urbanicity | June 2014 by urbanicity

urbanicity

June 2014, Complimentary

INTERVIEW: LOUIE SANTAGUIDA JAMES STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

IdeaS | Issues | Experiences | EATING OUT | Eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x2030; / HAMILTON

Style The Story of Newmans pg. 10

Cocktails with KB Erin Dunham pg. 08

City of a Feeling Ash & Bloom pg. 06

Haunted Hamilton The Royal Connaught pg. 16

URBANICITY.CA

urbanicity

From the

EDITOR & PUBLISHER MARTINUS GELEYNSE editor@urbanicity.ca

EDITOR

M A N A G E R O F O P E R AT I O N S Kristel Bulthuis JUNI O R PRODU CE R Scott Summerhayes

I'm getting old.

LAYOUT & DESIGN Jessica Johnstone

On May 29th, I turned 30. Everyone told me that I was supposed to feel old, and asked how well I was coping with hitting such a milestone. Frankly, I didn't feel any difference at all. Sure, I'd left my twenties, but the only thing that changed was the date on my calendar. And apparently my metabolism decided to slow down as well, but I hear that's normal. The fact that I'd actually progressed in age hit me like a tonne of bricks when I spent two days adjudicating student panels at my old high school. I, along with several City employees, and local business people was asked to grade, and provide feedback to grade 12 business students as they made presentations about business and revitalization efforts in Hamilton. The presentations ran a bit long, and the class proceeded through the break between the third and fourth period classes. I reflected on the fact that, when I was a student I would have been quite angry that I missed that break between classes. After all, that was one of the limited opportunities I had to pass notes to my then girlfriend (now wife) when we would meet briefly in the hallways. When I mentioned this to one of the teachers in the classroom, I was told, "Martinus, no one in this school even knows what 'passing notes' means". Suddenly, I realized I had turned 30. Finally, there was something that I was clearly dated by. I'm not someone that spends a lot of time reflecting on the passage of time, but for some reason the trivial realization that high school note passing had died made me confront this strange reality.

A DVERT ISING SALES Martinus Geleynse PRINTING Canweb Printing DISTRIBUTION THAAT Co-op Metroland Media Kristel Bulthuis Cover photo: taken by Scott Summerhayes. James Street Baptist Church. urbanicity magazine is wholly owned and published by MGI Media. All content copyright © 2014 and all rights to distribution are reserved by MGI Media. As a forum for ideas, issues, and experiences, the views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Editor, other contributors, advertisers or distributors unless otherwise stated. P R I N T C I R C U L AT I O N 5,000 homes in the lower west city, retail distribution through greater city of Hamilton. 10,000 copies per month. 12 issues per year. One copy per reader. ADVERTISING INQUIRES (905) 537-4819 ads@urbanicity.ca

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There's a line in an old hymn that reads, "Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all its sons away; they fly, forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day". It's a profound line, and one that should call us to 'carpe diem' - sieze the day! Technology and techniques will always be subject to change, but the principles of why we do things will generally remain consistent. Students may no longer pass paper notes to their high school sweethearts between periods, but instead they may text message each other — ultimately the point remains communication with a loved one. We may use paper ballots or electronic ballot systems, but the point remains the voting. The goal, the point, the principle transcend the time or technology they are enacted through. So what is the takeaway from all of this reflection? I've said it before in an editorial, and I'll say it again. Just do it. Anyone reading this column is just as alive right now as they were ten years ago. They are also just as alive right now as they will (hopefully) be ten years in the future. We can wait for every condition and circumstance to line up ideally for our business plan, our personal dreams, or our civic investments, but we'll really only end up waiting for tomorrow; a day that never arrives. Investment made now in things like LRT, complete streets, strong government, and sustainable business means that the next generation will have a better today. Let's not wait for the ideal conditions to arrive before we invest in building a better future now. Let's not wait to learn that we're dated and out of touch. After all, I've learned that even 30 years is a long time...apparently. MART INUS GELEYNSE EDITOR

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04 | JUNE 2014

â&#x20AC;&#x160;From the

PEOPLE I just wanted to congratulate you on the great looking May 2014 issue of Urbanicity. Colour sure adds to the look. I love the info or graphics pages like page 42 about HPL. That was one area I always thought was weak in past issues, people had lots of opinions, including yours truly but offered few facts to support their arguments. I concur with Judy Marsales that you handled the transition from Reg with dignity. Finally the new web page is first class and up to date. I look forward to checking it out on a regular basis. Continued good luck with this venture. Regards, Patrick J. Sheahan

WRITE, EMAIL, TWEET. We want to hear from you! Each month, the FROM THE PEOPLE section will display letters to the Editor. In order to be accepted, letters must include valid contact information and the full name of the writer. Letters are printed as received without editing. Send your letters to: editor@urbanicity.ca @urbanicityYHM facebook.com/urbanicityhamilton urbanicity, May Issue

AGH Urbanicity June 2014 FINAL.pdf

14-05-30

12:57 PM

Art Gallery of Hamilton | Celebrating 100 Years On view now

Into the Light: AGH talks: ALL ABOUT BRUCE An exciting series of talks accompany Into the Light: The Paintings of William Blair Bruce (1859–1906). Curators, historians and conservators will deliver in-depth discussions on his painting and life. All talks start at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12 Brucebo Revealed | With Dr. Joakim Hansson, President of the Brucebo Foundation Thursday, June 19 William Blair Bruce: The Big Picture | With AGH Curator Tobi Bruce Thursday, June 26 Restoring Bruce | With Elizabeth Shambrook, private fine art conservator Thursday, July 10 Barbizon and Bruce’s Artistic Arrival, 1882-1885 | With Ross Fox, former AGH curator and curator emeritus at the ROM Thursday, September 11 Bruce and Benedicks: Painter and Sculptor, Side by Side | With ROM Curator Arlene Gehmacher Thursday, September 25 Beyond Stereotypes: Native Images in the William Blair Bruce Era | With Rick Hill Sr., independent curator Exhibition Patron Series: AGH Members $35 | Non-Members: $50 Individual Talks: AGH Members $8 | Non-Members $12 This project is generously funded by the Canadian Government through the Department of Canadian Heritage Museums Assistance Program

William Blair Bruce (Canadian 1859–1906) The Phantom Hunter 1888 oil on canvas Art Gallery of Hamilton; Bruce Memorial, 1915 Photo: Robert McNair

On view this summer at the AGH Art for a Century: 100 for the 100th | Jenn E. Norton: Dredging a Wake (opens June 28) AGH Centennial Talk, Walk, Lunch & Exhibition Tour

Wednesday, June 18 Explore the Hamilton of 1914 and the first AGH with Historians Bill and Ann Manson.

9:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:45 p.m.

