Port Credit Village Times-Oct, 2 2013

PORT CREDIT

VILLAGE TIMES Putting Port Credit First!

Vol u m e 07 • Is s u e 04 • Oc to b er / Novemb er 2 0 1 3

www.portcredit.com

In This Issue Salute to Small Business 02 Stars of South Mississauga 04 You Are Here 05 Ward 1 update 06 Lakeview Waterfront 08 A Kingdom of Art 09 Savour Mississauga 10 Community Corner 11 Online Ordering 12 Small Business Profile 13 Think Pink 14 Value For Money 18

The Port Credit Farmer’s Market Open Through to Thanksgiving Weekend By: Lindsay Howe

Visit The Port Credit Farmer’s Market on Saturday, October 5th and Saturday, October 12th to pick up the freshest vegetables available for your Thanksgiving gathering!

With the fall season upon us, the Port Credit Farmer’s Market is slowly drawing to a close. For your convenience, the Port Credit Farmer’s Market remains open up until Saturday, October 12th. The Farmer’s Market is in full swing every Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from the first week of June until Thanksgiving. Browse the endless booths of homemade items for sale, watch cooking demonstrations, or get your knives sharpened at the sharpening booth. There is something for everyone to enjoy at your neighbourhood Farmer’s Market.

Saturday’s in Port Credit this summer have been packed full of fun and entertainment with so many festivals, and events from the Waterfront Festival, to Busker Fest and the Jazz Festival. The Port Credit Farmer’s Market is an added bonus, offering live music every week at the Open Air Music Café. People enjoy coming out to listen to the talented musical performers, and many linger long enough to eat their breakfast at the market after they do their shopping.

Along with the supply of fresh produce offered, you can also pick up other food items including yummy baked goods, jams, maple syrup, honey, ciders and other tasty treats. The Port Credit Farmer’s Market is unique because each Saturday is different than the next. Each week the Farmer’s Market features new businesses and new vendors. The market also features scheduled food demonstrations and activities, with something new being offered each week. Local chefs come out to exhibit their expertise for the public, including sharing their recipes and offering samples.

Every Saturday Artisan’s Row features six new local crafters who come to showcase their homemade items and other products. Browse the wide range of homemade items including clothing, jewelry, purses, glass and mixed media. continued on page 04

Celebrating 15 years ~ Thank you!

Fun, Fresh and Fabulous

74 Lakeshore Road East ~ 3 Blocks West of Highway 10 Port Credit ~ 905-271-8999 ~ Est. 1998

ww w. impressionablegi f t s . ca Impressionable Gifts-Mississauga.

October – A salute to small businesses Port Credit Village Times

October is small business month in Ontario. The Canadian government defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 100 employees (or 50 employees for a company in a service industry). There are over 2.4 million small businesses in Canada and 873,000 small businesses in Ontario. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees contribute about 30 percent to Canada’s gross domestic product and two-thirds of Canadian employees work for small businesses.

Port Credit’s Community Newspaper Volume 07 | Issue 04

Small businesses in Canada lead the way in employment and growth in this unstable economy across Canada.

They lead the way in new job creation. These businesses work hard to earn an income and provide for their employees and families. Small business face daily challenges and situations that help make them leaner and more efficient. Small business owners must react quickly to changing markets and provide exceptional service to their clientele.

For advertising information, please contact Toby Gardiner at 416-875-1409 or by e-mail at toby@rjentertainmentpublishing.com www.rjentpub.com

The Village of Port Credit is comprised of over 400 small businesses and these businesses employ more than a two thousand employees and are a contributing strongly to the local and Canadian economy.

The Port Credit Business Improvement Association

I encourage local residents to shop in the Village of Port Credit and show your support to small businesses.

Together, small businesses are bigger than you think! Check out our Small Business feature on page 13.

If you would like your small business profiled in the Village Times please contact Toby Gardiner at the email address below.

Bi-monthly Publication ~ Circulation 25,000 Delivered by Canada Post

105 Lakeshore Road West Port Credit, ON L5H 1E9 Tel: 905-278-7742 • Fax: 905-278-8864 Email: info@portcredit.com www.portcredit.com

Editorial Contributors: Julie Knox • Lindsay Howe

Toby Gardiner | Publisher toby@rjentertainmentpublishing.com

Follow us on Twitter @RJentpub and like us on Facebook @RJEntertainmentPublishing.

Read all our publications on-line @ www.rjentpub.com The Port Credit Village Times is printed on 100% recycled fibre. Please recycle.

www.rjentpub.com

ALZHEIMER’S COFFEE BREAK October 9th • 2 -4pm Drop in for coffee, tea and sweet treats in support of the Alzheimer Society of Peel.

LET’S DANCE! October 30th • 6:30-8pm Enjoy light refreshments and an entertaining display of dancing!

Call Lisa to RSVP

Mary lost sleep worrying how her mom was managing alone…

Mom is now living at a Chartwell retirement residence and they are both sleeping better.

More than ever, we’re balancing a variety of responsibilities including caring for our aging parents. When we can’t be there or distance separates us, we may begin worrying that they are not eating well enough, taking their medication regularly or remembering to lock the door while alone.

Chartwell retirement residences provide the safety and security your parent needs with the services and activities they want.

At the same time, you’ll know that help is only a call away. If the time has come to start considering the options best suited to your situation, we can help.

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29 Mississauga Road Mississauga (Port Credit)

Call 905-891-2422

To learn more, visit www.chartwell.com

OCTOBER 17, 2013 8 PM RBC THEATRE

OCTOBER 26, 2013 8 PM HAMMERSON HALL

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The 2013 Stars of South Mississauga Business Awards

Port Credit Farmer Market ...continued from front cover

By: Lindsay Howe

October is small business month in Canada. Small business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to take this time to develop their business ideas and look for innovative and exciting ways to grow and improve their business. To honour small business month business owners across Port Credit look forward to the events celebrating their success. The biggest celebration happening in south Mississauga this month is the 2013 Stars of South Mississauga Business awards.

The Port Credit Farmer’s Market also offers crafts for kids so they can join in the fun, and take their crafts home with them as a keepsake. With the Junior Diggers Club kids will learn about gardening including the different plant types, and how to respect people’s gardens. The little diggers can plant their own plant to take home.

Mississauga South’s MPP Charles Sousa, in collaboration with the Port Credit BIA and the Clarkson Village BIA will present the Stars of Mississauga South Awards on Wednesday, October 16th. This year the event will take place at the Lakeshore Convention Centre on Southdown Road.

The Stars of Mississauga South Business Awards recognizes small businesses that are unique in the area; businesses that make our community a more vibrant place to live. The purpose of the ceremony is to commend the outstanding commitment of businesses in the area. Hon. Charles Sousa, MPP of Mississauga South states, “Small businesses are the backbone of our thriving villages. It’s a great honour to be able to partner with the BIAs in recognizing those who work hard every day to grow our community and our local economy.”

