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The Perfect Gingerbread House

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When it comes to Christmas holiday traditions, making and decorating gingerbread houses is a staple tradition in many homes. This holiday season, MollyCake shared the following tips and tricks to decorate the perfect gingerbread house that your family is sure to be proud of!

Keeping It Simple

Buy a quality kit. If the house will be eaten, make sure it’s good quality. Small, local bakeries may be a bit more of an investment, but it’s usually worth it ten-fold when you take your first bite.

Buy more candy than you think you’ll need.
One for the house, one for the tummy …

Cover the table with a disposable tablecloth
for easy clean up.

Have a blast!

 

Show Off A Little

Get the kit ‘FLAT’, as in, not already assembled.

If you want windows that are not already there, place the cookie panels in the oven on low for several minutes until soft. Remove and carefully cut out the windows as you wish while still warm. Enjoy the window cut out pieces while you wait for the panels to cool to decorate.

Ensure you have 2 consistencies of Royal Icing, building (holds its shape firmly but is still stir-able) and decorating (slightly thinner, but still holds its shape and is pipe-able without running or dripping). Add icing sugar or water, in tiny amounts at a time, to reach desired consistency.

Do not fill your piping bag more than 1/3 full (the rest should be set aside with a damp cloth over the bowl) – you’ll have more control. Cut a small hole in your piping bag, then cut it bigger for assembling.

Decorate the house panels flat, you have more control that way and can place your candy however you like.

Have patience! Let the front, side and roof panels dry thoroughly before assembling the house.

 

Go Pro

Bake your own gingerbread and download a template. Plan out where you want to cut your windows and doors.
Cut the windows and door out and remove the dough OR leave the pieces in there and pop them out when the cookie comes out of the oven. The gingerbread will hold its shape better this way.

Don’t forget to decorate your board, add a pathway, fencing, people, or use upside down ice cream cones to decorate as trees!

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The Perfect Gingerbread House

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No Place Like Home For The Holidays

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For the last two years, we’ve been dreaming of leaving our homes, travelling to faraway places, and begging for a change of scenery. However, if there is one time of year when many of us are okay with staying at home, it’s the holidays! We can go right back to our visions of airplanes and beaches in January, but as the holiday season draws near, let’s go back to enjoying the comfort of family, community, and tradition. Our hometowns have been here for us all along, and they want to celebrate this time of year with us once more. The local BIA’s have many events in store for us to ensure our holidays at home are as special as ever.

Bronte Village

At Home in Bronte (winter edition) is back, and the chairs are even more beautiful than ever. Tour professionally painted Muskoka chairs all over the village. If you missed it last year, you’ll definitely want to see how Bronte has taken this summer tradition and winterized it! 

Take in the beauty of these chairs that symbolize a piece of our home, and search for the hidden lighthouse icons on each one. They will be set up throughout the business district and Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park all winter. 


Downtown Oakville 

The historical buildings, charming shops, and cozy, contemporary restaurants of downtown Oakville make it a great destination. Add in their holiday light display and signature 20 ft tall ribbon tree and you’ve got a perfect combination for a festive outing. 

While you’re downtown, Santa needs your help. Check out his new augmented reality scavenger hunt that promises one lucky player $1,000! All you have to do is find eight characters hiding at secret locations throughout Downtown Oakville. Keep an eye out while supporting small businesses and checking off gifts on your list!

Mark your calendars for Fridays Downtown this December as participating restaurants stay open late, offer special savings, giveaways, live music, and special surprises!  
Follow Downtown Oakville on social media to get updates, receive personalized gift ideas, and have a chance at winning daily gift-aways!


Downtown Burlington 

For many, the Burlington parade has been a staple event we look forward to, and Santa hates to disappoint. After an overwhelmingly positive response to his surprise neighbourhood tour last year, he has agreed to return! Santa will make his way throughout the town in his antique fire truck once again this year on December 4th and 5th. Should you spot him, be sure to use the hashtag #SpotSantaBurlON to spread the magic and reveal his current location! 

The Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights has been an iconic landmark of the holiday season for a quarter-century. The display will return this year beginning on November 26th at Spencer Smith Park. Take in the magic of the waterfront with a stroll through this spectacular themed display beginning at 4 p.m. every day until midnight. Want to see it on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, or New Year’s Eve? The lights will stay on all day and night on those days. 

Word has it a Christmas market might be coming our way. The city is discussing a four-day market from December 9th to 12th in the lot between Pearl and Elizabeth streets. They hope to highlight the local businesses while showcasing the talent and strengths of our amazing community. They may even have music provided by the Sound of Music Festival! 

With so many exciting things happening in our own hometowns, surely no one would dream of going anywhere else… at least not until January!  

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Merry & Bright: Using The Colours of The Year to Decorate This Holiday Season

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When the temperatures drop and your favourite local coffee shop breaks out the festive takeout cups, it can only mean one thing: it’s time to decorate your home for the holidays. It’s not just about hanging a wreath or trimming a tree, though – holiday decorating can include your whole home from the front porch to the mantle and tabletops. 

This year, many families took decor inspiration from one of Pantone’s colours of the year, Ultimate Gray, or Benjamin Moore’s 2021 colour of the year, Aegean Teal. If you painted a room in one of these colours, it’s a great opportunity to get creative and add complementary holiday decor accents. No matter what colours are featured in your home, here are a few tips to get you started.


Tradition with a twist

Red and green are a classic holiday colour combination that looks good year after year. Decorative pieces in these traditional colours work well with a neutral paint colour like Ultimate Gray or a soft, creamy white. Want to modernize this colour scheme? Forgo brighter hues in favour of deep, elegant forest green and cranberry red. Consider adding candles of varying heights and vases in modern, abstract shapes (ivory and metallics will play well with those darker tones). 

Next, add texture with throw blankets and accent pillows in materials like faux fur, velvet, or cable-knit wool that’s as cozy as your favourite sweater. If this decor style is speaking to you, In House Living in Burlington has an excellent selection of textiles and accent pieces that will liven up every room.


Take inspiration from nature

If you’re looking for a design approach that’s rooted in the beauty and simplicity of nature, consider some decor from House Warmings in Oakville. “We like to work with nature’s elements, incorporating light raw wood and organic elements such as moss, pine cones, real pine, and cedar,” explains designer Cara Almeida. “We let nature guide the colour palette and add in soft textural elements like a chunky cable knit throw draped around the base of the tree, felt tree ornaments, or some large woven baskets filled with firewood.” 

You can bring in that Ultimate Gray shade through textiles if it isn’t already on your walls, and Aegean Teal can be subtly introduced as an accent colour. Holiday candles are perfect for illuminating a room while adding a cozy feel, Almeida adds, so choose a festive scent and light it up!


Contemporary cool

If your home features shades of blue, green, or that gorgeous Aegean Teal, consider using metallic accents along with touches of soft grey and cream. This will create a festive winter wonderland while maintaining a modern look. A set of small metallic urns or a standing wreath from Pure Boutique in Burlington will add sparkle and create a space for decorative twigs or greenery. Instead of bright silver, consider accents in richer brass or pewter tones. Slim tapered candles in a marble or wooden base will look trendier than tea lights. Wrap it all up with a few soft touches like a textured throw blanket in pale grey or ivory, and you’ll be ready to celebrate the season.


Create ambiance

Scent is one of the best ways to create warmth and ambiance in your home – and if there was a holiday scent of the year, it would be Frasier Fir by Thymes Canada. Available at Lakeside Livin’ Home Decor in Oakville, these woodsy candles are available in a variety of sizes and styles including gold, forest green, and white ceramic. The Frasier Fir scent also comes in ceramic reed diffusers, hand soap, and more. 

Not cozy enough yet? You can create additional layers of comfort with a Foxford throw blanket made from 100% lamb’s wool (they make a great gift, too). Welcome guests with some cheeky-yet-inviting throw pillows, a charming platter full of gingerbread cookies, and a mug of cocoa, and it’s official – the holidays are here.   