CMY

Generously sponsored by

Arts Alive Summer Camp 2014

Each week focuses on different art forms and ideas, so campers can enjoy one week or all three, with fresh and engaging activities each day. Week One: Art Adventures – July 14 to 18 Week Two: The Artist’s Life – July 21 to 25 Week Three: All About Art – July 28 to August 1 Junior: ages 5 to 6 | Intermediate: ages 7 to 9 | Senior: ages 10+

Registration and coffee Illustrated talk and virtual 1914 downtown tour Break Around the Gore: Guided 1914 heritage walk begins 1914 $1 lunch at the George Hamilton Restaurant AGH: Tour Into the Light: The Paintings of William Blair Bruce (1859–1906)

Coffee, illustrated talk, walk, the guided tour of the Bruce exhibition and a souvenir programme are included. Bring a loonie for lunch. AGH Members $35 | Non-Members $45 Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as seating is limited. Register online at www.artgalleryofhamilton.com or by calling 905.527.6610, ext. 241. .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

AGH Design Annex | 118 James Street North

The Art Express Summer Camp

One week only: August 11 to 15 | Suitable for ages 12 and up. AGH Members: 1 week - $150 | 2 weeks - $275 | 3 weeks - $400 4 weeks - $525 AGH Members: 1 week - $175 | 2 weeks - $325 | 3 weeks - $475 4 weeks - $600 Time: 9 am to 4 pm. After camp care available for $5 per day. Classes fill quickly – Register today! Pre-registration is required. Visit www.artgalleryofhamilton.com, phone 905.527.6610, ext. 272 or email education@artgalleryofhamilton.com. Ask about our Special discount on AGH Family Memberships!

On view until August 30 Brandon Vickerd: Faltering Monuments

Brandon Vickerd Columbus (detail) 2012 hardwood, varathane

Workshop for Teens All Cut Up – An acrylic painting study that breaks all the rules!

With artist Nancy Benoy Saturday, June 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. AGH Members: $45 | Non-Members: $55. All materials and equipment provided.

Open Canada Day Weekend (Saturday, June 28 to Tuesday, July 1) from noon to 12 p.m. daily. See AGH exhibitions for free on Saturday, June 28 and celebrate the Hamilton Community Foundation’s 60th anniversary. Free admission sponsored by Pioneer Energy. 123 King Street West, downtown Hamilton L8P 4S8 [T] 905.527.6610 [E] info@artgalleryofhamilton.com

www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

photo by emma-lee photography

06 | JUNE 2014

James Blodmendal and Matt McKenna are Ash & Bloom.

MUSIC

Hamilton — The City of a Feeling Kiss screams Detroit Rock City. Frank Sinatra croons New York, New York. Will Smith boasts about Miami. Can Hamilton be a city that is unique enough to be captured in song? Some may fear that a song about Hamilton could be dreary, embarrassing, and even worse, boring. Regardless, a couple of artists have taken the risk of capturing the current feeling of Hamilton and it’s citizens. The song entitled This Town (Hamilton) begins by describing the feelings of surburbs on the mountain and is followed by a siren-filled description of other parts of this same city that seem a thousand miles apart. In both of these scenes, the citizens are restless and desiring more. They are looking for something to give them hope, to wake them up, and raise them to life. Matt McKenna, one half of Ash & Bloom, explains the band’s first impression of Hamilton. “We both moved to Hamilton for university believing the misconceptions of the time: Hamilton is stinky, rough, ugly and that's it. Once we finished school, we'd be off for greener pastures.” However, during their four years of forced citizenship in Hamilton they experienced a transformation. “But the longer we stayed, and the more we looked around, the more we found things to love about Hamilton. The little buzz neighbourhoods that everyone knows about (Locke St, James N) are charming and exciting. The arts scene is exploding with this creative embarrassment of riches! The nature is breathtaking… trails and waterfalls everywhere!

And there are people doing beautiful selfless things for others.” After university, both members of Ash & Bloom chose to settle in Hamilton to be inspired by, but also to contribute to, the city they love. They sing: Here in this town there’s a feeling Deep in the ground, hear it breathing Whispering loud, it’s revealing Seeds in the crowd of believing Weary of patiently waiting Hands in the clay, strong and shaping Seeing one day in their dreaming Here in this town there’s a feeling As the feeling grows in Hamilton, defining questions continue to enter everyday conversation. Are we a city of a casino? Are we a city that could sustain all-day GO train service and/or light rail transit? Are we a city of a vibrant yet affordable and accessible waterfront? Do we continue to invest in social programs? Could we support a NHL or MLS team? Many of these defining questions are contentious among Hamilton’s citizens and the old attitude would be to cynically admit defeat, bemoaning the fact that only in Hamilton would we miss opportunities and mess up decisions that could help the city. However this new feeling brings along a defiantly creative

and adventurous attitude among many people in Hamilton. Ash & Bloom reflect this bold attitude during the final lines of the song by encouraging us that: “Anything can happen in this town!” This new attitude has transformed the streets of Locke, Ottawa, and James. This attitude wants to transform Barton Street and other streets willing to dream. This attitude started Supercrawl, the Mustard Seed Co-op, and numerous unique businesses, restaurants, and ventures. And most important, this attitude is attracting people to live and dream in all parts of this city. Las Vegas is the city of sin. Paris is the city of love. Hamilton is the city of a feeling. Ash & Bloom are a duo from Hamilton, Canada who have been collaborating together for over 10 years after meeting at Redeemer University College. Both were born elsewhere but have settled in the Hamilton area with their wives because of the “feeling.” They are releasing a full-length album which includes the song “This Town (Hamilton)” on June 24, 2014. www.ashandbloom.com Micah van Dijk was born and raised in Hamilton and is currently completing a Masters of Popular Music Studies from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Over the summer, he will complete his dissertation asking the question: “How do popular musicians perceive the industrial aspects of live performance?”

08 | JUNE 2014

LIGHTNING ROUND On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about life?

9 Favo u rite restau rant in Hamilton (not yo u r ow n )?

Matsuri Sushi Weirdest thing yo u ’v e e v er eaten?

Brain of a cow

B est gif t yo u ’v e e v er recei v ed? Paul Elia painting of the Lister Block (thanks Marc Furakawa!) How do you like your coffee?

photo by scott summerhayes

I like it to be green tea

C O C K TA I L S W I T H K B

ERIN DUNHAM One of my favourite things to do is have a cocktail with a friend, or someone who will become a friend by the time the glass is empty. Cocktails with KB is a monthly column that allows you to get to know some of Hamilton’s most exciting people! So, pour yourself a cocktail and enjoy!

What ’s yo u r favo u rite activ ity in Hamilton?

Art crawl Favo u rite band ?

Duke Ellington Orchestra Favo u rite solo artist ?

