Goodlife Georgian Bay Spring 2021

YO U R LO C A L P R O F E S S I O N A L S | H O M E TO U R S | A TA S T E O F M A P L E

taste nest TREMONT CAFE

THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

SPRING 2021

GOODLIFE GEORGIAN BAY EDITION

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discover serenity IN THE GEORGIAN TRIANGLE

Having lived and worked in the Georgian Triangle for over 35 years, I’ve experienced the wonderful lifestyle and beautiful surroundings that our communities have to offer. As a top producing agent for the past thirteen years, my success has been built using the power of the RE/MAX brand, while managing my clients with integrity, sincerity and a commitment to exceeding their expectations. Let me show you all the benefits of living beachside to countryside in the Georgian Triangle. Sales Representative

Michelle Seip 705.446.4046 Direct michelleseip@rogers.com

2014

RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc., Brokerage 1263 Mosley St., Box 490, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 Tel: 705.429.4500 Independently owned & operated

2012-2017

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Another project developed by:

GEORGIAN COMMUNITIES

This is Your Windfall Be a part of an inspired enclave where nature & neighbourhood are in perfect balance. Welcome to the next phase of mountain homes nestled between Blue Mountain Resort and the award winning Scandinave Spa. A community set proudly apart yet connected by nature. Distinctive architecture inspired by Georgian Bay cabins and mountain chalets. This is everything you want Blue Mountain living to be. This is your Windfall.

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SPRING 2021

Contents 6 10

upfront

local

shopaholic

professionals

BEAUTY

nest

home tour FAIRGROUNDS

taste 18 31 feature

local ﬂavour TREMONT CAFE

MAPLE SYRUP RECIPES

PROFILES

roam

staycation OUTDOOR LIVING

GOODLIFE GOODLIFE Vice President, Community Brands Kelly Montague Regional General Manager Simcoe - York - Muskoka Shaun Sauve General Manager - Simcoe & Editor Elise Allain Graphic Design Katrina Kuzyk Brian Roberts Advertising Supervisor Pamela Amero Advertising Representatives Dawn Clare Martina Ernst Photography Contributions Louise Jones Editorial Contributions Katherine Elphick Josephine Matyas Dawn Ritchie

43 49 goodlife wines local businesses DIRECTORY

ONTARIO CABERNET FRANC 21 Patterson Road, Barrie, ON L4N 7W6 Phone: (705) 726-0573

First Place

Statements opinions and points of view expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife. For further information regarding all our products, we invite you to call us at 705-726-0573.

For advertising inquiries, please email: goodlife@simcoe.com 705-726-0573 ext. 792031 Digital Edition: goodlifemagazine.ca

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Right Choice

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

beauty

upfront | shopaholic

Nourishing skincare made with fruits and greens

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GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

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GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

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Perfect Sight Lines Enjoy unobstructed views of your property while adhering to building codes with ClearRail’s sophisticated, frameless glass railings. ClearRail’s tempered glass is 12 mm thick with ﬂat polished edges. The user-friendly stainless steel hardware mounts easily to a deck or hardscape, so that any do-it-yourselfer can perform the installation themselves. Located in Severn, ClearRail delivers the system directly to your home. Clearrail.ca

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GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

nest

The

w e i V

from the

Top

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

By Dawn Ritchie

“

I WAS COMING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT CAME TOGETHER.

hen it came to choosing art for their contemporary home in Creemore, Rick and Susan Lloyd’s needs were few. Sixty kilometers of big sky and tumbling terrain is the natural mural they enjoy through the floor to roofline windows that is the defining feature of their home. From Creemore to Wasaga and all the way into Barrie, the views are so mesmerizing that the couple seldom turn on the TV anymore. “We can see down through the gorge, through the Creemore valley to Cookstown, Camp Borden and the windmills of Maple Valley,” says Rick. “Even the circling lights of airplanes preparing to land at Pearson Airport in Toronto. Every night it’s different, animated. You’re never really bored. The fall colours look like quilt work. We don’t have close neighbours so we don’t have window coverings. We shut off the lights, grab a glass of wine and just sit here and daydream. It feels like you’re living outdoors.” The couple’s 4600-square foot home sits on a two-acre rise that has held a soft spot in Rick’s heart since childhood. Raised in Singhampton, he played in the area tobogganing and snowshoeing in his youth. “Creemore still has that ambience of a small little rural community,” he says. “Close to the city, but rural.” When he sold his home in Collingwood a few years ago, he acquired the land, knowing this was where he wanted to build his next home. “It’s a different lifestyle here,” he says. “Slower, more relaxed than Collingwood, and downtown Creemore is beautiful.” Hailing from a family of builders, Rick continued the tradition. His company, Rick Lloyd Construction, has had its fingers into 32 building projects. The majority of the residences he’s constructed boasted high pitched rooves with alpine and country designs. This was his first modern styling, a suggestion encouraged by his daughter. The unique flat roofline has six different angled profiles that dip in different directions. Three exterior decks were constructed with special water proofing membranes so you could BBQ on one deck and sit on the deck below without drainage issues in a rainstorm. The siding is constructed out of 16-foot concrete Hardie Boards. Steel and angel brick stone from Simcoe Block complete the façade. There are four garages, although only three are visible as Rick chose to hide one, and the addition of a covered car port at the rear allows for easy grocery unloading during inclement weather. Taking a reverse approach to his design, Rick spent hours experimenting with the exterior’s elevation before finally turning his attention to the interior. “I was coming out of my comfort zone,” he remembers. “And then all of a sudden it came together.” The interior would embody an open concept industrial design with exposed steel beams and walls of glass, permitting unobstructed views from even the innermost reaches of the home. Once he had his rough design mapped out, Rick turned to his close friend, architect Ron Martin, to put the final plans together. Engineer, Dan Barill, masterminded the beams and final engineering. With building permit in hand, Rick brought in his excavators and dug out the basement himself. GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Keeping suppliers mostly local, Rick turned to Hamilton Bros. in Glen Huron as his source for those soaring Dashwood E-Plus thermal pane windows. With sheer walls of windows on three contiguous sides there was the potential for energy loss, but his window selection counteracted that problem. “The house is really easy to heat in winter because of the greenhouse effect in the day,” says Rick. “Quite often in the winter, we open the patio door to bring in fresh air. It’s well insulated and that tight.” For flooring, Rick chose full ¾ inch dark walnut hardwood with heated flooring in all tiled areas. Eric Traves did all the flooring, trim work and framing. “He can do anything and everything,” says Rick. “He’s an excellent general carpenter.” The gas fireplace has a metal surround for that “industrial feel.” Rick’s wife, Susan, chose the colours for the home deciding on a two-toned grey theme. The darker grey (Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron) was used for the fireplace sur12

