TRAVEL FEATURE

When I heard the news that the most recent lockdown in Ontario to combat COVID-19 was lifted - at least partially - I hit the road. Destination: Mattawa. Why? Where the heck is Mattawa...I mean it sounds familiar.

On the recommendation of a friend, I decided to head to Ontario Near North to get a change of scenery and to document the experience in podcast form to share with other people who want to escape the COVID-19 malaise. I was connected with Nicole, the owner of a Resort on Mattawa River at a point where it widens into a calm, bucolic area of water known as Lake Champlain, named after the famous voyager and discoverer of this majestic land. In fact, this river has been a pivotal highway for the discovery of Canada with almost every major historic figure who traversed our country made their way along this beautiful river route. Cartier, Champlain, Fraser... and the list goes on.

Nicole and her husband Adrian, and actually their entire family have been restoring and renovating this stunning resort, now called Mattawa River Resort; an incredible series of cabins and a remarkable restaurant called The Cardinal all nestled into a brilliant, untouched, wooded waterfront that has been drawing Anglers, Snowmobilers, Kayakers and vacationing families the whole time garnering amazing reviews.

Nicole was kind enough to co-host a series of podcasts that mainly talked about getting back to nature, getting in touch with ourselves, getting back to society and how connecting with this incredible place would make all of these a much easier journey. Her pride in making people feel relaxed and welcome shone through with every interaction. Adrian was always ready to accommodate a boat ride, tubing, or even just a stroll up the river to a brilliant waterfall that glides down the edge of the Laurentians with the coldest spring water I have ever felt.

Mattawa is the hidden gem up against the

MATTAWA RIVER RESORT

6251 Hwy 17, Mattawa, ON www.mattawariverresort.com @mattawariverresort 705.744.5020

foothills of the Laurentians, only 2 hours north of Muskoka, which continues to develop into a bustling, heavily populated region, and 3 and a half hours from Toronto. The drive itself was breathtaking.

In just seven days, I kayaked into a natural echo chamber that was a spiritual experience, discovered smooth waters to float down soaking in the sun and scenery, sat next to the campfire while a local band strummed rock hits on acoustic guitars, and I I fished. We connected with indigenous lore and found new respect for wildlife. I sat and listened to wolves’ howls echoing down the river like they have forever. I saw other humans... actual people swimming and laughing. I saw smiles every single day. I had an adventure that I would recommend to you as well. Mattawa: Thank you. Nicole and everyone at Mattawa River Resort: Thank you. I am human after all.

MICHEAL WIXSON Owner of The Pod Plant Podcast Studio www.thepodplant.com

OFFICE 146 INC.

146 Thirtieth Street, Suite 100, Etobicoke 416.855.4142 info@office146.com

Etobicoke Co-Working Space Expands with Custom Loft-Style Suites with Sought After Mezzanines.

In the heart of South Etobicoke, the popular coworking space, Office146 Inc. has expanded and is now offering businesses a chance to rent out a private custom loft-style, high-ceiling office suite, with or without a mezzanine.

Office146 Inc. is all about growing with you as a business. As the vaccine continues rolling out and businesses are beginning to recover, start off with a Hot Desk and continue upgrading until your company expands to the level of needing a custom private office. We have multi-sizes available to suit your needs and create your vision.

Amenities include all the perks with Office146 Inc., such as ultra high-speed internet, utilities and 24-hour access. Free parking on-site. Safe, secure, COVID-friendly and sanitized environment.

Tenants also receive full access to the Office146 Inc. private co-working space; an executive business centre with a community manager onsite, breakout rooms, outdoor patio, unlimited coffee/tea, beer on tap, conference and meeting rooms with AV connectivity, printing, and shredding services.

Your Private Office has your own controlled ductless air units and options for personal kitchenette/washroom.

Convenient location – only 15 minutes to and from Downtown Toronto, 15 minutes from YYZ airport and 15 minutes from Mississauga. Accessible via TTC, GO Station, and easy highway access.

Our Business Advisory Team is on-site to help secure funding and grants if needed.

As the economy slowly re-opens, be sure to book your FREE tour today.

Special Offers from

• Receive up to 3 Months Rent Free. Get a free mezzanine upgrade without rent increase. Just mention this article to redeem.

Terms & Conditions may apply.

• To give back to the community, we are offering Free 2-Day Passes for anyone who would like to get out of the house and utilize our Office146 Inc. co-working space. Only 10 passes available. First come, first served. Just email us and mention this article to redeem

Just The Facts: How ITEX Barter Can Help Your Business and Your Life

Yes, it’s true. The concept of bartering has never been more valuable and the trend is growing. The largest barter company in Canada, ITEX, has its head office in Etobicoke. What is a well-known, 1-on-1 practice in theory now operates within a modern, sophisticated network of people who use barter credits known as ITEX dollars as a means to conduct transactions without the use of traditional currency, but instead leverage idle stock, capacity in schedules, empty tables and hotel rooms, and more. Let’s answers some questions so we can see if it’s good for your business, shall we?

Q: How does the ITEX Marketplace work?

A: Member businesses buy and sell products and services with one another utilizing the unique medium of the ITEX dollar, instead of cash. You can buy from, and sell to, any of our thousands of member businesses here in Toronto, Ontario, across Canada and even across the US. The top ITEX office in North America is the head office for Canada, here in Etobicoke.

Q: How will ITEX Barter Exchange help my business?

A: ITEX members enjoy many benefits, but here are the 3 primary benefits: 1. New business/sales opportunities to new customers that otherwise don’t currently exist. 2. Conservation of valuable cash flow by using ITEX dollars instead of cash to buy products and services needed from other members of the ITEX Marketplace. 3. Increased buying power, trade against the cost of your goods and services buy buying other goods and services at a tremendously discounted rate with ITEX dollars. MICHAEL MUZZIN

President of ITEX Barter Canada

Q: How do I register with ITEX?

A: Simply “Sign Up” on itex.com. Right now it’s free! But the free offer ends at the end of July. Otherwise, going forward there are association fees and a nominal transaction fee of 6%. A local ITEX broker will contact you to get you started. As part of the online registration process, you will be prompted to enter contact information and a description of your business.

Q: What businesses in the Etobicoke area are on ITEX now?

Here are just a few examples: Branding Centres, Office146, Classic Tan, Dariva Jewellery, FP Dry Cleaning, Ford Performance Centre, Para-Mass, Osmow’s Restaurant, Total Tint, Mottacom, The Pod Plant, Evanov Radio Group, and many more!

Visit itex.com to sign up now or request information at barter.info@itexcanada.net or call 416.898.5604.