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EDITOR’S NOTE

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AFTERSHOT

AFTERSHOT

View of the Escarpment

Cara Williams Editor-In-Chief

cara@escarpmentmagazine.ca

GEORGIAN BAY LIVING

m a g a z i n e

spring 2021

escarpmentmagazine.ca1 escarpmentmagazine.ca

Spring 21 Cover Options.indd 1 2021-04-07 3:09 PM

On the cover, ‘Holding onto Summer’ by Darlene Watson, detail, 11" x 15" diptych originals acrylic on paper. I have always felt that our note from the Editor is the foundational block of any given issue – an encapsulation of the stories, creativity and effort that go into these pages. As you’ll soon discover, the past and present blend in this issue. Like those who came before us, we too have faced adversity and uncertainty over the past year. My hope is that as you dive into our newest content that you do so with renewed appreciation for our community’s resilience.

Carolynn and Sylvia Wilson, whose ancestors were some of the first to settle here in the late 1700s, are co-owners, curators, and caretakers of Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum. On page 39 you’ll discover how these two forwardthinking sisters are preserving Black history while educating us on how early Black settlers helped shape our industry and shorelines.

Just down the street from Sheffield Park, our Clarksburg home feature recounts the history of an enduring Victorian Manor built in 1862. This long-standing homestead, which was quite literally born from the bedrock of this community, has undergone a restoration in line with the values of its first owners, over 150 years ago.

I garnered so much respect and admiration for our founding mothers and fathers in researching the aforementioned editorials. So, too did Zak Erb in his feature on The Barn Studio in Collingwood. A functioning blacksmith shop, The Barn is, in Zak’s words, “a museum grade testament to the value of history, hard work and creativity.”

As I write this, I find myself reflecting on the emotional ebb and flow of this calamitous year. But the sunlight grows stronger each day and the loamy smell of budding leaves is in the air—hopeful symbols for what we wanted to capture with this, our spring issue; life endures. With these warming days there definitely seems to be more energy in our step now as we —like those before us—embrace the light.

Vistas are meant to be earned.

Nick Hamilton, CFP

Investment Advisor Hamilton Wealth Management

705-444-4777 nick.hamilton@rbc.com

RBC Wealth Management RBC Dominion Securities 1 First St., Suite 230 Collingwood ON

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m a g a z i n e

PUBLISHER/OWNER Clay Dolan clay@escarpmentmagazine.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cara Williams cara@escarpmentmagazine.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Susan Meingast creative@escarpmentmagazine.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

Tara Coates, Geoff Coombs, Deena Dolan Findlay, Shaun Edmonstone, Jamie Edwards, Zak Erb, Colin Faulkner, Corynn Fowler, Chris Godin, Kirsten Garbutt, Chris Gardnier, Patricia Gray, Andrew Greg, Dorris Heffron, Jonathan Houghton, Trevor Mathers, Mark McEwan, Luke Mou, Mark Nadjiwan, Kirsten Schollig, Frank Shine, Margarethe Vanderpas, Desmond von Teichman, Mark Zelinski, Robin Waters, Darlene Watson, Arlen Wiebe, Jody Wilson, Shelby Worts, Jennifer Woodburn

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COLLINGWOOD / BLUE MOUNTAINS / CLEARVIEW Sandi Goodman 416.456.2723 sales@escarpmentmagazine.ca

OWEN SOUND / GREATER GREY & BRUCE Paul Evans 519.372.7766 paul@escarpmentmagazine.ca

info@escarpmentmagazine.ca Office: 519.599.7545

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starry night STARRY

Story & Photography by Zak Erb

Whether you’re new to stargazing or a seasoned practitioner, with these tips anyone can explore the night sky with an unaided eye.

world seemed to get a lot The smaller last year. Routines were upended, regular activities suspended, I’m sure I don’t have to remind you. While this shrinking of our collective worlds was unquestionably a challenge, it wasn’t all bad. With so many of our day to day pursuits off the table, many were driven to pick up new pastimes which could be carried out close to home—in the backyard even. Have you ever seen so many raised bed gardens or homemade playgrounds? For me, I enjoy taking photos of beautiful places in Grey/Bruce. Stay at home orders with a houseful of kids made it tough to indulge that pastime, as daytime hours were fully booked and... mildly chaotic. Like the rest of you, I had to adapt. No time for daytime photo outings? Looks like we’re shooting at night. Travel discouraged? Looks like we’re sticking close to home. And so, backyard astrophotography became my outlet. This turned out to be an ideal hobby, as stargazing constantly reminds us that our world is indeed quite small, always has been. Nothing has changed there. And we are, as ever, surrounded by infinite jaw dropping beauty. Now, about a year later, I’ve spent a fair few hours staring up at the sky, fidgeting with camera controls, and while I’m far from being an expert, I’ve put together a few tips for those interested in dipping their toes in the celestial pool. ONE. Make it a family affair. Get the kids or grandkids involved. At first, you’ll get to play the expert, pointing out Polaris and explaining constellations. But soon enough they’ll be reminding you that it’s actually Jupiter, not Mercury, that has the shortest rotation period. This is rewarding, take it from me. TWO. Stay close to home. Assuming you’re not completely overwhelmed with light pollution, the backyard really is ideal. It’s easy to get the kids out, and s

“The sky contains so many wonders, and backyard astronomy is a hobby that provides endless enjoyment as you learn to appreciate the beauty of the sky above us.”

you’re that much closer to coffee (or bed). If you can only see a few of the brighter stars from your backyard, head somewhere rural that you are already familiar with. Dusk is the time to be blazing trails. My preferred local haunt (besides the backyard) is Skinner’s Bluff. Light pollution is minimal, and there’s a huge field of view, but I would never suggest visiting it in the dark, unless you’ve first become familiar with the trail during the day. Safety. First.

THREE. Plan ahead. At a bare minimum, check the cloud coverage before going outside. A large window works great for this, as do all manner of weather and astronomy apps. Check to see if there’s anything interesting visible in the skies from your area. Might the International Space Station be flying over? When is moonrise? Any active meteor showers? The more work you put in beforehand, the quicker you can get to business in the field.

FOUR. Bring a flashlight. Absolutely essential, even in the backyard. Preferably a headlamp. Even better is a lamp that emits low level red or green light, as bright white light will ruin your night vision. A light source is key for safety, locating your dropped lens cap (inevitable), and lighting foreground objects.

FIVE. Set your camera to manual mode, assuming it has a manual mode, try “night mode” if it does not. Automatic shutter and aperture priority modes, so handy at family functions, are not your friend at night. Unless you’re shooting the moon, you’ll want to cram every spare photon of light onto your camera’s sensor. Achieve this by opening up your aperture as wide as it goes, cranking your ISO up, and experimenting with your shutter speed starting at 8 seconds or so.

SIX. Use a tripod. Don’t have one? I’m told a bag of rice works too, though it looks nowhere near as cool. It is essential to have your s

camera stable, as this allows your shutter to remain open without introducing blurring to the image. Make use of a remote shutter release, or your camera’s timer function, as even the motion of depressing the shutter will shake the camera which can spoil your shot. SEVEN. Don’t give up. Getting an image you’re proud of is not simple. Even Top 2 achieving focus can present a serious challenge (use manual focus by the way). Stick with it. You will improve every single time you go out. And if your first few shots aren’t exactly high art, you still won’t regret the effort. The sky contains so many wonders, and backyard astronomy is a hobby that provides endless enjoyment as you learn to appreciate the beauty of the sky above us. Time spent outside looking into the 9+ acres,10,000 plus sq. ft. Country house 7 bed, 7 bath. Meticulously landscaped grounds in the Pretty River Valley. Bright 3 b 3 bath, end unit backing onto a planned park in the new Summit View subdivision. ABSOLUTELY E cosmos, especially with friends or family, is never time wasted. STUNNING PROPERTY $3,500,000 SUMMIT VIEW, COLLINGWOOD

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SOME down the WHERE CRAZY RIVER

Story & photography by Clay Dolan

hen the snow melts in the upper W reaches of the Niagara Escarpment, water flows from farm fields and forests into ditches, creeks and streams—the overflowing tributaries spill into the major river systems, swelling the waterways and overflowing the banks. The once discernable river channels disappear as the adjacent fields and forests flood, creating an interesting, although fleeting opportunity for paddlers to explore the submerged landscape. While more seasoned thrill seekers might search out fast flowing white water to the north, closer to home we have some fantastic, gentle flowing rivers perfect for day tripping. The three most popular routes are the Nottawasaga, Beaver and Saugeen Rivers. The NOTTAWASAGA RIVER headwaters originate in Dufferin County. The river flows from the Orangeville Reservoir and meanders down to Wasaga Beach where it reaches Georgian Bay. Along its course the Nottawasaga travels through many significant wilderness areas. The “crown jewel” of the Nottawasaga River system is the Minesing Wetlands. The 6,000-hectare wetland is one of the most diverse, undisturbed wetland tracts in Canada. During the spring months the high-water levels create open lakes in areas that are typically grass-covered, offering paddlers a chance to explore beyond the river banks. The flooded landscape can make navigation difficult however, as there is no defined river channel to follow. A map and GPS are recommended. Additionally, the Friends of Minesing Wetlands offer guided tours in the spring, however due to COVID these tours are on hold for now. For more information, please visit minesingwetlands.ca

There are a number of access points further downstream on Willow Creek and the Mad River offer excellent paddling the Nottawasaga River with easier paddling suitable for all ability opportunities in the Minesing Wetlands. Both waterways converge levels. The meandering river takes you through parabolic sand with the Nottawasaga River and paddlers can spend an entire day dunes (u-shaped mounds of sand with convex noses and elongated exploring each watercourse. Another option is sticking to the main arms), and the iconic Oxbow Dune. There is even a series of small branch of the Nottawasaga River. Starting in the town of Angus rapids to add a little excitement to your journey. Simcoe County paddlers can travel through the Minesing Wetlands on their way and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority have some to Edenvale. This stretch can be tricky with low water levels, but fantastic resources for your trip down the Nottawasaga, including in the spring, passage can be much easier. maps, routes and expert advice.