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

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round and exposed beams and perfectly matches the kitchen, pantry and mudroom cabinetry. Rick and Susan nurture a passion for cooking and the chef’s kitchen is equipped with banks of wide drawers, slides, lift-up doors, a garbage pullout and an adjacent matching walk-in butler’s pantry where the coffee maker, microwave and a full bar fridge live. Appliances are Kitchenaid with a double fridge, double ovens and separate induction range. Cabinetry is by Cabneato in Collingwood, who also did the home’s stunning bathrooms. There’s so much storage in the kitchen and island that Susan insists she doesn’t have enough culinary gadgetry to fill it. In keeping with the industrial theme, Rick selected stainless steel for the backsplash and farm sink. Counters are quartz, except at the roomy six-seater kitchen island which is topped with a custom 2-inch thick slab of walnut, made by Mennonites. “It’s wormy with bumps and marks in it,” says Rick. “It gives personality to the kitchen, so it’s not cold.” Heavily sealed with urethane, 14

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

the wood wipes clean easily with a cloth. The island is one of Rick’s favourite features. “It’s where we gather,” he says. “You’re cooking dinner, you put out a charcuterie board and glass of wine, and no one feels left out as dinner is prepared.” It’s the same reason he chose to place the sink inside the island instead of at the window. “You don’t feel closed in, isolated or like you’re looking at a wall,” he explains. “The family can still sit at the bar and have a drink as you’re cleaning up. You’re all enjoying each other. Also, that’s where the dishes come to.” The induction range instead finds its place under that window, which eliminates the need for a bulky vent hood. “You just crank open the window,” says Rick. The deliberation of these elements is what make for a happy lifestyle, Rick explains. It is the mission statement that has driven all of his building and design choices over the years. The spacious main floor master enjoys a fivepiece spa bathroom and like the kitchen, all bathrooms in the home received the same attention to detail. The showers are curbless, a growing new trend, especially for homeowners who want to age in place and eliminate that step up and over a curb. “The glass comes right to the floor,” says Rick. “But to construct it you have to pre-think it. You cut the floor joists on a slope so the water goes to one end.” Even his soaker tubs were tested to perfection. “Some soaker tubs are deep and sloping, you’d sit in and slide down. I made sure the angles were sharper so you’re more secure. I literally got inside them and tried them all,” he says. On the upper level, where three more bedrooms reside, a glass-railed catwalk spans the width of the great room. Here a media and sitting room that enjoys those same unobstructed views is found, and directly behind it, a private office with a solid glass wall that also eliminates that claustrophobic, isolated feeling. “You’re sitting at your desk and you can get your eyes off your computer for a moment and take in the views,” Rick says. Lawrence Enterprises in Collingwood supplied the glass for the office, catwalk, stairs and all showers. The lower level basks in 2500 square feet of untapped potential with a walkout and those same sweeping views. This level is currently insulated but remains unfinished, awaiting a new owner’s decisions. Moving on to his next project, Rick has placed 2642 Fairgrounds Road on the market with Max Hahne of Engel & Volkers Collingwood Muskoka Brokerage.

Thinking of Selling? Call Max to receive your free copy!

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GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Providing Employment Services for Job Seekers and Employers in our Community for over 20 years!

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Who We Are Career Solutions is an Employment Resource Centre servicing Wasaga Beach and surrounding area including Collingwood, Stayner, Thornbury, and Creemore. This centre offers services to any Canadian citizen or landed immigrant who is seeking employment, and will assist with everything from creating a resume to putting a job search plan into action. Career Solutions provides Employment Ontario programs - This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario

• NEED A JOB? • NEED STAFF? WE CAN HELP! Our team of professionals are here to help you with all your employment needs 705-429-5543 | www.careersolutions.ca | 1367 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach

every visit

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ReStore: A great deal for you, your community and the environment! Habitat for Humanity South Georgian Bay operates a non-profit home improvement retail store called Habitat ReStore, which sells a wide variety of new and used donated home furnishings, appliances, kitchens and other renovation materials at a fraction of the original price. It’s a great place for customers to scout out that unique vintage or retro piece for their next DIY design project and save big on furniture, appliances, renovation materials, flooring, lighting, cabinetry, kitchen and bath fixtures, and much more!

EVERYDAY IS EARTH DAY AT HABITAT RESTORE 16

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Habitat ReStore helps fund the Habitat SGB homes we build for families in need of affordable housing in our community. It also reduces the need for the production of new furniture and further stress on our supply of natural resources. It extends the value of quality, new and used furniture and household items and limits unnecessary waste, decreasing our collective carbon footprint.

NEW PRODUCT ARRIVING DAILY The ReStore program provides not only a way for the community to repurpose their quality goods, but it also provides a way for businesses to give back to the community by clearing out dead stock, end of line product, excess inventory, cancelled jobs or discontinued product. A partnership with ReStore allows organizations to save money or transportation because ReStore will pick it up, and businesses avoid costly landfill expenses. It also allows them to help the environment by repurposing products.

HOW RESTORE BENEFITS YOUR COMMUNITY When you donate to or shop at the ReStore, you’re helping to improve and strengthen families in your community — as well as the environment. Make the green choice and shop ReStore today! All ReStore proceeds directly support Habitat for Humanity SGB’s home building projects, including our 2021 build in Stayner this summer. Through our affordable homeownership program, Habitat SGB helps local working, lower-income families, who are living in unsafe, substandard housing, to build strength, stability and self-reliance. Your ReStore donations and purchases also mean that your perfectly re-useable household items and materials are recycled and given a good home, rather than going to waste. We’re sustainable, because we care about the planet too!

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taste D

The Pine Serves Up An Immersive Experience Opened in August 2020, the Pine Restaurant has quickly become one of Collingwood’s best foodie ﬁnds. With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, the Pine oﬀers immersive tasting menus and collaborative pop ups. “We are big on creating a memorable culinary experience,” explained Cassie Austin who owns the Pine with her husband, chef Jeremy. Using local ingredients from Austin’s family farm (her parents own Royal Acres Farm) and nearby producers, the Pine serves up an eclectic menu inspired by the couple’s travel experiences and chef Jeremy’s employment in various global kitchens — from Italy to Hong Kong, China and more. “We enjoy telling stories that come from far away places translated by our local landscapes,” she explained. While sitting at a large chef’s counter, guests can enjoy as many as 20 courses.The Pine is located at 203 Hurontario Street, Collingwood (705) 444-1212, thepinecollingwood.ca.