Members of the public were encouraged to nominate award-worthy local small businesses and submit their nominations through MPP Charles Sousa’s constituency office. A judging panel with representatives from the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre, the Mississauga Board of Trade and the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association make the final selection of the “Stars”.

Winners are selected from the following categories: Go Green Excellence, Community Impact Excellence, Service Excellence, Hospitality Excellence, Rising Star, and Networking Excellence. This year two new categories have been added: Business Person of the Year and Home Based Business Excellence. The nominations for the 2013 Stars of South Mississauga Business Awards are on the back page of this edition of the Port Credit Village Times.

On Saturday, September 28th Culture Days came to Port Credit with its signature event, Doors Open. The Port Credit Farmer’s Market was one of the many locations across Mississauga that offered free entertainment, demonstrations, hands-on activities, exhibits, and great food. There were lots of free food samples to enjoy. A crowd favourite was the musician’s fair featuring music ranging from folk to classical. Among the various artists in attendance, a tap dancing teacher came out to teach tap dancing lessons. Tap dancing shoes were available to give people the opportunity to give tap dancing a whirl.

The Port Credit BIA congratulates all the fabulous businesses nominated for the 2013 Stars of Mississauga South Business Awards. Their commitment and dedication make our community shine, and contributes to making Port Credit a more vibrant place to life.

The Port Credit Farmer’s Market brings people out to Lakeshore Road West early in the day. After picking out their produce, most will want to take in the beautiful waterfront view and village streetscapes and wander through the village to do some window shopping. The Port Credit Farmer’s Market draws people from across the city and surrounding areas to the village, which brings in more business to the area, and encourages people to shop local.

Charles Sousa, MPP

Manager of the Port Credit Farmer’s Market Karen Cecy reflects on the success of this year stating, “It has been a really great season at the market. The weather has been beautiful, and we’ve had an excellent turnout each Saturday. We welcomed so many great new vendors this year, and look forward to continuing to grow and expand the Farmer’s Market in years to come.”

Mississauga South

Visit the Farmer’s Market and shop local for the finest produce. The Farmer’s Market is located at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Lakeshore Road East. The Port Credit Farmers Market will return next year on June 7th. For more information visit www.portcredit.com or contact the Port Credit BIA at info@portcredit.com or call 905-278-7742.

Our office is here for you.

We’re open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Constituency Office: 120 Lakeshore Road West, Unit 1 & 2 Mississauga, Ontario L5H 1E8 T: 905-274-8228 | F: 905-274-8552 csousa.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org www.charlessousa.ca 4

You Are Here Outdoor Art Installation Comes to Port Credit

Russian Treasures

By: Lindsay Howe

Jay Wilson, instructor at Sheridan College advises, “You are invited to sit down, debrief and take a moment from your busy life, to simply observe or reflect on your surroundings.”

Plan to be part of the exciting new Mississauga Symphony season, which kicks off on October 12th in Hammerson Hall newly-appointed Maestro Denis Mastromonaco takes the podium for an evening of music from the Russian steppes.

Walking or driving along Lakeshore Road East you may have observed the eyecatching piece of architecture located at the north side of Lakeshore Road East near Elmwood Avenue. From Friday, Sept. 20th through to Thursday, Sept. 26th, one of the parking spots located directly in front of the LCBO was transformed into a dynamic art display.

It begins with the stirring Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture by Glinka, known as the “father of Russian opera”. Based on a poem by Pushkin, ‘Ruslan and Lyudmila’ is a tale filled with evil sorcerers, a talking head, a magic sword, acts of vengeance and betrayal, and the happy triumph of the lovers over evildoers.

The music is imbued with Persian melodies that add an exotic flavour to the beautiful Russian ones.

This outdoor art installation was designed by art students Stacy Ng Kee Song and Stacey Skiba, and presented by a group called You Are Here. This collaborative group is comprised of students from the Art and Art History joint program between Sheridan College and the University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus.

Members of You Are Here work on projects that will inspire insight from the simplest of actions by providing a space for people to stop and reflect. The students in the program use various mediums to showcase their creativity including film, visual arts, architecture and digital technology. This outdoor art installation was met with a very positive response from Port Credit residents who were lured to check out this unique art display and have a seat in a circular portal frame.

Hundreds of onlookers took the time to visit You Are Here and relax inside the structure on the bench. Through the large viewing circle in the middle of the structure, you could admire the view of downtown Port Credit. This public installation provided people with the opportunity to unwind from their busy schedules and take in the beautiful Port Credit streetscape.

Guest soloist Valerie Tryon arrives on stage to play Tchaikovsky’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 1 in Bb minor. From the first haunting call of the horns and the piano’s majestic entry to the final, fiery movement with its teasing interplay between the piano and orchestra, you will be enchanted by the concerto and by Ms. Tryon’s playing.

Born in Britain and now a resident of Canada, Valerie Tryon began her soloist career at the age of nine. She tours and records around the world, tirelessly promotes the work of Canadian composers, and was among the first artists to understand and use the possibilities offered by new technologies like the internet.

A teacher and adjudicator as well as a Juno award-winning performer, Valerie Tryon is truly one of our treasures.

On Friday, September 20th, a gathering was held for the unveiling of You Are Here, where this unique art installation was first revealed to the public. The artists were present to showcase their work, complimentary refreshments were served and a great time was had by all.

The concert concludes with Mussorgsky’s delightful Pictures at an Exhibition, arranged for orchestra by Ravel. Each movement of the piece depicts one of the sketches or paintings of Mussorgsky’s friend Viktor Hartmann, who died tragically at age 39.

You are here has been made possible by the generous support of The Port Credit Business Improvement Association. For more information visit www.youarehereproject.org.

From the comical sound of baby chicks to the stately promenades, you will relish the variety of orchestral colour, tempos and melodies.

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Artist Reveals Unique Mural in Port Credit

Councillor Jim Tovey, Ward 1 update

By J. Knox

On September 17, 2013, Heritage Mississauga and artist AlexandraNadine Kaske revealed a public art mural located on the west wall of the Credit Village Marina facility at 2 Stavebank Road in Port Credit, Mississauga.

Fall has arrived, and it is difficult to categorize the summer of 2013. It truly was the best of times and the worst of times. The rains of July, the worst of times, will remain a wakeup call for us all. What it reminds us of is our responsibility to our community and those less fortunate. As we approach Christmas please remember this and open your hearts to the annual food drive for the Mississauga Food Bank and for our own Compass Food Bank. By making a small donation, we all, together, make a huge difference.

