Escarpment Magazine Autumn / Early Winter 2023

SMALL MOMENTS. BIG MEMORIES.

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View of the Escarpment

Cara Williams Editor-In-Chief

Much like her grandmother, my daughter Neko is an artist. I recently observed her mixing and adjusting a colour palette before beginning a new painting—she dipped her brush into a blob of paint, pulled from another, then blended and experimented until she achieved the desired hue. Once or twice she settled on an unexpected combination—a shade that had occurred accidentally, yet pleasantly surprised her.

While I didn’t inherit the artistic gene, as a writer I’m inclined to recognize metaphors. Watching her paint, I was struck by how similar this process is to our lives. Each year we begin with a blank canvas; paint it with our hopes, plans, and intentions; adjust to reflect every day routines or tone down negativity. After stepping back, we might observe that we’ve used too much of one tone, and not nearly enough of another. Reflection offers us the chance to measure our progress and perhaps, revisit a palette that once held promise.

Or, wipe the slate clean and start anew.

As we step into autumn and early winter, the full picture is beginning to take shape. The themes that coloured the preceding months come into focus; the joy; the pain; the losses; the triumphs. What did we learn? How did we grow? What would we change?

Assessing these metaphorical layers helps me focus on where I want to go next. When the time comes to flip the final page of the calendar, perhaps I’ll choose a different colour palette altogether—or, maybe this time, I’ll choose to paint entirely outside the lines.

Here’s to making the most of the fleeting days of 2022. And to colouring our world— and in turn, the world of those around us—in vibrant, sparkling colours full of possibility and positivity.

The holiday season is nearly upon us, and at our house we have a family tradition of giving thanks at the dinner table. I have a lot to be thankful for this year— my wife Haily and I welcomed our second child in March, and apart from sleepless nights, everyone is thriving. On the business side I have a lot to be thankful for as well—in particular I am grateful for the continued support of our advertising partners. The past two and a half years have been tumultuous for small businesses. Shutdowns and interruptions have taken their toll, and when local businesses are impacted, we all feel the pinch.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of our advertising partners who have stuck with this magazine throughout the uncertainty. This publication would not be possible without their continued support.

Escarpment Magazine is now in our 35th year of publishing. Our longevity and success is also a reflection of the people who contribute to these pages—from the creatives, to our sales team, to our incredible group of freelance writers and photographers, Escarpment is overflowing with talent. As our Creative Director Susan Meingast regularly reminds me; “Don’t stop until you are proud”. I am proud of our team, and I’m proud of this publication.

Our Real Estate Market Watch column was first introduced in the Autumn of 1994, written by wellknown local realtor Anthea White. When Anthea passed suddenly in 2013, Desmond von Teichman stepped in and continued her legacy of producing well-researched, thoughtful and timely articles. As the Broker of Record and owner of one of the largest brokerages in Ontario, Des speaks in layman’s terms, presents the facts and interjects humour when necessary.

After nearly a decade of working together, Des has become a trusted friend and mentor. Back when I first purchased this publication from Deena Dolan (also a reliable friend/mentor and my mother), Des shared a piece of advice; “If you’re not growing, you’re dying”. This has stuck with me over the years.

Growth is about evolution and at Escarpment, we strive to make space for diversity—for new voices and differing points of view. With this council in mind, we have invited realtors from across Simcoe, Grey

and Bruce to contribute to Market Watch. Each issue going forward will feature a unique, professional and authoritative writer and the focus will go beyond residential real estate. We plan to share new ideas about technology, infrastructure and sustainable growth. We are confident that this trustworthy column will continue to shed light on the fluctuating local real estate climate. By incorporating different contributors in each issue, we hope to build on the strong foundation that has been expertly laid by Anthea and Des.

This is our final issue of the year, and as you flip through the pages, my hope is that you’ll be inspired to visit one or more of our area’s locally owned, one-of-a-kind retail stores, restaurants, trades and galleries. Small businesses are counting on us to shop local, now more than ever.

I’m thankful you’ve chosen to spend time with us. As always, I welcome your feedback, story ideas and favourite reads.

Clay Dolan Publisher clay@escarpmentmagazine.ca

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Members of the Owen Sound Rowing Club head out on Georgian Bay.

DIFFERENT

It’s hard to beat the mental and physical health benefits of rowing —the meditative movements calm the mind while the full-body effort engages all the major muscle groups. It’s not surprising that the sport of rowing is seeing a resurgence.

By Kate MacLennan photography by Clay Dolan

Strokes DIFFERENT

s Strokes

An early start for members of the Owen Sound Rowing Club.

IFthere’s a more dichotomous physical activity than rowing, one would be hard pressed to name it.

Rowing is challenging but simple. It’s physically taxing and mentally onerous. It’s satisfying and frustrating. It’s blistered hands and sculpted legs. It energizes and deprives one of rest. Some may think it sounds like parenting, which wouldn’t be an unfair comparison when you also consider the enormous role the greatest mother—nature—plays when it comes to rowing on Georgian Bay

Despite all this—or perhaps owing to it—rowing is growing in popularity in North America. There’s been a rise of rowing-machineonly studios and gym classes, more universities are offering rowing as part of their curriculum, and predominant rowing organizations are reporting a steady increase in their membership. As interesting, are the demographics of those getting behind the oars. In 2020, of the 11,776 rowers registered with Rowing Canada, 44.4 percent

live in Ontario and almost 61 percent of those identify as female. Collingwood Rowing Club says its members have ranged in age from 12 to 90, while USRowing, the sport’s governing body south of the border, says 14 percent of its rowers are over the age of 50. From beginners to endurance athletes, rowing’s reputation for delivering a low impact, full-body workout and free-flow of stress-relieving endorphins is out there.

The workout is what first got Michele Mannerow into a boat about 15 years ago. Mannerow, a financial advisor and Secretary Treasurer of the Owen Sound Rowing Club, says that she has taken up a new sport every five years or so since she was in her 30s— hockey, kayaking, mountain biking, and trail running among them. She’d grown up sailing on Georgian Bay, though, so the water has always held a special allure. “We live in Leith, and I would see the rowing shells out on the lake. I kept telling my husband how much

I’d love to try it, and one day he came home with a phone number s

Sonic Grey

and said, ‘Call them.’” These days, Michelle says the more she can row the less she’ll do the other sports she’s embraced. “I like kayaking, but it’s not nearly as much fun as rowing, and it’s nothing like it.” While it’s hard to narrow down rowing’s most unique quality in the world of water sports to just one thing, balance is one of them. “I’ve canoed, I’ve sailed, I’ve kayaked, but the rowing shell is the most tippy boat I’ve ever sat in. It’s like sitting on a knife’s edge,” says Norm Bell, a hydrogeologist and geoscientist, and President of the Owen Sound Rowing Club. In that capacity, rowing on water is nothing at all like rowing on a sturdy machine at the gym —an “erg” as rowers call it (short for ergometer). Neither is it all about arm strength, contrary to popular belief. Bell says, “The reality is it’s 80 percent legs and core. The power comes from your legs. You’re blasting off using the biggest muscles in your legs, then recovering with your arms.”

If descriptors like “power” and “blasting off” come as a surprise given the grace and fluidity in which the boats glide by, consider that when on the water, the Owen Sound team utilizes a training method

similar to high intensity interval training (HIIT) or Tabata. Crews will row four kilometres out and four back, says Bell, explaining, “You go hard for 20 seconds, rest for 10, then hard for 20 seconds, rest for 10, et cetera until you turn the boat. The cardio pump is pretty good.”

Kate McLachlin, a family physician who also practices palliative care, has been rowing and coxswaining since she was a teenager. She has been a member of the Collingwood Rowing Club since 2007.

“There are lots of people here who are active and have been active their whole lives and they can’t do things like running anymore because of their age—their joints hurt. But they can row and get a full body workout. We see a lot of people cycling and I think it’s for the same reason.”

McLachlin says the Collingwood Rowing Club jokes about being a “pick-up club” because the vibe is so non-competitive. “It’s awesome to have a big crew to row together, and one of the reasons I’m still hanging around this club isn’t just because I love rowing, but because the people are awesome and it’s fun to go out on the water and come together as a group,” she says. “But I’ve been doing s

A lone rower off the shore of Owen Sound.

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A pair of rowers enjoying the sunrise over Hurontario St.

this for almost 30 years and with every stroke I’m still thinking, ‘Head forward, shoulders down.’ It’s like a ballet on water because there’s such precision to it, and you have to focus, and concentrate, and be really conscious of the stroke. Getting the perfect stroke is this ongoing challenge, but when you get it, it feels so awesome you just want to do it again.”

Boats typically have one, two, four or eight people. In sweep rowing, each rower has just one oar, and the boat can also hold a coxswain, a sort of on-boat-coach who steers the boat and calls the

strokes. Timing is everything. Every oar must dip into the water, pull through it, then reset with total precision. “There’s a lot of dynamics at work in order to get four or eight people out on the water, stroking together,” says Bell. “You’re trying to be the same stroke as the other people, then respond to a faster stroke when your coxswain screams that you have to go faster, while still trying to see if the other people have anything left in order to call the faster stroke—it’s a real story of determination.”

Then there’s Mother Nature, who doesn’t always get the memo. s

“Weather is a big part of our club,” admits Bell, who says it’s a factor in efforts to grow membership at the Owen Sound Rowing Club. “Unlike a club in, say, Welland where they’ve got a straight canal that doesn’t have the wind factor. So, they’re running 10 boats in the evening. Those conditions tend to attract more people.”

To catch Georgian Bay calm almost always means very early mornings, before thermal winds come up. “That’s a frustrating part, how weather dependent it is. We’ve had weeks I’ve called ‘Yahtzee’ weeks where I was rowing five out of five weeks, but that’s not usual. This summer wasn’t great. We’ve certainly raced banks of fog in,” says Mannerow.

The bay presents other challenges, too. In late May, when the season starts, the water is frigid, which makes wet launches uncomfortable, and tipping the boat a potential disaster. In October, it doesn’t get light until close to 7 am, making getting out on the bay

and then to work on time a mission. Yet, every rower will attest: it’s always worth the effort.

“We have a great harbour, and the water here is pretty easy to navigate. The sun rising in the morning and setting over the mountain in the evening is absolutely stunning. On really flat days we go all the way to the lighthouse, and I can’t tell you how many times we’ll get to the top of the bay and stop and breathe and just enjoy the amazing view,” says McLachlin.

“Elation” is the word Bell uses to describe those early hours out on the water, watching the day break over the bay. “There’s some pretty big sighs when you get out on that flat calm. It’s a pretty rich experience and definitely a glad-to-be-here moment,” he says, before adding, “But then, you can’t take your hand off the oar to stop and stare because there are three other people stroking, so you have to keep the pace.” In rowing, the dichotomy always persists. E

“I’VE CANOED, I’VE SAILED, I’VE KAYAKED, BUT THE ROWING SHELL IS THE MOST TIPPY BOAT I’VE EVER SAT IN. IT’S LIKE SITTING ON A KNIFE’S EDGE .”

MEET ME AT THE green

Spearheaded by the Creemore Community Foundation, the Creemore

Village Green is a fourseason, family oriented, shared community space in the heart of this historic Village.

by Cara Williams photography by Clay Dolan

First settled in 1842, Creemore was once a sleepy stop on the Hamilton and North-Western Railway.

Derived from the Gaelic term “croí mór”, meaning big heart, Creemore has lived up to its name as an abundantly welcoming community—one that is proud of its history and takes care to preserve its heritage.

The Village Green project began with a conversation between Tony Arrell, Stuart Lazier and Judi Parker from the Creemore Horticultural Society. The trio recognized an opportunity to create a shared outdoor park connecting the pre-existing Station on the Green and horticultural garden, if they utilized a vacant property owned by Toronto Dominion (TD) Bank. The Creemore Community Foundation was officially founded in 2019, with a mission to: “Strengthen and enhance the heritage and beauty of the Village of

Creemore, in the Township of Clearview.” Their primary goal is to honour the 180year history of the Village as well as its architectural heritage. Their first order of business; the Village Green project.

