreneur, best-selling author, director, executive producer and restaurateur is, of course, our front-cover man: Matty Matheson.
Love or hate him, one simply cannot ignore this exuberant man. With his larger-than-life appetite for experience and adventure inside the kitchen and out, he can certainly teach us a few things about being true to oneself. He is not the type to change his character to please others. His to-the-core irreverence and “WTF” attitude have made Matheson popular and successful with no shortage of TV appearances, including on the wildly popular Emmy-winning-for-Best Comedy-Series The Bear, now in its third season.
Another very special story we are proud to feature is about world-renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Giuseppe Papia and the groundbreaking initiative he leads at Sunnybrook Hospital, Project Saving Legs. Currently an estimated 1,600 Ontarians with diabetes lose a limb each year, and with global rates of diabetes steadily rising, the number of patients suffering amputations is projected to increase by 50 per cent over the next 20 years. Project Saving Legs is designed to prevent amputations for patients with diabetes by increasing awareness of and treating Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a chronically under-recognized life-threatening vascular condition that often leads to leg amputation.
Much like yourselves, we are extremely grateful for the individuals who care for others, whether that means committing themselves to research and pioneering innovative approaches to patient care, encouraging others or feeding others.
We hope you, too, make the effort to connect with your loved ones, to make a meal and break bread together, and to take care of one another.
Until the next edition, live life with gratitude and to the fullest!
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Fernando Zerillo Co-Founder/Creative Director
@citylifemag / @amorebagstoronto / @fernandozerillo
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Zerillo-Sosa • michelle@dolce.ca
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca
CO-FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fernando Zerillo • fernando@dolce.ca
ART DEPARTMENT
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christina Ban
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Soo Jin Oh
SENIOR UI/UX DESIGNER Yena Yoo
WEB DEVELOPER Jordan Carter
UI/UX DESIGNER Mariia Korolenko
DIGITAL CONTENT DESIGNER Marco Schirripa MULTIMEDIA ASSISTANT Massimo Sosa
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
FASHION & HOME DECOR EDITOR Michelle Zerillo-Sosa
BEAUTY & WELLNESS EDITOR Angela Palmieri-Zerillo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kate Brynn, Marc Castaldo, Rick Muller, Cece M. Scott, Isha Sharma, Massimo Sosa
COPY EDITORS & PROOFREADERS
Samantha Acker, Barbara Feldman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lismery Loyola, Emad Mohammadi
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS & CONTENT CREATORS
Valentina Concu, Amanda Palazzo
PR MANAGERS & EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Marc Castaldo, Anastasiia Horbulova
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Holly Potts
VIDEO DEPARTMENT
VIDEOGRAPHERS Lismery Loyola, Emad Mohammadi
PUBLISHER
ADVERTISING
T: 905-264-6789 | info@mycitylife.ca
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca
DIRECTOR OF SALES Christina Bono
GROWTH MARKETING ASSOCIATES Mario Balaceanu, Farnaz Mobasser
FRONT COVER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Sid Tangerine
CITY LIFE MAGAZINE • VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 4 • SEPT/OCT 2024
City Life Magazine is published by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont., L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789 • info@mycitylife.ca • www.dolcemedia.ca
Subscribe online at www.mycitylife.ca or by calling 905-264-6789. Publication Mail Agreement No. 40026675
All rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publishers.
DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION
City Life Magazine is available to over 100 million digital consumers of Magzter Inc. and Issuu. Inquiries about where City Life Magazine is available for sale should be directed to Dolce Media Group: info@dolce.ca or 905-264-6789. ISSN 1206-1778 Next Issue: Nov/Dec 2024
We are proud to be a Canadian company that has successfully published magazines for the past 28 years without any government funding or financial assistance of programs to cover editorial costs. It has all been possible thanks to the wonderful support of our readers and advertisers. ©2024 Dolce Media Group • www.dolcemedia.ca • Printed in Canada @citylifetoronto www.facebook.com/citylifemagazinevaughan @citylifemag
DESIGN NEWS
A curated collection of unique residential décor that is both simple and tasteful
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
CONSTRADA HARDSCAPES
With 20 years of experience, this contractor offers unique professional design, installation and maintenance for all landscaping needs, including irrigation, lighting, pavers, walls, ponds and more. www.constradahardscapes.com
GRECIAN BUST POT
Add a Grecian-inspired touch to your greenery with this lovely bust planter. www.anthropologie.com
TEAK MCM DRESSER
Shop timeless and elegant vintage furniture, featuring unique pieces that add classic charm to any space. www.sunday-creative.com
‘ATTICUS BAILEY
TAKES A DAY OFF ART’ PRINT
Janet Hill, an artist from Stratford, Ont., creates works, like “Atticus Bailey Takes A Day Off Art,” that combine elegance with whimsy. Her pieces often tell captivating stories that instantly engage the imagination. homesmithhouse.com
TOSSED BUTTERFLIES WALLPAPER
A Sunday Creative Original Design to add an artistic touch to your home. www.sunday-creative.com
DESIGN NEWS
IZZY GALLERY
Among the gallery’s roster of talented artists it represents is Greg Gorman, renowned for his striking and evocative photography. www.izzygallery.com
GIANT BRASS ORB
This striking ceramic sculpture by Jonathan Adler highlights sinuous lines and a smooth surface enhanced by captivating, glossy polished brass. blackroosterdecor.ca
FLORAL LAYERED BEDDING BUNDLE
A vibrant array of novelty prints will transform your bedroom into a unique and cosy retreat, perfect for relaxation. www.anthropologie.com
YOLO DOME PENDANT LIGHT
This light from Modern Forms Canada combines modern elegance with functionality, offering a polished dome design and warm, diffused illumination for any contemporary space. shop.primalighting.ca
SIDNEY DINING TABLE
Bold and distinctive, this eye-catching table features a glossy white round top supported by intricately detailed black chunky legs with unique cut-out circles. zillihome.com
KLIMA SMALL WOVEN POUF
Add a pop of playful colour and comfort to your space with this handmade pouf featuring a vibrant lime hue to combine a chic, contemporary look with a plush, cosy feel. www.sunday-creative.com
Founder
and creator Elena Di Giovanni and her dedicated team of artisans intentionally produce small batches of skincare oils to ensure the highest quality standards
‘SHE’S VANITY’: A PLEDGE OF SELF-LOVE
How Elena Di Giovanni’s challenging journey led to beautiful destinations
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
People are not born destined to be visionaries. Instead, they are moulded by the challenges life throws at them, and somewhere along the journey, that is what they become. They are never self-proclaimed but called upon by those who see the qualities in them that can make a positive difference. This is the case for Elena Di Giovanni, founder and creator of She’s Vanity.
She’s Vanity is a transformative skin care product line committed to clean, cruelty-free and organic formulations hand-crafted with the finest botanical oils and plant extracts from around the world.
The brand’s conception and identity don’t just stem from Elena’s
entrepreneurial spirit but also from a personal health challenge. In her late 30s, blindsided by early symptoms of perimenopause, she was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure, which was a beyond-difficult time for her both physically and spiritually.
That time was so hard on her physically that even her routine skin care regime was no longer working for her. So she embarked on a mission of countless hours of reading, researching and speaking to doctors, which led to her creation of a serum that not only slows down the aging process but also revives the skin. It was in that breakthrough moment that she decided to share her discovery and her personal story with the world.
The spreading of the word ignited
intrigue and fuelled demand, giving rise to the luxurious skin care line known as She’s Vanity. It has guided countless individuals on their journey to wellbeing and self-confidence by delivering exceptional results.
Elena’s journey to overcome her diagnosis was transformed by the power of natural plant-based ingredients. Now the world is a better place because she chose to share the source of her strength.
Currently, she is dedicated to expanding the brand significantly and speaking at charitable events to share her story and inspire the next generation of women and of female entrepreneurs. Most recently, she openly discussed her experiences as a female entrepreneur at Dolce’s luncheon event in support of Empowering Women and the Women Building Futures organization, which aims to support women as well as to celebrate and uplift the modern-day woman.
www.shesvanity.ca
@shesvanityfaceoil
BEAUTY NOTES
TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO
KISSKISS BEE GLOW
Discover the luscious KissKiss Bee Glow hybrid formula the perfect combination of lip care and makeup, nourishing lips from the inside out. hotelxtoronto.com @guerlainspatoronto
HAMMAM SPA
WELCOME TO THE HOCKLEY VALLEY SPA
Experience 8,000 sq. ft. of pure bliss! With signature treatments, seasonal features and local vendors, it’s the ideal nearby escape. hockley.com @hockleyvalleyresort
Hammam Spa offers a luxurious wellness experience with traditional hammam rituals, massages, and holistic treatments in a serene setting. hammamspa.ca @hammamspa
THE RESTAURANTS WE LOVE
“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child
NODO LIBERTY
With a focus on freshness and approachability, Nodo's menu offers a wide range of classic Italian and regional dishes prepared with a balance of traditional standards and creative interpretations of their own.
@nodorestaurant
AERA
RESTAURANT
Introducing Executive Chef Binit Pandey, a skilled chef who has created masterful dishes all over the world! Now he has graced Aera by recreating the magical culinary experiences his mother created for him as a child.
@aera.restaurant
1 KITCHEN TORONTO
Nestled in the heart of King West Village at the 1 Hotel Toronto, 1 Kitchen is one of the most unusual restaurants in the city, known for its fresh, local and sustainable farm-to-table cuisine.
@1kitchentoronto
ZERILLO.CA
samoras.com
ORDER NOW
Available at SHOPDOLCE.CA
FAMIGLIA ZERILLO IS PROUD TO BRING YOU PREMIUM EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL FROM THE ADRIATIC COAST OF ITALY.
Zerillo Oil is crafted to perfection by more than three generations of olive growers. Reinforced by the grandeur of the ancient olive trees, Famiglia Zerillo honours our family’s heritage and legacy afforded by its founding members by serving you an elevated farm-to-table experience.
Much more than a brand of olive oil, Famiglia Zerillo symbolizes generational aspiration, passion, connection and humility toward the craft of making olive oil.
AVAILABLE AT
MILANO BAR RISTORANTE
Immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of Italy right in the heart of Kleinburg, Ont.
@milanokleinburg
THE RESTAURANTS WE LOVE
CHEF MAURIZIO DIGIOIA
This ambitious and skilled Italian chef is ready to bring his talents to Canada through his personalchef and catering services and his exciting cooking classes.