LOCAL LINKS

In House Living, Burlington || inhouseliving.ca

Lakeside Livin’, Oakville || lakesidelivin.com

Pure Boutique, Burlington || pureboutique.ca

House Warmings, Oakville || housewarmings.ca

Campbell & Co., Dundas || campbellcohome.com

Shae Rose at Home || shaerose.ca

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A Tale of the Griswold Family Christmas Tree

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In the opening scene of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold – seeking out the perfect family Christmas tree – sings carols down the highway with his unimpressed teens in the back seat. Upon arriving at the tree farm (after a series of unfortunate events), Clark and his family find, cut down, and literally drag home the tree that will become the centre of their family Christmas. While the Griswolds’ hunt for the perfect tree is hilarious and unfortunate, there is something to be said for the treasured experience that comes with cutting down your own family Christmas tree.

Think you’re Griswold enough? Visit these local tree farms to find your family’s perfect tree.

Clembrook Christmas Farm

4231 Derry Rd West, Milton  • clembrookchristmasfarm.com

Back at the turn of the century, W.B. “Grandfather” Clements purchased this farm in Nelson Township. He resided in Milton but built his summer cottage and a guest cottage on what is now the Appleby Line side of the farm. His family would spend most of their summers here amid the tall pines, cedars, and numerous brooks flowing throughout the property from the Niagara Escarpment.

Clembrook has an excellent selection of pre-cut Fraser and Balsam Fir up to 14’ and Scotch and White Pine up to 8’. Their cut-your-own trees, which include Scotch, White, and Austrian Pine along with Norway and Colorado Spruce, reach up to 7’.  They also have visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, cozy bonfires, wagon rides, refreshments, a gift shop, and much more!  


Jingle Bill’s Tree Farm

7373 Concession 1, Puslinch  •  Jinglebills.ca

Jingle Bill’s Tree Farm is Southern Ontario’s North Pole and your one-stop shop for fun, friends, and Christmas spirit! Located just 15 minutes north of Burlington in Puslinch County. Their farm is focused on the classic Christmas tradition of searching for the perfect tree with friends and family. Make your pick, bring out the saw, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Jingle Bills sits on 100 acres of land complete with 30 acres of dense forest, a babbling brook, Elves Marketplace, and Jingle Deb’s Treat Tent. Let your little ones enjoy the inflatable Farm Hopper Barnyard or cozy up by the fire with friends with hot cocoa.


Merry Farms

1974 Concession Road 2 West, Hamilton  •  Merryfarms.ca

Available by reservation, Merry Farms is a 176-acre farm offering “cut your own” or “pre-cut” trees…. both Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir. Wind your way through the farm along their scenic laneway for almost 3 kilometres over rolling hills. Enjoy wagon rides and refreshments, and be sure to explore their rustic Christmas store filled with unique gifts and items.  

 

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Snowy Trails – Winter Adventure Awaits

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Sandwiched between the Escarpment and Lake Ontario, Halton is home to many natural wonders. And while it’s fairly easy to hike Mount Nemo or hit the beach in the summer, winter comes with a slew of logistical challenges that keep many of us indoors. The truth is though, winter is the perfect time for outdoor adventure. Regardless of your interest or your age, there is lots to explore (and great groups to explore it with) in Halton.

For the grown-ups

In its 48th year, the Halton Outdoor Club is a great resource for nature-seekers. What started as a cross-country ski club has now evolved to serve all four seasons, featuring cycling, hiking, paddling, and snowshoeing as well as cross-country skiing. 

When the club initially started, young families were a key part of their demographic and they had an extensive training program for children. However, as more family-friendly programming has become available in the Region, today’s members mostly fall into the 40 to 85 age range (with over 500 members). As a non-profit, volunteer-run outdoors club, all activities are led by experienced members who follow best practices. Most activities are free and those that involve a cost are billed on a cost-recovery basis.