The Foundation approached TD Bank to see if they would consider either selling the property or donating it for the purpose of an expanded park. TD generously agreed to the latter. “Four years ago, the TD Bank agreed to donate its closed property to the newly created Creemore Community Foundation—an act of incredible

The Creemore Village Green—a connector, place-maker and landmark— was officially unveiled in late summer. An active hub, gathering space, entertainment venue and community centre, the Village Green showcases the unique inclusiveness of this community.

Husband and wife team Shawn Kelly and Renee McMaster Kelly of Natural Blends Landscaping had a hand in nearly every facet of the project. Born and raised in Creemore, Shawn had intimate knowledge of the property, having spent time there

here an interlocking stone path follows the line of the original railway, leading to the Station on the Green—a replica train station that was completed in 2000. Nine inlaid granite markers (akin to railway ties) tell the history of the land, beginning with an Indigenous land acknowledgement. A splashpad and ping-pong table provide entertainment for younger visitors (and the young at heart), while a covered stage (designed to resemble a train platform) features professional audio and visual connections. The park’s lawns and lush

generosity,” explains Tony Arrell, co-founder of the Creemore Community Foundation. The community was inspired. “We’ve had [more than] 300 different private donors. Of those 23 were what we call Founders who gave $100,000 or more. In total we raised around $4 million. This community came together and, with the vision of local landscape architect, Ines Bite and support from the Horticultural Society and Clearview Council, developed a plan for this wonderful space. The Village Green will be a game changer for our community and your families will be able to enjoy this wonderful space for many years.”

throughout his youth. “We were involved in every stage of the project,” explains Shawn. “From unloading furniture to digging the groundwork for the concrete. Renee is a certified horticulturalist and we call her ‘The Finisher’. We did it all, and we’re very proud of the result. Our teenage sons also got to work with us on this project. When I was their age I was hanging out in this park so it was amazing to see this come to fruition.”

A 16 foot tall art deco pylon marks the entrance to the Village Green. The industrial signpost was commissioned by Jayce Fox/ Shane Durnford Studios and resembles an early 20th century locomotive lantern. From

gardens are managed by the Creemore Horticultural Society, and wooden platforms protect the park’s original crabapple trees. Several landmarks have been refreshed and repositioned, including the Village water-fountain, which was restored and placed on a new base. Ernest Herzig’s sculpture entitled Harmony has also been reinstalled in the park, as has Ralph Hicks’ Dancing Children statue. An additional stone walkway connects to the cenotaph, library, jail (aka the “little-lockup”) and the Creemore Log Cabin (slated for demolition, this 1870s cabin was relocated to the heart of Creemore’s heritage district in 2011). s

Village Green Project Manager Abbey Scott has been visiting Creemore since childhood. “I grew up in Collingwood, and I remember coming to Creemore when I was a kid. Back then there wasn’t much for children to do apart from the farmers markets. The idea behind building this space was for the townspeople to have a space for everyone to enjoy—to have picnics, have meetings [there is free Wi-Fi in the park] and play. The park is lit nicely at nighttime and it will host events and concerts. The drive behind this whole project was to connect the community as well as bring people to the area.”

Throughout the planning phase the community contributed insights and vision for the Village Green through five public meetings attended by more than 650 people over a 10-month period. In addition, community leaders participated in two meetings and provided constructive

comments to ensure the design met specific needs. “We had 60 volunteers help with the community reviews, design, construction and opening of the Creemore Village Green,” says Stuart Lazier, co-founder and Director of the Creemore Community Foundation. “Plus, we used 80 percent local trades and employees to build the park. The objective from the beginning was to help both our community and our Mill Street businesses by creating a vibrant Creemore Village Green that would be the heart of Creemore!” Future plans for the park include live concerts and plays, as well as car shows, farmers markets and of course a quiet place for reflection and relaxation.

“When we were taking the boarding down before the grand opening people were already there, waiting to walk in,” says Shawn Kelly. “I’ve been by the park several times since its completion. There are people there from early in the morning until late

at night. This is all thanks to the generous donors and the people of Creemore who made this happen.”

The Creemore Community Foundation and the Township of Clearview have an agreement that allows the Foundation manage the Village Green for the next 20 years. Ivy Martin was hired as Program Manager—her primary responsibility will be to organize events, publicize activities and work with various community organizations to support their goals.

Today, Creemore is thriving. The Village Green—a complimentary anchor for the Mill St. businesses—is undoubtedly the heart of the community, and inspiration for future cultural, artistic and economic events. A true community achievement, this project was made possible thanks to continued generous donations.

To find out more, or to donate, please go to creemorecommunityfoundation.ca

With an impressive wing span, distinctive white head and signature scowl, the bald eagle was once listed under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. Thanks however, to a well-established management program, Great Lakes’ bald eagles are soaring once again. s

Birds

OPENING

BY HARVEY BODACH

by Cara Williams photography by Cameron Powell, Harvey Bodach & Cathy Wetterberg

PREY

I

n early fall of 2021 local wildlife artist Harvey Bodach witnessed a pair of bald eagles nesting along the Mill Pond marshlands in Thornbury. “I observed two mature eagles working the waters, searching for broken tree limbs and grabbing hold of large floating branches with their talons. Once on the endangered species list, the bald eagle has made a stunning recovery—their numbers declined as a result of exposure to a farming chemical that weakened the eggshell and prevented eagles from reproducing successfully. It was amazing to witness them here. I came back day after day to observe, photograph and eventually paint them.”

Haliaeetus leucocephalus, or bald eagle, is a large diurnal bird of prey, and the only sea eagle species in North America. With its white head, brown body, and hooked yellow beak, it is perhaps the most widely recognized raptor in North America. Once found in each of the continental US states, and all provinces and territories of Canada, by the mid-20th century, the population had declined as a result of the widespread use of the insecticide DDT (dchlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). By the 1970s the southern Ontario population was virtually decimated, and it was estimated that only three to eight pairs remained in existence.

The recovery of the bald eagle began with the North Americanwide prohibition on the use of DDT. Initial recovery was slow, as the persistence of DDT in the environment proved difficult to eliminate. The bald eagle population in the Great Lakes region recovered even slower due to contaminated fish. Over time, populations gradually began to increase thanks to supplementary recovery efforts such as contaminant sampling, habitat protection measures, the placement of nest platforms and the release of bald eagle nestlings.

“If you have travelled lately along the shores of the Great Lakes or inland country roads of southern Ontario you may have witnessed the return of the majestic bald eagle,” says Harvey. Stunned and awed to discover the Mill Pond pair last fall, Harvey began to track their behaviour. “I expanded my observation points as the eagles were spotted on tree perches that surrounded the marsh perimeter. On warmer days they would soar the skies above and stretch the boundaries over the marsh, but they would always come back. They would repeat this pattern daily, flying in the direction of the thickest parts of the marsh. When they returned, their approach to

the marsh was low and from three basic directions. So, I triangulated this consistent pattern and with the use of Google Earth was able to pinpoint a general focal point that would turn out to be their nest.”

Once winter arrived Harvey followed the pair to the Georgian Bay shoreline, tracking their activities and observing them during the coldest months of the year. “Two consistent places where they would perch and hunt was the trees at the mouth of the Beaver River and

Bayview park in Thornbury. This is where they would feed on the water fowl which hugged the edges of the ice packs.”

When spring arrived, the pair began feeding closer to “home” (aka their nest on the Mill Pond). “With both fish and water fowl being available from the Beaver River waters below their nest, I found a great observation point which provided a clear view of their comings and goings. One morning a surprise event was unfolding as both ducks and geese began returning from the southern latitudes. The eagles had just left their nest when a pair of Canadian geese flew onto the nesting platform. They flew in and out a couple of times and began establishing their presence. It was about an hour or so later that the eagles returned—one perched in a tree about 100 yards away, while the other came up from behind and circled the intruders. It was then that the geese took full notice and fled toward the Beaver River in fear, with the eagles trailing in hot pursuit. This

PHOTO BY CAMERON POWELL

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Harvey lost sight of the battle but the following weeks brought a change in the behavior of the eagles. “Two things stood out,” explains Harvey. “The eagles no longer reinforced their nest with tree limbs, and the frequency of visits to the nest was declining. It seems that the geese had disturbed the nest enough that the pair were now abandoning it. But, the possibility exists that the geese could have destroyed the eggs or even killed their eaglets.”

Bald Eagles show a strong fidelity to nesting territories and typically return to the same nest over successive years. Because they maintain a breeding territory near shallow waterbodies with abundant fish populations, they are susceptible to predators like geese. The young eaglets fledge at 10 to 11 weeks of age and have less than 50 percent chance of reaching adulthood. “Whatever transpired in the nest had completely changed the eagle pair’s activity.”

Assuming the eagles had abandoned their Mill Pond nest, Harvey left his perch, but popped by several times throughout the late spring and early summer. “There was little to no activity. Then at the end of the first week in September I finally spotted them! It is well known that nesting bald eagles’ mate for life and often return to former nests—this pair proved to be no exception.”

While the bald eagle population in Ontario is recovering, the species continues to have inherent vulnerabilities—as a predator that feeds primarily upon fish, they are extremely sensitive to chemical contaminants in aquatic systems. The US Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada continue to monitor chemical contamination in the Great Lakes under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, an international environmental agreement first signed in 1972. Bald eagle nestlings have played an important role in that effort and were selected as one of several

s

PHOTO BY HARVEY BODACH

PHOTO BY CAMERON POWELL

indicators of Great Lakes water quality in the late 1990s.

Like many wildlife artists, Harvey feels extremely fortunate to have witnessed this majestic species—one that has made a miraculous comeback—in his own backyard. “There is much in our world that makes us stop and ponder the mysteries of life. For me, it is the wonders of the natural world and the life that it contains that stir and hold me fixated—such as the excitement that comes with seeing a majestic bald eagle scanning the horizon from a cliff side perch. The observations I make prompt me to ask new questions as the wonders of creation open up for discovery.” E

FUN FACTS ABOUT

SOUTHERN ONTARIO BALD EAGLES

The bald eagle isn’t actually bald —its name comes from the word “piebald” which means spotty or patchy.

A bald eagle can spot prey the size of a rabbit three miles away and can see four times farther than the average human.

When a bald eagle loses a feather on one wing, it will lose a feather on the other in order to keep its balance.

The adult male is about 90cm (36") long and has a wingspan of 2m (6.6ft), while females may reach 108cm (43") in length and have a wingspan of 2.5m (8ft).

Bald eagles are capable of surviving in the wild for more than 30 years.

Bald eagles build the largest nest of any bird in North America and often have two to four alternate nests in the same territory.

PHOTO BY HARVEY BODACH

PHOTO BY CATHY WETTERBERG

From its contentious beginnings as the Meaford Tank Range during World War 2, the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre has evolved into one of the largest, most active, state-of-the-art military training facilities in Canada.

s

by Marc Huminilowycz

BOoMs bLasts &

E

h o es

PHOTO

Members of 11th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA conduct live-fire training during Exercise Intrepid Gunner at 4th Canadian Division Training Centre, Meaford on March 27, 2021.

th s

PAST SUMMER, THE RELATIVE QUIET OF THE MEAFORD AREA WAS DISRUPTED BY OCCASIONAL BOOMS OF ARTILLERY GUNFIRE, AS WELL AS COLUMNS OF ARMY GREEN MILITARY VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT TRAVERSING SECTIONS OF HIGHWAY 26 AND LOCAL COUNTRY ROADS. A FOREIGN INVASION?

Quite the contrary—it had to do with military training including “live fire exercises” held at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre (4 CDTC) Meaford, once known as the “Meaford Tank Range”. The training, involving hundreds of Canadian Army Reserve soldiers from across Ontario (the 56th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery), saw gun crews firing live ammunition from Howitzer cannons, soldiers practicing infantry maneuvers, and live fire mortar instruction.

