Look Local Magazine Vol. 12 Issue 1

WHAT'S INSIDE?

EARTH-FRIENDLY PRODUCT IDEAS

THE ART OF BUYING AND SELLING ON CONSIGNMENT

A LOCAL GUIDE TO BOOSTING YOUR PLANT-BASED DIET

DO YOU NEED A WILL?

The events of the last few years have brought into focus many important realities of life — who we are as individuals and the legacies we plan to leave behind.

Being with our families and having the ability to connect with them and share our significant milestones has taken on a new meaning. As many Ontarians confront their own mortality, the value in appropriate estate planning and the creation of a Will is apparent. If an individual dies without a valid Will, their estate will pass in accordance with the laws of intestacy, which are set out in the Succession Law Reform Act. This article will not explore that process; suffice it to say that allowing the legislature and courts to determine your wishes rather than clearly setting them out is not ideal. When planning your Will, there are several key questions to consider. Who do you want carrying out your wishes and ensuring that your goals are met? This individual is called the executor of your Will and it is crucial to select the right person for you, as well as an alternate.

e n y o u

a re g o n e ?

This person would have to agree to assume legal guardianship, standing in for you in your role as a parent. Again, this is also an appointment who must have an alternate. Other questions may arise with the distribution of your assets and making sure there is money left over to take care of your families needs. All these questions, and more, should be discussed and assessed with your lawyer when planning your Will. Sutherland Marshall provides a free, initial 30-minute consultation to begin this process. Sutherland Marshall Professional Corporation is an award-winning law firm that offers a personalized approach to each client. Founder John David Sutherland and his team provide specialized services in Wills and Estates, Real Estate Law, Family Law and Corporate Law. Other questions may arise with the distribution of your assets and making sure there is money left over to take care of your family’s needs.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the 2024 “Early Spring” issue of Look Local!

Although it hasn’t been much of a winter this year, it still feels good to know that warmer weather and the spring blossoms are on their way.

This issue is full of ideas and suggestions on the overall theme of Earth Day and the eco-friendly choices that we can make in our daily lives.

But I wanted to draw special attention to the profiles we have done on pages 40 to 44 of some of our local business owners. We have enjoyed getting to know the stories behind these individuals and their businesses, how they got started, and how they find the passion to do what they do every day. They’re fun, informative and inspirational, and I am sure you will enjoy reading them too.

Please keep on Supporting Local!

ver the past year, I vowed to purchase fewer plastic-wrapped goods to boost my eco-friendly efforts. It’s one of many ways I’ve adjusted my habits to live more sustainably. Thankfully, we live in a community that offers constant opportunities to make earth-friendly choices. Whether it’s using the recycle or garbage bin, ordering a veggie (not beef) burger, or riding transit over driving –making intentional decisions in favour of the Earth is now embedded in our routines and our psyche.

However, much as I aspire to reach ecowarrior status, I’ve still got a long way to go. Old habits (read: easy) are tough to break. That’s why small adjustments are more my style. It’s an easy way to adopt more conscientious routines, and it’s the inspiration behind this issue’s sustainability theme ahead of Earth Day on April 22.

Now’s the time to plan ways to participate in the one-day global effort to elevate our sustainability and maybe kick start new habits in the process. You can read up on fun ways to get the kids involved in Earth Day through natureloving activities or a community event (you can even organize your own.)

For more lasting changes to your lifestyle, consider swapping some old school household products with eco-friendly ones that are better for the family and the Earth. We asked local green businesses to share some popular items that make green living a snap.

How about buying second hand? Thrifting is good for the environment and the wallet. It helps that today’s selection is better than ever (just ask any vintage shopping teen.) Learn the ins and outs of consignment shopping to find out if it’s right for you.

Vegetarian eating is yet another way to build your eco-living portfolio, but it’s not for everyone. In this issue, we offer various menu options to boost the veggies in your diet (and substitute for meat when it works), written by a vegetarian-turned-flexitarian who’s found the perfect balance for her family.

If a home update is on your horizon, you’ll be inspired by this issue’s renovation feature of an 1870s home with the original kitchen (yes, you read that right.) Key to its success was preserving the best of the old with modern function and aesthetic to end up with the stunning farmhouse kitchen the owner desired.

Eco-friendly living requires a fair amount of balancing the old with the new. Yes, change can be uncomfortable, and not every adjustment will stick, but we can all commit to helping the Earth and continually exploring the many ways how.

Danielle Leonard

Farmhouse Kitchen

Mixing modern design with the vintage charm of an 1870s kitchen

BY LISA EVANS

by PM WYRE Ltd.,

When Oscar Arboleda, founder & CEO of Forest Kitchen & Cabinetry walked into the 1870s Dundas farmhouse, he knew this might be the biggest kitchen transformation he’d ever done. The vintage kitchen had minimal cabinetry and a tiny corner sink. “It was original to the house and not at all functional,” he says. But the homeowners and Arboleda could see the potential of the space. “We started playing with the space and started from scratch,” says Arboleda.

The homeowners wanted a modern kitchen, but didn’t want to lose the character of the vintage barn home. “As much as we wanted to build something modern, we didn’t want to put in something that didn’t go with the house,” says Arboleda.

Carrara marble countertops from Custom Granite, Stoney Creek Ceiling

Burlington

The designers faced another challenge. The kitchen area had a lot of space but there were two huge windows and a sliding glass door, leaving minimal wall space to work with to build cabinetry. The homeowners didn’t want to lose the natural light that the windows brought into the kitchen, so closing off the windows was not an option.

Using the three corners of the kitchen, Arboleda built two cabinet towers in opposite corners, and used the third for the range hood. “When you’re building a kitchen and you don’t have the walls to fill it out, you have to be strategic with lower cabinets with pull out drawers so you utilize every single inch of the cabinet,” says Arboleda. A large island provided additional prep space and storage, adding functionality to the kitchen without taking away from the natural light the windows brought in.

Finding just the right combination of function and style took some work. “We went through easily 10 to 12 designs until we got the right one,” says Arboleda.

MIXING STYLES

Initially when selecting cabinet doors, the homeowners wanted a conservative shaker style that was modern but not too much of a contrast to the older style home. During the renovation, they decided to put a more modern spin on the kitchen and changed the drawers to flat doors, keeping the cabinet doors as shakers. This was a first for Arboleda who had never designed a kitchen with two door styles in the same space. “It turned out amazing!”

Appliances from Euroline Appliances, Oakville

Floors from Speers Flooring, Oakville

ISLAND

A large island was key to adding workspace and functionality to the kitchen. “We wanted to make the countertop on the island as big as possible,” says Arboleda. The homeowners chose Carrara marble from Custom Granite in Stoney Creek to complete the look.

MAINTAIN ORIGINAL CHARM

The homeowners were concerned with maintaining the original charm of the 1870s home. A farmhouse sink kept some of the home’s rustic charm, and an original piece of stained glass was incorporated into the kitchen design, maintaining the home’s character and charm.

The homeowners were thrilled with their new kitchen. It's bright and airy, with tons of storage space, and it achieves exactly what they were looking for combining the original charm with modern functionality. LL

SMART LIVING

SIMPLE SWAPS FOR Sustainable Living

BY DANIELLE LEONARD

THESE EARTHFRIENDLY PRODUCTS HELP LEAD THE WAY TO ZERO WASTE LIVING

From buying second hand to avoiding

takeout, choosing organic to driving electric, there are countless ways to tackle climate change and help make the Earth a better place. But the reality is, changing habits can be hard for everyone, even with the best of intentions (remember those New Year’s resolutions?)

One easy and rewarding way to make a difference is to cut our household waste – especially the amount of plastics we toss. Got a full recycling bin every week? Unfortunately, only a small percentage of those plastics actually get recycled (around nine per cent based on Canada’s latest research). In fact, across the globe, less than onethird of plastics labelled ‘1’ or ‘2’ on the bottom of containers are recycled. And, numbers '3' through '7' are much more difficult to repurpose. This means cutting waste means more than eliminating garbage and single use plastics, we need to cut all those plastic containers we toss into the blue bin, too. Not so easy, right?

Local Links

1

2

3

4

5

Inspired by this year’s Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics, we asked three local eco-friendly stores to help. They recommend top products to help families curb plastic waste and adopt a more sustainable household.

Christine Kempf is the co-founder of Mrs. Greenway which specializes in products for a low-waste lifestyle with locations in Dundas, Grimsby and Elora. “We always tell people that even one eco-friendly change makes a difference. Many of these choices end up with cost savings as well.”

Kempf recommends “unpaper towels” by Cheeks Ahoy to replace paper towels and napkins. Made from 100 per cent recycled cotton flannel, they can be washed and reused hundreds of times before being replaced. Bonus: you can use them to shield splatter in the microwave. “Reusable paper towels means you no longer have to purchase rolls and rolls of disposable ones, saving you money in the long run,” she says.

The bathroom is another major source of plastic waste. Did you know billions of toothbrushes end up in landfills and oceans each year? The Nada is an aluminum toothbrush with a removable brush head that’s recyclable. Its metal handle will last a lifetime, making this an ideal alternative to the conventional toothbrush that’s not recyclable in municipal programs.

Oakville-based Maison Apothecare develops its own line of eco-friendly refillable products for the home, from cleaning formulas to skincare. Founder Natacha Rey is passionate about holistic sustainability which she says is “the practice of being intentional with all we do. Our work at Maison expresses this through our ingredients, community and impact on the planet.”

She recommends adopting refillable formulas for the typical household duties. The store’s lineup includes an all-surface cleaner, floor cleaner, kitchen hand wash, dish liquid, laundry detergent and toilet bowl cleaner –all made with ingredients that are not tested on animals, are biodegradable, septic tank safe and do not contain hormone disruptors.

UNPAPER TOWELS BY CHEEKS AHOY

THE NADA TOOTHBRUSH FROM MRS GREENWAY

LEMON ALL SURFACE CLEANER FROM MAISON APOTHECARE

SWEDISH SPONGE CLOTHS FROM A GREENER PLACE

“By purchasing refills, you actively participate in reducing waste and minimizing your carbon footprint,” says Rey. You can refill bottles on-site or purchase a five-litre refill box. “For the month of March bring back your empty bottles and get a free refill!”

A Greener Place is a zero waste online store and refillery based in Waterdown offering an array of products to level up your sustainable lifestyle. Founder Victoria Garofalo recommends two of the store’s bestsellers to help transition to low waste living.

Ditching the shampoo bottles that collect in the bathrooms is a great start, making shampoo bars a perfect replacement. “They’re great for traveling and they last 50 to 75 washes per bar, plus they work so well,” says Garofalo.

Cut back on kitchen waste with Swedish sponge cloths that can be composted when done. These popular products can be thrown in the dishwasher or laundry and usually last more than six months. They come in some pretty funky designs, to boot.

Collectively, we can make a huge difference as more individuals intentionally choose to help heal the Earth through thoughtful shopping and incremental changes in our daily routines.

“We have seen a huge increase of people interested in making more planet-friendly choices over the last five years,” says Kempf. “When we first opened we had 10 products and a handful of people refilling. Today we have almost 100 refillable products and we see hundreds of people in each week between our three stores!” LL

MAISON APOTHECARE

COnsignmenT ShOps

It’s time for that annual spring cleaning ritual when we venture into the depths of our closets to conquer clutter and bid farewell to wardrobe relics of seasons past. But what do you do with items that are no longer wanted — the ones you bought on impulse and never wore, or ordered online and couldn’t return?

Consignment shops offer a solution, turning forgotten garments or outdated furnishings into someone else’s treasure. In a world where sustainability is chic and thriftiness is celebrated (and let’s face it, necessary in today’s economy), consignment shops have emerged as unsung heroes of our spring cleaning escapades.

An eco-friendly twist to traditional retail, sellers can monetize their decluttering efforts, and thrifters can nab unique finds that fit their budget.

ECO FRIENDLY SHOPPING IS IN

With growing awareness about environmental issues and the desire to make ethical choices, many consumers favour sustainable retail options. “Bringing in clothes is better for the environment. Rather than just throwing them out, [people] want their clothes to have a second chance,” says Monika Waszczuk, owner of Sell It 2 Wear It in Dundas.

While used clothing used to have a negative connotation, with today’s awareness of the devastating environmental impact of the fashion industry, consumers are more appreciative of giving pre-loved items a second life. “Online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji have helped destigmatize thrifting and buying used,” says Ivy Leung, owner of Kid 2 Kid in Burlington.

But buying second hand doesn’t necessarily mean buying used. Many consignment shops carry new items with tags still attached that have never been worn. “Kids grow so quickly and tweens change their minds too often. Instead of trying to post each item on Marketplace and risk getting ghosted after the fifteenth ‘is this available’ message, it’s much easier to sell everything at once and get cash right away,” says Leung.

MILLIONAIRE'S DAUGHTER

WISH BOUTIQUE

MAKING MONEY WITH CONSIGNMENT

In today’s economy where every dollar counts, the allure of turning old into new and earning a little cash in the process has never been more enticing. While every store operates differently, most consignment stores have a term contract in which they keep the item for three or four months and pay the seller a percentage of the selling price. If the item doesn’t sell within the period, the seller will have the option to take the item back or donate it to charity.