The mural is a story telling of the First Nations people who once inhabited the area of Mississauga, illustrating their origin and past events leading to present day.

Within the mural the seven sacred teachings as relayed by First Nations are also highlighted: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth.

2013 was also the best of times. Our waterfront festivals and events were spectacular, beginning with a side splitting comedy fest in February and continuing nonstop until Downchild Blues Bands final bar of an inspired Southside Shuffle in September. The Port Credit BIA, the festival organizers, our countless volunteers and the sponsors are a testimony to capacity building within a caring community.

For the second year in a row, Ward 1 has been awarded the City of Mississauga’s Environmental award. This time for water conservation. Also for the second year in a row our community has garnered the Streetscape Award for the most beautiful gardens in Mississauga.

Given the goal of creating a mural that represented the history of the community, artist AlexandraNadine says her research led her to our First Nation roots where she also found relevant ties to present day environmental issues.

It continued to be a memorable year for Port Credit as the Culture Division and the Port Credit BIA’s creative Cultural Node Project received the award of merit at Mississauga’s annual urban design awards. Ellen Timms manager of the Port Credit BIA and Bonnie Brown from the Culture Division deserve special recognition for their hard work on a project that animated the village and saw revenues increase for participating businesses. Those are some of the best of times.

“I have attempted to bring these events together (in the mural) to be reflected upon the principles of the original peoples of this land. Our destiny is greatness and greatness comes from our recognition of our history and ultimately the collective efforts of our people.” says Alexandra-Nadine.

The last best of times project I will write about in this column is most pertinent to the flood, and illustrates what we can do now, for a more sustainable future. Two years ago the city of Mississauga and the Credit Valley Conservation Authority began a pilot project on First and Third Streets in Lakeview to test a natural storm water system. Bio Swales, new curbs and asphalt were installed on both streets. Permeable pavement was installed in driveways over top of the Bio Swales. Water flow and water quality gauges were placed inside the Bio Swales and the storm water pipes on Alexandra Ave. What the gauge data from July 8th confirms, is that 40% of the water on the street was absorbed by the Bio Swales. The other important finding was that the Bio Swales held back the flow from First and Third and prevented the water from entering the storm system on Alexandra for twenty five minutes. These are very promising results, more water absorbed in the ground and a delay to help prevent supercharging of the storm system. As a ditch and road replacement Bio Swale technology is proving to be one of the answers to these larger storm events and holds great promise for the future.

Alexandra-Nadine, who is a Community Activist, poet and visual artist, is a third year student at Peel Alternative School South in Mississauga.

Ward 1 Councillor Jim Tovey has been working with the Alternative school helping to connect young creative minds to their talents and to the community through various art installations throughout the Ward.

Currently overseeing the creation of another public art mural that is set to help mark the 100th Year Anniversary of World War I in August 2014, Alexandra-Nadine describes the project as a collaborative opportunity working with other young artists and with residents of the local retirement community.

Alexandra-Nadine also credits Mississauga Parks and recreation for their generous assistance with the WWI project.

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Making the Connection; Lakeview Waterfront

By J. Knox

On Tuesday September 17, 2013, Mississauga Ward 1 Councillor, Jim Tovey and Toronto Ward 6 Councillor Mark Grimes, co-hosted an informational open house to present the plans of the Lakeview Waterfront Connection project.

The LWC project runs along the shoreline behind the G.E. Booth Wastewater Treatment Facility in Lakeview, an area that currently does not offer public or wildlife access. The goal is to create a new natural park that will establish ecological and public linkage along the Mississauga waterfront.

Ken Dion, Special Projects Manager at Toronto and Region Conservation says that the evening’s outreach was a continuation of public information sessions that have been held throughout the summer as part of an Environmental Assessment process that began in January 2012. “The feedback from the community has been mostly positive.

There are some legitimate concerns that have been raised, particularly with regards to where it interacts with the existing Marie Curtis Park Beach. We continue to try and address concerns and we’ve tried to maintain the beach as its current function as a sandy beach system while still providing this great connection into the future Lakeview Waterfront project ”says Ken. An environmental component is the use of an estimated 2 million m3 of clean fill that will be generated by Peel Region over the next 10 years. In the planned creation of the ecological and public linkage the clean fill would be added to the waterfront. The plan also includes the revitalization of the Serson Creek’s western flow channel and wetland areas.

A final public information session is to be scheduled for this fall, before the Environmental Assessment of the final plan is to be submitted to the Ministry of Environment. For more information please visit www.creditvalleyca.ca

OCTOBER 21 NOVEMBER 3, 2013 restaurant week

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Full 3 Course Meal for $20, $25 or $35 RESTAURANTS AND MENUS @ www.savourmississauga.com

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publishing

R3 Evolution Fitness Studio

A Kingdom of Art

By Crystal Mallari

A Kingdom of Art blends in the magic of Port Credit area, showcasing the diversity of Mississauga.

R3 Evolution is a “boutique style” fitness and wellness studio that offers “one-ofa-kind” group exercise classes, a modern training facility featuring world-class group personal training sessions, and a functional rental space for dance rehearsals, seminars, workshops and certification programs.

From around the world to the Lakeshore of the beautiful city of Mississauga, right in Port Credit area, Antika lays its diverse load of hand-craft treasures; treasures of embellished fashion and accessories, fine art and ornaments, unique collectables…and much more of the highest quality of decorative objects. Antika’s precious handcraft takes a long and detailed creative process that involves our passion, mind, hand and high standards of fine art.

We are a “one-stop shop” of fitness facilities, since all class passes and memberships automatically include group personal training sessions with a certified Personal Trainer Specialist. Unique services such as life coaching and nutrition coaching will also be available at R3 Evolution.In addition to fitness classes and small group training sessions, our training facility will offer: Latin Dance lessons, Kids Karate classes, Mediation groups, and monthly workshops featuring Fitness Professionals and Wellness Experts.It is our goal to consistently uphold excellent customer service, and to create a strong community feeling amongst our members. Conveniently located on 3065 Ridgeway Drive in Mississauga, a wide variety of classes ranging from BellyFit to Boxing will be available at various times throughout the day to suit your busy schedule.

Are you ready for Halloween? Can’t you decide on your Christmas gifts list? Check Antika’s show room for Unique Costumes, Christmas Gifts and Decorations.

In a cozy venue, away from the crowded malls and busy streets, Antika built its kingdom of fine art, presenting the richness and diversity of the world’s artistic heritage and contemporary designs; master pieces that tell stories about elegancy and class; master pieces that are crafted by modern artistic fingers and passionate desire for fine art.

