Wow in this one-piece swimsuit by Opera. Fabulous striking feather designs placed on a rich electric blue background. Moulded cup with twin straps and plunge neckline.
Top off your tropical sightseeing outfits with this beautiful paper braid hat, accented with a beaded tassel hatband and contrast trim around the brim. Pair it with this ultra-chic handbag that flaunts a unique shape that would fit right in with beautiful Palm Springs circa 1963.
This organic cold-pressed blend of Rosehip, Carrot, Raspberry, Pomegranate and Camellia seed oil has many skin-nourishing benefits that will help prep your skin for the warm weather!
There’s no need to pack up and head to Florida to have fun over March Break. In and around the GTA, there are countless museums, camps, and activities the whole family will love. We’ve pulled together a list within an hour’s drive – pack some car snacks and hit the road!
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (Toronto)
Ripleyaquariums.com/canada Practice your best fishy face! In the heart of downtown Toronto is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Experience life under the sea as you ride through the Dangerous Lagoon on the moving carpet, where sharks swim right over your head. There’s an indoor playground for the kids, Planet Jellies, interactive exhibits, and equally as much excitement for the kids-at-heart. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada at 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
CN Tower (Toronto)
Cntower.ca Enjoy the beauty of the city from the highest point – the top of the CN Tower. A quick elevator ride will bring you over 500-metres up in the sky with 360-degree views of the city, a glass floor, and a restaurant. A unique way to see the City that all should experience. The CN Tower is located at 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto
iFly Toronto (Oakville)
Iflytoronto.com Ready for lift-off. Come defy the law of gravity at iFLY Toronto. Enjoy indoor skydiving in a safe environment. Fly solo, with a group, or with your family and friends. Visit iFly Toronto’s Oakville location at 2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark (Niagara Falls)
Fallsviewwaterpark.com Three acres of fun-filled water activities located in the heart of Niagara Falls! Fallsview Indoor Waterpark has 16 waterslides, a wave pool, and the Beach House Rain Fortress with a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. While perfect for the kids, there are adult-friendly activities, including adult-only jacuzzi tubs and indoor connections to hotels and casinos. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is located at 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls
Royal Ontario Museum(Toronto)
Rom.on.ca Go back to a time when the dinosaurs roamed the earth and learn about historic artifacts at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). In the museum’s permanent galleries, take photos with dinosaur sculptures, enjoy the beauty of precious metals and gems, and look through historic artifacts from around the world. During this March Break, the ROM will also be hosting Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic, which will feature original artifacts from the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum at 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
Oakville Museum(Oakville)
Oakville.ca/museum Explore, discover, and create at the Oakville Museum this Mark Break! Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate is offering a March Break camp from March 16-20 for ages 6 to 10. Take inspiration from the historical collection at the Oakville Museum as we explore wild watercolours, thrilling 3-D crafts, awesome abstract art and more. Challenge yourself to create a masterpiece! Register online to secure your spot. The Oakville museum is located at 8 Navy Street, Oakville
Joseph Brant Museum (Burlington)
Museumsofburlington.ca › joseph-brant Museum Re-opening after renovations in September 2019, Joseph Brant Museum offers more exhibitions and family fun. During March Break, the museum is offering a “sense”ational camp for kids to explore their five senses through a variety of activities, alongside a special exhibit running from February 1 to May 10, “Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures”. Joseph Brant Museum is located at 1240 North Shore Blvd East, Burlington
Royal Botanical Gardens(Burlington)
Rbg.ca Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada. Its enchanting property showcases the natural beauty of Burlington’s trails and gardens while their extensive programming offers seasonal education and camps. Over March Break, visit the winter exhibit: “Wildlife Rescue” to learn all about endangered animals. Royal Botanical Gardens is located at 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Hiking trails (Wherever your heart takes you)
Conservationhalton.ca/hiking Grab your hiking boots and bundle-up. Even in winter, you can enjoy many of our beautiful trails. Picturesque hiking trails can be found at popular locations such as Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area (7200 Appleby Line), Crawford Lake Conservation Area (3115 Conservation Road), and Hilton Falls (4985 Campbellville Road). Most parks have a selection of trails ranging from beginner to intermediate, although not all trails are maintained in winter months.