Etta James Person yo u want to hav e cof f ee w ith ?

Tom Robbins A book you plan on reading?

This month, I had the pleasure of having New York Sours at Two Black Sheep with the inspiring and enlightening Erin Dunham of Rapscallion, Two Black Sheep and The Alex fame. She is co-owner of the three restaurants, as well as a professor, an author and an all-around amazing person.

6. Give me 3 words to describe Hamilton. Up and coming. Welcoming. In love with itself (in a good way).

1. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? My mentor told me “If you’re going to be a woman in business, accept that you’re in a world of men and act like a man; never let them see you cry, never moody, always be hyper rational.”

8. What’s the worst thing about what you do? The stress of knowing that at any moment, someone could complain about our food and break my heart. (Luckily that doesn’t happen very often.)

2. What’s your favourite cocktail? What’s in it? A dark and stormy which is rum, ginger beer, lemon juice and a dash of angostura bitters. But, I also love a scotch, neat. Does that count as a cocktail?

9. What’s your motto? Do what you want.

3. What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten? Recently, for my birthday, Matthew Kershaw made all of my favourite things for dinner. We had Matsuri sushi for an appetizer. For the entrée, Tornadoes Rossini which is veal tenderloin with foie gras and truffles. We had a bottle of wine from my birth year; a 1982 Cabernet from California. 4. Why Hamilton? Because Hamilton is awesome. Hamilton is underrated. Hamilton is not pretentious. Hamilton is a community. Hamilton is inclusive. Hamilton is growing. Hamilton is my hometown. 5. If I came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for me? Tacos.

The Art of War What do yo u lov e on a

7. What’s the best thing about what you do? Watching people have mini orgasms as they eat our food.

p i zza? Anchovies, anchovies, and anchovies. I get triple anchovies on my pizza, that’s a thing Favo u rite lyrics ? “Love is watching someone die, so who’s going to watch you die.” (What Sarah said) D ol p hins or koalas ?

10. What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you recently? I was eating at a restaurant in London. I had brought an old beautiful bottle of wine and I gave the bottle to the server. She looked at it kind of nervously. She grabbed a corkscrew, and brought it back to the table. She struggled with the cap and then she handed me the bottle and the corkscrew and asked if I would open the bottle. So I opened it. Then she said, “Well, you might as just pour it too.” Needless to say, I poured it and we were in stitches. And yes, I paid corkage.

Koalas because they’re cute but aggressive Favo u rite colo u R?

Do black and white count? L east favo u rite colo u r ?

Pink B est way to decom p ress?

KRISTEL BULTHUIS is a woman about town. Involved in multiple committees and boards, including at the HPO and the AGH, Kristel is also the producer of Cable 14's weekly program OUR CITY. A member of the MGI Media team, Kristel is the Assistant Festival Director of the Hamilton 24-Hour Film Festival.

Wine Weirdest word in the E nglish language ?

Pneumonic, because it's hard to remember

10 | JUNE 2014 STYLE

Three Generations of Progress: The Story of Newman’s Few small family businesses survive into the third generRachael Finnerty and Dr. Daniel Hyams, helped inspire ation. Newman’s, formerly Bill Newman’s Men’s Wear is the Newman family to use Drew’s skills in designing the one of those rare examples that not only survived, but is new space in the original location. thriving under the management of the third generation of Aaron had considered moving the business to areas Newmans. Even more unusual is that the transition was where the retail environment is more supportive. Newdone with cooperation between generations even though man’s is the quintessential example of a destination store. a dramatic change in direction was involved. More than 90% of the store’s customers drive there. After When I interviewed Aaron Newman for this story, discussing the alternatives with Drew Hauser and taking Aaron kept returning to the theme of his father Bill’s pasinto account the advantages of owning the real estate his sion for his business. Many years ago I business occupies, his decision was to had a conversation with Bill about his stay put. He says, “I truly believe it was desire to have Aaron join him in his busithe best decision I've made!” ness. Yet Bill, with amazing restraint and As Aaron transitioned In the decade that has passed since great wisdom, allowed his son Aaron the the shop to a younger, Aaron joined the business, the store has freedom and support to work for several more fashion forward evolved from a rather staid traditional years as a professional golfer. He didn’t ‘business clothing’ shop with casual enterprise, he kept ask his son to help in the business even clothing as a minor adjunct. Today, as you when his health was failing. Aaron says, in mind the traditional enter the shop, you are greeted by colour “I never got the feeling I was being presclients his father had coordinated sports wear. Business casual sured to come into the business.” built the business on. and relaxed clothing including jeans, knit From 2004 until 2007 when Bill’s polo shirts and sweaters dominate. More heart started to fail, father and son traditional suits, blazers, and sport jackshared responsibility for the venerable ets fill the back half of the store. business. Aaron had rejoined the business for what, in his As Aaron transitioned the shop to a younger, more mind, was a temporary sojourn. Father and son shared a fashion forward enterprise, he kept in mind the tradilove of retailing – more because they shared a devotion tional clients that his father had built his business on. to their customers rather than a shared vision of how the The change from Bill Newman’s shop to Newman’s felt store should be merchandised. more evolutionary than revolutionary despite the radical The re-visioning of the store was aided by a new client, change in the store’s merchandising style. Today, while architect Drew Hauser, whose renovations of a neighbourthe merchandise mix can satisfy very forward fashion ing building for Fermata Music Therapy, a business run by clients, more traditional clientele can also find suitable

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choices — particularly in business attire. Merchandise in the front of the shop is assembled in a way that allows the client to immediately see the effect of the combinations, not by brand, but by colour and style. Particularly interesting to me as a former retailer is the sophisticated way that colours, brands, and families of sportswear are combined. The shop’s fixtures are a combination of antiques and distressed furniture, a tin ceiling and exposed brick walls make for a comfortable feeling, and give a traditional sense of value even to the priciest and newest looks. The shop’s brands read like a Who’s Who of men’s wear. Hugo Boss, Zegna, Samuelsohn and more moderately priced Canadian and imported tailored clothing along with a selection of denim jeans from Levis to European brands approaching $300 a pair. Shirts by Canadian maker Lipson compete for space with American and German brand names. Acknowledging that a lot of the enterprise’s clients are upwardly mobile younger men who aspire to the best, there is a selection of tailored clothing and sportswear that complements the needs of less affluent customers. However, as the business evolves Aaron envisions a more “Carriage Trade” enterprise. Aaron looks toward a more vibrant downtown. His area of King St. East has lost most of the retail stores that lined the thoroughfare when his grandfather opened the store in 1927. Bill Jr., Aaron’s dad, took over in the 1960’s when the stately homes and middle class residences that surrounded the shop provided enough clientele to support a retail environment. Over the past decade, what some call gentrification, or what Aaron prefers to call a return to what was, has seen housing prices rise as a new younger more fashion conscious population returned to the area. There is a new appreciation of the character and qualities of the housing stock. Folks who are cringing from the house prices to Hamilton’s eastern neighbours; Burlington through to Toronto, are amazed at what their real estate dollar buys them in Hamilton. Newman’s transition reflects what is happening in the urban centre of our city. Like the Innovation Factory, the resurgence of the artist colony on James North, the revival of the North End and the constant improvement of Central Hamilton’s real estate values, Newman’s Men’s Wear is a component of the renaissance in Hamilton’s urban centre. The promise of the development that follows Light Rail Transit (LRT) has convinced Aaron that the pain his business would suffer for the two years it will take to build the LRT infrastructure will be worth it. His progressive attitude reflects the view of many of his generation that are revitalising our downtown.

Marvin Caplan was the proprietor of Marvin Caplan Gentlemen's Apparel a forward fashion, high quality men's clothing store in downtown Hamilton from 1978 until 2003. He served on City Council representing Ward 1 for 9 years. He is now a Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Real Estate where he works with his wife Judi as "the Caplan Team". Marvin can be reached at marvincaplan@gmail.com

PHOTOS by scott summerhayes

JAMES STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

When the congregation of James Street Baptist Church came to the difficult conclusion that they were no longer able to pay for the cost of maintaining their aging church building on james street south, they put it up for sale. Toronto's Louie Santaguida decided to convert the property into a large condo development. We sat down with Louie to learn more. INTERVIEW BY MARTINUS GELEYNSE

MG: Why this property? Considering that you’re from Toronto, why Hamilton? LS: So, for me, James Street Baptist came to light through our architects that are working with us on this in Toronto, which happen to be local Hamilton architects by chance — totally coincidental. But, then again, I don’t believe in coincidence in life, so that happened for a reason. Joanne and Drew and their team know my love for heritage and the minute they heard that James Street Baptist could be demolished in its entirety by local developers is when they called and said, “Louie, you have to come down here immediately and take a look at this project.” Of course, he snapped a photograph, and said, “This is what you need to buy”. I said it looks really interesting, and so I drove down, got my site tour, and lo and behold we purchased this. The intent was to build something a little different than what we’re currently building. We didn’t realize the structural integrity of the building was what it really is today…and it’s changing day by day because of the fluctuation of time, temperatures, moisture, and what not, and we also went through an extremely bad winter that had a dramatic effect on the church. So we’re actually moving in such a way that we feel comfortable in terms of the re-design. What we’re going to put out is a palatable product for the local market, and as it’s going to be very different for Hamilton. That’ s really exciting for us, to bring in the era of the legacy landmark issue, along with a new development, and new modern-ness to this development. MG: There’s bit a lot of talk about Hamilton being in a condo boom. Developers are currently in the process of bringing over 1000 new condo units to the city within the next 3-4 years. Do you think Hamilton is ready for that? Do you see this as an underserved market? Is Toronto coming this way? LS: I see Hamilton as finally coming alive and coming of age, if I can use that boldly and loosely at the same time. I think Hamilton is finally ready for a change in its downtown core. I think if you’re looking for Hamilton to absorb high-rise condominiums on the mountain or the Barton and Tiffany area, you’re missing the block in terms of where it will be. But the downtown core is coming of age. What I mean by that is that the generations that have left want to come back and it’s for a multitude of reasons. Some of them have to do with affordability, no question. Some of them have to do with family issues, some of them have to do with investment issues. They’ve made money and they believe in Hamilton. They’re homegrown in Hamilton, let’s be honest. MG: What are some of the plans you have for this project? LS: Well, it’s more than a condo project. It’s more of a mixed-use development. And, in that we mean not only will it be a residential community, it will have a common area for the community at large, to bring the community that is not in the condo into the condo, which is so badly needed. We want the community to connect with our other uses, which are restaurant, office, maybe a grocer…we’ll see what’s happening in terms of where we’re going. So, bringing in the practical uses of what the community really needs. MG: Do you know how tall you’re going to build? LS: It could be one of the tallest buildings in Hamilton is all I can say at this point.

MG: How do you go about that? You have a very tight locked space and you have heritage preservation to respect. LS: You ask a very complicated, but very easy to answer question. It’s complicated from the structural and design perspective. How do we create a lot of parking? And the answer is it’s difficult and we can’t do it, and we choose not to do it. So, we’re not having that. We’re not looking for

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The downtown core is coming of age. What I mean by that is that the generations that have left want to come back for a multitude of reasons.

” a consumer or a renter or the investor that wants to have multiple cars. We’re looking for the end user that actually wants not to drive a vehicle, or if they are, they are using a car share. And why? It’s taking into account green issues that we’re truly passionate about. So, not only are we trying to bring that to this building, but I think it’s incumbent on us, that that is the consumer that we really want and quite frankly, Hamiltonians are ready for that kind of thought process. We don’t need multiple vehicles to live in the downtown core. We want walkability. We want to make sure we can bike where we need to bike, we want transit. Quite frankly, when you look at the economics

around owning a vehicle and multiple vehicles you realize it’s far cheaper not to own one and invest in multiple real estate products, and you’ll go farther with that type of asset which is an appreciating asset, as opposed to a vehicle which is a depreciating asset. MG: Is this your first time working with a heritage building? This is a sensitive property and a very sensitive issue in Hamilton — is this your first rodeo? LS: In a lot of ways I wish this was my first rodeo. Unfortunately, it’s not my first rodeo, so having been whacked in the derriere a couple of times, you realize how sensitive these issues are and you become accustomed to what really is adaptable and what isn’t adaptable, and what’s functional and not functional, what’s practical, and not practical and what people really want. I realize that people get emotional about fixations, and buildings that they’ve seen for the past 30-40 years, but then when they realize these buildings are not sustainable, as commented recently, with the preservation of the church currently. [It’s been said recently that,] “We didn’t realize the church was crumbling”. We’re salvaging stained glass as we speak and the building is crumbling, there’s not mechanical means! [We have] People, 70 feet in the air, pushing over 3-foot thick walls with their fingers; they’re realizing this is a failing building. We can’t replace this building in terms of that, but what we can do is do a really good job in terms of bringing it back to the local community, and that‘s our intention. MG: Talk about the heritage aspects of this property. As with every property, it raises eyebrows, it raises questions. What can you tell us about the measures you’re taking to protect the heritage elements of this project? LS: Heritage on this particular building, obviously, is extremely visible. It’s a hot pressure point for the community and we realize that, and it is for us, that’s the reason we purchased this building. We’re taking every measure to preserve and conserve the church. If you look outside, you’ll realize, based on what was accepted by the heritage committee, we’re preserving even more. So, the intent here, is how we can preserve and adapt as much of the church that was designed and built by Joseph Conley back in the late 1800’s. That’s pinnacle to me personally, but we want to make sure it resonates with the community moving forward. So, we’re going beyond what was mandated and conditionalized by the Heritage Committee and the City of Hamilton. And how we do that, is going to fall out over the next several months. But, whatever we can’t adapt, the idea that I have in mind is that whatever we can’t, we want to give back to the community somehow. So, we want that displayed wherever can within the community…hopefully within walking distance of the development. But, that needs to be seen by where we can place these artifacts, numbered artifacts is what I would call them, in the community. But, we will put back as much as we can and we have some really interesting and cool things that are going to happen within this building.

Exclusive: see more interior and exterior photos at urbanicity.ca

14 | JUNE 2014

I guzzled back my favourite beverage — 7-11’s Orange Crush Slushee — I’d exult like a triumphant supervillain in the intense blast of sugar, fake flavour and edible hailstones, followed by the concussion-like brainfreeze. As a kid, many people I considered cool wore orange uniforms: garbage collectors, the crew of the International Space Station, construction workers (who wore flamboyant orange vests when setting up pylons), prison inmates, the great Dutch soccer team, etc. I loved my pet goldfish. And my favourite fruit has always been the common orange. There are very few things in the world – e.g. sex with someone you love, the birth of a child, getting the job of your dreams, a long-delayed bathroom visit, winning a Juno for Best Barbershop Quartet — that can compare to the joy of cutting an orange into wedges and sticking one in your mouth, daggering front teeth into soft, HUMOUR cold flesh and feeling the acid explosion of flavour-jolting fruit-blood … closing eyes in near-orgasm as you suck back sweet orange sap like some Vampire Diaries character on a quivering throat, ahhh. Other favourite foods included grilled sandwiches with orange “processed cheese product” singles and orangeKid: Knock, knock. From my own childhood until that moment, I had always powder-dusted Doritos. claimed that my favourite colour was green. Why? The But I’m not a fanatic about the colour. I still think boiled Adult: Who’s there? psychological roots go back to my early life experiences. In carrots are yucky. my childhood, green and blue were seen as “boy colours” Ontario’s NDP uses orange in their branding, but I find Kid: Banana. and safe to pick. (GI Joe wore lots of green, after all, as did them yucky too. When I think of the NDP, I think of HamGodzilla.) ilton’s unpopular public school board and NDP trustees Adult: Banana who? Things have changed, but in the ‘70s and ‘80s in Hamlike Alex Johnstone, Judith Bishop and Jessica Brennan, ilton, a boy who said his favourite colour was pink would who sell schools in struggling neighbourhoods (like AinKid: Knock, knock. be called a “wimp,” if not a “gaylord,” by slie Wood) to fund lavish renovations at his friends — who might stop being his schools in their own well-off neighbourAdult: Who’s there? friends after such a confession. (I don’t hoods. So, this election, the NDP can go know why, as kids, we called gay people eat boiled carrots. Kid: Banana. “gaylords” instead of just “gay.” “GayI almost forgot another great thing lords” is actually a compliment, when you about my new favourite colour — free Adult: Banana who? think about it, as if all homosexual peorange eggs have firm orange yolks and ple are classy aristocrats, wearing white taste much better than those watery, Kid: Knock, knock. gloves and monocles, sipping ice wine on jaundiced-yolked eggs from Fortinos, I used to stare at a Mediterranean yacht.) No Frills, Mac’s Milk, etc. And I’m still Adult: Who’s there? Anyway, when I was a boy, choosing traffic pylons — bright inspired by Ukraine’s Orange Revolution neon cones shaped a few years ago, now threatened by Ruspink as your favourite colour was social Kid: Banana. suicide. Liking purple was almost as risky. like Madonna's 80's sia’s “little green men.” And, of course, Red and orange were acceptable, but only you remember ‘90’s soul musician Oran era boobs — with a Adult: [deep sigh] Banana who? barely so, as they were too loud and flashy. “Juice” Jones, singer of the smash hit strange yearning. Liking loud and flashy colours meant you “Walking In The Rain”? (Neither did I, Kid: Knock knock. wanted to attract attention to yourself, until researching this article on Wikipewhich was weird. Brown and yellow were dia.) And when your lawn gets too full of Adult: [long silence] Okay, this is the last time. oddball picks, revealing a kid as an eccentric, while white weeds, just spray it with Agent Orange! Who’s there? and black aren’t real colours at all, so anyone picking white But I haven’t given up on green completely. I still like or black would fall under vague suspicion. green. Green and I hope that we can stay friends. I’ll always Kid: Orange. So, blue and green were the safe picks. I picked green have a special place in my heart for green. I just published and, for decades to come, I stuck loyally with green. I even a book called Hidden Harvest about cannabis (which is Adult: Orange who? ran in an election for the Green Party. (No, I did not win; green) and have signed a contract to publish another, no, I’m not writing this from a cushy, taxpayer-funded Weed World, which I hope’ll bring in some money (which Kid: Orange you glad I didn’t say “banana” again? office in Queen’s Park.) is nicknamed “green,” even in Canada where cash comes No longer a boy myself, these days I deal with boys in different colours — blue [$5], purple [$10], green [$20], Adult: Very. as a parent, not a peer. And the world has changed — my red [$50], brown [$100], pink [$1,000.] two youngest sons both got pink anti-bullying shirts from But no orange cash. So I want the Bank of Canada Hearing that joke from my son (yes, I am the adult quoted Prince Philip School the other day and like wearing them. to immediately start printing polymer $1,000,000 bills above) set me on a voyage of self-discovery, radically Young Canadians either don’t associate pink with in bright tangerine; with the traditional portrait of the changing my world-view. homosexuality or don’t care. That’s new. Back in the ‘70s Queen on one side and, on the other, a tasteful picture of I saw the light. A big, orange light, shining into my eyes and ‘80s of my youth, a lot of people — including me — were a traffic pylon. like a tangerine sun or a clementine supernova. mean or ignorant towards gay people and gay symbols; I’m glad that’s changing. My favourite colour is orange! I think I’ve always loved orange but was too afraid to Mark Coakley lives in the Ainslie Wood admit it. I conformed, living as a closeted orange fan. As neighbourhood in West Hamilton. He's the That epiphany struck me like a thunderbolt, making me an adolescent, I used to stare at traffic pylons — bright author of Tip and Trade: How Two Lawyers physically stagger and clutch my son’s Lego table for neon orange cones shaped like Madonna’s ‘80s-era Made Millions From Insider Trading (2011) support. boobs — with a strange yearning. Whenever I’d see a Florand Hidden Harvest: The Rise And Fall Of North America's Biggest Cannabis Grow Op. ida license plate, with its seductive picture of two ripe, He blogs at markcoakley.wordpress.com My God! Orange! Could it really be true? bulging, squeezable oranges, I’d stare and stare. And when

Orange Is The New Orange

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Top left & right photos by stephani Lechniak; ALL OTHER PHOTOS FROM HAMILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS.