Master Trainers and Fitness Instructors will have the opportunity to rent the R3 Evolution facility to train, coach, and instruct trainers and the general public alike to become certified in various fitness disciplines. The studio will consistently uphold a high standard of training through its innovative training methods, classes and trendy equipment.Evolution’s management team is composed of skilled, intelligent and enthusiastic individuals. We are excited to serve you and to inspire you to become the BEST version of YOURSELF!

Whether using gem stones, marble or glass; copper, silver or steel; silk combined with woven threads or printed textiles; crafted wood or wrought iron, our talented and experienced artists ensure to deliver high quality handcrafted treasures that has no match around the world. And that’s what Antika, proudly, preserves: Valuable treasures that reflect various cultures; nonetheless, created uniquely for you; as uniquely as Antika’s artists handcraft them.

Renew, Refresh, Restore your mind, body & spirit at R3 Evolution.

From Fashion or Jewelry to home decor or collectables, Antika indeed brings to Port Credit the most dazzling hand-made rare pieces of the most remarkable nations on our planet.

R3 Evolution is will be opening November 2013. For more information, please contact Crystal Mallari at 416-877-0361.

Antika…The Art of Loving Art Workshops Since Antika cherishes handcrafts and encourages talents, it runs hand-craft and fine art classes and workshops throughout the year. These workshops are designed for those who seek to learn or enhance the skill. Knowledgeable and skilled artisans will provide guidance through the whole process. With small, friendly, affordable classes and talented, experienced, patient tutors, Antika guarantees that participants enjoy their time and take home masterpieces of their own creation.

Antika’s workshops offer a large selection of craft classes at affordable prices; such as, Painting on Acrylic, Glass, Silk, or wood carving and jewelry making.

Antika…The Art of Loving Art is located at 3 Brant Ave, Mississauga. Call 905-9908080 or visit www.antikaholding.com.

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3rd Annual Diaper Drive

By Lydia Ordóñez-Niles

The littlest ones in our community need your help - they want their bottoms clean and dry. I know we can all make it happen!

I am happy to announce that the 3rd Annual Diaper Drive will once again be held from October 1st to October 15th. Newly packaged diapers (all sizes) or cash donations can be dropped off at Impressionable Gifts & Décor at 74 Lakeshore Rd. E. between these dates. With each package donated, a ballot will be given for an in store draw. Once the collection is completed, my husband and I happily sort out the sizes and divide the diapers evenly. I then deliver the diapers to three non-profit organizations: My Life Centre, The Compass and Interim Place.

It’s hard to believe the little baby that inspired me to run this event will be five years next month! The Diaper Drive started because I wanted to purchase diapers as part of a welcoming package for this new bundle of joy. When I arrived at a store, was I ever shocked at the cost of diapers! It got me to thinking - how many, in uncertain circumstances, sometimes have to make that tough decision of either purchasing food or a package of diapers? A baby goes through a lot of diapers! I felt I could not just sit back - I had to do something in a positive way that would make a difference in the lives of families, and help raise awareness about this issue. I have always said, every little bit helps - no matter what.

The last two years we all have been able to make a positive difference and I hope we can do it again this year. A special thank you to Cassandra at Resonate Communications Inc. for creating another great poster and Lisa of Lisa Vigliotta Photography for providing such a sweet image for the poster.

Welcome to Savour Mississauga Restaurant Week October 21st to November 3rd, 2013 Savour Mississauga – A Culinary Celebration

It’s time to warm up your tastebuds! Restaurant Week in Mississauga is officially here!

The inaugural Savour Mississauga Restaurant Week event will make its debut October 21st and will run until November 3rd, 2013.

Explore Mississauga’s finest restaurants serving up delicious three-course prefixe dinners for only $20, $25, or $35 per person, and lunch at select restaurants for only $15 or $20 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling the restaurants directly. Savour Mississauga is dedicated to shining the spotlight on Mississauga’s culinary diversity through its wide range of fabulous dining restaurant choices. The Program provides steady business during a typically slower period, infinite exposure to all of Mississauga’s residents, and most notably, a tremendous opportunity to acquire new, loyal clients to their establishment. It is also a great opportunity for restaurants to showcase the quality, variety and hospitality of the City’s restaurant community.

For consumers, it is a great way to try out new restaurants that may usually appear to be “out of budget” or continue to simply enjoy familiar favourites. Participating restaurants and their pre fixed menus are all available at www.Savour Mississauga.com.

Visitors can search all of the tasty dishes based on cuisine, location and price points, plus you can also view individual restaurant profiles and learn more about the various dining destinations. SavourMississauga.Com provides a visual avenue for restaurants to communicate specials, menus, photographs, chef profiles and so much more for hungry eaters.

Additionally, Savour Mississauga is much more than just a dining event. It’s an opportunity to also showcase all the wonderful local businesses in the city from shopping malls, to arts and culture, to entertainment, to hotels. Savour Mississauga supports local tourism with a strong focus on EAT-PLAY-SHOP-STAY. Visitors can explore the diversity available across the city while spending money and contributing to our local economic development. Savour The Meals…Savour The Deals!

If you would like to add and feature your restaurant establishment to Savour Mississauga Restaurant Week, contact info@savourmississauga.com.

It’s time to Savour new flavours, and support your local dining establishments.

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COMMUNITY CORNER Rowing to gold Mississauga’s Don McLeish won gold with rowing partner Mike Moloney at the Canadian Sculling Marathon in August. McLeish training at London Rowing Club and Moloney at Peterborough Rowing Club, rowed to a personal best for the 10.5 km race in 52 minutes, 40 seconds, taking 23 seconds off their previous record in 2010 for T-7 double rowing shells. This is the third time McLeish/Moloney have been successful in the 2X, having won previously in 4x quads 1/2 marathons. Along with on-water and gym training, Erin Whitton R.M.T of By The Lake Massage Therapy & Wellness Centre Inc. has been instrumental in preparing Don for the regatta. A variety of protocols were utilized including, massage therapy, DKN vertical vibration, far infrared sauna(sauna ray), thermaxthermo acupressure massage table and amethyst biomat-negative ion and far infrared therapeutic treatment system.Mcleish is hoping to compete in 4 km 8+ race October 5th with Western University Alumni.

Port Credit Smoke and Gift offering more!

Port Credit Smoke and Gift has been offering Port Credit residence a convenient shopping experience for many decades. Recently, this Port Credit landmark has come under new ownership. New owner, Mr. Kumar, has made significant upgrades and changes to the convenient store. More than just convenience items, this Port Credit shop now offers high end products such as cosmetics, name brand fragrances, luggage and so, so much more. Mr. Kumar states, “I have many years’ experience in the fragrance industry.”