All five of the club’s activities are equally popular and the club offers lessons and clinics in cross-country skiing and paddling to help beginners get started or to improve their technique. The club recently started a Winter Fit program to get members in shape for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

“Most members participate in more than one sport and some participate in all five,” said Cheryl McCarney, club manager.  They also organize skiing and snowshoeing day trips along with extended trips to Europe. Their paddling group even went to Belize! “We look forward to more such trips once we get Covid-19 under control,” said Cheryl. 

The club’s tagline is Active and Energized Together Outdoors. “Members enjoy the camaraderie and social aspects of the club and being able to participate in a safe, supportive environment,” said Cheryl. 

For the kids

It was rare to see a child in the ‘90s without a Scouts or Brownie patch proudly plastered on a sash or belt. Scouts Canada, with programming for children and youth ages 5 to 26, is still around and serving children today after over 100 years. Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts are for younger kids, and Scouts is for 11 to 14 year-olds. Groups do go all the way up to Rover Scouts for those between 18 and 26. 

More than 50,000 youth participate country-wide in Scouts programming with outdoor adventures that include hikes, weekend camping, and canoeing. Those interested in finding a Scouts group in the Burlington and Oakville area can google Scouts Canada and check out the Central Escarpment area. 

Girl Guides of Canada has some 97, 000 members across Canada and provides an environment for girls and young women to explore the arts, sciences, outdoor challenges, and global awareness. Many older girls stay involved as they find it helpful for developing leadership skills. 

For families

It’s fair to say that if you can’t find an outdoor activity that you would enjoy at one of the Conservation Halton parks, you won’t find it anywhere. The Conservation’s parks include eight different parks that offer a wide range of family activities, from hiking to bird watching to skiing. The parks include Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo, Crawford Lake, Mountsberg, Robert Edmonson, Kelso, and Glen Eden, which offers skiing and snowboarding.

Mountsberg is unique for its educational experiences that include its Raptor Centre which houses Octavius the Great Horned Owl and Pip the American Kestrel. They also have daily educational programs and family events so there is something for everyone. For animal lovers, the horses, donkeys, sheep, and goats can all be seen in their outside enclosures. The kids can pet the goats, play on the natural playground, or enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. 

The Royal Botanical Gardens offers many family activities including the blooms festivals, performing arts, and holiday celebrations. Some popular family events include Enchanted Garden Weekend, the Great Pumpkin Trail, and Holiday Traditions in November and December. 

With organized sport, activities and clubs, the only thing you’ll need to take care of is bundling up. 

Local Links:

Halton Outdoor Club || Haltonoutdoorclub.ca

Scouts Canada || Scouts.ca

Girl Guides Canada || Girlguides.ca

Royal Botanical Gardens || rbg.ca

Conservation Halton || Conservationhalton.ca

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DT Oakville’s Augmented Reality Holiday Hunt

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Santa is supporting local this year! From November 20 to January 5, explore the streets of Downtown Oakville on an Augmented Reality scavenger hunt to find Santa and his friends. Collect all 8 characters hiding at secret locations throughout Downtown for your chance to win $1000. This unforgettable holiday experience is guaranteed fun for all ages. To start your adventure visit scan the QR code on display in front of the library and throughout Downtown. You can also  visit DTOakvillehunt.ca 

 

How to Play

– Use your camera to scan the QR code to begin your adventure, and follow the prompts to begin.

– Use the map to identify the 8 points on the map.

– Once you have arrived at a location, begin to look for a sign or window decal with a magnifying glass and QR code.

– Tap your phone to enable your camera and match the QR code on your phone to the QR code on the sign.

– Tap the ground and raise your phone to see the characters come to life.

– You can walk around the characters, lift up your hand to hold them and post for photos – don’t forget to tag them on social using #dtoakville.

– Once you have completed the task at each location a green check mark on the map will indicate the character has been found.

– Collect all characters to enter for your chance to win the $1000 cash prize.

 

Quick Tips for a Seamless Adventure

– Ensure that your phone is well-charged and not on low power mode.

– Be sure to enable the camera and gps access for your browser.

– Private Browsing mode is not recommended.

–  You can complete the hunt across multiple sessions or all data once. There is no time to complete the hunt within.