The law requires a properly sized personal floatation device (PFD) for each person on a boat. It is recommended that children always wear a PFD. Boat safe, stay safe!

For more information please visit nvca.on.ca/ recreation/canoeing-the-nottawasaga

THE BEAVER RIVER’S headwaters originate in farm fields near the town of Ceylon before making their way to Eugenia, where the river is dammed creating Eugenia Lake. Once the river spills over Eugenia Falls, it collects water from the entire Beaver Valley Watershed. It isn’t until just north of the town of Kimberly where the river becomes navigable by canoe,

and this is where the first river access point is located.

It is roughly 15 kilometres from the first access point near Kimberly to the pull out in Heathcote, which will take paddlers four to five hours to complete. For a shorter excursion, paddlers can put in at Access point 2, which is located near Epping where Side Road 19 crosses the river. From here it is a five-kilometre paddle to Heathcote, and can be done in under two hours.

During the spring months the Beaver River can spill over its banks, filling low-lying areas along its route, offering a chance to paddle through flooded forest. When water levels are exceptionally high, paddlers will have to get low in their vessels to pass under a couple of the steel-framed bridges. The current can be swift in a few locations, but generally the river flows gently making it an easy paddle for all ability levels. With its easy access, relatively short routes and tranquil paddling conditions, the Beaver River is perfect for family adventures.

THE SAUGEEN RIVER is the third largest river system in Southern Ontario. It begins in the Osprey Wetland Conservation Lands just south of Maxwell. From there the Saugeen flows roughly 190 kilometres north-west to Southampton where it meets Lake Huron. Although there are two access points further upstream, the main paddling route begins at the town of Hanover and travels 102 kilometres to the end point at Denny’s Dam, five kilometres north of Southampton.

The Saugeen River is one of the most popular paddling routes and for good reason. With many camping locations along its course, the river can be paddled in its entirety in three or four days (21 to 27 hours). Or if a multi-day canoe trip doesn’t work for your schedule, there are 15 access points, each offering a variety of lengths and landscapes to enjoy. s

SAFETY FIRST. High, cold water can be expected and is dangerous for inexperienced paddlers. It may look like fun, but the high volumes of water can overpower your canoe leaving you at the mercy of the river. AVOID SWEEPERS. Fallen trees, branches or logs in the water. WEAR SECURE FOOTWEAR. When water is low you may need to get out and pull your boat. Getting in and out at the shore can be challenging with clay and rocks. PADDLE WITH A GROUP. If you get into trouble, you can help each other out. BRING A CHANGE OF DRY CLOTHES. If you dump in cold water you will want to get out, get dried off and warmed up to avoid hypothermia. PACK YOUR PHONE IN A WATERPROOF BAG. BRING DRINKING WATER. You can get dehydrated. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Arrange where to put in and pull out. Plan the length of the route and expected time it will take given your experience. WEAR A LIFEJACKET. TAKE A SPARE PADDLE. CARRY A BOAT SAFETY KIT. Which includes: • a bailer to remove water from your boat (and a large sponge is a good idea) • watertight flashlight with batteries • whistle (or sound signaling device) • floating rope (15 meters) In addition, we highly recommend that you carry the following items: first aid kit, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, snacks, waterproof matches and a knife.

The town of Paisley, located roughly at the midway point, has become the unofficial paddling centre for the Saugeen River. Access points 9A and 9B have docks that make loading and unloading easier. 9B is located closest to the historic downtown, where you can find several great restaurants, eclectic shops and an LCBO. Paddlers doing the multi day excursion, often stop in Paisley to stock up on groceries, dry out wet clothing in the laundromat and even enjoy a meal on the patio at Bonfire on Queen.

River conditions along the Saugeen vary from wide, calm sections to stretches with small rapids and eddies suitable for all skill levels. In the spring however, some rapids can be a little more challenging when water is high and fast flowing. Conversely the higher water levels make some of the shallower sections easier to navigate. For more information please visit Saugeen Conservation’s website at saugeenconservation.com Explore the Bruce has a fantastic breakdown of the tours available on the Saugeen with each section of the river outlined in detail. Visit explorethebruce.com/routes/paddling-tours/3/

The high-water levels during the Spring months provide a unique opportunity to experience the Escarpment’s main watercourses. Swifts and rapids normally docile throughout the summer provide added excitement in the spring when water is fast flowing. Flooded lands offer paddlers a chance to go beyond the river channels and explore submerged forests and grasslands, while at the same time allowing closer wildlife viewing. The landscape seems to change daily as the trees begin to bud, and the rivers come alive with colour. Even the soundtrack changes as migrating birds return to their summer wetland habitat. With a number of well-maintained access points, all within a short drive, paddlers have the option of going for a quick two-hour jaunt or a multi-day adventure. E

YES! DAY

by Cara Williams or many of us the word “no” has been a mainstay in our regular parlance for photography by Clay DolanF the last year or so. Despite the chaos such a premise could contain, there is something to be said about engaging in a “YES Day” after months of vetoing fun.

s

Imagine if you will:

an adventure-filled day where you get a chance to let loose, treat yourself and say “heck YES, we can do that” instead of “no way, not a chance”. The concept first appeared in the 2009 children’s book “Yes Day!” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and after a pandemic year that has ruled out so much for kids and adults alike, having a day free from the usual pandemic grind reminds us of the importance of getting out of the house and indulging in family centric activities —and where better to host a 24-hour freefor-all but Blue Mountain Resort!

For many parents, a fun-filled YES Day will equate to little or no screen time (whoop whoop). And with no Zoom meetings to attend, it’s finally time to upgrade the loungewear we may have been living in for the past twelve to fifteen months (guilty). First stop: shopping!

From chic and stylish trendy looks to a fresh pair of pyjamas, with more than 20 unique shops, the Village has something to suit everyone’s style. The Columbia store features spring-approved outdoor apparel for the whole family—say YES to a pair of hiking boots and then let’s hit the trails. Blue’s extensive hiking network criss-crosses the mountain from the southernmost slopes through to the glades at the north end. A nice respite from walking around the neighbourhood for the millionth time, no? YES!

Once we’ve reached the top, we should probably pop into Blue’s newest al fresco dining experience, Summitview Pavilion and let someone else do the cooking (and washing up). Why not say YES to a midday glass of chardonnay or thirst-quenching sangria (don’t mind if I do). And because today is YES Day, we might even skip the main course and head straight to dessert! With bellies full, everyone in the family will appreciate the panoramic views of Collingwood and Georgian Bay from the open-air gondola as we descend towards the Village. By this point in our day we’ve shopped, we’ve exercised, we’ve had a European style (slightly boozy/certainly decadent) lunch... it might just be time to say YES to relaxation. With adapted COVID protocols in place we can finally indulge in a safe and relaxing manicure /pedicure at iWA Spa. Kick off those muddy boots and reconnect with side-byside massage with your partner or treat yourself to a soothing facial that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Think of it as spring cleaning for your mind, body and soul. Allowing ourselves to be guided by every (reasonable) whim can be a useful counterbalance to the many restrictions we’ve been experiencing as of late. Having a YES Day as a family also allows us to put each other first, without feeling guilty. Giving ourselves permission to be relaxed and carefree once in a while prompts us to live in the moment and make memories that will last a lifetime.

So, what do you say... let me guess: YES? E For more information visit bluemountain.ca

African King’s robe from Sierra Leone and hand carved gourds from Nigeria, used for carrying fruit on top of baskets.

The preservation of local Black history was a lifelong dream of Howard Sheffield, founder of Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum. Today his vision is carried on by his nieces Carolynn and Sylvia Wilson—direct descendants of early Black settlers in Southern Georgian Bay.

s

PRESERVING & CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

by Cara Williams photography by Clay Dolan

Clockwise from upper left: Hand embroidered quilt depicting various routes of the Underground Railway. Sylvia Wilson, left and Carolynn Wilson, nieces of Howard Sheffield. Hand carved artifacts from African warriors and hunters. Interior of African hut including hand-woven baskets and hand-dyed African textile.

In the early 19th century, nearly 40,000 Black Americans escaped slavery in the southern United States by travelling to Canada through a complex, clandestine network of safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. The largest anti-slavery freedom movement in North America, water played a tremendous role in aiding freedom seekers. In Upper Canada, the Great Lakes became the main terminus of the Underground Railroad, providing critical opportunities for employment and homesteading.