Port Credit Smoke and Gift remains anchored by a Canada Post Outlet and as well its new products, continues to offer all the existing items that the retail shop is famous for. From passport photos, hunting licences, MoneyGram Services, fax and copy, ATM to lottery tickets, pop, chocolates, gum, stationary, greeting cards, party supplies, belts, cellphones and hardware this little store centrally located in Port Credit offers so much! Port Credit Smoke and Gift is located at 81 Lakeshore Rd. E., Port Credit on the south side of Lakeshore between Stavebank Road and Elizabeth Street.

Music to Remember Dance The Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble and Little Peter and the Elegants will be performing on Saturday, November 2 during Music to Remember Dance. It will be an evening of terrific music from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s and will take place upstairs at the Port Credit Legion, 35 Front St. N. Doors open at 7 pm and then dancing from 8 pm until 1 am. Tickets are $20per person in advance and $25per person at the door. $1 from each ticket will go to the Legion Poppy Fund.

Tickets on sale at Impressionable Gifts & Decor, 74 Lakeshore Rd. E. CASH ONLY.

Port Credit Comedy Festival – Mark Your Calendar!

Back by popular demand! Last year the Port Credit Comedy Festival made its debut to appreciative audiences and returns this in 2014 with a new cast of comics. Hometown favourite, Mike Bullard will kick off the event as host of the gala show on Thursday, February 27th at First United Church. The headliner of the show this year is Frank Spadone, whose own show one man stand-up comedy show has seen him in repeat sold out performances in Toronto, Montreal, Hamilton, Ottawa, Vancouver, Detroit and Chicago. Also on the bill are Gilson Lubin, John Wing, Darcy Michael, Erica Sigurdson, Arthur Simeon and Perry Perlmutar. Tickets will be available soon - contact the Port Credit Business Association office to be placed on the waiting list.

Relay For Life Celebrate the Relay for Life with your four-legged friends on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from noon to 3 pm. Activities and exercise will take place at J.C. Saddington Park, 53 Lake Street. Registration is $15 per dog and can be done at cancer.ca/BarkMississauga. Participants will receive a doggie bandana and swag bag. Call 905-608-8411 ext. 3827 or email jtremaine@ontario.cancer.ca for more information.

Lorne Park Library presents: Explore your universe: an introduction to astronomy and the night sky with Randy Attwood, President Earthshine Astronomy & Space Science Organization.

The exploration of the solar system and beyond using robotic probes and large telescopes has resulted in some unique discoveries including the potential for life on Mars, Earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars, and views of galaxies first formed after the Big Bang. The event will take place on October 10, 2013 from 7 – 8:30 pm and is a free, informal presentation for ages 8 and up. Telescopes will be set up to view the moon and other objects of interest. Phone 905 615-4845 to register. Lorne Park Library is located at 1474 Truscott Dr.

The results are in for Buskerfest 8!

And the winners are...... Toby Award - Charlie Caper, #Twitter - USA Breakdancers, People’s Choice - Rueben dot dot dot and Xtreme Award - Wacky Chad. Thank you for voting at Buskerfest 8.

Moose Knuckles at Bazina Fur Moose Knuckles is born of Canadian heritage, personality, sports and leisure from our nation’s obsession with ice hockey, to our reputation as the class clown of the global schoolhouse. This Canadian company is self-described as ballsy and playful with a ‘no holds barred’ kind of attitude. Moose Knuckles is a premium sportswear brand that updates time-honoured Canadian garments for the tastes and expectations of an urban market. What is more Canadian than a Moose Knuckle? Stop into Bazinas Furs located at 269 Lakeshore Road East to check out the Moose Knuckles outerwear. Bazinas Furs is proud to sell Canadian made products like Moose Knuckles, moccasins, cloth coats and leathers. You are what you wear.

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Do you need Extra Insurance when purchasing a condo?

Online ordering

By Silvia Yeomans, Queen Spectacle

By Theresa Baird, Keller Williams Realty Solutions

Think about it. You’re sitting in front of your computer. I do it too. You can look for a product, do some research, read the reviews and if you so desire, you can click on the button that says “add to cart”. Well now take it from a wider angle.

Look around you. Go for a walk in your neighbourhood. If you live in Port Credit, go for a walk along Lakeshore. If you’re in Streetsville, take a walk along Queen Street. The Kingsway strolls along Bloor Street. Now tell me. If you bought all the things you find online, some of those businesses would be missing!

Are in the market now or planning to purchase a condo in the near future? Did you know that you will still need to buy household /content insurance?

Many of today’s buyers believe you don’t need household or content insurance, because they pay a monthly condo fee. Most condo fees include common element and building insurance. Although the condominium corporation must carry insurance on the building, it does not cover everything and usually there are deductibles involved.

I know life seems to be ‘easy’ ordering product online, but buying local also makes your local neighbourhoods flourish. There’s charm to local neighbourhoods because of the stores that exist. I am a local business owner. I go online to view product, but I always try to buy in my neighbourhoods. I love Port Credit, Streetsville and The Kingsway. Almost everything I own comes from those three wonderful places. Almost everything I buy for myself and others; be it engagement presents, birthday presents, housewarming presents, they come from here!

During a recent listing I asked the seller what happened with the ceiling in the living room. They answered that the unit above had a dishwasher leak and it ran through the ceiling and affected their unit. Who pays for that repair? Most people think it’s the condominium’s responsibility but it maybe your responsibility if you owned the unit above my client and not that of the condominium insurance policy. Even if the condominium policy pays for part of the loss, you will likely be responsible for the deductible.

Recently, we started getting some clients pricing out our eyeglasses and contact lenses (because they can order them online). A woman came in, completely certain that her contact lenses were less expensive online than with ANY optical.

She had an eye exam, and the optometrist even told her that her eyes needed a break from contact lenses. If she continues to wear her contact lenses the way she was, she will be completely cut-off from contact lenses. We tried to tell her what she was doing was extremely unhealthy for her eyes. Remember, you only have 5 senses. One of those senses is your sight. Can you imagine, we priced out contact lenses for her? Yes, we were $6 more than online. I admit, we were more expensive, but we could watch her progress to make sure we are caring to make sure her eye health improves. Thankfully, she is now under our care.

Imagine how many people have ocular problems because no one is taking care of their eye health.

A building insurance policy typically will cover common areas, such as the structure, lobby and elevators, but does not cover an owner’s personal belongings. Nor does it cover any improvements that you have made to your unit or if you damage someone else’s unit or property or someone gets hurt while visiting your unit. Upgrades can include hardwood floor, ceramic tiles, carpets, cabinetry, appliances, counters and perhaps a sound system that you installed in your unit. The good news is that you can buy insurance to protect yourself from this type of liability. You want to review the status certificate, rules of the condo and totally understand what is and what is not covered before you purchase. Talk to your Realtor, your insurance company and your lawyer to be sure to review all of these issues.

