On The Bay Summer Issue

SUMMER 2016

w w w . o n t h e baym ag az i n e . c o m

ADVENTURES

by Land, Sea & Air

Alien Invader At war with a monster plant

Agri-Food Innovations Local producers get creative

Outdoor Kitchens

$5 .9 5

NEW RELEASE!

BUNGALOW LOFT TOWNHOMES! With the new release of bungalow loft townhomes it’s easy to see why the excitement is building at Blue Fairway, Collingwood’s premier golf and ski community. See for yourself why homebuyers put their trust in the award winning builder of The Orchard at Craigleith. It’s the new level of luxury you’ve been waiting for. Visit our sales office today!

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Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. All images are artist’s concept only. Broker’s protected. E. & O. E.

OUR Real Estate TEAM Concept What is it all about? What sets us apart?

Learn more at www.chriskeleher.ca (Blog titled TEAM Concept)

Chris

Keleher Broker BBA M.Ed

705.888.4624

chriskeleher@mac.com 877.705.445.5520 Ext 236 www.chriskeleher.ca

National Top 1%

Walk to Blue Mountain Village - 4000 sq. ft. Custom home on almost an acre of land. 5 beds, 5 baths plus finished studio. Private backyard oasis and numerous gathering areas, perfect for entertaining! $1,700,000 MLS®1614511 lockHart FaMily HoMe Sought after neighbourhood updated 3+1 beds & 3 bath home.

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Sales Representative

705.446.8688

lamatthews@royallepage.ca

PriVacy & VieWs in creeMore Enjoy the view from the patio of this beautiful estate home on an acreage lot. 3+ beds, 3 baths, walk to town & mins to Madd River Golf. $825,000 MLS®1613076

WaterFront geM Private Collingwood waterfront home on the shores of Georgian Bay. Garage with finished loft and bunk house. $979,000 MLS®1612175

Heart oF Blue Mountain 2 Storey chalet walking distance to the village. 4 beds, 2.5 baths, gas f/p & finished basement with rec room.

Large 59’ X 150’ lot. $549,000 MLS® 1613930

retreat to tHe WooDlanDs! Full time living or weekend getaway! Entertain with ease 5 beds, 4.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, and a 2nd entrance to recreation area. $1,295,000 MLS®1612337

wenDY eMMett

Sales Representative

705.994.4224

wendyemmett@royallepage.ca

Princeton sHores Waterfront living in the heart of it all.

Custom built home, complete with boat launch, dock & lagoon! $2,495,000 MLS® 1614577

MarCIa alDersOn Broker

Office: 330 First Street Collingwood

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INTHISISSUE CONTENTS 16 A Fish Story True confessions from the 9th Concession.

BY DAN NEEDLES

19 Alien Invader

42

A monster plant is taking over our wetlands, shorelines and roadsides, choking out other plants and wildlife. What is it and how can we fight it?

BY MARC HUMINILOWYCZ

32 Take it Outside!

Outdoor kitchens make backyard cooking better than ever.

BY JUDY ROSS

42 Agri-Food Innovation With a bounty of farm-fresh foods in our midst, local entrepreneurs are finding new and innovative ways to grow, process, utilize and promote our agricultural assets.

BY MARC HUMINILOWYCZ

57 Cocktail Time!

Make the perfect bevvy this summer by combining our area’s spirits with other local ingredients.

BY EMILY WORTS

60 Land, Sea & Air Summer adventures offer breathtaking views and exhilarating

60

experiences.

BY LAURIE STEPHENS

74 Stage Whispers Local theatre has undergone an evolution in Southern Georgian Bay.

BY JUDY ROSS

85 Seeing Differently Contemporary impressionist painter John David Anderson translates visual discoveries into compositions of colour and light.

89 Thornbury Heat! NEW COLUMN

DEPARTMENTS 10 From our Editor 12 From our Readers 100 Marketplace 101 Gallery of Realtors 113 Reader Buying Guide 114 Looking Back

19

7 things you need to know about the Thornbury real estate market.

BY JANET LEES

93 Openings

SUMMER 2016

www.on th ebaymag azin e.com

$ 5 . 9 5

Southern Georgian Bay continues to offer unique shopping and culinary experiences, along with new service providers to meet every

ADVENTURES

by Land, Sea & Air

need. Here’s the latest on new business openings as well as business transformations including new owners, moves and major renovations.

More great reasons to shop local!

BY JANET LEES

Alien Invader At war with a monster plant

Agri-Food Innovations Local producers get creative

Outdoor Kitchens

ON THE COVER: Emma Linklater takes a treetop stroll as part of the Scenic Caves Eco Adventure tour.

PHOTO BY KRISTIE WOODS

32

FOUR SEASON RETREATS Invest in Enjoyment!

ICE

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PR

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PR

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 2 P UB L I S H ER

GROuND FLOOR LIVING 3 Bedroom upgraded condo in popular Wyldewood Complex no stairs, 2 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, 2 patios - overlooks year round pool. Asking $299,900

INVESTOR ALERT Legal STA rentals since July ‘15.

Ideal Sierra Lane at Blue Mtn! Park free, walk to ski lifts, golf, Village. 3 bdrm + loft, 3 baths, high ceilings, f/p, Mtn view, outdoor pool, contents incl! Asking $369,900

Jeffrey Shearer jshearer@onthebaymagazine.com ED I T OR

Janet Lees janet.lees@me.com A R T DI R ECT OR

Holger Meiche ADMIN . , CI R CUL AT I ON A N D P R OD UCT I ON

Cindy Caines A DV ER T I S I N G DES I G N

Tara McLellan P R OOF R EA DER

Anita Hunter L I S T I N G S COOR DI N ATOR

Sheila Johnston D I S T R I B UT I ON COOR DI N ATOR

SNOWBRIDGE AT BLuE MTN 1818 sf 3 bdrm furnished condo, surrounded by golf course, steps to pool. Paved walk/bike trails, free shuttle to Blue’s lifts & private beach. HST paid! Enjoy personal use or rent it out. Asking $379,900

BEACH, SKI, G. TRAIL Are all steps away from this reno’d 4 bdrm bungalow across from Craigleith Depot! Open concept, granite counters, hrdwd flrs, fin bsmt inc bath w heated flring, 1 car grg w entry to mudroom. $449,900

Peter Gibson CON T R I B UT I N G W R I T ER S

Marc Huminilowycz, Janet Lees, Dan Needles, Judy Ross, Laurie Stephens, Emily Worts CON T R I B UT I N G PHO T OG R A P H ER S & I L L US T R A T OR S

Shelagh Armstrong-Hodgson, Jessica Crandlemire, John David Anderson, Derek Trask, Kristie & Brenden Woods

REG I ON A L A DV ER T I S I N G S A L ES

705-444-9192 S H A UN A B UR K E

sburke@onthebaymagazine.com PAT T I B OW DEN

pbowden@onthebaymagazine.com

DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT LIVING 1800 sf loft style penthouse w expansive Bay views from all windows.

Architecturally redesigned 1 large bdrm + den, 2 full baths. 2 exc use underground parking spaces. Asking $799,900

CRAIGLEITH / ALPINE Exec 4 bdrm chalet, views of ski hills, cul-de-sac of upscale homes. Gourmet kitch, distressed hemlock flrs, main flr master, full bsmnt, easy care grounds.

Walking trail to Craigleith, 1 km to beach. Asking $949,900

IN FO R MATIO N A N D R A T ES F OR N A T I ON A L A D V ER T I S ER S

www.bigcountrymagazines.com On The Bay is published by On The Bay Magazine Inc. 4 issues per year and distributed by Canada Post to the majority of households and businesses in Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Nottawa, Craigleith, Glencairn, Thornbury, Clarksburg, Ravenna, Markdale, Meaford, Creemore, Duntroon, Stayner, Glen Huron, Dunedin, Kimberley, Singhampton and Flesherton.

The magazine is also distributed to hotels, resorts, developer showrooms, realtor offices, and to members of private ski and golf clubs in the area.

PRIVATE YET CENTRAL A must-see unique home on Silver Creek, cul-de-sac, between Blue Mtn & C`wood. 5 bdrms, 3 baths, large entertainment deck overlooking river, lower level walkout to hot tub, tennis (pickle ball) court w referee & view seating, basketball hoop, 2 car garage. Acres of walking trails. Asking $1,279,900

Subscriptions outside the distribution area are $25.95 per year for 4 issues (including HST), payable by cheque or credit card.

No part of On The Bay may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent of On The Bay Magazine Inc. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or staff of On The Bay Magazine.

Letters to the editor are welcome: readermail@onthebaymagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40943009 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: On The Bay Magazine Suite 201, 186 Hurontario St., Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 4T4

Jane Moysey Broker (705) 888-1982 jane@janemoysey.com

Two heads ARE better than one!

Lorraine McDonald Sales Representative (705) 444-4216 lorrainemcdonald@ royallepage.ca

LOCAL . GLOBAL . PROUDLY CANADIAN . Helping YOU is what we do.

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ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

Tel: 705-444-9192 Toll-free: 1-888-282-2014 Fax: 705-444-5658 Printed in Canada by Ironstone Media.

www.onthebaymagazine.com

With over 95% subscribed members it now appears we will reach our goal of full privacy for this season. Our members can look forward to a truly private experience at one of Canada's premier golf and country clubs. There remains a limited number of memberships available for the 2016 season. We look forward to hearing from you over the coming months.

“All of us at Oslerbrook wish to thank you for the trust and support you have given us during our first two seasons at Oslerbrook Golf & Country Club.�

Bill MacWilliam, President

For your private viewing contact us today.

2684 10th Concession N. Collingwood, ON 705.444.5588

Linda Morra 705.444.5588 ext. 226 lmorra@oslerbrook.com

www.oslerbrook.com

F R O M O U R E D I T O R

PHOTO BY JESSICA CRANDLEMIRE

understand the issues that affect us all. I’m a big believer that information is power – just ask my friends, who lovingly (I hope) call me the Queen of Research. Whether or not you agree with something, and whether or not you choose to do something about it, your basic responsibility as a citizen on this planet, I firmly believe, is to be informed. And that’s my mission as editor of On The Bay: to inform our readers and maybe, just maybe, spark a change for the better.

In this issue, writer Marc Huminilowycz informs us about a giant alien plant, invasive phragmites, which is taking over our shorelines and wetlands at the expense of other forms of plant and animal life. It’s a highly informative story and a great read, with a clear “call to action” about how you can help. Marc also contributed a second piece about agri-food innovation – local food entrepreneurs who are making the most of our agricultural riches.

The other stories on the following pages are equally informative and enjoyable. Writer Laurie Stephens takes us on some exciting summer adventures on land, sea and air. Judy Ross explores the lively local theatre scene in one story and spotlights some pretty spectacular outdoor kitchens in another. Emily Worts writes about using local ingredients in summer cocktails – from her unique vantage point as both a caterer and a descendent of one of Canada’s original distillers.

Other stories in this issue include my real estate column (a new regular

Stories, Stories,

Everywhere!

I’m often asked how I come up with story ideas for On The Bay, and if I’m ever worried I’ll run out of ideas.

The answer to the first question is simple: I pay attention. I listen to what people are talking about in our communities. I scour Facebook to see what is being posted, commented on, shared and discussed. I read local newspapers to find out what is going on. Then I figure out whether a topic or issue can be “On The Bayized.” By that I mean, does it have a broad scope across our region? Is it of interest to our audience? Does it directly impact our readers? Is there a “big picture” we can explore and examine, rather than just reporting on a single event? My stock in trade, in a single word: curiosity. It may have killed the cat, but it is an editor’s lifeblood.

The answer to the second question – am I worried I’ll run out of ideas – is an emphatic NO! Our region offers rich fodder for all kinds of stories, from interesting people, beautiful homes and unique local businesses to four-season outdoor activities, amazing food and restaurants, incredible local artists, and an arts and culture scene that puts the heart and soul into our communities.

And then there are the issues. Like any area, we grapple with political, social and environmental challenges to our way of life and our enjoyment of this little corner of paradise. Whether it’s giant wind turbines, gravel pits, water levels or sharing our roads with cyclists, it’s important to

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ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

Whether or not you agree with something, and whether or not you choose to do something about it, your basic responsibility as a citizen on this planet, I firmly believe, is to be informed. And that’s my mission as editor of On The Bay: to inform our readers and maybe, just maybe, spark a change for the better.

feature) about the hot Thornbury market, our Openings section highlighting new local businesses, our Artist Spotlight profiling a fabulous local artist, and the ever-popular Dan Needles giving his wry recollections of an illfated fishing trip.

Variety is the spice of life, and our tagline at On The Bay is “Celebrating Life in Southern Georgian Bay,” so by extension we’re celebrating the variety that makes life here so very spicy. And don’t worry – I haven’t used up all the good story ideas yet. In fact, I’m already getting excited about some new ones. ❧

NOMINATE A GRASSROOTS HERO Do you know of a hero in our midst?

Someone who goes “above and beyond” on a volunteer basis to make a positive impact in Southern Georgian Bay? We are now accepting nominations for On The Bay’s 2016 Salute to Our Grassroots Heroes. We will make our selections in September, 2016 to be published in the Winter 2016 issue. To submit your nomination, go to www.onthebaymagazine.com and click “Nominate a Hero” on the bottom right.

YES. WE’RE MORE. We deliver more in every area of design, construction and service. Tailor-fit for you.

Not sure what “more” looks like?

WATCH OUR CLIENTS’ VIDEOS AT: thelandmarkgroup.ca

THINK OUTSIDE.

READERMAIL Editor’s Note: The wind turbine issue continues to garner letters as both sides weigh in. The conversation continues …

FROM OUR

READERS RE: REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT, SPRING 2016 Once again, On The Bay Magazine has put together an excellent study on the issues affecting our area. Your in-depth information on our real estate market covered all the important areas when buying and selling a home in our fast-paced market.

As a real estate agent working in the area, I have given out the magazine and referred to it many times, especially to our out-of-town clients who are not aware of how to approach our market. Thanks again; your magazine is a great asset to our community.

Anne Young, Collingwood/ Blue Mountain

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SPRING 2016

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Our Housing Market is

Blooming!

Tips from experts on buythe ing and selling

All Decked Ou

t Making the most of outdoor living

Container Garden ing Bright ideas for colo urful planters

In your spring edition, publisher Jeffrey Shearer writes that for 12 years your magazine has proudly stood against wind as a source of renewable energy for the Southern Georgian Bay region. Being negative all that time is not helpful and does not serve the community you aim to serve.

I have only been in the area for five years but I have never read any editorials or articles in your magazine that support any form of renewable energy. If you are going to take on this issue in your editorials, then you should explain to your readers what you think should be done to fill our growing energy demands.

What would you propose as an alternative to renewable energy using wind or solar sources? Do you prefer your electricity to come from more hydro? Dams on the Beaver River, perhaps. Do you prefer your electricity to come from infernos fueled by nuclear or fossil fuels? No concerns with the dangers of transportation, disposal, environmental and health impacts of these methods?

Comparisons of the long-term total costs, risks, potential health effects and environment issues of wind and solar vs. alternatives have been done scientifically. Renewable energy is the best way forward and the costs of implementation are dropping steadily.

Quit being a “Canute” or a “Luddite” trying to hold back tides or technology.

Instead, try working with those who are implementing solutions to meet future energy needs while reducing causes and impacts of severe climate change.

A person who has lived his whole life near the bay, in Meaford, gave me this interesting insight: “Something unusual happens two days a year on the highlands overlooking the bay.... NO WIND!” It’s a “free” natural resource that we have. We should use it.

Current implementation of wind and solar helped us get rid of coal plants.

Good riddance! But wind and solar can and should be used to do much more.

Spouting NIMBY and CAVE arguments simply has not worked for you for 12 years and won’t solve the energy and climate problems we face going forward.

Dave MacDougall, Meaford

6/8/2016 4:10:46 PM

On The Bay publisher Jeffrey Shearer has this response to the letter at left: No, Dave, wind is not free! You asked us why we were opposed to wind turbines and what we should be doing to fill our growing energy needs if it’s not through renewable energy.

The answer, Dave, is that not only are Ontario’s energy needs not growing, we have had excess energy for eight years. The fact is, manufacturing has fled Ontario’s sky-high energy rates, driven largely by subsidizing unreliable wind and solar power.

What renewables do we support? Personally, I support ground source heating, rooftop solar and privately owned windmills – under 100 feet high – that are locally approved by our townships and communities. I also support reducing our energy needs through better-insulated homes and businesses and lowering emission from cars and trucks. And yes, even incentives for electric cars.

What we don’t support is subsidizing corporate wind and solar companies to the tune of billions of dollars, driving up our hydro bills to the highest in North America. And we don’t support placing 50-storey-high turbines near people’s homes, near airports or on prime agricultural land.

The bitter truth is that, like it or not, in Ontario wind and solar power will never be able to replace nuclear power, which has proven to be safe, reliable and far more affordable in the long run than any renewable energy. And it’s nuts that Ontario should have to sell our excess energy to other provinces and states for a quarter of what it costs us to produce.

So for Pete’s sake, Dave, wind and solar are not free. Subsidized, they are the most expensive energy on the planet! Just look at your last hydro bill.

Jeff Shearer, Publisher

Just How Tall Are The New Breed of Wind Turbines?

Collingwood Terminals 150 ft.

Wind Turbine 500 ft.

2-Storey Home 35 ft.

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ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

13

READERMAIL Unfortunately many people simply do not realize that if WPD is allowed to proceed with building its Fairview Wind Farm, every citizen/taxpayer in Clearview will be negatively impacted for any number of reasons, no matter where they live in the township.

Contrary to any academic/industry study you may have read, those living in close proximity to 500-foot industrial wind turbines (IWTs) will see their property values and taxes decline (tax-loss selling will be common). Statistical evidence is available to prove the point.

Certain jobs in the immediate area of the wind farm could very well disappear for any one of a number of reasons including economic, socioeconomic, environmental, ecological, health, public safety.

Those not living as close to the IWTs will see their property taxes increase (yes, they are in for a total surprise) – because the mill rate, set annually, is applicable to all the properties in the township and municipal council must balance the budget every year.

To add insult to injury, many smaller communities across Ontario have discovered a sharp increase in their policing costs directly related to the IWTs.

CORRECTION: In our artist spotlight piece in the Spring issue, there was an error in the artist’s website URL. The artist is Janet Liesemer and her website is: www.janetliesemer.com. We apologize for the error.

Some communities in eastern Ontario are on record as saying they have had to raise property taxes by as much as 20 per cent to pay for the increase in their policing costs.

In summary, to borrow a term used to measure the relative economic performance/success of Canada’s provinces, Clearview could very well go from a ‘have’ township to a ‘have not’ township in a very short period of time if Fairview Wind Farm is approved.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE ISSUES? Do you have any comments, suggestions or additional information in response to any of our stories?

Don’t be shy! We’d love to hear from you! To submit your letter to the Editor, go to www.onthebaymagazine.com and click on “Have Your Say.” Comments will be published in an upcoming issue of On The Bay. We reserve the right to edit for style, content and space considerations.

Harry Seymour, Creemore

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ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

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FENCEPOSTS

A FISH STORY True confessions from the 9th Concession

by DAN NEEDLES

❧

illustration by SHELAGH ARMSTRONG-HODGSON

I am teaching my son to fly fish. We are wading the mouth of the Beaver River on Georgian Bay in search of Atlantic salmon, a species recently restored to these waters. I know from experience it is dangerous work.

I learned to fly fish for salmon in England on the River Mole in North Devon. My teacher, a retired country doctor named John Wingfield, took me out to the front lawn in front of his Victorian cottage and taught me how to cast the fly, flicking the rod like a paintbrush between the ten o’clock and two o’clock positions. When he was satisfied I could hit a handkerchief at 30 feet, he sighed and waved me off to the river. “Try not to frighten the fish,” he said.

I spent the summer of 1971 wading the Mole and bringing back news of it to Dr. John. I caught little speckles and cooked them on the bank as the cows watched. I once saw two large brown trout flash by in the silver water, but I never saw any of the salmon for which it was famous.

A few years ago I returned to those waters in the company of Andy Gray, a business partner of Dr. John’s daughter. Andy is what is known in the Devon countryside as “a keen shot.” His car looks and smells like someone had lived in it for several years and then died in it. This is because he hunts and fishes with a wet dog, and the back seat fills with the detritus of the chase along with pieces of dead rabbit for his falcon, which always rides on his wrist.

“I think the cell phone rule is a bloody good one,” he says, reaching across to change gears. “You absolutely cannot drive with a falcon on one hand and a cell phone in the other.”

We had a pint in the Grove Inn at King’s Nympton, which welcomes dogs and falcons, and then drove down the hill to Wampford Bridge, which crosses the Mole. We walked across the meadows to a stretch of the river that flows down into a newly formed pool called The Pot. Nothing about the scenery has changed in 40 years, not even the cows. Andy handed me two flies – a Stoat’s Tail and a Hairy Mary – and told me to work across the river down to The Pot.

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“Don’t do anything stupid or we’ll pick you up in the Bristol Channel,” he warned. We wished each other “tight lines” and set off.

It had rained in the night and the water was high and very fast. I tossed the fly gently upstream and watched it float down. It snagged something.

On the very first cast I feared I had lost Andy’s expensive Hairy Mary fly.

I gave the rod a tug and a beautiful salmon leapt up out of the water, flapping its tail.

I fought down the surge of adrenalin and said firmly, “You are not going to catch this fish. Just enjoy the moment and don’t do anything stupid.”

Then I dropped my net. I lunged forward and grabbed it before it went to the Bristol Channel. My waders took on a gallon of water and I had to let the rod tip down and stagger out to the safety of the shallows. Letting the line go slack on a fish is almost always fatal. But when I raised the rod again, the fish was still on. He raced away down the river and then raced back up.

We fought ferociously for the next 15 minutes.

As the fish tired, I eased him into the shallows and snuck up behind him with the net. He zipped right around me, and the line caught behind my ear and flipped my glasses 15 feet out into the river. I had no spare pair, I had a rental car and it was four hours to the airport. I had to find those glasses.

I fixed my eye on the spot they’d gone in and waded toward it, still holding the rod high. Then the sun emerged and I saw a glint of gold rim on the gravel bottom.

Sometime later, Andy found us lying together in the shallows, both gasping for breath. I had strained so hard with the rod, I had popped the biceps muscle off my elbow. But the fish was in the net.

“I thought I heard someone screaming for help,” he said cheerily. “Oh my! That’s a real fish. It must be seven pounds.”

“Is this catch and release?” I wheezed.

“God, no. The savage has maimed and drowned and blinded you,” he said. “The river wouldn’t be safe if you threw him back.” ❧

Silence is the signature of luxury

When choosing a luxury home it’s great to know it has everything. Start with a breathtaking location, like at the award-winning Georgian Bay Club and its solid reputation for impeccable service. Then continue with exquisite design and superior quality, including a myriad of custom home features rarely found in a condominium.

At the Private Residences it’s the thoughtful touches that make a big difference, like the auto on-off light switches in all closets plus premium sound dampening materials used throughout to ensure maximum sound suppression. Our newest residents boast “This place is so quiet

compared to our previous home.” The list goes on and on, in fact it prompted another visitor to say, “You really have thought of everything.”

Add to this the benefits of being five minutes to the Georgian Trail, seven minutes to the beach, a five-minute drive to skiing and right outside your door, the Health Fitness Centre coming soon. This is the key to a brand new healthy lifestyle. It’s where the Private Residences combine all the big things with a host of little touches to make living here an undeniable luxury.

PrivateResAtGBC.com

Model Home Open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 1-5pm

Or by Appointment:

(see website for map & details)

(located off 7th Line beyond Club entrance gatehouse

705.444.3597 I relliott@georgianbayclub.com

Visit Our Model Homes

Be a part of the next inspired enclave of semi-detached and single-family mountain homes.

Introducing 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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FEATURE

PHOTO BY KRISTIE & BRENDEN WOODS

Alien

INVADER A monster plant is taking over our wetlands, shorelines and roadsides, choking out other plants and wildlife. What is it and how can we fight it? stories by MARC HUMINILOWYCZ

T

here is an alien invasion happening in Southern Georgian Bay. Aggressive green organisms, which arrived here from afar and colonized our region along with other parts of Ontario in the last century, are spreading their seeds and growing their numbers, wreaking havoc on our communities and destroying all other life in their path. The continued efforts of a few brave souls to combat the aliens’ relentless advance, along with education to identify the invaders and keep them from running amok, are, if not eradicating the green monsters, at least keeping them contained. But the battle goes on.

This alien invasion is a close encounter of the herbivorous kind, posing no direct threat to human life but menacing our natural environment and all of its inhabitants, which ultimately threatens our way of life. The alien is a grassy plant species named phragmites australis (known colloquially as invasive phragmites, European common reed, or more simply, phrag), which originated in Eurasia.