@mauridigioia
RAMONA’S KITCHEN
Prepare to embark on an eclectic culinary journey! Whether it’s brunch, lunch or dinner, the flavours will dance, the moments will enhance, and the memories will last forever.
@ramonaskitchenca
DOVA RESTAURANT
A Sicilian and Mediterranean restaurant that pays homage not only to Sicily but also to other Mediterranean region’s exciting terroir and culinary traditions. You’ll find handmade artisanal pastas, fresh-caught fish and ethically sourced meats here. @dova.restaurant
CANO RESTAURANT
This vibrant family-owned eatery in Toronto's old-school Italian neighbourhood of St. Clair West prides itself on offering a delightful Italian dining experience with a focus on popular cuisine, particularly exquisite seafood dishes.
@canorestaurant
TERRA RESTAURANT
This elegantly designed and welcoming restaurant has earned its reputation as a marquee dining experience because of its exceptional gastronomic standards, top-notch service, prudent expansion and constant innovation.
@terrarestaurant
PRESERVING DIGNITY IN HEALTH CARE
Led by world-renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Giuseppe Papia, Sunnybrook Hospital’s Project Saving Legs is preventing amputations for patients with diabetes
WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER | INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO
Ontario is blessed by the fact that many of the world’s leading health care professionals, both researchers and practitioners, have chosen to call the province home. That makes its hospitals and health care institutions some of the best on the planet. That includes Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, worldrenowned for its innovations and top medical minds — minds such as that of leading vascular surgeon Dr. Giuseppe Papia, who is involved with the lifesaving work of Project Saving Legs at Sunnybrook.
An estimated 1,600 Ontarians with diabetes lose a limb each year, and with global rates of diabetes steadily rising, the number of patients suffering amputations is projected to increase by 50 per cent over the next 20 years. Project Savings Legs is an innovative initiative aiming to treat Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a vascular condition that is one of the most chronically under-recognized but potentially life-threatening health conditions in North America, often leading to leg amputation. Project
Saving Legs is yet another example of the world-leading innovations for which Sunnybrook has long been recognized.
“Sunnybrook really has the ethos of change in inventing the future of health care, and so that’s what we’re all about when it comes to research and education,” says Dr. Papia in a recent interview with City Life. “We really believe in our motto of ‘When It Matters Most.’ What we’re trying to do here is prevent amputations and preserve people’s dignity. At Sunnybrook, how we approach patient care is with gratitude, and you’ll find that with our nurses and even our porters, who are often the first contact with anxious patients. Our philosophy is patients first, and we really do care. It really is a special place.”
Today, even though he has 35 years of experience in health care and is the Chair of Vascular Surgery at the University of Toronto, Dr. Papia remains very much the child of Italian immigrants who was born in Toronto and grew up in Downsview. He first became interested in the medical profession because of his family’s doctor on College Street.
“Our doctor took care of all of us, my cousins, everyone,” recalls Dr. Papia. “I remember after one appointment my father took out a letter he got from the government, which had nothing to do with a medical issue, and our doctor took the time to care and help him understand the letter. I remember being inspired to want to be a person like that. I always wanted to be a person who people could depend upon for anything, and that’s what inspired me to do medicine. My goal through medical innovation is to help people I’ll never even meet.”
People have been depending on Dr. Giuseppe Papia for decades, and for the past decade patients suffering from diabetes can rely on Project Saving Legs to protect their health, their limbs, to increase their awareness of PAD and to invent and offer the most advanced treatments to limit amputations.
Set up similarly to a cancer-care facility with many disciplines under one roof, the Sunnybrook team performs more than 250 minimally invasive angioplasties each year to clear blockages and restore blood flow
— Dr. Giuseppe Papia A proud son of Italian immigrant parents, born and humbly raised in Toronto, Dr. Giuseppe Papia
to patients’ legs. This treatment often results in immediate relief, and patients typically return home the same day. In cases where angioplasty isn’t an option, Sunnybrook surgeons perform leg bypass surgery or hybrid procedures, all to restore patients’ lives and mobility. It is yet another illustration of inventing new approaches to health
care, which has been a core discipline at Sunnybrook.
“When we started doing these procedures about eight years ago, we were truly trailblazers in this area,” says Dr. Papia. “Cardiologists here at Sunnybrook had all the tools and heartrelated procedures to increase blood flow in that area, so we just turned
those procedures around and used them on the legs and toes.”
Sunnybrook has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible in health care, and that is also true with Project Saving Legs. They are using advanced vascular imaging for a better look inside blocked arteries while also investigating several advanced methods that use magnetic resonance imaging. This allows them to work to improve treatment decisions by determining which types of plaque may be more difficult or even impossible to treat using guidewires, stents or balloons.
Health care costs money, and so does a groundbreaking program such as Project Saving Legs, so financial support is needed to grow and improve the program. True to his Italian heritage, Dr. Papia is an avid cyclist, so with the help of the famed GTA-based Team Revolution cycling group Dr. Papia and other cyclists ride to raise funds for it. The fourth annual Ride for Project Saving Legs was held this summer at the Vineland Estates Winery, where cycling enthusiasts rode with the goal of bringing the total cumulative funds raised in just four years to more than $1 million. The participants enjoyed a winery luncheon following their ride in Vineland, Ont. — because cyclists get thirsty, too.
Project Saving Legs now is globally recognized and trains doctors from countries including Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and the Philippines who travel to Sunnybrook to learn the innovative techniques, then return to their home countries to train even more doctors in limb preservation. Dr. Giuseppe Papia has always been about preserving a person’s health and dignity. His determination and innovation in reinventing health care is doing just that.
sunnybrook.ca/foundation @projectsavinglegs
Project Saving Legs, an inspiring initiative led by Sunnybrook vascular surgeons, aims to open a clinic specializing in limb salvage
On August 9th, Ride for Project Saving Legs reached a significant milestone by raising $367,750 bringing the cumulative total to $1,000,000! This accomplishment makes their future efforts to help those suffering from Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) all the more promising
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNNYBROOK
• RV Law LLP is celebrating its 20th year as a general practice law office, priding itself on delivering big-firm results with clientfocused small-firm service and personal attention.
• RV Law LLP takes pride in representing a diverse clientele and providing legal counsel in various languages, including: Italian; Spanish; Portuguese; Serbian; Hindi; Gujarati; Albanian; Russian; Hebrew; and German. Additionally, we make use of interpreter services and translation agencies to legally represent persons of diverse ethnic and linguistic communities.
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These carefully chosen products will help you embrace the changing leaves as Fall arrives
@sephoracanada
3 breeze. www.sephora.com
5. VALENTE JEWELLERS
For more than 50 years, Valente has consistently demonstrated that their custom jewelry and designs endure the test of time. shopvalente.ca @valente_inc
6. THE CASIMIR JOGGER SNEAKER Perfect for your most laid-back looks, these comfy and cool kicks are an essential for your wardrobe. www.aldoshoes.com @aldo_shoes
TIE-NECK BLOUSE One of H&M’s newest oversized blouses in a bold feline print fabric. www2.hm.com @hm FOR THE BOOKWORM
4
Thomas Erikson’s Surrounded by Idiots describes one of the world’s most used methods to sort out the differences in human communication. www.surroundedbyidiots.com
@thomaseriksonwriter
BAMBOO REED DIFFUSER
This Reed Diffuser blends iconic white florals with lush greens and sparkling citrus notes. www.nestnewyork.com @nestnewyork
2
ZERILLO-SOSA
MINI HIGHLIGHTERS Ideal for schoolwork, crafting, drawing and more, the Wonder Co. Mini Highlighter Set can tackle any at-home project or academic assignment. www.indigo.ca @indigo 8. GIANT STUFFED PLUSH Melissa & Doug’s lifelike stuffed plush will offer endless cuddles and bring joy to your little one. www.anthropologie.com @anthropologie 9. SANDRA AINSLEY GALLERY Peter Bremers’ breathtaking work, “Amethyst Framed Space,” is showcased at one of North America’s leading contemporary glass galleries: the Sandra Ainsley Gallery. sandraainsleygallery.com @ainsleygallery 10. THE POINTELLE-KNIT SHIRT One of H&M’s newest regular-fit shirts in pointelle-knit cotton with a comfortable and classic silhouette. www2.hm.com @hm 11. LOGAN SUITCASE Kids will be thrilled to pack their vacation essentials in one of STATE Bags’ vibrant suitcases. www.anthropologie.com @anthropologie 12. CRAYOLA COLOURED PENCILS All the colours your little ones need to put their imagination to paper. www.staples.ca @staplescanada
SPARK STYLE STAINLESS STEEL BOTTLE Featuring cool designs that let little personalities shine, this stainless steel water bottle helps keep drinks cool when you’re on the go. www.indigo.ca @indigo 14. MARTELLI FOODS Light pillows of potato gnocchi make for a quick meal and are ideal served with Bolognese sauce, cheese sauce, or any of the Martelli Foods pestos. martellifoods.com @martellifoods 15. LEONE FORNI COUNTERTOP Introducing Ciao Bella Pizza Oven’s latest pizza oven: a wood-burning, hearth-style refractory clay oven crafted for outdoor residential use. www.ciaobellapizzaovens.com @ciaobellapizzaovens
FROM VINE TO GLASS
2020 BRUCE TRAIL RED
Blackberry and chocolate with evolving notes of prune, plum, earth, leather, currants and meat, the palate features a pronounced earthy, rustic quality. vieni.ca
TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
The nose offers ripe cherry, black cherry, and wild berries with a hint of spice. On the palate it’s dry yet soft, with a wellbalanced mix of acidity and tannins. www.tommasi.com
KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC
This vibrant Sauvignon Blanc features notes of passion fruit, gooseberry and pea pods. Refreshing and versatile, it pairs well with steamed clams, mussels, asparagus risotto or grilled chicken.
UNDERWOOD
The Underwood blend showcases Oregon Pinot Noir’s rich, juicy flavours with notes of cherry, black currant and forest floor. Ideal for any day and any place.
www.kimcrawfordwines.com unionwinecompany.com
GÉRARD BERTRAND HERITAGE 560 TAUTAVEL
The nose detects black fruits, licorice, truffle and black olive. The palate reveals power, volume, density and a solid structure, with freshness, elegance and silky tannins. en.gerard-bertrand.com
SUR DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC/
Malbec/Cabernet
possesses touches of mint and wood and flavours of plum and raspberry, as well as intense berry aromas.
TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO
LEADERS IN BUSI NE SS
Discover how community business leaders transform our communities through innovation, resilience, and passion, as their vision propels local growth, fosters unity, and sparks positive change
DRS. JASON & MARIA GRANZOTTO
YAN MARGULIS
SVETLANA ANTONYSHYN
It’s often been said that purchasing a home is the biggest financial decision of anyone’s lifetime, and in the competitive GTA housing market it can also be the most intimidating, confusing and complex transaction homebuyers ever encounter. This is when trusted and expert advice can make a significant difference in turning anxiety into excitement.
Today, experts Mimmo Galati and Anna Neri, the dynamic husband-and-wife team who founded The Luxhaus Real Estate Group, work with Intercity Realty Inc. Brokerage on pre-construction homes and resales throughout the GTA.
Neri and Galati both bring specific skill sets from their respective career experiences, which sets Luxhaus apart in the real estate market. Neri has spent decades in retail marketing and design, developing a keen eye for details, esthetics and creating an impressive impact on preparing a home to sell. She also has the ability to help illustrate to prospective purchasers what could be possible, from a design and livability standpoint, to make a new house a home. Galati spent 25 years as a wedding photographer until he turned his innate ability for sales into a real-estate career more than a decade ago. This team approach covers all the bases for their clientele.
“We believe that, together, we make a stronger team for our clients,” says Neri. “By having two people work on one account, or one client or one home, we’re able to truly
bring more than one perspective in that real-estate journey, and I think there is a bonus advantage to that. We truly love what we do.”
Galati adds, “She brings a very focused attention to detail when preparing for the listing and I focus on the negotiations, together we have a deep understanding of marketing to ensure the home has the maximum exposure needed and resonates with a large audience. I think there is a really good balance between us, which allows us to focus on our skills.”
The real-estate journey can oftentimes contain many hurdles, but as Galati says, “For us, it’s overcoming that challenge — it could be budget, it could be location, but, at the end of the day, it’s all about achieving success and putting a smile on the client’s face.”
ANNA NERI AND MIMMO GALATI work alongside each other and their clients to tirelessly pursue the perfect property for them!
delivering exemplary service to its clients. That dedication to service seems ingrained in the DNA of both Neri and Galati, who genuinely enjoy what they are allowed to do for their clients.
As Neri says, “We have both been in customer service for what seems a life time, it’s only natural we extend that skill into our real estate business. We provide an elevated experience for our customers regardless if the home is $500,000 or $4 million.”
That dedication to trusted, personalized service that Neri and Galati bring to their profession is based upon the gratitude of being able to help their clients navigate the real-estate process, fully understanding its importance while bringing integrity to the process.
“We’re incredibly privileged to be welcomed into our clients’ home and share a lot of very personal information about their real estate journey,” says Neri. “So, I’m very grateful for people to open their doors and let us help them with what will be one of the biggest investments or purchases of their lives. And it’s so rewarding when we can help them.”
It is here where The Luxhaus Real Estate Group makes a difference by always
3600 Langstaff Rd., Unit 14, Vaughan, ON 416-358-5023, 416-409-5551
lxhgroup.com
@lxhgroup
With YAN MARGULIS and the entire Capable Group Inc. team, you can have your basement professionally renovated in just 19 days
TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE WITH THE BEST
Capable Group Inc. is redefining the standard of home renovations one satisfied client at a time
Any home improvement project can be daunting, no matter how big or small. So much so that the horror stories we hear about dealing with contractors at times can make us hesitant to ever take that first step toward transforming a home space.
But Capable Group Renovations is changing that narrative one satisfied client at a time.
From concept to creation, Capable Group Renovations, led by CEO Yan Margulis, abides by two guiding pillars: high-quality product and clear client communication.
Margulis has accumulated over 25 years of experience in the industry, gaining hands-on knowledge in all aspects of renovation work. This includes collaborating with numerous trades on various projects and physically contributing to the renovation work with his own hands.
“It made sense to combine all my different
experiences, and that is how Capable Group came to life,” says Margulis.
Established in 2017 initially as a specialty renovation company exclusively for basements, Capable Group Renovations has now become a multidisciplinary renovation and finishing company that specializes in bathroom, bedroom and kitchen projects including niche project like home gyms, home theatres and sauna spaces.
More impressively, Capable Group Renovations has expertise with the millwork needed to produce custom-built units essential for clients who want to explore different combinations of overall design and placement.
“We go a few notches up in the quality of the materials we offer. Any kind of custom-built unit or kitchen — we make all of it customized to the preferences of the client, unlike our
competition that relies on prefabricated cabinets from Rona or Home Depot,” says Margulis.
Before clients even sign their contract with Capable Group Renovations they are eager to explore the showroom and experience a 3-D rendering demonstration of their envisioned home. This demonstration provides an accurate depiction of what clients can expect, along with a formal understanding of the materials and process required to complete the project.
“What inspires me every day is seeing the transformation of the spaces and a happy client. Completing the job within the client’s budget, that’s key for us because the client has that sense of relief, and it brings more value to their property,” says Margulis.
Head to Capable Group Renovations for top-tier materials, comprehensive results, professional communication and guaranteed accurate progress timelines. Above all, the company’s success is driven by the integrity shown and received by the collaborative trades and the clients.
9131 Keele St. Suite A4, Vaughan, ON 905-889-0025
capablegroupinc.ca
@capablegroupinc
MEDICATION-FREE TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION
DrLeo Steiner is a registered psychologist specializing in Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology. Like many professionals who have worked in the mental health field for decades, he has experienced his share of successes and challenges. After 30 years in practice, Dr. Steiner chose to reinvent himself and his strategy by incorporating a neuromodulation technique known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) into his treatment plans for patients with treatment-resistant conditions. Over the past three years, he has observed a
remarkable increase in positive responses and a significant reduction in relapses among his patients.
Mental illness is experienced by one in three Canadians during their lifetime, and approximately 50% of people have reported that their mental health has worsened since the onset of COVID-19. To respond to these alarming statistics, Dr. Steiner is excited to introduce TMS Clinics of Canada, the first private clinic in Toronto to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
This groundbreaking, medication-free treatment is approved by Health Canada
DR.
STEINER, SHERRYL STEINER, AND NIKKI CHANOWITZ
and is currently available in such prestigious facilities as the Mayo Clinic and hospitals affiliated with Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Columbia and Stanford universities. According to CANMAT (Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments, a network of academic and clinical experts dedicated to improving clinical care for people with mood and anxiety disorders) “TMS is now a first-line recommendation for patients with Major Depressive Disorder who have failed at least one antidepressant.”
Since 1988, Dr. Steiner has been dedicated to helping individuals suffering from depression and other emotional challenges. He has had the privilege of teaching graduate university courses, working in the psychiatric departments of hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area and consulting with addiction facilities, social service agencies and Corrections Canada.
TMS Clinics of Canada brings a deep passion to mental health care. The team is composed of genuine, caring and personable individuals who treat their patients with the utmost dignity and respect.
Dr. Steiner emphasizes one more important point. People credit TMS for their success but also acknowledge the critical role of the supportive staff. They feel that the warm and caring staff in the clinic is what got them through their journey.
“The combination of an effective treatment and a wonderful staff have pulled many people out of years of misery and brought them to ‘Love Life Again,’” says Dr. Steiner.
Please visit tmsofcanada.com or call 905897-9699 for a complimentary consultation and for more information.
Dr. Leo Steiner and his team at TMS Clinics of Canada aim
LET’S WORK THROUGH IT TOGETHER
Svetlana Antonyshyn, the founder of InnerSight Psychotherapy Inc., shares her professional passions, life journey and how she transformed her greatest tragedy into a fulfilling life by helping others live their best
Many do not know that the professional life of a psychotherapist is often quite lonely. Traditionally, because there is no one else to work alongside or report to, the biggest concern is quality assurance when it comes to the treatment plan assigned to a given client. So imagine a psychotherapy institution comprising a team of committed healthcare professionals.
These professionals regularly attend monthly workshops, participate in one-onone supervised case reviews, and collaborate as a team to stay updated on the latest
developments and mental health care trends.
“So, one thing we do differently at InnerSight is that we place a strong emphasis on professional growth,” says Registered Psychotherapist, Relationship Counsellor, Supervisor for Psychotherapists and Founder of InnerSight Psychotherapy Inc. Svetlana Antonyshyn.
In 2017, Antonyshyn founded InnerSight as a clinic offering comprehensive and compassionate mental health care. At the core of her many objectives was to help the next generation of psychotherapists master their
craft with a genuine desire to assist people. The clinic’s key feature of monthly educational workshops and regular supervision sessions provides a crucial safeguard to prevent therapists’ burnout and ensure ongoing improvement in their practices, which results in better client care.
“Life is tough and there are no guarantees. Here at InnerSight, we devote ourselves to helping people develop that internal compass, the inner strength and mental fitness to build a life worth living,” says Antonyshyn.
Clients desire genuine care and an authentic approach that allows them to feel safe, to trust and embrace the therapeutic process more than anything. No one understands this better than Antonyshyn, as she suffered a terrible loss that changed the course of her life. After the tragic loss of her young son, she turned to everything she had learned through therapy.
“I was undergoing psychotherapy treatment before the tragedy, and that was how I was able to live through this unspeakable loss. It helped me to overcome my grief and it transformed my life. So psychotherapy is more than a career to me it is a tribute to life, because I saw firsthand how powerful and amazing it was for me. I wanted to do this for others,” says Antonyshyn.
Since 2019, the practice has consistently been recognized by the “Three Best Rated” Award of Excellence for marriage and family counselling. This independent evaluation highlights the clinic’s continued excellence and dedication to client care. Most recently, Antonyshyn received the 2024 Global Recognition Award for the clinic’s exceptional contributions to the mental health industry. This is a heartfelt reflection of the clinic’s rapid growth and commitment to providing highquality mental health care.
The clinic’s transformation from a solo practice to a continually growing team, now with 14 psychotherapists serving over 1,500 clients, is a testament to Antonyshyn’s dedication and vision.
270 Purple Creek Rd., #202, Vaughan, ON psychotherapyclinic.ca @innersight.psychotherapy
BESMEH RUG COMPANY IS AT YOUR SERVICE
Since 1993, the family-owned and operated Besmeh Rug Company has provided high-quality handwoven rugs that are true works of art
From humble beginnings in Karbala, Iraq, the Mahdi family has specialized in the rug industry for three generations. With the success of their family-operated stores in Iraq and Kuwait, they were eager to bring their success and passionate work ethic to Toronto. For 26 years, their first store on Bay Street has flourished, making it a beacon location in the rug industry.
The Mahdi family know better than anyone that identifying the weavings of any rug tells a story, that how it’s crafted reveals its quality and how to find a
customer’s perfect rug that will inevitably pass down to their children for generations to come.
Q: What aspect of your work do you love the most?
A: One of the things we love most about this profession is that we are constantly surrounded by art. Understanding the process and workmanship behind these carpets develops a profound appreciation for this art form. We are driven by the thrill of finding unique and rare antique pieces. It is especially exciting to discover pieces we
Father and son HASHEM AND AHMED MAHDI offer a great selection of hand-knotted rugs of various styles, from rare antique carpets to modern rugs for your desired look
have never seen the likes of before despite our decades of experience in this industry. Another important and satisfying aspect of this work is helping our customers find the perfect carpet and hearing back from them years later, to express their satisfaction.
What makes Besmeh Rug Company unique and stand out from other businesses in the same industry?
Our years of experience and excellent collection distinguish us from other businesses in the same industry. We have experience in all the different types of Persian rugs, allowing us to build an excellent collection to provide our customers with a vast selection to choose from. We carry antique, new, city-made, tribal and villagemade rugs of varying qualities and designs. We can confidently say that we have one of the best selections in Canada.
What does your community mean to you after all your years of service?
Regardless of where we open a shop, we have always placed importance on serving our community by providing them with quality products that they would remember us for. We strive to create lifelong relationships with all of our customers and not just sell them a single item and say goodbye. We also are always ready to serve our customers not only by selling them carpets but also by helping them wash and restore their rugs, assisting them in trading in their rugs, and providing them with professional advice or appraisals for their existing rugs. Our community is everything; they make all of this possible. Had it not been for the relationships we spent years building with our various communities, we would not be able to operate today.
7777 Weston Rd., Unit 181, Woodbridge, ON 905-850-5666
besmeh.ca
@besmehrugco
BESMEH RUG CO.
THE NATURAL APPROACH TO BETTER HEALTH
Tri-Health Wellness Centre in Woodbridge uses an integrated, altruistic and natural approach to health care
Besides automotive and technology ads, the commercial airwaves are filled with ads for new pharmaceutical medications of every sort. The one-minute TV commercials for these drugs all seem to follow the same format: 20 seconds announcing the malady — plus the medication name and how it will make you feel better — and the remaining 40 seconds outlining the potential negative side effects, while the impossibleto-read mice-type legal disclaimer appears at the bottom of the screen. It begs the question: Would a more natural approach to getting healthy be the better method?
Enter Drs. Jason and Maria Granzotto, the husband-and-wife team — both Naturopathic Doctors — who have developed and enthusiastically lead their team of practitioners with a devoted belief in practising the natural approach at their TriHealth Wellness Centre in Woodbridge, Ont.
With a combined 25 years of professional experience, they opened Tri-Health Wellness Centre in the spring of 2020, just before the pandemic hit, but have successfully grown ever since, and now they have an integrated team of 15 practitioners. Each practitioner at Tri-Health is dedicated to helping their patients live a naturopathic lifestyle, providing a combination of advanced and innovative offerings not available elsewhere. These include a Hyperbaric Chamber for oxygen therapy, cryotherapy (cooling), infrared sauna (warming), Red Light Therapy (warming), Live Blood Cell Microscopy (a firsthand “window” or snapshot view into the body that would otherwise be missed) and their popular InBody 570 body composition analyzer. These are all inclusive of the latest and top-echelon technologies available to provide an even more in-depth and effective treatment plan to their patients.
“One of our goals at Tri-Health is to educate and bring to the forefront how Natural Medicine has advanced,” says Dr. Jason Granzotto. “We have what we call an ‘integrated approach’ to care, with a large team under one roof. TriHealth is comprised of the right professional practitioners treating our patients at the right time. If a patient needs to be referred to someone else, our team is confident enough to do just that, always putting the patient’s health above everything else through our altruistic approach to healthcare.”
Tri-Heath Wellness Centre’s holistic perspective, testing abilities, effective treatments, as well as its desire to heal every patient addresses a critical need in the community of Woodbridge which has undergone dramatic change over the years.
“I grew up in Woodbridge, and I have practised here for more than 15 years,” says Dr. Jason Granzotto. “So, I understand a lot of the culture, but I’ve also seen how the culture has evolved. We have a very multicultural and dynamic group of practitioners, which I think matches the evolution of the community, and we’re trying to help both young and old. Some people have a fear about Natural Medicine or are very connected to their family doctor. So we want to help that community understand that the natural approach is very safe and very tried-and-true. We work with family doctors, so there is a comfort level knowing we’re a familiar face.”
To attract the younger generation, which has an increased interest in the natural approach to health care, Tri-Health has an active presence on social media, with videos and information designed to educate and inform. They even train both Olympic and professional athletes.
Recently, there has been a renewed focus on just what we are putting into our bodies. Tri-Health Wellness Centre is proving to be a leading, safe sanctuary for a better alternative to health care, with a holistic, natural approach.
8611 Weston Rd., #4, Woodbridge, ON 905-605-9355
www.trihealth.ca
@trihealthwellness
PHOTO BY CARLOS A. PINTO
Husband and wife team DRS. JASON AND MARIA GRANZOTTO ND have inspired a naturopathic lifestyle and promoted the resounding benefits of natural medicine
individual, ensuring that each client receives a workout plan that is both effective and sustainable. Ivic takes it one step further by delivering a holistic approach to wellness, integrating aspects of nutrition, mental health and lifestyle into the training.
“Many clients feel motivated and excited about continuing their Pilates journey, eager to see continued progress and incorporate the principles they’ve learned into their daily routines,” says Ivic. “What I love the most about my work is witnessing the transformation in my clients. Seeing their progress, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally, is incredibly rewarding.”
IMPRINT PILATES: EMBRACE YOUR PATH TO WELLNESS
Under Anita Ivic’s stewardship, you will achieve immediate physical results that will have you looking and feeling your best
From a young age, a passion for fitness and wellness was deeply rooted within Anita Ivic’s being. She was raised in an athletic health-conscious family, a twin brother, an older sister and brother, a dedicated father and a “very influential and athletic mother” who fueled her passion for movement, health and wellness.
Ivic says that there were never any limitations to what she could achieve personally or professionally. At the age of 11, at a time when Ivic was formally training to become a ballet dancer, she was involved in a car accident, so she began practicing Pilates
to aid in her rehabilitation. Later, she received her BFA in Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University, and her fascination with how the body works through movement grew.
Little did she know that these series of events would lead to her to become one of the most sought-after Pilates instructors in Toronto. They would subsequently lead her in 2008 to create Imprint Pilates, which offers clients private one-on-one Pilates training, with a commitment to personalized training that extends beyond the studio.
Every session is tailored to meet the specific needs, goals and fitness levels of the
The studio itself is fully equipped with the latest Pilates apparatus, offering a clean, comfortable and motivating environment that elevates the training experience and also allows Ivic to adapt to the ever-evolving craft and stay up to date with the latest techniques so that her clients get the highest-quality instruction with every session.
Over the years, Imprint Pilates has attracted and trained a diverse clientele ranging from Olympians and other athletes including decorated Canadian Olympian Penny Oleksiak, Alysha Newman, Bianca Andreescu, Kylie Masse, Marissa Papaconstantinou, and some of Toronto’s very own Raptors and 905, Blue Jays, Maple Leafs and TFC players to Steve Nash, as well as Sasha Exeter and popular television and film personalities, actors, and residents of the GTA & Toronto’s King West Village, the Financial, Entertainment, and Fashion districts.
While Imprint Pilates continues to serve as a beacon for fitness lovers, its long-term goal has not changed, which is for the studio to continue to grow in a way that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of clients and fosters a fitness community of support.
But this will prove to be no challenge for Ivic, for her beautiful children serve as her daily source of inspiration and they remind her to lead by example with positivity, integrity
204 Spadina Ave., First Floor, Toronto, ON 416-939-9545
www.imprintpilates.com @imprintpilates
Founder ANITA IVIC established Imprint Pilates to provide a unique environment for individuals to prioritize their health and wellness in a supportive space and embrace the inspiring atmosphere of a fitness community
IVY LASER CLINIC: CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF SUCCESS
CEO Tamara Odisho openly shares the journey that led to her managing the leading medical aesthetics and laser treatment facility in Vaughan, Ontario
Passion can be sparked at any time and in any way. For Tamara Odisho, her passion for aesthetician work and essentially all things beauty spurred her decision to live in Australia. It was the mid-2000s and Odisho quickly learned that Australia was well ahead of North America when it came to the world of aesthetics.
Knowing that it would be a billion-dollar industry, she absorbed as much knowledge as she could. After training, receiving hands-on experience and seeing the incredible results that patients were experiencing, she knew she had to come back to Toronto and open her clinic.
In the fall of 2014, when she was 27, Oshido opened one of the first clinics in the GTA to guarantee the lowest rates, incredible results and the highest level of service, which came
directly from her deep personal values.
Today, Ivy Laser Clinic celebrates its 10th anniversary and is highly regarded for its customer service and exceptional level of the services it provides.
“My staff is like my family. There’s no other way to put it,” says Odisho. “We built this together and, most of all, we’re a clinic that is operated exclusively by nurse practitioners.”
Odisho’s focus and passion have always been fuelled by seeing clients who, after struggling with skin problems or other issues, finally find freedom and confidence after receiving Ivy Laser Clinic treatments. But the clinic doesn’t just set the standard, it also ensures that it pays it forward, contributing to the industry’s future. Odisho has dedicated her life to training and certifying those who aspire to pursue a career in the medical
For TAMARA ODISHO her longstanding clients have become as close as family, and she firmly credits her dedicated and talented staff for being the source of those relationships
of the following courses:
• Botox
• Dermal filler
• Face & body scar revision
• Face & neck tightening
• Laser hair removal
• Microneedling
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Threadlift
• Skin care therapy
• Skin tag removal
• Spider vein removal
• Stretch mark removal
“What’s important is that there are more options now, not just for women but for men, as well. And it’s great to see men take care of themselves just as much as women. Who doesn’t want to look and feel young, right?” says Odisho.
7730 Kipling Ave., Unit #5, Vaughan, ON 905-605-3225
ivylaserclinic.com
@ivylaserclinic
PHOTOS BY ISABEL DI NARDO
THE MOST LUXURIOUS RIDE
For life’s most special occasions you deserve to enjoy the royal treatment, and being transported in a luxurious limo, bus or SUV to your wedding, prom, Sweet Sixteen party or for corporate travel adds that extra touch of flair. A Celebrity Limousine Service has been the most soughtafter option for more than 24 years.
Renowned for his company’s reputation for delivering luxury, professionalism and, above all, safety and discretion, President Rob Iafrate refuses to sit back despite everything he has accomplished.
During his career, Iafrate worked as a personal driver for and developed a close
relationship with the illustrious musician Prince and drove for the likes of Al Pacino, Pitbull, Wayne Gretzky, Lady Gaga and many more. But before he drove the stars, he was shooting for the stars by purchasing a limo without knowing anything about the industry.
“I knew nothing about the industry, which really worked to my benefit! I went in totally unbiased, told myself I’d figure it out and just focused on delivering great service,” says Iafrate. “Every year we kept on growing, and I never looked back.”
What started as a one-man-and-one-limo business fuelled by relentless ambition has
now become a 20-plus-person operation equipped with an entire fleet of luxury vehicles that are suited for a variety of different occasions.
“Everything we do is in-house. I own all my vehicles, and we hire and train our drivers to be excellent chauffeurs. We don’t subcontract anything, and that’s what makes us special, because we have quality control,” says Iafrate.
Although A Celebrity Limousine Service specializes in weddings and VIP corporate travel, exploring all the amazing things the province of Ontario offers is also possible. You and your guests can travel in comfort and style in a top-notch limousine to visit some of the most scenic landmarks. If you’d like to experience nature’s majestic beauty, you can choose to head to Niagara Falls to catch the mist and see the breathtaking views in absolute luxury, then you can visit the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake to sample their finest vintage wines.
For Iafrate, putting smiles on people’s faces and making dreams come true is what motivates him to continue to work to be No. 1. He doesn’t just take pride in completing one-time jobs. Instead, he sees his greatest accomplishment as being part of significant family moments across generations. He finds fulfilment in life’s full-circle moments, knowing that serving at a couple’s wedding and then at their own children’s weddings is an incredibly special experience and should never be taken for granted.
So if you require safe, professional and luxurious transportation services for any occasion, A Celebrity Limousine Service will be honoured to be at your service.
bullying issues both at school and on social media. As well, the kids had more difficulty focusing and lacked confidence, due to the effects of isolation for almost two years. Our goal is to teach our students to be confident, focused and goal-oriented, both in the dojo and in all aspects of their lives. We teach our students to strive to be the best version of themselves, including respecting themselves as well as others. Through our curriculum, we also teach our students to have the knowledge and awareness to avoid conflict while still having the ability to protect themselves.”
Kyoshi Vona fell in love with the art as a child growing up in the 1970s and believes in Northern Karate Schools’ philosophy that martial arts are a positive force for change in physical and mental health.
NORTHERN KARATE SCHOOLS: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
For 52 years, Northern Karate Schools has been regarded as the top institution for martial arts training. Since it was established in 1972, Northern Karate has now expanded to 15 locations in the metropolitan Toronto area, with its newest location in Barrie, Ont., where more than 10,000 men, women and children, ages 3 to 70 years old routinely train. However, despite the growth, Northern Karate firmly upholds its pillars of success:
honouring tradition while pursuing evolving techniques, discipline and respect.
Northern Karate Schools’ Kyoshi (teacher) and the Rutherford location director, Cos Vona, explains that karate has tons of physical, mental and social benefitssuitable for anyone of any age.
“What inspires me is seeing the positive changes we make in our students’ lives,” says Kyoshi Vona. “After COVID-19, when kids returned to school, we saw more
That is why many NKS students who began as children continue their training well into adulthood. NKS holds a special place for families as it welcomes parents to train alongside their children, fostering a family-oriented environment. Over the years, many strong friendships have developed among the students, solidifying the sense of community within the organization.
“People come to us not just for a week or a month, they come to us for years. I have students that have been with me for 20-plus years, and now they’re adults beginning their careers, getting married and starting their families,” says Kyoshi Vona.
Northern Karate Schools has created and continues to create strong, focused and confident individuals. Take the next step to embark on the path towards selfimprovement for yourself or a loved one.
The ethos of Northern Karate Schools is deeply rooted in tradition and the exploration of the craft in a way that shapes a positive future for the student
KYOSHI COS VONA
Whether helping you to redesign your living room or renovate your entire home, DIVYA KAMBHOJ is devoted to customizing every aspect of your project to fit your requirements and preferences
CAPTURING YOUR STYLE
Ivish Interiors’ Founder & Design Consultant Divya Kambhoj loves to create spaces that reflect her clients’ unique identities and styles
With every creative professional there is always a unique journey that they take. For Divya Kambhoj, her journey started in the world of fashion back home in India, where she received her master’s degree in textiles and fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology.
But her interest in interior design never faded. As time passed and she worked with some of the most well-known brands in North America, her friends and family sought her out for tips and suggestions related to interior design.
“Whatever they needed help with in terms of finding things and decorating, I was enjoying it! That’s when I decided that I wanted to start my own business,” says Kambhoj.
Ivish Interiors was established in 2021 and its success was meteoric. Ivish Interiors expanded its portfolio by taking on one project after another.
“We focus on exceptional customer service, not just the project itself but a personalized approach. We take care of every little detail and leave no stone unturned. We are there for our clients as the creative process evolves, ensuring that whatever we are doing is aligned with their wants and needs,” says Kambhoj.
What is their story? What is their vision? How functional is it? These are the guiding points that Ivish Interiors follows to enhance their clients’ everyday lives. One aspect of the creative process that Ivish Interiors’ clients really enjoy is the company’s use of highresolution 3-D renderings, which allow their customers to get a much better sense of how their spaces will evolve.
“We walk them through design details step by step, and through the 3-D renderings they can see their vision come true,” says Kambhoj.
Kambhoj finds her inspiration in art and in nature, perfectly balancing colours, textures and forms to create the final
transcendent look and feel for every Ivish project. Her love of reading and travel gives her an authentic cultural touch if a client has specific parameters. But ultimately, what inspires her more than anything is her client’s vision.
“The client’s vision is the base on which I start the whole project. It sets the tone, and I use that as inspiration to make their space a beautiful backdrop for their life’s most cherished moments,” says Kambhoj.
The Ivish Interiors approach is all about collaboration with you, the client. They will listen to understand your needs, your dreams and all the little things that make you smile.
16 Industrial Parkway S., Suite 208, Aurora, ON 647-749-8913
www.ivishinteriors.com @ivishinteriors
PHOTO BY AARON WYNIA
Matheson is at his best when he’s creating and cooking his deliciously funky recipes
THE BADASS BEAR OF FOOD THEATRE
ONE PART HAM, ONE PART SPICY: CHEF, RESTAURATEUR, ACTOR AND AUTHOR MATTY MATHESON IS ALL PARTS IN FOR WHATEVER S ON TAP
WRITTEN BY CECE M. SCOTT
Infood parlance, he’s never been described as an eggover-easy kind of guy.
Instead, Matty Matheson, celebrated chef, New York Times bestselling author, restaurateur, entrepreneur, executive producer and actor on FX Production’s famously popular restaurant dramedy series The Bear, in which he plays handyman Neil Fak (or simply Fak), is more like a hardboiled double-smoked hunk of extraspicy beef jerky.
But even though Matheson is not a lead character on The Bear, because of his rogue, sometimes unintentional humour, his self-deprecating manner — not to mention his down-home banter — he has become a spotlight grabber, delighting fans by being so ingenuous.
Matheson’s stocky body is covered in tattoos. “Without tattoos, you’re not even a real chef, are you? If you don’t have tattoos, you’re not good at cooking,” Matheson quips on his Real chefs have tattoos TikTok video.
With a profane vocabulary peppered — in actuality, spice-racked — with F-bombs, Matheson is the polar opposite of what “normal” society usually sees as an acceptable public figure, one to be celebrated, watched and followed.
But that is exactly what makes Matheson so beloved by so many people.
Known to say things that could easily be misconstrued if someone else said them, Matheson has such energy and
positivity that what he says presents as observation rather than judgment.
A party animal with a capital P, Matheson calls himself a “psychopathic party boy.” He has partied hearty with the best of the best, including Leonardo DiCaprio while they were both in St. Barts, and appeared on the late-night talk shows Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Late Night with Seth Meyers
In fact, Matheson has amassed a significant following on his socials: he has 1.8 million followers on Instagram and a critical mass of 1.46 million on YouTube.
Intriguingly, Matheson has an 87 per cent 5-star rating on Amazon for his 2020 cookbook, Home Style Cookery: A Home Cookbook, (Abrams), higher than renowned British chef Jamie Oliver’s 75 per cent 5-star rating for his 2021 book, Together: Memorable Meals Made Easy (HarperCollins).
Once Matheson accepted the inevitable, he never looked back. With a formula that can best be described as a live-in-the-moment-for-the-moment strategy, Matheson is enjoying killer success on a number of platforms.
The staggering number of dining establishments that Matheson has worked at in an equal number of staggering positions would fill a server’s order book from beginning to end.
In 2000, after dropping out of Humber College’s Culinary Management program in Toronto at the age of 19 —
Matheson had seen his enrolment at Humber College as his opportunity to move to the city — he scored a job at Le Sélect Bistro, where he was introduced to the fine art of French gastronomic creation under Chef Rang Nguyen.
With a career that has had more moving parts than a car engine — think of an outsized over-the-top Energizer Bunny mascot on steroids ripping through the restaurant industry — Matheson was the executive chef at Parts & Labour restaurant and also worked at and headed up other eating establishments including La Palette, Dog & Bear and OddFellows.
It is important to note that Matheson’s win on the Toronto TV show Burger Wars for his cheeseburger creation — consisting of ground beef, Monterey Jack cheese, iceberg lettuce, homemade bacon-onion jam, and dill-pickle mayo slathered on a buttered bun — was the initial event that instantly catapulted his visibility and persona into the stratosphere.
He and various partners have founded several restaurants along the way, including Cà Phê Rang, Matty’s Patty’s, Rizzo’s House of Parm and Prime Seafood Palace, plus the nowdefunct pop-up Toronto restaurant Birria Balam, which in 2023 won Toronto Life Magazine ’s No. 1 spot in their annual ranking of the city’s best new restaurants.
His to-the-core irreverence and cheeky “WTF” attitude are the very attributes that have made Matheson successful and indeed have led to his appearances on a range of shows including Vice Media’s Munchies; those videos have made him an international star.
He also created and starred in Vice’s 2016 Dead Set on Life TV series, a culinary travel show that was described thusly: “From $6 subs to the most sought-after ingredients on the planet, Matty Matheson eats it all, with friends new and old.”
Matheson was the star chef on It’s Suppertime, also for Vice. And again, under its Munchies brand, Matheson hosted the 2014–2015 YouTube series Keep It Canada with Matty Matheson His mission on the show was to explore different places within Canada and
“I’M A BIG GUY DOING FUNNY SHIT”
Matheson loves to dress in ’70s throwback styles
MATTY
MATHESON’S WIN ON THE TV SHOW BURGERWARS FOR HIS CHEESEBURGER CREATION, WHICH INCLUDES BOTH HIS HOMEMADE BACON-ONION DIP AND HIS DILL PICKLE MAYO, WAS THE RECOGNITION THAT THRUST HIM INTO THE
FAN-FUELED SPOTLIGHT
discover the dishes popular in those regions.
And even though Matheson has been quoted as saying “Acting scares the shit out of me,” I can’t see a teleprompter in his future any time soon. With a shtick that is based on being as irreverent as hell, with his personal volume turned up to maximum decibels, Matheson is
a talented loaded-with-confidence-andhumour showman.
In fact, in February 2024, Matheson was one of the cast members that won an award from the Screen Actors Guild for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for their roles in The Bear
As the third season of the Emmy-
winning Best Comedy Series The Bear launched in June 2024, Matheson’s role as executive producer, chef consultant and actor expanded to include screenwriter as well.
His first book, released in 2018, Matty Matheson: A Cookbook (Abrams), was a New York Times bestseller, and his second was an Amazon bestseller.
In his newest book, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches: A Cookbook, a combination that is often referred to as “cooking’s iconic trinity” (Appetite by Random House, to be released in October 2024), Matheson presents a series of often-unusual recipes.
What is particularly intriguing and fun about Matheson’s books are the personal stories and photographs that he includes along with the recipes.
Matheson married his high-school sweetheart, Trish Spencer, in 2014. The couple now have three children and live on their farm, near Fort Erie, Ont.
Along with his family’s assets, Matheson’s business holdings include Cassoulet Palace Inc., Matheson Cookware, Matheson Food Company and the workwear clothing line Rosa Rugosa (which has been described as “general farmer esthetic” and is owned together with designer Ray Natale). Matheson is also a partner in Our House H.C. (Our House Hospitality Company) and Blue Goose Farm, which is named in memory of his grandfather who owned a restaurant with that name.
The Matheson’s Cookware line sells kitchen items including butter crocks, grill presses, cast iron pans, cutting boards and, of course, his three cookbooks.
To add to all of these alreadymagnificent achievements, Matheson has recently been receiving recognition and kudos for his intrepid fashion sense.
In his February 2024 Wall Street Journal article on Matheson, Jacob Gallagher writes that Matheson deserves Hollywood’s best-dressed title in spite of — or because of — his fully tattooed body and rambunctious love of cooking. Indeed, as Matheson told New York Times writer Max Berlinger, “As a big dude, I have found that clothing has given me a lot of self-esteem. And finding your own style, it really feels good.”
Also, in 2022, it’s interesting that luxury men’s wear fashion retailer Harry Rosen invited Matheson (along with former Toronto Raptors’ point guard Fred VanVleet, who Harry Rosen also deemed an influencer) to join forces with the retailer to identify and create custom HAROLD outfits.
Other collaborations that entrepreneur Matheson has crafted
throughout his journey include his clothing line with the surf and skate brand RVCA; a cookware partnership with Castor Design; and a significant collaboration with McCain Canada, with the end goal of supporting local potato farmers through the creation of innovative new recipes.
Famously known for not compromising his very essence, or any other part of himself for that matter — let’s face it, it would be absolutely impossible to ever refer to him as a snob — Matheson continues to do it his way, full steam ahead and wholly unguarded in his approach, his appearance or the way he speaks.
The unequivocal fact that Matheson has gotten to where he is by being exactly who he is is a formula that he doesn’t plan to change anytime soon, if ever. His whirling-dervish-like energy, his flying “f it” attitude, and his willingness to embrace the very core of anything to do with fun — another of his favourite “F” words — will unequivocally guarantee that.
www.mathesonfoodcompany.com mattymatheson.store matheson.shop @mattymatheson
Revolutionizing cooking’s trinity, a.k.a. soups, salads and sandwiches, Matheson serves up bold, innovative flavours in his third cookbook, out this October
COPYRIGHT OF APPETITE BY RANDOM HOUSE OF PENGUIN
RANDOM HOUSE CANADA
PRESERVING THE FAMILY COTTAGE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Ever thought of how to plan for what happens
property after you pass away?
Whether it is the family cottage, second residence, or investment property, your estate plan needs attention. In Canada, many cottages and other vacation properties have increased significantly in value over the years and may now be worth substantially more than their purchase price, depending on where and when they were bought. This presents a potential tax liability with the recently proposed increase to the portion of capital gains included in income. As a result, this may trigger a significant capital gains tax liability for your estate when you pass away and possibly force your loved ones to sell the cottage to pay the tax. This means the cottage would no longer stay in the family.
To help you address these challenges, we recommend creating a financial plan; never too early to start, especially when it comes to preserving and leaving a legacy for your family and favourite charities, or controlling, managing, and determining who receives your assets upon your passing.
By taking advantage of CIBC Wood Gundy’s investment advisory expertise, we can set you on the right course for wealth management
and protection while keeping the needs of your family’s future at heart.
What is the estate planning strategy for protecting your investment property from being sold, securing your heirs, and funding estimated capital gains taxes? With the help of Estate Planning Specialists, CIBC Wood Gundy Senior Wealth Advisor Sugi Kumaresan and his team recommend Life Insurance.
Our estate planning specialist highlight the following:
• Be mindful of misconceptions! We often overestimate the amount and the cost of such insurance.
• The ideal candidate is someone who wants to pass a cottage or property on to the next generation, who would like to plan for their tax liability, and who could use some extra retirement income.
• Life Insurance solutions require preplanning ideally when you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s (latest). At 70-plus years of age, you may be uninsurable or the premiums may be prohibitively expensive.
• Life insurance guarantees a death benefit, the payment of a pre-determined amount of money on your death and is paid tax-free to
the beneficiaries chosen by you.
Determining which type of insurance you need (i.e., term or permanent) can be challenging. But CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisor Sugi Kumaresan and his estate planning partners can provide the attention you deserve to determine the type of insurance that will provide peace of mind and future security to those who depend on you.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF CANADA
A
groundbreaking $500 million federal Youth Mental Health Fund
is set to help younger Canadians get the help they need when and where they need it most
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
The list can go on forever of the challenges Canada has overcome and of those it continues to face: the combination of an unforgiving housing crisis, inflation, economic uncertainty, increased crime, noticeable effects of climate change, expensive tuition loans, not to mention the long-lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has created significant challenges for many people.
The Canadian way of life has been disrupted. Most of all, younger Canadians feel like the deck is stacked against them. At a time when mental health is discussed openly and
considered to be vitally important, we are also seeing a growing rate of young Canadians between 12 and 25 years of age dropping out of school or being bullied at school, and young people who are feeling isolated, some who are unable to function in society and some who end up pursuing a life of crime.
“These are all things that can be prevented if these young people get the health care, the proper mental health care they need when they need it,” says Leah Taylor Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill, in a recent interview with City Life Taylor Roy was born grew up in
the York Region, raised in a family that served in public office and are now leaders and members of many community charities and not-for-profits. Taylor Roy discovered early on that although some community challenges may not impact everyone, even those who are unaffected who can help, should.
On July 18, Taylor Roy hosted a roundtable with youth and their families, service providers and other professionals from a variety of aid organizations including the Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region Children’s Aid Society, York Region Public Health, 360 Kids, Yellow Brick House, Blue Door and Hope House. The professionals and
providers who attended shared their personal and professional experiences, hopes and strategies for effectively engaging youth of all backgrounds and lifestyles to ensure that the resources developed under the Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF) $500 million to be spent over the next five years will reflect and respond to the needs of all Canadian youth.
“I was so encouraged to see that kind of turnout from passionate and dedicated people. When you see so many people come out to discuss it and to share their insight into how the funding should be used, it shows that there is a real need,” says Taylor Roy.
She argues that the YMHF will save much more money down the road, since ensuring that the Canadian government takes care of the mental health of its
WE NEED TO KEEP UP INVESTMENTS IN CANADIANS AND MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT IT’S PEOPLE FIRST AND THAT’S OUR FUTURE
criminal justice systems, lower rates of incarceration and increase the number of productive citizens doing meaningful work in the future, which will increase innovation and help Canada to thrive.
I attended the roundtable event, and I am relieved to say that our elected officials are committed to ensuring that all young people, including those from racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, newcomer and remote communities, as well as those transitioning from care, have access to the health care they need, including mental-health care.
“I believe in our future,” says Taylor Roy. “Our young people are an incredibly important part of that. So, we need to keep up investments in Canadians and make sure that people understand that it’s people first, and that’s our future.”
www.leahtaylorroymp.ca @leah_taylor_roy
HAUTE COUTURE’S YEAR-END FASHION SHOW
Since 1998, the Haute Couture Academy of Fashion, Fine Arts & Design has been recognized as the leading institution for sewing and design in York Region. Year after year, students who have completed courses at the academy feel more confident, capable and passionate about their craft than ever before. To celebrate their hard work and showcase their talent, Joanne Dice, owner, designer and creative director of the academy, organizes a year-end fashion and art show gala.
To no one’s surprise, this year’s show was sold out. Lavishly hosted by Montecassino Event Venue in Vaughan earlier this month on July 3 with more than 500 guests in attendance, the audience consisted of family, friends and industry professionals eager to see the upcoming talent.
“It’s a family event! We have a multicourse dinner and an incredible raffle, all while the
award recipients are announced,” said Dice.
The show began with the art gallery showing — a beautiful array of different pieces crafted by the students, prominently presented on 150 easels lined up all along the hall. Then the fashion show began, as students strutted on the runway wearing their hand-crafted garments with a sense of pride and the professionalism that will prepare them for a future in the industry.
“Fashion and design professors from post-secondary institutions always attend because they know these can potentially be their future students,” said Dice. “The importance of the show is that it gives students a reason to complete all their artwork and sewing pieces, to complete their collections. With a solid deadline to work toward, it also gives them emotional and mental growth.”
For any artist it is very difficult to put their work on display, opening themselves
up to criticism. But Dice’s students learn to embrace this moment of vulnerability and turn it into a strength that will inspire them to continue to explore the boundaries of their artistry.
Over the years, Dice has seen first-hand the difference in her students’ attitudes before their first show and post-show. The sense of confidence and pride in their hard work is palpable and puts them on the path to a professional career.
“Without vulnerability, kids aren’t going to achieve greater growth. This show will help them in everything they do in their life, whether they go into business, finance, fine arts or design,” said Dice. “Receiving critiques and putting their best foot forward is the single most important thing we as instructors can teach our kids.”
After attending this show, you’d be safe to say that anyone interested in fashion, sewing, graphic design or visual arts should be motivated to enroll in Dice’s program. The experience is so special that you wouldn’t want to miss being a part of it.
Crafted and modelled by the students! Proof that talent is not bounded by age but rather by passion and dedication
PHOTO COURTESY
IMAGINATION& STRENGTH
CTaliandtheToucanis a heartwarming new children’s book by Mira Z. Amiras that invites young readers to delve into their dreams and playfully face their anxieties
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
hildren are hopeful, imaginative and creative but also fearful.
Sometimes, fearful of the dark but they also have rational fears that adults have but commonly downplay. What all parents hope for is that their children’s
future is as promising as the world they are living in, so this means showing the younger generation the importance of how pursuing their dreams can lead to healing, courage and promise.
In her new book, Tali and the Toucan,
the author, anthropologist and awardwinning filmmaker Mira Z. Amiras does just that.
Set in the diverse city of San Francisco, the main character, Tali, enjoys jumping, tumbling and playing like the other kids, but she’s too afraid to try. She worries that if she does, everything will shatter into pieces. One night, a surprise guest flies into Tali’s dreams. This new friend helps Tali discover the key to following her dreams and conquering her fears.
Tali’s fear of the world shattering is inspired by the Jewish teaching that the world is broken, and that our task, known in Hebrew as tikkun olam, is to mend it, starting with ourselves.
How can we help children talk about their troubles? And how can we help other kids empathize with friends who are sometimes frozen with fear? It starts with introducing all the young minds of today, no matter their background, to Tali and the Toucan.
thecollectivebook.studio
@thecollectivebookstudio
Celebrate World Pasta Month
DIGITAL FASHION BREAKS THE FOURTH WALL
SYKY’s
Cutting-Edge Fashion Collab with Fvckrender and Calvyn Justus
WRITTEN BY MASSIMO SOSA
Cutting-edge luxury-fashion platform SYKY has announced the innovative collaboration of JUSTUS x FVCKRENDER, two of today’s most influential artists working in the realm of digital design, tangible fashion and Web3. This exciting partnership unites Canada-based Fvckrender, a celebrated 3-D artist known for his intricate attention to detail and manipulation of light, and L.A.-based digital artist Calvyn Justus, a former Olympic swimmer-turned-designer from the SYKY Collective. Together the two hope to deliver design synergy that seamlessly integrates what is possible in the 3-D space of clothing design with real-life applications of textiles and clothing.
Centred around a hero piece that has undeniably been perfected by each designer’s vision, the FVYN// Pants — a remarkable début into the physical fashion space for both artists. These pants are deeply rooted in the design codes of street style, along with the integration of high-performance athletic wear, seamlessly blending Fvckrender’s detailed artistry with Justus’s design sensibilities. The FVYN// Pants offer a contemporary take on classic denim jeans, with a sleek barrel-leg silhouette and an ode to Justus’s aquatic endeavours, drawing inspiration from a shark dorsal fin’s strength and fluidity, and crafted from raw trueblack denim with the addition of neoprene panels to offer a touch of modernity and athleticism to the design.
Fvckrender shared insight into the vision for this collaboration. He says, “The inspiration behind this project stems from the intersection of digital and physical art. The chain-link pendant symbolizes the connection between people, uniting elements of fashion and digital design. Inspired by modern architectural esthetics and the fluidity of digital forms, this piece bridges the gap between the tangible and intangible worlds.”
Justus expressed his excitement about the project, noting, “Working with SYKY and Fvckrender has been an incredible opportunity. My design esthetic ties back to my sporting background, where pride and self-confidence were integral to my success. I want to translate that feeling into my clothing for wearers, pushing athletic wear toward a more expressive and exaggerated form.”
JUSTUS x FVCKRENDER launched in early August exclusively on SYKY.com, with digital versions available in open edition. To celebrate, SYKY hosted a virtual conversation with the artists, offering insight into their creative process and vision for the future of fashion.
www.syky.com @the_syky
SYKY Collective designer and former Olympic athlete Calvyn Justus models for JUSTUS x FVCKRENDER wearing FVYN// Pants
From left to right Calvyn Justus, Nicola Formichetti and Fvckrender In physical pairs of FVYN// Pants
(647) 317-7242 front desk Bolton, ON, L7E 4L3 address 10 Station Road
(647) 649-7143 sales offices (647) 228-7143
AUGUST IN PARIS
An elevated French dining experience in Toronto, Lucie celebrated authentic French heritage with a special curated menu during August
WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
There is something about August in Paris that makes it one of the most treasured places to visit. The air seems sweeter, the flowers brighter, the sun is warmer, the wine is crisper, the cheese is sharper and the food even tastes better — if that’s even possible.
Toronto’s celebrated fine French restaurant Lucie, located at 100 Yonge
St. in the heart of the city’s financial core, celebrated its French heritage with “August in Paris,” a four-course curated menu for $95 per person (excluding beverages, taxes and gratuities), allowing patrons to savour the exquisite flavours of French cooking exclusively during August.
Executive Chef Arnaud Bloquel drew from his childhood and experience
of living and working in France to transport diners to the wonders of Paris through their tastebuds. Lucie’s menu for August in Paris included canapés, an amuse-bouche, L’Aubergine Violon (marinated Chinese eggplant, cherry tomato and pecan cream, prawns and smoked cucumber jelly), Les SaintJacques (scallops, chanterelle, roasted almond, granny smith apple and cider
Yannick Bigourdan Owner
small and tiny house would fill every single crack as if there were too many scents to handle
emulsion), L’Agneau (Provençal roasted Ontario lamb saddle, green olive cream, chickpeas and reduction jus), La Noisette (choux pastry, hazelnut praline espuma, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream) and mignardises (sweet treats).
Lucie is the latest triumph and dining experience from noted restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan, the award-winning owner of notable Toronto restaurants, such as Splendido, Nota Bene and The Carbon Bar. Opened in 2023, Lucie is, in his own words, his heartfelt tribute to his grandmother and growing up in the South of France:
“Lucie is named in memory of
my grandmother, who played a very important role in my childhood growing up in the South of France,” says Bigourdan. “My parents worked long hours, and Lucie’s house was my second home. She cooked lunch and dinner just for me, often giving me vin sucré, a mix of red wine, sugar and water. She made a point of going to the local food market in the town’s main square where she would find the most incredible guinea fowl, chicken, eggs, cheese, lamb chops, fresh vegetables and so many more treats. Once home the cooking started, and the wonderful smells in her small and tiny house would fill every single crack as if
there were too many scents to handle. Her days were simple, making me happy with her craft, and did she ever excel at it! She gave me so much and I hope I was able to give her enough love back. This restaurant is an homage to her love, dedication and undivided attention.”
Whether it is August in Paris or any of the other 11 months, Lucie is an elevated experience of fine French cuisine where the tastes, smells and love of French cooking can be enjoyed in Toronto throughout the year.
restaurantlucie.com
@restaurantlucie
Lucie’s owner, Yannick Bigourdan, has been one of Toronto’s most celebrated restaurateurs for several decades
Yoann Beaubouchez General Manager
Arnaud Bloquel Executive Chef Junior Sous Chef
HONOURING THE BRAVE
The Canadian Banks’ Law Enforcement Award honours those fighting financial crimes and protecting citizens
WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
Itis rare when a newscast anywhere in Canada does not begin with a crime story. In a country with approximately 42 million people, it is unfortunate that gun crimes, assaults, break-ins, robberies and other individual horror stories are too often the norm.
But there is another type of crime that lurks in the shadows. It is quieter and less visible but consists of equally violent and egregious acts: we’re talking about crimes against our country’s banks and financial institutions, which put employees and customers at risk and potentially undermine the safety and security of the nation’s banking system.
For the past 54 years the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) has presented the Canadian Banks’ Law Enforcement Award (CBLEA) to individuals or groups in recognition of exceptional efforts to investigate crimes against banks in Canada and to protect bank employees and customers. This August the CBA honoured dedicated police officers and members of emergency services at the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Summit, held this year in Halifax.
As the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada’s economic growth and prosperity, the CBA awards are its way of giving back with thanks. The CBA advocates public policies that contribute to a safe, sound and thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in achieving their financial goals.
Since the CBA’s creation in 1972, nearly 300 Canadian Banks’ Law Enforcement Awards have been presented to police officers and other emergency service responders for their outstanding bravery, dedication and other noteworthy achievements in combating crimes against Canadian banks. Award recipients are nominated by their peers,
other law enforcement agencies and bank members across Canada.
“It has always been top priority for banks in Canada to maintain financial stability and safeguard their customers’ financial and personal information,” said Anthony G. Ostler, president and CEO of the Canadian Bankers Association, when handing out the awards. “Tonight we pay tribute to our CBLEA recipients for their bravery, dedication and professionalism toward the shared goal of fighting financial crimes. We are proud to continue our collaboration with law enforcement and the government in our common fight against evolving fraud and security issues.”
Both an Individual Award and a Group Award were handed out this summer in Halifax. The Individual Award was presented to Detective Constable Michael Lane of the Toronto Police Service and the Group Award
was presented to representatives from British Columbia’s Saanich and Victoria Police Departments, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), BC Emergency Communications and BC Ambulance Service.
Detective Constable Lane’s award was for putting together a plan that took down a group of organized criminals working to defraud Canadian financial institutions of millions of dollars. In 2020, Lane led Project FRIENDS, which managed to identify money mules used in Canada and internationally and the shell companies used for laundering the proceeds. The project resulted in the arrest of seven people, with 23 charges laid to date and two convictions so far, and the downfall of an illegal bitcoin mining farm.
In 2022, two armed suspects entered a Bank of Montreal branch in Saanich, B.C., and demanded cash, endangering the lives of 22 staff and customers. A coordinated response by multiple agencies was quickly organized, and officers cordoned off the area to protect the general public. After an exchange of gunfire that resulted in the deaths of the two armed suspects, trained medics from the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) provided lifesaving treatments to the six police officers who had been injured. A further investigation determined that the suspects’ vehicle contained a large amount of ammunition and explosives, which could have caused more injuries or deaths.
The often-silent fight against financial crimes in Canada may not lead the news or create the biggest headlines, but it is an integral part of the ongoing day-today dedication and enforcement of the law that are necessary to ensure a safe, healthy and livable society to the benefit of millions of Canadians.
Top Chief Myron Demkiw (Toronto Police Service) & Anthony Ostler (President & CEO, Canadian Bankers Association)
Bottom Chief Constable Del Manak (Victoria PD), Inspector Mike Brown (Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team), Constables Liam Gormican and Michael Cornforth (both, VicPD C-Watch), Constable Tanner Stevenson and Sergeant Michael Bainbridge (both, Saanich C Platoon), Chief Constable Dean Duthie (Saanich PD)
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CANADIAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION
KSM Architecture believes in minimalist design to achieve sustainability. The firm’s work at the learning centre at Quest in Besant Nagar, Chennai, India, which itself celebrates openness and sustainable practices, focuses on blurring the boundaries of space and volume. The community primarily targets 8- to 16-year old children who are home-schooled or who follow the unschooling educational system, which teaches children according to their interests rather than a predetermined curriculum. To ensure a comfortable space for the children, the community covers all amenities.
The building, located on a 540-square-metre site about 300 metres from the seafront, can be accessed through a frontcourt bordered by trees and equipped with a ramp and steps. One fascinating feature of this building is that it is created as a collection of freely flowing volumes that offer a sense of openness and visual continuity.
The building has been deliberately designed with the gallery area on the left and an amphitheatre rising to the
right, with the entrance facing south, the direction from where Chennai’s breezes usually blow. This takes advantage of the wind channel that enlarging the road beyond the site has created. Additionally, the site’s south side and its garden have also been raised to better capture the southerly breeze.
Those entering the building’s rectangular footprint are greeted by an building-high atrium, which is linked by an amphitheatre to a library. There, a slide snakes down through the building and ends in the garden.
Five classrooms are arranged on either side of the main atrium. A staircase exits the building at the fourth level, leading to the entrance of a spiral stair that ascends to a rooftop cafeteria, which opens to a south-facing plantfilled terrace.
The firm has taken care to combine design quality with environmental awareness. Climate-sensitive design features include full-length operable windows on the south and north walls that let in those natural southern breezes and are shaded by vertical aluminum aerofoil-shaped louvers,
KSM Architecture, established in 1990, has always focused on simplicity and sustainability in its projects, which have included factories, offices, hospitals, residential buildings and public and commercial spaces
while the building’s insulated east and west walls have been designed with few openings.
The insulation provided by these 400-millimetre-thick composite walls, composed of a 300-millimetre-wide hollow wall with an inner layer of 50-millimetre-thick XPS infill and a bamboo-shuttered GFRC façade panel that acts as a self-shading skin with a 25-millimetre air cavity on each side, eliminates nearly all of the heat.
What makes this learning community appealing is the undefined boundaries between space and volume. This creates a sense of openness that is crucial to provide students with a fresh space to grow and thrive.
Every space in the learning community blends seamlessly, creating a sense of continuity and transparency. The warm glow of glare-free natural light and the natural breeze wafting through the various levels create a cheerful ambience, and the sense of fun is accentuated by the use of cheerful colours — making it an ideal space for learning.
www.ksmindia.com
@ksmarchitecture
Five classrooms are stacked on each side of the central atrium, with a metal staircase winding up inside and connecting all the levels
Marketplace
ZERO 20 KIDS: EVERYTHING BAPTISM/CHRISTENING
The source for beautiful and unique clothing and accessories for that oncein-a-lifetime celebration. Dress your precious baby head to toe from the biggest selection in any store. Simple or elegant, white or delicate shades of the rainbow, the choices are endless. Discover what it means to find everything you need to make your dreams come true. We shop the world to bring you the latest looks at affordable prices. Imagine the possibilities…. @zero20kids | zero20kids.com
ZERO 20 KIDS: BOSS KIDS
Bold designs and sophisticated styles highlight the mini-me version of the ever-popular German men’s line Hugo Boss. Now a complete collection for every occasion, it includes baby outfits and grows with your little ones until size 16 youth. Incredible clothing and stylish shoes and runners. Drop in to see the new fall collection and get styling advice from our knowledgeable staff. Shop in-store or 24/7 at zero20kids.com @zero20kids
A TRUE LOVE STORY
Set on the stunning West Wales Heritage Coast, Florin is a unique manor house perfect for couples looking to tie the knot
WRITTEN BY KATE BRYNN
Inthe world of weddings, discovering a venue that truly embodies the essence of romance is akin to finding a hidden treasure. Florin is one such hidden gem, nestled on the stunning West Wales Heritage Coast in Aberaeron, Ceredigion. This Victorian manor rich in Welsh tradition and manor-house opulence offers couples an unparalleled setting to celebrate their love with both grandeur and sophistication.
Florin is not just a wedding venue, it’s a canvas where dreams are brought to life in vibrant colour. Imagine saying “I do” beneath a canopy of ancient trees, with the gentle murmur of the sea in the distance and a crisp Welsh breeze rustling through the leaves. This manor steeped in history and charm provides the perfect backdrop for love stories to unfold in the most magical ways.
As you step inside Florin, you are welcomed by a blend of Victorian elegance and modern luxury, seamlessly combining intimacy with grandeur. The manor’s interiors have been meticulously restored to preserve their historic character while integrating contemporary comforts. Whether your dream is a cozy gathering or a lavish celebration, Florin’s versatile spaces cater to every desire.
Every element has been thoughtfully arranged to create an atmosphere of warmth and elegance. After a day filled with celebration, retreat to one of the seven beautifully appointed bedrooms, each a haven of comfort and style, offering a luxurious escape for you and your family and friends.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a majestic tree-lined driveway, setting the stage for the splendour that awaits. Florin’s gardens, adorned with ornate
fountains and hidden pathways, provide a captivating backdrop for your special day. Whether you envision a ceremony under the open sky or a lively reception in a marquee on the expansive lawn, Florin’s outdoor spaces are designed to bring your wedding dreams to life. The gardens offer endless possibilities for capturing the essence of your love in photos that will be treasured for a lifetime.
As twilight descends and the stars begin to sparkle, the gardens transform into a romantic wonderland, perfect for dancing the night away with your loved ones. Florin’s commitment to creating unforgettable experiences ensures that your wedding is as unique as your love story. Whether you prefer a traditional ceremony in a nearby Welsh church or an intimate house affair, Florin’s bespoke services are tailored to your every wish. With the capacity to host up to 250 guests
outside, Florin makes it possible for all of your most cherished loved ones to join in the celebration.
Following the ceremony, guests can unwind in the garden house with its stunning views or enjoy some downtime in the library, which is furnished with a pool table for added entertainment. For a touch of relaxation, take a soak in the hot tub under the stars or escape to the venue’s treehouse for a secluded retreat.
Florin offers accommodations for up to 14 guests, allowing you and your nearest and dearest to extend the celebration across several days. The manor’s first floor features three elegantly appointed double bedrooms, each with a king-size bed and luxurious en-suite bathroom. The second floor provides an additional three double bedrooms and a twin bedroom, ensuring comfort and privacy for all guests.
Florin is also pet-friendly, welcoming two well-behaved dogs to join in the festivities. Your pets can roam the gardens and share in the joy of the celebration, ensuring that even furry members of the family are included on this special day.
When you celebrate your love story at this enchanting manor you’ll be creating lasting memories. A perfect blend of elegance, romance and serenity, Florin is the ideal location for a wedding that reflects the unique beauty of your love. With its captivating gardens, elegant interiors and bespoke services, Florin promises a wedding experience that is truly extraordinary. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Florin provides a magical setting for a day that will be remembered forever. Here, amidst the natural beauty and timeless elegance of West Wales, your fairy-tale life begins. www.uniquehomestays.com @uniquehomestays
Get lost in the romance the Florin boasts five acres of enchanting gardens and breathtaking countryhouse interiors
Painting new perspectives on compassion and mental health
Patrick Priestner's memoir Notesforthe contains life lessons to inspire us all
especially our family, play a crucial role in this journey. The story of Patrick Priestner is a testament to how people around us leave an everlasting impact, and, no matter what, how self-compassion helps us sail along in this boat we call life.
Pat reminisces about his childhood, an interesting and difficult time for him due to his parents’ severe drinking problems and his own lack of self-compassion, both of which led him to mature beyond his years. He remembers his parents as being good people and he learned many crucial things from their journey. Reflecting on a lesson he learned from his father, Pat observes, “If you don’t
work on yourself — your emotions, thought process and attitude — life will be difficult.”
Pat got his start in the automotive business at the age of 17 by selling cars at a dealership in Calgary. By the time he was 18, he was Canada’s top Chrysler salesperson. He bought his first dealership at the age of 26, and throughout the following 30 years he established and built CanadaOne Auto and AutoCanada, two of the country’s most prosperous auto companies, with billion-dollar yearly sales.
His success draws immensely from his childhood insecurities and acts as the best example of how self-awareness can bring a massive shift in a person’s outlook on life. A pivotal chapter in his life unfolded because of his inclination toward Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness.
During one of his trips to India, he had a chance to meet the Dalai Lama, who stressed the importance of practising Buddhism every day. Since then, he has made a point of spending 45 minutes a day studying religion. This has helped him to not just develop more effective business practices but also improve his mental health.
He pays forward the incredible knowledge he has learned and adopted by talking about his personal experience with poor mental health. He talks about how taking care of himself and his team has helped his firm succeed, and he gives
advice to entrepreneurs (and everyone else) on how to prioritize workplace well-being and more.
He provides his team with mental health workshops. In doing so, Pat wants to demonstrate that even people who are successful in business can still be going through internal struggles and can be transparent about their mental health. He has taken a big step in this direction by founding Well-Being Canada, a mental health resource for youth and educators.
With his incredible memoir, Notes for the Children: A Journey on Life's Broken Road, he emphasizes this message of prioritizing mental health and selfcompassion to connect and heal internally so that we reflect positive energy in the outside space.
Asked what advice he’d give to his younger self, Pat says, “It’s not selfish to have self-compassion.” The more selfcompassion you practise, the more you can give to people around you. He adds, “We are the gardener of our emotions.”
Life gives us tough situations and we all have the choice to water either the positive seeds of gratitude and compassion or the negative seeds of jealousy and anger.
Through his inspiring memoir, mental health initiatives and life journey, he sets forth inspiration for us all to lead our lives with utmost compassion and gratitude.
wellbeing-canada.ca @wellbeingcanada
MARC CASTALDO