Later Pizza Satisﬁes The restaurateurs behind Bent Taco have gotten into the pizzeria business. Using high quality ingredients, Later Pizza and Wine serves up a New York-style pizza, featuring a thin and light, slightly charred crust. “It’s an elevated pizza experience,” explained co-owner Dan Lennox. Customers are even treated to a fun pickup experience. Guests who order and prepay online can pick up their pizza from the phone booth located beside Bent Taco. How cool is that! Later Pizza and Wine is located at 48 Pine St., Collingwood (the same building as Bent Taco). laterpizza.com.

Gibson & Company Oﬀers Unique Wines

Artisanal Donuts & Ice Cream

Wine enthusiasts take note. Gibson & Company has shifted gears and is now a bottle shop, cafe and artisanal grocer. “We specialize in organic, biodynamic and natural wines not available through the LCBO,” explained Luke Anderson, who co-owns the downtown Collingwood establishment with Keaton Grieve. Wines can be purchased online or in-shop. Delivery is available within the greater Collingwood area. Tasting events and a wine club will be offered in the future. gibsonandcompany.ca.

Local chef Caesar Guinto has always had a soft spot for making artisanal small batch donuts and ice cream. Recently, that passion turned into a full-time business — Nicky’s Donuts and Ice Cream. Using high quality ingredients, the donuts are made from scratch daily. Unique ﬂavours range from Lime Cruller or Hot Chocolate to Beet Cake. “Our ice cream is churned on site using the ﬁnest ingredients, including locally sourced Sheldon Creek Dairy,” explained co-owner Sam Holwell. nickysdoughnutsandicecream.com. GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

local flavour

IN CONVERSATION WITH

IMAD CHALHA By: Katherine Elphick | Photos by Louise Jones

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

he Tremont Cafe has a new home at 100 Pine Street in downtown Collingwood. And Imad Chalha, who owns and op-

erates the popular restaurant with Billy Vastis, can’t wait for the pandemic dining restrictions to loosen. “We are so pumped to show off our new location (the former site of Azzurra) to more diners,” he explained. “It’s a fantastic spot, and we’re excited about bringing it back to life. We miss a full dining room, and want to start making a living again.” To learn more about the beloved eatery, why it moved, its menu and more — this Goodlife reporter recently caught up with the local restaurateur. Here’s how the conversation unfolded. Writer’s note: At press time, the Tremont Cafe was just heading out of lockdown and into the red zone. As a result, information in this story may be subject to change.

It’s no secret that the past year has been a roller coaster ride for most restaurants. From lockdowns to partial lock-downs to loss of income, it’s been a challenging time. But, the Tremont Cafe has faced even more obstacles, in-cluding: moving from its original Simcoe Street location, renovation costs and the loss of summer income. So, I have to ask…. Why did you move during a pandemic? Imad Chalha: We didn’t want to move, but the simplest way to answer that question is: we had issues with our landlord. When we realized those issues couldn’t be resolved, we started looking at different options. As it turned out, the owners of Azzurra, who are also friends of ours, wanted to close down because of the pandemic. We assumed their lease, and moved in during July and renovated the space. We opened for business at the new site in the fall of 2020. We love our new space and are very happy with it. Prior to the move, the Tremont Cafe was a fixture on Simcoe Street for 11 years (Imad and Billy have been at the helm since 2017). How would you describe the new location? IC: The new space features a fresh look, while maintaining some key French bistro style elements from the original Tremont Cafe design. Overall, it’s very approachable and warm. We’re really happy with the new location because it offers a much stronger presence at a more desirable address in the heart of Collingwood. It also has a wonderful patio, which as it turns out, can be a real lifesaver during a pandemic. I’ve heard you say that the Tremont Cafe offers an elevat-ed dining experience. Can you expand? IC: It’s a neighbourhood place where people who share a love for authentic food and a proper drink feel appreciated and comfortable — where guests are greeted with open arms and treated like family. We GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

OUR CHEFS HAVE SPENT DAYS COOKING WITH OUR MOTHERS, WHO HAVE INTRODUCED THEM TO THE TRADITIONAL FLAVOURS, SPICES AND TECHNIQUES OF LEBANESE AND GREEK CUISINE call it inspired hospitality. Inspired hospitality — I like that description. Tell me more. IC: We both come from very hospitable cultures and house-holds. I’m Lebanese and Billy is Greek, and it’s basically just in our DNA to host and take care of people. And food and drink is at the core of it. If you come into my house, or if you come into my mother’s house — you are eating or drinking whether you are full or hungry [laughs]. This is just what we do. We open our arms and we open our doors. Since this is how both Billy and I were

raised, we’ve translated that professionally into the restaurant setting. Simply put, hospitality is in our blood.

We’re also well known for our Steak Frites, our ever popular Caesar Salad (made with pork belly croutons), the Tremont Burger and our recently created Spaghetti Carbonara.

What’s your ultimate goal as a host? IC: We want people to feel comfortable and satisfied when they are in our restaurant. The goal is for guests to enjoy a memorable experience and to leave happier than when they arrived. What can diners expect from the menu? IC: From a cuisine perspective, it’s basically Mediterranean influenced. We start with the inspiration and flavours of our two countries Lebanon and Greece, but also include Italian, Spanish and French dishes. I’ve heard that your mothers come into the kitchen from time to time. Is that true? IC: Our chefs have spent days cooking with our mothers, who have introduced them to the traditional flavours, spices and techniques of Lebanese and Greek cuisine. It’s nothing fancy, just some old school training on how to convert dishes to give them a Lebanese or Greek flavour. The chefs enjoy it, and we love it because it allows us to tell stories about the dishes our moms help to create. It lets us put out a product that is close to our hearts.

Let’s hear about your take-out program. IC: Like many restaurants, take-out has been our main source of income during the lockdowns. Along with individual meals, we also offer family sized packages paired with a bottle of wine. And we will continue with these programs, until life gets back to normal. There’s no question that the lockdowns have been rough for local restaurants. Along with takeout, how did you piv-ot your business in order to survive? IC: Just before it was announced (in March 2021) that the lockdown restrictions would be relaxed, we had been gearing up to convert into a speciality grocery store, coffee shop, bottle shop with grab and go soup and sandwiches. But, let’s face it, we would much rather be a restaurant than a supermarket. Will your ever popular brunch program return? IC: With dining restrictions it isn’t financially viable for us to offer brunch at the moment. But, we plan to offer it as soon as we get back to full capacity.

What are your signature dishes? IC: Our top appetizer is Shankleesh (a Lebanese cheese dish covered with herbs and spices) and it’s one of my mother’s traditional recipes. Guests love it because it’s fresh, healthy, unique and delicious.

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

What about your beverage lineup? IC: Our bar is the centre piece of our restaurant, so we are very particular about our drink menu, almost too particular [laughs]. Along with a

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fabulous collection of unique wines, which we serve at reasonable prices, our craft cocktail program is worth checking out. We hand press our own juices, and make all of our syrups and tinctures in house. When the pandemic finally settles down, what do you pre-dict for the Tremont Cafe in coming months? IC: We’re in the business of social gatherings and right now, social gatherings are borderline illegal and that’s affecting how we make a living. We are hopeful that restrictions will ease over the next few months, because we can’t wait to show off our new restaurant, experience the excitement of a full dining room and be social again. And if not, we will be a nice supermarket and bottle shop. The Tremont Cafe is located at 100 Pine Street, Collingwood. (705) 293-6000 thetremontcafe.com

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

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GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Talk to Your Local Professional

BRICK HOUSE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES Darcy MacLeod, Owner of Brick House Home Inspection Services is a Professional, Experienced Home Inspector with over 1000 home inspections under her “Tool Belt”! Darcy recently completed the Carson Dunlop Commercial Building Inspection program and has added a Commercial and Industrial Division to her company. Darcy will be inspecting Industrial, Commercial and Investment properties (ICI) which includes restaurants, medical and educational buildings. Detail oriented with a knack for problem solving, Darcy strives to recommend a solution if a defect is recognized during a home inspection. Purchasing a home can be very stressful so Darcy ensures her reports are clear and concise, providing relevant information without overwhelming the client in order to help them make “an educated purchasing decision.” Covid19 has brought dramatic changes to the real estate market. Purchasers have found themselves in multiple offer situations. This can stress the buyer to put in an offer without having a home inspection. While this is never considered a good idea, Darcy suggests that the home buyer contact her for a “Post Purchase” home inspection upon possession. The clients will gain valuable information on the condition of the home and any improvements that should be performed sooner than later. Darcy is a Registered Home Inspector (RHI), Commercial Building Inspector (CBI), New Construction Inspector (NCI), a Certified Master Inspector (CMI) and WETT Certified (wood-burning systems). Darcy is a member of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA), National Women in Roofing (NWiR) and the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC).

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Working from Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford and up to Owen Sound, Stayner, Wasaga Beach, Tiny and Grey Highlands, Darcy has established positive relationships with local real estate brokers, sales representatives and trades.

BRICK HOUSE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

705-888-6449 brickhousehis@rogers.com brickhousehis.com

Talk to Your Local Professional

Veronica Vescio-Wrigley is celebrating her first year in business, owner of Cathy’s Flower and Gift Boutique Wasaga Beach, ON. Over a year ago, Veronica was visiting her friend Cathy who announced she was retiring, selling everything including her business. Leaving her surprised, Veronica began asking Cathy many questions, When? Where will you be traveling? What kind of buyer are your looking for? This conversation went on for about an hour. She looked at Cathy, without a blink of an eye, Veronica responds, “what about me?” Cathy loved the idea, thought Veronica would be a perfect fit. She went home called her husband David and said, “I think I just bought a flower shop”, laughing he said, “I’m not surprised”. Her journey began, from owning her own painting and decorating business to a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, now florist, shop owner. Veronica brings with her corporate management, business, life coaching experience and customer service. Veronica has contributed to the community through volunteering with the Lions Club, VCARS and the WSA, Wasaga Society of the Arts as a Protections Officer. Veronica lives and works in Wasaga Beach with her husband David and their puppies Ellie and Tucker. They also enjoy their time off with their children and grandchildren. She has transformed Cathy’s Flower and Gifts making it her own, with a new look, new design, new colour and new branding. The Lotus flower is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, selfregeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus flower produces the most beautiful flower. The meaning of Blue… colour of the sky and sea, depth, stability, symbolizes trust and loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth and heaven, beneficial to the mind and body. The meaning of Green… colour of spring of renewal and rebirth, harmony, balance, growth, renews and restores energy sense of wellbeing. Veronica’s business continues to grow with new staff. They are ready to create unique flower arrangements just for you!

Veronica would like to thank residents of Wasaga Beach and surrounding areas, near and far for their continued business!

Drop by to meet Veronica and her staff and say hello! Always excited to serve Wasaga Beach and surrounding area residents and businesses, Veronica and her staff provide exceptional customer service, affordable pricing and lots of variety of dish gardens, fresh bouquets created and designed to suit any occasion. We’ve created a place for healing and hope for our communities, helping our customers through their journey of life as they celebrate all occasions, birthdays, births, anniversaries and memorials. Let Cathy’s Flower and Gifts be your first choice for flowers, gift ideas from local artisans for those special occasions, events or just because!!! Offering online, telephone and curbside orders as well as home delivery and curbside pick-up.

www.cathysflowerandgiftboutique.com Cathy’s Flower and Gifts Boutique 1-3081 Mosley Street Wasaga Beach, L9Z 1W7

We Our Customers

705-429-1112 cathysflowers@rogers.com Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Talk to Your Local Professional

FAWCETT FUNERAL HOMES Celebrating 155 Years... Fawcett Funeral Homes have proudly served the people of Collingwood, Creemore and Southern Georgian Bay for over 155 years, and are considered one of the oldest funeral homes in the country. They provide services that are steeped in tradition over the past, yet alert to the needs of the future. The Fawcett family, along with their professional staff of funeral directors, pride themselves on catering to each and every individual family as if their own. Offering many different burial and cremation options to suit the personal and financial needs of every family, the staff at Fawcett Funeral Homes are available and at your service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. What Makes Us Unique We are proud to embrace traditional values, diversity and innovation in honouring the spirit and life of each person we serve. We offer a full selection of: - Funeral and memorial services, ranging from traditional to uniquely innovative and personal - Burial services and cremation options Letting go of a loved one is usually a very difficult process. In order to provide your family peace-of-mind, our funeral home offers complete care, so you can focus on comforting each other as you prepare to say goodbye to someone dear to you. Although there are many decisions you may have to make, we assure you that we will guide you through the entire process every step of the way. We promise to help you: - Design the most fitting memorial or funeral service to honour their memory and pay tribute to their life. - Select the most appropriate products, including a casket, burial vault, cremation urn, cemetery or mausoleum, to fit your budget and suit your needs. We hope you will turn to us for compassionate care and impeccable service. Our pledge is to honour your loved one and family with dignity, respect and personal attention to every detail.

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

82 Pine Street Collingwood ON L9Y 2N7 705-445-2651 Fax: 705-445-7542 info@fawcettfuneralhomes.com

182 Mill Street Creemore ON L0M 1G0 705-466-2108 Fax: 705-445-7542 info@fawcettfuneralhomes.com

A Family Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home where the names on the sign are the names of the owners inside. We pride ourselves in keeping ownership of our establishment within the town we live in.

82 Pine Street Collingwood ON L9Y 2N7 & 182 Mill Street, Creemore ON L0M 1G0 www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com

Talk to Your Local Professional

CHESTNUT PARK ™

REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE

CHRISTIE’S

INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

.......................................................... CHESTNUTPARK.COM

I love living and selling real estate in the Collingwood area having moved here over four years ago from the core of Toronto where I sold new build condos and resale homes for over twenty-five years. My first career as a Money Market Trader at RBC Dominion Securities taught me that your word is not only your bond but it is everything. This experience also gave me knowledge and insight into quickly changing markets and economies. I love architecture and design. Helping people find their new sanctuary is beyond satisfying. I am often complimented on my knowledge, service, integrity and

Trust Integrity Knowledge Discretion

results. The Southern Georgian Bay area

Jane Mehlenbacher, Sales Representative

is a jewel and I look forward to helping

Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited,

you find your new home! Your referrals are an important part of my business, Thank you!

393 First Street, Unit 100, Collingwood, On L9Y 1B3 705-445-5454 Direct: 705-888-9860 GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Talk to Your Local Professional HOT MESS Swimwear Boutique & Beauty Bar

HOT MESS SWIMWEAR

“Not Only Swimwear”

Ever since Kate Steen was little, she had a love for swimwear. Many people do not know that Kate was torn between 2 professions growing up, psychology and fashion design. Kate pursued both at different times in her life, and in the end, the creative/design side of her personality won, and she launched her label and trademark HOT MESS. Kate worked as a swimwear/lingerie fashion and fit model for over 20 years and learned firsthand a lot about the proper fit of a swimsuit.

Kate Steen, President

Most people dread swimwear shopping, but at HOT MESS we make swimwear shopping fun and interactive. Customers can choose from over 165 fabrics to create their dream custom swimsuit. We have in stock suits in an array of sizes, with many one-of-a-kind suits, designed by Kate. All original HOT MESS Swimwear is proudly made in Canada and we are expanding our line to include ECO-friendly fabrics made from recycled fishing nets and plastic garbage. A big part of the HOT MESS label revolves around giving back. HOT MESS has special Karma-Kini collections with part of proceeds going to different charities and causes in addition to local fundraising events.

SPRAY TANNING

EYELASHES

COSMETICS

HOT MESS Swimwear Boutique & Beauty Bar is not just swimwear. We have recently expanded our store. In what we nicknamed #ThePinkBabeCave you can find our gift shop which includes ladies, men’s and children’s casual and seasonal clothing, hats, resort wear, jewellery, home decor and pet items! Our Beauty Bar offers: HOT MESS Cosmetics, Essential Oils & Bath Bombs, All Natural Spray Tanning, Eye Lash Extensions, Lifts & Tints, Teeth Whitening, Eyebrows, as well as some very exciting new body contour services in the near future! Shop in store or online at www.hotmessswimwear.com www.hotmessboutiquebeautybar.com Follow us on

@hot_mess_boutique_beautybar @hot_mess_swimwear HOT MESS Swimwear by Kate Steen

Kate Steen, President HOT MESS Swimwear 3081 Mosley Street Unit #3 Can’t find us? We are the pink storefront on the corner beside Mosley Mart facing 57th Street. 705-429-4669 www.hotmessswimwear.com

“Changing The World, One Bikini At A Time” 28

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Talk to Your Local Professional Home is where your lifestyle begins. Helping buyers & sellers discover more in Southern Georgian Bay

Debbie Evans, Sales Representative Direct: 705-444-4348 debbie.evans@remax.net

Andrew Donaldson, Sales Representative Direct: 647-327-2717 aadonaldson@hotmail.com

Bus: 705-429-4500 www.WasagaBeachHomes.com 1263 Mosley St Unit 6, WASAGA BEACH, ON L9Z 2Y7

Debbie has been working in the Real Estate Industry for 10+ years, first beginning her career in administration and office management. Debbie delivers the highest standard of service to her clients and her enthusiasm and commitment to knowing the Wasaga Beach market is an asset to her business success. Debbie carries a certificate for interior design, specializing in home staging. She has a dedicated approach and caring attitude towards customer service and her passion for real estate is driven by her genuine belief in the value of owning a home. Andrew is a devoted RE/MAX Real Estate professional, with 32 years of experience working in public service. His diverse scope of work has allowed him to exceed client expectations. Andrew prides himself on the value and trust he builds with every relationship. Real Estate is a people business, to which he is able to directly translate his experience by helping families establish their home ownership. Buying and Selling a home is very personal. Andrew welcomes the opportunity to share his commitment and dedication as well as his Real Estate knowledge and credibility for the local area. Contact Debbie and Andrew today for more information on the Real Estate market in Southern Georgian Bay and receive the guidance you need for buying and selling.

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Talk to your local professionals

MEET THE SIGNATURE SOLD TEAM

Jessica Hamilton Sales Representative Executive Assistant

Kristina Tardif

Nadene Milnes

Sales Representative Managing / Lead Partner

Terra Brown Sales Representative

Amanda Abram Executive Assistant

Deborah Pitt Home Stager

WE'D LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU. Email: team@signaturesold.com 705-617-8326 (TEAM)

Michael Feldman Broker

Stephania Da Prato Sales Representative

When considering buying or selling a home, it's important to have the right professional in your corner. Each member of our team brings a different perspective, approach and level of experience that is proven to be rewarding for our clients. We offer a variety of services that are unmatched by our competitors; a very personal, caring approach that makes you feel like you are apart of our growing family. No matter what you need, we will be sure to look after everything as best we can and navigate you through what may seem like a very daunting experience. When hiring a member of our team, you have the full support of everyone which makes your journey more enjoyable. Its the peace of mind knowing you can rely on any one of us to be there for YOU. We are proud to service York Region through to Simcoe County with Team Members in Kleinburg, Cookstown, Innisfil, Clearview, Springwater, Collingwood & Wasaga Beach.

Take a look at our 90+ Google Reviews and see what our clients have to say... We have had the pleasure of working with Kristina & Nadene for many years now. Our search for the perfect property has been a long one but when we finally found our dream home they helped us solidify the sale. Not only did they make the purchase of our new home run smoothly they also made the sale of our home come together after many years. Working with them we have always felt comfortable & know they have our best interests at heart. They are very professional, knowledgeable & understand what we were looking for in our dream property. They have become friends to us over the years, they go above & beyond the expectations of real estate agents. We would recommend them to anyone looking to purchase or list their home.

- C Sagrati

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

taste | recipes

maple syrup PRODUCING

DURING COVID

By: Katherine Elphick

andemic or not, one of the sweetest rites of spring marches on. “Since it’s our second COVID maple syrup season, it’s like having a deja vu,” admitted John Williams, a local maple syrup farmer and executive director of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association. So, how has the pandemic impacted maple syrup producers? “From a provincial perspective, success varies,” he explained. “Last year, when COVID struck, the hardest hit producers were the pancake houses, and those who catered almost exclusively to tourism. But, some producers have done really well, such as those who sell to grocery stores, farm markets, specialty food shops or directly at a farmers’ market or farm gate. And then there are those in the middle,” explained Williams who taps over 3400 trees and operates Williams Farm in Wyebridge with his wife, Suzanne. GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

taste | recipes Last year, success also depended upon a producer’s social media or web presence. “Even if a producer had a toe in the digital world — they were much better off than those who didn’t,” he revealed. Williams was lucky because his farm had a website, a social media presence, and an email list to communicate with customers. “Not that it was anything sophisticated, but a lot of maple syrup producers didn’t even have that, so it was pretty hard for them to communicate with their customers,” explained Williams who primarily sells his liquid gold to food stores, or directly at the farm gate. But the 2021 season should be brighter for maple syrup producers because many will be better prepared to handle marketing and sales during the COVID era. “Once the government and producers clued in that digital marketing efforts needed to be ramped up, government funded programs were implemented to help farmers (and other small business owners) have an on-line presence,” explained the 58-year-old farmer. Larger grocery and retail stores are also carrying more local maple syrup, as the consumer demand for local food has increased. Digital marketing aside, Williams believes this season will be more manageable as producers and visitors are accustomed to physical distancing and health and safety protocols. Some producers have even added COVID friendly outdoor features, such as groomed walking trails to increase sales. Locally, there are several sugar shacks in our region as Simcoe County has the perfect ingredients for maple syrup production. “We have the right soil conditions, mature forests with maple trees and the ideal climate,” he explained. “We may not be the biggest producing county in the province, but the conditions in this area are ripe for making maple syrup.” Williams first became interested in tapping trees on his family farm when he was about 12-years-old. In 2002, he became a commercial producer and hasn’t looked back. Pure maple syrup is sap that has been boiled until much of the water has evaporated. When sap begins to flow (usually in mid-March), it is collected through plastic tubing or by taps and buckets. Then, in a process called sugaring off, the sap is boiled in evaporators (or in the case of a small backyard producer — a stock pot on the stove). The syrup must be taken off at the right moment, strained and bottled. When first tapped, maple sap

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

is thin, barely sweet and colourless, made up of about 97 per cent water, three per cent maple sugar and 0.1 per cent minerals. Syrup season usually starts in our area in March when ideal temperatures occur. In order for sap to flow, the temperature should be around minus 5 Celsius at night and plus 5 Celsius throughout the daytime. Sap flow is temperamental, and temperatures must rise above freezing for several days to trigger it. The syrup season will usually last an average of about four to six weeks each year. Then buds come out and the sap collection is complete for the season. It takes 40 litres of sap to make 1 litre of maple syrup. Williams produces his maple syrup with the latest in modern equipment and technology, such as reverse osmosis, a process by which part of the water is removed from the sap. “Whether you’re a backyard producer boiling sap in a stock pot, or a large producer with 10,000 taps using a commercial evaporator, the basic principles behind syrup making are the same,” he explained. “You collect the sap and boil it down until you get syrup.” Depending upon the weather, production levels at the local sugar bush can range anywhere from 700 millilitres per tap to 1.3 litres per tap or more of maple syrup, per year. A carefully tapped mature tree (with three taps) will give drop by drop, about 12 litres of sap on a warm spring day. During the short season, the average tree will yield between 33 and 47 litres of sap, which produces between 1 and 1.5 litres of pure maple syrup. Besides the taste, many producers say one of the best parts of tapping is showing off the sugar bush.

“People get a kick out of coming to see how maple syrup is made,” said Williams. “They ooh and aah when you show them the sapping lines and the evaporator, and it’s fun. But with COVID, you don’t get that in-person feed back or love from your customers. And we miss that.” With many local maple syrup festivals cancelled this spring, the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association is planning on moving its popular Maple Weekend to a fall date. “If we can’t get people out to the bush this spring, then we’re hoping we can get them out in the fall,” he explained. “Looking to the future, we expect to have both a spring and fall event,” For more information on Maple Weekend or to find a local maple syrup producer in your area, visit www.ontariomaple.com.

CALL THE BEACH HOME, CALL CAROLE KNEESHAW 705-790-1463 WWW.CAROLEKN NEESHAW.CA “As someone who has lived all over Canada, now a long time resident of Simcoe County, I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to call home”

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

make it maple! “Maple Syrup is the first agricultural crop of the season,” explained John Williams, a local maple syrup farmer and executive director of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association. With that in mind, it’s the perfect time to celebrate this sweet local product. Here are some recipes to try out.

Maple Syrup

A great dessert for any occasion! INGREDIENTS Cake ½ cup butter, room temperature ¼ cup brown sugar 2 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp ginger ¼ tsp allspice ¾ cup maple syrup ¼ cup milk Icing ½ cup 4 Tbsp 2 cups

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

cake

maple syrup butter icing sugar

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. To make cake, cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Beat well. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger and allspice. In another separate bowl, stir together maple syrup and milk. Add dry and liquid ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately. Beat well after each addition. Pour batter into greased and floured 9-inch (23 cm) square pan. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in centre of cake comes out clean. Let cake cool completely before icing. To make icing, combine maple syrup and butter in small saucepan over medium heat to melt butter. Beat in icing sugar. Cool completely, stirring occasionally, until icing is thick and spreadable. Spread over cooled cake.

Fish have no idea they are eating microplastics. You probably don’t either. Microplastic/fibres from synthetic textiles like acrylic and polyester are polluting our waterways in the millions daily. They are in our tap water, our fish, our beer, our Georgian Bay. These plastic particles are capable of absorbing other toxic chemicals from the environment, and health impacts on humans are unknown at this time. While researchers ramp up studies, there is mounting evidence that plastic is hurting wildlife. Negative impacts can include decreased feeding and growth, endocrine disruption, decreased fertility, as well as other lethal and sub-lethal effects. We need your help to take action. Our Collingwood Divert and Capture Project aims to find how many microfibres can be captured by 300 households using free filters that attach to washing machines. To see if your Collingwood household qualifies, please email brooke.harrison@gbf.org.

+ Clothing made from synthetic fibres.

One wash load can release up to 700,000 fibres (less than 5 mm in size). Adding a filter captures fibres.

= Filter capture after one month of washing, mostly microfibres.

Learn more at gbf.org/PlasticsCollingwood Protecting your water.

taste | recipes

Pure Maple

fudge

I’ve always loved maple fudge. My grandmother used to make it at Christmas and we’d look forward to it all year. This recipe was inspired by a Maple Syrup fudge recipe that appeared in Tempting Treats, a maple syrup recipe book published by Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association. A candy thermometer is highly recommended for this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups ¾ cup 2 Tbsp

maple syrup 35 per cent cream salted butter, room temperature

INSTRUCTIONS

Grease the bottom and sides of a loaf pan (8.5 X 4.5-inch) with butter, then line the pan with parchment paper leaving a bit of an overhang. The overhang will allow you to easily pull out the fudge when you are ready to cut it. In a medium-sized saucepan, add the maple syrup and cream, stir together. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil. Watch the saucepan carefully, as the mixture rises as it boils. Keep boiling (uncovered) on medium heat until it reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer, this should take about 20 minutes. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, boil mixture until a drop in cold water, forms a soft ball. Immediately remove from heat and add butter to the saucepan. Do not stir. Let mixture cool, without stirring, to a lukewarm temperature (about 110°F). This cooling process takes about 8 minutes. Using an electric mixer, on medium speed, beat until the mixture gets thicker, lighter and loses its sheen and starts to show signs of crystallization, about 5 minutes. Immediately pour fudge into prepared pan and spread to edges. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to set, about 2 hours. Lift fudge from pan and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Makes about 36 squares.

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

salmon

Cedar-Planked with Maple-Dijon Glaze This recipe was inspired by a recipe given to me years ago by chef Ian Thompson, the former owner of R Cottage in Washago. Here’s a simplified, yet delicious, version of the recipe for home use.

INSTRUCTIONS

Sear fillets flesh side down in pre heated pan for 2

Soak one 12- x 7-inch (30 x 18 cm) untreated cedar plank in water for 30 minutes or for up to 24 hours. Set aside.

to 3 minutes, or until golden brown.

INGREDIENTS

Over medium high heat in small sauce pan add maple syrup, mustard and brown sugar. Stir, and reduce by one-third. Set aside.

4 6 oz (192 g) 1 cup ¾ cup ½ cup 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp

salmon filets maple syrup whole grain Dijon mustard brown sugar olive oil, plus extra butter Salt and Pepper, to taste

Place non-stick pan on high heat and add oil and butter. Season salmon fillets with oil, salt and pepper.

Place salmon skin side down onto cedar plank. Cover with Maple Dijon glaze (about 1 Tbsp per fillet and you may have extra). Put cedar plank with salmon on it into 400°F preheated oven for 6 to 7 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness. Serves 4.

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

By Dawn Ritchie

2021 Outdoor Living During a Pandemic 2020 was the year our homes transformed into offices, school rooms, bakeries, fitness centers and infirmaries. As the deadly pandemic continues to upend our lives, warmer weather on the horizon renews the promise of outdoor living where birdsong fills the trees and the relaxing burble of fountains are a balm to our frayed nerves. HARDSCAPES AND LANDSCAPES The building blocks of fine outdoor living include cooking, dining and lounging stations, play and creative areas, exercise options and green space that allows your eyes to rest. A 2016 University of Exeter study found that people living in neighborhoods with more birds, shrubs and trees were less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress. Approaching your outdoor living space with these attributes in mind will help redefine your landscape’s design and support your mental health. Planting wildflowers, perennials and adding feeders that host wildlife in your garden is a way to begin. THE UNTAPPED RESOURCE OF YOUR YARD Food insecurity also leapt front and center during the pandemic last year, revealing the value of planting a vegetable plot to support your family’s needs when markets struggle. Raised beds, cold frames, potted vegetables, makeshift poly tunnels (made with PVC pipe and plastic sheeting) all help to supplement a kitchen’s larder. GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Now is the time to start seeds indoors to get a jump on the season. Mail order seed catalogues (a hot ticket during the pandemic) will deliver seeds and supplies right to your door. Order immediately. Seed orders are being delayed from 4-6 weeks due to Covid restrictions. Some suppliers, like Stokes, are currently only fulfilling orders for commercial growers.

Ecosystem Pond by Marquis Gardens

POPULAR CANADIAN SUPPLIERS ARE: • Ontario Seed Company, at oscseeds.com. • William Dam Seeds at damseeds.com. • Berton Italian Seeds at bertonseeds.ca and • Seeds of Diversity at Seeds.ca, a member to member seed exchange that protects Canada’s seed biodiversity by having members grow it themselves and share it with others. POPULAR AmERICAN SUPPLIERS THAT SHIP TO CANADA INCLUDE: • High Mowing Organic Seeds, highmowingseeds.com. • Johnny’s Selected Seeds, johnnyseeds.com. • Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, rareseeds.com.

The Kingsman Campfire Sheer descent pool weirs from Marquis Gardens

SUN AND SHADE While we all await the warmth and sunshine, the reality is, no one wants to bake in the sun all day, so creating shady spots in your yard is a good idea. Umbrellas are the quick answer, but they do not last long. A pergola is a more permanent option. It offers mottled sunlight over seating areas and defines an outdoor room. Covered pavilions provide full shade and protection from rain, which means you won’t have to haul in your cushions every night. They are the perfect locale for dining al fresco. Simcoe Shed in Oro-Medonte builds pergolas, gazebos, pavilions, sheds and more. See their offerings at: SimcoeShed.ca. AmBIENCE At the end of the day, staring into the flickering flames of a fire is a restful way to unwind. But a wood fire in your yard can present issues within cramped suburban developments. Many cities require an annual residential fire permit, and even with that permit, any complaint of smoke from a neighbour requires instant dousing of your fire. The answer is a fire table or fire bowl. The Kingsman Campfire bowl allows you to enjoy the ambience of a fire using non-combustible materials. It can also sit directly atop a wood

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

deck at chair level making it the perfect spot to roast marshmallows with the kids. Alternatively, a fire table at dining level is a more sophisticated setting where you can share a glass of wine and re-create that much-missed outdoor café feeling. Get them at: The Gas Fireplace Outlet on Welham Road in Barrie. EXERCISE With fitness centers closed during the pandemic, home exercise units became essential. Many turned to the swim spa. Unlike a pool that offers only a four to five-month swim season, the swim spa enjoys four-season recreational and fitness abilities. Cameron Pittock of Pioneer Family Pools on Anne Street in Barrie, reports that Pioneer has experienced its highest volume in its 50-year history for spas and pools. “We underestimated the impact of the travel industry,” he says. “People are stuck at home. You can’t go anywhere and you need something to do.” Pioneer doubled their installation crews this year and Pittock advises that if you want a pool or hot tub, get in and put down a deposit ASAP. “It’s not just about securing the product, it’s also about landing a time for the build on the schedule.” The Endless Pool 550 Fitness System with dual temperature controls, for the spa and swimming area, allow you to customize your wellness routine with a hydraulic swim current and the world’s only underwater hydraulic treadmill. Turn on the lights and music and run, swim, lunge, use resistance bands or paddles and get a full body workout in the fresh air. Afterwards, slip into the adjoining hot tub and ease those muscles with a full body pulsing neck and back massage. No more worries about those monthly fitness fees either. Teamed with the Covana cover that automatically rises and retracts at the turn of a key, the system is perfect for those aging in place.

Fire table from the Barbara Green Collection.

Endless Pool 550

SAUNAS Outdoor saunas are also making a comeback in residential backyards with both contemporary modular designs and rustic stylings. Dundalk LeisureCraft’s sauna selection include the modern cube saunas, casual barrel version and their unique cedar-shake roofed Pod sauna, pictured here. Retail prices range from $6000 to $11,000 depending on the size and options. PLAYTImE For families with small children, it’s important to establish both adult spaces and children’s domains in your outdoor living plan. The environmentally-friendly Bunkie, is an adaptable allwood product that is starting to replace those

Pod Sauna by Dundalk LeisureCraft Inc. GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

“A bunkie provides youngsters with the experience of ownership and a sense of responsibility to care for their own space.”

Bunkie with loft from Bunkie Life

The backyard Bunkie from Bunkie Life

Rippled fountain urns by Marquis Gardens 42

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

problematic plastic playhouses that end up in landfills. A bunkie provides youngsters with the experience of ownership and a sense of responsibility to care for their own space. As children outgrow them, the structures can be repurposed into a future office, exercise room, art studio, writing retreat, flex space, camp for temporary overnight guests or “she-shed” (the female equivalent of the man cave.) Heather Myronyk of Bunkie Life reports that several homeowners have installed bunkies during the pandemic to use as classrooms after discovering that their children could not focus on schoolwork inside the home. Precut and ready to assemble, Bunkie Life’s structures are a speedy three to five-day build and do not require building permits if they are 10X10 or less. BunkieLife.com QUIETUDE AND SERENITY Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” reminds us all that “Good fences make good neighbours.” Increasingly, suburban developments with shrinking yards have created community issues. Privacy walls and evergreens are the answer to block prying eyes, but for noise pollution, like those dreaded trampolines that have sprung up during the pandemic, a water feature, plug-in fountain or sheer descent waterfall, may help to mask some of the noise. Marquis Gardens in Woodbridge has a vast selection of water features to choose from. marquisgardens.ca Consider light pollution as well when designing your outdoor plan. Subtle lighting from ground level solar lights, lanterns or torches add a touch of mood to your evening enjoyment. But ensure your overhead party lights are turned off by 11 pm so they don’t interfere with neighbours’ sleeping habits. Using timers is both courteous and energy efficient. SWING LOW Finally, fiscal challenges have many families experiencing financial struggles because of Covid lockdowns, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t create a little whimsy in your garden. A thick plank of wood and strong rope slung over a sturdy tree limb will produce a useful swing that harkens back to the old-fashioned relaxation tools of our ancestors. Paint your swing and you add a splash of colour and art to your oasis. The simple truth is, when it comes to outdoor living, sometimes less is more.

Directory SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

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Collins Service Centre Ltd Brakes Exhaust

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590 River Road West Wasaga Beach, ON 705-429-6907 GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Coming into Spring Serving Beer/Wine

50 Years in Business

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eorgian Circle Family Restaurant offers a great variety of meals for the entire family. Ranging from its main stay of Steak and Seafood to a great range of pasta dishes,burgers,sandwiches, and salads appealing to the diverse crowds that visit Wasaga Beach but also to those that call it their home. Georgian Circle can cater your next event, big or small with everything from small private functions and meetings, to weddings and events of any size. They work with you to arrange a menu that suits both your budget and dietary needs. We follow all Covid Procedures & Guidelines. We would like to thank you for your loyalty & support during these uncertain times.

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taste | wines

Ontario cabernet franc

Yours to discover by Carmelo Giardina

THEY CAN COUNT ON CABERNET FRANC TO GIVE THEM A SOLID RED WINE,VINTAGE AFTER VINTAGE.

It is now safe to say that against all odds cabernet franc has made its mark, and especially so in Ontario’s winemaking industry. For a grape that has never been famous for what it can do, this is the variety’s coming of age party. Cabernet franc originated in southwestern France and is an important grape in Bordeaux, where, after merlot and cabernet sauvignon, it is often the third component in red blends. In the central Loire valley, cabernet franc is a prestigious stand-alone variety. Full-flavoured, spicy and lighter-bodied, these wines are known for their low alcohol, bright acidity and light tannins – its versatility making it an excellent pairing with food. Outside the Loire valley, its purpose was almost invariably to play that supporting role

in blends; until recently, only a few producers scattered throughout North America have made wines from cabernet franc alone. Looking back, these wineries were most certainly ahead of their time, as now hundreds of producers around the world are catching on. In Ontario, it is now the most planted red variety, representing nearly 11 per cent of total production, comfortably ahead of the next most planted red grapes, merlot (7 per cent), and cabernet sauvignon (6.8 per cent). And so, it is Ontario that has led the way with cabernet franc— even if the wine still seems to fly below the radar of most consumers. Cooler wine regions such as Ontario love cabernet franc because of its cold hardy nature, and the fact that it ripens earlier than cabernet sauvignon. They can count on cabernet franc to give them a solid red wine, vintage after vintage, whereas cabernet sauvignon might fully ripen only every two or three years. Broadly speaking, cooler climates deliver wines in the style of the Loire valley: lighter bodied but flavourful and relatively high in acidity and low in alcohol. Cabernet francs from warmer climates have more body, richer flavours, higher alcohol, and lower levels of acidity. Ontario can produce wines in both styles, the lighter generally from more challenging vintages and the more robust coming more often GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

Collingwood

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GoodLife | Georgian Bay Spring 2021

CORONADO Leather Stationary Sofa

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