Carolynn and Sylvia Wilson, whose ancestors were some of the first to settle in Collingwood in the late 1700s, are co-owners, curators, and caretakers of Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum in Clarksburg. Originally established in Collingwood, Sheffield Park was the vision and dream of the sisters’ late uncle Howard Sheffield who sought to gather, preserve, and share the history of their Black ancestors. Today the homespun museum sits on a generous plot of land in The Blue Mountains. Sixteen outbuildings display artifacts, exhibits, and treasures and take visitors on a journey through Africa to the early Black settlers of the Great Lakes. The vast collection merges Sheffield/Wilson family heirlooms with community donated artifacts and thoughtfully reshapes how Black history is communicated within domestic and local contexts— some exhibits invoke inspiration and awe, while others summon agony and despair.

Displayed in the museum is a magnificent embroidered quilt stitched and donated by Shirley and John Hartley. This work of art painstakingly outlines the route that slaves travelled towards freedom and is a reminder of the plight of freedom seekers. As Sylvia explains, the Underground Railroad was named as such because the abolitionists behind the safe house network used railroad terminology and symbols to mask their activities. “Conductors

Clockwise from upper left: Single shackle from the slave trade. Replicas of Great Lakes boats carved by Richard Sheffield and his grandson Edward Sheffield. Inset right photo: Ildia and Wilfred Sheffield in cook uniforms. Collection of sailboats donated by various families. Shackles from the “auction block” from the slave trade.

(abolitionists) would send or receive parcels, dry goods, or packages (Black men and women) to arranged destinations (safe houses). Various means of escape were used, either by foot, in wagons with false bottoms, or physical disguises. Messages were conveyed in songs such as ‘Follow the Drinking Gourd,’ ‘Way Over Jordan,’ or ‘Down by the Riverside.’ Freedom seekers crossing the border into Canada found refuge in various settlements throughout the province. Many settlements were stop-off places or terminals on the Underground Railroad, with Collingwood and Owen Sound being the two most northern terminals.”

In the early 1900s, shipbuilding was an essential industry on Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. These waterways were an economic lifeline that linked communities like Collingwood, Thornbury, and Owen Sound. Working on the Great Lakes ships allowed Black workers to extend their connections and family relationships in various waterway ports. Black entrepreneurs established their own businesses, catering to the needs of the Black community. Many became professionals, while others opened schools for apprenticeships. Constructing models of wooden steamboats often built by or worked on by Black settlers became a hobby for Richard Sheffield in the early 1900s. Many years later, his grandson, Eddie Sheffield, would continue this craft. Several of their impressively ornate, hand-crafted replicas are on display in the Abolitionists House and Great Lakes exhibits at Sheffield Park.

Carolynn and Sylvia’s grandparents, Ildia and Wilfred Sheffield, worked as cooks on several Great Lakes ships during the 1930s and 1940s. Later they established Sheffield’s Cedar Inn Restaurant in Collingwood. During segregation times, Black tourists travelling to the area would seek the safe accommodation available at Sheffield’s Cedar Inn. Several artifacts from their grandparent’s Inn are proudly

Three granite monuments located at Sheffield Park.

on display in the museum.

Nestled among trees, Sheffield Park features a contemplative “Heritage Walk” which recounts the story of Debra Sheffield. Debra died in 1854 at age 12 and is believed to have been buried in the Old Durham Road Pioneer Cemetery in Priceville. Also known as the Priceville Black Cemetery, this nineteenth century burial ground was plowed over in the twentieth century by a farmer. In 1989, a group of citizens led by Carolynn and Sylvia formed the Old Durham Road Black Pioneer Cemetery Committee and were granted permission to dig through a rock pile in the middle of a field. Four headstones, broken and discarded, were discovered, nearly lost to the mossy landscape. The names on the stones were confirmed as early Black settlers Christopher Simons, James Washington, and James Handy and his daughter Ellen (these last two are ancestors of Carolynn and Sylvia Wilson). The Committee secured an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant and erected a concrete pavilion to safeguard and memorialize the site. Debra Sheffield’s headstone, along with many others, is still missing.

The museum’s indoor holdings are spread throughout 16 refurbished buildings and the collection contains artifacts spanning many generations, including donations from “white families who grew up with the original homesteaders.” Inside the African Beginnings building, visitors are invited to move to the rhythmic sounds as they meander through the village where artisans display their talents, and the warriors hold their weapons. Walk past the kings and queens while you experience the vibrant marketplace. Further along, the Early Settlers’ display captures domestic life as families began claiming land—various tools and machines that were essential for building and farming are on display.

The later exhibits showcase a vast collection of Black dolls, postcards, and memorabilia, some of which conjure shock and horror at the abhorrent racism depicted. Racially-exaggerated illustrations and minstrel music-books, once created and circulated freely, are inescapably troubling. A collection of shackles and chains once worn by Black slaves lay solemnly in a glass encasement, while nearby is an assemblage of desks from the last segregated Canadian school (in Colchester, Ontario, which closed in 1961). These items serve as a shocking and powerful reminder of our bigoted history.

Sheffield Park tells the story of the Sheffield/Wilson family’s connection to Southern Georgian Bay while demonstrating how Black settlers constructively helped shape our industry and shorelines. The growing collection of heirlooms and culturally significant objects thoughtfully reshape how our shared history is told. Furthered by community support, Carolynn and Sylvia look forward to continuing to preserve the dream of their Uncle Howard Sheffield and invite you to visit the Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum when they are able to reopen. “Howard Sheffield’s dream was to keep the events of the past visible so we, and future generations, would never forget. The dream continues...” E

Jocelyn Bertrand, co-owner of Buzzing Bush Apiary, shares his knowledge of beekeeping with science based learning that is practical and engaging.

Local beekeepers introduce beehive immersion tours and innovative hive products derived from the diverse flora found in the Beaver Valley.

by Cara Williams photography by Clay Dolan

Each spring, the white petals that blanket apple trees along the expansive rolling hills of the Beaver Valley signal the beginning of the valley’s growing season, but for a pair of keen beekeepers, their apiary has already begun buzzing with activity in preparation for the busy spring and summer months.

Established by Alain (Al) Johnson and Jocelyn (Joe) Bertrand, Artemesia Daylilies began as a horticultural hobby and grew, quite literally, into a burgeoning farm that boasts over 1,400 stunning daylily cultivars. When the pair moved to their current location on Grey Road 13 near Kimberly in 2014, Joe began researching beekeeping, reading everything available on the topic, and laying the foundation for what was to come. Today dozens of brightly painted, stacked boxes dot the lush meadows that lie just beyond a 19th-century barn near the gardens. Inside these colourful boxes, over 1.2 million bees (and counting) are dancing in circles s

GOLD LIQUID

and figure-eights, just itching to get to work. Welcome to Buzzing Bush Apiary.

Originally from Trois-Rivières, Québec, Al and Joe have built nothing short of a blooming, thriving, buzzing oasis. As beekeepers, they are the custodians of these delicate insects, and caring for them is as much an art as it is a science. Buzzing Bush Apiary is active in the production of honey, propolis, pollen, wax, and queen rearing. “There is so much flower density in the Valley,” explains Joe. “We can produce honey which is not certified as organic but is as organic as it gets because we don’t use pesticides. You can taste it in our honey.”

With over 20 years of experience in a multitude of agri-businesses, the pair were inspired to share their knowledge of beekeeping and hive management through workshops, consulting, and instruction. “We are thrilled to introduce our bees to an increasingly engaged public who are becoming keenly aware of the importance that bees have in our food production,” says Al. “We have interest from people of all ages who are more than willing to suit up with the protective gear we provide. We literally take the lid off the world of bees, and visitors get a hands-on look at how this fascinating life force interacts and operates in the complex inner workings of a hive.”

The Intro to Beekeeping Course serves a growing sector and is geared towards understanding the profound role bees have on our ecosystem. Instruction takes place at Buzzing Bush Apiary, in both the 19th-century barn and the bee yard. “Beekeeping, bees, and the natural benefits of hive products are fun, interesting, and topical,” says Joe, “but there is a responsibility that comes with it. There are significant issues around bees globally, and there is a benefit to even a basic introduction to them. One needs to first and foremost understand the basics of bee biology, the different castes of bees, and the many internal cycles and rhythms of a colony. Based on this knowledge, you’ll then be in a position to make proper decisions that will directly influence colony health and the honey harvest.”

Buzzing Bush Apiary is growing and showcases hive products like multi-floral honey, pollen, wax, and propolis derived from the diverse flora found in the Beaver Valley and sold directly to the consumer. “Don’t tell Al, but we’re going from 32 hives up to 80 this summer,” laughs Joe. “We’ll be keeping 20 production hives for the honey and the rest we’ll be focusing on queen rearing. There is a lot to learn in this journey—from hive management to disease prevention/control and queen rearing. It’s a feel-good hobby on so many levels—pollinating local plants, trees, fruits, and vegetables and assisting with building up the populations of bees in your community as they continue to face challenges.” E For more information, connect with Al and Joe at buzzingbushapiary.ca

The iconic view from The Crack overlooking the La Clouche Range in Killarney Provincial Park.

Cheryl and Terry Sheridan, she a weaver, and he a blacksmith, know a thing or two about patterns. A typical morning for the Sheridans tends to follow a tried and true pattern. By 5 am Cheryl has the ovens fired, baking snacks for the day. Terry meanwhile has been puttering around the machine shop

s

for some time already. By 9 am there will be coffee, lots of it, maybe a splash of Irish Cream. Looms will be dressed, iron will be worked, and by the afternoon, each of them will have created something brand new, intricate, and entirely handmade. Like any great pattern, the recurring elements in the Sheridan’s routine weave together to make something truly remarkable, which in this case, is the Barn Studio.