“The focus of the exercises was on ‘collective’ versus ‘individual’ training,” said Unit Public Affairs Representative, Captain Jason Gressel. “They were geared to training newcomers as well as sharpening the skills of long-time Reservists, so that, as a formation, we can perform together in combat situations.”

Like other residents within earshot of the army facility, this writer has occasionally heard the gunfire and come across military vehicles in the neighbourhood over the years. Gratefully, as has been the case with previous exercises, the military did a good job alerting the public of its firing activities and vehicle movements beforehand via local media.

Keeping the civilian community informed of its firing activities has long been a top priority for the Meaford base. The practice began as part of the army’s effort to heal old wounds resulting from the controversial origins of the Meaford Tank Range during World War 2, when a large number of private landowners had the unfortunate experience of having their lands expropriated for the war effort by the federal government.

The following summary of the origins and later history of the Tank Range was sourced from Home on the Range: The Meaford Tank Range Story, compiled by Grey Roots Museum and Archives (read the whole story at greyroots.com). In 1942, Canada and its allies were at war with Germany, and Hitler’s armoured and mechanized units were wreaking havoc in Europe. This created a need to supply similar equipment and training to the Allied forces, and Canada stepped up to the challenge. What the military required—and quickly—was an area with space for battle practice on hard ground, close to railways and roads, with

a minimum firing range of 1,000 yards. Because no other suitable venue was available in Ontario, a large section of land in the areas of St. Vincent and Sydenham Townships in Grey County was chosen. The problem was that the 17,350-acre region was home to generations of established rural communities, containing farms, schools, churches, and cemeteries.

Money was offered by the government to the affected landowners, but many felt that it was not enough. In the end, their lands were expropriated on July 21, 1942, and became the property of His Majesty the King. Because military timelines were tight, little or no time for negotiation of price and terms was given to the owners, and all families had to vacate their properties by the end of September that year. New homes had to be found, livestock needed to be transported, possessions were hurriedly packed, auctions were held, and crop harvesting (including apples) was largely abandoned.

Despite the hardships faced by affected landowners, it was generally considered unpatriotic to complain. As one farmer said at the time, “If Hitler came, we would be getting nothing for our farms. I feel that giving up our farms is only trifle compared to those who are giving their lives. Generally, we seem to be getting a fair price.”

The first of many Ram tanks (a cruiser tank designed and built by Canada, based on the US M3 medium tank chassis) arrived in Meaford at the end of September, 1942. Concrete runways, hangars and other buildings were constructed and soldiers were accommodated in empty farmhouses. Up to seven tanks practiced on the range at one time. By the time an official opening was held in October, more than 10,000 men had already trained at the site, many went on to fight in Italy. In the same month, displaced farmers were allowed to harvest apples from their orchards at designated times.

In 1956, the Tank Range hosted one of the largest military training exercises since World War 2. Used continually for the next four years, it was reactivated in 1973 because it was the only central region facility capable of supporting armoured, live

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fire exercises, combat team training, and static gunnery. In 1989 the facility, renamed the Militia Training and Support Centre in Meaford, became the primary base for training all military reserve units in Ontario. Following a series of subsequent building, road, water and sewer upgrades, in 1995 the facility received a new name—Land Forces Area Training Centre.

Today, 4 CDTC is a state-of-the-art facility—one of the largest in Canada—and is responsible for training combat-ready land forces, including all regular and Reserve units in Ontario. On average, the base has over six hundred soldiers in training on any given week. In addition, the site offers training to military units from other countries, as well as police agencies, security, and emergency services from across Ontario and outside Canada.

In more recent years, 4 CDTC has made efforts to be a part of and engage the Meaford community. Bus tours of the facility, along a perimeter road, with stops at Mountain Lake, Vail’s Point, ‘ghost farms’ and cemeteries, were available to the public (sometimes followed by lunch at Meaford Hall) through

the Meaford Museum almost every summer from 2006 to 2018. In 2007, the base participated in a Grey County Tourism contest promotion titled “Getaway to Grey”, contributing “a day in the army, including a ride in an armoured personnel carrier” as one of seven exclusive experience prizes.

Historically, the base itself has occasionally held open houses and regularly participated in community events, according to 4 CDTC Adjutant, Captain Graeme Brooks. “We were involved and/or represented in many community events in the Town of Meaford and surrounding area,” he says. “Local Legions and municipalities would frequently be provided support for Remembrance Day parades and ceremonies, and at times provide contingents of soldiers and vehicles to take part in holiday parades in Meaford and Owen Sound.”

Unfortunately, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to most of the base’s community activities. “4 CDTC has not hosted a community open house since our last event in 2019,” Captain Brooks explains. “In order to accomplish our

“If Hitler came, we would be getting nothing for our farms. I feel that giving up our farms is only trifle compared to those who are giving their lives. Generally, we seem to be getting a fair price.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREY ROOTS ARCHIVAL COLLECTION

Meaford Tank at Clark’s homestead near Vail’s Point.

Clockwise from top: Members of 11th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA conduct live-fire training during Exercise Intrepid Gunner at 4th Canadian Division Training Centre, Meaford on March 27, 2021. The Canadian Army Reserve participating in live-fire training at 4th Ca nadian Division Training Centre Meaford on August 25-26, 2022. Archive photo of tank crossing the Meaford Bighead River, 1942.

mission of providing a first-class training establishment to meet the operational requirements of the 4th Canadian Division, we have needed to significantly reduce the occurrences of possible infections and outbreaks, requiring us to reduce civilian traffic and cancel events not directly connected to military training.”

According to Brooks, 4 CDTC’s Commanding Officer maintains a friendly working relationship with the Mayor of Meaford and ties with the community remain very close. Meanwhile, the base’s gym and fitness facility (fully equipped with modern weight and cardio training equipment) is open to the public. Prices range from a $6 a day pass to $45-$65 monthly.

“At the moment, civilians with a valid gym membership

may enter 4 CDTC to use the gym facility,” says Brooks. “Aside from gym members, routine civilian access remains limited to contractors, base employees, and those involved with deliveries. Paperwork and waivers are required for civilians to enter; however, these requests and approvals are only made under specific circumstances.” There is hope that the base may resume civic activities. In the meantime, the base promises to make the public aware of upcoming large-scale exercises that may impact the community. And while stories of hardship during the WW2 era Tank Range are remembered by long-time residents, for many locals the occasional booms and echoes are simply a part of Meaford’s charm.

PHOTO: LIEUTENANT (NAVY) ANDREW MCLAUGHLIN/DND 2021.

PHOTO: THE GREY ROOTS ARCHIVAL COLLECTION

PHOTO BY MASTER-BOMBARDIER NICHOLAS BAUMAN DND 2021.

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by Nick Hamilton

Rebuilding community discussions to find the Path to the Podium Champions

SUPPORTING

Escarpment ski racing is a remarkable thing. There is something to be said about how our area has fostered the development of hills, infrastructure, programs, athletes and communities with a devout passion for the activity. While many of the ski clubs and resorts have certain differences, we could cite—we really are more the same, than we are different. We all clearly love the activity of skiing and honour a sense of tradition in the sport. When Nancy Greene visited the Escarpment in 1968 for the Canadian National

Championships at Georgian Peaks, she famously said to Ian Rogers (founder of The Georgian Peaks Club) that the Escarpment is “the best horizontal vertical in the world”—it’s a comment that has stuck with me as of late and I find it resonates all sorts of truths. We have a special community of like-minded enthusiasts for the sport and we are all dedicated to maximizing our skiing in the winter months and making the most of our hills. The clubs have also had very healthy rivalries over the years. This type of healthy competition in close proximity has made for better young ski racers over time— s

James Crawford of Canada in action during training at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

PHOTO BY REUTERS/DENIS

add to that the exceptional quality of the coaches across the Escarpment to help guide our kids forward. There is something magical about the fact that kids from the Escarpment can leave here and race the best in the world at the Olympics or at Kitzbühel and end up standing on the podium or winning. Pure Magic.

While I do think we have done a good job of celebrating and acknowledging these successes over time, there is a place the community needs to reclaim in the center of these accomplishments in order to foster more success and inspire the next generation. What I mean by this is that I believe strongly in continuing to rebuild community discussions around ski racing. There is more work our Escarpment community can do to help each other.

This past season was a perfect example of what I mean. Through the campaign known as Path to The Podium, Ken Read, Angus Crawford, Jeff MacInnis and I created (Zoom) forums to connect ski racing fans, athletes and their families with past world cup racers and race authorities to help provide guidance and direction. Clearly, the path for a progressing athlete can seem disjointed and broken at times and a community can foster discussions to ensure no racer gets left behind.

Secondly, is the ongoing need for rallies and fundraisers to support our athletes. Last November we hosted an in-person VIP dinner and panel discussion with past champions and raised $100,000 for the Canadian men’s speed team. The funding was directed there because we were made aware of sizable short funding for that portion of the Canadian Ski Team. As an example, missing from the men’s team was the funding to provide a pre-Olympic camp on snow prior to heading to Beijing. My sincere thanks for our community coming together and stepping up to fill that void. The result? Well, as you may know the team had four podiums that season including an Olympic bronze from the Escarpment’s own Jack Crawford. So, it made a difference then and can continue to make a difference if we understand the role the community can play in this sport.

Further to that—I will submit to you

that the results from the races are not as important on their own as what they can mean to the communities which supported the athlete who achieved them. In March of this year, Jack Crawford returned to the Escarpment and spent time skiing at events at Osler and Georgian Peaks, sharing his experience and Olympic medal with fans and skiing with young athletes. I can tell you first hand that the level of inspiration at work from his homecoming was another moment of pure magic. There is tremendous pride from those who supported and watched. I can still picture many wideeyed kids getting an autograph from Jack and perhaps more seeds of ambition being planted. Those moments are the true victories and is the essence of why we all

need to get involved.

And so, the campaign continues. As more funding gaps exist on our national team and more discussions can occur which benefit our young Escarpment racers. I invite you to join us to make a difference and re-establish the role the community can play in fostering success.

The Path to The Podium will be back at Georgian Peaks on November 19th for another VIP event. All Escarpment ski families are welcome! Let’s give our racers the chance to continue to make us proud and inspire the next generation. E

Nick Hamilton is ski racing fan, President of The Georgian Peaks Club.

PHOTO BY RICK T.WILKING/UPI

PHOTO BY REUTERS/DENIS BALIBOUSE

Top: Jack Crawford wins Olympic bronze in men’s Alpine Combined. Bottom: Jack Crawford on course in men’s Alpine Combined Downhill, Beijing, China, February 2022.

ABOVE ALL, HERE

Photo

Garnier

To the rest of the skiing world we’re known as flatlanders—while we can’t lay claim to true mountain ranges, Escarpment clubs know a thing or two about producing medal-winning athletes, breeding lifelong skiers and hosting world-class events.

by Cara Williams s

PUNCHING ABOVE OUR weight

PHOTO BY KIRSTEN SCHOLLIG

Left to right: Flag bearers John Mealey, Quinn Ferrier and Berkeley Stroud, Nor-Am Cup GS at Georgian Peaks Ski Club, February 2022.

When I left Ontario for the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, I never imagined I’d one day return. Transitioning from Georgian Peaks Ski Club’s hard pack to Whistler’s dense powder was challenging, but I had a solid foundation from years of ski racing on the Escarpment. I spent my decade and a half out west as a steep skiing coach and met my husband Dak while competing on the Freeskiing World Tour. Together we travelled the globe, eventually settling in Utah where we welcomed our first child. Although we owned seasons passes to Snowbird, we found that we were skiing less and less— life was busy and the drive up the canyon was long and slow. We decided to head back east, back to family and to the place where it all began (for me)—the Blue Mountains.