Images of Hamilton's "Grand Old Lady."

H A U N T E D I N H A M I LT O N

ghosts of the royal connaught The Woman in White and other spectral guests that have taken up permanent residence at The Royal Connaught Hotel

May 12, 2014 marked the 100-year anniversary of the groundbreaking ceremony on the site that would become one of Canada’s most famous places to lodge and entertain… The Royal Connaught Hotel. So it seems only fitting that the “Grand Old Lady”, as she’s often referred to, celebrates another milestone this month when the glass doors to the iconic lobby open once again for the first time in 10 years. Hamilton builders Rudi Spallacci and Ted Valeri have revived the ‘old gal’ and breathed new life into her empty walls, which have sat vacant and slowly deteriorating since 2004. Phase 1 of The Residences of Royal Connaught will offer 122 new condominium suites in the original 13-storey landmark building with occupancy expected for 2016. The land that the Royal Connaught sits on seems always destined to be a location for people from all walks of life to pass through. Interestingly enough, a travelling circus used to perform on the property until plans were put in place to build the AngloAmerican Hotel on the site in 1856. Things weren’t as prosperous and progressive in Hamilton

Did you know? Notorious “Torso“ murderess Evelyn Dick used to frequently hold lavish parties at The Royal Connaught Hotel. She also used the hotel as a rendezvous spot for her many indiscretions and secret affairs! It was known that if you attended one of Evelyn’s parties, you would leave the evening with a parting gift.

during that time so a large hotel of that size was not needed. In 1861 the Anglo-American was converted into the Wesleyan Ladies’ College, a church-sponsored, all-female educational school distinct from other public institutions. Spearheading this was the first principal, Mary Electa Adams (how amazing of a name is that!) a womens’ education reformer who established a high academic reputation for the school. She spent seven years teaching at Wesleyan, but by the time Mary left, the institution was falling into disrepair and facing financial hardship. The school eventually closed in 1898, but quickly transformed into another hotel known as “The Waldorf” which operated until 1914 when it was demolished. This is where a 37-year old man named Harry Louis Frost came in to the picture and changed the face of Hamilton with his “million-dollar castle” that has now for a second time endeared and initiated the re-birth of a City. Here we are, a century later with plans underway to offer a place to live for anyone who wishes to call the Royal Connaught their permanent home… and that includes the ghosts too!

URBANICITY.CA

WOULD YOU LIKE SOME SPIRITS WITH YOUR DINNER?

LOST SOULS & SEARCHING SPIRITS… I had previously mentioned the travelling circus that used to perform on the site of the Royal Connaught. Perhaps this was the inspiration for the theme behind one of the most fondly-remembered dance clubs in Hamilton at the time. It was also the most talked-about. The Circus Roof, located on the penthouse floor of the hotel, was likely one of the most unique venues in all of Hamilton. One can only imagine the lush parties that were celebrated up there with the most perfect, shimmering backdrop… a clear, unobstructed view of the entire city at night. But therein lay the problem. It was also the perfect place for sad, desperate souls to find a means to an end as they took to the ledge on the rooftop and slowly shuffled their feet to the edge, taking that one final step into a fall of dreadful proportions. Unfortunately, this happened one too many times and became a good enough reason for the Connaught to close down the Circus Roof for good in the 1970’s. Could tragedies such as these be some of the reasons why the Royal Connaught Hotel has gained a reputation of being haunted? It’s most likely a contributing cause to the lore, but there is one ghost that stands out among the rest at the Connaught: the apparition of a female spirit who has simply become known as the “Woman in White”. Not much is known about this ethereal spectre, but the Woman in White appeared to both staff and guests alike on more than one occasion. One of the maids at the Connaught recalls seeing the wispy apparition of a woman dressed in a flowing white gown, gliding down the hallway ever so gracefully, her feet never even touching the ground. There are also stories of guests who report seeing a floating woman, again, all dressed in white, moving from room to room, vanishing into adjacent walls down the hallway. Originally, there was no pool at the Royal Connaught Hotel, so guests were allowed to use the recreational facilities at the nearby Holiday Inn. It wasn’t until later that the hotel started construction to turn one of the old ballrooms into a luxurious swimming pool. When the pool was complete, it was a great place to swim, relax and chat with fellow guests. One guest was relaxing poolside when he witnessed a woman dressed in an all-white gown, standing at the very edge of the pool. She lifted one foot up, took a step forward, and continued to walk along the surface of the water for several feet, only to fizzle out like the snowy static on a TV screen. She just vanished into thin air.

My father, Steve Lechniak, worked as a bus boy for the hotel from 1968-1969 when he was just 17 - 18 years old. He recalls having to go into the eerie tunnels that ran underneath the old hotel, shuffling empty beer and liquor bottles to the adjoining pub on John Street. Room service was a job where you had to be 21 years of age or older and my father was technically underage, but Saturday nights were so busy at the Connaught that they needed all the extra help they could get. My dad says the tunnels looked so old and decrepit that he would have easily believed them to be 100 years old. My dad also jokes about the time when he was assigned room service delivery to the famous band Sly and the Family Stone (most famous for their songs, “Everyday People” and “Dance to the Music.”) When the suite door opened, he was met with an opulent cloud of smoke, an abundance of libations, and a friendly offer to come hang out with them inside. I’ll leave it for you to decide whether or not he accepted that invitation. My mother, Cathy Lechniak (or ‘H-H Mum’ as she’s known to fans!) is a psychic medium and recalls encountering spirits of a different kind at the Royal Connaught Hotel. The first of two strange experiences happened in 1974 when she was meeting some friends after school at Fran’s Diner, which was located inside the hotel. She excused herself from the table for a moment and proceeded to walk into the lobby toward the hallway to the washrooms. She remembers being startled by a man who had quickly bumped into her. The problem was she wasn’t so sure it was a man. It appeared to her as a dark, shadowy figure that almost had a misty edge and semi-translucent body. It startled her enough that she needed to gain composure, but by the time she did, the figure had disappeared into thin air. There have been reports of a shadowy-grey figure being spotted inside some of the ballrooms, constantly repeating the same routine over and over again, as if stuck in rewind for perpetuity. It wasn’t until writing this article that I learned that my parents had their first real formal date at The Royal Connaught Hotel. I sat down with them recently and asked them to tell me more about their evening at the Connaught. It was 1975, almost a year since my mother had her ghostly experience in that lobby. My dad, aiming to charm the heck ‘outta my mum, decided he would take her to a romantic dinner in the formal dining room on the main level of the Connaught, which at the time was called The Golden Horseshoe Dining Room. My parents remember that when you sat down, the hosts would light a candle at your table and immediately serve you with a complimentary (and elaborate!) relish tray filled with olives, pearl onions, pickles, melba toast, marinated cauliflower, green onions, radishes (my parents wouldn’t stop going on about the relish tray). Up next was the house speciality that the Connaught was famous for, ‘Chateaubriand for 2’ prepared on an open-flamed grill. And for dessert, Cherries Jubilee flambéed tableside on a cooking cart. After discussing the food for probably a good 20 minutes, my parents continued to tell me about an unusual incident that happened to my mum that very evening. She excused herself from the table to go freshen up and made her way toward the lobby. But something forced her to stop dead in her tracks. She looked up and saw the apparition of an elegantly-dressed woman in her 30’s, standing on the first landing of the grand staircase. Her dress was an antique-white colour, floor length, high-collared and adorned with layers of lace. She had a clutch attached to her wrist with a short silver chain. Her hair was pulled