SAVING MONEY WITH CONSIGNMENT

Consignment shops offer a win for consumers looking to get more value for their dollar, delivering quality items at lower than retail cost. “Who doesn’t love designer finds at a fraction of the retail price?” asks Heather Aris, owner of My Girlfriend’s Closet in Bronte.

At Kid to Kid Burlington, sellers are paid cash up front for their gently used kids’ clothing, baby gear and toys. The store provides sellers an additional 20 per cent if they take store credit. “It’s an extra savings if you’re looking to size up,” says owner Ivy Leung.

Our community is home to many consignment stores, each with their own standards for what they will consign and sell. Here are a few examples.

The Millionaire’s Daughter is the place to go for consigning furniture, home decor, and china. With three locations (Oakville, Hamilton and Aurora) and over 15 years of experience in the industry, owner Maureen Barnes says they are the experts in selling pre-loved home decor. Items must be in excellent condition and from non-smoking homes.

Shopping consignment for furniture and home décor makes it affordable and exciting to refresh the look of your space. Not just antiques…. you will find a huge assortment of items at Millionaire’s Daughter, from pottery to rugs to armoires and dining sets. And Barnes points out that the search is part of the fun. You never know what you might find and the inventory turns over regularly. You need to visit often or stay up to date online to avoid missing out on new items as they come in.

Kid to Kid in Aldershot specializes in children’s resale. Parents receive cash on the spot for the things their kids have outgrown, and can also shop from a huge selection of high quality, slightly used replacement items at discounted prices. The store sells and buys children’s clothing, sports gear, costumes, toys, dance wear and more.

Sell It 2 Wear It in Dundas looks for clothing items that are unique and different. “I take a large variety of things from vintage to brand new,” says Waszczuk. This store is the place to go if you’re looking for vintage fashion finds such as bell bottom jeans and leather jackets, or unique items from Europe.

My Girlfriend’s Closet in Oakville looks for designer, quality brand name items under two years old in gently worn or mint condition. “Everything has to be dry cleaned, or freshly laundered and pressed or ironed. A large percentage of our items come in with the original tags,” says Aris.

Whether you're hunting for a new outfit or home decor, a consignment store offers unique and stylish finds that help save you money, and the environment. LL

MY GIRLFRIEND'S CLOSET

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

At Look Local, we are honoured to work every day with small business owners and entrepreneurs in our community. We know that the people behind these businesses have taken risks and made sacrifices to follow a dream and their passion. Their stories are interesting and inspiring and we wanted to share them with you, our readers. We hope you enjoy the first few profiles in this issue. We plan to make this a regular feature in Look Local, so look out for additional small business stories in the future!

BUNGALO BEACH

thegardengirls.ca

When did you start your business? Tell us the story of how you got started?

We started The Garden Girls 18 years ago in Darla’s garden. We were working away at pulling weeds when a neighbour was out for a walk and said “can you come do that in my garden?” To our surprise, they were serious! We decided to get dirty and haven’t looked back! It started on evenings and weekends and then blossomed into a full-time job for Darla. Lucy helps with our seasonal planters and behind the scenes, and still enjoys getting into the gardens and connecting with the outdoors whenever possible.

What gave you the idea and the motivation to launch?

Back in 2006, Darla was working in her husband’s family business and, with a young family, were concerned about all of their family income coming from one source. Dusting off the resume and going for interviews just did not seem to fit! Lucy is a full-time teacher and was looking for something different to do during the summer months.

What were the biggest challenges early on?

There are never enough days, thanks to changing seasons and Mother Nature, as well as finding gardeners to join us. But, we have grown steadily from our first team of 2 to over 20 gardeners, and we hope to keep growing.

Tell us more about your business today. Garden Care is our primary service. People are spending huge amounts of money on new landscaping projects, and without proper knowledgeable care, the gardens can be destroyed fast. We do the regular garden chores of weeding, trimming, planting, transplanting, dividing, so you can relax and enjoy your outdoor space. We also help build new gardens, and focus on climate change and the right biodiversity to improve our environment and natural habitat.

Vacation Care is another service that helps our customers balance their busy lives. We still want flowers and plants to flourish while we take some much needed vacation time. We care for outside and inside plants, and do watering or house checks.

We also do Seasonal Planters so you can greet your guests or visitors with a display of colour for every season at your home or business.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

We are passionate about our relationships, and we are always learning, always improving. Every spring, we can’t wait to get outside to care for and improve the gardens we work in.

MEET THE OWNERS

SWEET! BAKERY ASHLEY ARMSTRONG

289.837.1193

100 Bronte Road #1

Oakville

sweetbakery.ca

When did you start your business? What gave you the idea and the motivation to launch?

It will be 13 years in May! We’re going to be a teenager!

I started baking with my mom as a kid, baked my way through high school and university and had fallen in love with cupcakes when I realized maybe I should try it for real. I went to pastry school and worked in bakeries in Toronto, always with the goal of opening my own cupcake shop. My home town of Oakville didn’t have a lot in the way of cupcakes or modern bakeries, so it was there that Sweet was born.

What were the biggest challenges early on?

Realizing that the cupcakes-only model wasn’t going to work in Oakville. Within a couple of years, I adjusted the original plan and broadened our scope to setdesign and custom cakes, finding the staff and teaching myself the skills to keep up along the way.

With my baking background, being a business owner was also a challenge, realizing that I had to step out of working IN the business and start working ON the business.

Tell us more about your business today.

We are still a small shop where every customer gets a personalized, friendly experience. We work with each customer individually to bring the vision for their event to life, whether it’s dozens of gourmet cupcakes for employee appreciation day, or a multitiered custom themed cake for a first birthday.

Everything we sell is made from scratch in the bakery - nothing pre-made, mass produced or frozen. We are always coming up with creative new seasonal and holiday product ideas and flavours, like our cookie dippers, plant-based loft-house cookies, or conversation heart Valentine’s cookies.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

I love helping people celebratewhether it’s something small like a cupcake to celebrate a successful surgery or a cake for a wedding with 200 guests! Solving problems for people never gets old or boring. And I LOVE seeing the look on someone’s face when they bite into one of our treats for the first time… just this look of surprise mixed with ecstasy!

MEET THE OWNERS

BUNGALO BEACH

(905) 690-6760

297 Dundas St E, Waterdown bungalobeach.ca

When did you start your business?

Tell us the story of how you got started? Well, we only just opened our doors in October 2023!

I have been hunting and gathering, collecting unique furniture and styling my own spaces since my first apartment. It’s really an obsession. I opened a design studio in 2009, we specialized in designing and crafting high-end bespoke dining tables for the international design trade industry. We were shipping these stunning tables, artisan crafted from solid wood, to New York lofts! We grew our line of bespoke tables alongside a line of modern art I developed. Today, the store is really an extension of where I started back in 2009, just on a smaller, slower scale. I like it like that.

What gave you the idea and the motivation to launch?

Our store occupies the well-known heritage building that was once the vintage Waterdown Teahouse. I have had my eye on it for years. When it became available and I toured the space, it was beautiful and magical. I was inspired. Our store manager, and my dear friend, Marie, at the time was also looking for a new adventure. She had all this experience in retail and running a shop, where I have a much different skill set. The timing was right for us to come together on this.

What are the biggest challenges now that you are open?

I would say, just landing on the map. It is still “early on” for us. We want to build a destination for design savvy folks and the interior designers in our community. It’s just getting the word out that we are here…and that we have free parking!

Tell us more about your business today. The store is a vision of beautiful collections in a special space. It’s a curation of vintage and modern furnishings and home goods - decor, apothecary, kitchen accessories. Our space is full of unique items that you can’t just find anywhere, that are on trend and fit with our aesthetic and values. We bring in a lot of small batch brands from Montreal and B.C. Sourcing vintage and really cool furniture is an obsession, so I am hunting, buying and bringing in new pieces often. Styled alongside our home goods is our line of large framed art, featuring custom framed original art.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

For both Marie and I, it’s a good place with good people and you can’t go wrong with that.

MEET THE OWNERS

JUS B’ GAUZE

VICKY SMITH & RUZA

ROSEMARY DAVIS

(905) 333-1071

4019 New St, Burlington

jusbgauze.com

When did you start your business?

Jus B’ Gauze has been in existence for nearly 20 years, and we purchased the shop in October 2020, smack dab in the middle of the pandemic.

What gave you the idea and the motivation to buy the business?

Vicky was a sales executive in transportation and logistics for over 30 years, and was ready for a change. Ruza had worked for the previous owner, Donna. We both loved fashion and people so when Donna wanted to retire, we seized the opportunity despite the fact that we were in a pandemic and there would be challenges ahead of us.

Tell us more about your business today.

Jus B’ Gauze is best known for travel wear, and we carry an extraordinary selection of 100% cotton gauze and fine linen. In addition to Oh My Gauze, Eternelle, Dunes, Sympli, Bryn Walker, Frank Lyman and My Soul, we have added brands such as Tommy Bahama, Linen O and Rapz. We want our customers to relax in timeless styles of exceptional comfort and quality. Ruza and Vicky are always on the hunt for new brands. Demand is on the rise for cool, comfortable fabrics that will provide protection from the sun’s damaging rays.

We strive to provide a relaxing atmosphere, full of warmth and honesty, that will bring you back to visit us again and again.

What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?

We have been surprised by the generosity of our clients who support each other through life’s challenges and celebrations, and have become our true friends. Our favourite times are when total strangers come together in the store and you would swear they were long lost friends, providing advice, joy and laughter!

Spring Fashion Finds

KID TO KID kidtokid.com BURLINGTON

Converse high tops AND unicorns!? Look out playground, the coolest kid in town just arrived.

You could wait for April showers to bring May flowers, or you could just bring this vibrant purse and hat with you wherever you go! Available at Lana's, in Bronte Village.

LANA'S BOUTIQUE lanasbronte.com BRONTE

Thoughtful and timeless designs crafted locally from pure linen. Each limited-edition dress features must-have pockets and a deep hem. Dress it up or keep it casual, sure to be a new summer favourite! anglesealiving.com

JUS B GAUZE

BURLINGTON

A versatile jacket is a must have for any wardrobe, and this white denim jacket from Tommy Bahama ticks all the boxes! jusbgauze.com

DTWO

BURLINGTON

Who doesn't love a little lipstick? This top has a soft air-flow fabric printed with lipsticks. Great with black, khaki and of course, red. davidwilliamshoes.com

MY GIRLFRIEND'S CLOSET

OAKVILLE

Everything you need for a great night out! Gorgeous Kate Spade bag and stylish Stuart Weitzman shoes are just a few amazing finds at this upscale consignment shop in Bronte Village. mygirlfriendsclosetoakville.com

BOS & CO, BURLINGTON

Crafted with love in Portugal, these new sandals by Fly London make you feel like you're walking on a cloud with their new pillow insoles. Available exclusively at Bos & Co in Burlington. bosandco.com

BAMBINO FINE SHOES

OAVILLE

These adorable toddler leather mid hightop sneakers, by Falcotto, are the perfect companion for curious little minds to explore their world in a safe and stylish manner. Available in sizes 18 to 26 EU.

bambinofineshoes.com

PURE BOUTIQUE

OAKVILLE & BURLINGTON

Light and bright and perfect for summer! Add a little colour this season with help from Pure Boutique in Bronte Village and Downtown Burlington. pureboutique.ca

YOGASHALA WELLNESS CENTRE

FLAMBOROUGH

Comfy, cozy and colourful, these Harem pants come straight from Thailand and are the perfect addition to any yogi's closet.

yogashalawaterdown.com

Your Local Community Resource IN PRINT & ONLINE

by Andrew Morton

Directed by Caroline Way

Produced by Maureen Dwyer

April 19 - May 5, 2024

Evenings

April 19, 20, 26, 27; May 2, 3, 4 8:00pm

Sunday Matinées

April 21, 28 & May 5 2:00pm

Memorial Hall, 317 Dundas Street, Waterdown

Online tickets: www.villagetheatrewaterdown.ca

For tickets, call box office: (905) 681-6000

Burlington Performing Arts Centre ticket service provider

Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatist Play Service Inc.

The first Earth Day was in 1970, marking the inception of the environmental movement. Fast forward to today, more than one billion people will celebrate and advocate for the protection of our planet on April 22 this year. Want to get involved? Your family can plan ways to take part in official events or create your own to become better stewards of the Earth. This year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics, advocating for the ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for all.

Here are 10 ways your family can make our world a healthier and happier place to live this Earth Day.

1 JOIN A LOCAL CLEANUP

Make a real difference to the local community by volunteering your time as a family to the 33rd annual Earth Day Clean Up in Oakville. Last year, over 1,000 volunteers collected over eight metric tonnes of garbage! To participate, visit oakvillepeacecentre.org. BurlingtonGreen encourages residents to create and register a local cleanup event. The organization will publish online, provide free supplies, and then track, measure and share the impact of all participants. Register at burlingtongreen.org.