Found on Nottawasaga Road in Collingwood, the Barn Studio is a charming boutique shop and teaching space. It is also a museum grade testament to the value of history, hard work and creativity. While “The Barn” as a business has been up and running for about five years now, the actual barn itself has very deep roots in the area. Built in 1860, the barn stood tall near what became the Craigleith Ski Club for some hundred and forty years. By the early 2000’s however, it was set to be destroyed to make way for real estate development. The Sheridans, with their knowledge of, and deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, had something else in mind. Terry painstakingly dismantled the entire structure, inventoried every post, beam and board, wheeled it all over to Collingwood, and in 2005 rebuilt it exactly as it had been, but with a fresh coat of paint and a fresh new purpose.

Around the time the barn was being raised at its new home, Cheryl took up the craft of weaving. A friend had dropped by with a discarded loom picked up from the side of the road. Cheryl kept it, found a mentor, and began honing her new craft. Perhaps you’ve seen another pattern here—the Sheridans simply cannot allow something with practical and historical value to be cast aside and forgotten. Whether it be an old barn, a beat-up loom, or an archaic skillset. Instead, they absorb these items into their lives, return them to their former glory, and then share them with others —because if there’s one thing the Sheridans love more than creating beautiful works using antiquated tools and skills, it’s teaching these same skills and values to others. s

MOON OVER WATER – PATRICIA GRAY BlackSpruceStudio.com

EVENING STAR/MOON RISING MARK NADJIWAN ThreeTreesArt.com

240 EAST ROAD LION’S HEAD

705.475.6248

During the Spring please call or email to confirm.

Cheryl has been running weaving workshops for five years now, and her passion for teaching the craft to first timers is obvious; “It just makes your heart sing,” says Cheryl. “They have this twinkle in their eye from having created something”. And that twinkle is mirrored in Cheryl’s eye as she mentions that seventy of her students now own looms themselves, and weave creations of their own design. Typically, Cheryl offers one or two workshops a month for groups of up to eighteen. While groups this size haven’t been an option lately, Cheryl has continued to spread her love of the craft by offering curbside pickup of pre-dressed looms, and holding workshops for smaller groups.

Working with metal has been a lifelong pursuit for Terry, and despite that Cheryl is the weaver, he has no shortage of yarns himself. He’s more than happy to tell you a thing or three about blacksmithing, true wrought iron, Norse smelting techniques, or colonial axe heads. Having spent some 12 years running blacksmithing demos himself, Terry has a passion for imparting traditional knowledge that’s every bit as fiery as his coal fed forge. Just when you feel your head start to spin during one of his impromptu lectures on the relative merits of bog iron, Cheryl flashes a knowing grin and cracks a welcome joke. The mood here is upbeat and informal while still being focused—in short, it’s a perfect environment for instruction. During Terry’s axemaking workshop for instance, you’ll not only forge the axe head and mount it onto a turned hickory handle, you’ll also head out behind the barn and try your hand at axe throwing with your new tool. Terry will even graciously stifle his guffaws when you miss the target.

The Barn Studio is genuinely one of a kind. Part museum, with curated displays of historical artifacts, part trendy boutique, with gorgeous handwoven shawls, and part folk school, offering instruction in a variety of disciplines. Open on weekends, by appointment, or by chance, and stocking high quality handmade items exclusively, it’s about as far from “big box” as a business can get. And this is exactly the way the Sheridans like it to be. Unique, by design. E

escarpment | art feature

by Deena Dolan Findlay paintings by Darlene Watson

COLOUR OUTSIDE THE LINES

This page: Holding On To Summer 2, acrylic on paper, 11"x 14". Opposite page: Finding Joy, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 30".

Found in collections worldwide, contemporary, abstract artist Darlene Watson intuitively combines vibrant colours and spontaneous yet thoughtful shapes and lines to produce inspiring works of art seemingly done with total abandon. s

Above: Jackmanii, acrylic on paper, 12" x 12”. Right: Piccadilly Party, acrylic, ink, marker and pen on canvas, 24" x 80".

Energy, joy, passion. Darlene Watson’s paintings exude a vibrancy so infectious you can’t help but smile. Created with a variety of tools including her bare hands, her creations are influenced by her life in Southampton near the shores of Lake Huron. “I see it the way I want to have it.” On her road to becoming an internationally known artist, Darlene has donned many hats; registered nurse; interior designer; consultant; photographer. “You learn from whatever you do.”

Shockingly, it was just ten years ago, while consulting with a client about an interior design project that she was asked if she would consider producing a large painting for the client’s space. “That’s how it happened,” explains Darlene. “I have always been a bit shy actually so I think there is part of me that just wanted to jump outside my comfort zone. Possibly that is why I didn’t hesitate to create the art. So, there I am with a huge canvas and thinking, what have I gotten myself into.”

Today, painting isn’t just her passion, it’s what she does. “It’s my full-time job but I love to do it.” Oh, there were plenty of challenges along the way but armed with an abundance of determination and a quick sense of the ridiculous, Darlene set about making it happen. “Getting into galleries and shows, shlepping my work around in a small car!” It was hectic and at s

“ART IS A LINE AROUND YOUR THOUGHTS.” – GUSTAV KLIMT

times overwhelmingly frustrating. Her son Sean wisely suggested she should move to online marketing. She listened, she learned and she hasn’t looked back. Thanks to that decision, her work now hangs in homes and offices in Kuwait, Australia, Ireland, Alaska, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, B.C. and New York. All generated online on sites like, Saatchi Art, Singulart, Gallea, 1stdibs, Zatista, Wescover and Instagram.

“I’m an artist,” smiles Darlene. “It was hard for me to say that, but now, I’m an international artist.”

Working with acrylics, Darlene explains, “I’m too impatient to wait for oil to dry.” Darlene’s work is playful and somewhat experimental in personality. Above all, it is never predictable. Her minimal pieces using bold, wide monochromatic brush strokes invoke the style of Franz Kline. Her impressionistic florals with a freshness of colour and light are akin to the ingenious style of Monet and of course, Gustav Klimt with his ground-breaking injection of imbedded allusions and metallics, has been a favourite influence.

Painting at her home studio in Southampton, the undulating sky and seasonal colours along the shores of Lake Huron all play a role in the palette that Darlene conjures for the majority of her works. “I paint what I imagine and the colour palette of nature that I live in. I walk daily, and often take photos of lines left from leaves burning into the sidewalk, tree shapes and the colours of the changing seasons. They all affect my creative process in creating original pieces of art. At this moment I am working on a cubism style series named ‘Beach Town’ with each being numbered. I have completed one and two so far.”

Commissions are one of Darlene’s favourite projects to take on and she has done several. Through email and phone conversations, a relationship gets developed. Learning about the collector allows Darlene’s insight to emerge and becomes an integral part of the imaginative process for creating the composition, more than just the size for their space or the colours they might prefer. “Kind of like interior design s

Far left: Adele Let’s Her Hair Down, acrylic, 18K gold leaf and mixed media on canvas, 10" x 60". Left: Veronica The Art of Fashion, acrylic, 18K gold leaf and marker pen on canvas, 10” x 60". Right: Darlene in her studio with her dog, Luna Bear.

Left to right clockwise: Sharing My Gelato at the Beach, acrylic on canvas, 80"x 36". A Time for Flowers, acrylic on paper, 18" x 24". Turntable Spinnin’, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 81".

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for the walls,” says Darlene. “It’s the best of both worlds. I just love adding lines and surprises and to personalize my commission pieces with tidbits that really speak to collectors personally. Klimt, Bansky and Willem de Kooning play a role in my graffiti type of abstracts.”

For the most part Darlene works with canvas by the roll. “It’s easier to create large pieces and safer to ship.” But she also produces framed pieces, or smaller paper works using acrylics, oil pastel, ink, and genuine gold leaf along with other mixed media. She works with several interior designers to find that perfect piece for a collector’s home.

Darlene has also produced her own line of wearable art including wonderfully hand-painted, crisp linen shirts and spectacular linen scarves. Each evokes a freshness of aspect that demonstrates the power of independent thought and this talented woman’s constructive imagination. E For more information visit darlenewatsonartist.com Follow Darlene on Instagram @darlenewatsonart

“IMAGINATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN KNOWLEDGE” –ALBERT EINSTEIN

CHEF SHAUN EDMONSTONE

FORAGING AND FEASTING

SPRING IS HERE IN ONTARIO

Chef Shaun Edmonstone is the Executive Chef & Owner of Thornbury’s award-winning Bruce Wine Bar & Kitchen. Specializing in creatively crafted plates grounded in traditional techniques, Shaun’s passion for ultra-local, often foraged menus emphasize the incredible bounty this region has to offer. s

FUNGI & GRANOLA SALAD

page 64

Recipes by Chef Shaun Edmonstone Photography by Clay Dolan

Summers spent at the market farm with his grandmother and raising bees with his grandfather led Shaun to understand the connection between artisans, farmers, and chefs. This belief is evident in his involvement with Ocean Wise, his seat on the Grey Bruce Chefs’ forum advisory board, his participation with FeastOn, the Georgian Bay Community Cookbook, Terroir, Ontario Tourism and countless other collaborations within his community and beyond.

FUNGI & GRANOLA SALAD

Shaun loves the earthiness that this salad brings to the table, showcasing some incredible cultivated Ontario products.This dish makes a great accompaniment to many proteins including fish, but would also work nicely with grilled chicken, BBQ steak or slow-roasted pork. And the lemon dressing just screams ‘spring is here!’—something we’ve all been waiting for after a long winter.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced (we love shiitake, honey trumpets & chanterelles)

2 oz olive oil

1/2 lemon, juiced

1 leek, cut into coins

1 head Boston Bibb lettuce

1 head radicchio lettuce

1/4 cup savoury granola

1 tbsp pickled chilies

young parsley leaves or micro greens

LEMON DRESSING: 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/8 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp Dijon 1 Tbsp. honey

DIRECTIONS

n In a sauté pan, add your leeks and olive oil over medium high heat and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for an additional 5-8 minutes or until mushrooms are cooked through. Deglaze the pan with your lemon juice and remove from heat. n To make dressing add all ingredients to a small mason jar or similar and shake vigorously. n Spoon a small amount of your dressing onto a plate, and then place your Bibb lettuce and radicchio on top. Add your mushroom and leek mixture, top with savoury granola. Garnish with pickled chilies and parsley or micro greens.

MAPLE POACHED SUSTAINABLE ARCTIC CHAR

recipe below

MAPLE POACHED SUSTAINABLE ARCTIC CHAR

“Sustainable seafood has been a part of Bruce Wine Bar since the first day we opened 10 years ago. There is an abundance of sustainable seafood options available to everyone and our commitment to the Oceanwise Seafood program ensures that we will be able to enjoy products like this for years to come. This dish brings together our love of high quality protein and great local, Ontario ingredients in a simply prepared but highly impressive dish.”

INGREDIENTS

1 filet of Arctic Char, 8-10 oz or 2 smaller filets (we love Springhills Fish Farm’s sustainable Char)

1/2 cup maple syrup (preferably amber or dark)

SALAD NICOISE recipe below

1 Tbsp Kosher salt 2 whole bay leaves 6 whole all spice berries

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients but the fish to a medium size pan over medium heat and bring to a light simmer. n Gently place the fish, flesh side down in the pan (it should be just submerged in poaching liquid—you can also spoon the liquid over the fish if it is sticking out a bit). n Poach over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. Turn off heat and gently remove the fish from poaching liquid. n Serve with a squeeze of lemon and alongside the Fungi & Granola Salad or seasonal vegetables. *Note: If you prefer an oilier fish, sustainable Salmon or Trout are both great options.

SALAD NICOISE

in advance. Spring in Ontario is rich with items that work beautifully, including asparagus, wild leeks, fiddleheads—these could all be wonderful components to include in your version.”

INGREDIENTS

1 can sustainable tuna (we love Scout Canning’s BC Albacore Tuna in olive oil)

1 bunch asparagus 8 mini red potatoes 4 eggs 1/4 cup olives 1/4 cup pickled onions

FOR GARNISH celery leaves, radishes, mixed herbs, olives

DIRECTIONS

Pre-heat your oven to 425°F. n In a heavy bottom sauce pot, fill just over halfway with water and add the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for approximately 12 minutes. Add your eggs and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Remove from heat and drain. n Pick out the eggs and peel for later. n Crush your potatoes on a baking sheet and coat liberally with olive oil and salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crispy. n In a separate pot, fill to halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add 1 Tbsp kosher salt to the water. Place asparagus in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then remove and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Remove from ice water and pat wdry with a paper towel. Toss asparagus in your favourite vinaigrette or dressing. n To plate stack asparagus in the middle of the plate, surround with potatoes, top with tuna and garnish with celery leaves, herbs, micro greens, olives —whatever you please. Top with your 6-minute egg, season with flaky sea salt and enjoy!

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Back to Nature

Spring has sprung—the hours of daylight are longer, temperatures warmer, and snowbanks have melted.

If you tend to hibernate in winter, this is a great time to reintroduce yourself to the outdoors; your mental health will thank you.

HERE ARE THREE WAYS YOUR MOOD WILL RESPOND TO SPENDING TIME OUTSIDE:

SUNSHINE

It’s no surprise that sunshine makes most people feel better. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs when the shorter, darker days of winter impact peoples’ mood, contributing to depression. Many Canadians experience SAD and seek relief with light therapy, medication, a trip down south, and/or vitamin D supplementation. You’ve likely heard of Vitamin D referred to as ‘the sunshine vitamin’ —this is because it can be manufactured in our body when our skin is exposed to sunlight. This vitamin (technically a hormone) is supportive of immune function, bone strength, and mental health. Regarding the last item, Vitamin D supports the production and release of the neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin has a direct impact on mood—many medications used for both anxiety and depression target the activity of this compound. So, seeing the sun shining is not the only way to boost your mood; allow your skin to be exposed to the rays (avoiding the most intense hours of the day) for a true biochemical boost!

MOVEMENT

Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki found in her research that a single activity will have immediate impact on levels of neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The rise is transient, and effects last longer over time—so, make movement a daily habit! How much is enough? Aim for 3-4 times weekly as Dr. Shelby Worts,

BSc, ND

“THERE IS VERY STRONG EVIDENCE THAT PEOPLE WHO SPEND TIME WITH THE NATURAL WORLD BENEFIT, MENTALLY, TO AN EXTRAORDINARY DEGREE.” —SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

an initial goal, at least 30 minutes per outing, and work hard enough to raise your heart rate. Want to start slow? The power of walking and its benefits for depression has been well studied and documented. For best results choose a route that includes nature; trees, water, rocks, field, or park—whatever you can find.

NATURE

When you think of the evolution of our species, until very recently less than 99 percent of the time we were living in the natural world. Over the past decade 50 percent of us are now living in urban areas. We are part of the natural world and meant to be in it. In Japan, doctors prescribe time in nature—they call it ‘forest bathing’ and have found that a mere 15 minutes of doing so can reduce the body’s stress hormone ‘cortisol’ by 12 percent! And the best part: it’s free.

For the greatest benefit to your mental health while outdoors, become fully present. When you arrive at the start of your activity—even if some days it’s simply stepping outside your door—take a minute to close your eyes and become aware of all your senses. What can you hear? What do you feel touching your skin? What do you smell? Now open your eyes, take in what you see, move your body forward and start your journey.

And for best results, leave your smartphone at home. E

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• 25,000 IU of vitamin D Delivers high energy infrared wavelengths that reach a dermal depth of up to one inch. Used in the treatment of: • Wound healing • Orthopedic post-operative healing • Pain treatment and injury • Cancer therapy side effects in 4 minutes • 38.6% of Canadians are deficient in vitamin D Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a decreased immune system, contracting viruses, vitiligo, eczema, osteoporosis, & sclerosis. • Reduce inflammation • Lymphedema • Rheumatoid arthritis pain “After only three ICR treatments, I was pain free • Beauty and my mobility in my neck improved significantly. • Anti-aging It has been an effective tool to help my body recharge and reduce inflammation.” –Ross Parr, Fire Chief

VIEW A TABLE WITH A

by Cara Williams photography by Clay Dolan

From a quick drink to an unforgettable meal, no visit to Blue Mountain Resort is complete without a quintessential mountaintop dining experience at Summitview Pavilion.

To enjoy this ultimate epicurean escape, take the open-air gondola from Blue Mountain Village up to the summit of the Escarpment and enjoy the most talked about al fresco dining experience. Reminiscent of a scaled down Sydney Opera House, it’s a restaurant with a view, but not just any view—arguably the best view this side of the rockies! The menu features a curated selection of BBQ dishes, shareables and casual fare, as well as a charcuterie board that pairs perfectly with sangria and a stunning Georgian Bay sunset.

A truly magical experience, this sheltered patio with its incredible 180-degree view of Collingwood and Nottawasaga

Bay garnered immediate attention on social networks during its inaugural season last summer. “As the seasons change we are excited to see the return of our Summitview Pavilion at Blue Mountain,” said James Henry, Vice President of Hospitality for Blue Mountain Resort. “This impressive Saddlespan structure is over 30 feet tall at its peak and encompasses 5,000 square feet under its cover. Its open archway, overhanging the top of our Tranquility Ski Trail, offers unparalleled vistas. Our mountaintop dining experiences have previously been exclusively offered to weddings and groups—the Summitview Pavilion gives us a chance to share this unique experience. Expanded hours and a refreshed menu offering will greet resort guests when we open in late May.”

Accessible by gondola or by car, my preferred route to Summitview Pavilion is a leisurely trek up from the Village via the Grind or Village Way hiking trails (burgers and draft beer simply taste better if you’ve earned it). And don’t worry about waddling back down the mountain after a full meal: 21/22 Season Passholders including 5x7, Ikon Pass, Explore or Play All Day Pass have inclusive access to the Gondola.

Naturally Summitview Pavilion is very popular, and guests are strongly encouraged to plan their visit in advance. COVID protocols include mandatory reservations, mask wearing unless seated at your table and physical distancing. This spring, why not let someone else tend to the cooking while you sit back, and appreciate the incredible unobstructed views of Georgian Bay, the Nottawasaga Lighthouse and the glow of Collingwood and beyond. E For more information on Summitview Pavilion visit bluemountain.ca

“Casual dining in A SPECTACULAR SETTING THAT HAS NO COMPARISON. ”

—James Henry Vice President Hospitality Blue Mountain Resort

GROWING

Story & photography by Clay Dolan

are an increasing number of There pandemic biproducts that no one could have predicted; record bicycle sales; unprecedented animal adoptions; the resurgence of track pants; and of course, a mass exodus from urban centres. All of which, in hindsight make sense —for over a year now we have been spending an exorbitant amount of time in and around our homes which has created a desire to tap into contented lifestyle opportunities.

In the early days of the COVID, many of us worried about food shortages and the rising cost of fresh produce. What followed was a gardening boom as more people desired to have greater control over their food supply.

UP

A recent report from Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab showed that 51 percent of Canadians grow at least one variety of fruits and vegetables, and of those nearly one in five started growing their own food for the first time during the recent coronavirus pandemic. With another unpredictable summer on the horizon, we can expect the gardening trend to continue.

I’ve been dabbling in growing vegetables for just over a decade, with mixed results. It seems that the only way I advance my skill level is by making mistakes, and I’ve made a fair share of those. Thankfully I’ve had a few successes along the way as well. The biggest one

was getting married, because as it turns out, my wife Haily is a much better gardener than I am. Together we have moved our garden five times in an effort to increase our yield while decreasing our workload. Eventually, after being continually raided by critters we settled on a raised garden box. And while start-up costs are much higher, this method of growing vegetables has many advantages over “in-ground” gardens, including keeping rabbits, squirrels and other intruders out of your vegetables.

As most experienced gardeners will tell you, weeding is time consuming. With a raised bed, every inch of the garden is easily accessible without the need for kneeling or bending over. This dramatically reduces the time and effort spent weeding. Typically, with in-ground gardens you are at the mercy of the soil that is already there—sure, you can add mulch and compost, but it can be difficult to get things just right. Well prepared beds also allow the soil to drain better than an in-ground garden. Although this might mean you need to water more frequently. The soil in raised beds warms up more quickly in the spring, allowing you to get an earlier start on the growing season. A raised bed offers you the chance to start fresh with soil that will work best for your plants.

The first step in building your raised garden box is deciding where to put it. Position your garden in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, while keeping in mind that by late August (when your tomatoes are ripening) the sun is lower in the sky, and shadows from nearby trees or buildings could reduce the amount of sunlight on your garden (yup, figured that one out the hard way).

The next step is deciding how big you want your garden. The taller your garden, the less bending you will have to do which makes things much easier. We decided to make ours two feet tall, which we found is a comfortable height to work on. Since we had ample space, we decided to build ours 24 feet long. Keep in mind the higher and bigger you go; the more material you will need to build it and the more soil you will need to fill it.

Pressure treated wood is less expensive than cedar, making it a more cost-effective approach. However, the chemicals used for treating the wood do raise concerns as they can leech into your soil over time. “Typically, I would always count on cedar being about a 40-50 percent premium,” says Patrick Sutter the owner of Wiarton Home Hardware. “We sell a planter box kit that would be around $200 for pressure treated and $300 for white cedar. With lumber prices still very volatile it’s tough to say that will stay the same for very long but in rough figures it should be close enough for a ballpark idea.”

For our garden box, we chose cedar for both the appearance and peace of mind. Next, it was time to start building. A garden box is essentially a container to hold the soil from spilling out. Since the box doesn’t hold any weight vertically, you don’t need to worry about drilling post holes, or making footings. Just ensure you’re working on level ground. We added crossbeams at the bottom and angled supports to keep the box from bowing outward.

Chris Sweatman from Eco Cultures, and now the new owner of Grey Heron Garden Centre formley Ormsby’s in Meaford gave us some great, time saving advice on how to fill our garden box. “Three layers of cardboard right on the grass is a great way to make the installation of a raised bed easier. Lining the raised bed with cardboard will also help keep the soil inside the raised bed, that way if the lumber doesn’t line up perfectly, your

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Adrienne Wood,

Care Planner

705-293-5500 | 1-855-983-4663 awood@rightathomecanada.com rightathomecanada.com/georgian-triangle/ growing medium won’t escape. If cardboard isn’t readily available, landscape fabric will do. It can be stapled to the wood quite easily.”

With such a large space to fill we decided to use logs and branches from around our property to take up space in the bottom of the box. The theory here is that the wood will retain moisture and provide nutrients as it breaks down. One problem we ran into was fungus growth after a particularly wet month. Rhonda Green from Greentree Gardens also cautions against using wood as filler as it can attract earwigs. Instead Rhonda recommends using standard fill for the bottom, then adding your garden soil on top. “The soil should be a quality garden soil that includes peat and loam,” explains Rhonda. “Compost can be added and also used in Fall to top dress. Because beds are raised they do tend to dry out quicker. You can help by adding mulch and compost to top of bed. Remember to leave room around base of plants anytime you are mulching.”

Once your box is built and filled, the fun really begins as you plan out your new garden. As Chris Sweatman explains, “Planning out your space in advance will give you the opportunity to choose where leafy greens can be placed to get a bit of shade and your taller, more sun dependent plants (peppers and tomatoes) can help create that shade while they get the sun they need. Squash plants can be placed in a corner of the raised bed and then trained to climb out of the raised bed. This way they don’t choke out the other plants, and can roam your lawn as they chase the sun. You can even go vertical if space is tight. Create a lattice for plants to climb, even your cucumbers, and squash can do this, but they are heavy so plan accordingly!”

Gardening is a fun and rewarding activity. Not to mention educational. And at the end of it you get to eat the fruits of your labour. Using a raised garden box is efficient and space saving, which only adds to the enjoyment.

With another unpredictable summer ahead of us, perhaps this is the year to start working on your green thumb. E

RIVER

by Cara Williams photography by Clay Dolan

REVIVAL

Eight years before Confederation, a pair of American brothers travelled north from Ohio intent on building a Grist Mill along the Beaver River. Upon their arrival John and Thomas Tyson made the acquaintance of Clarksburg founder William Clark, who had acquired 500 acres of crown land on the Clarksburg/Thornbury border and was willing to sell a parcel. The Tyson brothers purchased the land and in the subsequent half decade they build a magnificent Victorian manor, now known as ‘Riverun’.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN FAULKNER

by Cara Williams photography Clay Dolan

s one of A grist mill, which is believed to be the first here. I believe that we are a wasteful the most prominent Victorian timber operating industry in the area. Up river, society and we really worked on preserving frame founder homes still standing in the a dam (named for the Haines family who and reusing items sometimes even at a southern Georgian Bay area, Riverun has purchased the mill in 1900) was built to cost detriment.” had only four owners and undergone dozens divert the Beaver River just a few hundred Careful to preserve and salvage as of overhauls and reformations since its metres from the house. Today the remains much as they could, Jan and Doug began completion in 1862. When Jan and Doug of the river run, mill pond, dam and parts their restoration from the outside in. “We

Seneshen purchased the home in 2011, of the mill works are still evident below went through four layers of siding until they embarked on a meticulous frame-up Riverun and are protected by the Grey we got to the original,” laughs Doug. restoration, including a substantial addition, Sauble Conservation Authority. “We wanted to reuse as much of the house while paying close attention to the dwelling’s A response to the overly ornate style as possible.” The Seneshen’s may not have original historical character and architectural of revived Gothic architecture of the 19th dragged stones form the remains of the details. “I’m passionate about protecting century, Arts and Crafts style homes such riverbed for the project but they didn’t and preserving architecture,” explains Doug. as Riverun embraced handcrafted design cut corners establishing authenticity,

“This community is so unique and I’m and accessible materials. The term "Arts and either. “The original windows had very genuinely concerned that we don’t have Crafts" refers to a broader social movement thin ‘bubble glass’ which of course has no historical protections in place that could that encompasses not just architecture, insulation. Although very charming, they prevent someone from tearing down but also interior aesthetic using locally had to be replaced. Instead of going to a building such as this.” sourced textiles and materials as well as local standard size windows I found a millwright Named for the river run that once craftsmen. Jan and Doug employed these that could reproduce the wooden windows meandered behind the house, the newly values during their extensive restoration. “If as well as the French-style hardware. From built manor sat alongside the Tyson’s we’re not careful we could lose what we have the street you can’t tell, but the front s

The timeless living room features a Rumford fireplace and artwork from Australian artists Stephanie Tabram and John Olsen. The custom-made hutch by local cabinetmaker Bob Anderson incorporates the home’s original window panes.

windows are all different sizes. A local cabinet maker named Bob Anderson reused the original panes in a hutch he built for us–—it sits in our living room. Then Rob Perry of Riverside Custom Cabinets borrowed the idea and incorporated the panes of bubble glass into the new kitchen cabinets. Although most people wouldn’t notice, it means a lot to us. Everything of architectural interest is very important to us.”

Arts and Crafts houses were designed to fit intrinsically with the surrounding area, almost like a living element within the natural environment—rooms were oriented so as to take advantage of the movement of the sun for warmth and light during daylight hours. “The family room is where we spend most of our time,” says Doug. “It’s such a great space and with the huge windows the light is incredible.” Additionally, they regularly host outdoor gatherings around the firepit, surrounded by low maintenance perennial garden, mature sumac, wildflowers and periwinkle. “In the summer months we spend most of our time outside. I love the rectangular wooden deck that hovers above the sharp rocks of the koi pond. It’s also stunning juxtaposition with the rough, organic foliage.”

In talking to locals Doug and Jan were able to piece together additional tidbits of history on the home. The Tysons reportedly sold the property to the Hartman family in 1879, who would remain there for the next 95-100 years. The Hartman’s would go on to establish the town’s first pharmacy, insurance company, telephone exchange and bank. Today the original bank building still stands on the corner of Marsh and Clark Street. The renowned and much-loved

“WE LOVE TO FEATURE ARTISTS. IT’S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT PEOPLE WHO LIVE ”IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD.

Natural light illuminates the grand entrance to Riverun. Upstairs, white washed original flooring leads to a pair of bedrooms at the front of the home. Two paintings by local Clarksburg artist Jennifer Woodburn hang side by side in the hallway, one depicts the old Hartman Bank on the corner of Marsh and Clark Streets.

Spring 2021

local artist Bill Hartman grew up at Riverun and eventually build a home on the adjoining acreage. “Bill is known for creating the Clarksburg town logo and for his wonderful landscape paintings of the Beaver Valley,” says Doug. “Bill passed away in 2009 and is missed by all who knew him—his art lives on in many local homes.”

Honouring the history of the home, Jan and Doug enlisted local tradesmen and Mennonite craftsmen to assist in the restoration. “We wanted the addition to feel seamless, so when you walk from the front of the house to the new part at the back, it’s not obvious that it hasn’t always been here. The pine flooring in the addition is actually the original siding, and over 150 years old. We painstakingly removed every nail and every staple, which took me three and a half weeks! I then sent it to a sawmill and they split it. You can see all the various widths of boards. Usually pine becomes yellow after time, but when it gets old enough it turns to a beautiful rich red colour.”

The house is now environmentally sound, built to the highest level of energy efficiency. The kitchen boasts an oversized island, high end appliances, a cold pantry and a built-in wine rack. The large, bespoke French windows are in keeping with the period of the home, yet completely thermally efficient. “We’re on rain water harvesting so we collect all the rain water, which goes through a dual purification system and is stored in three underground cisterns. Our water is soft and beautiful.”

Throughout the house hand-turned woodwork and locally sourced antiques and art deco pieces are placed in just the right spots—their warmth and patina providing the perfect backdrop to curl up and read, sip wine or simply gaze out the windows at the koi pond and gardens. Original artwork by internationally acclaimed artists adorn the walls throughout the home—a collection s

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN FAULKNER

“I LOVE THE RECTANGULAR WOODEN DECK THAT HOVERS ABOVE THE SHARP ROCKS OF THE KOI POND. IT’S ALSO STUNNING JUXTAPOSITION WITH THE ROUGH, ORGANIC FOLIAGE.”

The centrepiece of Doug’s office is a stunning contemporary painting by Indonesian artist Tanto Sutianto.

that reflects the exotic locales the couple have lived, including Indonesia, Australia and Canada’s west coast. “We love to feature local artists,” says Doug. “It’s important to support people who live in your neighbourhood. Our art reflects our travels and the places we have lived.”

In Doug’s office above the garage, the floors are once again recycled from the original exterior wood panels. “This is the other side of the siding,” explains Doug. “I hand-sanded these boards just enough to clean them up. I love the patina—I couldn’t possibly paint them or sand them right down.” A successful businessman, Doug is creative by nature and has a passion for art and architecture. He enjoys designing, dreaming and creating at his vintage drafting table and stool which date back to the 1920’s. The lighting fixtures in the office have been salvaged from multiple sources; “Each one of these lights has a different story. One was a mechanics trouble light which I found at a mine site in Tennessee. I had it rewired—if you look closely you’ll see that it’s completely explosion proof and is made with very heavy steel. Restoring and reusing interesting pieces like this are almost like works of art to me.” The office kitchen was once the home’s original galley

EVERYBODY ENDS UP DOWN HERE,” SAYS DOUG OF THE SUBTERRANEAN WINE CELLAR. NO MATTER WHERE WE START THE EVENING, WE ALWAYS SEEM TO END UP HERE.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN FAULKNER

kitchen, transplanted from the main house. The ceiling is corrugated steel, which Doug chemically aged himself. “With humidity this will age and get more interesting looking. We live in a throwaway society. To be able to salvage siding, steel, beams and even lighting was really important to me.”

Built in 1862 of materials lugged from the surrounding countryside, Riverun Manor is born from the bedrock of this community—quite literally. “What I think is a real shame here in the Blue Mountains, is that there is no historical society. It would be wonderful if more attention could be paid to preserving the historical architectural elements within this community. In the seven or eight years that we’ve been here a dozen or so people have come by to thank us for preserving the home.” E

SOURCE GUIDE

Drafting & Engineering VISION HOMES INC.

Landscape Architect ENVIROSCAPE INC.

Landscaping & Irrigation PARKLAND LANDSCAPING LTD., ZWARTS TOPSOIL, LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES LTD.

Builder CREEK VALLEY HOMES

Exterior Trim Reproduction BILL BROWN WOODWORKING

Interior Historical Trim Reproduction THOMAS SCHNEIDER

Kitchen RIVERSIDE CUSTOM CABINETS LTD.

Countertops CITY STONE

Windows CEDARPORT WINDOW & DOOR CENTRE

Roof METAL PLUS LTD.

Rainwater Harvesting & Purification System WATERLOO BIOFILTER SYSTEMS INC

Excavation & Septic System HARVEY FULFORD HAULAGE LTD.

TIMELESS MATERIAL CO. | TIMELESSMATERIALS.COM 305 NORTHFIELD DRIVE E | WATERLOO | 519.883.8683 194 NORTH RANKIN ST | SOUTHAMPTON | 519.797.9994

Canadian manufactured Paradise Dock & Lift systems are built to withstand the Great Lakes. Perforated decking allows waves to blow through while providing a slip resistant surface. The modular system can easily reconfigure and expand to suit your needs.

HUTTEN & CO. | 177602 GREY RD. 18 OWEN SOUND | 519.376.9364 | HUTTEN.CA

Sage, palo and other smudging essentials. Find all smudging essentials to cleanse and clear your space from sage bundles to feather fans, selenite and palo santo!

KOKORO | 952 2ND AVE EAST | OWEN SOUND 519.470.5070 | KOKOROSALTCAVE.COM

‘Breaking the Silence’ by Crystal Beshara, oil on canvas, 48"x 40".

CRAIG GALLERY | 4 NORTH SYKES ST | MEAFORD | 519.539.3671 | CRAIGGALLERY.CA

‘Summer’s End, Georgian Bay’ by Margarethe Vanderpas, 36" x 72". Oil on canvas. Also available as a limited edition on canvas and paper.

MARGARETHE VANDERPAS STUDIO | 24 CHETWYND LANE LION’S HEAD | 519.433.2840 | MARGARETHEVANDERPAS.COM

‘Emissary’ by Mark Nadjiwan, 14" x 18" pen and ink on illustration board.

MERAKI ART | 240 EAST ROAD | LION’S HEAD 705.475.6248 | THREETREESART.COM

‘Bucolic’ by Dana Cowie, oil on canvas, size 36" x 60" oil on canvas.

AVAILABLE AT CANVAS GALLERY TORONTO DANACOWIE.COM

Extreme insulation and durability are built into every YETI cooler. The shatterproof mug is supremely insulated, and meant for more than just a classic cup of joe.

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

Spring for your home ESSENTIALS

Rock the day away, with a high quality HDPE rocking chair. This porch essential resists mould, mildew and fading. Available in 11 colours!

ARTHUR CASH & CARRY 101 SMITH STREET ARTHUR | 519.848.6320 ARTHURCASHANDCARRY.COM

We are moving to our new location and are adding another fabulous custom furniture manufacturer to our collection. Each piece is made to suit your style and space with hundreds of high-performance fabrics to choose from.

BAREBRICH 975 2ND AVENUE EAST OWEN SOUND | 226.664.2273 BAREBIRCH.CA

This 30-inch KitchenAid commercial style range features 2 versatile dual-flame burners offer the power and precision needed to sear, simmer, stir-fry and sauté. EvenHeat true convection helps you achieve more consistent baking/roasting.

MACDONALD’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCES 206518 HIGHWAY #26 MEAFORD | 519.538.1620 MACDONALDSFURNITURE.COM

Equipped with a low centre of gravity for traversing hills with ease, and tool-free controls for quick fixes, the ZS4000 zero-turn stand-on mower has all the features that allow you to stand up to downtime and keep you mowing forward.

BOBCAT OF GREY BRUCE 155 18TH AVENUE EAST | OWEN SOUND 519.372.9100 | BOBCATOFTC.COM

‘Passion’ by Patricia Gray, 11" x 39" framed acrylic on gallery wood panel.

MERAKI ART | 240 EAST ROAD, LION’S HEAD | 705.475.6248 BLACKSPRUCESTUDIO.COM

Spring for your home ESSENTIALS

The Georgian Bay Centre for the Arts has fully equipped studio classes in painting, jewellery, clay, textiles and printmaking. Learn the art of stained glass with a six session introductory class starting April 20th.

THE GEORGIAN BAY CENTRE FOR THE ARTS 938 2ND AVENUE EAST | OWEN SOUND 519. 371.2200 | GBARTS.CA

The Genesis II CSE-315 features an iGrill 3 app-connected thermometer and 9-mm stainless steel cooking grates. And with its GS4 high-performance grilling system, pulling off the perfect meal has never been so easy.

SQUIRE JOHN’S | 209896 | HIGHWAY 26 WEST CRAIGLEITH | 705.445.1130 | SQUIREJOHNS.COM

Newport Adirondack Chair by Telescope Casual Furniture. Built in North America.

THE FYRE PLACE & PATIO SHOP 717861 HIGHWAY #6 OWEN SOUND (SPRINGMOUNT) 519.371.2963 | THEFYREPLACE.COM

It’s time to hit refresh with of-the-moment styles from the area’s best independent retailers.

Clothing from Elaine Dickinson’s

Fashions, Downtown Collingwood.

ANDREA WILLIAMS

Shot on location at Studio Seventy Four Downtown Collingwood.

SPRING 101Spring 2021 INTO IT

Hidden Gem turquoise and cubic zirconia silver necklaces, silver turquoise disc earrings and bracelet from DC Taylor Jewellers,

Downtown Collingwood.

KIMMEL ALCIDE

Clothing, footwear & accessories from Vaiya, Downtown Collingwood.

MARIAH OWEN Mariah is a world champion athlete turned award-winning actor and filmmaker who calls Collingwood home. She founded her production company, GTE Productions at the age of 21 and has had films premiere atfestivals such as SXSW and Cannes. Mariah loves skiing, hiking with her rescue puppy Mammoth.

Clothing & footwear from The Posh Shoppe,

Downtown Collingwood.

MARIAH OWEN & JOEL ALBANY

KIMMEL ALCIDE Originally from the majestic island of St. Lucia, Kimmel now lives in the Durham region and loves the simplicity and beauty of nature in this area. Kimmel recently launched The Everyday Yogi, an online and in-person platform for yoga and meditation experiences. She sees herself as a “community connector”and loves bringing people together through yoga.

Clothing, footwear & accessories from Lac Boutique,

Southampton.

Clothing, footwear from Red Devil Sports,

Blue Mountain Village.

JOEL ALBANY & KIMMEL ALCIDE JOEL ALBANY Joel is an active member of the outdoors community in southern Georgian Bay. After spending months on the road as a travelling photographer, Joel found his way back to Collingwood and is proud to call this area home. When not working either of his seasonal jobs, you will find Joel hiking, backcountry camping, skiing, climbing, biking or practicing at the golf course.

Clothing & accessories from Tigs, Thornbury.

ANDREA WILLIAMS

ANDREA WILLIAMS Born and raised in the Toronto area, Andrea graduated with an Honours, Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Queen’s University and a Masters Degree from University of Toronto. After many years in investment banking, she departed city life for the beautiful Blue Mountains area. Andrea’s latest venture includes opening Collingwood’s hottest pickleball facility, Swing Courts.

Clothing from Cherchez la Femme,

Thornbury.

Sleepwear & slippers from Brabary,

Downtown Collingwood.

MARIAH OWEN

Clothing & footwear from Squire John’s,

Craigleith.

JOEL ALBANY & KIMMEL ALCIDE

Your business, backed by the best of RBC

If you’re a new or experienced Investment Advisor thinking about making Collingwood your permanent home, we invite you to consider a career with us.

We offer several advantages to help you strengthen your business and build the lifestyle you want:

• Independence with extensive support, including our industryleading wealth management services team to help you address your clients’ tax, estate and financial planning needs • Continuous investment in technology, including virtual assistance, wealth projection and social media • In-house training, coaching and marketing resources to help grow your business • Advisory boards to enhance business operations and foster inclusivity

For more information, contact Branch Manager Claudine Finch in confidence at 705-444-4718 or claudine.finch@rbc.com.

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. 20_90544_002

Do something exciting.

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR

Cottages, Linear Pools Backyard Offices, Exercise Studios, Cabanas + more

DESIGN BUILD OR WORK WITH YOUR ARCHITECT

RENDERING SHOWN

CABIN MADE OF TWO 40 FT. SHIPPING CONTAINERS.

NEW VENTURES

DANA COWIE FINE ART

Before settling in Owen Sound, artist Dana Cowie spent much of her childhood in Hamilton and has lived in Japan as well the Canadian west coast. A graduate of the visual art program at Central Technical School in Toronto, Dana is known for her vibrant and imaginative cubist landscapes.

“My work is a culmination of years of painting in search of a patchwork quilt effect using thick, expressionist marks,” explains Dana. Using an impasto painterly technique where paint is laid on the canvas in very thick layers, Dana brings her subjects to life with bold strokes and animated shades. “Barns and farmland speak to me as I live in a rural setting and have good friendships with local farmers,” explains Dana. Her creations not only capture countryside scapes but also the rocky beaches surrounding her home in Owen Sound. “I am inspired also by my love of textiles which is something my mother raised me with,” explains Dana. “She sewed and knit most of my clothing growing up. My style incorporates this part of my past into my present creations as an artist.”

Using classical oils, and painting on her grandmother’s easel which dates back to the 1940’s, Dana works instantaneously across her canvases, creating layers of colour that overlap as the image emerges through a grid technique she developed over years of practice. When dry, impasto provides texture while the subject appears to be coming out of the canvas. “The image emerges as both abstract and representational.”

Dana’s unique paintings have been collected by clients across Canada, the United States, England, Germany and Sweden. She has sold work through the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the West Hamilton Artists Tour and from her private studio, where she welcomes commissions. “Over the years of painting I’ve had a vision for my work. I come from a family of artists and makers. It is something I was born to do. My language is through pictures and brush strokes. Through years of practice this vision has been realized to create my own unique style.” Dana has exhibited her work in solo shows and group exhibitions at several noteworthy galleries, including Canvas Gallery and Westland Gallery. Dana is also a passionate art instructor, having taught both privately and at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. “I value a great relationship with the gallery owners and am very thankful to work with them.”

1324 4th Ave. West, Owen Sound, danacowie.com

GREY BRUCE PATIO ENCLOSURES

Warmer weather is on its way and after 22 years of serving the community, Grey Bruce Patio Enclosures have expanded, opening a 2,400 square foot showroom in Owen Sound. Known for transforming open or covered porches into functional three-season rooms, Grey Bruce Patio Enclosures also designs, constructs and installs custom decks, railings, sunshades as well as stocks a full line of WeatherMaster windows and doors. Owner Rick Corbett explains, “We specialize in outdoor living and all our products are maintenance free. Now, with their new showroom, Grey Bruce Patio Enclosures are able to display their vast line of products, making your selection a breeze.

Built to extend enjoyment of the outdoors without common annoyances like wind, rain, insects and harmful UV rays, Sunspace sunrooms and WeatherMaster windows and doors add beauty, comfort and style to any space while increasing the value of your home. Add safety and style to your home, cottage or business with traditional pickets. Tired of looking at that old wooden banister? Why not transform your stairwell into a showpiece! Let the light shine through with a porch or patio cover— their durable Acrylic Roofing Systems are retractable awnings that let you decide how much light to let in. “Our porch enclosures, patio covers, glass and aluminum railing systems can all be installed directly onto existing patios, decks and even under previously constructed roofs.”

Don’t forget to check out their sleek and attractive AlumaDeck decking system. This watertight, slip and weather-resistant decking is are made of 100% aluminum construction and features a durable baked on powder coat finish. Essentially maintenance free for the course of its life, AlumaDeck will never rust, crack, fade or degrade from the elements.

The team at Grey Bruce Patio Enclosures prides themselves in their ability to exceed expectations by treating every project with the utmost attention to detail. “Our summers are too short,” says Rick. “Let us extend your outdoor season and eliminate mosquito problems with products that are built to last long term, not off the shelf or internet products.

105 Shane Street, Unit 4, Owen Sound, greybrucepatio.com

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

NEW VENTURES

HUTTEN & CO. LAND AND SHORE

has been creating inspiring outdoor spaces in harmony with the natural environment surrounding Grey and Bruce County since 2000. Specializing in reimagining and transforming landscapes, owners Mark and Ken Hutten understand the challenges posed by the complex climate and unrelenting shorelines of our region. “In 2013 we expanded our business to offer Dock and Boat lift sales and services,” explains Mark. “We have come to learn over the years it is important to choose the right dock and lift solution for our shoreline, especially when accessing the rugged waters of the Great Lakes.” Last year Hutten & Co. brought in two new product lines of docks and boat lifts from Paradise Dock and Lift, as well as Bulmann Dock and Lift to expand their product offerings. “We are excited to partner up with these companies as they both offer great dock and lift solutions for our customers in Grey and Bruce counties with varying shoreline and lake conditions.”

From hydraulic lifts to marine rails, catwalks and floating stations, every Hutten & Co. docking system leverages innovative design, vented decking and heavy-duty aluminum construction so waves pass right through. And as water levels rise and fall, you can easily raise or lower your dock up to 50”. Simply approve your design, schedule your installation date, then sit back and relax as the expert team at Hutten & Co. installs your new dock.

Hutten & Co. has three dedicated crews available to install your marine system each spring, remove it in the fall and provide any mid-season services that may be needed. “We love where we live. We are in the heart of cottage country and we are fortunate to work with great people in some beautiful locations.”

The team at Hutten & Co. respects the natural beauty of the area and holds themselves to a world-class standard of client care. “We believe the thing that sets us apart from other businesses in our industry are our people and our customer promise,” says Mark. “We have an amazing team of dedicated, passionate, and bright individuals that are always willing to go above and beyond our customers’ expectations by what we call the ‘Hutten Way’. We have also added a number of departments to better serve our customers property from the road to the lake, while offering maintenance packages to keep their properties looking and functioning their best.”

177602 Grey Rd 18, Owen Sound, hutten.ca

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Art.

MEINGAST STUDIO

REPRESENTED BY MATILDA SWANSON GALLERY CLARKSBURG

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