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back in a loose chiffon bun that was held in place by a strikingly elaborate comb studded with beads, feathers and lace. After taking in all the clothing details, my mother looked directly at her face and realized that the woman’s eyes were locked in on her! Realizing that my mother could see her, she glanced down with a gentle look of concern, looked my mum directly in the eye, and calmly asked, “Can you help me find him please? I can’t find him,” she said. My mother replied by telling her “I will in a moment” and continued to walk towards the washroom. Upon return, the woman had vanished. It was in that moment that she saw a distinguished looking gentleman wearing a vintage, dark tailored suit and top hat and sporting rather large, furry sideburns. He

“

My dad says the tunnels looked so old and decrepit that he would have easily believed them to be 100 years old.

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was sitting on the edge of his seat waiting in nervous anticipation, frantically looking around for someone. “I can’t seem to find her,” he said to my mum, and then vanished into thin air as well. Who was he talking about? The same woman who my mother saw on the stairs? Could she be the famous lady in white? And if so, why was she standing there hopelessly longing for her lost gentleman? And was the man sitting on the chair connected to her? Perhaps he was the one she was searching for? We may never know who this Woman in White is, but then again, we may soon find out, now that the building is being brought back to life. Stay Spooky Hamilton!

Stephanie Lechniak is Founder and Owner of Haunted-Hamilton, a strangely unique business that operates Haunted Tours and Bus Trips to spooky locations all over Canada and the US. Stephanie is also Host & Producer of “Haunted Hamilton’s Ghost Stories” on Cable 14 and “The Haunted Hamilton Radio Show” on 93.3 FM CFMU. She has also appeared on OLN’s “Creepy Canada” and YTV’s “Ghost Trackers”. www.Haunted-Hamilton.com www.facebook.com/HauntedHamilton

18 | JUNE 2014

COUNTED!

AUGUSTA STREET 23 AUGUSTA

151 James St. N. N A M E:

21 AUGUSTA

Radius

2 (bar) 16 draU G H t beer : $7.25-$7.75 patio S EATS : 105 A p p s : $10-$19 meals: $18-$42 Op en: Sun-Wed 11am-10pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-12am Y E A R S I N B US I N ES S:

Aout n About 18 beers on ta p : 18 draU GHt beer : $5.25-$7.50 cocktails: $7 martinis: $9 patio seats: 26 daytime servers: 1-2 A p p s: $6-$9 burgers /sandwiches: $6-$11 Op en: Mon-Thurs. 3pm-2am Fri. 12pm-2am Sat. 12:30pm-2am Sun. 12pm-2am NA ME :

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NAME :

The Ship

5 $5.50-$8 front patio SE ATS: 20 back patio SE ATS: 30 A p p s : $6-$10 Burgers /Sandwiches : $10-$15 Op en: 3:30pm-2:00am everyday YE A RS IN B U SIN ESS:

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171 JOHN ST. N A ME :

Gallaghers

6 7 draUG Ht beer: $5.50-$8 patio SE ATS: 30 daytime serv ers : 2 A p p s : $5-$11 SL ID E RS/ P IZZ A : $7-$12 O p en: 1pm-2am every day Y E A RS IN B U SIN ESS: beers on tap :

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17 AUGUSTA Augusta House 4 beers on tap: 16 draU G H t beer : $6.25-$7.75 patio S EATS : 30 daytime servers: 1 A pps: $8-$13 b u rgers /sandwiches: $12-$16 Op en: 11am-2am everyday NAME:

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25 AUGUSTA 20 AUGUSTA Pheaseant Plucker YEAR S IN BUSINESS: 16 beers on ta p : 21 draU GHt beer : $6.25-$7.75 patio SE ATS: 35 daytime servers: 1 A p p s: $7-$12 BUR GER S/SANDWICHES/MA IN: $11-$15 Open: Mon-Fri. 11am-2am Sat-Sun. 1pm 10am-2am N AM E:

The Winking Judge 23 draU GHt beer : $5.25-$8 front patio SE ATS: 20 back patio SE ATS: 45 A p p s: $4-$9 M E A LS: $7-$12 Op en: Sat-Wed. 3pm-1am, Thurs-Fri. 3pm -2am NA ME :

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174 JOHN ST.

Cat n Fiddle 21 beers on tap : 14 draUG Ht beer: $6.25-$7.75 patio SE ATS: 20 daytime serv ers : 2 A p p s : $4-$9 B U RG E RS/SA N DW IC HES: $8-$11 O p en: Sun-Tues. 11am-1am Wed-Sat. 11am-2am N A ME :

Y E A RS IN B U SIN ESS:

URBANICITY.CA

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The

URBAN DINING GUIDE Guess what? We’ve finally launched our own dining guide! Readers: We’re excited to offer you our new dining guide as a source of inspiration for those evenings you’re looking to try something new. If it’s on our pages, you can be sure we’ve vetted it, and that we’ve come away impressed! Restaurateurs: If you’re looking to promote your hot new spot to a large urban audience that likes to be out and about, here’s your chance! Not only do you get a generous printed ad for a low cost, you also receive an online profile on the new urbanicity.ca! For advertising inquiries please email ads@urbanicity.ca

One Duke Restaurant and Lounge One Duke is exactly there — 1 Duke Street, Hamilton, Ontario. It is a family-run business that provides the freshest local ingredients from the Hamilton Farmers Market and all aspects that support the community and City of Hamilton. This allows One Duke to offer an alwayschanging menu of the finest of foods and drinks in season — and specializing in raw oysters. If the doors are open, the kitchen is open, always. Stop by One Duke’s comfortable patio this summer to enjoy a relaxing, friendly environment.