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Cambridgebutterfly.com Be in the centre of hundreds of butterflies as they fly around you at Cambridge’s Butterfly Conservatory. The Conservatory has more than 1,000 different species of butterflies from all over the world and more than 100 varieties of tropical plants, waterfalls, Chinese painted quails, red-eared slider turtles, and more. The Conservatory also has the Chrysalis Café, perfect for a lunch stop without leaving the beauty of the facility. The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is located at 2500 Kossuth Road,Cambridge
As homeowners know, spring is often the busiest season. The snow thaws and our gardens are exposed, glaringly in need of cleaning, trimming, and rejuvenation.
The winter can be hard on our trees as well. Knowing when and how to prune them is an essential part of their health, ensuring that they flourish and thrive. So, why is it one of the most neglected aspects of yard work? While many of us carefully trim our perennials and shrubs, the thought of overcutting and accidentally damaging a beautiful, hearty tree can feel intimidating. However, when armed with a few tips, tree pruning can be easily done and the results are worth it!
Why prune in late winter and early spring?
According to Mitchell Watt, plant supervisor at Sheridan Nurseries in Oakville, early spring is a great time to refresh overgrown shrubs and trees to help promote healthy new growth. “Pruning before the buds break leads to something we call ‘optimum wound closure’,” he says, “It allows the trees to heal from being cut before warmer weather sets in.”
Another important reason to trim in early spring is that it allows pruners to assess the tree structure before the new buds emerge. That way you can clearly see where it is overgrown and in need of refreshing. It is also easier to identify any branches that may have sustained damage or disease over the long winter months.
Flowering and deciduous trees
Flowering fruit trees and deciduous trees are best pruned in late winter and early spring before buds, leaves, or blossoms appear. Since trees store their energy in their root system, pruning in late winter or early spring (while the tree is considered “dormant”), encourages vigorous growth to the branches that are left once spring arrives. For fruit trees, this means better quality fruit and bountiful yield. Also, don’t be afraid to trim aggressively! The harder the cutting, the greater the response to new growth will be.
If your tree is too large and you want to curb its growth, pruning after it has blossomed will help slow growth down and enable you to keep the tree to a more manageable size.
There is a small group of trees and shrubs that should not be trimmed in spring, including forsythia, lilac, magnolia, and hydrangeas. These types of plants develop their buds prior to spring and also grow buds on old wood. Trim these trees in the autumn.
Evergreens
Evergreen pruning differs slightly from other trees. Watt recommends pruning all evergreens — except pine — in early spring before any new growth starts. This means following the natural branching pattern of the tree to cut away any winter damage, as well as trimming dead foliage. This will help preserve the original shape of the tree.
With broadleaf evergreens like cedar and boxwood a process known as “selective pruning”, or trimming one branch at a time, will give better long-term results than over trimming. Aesthetically, regular shearing will give evergreens a fuller, denser look over time.
When to DIY and when to leave it to professionals
With the correct tools, pruning and reshaping a tree is a simple DIY project. But, when should we call in professionals?
Jessica, from TERRA Greenhouses in Burlington, says that pruning for cosmetic reasons is almost always a do-it-yourself task. Another time to wield the shears is when small or medium trees begin to develop suckers at their base. Since suckers are closest to the root system where the tree stores its energy, they divert it from the main plant and focus it on themselves. “Over time, you’ll start to lose the beauty of the original tree that you carefully chose and invested in,” Jessica says.
The arborists at Davey Tree Experts in Burlington have a rule of thumb — if you have to work from any great height, call in a professional! They caution that the consequences of unskilled pruning aren’t just aesthetic. The structural integrity of the tree can be compromised and turn it into a danger during storms, leaving it susceptible to lost branches or even uprooting.
Another reason to call in help is if the tree is showing signs of real sickness or disease that needs to be treated. An arborist can also help if it has been many years since your tree was pruned. They can give it a good reshaping and, with their guidance, homeowners can maintain it afterward.