Like so many invasive species, it is difficult to say exactly how it arrived in Southern Georgian Bay, but it appears determined to stay.

These aggressive plants, which grow up to 18 feet (5 metres) high in stands of up to 200 stems per square metre, are spreading like a plague in our wetlands and on our shorelines, out-competing native species for water and nutrients and releasing toxins from their roots to harm and kill surrounding vegetation. “Where you see a stand of invasive phragmites, you don’t see much else growing,” says David Sweetnam, executive director of Georgian Bay Forever, a charitable organization whose mission is to protect, enhance and restore the Georgian Bay ecosystem.

Sweetnam describes stands of the invasive plants as dense and tall, virtually impenetrable to humans, and problematic for wildlife such as turtles, raccoons and even deer, which can become disoriented in their midst and die of exhaustion trying to escape. “Invasive phragmites has no natural plant-eating predators to keep it at bay, and

ABOVE: David Sweetnam, executive director of Georgian Bay Forever, cuts invasive phragmites plants near the Collingwood Arboretum. The alien reeds are invading shorelines and wetlands throughout Southern Georgian Bay, making them impassible by humans and uninhabitable by other plants and wildlife.

ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF NVCA

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRUCE DODGSON

FEATURE

there are no native plants that can live with it,” explains Sweetnam.

“By contrast, a similar-looking species of native phragmites shares its territory, allowing other plants to grow nearby.”

According to Sweetnam, invasive phragmites (pronounced frag-MITE-ees) arrived in North America in the early 1900s, likely transported from Eurasia in the ballasts of ships. Slowly spreading to the east coast and into the Great Lakes, the species has been gaining a foothold in Southern Georgian Bay for the past 15 years.

“People started to become aware of it here in the last decade or so,” says Sweetnam. “Provincial parks and groups like Georgian Bay Forever took action on the issue, physically removing the species from wetlands and searching for new infestations.” Among its projects, Georgian Bay Forever has been involved in combatting invasive phragmites infestations in the Lighthouse Point, Dockside and Rupert’s Landing communities of Collingwood, and conducts public information sessions all along the Georgian Bay coastline where phragmites is taking over.

While some areas are gaining headway in the battle against the alien, potential solutions to completely eradicate these monsters pose a number of challenges. Burning the plants can actually increase shoot densities and the below-ground biomass of phragmites. History has shown that biological warfare with an introduced plant or insect can result in a whole new unchecked invasion. (Case in point: the Asian ladybug, which was brought to North America from Japan in 1988 to combat aphids and other agricultural pests, but with few natural enemies, the beetles have

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TOP LEFT: Rick Zimmerman (left) and Bruce Dodgson demonstrate the incredible height of the phragmites at Lighthouse Point as their group of dedicated residents work to cut it down.

TOP: Residents of Rupert’s Landing did the heavy lifting at their annual “phragbusting” event.

ABOVE: The Rupert’s Landing wetland was overrun by phragmites prior to control efforts.

become a major pest themselves). Chemical herbicides are out due to the risk of contaminating our waters, but a number of biochemical control mechanisms are currently being researched.

“The good news is that it’s a plant, and we can out-think it,” says Sweetnam, adding that current efforts to physically cut down the pesky plants have been 88 per cent effective in the first year (cutting phragmites as close to the roots as possible weakens the plants and reduces re-growth the following year). “We absolutely have seen that we can win the battle.”

Beyond Southern Georgian Bay, Sweetnam reports a “healthy evolution” in community and government efforts to tackle the invasive phragmites problem over the past five years. As examples,

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ABOVE: Cleanup efforts at Rupert’s Landing are keeping the phragmites invasion under control, with the help of the Town of Collingwood, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Blue Mountain Watershed Trust and Georgian Bay Forever.

These aggressive plants, which grow up to 18 feet (5 metres) high in stands of up to 200 stems per square metre, are spreading like a plague in our wetlands and on our shorelines, out-competing native species for water and nutrients. he cites the Ontario Ministry of Transport’s recognition of the species as a significant safety hazard where it grows on roadsides and highway ramps. A resolution by over 120 Great Lakes coastal municipalities to identify invasive phragmites as a significant problem that requires immediate action will be put forward at an upcoming annual general meeting this summer.

A

nother champion in the local battle against invasive phragmites is the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust (BMWT).

The group supports the preservation of several watercourses originating in the Niagara Escarpment – including Silver Creek, Black Ash Creek, Townline Creek, Pretty River, Batteaux River, Indian Brook and the Beaver River – that drain directly into Georgian Bay. This watershed is a unique and diverse natural environment, supporting a wide variety of land and aquatic wildlife.

The BMWT is concerned about phragmites’ devastation of wetlands, and offers valuable information about the species on its website. In August, 2015, the organization teamed up with Georgian Bay Forever, the Town of Collingwood, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and community members to “fight the phrag” along the Collingwood waterfront, holding two cutting sessions and providing lunch for the volunteers.

George Powell, vice-chair of the BMWT’s Watershed Action Group, is a professional engineer with a long and distinguished

22

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career in the environment field.As an avid birder, Powell noticed that invasive phragmites was a major problem in the Long Point and Rondo areas of Lake Erie. More recently, while walking the wetlands between Heritage Drive and Sunset Point Park near his Collingwood home, he witnessed the species emerging virtually in his own backyard. At about the same time, Powell was contacted by two residents of the Dockside community, Gail Bascombe and Betty Beacon, who were alarmed at the invasive nature of what was happening along their shoreline.

“I suggested engaging the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, and they connected with the organization’s Watershed Monitoring Program manager Dave Featherstone,” says Powell.

“An interest group was formed to do something about the invasive phragmites problem. At the same time, Brittany Hope from the NVCA and Georgian Bay Forever got involved. A major cutting event, called ‘Fight the Phrag,’ was organized in August 2015. Quite a few people showed up, including Collingwood politicians.”

In addition to the event, Powell rallied local residents in his own neighbourhood to cut stands of phragmites near Sunset Point.

“Cutting phrag is not an easy thing to do,” he notes. “It’s a major endeavour – not something you do in shorts and flip flops. We got in the water with long-handled pruning shears, cutting the stalks on shore as close to the ground as possible, and in the water below the water line. Then we lugged the stuff to a point on shore where the town could pick it up and compost it.” Even composting

FEATURE

Fight the Phrag!

What you can do to stop the invasion Invasive phragmites looks very similar to its non-invasive cousin, native phragmites. But while native phragmites occurs as scattered plants within broader plant communities, invasive phragmites forms dense monocultures and is capable of dominating wetlands within a few years, choking out other plants and making wetlands uninhabitable for wildlife such as turtles, deer, fish and birds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NVCA

Here’s how to tell the good from the bad.

Native Phragmites

Grows in extremely dense stands with up to 200 stems per square metre. Can crowd out other species and grow up to five metres high.

Grows in well-established stands that are not as dense, often mixed with other plants.

Stems are tan or beige in colour with blue-green leaves and large, dense seed heads.

Stems are more reddish-brown with yellow-green leaves and smaller, sparser seed heads.

Here’s how you can help: • Learn how to identify invasive phragmites and how to avoid accidentally spreading it through root fragments and seeds.

ABOVE: Amber Gordon-Bunn, a staff member with Georgian Bay Forever, cuts phragmites with her son.

phrag is tricky, because seeds, rhizomes and stems not completely composted could spread the invasion, but the town assured the group that its composter reaches high enough temperatures to pulverize the beasts.

Powell and the BMWT are committed to preserving the wetlands of Southern Georgian Bay. With many sensitive areas situated on private shoreline properties being developed, he is concerned about their health. “Wetlands absolutely need to be preserved,” he declares. “They act as a reservoir that absorbs water like a sponge, drying out in the summer, helping to reduce flooding. As unique ecosystems, they provide habitat for wildlife and a safe refuge for migrating birds.”

With invasive phragmites posing a major threat to the region’s wetlands, the BMWT is actively involved in encouraging its members to “get ready for work and come out to fight.” Beyond the physical work, he encourages organizations and area residents to support local conservation authorities’ efforts in the battle against the invasive species.

D

ave Featherstone of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) has been actively working on the invasive phragmites issue with the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust, Georgian Bay Forever and other groups in the region.

His group is responsible for aquatic and terrestrial monitoring programs, providing ecological input for plan and permit reviews and monitoring invasive species in key areas.

“Without the BMWT, we would probably have a lot fewer wetlands in Southern Georgian Bay today,” says Featherstone, noting his organization’s support of invasive phragmites cutting

24

Invasive Phragmites

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SUMMER 2016

• DO NOT plant invasive phragmites in your garden or planters. If you like its appearance, choose native phragmites, which looks similar but doesn’t pose any ecological risk. If your garden centre sells the invasive variety, encourage the owners to stop doing so.

• Walking in dense phragmites can help spread the seeds. Stay on designated trails. Before leaving the area, brush off your clothing and clean any equipment you may have used, to avoid transferring seeds to other areas.

• If you have phragmites growing on your property, get rid of it or it could take over your whole property in four to five years. Don’t try to dig phragmites up – wait until the seed heads start to come out (late July to late August, before flowers emerge). Cut off the seed heads first and place them in a plastic bag in the sun. Then cut the stalks, removing as much of the plant as you can see.

• DO NOT compost invasive phragmites. Seeds and rhizomes can survive in compost unless there is sufficient heat to kill them.

• Get involved in a phragmites workshop or “Phrag Busting” cleanup. Go to gbf.org/upcoming-events/ for upcoming events in your community. One local cleanup, the Collingwood Phrag Cut, will be held on August 6. For information or to find out how you can participate, email Brittany Hope from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority: hope@nvca.on.ca For more information, check out these websites: • georgianbayforever.org • ontarioinvasiveplants.ca • invadingspecies.com

• watershedtrust.ca • ontario.ca/invasivespecies

Online Exclusive: Go to www.onthebaymagazine.com/invasive for an online-only bonus article about other invasive plant species.

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FEATURE

F

Phragmites in Collingwood, ON

Date: 30-Nov-2015

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The study area focuses on Collingwood's west shoreline. The mapping of Phragmites stands begins at Dockside Dr. in the west and ends at Blue Shores, located off Marine View Dr. in the east.

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

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ABOVE: An aerial photo/map shows the extent of the phragmites invasion on Collingwood’s western shoreline. The full extent of the problem is even greater, stretching from Wasaga Beach to Meaford in our area and around the eastern side 0.5 1 2 of Georgian Bay. Kilometres

in the region at Rupert’s Landing and Lighthouse Point, as well as monitoring and control work with Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. “The shoreline here contains one of only a few coastal marsh communities in the world. We are very concerned about phrag getting into these areas.”

Featherstone applauds local condominium associations for taking care of their own phrag stands, and the Town of Collingwood for supplying equipment and people to cut and dispose of them.

“We’re hoping to spend more effort on them this summer,” he adds, announcing a “big flagship day” on August 6, which will launch phrag cutting throughout the month. “As with almost all invasive species, the key message for controlling them is that the process is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Part of keeping phrag in check involves encouraging local nurseries not to sell the plant. “It’s a matter of education. Some of them may not be aware of the problem the species poses,” Featherstone explains, adding that there is some talk about putting invasive phragmites on the province’s Noxious Weeds list. The NVCA has also partnered with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to get the word out to nurseries about phragmites, employing students every summer to provide information about its destructive nature and suggesting alternatives such as native reeds and prairie grasses.

Other than education and continuous cutting, no effective and safe alternatives to controlling phragmites exist at this time. “With no over-water herbicides approved in Ontario, we need something in our toolbox that won’t harm other parts of our ecosystems,” says Featherstone. “Maybe bio controls are the answer – species

26

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8195 8th Line Utopia, ON L0M 1T0 www.nvca.on.ca

SUMMER 2016

This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for, or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Users of the information displayed in this map product are strongly cautioned to verify all information before making any decisions. © 2015~ Reproduction of this map is prohibited without written permission from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.

1:35,781

Part of keeping phrag in check involves encouraging local nurseries not to sell the plant.

“It’s a matter of education.” that will feed off invasive plants and control their spread in their native range.” One success story he cites: a beetle introduced in several Ontario sites to effectively control another invasive alien plant, purple loosestrife, without harming other plants (including its native cousin). “It takes a lot of research into species to ensure that this method will not impact surrounding ecosystems.”

H

ere in Southern Georgian Bay, we are fortunate to have so many individuals and organizations committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment we cherish.

Equally important, there is a tremendous community spirit here, with no shortage of people ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Thanks to the efforts of these groups and individuals, invasive phragmites is being kept in check, but there is more we can all do to ensure that this alien invader doesn’t take over and destroy our beautiful corner of earth. ❧

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FEATURE

Making

THE CUT Fighting phragmites at Lighthouse Point Lighthouse Point resident Bruce Dodgson describes how invasive phragmites was discovered, identified and dealt with by a small group of volunteers: “At Lighthouse Point, there is a west beach area where residents can swim, kayak and SUP. In the summer of 2014, we noticed that a small stand of what we assumed was marsh grass had grown to almost four metres tall, with nearly impenetrable bamboo-like stalks. Now, with only a two-metrewide gap to get from the beach to open water, we realized that something had to be done.

“Thanks to two very insightful ladies from Rupert’s Landing who were experiencing a similar issue, the plant species was identified as invasive phragmites and a community meeting was held, attended by representatives from Georgian Bay Forever and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.

“On the advice of Georgian Bay Forever, we began a program of cutting the invasive phragmites. After the first cutting, we noticed some reduction in growth a year later. Cutting the second year resulted in a marked reduction in re-growth,

28

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CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: The 2014 cleanup at the west beach area of Lighthouse Point involved physically cutting down the giant plants, transporting them to shore via canoe, piling them on the beach and then disposing of them. The inset photo shows the dramatic change one year later, with most of the phragmites eliminated in the cleanup area.

although some kept coming back. We realized that the solution to the phrag problem involves regular cutting to degrade the plant’s vitality, until the roots finally die.

“The process of cutting is extremely labour-intensive. You have to wade in the water, sometimes up to your waist. At first, we did all the cutting by hand, with a machete or hedge shears.

For large stands of phrag this is impractical, so we now use a power cutter. To haul away the huge amount of cut phrag, we use tarps to bring it to shore, where it is thankfully picked up by the lown and composted.

“Although we have been quite successful in controlling the phrag, it has now spread to most of the shoreline in some areas. It will require a regular, concerted effort to beat this, and there’s a limit to how much a small group like ours can do. We would like to see student volunteers helping us with the annual phrag cut. It could be an educational experience for them. I also think there is an opportunity for employing students in the summer for this work. We need to explore funding options.” ❧

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OUTDOORDESIGN

Outdoor kitchens make backyard cooking better than ever stories by JUDY ROSS photos by JESSICA CRANDLEMIRE

B

ackyard food is looking a whole lot different these days; it’s being elevated well beyond burgers and dogs because of sophisticated new equipment that is redefining outdoor cooking.

Consider some of the options available to inventive chefs: baking pizza in a wood-burning pizza oven, frying turkey in a propane turkey fryer, or smoking trout in a wood-pellet smoker. “I attribute this phenomenon to the Food Network channel on TV,” quips Carl Christiansen, owner of Outdoor Kitchens Canada, a company that builds modular units for outdoor kitchens. “Everyone wants to be a celebrity chef in their own backyard!”

LEFT: Kevin and Donna Major entertain in their outdoor kitchen, with food grilled on a gas Weber BBQ or cooked in a Traeger wood pellet smoker.

The planters were designed by Elaine Kettlewell of Kettlewells on County Road 124 south of Collingwood.

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33

OUTDOORDESIGN

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Majors entertain their friends in their outdoor space. A tray of planted herbs from Kettlewells is set up on the granite outdoor countertop for easy access. Heron sculptures pose on the side of the rock-edged stream that runs through the Major’s garden.

The backyard of Donna and Kevin Major’s log house in Collingwood is a delightful garden oasis where they cook all their dinners in the summertime.

The past five years have seen an explosion in the demand for lavish outdoor entertaining spaces, including fully outfitted kitchens. “This is such a hot thing right now,” notes Katherine Arcaro of FAD Design in Collingwood. “Backyards are being made over to be outdoor rooms. Everyone wants to grab our few warm months and make the most of them. With busy lives they just want to stay home and eat and enjoy, not go to a cottage or even out to restaurants. They just want one place, and they want it dialed up!”

A big part of the appeal of outdoor kitchens is that they allow you to entertain ‘at home’ without being ‘in the home.’ No worries about red wine spills on the carpet or shattered crystal glasses. It’s a more family-friendly way of entertaining because kids can run around without doing any harm. Just being outside puts everyone, including the hosts, more at ease. And it gives the chef a chance to show off with new dishes created on cool new outdoor cooking equipment.

Entertaining outside has never been more fun.

The backyard of Donna and Kevin Major’s log house in Collingwood is a delightful garden oasis where they cook all their dinners in the summertime.

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Their fully functional outdoor kitchen is the main reason they spend so much time in their garden. “Our inside stove doesn’t come on all summer,” says Kevin, who is the main cook of the family and has done much of the outdoor construction himself. “We’ve been gradually improving our backyard space here … but it was putting in the kitchen five years ago that has really made a difference in how much time we spend outside.”

His outdoor kitchen consists of a long island with a plumbed stainless steel sink and plenty of lower cupboards. A generous amount of counter space helps with food prep and serving. Across from the island is a large Weber gas barbecue and a Traeger wood-pellet-burning electric smoker. The smoker is his favourite way to cook. “It’s a great system. I cook fish, brisket, ribs, even a turkey once. The best thing is, unlike a grill, it doesn’t need to be watched. I’ll just put a fillet of fish in there and let it sit for an hour and a half or so.”

Apart from the well-used kitchen, the Majors’ backyard is a charming haven with lush English-style flower beds and a thick screen of cedar trees that offers complete privacy. They have a dining area that can be shaded by a retractable

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PHOTO COURTESY OF NATURAL STONESCAPES, INC.

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ABOVE: An imposing natural stone propane-fuelled fireplace anchors the living area in this outdoor kitchen and living room designed and built by Natural Stonescapes.

LEFT TOP & BOTTOM: Accordion glass doors from NanaWall create a large opening to the outside in the home of Marina Farrow of FAD Design in Collingwood, creating a seamless flow between indoors and out. The outdoor furniture is from Lee Industries. Cooking takes place on a gas grill and a Green Egg Charcoal barbecue built into a custom table. Tucci umbrella is from Squire John’s on Hwy. 26.

Wood-burning pizza ovens are a favourite with foodies who have the space in their backyard to install one. You have to be committed because it can take all day to fire it up. awning, a comfortable seating area, a propane patio heater for chilly nights, and a rock-edged pond and running stream (built by Kevin) that provides a soothing soundtrack. “On a warm summer night, it’s pretty fabulous out here,” muses Donna.

Appliances and materials have been improved over the past 10 years in order to be usable outdoors for up to three seasons of the year. An outdoor kitchen can be as basic as a six-foot cooking island with a built-in stainless steel grill, or as elaborate as any kitted-out indoor kitchen, with every imaginable appliance and storage for duplicate sets of everything from potato peelers to pepper grinders.

Ideally, you never need to go inside for anything.

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OUTDOORDESIGN

ABOVE & RIGHT: The Landmark Group of Thornbury built this fully outfitted outdoor kitchen. Appliances are now designed to be left outdoors all year round.

Barbecue grills built into rock-faced islands allow for generous counter space.

Just being outside puts everyone, including the hosts, more at ease.

“We built a complete outdoor kitchen for a client and fitted it into an octagon-shaped gazebo with open sides,” says Mark Higginson, owner of Natural Stonescapes. “The family cooks out there all the time and loves the fact that it keeps everyone outside more.” Remote-controlled screens for buggy nights and propane radiant heaters hanging from the gazebo ceiling help to extend the summer use by a few weeks at both ends of the season.

To build an outdoor kitchen you have to factor in running electrical and gas lines to the outdoors, so figure on at least $10,000 to get a basic setup with a goodlooking island – maybe faced with stone and with ample cupboard space – as well as a bar fridge and a built-in grill head. An alternative to building in the grill head is to put in a movable grill that can come out of the island and be placed closer to the back door for the winter months.

“We recently did an outdoor kitchen where we put in a stainless steel kitchen sink with a lid, and set it flush in the island countertop,” offers Andrew Lansdale, a landscape designer with The Landmark Group. “It wasn’t plumbed, so the owners just fill it with ice and beverages when they entertain. Afterwards, the ice melts and drains out to the flowerbeds. This is a lot less expensive than installing plumbing in an outdoor kitchen.”

Wood-burning pizza ovens are a favourite with foodies who have the space in their backyard to install one. You have to be committed because it can take all day to fire it up, but once it’s up to 600 or 700 degrees it will maintain the heat for days. The ovens can be used for more than pizza, too: they can handle everything

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ABOVE: Hanging planters and landscaped gardens add to the appeal of this outdoor kitchen and dining room designed by The Landmark Group.

Outdoor Décor Creating a cosy feel in your outdoor kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can be as basic as a six-foot cooking island with a built-in stainless steel grill, or as elaborate as any kitted out indoor kitchen. from roasting chicken to baking bread. An option to the full-size pizza oven – which is a big, bulky structure – is a smaller, more portable version that runs on wood pellets and heats up in just a few minutes.

For outdoor entertaining it’s hard to beat the welcoming glow of a fire pit. It encourages people to gather around and the warmth keeps the party going even as the night air chills. “We’ve been installing a lot of gas-burning fire pits lately,” notes Lansdale. “These look exactly like a wood-burning campfire, but they turn on with the flick of a switch.” The big plus, he explains, is they can be closer to the house. Fire regulations dictate the location of fire pits that burn wood; in some municipalities they have to be 30 feet from the house. But with gas there’s no regulation; you can put a gas-burning fire pit on the back deck close to your back door.

Now that the warm weather is here, it’s a great time to get outside, and with all this cool new outdoor equipment you can literally take the heat out of the indoor kitchen and let it have a good rest all summer long. ❧

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Even the most basic outdoor kitchen can be embellished to give it a sense of sanctuary. The goal is to make it seem more like a room; a place where guests want to gather.

First, create a feeling of enclosure and privacy with either lattice screens or a row of pyramid cedars, which make an instant green wall. You can soften the lattice with a fastgrowing vine or add a pergola and hang overhead lanterns and pendants. If you can access a power outlet, hang some string lights; they look great looped across the ceiling beams.

Without electricity, use candle lanterns and LED lamps on tabletops or on the floor.

For serving dishes and plates, stock up on colourful new melamine that looks just like ceramic or stoneware. If an outside wall of your house forms part of the space, use it to hang art or a mirror. Your outdoor colour scheme should tie in with your home interior for indoor/outdoor ambiance.

To create a lounge feeling, use lots of large pillows covered in outdoor fabric. Then add a carpet to define the space.

With a few stylistic touches, your outdoor kitchen will become everyone’s favourite place to hang out this summer.

Let the al fresco entertaining begin!

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LANDMARK GROUP

OUTDOORDESIGN

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Agri-Food With a bounty of farm-fresh foods in our midst, local entrepreneurs are finding new and innovative ways to grow, process, utilize and promote our agricultural assets stories by MARC HUMINILOWYCZ photos by KRISTIE & BRENDEN WOODS

L

ast November at an awards ceremony in Cambridge, Ontario, 13 food entrepreneurs were honoured with the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence bestowed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food for contributions to creating new products, adding value to existing products, supporting a sustainable environment, supporting job creation and boosting economic growth.

Three of the award recipients – The New Farm, Bighead Hops and Clear Valley Hops – hail from right here in Southern Georgian Bay. RIGHT: Gillian Flies, co-owner of The New Farm near Creemore, holds some cucumber shoots, one of the many certified organic vegetables that will be sold to restaurants locally and in the GTA. The Japanese cucumber plants will reach heights of nine feet by midsummer, and produce 30,000 cucumbers by the time the days get cooler in the fall.

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FOOD&DRINK

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Residential Construction

Beautiful, long-lasting landscapes, water features and pools for fine homes

Discover natural landscaping ideas at naturalstonescapes.ca 705.441.2174

From our Fields to your plate!

New extended season for 2016 - open until end of December! 9am - 6pm every day Hwy 26, just west of Thornbury • 519.599.3246 www.goldsmithsmarket.com

Wine Tastings

Wine Tours

Enjoy the beauty of our vineyards, taste local award winning wines paired with artisanal cheeses and linger a while…

Tour our vineyards and winery.

Learn first-hand about cool climate viticulture and wine making while tasting a few….

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georgianhillsvineyards.ca • 519 599 2255

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With a commitment to sustainability and a goal to “build a just, equitable and sustainable food system in Southern Ontario,” The New Farm produces and distributes premium-quality organic vegetables.