Jack & Lois Jack & Lois is friendly diner, with delicious, fresh food and decent service. We are also a hidden, 80 person licensed, patio. We are also friends with Merlin Olsen. Come check us out 301 James St. N., where everything tastes like food! 301 James Street North jackandlois.com | @jackandlois1 facebook.com/Jackandlois

152 King Street West thegeorgehamilton.com www.facebook.com/pages/TheGeorge-Hamilton/35518516452 3936?ref=br_tf

1 Duke Street, Hamilton, Ontario oneduke.ca | @onedukeresto facebook.com/onedukehamilton

Burrito Boyz Burrito Boyz is a fine Mexican restaurant located in gore park. They serve burritos and quesadillas and are open late night on weekends. The portions are big but the prices are small. The staff are friendly and fast, and the food is delicious. Dine in and take out available. 66 King Street East burritoboyz.ca @bboyzhamont

The George Hamilton Affordable quality in the heart of downtown Hamilton. If you're sick and tired of pre-packaged franchise food at places with a pre-packaged franchise feel... welcome to your new home. The George Hamilton features quality, house-made food, a cozy atmosphere, and down-toearth prices. Cocktails at the bar? We do that. Casual dining? We do that. Office lunches? We do that. Family dinner? We have a great kids menu. Private room? How about a private bar? Yep, we do that too.

Made for You by Madeleine "At Madeleine, our baking is delicious AND good for you. By stonegrinding organic grain on site, our unique process yields flour with all its natural nutrients and flavour. We invite you to visit our open-kitchen bakery for a treat!" 51 King William Street, Hamilton 289-389-5100 www.bymadeleine.ca

Aberdeen Tavern Aberdeen Tavern is a big city dining experience, steeped in warm hospitality set in a beautiful old bank setting. With comfort food as our primary focus, Chef Nathaniel Beattie works closely with local farmers and sustainable food importers to ensure the highest of quality is never compromised. We offer a wonderful selection of vintage cocktails made with fresh squeezed juices, along with a broad selection of wine both by the glass and bottle. 432 Aberdeen Ave 905-523-7707 theaberdeen.com

Acclamation Bar & Grill Enjoy fine dining with a Portuguese flare in our front dining room, or grab a beer and burger while watching the game in our sports bar! Offering a great menu of apps, entrees, pastas, salads, seafood, pizzas, and more, Acclamation has something for everyone. Free parking is available on-site! 191 James Street North 905-523-7269 www.acclamation.ca

Two Black Sheep We offer light fare of oysters, with a variety of garnishes; charcuterie and salumi; a selection of cheeses; and other offerings of pickled vegetables and crisps. We have wine that you will love and cocktails that aren't typical. Our favourite beers are served by the bottle. 163 John Street South 905-525-1001 twoblacksheep.ca

Baci Ristorante For those craving inspirational Italian cuisine you're in for a treat at Baci Ristorante is the place to indulge the senses. Masterful wood oven pizza, pasta and veal dishes will be complimented by a wide selection of premium Tuscan, California and Niagara wines. All five senses will be taken for a memorable adventure when you join us at Baci Ristorante! 1530 Stonechurch Road 905-381-9811 | baciristorante.ca

Visit urbanicity.ca for our full list of restaurants and reviews.

Fisher’s Eatery and Sports Lounge At Fisher's Pier we do it right: fresh food, friendly staff, and an atmosphere you'll want to come back to. Our newly renovated bar and dining room makes for a great experience whether you want to come with the family or watch the game. Come see for yourself! 544 James Street North (905)-526-9622 www.fisherspier.com

Rapscallion At Rapscallion, we have a love for food and pushing the limits. Our skilled and passionate chefs will do it all, whether it's curing, salting, boning, stuffing, wrapping, charring, braising or just leaving the meat raw. We get a joy out of food and offer our guests menu items that they are unlikely to find at other local restaurants such as: oxtail, and pig's head. 61 Young Street 905-522-0088 rapscallionrestaurant.com

For advertising inquiries please email ads@urbanicity.ca

20 | JUNE 2014

> PLUG

HAMILTON CHILDREN’S CHOIR PROUDLY PRESENTS

Together As One June 11, 2014 at Theatre Aquarius 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. 190 King william st.

$30 ADULT, $20 SENIOR, $10 STUDENT/CHILD Group rate - 10% discount for 10 tickets sold

Call: 905.522.7529 or toll free 1.800.465.7529 Or visit website: bit.ly/hccjune11 about the concert: Guided by world-renowned conductor Zimfira Poloz, the award-winning Ilumini choir and TorQ Percussion Quartet take you on a transformative journey, demonstrating how music can create a sense of community and belonging. The concert also supports the HCC’s international tour to the 10th World Symposium on Choral Music in Seoul, South Korea (August 6 – 13, 2014).

22 | JUNE 2014 THE TEN LIST

10 FESTIVALS IN HAMILTON 8. Locke Street Festival 4. Fringe Festival 300 performances of musicals, dance, comedies, magic shows, dramas, family entertainment. WHE N: July 17-July 27 Where: Downtown Hamilton Website: www.hamiltonfringe.ca what:

1. 5th Annual Oh Canada Ribfest Ribs, live music, vendors and family activities. June 27-July 1 Where : Waterdown’s Memorial Park Website : www.ohcanadaribfest.ca w hat:

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Stalls, live entertainment, food and fun. September 6 Where : Locke Street Website : www.lockestreetfestival.com w hat:

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5. Festival of Friends Children’s stage, arts & crafts, food of the world and 3 stages of music. WHE N: August 8-August 10 Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds Website: www.festivaloffriends.ca what:

9. SuperCrawl w hat: Music, art, dance and theatre from Hamilton and around the world. W HE N : September 12-September 14 Where : James Street North Website : www.supercrawl.ca

2. Hamilton World Music Festival Music and arts from around the globe. W H EN: July 11-13 Where : Gage Park Website: www.hamiltonworldmusicfest.com w hat:

6. Cactus Festival Family fun, entertainment, street vendors. August 14-August 17 Where: Dundas Website: www.dundascactusfest.ca what:

WHE N:

10. AGH World Film Festival Screenings of more than 30 festival films. W HE N : September 26-October 5 Where : Venues across Hamilton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek and Burlington. Website : www.aghfilmfest.com w hat:

3. Because Beer Craft Beer Festival

7. Winona Peach Festival

Craft beers, interact with brewers, live music and guest speakers. W H EN : July 11-12 Where : Pier 4 Website : www.becausebeer.ca

Children’s stage, family entertainment, arts camp, craft section. WHE N: August 22-August 24 Where: Winona Park Website: www.winonapeach.com

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what: