Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine Fall/Winter 2018

CANADA’S

OUTDOOR

LIFESTYLE

&

DESIGN

MAGAZINE

FALL/WINTER

2018/19

The of

Winds

Change

STRAW HAT RESTORATION

HIGHWAY OF HEROES

SHANE FORD

Twins taking the construction world to new heights

Reforesting our Canadian highways

Designing the dream

Smooth. Sleek. Sophisticated.

At Oaks Landscape Products, we believe that your outdoor living space should be a reflection of your ideal lifestyle. Smooth surfaces and sleek lines coming together to define a relaxed atmosphere where you can unplug and unwind with style, or entertain family and friends with easy sophistication is what our products are all about. As you dream about your perfect space, find your perfect product pairings, colours and sizes simply by clicking on any photo in this ad, and begin planning your outdoor transformation.

OAKSpavers.com | 1.800.709.OAKS (6257) |

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contents

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ON THE COVER 27 FEATURE DESIGNER PROFILE Shane Ford...a force of nature 52 REFORESTING OUR CANADIAN HIGHWAYS A tribute to our fallen soldiers 65 STRAW HAT RESTORATION Double the creativity... twins James and Jason stirring up the construction industry with their innovative style

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STYLE 15 OUR FAVOURITE THINGS All natural honey 16 TRENDING Black is the new black 18 INSPIRATION Sweet wood 20 GET DRESSED Highlighting the latest in womens workwear 21 THE REVIVAL OF SURVIVAL The ultimate in multi-tools DESIGN 24 HGTV’S CARSON ARTHUR The millennial mind 27 DESIGNER PROFILES Shining stars of the Landscape Design Industry 34 XUEJIN “Julie” ZHUGE East meets West 36 Trevor Henry From horse-racing to home landscaping 40 JOHN HARSEVOORT Filtering through the noise and bringing it back to basics

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IMPROVE 44 INNOVATION IN POOL DESIGN Cutting-edge pool designs from around the world 46 GREEN ROOFS Helping the environment and creating new living spaces 48 DIY Year round enjoyment of your tropical plants with the right planters 50 SEASONAL GLOW Emotional connection we have to our seasonal lights 56 THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN Planning now for your ultimate grilling experience LIVING 61 MIXOLOGIST Zachary Kvas does it the Die Hard way!

68 ABSINTHE The Green Fairy 70 PATIO FARE Enjoying hot drinks on a winter patio DISCOVER 74 HOMEGROWN Indie band Monowhales - changing it up 77 WELLNESS Herbs that heal 78 JUST ASK DAVE Top plant picks for stunning fall colour 80 COMIC RELIEF A hurricane is a blowin’ 82 NOT SO AVERAGE JOE The man with the magic eye

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Publisher

Dave Maciulis CLD

Editor-IN-CHIEF L.A. Sweezey

ASSISTANT Editor Brie Jarrett

Creative Director Jodi Pallagi

OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE EDITOR Carson Arthur

PRODUCTION MANAGER Alan Carroll

COPY EDITOR

Lindsay Reynolds

Designers

Jodi Pallagi Susan Vogan

Writers

Carson Arthur Mark Cullen Chris Gregory Bryen Dunn Scott Sim Renaldo Amato Sarah Penney, ND Peter Vogler Deborah Rent Raymond Hill Brie Jarrett

Photography/video

Joel Reynolds, Capture Studio Jeff McNeill, McNeill Photography Francesca Ludikar Guncast Swimming Pools Ltd. Red Rock Pools and Spas Shutterstock Cover Photography - Joel Reynolds of Capture Studio Landscape Designer (cover)- Shane Ford

For advertising opportunities please email: info@outdoorlifestylemagazine.com PUBLISHED BY Koru Creative Group President Alan Carroll Telephone: 289-238-7910 Email: info@outdoorlifestylemagazine.com Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine is published twice annually: Spring and Fall Copyright 2018/2019 All rights reserved.

Reproduction without express written consent is prohibited by law.

letter from the publisher

Warming

OUR TOES For more than 30 years I have watched the Canadian outdoor design and build landscape industry evolve. The products, the demographics and the styles have all morphed to meet the needs of clients and climate change alike.

Natural stone can be replicated now with concrete, porcelain tile can look like something straight out of nature, lighting has turned from halogen to lightemitting diode (LED), and fire has become less labour intensive with the arrival of gas fire features, still warming our toes without choking us out with smoke.

The large spacious outdoors has given way to cozy, postage stamp lots.

A challenge to be sure, but todays designers meet these challenges, creating intimate spaces and outdoor rooms with talent beyond what I ever would have imagined possible, years ago.

Perennials have given way to shrubs and trees; an investment that gives back to the earth in a multitude of ways that smaller plants just can’t.

Then there’s the “new kid on the block”. Caught somewhere between a shrub and a tree, our newly legal cannabis plant is being revered for its variety in shape and size, and is an awesome addition to any garden space.

Who’d have thunk?!

The winds of change keep blowing, and these are exciting times. I hope to continue to advocate to the public and professionals alike, to keep on top of our ever-changing Canadian trends in the landscape industry.

Stagnancy is rather boring and destructive to our inner Rembrandt.

Enjoy every minute of this season, because it will change again before you know it.

Dave Maciulis Publisher

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Change. Can’t live with it, can’t live without it. From the very minute we are born, we are in a state of constant change. And I guess that’s a good thing as diapers were not a good look for me!

Change is everywhere and nothing changes until something changes. Our only option is to roll with it, because like an avalanche, it can not be halted. The word itself can instill paralyzing fear in some, while in others it sets off a state of exhilaration.

Lately, it feels as though the universe is playing some sort of cruel joke, thrusting me into a constant state of catch-up, rectifying change after change in almost every area of my life. So far, I’ve survived, but I certainly have had to take a few deep breaths (well, maybe a lot) and begin to reprioritize some things in my life. Maybe that’s the key?

Stay calm, decide how much power you have over each change that shows up in your life, and move forward from there. I mean, some things are out of our control, while others require our attention and decisiveness. So, why not take the bull by the horns and embrace it?

From our patio furniture to our government, to our retirement plans, we have the ability to make change. Not only is it our right, it’s our obligation. And that’s a good thing. So, let’s do it!

Happy Fall. Let’s hope climate change is good to us this winter!

Lori Sweezey

LETTER FROM THE outdoor lifestyle EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief

I’ve been saying it for a while, “the definition of a backyard is in transition”, and I couldn’t be more excited or more worried for the future of landscaping. We must adapt.

The largest population group we’ve ever seen is about to flood the housing market, and with that comes a new wish list for what they want in their outdoor spaces. The smart companies are already tracking this migration from dorms and rental spaces into first time homes and paying close attention to what the Millennials are doing and more importantly, what they’re spending their money on. These 20-somethings will reshape our industry just through sheer volume. Their wants and needs will be the motivating factor for retailers, automotive companies and even grocers.

Everyone wants to make sure that they capture the millennial customer early and keep him or her for as long as possible. I compare this to a giant herd of caribou - when the herd changes direction, everyone runs with them. Get out of the way or get trampled!

Have a great season!

Carson Arthur

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Tame your tough space.

Steep, sloping terrain can be difficult to tame without the right materials for the job; and sometimes you just need a little help selecting the right product. That’s exactly why Oaks Landscape Products developed the Proterra™ wall system. This engineered retaining wall ensures a stable structure, even in a true vertical installation with it’s patent pending M-Lock technology, while providing stylish options in colour and texture. When your design calls for steps, Proterra™’s modular units are the ideal choice or Oaks Aria Step system is designed to complement Proterra™ wall perfectly.

Greyfield, Smooth (top), Split (bottom)

Natural, Smooth (top), Split (bottom)

Timberwood, Smooth (top), Split (bottom)

OAKSpavers.com | 1.800.709.OAKS (6257) |

favourite

all natural honey

Wildflower Honey Fudge

1.Medica Honey Liqueur is a uniquely Albertan homage to traditional European medica, proofed to 28.0% ABV and sweetened with raw Alberta honey. burwooddistillery.ca 2.Honey Oats and Cocoa Soap sounds good enough to eat, but this natural soap bar fights back against dry skin, deeply nourishing and exfoliating. rockymountainsoap.com 3.Beeswax Candles: Yellow Tapers are 100% pure beeswax with 100% pure cotton wicking. Beeswax candles burn hotter, brighter, longer, and cleaner than other candles. weirslanelavender.ca 4.Bee Bars | All Natural Waterless Lotions are solid lotion bars filled with creamy shea butter, golden jojoba, and packed with natural antioxidants. thehoneybeestore.ca 5.Gibbs Honey Delicious raw honey from Gibbs Honey produced in Vankleek Hill, Ontario.