Ask if any content coverage includes the items that are stored in your condominium locker for safekeeping. If your locker is owned as a separate unit, you must disclose this to your insurer to ensure that you are properly protected as well. There is also insurance protection available in some instances when there are claims against the corporation insurance policy for damages to the common elements or lawsuits against the corporation. If there is not enough insurance to pay for the loss or the insurance deductible, special assessments are levied against each of the unit owners to pay for it. You can buy insurance to protect you against these types of special assessments.

There is a price for service. It’s not always expensive. But there is a service involved that you cannot get from ordering online. Be it eyeglasses or contact lenses it is difficult to understand the depth of complications with your vision looking through contact lenses or eyeglasses that are not provided by your licensed optician.

Port Credit, Streetsville and The Kingsway have some of the best Optometrists and Opticians working in them. Be proud to support your local businesses and be proud to say you live in your neighbourhood.

Unit owners are also generally responsible for any repairs and maintenance for anything in the unit itself. For this reason, it is generally advisable to have a condominium inspected by a home inspector to look at the plumbing, HVAC or other systems that may be the unit owner’s responsibility to maintain and repair, should a breakdown occur.

Silvia Yeomans is a Registered Optician and owner of Queen Spectacle. Queen Spectacle is located at 102 Lakeshore Road East, in Port Credit. They also have locations in Streetsville and The Kingsway. If you’d like to reach Silvia Yeomans or a member of her eye care team, email silvia@queenspectacle.com or visit www. queenspectacle.com.

If you are buying a townhouse, then generally you will be more responsible for anything that occurs inside your home, so ensure that it is properly inspected before you buy and that you have your own sufficient insurance coverage over items that may not be covered by your condominium policy, such as flooding or sewage backup. Many homeowners in Mississauga recently experienced great loss from our summer flash flood. Protect yourself now to be sure this doesn’t happen to you.

When you are buying your next condominium, do your research in advance.

Speak to the management company and if necessary, the insurance company that insures the building to make sure you understand what is covered and what isn’t. Find out the amount of any deductible. Do an inventory of all of your personal belongings, such as furniture, jewellery, artwork and clothing, so that you can buy sufficient replacement cost insurance if anything happens.

By purchasing the right kind and amount of insurance before you move into your condo, you will avoid unwanted surprises or assessments if something happens later.

For further information on this or any other question contact Theresa Baird, Broker with Keller Williams Realty Solutions at 647-298-0997 or visit www.tbaird.com.

Article resources include info from Mark Weisleder and The Toronto Star.

12

Alzheimer Society Supported at Walden Circle

SMALL BUSINESS FEATURE

Celebrating 30 years in Port Credit

By J.Knox

By: Melissa Motyka

With the winter months fast approaching, knit socks, colourful booties, and intricately knit sweaters are in full demand in the heart of Port Credit. It is no coincidence, then, that Linda Benne of Linda’s Craftique is celebrating 30 years at her shop on the lakeshore this November.

On September 12, staff at Walden Circle Retirement Community hosted a cheque presentation and networking event in support of the Alzheimer’s Society of Peel Region.

Along with the Alzheimer Society, V.I.P.’s invited to the wine and cheese networking social included financial planners, realtors and professionals from local businesses whose primary function is to assist our senior population and their families in home and health care.

Growing up with a passion for knitting inherited from her mother, Linda fostered her love for the hobby but had never envisioned turning it into a career. However, her enrollment in a small business course coupled with a newly obtained vendors permit led her to an unexpected venture. The idea spurred during a trip to a wholesaler, and the plan, as they say, quickly unraveled. “My mother jokingly had said ‘let’s open a store together,’” says Linda. “Seven weeks later, we opened… 30 years later, I’m still here.”

Over the years, the Craftique has become a beacon for fiber-lovers, both near and far. With loyal customers in places as far as Australia, Linda ensures all customers are well accommodated, and provides worldwide shipping for her fellow knitters. This devotion has given the shop an advantage over big-box stores, supported by its selection of luxurious natural fibers, rich colours, and attention to fine quality. A self-proclaimed “fiber snob,” Linda has become known for carrying exquisite hand-dyed yarns from Nova Scotia, not only supplying valuable product for her customers, but further supporting Canadian businesses.

Funds for the cheque that was presented to the Alzheimer Society were raised during the month of June (Seniors Month) as Clarkson community members and residents of Walden Circle participated in various fundraising events held by staff at Walden Circle. The events included a Rib Fest, a luncheon and a special Dinner and a Movie Night. The total amount of funds raised during these events was $500, which Walden Circle Retirement Residence matched.

Moving from her original location on Lakeshore to her current shop last February, Linda has maintained her eye for knits and has provided her customers with more space to choose from a variety of fibers, and a place to enjoy the company of good friends. Hosting monthly knitting nights, patrons of the Craftique are able to learn from each other, indulge in some take-out, and revel in a good conversation. Organizing additional sessions for customers interested in learning new techniques, working with unfamiliar materials, and expanding their knitting portfolios, Linda takes pride in her customers and works to satisfy their appetite for knitting.

Sara Garrigan, Walden Circle Marketing Manager, says that all the funds raised will go towards the Alzheimer Society of Peel’s day programs for seniors and to outpatient resources for families who are learning to cope with the disease.

Some of the regular programs at Walden Circle designed specifically for residents with memory impairment include bingo, art class, brainteasers and social and spiritual programs.

While much has changed in terms of fibers and yarns in the past 30 years, now made from materials such as sugar cane, bamboo, and even possum, one thing has stayed the same: Linda’s passion to knit. “I just love the process,” says Linda.

“It doesn’t matter what I’m knitting…I never get sick of it.” Proudly displaying a gift from the Toronto Marlie’s Puck N’ Purls event – a hockey jersey with the name Faster Knitter stitched on the back, awarded after being named the fastest knitter in North America – it is clear Linda holds a true joy for her work.

In Ontario there are approximately 181,000 people with dementia and that number is expected to grow to 255,000 by the year 2020. Alzheimer Society Peel served 26,000 people last year alone, which was a 62% increase from 2011. As the first wave of Baby Boomers reach retirement and diagnostic tools improve, along with the rate of people moving into Peel, further increase in people with the disease can be expected.

When asked to offer a piece of advice to young business professionals, Linda simply said: “Have patience, tenacity, and the willingness to learn from other people.” Whether you adore the comfort of knitting, want to learn something new, or enjoy the company of people who share their passions, Linda’s Craftique welcomes you.

Catherine Jagdeo, Volunteer and Fund Development Coordinator for Alzheimer Society Peel, says that they rely heavily on community partners to help with programs and services. “The funding we receive through the ministry of health and long-term care only goes so far. The donations that we receive through the community, through individuals and through our corporate partners such as this (Walden Circle) really helps to augment what we receive and helps us to further develop our programs to better serve our clients.” says Catherine.