Initially I worried that leaving the big mountains would be a tough transition, but I was confident that the easy-going lifestyle and proximity to ski clubs (each with robust kids’ ski programs) would ease the culture shock. We settled in Thornbury, a mere stone’s throw from the hill. A lot has changed since I was a kid, but one thing that hasn’t is the culture of skiing. Here, the close

proximity of nearly a dozen local ski clubs fosters friendly rivalries and young athletes have the unique opportunity to race at neighbouring clubs without the hassle of long drives and excessively early mornings. Twelve years later our family (of four, now) is still deeply imbedded in the ski industry and both of our children are growing up in junior ski racing programs.

With a vertical drop of 820 ft, the highest of the Escarpment clubs is Georgian Peaks. Not very big when compared to bona fide mountains like Whistler or Snowbird. But what we lack in height, we make up for in length. Touted as “the best horizontal vertical in the world”, the Escarpment is also home to Alpine Ski Club, Craigleith Ski Club and Osler Bluff Ski Club. Look a little further and you’ll find Devil’s Glen Country Club, Beaver Valley Ski Club, Mansfield Ski Club, Caledon Ski Club, Glen Eden and The Heights of Horseshoe. The Collingwood Ski Club and Toronto Ski Club are both located at the base of Blue Mountain, and several race clubs operate within public resorts like Glacier Ski Club and Jozo Weider Alpine Race Team. In total, Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) represents 25 clubs in the Southern Ontario Division (SOD), with the majority of athletes based in the Town of the Blue Mountains. It’s safe to say that skiing—and ski racing in particular—is thriving here.

Looking back at our family calendar, there was a two-week

PHOTO BY KIRSTEN SCHOLLIG

U16 athletes at the OCup Provincial Cham pionships at Craigleith Ski Club, March 2022.

Jasper Williams, U10 Invitational GS at Mansfield Ski Club, February 2017.

period last March that held so many events, it’s hard to believe we came out the other side in one piece. Osler, Alpine, Georgian Peaks and Craigleith all hosted U16 Ontario Cup (OCup) Provincial Championships, in which our son Jasper participated. The five-day race series featured back-to-back racing and was attended by junior racers from around the province. The host clubs did an exceptional job, but perhaps more incredible, is that Canadian Senior National Championships overlapped the U16 Provincials. Thousands of ski racing fans flocked to the finish and lined the courses to cheer on Canada’s best at Georgian Peaks, Osler and a nighttime dual slalom, under the lights at Craigleith.

“The event set up on the Escarpment is everything you would want it to be,” says Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) High Performance Director Phil McNichol, who attended both race series. “At other resorts—especially ones in the mountains—you can’t just walk-up and see the race—and you certainly can’t park your car in the finish and watch. Everyone was pumped to see talented ski racers coalesce in one place, especially in a place where so many families partake in the sport of skiing and ski racing. It was very noticeable and elevated the event.”

Typically held at mountain resorts in Alberta, BC or Quebec, last season marked the first time in nearly 30 years that Ontario hosted Senior Nationals. The event drew massive crowds and a deepseeded field, including several athletes who represented Canada at the Beijing Winter Olympic Winter games; Roni Remme; Cassidy Gray; and Brodie Seger. Having worked on multiple race crews, I can tell you that hosting events of this calibre is no easy feat. Each club has a dedicated crew of volunteers that take great pride in their work—in what they are able to accomplish—the opportunity they provide to our athletes and the inspiration the provide for the younger generation is immeasurable.

“We debate often with our American friends, about whether the Escarpment is challenging enough for a very elite level ski race,” says Phil, who has lived primarily in mountain towns like Sun Valley, Idaho, Aspen, Colorado and now calls Revelstoke, BC, home. “But I think sometimes you have to bring ski racing to where ski racing is loved. I don’t think a ski race is always about the hill. The Escarpment has proved over the years that they can create the right snow surface, which is important for a fair and challenging and high-level ski race. We have to remember all the little pockets that

PHOTO BY MICHAEL WERNER

SH OW EM WHO’S BOS S

If you are looking for a ski that rips on groomers and cuts through crud but won’t bog you down in fresh snow, the Black Pearl 88 is your tried and true. The 88mm-waisted ski provides an unmatched level of versatility for intermediate to advanced skiers but is also strong enough for expert skiers who like to up the ante. The TrueBlend Flipcore with a Women’s Specific Design provides stability and strength, with a side-cut that can easily rotate between short, medium or long radius turns. Click in, have some fun and show ‘em who’s boss.

support, serve and grow the sport of ski racing.”

If there were such a thing as a factory for producing great ski racers, it would be Southern Ontario. Legendary ski racers Todd Brooker, Steve Podborski, Karen and Brian Stemmle, Liisa Savijarvi, Larisa Yurkiw, Nik Zorcic, Phil Brown, Erin Mielzynski, and most recently, Olympic bronze medalist Jack Crawford all grew up here. “Great skiers and great ski racers often come from small hills,” says Phil. “Flatlanders tend to dominate staying in the ski world, because of the attachment to the community. Skiers like Jack Crawford, Lindsey Vonn and Ryan Cochran-Siegle all came from little hills. It’s not a hinderance, it’s a strength.”

Looking ahead to the 2023 season, Canada will host the FIS Ski Cross World Cup Finals. The last international competition calendared for the 22/23 season, the coveted overall World Cup Champions will be crowned here, at Craigleith Ski Club,

March 17-19. Unreal.

Kris Mahler grew up racing at Craigleith and is now a member of the Canadian Ski Cross Team. “I know I’m a bit biased with it being my home club but I’m really looking forward to seeing what this event becomes,” says Kris. “The potential for ski racing in Ontario has always been immense. With mass numbers in such close proximity, this location is the most like the European races where you’ll see thousands of people come out to watch. The terrain itself is perfectly suited for a ski cross course build and with most of the hill visible from the base area the spectators should have great seats anywhere.”

It is pretty incredible how the skiing-centric culture on the Escarpment encourages families to fully immerse themselves into the sport. Our local clubs also maintain a young, energetic stable of coaches through continuous outreach to members, during and

“Flatlanders tend to dominate staying in the ski world, because of the attachment to the community. Skiers like Jack Crawford, Lindsey Vonn and Ryan Cochran-Siegle, all came from little hills. It’s not a hinderance, it’s a strength.” –PhilMcNichol,AlpineCanadaAlpin(ACA)HighPerformanceDirector

PHOTO BY CLAY DOLAN

Canada’s Brady Lehman takes the gold at Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Blue Mountain, January 2019.

after their junior skiing careers. Add state-of-the-art snowmaking, top-notch grooming and unwavering event organizers and you have yourself a breeding ground for talent.

“Coming to the Blue Mountains is special because of the connection in the community,” says Phil. “I grew up skiing at small resorts and the Escarpment speaks to what ski towns should

be, which

community

focal point of bringing people together. Because

about skiing. It breeds long-term engagement.

everybody is involved in one way or another. If you live

probably ski—your kids are probably in a

that’s what everyone does. You don’t necessarily see that

think

hill.

PHOTO

CLAY DOLAN

Après ski is elevated at Blue Mountain’s new Off-Piste Pavilion—a mountaintop tented terrace with panoramic views accessible to skiers, skaters, hikers, boarders and those who prefer to catch a ride on the chairlift (or car).

by Cara Williams photography by Clay Dolan

s

Blue Après

Ahh, après-ski...the time-honoured

tradition of grabbing a drink after an incredible day on the slopes.

As much a part of mountain culture as the actual sport of skiing, rumour has it that some die-hards only buy a lift pass just so they can après. To that I say, to each their own—and—welcome to Blue Mountain’s Off-Piste Pavilion.

Just as tropical resorts have swim-up bars, Blue Mountain now has its very own “ski-in” bar. At the end of a great day it doesn’t matter if you’ve aced Spectacular (a black-diamond run at the north end of Blue), skidded down Happy Valley (a gentle slope above the Inn at Blue), or spent the afternoon curled up by the fire—any and all such activities warrant an invite to lift a glass, kick up your heels and gather your friends to watch the sunset over Georgian Bay.

Located at the top of Waterfall at the south end of Blue Mountain, the tented Off-Piste Pavilion is mere steps away from Woodview Mountaintop Skating, a 1.1 km ice skating loop that runs along the top of the Escarpment. Here food truck culture and snow culture collide. And because Off-Piste Pavilion is open-air, the magnificent view takes centre stage.

“At Blue Mountain, we recognize that our natural surroundings play a major role in what brings guests to the Resort,” says James Henry, Vice President, Hospitality, Blue Mountain Resort. “Perched on the edge of the Escarpment, a glass railing surrounding a 13,000 square foot paved site is the only thing separating our guests from the Waterfall ski run. Most notable are the three interconnected dome tents that form Off-Piste. These structures impress with their 25-foot peaks, arched openings that allow for clear views of the Bay, and the ability to seat up to 300 patrons comfortably.”

During the green seasons, Off-Piste Pavilion serves as a

spectacular venue for weddings, gala dining, corporate events and conferences. Talk about meeting outside the box!

As for the name, Blue Mountain Marketing Accounts Manager Jennifer Cummings explains, “Off-Piste means to ski or snowboard away from the normal and expected—somewhere beyond bounds and off the beaten path. At Blue Mountain, we are empowered by change and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit of our Founder to transform our guests experiences into extraordinary moments. This spectacular venue showcases the Georgian Bay area topped off with the exceptional service that you know to expect from Blue Mountain.”

Building on the success of last year’s simple, smokehouse menu, Off-Piste Pavilion will offer quick, easy to serve meal options that evoke an authentic mountain experience. James Henry explains, “House made is the mandate and when paired with local spirits, VQA wines, multiple draught options and signature cocktails, we are confident that we will have a winning concept that will provide a unique and memorable experience.”

No matter the language, location, or libation, toasting postshred is universal. Literally translated from “after ski,” the term après-ski is fluid—and contrary to popular opinion, drinking alcohol is definitely not a requirement. Après is for everyone. A small parking lot sits adjacent to the Woodview Mountaintop Skating loop, with a larger lot right across the road. Insider tip: because Off-Piste Pavilion is on the mountain, be sure to bring along your Ikon pass, 5x7 or day ticket—a valid lift ticket is required.

For many, the best part of a day on the slopes has nothing to do with strapping skis to your feet: it’s that magical time when the lift stop running (or when your legs can’t possibly go any further). At the end of an incredible day on the hill sometimes all you need is a laid-back spot to sip a beer and people-watch. It’s an undisputed fact that après tastes better on a patio.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Autumn is the best time of the year for memorable meals at Blue Mountain Village! Indulge at your preferred restaurant or discover a new favourite! Many of the Village dining establishments have mid-week BlueLicious specials, showcasing delicious menu options or one-of-a-kind fall meals.

TEN BLUELICIOUS SPECIALS

In the mood for seafood for lunch or dinner? Head over to Copper Blues Bar & Grill and enjoy one of four seafood-centric specials for $39.95.

Celebrate 18 years of Kaytoo “Klassics” with their take on Canadian comfort food. Enjoy their fan favourite menu items every day—until 9:30 pm.

Truffle and lobster are featured on Magnone’s northern Italian-inspired menu. Enjoy a two-course lunch menu for $30 or three-course dinner menu for $45.

Take a culinary journey through Asia at Mother Tongue Asian Bistro with a two-course lunch menu for $30 or three-course chefs dinner menu for $45.

Try a little of everything with a three-course prix fixe menu at Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill Executive Chef Gerry Williams has curated a selection of fall-inspired dishes— lunch for $37, dinner $59.

Visit bluemountainvillage.ca

Breakfast, brunch, or lunch, who doesn’t love pancakes, especially if you are dining with a friend? Sunset Grill is offering pancakes for two with complimentary beverages for $19.

OPA! Enjoy a Greek Mediterranean-inspired two-course menu for $39.95 at Tholos where you can choose an appetizer and entree, or an entree and a dessert.

Twist Kitchen & Cocktail is bringing a little of Paris to the Village—items like steak frites, jumbo shrimp cocktail, duck confit pâté—three-course dinner menu $55.