Head to the RBG and explore Hendrie Park with its 12 themed garden areas

2 SKIP THE TAKEOUT

For the month of April, reduce your plastic waste by making homemade meals a priority and cutting takeout from your menu. This statistic is tough to swallow: In 2019, 805 million takeout containers were sold in Canada, and they made the top 10 list of items most frequently found and intercepted on beach cleanups in Canada before entering rivers, wetlands, forests and landfills.

3 VISIT THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Kids who appreciate nature better understand the pressing need to protect it. Head to the RBG and explore Hendrie Park with its 12 themed garden areas, as well as the rock gardens — where you just might catch the cherry tree blossoms in bloom. Take the kids to the Nature’s Superheroes: Life at the Limits exhibit, before it closes on April 21.

4 GET EARTH SMART

Grow your IQ on the struggles facing our Earth, and the solutions within our grasp. Visit Earthday.org to answer quizzes that test your knowledge on climate change, and the human actions most impacting the Earth. Visit your local library to pick up a book to read to your kids, and find one for yourself to inform and inspire action.

5 BUILD A SUCCULENT TERRARIUM

Succulents are low-maintenance and hardy plants, making them ideal for a DIY terrarium, even for younger kids. Learning how to care for a small ecosystem helps build awareness for the special needs of our natural earth. You’ll need a clear jar or bowl to house your plants, gravel, something to filter the water (like a coffee filter), soil and a range of succulents.

6 GO THRIFTING

Take a pass on fast fashion, help the environment and update your wardrobe by thrifting. My Girlfriend’s Closet and Plato’s Closet (both in Oakville) have no shortage of popular brands. The Attic in downtown Burlington also sells pre-loved clothing, and your money goes towards the Burlington Humane Society. Visit Dundas store, Sell It 2 Wear It, specializing in vintage wear and European finds.

7 TRY FOREST BATHING

Spending time in nature is good for us, and people in Japan have been practicing forest bathing since the 1980s. Simply, forest bathing means taking in the environment using all your senses. Bronte Creek Provincial Park is an ideal place to give forest bathing a try. It has a network of hiking trails, including the Trillium Trail where you’ll see spring wildflowers and catch a glimpse of the valley floor. Follow the trail and close your eyes and notice what you can smell, hear and feel.

8 ADVOCATE FOR THE PLANET

Leverage Earth Day as a time to let your voice be heard. Find small ways to make a difference as a family, whether it’s signing Earth Day’s Global Plastics Treaty aimed at reducing fossil fuel-based plastic production, or learning more about youth climate change organizations, like Fridays For Future, which began after Greta Thunberg and other young activists protested against inadequate climate change action.

9 CREATE A BUTTERFLY GARDEN

Gardening season is around the corner. This spring, transform part of your yard into a butterfly garden. Some of the best plants to attract butterflies include Black-Eyed Susan, the native Yarrow, Butterfly Bush and Bee Balm. Not sure where to begin? Check out The Butterfly Project, a movement started by the David Suzuki Foundation that’s growing a highway of habitat for butterflies and bees across Canada.

10 DONATE TO A CHARITY YOU FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT

Challenge your family to research different charities locally, or across the globe, that are working hard to improve the health of our planet. Whether it’s protecting our water or a particular species, local advocacy or even industry-specific (think: fashion or food), there are plenty of organizations worth supporting – donate to the one that your family feels most passionate about. LL

PLAN AHEAD FOR

Camp Season

TOP PICKS TO ENRICH YOUR KIDS’ SUMMER

BY ANNELIESE LAWTON

Although winter days have yet to depart, many parents are already scrambling to plan for summer. As a family of two working parents and three school-aged kids (two of whom "luged" down the stairs on couch cushions yesterday), our summer days have to be carefully calculated. So, come early March, I’m researching summer camps with the intensity of an investigative journalist. To help parents jump start their own sleuthing, I’ve compiled some Look Local favourites that cover a spectrum of kids’ interests and skills.

For Kids into the Arts

KOOGLE THEATRE

1450 Headon Road, Second Floor, Burlington | Koogletheatre.com

Kids can be a “star” at KooGle’s musical theatre camp where they learn scenes, songs and choreography from popular musicals, including 42nd Street (ages 10 to 18), Annie (ages 7 to 11), Disney (ages 6 to 8), and Mary Poppins (ages 7 to 11). Programming is crafted and run by professional theatre artists – and husband and wife duo – Leslie and Christopher Gray.

www.bhyc.on.ca/learn-to-sail

for details and online registration.

RCTraining@bhyc.on.ca

Summer Sailing Camp at Bronte Harbour Yacht Club!

Registration is now open!

4 Summer sailing courses for ages 7 to 17

4 Classes for beginners and for advanced sailors

4 Knowledgeable and certified instructors

4 Students also participate in various outdoor activities including Stand-Up Paddleboard, soccer, etc.

4 Classes from 9 am to 4 pm (extended care is also available at additional cost)

4 Price $825 for 2 weeks (lower at Canada Day week)

4 Adult classes in the evenings and on the weekends

LAURA TEDESCO

THE CBY ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

21 Mill Street North, Waterdown | Cbyacademy.com

Held at an award-winning performing arts academy in Waterdown, CBY offers an inclusive camp experience with different themes throughout the summer. From Broadway Minis to Road Legends, there’s no shortage of fun for children ages 4 to 12. Kids will love writing music and dressing up in costume as they act, sing and dance.

CANADIAN DANCE COMPANY

2544 Bristol Circle, Oakville | Canadiandancecompany.com

Whether your child is a tutu-loving toddler or a tween who can shimmy sham across a tap floor – there’s a place for them here. With weekly themes supporting recreational and competitive dancing, campers are encouraged to discover their star potential. Each camp explores different dance styles and music while inspiring creative thinking, socialization and fun.

CONSERVATION HALTON

WAYS OF THE WOODS BY CONSERVATION HALTON

Multiple locations

Conservationhalton.ca

Ways of the Woods summer camp offers a one-of-a-kind summer experience for kids. Hosted by Conservation Halton, the camp takes place at its locations across Halton, including Kelso, Mountsberg and Crawford Lake, and offers unique and diverse programming, such as Mountain Bike Camp, Waterfront Camp, Farm Camp, Construction Camp, Athletic Camp, Girls Camp and Adventure Camp.

CAMP KANDALORE

1143 Kandalore Road, Algonquin Highlands Kandalore.com

For adventures and new outdoor experiences – and maybe a first time away from home? For more than 75 years, Camp Kandalore has created magical summer experiences steeped in tradition, but always fresh for kids ages 6 to 16. With more than 30 in-camp activities, campers take part in daily swim and canoe lessons as well as other fun activities of choice, from waterskiing to high ropes to archery.