They are a 4th generation beekeeping business, since 1934 | gibbshoney.com | @gibbshoney

Ingredients 2 cups (500 mL) granulated sugar 1/3 cup (75 mL) liquid honey ½ cup (125 mL) half & half cream ¼ cup (125 mL) unsalted butter 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

Directions

In a heavy saucepan, stir together the sugar, honey and cream.

Place over low-medium heat stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Attach a candy thermometer ensuring the bulb does not touch the bottom of the pan.Increase the heat and bring to a boil. Do not stir till the mixture reaches 240’F. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla with a wooden spoon.

Beat constantly until the mixture cools and thickens slightly.

Pour into a well-buttered 8 or 9 inch glass pan.

Cool for 10 – 15 minutes then score slightly with a sharp knife. Allow to finish cooling.

Cover and refrigerate.

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trending

BLACK

is the

BLACK

2 1 Channelled Bean Bag Lounge - westelm.ca 2 STORSELE Rattan Armchair - ikea.com 3 Juhl Mudcloth Pillow - wayfair.ca Heavy Cotton Pillow - casualife.ca

Heavy Cotton Pillow | Tribal - casualife.ca

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4 Fireglobe Fireplace - evasolo.com 5 Wood & Metal Lantern - bouclair.com

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cement tiles OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

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inspiration

Shawn Beaulne’s

By Scott Sim

S

ometimes our finest craft comes from a place we didn’t volunteer to enter. It was a tough period in life that brought Shawn Beaulne to his.

His refuge sparked the creation of gorgeous liveedge wood charcuterie boards. Seeing a trend developing, Shawn poured his energy into producing unique, one-of-a-kind products that have engaged interest from far and near.

Under the banner of Sweet Wood, the result of his labours are delivering equally gratifying responses from himself and his clients.

Next up: CNC labelled boards and craft beer flights.

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Transforming ordinary matter into extraordinary surfaces.

ISCO Surfaces is the exclusive distributor of Santamargherita quartz in Eastern Canada.

Crafted in Italy, all the Santamargherita quartz slabs are made with the highest quality resins and carefully selected minerals.

527 Meloche Ave. Dorval, Quebec

iscosurfaces.com

GET DRESSED

Depending on models, the Women’s Collection MSRP will be from $189 to $209.

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The Revival of Survival

“I was carrying a scout knife and used it for everything from slicing bread to fixing the car. But I kept wishing I had a pair of pliers! I went to the garage and picked up a file and hacksaw and tried to build what was in my mind.” ~ Tim Leatherman

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The Revival of Survival: 35 years of ingenious design Portland, OR — In 1975, recent college graduate Tim Leatherman and his wife Chau set off on a roadtrip throughout Europe. The newlyweds had purchased a $300 Fiat which proved unreliable along the way and required multiple roadside fixes. Tim had the right know-how, but not the right tools to fix it.

“I was carrying a scout knife and used it for everything from slicing bread to fixing the car. But I kept wishing I had a pair of pliers!” said Tim. Tim returned home to Oregon with an idea for a multi-tool to tackle life’s unexpected challenges. He asked his wife if she could support the family while he pursued his idea. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University, he took his idea, some sketches, and got to work.

He thought it would take him a month to develop a prototype. Three years later, he had a tool that he liked the newly patented “Mr. Crunch”, #4,238,462.

Knife companies thought his invention was a tool.

Tool companies thought it was a gadget. Neither were

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interested. For the next four years, he continued to try to sell his idea and received multiple rejections.

So, he partnered with his college friend, Steve Berliner. Steve’s fresh ideas and companionship rejuvenated and liberated Tim. The Pocket Survival Tool (PST) was born.

In their first year of business, Tim and Steve hoped to sell 4,000 tools; instead, they sold 30,000. And over the next decade, they would sell over one-million PST multi-tools.

Today, on the brand’s 35th Anniversary, Leatherman is continuing Tim’s legacy of unwavering perseverance, ingenious design, and commitment to quality with the revival of the Limited Edition PST. “I’m incredibly proud to introduce a Limited Edition Pocket Survival Tool nearly identical to my original design. Every tool is crafted just like the original, but not in my garage!” said Tim, who serves as chairman of Leatherman Tool Group. “Seeing it brings back memories of what it took to launch this company.

I’m in awe of how it has grown over the years and thankful for our dedicated employees and faithful fans who helped us reach this milestone.”

Founded in 1983, Leatherman is the world’s largest manufacturer of tools that prepare people for both expected and unexpected challenges, journeys and adventures.

Co-founder Tim Leatherman’s real life experiences inspired him to build the world’s first multi-tool, and his dedication to his product philosophy of creating multi-purpose tools with the highest quality, most functionality, least space, and least weight has driven Leatherman for 35 years.

The Oregon-based company distributes its high quality Leatherman multitools, manufactured in Portland, in more than 86 countries.

For more information about the original American multi-tool, visit www.leatherman.ca. ~

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THE MILLENNIAL MIND What has changed?

BY CARSON ARTHUR

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very year, I closely track the housing numbers and what is happening across the country. I love all of the stats associated with buyers and what they are looking for so that I can stay ahead of the trends and help my customers improve the value of their homes. I’ve always believed that even if a client is not planning on selling today, making smart upgrades to the front and back yards produces long-term dividends when it comes to the home’s value. What I couldn’t predict was the colossal impact that this new generation of buyers will have on these outdoor spaces and how they want to use them.

percent in 2019. The key factor; over 90 percent of this group considers owning a home an immediate priority (CNBC). No longer satisfied with condos and small footprints, this group is starting to pair off, find significant others and have babies.

The numbers continue to roll in regarding the size of the millennial population. Many online sources put this group at (up to) 25 percent of the country’s entire inhabitants. That is a massive demographic when it comes to marketplace impact. Between 20 and 35-years-old, these buyers are just now starting to search for their first homes, much later than other demographics. The average millennial is looking to buy at around age 30, in part to high real estate costs and even higher student-loan debt, according to the National Association of Realtors.

So, what do millennials want in a house?

Surprisingly, “location” has dropped in the priority list according to Century21 Canada. Instead, millennials continue to choose “more space” over “proximity to work”. Ideal homes for millennials have great character. They are drawn to good curb appeal, with houses that have front yards that set them apart in suburban neighbourhoods. They shy away from houses that all look the same because of their need to share their lives with their social groups. Having a home that is visually appealing is very important to them. The character of the home, specifically that first impression has never been so crucial to home sales. Millennials admit to looking at homes using online sources like Google Maps to preview the look of a house to help decide if they even want to entertain a viewing. This first impression of a home is made in 11-15 seconds and drastically affects the perceived value and desirability of a home.

Millennials accounted for 35 percent of North American home sales in 2017, with the number growing in 2018… potentially all the way up to 50

The big surprise this year is the continued downward trend of kitchen and bathroom renovations.

For years, homeowners looking to sell for top dollar

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would invest in mid-level kitchen and bathroom makeovers to prep their homes for the housing market. According to the numbers for 2018, these renovations have dropped when it comes to their return on investment. This ROI is determined by the amount of money spent on the renovation and the perceived market increase of the home’s value. Basically, if you spend $15,000 on a kitchen upgrade, you can expect to get back an average of 81.1 percent (or $12,150) if you sell within five years of the renovation. This number drops drastically as the budget gets higher. A major renovation of more than $125,000 will only get you a return of $63,750. Bathrooms are coming in a little higher with an average return of 70.1 percent.

So, why the shift in values? A lot of this has to do with the buyers and specifically, the millennials who now, according to Realtor.com, represent 35 percent of the housing market. Many millennials are just as happy with a finished home as they are with one that needs to be completely gutted and remodeled.

We are seeing an increase in DIY and How-To videos on home renovations, painting kitchen cabinets and even simple things like hanging wallpaper.

So, what do millennials want? When it comes to the backyard, millennials have embraced gardening like none before! Young homeowners are choosing wholesome hobbies like knitting, canning and even urban-farming as a movement away from tech-related endeavours. When asked, this generation wants to ensure that their children have hands-on experiences in growing their own food or making their own clothes.

This focus on providing experiences for their children in the outdoors is going to dictate a lot of the design decisions for backyard spaces. Smart landscape companies will start brushing up on building play-structures, raised vegetable gardens, and wild flower meadows for bees. ~

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Transform your landscaped property from beautiful to stunning.

Design, Installation and Service

LIGHTSCAPES

Stay out late with outdoor lighting.

www.moonglowlights.com

profiles

Taking the Landscaping World by Storm

Photography by Joel Reynolds of Capture Studio

from the degree of passion, dedication and hard work

By Scott Sim - Hamilton, ON

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s a typical young man of 24 years, Shane Ford enjoys spending time outdoors and skateboarding just like the next guy. Atypically, Ford is taking the landscape design world by storm, producing mind-blowing designs that rival that of a seasoned pro. With just two years of landscape industry experience under his belt, Ford is dedicated, putting in over 12 hours a day and is focused, really focused. For Ford, “challenge” equals “job satisfaction” and in his own words, “I love taking a “plain” home and making a “special, unique” landscape.

Ford especially loves to see his designs come to life at night. It’s easy to see why, when we look at the stunning pictures of his most recent design/build. A landscape he designed for a London, Ontario client, it features very modern clean lines with natural stone fire pits. A true masterpiece.

Growing up, it was Ford’s dad who first suggested he learn a trade and advised “There’s always work.” Ford took that advice to heart and graduated as a plumbing apprentice from Mohawk College.

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At 24, Shane Ford is producing mindblowing designs that rival that of a seasoned pro.

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Needing to pay the bills though, Ford took a job with Balsam Creek Landscaping to have some form of employment. Ford was a member of one of three build crews and quickly realized just how inventive the landscape experience can be. Taking it one step further at the end of that first season with Balsam Creek, he discussed his intentions to design with owner Nick Verhey. A visionary in his own right, Verhey has built Balsam Creek Landscaping into a successful business in only eight years. Before long Shane was knee-deep in Sketch-up 3D and took over the role of design/sales. His hard work ethic, which he claims to have come from his mom, paid-off. He now enjoys seeing his clients’ dreams and his own visions come to life. Ford finds a large amount of satisfaction in offering up new challenges to the team in the field making his compositions a reality.

Looking back, Ford now knows that his dad’s advice was solid, as landscaping is a skilled trade also. With the success that he is experiencing at Balsam Creek, Ford won’t be needing to put his plumbing training to work anytime soon. ~

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Shane Ford finds a large amount of satisfaction in offering up new challenges to the team in the field making his compositions a reality.

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PROFILES

A Sense of Space

REDFINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT

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Xuejin “Julie” Zhuge

BY RAYMOND HILL – DUNDAS, ON

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rchitects used to think of architecture as an object and landscape, the background to that object; something to put the object on, but nothing to do with the object itself. However, landscape designers/architects prefer to think of creating timeless outdoor spaces that include architectural structures and dynamic landscapes.

Ancient Chinese urban planners and designers embedded nature within the city. Today, Chinese landscape architects and designers still keep with this tradition. With a Chinese cultural background and 14 years of experience, Xuejin “Julie” Zhuge blurs the lines between nature and man-made structures.

Born and raised in Beijing, China to an engineering designer and an educator, Zhuge seemed to have inherited her parents’ talents becoming passionate about art, nature, design and technology. Originally planning on a career as a biologist or architect, Zhuge instead enrolled in the landscape architecture program at Beijing Forestry University (one of the top institutions in Asia, specializing in landscape architecture) and never looked back. After gaining a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA), Zhuge worked for several national companies and different institutions in China, designing and planning more than 100 commercial spaces, parks, green belts and small towns.

Zhuge strongly believes that landscape design involves a “vision”. Growth and spatial experience are important aspects of a landscape, determined by the fourth dimension - time.

Currently, a designer at Natural Landscape Group in Dundas, Ontario, Zhuge uses her additional education from Niagara College to focus on a new style of designing, learning to blend her Asian-influenced design with a more North American style.

“Design can be intuitive, but designers are influenced, (consciously or subconsciously), by many factors - scale of the project, budget, existing conditions on site, and material supplies, etc.,” Zhuge explains. “These challenges are all considered, while endeavoring to meet the clients’ needs. Climate change and extreme weather conditions are at the forefront of many Canadian designs currently. Affordable projects that promote low maintenance gardens are of great value and benefit to the homeowner and our environment.”

“When I design spaces, the sense of “place” always plays a key role in my design process.” Zhuge expands further, “People’s connection to their spaces fundamentally comes down to an inherent sense of wanting to belong, and the relationship to both their wider surroundings and any historical contexts.

The better the interaction and relationship between the space and the client, the better the outcome. When I work on these projects, I continuously see the potential and benefits through the details. This is significant in terms of offering creativity in small or large spaces, giving the project new life, and changing the storyline of the project.”

This is Zhuge’s world… thoughtful, client-centered and diversely creative. ~ OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

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PROFILES

Piece of the Puzzle

TREVOR HENRY

BY RAYMOND HILL - Dundas, Ontario

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Photos by Jeff McNeill Photography www.mcneillphotography.ca

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s a child, Trevor Henry found himself drawn to spending as much time in the great outdoors as humanly possible. One could find him consistently immersed in long hikes, skateboarding and mountain biking, and building some pretty intense jump ramps for those activities. An early indication, perhaps of where his life would take him years later - building outdoor landscapes.

Born in Goderich, Ontario to a skydive instructor mother, and a standard bred horse-racing father, Henry and his family moved to Hamilton, Ontario when he was nine-years-old. There his love of the outdoors blossomed.

Always a great team player, with boundless energy and creativity, and a love for being outside, it wasn’t until his post-graduate year of high school that the concept of landscape design, as a career, made sense to him, allowing his creative side to flourish. He enrolled at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario and the rest, as they say, is history.

Henry’s career at the design firm of Cedar Springs Landscape Group in Oakville, Ontario is a bright one. His designs ooze of clean lines and class showcasing a talent of a seasoned professional; a rare gift for a young man of 28 years.

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“My favourite part of the whole design process happens when I feel that connection with the clients and we are both on the same page. I can feel their excitement when we are going over the 3D design render. That’s a very rewarding piece of the puzzle.”

“I am not discouraged by limitations of any kind. In fact, I appreciate the possibilities that come out of these challenges. I can’t say that I enjoy the whole permit process, but it’s a necessary evil,” he laughs.

When asked where he sees himself in 10 years from now, Henry gives the question some thought and explains, “I’d like to be management by then, but I always want to be a part of the design and build process. I love being out in the field, getting my hands dirty. And I always look forward to watching the project develop into the finished project.”

If Henry hadn’t chosen landscape design as a career, he says he likely would have gone into the trades, perhaps an electrician or the likes. Lucky for anyone who has worked with him, he chose to become a designer instead. ~

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PROFILES

CREATING CLARITY in a world of noise

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By Brie Jarrett - Dundas, Ontario Photography by Joel Reynolds of Capture Studio

E

ven before pen is put to paper, designer John Harsevoort finds it essential to sit down with a client and just talk.

“There is so much noise out there,” he says. “With social media and the internet, it can get confusing for my clients to find out what they truly want, especially when looking at gorgeous inspirational pictures. It’s my job to filter through the noise and get back to basics, the nitty, gritty.”

Harsevoort does that by spending time with his clients and uncovering what they truly want and need and working to create value within their budget. Often at the end of this process, Harsevoort finds that those Pinterest pictures, while beautiful to look at, have so little to do with what a client really wants after all.

Harsevoort finds that this beginning process is so essential to avoid the “10 seconds of pleasure followed by 10 years of regret” scenario and therefore stresses the importance of hiring a designer for an initial consultation.

“When clients understand that you are here to facilitate their best interests and provide the best value, not just eat up their budget, they begin to relax. Often their initial budget is arbitrary, as people don’t really understand the costs in landscaping, so it’s also an education process,” he says. Some clients are ready to do one big renovation in one go and with others Harsevoort helps plan renovations in stages, over a number of years.

Harsevoort works from a plan but loves the variety that his job brings everyday, especially masterminding the inevitable changes and challenges that come up in landscaping. His career started 20 years ago when looking for “just a job” and began working in landscape construction, first as a labourer and then, in time, as a project manager. Now a designer for the past five years at Mapleridge Landscaping in Ancaster, Ontario, Harsevoort says “it’s been a learning curve,” describing his constant battle between thinking about how things work and

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thinking from a more creative, out of the box viewpoint.

“The good news,” Harsevoort laughs “ is that everything I design can be built!”

Growing up in Stratford, Ontario, this married father of three developed a love of the outdoors, which he now enjoys in his day to day life at work and at home in his adopted city of Hamilton, Ontario, enjoying the escarpments, waterfalls and lakefronts the area offers. Harsevoort is also really taken with the changes in the city, with the different eclectic and artistic areas of Hamilton that have been increasingly developing. Harsevoort gets especially animated when describing the funky Hamilton projects that occasionally come his way.

“There are so many great neighborhoods in Hamilton that are being refurbished and given a second life, and we are seeing more and more front yards being turned into courtyards, with seating areas or landings,” he says.

Explaining further, “There is this new culture of people being involved in, embracing and engaging in creating community and so people are opening up their front yards for social exchange.”