“There is some really neat momentum happening here, as local farmers and food makers are starting to get recognition for their agri-food business efforts,” says Martin Rydlo, director of marketing and economic development for the Town of Collingwood. “What’s making this innovation thrive here? I think it’s a combination of economic and location factors. There’s a natural energy growing, as locals and transplants from the GTA are leveraging networks and opportunities to help their businesses grow.”

Award winner The New Farm, a family-run certified organic farm near Creemore, has now been in business for 10 years. With a commitment to sustainability and a goal to “build a just, equitable and sustainable food system in Southern Ontario,” the farm produces and distributes premium-quality organic vegetables to local and GTA restaurants, retail stores and wholesale customers.

Calling themselves “food activists” who believe that high-quality fresh food is a human right, The New Farm’s owners have for many years partnered with The Stop Community Food Centre in Toronto, an organization that promotes access to healthy food for everyone, regardless of their income. The Stop currently has over 16,000 clients.

“Every year, we raise funds for The Stop and its umbrella organization, Community Food Centres Canada,” says The New Farm co-owner Gillian Flies.

“We donate 10 per cent of our retail sales, and host our annual fundraising event, Farms for Change, featuring food stations staffed by the best chefs in Ontario and a concert by well-known Canadian recording artists such as the Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts and, this year, Sloan.” The event raised $48,000 for The Stop last year.

The New Farm is currently working with Community Food Centres Canada to build a commercial kitchen and chef training centre on its premises offering cooking classes and, helping other farmers in the region meet chefs.

Over the past several years, South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre in Collingwood has been helping budding agri-food entrepreneurs in the region with their start-ups. “We’re here to offer all the support they need, from food labelling education, to advice on how to get their product to market, to connecting them with larger producers,” says

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Open year round ABOVE: Gillian Flies, in one of the greenhouses at The New Farm, calls herself a “food activist” who believes that high-quality, fresh food is a human right.

TOP RIGHT: Red lettuce greens sprout through the organic soil in one of The New Farm’s greenhouses.

ted Pies Hand-craf e , h S t.

In a 8 m 10

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Also available at:

Almond’s Market • Curries Farm Market Goldsmith’s Orchard Market • Fernwood Farms • PJ Mart D&L Variety • East End Variety • Ravenna Country Market Collingwood Real Food • Wren’s General Store

519.599.6573 • info@blackbirdpie.ca Enterprise Centre manager and small business consultant Gillian Fairley.

As an example of her organization’s efforts, Fairley mentions Summitview Farm in the Beaver Valley, winner of the 2014 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence and makers of Blue Mountains Cider. “Wishing to do something different, they built their own traditional cider press, adding direct processing/production, connecting with government programs and taking their product to retailers,” says Fairley.

The Blue Mountains Cider operation was purchased in 2015 by new owners and relocated to Dunridge Farms near Duntroon. Re-branded as Dunridge Farm Cider, the product is available as organic and traditional. It recently took third place at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Conference’s prestigious Sweet Cider Competition in the Niagara region. Dunridge’s owners also recently acquired their manufacturer’s license for hard cider.

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B

arb Shopland, co-founder of the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, heads the Strategic Projects - Agri-Food Entrepreneurship initiative at Georgian College. In 2013, she organized the first food entrepreneurship seminar in Canada, held in Southern Georgian Bay. The seminar was a resounding success, attracting a variety of participants: food mentors, politicians, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) personnel and regional municipal/ county economic development staff.

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FOOD&DRINK

Tel: 705 446 2000

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TOP & ABOVE: Collingwood native Shelby Taylor’s start-up company Earth to Kids focuses on the development of healthy, natural and nutrientdense, organic, non-GMO and gluten-free foods that make it easy for busy, growing families to eat healthier. The company’s first product, organic chickpea pasta called Chickapea, came to market as a result of a grant from the Ontario Centre for Excellence Smart Start Seed Fund.

“The seminar created such a buzz that municipalities from all over Central Ontario were calling to set it up in their regions,” says Shopland. “I can’t get over how Southern Georgian Bay has become a food Mecca. I believe that growth of agri-food enterprises here is happening for a couple of reasons. Farmers are looking to add value to their operations, while the lack of jobs for qualified people and the growing number of mid-career people not happy with their work is prompting a surge in entrepreneurship here.”

Georgian College offers a formal provincial ministry curriculum and several non-funded seminar and event programs to help aspiring agri-food entrepreneurs with labelling and the commercialization of their product to market. Two such programs are Transition Smart, which helps farmers add value on-farm, and Feast On, which celebrates businesses that use 25 per cent of food sourced locally.

One beneficiary of the assistance available to local agri-food entrepreneurs is Collingwood native Shelby Taylor. Last year, with help and encouragement from Sandy Robertson, managing director of the Georgian Angel Network, Taylor’s business, Earth to Kids, was awarded a grant from the Ontario Centre for Excellence Smart Start Seed Fund. The award, totalling $30,000 (plus an additional $7,200 for consulting services) allowed Taylor to bring her product, Chickapea Pasta – a healthy, super-nutritious and gluten-free pasta made from organic chickpeas and lentils – to market.

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“Talking to parents, I realized that they are struggling to feed their children healthy meals that they will actually eat and don’t require hours in the kitchen after a long day at work. That’s why I created Chickapea.”

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“When I was pregnant with my son, I found myself more passionate about nutrition than ever,” says Taylor, who began her quest for access to nutritious food with the purchase of a small health food shop. “Talking to parents, I realized that they are struggling to feed their children healthy meals that they will actually eat and don’t require hours in the kitchen after a long day at work. That’s why I created Chickapea.”

Taylor has received “lots of help” from Georgian College with her product’s nutrition labelling and mentoring. Due to a lack of available facilities in Canada, her pasta is currently being manufactured and packaged in the U.S. “I’m working to get the process back here,” she says, adding that most of the chickpea and lentil ingredients originate in Canada, some from Ontario. Taylor plans to launch her pasta in three different shapes this June, with much of her product already presold to several local retailers as well as health food stores across Canada.

F

or many years, Black Angus Fine Meats on the outskirts of Thornbury has been a regular stop for locals on the hunt for high-quality game meats. Recently, the butcher has made a foray into packaged meat products under its new brand, Blue Mountain Fine Foods. Selling through its retail butcher shops in Thornbury, Mississauga and Muskoka, these products are mostly made in Thornbury, as well as artisanal condiments and sauces.

The Blue Mountain Fine Foods label features a variety of exotic meats in an array of configurations such as ground, sausages, burgers, steaks and salamis. Also on the product list are over 100 items to make carnivores salivate, like ground ostrich, kangaroo and wild boar Thai curry pineapple sausage, camel Moroccan burgers and Asian duck salami.

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FOOD&DRINK

TOP: Tom and Karen Ferri, owners of T&K Ferri Orchards in Clarksburg, were the first apple growers in Ontario to introduce the “super spindle” system to maximize the apple yield on their 22-acre farm .

ABOVE: Bees provide the pollination for the Honey Crisp and other apple varieties the Ferris grow, with yields more than double traditional apple farming methods.

LEFT: The Ferris prune their Honey Crisp trees on a machine called a Blosi Pruning and Picking Platform, imported from Italy. The “super spindle” system involves planting trees closer together, encouraging them to grow taller and thinner and produce fruit more quickly (three to five years as opposed to five to seven years using traditional methods).

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Apple Innovators Driving around Southern Georgian Bay, it is obvious which agri-food enterprise is tops in our region: apples, of course! Our apple farmers have been continuously innovating over the years, perfecting their apple-growing techniques, producing new varieties and introducing new apple-infused products to their offerings.

Some notable examples include the partnership between an apple farmer and a wine marketer at Georgian Hills Vineyards, and the development and marketing of the highly successful Red Prince apple.

Today, a couple of local apple growers continue the tradition of apple innovation.

ELAINE DICKINSON’S FASHIONS

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T&K Ferri Orchards www.elainedickinsonsfashions.com 311 Hurontario St., Collingwood (705) 445-4093

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Owners Tom and Karen Ferri were the first apple growers in Ontario to introduce the “super spindle” system to maximize the apple yield on their 22-acre farm on Grey Road 2. The orchard specializes in supplying a niche market in the GTA that favours oversized and flavourful apples with a sugar content that is just right.

The super spindle system, used for a long time in Italy, involves planting trees closer together, encouraging tall and thin growth that results in quicker production of fruit.

“By keeping branches 12 inches long, we get finer, younger limbs that produce fruit in three to five years versus five to seven years,” says Karen Ferri. “The yield we’re getting from the 2,500 to 2,800 trees per acre on our farm equals the yield from 50 acres on traditionally farmed orchards. Rows closer together allow for better automation with pruning and picking. The system makes it much easier to manage cropland. We aim for 45 apples per tree.”

Apple Top Farms Beaver Valley organic apple growers Helena and Patrick Johnson have been cultivating and selling their certified organic apples through a distributor to health food markets and via farm gate for many years. Common agricultural wisdom dictates that conditions for apple-growing are usually good for growing grapes. This fact, along with an emerging wine industry in the region, prompted the Johnsons two years ago to set aside some of their acreage for growing organic grapes.

Today, with six acres producing two wine grape varieties – L’Acadie Blanc and Marquette (red) – and four acres ready to produce this year, the Johnsons have supplemented their apple income by selling their organic grapes to local wineries. This year, they plan to plant two new varieties: Petit Pearl, a red hybrid that is higher in tannins than Marquette, and New York Muscat, a grape with a floral bouquet that could blend nicely with L’Acadie Blanc. And, in the coming years, they plan to open their own winery.

FOOD&DRINK

ABOVE: Maple trees are carefully tapped to produce Sapsucker Maple Water. The pure maple water is a local and sustainable alternative to bottled waters, which are mined from aquifers, and is also rich in minerals and antioxidants.

“Other than some of our own venison, we source our game meats from all over Canada,” says business owner Sean Kelly. “This is something I’ve been working on for over 20 years, banging on many doors. Today, people are looking to eat healthier, and they’re asking their grocery stores to carry game meats.

Because we’re a federally-inspected meat processing facility – unique in a small community like ours – we’re well positioned to meet the current demand from retailers – locally, across Canada and around the world.” Kelly adds that Blue Mountain Fine Foods is hoping to retail its products in grocery chains such as Loblaw’s, Longo’s and Fortino’s.

Down the Beaver Valley from Black Angus, an ingenious local farm family has embarked on an agri-food venture that is so simple and obvious that one wonders why more people haven’t thought of it before: packaging and retailing pure maple sap. Sapsucker Maple Water, produced by the Lower Valley Beverage Company, is actually the brainchild of two families near Flesherton: the Chapmans and the McGlaughlins.

The water each tree yields originates as rain or moisture in the air and soil, and the tree provides natural filtration, resulting in subtly sweet water rich in minerals and antioxidants.

Sapsucker is sap harvested from mature maple trees from area farms, making it a local and sustainable alternative to bottled waters, which are mined from aquifers. The water each tree yields originates as rain or moisture in the air and soil, and the tree provides natural filtration, resulting in subtly sweet water rich in minerals and antioxidants.

Besides careful tapping of maple trees, Sapsucker’s primary claim to sustainability is its packaging. “We decided to package our maple water in tetra packs, which not only gives our product a long shelf life, but also offers a lower carbon footprint compared to other packaging,” co-owner Charlene McGlaughlin explains. “Tetra ships in large rolls, which results in reduced freight requirements.

And tetra packs are almost universally recyclable.”

Sapsucker is currently available as a sustainable alternative to bottled water through specialty and health food stores in the GTA (such as Whole Foods and The Big Carrot), via online order/home delivery and in 30 to 40 select “farm to table” restaurants in Grey County and Toronto.

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shopdana.ca | 705.446.1496

AT YOUR SERVICE The partners of Collins Barrow SGB LLP are pleased to announce that Peter has been promoted to Principal in the firm.

Peter Crew has been a valued member of the firm since 1999. He obtained his CGA designation in 2007 and has completed Levels I, II and III of CICA’s In-Depth Tax course. He is an active volunteer in the community and is a current member of the Collingwood Optimist Club.

Peter provides extensive expertise for owner-managed businesses.

He has considerable knowledge in several industries with a special focus on farm operations. Peter provides general business advice including starting a new business, incorporation and succession planning.

Peter Crew Principal 705-445-2020 ext 239

pbcrew@collinsbarrow.com

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T

he Town of Collingwood’s Rydlo makes an astute observation about the ultimate success of agri-food ventures in Southern Georgian Bay: “In order for successful food businesses to grow, end sellers need to be there,” he says, explaining that a large number of producers collaborate locally and regionally with other producers and chefs to “meet the needs of the supply chain.”

Local hops is a prime example of this collaboration. Two hops growers in the region, Clear Valley Hops in Nottawa and Bighead Hops in Meaford – both winners of the Premier’s Award for Agri-food Innovation Excellence in 2015 – sell at least a portion of their annual harvests to local craft breweries.

Bighead Hops is the largest certified organic hops grower in Ontario. Starting with a mere half acre over eight years ago, Bighead has gradually increased its crop to 11 acres today. “Growing hops organically is really difficult and capital intensive,” says Bighead owner Nicholas Schault. “We don’t have the same pest and disease controls available to conventional farmers. Ours is a process of careful observation, timely actions, meticulous weeding and selective crowning to remove winter kill (which limits water mould) and create better buds.”

The extra effort to grow organically has paid off for Schault. He happily reports that his entire harvest is sold a year in advance, including three local brewery clients – Collingwood Brewery, Northwinds Brewhouse and Eatery – and MacLean’s Ales in Hanover, as well as other craft breweries throughout Ontario.

TOP LEFT: Man-made channels called “raceways” at Kolapore Springs Fishery hold a variety of sizes, ages and types of trout, maintaining a continuous water flow-through to provide the level of water quality required for fish to be cultured at higher densities.

LOWER LEFT: This forested raceway, called the “south raceway,” is home to the brood “parents” of the speckled trout.

ABOVE: Bruce Green holds a brown trout of the Saugeen River strain – one of the many varieties of trout farmed at Kolapore Springs.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had to turn down other requests for our hops – locally and from around the world,” he laments.

Schault invites everyone to his annual craft beer festival, the Bighead Shindig, on August 13, featuring local craft brewers and cideries, food vendors, bands, artists and walking tours of his hops crop.

W

ith municipal, county and educational resources and established agrifood mentors available to help them along the way, a rising wave of locals and urban transplants is embarking on agri-food ventures all across Southern Georgian Bay. Other established agri-food enterprises, such as Kolapore Springs Fishery, Georgian Hills Vineyards, Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery, Meredith’s Ginger Syrup, local chefs, breweries and cideries (to name only a few) have already staked their claims, offering their culinary creations near and afar and garnering accolades along the way.

We are fortunate to live, work and play in a most bountiful part of the world that is now seeing an unprecedented surge in agri-food entrepreneurial activity.

All around us, local artisanal products are being cultivated and created. We truly are a lucky bunch! ❧

A Message from Max Hahne Broker of Record at Engel & Völkers Collingwood Muskoka

FOOD&DRINK

A

ccording to the UNITED NATIONS, the worlds urban population is expected to increase by 380 million by year 2020. In an urban housing perspective that is the equivalent of building 5 cities the size of Los Angeles including all the supporting services and infrastructure, every year between now and 2020.

What effect will that have on the GTA and what is the trickle down effect to our area of South Georgian Bay? Food for thought.

We’ve just had our first birthday as Engel & Volkers Collingwood Muskoka. As I reflect back to my early days in Collingwood selling homes I am impressed at how the Collingwood region has grown and become home to more and more wonderful people. The talent and sophistication of our citizens, labour force, businesses and industries, artists and inventors is world class and to be applauded, cherished and encouraged. Years ago I read a book about how the world is getting smaller and flatter and I remember thinking that it might be true for the larger centres but it will never affect our little Georgian Triangle. I was wrong. We are a natural destination for the migration of talented and thoughtful people.

Recent current events are causing us to pause and reflect on where we want to live, work and play and I believe that it will create more desire and urgency to call our area the first or second home.

At Engel & Völkers we are proud to bring the Georgian Triangle to the International stage through our Global Real Estate marketing and our connection to 700 shops and 8000 real estate advisors in 37 countries. Believe me, we are being seen and talked about by Engel & Völkers advisors searching out the best places in the world for their clients to live. We are where our clients want to be… in the best places. We are not interested in having the most realtors or the most sales. We are interested in having the best, trusted advisors and the most comprehensive and unique menu of Real Estate services.

If you would be interested in finding out more about International Real Estate or would like to investigate how working for an International Brokerage could change your life, call me now. Thinking of Selling your home or property, give us a call and we would be more than happy to tell you what makes us different from everyone else.

Please visit www.collingwoodmuskoka.evcanada.com under the “Sell Your Home” tab to view two of our new and exciting marketing concepts!

Max Hahne, Broker Of Record 15A Hurontario Street, Collingwood, On, L9Y 2L7 Mobile: 705.441.5800 • max.hahne@evcanada.com

©Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but it not guaranteed and should be independently verified. If your property is represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FEAST IN THE FOREST

FOOD&DRINK

ABOVE: Top local and Toronto chefs present creative dishes en plein air at the annual Feast in the Forest, now in its fifth year. Participants stroll through the Kolapore Uplands Forest, stopping along the way for delicious food and drinks.

Culinary Creations

How to experience the local agri-food scene All across Southern Georgian Bay, food-minded individuals, from entrepreneurs and chefs to municipal and county economic development bodies, are working collaboratively to promote the region’s culinary bounty to local residents and visitors alike. Here’s your guide to several agri-food events and initiatives worth exploring.

Apple Pie Trail This award-winning culinary trail, developed by the Blue Mountain Village Association and partners, may very well have gotten the agri-food ball rolling.

Now in its eighth year, the Apple Pie Trail runs from Creemore to Meaford, with 40 stops and 12 adventure partners offering the best in local culinary experiences year-round, including restaurants, vineyards, cideries, galleries, museums, artisanal products, accommodations and adventure experiences. www.applepietrail.ca

Feast in the Forest Now in its fifth year, this annual event organized by Kolapore Springs Fishery lets participants sample dishes created by top local and Toronto restaurants as well as libations from local wineries and breweries while they stroll through the Kolapore Uplands Forest in May. The afternoon is topped off with great music by local artists. www.feastintheforest.com

South Georgian Bay Community Cookbook This beautifully crafted book of recipes, art and stories from local chefs, producers, growers and artists celebrates the unique food culture in Grey and Simcoe Counties. A portion of book sales goes toward supporting local food programs and initiatives that engage youth, improve access to healthy food and increase food literacy. https://sgb.communitycookbook.ca

Collingwood Whiskeylicious Festival With more than 16 participating locations around town and nine signature one-day events in February, Whiskeylicious gives Collingwood’s outstanding chefs, mixologists and foodies the opportunity to share their sweet and savoury creations inspired by Collingwood Whisky. http://whiskeylicious.visitsouthgeorgianbay.ca

Saints & Sinners Trail This agri-food initiative from Grey County Economic Development began last year with a map tour of county wineries and cideries. This year, a passport to 17 producers and 13 supporters, along with a chance to win prizes, will be promoted via economic development staff participation and sampling at special events throughout Grey County. www.visitgrey.ca/travel-tools/travel-stories/saints-sinners-localcraft-beer-wine-cider

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Community Long Table Dinner This inaugural event, held in conjunction with the launch of the Community Cookbook, is taking place June 26 on the Thornbury Pier. Dinner and beverages will be supplied by local chefs, restaurants, producers, wineries, breweries and cideries, with proceeds distributed to charitable partners through the Thornbury Clarksburg Rotary Club. www.communitylongtable.com

Shop Locally!

The easiest way to access local food products and meet local agri-food entrepreneurs is to support your local farmer’s market or local retail food markets such as the Collingwood Real Food Market, Creemore 100 Mile Store or The Barn Co-op in Meaford. Farmer’s markets are open every week during the summer and likely well into the fall.

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Trout Hollow Farm. A 95 acre retreat overlooking The Bighead River. 5,000 sq. ft.

Estate Home. Swimming Pond. Horse Barn. $1,288,000. Come Trott around the Property!

Exceptional 1 acre Georgian Bay lakefront lots each with 100 feet of waterfront. Located in highly desirable Woodland Beach. 5 lots available ranging from $420,000 to $430,000.

Walk to Bluewater Beach. Every lot has a minimum size of 1.5 acres with a variety of mature pines and hardwood trees. $119,00 to $129,900. Don’t wait. Call for details.

Spectacular views, exquisite 4 bedroom Victorian home with stunning pond and 25 acres of paradise. Horse facility is ideal for the equestrian family! $1,375,000

Meet The Engel & Völkers Collingwood Muskoka Team

JODY CARRIERE*

MEREDITH CUDNEY*

ASHLEY ANTHONY*

GRAHAM MCDONALD**

* Sales Representative & Advisor ** Broker & Advisor

MELISSA BRADBURY** *** Broker of Record & Advisor

Engel & Völkers Collingwood Muskoka • 15A Hurontario Street, Collingwood, On, L9Y 2L7 OFFICE: 705.999.8213 • Collingwood@EVCanada.com • www.CollingwoodMuskoka.EVCanada.com ©Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but it not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

If your property is represented by a real estate broker, this is not an attempt to solicit your listing.

ILSE AYERS**

MAX HAHNE***

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LOCALFARE Summertime is cocktail time – perfect for a whisky sour made with Collingwood Whisky, maplesweetened lemonade and Amaretto.

Recipe on following page.

COCKTAIL

TIME!

Make the perfect bevvy this summer by combining our area’s spirits with other local ingredients

by EMILY WORTS

I

❧ photo by Kristie & Brenden Woods

have yet to find a decent substitution for a fine St. Lucian rum, but when it comes to other spirits like whisky, gin and vodka, some of the world’s finest are distilled right here in Southern Georgian Bay. This area boasts an abundance of locally made beverages including several local brews, ciders and vintages. And more recently the area has become home to distillers of world-class spirits who take advantage of the crystal clear waters surrounding us and ingredients sourced from our fields and forests. I am sure more than a handful of us have showcased Georgian Hills or Coffin Ridge wines at cocktail parties, or gifted a multi-hued and flavoured six pack from our area’s many breweries, all while bragging about the wonderful place we live.

Fair enough! Where we live is remarkable, and what we are producing in terms of food and drink is no exception.

I love that my hometown of Creemore was put on the tourist map due to the high-quality beer it produces. I love that on Father’s Day my sisters and I surprised my dad with a trip to Coffin Ridge Winery for wine tasting and nibbles, travelling mere minutes to look out over a landscape rivalling Tuscany. What I don’t love is that my palate has not warmed up to the ‘hard’ stuff (Saint Lucian rum being the exception).

I have always believed that whisky must course through my veins.

My ancestors arrived on this continent almost 200 years ago and opened Canada’s first distillery, Gooderham and Worts. My surname, Worts, is itself an integral part of the distilling process (according to Wikipedia, the Wort contains sugars that, when fermented by the brewing yeast, create alcohol). My paternal grandmother always favoured a fine scotch over a cup of tea. And I envy the excitement my

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LOCALFARE

friends express when the cocktail season changes from red wine by the fire to G and Ts in the backyard (I can’t go there due to a strong aversion to the smell of junipers).

No matter what the incentive or the encouragement to drink the likes of scotch, whisky, vodka or gin, I always opted for a glass of wine. That is, until recently.

There are a couple of new (and not so new) local products on the LCBO shelves that have changed everything. When I first tried Collingwood Whisky, it was served mixed with a teaspoon of a friend’s own maple syrup, made with love and patience.

It was poured neat and it slid down my throat like Chez Michel’s crème caramel.

Recently a friend served cocktails made with local Georgian Bay Gin mixed with Dillon’s flavoured bitters and some of Meredith’s lime elixir (a local product that is as delicious and versatile as Meredith’s signature ginger syrup). How could I resist the refreshing-looking glasses with sprigs of mint and chunks of watermelon? The hint of juniper was still there but it didn’t attack my senses. Instead I had another.

If you are a beer and wine drinker, like myself, yet someone who gets a little bored of the same old same old, I say it’s time to live a little. Creating and mixing a cocktail is a fun and adventurous undertaking. I am used to cooking everything from scratch and I have decided to take the same approach when mixing drinks while supporting local producers and playing with seasonal ingredients.

Some of my favourite cocktails have been inspired by Jackie Durnford, who co-owns and operates Creemore’s 100 Mile Store. I have catered a few weddings with Jackie and it never ceases to amaze me what she and her daughter, Holly Storme, come up with on the beverage side of things.

This summer I have decided to embrace the cocktail and liven up my dinner parties. Nothing tells someone they are special more than being greeted at the gate with a fancy drink, just for them.

“It becomes less about drinking and more about a flavour experience and communing with friends,” she says of her love of mixing an imaginative cocktail. “I use whatever is around and I play with it, always asking myself, ‘how can I get the most flavour out of it?’”

Jackie and Holly always heighten the cocktail experience with the perfect garnish. Pickled leeks or garlic scapes are great with martinis and Caesars. Charred green onions and radishes add colour and flavour.

Always experimenting and always pushing the envelope with her ingenuity, Jackie has recently begun infusing her own spirits. “I started putting cedar into my gin. It’s like drinking a sauna.”

As happens so often living where I do, I am inspired by the creativity around me.

This summer I have decided to embrace the cocktail and liven up my dinner parties.

Nothing tells someone they are special more than being greeted at the gate with a fancy drink, just for them. It also gets any evening off to a fine start.

Of course, there are endless resources to turn to for tested and true cocktail recipes. As a novice mixologist I am always inspired by the latest LCBO magazine, and love to scour the internet (and even Pinterest) for ideas. But as with cooking, I find the summer season and its bountiful offerings to be the main source of inspiration. Fresh berries, local vegetables, foraged greens and even edible flowers from my garden are making their way into my cocktail glass. Berries and fruits are an obvious choice, lending natural sweetness and a splash of colour to any drink.

Other sweeteners like honey and maple syrup can turn a strong spirit into a sweet treat.

Cocktail possibilities are as unique as the individual making them. This season I encourage you to take the time to break the mould, step out of your comfort zone and imbibe in a locally inspired cocktail. Mixing a cocktail may not be as simple (or quick) as twisting a cap from a frosty beer or uncorking a fine vintage, but, like all true signs of a life well lived, mixing a cocktail requires slowing down, taking it easy, sitting back and enjoying. Cheers to the good life! ❧

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Recipes Holly Go-Rhubarb My personal mixology consultant, Holly Storme, is always inspired by her surroundings when coming up with signature cocktails for weddings and other events. She also loves to scour the shelves of her mother’s shop to see what ingenious ingredients local entrepreneurs are producing, to help take her cocktails above and beyond. Here is one of her summer favourites.

1 oz. any local vodka e.g. Tag, Georgian Bay Spirits ¾ oz.Georgian Bay Gin • ¼ oz. St. Germain Elderflower liqueur • 2 dashes Dillon’s orange bitters • 2-3 oz. rhubarb nectar (recipe below) • Fentimans rose lemonade • Basil leaves or flower petals • •

1. In a tall glass, pour in rhubarb nectar first.

2. Fill almost to the top with ice, add vodka, gin, St. Germain and bitters. Gently stir.

3. Top with rose lemonade.

4. Garnish with fresh basil and/or flower petals Rhubarb Nectar (makes 6 cups) 10 cups chopped rhubarb 3 cups water • 1 strip each orange and lemon rind • 2 cups granulated sugar • •

1. In large saucepan, combine rhubarb, water and rind and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low.

2. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve, strain into a clean saucepan. Stir in sugar and bring to a boil. Process in boiling water bath. Can be refrigerated for up to one week.

Everything in the drink is locally sourced. All non-alcoholic ingredients can be found at the 100-Mile store in Creemore.

The Hurontario A whisky sour made with Collingwood Whisky is a staple of our local Whiskeylicious event. This version uses maple-sweetened lemonade, which picks up the hint of maple in the whisky, while Amaretto provides a hint of nuttiness.

1.5 oz. Collingwood Whisky 1.5 oz. Amaretto • 2.5 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice • 1 oz. maple syrup • 2 dashes Angostura bitters • •

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shake, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a dusting of nutmeg.

Participating

RESTAURANTS

Amazing

in the attached pull-out guide

RESTAURANTS Dining Out in Southern Georgian Bay SUMMER 2016

COLLINGWOOD Azzurra Cabin Bistro Gustav Chophouse Lakeside Grill Reef ‘n Beef Tesoro The Huron Club Westside After 5

BLUE MOUNTAINS & THE VILLAGE Copper Blues The Pottery Thonburi Thai

THORNBURY Bruce Wine Bar The Grill at Lora Bay

WASAGA BEACH Catch 22

NOTTAWA The Dornoch Tap & Grill

onthebaymagazine.com | mycollingwood.ca

Your Guide Gone?

Not to be Missed

Your Amazing Restaurant Guide is online too!

Go to www.onthebaymagazine.com

LAND, SE The view from the cockpit of Genesis Flight Centre’s Diamond DA40 airplane as it flies over Blue Mountain Resort.

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ACTIVITIES

EA & AIR Summer adventures offer breathtaking views and exhilarating experiences story by LAURIE STEPHENS photos by KRISTIE & BRENDEN WOODS

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ACTIVITIES

ABOVE: Abby Ploeg takes in the view from the 600-metre-long treetop canopy walk as part of the Scenic Caves Eco Adventure Tour.

W

hether it is exhilaration or relaxation you are seeking, Southern Georgian Bay offers a number of unique adventures – on land, in the air and on the water – for local residents and tourists alike. Writer Laurie Stephens has tried out a few, and gives them all an enthusiastic thumbs-up. She describes her experiences below.

~ LAND ~

Six small, grated-metal steps jutt off a cliff; then nothing. The steps stop; the hand-rail stops. I stare down at the ground 45 metres below, fighting off dizziness as my heart starts to pound fast and hard.

Slowly, I descend to the fourth step and stop to gain another ounce of courage.

I avoid looking down again, choosing instead to glance 300 metres away to the landing zone where capable staff wait to stop my descent.

“Just a couple more steps,” says our guide, Gord Salt. After another hesitation, I descend one more step. My brain tells me, “you can do this,” so I take a deep breath and lower myself to the final step. Sweaty hands clench the safety rope secured to the overhead cable and I lean back, allowing the climbing harness around my hips to take my weight. And then I am off.

No screams of terror. Just pure exhilaration as I whiz down the zip line,

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the wind whistling in my ears and twisting me around for a 360-degree view of the Escarpment and Georgian Bay. My Scenic Caves Eco Adventure Tour ends with a hard stop at the bottom, adrenaline coursing through my body, hands trembling from nerves and exhaustion, and a feeling of having accomplished something incredible: I confronted my fear of heights.

The Eco Adventure Tour is about more than just heights. In addition to sheer enjoyment, the tour is designed to be a learning experience.

“If you come on our tours, you’re going to learn something over and above getting excited by the adventure,” says owner Rob Thorburn. “That’s very important to us, that you go away knowing more than when you arrived about history, heritage, flora, fauna, trees, geology and the view of Georgian Bay.” Thorburn bought the bankrupt Scenic Caves in 1993, delaying his retirement to develop a much broader and unique tourism experience for the area. The caves that were the home of the Petun native people in the early 1600s had already become a well-established attraction, but Thorburn saw opportunity for more.

After renaming the experience Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in 2000, he set about developing inter-connected activities, or “clusters of tourism importance.”

The Eco Adventure activities include a stroll across a suspension bridge that overlooks Georgian Bay, a walk among the tree tops, wagon rides along bumpy paths (which double as cross-country ski trails in the winter), a tour of the caves and, for an added thrill, a ride down the zip lines.

The Eco Adventure Tour caters to young and old, the only restrictions being height and weight – you must be over 1.4 metres (4’8”) tall and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. A certain level of fitness comes in handy, as the tour can be physically demanding at times.

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The adventure ends with metal steps that stop in mid-air, and the 300-metre zip line ride back to base. At the bottom, breathless, we reflect on the day and realize we’ve had a rare experience.

Thorburn says his customers run the gamut from moms and dads with a couple of teenagers to retired couples, people who are dating, and groups celebrating special occasions such as an upcoming wedding or milestone birthday.

My three-hour guided tour begins at the Eco Adventure office, where Salt gives instructions to our group of 13, which includes three generations of a family, a tourist from Israel and two brothers. All of us wiggle into our harnesses, strap on helmets, heft a backpack with heavy zip line brakes over our shoulders, then get weighed with our gear to make sure we are within the weight restriction.

Once outside, a slight drizzle on a warm spring afternoon doesn’t dampen our enthusiasm.

We climb aboard a wagon that takes us to our first stop: a 126-metre suspension bridge – the longest footbridge in southern Ontario – that rattles the nerves a bit as it swings slightly with our combined weight. The footbridge affords a stunning view of Georgian Bay, and Thorburn says it has been the site of a number of marriage proposals, “to the delight of everybody.”

It opened in 2003, after years spent in the approval process because the area is one of Canada’s 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves. In the end, construction was approved – with a price tag as high as the bridge itself.

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TOP LEFT: Constance DeDecker of Stratford rides the zip line at Scenic Caves.

TOP RIGHT: Writer Laurie Stephens (right) strolls along the suspension bridge at Scenic Caves with Karen Hall of Wasaga Beach and Toronto. The longest footbridge in Southern Ontario, it “cost $1 million to build and has million-dollar views.”

ABOVE: It’s one foot in front of the other along the treetop canopy walk, a two-by-10-inch wooden plank supported by ropes.

www.collingwoodcharters.ca 705-443-1124 | collingwoodcharters@live.ca

Side Launch Way, Collingwood Harbour (Behind the L.C.B.O) ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

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ACTIVITIES

Mesmerizing Westerly Vistas

Georgian Bay’s clear waters, soft white sand wriggling through your toes and ever so stunning sunsets await you at this prime beachfront.

The southern Tiny Beaches location is an easy drive to the hills at Blue Mountain. A warm wood interior offers a casual ambience to enjoy through all seasons. The larger frontage offers good potential for the design/build of your ultimate dream home. $999,000 PEGGY WORTHEN, Broker Re/Max Georgian Bay Realty Ltd., Brokerage 705.361.3613 • peggy@peggyworthen.com

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ABOVE: Summerbound Tours’ 25-foot pontoon boat serves as a 360-degree platform to view the Escarpment and the Bay.

“It cost a million dollars to build, and it’s a million-dollar view,” says Salt.

From the bridge our group travels again by wagon through a moist, spring forest to the treetop canopy walk, a 600-metre-long exercise that also tests your fear of heights. Our guides demonstrate clipping and unclipping our safety ropes to the wire cables overhead, then we practise under their watchful eyes before we’re given the go-ahead to begin.

The adventure looks surprisingly benign – until I take my first steps on a twoby-10-inch wooden plank. Supported by ropes that connect to a thin railing, the narrow plank sways side-to-side, forcing me to walk gingerly, one foot in front of the other. Fortunately, I am securely tethered with two ropes from my harness clipped to two different cables above my head.

The most stressful act is transferring the security ropes from one span of the walk to the next, and I quickly realize why tour participants must meet the minimum height requirement. Wobbling on a shaky plank, I reach behind to unhook one clip at a time from the overhead cable and then stretch again to clip onto the cable on the next span in front of me.

At times, the reach is too much, and I gratefully accept help from my adventure buddy Karen Hall. I am trembling and sweating, and it isn’t from physical effort.

At one point our group reaches a platform attached to a large sugar maple, and Hall tells me, “This is the highest point – we are 55 feet off the ground.” Digesting that piece of information, I dare to look down to the forest floor and spy a raccoon foraging for food. A few minutes later we reach the 100-metre zip line that marks the end of the canopy walk. One of the young boys, despite coaxing from the group, declines to make the trip via zip. No problem; a friendly guide helps him find an easy way to reach the ground.

Then we’re off to the caves themselves. There is still too much ice in the crevices to safely descend, so our guides give us a geology and history lesson from various scenic lookouts and point out baby ravens in a nest on a rock ledge sheltered by a stand of white cedars.

The adventure ends where this story begins – with metal steps that stop in

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mid-air, and the 300-metre zip line ride back to base. At the bottom, breathless, we reflect on the day and realize we’ve had a rare experience. As Thorburn says, other tourism attractions in Ontario have tried to duplicate his model, “but you can’t copy our forest, you can’t copy our views, you can’t copy the combination of the Eco Adventure tour and the zip lines on the tour. It’s unique.”

The Scenic Caves Eco Adventure Tour runs seven days a week, rain or shine, from May to October. Business peaks in the summer with six-to-eight tours a day. The cost is $85 per person for adults; $75 per person for seniors and youths aged 10-17. Eco adventure guests can also ride on the 2,550-foot Thunderbird Twin Zip Line for $8.85.

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~ SEA ~

It’s a hot, hazy day, already 29 degrees at 11 a.m., making it the perfect time to go for a relaxing cruise in Collingwood Harbour.

I step aboard the Huronic, a 65-foot passenger boat that weighs 60 tonnes and is 23 feet wide – an ideal venue to entertain as many as 70 guests for sight-seeing tours, sunset cruises or wine-tasting events.

Lauren Matthews, owner-operator of Collingwood Charters, is celebrating one year in operation and is an enthusiastic guide. Lauren’s father, David Matthews, is our captain, piloting the boat for today’s cruise.

Before we head out, Lauren gives me a quick tour of the 15-year-old vessel.

“The Huronic has a wide beam and is designed to be stable on the Great Lakes,” she says, adding with a chuckle, “I didn’t spill a drop of wine when I was doing the wine tastings last year.”

The lower, enclosed deck has guest seating and a fully licensed bar featuring beverages from a local brewery, Side Launch, the name commemorating how ships used to be launched in the now-closed Collingwood Shipyards.

Up a few steps to the upper deck, I am greeted by a cool breeze and an unobstructed view of the water. The deck has additional seating and removable tables, as well as roll-down window shades if bad weather rolls in.

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PHOTOS BY JESSICA CRANDLEMIRE

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TOP: Peter DeVries started Summerbound Tours nine years ago.

ABOVE : Summerbound offers a narrated cruise of Collingwood Harbour that celebrates the town’s maritime history, as well as sunset tours.

Lauren points out features that make the cruise appropriate for all ages, including the high bulwarks on the sides of the boat to keep small children safe, and a wide on-off ramp that accommodates people in wheelchairs.

Then we are under way, Dave slowly turning the boat away from the dock and out towards the open water. Speakers blare a song by Great Big Sea to get us in the mood. I start to unwind as we slowly make our way out into Collingwood Harbour. The ride is so smooth, I barely feel like I am on a boat. The fresh breeze blunts the humidity of the day, and I watch as swans, geese, cormorants and gulls swim or fly by.

The music is interrupted from time to time by Dave’s recorded voice, first for a safety lesson, telling passengers where the life jackets and two life rafts can be found. Later, we are treated to mini history lessons about the Collingwood Grain Terminals, the Shipyards and the Nottawasaga Island Lighthouse.

I hear that during the peak of Collingwood ship-building in the 1900s, people used to come from miles around to see “seven seconds of drama” as new ships – some as long as 730 feet – slid sideways down a ramp of timbers into the water.

As we motor past the historic Grain Terminals, Dave’s voice tells me the operation handled 128 million bushels of grain over its 85-year lifespan, starting in 1929. Collingwood was once dubbed “Chicago of the North” because of the volume of shipments it handled. The Terminals were made with one continuous pour of cement over 13 days – “a massive feat of engineering by today’s standards,” says Dave. I step up to the flybridge, the highest point on the bow, as we cruise past the harbour breakwall and towards Nottawasaga Island Lighthouse.

The lighthouse is best described as dilapidated: a large section of the northeast wall is severely damaged by weather and neglect. Opened in 1858 to warn sailors of the offshore reefs, it was officially decommissioned in 2003 due to its unsafe condition. A local fund-raising effort to restore the lighthouse is now underway.

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DeVries says his guests come from all over the world, attracted by Blue Mountain and the many time-share accommodations in the area.

But most striking about it on this day is that the island on which it sits is covered end-to-end with nesting seabirds whose squawks carry over the waves.

Straight ahead, Christian Island and other landmasses across Georgian Bay are hazy outlines in the distance. Off to my left, I get a sprawling view of Blue Mountain Resort and the other ski runs carved into the Escarpment.

Lauren developed a love of boats at a young age, having grown up in Port Dover with her father, who built tugboats. She worked for the Canadian Coast Guard for five years prior to starting Collingwood Charters. Personal reasons brought her to the Collingwood area, where she saw a business opportunity in dinner cruises. So she bought the boat in the fall of 2014 and talked to town officials about launching the business.

“I love going out on the Bay, so I looked into it and started talking to the town and it all worked out,” she says. “It’s always been kind of a dream of mine. What could be better than to be able to work out on the water?”

Her customers for sightseeing tours are generally local residents, retirees and tourists, while dinner tours tend to cater to couples and party groups. She also books group charters for corporate events, birthdays, weddings and bachelor or bachelorette parties. In the evenings, she hosts wine-tastings and pub nights.

As we make our way back toward the dock, Dave offers me a chance to be captain, and it’s not as easy as it looks. The Huronic is big and heavy, and my efforts have us fish-tailing in slow motion as I try to figure out how to keep the vessel on course.

After a few minutes I hand the wheel back to Dave, who assures me I did “just fine” as he pilots us back to the dock, ending my tranquil respite from the heat.

Collingwood is also home to Summerbound Tours, owned and operated by Peter DeVries, who was inspired to start the company nine years ago by his wife Iris, who passed away last year.

DeVries says his guests come from all over the world, attracted by Blue Mountain and the many time-share accommodations in the area. He also hosts

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many East Indian and Chinese families from Toronto, who are so overwhelmed by the size of Georgian Bay, they often ask, “Is this salt water?”

Summerbound offers a narrated cruise of Collingwood Harbour that celebrates the town’s maritime history, as well as other types of tours. The company’s 25-foot pontoon boat serves as a 360-degree platform to view the Escarpment and the Bay. “Our tours are very intimate and allow a dialogue and interaction with our guests,” he says. “People are the best part of our business.”

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Collingwood Charters is open from May 24 to Thanksgiving weekend. Ninetyminute tours of Collingwood Harbour run daily and cost $29.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors, $24.95 for students/youth and $14.95 for children 4-12. Children under 3 are free. Other charters or tours are available. Reservations are recommended.

Summerbound is open weekends until mid-June, then Friday – Sunday until Labour Day. A one-hour narrated tour of the Historic Collingwood Harbour is $25 per person.

Ninety-minute sunset cruises are $35 per person. Reservations are required.

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It’s love at first sight.

The plane, a Diamond DA40, is tiny – white and blue with long, graceful wings that spread out forever. It’s a four-seater and seems to be all windows, promising incredible sightlines once we are in the air.

David Gascoine, pilot and president of Genesis Flight Centre, walks around the aircraft, checking off items on the safety checklist. After a few minutes, we’re ready to fly. We climb in – it’s a tight fit. I ask him how often he flies.

“Never enough,” he says, explaining that he’s too busy looking after the business he started in 2013. “A day when I get to fly is always a good day.”

It’s steamy outside – 30 degrees – and the cabin starts to heat up as Gascoine goes through more of his checklist. There’s no air conditioner because a compressor weighs over 100 pounds and having one aboard would mean sacrificing passenger space.

“We’ll be fine once we’re in the air; there are plenty of air vents,” says Gascoine, before starting. It roars to life, and the small plane shudders as the propeller on the nose starts to whir.

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Hands trembling, I take hold of what looks like a video game joystick and move it to the right to have the plane bank over the Bay. After a few manoeuvres, I start to get the hang of it.

www.thebluemountains.ca We put on noise-cancelling Bose headphones, and the sound of the engine is gone, replaced by airport chatter on the radio and Gascoine’s voice as he points to the instrument screens and gauges in front of us: altitude, attitude, speed, compass, GPS, map, oil and fuel, RPMs. Then we taxi to the end of the runway, turn around and start back down the same runway, this time picking up speed as we prepare to lift off into the wind.

There’s no big thrust that pushes me back in my seat; just a ride so smooth, I barely realize when we leave the tarmac.

As we rise to our cruising altitude, my ears plug and we experience turbulence that buffets the plane a bit. It’s a strange, weightless sensation. A wing dips slightly and the nose bumps up a bit, like the aircraft is a puppet being lightly manipulated by the wind. Yet I feel completely safe.

Soon we’re cruising at 200 kilometres per hour 1,300 feet above the ground and

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ACTIVITIES

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ABOVE: Genesis Flight Centre’s one-hour tour offers stunning views of Georgian Bay, the Beaver Valley, Lake Eugenia, Thornbury, Creemore and Collingwood.

taking in a stunning view of the Niagara Escarpment. This is Genesis’ one-hour tour and it is the company’s most popular.

“We can cover a lot of ground in an hour,” says Gascoine. “In an hour we will typically fly along the Beaver Valley, with stunning views of Lake Eugenia and the many quaint villages in the Creemore area. The tour includes some spectacular Georgian Bay shoreline from Thornbury to Collingwood. But exactly where we go is up to the customer.” He banks a turn to the left to give us a better view of the ski runs of Blue Mountain and to let me feel the sensation of G-forces exerting stress on my body. To our right is Georgian Bay: aqua-coloured in deeper waters, more emerald in the shallows.

Gascoine asks if I want to take a turn flying the plane, and my sense of calm disappears, replaced by outright terror. Heart beating fast, I struggle to steady my nerves as he gives me a lesson in how to make turns and keep the plane level.

Genesis’s primary weekday business is flight training for both recreational and career pilots through its college program. The scenic flights, usually on weekends, allow the general public a chance to experience the thrill of flying … in more ways than one.

“The really cool thing about these flights is that, because we are a flight school, we can turn any scenic flight into an introductory flight lesson where the person in the front seat actually gets to fly the plane,” he says. “Not everyone wants to fly; some just want to enjoy the view. But during the pre-flight briefing, the pilot will ask if you have any interest in doing some of the flying. If so, then we give a brief lesson in the air.”

Hands trembling, I take hold of what looks like a video game joystick and move it to the right to have the plane bank over the Bay. After a few manoeuvres, I start to get the hang of it and Gascoine tells me to bank left so that we can head towards the Beaver Valley. Still, I am more comfortable with him at the controls and I soon relinquish the joystick.

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ACTIVITIES

Above: David Gascoine, pilot and president of Genesis Flight Centre, offers tours as well as flight instruction – sometimes on the same flight.

Not every area can lay claim to such a wide array of adventures.

Ours can, and that makes Southern Georgian Bay even more special.

Gascoine says my nervous reaction is fairly typical: “It depends on whether you want to be a pilot or not. If you’re in that zone and you want to do this, there’s more excitement than fear.”

Genesis flies standard scenic routes in the Georgian Triangle and Barrie areas, running 30 minutes for $150 to two hours for $600, no matter whether there is one passenger or the maximum three. It also offers custom tours that could be a trip to Tobermory or a longer flight to Toronto to “do a few laps” of the CN Tower, says Gascoine. The experience is suitable for all ages – Gascoine’s oldest customer was a man in his mid-90s – although Genesis recommends that children be at least five years old so the noise-reducing headset fits.

The tours fly year-round, with customers celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. “We’ve even had a few marriage proposals,” he says.

As we begin heading back to the Collingwood Airport, Gascoine asks if I want to try the “roller coaster” – a manoeuvre that is just as the name implies. He nudges the nose up and then back down, and I feel my head spin, like it’s trying to catch up to the rest of my body. It’s so much fun, I ask for a second go-round.

Too soon, we are done. We come in for a landing that is a bit bumpy in the wind.

I feel the puppet sensation again as we bounce slightly, drifting a little from side to side before Gascoine eases the plane to an easy touchdown. I climb out onto the sweltering tarmac wishing the flight could have lasted forever.

For a different experience in the air, tourists may want to try Big Blue Air, a helicopter charter company that flies out of Collingwood Airport.

“For people who haven’t been in a helicopter before, it’s quite different from

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any other type of aircraft they’ve been in,” says Marcus Vogel, the company’s chief pilot. “There’s no rolling or takeoff; you’re just in the air, so you get that magic carpet sensation. And obviously the view is a big thrill for a lot of people. With so much glass, you can see absolutely everything.”

Vogel’s passengers range in age from five to 80, including locals who’ve never seen Collingwood from the sky, tourists who want a unique experience, or VIPs who want to get to and from Toronto quickly. Specialty excursions include fly-anddine packages and golf trips. Vogel says a wine tour of Georgian Bay Vineyards is very popular, as is a Collingwood-Blue Mountains tour.

Big Blue Air’s helicopter, a Robinson R66, can fit four passengers at a time.

Tours range from 10 minutes to a few hours, depending on the destination and activity, and cost $99 per person and up.

Genesis flight tours run year-round, weather permitting. Tours start at $150 per tour and can accommodate 1-3 passengers. Big Blue Air tours run year-round, weather permitting. Tours start at $99 per person and can accommodate 1-4 passengers.

Not every area can lay claim to such a wide array of adventures. Ours can, and that makes Southern Georgian Bay even more special. Whether you fancy a tree-top nature walk with thrilling zip lines, a scenic flight over the Escarpment, or a relaxing cruise on the Bay, those experiences and more are right in our own backyard just a few minutes’ drive away. So this summer – or any season – get out and make some once-in-a-lifetime memories! ❧

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LOCALARTS

The Owen Sound Little Theatre performs a dress rehearsal for Carousel, one of the ambitious productions on last year’s playbill at The Roxy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OWEN SOUND LITTLE THEATRE GROUP / JOHN PRETTIE

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“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.� ~ Oscar Wilde

Stage Whispers Local theatre has undergone an evolution in Southern Georgian Bay

by JUDY ROSS

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SUMMER 2016

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LOCALARTS

PHOTO BY JESSICA CRANDLEMIRE

During the summer season, which runs from May to September, five different plays are presented, each with a six-day run. The playbill typically consists of light-hearted musicals and comedies, the belief being that patrons don’t want to come to something “dark” in the summer season.

ABOVE: Erica Angus, Theatre Collingwood’s executive director, on the set of Stag and Doe, performed in May at the historic Gayety Theatre. Angus took over the role in 2013, with the mandate to move from “producing” to “presenting” plays locally.

T

he amazing thing about live theatre in small communities like ours is that it exists in any form at all. With intense competition for our leisure-time viewing (live streaming, Netflix, movies, addictive TV series, etc.) and top-rated professional theatre just a few hours away in Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Stratford, filling a 357-seat theatre in Collingwood for a live performance is no mean feat.

“It’s always a challenge,” acknowledges Erica Angus, who took on the role of Theatre Collingwood’s executive director in 2013, “but Theatre Collingwood has now been around for 32 years. It has gone through many phases and changes but somehow managed to survive.”

The most recent change, and part of Angus’s mandate when she took the job, is the conversion from a “producing” theatre to a “presenting” theatre. Essentially it was far too costly to mount original professional productions. Now Angus’s job is to search out productions that are on stage in other small towns and bring them to Collingwood. Unlike community theatres where the actors are unpaid amateurs, Theatre Collingwood is a not-for-profit “professional” company, meaning the actors, directors, stage managers and lighting directors all get paid.

“We offer a high level of professionalism,” says Angus, “and this becomes

76

expensive. I have always been involved with professional theatre because I feel when people put time and effort into a profession they should be paid. We have an annual budget of $350,000 and only half of that comes from ticket sales; the rest is raised through fund-raising events and donor support.”

During the summer season, which runs from May to September, five different plays are presented, each with a six-day run. The playbill typically consists of light-hearted musicals and comedies, the belief being that patrons don’t want to come to something “dark” in the summer season. Angus’s challenge is to find plays that fill this dictate.

“It’s a part of my job that I love,” she enthuses. “I get to travel all over Ontario and look for material. I work with theatre companies in Orangeville, Gravenhurst and Port Dover, for instance. It’s a great arrangement because when we do a joint venture we get to share the production costs; the actors get longer contracts, which is good for them; and we are open to a much bigger pool in terms of the plays we can bring here.”

Although theatre companies can and do mount plays in tents (as in the early days of Stratford) or under the stars (in Central Park, New York), at some point the benefit of a dedicated building becomes paramount. For years Theatre Collingwood scrambled to find performing space in school auditoriums.

Uncomfortable seats, poor acoustics and bad sightlines (not to mention some questionable productions) were a true test for loyal patrons in those days. Then, in 2003, local entrepreneurs Sid Dickinson and Kathie Houghton decided to buy the Gayety Theatre building, in part to give the company a home.

ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

“I knew that Theatre Collingwood had been trying for years to have a real performance space,” recalls Dickinson, “and I thought this could be a hub for entertainment in downtown Collingwood.”

The building, now referred to as The Historic Gayety, has been a solid red brick presence on the corner of Hurontario and Ontario streets since 1922 when it opened as the Rex Theatre, presenting live vaudeville acts and silent films. The name change took place in 1929 when the owner at the time bought the “Gayety” marquee from a bankrupt burlesque house in Toronto and had it shipped to Collingwood by train.

Those who remember say the Gayety marquee was a dazzling sight, rising way above the building and ablaze with 1,500 light bulbs. When the building was renovated in 1949 the jazzy marquee was hauled off to the dump (too many light bulbs to replace, according to the owners) and the building became a cinema, the first theatre north of Toronto to show ‘talking’ movies. It continued to operate as a cinema until taken over by Houghton and Dickinson.

The building’s interior needed “a substantial investment,” according to Dickinson, to make it usable for live theatre and entertainment; things like a state-of-the-art sound system, theatrical lighting, a sprung stage with ample wings on both sides, and comfortable staggered seating. In 2004 a doorway was opened into the adjoining Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts building, which serves as a lobby for the theatre.

Today the historic theatre is run by Dickinson as a rental space and on one out of every four nights “something is going on at the Gayety,” and it’s not always Theatre Collingwood. As Erica Angus points out, “We are not the only tenants. Many other

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events and productions take place in the theatre and this sometimes causes confusion.”

In order to keep patron awareness high, Theatre Collingwood mounts a series of one-night-only shows that kicks off every February with a live original production, “The Valentine Cabaret,” a love-themed performance that brings in star performers from big-name hit shows. It sells out every year.

J

ust a few blocks away from the Historic Gayety is the charmingly intimate Simcoe Street Theatre housed in the former Enterprise-Bulletin newspaper headquarters. The building, which dates back to the 1980s, has been owned since 2010 by Richard and Anke Lex, the energetic couple responsible for much of the building restoration and revival – both architectural and cultural – taking place in that neighbourhood. Known as a black box theatre – meaning a basic, bare-bones space with black walls – the 100-seat theatre is small but has surprisingly plush seats, rescued from a Toronto Cineplex. There’s also an attached pressroom and reception area that doubles as an art gallery.

“When Rick and I took over the building we felt that the newspaper’s warehouse and mail room were just calling out to be a theatre,” explains Anke, “and we believed there was a need in Collingwood for an affordable, flexible space for creative performances.”

The couple’s instincts were right. Since the Simcoe Street Theatre officially opened on May 1, 2015, there has been something on stage an average of three or four nights a week. The productions range from speakers to musicians, from indie artists to one-person shows, from author readings to experimental theatre … and the theatre now has a screen for showing documentary films as well.

Although new to theatre, the Lexes have jumped right in and, in some cases, become involved as co-producers. “We still have much to learn,” notes Anke, who is loving this new aspect of her already busy life, “but people help us along. It’s quite magical what happens on that little stage. And we find that all the performers love coming here. They love the audiences, the town – and they all want to come back.

So we must be doing something right.”

LEFT: The cast of the Gaslight Community Theatre production Hog and Wild Pigs: the Demise of the Town Constable, performed in 2011 as part of the tour theme “Whiskey & Wickedness.”

T

here is an old theatrical adage that once the theatre gets in your blood it stays there forever. The story of how the Meaford Community Theatre came to be is a case in point. Wayne Bryant, the president of the amateur group, had his first experience on stage up in Yellowknife where he owned an engineering company. His wife, who was on the board of the Arts and Culture Centre there, got him a role in their production of Music Man. “I had just retired and she wanted something for me to do,” recalls Bryant with a chuckle. “I had no experience, nor even any interest in theatre at the time. But that experience changed my life! Being on that stage, hearing that applause … I fell in love with theatre and I’ve wanted to be on the stage ever since!”

Bryant and his wife chose Meaford as the ideal place for their retirement.

The town had a thriving theatre company (The Georgian Theatre Festival) and a historic Opera House, Meaford Hall, with a 310-seat theatre, which was undergoing a massive restoration at the time. It seemed a perfect choice for the retired couple with thespian ambitions. But sadly, what the Bryants didn’t know was that a battle had erupted between the theatre company, the management of the renovated building and some members of the town council over the newly restored space.

Political infighting ensued and in the end, the theatre company was banned from Meaford Hall. The Georgian Theatre Festival struggled on for a couple of years using other venues (including tents), but was eventually unable to survive without a permanent home.

Bryant admits that it was a very messy situation, but he and others, including deputy mayor and playwright Harley Greenfield, were determined to keep theatre alive in their small town. They started the Meaford Community Theatre in 2009 with a group of amateur enthusiasts and their first production, Harvest Moon by local playwright Greg Brown, played to nearly full houses in Meaford Hall for three nights and one matinée. Since then they’ve had several successes and one “bummer,” admits Bryant, but with avid support from the local community, their amateur theatre company continues to be a vibrant addition to the cultural life in Meaford.

“Basically it’s all about having fun,” says Bryant. “We’re not getting paid, but we’re getting a great deal of personal satisfaction and fond memories that will last a lifetime.”

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With your help, we’ll make wise investments today that bridge the gap to the future of our Hospital.

PHOTO BY JESSICA CRANDLEMIRE

It takes time to plan and build a new Hospital. In the meantime we need to update our outdated Emergency Department to make it as efficient as possible. Our current 1950’s style layout is an old model of care and we want to keep up with the best, most recent practices. A change as simple as reconfiguring work stations to improve sight lines to patients or increasing storage areas for medical supplies, means that doctors can get to more patients quickly, reducing wait times and increasing efficiency.

ABOVE: Rick and Anke Lex opened the “black box” Simcoe Street Theatre in 2015 in the former Enterprise-Bulletin newspaper building. “It’s quite magical what happens on that little stage,” says Anke.

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SUMMER 2016

urther proof of live theatre’s allure for both participants and audiences is the phenomenal success of Gaslight Community Theatre Productions in Collingwood. This grassroots theatre group has put on a series of sell-out performances every November for the past six years. The format involves four 20-minute plays performed by local amateurs and mounted in different venues in the downtown core.

Small audience groups gather first in the Collingwood Public Library, where they get an official greeting from the Town Crier. They are then escorted from one venue to another with the help of costumed Gaslight guides who impart historical information (and sometimes juicy gossip) during the walk. The theme changes every year to showcase a different aspect of Collingwood’s history.

The founder and artistic director of Gaslight, Arlene Noble, left Collingwood early this year to move to Toronto, which was a shock to her many followers and Gaslight fans. But “she left a great template and a great team of volunteers,” says Monica Wilson, who was hand picked by Noble to take over as Gaslight’s executive producer. Wilson had been involved in every capacity of the productions from the very first year, and although she is filling some very big shoes, she says confidently,“There’s not much I don’t know about Gaslight, and I’m sure we will continue to be a success.”

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Have Even More Fun

The Play’s the Thing Summer is the perfect time to take in a live local performance

Now in 2 Locations

From spring through fall (and in some cases even winter), our local companies are taking the stage to give audiences the enjoyment of live theatre.

Check out the websites below to find out what’s playing, buy tickets or get involved in keeping community theatre alive and well in Southern Georgian Bay.

CREEMORE •& ORANGEVILLE

705-466-9998 / 519-307-7600 172 Mill St. Creemore/61 Broadway Ave. Orangeville OPEN DAILY

Clearview Community Theatre clearviewcommunitytheatre.ca

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Gaslight Community Theatre gaslighttheatreproductions.com Meaford Community Theatre (Meaford Hall) meafordhall.ca

168 Mill St. 705-466-6278

Owen Sound Little Theatre (The Roxy) roxytheatre.ca Simcoe Street Theatre whatsonsimcoestreet.com Theatre Collingwood theatrecollingwood.ca Theatre Georgian Bay theatregeorgianbay.com Thornbury Community Theatre (Marsh St. Centre, Clarksburg) marshstreetcentre.com

Books, Music, Art, and More!

Wasaga Community Theatre theatrewasaga.wix.com

Join us for “Words in the Woods” the first Dunedin literary festival, Saturday September 17th. Help us celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Fugitive Pieces” with author Anne Michaels, take a walk in the woods with Nicola Ross, and hear readings and talks by many talented authors.

Visit www.wordsinthewoods.ca for details.

There are also a number of live theatre companies and events in Barrie, listed at: tourismbarrie.com/things_to_do/live_theatre.aspx

DS WOR

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Not only is the Gaslight Tour a sell-out success, it also raises funds to support arts activities in the community and promotes the art of playwriting among local residents.

One of the initiatives, Page to Stage, brings together a group of 12 amateurs interested in writing for theatre. The biggest draw for this five-night course in scene writing, which takes place in February and March, is its teacher: Canada’s famous playwright and local resident Dan Needles.

Best known for the popular Wingfield series, which has played on stages across Canada since 1984, Needles is typically sardonic about his new teaching role. “The first year I was trying to sum up everything I know,” he quips, “and then I found it all fit on one page.”

Now after four years he finds the students’ writing gets better every year. At the end of the series the group selects four scenes that go on stage at the Simcoe Street theatre. “It has been a great experience,” enthuses Needles, “and we fill the 100 seats in the theatre; even though it’s mostly friends and family it feels like you’re on a wave!”

If you scratch the surface of almost any small town you’ll find that amateur thespians have found a way to play to an audience, and Southern Georgian Bay is no exception. In addition to Collingwood and Meaford, there are active community theatre groups in Thornbury/Clarksburg, Creemore/Stayner, Rocklyn and Wasaga Beach.

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Wasaga Community Theatre celebrates its 25th production season this year. The group produces two plays per year in the spring and fall, including children’s productions, performed at the Wasaga Beach RecPlex.

In 1996, a group of adults intent on producing a musical version of Scrooge for a cast of young people formed the Clearview Community Theatre to make it happen. Since then the group staged performances for all ages in various community halls throughout Clearview, with special emphasis on the development of young people’s theatre.

At the other end of the region, Thornbury Community Theatre mounts amateur performances in the spring and fall at the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg.

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nother interesting theatre success is the Roxy Theatre in the historic downtown neighbourhood of Owen Sound. The Roxy has had an unbroken performance history since it opened in 1913 as a vaudeville theatre that could seat 1,200 people. Since that time, despite two World Wars, Prohibition and the Great Depression, the theatre has remained the only performing arts centre in the town and has consistently been used for performances of one kind or another.

In 1948, Odeon Cinema bought, gutted and renovated the Roxy, taking out the balcony and dramatically reducing the seating capacity, and it remained a movie theatre for almost 40 years until Owen Sound Little Theatre (a not-for-profit, charitable organization) purchased the building in 1986. The group raised funds and invested in renovations until, finally in 1994, they were able to hold a grand opening gala with a lively production of The Man Who Came to Dinner. Every seat in the 400-seat theatre was full.

Now celebrating its 53rd year, the theatre company recently mounted a Build and Burn Campaign to successfully pay off the mortgage on this “wonderful but aging” building.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SIMCOE STREET THEATRE

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ABOVE: The cast of a February comedy and cabaret show in the green room at the Simcoe Street Theatre (l-r): Christel Bartelse, Paul Hutcheson, Christine Aziz, Rouge La Rouge, Jen Chow.

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Owen Sound Little Theatre is made up of volunteers who stage four productions annually: a fall musical and three non-musical plays throughout the rest of the year. This year’s playbill consists of ambitious productions such as Carousel, To Kill a Mockingbird and Blithe Spirit. According to Cathie Locke, president of the board of directors of the Owen Sound Little Theatre, “We couldn’t manage without all the volunteers. Lots of them get bitten by the bug and want the glow of the floodlights, but there are lots like me who just like being part of the process. Sharing a love of theatre is a great bond and leads to close friendships.”

It is exactly this passion that keeps theatre alive in any small community, whether it’s a professional group like Theatre Collingwood (which depends on a hundred volunteers every year) or an amateur company run entirely by volunteers.

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ABOVE: The Owen Sound Little Theatre performed To Kill a Mockingbird in February as part of the 2015/16 season.

“We couldn’t manage without all the volunteers. Lots of them get bitten by the bug and want the glow of the floodlights, but there are lots like me who just like being part of the process. Sharing a love of theatre is a great bond and leads to close friendships.”

U

sually, behind every successful theatre company, there is an ardent, can-do individual who made it happen. In the case of Theatre Collingwood it was Barbara Weider, the company’s original founder and biggest cheerleader, whose death last winter, as Erica Angus puts it, “was a great loss. We have dedicated this season to her memory.”

While some people like Weider have the passion, vision and financial means to actually start a theatre company, there are many others who just want to be part of one, whether it’s building sets, doing hair or makeup, arranging fundraising events, or belting out a solo in front of a live audience. And so it is that, in every town around Georgian Bay, on some stage, in some local town hall or restored historic theatre, it’s almost certain that some group is finding a way to make that happen. All you have to do is buy a ticket, sit back and enjoy! ❧ ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

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DIFFERENTLY Contemporary impressionist painter John David Anderson translates visual discoveries into compositions of colour and light

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John David Anderson

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Red Chair IV, 30 x 40 inches, oil on canvas.

Red Canoe II, 30 x 40 inches, oil on canvas. Evening Portage, Lake George, 18 x 24 inches, oil on linen. Fiord Study, Desert Island Maine (en plein air), 12 x 16, oil on panel. Maple Valley Study (en plein air), 12 x 16 inches, oil on panel.

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Learning how to see – “how to look with intent to discover” – has been John David Anderson’s lifelong journey. “Acquiring the skills as a painter to communicate what I learned to see started when I was 15 and copying Andrew Wyeth paintings,” says Anderson, who has been “pushing paint around professionally,” showing his work at local, national and international galleries, and teaching painting for over 20 years.

“Subject matter becomes engaging because of its relationship to light,” he explains. “The feeling of the space that contains the elements of my composition drives the idea for the canvas. Painting outside, en plein air, is where it starts … actual compositions from landscape, still life or figures provoke a response in paint driven by the light story.”

Anderson’s work evolved from an oil painter’s perspective of brush on canvas, using paint tonally applied with rich colour and an impressionist character, built upon various traditions from generations of artists.

“The subject does not drive the composition for me but light does.

Movement throughout my work is driven by the interplay of warm and cool colour. The quality of light in anything I see becomes the focus of my thoughts when a painting begins. Light has an emotional statement to make as it touches things, passes by them, floods over them ... it creates a colour field that allows me to enter in. Once in the space I begin an expression of the space and the affect it has on me. Colour relationships are the voice of that illuminated space that I try to speak to with my brush.”

Anderson is represented by Rational Expressions Gallery in Stayner, the Ethel Currie Gallery in Haliburton, the Double Doors Gallery in Anten Mills, and Riverside Gallery in London, UK. He also teaches painting at the Haliburton campus of Fleming College. ❧

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HOMEBUYING&SELLING

Thornbury

HEAT!

7 things you need to know about the Thornbury real estate market

by JANET LEES

O

nce a well-kept secret, Thornbury has become one of the hottest markets around for new and resale home buyers. And it’s no wonder, because it is an amazing place to live. (Full disclosure: I purchased a home in Thornbury 16 years ago and plan to stay for many years to come.) With its high-end shops, picturesque harbour, great dining choices, and activities like golf, biking, skiing, hiking and paddling right on its doorstep, Thornbury has it all.

“Many places have one or two of these attributes, but Thornbury – through a combination of geography and circumstance – has developed a wonderful sense of community in a setting that embodies everything great about the area’s geography and the many activities it enables,” says Steve Simon, a realtor with Royal LePage Locations North. However, the downside of Thornbury’s many attractions is that it is currently experiencing a true seller’s market – lots of interested buyers vying for a limited inventory of homes for sale – so those interested in buying a home or condo in Thornbury face stiff competition.

Here’s what you need to know to navigate the hot Thornbury market:

1

It’s about the Boomers Like most of our area’s real estate market, the Thornbury market is being driven by retiring or soon to retire Baby Boomers. “The birth rate peaked in 1960, so expect things to boom from the Boomers for at least 10 years,” notes Simon, adding there has been a recent flurry of commercial deals on Bruce Street and nearby to provide services for the growing population. “I think we can expect an influx of professionals and specifically healthcare-related businesses and their owners,” predicts Simon.

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HOMEBUYING&SELLING

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While Boomers are driving the bulk of the real estate sales, Thornbury is anything but a sleepy retirement community. Notes Simon: “Thornbury is a wonderful place to raise a family, with its excellent school, sports-related activities such as hockey, baseball and soccer, and small-town atmosphere providing a safe environment to allow children to flourish.”

Michael Maish of Clairwood Real Estate concurs. “Thornbury appeals to a range of demographics, so competition is strong,” he says. “It’s still a great location for retirees, but buyers also recognize it as an ideal spot for year-round recreation and as a permanent location for families. The most notable increase I’ve noticed is the number of young families moving into town. Good schools, daycares, parks, restaurants, a wide range of activities, new businesses and a shiny new supermarket all make Thornbury a fantastic place to raise a family.”

3

Everything is in demand Whether it’s new or resale, houses or condos, estate properties or custom homes, demand is high across all sectors and in all price points.

On the resale side, Simon says recent sales have established new price points, with several sales in the $800,000 to $1.3 million range and more modestly priced homes selling very quickly. “Renovated century homes on Bruce Street have been especially hot,” he adds. “The desire to walk into town has driven this real estate market across all price points.”

Resale homes in Lora Bay are also selling quickly across a wide range of prices, while others are choosing to build their dream homes in Lora Bay. “Buyers are drawn to the community feel, fabulous views, and amenities including an 18-hole golf course, recreation centre, beaches and clubhouse,” says Simon.

New home developments in Thornbury are currently few and far between, but if a new home is what you want, Lora Bay and Trailwoods have a variety of build options, some with water views, some with recreational facilities, access to trails and other amenities. Trailwoods’ large building lots are close enough to walk to town. According to Simon, 33 lots on High Bluff Lane were released in April and over half were sold by mid-May. If you’re not ready yet, don’t despair: Trailwoods will launch a third phase in 2017.

After years of stagnation, the Thornbury condo market is also heating up. “The properties at Applejack and Rankin’s Landing have been experiencing low inventory and rising prices over the past year,” says Simon. “The Mill Pond development is nearing completion with very few units remaining. At the top end of the condo market, 11 Bay Street, with elevators in every unit, is preparing to build out its final phase. New condo development is needed to meet burgeoning demand.”

4

New is more expensive than resale Definitely don’t rule out new homes from your search. If the resale market isn’t offering the right options, new builds are well worth a look. “Clients of mine bought at Lora Bay last year, attracted by the proximity to the water and the chance to build a house with a main floor master suite,” says Maish. “They moved in this April and are delighted with their purchase.”

The ability to customize is attractive. And who wouldn’t want to choose their own fixtures? However, make sure you’re aware of the full cost before committing to a new home or custom build. “Extras such as finished basements, HST and landscaping are usually not included and can add up,” warns Maish, adding new construction costs are usually higher than resale.

“I work with a lot of rural buyers who consider buying vacant land to build a custom home. We have excellent builders in the area so this is an attractive option. But my advice is that you have to do this because you’ll love the home, not because it will make you money. Construction costs of the actual house may not necessarily be high, but you have to add on the extras: development charges, architects and engineers, driveway, landscaping, well, septic. These add hundreds of thousands onto a build, and you’ll usually put more money into the property than you can sell it for.”

5

Research is key The variety of types of homes, price points and lifestyles means it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for, says Maish.

“I always recommend people start looking early so they can build up a good picture of what is available, what is right for them, and what places sell for,” he advises. “Browsing the Internet is a good start, but you can only get a proper feel for a property by going to see it. Don’t be afraid of booking a range of showings so you can rule different types of property in or out – in town, out of town, newbuild, century home, acreage, waterfront. Your realtor can set this all up for you to help you narrow down the right property.”

6

So is finding the right realtor Everyone knows that sellers need a good realtor, but in this market trying to buy without a realtor doing the ground work for you is an exercise in futility – not to mention frustration. “Use your research showings to interview realtors, too,” Maish suggests. “Who will work hard for you? Who do you gel with?

Who understands your needs best? Who can you trust? Who has the best local knowledge? You need to be 100 per cent confident that your realtor is representing your interests. The biggest mistake I think buyers make is to automatically use the listing agent. The listing realtor could be a great choice, but be extra-cautious when making that choice because that person also represents the seller.”

Timing is vital in the hot Thornbury market, so you will have a leg up if you use the realtor system to your advantage. Realtors get paid for representing buyers, so be sure your realtor is earning his or her keep. “We often know about listings before they are listed, and we can tailor searches for you that automatically send you properties before they even hit Realtor.ca,” says Maish.

Case in point: “A recent listing of mine was online on a Tuesday and had several showings and multiple offers by that Thursday. All the showings in that time were booked by realtors who knew what their clients wanted and were proactively looking for the right property for them. This is becoming the norm in Thornbury.”

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Whether it’s new or resale, houses or condos, demand is high across all sectors and in all price points.

7

That goes for sellers, too If you’re selling your Thornbury home, yes, you have the ‘seller’s market’ advantage, but that doesn’t mean it will sell itself; you still need a good realtor to market and show your home to advantage in order to sell quickly at the best possible price. “At a minimum, you should make sure your realtor uses a professional photographer and has an excellent online presence,” advises Maish.

“Look at their current listings to see how they present properties for sale. And shop around! Real estate fees are a very large cost, so interview several realtors to find the right choice for you and your property.”

Most serious Thornbury buyers know the market well and are ready to act quickly when the right property is listed. As a seller you can capitalize on this by making sure your property shows at its best from the day it is listed. Some local realtors offer free staging consultations to sellers, going over the whole house with a trained eye to make it as appealing as possible. “Often simple and cheap changes – moving furniture, touching up some paint – can make all the difference to first impressions,” says Maish.

The bottom line: if you’re looking to buy in Thornbury, do your homework, figure out exactly what you want, find a great realtor, and go for it! If you own a home in Thornbury and you’re thinking of selling, what are you waiting for?

There are buyers lined up along Bruce Street ready to make an offer. ❧

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CONGRATULATIONS RHYS & KYLE! BDO Collingwood is proud to congratulate Kyle Ardiel and Rhys Thomas on their recent admission to the CPA profession. Obtaining their CPA designation is the culmination of an intensive program of formal education and practical experience requirements.

These two individuals exemplify the hard work and dedication that our clients expect. Kyle and Rhys are part of a team of 25 professionals and staff committed to helping businesses like yours achieve success.

BDO is a national accounting and advisory firm, but our 202 − 186 Hurontario St Collingwood ON strengths remain firmly rooted in the communities we 705 445 4421 serve.

Please join usStin congratulating Kyle and Rhys on 202 − 186 Hurontario www.bdo.ca milestone inON their professional careers.

Collingwood BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of 705 445 4421 BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is www.bdo.ca the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.

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SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION

Mila Filatova has opened Collingwood Music Studio.

Chris Sorley has a new family law firm in Collingwood.

Katherine Maxwell’s new Collingwood business is Blue Mountain Tea.

Laurie Copeland has opened a new Cardboard Castles Children’s Emporium in Orangeville.

Southern Georgian Bay continues to offer unique shopping and culinary experiences, along with new service providers to meet every need. Here’s the latest on new business openings as well as business transformations including new owners, moves and major renovations. More great reasons to shop local!

13 FORTY LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES This new landscape supply business isn’t just for large commercial operations – the general public can also find everything here for their outdoor projects, from mulch, soil and aggregates to paving stone, turf and natural stone. 13 Forty is also an authorized Permacon dealer.

“A lot of people are intimidated by big landscape yards and think they are only accessible to big contractors,” says operations manager Morgan Anderson. “A lot of people ask if it’s okay if they buy just one yard of soil and the answer is yes! We are here for everyone. Big enough to meet the largest commercial need but also just as interested and committed to the small residential clients.”

Co-owners Michael Chapman and Tavis Yeats are professional landscapers, successfully operating Oasis North Landscapes since 2006.

“Tim Potts is our yard person, who has been working in the industry for years and is super friendly and knowledgeable,” adds Anderson.

827470 Grey Road 40, Clarksburg Tel: 519-599-1340 Web: 13forty.com Hours: Mon. – Fri. 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

BLUE MOUNTAIN TEA COMPANY There’s nothing like a great cup of tea, and this new loose leaf tea emporium in downtown Collingwood carries over 130 organic, single estate, herbal and wellness teas, serves all of its teas to go and offers a wide selection of tea related accessories including teapots, infusers, travel bottles and cups.

“We are the only locally owned business in the region solely focused on tea, herbals and the wellbeing they offer,” notes owner Katherine Maxwell.

All photos courtesy of business owners

“We opened in December with 70 teas and herbals and have almost doubled our selection since then, largely due to the demand from our customers for specific products, which we’ve worked hard to source. We love what we do, and we love consulting with our customers to help them find just what they need to brighten their day.”

Beyond bringing wellbeing to individual customers, Maxwell believes in giving back to the broader community. “Every month we give one per cent of our profits to a cause that we draw from a jar of suggestions provided by our customers.”

66 Hurontario St., Collingwood Tel: 705-293-1887 Web: bluemountainteaco.com Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CARDBOARD CASTLES CHILDREN’S EMPORIUM As Laurie Copeland’s beloved Creemore children’s store celebrates 10 years in business, there is now a second location in Orangeville boasting an equally extraordinary collection of toys, games, arts and crafts, learning resources, seasonal items and more. “We like to think of it as spreading our wings and sharing the fun,” enthuses Copeland. “Our enthusiasm for encouraging exploration, investigation and imagination guides us to cultivate a unique array of products designed to inspire ‘back to basics’ play for all ages. You will not find licensed merchandise here, or many battery operated products, either.”

The Orangeville store, like its Creemore counterpart, is a bricksand-mortar-only business that invites customers to participate in the wonders of childhood and excite their imaginations. “While we are fans of all that modern technology has to offer, our hearts are screen-free,” says ON THE BAY

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BlueRock Wealth Management and BlueRock Corporate Benefits have three new associates (l-r): Chrissy Zuniga, Natalie Barber and Tim Bulmer.

Copeland, adding, “Although we do not have a web store, we do satisfy customers – or fun-seekers, as we like to call them – with phone-in, drop-in or private shopping adventures.”

In addition to free parking and the small-town appeal of the original store, “We are offering the same great selection of products and premium customer service. We look forward to getting to know our neighbours and to playing in our new town.”

61 Broadway Ave., Orangeville & 172 Mill St., Creemore Tel: Orangeville 519-307-7600, Creemore 705-466-9998 Web: cardboardcastles.ca Hours: Both stores open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COLLINGWOOD MUSIC STUDIO Pianist Mila Filatova has opened this new music teaching studio in downtown Collingwood, offering piano, vocal and musical theory lessons for all ages and all levels from amateur to professional, including all levels of Royal Conservatory of Music exam preparation. Filatova takes a “personable European approach” to help clients – from toddlers to seniors – obtain and perfect technical skills, understand different musical styles and interpret historical traditions. “It’s never too late to start studying music, as we all have musical talents which remain to be discovered and developed,” she says. “Everyone should study music to enrich one’s spiritual and mental life.”

Filatova came to Canada from the former USSR in 1991 with a Master’s degree in music. In her native country she toured in various festivals as a featured artist, with concerts recorded for national broadcast. She made a name for herself teaching and performing in Toronto for 24 years before moving to Collingwood in 2015. In addition to offering her services as a piano teacher and vocal coach, she is also available as an accompanist, chorus master and pianist for hire.

379 Hurontario St., Collingwood Tel: 705-539-0772 Web: collingwoodmusicstudio.ca Hours: 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. by appointment.

CRUSTY’S HOMESTYLE BAKERY After a busy summer last year selling garden produce and homemade baking from their farm on Grey Road 112, Russ and Sherilyn Warkentin have taken the plunge and opened a new bakery in the heart of Meaford.

“We’re a bakery selling breads, rolls, pies, cookies, and numerous sweets and bars,” says Russ. “We also have a small eating area where customers can stop by for a coffee and sandwich to enjoy with their treats. Everything is made right on site.”

Sherilyn is an accomplished cook and baker, while Russ has a background in construction. “Our business philosophy is to provide clients with a quality product that they will keep coming back for,” says Russ.

“Although the tourism in the area is something we definitely hope to tap into, we also want to provide a service that the regular Meaford resident will be able to use.”

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Dr. Neil Patrick has moved his chiropractic practice to the Mountain View Towne Centre and renamed it Collingwood Chiropractic.

In addition to dinner rolls, tarts, muffins, breads (multi-grain, whole wheat and white), Sherilyn’s signature garlic cheese butterhorns are a huge hit with customers.

43 Sykes St. N., Meaford Tel: 519-538-3331 Hours: Tues. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

GREENHAWK/BARK&FITZ COLLINGWOOD This new Nottawa business combines a tack shop and pet retail store in one, “providing top quality products for all aspects and disciplines of the equestrian industry as well as premium pet foods and supplies for your furry friends as well,” says Rebecca Small, who co-owns the franchise with Mathew McKee. “We combined the availability of services and products for three large groups of companion animals into one convenient location.”

The extensively renovated and modernized 4,000-square-foot facility offers easy drivability, lots of parking, and friendly, knowledgeable staff, said Small, whose extensive knowledge and experience in the equestrian world means she can work with you, recommend products and help you achieve your equestrian goals, whether just beginning or lifelong passion.

“Our combined buying power and private label products means we can pass along tremendous savings to the consumer, allowing you to be fully outfitted at a reasonable price,” she says. “Our business philosophy is to meet and exceed the expectations of the community by offering top quality products and services for your equestrian, canine and feline friends.”

3815 County Road 124, Nottawa Tel: 705-445-7344 Web: greenhawk.com

HAND RACING Does the thought of racing cars and trucks excite you? What if you could do it without taking your life in your hands? If you answered an enthusiastic “yes!” to both of those questions, Hand Racing might be the perfect new hobby for you.

Hand Racing is a remote control (RC) entertainment facility featuring an indoor carpeted track used for both on-road and off-road RC practice and racing, a crawler track and an outdoor off-road track. “At Hand Racing we also have a parts centre and repair shop for RC cars and trucks,” says Joanne Pavlovic, company and team owner. “We are open year round for practice and host many point series tournaments and specialty races. We also have rental cars available for people who are new to the sport. Hand Racing clients can come in and spend the day at the track and if they need their car or truck fixed we have a repair shop on hand with parts available for the major RC brands.”

The facility also offers birthday party packages, and there is a Wasaga Beach RC Race Team called Team Hand Racing, which races at the other tracks in Ontario.

818 Mosley Street, Unit 2, Wasaga Beach Tel: 705-429-2124 Web: handracing.ca Hours: Check website for new summer hours.

SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION

Cathy Brown has opened Metra Fashion House on Collingwood’s main street.

The PropertyGuys.com team (l-r): Rick Desjardins, Bruce Stewart, Theresa Hunnakko, Doreen Firman, Carey Chisholm, Bill Dennis, Debi Board.

METRA FASHION HOUSE Cathy Brown, owner of Awear eco-boutique, has opened a high fashion women’s clothing and footwear boutique featuring unique apparel and accessories from independent designers. “The esthetic at Metra is modern minimalist with a focus on high-quality, well-made products made to flatter the female form,” said Brown. Like its sister store Awear, Metra will celebrate talented Canadian designers and unique handmade pieces.

“Metra is staffed with expert stylists who will help you with unique pairings and show you how to update your existing wardrobe with a few essential seasonal pieces,” says Brown, adding private styling appointments are also available. As well, Metra is planning seasonal red carpet fashion shows with complimentary champagne and treats to present the coming season’s new looks. Ask in-store for details.

93 Hurontario St., Collingwood Tel: 705-444-3203 Web: metrafashionhouse.com Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 12 – 5 p.m.

PROPERTYGUYS.COM This new “private sale” real estate marketing franchise promises to break the traditional mould on how home buyers and sellers connect. “By engaging a network of industry professionals, we have reinvented the real estate trading platform with an affordable, all-encompassing program designed for effectiveness, transparency and financial responsibility,” says Bruce Stewart, managing director of Property Guys Georgian Triangle and Property Guys Simcoe County.

The business offers real estate marketing and sales consulting “designed to help sellers minimize the cost of home sales … with a fixed fee structure saving consumers thousands of dollars.” Stewart himself has a background of 30-plus years in real estate development and construction.

At the recent grand opening, Stewart also announced a new local outreach program, PropertyGuys.com Cares, which offers full real estate marketing and relocation services at no cost to seniors or their families when seniors are forced to sell their homes and move to care facilities.

Founded in 1998, PropertyGuys.com has over 100 locations in over 600 communities coast-to-coast.

350B First St., Collingwood & 191 Bayfield St., Barrie Tel: 705-881-9034 Web: propertyguys.com Hours: Weekday mornings 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; afternoons, evenings and weekends by appointment.

RUSTIC CHARM Looking for rustic gifts, candles, tableware, cottage/lakehouse decor and more? Stop into this new store and take a look around.

“The store is specifically geared toward those wanting unique and unusual items for the lake area,” says owner Andy Persad. “My product inspires people to think outside the box … my customers expect me to constantly procure new and unique products.”

Persad says his business philosophy keeps standards high. “I am always there for my customers,” he notes. “When customers describe my store,

The 13 Forty Landscape Supplies crew (l-r): Tim Potts, Travis Yeats, Morgan Anderson, Michael Chapman, Christina Jackpine.

they speak in superlatives. I operate in such a way that if someone spoke badly of my business, no one would believe it. Businesses come and go, but the one thing I strive to protect more than anything else is my reputation.”

27 Hurontario Street, Collingwood Tel: 705-315-1662 Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

SNOWBRIDGE TOWNS There is a new townhome development in the centre of Historic Snowbridge right across from Blue Mountain Village. Snowbridge Towns consists of 25 condominium townhouses ranging from 1,727 to 2,234 square feet and from three to four bedrooms.

“The project will provide owners with the luxury of time, as all outside maintenance will be provided,” says Maria Casale of Royal LePage, who is marketing the project for Vaughan-based developer Manorwood Homes Inc. “The award-winning firm of Hunt Design Associates Inc. has designed these homes with beautiful architectural features and functional spaces.

Attention to detail has been built into every aspect of the home design, from the interior room layouts to the dramatic exterior façades.”

Owners will also have access to a shuttle bus service and membership to the Blue Mountain Association, with access to the pool and other amenities.

Sales Centre: Corner Grey Rd. 19 & Jozo Weider Blvd., Blue Mountains Tel: 905-850-1188 Web: snowbridgetowns.ca Hours: Sat. & Sun. 1 – 5 p.m., weekdays by appointment.

SORLEY & STILL, BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS After 25 years in York Region, this family law firm has opened a new office in Collingwood.

“Sorley & Still recognizes that each of our clients faces a unique set of challenges as they navigate through difficult personal challenges,” says owner Christopher Sorley. “Building on this awareness, Sorley & Still does not take a ‘cookie cutter’ approach to the practice of family law. While we are committed to helping our clients protect their interests through the use of creative, and, wherever possible, non-adversarial solutions, we do not shy away from the litigation process, where it is required.”

With over 25 years of trial experience, Sorley has particular expertise in complex property issues arising out of matrimonial breakdowns. His practice includes the negotiation and finalization of domestic contracts (marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements, separation agreements and parenting agreements), child-related issues (custody, access and support), spousal support, and property division including unjust enrichment claims and divorce. The practice also offers preparation of wills and powers of attorney as well as estate administration. “We have five lawyers with a combined experience of over 100 years of legal practice,” he says. “We are not generalists; we are family law.”

2-450 Hume Street, Collingwood Tel: 705-994-4616 Web: collingwoodfamilylaw.com Hours: Mon. – to Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. by appointment only.

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SimCoe Street theAtre iS An intimAte 100 SeAt blACk-box Studio theAtre.

For a list of up coming shows

www.whatsonsimcoestreet.com Also available for short and long term rentals and is an ideal venue to hold productions, concerts, lectures, art shows, classes, meetings, private functions and workshops.

Luke Williams of Williams Landscape Contracting & Design and TES Hynes of Second Nature Landscapes recently collaborated on the landscaping at the new Thornbury Veterinary Hospital.

Sue Miller (right) has taken over The Bay School of Art from founder Michelle Fleming (left).

WILLIAMS LANDSCAPE CONTRACTING & DESIGN

65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood

A perfect venue for any creative gathering For booking information

simcoestreettheatre@gmail.com On The Bay Magazine is pleased to donate this space to a deserving charity or non-profit in our community.

For more information, please contact Jeffrey Shearer, Publisher, at (705) 444-9192.

Big Brothers & Sisters Needs You! Twenty-five kids are on the waiting list for either a Big Brother or a Big Sister in Southern Georgian Bay. As a Big Brother or Sister, you can help a child discover their full potential. The time required is as little as two hours a month. With no government funding, we rely 100% on fundraising, donations and willing volunteers.

Want to get involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters as a donor or volunteer? Contact Jarvis Strong at 705-445-2330 or visit the website www.bbbsgt.ca

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Landscape designer Luke Williams has worked in the landscape business in design, construction and project management for over 10 years and now has branched out on his own, offering creative designbuild services for all types of outdoor spaces both residential and commercial. “We seek to help property owners maximize their property value and their time spent enjoying it by developing their landscape over time to its full potential,” says Williams. “We install all types of landscaping with a focus on unique outdoor living spaces including stone patios, decks, ponds and water features, pergolas and other outdoor structures, planting and lighting.”

Williams’ background in landscape design – along with extensive experience building and maintaining landscapes – allows him to approach each project with a balance of creativity and practicality. “Knowing what makes sense in our climate, how to reduce maintenance time, how to get the best return on investment from landscaping, and how to use materials cost effectively to create unique outdoor spaces within budget, means I approach projects with a truly holistic vision.”

To ensure the best skilled labour around, Williams is collaborating with existing landscape business owners. “This mutually beneficial relationship allows me to provide my design and project management expertise whilst teaming up with some highly experienced contractors on project installation and maintenance. The result is we are each able to grow our individual businesses while better serving our clients with a wider range of services and value.”

Tel: 519-374-7796 Web: williamslandscapes.ca

TRANSFORMATIONS BLUEROCK WEALTH MANAGEMENT INC. & BLUEROCK CORPORATE BENEFITS Steady growth has led BlueRock to add three new advisors to its team of associates. Chrissy Zuniga has taken on the role of senior account manager, group benefits. “Chrissy will provide clients with the full-time, expert attention they need to ensure their group benefits and group health plans meet the needs of their businesses and employees,” says Neal Owen, BlueRock’s president and founder.

On the wealth management side, Natalie Barber and Tim Bulmer bolster BlueRock’s ranks of financial specialists. “At BlueRock, our mission is to create clarity, confidence and focus in every facet of clients’ financial plans,” says Owen. “To achieve this, our team of wealth advisors works together to preserve capital, realize growth and, above all else, enrich the quality of life for clients. We are excited to now offer Natalie’s and Tim’s committed expertise to our growing roster of clients.”

BlueRock provides individuals, families, entrepreneurs and professionals with a full suite of “financial direction” services including wealth management, estate planning, life and living benefits, investment

SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION

Jennifer Campbell has moved The DanceRoom to a new state-ofthe-art dance studio in Stayner.

management, lending/mortgage services, corporate health benefits and group pension plans.

115 Hurontario St., Suite 201, Collingwood Tel: 705-443-5599 or 1-888-443-5599 Web: Bluerockwealth.ca Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

THE BAY SCHOOL OF ART Local painter extraordinaire Sue Miller has taken over The Bay School of Art from founder Michelle Fleming. “For the past few years, I have taught classes for Michelle at the Bay School of Art,” says Miller, who has been teaching art in the private sector for more than 20 years. “She expressed an interest in retiring and asked me if I would take on the school. It was a great fit for me ... of course I said yes. I am truly grateful and honoured that she has entrusted me to guide it forward.”

The school will continue to offer classes and workshops for all ages and experience levels, for private and corporate groups as well as day and evening classes in Collingwood, Clarksburg and beyond. The business will grow under Miller’s leadership to offer weekend workshops and art events in Creemore, with plans to expand programming and classes to Wasaga Beach next year.

Classes: Trinity United Church, 140 Maple St., Collingwood; St. George’s Anglican Church, 166 Russell St., Clarksburg; Mill Street Art Studio, 148A Mill St., Creemore.

Tel: 705-727-6161 Web: thebayschoolofart.ca

COLLINGWOOD CHIROPRACTIC Chiropractor Dr. Neil Patrick has relocated and renamed his practice to serve patients better. The former First Street Chiropractic is now Collingwood Chiropractic, and has moved to the Rexall Building (also known as Mountain View Towne Centre) at Huron and First streets in Collingwood. Patrick shares office space with family physicians Kate McLachlin and Jonathan Smith.

“In my nearly 10 years of practice in the community I have always made efforts to collaborate with other health professionals, especially patients’ family doctors or nurse practitioners, for the benefit of my patients’ overall care,” explains Patrick. “By co-locating with two family doctors in a building of exclusively healthcare professionals, I am optimistic this will help improve interprofessional collaboration.

This is the direction that the chiropractic profession, and indeed the Ontario healthcare system, is moving, because it saves healthcare costs, resources and wait times.”

An evidence-based chiropractor, Patrick provides hands-on treatments and diagnosis for a variety of musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints.

1 Huron Street, Suite 206, Collingwood Tel: 705-293-3447 Web: collingwoodchiro.com Hours: Mon., Wed. & Fri. by appointment.

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Blair Thompson of Re/Max Four Seasons Realty, has acquired a new office in Stayner.

Jim Clark, president of Colio Estate Wines, which has purchased Thornbury Village Cidery.

THE DANCEROOM This Stayner dance studio has moved to a state-of-the-art new facility, featuring three spacious professional studios with sprung floors and vinyl surfacing as well as a large waiting room.

“This bigger facility allows the studio to service more families and create a more favourable schedule for our dancers,” says owner and director Jennifer Campbell. “State-of-the-art dance flooring helps to prevent injuries and gives dancers a professional experience. Three larger studio spaces permit more programming for dancers, including workshops with North American dance professionals.”

Now in its 12th year, the studio has an interesting history, beginning as a “fun hobby” when Campbell was only 14 years old. “As I pursued higher education in dance, more families began to register and the studio took on a life of its own, transforming into a thriving business,” she says.

“Its overall growth and transformation has been tremendous, and has paralleled with my own professional development.”

Serving all ages and levels, The DanceRoom offers nine-month fall programs as well as spring and summer classes, summer camps, and workshops with North American dance professionals.

236 Huron Street, Stayner Tel: 705-441-3790 Web: the-danceroom.com Hours: Mon. – Fri. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

MARLWOOD GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Sandy and Alex Smardenka, owners of Boston Pizza in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, have purchased, revitalized and reopened this popular Wasaga golf course under the Smardenka Group.

“Being past members who enjoyed this club very much, we were both shocked and disappointed when the club closed and many members, including ourselves, lost our prepaid memberships,” says Sandy. “We had a family meeting and unanimously decided to make a bid while the club was in receivership, and won the bid. Then we rolled up our sleeves and got to work, as both the club and course were in sad shape. We gained back the confidence of members, and are up and running better than ever. We have over 250 happy members, and host many tournaments, events and weddings in our newly renovated clubhouse.”

Changes the Smardenkas have implemented include hiring a professional superintendent, improving the greens and renovating the clubhouse both inside and out. “We can now host events from 20 to 250 guests,” notes Sandy, adding, “the facility has been upgraded with the latest AV equipment and brand new furniture.” Two chefs prepare everything from simple to gourmet cuisine.

LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

by Kristie & Brenden

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31 Marlwood Ave., Wasaga Beach Tel: 705-352-5600 Web: marlwoodgolf.com Hours: Course open 7 a.m. to dusk, clubhouse open 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. 7 days a week.

RE/MAX FOUR SEASONS REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE This area real estate brokerage is growing again, after acquiring an office in Clearview to add to its existing locations in Collingwood and Thornbury.

SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION years! g 10 n i t a C e l e br

Visit meafordhall.ca for a full event listing #MeafordHall 12 Nelson St. E.

877.538.0463

arts & cultural centre

Terrace Thursdays

Catered Dinner and Live Music on the Terrace.

Thursdays throughout the summer.

0 ing 1 Celebrat

years!

$25pp (advance tickets only) Bar opens & Music starts at 5:30pm Dinner served at 6pm The Legendary

Downchild Blues Band

Wasaga Beach Brewing Company partners (l-r) Mike Boyle, David Cubitt, Peter Wilkins and Eric Mitchell (not pictured) have launched a new beer, Beach One Cerveza.

“We have now acquired the Stayner office, which will increase our agent base and give us a larger geographical region to sell,” says broker/ owner Blair Thompson. “Experience and knowledge is always what we strive for with all of our agents, and the Clearview office brings along with it all of these exceptional qualities.”

Thursday, July 21 8pm $50

Dan Mangan

rock/indie/folk

Thursday, August 18 8pm $40

202 Montreal St., Stayner Tel: 705-428-4500 Web: remaxcollingwood.com Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

From Opera to Broadway

THORNBURY VILLAGE CIDERY Colio Estate Wines has purchased this local cidery and has big plans for expansion. President Jim Clark says Colio made the purchase to be “a part of this fantastic movement towards locally grown, naturally crafted products,” adding, “this opportunity allows us to gain a significant entry with one of the leading producers of high quality craft beer and cider in Ontario.” The company has invested in the existing century-old historic facility located in Thornbury Village, and renovations are underway to create a unique retail and hospitality experience capitalizing on the beautiful views of Georgian Bay and The Blue Mountains.

“Beginning this summer, Thornbury Village Cidery will open its doors to our new Retail Boutique & Tasting Room,” says Clark. “This space will be open to the public for tours and tastings throughout the week, and will feature a live tasting bar serving small-batch ciders and Ontario VQA wine, a retail space, as well as a large outdoor patio. Located right along the Georgian Trail, we invite customers to visit and enjoy a variety of ciders created from apples sourced right from Grey County!” The company also plans to move its craft brewery from Nobleton to Thornbury by next spring.

featuring tenor Craig Ashton & singers of the Canadian Opera Company Saturday, August 20 8pm $45 On The Bay Magazine is pleased to donate this space to a deserving charity or non-profit in our community.

For more information, please contact Jeffrey Shearer, Publisher, at (705) 444-9192.

Charity Golf EvEnt Teeing off... could be the start of something BIG!!

Brought to you by

90 King St. E, Thornbury Tel: 905-792-9600 Web: thornburycider.ca Hours: Check website for Retail Boutique and Tasting Room hours – coming Summer 2016.

1st Annual Golf-Dinner/Auction The Mad River Golf Club Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 at Noon $250.00/person

WASAGA BEACH BREWING COMPANY There’s a brand new beer on tap, adding to our region’s burgeoning reputation for craft brewing excellence. The Wasaga Beach Brewing Company recently introduced its new Beach One Cerveza, now being served in restaurants and bars in Wasaga Beach and also available at the LCBO in surrounding areas. “It’s a refreshing ‘beach beer’ with a light, crisp taste, and goes down smooth – perfect for a hot summer beach day,” says company president David Cubitt.

Cubitt and co-owners Peter Wilkins, Eric Mitchell and Mike Boyle are also opening a new “concept” beach bar in the new Wasaga Beach Main Street Market. “Here you can enjoy the atmosphere of a beach bar, and enjoy a Beach One Cerveza, among other craft brews, as well as light fare food,” says Cubitt. “This will be the flagship of the tourism district, also offering a full line of custom branded beach wear clothing.”

12 Main St. (pedestrian mall), Wasaga Beach Tel: 705-818-9290 • 416 294-5646 Web: wasaga.beer

In Support of:

BiG BrothErS BiG SiStErS of thE GEorGian trianGlE Our GOAL is that every child who needs a mentor has a mentor!

Corporate Partners

for information and sponsorship opportunities contact Deb Piggott

705.445.2330, email: deb@bbbsgt.ca • www.bbbsgt.ca ON THE BAY

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A Guide to Merchants and Services in Southern Georgian Bay. Services Construction Events (Large/Small) Weddings Festivals Emergency Service 519-599-2859 705-441-3500 www.a1toiletrentals.ca a1toiletrentals@gmail.com

Servicing most locations in Grey, Bruce & Simcoe

Full Line of Portable Rentals Standard/Flushing Deluxe/Executive Deluxe Accessible Units Sinks/Hand Sanitizers Contact Us For a Quote

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• Property Maintenance and Management Franchises available

Michael Dillon • 705-888-6444 michael.handsforhire@gmail.com www.handsforhire.ca

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CLASSES, CAMPS, & FALL PROGRAMS

What puts us leaps above the crowd?

3 LARGE STUDIOS 8 QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD WINNING COMP TEAM 15 STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM WELCOMING FAMILY ATMOSPHERE Stayner i www.the-danceroom.com 705.441.3790 thedanceroom@hotmail.com

Wasaga Beach DENTURE CLINIC Need a new smile?

Let us give you one of ours!

Thornbury 705-606-0188 wcustomup@gmail.com

We do house calls & nursing home visits *IMPLANT DENTURES AVAILABLE*

FREE Consultations

Carlos Melgarejo DD 705-429-8474 • 682 River Rd. W., Wasaga Beach www.wasagabeachdentureclinic.ca

Service you can trust!

Reliable, thorough and friendly.

We bring our own equipment and supplies.

Applewood Cleaning Services Specializing in Residential and Seasonal Dwellings

705-441-0292 applewood.cleaning@hotmail.ca

www.generatorguys.com info@generatorguys.com 705.888.0690 705.607.0582

Automatic Standby Generators Factory Trained and Certified to provide Service, Installation, Repairs and Warranty Services up to 150KW

Painting & Decorating Additions · Kitchens Bathrooms · Basements Decks/Fences Windows & Doors Roofing~fascia, soffits All renovations

705.444.7700

wrightway@rogers.com PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Full Line of Services & Products Pets • Grooming Dogs • Cats Small Animals Birds • Reptiles 276 Main Street E. Stayner, ON 705.428.6668 Mon to Wed 10am-5pm • Thurs & Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 10am - 5pm • Sun 11am - 3pm

www.staynerpetcentre.com

County Rd 124, Nottawa (705) 445-2782

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We believe that a real estate transaction doesn’t require an agent.

Instead, we believe that a team of experts is better equipped to help make selling as stress-free as possible.

Give us a call at 705-881-9034 to set up a free no-obligation information appointment.

*

PROUDLY SERVING COLLINGWOOD, BLUE MOUNTAIN & THORNBURY

FEATURED PROPERTY Spectacular 3,800 sq.ft.

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Gerry Wayland Owner/ Broker of Record

Andrea Wright

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Maggie Smyth

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LISTING, BUYING, OR RENTING? Call 705-445-0440 or visit our website

REMAX-BLUEMOUNTAIN.COM or visit our office in...

Blue Mountain Village next to Starbucks *Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX ®

Jessica Shaw

Administrative Assistant / Contract Coordinator

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experienced. Professional. Client-focused. We are your southern Georgian Bay real estate team. expand your real estate knowledge and follow us on the Peak fM, facebook and Twitter for insightful updates and advice.

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This delightful three bedroom has hardwood through and a large bay window overlooking a picturesque front yard. The backyard is private, fully fenced with garden and a separate shed.

Only a few of this highly sought after model! This spacious and elegantly decorated suite is located on a corner with views overlooking the Millpond and the beautifully landscaped courtyard and pool.

$299,900 MLs® X3387506

$289,000 MLs® 1613618

$385,000 MLs® 1610962

MiDsUMMer PArTY & BBQ

Y

friDAY, JULY 29, 2016 6-11pm WeLCOMe TO “CresCeNT BAY” LOCATeD ON The PrisTiNe shOre Of fAirY LAke Only minutes to downtown huntsville, the site is ideal for a builder to create an exceptional new community in Muskoka.

This 5.2 acre development site boasts 530’ of pristine shoreline with southern exposure and lake vistas. The property is fully serviced and site plan approvals are in place for 54 condominiums, docks and a waterside gazebo.

$2,100,000

MLs® 1614624

1-888-990-9120 | 705-444-9527 info@windstonerealestate.com ChrisTiNe BreNNAN*

keiTh hULL***

Windstone real estate, Brokerage is a proud sponsor of

Jeff DAvis**

524 first street, Collingwood windstonerealestate.com riCk WiLes**

rOB hOLrOYD *

MAGGi OLsON* 705-444-3342

Owner

705-444-9527

705-444-4855

705-441-6001

647-839-9582

705-818-2040

NATALiA DiAMOND *

CLiNTON rOChe *

Chris AssAff *

TOvAh sOChA

CAMiLLA PATTeN

416-799-5050

416-209-6398

705-446-6440

Administrator

705-444-9527

Marketing & Project Manager

705-790-8702

* salesperson ** Broker *** Broker of record Windstone real estate, Brokerage. independently owned and operated. This is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

Christie’s International Real Estate is honoured to announce that Chestnut Park has been selected as its International Affiliate Of The Year.

LONDON CHESTNUT PARK WAS SELECTED FROM 145 BROKERAGES IN 43 COUNTRIES WORLD-WIDE.

MOSCOW

TORONTO NEW YORK

ONG KONG LOS ANGELES

PALM BEACH

“This award recognizes Chestnut Park’s unabated commitment to expand the markets available to our agents and clients.”

— Chris Kapches, President & CEO

SECLUSION & TRANQUILITY ON 42 ACRES

50 ACRE ESTATE NATURE HIDEAWAY

MAGNIFICENT GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

MIDDLERIDGE.CA CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE OFFICES CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE OFFICES AFFILIATE LOCATION

$2,749,000

$2,749,000

$2,299,000

Mesmerizing 180 degree views of Georgian Bay with a 1.3 acre serene pond. Over 7,200 sq ft of luxuriant architecture, 6 beds, 4 baths & mins to all 4 season amenities. Expansive outdoor terrace for entertaining family & friends. MLS® 1548289

Meticulous custom built 6,970 sq ft stone Country Estate w/ easy access to Collingwood. An exceptional property w/ 5 bedrooms, 4 baths & spectacular panoramic views over Southern Georgian Bay. Beautiful spacious outdoor terrace for entertaining. MLS® 1605586

Luxurious 6,200 sq ft custom home nestled amongst towering mature trees abutting prestigious Georgian Bay Club. 5 bdrm w/ gourmet kitchen, cozy woodburning fireplace & wrap around stone patio on ravine with harmonious perennial gardens. MLS® 1600966

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

PANORAMIC ESCARPMENT VIEWS

$1,999,500

$1,495,000

CREEMORE HILLS. Contemporary home with private southern exposure. 4 bdrms, 4 baths + sauna, 3 fireplaces, geothermal heating /cooling. Grand light filled spaces, views from every room, swimming pond & stream. The list goes on….

Cheryl MacLaurin* 705.446.8005 Rob McAleer* 705.888.3981

HORSES WELCOME AT THIS BEAUTIFUL FARMHOUSE RETREAT

$1,999,500

Frame the view. Escape to the country where it’s calming and tranquil. This 4 bedroom Country Estate with over 4,200 sq ft of living space on 31 acres has been built to the highest standards with attention to every architectural detail. Reclaimed hemlock floors, large expansive windows with sweeping views to Georgian Bay, Peaks and the Beaver Valley. Striking post & beam entrance and manicured grounds and pond amid a beautiful nature sanctuary. Serenity is the mood on the large stamped concrete patio which entices relaxation and creates a wonderful space for outdoor entertaining.

Celebrate nature on 100 acres complete with a 40 x 75 ft barn with room for 6 paddocks and a 50 x 30 Garage/ Workshop. This 2,910 sq ft farmhouse has been completely renovated with reclaimed oak floors, new septic, electric, cozy wood-burning fireplace and large windows with views to the pastoral countryside. Beautiful outside stone patio for family gatherings and plenty of room to grow and make wonderful memories.

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

WALK TO THE TORONTO SKI CLUB

$1,299,000

ENCHANTING & ELEGANT SNOWBRIDGE

$1,299,000

WWW.THEMOVIEGALS.COM

$1,295,000

WWW.READHILTON.COM

$1,200,000

Exceptional Pan-a-bode Log chalet situated in a large park like setting w/outdoor salt water pool. Short walk to the north chair at Blue Mnt &Toronto Ski Club. 5 bdrms w/ ensuites, gourmet kitchen, 4 gas FP, sauna, much more!

Executive 5 bdrm 3.5 bath w/ 5,470 sq ft of luxurious living space. Gorgeous pegged elm wood floors, stunning exposed post & beam in Great Room, 2-sided stone fplace, spacious mstr bdrm w/ 5 piece ensuite & professionally landscaped grounds. MLS® 1600079

Log home on 73 spectacular acres with expansive views, miles of wooded trails, artist studio & triple garage. 5 bdrm, 3 bth, sauna, 2 fireplaces, min to Creemore. Stunning!

Elevated to encapsulate one of the most spectacular views of the Beaver Valley, this Country home is set in the midst of aromatic gardens, lush fields & forests. With 41 acres, a stream, a swimming pond w/ dock & tennis court you never need to leave.

John Kacmar** 705.446.4152

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

Anita Lauer* 705.446.6446

Read Hilton* 705.351.8100

www.chestnutpark.com | 705.445.5454 CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 393 FIRST STREET, SUITE 100 COLLINGWOOD, ONTARIO L9Y 1B3

CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE 2015 AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR 4 SEASON ROUND LOG HOME

$1,075,000

LOCKIE ISLAND PARRY SOUND

$1,000,000

RARE SOPHISTICATED WATERFRONT BEAUTY

$899,999

WWW.THEMOVIEGALS.COM

$899,000

4000 sq. ft. 4 bdrms on approx. 1 acre. Main flr features stone fplace, ceramic floors & vaulted ceilings. Views of shoreline, Lake Huron & islands. Main level mstr w/ ensuite , hot tub rm & private deck & sunroom. Upper level features open library/office w/view to lake.

Beautiful private island, just under 3 acres w/360 vistas of Georgina Bay. Lockie Island cottage, circa 1932 combines the best of both worlds, THE CHARM OF THE OLD WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF THE NEW. Lots of recent upgrades!

Modern & elegant condominium featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2,153 sq ft of luxurious living space with unrivalled panoramic views of South Georgian Bay. This residence defines the essence of prestigious living at The Point at Admirals Gate. MLS® 1600765

Beautifully appointed 4 bdrm/4 bth, main floor master, 2 gas fireplaces, dble garage, 6 burner Viking range & wall oven, sound system, pond, steps to Bruce Trail, in Rob Roy.

Gary Taylor** 519.378.4663

John M Kacmar** 705.446.4152

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

Barb Thompson* 705.441.4777

RENOVATED REGENCY ON MINNESOTA STREET

SCENIC VIEWS

TWO CUSTOM HOMES ON 45 ACRES

BLUE HORIZON LUXURY HOMES

$879,000

$859,000

$859,000

$854,990

Beautifully restored 3 bedroom with addition, 2,400 sq ft Regency Bungalow nestled in a warm friendly neighbourhood. Heated hardwood floors throughout, large airy windows and beautiful landscaping. Walk to downtown and Georgian Bay.

Scenic views of Georgian Bay, The Peaks & Beaver Valley. This home reflects originality & creativity in every room. 3,000 sq ft of living space, 3 bdrms, open concept kitchen, living room & dining room, a finished bsmnt w/ in-law potential & a gorgeous in-ground pool. MLS® 1615447

This private estate with 2 lovely homes encompasses 45 acres of land w/ approx. 20 acres workable, hardwood bush & a 5 acre spring fed pond. A 5 stall barn complete w/ water, electricity, tack area & paddock is sure to please the horse lover.

Exquisite Summit model 4 bedroom mountain home with magnificient four-season mountain views, a stroll from the Blue Mountain Village. Main floor master.

Stunning open concept interiors.

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Dave Moyer* 519.379.1996

Ellen Jarman* 705.441.2630

EVERGREEN ESTATES

50 ACRES + 3400 sq.ft. CENTURY HOME

NORMERICA POST & BEAM

38 ACRES OF PARADISE

$799,000

$825,000

$799,000

$699,000

Exceptional 5 bed, 3.5 bath ranch bungalow on .8 acre lot backing onto forest in enclave of fine homes.

Main floor features great room w/vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace, updated kitchen cabinets w/granite counters.

Restored 1890’s farm home with Net Zero solar system, geothermal heating and cooling. 5 bdrms., 2 baths, addition with 4 car garage, managed forest, streams and horse stalls in the barn. Located minutes to Meaford.

MLS® 1607130

1 acre lot in Castle Glen. 4 bdrms, 4 baths w/ open concept main level. Gourmet kitchen, dining room, & light filled living room w/wood burning fireplace, 2nd level great rm. VIEW THE TOUR http://tour. thevirtualtourcompany.ca/536146

Just minutes to Meaford & Georgian bay view. Custom ranch style bungalow. Designer kitchen. Wraparound porch & stocked pond add to the country charm.

This estate backs onto 200 acres of nature preserve abounding in wildlife.

Carol Whyne* 705.441.6709

David Rowlands** 705.321.8717

Paige Young* 705.241.2433

Dave Armstrong* 905.713.9414

MONTERRA ESTATES AT BLUE

VICTORIAN ELEGANCE

OLDE TOWNE COLLINGWOOD

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

$649,900

$649,000

$599,000

$695,000

Impressive custom-built home designed for entertaining family and friends. Nestled in a prestigious golf community and steps to Blue Mountain, this elegant home speaks to pride of ownership. A retreat for all seasons!

Outstanding Opportunity! You could operate a home business with all the space in this 2.5 storey, 9 bedroom home in the heart of downtown Collingwood on an oversized lot. MLS® 1610617

Move in and enjoy the most sought after development in downtown Collingwood known as `Olde Towne`. This beautifully designed home has 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths and a full unfinished basement. MLS® 1611499

This is a unique country property in town offering 2.9 acres of land with potential of 36 condos or 5 residential lots. Great possibilities! MLS® 1614618

Heather Garner* 705.888.0758

Stefanie Kilby* 705.606.0320

Sandee Roberts** 705.446.7775

Martin Kilby** 705.444.4483

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

*

Dave Armstrong*

Diana Berdini** Office Manager

Michael Biggens**

Vanessa Burgess-Mason*

Gail Crawford*

Judy Crompton**

Mona Deschamps*

Heather Garner*

Debra Gibbon*

Read Hilton*

Ellen Jarman*

John Kacmar**

Martin Kilby**

Stefanie Kilby**

Anita Lauer*

BROKER

**

Cheryl MacLaurin*

CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE 2015 AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR 140 PIONEER LANE

SIERRA WOODLANDS CHALET

EXECUTIVE LOG HOME

CIRCA 1890 – THORNBURY

SOLD $624,900

$599,000

$579,900

$550,000

Beautiful, spacious executive 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath semi-detached chalet in sought after Sierra Woodlands in Nippissing Ridge. Cathedral ceilings, granite, stainless, hardwood, double car garage! MLS® 1615196

Minutes to Blue Mountain, situated at the end of a Cul de Sac with a fantastic view of the mountain.

Open spacious principal rooms with bedrooms galore, mudroom and a double car garage.

Convenient, easy living!

Charismatic 2 storey 4 bdrm, 2 bath, finished basement, approx 2,800 sq ft log home minutes to Thornbury, Peaks Ski Club and Blue Mountain Village. Large deck w/direct access to Georgian Trial and deeded access to a secluded sandy beach.

Past meets present in this circa 1890 home where unspoiled antique & various upgrades join stunning private park-like grounds. 2 car garage offers expansive work space. Offering 2000 sq.ft. , 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, glassed in sunroom. A must view! MLS® 1602056

Ellen Jarman* 705.441.2630

Judy Crompton** 705.444.9312

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Sue Mallett* 705.444.7181

7.5 ACRES

COUNTRY CHARM IN COLLINGWOOD

RIVERGRASS 3 BEDROOM!

CIRCA 1870

$549,900

$498,500

$459,000

$450,000

Custom-built in 2000 by Mark Berner, this brick ranchstyle 3 bdrm/ 3 bath bungalow is in as-new condition.

Situated on 7.5 rolling acres, well treed with meandering stream, it is less than 1 mile to Meaford Harbour, Hospital and all downtown amenities. (Horse Lovers?)

Almost ½ acre property minutes to downtown. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with beautifully landscaped grounds that backs onto greenspace. Attached garage and near all four season amenities the area has to offer, golf, skiing, boating, hiking and biking. MLS® 1555525

Spacious fully furnished 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo in the popular Rivergrass development on the Monterra Golf Course. Minutes to the Blue Mountain Village. Great investment opportunity. MLS® 1608547

Country Living with natural gas and perfect design for extended / large family. Upgraded with many original features maintained. 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, gas fireplace & central air. 8 minutes to Owen Sound and Meaford shops and hospitals. MLS® 1605277

Michael Biggins** 519.378.6336

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Jennifer Ridsdale** 705.888.4636

Sue Mallett* 705.444.7181

THE WOODS AT APPLEJACK

A MUST SEE!

CHARMING WATERFRONT

NIPISSING RIDGE - 28 LOTS NOW SOLD

$450,000

$334,900

$319,900

$239,000 - $469,000

Your Thornbury condo search will end here! 2000 plus sq.ft. 4 bedroom, 3 ½ baths, open concept bungalow loft with main floor master, 2 gas fireplaces, eat in kitchen & finished rec rm. w/ sauna for 6. Pool + tennis.

MLS® 1603689

Cape Cod style cottage with private water frontage with 1000 square feet of deck on two levels. Large glass doors & windows with panoramic views of Georgian Bay. Cottage features 3 bedrooms, kitchen, & a combination living room/ dining room.

3 BDRMS/ 4 SEASONS includes Bunkie creating extra living space. Home in excellent condition & features large windows overlooking water. Almost level lot to the water`s edge, ideal for dock or boat launch. Detached garage/ workshop. Inc. ALL furnishings & patio furniture.

Imagine your dream home in this stunning four season location. Design & Custom build your Dream Home in this prestigious 58 Lot Development. Prime location on the edge of the Escarpment, close to private ski and golf clubs.

Sue Mallett* 705.444.7181

Gary Taylor ** 519.378.4663

Gary Taylor** 519.378.4663

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

SAVE THE DATE!

Chestnut Park is proud to support arts and culture in Southern Georgian Bay. Join us EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING all summer long from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Collingwood Museum for Jazz & Blues…

CHESTNUT PARK’S

6th Annual

Fall Showcase OF HOMES September 24th, 2016 fallshowcaseofhomes.com SALES REPRESENTATIVE

*

Joan Malbeuf*

Sue Mallett*

Rob McAleer*

Dave Moyer*

Barbara Picot*

Ron Picot*

Jennifer Ridsdale**

Sandy Roberts**

David Rowlands**

Chris Stevenson*

Gary Taylor**

Brendan Thomson*

Barbara Thompson*

Carol Whyne*

BROKER

**

Paige Young*

With us you’ll find the home you want!

Serving all of Southern Georgian Bay with offices in Collingwood, Thornbury & now Clearview with the addition of the office in Stayner.

four seasons realty limited, Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *sales representative **broker ***broker of record

67 First St., Collingwood 705-445-8500 47 Bruce St., Thornbury 519-599-2600 202 Montreal St., Stayner 705-428-4500

HIDDEN LAKE ESTATE, THE BLUE MTNS 25.98 acres. Lots of potential, close to skiing, golf & Georgian Bay. FRENCH COUNTRY STONE HOME 3 bdrms, 3 bath stunning home on 135 ft. waterfront

$2,800,000

MLS®#1608533

Donna Vande Beek* 705-888-0103

APPROXIMATELY 17 ACRES Red brick farm house with 40’ x 75’ shop.

$529,900

MLS®#1557673

Alan Robert Ewing* 705-444-9778

MILLPOND WATERFRONT BUNGALOW 4 bedroom, 3 bath condo ready for occupancy.

$529,000

MLS®#1611704

MLS®#1604446

Brad Williams**

705-444-4646

DEvIL’S GLEN 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 level townhouse.

$539,000

$695,000

MLS®#1602782

Greg Grossmann* 705-443-7093

DOWNTOWN THORNBURY POST & BEAM

Entertainers delight. 6 bedrooms, 5 baths.

$1,495,000

Jean Rowe* 705-444-4035

Brad Williams**

705-444-4646

AFFORDABLE WATERFRONT - MEAFORD Premium waterfront on picturesque Georgian Bay.

$489,000

MLS®#1613520

MLS®#1614264

Brad Williams**

705-444-4646

BLUE MOUNTAIN CHALET Huge corner property.

$637,000

MLS®#1602628

Coral Robinson** 705-446-4748

FABULOUS SKI CHALET

STUNNING 98 ACRE PROPERTY

EXCELLENT FAMILY HOME

BEAUTIFUL ESTATE LOT

Walk to ski hills & Intrawest Village.

Views, streams, open fields.

Perfect blend of craftsmanship. 2800 sq ft.

3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Mair Mills.

$649,000

MLS®#1609155

Bob Allan* 705-606-0166

Great investment opportunity.

MLS®#1613886

Derek Crespy** 705-441-0112

High exposure location on First Street.

Rosanna Balloi* 705-606-0267

MLS®#1607189

$675,000

MLS®#1614662

Blair Thompson** 705-446-8507

$699,900

MLS®#1614951

Dustin Doyon* 705-795-2727

121 ACRE PROPERTY

15+ACRE COUNTRY ESTATE WITH BARN

66 FT WATERFRONT IN COLLINGWOOD

Introducing a very exciting land offering.

Stunning custom-built, 5 bedroom home.

Cozy 2 bedroom cottage.

$2,950,000

MLS®#1609965

Jonathan J. Knight* 705-441-6839

COMMERCIAL - 5 PLEX $589,000

MLS®#1613585

Dennis Klinsky** 705-443-9794

BRICK DUPLEX - MEAFORD $239,900

$675,000

$1,195,000

MLS®#1613899

Mark Veer**/ Mary Riopelle* 705-443-7911/705-446-5466

SPECTACULAR SETTING - 50 ACRES

DEvIL’S GLEN SKI CLUB

Views, privacy & spacious country living.

6 bedroom custom built chalet.

$1,100,000

MLS®#1612162

Todd Brooker**

705-888-1818

$475,000

MLS®#1614283

Blair Thompson** 705-446-8507

$579,000

MLS®#NEW

Judith Traynor** 705-446-8977

SUPER EFFICIENT NEW HOME ICF Construction, 3+ bedrooms, 3 baths.

$799,000

MLS®#1610026

Lorraine Champion* 705-441-3642

Doug Gillis

Top 100 RE/MAX Agents in Canada

Broker of Record

1999, 2000, 2002, 2011, 2013, and 2015.

A track record of excellence

www.douggillis.ca

Direct: 705.444.3853 | doug@douggillis.ca

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

CLOSE TO CRAIGLEITH SKI CLUB

$1,695,000

$1,095,000

151 Alta Road 6

5/2

GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

6

3/1

3/1

3,340 Total FT

2

3+1

3/1

2

4

2,025 Total FT

2

3

2

2,100 Total FT

Lot 62 19 Grey Road Blue Mountains 15+ Acres

2

316839 3rd D Line Grey Highlands

WATERFRONT COMMUNITY

6/1

Magnificent, large lot w/views of Georgian Bay

15 Mariners Haven

5,275 Total FT2

Collingwood

4,000 Total FT2

2

1

870 Total FT2

RE/MAX four seasons Doug Gillis & Associates Realty, Brokerage.

67A First Street, Collingwood

705.444.3853

GEORGIAN WOODLANDS

$749,900

138 St. Moritz Blue Mountains 5

3

2,270 Total FT2

GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

$1,195,000

$339,000

795789 Grey Road 19

109 Stone Zack Lane

Future Development Potential

110.60’ X 293.50’

Collingwood

Blue Mountains

SWISS MEADOWS

$299,000

104-1 Chamberlain Cres.

Collingwood

4,395 Total FT2

45+ ACRES

DWELL AT CREEKSIDE

$929,000

Collingwood 2

Blue Mountains

$2,700,000

7

453 Hume Street

148 Stone Zack Lane

100 ACRE VIEW PROPERTY

$999,000

1,211 Total FT

3,700 Total FT2

$1,199,000

Blue Mountains

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

Direct:

2

(Including Guesthouse)

3/1

$899,000

GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

111 Martin Grove

Grey Highlands

4/1

3,194 Total FT

7

COMMERCIAL

Blue Mountains

$479,000

726070 22B Side Road

5

2,400 Total FT2

132 Teskey Drive

MINUTES TO BLUE MOUNTAIN

$264,900

2

2

$489,900

Blue Mountains

NEW PRICE

3

3

NEW PRICE

216 Snowbridge Way

Clarksburg 4

5,384 Total FT2

$875,000

516689 7th Line #4

Grey Highlands

Mulmur

BACKS ONTO GOLF COURSE

$1,995,000

196093 Grey Road 7

998266 8th Line

Blue Mountains

4,500 Total FT2

$1,995,000

$1,199,000

144 Craigleith Road

Blue Mountains

50 ACRE VALLEY RETREAT

NEW PRICE

GEORGIAN BAY VIEWS

$489,000

136 Hamlet Road Blue Mountains 6

2

$799,000

107 Camperdown Blue Mountains 5 Acres For additional photos and details of all my listings visit

Doug Gillis

Top 100 RE/MAX Agents in Canada

Broker of Record

1999, 2000, 2002, 2011, 2013, and 2015.

A track record of excellence

www.douggillis.ca

Direct: 705.444.3853 | doug@douggillis.ca

ON GEORGIAN BAY

ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDE

NESTLED BETWEEN SLOPE AND SHORELINE, LIES A UNIQUE COMMUNITY IN THE MAKING

FULLY SERVICED PERMIT READY LOTS A FOUR SEASON PARADISE PROVIDING THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN A PEACEFUL EXISTENCE & AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE.

135,000

$

Enjoy direct access to Georgian Bay and unobstructed views of the Georgian Peaks ski hills.

Phase I consists of 24 fully serviced lots. Currently 12 lots still available for sale.

10 beautiful homes built to date, 1 under construction and 1 to commence shortly.

for all lot s

LOTS FROM $195,000 TO $375,000 DRIVE

SOLD

HOUSE BUILT

SOLD

SOLD SOLD PARKLANDS

SOLD

DELPHI LANE

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

GEORGE MCRAE ROAD

SOLD

HOUSE BUILT

SOLD SOLD

HOUSE BUILT

N

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

PHASE I

SOLD

SOLD

ROAD

ELLIS

SOLD

RDOWN

SOLD

GEORGIAN BAY

CAMPE

SOLD

MARYWARD CRESCENT

SOLD

NEXT TO GEORGIAN BAY CLUB. WATER AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM MANY LOTS.

wa ter ac ce ss

SOLD

FROM

SOLD

HIGHWAY 26 For additional photos and details of all my listings visit

RE/MAX four seasons Doug Gillis & Associates Realty, Brokerage.

67A First Street, Collingwood

Direct:

705.444.3853

L O O K I N G B A C K

NEW PRICE

NEW PRICE

1977 124 COUNTY RD. 4 bdrm., 3 bath, 3745 sq. ft. fin.

1428 10 NOTTAWASAGA CONC., N 5 bdrm., 4.5 bath, 6600 sq. ft. fin.

157 SETTLER’S WAY 4+2 bdrm., 4 bath, 3371 sq. ft. fin.

344 MARINERS WAY 1 bdrm., 1 bath, 714 sq. ft. fin.

1651 124 COUNTY RD. 2+3 bdrm., 5 bath, 4310 sq. ft. fin.

7975 POPLAR SR 7+1 bdrm., 3.5 bath, 5159 sq. ft. fin.

308 WALNUT STREET 4 bdrm., 2 bath, 2346 sq. ft. fin.

27 MCKEAN CRES. 3 bdrm., 1 bath, 1127 sq. ft.

109 CARMICHAEL CRES. 5+2 bdrm., 5 bath, 3750 sq. ft. fin.

$800,000

$2,675,000

$639,000

$219,000

$500,000

I

$1,690,000

$370,000

$1,690,000

$925,000

Tunnel to the Past

After the gold seekers had left, the water power potential of the falls n this postcard, circa 1907, hunters pose at the Eugenia Tunnel, a 264-metre long, 2.5-metre wide turbine tunnel through solid rock, drew William and Robert Purdy in 1859, who opened a store, ran a post which was completed that year to divert water from the Beaver office and built the first of several mills to line the river. Soon there was a hotel, general stores, churches, blacksmiths, coopers and carpenters River as part of a hydro-electric project. Unfortunately, the company 131 BARTON BLVD. the project went bankrupt and the tunnel 100was HOLDSHIP WESTWIND DR. the falls. Ex-French military surveyors behind abandoned. The in the burgeoning town near17 96 ’x 175’, view lot Lora Bay Lot, 76’ x 126’ 2+2 bdrm., 3 bath, 2958town sq. ft. fin.and falls Eugenia, limestone façade still stands, however, in the middle of the Bruce Trail who were surveying the townsite, named the $399,000 $150,000 $569,900 the wife of Emperor Napoleon III. The conservation lands near Eugenia Falls, with a popular hiking trail running in honour of Empress Eugenie, town’s population grew to about 200, but after the railways bypassed under the arch.

Eugenia in favour of Flesherton, settlement dwindled and today only a At the time, the hydro project was just the latest failed attempt to put Eugenia on the economic map. The area’s first claim to fame arrived in small population remains.

In 1914, Ontario Hydro purchased 10,125 hectares of surrounding land, 1852, when a farmer named Brownlee, an early settler near Flesherton, constructed a power plant, a dam and a water reservoir (now known as heard the whisper of the nearby falls while hunting one afternoon and followed the sound to the awe-inspiring sight of water flowing 30 metres Lake Eugenia), and began generating power. The plant was upgraded in 1988 and now produces a continuous 6.3 MW of power. Today, The over the Niagara Escarpment to the Beaver River below.

Eugenia Power Station, run by Ontario Power Generation, has the Brownlee shared the news of his discovery with his neighbours and returned with one of them a few days later. The men noticed the glint of highest head of water of any hydroelectric generator in Ontario, and has gold on some of the rocks around the falls, swore each other to secrecy provided a significant amount of electricity to the provincial grid for and quickly returned to mine their fortunes. However, word of the over a century.

Each July, Eugenia hosts Gold Rush Days, celebrating its rich history clandestine mining quickly spread, causing an explosion of activity as 200 men flocked to the area in a veritable gold rush. However, prospecting with festivities, entertainment and power station tours. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, July 2. ❧ ceased within when reports backS.that the “gold”Jacki the Binnie Kimberly Brine Emmathree BakerweeksSherry Rioux came Anne Young miners had been more than worthless For more historical photos of Southern Georgian Bay, check out Jason Sales Representative Brokereagerly collecting Broker was nothing Sales Representative Sales Representative REAL ESTATE TEA 416.708.6644pyrite, or “fool’s 705.444.3989 705.443.2793 705.994.2566 705.445.7085 gold.”

Booth’s Facebook page or the Collingwood Historical Photos Facebook group.

ENCL AV E D ESIGN #1115

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY

EXCLUSIVE

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Rioux Baker

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ON THE BAY

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10 Keith Ave., Unit 306, Collingwood | 705.445.7085 | www.SellingCollingwood.com

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705.444.1420

Trinity Realty

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Brokerage, Independently Owned & Operated

POST & BEAM

LOCATION, LOCATION

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Professionally designed 4 bdrm, 3+1 bath 3200 sqft home.

5 bdrm 3 bath custom home.

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Incredible views over ravine. 4 bdrm, 2+1 bath country home.

Immaculate 3 bdrm, 2 bath home nestled on 13 treed acres.

$1,495,000 Deb Saunders-Chatwin* 705.443.2191

$999,000 Linda Murphy* 705.351.1420

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$889,000 705.441.0117

$729,000 Graig King* 705.293.0898

Cheryl J. Morrison*** 705.444.1420

WATERFRONT LIVING

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Downtown 1800 sqft loft style 1 bdrm + den, 2 bath penthouse apartment boasts lots of light.

Stunning end unit boasts 3 bdrms w/ master on main floor. tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/361539

Beautiful 1800+ sqft 3 bdrm condo, surrounded by golf course w/ distant views to Bay.

Carefree living in this 2 bdrm Dwell condo at Creekside. Open concept layout, private balcony.

2 bdrm 2 bath condo is a must see. Open concept. Covered balcony. On site amenities.

Beautiful open concept 3 bdrm, 3 bath condo. Private backyard. myvisuallistings.com/vt/162374

$799,999 Tara Parsons* 705.888.8272

$599,000 Shelly Paul** 705.888.0225

$379,900 Jane Moysey** 705.888.1982

$263,900 Melanie Moss* 705.888.1578

$299,900 Sara White** 705.828.6202

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CENTRALLY LOCATED

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Well maintained 3+1 bdrm home with many improvements. 87 x 175 ft lot. Close to Mountain.

Spacious custom 4+1 bdrm.

Vaulted ceilings, wood floors.

Private 1.9 acre lot with views.

Amazing riverfront property w/ a quaint 3 bdrm cottage to love or replace with your dream house.

Century 4 bdrm, 2 bath home in a great location for a homebased business in downtown.

Lots of renos in this 2 bdrm home, refinished hardwood floors, freshly painted & more.

Fantastic opportunity. Tastefully renovated 3 bdrm back split with finished bsmt & fenced yard.

$355,000 Connie O’Shell** 705.444.3154

Jill Does*

$449,900 705.331.3341

$249,900 Katia Abaimova* 705.888.8979

Melissa Heffernan* 705.888.0860

$307,900

$274,900 Connie O’Shell** 705.444.3154

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WALK TO BAY

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PRIME COMMERCIAL LOCATION

Cozy 2 bdrm starter or weekend getaway has been freshly painted. Well maintained lot.

Cute 900 sqft 2 bdrm with full basement on large 60 x 250’ lot. tours.photolink.ca/526698

Beautiful 90 x 222.93 foot treed building lot. Close to all ski clubs and Georgian Bay golf club.

Prime commercial location or rental property. Existing 2465 sqft 3 bdrm 1 ½ bath home.

Features 2 spacious offices & 1 bdrm apartment. Freshly painted and updated with ample parking.

Over 6000 sqft well maintained building. 105 x 124 ft corner lot with large 105 x 50 ft parking lot.

$224,000 Anne McRae* 705.446.6198

$219,000 Rebecca Cormier* 705.888.5100

$349,900 Shelly Paul** 705.888.0225

Barbara McCowan** 705.443.9784

$875,000

$395,000 Greg Syrota** 705.446.8082

$1,395,000 Larry Reid* 705.443.2351

BLUEWATER ON THE BAY

GEORGIAN MEADOWS

LAMONT CREEK

9 ACRE WOODED RETREAT

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PRESTIGIOUS MAIR MILLS

Spacious 2 bdrm, 2 bath is loaded with extras. Water views.

Well maintained 2 bdrm, 3 bath bungalow. Fully fenced yard with deck and awning in backyard.

Family friendly home offers 4+1 bdrms and 2 ½ baths. Fully fenced yard with deck & hot tub.

Live in Collingwood and in the country in this 4 bdrm 3 bath open concept ranch bungalow.

Renovated 5 bdrm, 4 bath with separate lower level entry. tours.photolink.ca/526523

Over 3000 sqft with 6 bdrms and 4 baths. Views of ski hills. tours.photolink.ca/526626

$449,000

$430,000 Dana Calder** 705.441.3607

$479,000 Sandy Shannon** 705.445.7833

Brenda Armstrong** 705.828.4571

$549,000

$649,900 Fran Webster* 705.444.9081

Larry Reid*

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tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/253574

tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/517890

Candace Armstrong* 705.817.1007

Katia Abaimova*

Anne McRae*

Brenda Armstrong**

Cheryl J. Morrison***

Candace Armstrong*

Melanie Moss*

Dana Calder**

Jane Moysey**

$1,279,900

Brenda Caswell*

Linda Murphy*

Rebecca Cormier*

Connie O’Shell**

John Kirby*

Jenna Davis*

Tara Parsons*

* Sales Representative

Jill Does*

Shelly Paul** ** Broker

Melissa Heffernan*

Larry Reid*

*** Broker of Record

tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/394981

Graig King*

Deb Saunders-Chatwin*

Sandy Shannon**

John Kirby*

tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/367047

$749,500

Barbara McCowan**

Greg Syrota**

$574,000 705.443.2351

Lorraine McDonald*

Fran Webster*

Sara White**

READER BUYING GUIDE For more information, link directly to Our Advertisers at www.onthebaymagazine.com ACCOMMODATION Cranberry Golf Resort & Conference Centre Page 51 Georgian Bay Hotel & Conference Centre Page 77

ANIMAL/PET SERVICES Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies Page 88 Stayner Pet Centre Page 100

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY/GALLERIES BMFA Arts Centre Page 84 Bonnie Dorgello Jewellery & Paintings Page 84 Collingwood Art Supplies & Art Classes Page 84 Gallery de Boer Page 84 Jeff Pratt Pottery Page 35, 84 Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre Page 99 The Bay School of Art Page 84 The Loft Gallery Page 84 Tied Photography Page 98 Waddingtons Appraisals Page 79

AUTO/SMALL ENGINE/ HEAVY EQUIPMENT Audi Barrie Page 73 Bayside Sales Page 64 Kubota Page 115 McKee Muffler Page 100

The Style Boutique Page 88

FLOORING

The Generator Guys Page 100 Wilkins Fencing Page 36 Wrightway Renovations Page 100

Dean’s Carpet One Page 67 Meaford Carpets & Interiors Page 83

Royal LePage Trinity Realty Inc., Brokerage Page 112 Royal LePage Trinity Realty Inc., Brokerage Jane Moysey & Lorraine McDonald Page 8

LANDSCAPE/GARDEN

Windstone Real Estate, Brokerage Page 102

FOOD/DRINK/CATERING Blackbird Pie Co. Page 45 Blue Mountain Tea Company Page 45 Creemore 100 Mile Store Page 81 Creemore Springs Brewery Page 47 Crusty’s Bakery Page 45 Farmers Pantry Page 47 Foodland, Thornbury Page 45 Georgian Hills Vineyards Page 44 Goldsmith’s Orchard Market Page 44 Grandma’s Beach Treats Page 45 Shale Rock Coffee House Page 46 Side Launch Brewing Company Page 47 T&K Ferri Orchards & Apple Market Page 47 The Chipper Page 45 Thornbury Village Cidery Page 55 Wasaga Beach Brewing Company Page 47

FURNITURE/APPLIANCES

CHILDRENS SERVICES

Designs by Consign Page 35 Hauser Page 37 Home Furniture & Appliances Page 37 Orangeville Furniture Page 116 Tyme Home Custom Interiors Page 38

Cardboard Castles Childrens Emporium Page 81 Minds Alive Toys Crafts Books Page 35

GOLF

COMMUNITY SERVICES Beaver Valley Outreach Page 70 Big Brother Big Sisters of the Georgian Triangle Page 96, 99 Collingwood Business Improvement Association Page 4, 5 Collingwood G&M Hospital Foundation Page 80 Help Wanted Page 98 mycollingwood.ca Page 97 Share the Road Page 70

CLEANING Applewood Cleaning Services Page 100

EVENTS Copper Kettle Festival Page 79 Gaslight Tour Page 84 Golf for Kids Sake Page 99 Meaford Apple Harvest Craft Show Page 82 mycollingwood.ca Page 97 Words in the Woods Dunedin Literary Festival Page 81

FASHION/JEWELRY Blink Eyewear Page 82 Bonnie Dorgello Jewellery & Paintings Page 84 D.C. Taylor Jewellers Page 12 Echo Trends Page 52 Elaine Dickinson’s Fashions Page 50 Greenhawk Harness & Equestrian Supplies Page 88 Grey Heron Natural Designs Page 35 Hildebrandt & Co. Indulgence Cashmere Page 88 Metra Fashion House Page 88 Shoe Kat Shoo Page 83

Cranberry Golf Resort & Conference Centre Page 63 Mad River Golf Club Page 77 Marlwood Golf & Country Club Page 65 Oslerbrook Golf & Country Club Page 9 Monterra Golf Page 13

HEALTH/BEAUTY/FITNESS Camelot Salon & Day Spa Page 35 Ccerlii Chow Shiatsu & Acupuncture Page 35 Creemore Village Pharmacy Page 81 Georgian Bay Cosmetic Clinic Page 50 Glow Hair Studio & Gallery Page 70 Good Health Mart Collingwood Page 67, 69 Living Shore Spa Page 51

HOME AUTOMATION Red Brick Property Solutions Page 91

HOME DÉCOR/DESIGN Christine Pritchard Design Page 100 Designs by Consign Page 35 FAD Farrow Arcaro Design Page 91 House Rules Design Shop Page 36 Rustic Charm Gifts & Accents Page 35 Kitchen Painters Page 39 Salnek’s Window Fashions & Accessories Page 14 Seasons in Creemore Page 81

HOME IMPROVEMENT & SUPPLY A-1 Toilet Rentals Page 100 Hands For Hire Page 100 Kitchen Painters Page 39 Meaford Carpets & Interiors Page 83

13 Forty Landscape Supplies Page 41 Bloom‘n Nursery & Tree Farm Page 41 Environmental Pest Control Page 41 Garden Holistics Page 41 Georgian Sprinklers Page 41 Kettlewell’s Garden Centre Page 69 Natural Stonescapes Page 44 Shouldice Designer Stone Page 63 Springscapes Landscaping Page 41, 64 The Landmark Group Page 11 Williams Landscape Contracting + Design Page 38

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS Balmoral Village (Royalton Homes) Page 27 Blue Fairway (MacPherson Builders) Page 2 Crestview Estates (Terra Brook Homes) Page 21 Downtown Luxury Condo Living Page 78 Mountaincroft (Grandview Homes) Page 25 Peaks Ridge (Solcorp Developments) Page 109 Snowbridge Towns (Manorwood Homes) Page 71 The Private Residences at the Georgian Bay Club Page 17

MEDICAL/DENTAL PROFESSIONALS

The Residences of Peaks Bay Page 109

Blue Horizon Dental Hygiene Page 38 Collingwood Dental Centre Page 90 Comly Eye Care Page 69 Dr. John Miller Family Dentistry Page 50 Dr. Noreen Khan Family Dentistry Page 46 Dr. Neil Patrick Chiropractor Page 35 Dr. Robert McCoppen Family Dentistry Page 82 Drs. Hammond, Raymond & Cation Optometrists Page 83 Orthopaedic Sport Institute Page 67 Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery Page 73 Wasaga Beach Denture Clinic Page 100

The Shipyards (Fram + Slokker) Page 15

PROFESSIONAL/FINANCIAL/LEGAL BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants Page 92 Besse Merrifield & Cowan LLP, Law Firm Page 46 Collins Barrow, Chartered Accountants Page 52 Davis Rea Investment Counsel Page 23 Sorley & Still Barristers & Solicitors Page 90

Windfall (Georgian International) Page 18 Windrose (MacPherson Builders) Page 49

RECREATION/ACTIVITY Big Blue Air Helicopter Tours Page 64 Collingwood Charters Page 65 Thornbury Fish Ladder Page 70 Genesis Flight Centre Page 66 Hand Racing Page 66 Ride on Bikes Page 70 Scenic Caves Page 68 The DanceRoom Page 100

RESTAURANTS Lakeside Seafood & Grill Page 51 Mylar & Loreta’s Page 56 Sovereign Bistro & Grill Page 81 SweetWater Restaurant & Bar Page 56 The Corner Café & Grill Page 56

RADIO

The Flying Chestnut Page 56

102.9 The New Classical fm Page 29 97.7 The Beach Page 92

The Huron Club Page 56

REAL ESTATE

THEATRE

Century 21 Millennium Inc. Brokerage Page 111 Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage Page 103, 104, 105 Clairwood Real Estate Corporation Brokerage Rioux Baker Team Page 110 Engel & Volkers Collingwood Muskoka Max Hahne Page 53, 55 PropertyGuys.com Georgian Triangle Page 100 Re/Max at Blue Realty Inc., Brokerage Page 101 Re/Max Four Seasons Realty Ltd., Brokerage Page 106, 107 Re/Max Four Seasons Realty Ltd., Brokerage Doug Gillis Page 108, 109 Re/Max Georgian Bay Realty Ltd., Brokerage Peggy Worthen Page 66 Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc., Brokerage Page 30, 31 Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc. Chris Keleher Page 3 Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc. Marla & Steve Simon Page 6 Royal LePage RCR Realty, Brokerage Basia Regan Page 63

Gaslight Community Theatre Productions Page 84

The Strand Fine Dining Grill & Piano Bar Page 56

Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre Page 99 Simcoe Street Theatre Page 96 Theatre Collingwood Page 84

TRAVEL Expedia Cruise Ship Centres Page 79 Secondary Ownership Group Page 35

UPHOLSTERY/FABRIC Wayne Dziedzic Custom Upholstery Page 100

WINDOW FASHIONS Ashton’s Blinds, Draperies & Shutters Page 36 Salnek’s Window Fashions & Accessories Page 14 Shades & Shutters Page 39 ON THE BAY

SUMMER 2016

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COLLINGWOOD MUSEUM COLLECTION, 007.19.42 PHOTOGRAPHER: JAMES ASA CASTOR

L O O K I N G B A C K

Mocking Bird

T

his photo from 1874 shows the racing skiff Mocking Bird leaving Collingwood Harbour. The crown jewel of W. Watts & Sons boat builders, the craft was the Watts family’s own pleasure yacht. Captained by fellow boatbuilder Patrick Doherty and crewed by William Sr. and his sons, Mocking Bird was known for its incredible speed and winning record at regattas locally and throughout the Great Lakes, winning the Collingwood Regatta Challenge Silver Cup in 1874, 1875 and 1876. To get to distant races, the large boat was loaded on flat rail cars and transported by train.

Irish immigrant William Watts, Sr. began designing and building boats in the mid-1850s to serve the growing commercial fisheries of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Watts & Sons boats soon became known for their fine lines, speed and ability to weather storms. Originally known as Collingwood fish boats or Collingwood skiffs, regional boat builders made hundreds of these vessels from the 1850s until the decline of the fishery in the early twentieth century.

While fishing boats were Watts & Sons’ bread and butter, the

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firm’s “pleasure boats” were also in demand. Modeled on the Collingwood fishing boats, the yachts were longer and racier, but true to the original skiff design and workmanship. Besides the Mocking Bird, other notable examples were the Nahma, a recreational sailboat built for Sir Edmund Walker (first president of the Art Gallery of Ontario) and the Pequod, which was registered at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club of Toronto in 1920.

Both the Nahma and the Pequod were fixtures in the winner’s circle at regattas around the Great Lakes, often entered in the same races. Ken Jones, Nahma’s last owner, donated her to the Collingwood Museum in 1997. The boat was later transferred to the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

The Watts family sold the remaining pieces of the family business to the Collingwood Shipyards in the mid-1940s.

However, the Watts Boathouse still stands at Collingwood Harbour. Built in the 1870s, the boathouse was originally used to store lifeboats and is now home to the Collingwood Dragon Boat and Canoe Club. ❧ Sources: Collingwood Museum, collingwooddragonboats.com

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