Got a craving for something but can’t decide? Get a $20 half rack of ribs and wing combo including fries at Wild Wing

Firehall Pizza Co. is a mountain favourite and great for the whole family. Enjoy their BlueLicious specials in a cozy, casual atmosphere.

more details and a complete list of specials and menus

FOR BLUELICIOUS

Ciao Down!

Brunello’s Tiramisu (recipe on page

Chef Adriano Campolo

A true

Italian experience, Brunello at 27 on Fourth is known for delicious, traditional dishes, enjoyed in an intimate atmosphere. Owner and Chef Adriano Campolo shares a few of his family’s favourite recipes—from fresh figs, to comforting pasta, to the perfect tiramisu, these Italian dishes are the definition of amore.

s

by Chef Adriano Campolo of Brunello at 27 on Fourth Photography by Clay Dolan

Since childhood, the kitchen has held a special place in Chef Adriano Campolo’s heart—his family has been in the culinary industry for well over a hundred years. In April of 2021 Chef Adriano, his wife Cynthia and children Adriano Jr. and Maria purchased Brunello at 27 on Fourth in Collingwood.

Serving traditional Tuscan cuisine, Brunello’s is well known for their savoury meals. The Campolo’s have shared three delectable recipes including flavourful figs stuffed with mascarpone and wrapped in prosciutto, their favourite lobster pasta and finally, Brunello’s award-winning tiramisu. Buon appetito!

Fiche e Prosciutto Crudo

SERVES ONE

“Figs are a staple in our family. Every few years we visit our ancestral home in Italy—we love spending an afternoon picking figs from the trees in our Nonna’s backyard. We decided to bring this traditional dish to our restaurant, for all to enjoy. The way our family prepares this simple and tasty snack is both sweet and savoury.”

INGREDIENTS

2 slices prosciutto

2 jumbo figs

2 Tbsp of mascarpone pinch of basil

1 tomato

1 small cucumber

1 stick of celery pinch of salt and pepper pinch of oregano balsamic fig glaze garnish with alfalfa sprouts

DIRECTIONS

Split the figs in half using a sharp knife (make sure not to cut through all the way). Fill the figs with mascarpone. Wrap prosciutto around the figs and set figs aside. Slice tomato, basil, cucumber and celery and place in a large bowl. Stir in salt, pepper and oregano. To serve, place prepared figs onto a garnished plate. Place 1-2 spoonsful of the tomato mixture in between two figs. Layer alfalfa sprouts on top of figs and drizzle the balsamic fig glaze.

Tagliatelle Aragosta

SERVES TWO

“This dish evokes memories of Sunday mornings spent with the family, making fresh pasta and sauces—combining each ingredient for a fusion of flavour. Our goal with each bite is to make you feel like you’re at home with us, sitting in Nonna’s kitchen.”

INGREDIENTS

4 oz lobster tail

125 g fresh tagliatelle pasta

3 jumbo shrimp

2 crab claws

2 Tbsp of lobster meat

1 oz brandy

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/2 cup 35% cream

1 garlic clove

1 bunch fresh basil

1 green onion

1 Tbsp of olive oil

DIRECTIONS

In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté green

onions and garlic until golden brown. Add lobster meat, crab claws, lobster tail, shrimp, salt, pepper and basil. Cook on medium heat. Add brandy, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and cream. Cook until sauce thickens. In a separate pot add 1/2 litre of water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Add pasta to boiling water. Cook until al dente (usually around 4 minutes). Strain pasta and add to the saucepan, mix well and serve.

Brunello’s Tiramisu SERVES SIX TO EIGHT

“Tiramisu is a staple in our family—when our customers ask what’s the best dessert on the menu, our first choice is our tiramisu. From the rich creamy mascarpone to the soft ladyfingers and subtle hints of coffee mixed with liquor—there’s simply nothing like it. Our Tiramisu is award

winning and a clientele favourite. So, come on in and leave some room for dessert!”

INGREDIENTS

4 large egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 large egg whites

2 cups mascarpone cheese

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups espresso

4 Tbsp brandy

4 Tbsp Kahlúa

3 Tbsp white sambuca

4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

24 ladyfingers

DIRECTIONS

In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to whip together egg yolks, sugar and vanilla until

the mixture forms a pale-yellow colour and has tripled in volume. Add mascarpone and continue whipping until the mixture becomes thick. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until they create stiff peaks. Gently fold egg whites into mascarpone cheese mixture until fully combined. Combine espresso and brandy, Kahlúa and white sambuca. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture (make sure not to leave them in the mixture for too long or they will become too soft). Place ladyfingers side by side on a plate. Pour the mascarpone cheese mixture into a piping bag and pipe the mixture on top of the ladyfingers, creating a thick, even layer. Repeat the ladyfinger process and mascarpone piping process. Dust the final top layer with the cocoa powder, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Brunello’s Tiramisu

How to cope with

Autumn Blues

As the days grow shorter, many people experience ‘seasonal sadness’ and the accompanying lethargy of the autumn and early winter. Here are a few tips to help you beat the blues.

Nearly eight million Canadians head south each winter—and with good reason; daylight hours are fewer; cloud cover is common; and temperatures takes a dive. Not all of us, however, have the opportunity or privilege of escaping our northern climate, so here are some suggestions for supporting your mental health in the months ahead.

NEAR INFRARED ( NIR ) are the longer wavelength light rays that can impact our mood, circadian rhythm, and metabolic health. Unfortunately, modern-day windows greatly reduce the amount of NIR rays that pass through into our homes, limiting our exposure. This is compounded when we spend too much time indoors. At-home light therapy can help regulate your

mood—20-30 minutes of exposure within the first hour of waking is ideal, and often more practical for people with a morning work schedule and days when there is no sun to be seen.

VITAMIN D is commonly known as the ‘happy vitamin’, and natural production is stimulated by direct sun exposure on the skin. However, the sun’s rays from autumn through spring are not adequate for this action, so oral supplementation is often required (you can have your blood tested to determine how much of this vitamin you should be taking orally).

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY is a mood enhancer and stress reducer for most people. You can get outside to include activity with the

Dr. Shelby Worts, BSc, ND

benefits of natural light exposure. If you are able, clear your own snow, or choose indoor workouts to eliminate the barrier of inclement weather. Move your body any way you enjoy, or at the very least, try to get outside for a walk each day (pro tip: to make it as easy as possible to get outside, try leaving your socks, hat and gloves on your most comfortable boots at the door).

RESTFUL SLEEP will have a great impact on your energy, mood, hormones, weight management, and more. You can make this a priority. If restorative sleep is a challenge for you, refer to my article— Autumn ‘21 issue, or on my website.

SOCIAL INTERACTION is essential for most people, especially the extroverts amongst us—a lesson we have learned over the past two years. You can create a weekly date with a friend, do your nineto-five in a coworking space, join a service club, say ‘yes’ to more invitations and opportunities, or host a monthly potluck.

EATING WELL is critical, as too many starchy carbohydrates (eg., bread, crackers, pasta, potato) and added sugars can bring us down, making us feel unmotivated and low in energy. You can emphasize eating colourful veggies every day, along with protein, nuts, seeds, and fresh or frozen fruits. While carbs may be a ‘comfort food’, too much can bring us down.

With a bit of planning and effort we can all feel better in the coming months!

*These are general suggestions and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Discuss this with your qualified healthcare practitioner. E

PRODUCT FEATURE

REMODEL YOUR FACE & BODY

TREATMENT

is a non-surgical treatment that uses plasma technology to transfer concentrated heat to the skin tissue to improve skin laxity, wrinkles and rhytides, benign skin lesions, active acne and acne scarring.

This non-surgical treatment is a popular blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery.

Plexr is the first fully licensed plasma technology to be introduced in Canada.

Dr. Mitchell to learn more about this leading-edge plasma technology.

Thank you!

Save the Date!

Quaintrelle Medical Aesthetics would like to thank all of our supporters who attended our Customer Appreciation event in September. We strive to provide our clientele with the best products and services, and we couldn’t do so without the support of company representatives from InMode, Vivier, Alumier, Galderma and PlexR (to name a few). Thanks also to our amazing team and their significant others for making the event a resounding success. Finally, we couldn’t do what we do without our incredible clientele—thank you to all who attended and continue to spread the good word about Quaintrelle Medical Aesthetics.

PASSIONIgnited by

by Deena Dolan

A love of drawing existing alongside a passion for being immersed in wilderness settings developed early for Peter Taylor, ultimately resulting in his impressionistic transferences of paint onto canvas and sharing the wondrous sights he continues to experience.

As a kid, Peter Taylor’s love of nature was influenced and enhanced when he was

introduced to the world of summer camp. From the age of eight, July was lived at Kilcoo Camp, on the shores of Haliburton’s Gull Lake. There he was encouraged to participate in all areas of outdoor activities and serious challenges. A portion of the camp’s philosophy states, “The evolution of skills is important as a camper grows older and looks for new challenges within the framework of summer camp.” Canoeing and hiking for several weeks along world-famous rivers that few people have experienced—ruggedly existing within the incredible geography of the Adirondacks, Frontenac, Algonquin and Killarney regions. His passion for the land’s geography, history, flora and fauna was ignited and over time spilled onto his

canvases in vividly representational colour.

It was a grade 13 decision that pivoted Peter Taylor towards the world of art as his career. A love of drawing was something he’d fostered growing up, encouraged by his parents and most especially by his grandparents who were artists. Looking to his future, he produced a portfolio of his work and entered Art Fundamentals at Sheridan College, which guided him towards a Bachelor of Illustration.

“I was mediocre,” claims Peter when thinking about his first year in the program. “I struggled and worked really hard but most students were doing comic book illustrations which didn’t interest

Flow, oil on linen,

me.”

Peter describes himself as having always been more of a romantic, after the style of masters like Monet. “I became more confident by third year however and as a result, continued on for a fourth year. I wanted to learn more about life drawing, painting and the human figure.” Peter explains that it was drawing and painting the figure in college that progressed his art. “One had to work fast when drawing a timed gesture plus really focus on extended poses.”

Following graduation, Peter spent 10 years deeply immersed in Toronto’s fast-paced commercial art world. He learned a lot of valuable technique and his skills developed immensely but pounding the pavement and drawing conceptually for corporations, while at the same time holding down a part-time job, gradually lost their lustre. “My heart was just not into that. My heart was into getting into a canoe and painting.” Ultimately, Peter decided he’d had enough—I couldn’t do the city, the hectic pace, the cost, the everything.” That was 16 years ago.

Inspired always by natural surroundings Peter looked north and while meandering the countryside around Creemore, discovered the stunning, almost-secret little community of Dunedin. Property was purchased and Peter finally fully embraced his love of painting morphing it into his fulltime endeavour. “It was really scary but I’d always wanted to be up here.”

Chatting with Peter at his Dunedin studio, I am struck with the organization of his space while, at the same time picturing my own cluttered studio. “This is a tidy as you’re going to see me,” smiles Peter, admitting he cleaned up in advance of my visit. As it happens, Peter is never static when working. He’s always standing, pacing, moving. He describes his style as getting into a zone and music plays an integral part in his creative process. It’s

Clockwise from top left: Glen Huron, oil on canvas, 24" x 30". Road to Keyhole, oil on canvas, 9" x 12". Big Sky, oil on board, 60"x 60". Peter Taylor’s Alona Bay Lake Superior, oil on canvas, 30"x 48", on display at Nottawa General. w

PHOTO BY CLAY DOLAN

“Just by being here

I’VE LEARNED THERE ARE CERTAIN SKIES THAT ARE UNIQUE SOLELY TO THIS VALLEY—THIS SMALL-LITTLE VERMONT —THAT IS DUNEDIN. MAYBE IT’S JUST THE WAY THE WEATHER SYSTEMS FLOW OVER THE ESCARPMENT.”

THE MORE TIME YOU LOG INTO BEING OUTSIDE, THE MORE YOU UNDERSTAND ALL THE MOODS NATURE HAS TO OFFER.”

an ever-changing variety of moods and performers that flow from haunting keyboard interpretations of Glen Gould to raucous, aggressive musicianship of Metallica. Learning this I better understand how Peter’s canvases contain so much mesmerising variety. Unlike a lot of artists, he constantly changes up his palette and doesn’t simply repeat something he’s already done successfully over and over. His work is fresh. It evolves. In referring to his choice of hues, Peter explains, “Something’s going to happen new because you’ve changed up your habit.” It’s fascinating to hear Peter describe how he attacks his work. “I mix and blend and sometimes, I don’t even know what I’ve got. Sometimes my paintings have many layers, working with thin transparency building thin to fat, others I work directly using thick impasto.” As I listen to his explanation, I’m reminded that this is precisely how nature operates. Peter’s simplistic while at the same time bold and rhythmic brushstrokes mimic nature’s patterns and transport one into the scene, capturing the mood and the spirit of the moment.

Drawing is still a critical part of his process, “Drawing helps your painting and painting improves your drawing. I think taking the time to do a preliminary drawing changes your approach to your painting. I’m also starting to draw a lot more on my canvases with my brush before I fill in with colour. I feel it helps give a more dynamic result because my drawing is the blue print for my colour. I’m a big believer in learning the fundamentals even if some of the exercises are monotonous.”

Another of Peter’s passions is running. “I am equally an introvert as an extrovert. Every once in a while, I need to go away and fill up.” For many years he participated in ultra running—a footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres (26 mi 385 yds.). Some ultras are road races, but many take place on trails and at significant elevations. “When I have my doubts I remind myself that doing really hard things comes with great satisfaction. Plus spending time outside doing something as simple and raw as trail running gives me a feeling of freedom in this crazy world.” Naturally, his passions became intertwined. Being obsessed with the mountains Peter decided to pick up a few pencils and began sketching some of the places where he’d be running. “Drawing always seems to bring back my momentum. I feel like it connects me to why I started to paint and when my painting feels contrived or stale it’s the drawing I return to.” It’s no surprise that mountains have been a focus in much of what he has produced over his years of creating art. “Generally what I paint is something I really enjoy.”

Forging strong friendships with several local, like-minded artists has been a hugely important component in Peter’s creative development. In the fall of 2021, he joined six others and travelled north in order to trace the footsteps of The Group of Seven and capture the same imposing vistas with plein air sketches and paintings. In Peter’s words, “You have to work fast to capture the most important elements interwoven with your emotion and experience.” (If you missed Escarpment magazine’s feature on this adventure in the Summer 2022 issue—Into Plein Air—you can find it online.) The resulting finished pieces were exhibited at The

Above: Peter Taylor in his Dunedin studio.

Algoma Pines,

PHOTO BY CLAY DOLAN

EAVESTROUGH

WINDOW

in the newly renovated Nottawa General. The entire venture was incredibly successful and another show is planned for this coming December that will exhibit the group’s upcoming work resulting from a trip this fall to the Mink Islands, Georgian Bay and Lake Superior.

After 32 years of actively exhibiting his work in group and solo shows, Peter is represented in private and corporate collections across Canada, the United States and the UK.

“I love painting and I know all too well that really when it comes down to it you just have to put the work in. That said I also want to work at something that excites me and I connect to. Like planting and eating a vegetable garden, there’s a connection to weather, planting, weeding, and harvesting. Food just tastes better

when you’ve put the time in the dirt.”

As a representational artist who’s not simply copying a photograph, Peter wants his work to make a lasting and soulful impact. To that end, working with clients on commissions is an absolute favourite part of Peter’s workload. “When viewing my work, I want people to become connected to that moment, to smell the air, see the wind and experience the emotion in my work.” E

FIND PETER TAYLOR’S ART

Peter’s studio in Dunedin by appointment at pstaylorart@gmail.com petertaylorpaintings.com

@petertaylorpaintings

Coventry Art Gallery

Studio

Fall Interior, oil on canvas, 12"x12".

Simply FESTIVE

Interior designer Jo Redman and stylist Ellen Oelbaum have created a visual feast for the holiday seasons with warm hues, plush textures and natural materials.

by Jo Redman, HBA, BED, DID, NCIDQ Photography by Clay Dolan

This show-stopping holiday table sets the stage for a night of merriment and appreciation. Woven jute char gers, white dishes and linen napkins adorn each setting, flanked by gold cutlery and festive wine glasses. Anchored by a textural centrepiece, bronze candle holders with pillar candles invoke a decid edly luxe aesthetic, while a hand-carved bowl (a treasured family heir loom) is filled with seasonal flora.

When my family first emigrated to Canada, my mother was pleasantly introduced to the feast of Thanksgiving. Having moved from the coast of Italy, typical Thanksgiving fare was foreign, but the essence of the holiday was akin to Festa Del Ringraziamento (Festival of Thanks). My mother adapted quickly to North American traditions, punctuated with an Italian twist—Christmas, of course, was another story altogether.

Our holiday table was modest and elegant with very few embellishments—for us, the food and the gathering of family and friends was what mattered most.

To welcome the changing of seasons I have honoured this tradition by decorating my own home with simple touches and timeless natural materials. I’m drawn to eclectic, almost bohemian styling, accenting with cane, wood, jute and rattan. Whether it’s

farmhouse-inspired stoneware, sleek vases, or rustic flourishes, holiday decorating can be sophisticated and subtle, while still evoking the warm, nostalgic feelings of joyful gathering.

When shopping for seasonal decor, look beyond kitschy centerpieces, plastic gourds and porcelain figurines—decorations don’t need to centre around the typical iconography we associate with the holiday season. For this feature, I enlisted the help of my colleague, friend and stylist extraordinaire, Ellen Oelbaum. We are pleased to share festive decor ideas—easy to emulate flourishes that can be enjoyed throughout the autumn and into early winter.

When dressing the table for any celebratory occasion I strive to incorporate something from the past, whether it be my grandmother’s favourite gravy boat or a repurposed vintage tablecloth. By honouring the past, we give thanks for the present. This year, more than ever, we have reason to celebrate and cherish those we love. Happy gathering!

Fragrant apple cider is the perfect pairing for cozy, cool evenings. Add seasonal flourishes to your kitchen island with vintage jugs bursting with natural grasses and glazed ceramic or copper colander filled with seasonal produce.

s

This inviting sectional sofa, adorned with faux fur and chunky-knit blankets accentuates the textured monochromatic aesthetic of this home, styled by Ellen Oelbaum. A wooden dough bowl is filled with miniature pumpkins, eucalyptus, and Spanish moss, while off-white candles and seasonal greenery create a festal aesthetic. E

PRO TIP EXPERIMENT WITH FLORALS AND SUBSTITUTE WITH WHEAT GRASSES, DOGWOOD OR BIRCH TWIGS AS THE SEASONS CHANGE.

A RETRO

RETREAT

A dated Castle Glen chalet is transformed into a retro-modern escape using thoughtfully re-designed spaces, contemporary fixtures, art and furnishings that showcase the owner’s funky style.

Words & photography by Heather Goldsworthy

The location was perfect—nestled into the forest along the Escarpment and backing onto a river and private trails—the property ticked all the boxes for Chris Wanzel and partner Sonya Donovan. The dark, drab building on the other hand—that was a harder sell for Sonya but as Chris described his vision for the house, she began to see the s

potential of turning the dated chalet into the warm and welcoming home of their dreams.

Both avid skiers, Sonya and Chris had been seasonal renters in the area for years. Watching the rental prices increase in the area they decided to take the plunge, sell their loft in Riverdale and buy a place in the Blue Mountains. Chris, having attended the National Ski Academy as a teen, was familiar with the Castle Glen area and knew it

would be a great location for their growing family to nest.

Sonya and Chris envisioned a relaxing space inspired by the nature surrounding it—a sanctuary where friends and family would feel welcome and comfortable. With help from interior designer Janice King-Smith (White Elk Interiors) and builder Craig Smith (Blue Mountain Renovations) they brought that vision to life creating a retromodern retreat that truly embodies the owners’ personality and style.

“The chill zone and kitchen are where we spend much of our time and we really enjoy the fact that one area has so many functions.”

”

The couple wanted to keep the building’s ski chalet vibe with its wooden cathedral ceilings and Swiss Alps inspired features but wanted to punch it up a bit and make the space more current. Over the years, the couple had collected key pieces of furniture and art and some spaces in the home would be designed specifically with those in mind. They chose a contemporary colour scheme of white, black and deep, elegant green; white to highlight the serene snowscapes in winter; green to reflect the colours of the forest; and black to frame the natural beauty of the landscape surrounding them.

Painting and Decorating was brought in to coat all the interior walls in a fresh, crisp white. Dodd also refinished much of the exposed wood throughout the home including the cathedral ceilings, banisters and some exposed beams to bring in an element of natural warmth.

Originally, the layout included a lot of different rooms and the couple decided to work with that to create distinct, purposeful spaces. “We wanted to make sure every space we were building was going to be well utilized so there wouldn’t be any unnecessary excess,” notes Sonya. It was vitally important to them that their home strike the right balance of beautiful design and durability. “We’re both in commercial real estate and we are kind of design geeks but we also have a very active little boy and two large dogs, so everything needs to look good but be able to take a bit of a beating.”

Rick Dodd

Nature was a key inspiration in forming a lot of decisions along the way. To bring more of the outside in, windows were added (Pella windows from Cedarport Window and Door Centre) to create framed views of the forest allowing an abundance of natural light to spill into the home. Then to further enhance and brighten the space

In the classic chalet style, the main living space is on the upper s

“We are kind of design geeks but we also have a very active little boy and two large dogs, so everything needs to look good but be able to take a bit of a beating.”

Upper right: Sonya Donovan holding Auggie, Chris Wanzel, Janice King-Smith (interior designer), Craig Smith (builder).

The

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level and includes a combined kitchen, dining, seating area and balconies front and back designed for gathering and hosting après. While the flow of the layout worked, the entire space needed a refresh so it better reflected the style and needs of the young family.

Once dark and wood-heavy, the kitchen was gutted and reborn as a stylish, contemporary space with sleek cabinetry, Caesarstone Empira White quartz counters and Blanco fixtures (Georgian Design Centre). The clean, minimalist lines of the cabinets and appliances are beautifully juxtaposed by the natural warmth and textures of the wooden vaulted ceiling and view of the forest from the window above the sink. A large, live-edge dining table surrounded by modern seating defines the adjacent dining area, which is ideal for casual snack time as well as more formal family dinners. The cocoon-inspired Cirrus pendant hanging above, brings an organic element indoors that compliments the seasonally-evolving forest scene framed by the large picture window at the end of the table. One side of the dining room opens into the living room while on the other side, sliding doors open to the large upper deck that serves as an extended outdoor cooking and lounge area. The deck, custom built by Blue Mountain Renovations with Regal Ideas glass railings, allows unobstructed views when the family or guests are hanging out in the conversation area.

The main living room has been nicknamed ‘the chill zone’ for

good reason. While it is the largest space in the house, thoughtful design, furniture selection and careful placement allow the room to remain spacious for larger gatherings while incorporating defined seating areas that invite relaxation and more intimate connection and conversation. Textured, geometric tiling on the onyx-coloured fireplace at one end creates a striking focal point, across from which a plush, leather sectional and mid-century modern accent chairs create a cozy nook and favoured area for relaxing, reading, or sipping drinks with friends. At the other end of the room, the ‘music zone’ with its velvety, jewel-coloured lounge chairs and funky media unit is perfect for chilling with a cocktail from the bar and listening to vinyl—a passion of Chris’. This has also become a favourite yoga and meditation spot for Sonya, who is doing her yoga teacher training.

A polished sidebar on the interior wall repeats the slick cabinets and quartz countertop from the kitchen and also provides a prominent spot to display a striking Robert Marchesaault painting from the couple’s collection. Across from the bar, sliding glass doors lead to a large front balcony which, warmed by the early-day sun, acts as a bonus outdoor living area and is an idyllic spot for relaxing with a coffee in the morning.

Throughout the home, white oak engineered flooring by American Wideplank Flooring (Georgian Design Centre) ties the s

spaces together, adding sophistication while also standing up to the rigours of tiny feet, paws and scattered toys.

“Janice and Craig absolutely nailed the upper level for us,” says Chris. “The ‘chill zone’ and kitchen are where we spend much of our time and, after living in a small loft, we really enjoy the fact that one area has so many functions.” When asked whether this is their favourite spot in the house, the two say it’s hard to pick between the living area and the master bedroom.

“The principal suite is such an escape for us,” says Sonya. “We wake up in the middle of the forest every day and go to sleep with the sounds of the river.”

The original bedroom was tiny so Janice enlarged the space by removing a wall to the adjacent landing. A custom headboard wall, painted in Benjamin Moore’s soothing Caldwell Green, also acts as a room divider with a walk-in closet tucked neatly behind. Above mid-century modern bedside tables, twin Flos IC Light Sconces provide beautiful orbs of soft lighting while on both sides of the bed rows of tall windows provide glimpses of trees. The ensuite bathroom invokes a calming, spa-like feel with a freestanding soaker tub, walk-in shower, heated terrazzo floor and view of the forest. The fluted, white oak, floating vanity was custom designed by Janice, built by local cabinet-maker Norman Milne and topped with Italian AquaDesign

vessel sinks. Flat-matte black fixtures (Georgian Design Centre) and accents throughout the room complete the refined space.

“The most surprising room we love is Auggie’s [their son]. We weren’t planning on a nursery when we started this project but this room feels like it was meant to be,” adds Sonya. What’s not to love with its delicate, joyful teddy bear wallpaper and cozy boucle armchair and ottoman. The scandi-design Leander crib in the nursery is a testament to how well the couples got on during the project—the crib originally belonged to Janice and Craig’s son Oliver and they gifted it to Auggie, who was born during the renovation.

Another well-loved space is the downstairs ‘family’ room. They kept the original stone fireplace and added soft, plush textures, a deep couch and oversized armchairs to the room, creating the perfect area for cozy, family movie nights.

Throughout the whole design and build the couple was conscious of their footprint and environmental impact. With the help of HVAC

specialist Fritz Bohren they made improvements to the heating system to make it more efficient and have plans to add additional sustainability features to the outside to improve energy conservation.

While the majority of the renovation focused on the inside of the home, the exterior received some much-needed love too. The chalet’s original wood siding was painted a drab, slate grey so Mountain Wood Painting Co. was brought in to repaint in a rich, teal-green, accented by playful orange doors. The green hue is one used throughout the interior of the home creating a cohesive design inside and out. The updated façade is simultaneously subtle and bold—allowing the home to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment in summer while come winter it will make a statement in contrast against the snowy backdrop.

This once drab, dark chalet has been truly transformed into the inviting, warm and funky home that Sonya and Chris dreamed of. “It really is a space we feel good in,” notes Sonya. What more could one ask for.

SOURCE GUIDE

over

John Robshaw

layers

cotton

lined with cotton

GB Arts offers workshops for beginners, including a day of making your own sweet gemstone stacking rings. Visit our website for more information or to sign up.

GEORGIAN BAY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

2ND AVENUE EAST | OWEN SOUND

371.2200 | GBARTS.CA

YETI Rambler 532 ml bottle. 100% leakproof for bumpy commutes and off-roading excursions.

WIARTON HOME HARDWARE 010189 HWY S 6 BERFORT ST. | WIARTON 519.534.2232 | WIARTONHHBC.COM

and easy to manoeuvre thanks to in-lined air outlet.

ROBERT’S FARM EQUIPMENT | 014945 BRUCE COUNTY RD 10 CHESLEY | ONTARIO | 519.363.3192 | ROBERTSFARM.COM

Welcome Home Signature Line, locally handcrafted pottery olive oil bottle with stainless steel pouring spout. Available in five colours. ARTHUR CASH & CARRY | 101 SMITH STREET | ARTHUR 519.848.6320 | ARTHURCASHANDCARRY.COM

Canadian made using sustainable forestry practices, this classic desk is made of solid wood by Mennonite craftsmen.

Also available as a single pedestal student desk. COUNTRY CHARM MENNONITE FURNITURE | 317680 HWY 6 & 10 OWEN SOUND (JUST SOUTH OF ROCKFORD) | 519.376.4434 | CCHARM.COM

Functional and beautiful, this is the ultimate set of fire tools. The Noir version combines charcoal black powder-coated steel with “Noir” leather, tool handles in black stained beech and details in black anodised aluminium. Easy slip-on wool slippers with leather soles make the transition to cooler weather a breeze. Available in all sizes and colours at Lagom142 in Creemore.

LAGOM 172 | 172 MILL ST. LAGOM 142 | 142 MILL ST.

Clothing, accessories and footwear from Cora Couture,

Collingwood.

JORDAN HENRY

Photography by Kirsten Schollig

THE Romantics NEW

Clothing from Elaine Dickinson’s Fashions, Downtown Collingwood.

ELIZABETH BONI

Hair & Makeup by Taylor Savage Beauty Styling by Briley Crosgrove

Clothing from Lemonwood, Downtown Collingwood.

ELIZABETH BONI

Clothing, footwear and accessories from Dawe and Co. , Nottawa.

JORDAN HENRY

Clothing from Cherchez la Femme, Thornbury.

ELIZABETH BONI

JORDAN HENRY Jordan grew up skiing on the Escarpment and is thrilled to now call Colling wood home. She enjoys exploring the hiking trails as well as golfing at the local courses.

Clothing, footwear and accessories from Vaiya, Downtown Collingwood.

Sleepwear from Brabary, Downtown Collingwood.

JORDAN HENRY

Clothing from Furbelows, Thornbury. KILEY VANDERMEER

Clothing, footwear and accessories from Lac Boutique, Southampton.

KILEY VANDERMEER

Raised in Clearview and now residing in Clarksburg, Kiley is a freelance graphic designer currently on maternity leave.

She loves to camp, hike, travel around the Escarpment with her family.

Tigs, Thornbury.

KILEY VANDERMEER

18k Yellow Gold Paradise Collection (earrings, necklace and bracelet) with multi gemstones by Marco Bicego. All from DC Taylor Jewellers, Downtown Collingwood.

KILEY VANDERMEER

ELIZABETH BONI Elizabeth moved to Southern Georgian Bay from Niagara in 2016 and has never looked back. When she’s not chasing her adventurous toddler, she can be found paddle boarding on Georgian Bay or training for an upcoming marathon.

Clothing, bag and footwear, from The North Face Blue Mountain, Blue Mountain Village.

GIOVANNI BONI

A local real estate sales representative, you can catch Giovanni out and about with his wife Elizabeth and son Ashton.

NEW VENTURES

Lagom172 is a unique Scandinavian in spired design and décor store in the quaint village of Creemore. Owners Laurie Severn and Pere Armengol believe in “good design, with a purpose” and own two additional stores in Creemore; Heirloom142; and Lag om142 (which has now become a Scandi navian baby store).

The couple met while living in Par is—with an eye for design and knack for ambiance Laurie and Pere once owned a pair of successful boutique décor and cafés in Andorra and discovered they have a flair for curating European furnishings, style and design. In 2014 they decided to move to Canada to be closer to Laurie’s family and established Heirloom142, which features thoughtfully selected vintage décor and furniture. Two years later, in 2017, Lag om142 was born, then in 2021 the couple

established Lagom172. “We opened this location during the pandemic,” says Laurie. “We knew it was a risk, but we were look ing to expand our furniture collection and needed some more space.”

The Swedish word “lagom” means, not too little and not too much—just right. Building on this philosophy, Lagom172 fea tures an array of unusual home décor and lifestyle goods that are simple, uncluttered and focus on functionality. Each item is carefully considered and hand-picked. “Pere and I travel extensively to select items for your home and your lifestyle that are unique, and have a strong sense of design and function,” says Laurie. “Our appreciation for clean lines and modern design is where our love for everything Scandinavia lies. Lagom172 carries everything from Scan dinavian furniture, to fine art, to lighting and table linens. Our lifestyle collection includes handmade brushes, fireplace tools, blankets, cushions and design books.”

At Lagom172 you’ll also find interest ing, small batch goods and gifts ideas. “We believe in the products we sell and stand behind the suppliers we select,” says Laurie. “We’re careful not to offer mass produced items made in China or in parts of the world where labour and environmental practices are not upheld to the same stan dards we have here. Seeking out smaller family-based suppliers to partner with is where we really shine. Over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to get to know them, share meals together, and travel to meet up with each other—they become part of our extended family. So, it’s not just a product on a shelf for us, it’s the story of the people that put so much passion into its creation.”

172 Mill St. Creemore lagom172.com @lagom142creemore

With a history in retail sales, Tara Dawe established Dawe and Co. Life & Lifestyle Shop after noticing a lack of family-friendly closet essentials and accessories. “We have two young girls,” explains Tara. “I found it extremely hard to find cute, stylish, neutral clothing and accessories for them. I decided if I can’t find it in stores, I will open my own and allow others to find them with me. I am over the moon happy to finally have the opportunity to share this little perfectly

imperfect shop with everyone.”

Geared towards the modern woman, Dawe and Co. also carries stylish children’s clothing, accessories and distinctively classic home décor items. “Everything in my shop goes hand-in-hand. All neutral, with soft materials, comfy loungewear and natural textures.” Tara’s curated capsule wardrobe has a perfect blend of neutrals, pops of pattern, and warm textures.

“I have always worked in retail and enjoy helping customers find the right fit,” says Tara, whose elevated and effortless se lections will take you from day to night, and from mild days to chilly days. Her collection of kitchen and dining items are delightfully uncluttered; linen napkins; wooden dough bowls; concrete pots; and rattan-wrapped glassware. “I have always loved home décor and design and

enjoy putting items together to make the perfect vignette.”

The monochromatic theme carries through to Dawe and Co.’s bath and body selection, and onto her collection of fra grant candles and diffusers. An environ mentally conscious assortment of infant toys and children’s tableware rounds out the boutique, proving there is a little some thing for everyone in stock.

Dawe and Co. chooses global-minded brands, expertly designed home goods and products that are handmade artisan cre ations. Book your shopping appointment, or check Dawe and Co.’s Instagram for “open shop days”.

3995 County Rd 124, Nottawa daweandcompany.com @daweandcompany

NEW VENTURES

Owned and operated by Mark and Lisa Townsend, Silver Fox Distillery is a oneof-a-kind craft distillery, located in Arthur. In a forbidding twist of fate, they officially opened in February 2020, a mere two weeks before the imposed COVID-19 lockdown. “We shifted to making hand sanitizer, which we donated to various hospitals and frontline workers,” explains Lisa. “Once the emergency was over, we switched back to making spirits and creating new tastes and experiences within the distillery.”

An award-winning endeavour, Silver Fox Distillery has earned 26 spirits awards, and was recently awarded the status of Grand National Champion in the US Open Spirits Competition earlier this year. “Among

our newest spirits is a new line of gins. If you are a Caesar fan, not only do we have the award-winning, four peppercorn moon shine, but now just released, is the new four peppercorn garlic moonshine—this makes a great base for the classic Canadian Caesar.”

The Distillery has a large selection of spirits produced on site including moonshine, vodka, liqueurs, gins, rye, and absinthe. “Many of our spirits are derived from historical recipes,” explains Lisa. “Our root beer liqueur comes from an original 1952 recipe and our absinthe is a combination of several recipes from of the 19th century. Our whiskey is currently being barreled and will be matured in October 2023.”

Silver Fox Distillery is an experience unlike any other—more than just a distillery, Mark and Lisa have spent years building and collecting props from the hit series Doctor Who. This far-out collection of science fiction

memorabilia is on display in the distillery showroom. Every fall Silver Fox Distillery has a large collection of gift ideas in the store front including a seasonal Advent Calendar (24 different spirits), glassware and apparel.

“Our customers are those with discern ing tastes, who expect quality with value,” explains Lisa. “The spirits at Silver Fox Dis tillery are distinctive, with subtle notes and an evolving expression on the palate. We are dedicated to the creation of new and excit ing craft spirits, using locally sourced grains. We are extremely proud of our creation in Silver Fox and hope that every visitor discov ers a spirit they have never even dreamed of.”

7999 Wellington Road 109, Arthur silverfox distillery.ca

@silverfoxdistillery

Hot Technology in a Cooling Market

Today’s technology is making it easier to access real estate in live-time and gain market clarity in the face of a shifting landscape.

Giovanni Boni Sales Representative Bosley Real Estate

precent nationwide by 2023”. After multiple years of a market fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting low interest rate environment, it is clear the real estate market is shifting.

If you happen to follow the real estate market, you may have noticed a brisk chill in the air perfectly aligned with our changing seasons. Realistically though, who isn’t watching the real estate market? It seems impossible to miss such bold headlines such as, “Housing affordability is the worst it’s been in 32 years,” or “Home prices to fall another 14

The media and top economists have been calling for the market to cool for some time and with inflation running away, the Bank of Canada prescribed unprecedented interest rate hikes. A slowing of the market was inevitable and quite simply, it is healthy for all of us. With the average sale price in key markets dropping between 14-29 percent from February to August 2022, some media outlets will have you believe the sky is falling. However, if we take a step back, the year over year (August 2021 vs August 2022) drop is only 3-15 percent in the

same markets. A further step back shows that in these key markets, from August 2019 to August 2022 there were increases in average sales prices of 34 percent to a staggering 102 percent. Is this sustainable? Probably not.

While we are seeing change in our real estate market, the future is bright and the demand for home ownership is growing exponentially in Southern Georgian Bay. The pandemic led people to explore the areas around them more than ever and, let’s face it: we live in one of the best places in the country. And people clearly agree. The pandemic allowed people to experience and prioritize the lifestyle and the beauty that Southern Georgian Bay has to offer. This will surely fuel the real estate market for generations to come.

NUMBER OF SALES

BY PRICE RANGE

DAYS ON THE MARKET

But where will everyone live? As Southern Georgian Bay continues to expand, it will become an absolute necessity to partner with quality, reputable developers. Already we are seeing a pinch in available inventory when compared to buyer demand. The influx of new developers to the region along with the quality developments they offer to the consumer really is a win-win for both the larger community and the developer. The area requires greater inventory to meet demand and of course, to stabilize prices in the long term while developers are able to develop land and build at price points that are attractive for consumers. It’s not all about houses, subdivisions and townhouses though. It’s critical that incoming developers work to preserve the beauty and outdoor amenities that make our region truly one of a kind.

The COVID-19 pandemic really did change so much—no longer will the consumer wait five days for a package delivery. Instant gratification seems to be the name of the game. As a result, we’ve experienced a large shift in the way real

estate is conducted. The increased use of technology has allowed us to provide information instantly at the touch of a fingertip. Today, for most people, besides flipping the pages of magazines like this one, the home search is augmented through sites like Realtor.ca, Facebook, Google, and HouseSigma, to name a few. As technology continues full steam ahead, virtual reality will change the way buyers see potential homes. You can experience properties on a mobile phone or tablet, as if you were there, standing at the front door of the house, walking through the kitchen, passing through the dining room and into the living room. Just imagine all the time that will be saved by skipping visits to properties that don’t make your short list.

Moving forward, new home sales will move in a similar direction. Through Georgian Bay’s new home buying experience, The Property LinQ, augmented and virtual reality will revolutionize the process. It can be hard to purchase a preconstruction home; can you visualize the space; do you see your furniture in the living room; what do the room dimensions

actually feel like? Imagine being able to tour a home, townhome or condo before it’s built—having the ability to swap out flooring, countertops and appliances to see what your design choices will look like when they come to life. Not only can you do this from your mobile device and the comfort of your home, but you can also visit a showroom where you’ll have access to experts on multiple different projects and the ability to walk through your selected floor plan using virtual reality goggles. A true immersive experience —and a truly unique home purchasing and selling experience.

In recent months, demand for new home developments far outweighed available inventory resulting in speedy sales and many missed opportunities. We look forward to additional quality developments in the near future to help meet the demand of our growing community. The fall has historically been a great time to both buy and sell real estate in Southern Georgian Bay. What are you waiting for? The beauty surrounds the whole region four seasons long. E

BY

Incredible Property

Charming Duplex

Ideal Family Living

Charming Farmhouse

Country Setting

Renovated Top to Bottom

This incredible property has 3 car parking, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, custom trim work throughout. Renovated from top to bottom, this is a solid home.

$399,000 MLS# 40319001

Extremely Private

Great Curb Appeal

Located in the lovely community of Harriston. 2 and 3-bedroom units

This home offers great character details and curb appeal, this could be just what you are looking for.

$556,500 MLS# 40317183

10 Acre Lot

Open-Concept

This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home offers a main floor open concept family room, dining room/ kitchen and a primary bedroom with a large walk-in closet, ideal family living.

$599,900 MLS# 40312186

Georgian Bay Waterfront

Large Private Lot

Charming 1890 Yellow

Spacious

Walking Distance to River

Within walking distance of the river. 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath, 3-season front porch. The backyard is full of lovely perennials and is extremely private.

$459,000 MLS# 40304682

Build Your Dream Home

10-acre hardwood bush lot.

Located just outside Owen Sound in the Municipality of Meaford. Explore this level lot with lots of wildlife and huge hardwoods.

$250,000 MLS# 40283911

Spectacular Location

100’ of Georgian Bay waterfront! Privacy! Spectacular location and dynamite property! 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Has to be seen! $1,895,000 MLS# 40273196

25 Acre Lot

Cozy, Brimming w/Charm

Great Location

Suprisingly Spacious

THIS

BE

DREAM COME TRUE!

THE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE is an operating equestrian facility with horses boarded and lessons for students. Additionally, both the barn and arena have upgraded LED lighting, wash stall with hot/cold water, tack room with plumbing and bathroom, viewing room overlooking the arena. Two large upper level lofts for storage of up to 3,000 small bales of hay. Large outdoor sand ring measures approximately 130 x 220 feet. Seven fenced in gated paddocks, large grass derby field, round pen, turnout and many acres of hay fields.

CHARACTER CENTURY HOME 2-storey, 3-bedroom 2,200 sq. ft. all brick home, with large principal rooms including combined kitchen/dining, living room and family room. The main floor has 9.5-foot ceilings and arched interior doorways. One full 4-piece bathroom on the 2nd and one 2-piece and laundry room on main. Office at the reception door for visitors and clients. This home has been meticulously maintained and cared for by a succession of owners over the years.

38 KINGSLAND AVE, MULMUR

KINGSLAND AVE, MULMUR

$1,O99,000

476463 3RD LINE, MELANCTHON

476463 3RD LINE, MELANCTHON

$1,199,000

$1,199,000

9 OLDFIELD CRT, MELANCTHON

9 OLDFIELD CRT, MELANCTHON

$1,567,000

This beautiful four bedroom three bathroom home is located on 1.69 acres between Airport Rd and Hwy 10 just North of Hwy 89.

This beautiful four bedroom three bathroom home is located on 1.69 acres

Airport Rd and Hwy 10 just North of Hwy 89.

This Confederate Log Cabin has lots of space and updates. This three bedroom, two bathroom home sits on 8.5 acres and has its own private pond.

This Confederate Log Cabin has lots of space and updates. This three bedroom, two bathroom home sits on 8.5 acres and has its own private pond.

This three bedroom, three bathroom country estate sits on a private 2.52 acres lot and has a heated saltwater pool installed In 2018.

three bedroom, three bathroom country estate sits on a private 2.52 acres lot and has a heated saltwater pool installed In 2018.

1285 WALDMERE RD, BRACEBRIDGE

WALDMERE RD, BRACEBRIDGE

$1,499,000

A rare opportunity to build your dream cottage/home on this pristine 2.2 acres of untouched heaven on Lake Muskoka.

A rare opportunity to build your dream cottage/home on this pristine 2.2 acres of untouched heaven on Lake Muskoka.

238 GREY RD 21, BLUE MOUNTAINS

238 GREY RD 21, BLUE MOUNTAINS

$1,867, 000

Lovely chalet with 5

555094 MONO-AMARANTH LINE, AMARANTH $2,499,000

555094 MONO-AMARANTH LINE, AMARANTH $2,499,000

Four bedroom, five bathroom 10-acre retreat is private, peaceful with its own pond. Equipped for your equestrian enjoyment with a private 3 stall barn and fenced in space for the horses to play. Plenty of space for the toys in the 3 car garage.

Four bedroom, five bathroom 10-acre retreat is private, peaceful with its own pond. Equipped for your equestrian enjoyment with a private 3 stall barn and fenced in space for the horses to play. Plenty of space for the toys in the 3 car garage.

629536 15TH SDRD, THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

MOUNTAINS

$5,250,000

16730 INNIS LAKE ROAD, $7,588,000.00

16730 INNIS LAKE ROAD,

96 acres less then 1 min drive from Caledon East! Beautiful custom home, multiple out buildings, farmed acreage. Impeccably landscaped with hundred of planted trees 7 ponds, trails and optional future build site with views of CN tower.

96 acres less then 1 min drive from Caledon East! Beautiful custom home, multiple out buildings, farmed acreage. Impeccably landscaped with hundred of planted trees 7 ponds, trails and optional future build site with views of CN tower.

17537 HURONTARIO ST, CALEDON

looking Monterra

course

Blue Mountains

sq. ft. addition

approved

approved and ready to build.

potential for

family

Lovely chalet with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths over looking Monterra golf course + Blue Mountains comes approved 3,500 sq. ft. addition already approved and ready to build. Future potential for severance or keep as estate or 2 family home with future home approx 7,000 sq ft.

THE KRIS ROSE TEAM

Realty

This 12.5 acre contemporary lodge perched high above Blue Mountain surrounded by hiking trails and wilderness. Five bedrooms, four bathrooms with Over 6,700 sq. ft of luxury living space.

lot in

on top of

of

Over 38

with a beautiful

with a

of

The best lot in all of Caledon. Over 38 acres on top of the hill with a beautiful custom-built log home with a pool overlooking a breathtaking view of the Mississauga sky line.

FREE HOME EVALUATION FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE STAGING INCLUDED

THE PHOTO

“Waking up to an early November snowfall last year, I went for a scenic drive through the Pretty River Valley. When I spotted this laneway I pulled over, grabbed my camera and captured this image from the main road. With rusty orange leaves on one side and bright yellow foliage on the other, the dusting of snow made for a beautiful tunnel of the seasons.”

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Formerly a weekend resident, Bob McGrath made the permanent move to the Blue Mountains five years ago. An active photographer, Bob brings his camera with him on drives, runs, rides and hikes. As a result, his photography captures the beauty of the Escarpment.

Follow him @bobmcgrath71 E

Tag @escarpmentmagazine or #escarpmentmagazine on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured in Aftershot. Your image will appear in an upcoming issue of Escarpment, plus you’ll also receive a $200 gift certificate to a local restaurant.

Your journey to SOLD begins with us.

From the first in-home preview to the final signatures, luxury is the peace of mind knowing that every detail of your home-selling experience is being looked after. At the McGregor Hahne Group we engage the competence, professionalism and passion of our full team of experts to customize our Signature Sales Strategy to your unique property. We leverage the most current and innovative technologies to simplify the process for our clients and get you to sold.

JAMES MCGREGOR,

Representative,

MAX HAHNE, Broker,

LETITIA BALDAUF, Sales Representative,