Here come the frying pans and the
batter – today is Shrove Tuesday. Historically celebrated by Christians around
the world, Shrove (or Pancake) Tuesday signifies the beginning of Lent. In the
Middle Ages, the Tuesday before Lent was an opportunity for Christians to
confess their sins and ask for forgiveness, allowing them to enter Lent (and
Easter) with a clean spirit.
After confession, Christians
would return home and prepare a feast – typically consisting of pancakes. And
today, that tradition continues with Shrove Tuesday, modernly known as Pancake
Tuesday.
Pancake Tuesday has now become an
opportunity for churches, organizations, and even restaurants to gather patrons
for a traditional pancake meal while raising money for worthy causes.
This year, Pancake Tuesday falls
on February 25th and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate in Oakville
and Burlington:
Restaurants
All Sunset Grill franchised restaurants (sunsetgrill.ca) will be offering their annual Pancake Tuesday Fundraiser. All signature buttermilk pancakes will cost only $1 in support of Canadian Cancer Society programs and research. All proceeds from each pancake sold will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
From 11 a.m. through
dinner, QB Sports Bar
Grill Games (qbsports.com) in Burlington will be serving a
delicious all-day pancake breakfast. While you’re there, check out their newly
renovated bar or play a friendly game of pool.
Oakville Pump & Patio
(theoakvillepump.com) has a special treat for you this Tuesday. Enjoy 5 choices
of pancakes (buttermilk, chocolate chip, banana and chocolate, raspberry
coulis, or blueberry coulis) during lunch or dinner, served with home fries and
choice of bacon or sausage for only $12.99. Yummy!!
Did you know Audi of Oakville
(audioakville.ca) has a cafe on-site? This Tuesday at their Quattro Cafe,
Audi will be offering $5 all-you-can-eat pancakes.
Churchs
The Salvation Army Oakville
Community Church (225 Rebecca Street, Oakville) is opening its doors for a
delicious pancake feast. Enjoy delicious pancakes and help support their
Partners In Mission fundraiser, with the focus of The Bahamas, India Central,
and Bangladesh.
St. Luke’s Anglican Church in
Burlington (1382 Ontario Street) is hosting their pancake supper from 5 p.m. to
7 p.m. on Tuesday, February, 25th. Tickets can be purchased at the door
(families $20, adults $7 children $5 and lids under 5 are free). Meals include
sausages, pancakes, bacon, and ice-cream for dessert.
Join Walton United Church
Oakville (2489 Lakeshore Road, West) for their Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on
February 25th from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. Proceeds from the freewill offering will be
donated to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
This year, Appleby United
Church in Burlington (4407 Spruce Avenue) is celebrating their 17th Annual
Appleby Family Pancake Supper. Fest on all-you-can-eat pancakes drizzled with
regular or sugar-free syrup and a side of sausages (3 per adult & 2 per
child). Remember to leave room for dessert and a drink! $25 for a family of 2
adults + 2 children.
Also, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., St.
Matthew On-The-Plains in Burlington (126 Plains Road, East) is hosting a
pancake and sausage supper. All proceeds from this free-will offering will go
to St. Matthew’s Messy Church and Out 4 Lunch programs.
Yum, yum! Knox Presbyterian
Church (89 Dunn Street) in Oakville invites you to celebrate Lent and
Easter the best way – with pancakes, sausages and maple syrup. Their Pancake
and Sausage Supper is set for Tuesday, February 25th and they would
love to have you join them. There are two sittings: One is at 5:30 and the
second is at 6:30 p.m. Regardless of when you join it is $6 per person or $12
per family. They will also have pancakes and sausages that are
gluten-free.
This is just a dent in Shrove
Tuesday offerings. We encourage you to contact your local church for other
opportunities to partake in these celebrations.
For many, a cup of coffee is simply part of a daily routine. But with Oakville’s vibrant coffee scene, cafes and coffee shops are becoming more than just a place to perk up. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook to catch up with a friend or simply a warm bevy on a cool day, Oakville has you covered. Here are some of our favourite independent cafes and coffee shops.
Vereda Central is a wonderful new addition to bustling Kerr Street. Born from the idea of finding the best possible coffee beans from a variety of Columbian veredas, or small villages, their coffee is personally sourced, and all processes of milling, roasting, and packing are done onsite. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and talented baristas. They also offer one of the rarest finds in Oakville – FREE PARKING in the back. Be sure to check them out and enjoy the cozy space the husband and wife team have created.
This hip, environmentally conscious café focuses on clean, healthy eating, serving everything from an (outstanding) cup of coffee to a full meal. Start your day with a modern spin on traditional breakfast offerings, with a wonderful selection of loose-leaf teas and excellent coffee, locally roasted by Brothers Coffee Roasters.
This quaint, South American style café perched on Bronte pier is truly something special. With everything from their coffee to their nibbles, organic and fair-trade, you can feel good about eating here. Enjoy coffee, music, social justice, and equality all under one roof.
Located in the heart of downtown Oakville, Tribeca Coffee Co. is the perfect little hideaway serving outstanding coffee. Cozy and community-focused, it’s a great place to work remotely, play a board game with a friend, or stop for a warm drink after a busy day exploring downtown. The inviting coffee shop specializes in offering an array of different coffee blends, from house batch brewed coffees, to single origin. Looking for a hand pour or Chemex brew? This is the place for you.
This modern, upscale French restaurant, largely known for its unique multi-course dinners, wine pairings, and chic decor, also has a stylish little cafe tucked around the corner. In the summer, their floor to ceiling windows open wide and it makes the perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor coffee and pastry. Inside, you can enjoy Sunday brunch alongside a specialty coffee, such as a black sesame latte, or take it with dessert on a Friday night. We highly recommend the Lavender Latte!
Half coffee shop, half nail studio and lounge. Customers are able to get their nails done, all while enjoying Yellow Door’s cafe and bar. They offer wines and signature cocktails, but also delectable coffees poured to perfection. The coffee is sourced from De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters, a local micro roaster that prides themselves on their high-quality ingredients. Bonus: the cafe space is one of the most stylish in town.
Bright, fun, and truly one-of-a-kind, Marylebone Café and Creamery is the ideal spot to come together with family and friends. Their hand-crafted freakshakes, pleasure jars, and baked goods are made with premium ingredients, and each treat includes a special touch. You really have to see it to believe it.
A staple in downtown Oakville for nearly a quarter-century. This independent coffee shop is casual, friendly, and inviting. From soup and sandwiches, to hot coffee, lattes, and dessert, this café not only serves up a large selection but brings out all the stops to make you feel right at home.
Boasting some of the best croissants this side of Paris. This cozy little café renowned for its croissants offers delicious cups of coffee, tea, lattes, and an assortment of handmade baked goods. All croissants, breads and pastries are individually hand rolled and made with 100% natural butter and finest quality ingredients.
Although famous for their gelato, La Dolce Vita has a wide assortment of drinks available at their café. Smooth espresso to Italian sodas, to gelato frappes and vegan chocolate mochas . No matter what you opt for, you’re in for a treat.
Firebat Coffee Roasters is truly a one of a kind. The founders of this roastery, husband and wife team Gustavo and Leena, decided to create a bridge between Canada and El Salvador through coffee. And while they aren’t necessarily a café, you can drop in to pick up a bag of beans and sample their coffee. They are especially knowledgeable on the coffee industry, and source all of their beans from small to medium scale producers in El Salvador, including coveted Gold Cup winners that you can’t find anywhere else. The result: some of the best coffee you will ever taste. This is a true hidden gem in Oakville.
Days of Wine & Chocolatestarts on Friday, January 31st . Yes, that’s right! We wanted to make sure you had four full weekends (Jan 31, Feb 1-2; 7-9; 14-16; 21-23) to partake in this popular February passport program so we bent the rules a little and are kicking things off the last day of January.
Purchase your passes today and get ready to explore the decadently sweet and savoury art of wine and chocolate pairing. Visit the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake weekends in February from 11am to 5pm and taste over 20 premium VQA wines expertly paired with chocolate-infused dishes.
Photo by Elena Galey-Pride
If you need a bit more convincing take a look at the mouth-watering pairings our wineries are proposing this round! Each year they seem to get even more delicious than the last. There is something for everyone, from classically sweet flavour combinations to unexpected surprises.
If you have a real sweet tooth and are looking for a decadent pairing, you will find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings including chocolate tarts, dark chocolate panna cotta shooters, brownies, shortbread cookies and more. But if savoury is your thing, we’ve got you covered too – cocoa Beef Bourguignon, chocolate infused BBQ pulled pork, white chocolate filled ravioli in a brown butter truffle sauce and chocolate chicken mole tostada are only some of the savoury options on offer.
Photo by Elena Galey-Pride
As always, this $55 touring pass can be used any weekend in February giving you plenty of time to make it out to our wineries and enjoy each unique pairing at a relaxed pace. To have an optimal experience we recommend a maximum of eight wineries per day.
The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake encourage you to tour and taste responsibly. Please designate a driver who is not drinking and purchase one of our Designated Driver Passes or arrange transportation with one of our transportation partners. If you are traveling with a group of 8 or more guests, please have your organizer call ahead a minimum of 48 hours in advance to the wineries you plan to visit to discuss appropriate timing so they can plan for your group’s arrival and serve you better.
Download our pairingslist which comes with a handy map to help you plan your itinerary.
By Laura Vertucci, Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Growing up in Oakville, I had my typical hang-out spots. As a youth, my friends and I would frequent our local playground for a game of hide-and-seek. As a teen, there was a convenience store and a local pizza joint where would we spend hours eating sour keys and pepperoni. On weekends, it was the movie theatre, or maybe a friend’s basement. While we always seemed to have somewhere to gather – the place wasn’t always ideal. Usually, there was some sort of need to spend money, or there was a risk of loitering, and in winter months – we would hibernate indoors with nothing more than a teenage imagination.
Today, there are a number of programs in both Oakville and Burlington designed especially for our youth. They have been established in part to keep them safe, but also to give them a space to build relationships and have fun, safely.
The Town of Oakville and City of Burlington both lead extensive youth programs, while other not-for-profits in the community have created spaces and designated resources for youth.
The Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre, at 2200 Sawgrass Drive in Oakville has an after school drop-in program for grades four to eight. The program, which runs Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., provides an opportunity for students to stay active and take part in age-appropriate activities for just $1. There is also a peer-to-peer support program on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for ages 17-22 and a Community Youth Action Network that provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for ages 12 to 17.
The Recreation and Culture Department at the Town of Oakville has developed an extensive youth program. Jim Black, Recreation Assistant Youth Services at Nottinghill Youth Centre, says he sees 25-45 youth visit a day, and they engage in all the centre has to offer, including pool, ping-pong, board games, video games, cooking programs, as well as outdoor activities, and community clean-ups. The centre has free WIFI, as well as computer access.
In addition to Nottinghill Youth Centre, Oakville has the QEPCCC Youth Centre, which opened its doors in 2012. The centre offers many drop-in activities including ping-pong, board games, video games, tournaments, crafts, cooking, and open gym-time.
The Oakville Public Library is another service available to youth. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sixteen Mile Library Branch, youth have access to the facility as well as great staff, Nintendo Switch, board games, and craft materials.
In addition, the Town of Oakville offers several pre-registered programs for learning and life skills such as Employment Readiness, S.T.A.R. (a program for youth with disabilities), Junior Engineers, Cupcake Craze, and SPA Day.
In Burlington, the Burlington Public Library offers activities for teens any time they visit. In January, teens can participate in collaborative art or a DIY book club, taking place at all branches during open hours. The library also understands exam season is busy for students and has Exam Cram during January and June of every year. The library invites teens to drop by any branch for quiet and group study and provides treats, giveaways, and encouragement to students preparing for exams. In addition, to help students manage their stress, the library holds Puppy Rooms with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs.Dates in January are: • Brant Hills Branch on Tuesday, January 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Central Branch on Wednesday, January 22, 7-8 p.m. • Tansley Woods Branch on Thursday, January 23, 6:30-8 p.m.
The City of Burlington was awarded a Platinum Status Youth-Friendly Community Recognition Award by Play Works, and makes sure their youth (ages 13-19) have continuous access to play. Their No Socks for Ivan program, which takes place at rec centres across the city, offers students grades 6+ free swim, skate, basketball, video games, snacks, and other activities such as ping-pong.
Learning new skills, having fun, and meeting new friends has never been easier thanks to these special community programs.
Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is a French word referring to the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and other meat products. However, with its growing popularity, many people use the term ‘charcuterie’to describe a sharing or snacking board. Nowadays, anything is included, from an assortment of meats to different accompaniments, such as toast and crackers, fruit, cheese, pickles, and sauces. Charcuterie boards work especially well with crowds – the foods are finger-style yet filling and easy to snack on. A well laid out board can easily accommodate a food intolerance or preference, with meat on the one side and vegan products on the other. Guests cutting carbs can do so without any fuss; gluten-free diets work equally well. And they look spectacular!
The word ‘charcuterie’ originated in France, meaning ‘pork butcher shop’. The style of cooking, which involves cured meats, includes pork products such as; ham, sausage, bacon, and confit. The person that prepares the meat is called a Charcutier. While the original French translation refers to pork, modern charcuterie boards include many other types of food, such as duck, goose, chicken, cheese, even vegan cheeses, and meats.
Readers of British origin may wonder how a charcuterie board differs from a Ploughman’s Platter or Ploughman’s Lunch. This is a traditional British dish that features bread, cheese, and pickles. On occasion, they may include ham. Unlike A Ploughman’s Platter or Lunch, a charcuterie board’s traditional mandate is to feature meat with a strong leaning towards pork.
The art of the charcuterie board is in the detail of its elements, and it’s always best to mix flavours and textures. For instance, chewy salami pairs well with a rich and smooth pâté, while spicy chorizo complements sweet fruits. Also, be sure to add some colour – fruit and vegetables do this effectively, while also adding some height to the board. To make the board multi-dimensional, breadsticks or vegetable sticks standing in a jar can be very attractive or a taller hunk of cheese can add visual appeal.
Due to their trendiness and popularity, charcuterie boards are available in many restaurants and stores. In Oakville and Burlington, we have many at our fingertips. While some offer the ingredients to prepare our own, others have fully prepared boards ready to order.
Block Co. in Burlington, uses the tagline “When all else fails, cheese”. They serve a variety of exotic and enticing cheese and meat boards and cater to events.
Farmhouse Artisan Cheese on Kerr Street prides itself as being Oakville’s only cheese shop. They also sell charcuterie from Ontario, Quebec, and Europe, as well as cheeses from Britain, three European countries, the USA, and Canada. They also have a delightful selection of the proper accompaniments. They offer cheese and charcuterie boards to serve at home and gourmet baskets as gifts.
The Culinary Pickpocket provides fine charcuterie catering and has a range of boards, from tapas to BBQ, and Fruits de Mer (seafood) to dessert.
The Sandwich Society, also on Kerr Street, has some exotic delicacies like truffle pecorino spread and salami with fennel seeds and offers a wide variety of different boards of all sizes.
Burlington’s Platter Company provides varied cheese and meat platters like the Artisan Cheese Platter, the Charcuterie Platter and the Custom Grazing Board which is the “I can’t decide” board and is a mix of many things.
The Sandwich Society
Creating your own charcuterie board is simple and can add a great impact to your regular entertainment dishes. These days there are no rules, so be bold and give your board your signature style.
Whether for date-night, an accompaniment to a party, or even for a work-place meeting – charcuterie boards are flexible, beautiful, and certainly a fun and tasty addition to any meal.
There’s nothing better than laughing until your belly aches – and the comics at the Burlington Comedy Festival will make you do exactly that. Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the Burlington Comedy Festival has packed a punch for the 2020 year.
With 11 comedians and a variety of acts performing eight shows at Emma’s Back Porch (2084 Old Lakeshore Road), The Art Gallery of Burlington (1333 Lakeshore Road), and the Water Street Cooker (2084 Old Lakeshore Road), there is plenty to see for all ages.
During the festival, guests have the opportunity to see a Family Variety Show, Best of the Fest Show, and new this year: Comedy Cabarets. The Cabarets is by world-famous musician, Billy the Kid. Known for her role as a wizard on the Discovery Channel’s Wizard Wars,the show will also feature world record holder and World Yo-yo Champion, Mark Hayward, along with grand illusionist, David Garrity.
As in earlier years, a Food and Funny deal will be offered. Guests can purchase a discounted ticket and a voucher to be used for food or drinks at Emma’s Back Porch or the Pepperwood Bistro.
Best of the Fest headliner is Daryn Jones. Other headliners: Graham Chittenden and Ron Josol.
For a full list of complete acts and to buy tickets online please visit: burlingtoncomedy.com
It’s impossible to miss the newly reconstructed Joseph Brant Museum that’s perched high on a mound at a major intersection in Downtown Burlington.
The new museum, at the corner of Maple Avenue and North Shore Boulevard East, represents the culmination of almost two years of construction that cost more than $11.4 million.
While the exterior of the white two-storey museum looks much the same, inside it’s a new expanded version of its former self, and includes a modern addition that’s built into the grassy area under the old structure.
It’s little wonder the costs for the reconstruction, which were shared between the City of Burlington, the Federal and Provincial governments, and Joseph Brant Museum Foundation, were so high. The new square footage of the museum is 17,000 square feet, with contractor Aquicon Construction adding more than 12,000 square feet of space.The added space will allow the museum to host national exhibitions and there’s more room for gallery displays and interactive programming. Inside, there are three permanent galleries as well as a programming area for school groups and education programs, plus a collection of more than 25,000 items that includes historical costumes, artifacts, and archival materials, all of which are enjoyed by the 18,000 plus visitors the museum currently receives a year.
The new museum is completely accessible and includes an elevator to the second-floor roof garden and to the Joseph Brant home.
The history of Joseph Brant and the museum are important parts of Burlington’s history and that’s why the renovation, which has literally heightened the museum’s profile, are so important. Joseph Brant, “Thayendanegea”, was a Mohawk and British army captain who was born in March 1743. His name in the Mohawk language means “two wagers (sticks) bound together for strength” or “he who places two bets.”
According to the Burlington Museums Foundation, Brant fought for the British from the age of 13 and was said to have distinguished himself as a courageous warrior.In 1798, to commemorate Joseph Brant’s loyalty for his services during the Seven Years War and the American Revolution, King George III granted Brant and his followers 3,450 acres at what was then known as the head-of-the-lake (Burlington Bay).
Brant built the Brant Mansion, a two-storey Georgian style home, at the head of Lake Ontario, which was later known as Wellington Square. When Brant died on November 2, 1807, after a short illness at the age of 64, he was remembered as a leader who had advocated for his people.
Canadian historian, James Paxton, has written that Brant chose not to fight against European colonization as he understood it was inevitably going to happen. Instead, he chose to secure the best future for his people by seeking to accommodate the Europeans.
In 1888, Brant’s two-storey home sold and was turned into the Brant House Hotel resort, which was the beginning of Burlington becoming a popular place for summer visitors. The Joseph Brant Museum was built in 1937 to honour Brant as the first citizen of Burlington and the official opening was May 22, 1942. The earlier museum was a replica of Brant’s house.
Some downtown streets, including John and Elizabeth, were named after Brant’s children, and Brant Street and the Tyandaga neighbourhood were named in his honour.
Organizers who attended the September 15th grand opening described the new museum as the culmination of a 25-plus year dream and said the current location for the museum will likely be it’s last.
As Burlington MP Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, said of the importance of the museum, “Knowing our history helps us create a brighter future.”
The first exhibition at the museum is the Canadian premiere of “Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball” from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