– If you have completed the Hunt and would live to visit again be sure to clear your cache.

 

*Compatible on iPhone 8 and newer, and Android Phones from 2016 or newer.  Please ensure your device OS is up to date.

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The Boot wins ‘Best Pizza’ 2021 Talk of the Town Award

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Looking for the best slice in Oakville? Look no further than our Best Pizza Talk of the Town Award-winner, The Boot!

You’ll feel like you stepped onto the streets of Naples at this Kerr Village favourite once you bite into their classic wood oven thin crust pizzas. Make your own or order from their extensive list that includes classics like pepperoni, Hawaiian and BBQ Chicken, or innovations like the Kerr Street Special, Thai “Full Moon”, Honey Badger and Bubba Gump.

They also have an impressive selection of traditional pastas, including options like Carbonara, Ragu, Gnocchi and Shrimp Pappardelle.

Takeout or dine-in at their cozy location and raise a glass to incredible food straight from the heart of Italy.

Explore Oakville’s hidden gems by Indulging in classic Italian fare at Best Pizza runner-up, Piazza Bistro!

Keep it simple with a Margherita, Funghi or Calabrese pizza, or mix it up with options like Prosciutto & Arugula, Eggplant Parm and Piazza. This Downtown Oakville hot spot also serves up traditional pastas and entrees like Spaghetti & Meatballs, Veal Limone and Chicken Marsala.

Keep the whole family happy with a slice from Best Pizza second runner-up, Justino’s Wood Oven Pizza!

This family-friendly location specializes in wood oven pizzas like their Americana, Capricciosa and Pescatore. You won’t want to miss their incredible selection of pastas and mains either, with options like Fettuccini Alfredo,  Rapini and Sausage Penne, Chicken Parmigiana and Veal Marsala.

2021 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Pizza

1. The Boot

2. Piazza Bistro

3. Justino’s Wood Oven Pizza

4. Stoney’s Bread Company

5. Four Brothers Pizza

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Zara’s by the Lake wins ‘Best Mediterranean’ 2021 Talk of the Town Award

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Spend your next night out at our Best Mediterranean Talk of the Town Award-winner, Zara’s by the Lake!

This Bronte Village favourite specializes in traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a mix of Middle Eastern flavours. Indulge in shawarma, souvlaki, shashlik and curry, as well as chef specials like grilled sole, pineapple chicken, and ribeye steak. 

Vegetarians can also delight in a variety of options including fried cauliflower, veggie stir-fry, stuffed grape leaves and veggie falafel. 

Whether you’re planning a date night or family outing, Zara’s by the Lake is the perfect place to reconnect over amazing food. 

Continue treating your tastebuds with Best Mediterranean runner-up, Adonis Mediterranean Cuisine!

You’ll find traditional items like baba ghanouj, foolmedamess and shish kabob, alongside a fun mix of favourites such as rack of lamb, fish and chips and vegetarian cabbage rolls. They even have a detailed kids menu, so you can bring the whole family out. 

Step onto the streets of Greece at Best Mediterranean second runner-up, Colossus Greek Taverna!

This Downtown Oakville hot spot, that has modelled its look after Greek streetscapes, offers an extensive Greek wine list and in-house sangria that pair perfectly with their innovative menu. Get your fill with selections like grilled halloumi, kotomacaronada, faliraki, Greek paella, spanakopita, souvlaki and more. 

2021 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Mediterranean

1. Zara’s by the Lake

2. Adonis Mediterranean Cuisine

3. Colossus Greek Taverna

4. Paradiso

5. Maro’s Bistro

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5 Ways to Create a Stunning Feature Wall in Your Home

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It doesn’t always take a full-scale renovation to breathe new life into your home. Sometimes, all you need is a single wall and a vision. A feature wall can add style and character to any space, and creating one doesn’t have to break the bank. Just choose a focal point and run with it! This design feature works particularly well in living and dining rooms, but you can add a feature wall to a bedroom, a bathroom, or even an entryway. 