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OCTOBER 12, 2013

Think Pink this October!

By Michelle Gardiner

RUSSIAN TREASURES 8:00 P.M.

October, a month normally associated with black and orange, has taken on a new hue! Breast Cancer Awareness month is an internationally recognised event that is organised every October to increase awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and ultimately in hopes of finding a cure! You may even catch some NFL linebackers donning some Pink gear in support this month.

GLINKA Ruslan & Lyudmila Overture

TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No.1 in Bb Minor

October has always been my favorite month of the year, and since being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 34, it has become that much more special. My pumpkins are now painted pink, and instead of pulling out the cosy brown fall sweaters I get out all my pink hoodies. In 2013 Breast Cancer continues to be the most common cancer in Canadian women over the age of 20. In 2013 there will be 62 women diagnosed daily, 434 women diagnosed weekly and 22,700 diagnosed this year.

MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition

While research into prevention continues to move forward we are still losing strong vibrant women, sisters, mother, aunts and friends to this terrible disease.

As a women it is so important that we are aware of our bodies, and I want women and men to know that if they sense something is just not right please have it looked at closely and, if needed, demand further investigation of that “probably nothing� bump; I wish I had. Make sure you make breast self-exams a regular routine, and guys, this applies to you too. Cancer does not discriminate, it does not care if you are rich, poor, tall, short, a man or a women. Unfortunately most people know someone who has been affected by this terrible disease, so for October I encourage you to do your part, paint your pumpkins pink to show your support, hold a pink bake sale or visit www.cbcf.org for other fun ideas.

This year, I have lost 2 great friends to this disease; I dedicate this to Michelle and Corrine with hope that One day we will find a cure, together we can make it happen in our life time. Thank you to Toby and Colette Gardiner my brother and sister in-law for asking me to write this article and continue the fight. For more information on breast cancer or how you can help you can go to www.cbcf.org.

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My how time flies

By Marion Klinnert

It’s October again! And what a shame that we only once a year celebrate Breast Health, when it should be a daily occurrence. We at Private Moments Lingerie and Ladies Wear celebrate good health every day.

After being in the ladies wear business for 28 years I have gotten close to many of my customers. Losing someone because they have moved or even because we haven’t been able to please them completely is one thing but to lose them to an illness that could be prevented is heartbreaking. Most diseases these days ARE preventable…good diet and plenty of exercise, regular trips to the dentist (poor oral health can lead to other maladies) and yearly trips to your family doctor can keep disease at bay. Early detection is the best way to survive any malady. I understand that fear and arrogance can stand in the way of early detection, of anything. But living a long, productive life is what I think we are here for.

photo by Trevor Gordon

Brachytherapy is most effective in women with grade 1 or 2 breast cancer that hasn’t yet reached the lymph nodes. In the one hour procedure approximately 50 to 100 seeds are implanted near the cancer site with fine needles. The seeds then deliver radiation inside the body for two months. That’s it! They don’t even need to be removed. Brilliant! But maybe not for everyone. Should you need more info about brachytherapy simply find out at bccancerfoundation. com/HDRbrachytherapy.

In 2001 I became a certified Mastectomy Fitter. Very rewarding work which I wish I didn’t have to do. I see many women prior to surgery since I sell post surgery garments that make recovery after a mastectomy easier. Then six to eight weeks after surgery and their wound site has healed sufficiently a silicone breast prosthesis and bra can help women outwardly look and feel like they did prior to surgery. Many oncologists are sending patients for radiation and for that procedure we now carry a cream specifically developed to aid the healing process from radiation irritation. But since I am in this industry I am always reading up on the latest developments in breast care.

But the more informed we are, the more questions we can ask of our health care providers and help take charge of what is happening to us. My motto for years has been, don’t get angry-take action and this really applies to cancer and your own personal treatment. Let’s not take this disease lying down! Please during the month of October if you are asked to donate funds for research please give generously…and should anyone you know need my services please do not hesitate to pass on my information.

The last one to cross my path was a procedure known as “Brachytherapy”.

Brachy is a Greek word meaning short. The Mayo Clinic defines brachytherapy as a targeted cancer treatment in which radioactive pellets or seeds are placed in the body. It’s proven to deliver a high dose of radiation to malignant tissue (thus increasing the likelihood cancer doesn’t return). It’s also less likely to harm healthy tissue. Dr. Jean-Philippe Pignol at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital has adapted the technique for breast cancer. The doctor has treated more than a 100 patients, and the recurrence of cancer is about 1 or 2 percent.

Private Moments Lingerie and Ladies Wear is located 259 Lakeshore Rd. East. In Port Credit. Call 905-278-8055.

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Principal residence

Port Credit’s Walk of Fame

Every year we get a least a few questions regarding principal residence and what it means from the tax perspective. This justifies at least a few words on the topic.

Five new names were added to Port Credit’s Music Walk of Fame in Memorial Park on September 6th. The 2013 inductees are former CBS Records senior executive Charlie Camilleri, Opera Mississauga and City Centre Musical Productions founder Eleanor Calbes, lead guitarist for rock group Triumph Rik Emmett, the long-time singer for Canada’s best-known blues band Chuck Jackson, and innovative jazz pianist and composer Nancy Walker, the 2008 National Jazz Awards keyboardist of the year.

Principal residence is a home which you and your family ordinarily live in. Such home is exempt from tax on any capital gain arising on its sale. This exemption applies to one family unit, meaning that a wife, husband, and their minor children cannot have more than one principal home throughout the year.

However, in case when a family has more than one home, for instance, a city home and a cottage, either home can be designated as principle residence as long as the family spends some time in either one. This creates an opportunity to shelter capital gain on the property that increases in value the most.

You will not lose the exemption status if you need to live outside of your principal residence because of the work or school for no more than 4 years. You can rent out your residence at that time. This is provided that you do not have another principal residence at the same time.

Port Credit Wins Urban Design Award The Port Credit’s Cultural Node Project received an Award of Merit for Community Scale and Innovation at this year’s Mississauga Urban Design Awards that took place at City Hall on Friday, September 27th. The Port Credit BIA and local restaurants owners Danny Sahdra, owner of Indian Cuisine by the Lake, Cameron Pikul, owner of Shore Grill and Grotto and John Pappas, owner of The Crooked Cue, earned the Award for the installations of temporary, extended sidewalks and outdoor restaurant patio areas that are located along front of their corresponding establishments on Lakeshore Road east in Port Credit.

It is also possible to designate a property as principal residence only for some years. Whenever you change the status of your residence from principle to nonprinciple, you should obtain a valuation on all of your properties. It will make it easier to calculate capital gain that may be arising.

What about those who buy a fixer-upper and sell it for profit at some point?

Those families should be very careful about the tax treatment of any capital gains. Generally, a capital gain means that you held an asset for a long period of time and its value went up before you decided to sell it. Such circumstances allow you to enjoy full exemption from tax on any capital gain. Many families who find themselves in that situation will not pay a cent on the increase in value of their home. However, if you engage in business of buying and selling properties on a regular basis, even though it is the home where your family lives, Canada Revenue Agency may have a different view as to the tax treatment of your capital gain and can convert it to regular income.

For families who substantially renovate their home, or tear it down and rebuild, it is important to know that you can recover HST paid on your supplies and labour. As long as you are not a builder by trade, you can get some money back from CRA for building or substantially renovating your principal residence.

Eva Kupiec, CMA and Beata Kurpiewski, CGA Principals of Professional Accounting Office at 3461 Lake Shore Blvd. W. www.beaccounting.ca

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m FINANCE Value For Money Investing

We introduce a new concept called “Gamma” designed to quantify the additional expected retirement income achieved by an individual investor from making more intelligent financial planning decisions. Gamma will vary for different types of investors, but in this article we focus on five fundamental financial planning decisions/techniques: a total wealth framework to determine the optimal asset allocation, a dynamic withdrawal strategy, incorporating guaranteed income products (i.e., annuities), taxefficient decisions, and liability-relative asset allocation optimization.

Value For Money Investing means we wish to allocate and use our hard-earned resources in order to improve investment outcomes in a continuous and sustainable way at a fair and equitable price. In other words, achieve good investment returns AND receive fair value for the services provided. Costs do matter!

Gamma, Gamma Go Gamma Last article, under our journal heading The Gratifying Harvest (Eeny meeny….), I promised to discuss in the future, five important factors that have the greatest impact on retirement portfolios. Earlier this year I wrote about some key terms used in finance (its All Greek to Me), Alpha and Beta. Well the future is here and it is time for a new common term denoted by the Greek letter Gamma. (This is somewhat confusing because Gamma is in many glossaries as a descriptive for pricing of options. Gamma indicates how quickly your exposure to the price movement of the underlying security changes as the price of the underlying security varies. Other times it is used as the variable denoting the investor’s degree of risk aversion.)

We estimate a retiree can expect to generate 29% more income on a “utility-adjusted” basis using a Gamma-efficient retirement income strategy when compared to our base scenario, which assumes a 4% constant real withdrawal and a 20% equity allocation portfolio. This additional income is equivalent to an annual arithmetic return increase of +1.82% (i.e., Gamma equivalent alpha), which represents a significant improvement in portfolio efficiency for a retiree. Unlike traditional alpha, which can be hard to predict, we find that Gamma (and Gamma equivalent alpha) can be achieved by anyone following an efficient financial planning strategy.”

Wheh! …and read that last half sentence again “….can be achieved by anyone following an efficient financial planning strategy.” So let’s start.

In September 2012, Morningstar, a very large service provider to the investment community, published a research paper authored by David Blanchett, CFA, CFP, Head of Retirement Research, Morningstar Investment Management and Paul Kaplan, Ph.D., CFA, Director of Research, Morningstar Canada titled Alpha, Beta, and Now…Gamma.

This paper proposed that it is not investment/manager selection that has the greatest impact on retirement portfolios; rather it is making more intelligent financial planning decisions. At Efficient Wealth Management, we have been promoting the exact same five ideas for over ten years with a passion and are very pleased to share with you the conclusions of such an authoritative source. In a departure from the usual for me, I am simply going to let you read their well summarized abstract and then I will clarify in street terms, the decisions and techniques.

1) a total wealth framework to determine the optimal asset allocation Your current advisor or bank asks you to answer an investment questionnaire and then discusses it with you. This is an attempt to establish risk tolerance and risk preference (i.e., an investor’s aversion to or comfort with risk). This however ignores your risk capacity (i.e., an investor’s ability to assume risk). Asset allocation should be based on a combination of risk preference and risk capacity, and primarily risk capacity. The only way to establish risk capacity is through a thorough examination of your total financial picture. A review of assets, liabilities, current spending and future spending expectations, income sources both now and in the future, etc. In other words, a full financial review of the persons involved. Commonly called a financial plan.

Abstract….

“When it comes to generating retirement income, investors arguably spend the most time and effort on selecting ‘good’ investment funds/managers—the so called alpha decision—as well as the asset allocation, or beta, decision. However, alpha and beta are just two elements of a myriad of important financial planning decisions, many of which can have a far more significant impact on retirement income.

2)a dynamic withdrawal strategy You probably are contemplating a static withdrawal strategy. An amount based on 4% of assets adjusted for inflation each year is very common. The future will not be steady and unwavering, so why should the withdrawals. Your withdrawal plan should be adjustable to the future realities, not the past plans.

3) incorporating guaranteed income products (i.e., annuities) The key here is risk shifting or hedging your risk. Annuities and other guaranteed products (such as long term GICs) place the future performance worries onto the provider of the product and remove the risk from you.

4) tax-efficient decisions You should hold assets in the accounts that are the most tax wise for those types of investments. Ensure that your withdrawal strategy is also generating income in the most beneficial manner. It is not just about this year. A good goal is to lower your lifetime total tax bill to the lowest possible amount. Access to a skilled tax consultant is essential.

Advice For A Fee

tirement liabilityere

Increase your income through intelligent financial planning decisions.

5) liability-relative asset allocation optimization The risk associated with currencies, inflation and timing of withdrawals as they relate to the future are an important part of establishing the optimal portfolio allocation.

In the words of the authors, “From a more holistic perspective, each of these Gamma concepts can be thought of as actions and services provided by financial planners not investment managers. Is it time to rethink your own approach?”

Join us for our next “Meet the Columnist” on Tuesday, October 29th, 2013 from 2 to 4 pm or 7 to 9 pm. Space is limited so please contact Jean Dizon at 416-410-9809 or jdizon@ efficientwealth.com to RSVP and confirm the Port Credit location for your choice of time.

Gordon is the Vice President – Financial Planning at Efficient Wealth Management Inc., a leader in cost efficient financial planning. He has taught at local colleges in both Financial Services and Accounting areas. He is also a frequent guest on television and has written numerous articles on investing and financial planning. See our ad “the Harvest is under way!” in this issue.

Gratifying Harvest is a dynamic withdrawal strategy Total wealth framework before Asset Allocation We encourage guaranteed income products We design for the retirement liability Tax‐efficient portfolios

We are money coaches. We created a new coaching program called The Gratifying Harvest. The program helps you enjoy your future by carefully harvesting cash flow from your lifetime of savings or preparing you to do so. The Gratifying Harvest is an advanced program that takes everything to a much higher level and is only available from Efficient Wealth Management.

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