One gets the sense, that there is an inherent sense of perfectionism in everything Harsevoort does especially with his background in construction. But without a doubt, there is a great love, passion, creativity and clarity in all he does - clearly the markings of a great designer! ~

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Let’s Talk

Swimming Pool

Innovation with Chris Gregory BEFORE

I

nnovation in North America’s swimming pool industry has certainly become more refined and impressive over the past decade. We’ve witnessed pool builds becoming more desirable, structurally sound, with greater diversity in design & finish and more energy efficient equipment; providing improved water quality and greater ease of use.

To see unparalleled pool innovation, we visit companies based out of the U.K and the U.S. There are so many innovative premium features available today including moving pool floors, sunken living rooms, fire pits and two storey islands, just to mention a few.

What if your pool; indoors, outdoors, or if required indoor/outdoor, had a moving floor which could have variable pool depths or completely disappear? You could sit back and relax as the swimming pool area is seamlessly replaced with a solid movable floor that can then be used as a dance function venue, play area, dining hall or gym.

This innovation is what Design by Guncast can bring to your project. These unique and extraordinary pools are designed and installed across the world, including Canada.

AFTER

Another dramatic and innovative feature you can add to your pool is a sunken living room, with or without a fire pit right within your pool. That’s exactly what Red Rock Contractors based out of Mesa, Arizona specializes in. These spectacular pools are also designed and installed internationally.

The trend now seems to be creating the ‘wow’ factor and designing various entertainment areas on multi levels to create an interactive venue. More and more customers are transforming their backyards into an multi-dimensional extension of their home and building resort-like pools.

Eco-Pools Ltd. keeps up-to-date on the cutting edge of technology and design. We are happy to share what is possible to incorporate into your dream plans. ~ Photos courtesy of Guncast Swimming Pools Ltd. 44 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com | IMPROVE DISTRICT

For more information contact: Chris Gregory, SWD President, Eco-Pools Ltd. Ancaster, ON 905-955-5044 Chris@eco-pools.ca | Eco-pools.ca Andy Carr Vice President - Design by Guncast INC NY 10168, USA Design & Commercial Director - Guncast Swimming Pools Ltd. GU28 9NR, UK +44 1798 343725 andy@guncast.com designbyguncast.com | guncast.com Rick Chafey, Master SWD Red Rock Contractors & Red Rock Pools and Spas Gilbert, Arizona 480-439-0111 rickc@buildredrock.com | buildredrock.com

The sunken living room photos courtesy of Red Rock Pools and Spas

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Changing the Landscape

one rooftop at a time

Creating outdoor spaces that are good for people AND the environment

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limate change is an ever-increasing topic of conversation; reducing emissions, controlling pollution and increasing greener areas in cities. Since May 2009, Toronto, Ontario has been a pioneer in these endeavours, becoming the first city in North America to create a bylaw requiring green roofs to be installed on new commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family residential developments. With wide spread usage, over time green roofs can contribute to reducing the phenomenon known as “urban heat island” where city temperatures rise significantly over that of rural areas.

Lowering the temperatures in the city will happen in direct proportion to the number of green roofs installed. We can enjoy the immediate benefits though as green roofs help in reducing heating and air-conditioning consumption, which benefits not only the environment but our pocketbooks. In summer, green roofs help cool by absorbing and evaporating water, and in winter green roofs provide greater insulation.

With flooding becoming a frequent reality as we convert more and more land to pavement, green roofs help absorb rainwater and decrease the load from our storm drains. Count also, improved air quality and greater biodiversity as some tangible and significant benefits of green roofs.

As we near the 10-year anniversary of the City of Toronto’s Green Roof bylaw, we now see green roofs being utilized to

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by Brie Jarrett - Dundas, ON

incorporate “living” spaces on green roofs in the form of terraces, patios, park-like walkways and even for growing food gardens replacing the footprint that once existed on the ground and elevating it.

This is where landscape architects and designers are getting creative with outdoor living environments on work or residential roof tops, for people to enjoy the cityscapes and greenery. A outstanding product that is gaining popularity in designs are porcelain slabs to use in creating terraces, walkways or even for water features.

In keeping with Canadian greatness, Abbotsford Concrete Products are leading the way with their Canadian manufactured Aristokrat® Series porcelain slabs. At just two cm thick, Aristokrat® Series porcelain slabs install easily using Abbotsford Concrete Products own BlackJack® Pedestals that provide a versatile and sustainable cost-effective solution to support raised slabs.

Aristokrat® Series porcelain slabs are not only easy to maintain, but require no sealing (which is great for the environment) and are resistant to staining, fading, marking, and extreme weather. Non-slip and extremely strong and durable, Aristokrat® Series porcelain slabs have a variety of colour blends that emulate natural limestone, granite & marble.

These two products from Abbotsford Concrete Products allow designers to create welcoming outdoor patio and pedestrian traffic spaces on commercial or residential roofs without damage to the protective roof membrane while maintaining proper water run-off.

While we are creating green roofs, to help combat climate change for the future, let’s also think about utilizing these spaces to increase the quality of life now for humans too. ~ OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

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DIY

S av i n g b a c k s . . .

one planter at a time!

Enjoying your tropicals year-round with ease

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lants are incredible! Not only do they beautify our space, but they also provide some very practical benefits; everything from cleaning the air and boosting oxygen levels, to deterring illness, as well as promoting healing and releasing stress. It’s no wonder then, that many people choose to enjoy their tropical and subtropical plants inside during fall and winter and outdoors during the warmer months. A little pre-planning in advance will help you enjoy your plant friends all year round, starting with the planter you choose.

One of the biggest considerations when transitioning your indoor plants to the outdoors is to move them in stages to acclimatise them to the stronger light intensity and avoid shocking or stressing your plants. For the first few weeks, place your plants in a shady area during the day and bring inside during the night, while gradually increasing the amount of sunshine they receive and time outdoors.

Your plants will thank you for being moved outside to the fresh air and sunshine, however the transitioning process may leave your back moaning with all this moving about. This is where choosing the right planter makes all the difference.

Most potted plants are too cumbersome and heavy to move once, let alone multiple times. Traditional planters made of clay, ceramic, or even concrete are weighty on their own and more so filled with soil and plants. Messy repotting is often

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the only option. Lighter weight planters such as fiberglass, resin and plastic help in mobility, but if it is a large planter, the sheer amount of soil and rock filling the planter makes it just as impossible to move.

An elegant solution is investing in Lechuza self-watering planter systems.

Made to the exacting standards of traditional German design and manufacturing, each planter is made from a weatherproof, robust plastic that won’t fade in the sun.

Lechuza planters take the stress out of moving with easy to use retractable handles embedded into the liner. Specifically designed to be the perfect size for your plants to grow and thrive, the liners minimize the amount of soil needed and thereby the weight, even for the biggest plants.

Start preparing now in the fall/winter for your spring/ summer, lush outdoor retreat with all of your tropicals and sub-tropicals. With Lechuza planters, moving plants not only saves your back, but lets you enjoy all the benefits of your plants year-round, stress-free.

Check-out all the amazing features of Lechuza’s selfwatering planter system at www.lechuza.ca or on Facebook at Lechuza Canada. ~

www.lechuza.ca Lechuza Canada

eo d i v r u o r Watch fo Facebook on s t n e m g e s grow o t s p i t for s t n a l p l u beautif OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

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Classico Color All-In-One Planter shown in white, slate & nutmeg.

Seasonal

GLOW

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lost one of my favourite things this summer. As many other parts of the world have experienced weather extremes, I learned very quickly that we are not exempt from the the ravages of turbulent weather on our own home turf. On that fateful June day while at work, my phone blew-up with calls and texts alerting me to the carnage awaiting me at home.

Pulling into my cul-de-sac, I saw many of my friends and neighbours surveying and assessing the damage that had struck earlier that afternoon. Initially, my foremost concern was the house, but as I stepped out of the truck, I realized that it was my beautiful and majestic Norway Maple in my front yard that had been brutally struck down. Shocked and stunned, one of my neighbours shook me back to reality with the practical question, “What are you gonna do for lights now?”

It was a sincere concern, I mean, I am the light guy after all and the neighbourhood looked forward to my big holiday light display every year. Without my Norway Maple though, what would I do? Would this be the end of my light display? What would I tell the kids? How would they react? A simple question, but one that hit me hard. All I could feel was grief.

By Scott Sim - Hamilton, ON

“

Many seasonal trends come and go, but a warm display of light is timeless.

”

That experience demonstrated to me the emotional connection we have to the bright lights of the festive season. Nothing brings more joy to those both inside and outside of a household than the glow of a well-lit home. The feeling of comfort and welcome gives us a true connection to the season.

For retailers, restaurants and other businesses this is an opportunity to literally outshine your competition. It shows your customers the importance of the holidays and exemplifies a commitment to your staff that you want to draw attention to consumers.

Many seasonal trends come and go, but a warm display of light is timeless. Certainly red, green and cool whites have their place as well. Light emitting diode (LED) has also become the new normal. I challenge anyone to say that the current offers of colour are any less impressive than their halogen counterparts. And who really likes having to replace bulbs at a frequent rate? LED have years of life to offer.

So, while I search for a new option to showcase my love for the lights of winter, I hope you can share an elegant presentation that not just your family will adore, but will also fill the hearts of your neighbours and friends. ~ OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

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Why Reforest the

Highway of Heroes?

By Mark Cullen Chair, Highway of Heroes Living Tribute

Question: “How would you like to die?”

Walter Cronkite: “In my sleep after celebrating the outbreak of permanent world peace.”

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erhaps you have heard that a group of Canadian volunteers are leading the charge in the planting of 117,000 native trees on the Highway of Heroes in Ontario.

You might ask ‘why’? Why are we planting in such a hostile environment, when it would be much easier to plant elsewhere, perhaps, on agricultural land?

The answer is two-fold: First, the busiest stretch of highway in North America provides an opportunity for us to improve conditions in an environment where it truly is most needed. Traffic on Highway 401 is a primary source of air pollution and the trees will make a measurable, positive difference by cleaning the air, producing oxygen, filtering toxins out of the air and rain water and providing a cooling effect for all travelling between (CFB) Trenton and Keele Street at the 401. This idea was born three years ago out 52 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com | IMPROVE DISTRICT

~Proust questionnaire, in Vanity Fair, 199

of environmental concerns on the part of 14 not-for-profit tree planting organisations, some of them national in scope like the Composting Council of Canada, Tree Canada and Landscape Canada, represented by Tony DiGiovanni.

Secondly, we have an opportunity to engage every Canadian in a unique public acknowledgment of those who have paid for the price for peace and freedom. 117,000 Canadians have been lost at war since Confederation. Coincidentally the highway provides about enough space on the right-of-way to plant that number of trees.

Bigger commitment Our commitment to honour those who served Canada in military service during times of war does not end there. We are planting 1.8 million additional trees on either side of the highway

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within the communities that the highway passes through to acknowledge the service of each person who volunteered for military service during times of war.

Jean Purdue is one of those people. While living in Toronto as a young woman in 1940 she saw many billboards around town that said, “Women, sign-up and let our men fight!” She stood with many others at the recruitment office to do whatever was asked of her. She served in a factory where munitions were produced. An original ‘Rosy the Riveter,’ a tree will be planted for Jean, of course, and the 1.8 million men and women who did the same: signed-up to help win peace.

WHAT Highway of Heroes?

This is a national magazine. Truth is there is a Highway of Heroes in every province. What makes the Ontario Highway of Heroes special? During the Afghan conflict 159 Canadians lost their lives. Each one of them was flown to CFB Trenton and driven down Highway 401 to the Coroners Office at Keele Street in Toronto. As each was honoured in this way Canadians gathered on bridges that intersected the highway to quietly pay tribute to the fallen as they passed by. The numbers swelled each time a procession was formed.

The organic phenomenon of the original Highway of Heroes serves as inspiration for our plan to replant it with trees. In the first two years of our campaign no one has told us that this is a bad idea. We have raised over $3.6 million, most of it from private Canadian donors, including support from TD Bank and Frank Cowan Company. Thousands of private citizens have stepped to the plate, donated their hard-earned cash (donations are tax deductible), volunteered for public tree planting days and helped to spread the word.

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By the end of 2018, we’ll have over 30,000 trees in the ground on the highway right-of-way and over 90,000 in total, including those planted “on the other side of the farmers fence”.

An Inspired Design We are not content to plant trees in a row. While our plant list includes mostly native species, no less than five landscape architects are providing in-kind services to help us create a plan for planting that will truly inspire travellers on the highway for generations to come.

Think of the transformation that Central Park provides New York City. Or Millennial Park in Chicago. Only 19-years-old it is now the largest tourist attraction in that city.

The Highway of Heroes will become a tourist attraction, instead of a bland ribbon of asphalt.

Clearly we have a long way to go. Our goal is to raise $10 million by 2020 and complete the planting by 2022.

And finally, thank-you. Many readers of Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine have stepped-up and offered in-kind services, products and cash support.

Every effort helps. We will plant the Highway of Heroes one tree at a time until we reach our limit of 2-million trees, just as our freedom was won, one volunteer at a time during times of war. ~

What can you do?

Volunteer We need planting supplies, trees, labour, equipment, mulch and soil.

Donate We need cash and would very much welcome any amount of money that you can afford to donate.

Tax deductible.

Spread the word Log-on and sign-up for our free monthly newsletter. Pass it on with a link to our website to friends and relatives who are predisposed to this campaign.

To volunteer, donate and sign up for our newsletter please go to www.hohtribute.ca

Mark Cullen is the volunteer Chair of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute.

He is a lifetime gardener, broadcaster, writer and member of the Order of Canada. www.markcullen.com 54 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com | IMPROVE DISTRICT

CANADIAN SOLDIERS LIVE FOREVER Join us in planting 2 million trees along the 401 Highway of Heroes, a tribute to the men and women who fought for Canada in our wars, and a living memorial to the 117,000 who died for freedom.

You can participate in honouring our military, protecting the environment and beautifying North America’s most travelled highway. Visit hohtribute.ca or call 905-875-0021 to get involved.

Illustration by Rick Jacobson

Proudly supported by

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Seasons

of Change

with Dave Maciulis Certified Landscape Designer, Natural Landscape Group

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hen it comes to creating the perfect outdoor cooking and entertaining space, a renovation renaissance is happening in Toronto’s backyards. Outdoor spaces are increasingly mirroring the indoors, and instead of a backyard being usable for a mere four months of the year, backyard grilling is happening through to the colder winter months.

Today, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to spend more than $40,000 to create their dream outdoor living spaces. From DCS Grills to fire pits and the perfect perennials to plant, here are Maciulis’ key 2018 trends to extend your outdoor living.

A Grill to Last In the past, homeowners were often reluctant to invest in a grill that

would endure, opting instead for cheaper models that ultimately couldn’t outlast the seasons and definitely weren’t an entertainer’s showpiece.

This year, however, DCS released a game changer with its Series 9 model.

The designers have thought of everything when it comes to functionality and performance; it’s effortless to use, beautiful to look at–and durable. From the range of foods it can cook, through to lighting and racking for easy use, this Series 9 grill will take your outdoor cooking to the next level.

“When I got my DCS Grill I was excited about the Hybrid Infrared Burner that is great for searing meat. There’s currently a trend for grilling bite-sized tapas and the DCS Series 9 is perfect for that,” says Maciulis.

While developing the Series 9 Grill, the designers delved into what people cooked mid-week compared to the weekend. Armed with this information, they

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made sure that lighting was integrated in the right places.

They also created a secondary cooking surface to ensure the cook has all the right tools to create the perfect meal.

A room outdoors Often landscape designers in Toronto found clients were keen to turn their outdoor spaces into typical English country gardens, building on Canada’s heritage and linking back to Victorian gardens with their beautiful blooms and high maintenance.

However, there’s been an evolution that has seen these spaces move away from these traditional garden and more to a functional outdoor living area. In 100 outdoor area jobs, 75 percent of them opted for a quality alfresco kitchen.

“I find myself being more of an interior designer – what we are coming up with are more like rooms and at its nucleus is the kitchen space,” says Maciulis.

Clients’ needs are changing to ensure their outdoor spaces have a top grill, stainless steel sink, a side burner and a trash center, and they’re willing to spend the money needed to transform these areas.

A garden to eat What you plant comes down to one question, according to Maciulis. How much time do you have during the week to maintain your outdoor spaces?

Many people want to spend less time gardening and more time enjoying the space, but they also want to get the most out of what they grow. There is a trend to incorporate a lot of edible greenery like herbs, strawberries, eggplants and tomatoes in outdoor spaces.

This means more container planting and fewer lush and abundant flowers dominating the outdoor area.

Of course, as the need to keep your outdoor space looking good all year around has started to increase, you’ll consider what to plant. Maciulis suggests perennials, ornamental grasses and evergreens.

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Light it up There’s an art to getting the right lighting outdoors. It’s not just illuminating space - when used effectively it can enhance and add features you wouldn’t think possible.

First, there is functional lighting, as living outdoors grows, midweek cooking is likely to be at twilight or in the dark, so you need to see what you are cooking.

The DCS Series 9 Grill has an integrated hood light that beautifully illuminates the food and bezel dials. These turn orange when the grill is on.

Next, light can be used to showcase what is planted in your outdoor space.

Illuminating your outdoor areas by strategically placing lights to enhance colours, shapes and shadows at night brings a whole new dimension to a garden area.

Maciulis likes to give homeowners the chance to experience all the senses when they are enjoying an outdoor space from the scent of flowers through to tree pods gently rattling in a light breeze.

Deck Your standard lumber deck is slowly being phased out in favour of the more expensive Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) varieties that look like wood but don’t rot and require minimum maintenance.

With many homes being built more narrow and taller, PVC decks on the first floor are often becoming the overhang shelter for the outdoor area downstairs.

Incorporated into this are heaters, stereo systems and lighting.

Firetainment Maciulis calls it the “firetainment center” – outdoor fireplaces and fire pits have become increasingly popular, providing the essential warmth for outdoor spaces so you can spend more time outdoors in the cooler months.

Fire pits are a natural gathering point in your outdoor oasis and can run on wood, propane or natural gas.

Homeowners are also replicating their indoor heating systems by using more affordable electric fireplaces outside. ~

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Zachary Kvas mixologist extraordinaire

Oot and Aboot

at Wayne Gretzky’s Distillery

by Renaldo Amato Hans Gruber: Who are you then?

John McClane: Just a fly in the ointment, Hans. A monkey in the wrench.

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felt like a kid on Christmas waiting for my drink from Zachary Kvas, mixologist extraordinaire, film buff and adoring husband. It is no secret that Kvas wears an assortment of hats. However, one thing I can say with absolute confidence is that above all else, he is truly an artist and a gallant role model for today’s aspiring creative professional.

Kvas’ incredible journey began with a love of film. With the goal of becoming an actor/director, Kvas’ journey lead him to film school and ultimately claiming his stake in the industry via a few pet projects he had taken on. The most notable, in my humble opinion, a documentary about Canada.

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Ah yes, the documentary. A film that would have him travel across Canada in search of what makes it the great nation that it is. Aptly titled Oot and Aboot, it’s needless to say how perfect it is that he now works at the Wayne Gretzky distillery in an outdoor patio and bar… that’s opened in the winter. A perfect crossroad of some of the greatest things Canada has to offer.

Hockey, alcohol and the urge to experience the outdoors despite the bitter, soul-draining cold our famous winters have to offer. But where does bartending come into the mix?

From a young age Kvas was exposed to the intricacies involved in understanding alcohol.

His mom, who worked for Peller passed down a host of knowledge about wines and even his sister was an influence. Kvas grew up with wine.

From there, the budding young connoisseur paid his dues working as a barista at Starbucks.

Apparently a good barista almost always makes a good bartender. And, as luck would have it, I am not the only person who would come to recognize this parallel. One of Kvas’ repeat customers, Marty Werner, was not blind to his talent and provided him with an opportunity to learn the wine business in Australia.

So off Kvas went. But right before he left, he was faced with a game-changing moment. He met the love of his life, and the person he would eventually end up marrying. Of course neither of them knew this then, but it would lead him to stop by Scotland on his way back. This is where he fell in love with his wife - and with whiskey.

The rest is pretty much history. He scooped up a job at The Backhouse Restaurant and spent eight months learning mixology under the hands of Stephanie Albert. And then Wayne Gretzky’s - the moment his whole screenplay of a life was leading up to. A new horizon in the form of an outdoor bar that gave him creative control in a capacity he’d never experienced before. And there I was.

Elbows sullenly perched on the bar in front of me, chin cradled in my hands. He’d asked me what I’d like to drink and I had decided to gallantly place my fate into his hands.

“Dealer’s choice,” I said. He didn’t even hesitate. You could tell he’d spent some time honing his craft. I really don’t remember him even looking up to see what syrups or spirits he was grabbing. That bar was an extension of him.

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Much like any other artist interacting with their tool of choice, I would imagine.

He places the drink in front of me. I inspect it carefully.

Looks pretty normal. Some reddish brown concoction topped with ice and three locally hand-picked cherries.

Actually, every ingredient in the drinks were made locally and were located within steps of where I was sitting. He doesn’t even ask me to try it. But in good spirit (pardon the pun) I take a sip. “That’s pretty good, quite smooth.”

“I know eh, pretty smooth for three kinds of whiskey.”

He answers. I almost fell off my chair (though that might have been from the whiskey). I couldn’t believe it. But this was him. This was his art.

And after all this, I really only had one thing left to ask. Everyone wants to know what a film buff ’s favourite movie is.

“Die hard my friend, of course.” ~

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The Pursuit of Happiness is twice the fun

By Brie Jarrett - Dundas, ON

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ith a name like Straw Hat Restoration, one could assume this to be a small construction company specializing in residential renovations. The myth is only reinforced by meeting the owners and operators of the business, twin brothers Jason and James Harrison. Both with an easy going manner and charming, disarming smiles, one immediately feels at ease, almost like meeting a friend. Adding to that, their employees and partners are also family members and friends and are all equally as engaging. With just three years into their Toronto-based business, Straw Hat Restoration is anything but small and the twins, anything but green. Small town values perhaps, but big city dreams.

Hailing from Collingwood, Ontario the brothers grew up with a hammer in hand, learning from their father’s construction business.

“Our entrepreneurial spirit... comes from our parents 100 percent. They are the forerunners, the pioneers for us,” says James. Today they pride themselves on being general contractors, builders, developers and entrepreneurs.

“Straw Hat Restoration is very multifaceted, and diverse,” explains Jason. “We will do any job, we will learn, and we have always learned that from our father. Read a book, learn how to do a job. We don’t say no, we don’t shy away from anything.”

Jason can’t resist adding, “But it’s 2018, so watch YouTube!” From decks, patios and residential renovations to commercial work on hospitals, universities and even the Toronto Stock Exchange, there’s nothing it seems the Straw Hat Restoration twins can’t do.

Currently, their biggest and most impressive construction build is a 30,000 square foot, mind-blowing indoor obstacle course called Pursuit OCR, scheduled for a soft opening in November and a grand opening in early 2019. Already having enjoyed success in downtown Toronto as the first indoor obstacle course recreation center of its kind in Ontario, Pursuit OCR owner Wil Mclean joined forces with Straw Hat Restoration when their location became slated for teardown to make way for condos. Straw Hat Restoration also shared office space in the same building, and during the relocation process became fast friends with Mclean and in turn took on the massive but definitely coolest build ever.

Pursuit OCR 2.0 will be a huge step up, tripling in size

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and features the first ever indoor pedal-powered drift trike racetrack that is wheelchair accessible. In fact, Pursuit OCR is not just for the super athletes, but has designed the course to allow for various degrees of challenges and is a great way for the everyday person who just wants to come out and enjoy themselves.

The relationship between the Harrisons and Mclean has led to another venture, an adventure theatre, which Straw Hat Restoration has named Call to Arms. Similar to the phenomena of the Marvel movies, where we get lost in this other world experience, Call to Arms wants you be the hero in your own live action video game, with what the twins call, “escape rooms on steroids� and a form of paintball but with Adam 6 silicon waffle balls that leave no paint and most importantly, no pain. The idea came from chatting with their cousin Bill, who at the time was unsure of what direction to take career wise and one thing led to another...maybe there were a few drinks involved, but the idea of Call to Arms was born. One hundred different variations later and Call to Arms will be live for action in the new year. Never to leave

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Pursuit OCR

a man behind, cousin Bill now works for Straw Hat Restoration as an estimator as well as building paintball blasters. “We’re not letting anyone in the family get out alive,” the twins joke.

Asked how they juggle everything, they humbly answer, “not very well.”

Only with the support of their family do they manage to do all that they do. For Straw Hat Restoration, having naturally formed a team as twins, their dream is to develop a team of like-minded individuals who are just as passionate as they are and build the dream together. It seems like with their strong family-based values they are already on their way. The pursuit of happiness is twice as fun when you do it with those you love. ~

• established in 2015 • the first indoor obstacle course recreation center of its kind in Ontario • Originally it was 9,500 square feet, the new location is over 30,000 square feet • it features the first ever indoor pedal-powered drift trike racetrack that is wheelchair accessible • the largest ball pit for adults in Ontario with over 100,000 balls • owned by Wil Mclean, the idea was first drawn up as a high school project for an entrepreneurship elective when he was 17 • serves over 1,500 guests a week • partnered with Straw Hat Restoration for the new build at the new location

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CANADIAN ABSINTHE

the green fairy

Eighteenth century Swiss medicine has come a long way. Forget all the negative press this spirit has ever received…most of that was exaggerated.

The Green Fairy is a delicious concoction of botanicals, green anise and sweet fennel, and its revival began in the 1990’s. It certainly packs a punch, so drink responsibly!

DILLON’S Two years of experimentation with the best botanicals Dillon’s could find, or grow themselves, resulted in a balanced absinthe that sets them apart.

Starting out gentle and transitioning into a more pronounced richness, although the anise, fennel and wormwood are ever-present, they do not overpower the more subtle flavours of the other herbs and spices. By not relying heavily on star anise, the mouthfeel is smooth and clean while the spirit remains only slightly bitter. It has a finish that will last until your next sip.

Smooth, yet spicy. Classic yet new.

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DEEP ROOTS A beautifully potent and pure liquor hand-crafted in small limited batches. Each bottle is uniquely labeled with it’s own bottle number indicating a specific batch.

Utilizing traditional methods by employing multiple distilling and infusing stages, Deep Roots uses a base of its own distilled spirits and a carefully selected mix of dried and fresh botanicals, with absolutely no artificial flavourings or colouring added.

Each batch is slightly unique in colour due to the selection of fresh herbs and the influence of each growing season.

OKANAGAN SPIRITS Using the same traditional distilling methods and original recipes of the early 19th Century, Okanagan Spirits gives you Taboo Genuine Absinthe.

Set aside your convictions and embrace this once forbidden spirit in its most traditional form. Okanagan Spirits Taboo Genuine Absinthe is a black liquorice flavour explosion of fennel and anise, with a silky smooth and refreshingly cool finish on the palate.

Photography by Robert Skuja

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PATIO FARE

The Bicycle Thief Fire & Ice Bar

By Deborah Rent

T

his story starts in post–World War II, Italy. We meet a poor man struggling to feed his family.

He finally gets a job that will help pull them out of poverty. As bad luck would have it, it is a job that requires him to use a bicycle, one that becomes stolen soon after. We are taken on a journey through Rome as the man desperately searches for it, believing it to be the only thing to save his family. In one scene the man exclaims “To hell with it! You want a pizza?” This is the premise for The Bicycle Thief – an Italian movie that was ranked as one of the greatest films ever. It explains the large sculpture outside an award-winning Italian restaurant in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia; metal antique bicycles painted a muted red and fused together in the shape of a pine tree.

Welcome to The Bicycle Thief, one of the trendiest spots in the city, where they proudly serve North American food with an Italian soul. The restaurant is nestled in the corner of the U-shaped courtyard of Bishops Landing which is home to high-end boutiques,

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shops and restaurants on Halifax’s waterfront. The Bicycle Thief is located directly on the boardwalk with spectacular views of Halifax Harbour. With a distinctly European feel, the restaurant is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

In the summer the patio is packed with people sitting at bleached wood tables with bright red umbrellas providing shade from the bright hot sun. During the bitter cold winter though, Halifax’s waterfront is not a place one would expect to see people sitting outside enjoying a drink. However, you would be wrong. The Bicycle Thief is literally one of the coolest spots in the city.

Bundled up as you quickly race towards the restaurant, bracing yourself against the bitter north winds blowing up the harbour, the first thing you see is the infamous red metal bicycle tree adorned with strings of white lights. Christmas trees, also aglow with twinkling white lights, are positioned to block the winds. It’s like a scene from a grown-up winter wonderland, with the highlight being a bar made from antiqued white-washed barn

boards, looking like a wintry version of the wide planks of the nearby boardwalk. Staff behind the bar looks every bit Canadian with their down filled jackets, warm toques, scarves and gloves. Heaters throw a warm glow and faux fur blankets are strewn on the sheep skin bar stools.

During the summer, this is their outdoor champagne bar, but now protected from the frigid winds, it has been transformed into the Fire & Ice Bar where you can actually embrace winter with warm mulled wine or a grown-up hot chocolate!

“The experience is one of a kind,” says owner Hakan Uluer. “It is the best setting in town during the long cold winter.”

The staff at this fully winterized outdoor heavenly bar serve up a healthy dose of warm hospitality. “It comes from the heart. We treat every single person as if they are coming to our home. Each of our managers has a mission to find a kindness opportunity,” says Uluer. “And opportunities are everywhere, whether it’s to bring another blanket or a scarf for extra warmth or for our bartender to make you smile. If it makes our guests happy we will not hesitate to do it. When it comes from the heart, it feels great. We want your stay here to be memorable.”

It’s not unusual to see folks sitting at the Fire & Ice Bar for as long as two to five hours at a time. It’s Nova Scotia and its winter, yet The Bicycle Thief has convinced people to sit outside and drink. Clearly this is the way winter was meant to be enjoyed. The Bicycle Thief, where hot cocktails take the sting out of frigid winds and an evening outdoors is not only possible, it is thoroughly enjoyable!

The Fire & Ice Bar is open during the winter at 5 p.m. until late, Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. ~ bicyclethief.ca facebook.com/bicyclethief1475 instagram/ourbicyclethief

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home grown

D O O G S I E G CHAN

By Bryen Dunn

Photos by Francesca Ludikar Hair & make-up by Ashley Vieira

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L

ike any indie band out there, Monowhales have gone through changes and incarnations, whether that be sound, creativity, technology, or band members.

Drummer Jordan Circosta stated, “Our sound and our writing style has changed completely over the past few years, and we’ve gone from being a pretty traditional rock band to nowadays not using amps or even a bass player.

Music is a universe where you have to be willing to change, especially now since the industry has lost a lot of the major revenue streams that have kept it afloat all these years. I think the biggest change for us in the past year was making the commitment to trust a producer to take hold of the recording process and help us create our new EP, Control Freak.”

He explains how things evolved. “We’re used to micromanaging every single aspect of our recordings so trusting our producer Al P (MSTRKRFT) to take the lead was a big leap for us, but one we don’t regret making. Working with him was a real positive experience. He pushed us outside our comfort zone and had us thinking about recording in a way we hadn’t experimented with before. Some of the drums on the record were tracked one drum at a time, and

Jordan Circosta - Drums

Album cover Control Freak

Zach Zanardo - Guitar

Sally Shaar - Vocals

Holly Jamieson - Synthesizers OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

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we had Graham Walsh of Holy Fuck on board for some guitar and vocal tracking which was a really good time. I think Al gave the record a flavour we hope remains in our moustaches for years to come. We stitched Control Freak together like Frankenstein and put it out as soon as we could to terrorize the public. It’s a collection of songs that don’t necessarily share any kind of thematic elements, but as a whole they manage to stand up and walk around a bit.”

For the band, who were formerly called Ginger Ale and the Monowhales, this is their first EP under their new shortened moniker. Two singles, Take It Back, and Real Love, were released previously and are also included on the new release. Circosta describes their new sound as, “...kind of like dropping a toaster into a bathtub full of cream soda. Real tasty and life-threatening at the same time. We come from very different backgrounds musically so the combination always turns into something a little scary and unexpected.”

As individuals each member is influenced by different artists, but as a group Circosta states, “Our music has elements of early 2000s alt rock, with a bit of Iggy Pop, K. Flay, and Queens of the Stone Age mixed in.” As for being in an indie band, Circosta cites “trying to move out of your parent’s basement” as the most challenging part, but the plus side is, “playing live.”

“We’d love to tour the major American festivals like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Governor’s Ball, but Canadian festivals like Osheaga are on our wish list too! Festivals are fun, but I think we still feel most comfortable rocking clubs and concert halls.

It’s easier to feel the crowd when everyone’s a little cramped and sweaty.” ~ 76 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com | DISCOVER DISTRICT

Check them out on Facebook to see where they’ll be playing next. www.facebook.com/MONOWHALES

UPCOMING TOUR DATES 02 Nov MONOWHALES + The Royal Foundry @ Sanctuary Centre for the Arts - Fort Erie 03 Nov MONOWHALES w/ The Royal Foundry, What If Elephants, Running Violet @ Rivoli Toronto 04 Nov MONOWHALES + The Royal Foundry @ Rum Runners London 05 Nov MONOWHALES + The Royal Foundry @ The Windsor Beer Exchange 08 Nov MONOWHALES + The Royal Foundry w/ Oaks Above @ Petit Campus Montréal 09 Nov MONOWHALES + The Royal Foundry @ Boquébière Sherbrooke 10 Nov MONOWHALES + The Royal Foundry @ House of TARG Ottawa

The Essence of

Essential Oils

By Sarah Penney, ND - Hamilton, ON

E

ssential oils used for health seem to be everywhere we turn right now. Ads and articles pepper social media, you might even be seeing these oils in local grocery stores, or know friends who have become distributors. Do these small glass bottles really contain the answers for everything from diabetes to thyroid disorders?

Human research on essential oils is in its infancy compared to this booming market – the trend has swept consumers faster than science has been able to keep up. There are a few essential oils, that as a naturopathic doctor I use in practice to treat things like anxiety, IBS and acne that actually have some research on them regarding human use. These include: LAVENDER OIL

This is one essential oil that has been studied in different forms largely for stress and anxiety. There is evidence to suggest that daily use of a standardized capsule dosage can help some people with generalized anxiety disorder. Using this oil as aromatherapy may also help with sleeping issues in some.

PEPPERMINT OIL

SAFETY It is important to understand that essential oils are very concentrated and potent, each with a myriad of active ingredients. Some of these ingredients can be toxic to the body in high amounts. Not many are safe for internal use, and I only recommend some encapsulated forms mentioned above that are specifically manufactured, standardized and studied for human ingestion. Internal consumption of oils added to drinks or foods can irritate the throat and stomach, and put a burden on liver detoxification. The liver has to process every compound and toxin our body comes into contact with through the air we breathe, food we consume, or formulas we apply on our skin. The components in essential oils enter our body through all these pathways and affect the liver in high amounts. Essential oils in topical or oral form should be used with extreme caution in children, as these compounds can be harder for their liver to break down.

While research shows that some essential oils can provide health benefits to those who use them, caution should be taken to avoid excessive exposure. Remember that not everything natural is safe! ~

It is well known that peppermint can help soothe an upset stomach – and that is because of its essential oils! The oil in peppermint leaves has an antispasmodic effect (which means it helps to calm spasms in the intestine) and has been shown to help some people with irritable bowel disease (IBS) in capsule form. Covering a steeping peppermint tea is a great way to trap these oils in and get this benefit too!

TEA TREE OIL Tea tree is a tried and tested topical treatment for acne.

Research suggests that this essential oil can have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions to help blemishes and inhibit bacterial overgrowth in mild to moderate acne.

Irritation of the skin may occur if the oil is not diluted or you have a reaction, and spot testing before widespread use is always recommended.

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PLANT PICKS

JustAsk

Dave

Dave Maciulis is a certified landscape designer with Natural Landscape Group, public speaker and all around landscape guru with more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the field.

With many plants to consider for fall colour interest, these are Dave’s personal favourites for designing stunning landscapes.

FOR FREE LANDSCAPING ADVICE with Dave Maciulis

Canadian Serviceberry

amelanchier canadenisis A naturally beautiful small tree or large multi-stem shrub, it masses of showy white flowers in spring, edible berries in June, and amazing shades of gold, orange and red in autumn. This Canadian native tree has been a focal point in front yards and specimen plantings in back yards; a real asset in the landscape.

Silver leaf dogwood

cornus alba ‘elegantissima’ This shrub has proven to be a reliable asset in the landscape.

Brightly variegated green and white leaves. Backdropped to low spreading evergreens the dark red branches provide winter contrast.

Used as foundation plantings or shrub borders the plants are ideal for cutting for winter bouquets.

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JustAskDave.ca

river birch

betula nigra

The river birch tree is often used in landscape design due to its graceful drooping limbs and attractive colour. During the growing season the cinnamon peeling bark looks amazing with the delicate green leaves. In the fall, the yellow leaves are noticed in the landscape. The winter snow captures limbs and peeling textured bark that has much interest with up-lighting during the winter.

Ginkgo

ginkgo biloba Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species. Gingko have a distinctive fan-shaped leaves that are a lovely green colour that turn brilliant yellow in the fall. They are graceful in their habit and very resistant to pest and disease.

Burning Bush

euonymus alatus

If you’re looking for a burst of crimson color in fall you should learn how to grow a burning bush. The plant is from a large group of shrubs and small trees in the genus Euonymous. This large bush has a natural open form with green leaves during the growing season, turning a showy red fall colour that shows well in borders, beds and even containers. Care of burning bush is minimal too, which makes the plant an excellent choice for even novice gardeners.

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comic relief

Winds

The

of Change

by Peter Vogler

T

he winds of change have been blowing hard around this spinning old globe of ours lately and it’s leaving me vexed. Yes, vexed. I just wanted to use that word. It’s an old and respectable word.

What’s old but distinctly not respectable in this new world being scoured by the winds of change is Donald Trump. We expect a certain amount of dishonesty and skullduggery from our politicians but Trump has taken this to new heights. The foul breeze emanating from the obscene smokestack of his soul is breath-taking, er - deplorable.

At least it’s being mitigated by the sweet fragrance of cannabis, the possession of which will no longer land you in jail. Why this innocent weed was ever under the scrutiny of our justice system is beyond me, but hey, for once, more reasonable “heads” have prevailed. Either that, or the smell of easy profit has lured the once sober senators of our country to vote for its legalization.

Not quite on topic but did you know that not only the winds, but the tides are changing? This is apparently more important than it sounds and not just because surfers and sailboarders may accidentally turn up on the wrong coast.

The Pacific Ocean has turned into a giant toilet bowl of ocean waste, mostly plastic, but unlike a toilet it has nowhere to go except around and around, a great vortex waiting for some giant plug to be pulled or plunger to be flushed. Yuck, I’m gonna think about my new iPhone instead.

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If someone could, remind me again what life was like before iPhones please. Please?! I vaguely remember having a box-like machine with a tape in it that recorded my telephone messages. And a sorta banana-shaped item with a kind of fun curly cord attached to it that I talked into. I can’t remember if it ever spoke back to me. I do know that I never once took any of it across the street in traffic with my eyes glued to it.

For the longest time evolution moved oh so slowly, glacially in fact, speaking of which the glaciers I saw as a kid above my head here in Whistler are receding faster than a cold beer on a hot day. Anyway, where it used to take millions of years for a species to evolve into a new form it only takes a day or two now to evolve a perfectly good goldfish into a perfectly purple specimen, which begs the question: is it still a goldfish? Or does that make it a purplefish or a purple-goldfish? Genesplicing is fun!

Too much change too fast - help! It might be time for a good old biblical wind to blow out all the carbon, the garbage and all the other crap we’ve been tossing out willy-nilly like a three-year-old discovering a roll of toilet paper for the first time. We’re kinda pushing our luck and a good old cleanse is coming our way.

We got a flood in Noah’s time, we’ve done the plague of locusts, there’s the fire below being staged by Satan’s real estate team. The winds of change are about to turn into a hurricane. ~

.ca

download SoundCloud and listen now

ac.

the not so average joE

Not so

Average Joe

By Raymond Hill - Dundas, Ontario

J

oel Matthew Reynolds was born in Oakville, Ontario to Don and Trudie. Mom was a homemaker, and Dad, an NHL Player Agent.

The fifth in a line of seven children (six boys and one girl), Reynolds naturally loved playing hockey and explored his creative side through drawing. Music was also a creative outlet for him. He and some of his brothers started a band and played at venues all over Ontario and into the USA. Creativity all around in this family!

FAVES • music/band - The Beatles • pastime - Road cycling • beverage - Coffee • piece of clothing - Anything that fits. Being 6’7” makes it difficult to find clothing • time of day - Sleep time • colour - Blue • place to travel to - California JOEL’S BEST BURGERS 1 lb ground beef 1 egg yolk 1 tbsp dijon 1 tbsp ketchup 2 shakes Worcestershire sauce salt & pepper to taste 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup finely diced red onion

Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Science in Art from Harding University in Arkansas. While studying fine arts, he thought he’d try his hand at graphic design and photography. Although he is clearly talented in the arts as a whole, photography appeared to be something that he was extraordinary at. So extraordinary in fact, that we chose one of Reynolds’s photos as our cover for this issue of Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine!

“It’s always fun when I can combine my love of traveling with photography - going to California (and particularly Yosemite National Park) and shooting landscapes is too much fun!”

After being the art director at a marketing agency for more than eight years, he started his own brand development company, Capture Studio Inc., three-and-a-half years ago.

“I typically get involved in the branding and rebranding of a business which is expressed in their corporate identity/logo, but starts by really examining who they are as a business, who their customer is, what they do better than their competition, etc. Once we know who they are, we can express that visually and through creative writing.

Photography is usually an important communications piece for my clients because they tend to be businesses that work on and around their customer’s homes. This means to sell their work, they need to present their work as professionally as they can to homeowners.”

Reynolds and his wife have been blessed with five - yes five children! “Watching them grow everyday is such a huge gift. Their ages right now are 12, 10, 7, 6, and 4, so we’re at a really fun time of life.”

Where does Reynolds see himself in 10 years from now? “I keep getting opportunities to do branding, web design and photography for some amazing businesses. Brand development can really set a business apart and I’m looking forward to running a studio that is instrumental in the success of other businesses.” ~

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TAKE YOUR DECK BEYOND ORDINARY

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Learn more at

DECKORATORS.CA

GET THIS LOOK Vault Dusk decking with InvisiRail™ railing OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

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