 

Creating a feature wall in your home can be as simple as using a complementary shade of paint to create contrast, but you won’t regret going the extra mile. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, here are five ideas to inspire you.

 

Wallpaper

 

Once considered a relic of decades past, wallpaper has come a long way in recent years. There are beautiful, high-quality wallpaper options available in a variety of styles and colour palettes. Go for a bold floral or tropical foliage pattern, something subtle and elegant, a contemporary look, or a charmingly vintage take. Choose a complementary paint colour for the remaining walls and suddenly, you’ve got a boutique hotel vibe at home. Southside Paint and Wallpaper in Milton has an exceptional selection of wallpapers to choose from. Ask their design team for recommendations — they’re always happy to help!

 

Reclaimed Wood

 

Looking for a feature wall option that’s warm, inviting, maintenance-free, and extremely durable? We’ve got you covered. “Reclaimed wood has a ton of character,” explains the team at Loft Doors in Burlington. “Each piece is unique and full of rich history.” 

 

While they’re commonly installed in living rooms and other common areas, a reclaimed wood accent wall works in any part of the house — even on the ceiling! “It’s sure to be a conversation piece,” Loft Doors asserts. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose those beautiful old planks of wood.

 

Stone or Tile

 

From natural stone to beautifully patterned porcelain tiles, just about anything you can use as flooring can be turned into a feature wall. The team at Inspired Flooring in Burlington suggests coming into their showroom to see what’s available and get expert advice for your project. It helps to touch and feel your options and get a good look at the materials in person. Spanish tile is a popular product but you could also use contemporary geometric tiles, sleek glass tiles, or a gorgeous piece of marble. Some clients like a herringbone or chevron tile pattern while others prefer traditional lines. And if you have a fireplace to work around? Even better!

 

Panels, shiplap, or wainscotting

 

Wainscotting is ideal in a home with a classic or transitional aesthetic, and shiplap is perfect if you love a beachy or farmhouse design. You may also consider adding some custom paneling to your home for a luxurious, timeless take on an accent wall. Think of it as a low-key coffered ceiling for your walls — it’s an elegant way to add visual interest while maintaining a monochromatic look. A local contractor or millworker should be able to provide recommendations and a quote for this type of design element.

 

Living Walls

 

A living wall is an extraordinary design element that makes any space pop. This feature involves adding greenery to the wall itself, creating a lush look and feel that’s truly unique. There are two common design options, says Hasmig Royan of Green Garden Succulents. Most clients choose to go with a preserved moss wall as it looks amazing and requires zero maintenance. “There are all sorts of different designs, colours, and textures you can work with,” Royan explains. “It’s very versatile.” Because the moss is preserved, it doesn’t require sunlight, water, or caretaking — and it looks spectacular.

 

A second option is a true living wall featuring a variety of succulents, ferns, and other tropical plants. This type of wall requires both sunlight and water (it really is alive!) so it’s not nearly as low maintenance. But if you’re up for the task of tending to it, a living wall makes an unforgettable statement piece! 

 

Local Links:

 

Southside Paint and Wallpaper

Facebook.com/southsidepaint

 

Loft Doors

Loftdoors.com

 

Inspired Flooring 

Inspiredflooringinc.com

 

Green Garden Succulents

Facebook.com/GreenGardenSucculents

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A History of Heroes

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Every year on November 11th, we all take a moment to remember. To remember not only the sacrifice of the 120,000 Canadians killed in war, but also to celebrate the rights and freedoms they protected with their lives. Today, a collective memory of the World Wars exists; one created in our classrooms, one heightened by photographs and accounts of journalists who were there, and perhaps from first-hand accounts of our parents or grandparents who were there. Local memorials, cemeteries, and historical documents also help to connect us in an immediate meaningful way with the large histories of those conflicts.

 

As Remembrance Day approaches, we don poppies and prepare to honour and remember the fallen and those who have served. The history of the local war memorials and the traditions that are observed there is an interesting study in itself. The ceremonies generally take place at 11 am on November 11th which mirrors the timing of the armistice which marked the end of the First World War. The memorials that were erected following the First World War are often referred to as cenotaphs, meaning simply ‘empty tomb,’ and stand as a symbolic monument to the huge numbers of those who didn’t return. Many of these memorials received additions after World War II and the Korean War to recognize the fallen from those conflicts. These memorials have come to be the focus of local Remembrance Day ceremonies, where parades, the laying of wreaths, trumpet calls, and readings of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields” echo the national service in Ottawa at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near Parliament Hill. Both the local and national services are organized by the Royal Canadian Legion.

 

Burlington’s first cenotaph originally stood by the lake in what is now Spencer Smith Park. It was dedicated by then Governor-General Lord Byng in 1922. Field Marshal Julian Hedworth George Byng had been in command of the Canadian Army Corps on the western front in WWI. Featuring a larger-than-life bronze statue of a WWI soldier, the memorial was moved next to the new City Hall in 1962 where it continues to be the centre of Burlington’s ceremony. The City of Burlington and the Legion also hold a sunrise ceremony at the Royal Canadian Naval Ships Monument in Spencer Smith Park. The monument lists all the Canadian warships and the 370 ships of the Canadian Merchant Navy in WWII and includes the ship’s bell from HMCS Burlington.

 

In Oakville, Remembrance Day ceremonies take place in three locations. Closest to Downtown Oakville at 179 Trafalgar Road, is The George’s Square Veterans’ Memorial – which grew from the original WWI cenotaph to include the fallen from WWII and the Korean War. Originally, it listed only names of the dead from those wars but in 2010 it was expanded to include those who served. These names are found on bronze plaques fixed to curved walls that flank the original monument to the north and south. The more recent addition features the names of 29 Oakville veterans who have served in armed conflicts since WWII and includes Colonel Geoff Parker who was killed in Afghanistan in a suicide car bombing in 2010. Colonel Parker was commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, and the highest-ranking Canadian to die in the Afghan War. Separately in the park is a monument to Halton’s Regiment, The Lorne Scots, which can trace its battle honours back to the war of 1812. 

 

There is also a ceremony at Memorial Park in northeast Oakville. This memorial was constructed mainly from material taken from Trafalgar Township’s Memorial Hall. Here again, are a series of bronze plaques listing the men and women from Trafalgar, including a replica of the original plaque from the hall. 

 

Finally, there is a ceremony in Bronte Village at the Oakville Cenotaph just off Lakeshore Road, adjacent to the harbour. This monument is a granite-faced column with the engraving:

 

A TRIBUTE TO THE DEAD

AN ADMONITION

TO THE LIVING

LEST WE FORGET

 

It is a stark and effective example of the traditional message behind Remembrance Day. 

 

McCrae’s poem and the tradition of the poppy are well-known. Other features of the ceremony are grounded in military tradition, but might not be as well understood. There are often bagpipes playing as part of the parade and a ‘Pipers Lament,’ which reflects the tradition of Canada’s many Highland Regiments, the Lorne Scots among them. In WWI, proud of their Scottish roots, the Highland Regiments typically wore kilts with their uniforms and their pipers would often play the men into battle, in defiance of regulations against this highly dangerous practice.

 

Today at ceremonies you will hear a trumpet play a series of calls which are the signals that traditionally regulated a soldier’s day. ‘The Last Post’ was used to signal that the setting of the watch was complete for the night and symbolizes the end of duty for the fallen. This call is followed by two minutes of silence. The ‘Rouse’ was given to wake the troops and it symbolizes the dawning of a new day and the dead “rising above their mortal duties.” After the calls, a piper’s lament, as mentioned above, is often played, typically a slow tune appropriate for mourning the missing and the dead. 

 

The focus of Remembrance Day has evolved over the years from remembering the fallen to including all those who have served in the armed forces in conflicts and peacekeeping missions to the present day. Due to COVID restrictions in recent years, the on-site attendance at ceremonies has been limited to participants only and the proceedings have been streamed online for virtual participation. As this year’s COVID situation is still fluid, it’s best to check with your local Legion or visit oakville.ca or burlington.ca for final arrangements.

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