BRONTE HARBOUR YACHT CLUB

2514 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville | Bhyc.on.ca

Ease out the sails and spend a summer on the water with Bronte Harbour Yacht Club. Its Learn-to-Sail program is for kids ages 7 to 17, and features Sail Canada certified instructors in a safe, fun and active learning environment. Sailors can achieve Sail Canada levels as they spend two to four hours on the water, and have the rest of the day open for activities, such as paddleboarding, exploring the creek, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, soccer and more.

APPLEBY COLLEGE

OAK LEARNING

For Kids Who Love Science

OAK LEARNING

483 Dundas Street West, Oakville

Oaklearningcenter.com

Oak Learning has summer fun down to a science with their hands-on STEM and Robotic camps for kids ages 6 to 13. During each weeklong camp, campers learn to build and program a fully functioning robot alongside smaller science projects. The balanced day includes daily team activities, science projects, outdoor recreation, a nutritious hot lunch and snacks.

CODE NINJAS

3410 Mainway, Burlington

2333 Taunton Road, Oakville

Codeninjas.com

Technology-loving kids, ages 5 to 14, get hands-on experience in learning how to code as they create video games, and more. They also gain important skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and acquire STEM know-how in a supportive, fun environment.

For All Interests

TOWN OF OAKVILLE

Various locations throughout Oakville | camps.oakville.ca

The Town of Oakville offers fun and affordable summer camp options for children aged four to 12. Their HIGH FIVE® trained staff, high safety standards, and engaging summer programming set them apart. Explore a variety of safe and diverse summer camp programs to suit any interest, including arts, adventure, athletics, and more.

A “Super Playgrounds” half-day camp membership allows campers to enjoy supervised activities without the commitment of a week-long camp. Offered weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at select park locations. One fee lets you play all summer.

OAKVILLE MUSEUM

8 Navy Street, Oakville | oakville.ca/museum

Looking for a curated summer camp experience for curious minds?

Oakville Museum camps blend learning and hands-on fun with arts and crafts activities, outdoor games and nature exploration in a picturesque lakeside setting. Cultivate creativity in the garden, unravel museum mysteries, enter the enchanting world of fairy tales, and more. Full-week day camps available for ages 6-9. Half-day mini programs available for little ones aged 4-5.

APPLEBY COLLEGE

540 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville | Appleby.on.ca

Kids can choose from more than 50 indoor and outdoor programs and over 220 weekly sessions that cross a variety of interests and activities. All camps have a low camper-to-instructor ratio, and include nutritious lunches and swim time. The Early Discovery program for ages 4 to 7 offers full and half-day camps and weekly themes. Campers ages 7 to 14 can choose from programs in sports and adventure, arts and media, and science and success. Leadership camps are available for participants ages 12 to 17. LL

ARTS FUSION

ARTS FUSION

9:00AM - 4:00PM | AGE: 5-12

9:00AM - 4:00PM | AGE: 5-12 ARTS

9:00AM - 4:00PM | AGE: 5-12 ARTS FUSION

9:00AM - 4:00PM | AGE: 5-12

9:00AM - 4:00PM | AGE: 5-12

Participants explore a variety of different dance s tyles, experiencing the full range of our recreational dan ce program. Fine art classes, music, drama and team building games keep children motivated as they work together to create their own end-of-week video keepsake. Stay active, social and inspired in our t op of the line performance facility.

Participants explore a variety of different dance s tyles, experiencing the full range of our recreational dan ce program. Fine art classes, music, drama and team building games keep children motivated as they work together to create their own end-of-week video keepsake. Stay active, social and inspired in our t op of the line performance facility.

Participants explore a variety of different dance s tyles, experiencing the full range of our recreational dan ce program. Fine art classes, music, drama and team building games keep children motivated as they work together to create their own end-of-week video keepsake. Stay active, social and inspired in our t op of the line performance facility.

Participants explore a variety of different dance s tyles, experiencing the full range of our recreational dan ce program. Fine art classes, music, drama and team building games keep children motivated as they work together to create their own end-of-week video keepsake. Stay active, social and inspired in our t op of the line performance facility.

Participants explore a variety of different dance s tyles, experiencing the full range of our recreational dan ce program. Fine art classes, music, drama and team building games keep children motivated as they work together to create their own end-of-week video keepsake. Stay active, social and inspired in our t op of the line performance facility.

9:00AM - 12:00PM | AGE: 2-4

9:00AM - 12:00PM | AGE: 2-4 ACTIVE

9:00AM - 12:00PM | AGE: 2-4

Participants explore stories, music and art with a key focus on developing an understanding of ballet and jazz class fundamentals. Inspire creative thinking and problem solving skills while having fun with friend s!

Participants explore stories, music and art with a key focus on developing an understanding of ballet and jazz class fundamentals. Inspire creative thinking and problem solving skills while having fun with friend s!

Participants explore stories, music and art with a key focus on developing an understanding of ballet and jazz class fundamentals. Inspire creative thinking and problem solving skills while having fun with friend s! 9:00AM - 12:00PM | AGE: 2-4

Participants explore stories, music and art with a key focus on developing an understanding of ballet and jazz class fundamentals. Inspire creative thinking and problem solving skills while having fun with friend s!

Participants explore stories, music and art with a key focus on developing an understanding of ballet and jazz class fundamentals. Inspire creative thinking and problem solving skills while having fun with friend s!

FFestival

ew things in life are more satisfying than a having a good laugh — even better if it’s accompanied by tears. Feeling overdue for a night of belly aching laughter, giggles and snickers? Then you don’t want to miss The Burlington Comedy Festival featuring seven shows over the course of three nights, from April 25 to 27.

Six celebrated comics take the stage in venues throughout downtown Burlington, starting with the Opening Gala Night at the beautiful Pearle Hotel and Spa on Thursday, April 25. This is the only festival event where the full lineup of six comics will perform, guaranteeing an outstanding display of comedy talent. Headlining the evening’s performance will be Pete Zedlacher and Jen Grant.

Zedlacher is a veteran of the Canadian comedy scene whose credits include a Canadian Comedy Award, six Canadian Comedy Award nominations and two Gemini Award nominations. He was also crowned Sirius XM’s Top Comic.

Grant has performed and appeared on TV at every major comedy festival in the country, and can be heard on CBC‘s “The Debaters”. She has her own TV special on The Comedy Network and was listed as one of the top five funniest people in Toronto by Toronto Life Magazine.

Also performing at the Pearle are the wildly talented Patrick Haye, Tamara Shevon, Dena Jackson, Steve Goodtime and Magic Brian.

If you can’t make the Gala, there are six more shows from April 26 to 27 at local restaurant venues where you can experience an intimate live comedy event like no other. Each show features three comics. Simply choose the date and time. For both Friday and Saturday night, you can catch a 7:30 p.m. comedy show at The Block Co., an 8:30 p.m. performance at 400 Brant Kitchen & Bar, and show time at Paradiso Restaurant begins at 9:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before all shows start.

PETE ZEDLACHER

JENN GRANT DENA JACKSON

Visit Burlingtoncomedy.com to view the lineup for each event and get your tickets – these intimate venues have limited seating.

The Burlington Downtown Business Association is a proud sponsor of the Burlington Comedy Festival. The association represents over 400 small businesses in the downtown including 50-plus quality eateries, making it a snap to create your own dinner and show any time of year.

Be sure to grab some friends and plan your memorable night of laugh-out-loud (mature) content, fantastic company and outstanding nosh in downtown Burlington. LL

For a full list of comedy shows and to buy tickets online, visit www.burlingtoncomedy.com

Community Events

MARCH 2-24

GLODTO: Roseaux

Dive into the world of "Roseaux" – a captivating particip’active outdoor installation of 15-foot illuminated reeds, that invite visitors to step onto sensors to rhythmically propel a spectrum of colours.

Towne Square, Downtown Oakville oakvilledowntown.com

MARCH 2-31

Maple Syrup Festival

Join the festivities every weekend in March and the entire week of March break. Activities include guided tours of Maple Lane on how to make fresh maple sugar, visiting animals at Spruce Lane Farm, a kids’ activity centre and a pancake meal. Take a wagon ride to the Pancake House for hot pancakes and sausages with pure maple syrup.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville. Brontecreek.org

Tree Planting Event

MARCH 16

Hot Cocoa and Fire Pits

Presented by Lollipop Art Lounge, stop by its vintage Airstream to pick up a free hot cocoa and warm up by the fire pits from 2 to 6 p.m. Towne Square, Downtown Oakville oakvilledowntown.com

MARCH 17

Ancaster Holistic Healing Fair

Discover alternative therapies, wellness practices and mindful living at this free vendorstyle event that’s a warm and nurturing space for self-discovery and growth.

Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road, Jerseyville holistichealingfair.com

MARCH 17

Frigid 10K and Frosty 5K

Lace up for a wintry run that starts and ends at Collective Arts Brewery. All racers get a technical shirt, a finisher medal, and hot STAGG Chili at the finish line! Funds raised go to Joseph Brant Hospital’s Mental Health and Addictions program. Collective Arts Brewery, 207 Burlington Street East, Hamilton raceroster.com/ events/2024/66334/2024frigid-10k-and-frosty-5k

MARCH 21

Author Talk with Madeline Miller

Enjoy a fascinating exploratory conversation with Madeline Miller, bestselling author of The Song of Achilles and Circe, as she chats about her body of work and her process in retelling Greek classics into modern epics in fiction. This is a virtual event.

Oakville Library opl.on.ca

MARCH 23-24

Visit the Easter Bunny

Families can book a five-minute time slot for a private visit with the Easter Bunny and Henry’s Camera will shoot professional photos and provide one digital image and a free Instant 8×10 Print voucher for use at an in-store kiosk. Children also participate in an Easter egg hunt and do a craft.

Joseph Brant Museum, 1240 North Shore Blvd East, Burlington Museumsofburlington.ca

MARCH 24

Gluten Free Goodness Festival

Sample, savour and shop all the good things that are gluten-free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy an amazing lineup of gluten-free businesses ready to meet and serve their communities in 2024.

Ancaster Fairgrounds

630 Trinity Road, Jerseyville gfgoodnessexpo.ca

MARCH 24

Sheridan Spring Open House

Come feel what it’s like to be a student at Sheridan Trafalgar Road Campus.

Register online and explore exciting programs on offer at the open house running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is free.

Sheridan Trafalgar Road Campus, 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville sheridancollege.ca/admissions/ visit-sheridan/open-house

MARCH 24

Easter Parade

Bring the kids to watch an Easter Parade from 10 a.m. to noon, hosted by Duran Place for Kids. This is a free event, but donations for the Fare Share Food Bank are encouraged.

Sheridan College, 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville

MARCH 29

26th Annual National Service Dogs’ Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs

Thousands of eggs, each filled with a prize token and dog treat, are hidden over an area of the park. Participants (dogs with the assistance of their humans) hunt, collect eggs and retrieve prizes from the collected eggs.

Joe Sam’s Leisure Park, 752 Centre Road, Hamilton nsd.on.ca

MARCH 31

Easter Egg Hunt

Fun for kids! Choose your start time: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon or 1 p.m. Baskets are provided for kids as they hunt for eggs, exchange them for Easter treats and visit the Easter Bunny. This event is outdoors and indoors, rain or shine, $25 per child. Reserve your child’s spot at 905-609-2223 or info@duranplaceforkids.com

Sovereign House, 7 West River Street, Oakville

APRIL 8

Solar Eclipse at the Beach

Join BurlingtonGreen in safely experiencing the upcoming solar eclipse. Staff and volunteers will be at their headquarters (Eco Hub) outside the historic pumphouse providing information and collecting your used eclipse glasses for recycling. You can also participate in a shoreline litter clean up while you are there!

Burlington Beach, 1100 Lakeshore Road, Burlington Burlingtongreen.org

CLARKSON SOCIETY OF ARTISTS

2024 ART SHOW & SALE

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, March 22, 7-9pm GALLERY SHOW: Saturday, March 23 & Sunday, March 24 10am- 4pm

Tree Planting Event

BurlingtonGreen and the City of Burlington Forestry Department are organizing a community tree planting to take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Pathfinder Park. Together they aim to plant 500 native trees PLUS some lucky participants will each win a beautiful tree to plant at their Burlington homes! Advance registration is required and opens later in March.

veggie vibes

BY LISA THORNBURY

In a world that's increasingly aware of the impact of our dietary choices on the planet, society and health, the trend toward plant-based eating is on the rise. Whether you're already a seasoned vegetarian or a curious carnivore, we have some creative ways for you to get more plants on your plate.

After writing a university paper on animal rights, I adopted a strictly vegetarian diet. I maintained this for decades, despite it being a less popular lifestyle back in the early 90s. When I was pregnant with our first child, however, I succumbed to some pretty hard-core cravings for red meat until our son was born. My husband said watching me aggressively carve into a blood-rare steak was, “somewhat alarming.” Well, the pregnant body wants what the pregnant body wants. Funnily enough, that baby grew up to be a plant-based, animal activist.

For the most part, my family would be considered, “flexitarian.” We eat mainly vegetarian meals, but we occasionally indulge in chicken, eggs and dairy. This can be a great approach for easing into a more plantcentric lifestyle.

Regardless of your motivation, whether you opt for a fully plant-based diet or simply aim to incorporate more plants into your meals, here are some simple ways to increase your plant intake.

FRESH KITCHEN + JUICE BAR

Meatless Mondays:

Designate Mondays as the day to experiment with a new vegetarian or vegan recipe. It's a fun way to start your week on a fresh and tasty plant-based note.

Culinary World Tour:

Explore the world of global cuisines, focusing on vegetarian dishes from different cultures. From spicy Indian curries to savoury Italian pasta dishes, you'll discover so many plant-based meals to add to your meal rotation.

DIY Veggie Garden: If you have some outdoor space, try growing your veggies. There's nothing more satisfying than harvesting your own produce to use in a delicious meal.

Plant-Based Potlucks:

Host a plant-based potluck with friends and family. Everyone can bring a dish, showcasing the diversity of plant-based eating. This is a fantastic way to exchange recipes and broaden your culinary repertoire.

VISIT ONE OF THESE

LOCAL MARKETS

FOR A HELPING OF PLANT-BASED INFO AND CREATIVE INSPO!

Nature’s Emporium

2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington 210 North Service Road West, Oakville naturesemporium.com

The Simple Kitchen 137 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville thesimplekitchencanada.com

Organic Garage 579 Kerr Street, Oakville organicgarage.com

Revel Foods (Vegan Market) 503 Pinegrove Road, Oakville revelfoods.ca

Goodness Me 2300 Fairview Street, Burlington goodnessme.ca

Farmer Jack’s 676 Appleby Line, Burlington farmerjacksmarket.com

BLISS KITCHEN

SOME OF MY FAMILY'S VEGGIE GO-TOS INCLUDE:

Veggie-Packed Burritos Swap out the meat for beans, quinoa, or lentils, and load up on colourful veggies like bell peppers, onions and grated carrots. Slather on some guacamole and salsa and wrap it all up in a whole grain tortilla.

Mushroom Main Try making a mushroom "burger" by marinating portobello mushrooms in a balsamic glaze and grilling to perfection. Or, chop and use as a hearty addition to pasta or stir-fries.

Taco Bout Delish Lentil and walnut taco "meat" is versatile, tasty and easy to make. This is a staple in our meal rotation.

High-fives for Stir-fries Mix and match your favourite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snow peas and bell peppers. Add tofu or tempeh and nuts like toasted almonds and cashews for a protein boost. Toss in a flavourful sauce made with soy sauce, ginger and garlic, and serve over brown rice or noodles and bam! Dinner is served.

Don't feel like cooking? We are blessed with an abundance of vegetarian-forward restaurants and boutique grocery stores in our community.

Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar (freshkitchens.ca) in downtown Oakville boasts an extensive menu of “food that loves you back.” Pop in for a freshly squeezed juice made to order. Or try one of their tasty vegan bowls or a nine-layer burrito.

Community Restaurant (communityresto.com) in Kerr Village is “where good vibes and awesome plant-based food come together.” We’re fans of the Community Nachos.

Bliss Kitchen (blisskitchen.ca) in Waterdown is a vegan eatery that “creates delicious, soul-nourishing food, handcrafted daily in house, from scratch.” Try the shawarma taco, kimchi fries or stuffed jalapenos.

The journey to more plant-based eating is about exploration and enjoyment. Experiment with different ingredients, chat with local market vendors, get creative in the kitchen and don't be afraid to think outside the salad bowl. LL

carrot cake Easter

What can be better for Easter than a moist and tasty carrot cake made from scratch with your kids? Simply mix freshly grated carrots, a hint of spice and a few more basic ingredients. Top the cake with velvety cream cheese frosting, colourful Easter decorations and voilà! Let’s bake up memories with this irresistible Easter carrot cake!

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE LAYERS

 270 grams all-purpose flour

 2 tsp baking soda

 1 tsp salt

 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

 280 ml vegetable oil

 200 grams granulated sugar

 200 grams brown sugar

 1 tsp vanilla extract

 4 large eggs

 300-350 grams grated carrots (2-3 medium carrots)

 50 grams chopped walnuts or any other nuts (optional)

 60 grams sultan raisins

INGREDIENTS FOR CREAMY FROSTING

For this recipe you’ll need two 9” pans, or you can make layers one by one

 250 grams Philadelphia cream cheese, at room temperature

 140 grams icing sugar

 80 ml heavy whipping cream (35%)

METHOD FOR CAKE LAYERS

1 Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Preheat oven to 350F.

2 Mix all dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon) in a medium bowl.

3 In a larger bowl whisk together oil, vanilla and eggs until fully combined. Add sugars and mix well.

4 Add dry ingredients to the egg mixture in 3 parts and mix well with a rubber spatula until all the lumps disappear. Stir in the carrots, raisins and nuts.

5 Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 40-45 min until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

6 Cool cakes completely before finishing it with the frosting.

METHOD FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1 While cake layers are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with a handheld mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.

2 Add the powdered sugar and beat in until the mixture becomes fluffy.

3 Pour in cream and beat for another minute. Place the frosting in the fridge until ready to use.

FINISHING THE CAKE

When the cake layers are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate and cover with slightly less than half of the frosting. Place another cake layer on top and cover with the remaining frosting. Decorate with chopped nuts, Easter eggs, or other decorations you have. Enjoy with your family!

Living Lab

The place as an object and the object as a place

José Luis Torres

February 2, 2024 - January 12, 2025

Destroyer

Jagdeep Raina

April 13, 2024 - June 2, 2024

We Who Have Known

Many Shores

Alize Zorlutuna

May 10, 2024 - September 1, 2024

Find gifts for friends and loved ones, or simply treat yourself, at the AGB Shop.

Shop Hours:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday - Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM Look

Free Events

Stroller Tours

Every Thursday, 10 AM - 11 AM

Public Tour

Sunday April 14, 1 PM - 2 PM

Film Screening: The Colour of Ink

Sunday April 28, 2 PM - 4 PM

January 19 - April 28, 2024

Curated by Suzanne Morrissette

KC Adams

Anong Beam

Panya Clark Espinal

Melissa General

Dana Prieto

Krista Belle Stewart

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington

Tuesday - Thursday 10 AM - 9 PM

Friday - Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM

The AGB is supported by the City of Burlington, Ontario Arts Council, and Ontario Trillium Foundation. How can I know you? is supported by Kiiwatin Oskapiywis Studio, Social Science and Humanities Research Council, Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts.