Heat the water just below boiling, stir in maple syrup and lemon juice, then add Barnburner Whiskey. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a clove. The whisky’s caramel and vanilla notes make this warming and beautifully balanced.
Recipe courtesy of: Maverick Distillery’s small‑batch spirits
What began in 1999 as six moms gathering in each other’s living rooms has blossomed into one of Halton’s most welcoming community hubs. From parent-child drop-ins and before-and-after school care to youth activities, senior programs, financial literacy workshops, and a food bank, Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre in Oakville is a place where everyone belongs. Its mission is simple: to build community, reduce poverty, and create a space where everyone feels welcome and supported.
“The nature of a neighbourhood centre is you reflect the needs of the community and you serve that community,” says Executive Director Michelle Knoll. “We’re about supporting the community, whatever those needs are.” That flexible, caring approach is what makes Oak Park special. Their staff and volunteers take the time to listen to people’s needs and respond creatively. Knoll recalls a story that captures the spirit of the Centre perfectly.
“One of our volunteers came in one day and said she likes to bake,” Knoll shares. “She started bringing in home-baked goods for our unhoused group that meets every Tuesday. Did I know I needed that? No — but my god, everyone loved them!”
Those homemade treats meant more than just something sweet. For many of the unhoused individuals who gather for the “Finding Hope in Poverty Support Group,” they were a symbol of care — something personal and heartfelt that they wouldn’t normally receive. “That’s how you connect people and the community,” Knoll adds.
Oak Park’s doors are open to everyone, and ideas often grow from the simple act of listening. Whether it’s a newcomer looking for connection, a senior seeking companionship, or a family struggling to make ends meet, the Centre finds ways to bring people together and support them through life’s challenges.
Everyone is welcome, no matter their financial situation. While the Centre suggests a $60 annual membership fee for its drop-in programs, Knoll emphasizes that it’s simply a suggestion as these programs don’t receive any funding. A frog at the front desk is available for donations. “You can put in a nickel, a dollar,” says Knoll. “People who are using our drop-in program can be people making $150,000 a year or making $14,000 a year and there’s no distinction.”
Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre relies on community support to run its programs, food bank, and other essential services. You can help by volunteering your time, making financial donations, donating needed household goods and clothing, or participating in fundraising events.
Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre
2200 Sawgrass Drive, Oakville
(905) 257 6029
opnc.ca
Knoll believes that neighbourhood centres like Oak Park play a vital role in nurturing understanding. “We live in a world that’s very negative and likes to divide,” she says. “Neighbourhood centres allow people to get together. It helps people see we’re not all that different.”
Through its food bank and outreach programs, Oak Park also works to change perceptions about poverty in Halton. “Sometimes when we see people on a street corner or outside a grocery store asking for money, and we think, ‘Those people must come from Mississauga or Hamilton,’” says Knoll. “The majority of those we serve in these situations are from our own community. They were born here, went to school here, grew up with our kids.”
What started with six moms and a shared vision of belonging continues to grow, one act of kindness at a time.
By: Lisa Evans
Recipe courtesy of: Maverick Distillery’s small‑batch spirits
The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is inviting the community to gather one last time for a truly special evening — the final year of the beloved Candlelit Stroll, set to take place on Friday, November 28th, 2025, in Burlington Downtown.
For over 10 years, the Candlelit Stroll has marked the start of the holiday season, filling our downtown streets with the warm glow of candles, festive music, and the joyful spirit of community connection. This year’s event will honour that legacy while celebrating the memories, partnerships, and generations of families who have made the stroll part of their annual tradition.
“The Candlelit Stroll has been such a magical part of Burlington’s holiday experience,” says Brian Dean, Executive Director of the Burlington Downtown Business Association. “As we bring this cherished event to a close, we want to say thank you to everyone who has joined us over the years — our local businesses, performers, volunteers, and of course, the thousands of residents who made it so special.”
The evening begins at 6:00 PM in Civic Square / City Hall, where visitors can pick up a complimentary candle and enjoy live entertainment before embarking on the stroll through Burlington’s beautifully decorated downtown streets. Festive shop windows, hot cocoa, and live performances will fill the area with holiday cheer, offering a picture-perfect sendoff to this signature community event.
The BDBA will also be looking to the future to highlight new and evolving holiday programming for 2026, ensuring that the downtown continues to shine brightly with new traditions in the years to come.
“While we’re saying goodbye to the Candlelit Stroll, we’re also looking ahead to the next chapter of downtown celebrations,” adds Dean. “We can’t wait to share what’s next.”
For more information and updates to the event animations and activities please visit burlingtondowntown.ca/candlelit25/
For media inquiries, please contact:
Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca
For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:
Brian Dean, Executive Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca
The BDBA is a not–for-profit association responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant Downtown business community. A special levy constitutes the organization’s budget and allows the Board and their sub committees to execute programs and events with great volunteer support of the membership on behalf of all of the members within our boundaries.
The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained, to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services better.
Our efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit and play.
The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) is excited to announce the launch of the Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass. This interactive itinerary pass officially debuted on November 1, 2025, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore Burlington Downtown this winter season through a series of curated walking routes.
Developed to encourage off-season exploration and engagement, the Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass offers a fresh way to experience Burlington’s vibrant downtown. Participants can choose from several pre-built routes, each mapped by distance from one to six kilometers. At every one-kilometer marker, users can check in via GPS and discover nearby businesses and services, making each walk both active and informative.
To add to the excitement there are 14 participating businesses participating in the pass. All 14 locations have their own GPS guided check in. While you’re checking in with the pass, make sure to them out!
The BDBA is proud to feature Craigs Cookies Burlington, Culaccino Bar & Kitchen, Joseph Brant Museum, Kinetic Physiotherapy, Megs Octopus Garden, Minty Gold & Silver Exchange, The Mule, Off the Runway, Paradiso Burlington, radius, The Rocca Sisters Team, Simply Gifted Burlington, Village Cigar Company & Barbershop & Woven Clothing Boutique + Styling.
Thirsty after your first route? Our restaurant menu’s will have you covered! Chilly on your walk? Our retailers incredibly cozy’s will warm you right up! Perhaps you’re a bit sore after all those steps. Not to fear, our professional service members will be there to count on.
To make the experience even more rewarding, the BDBA has added a gamified element to the pass. Each check-in earns participants points, which can be accumulated and redeemed for a $50 Burlington Downtown Gift Card. Accepted at more than 85 local businesses, the gift card provides an opportunity to support Burlington’s small business community while exploring all that downtown has to offer.
“The Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass is an exciting way to stay active, shop local, and discover Burlington Downtown in a new light,” said Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director, Burlington Downtown Business Association. “By combining outdoor exploration with local discovery, this initiative brings our community together even in the colder months.”
The Feet to the Street: Explorer Pass is free and available to all. To learn more and register, visit burlingtondowntown.ca/explorerpass/ for more info.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Alison Policicchio, Marketing Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
marketing@burlingtondowntown.ca
For inquiries pertaining to the BDBA, please contact:
Brian Dean, Executive Director
Burlington Downtown Business Association
brian@burlingtondowntown.ca
The BDBA is a not–for-profit association responsible for the vitalization and promotion of our vibrant Downtown business community. A special levy constitutes the organization’s budget and allows the Board and their sub committees to execute programs and events with great volunteer support of the membership on behalf of all of the members within our boundaries.
The BDBA promotes our dense commercial area as a vibrant business and shopping district. Through the use of promotional activities such as special events, advertising, and beautification programs, we aim to keep the area foremost in the public’s mind as an attractive, pleasant place to shop, to be entertained, to work, and to live. We want to make the quality of life for our Downtown businesses and services better.
Their efforts are dedicated to ensuring a healthy economic environment for our community and making our Downtown a better place to shop, dine, live, work, invest, visit and play.
Every November 11th at 11:00 a.m., Canadians pause to remember those who have served our country in times of war, conflict, and peace.
2025 is a particularly important milestone, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. As generations pass, fewer veterans from the two World Wars are still living — Burlington’s last living WWII veteran is 101 years old — making Remembrance Day even more important to ensure their stories and sacrifices aren’t lost.
For Barry Moore, Remembrance Day is a time to honour not only those who served in the Great Wars, but recent veterans as well. Moore reminds us that Canada has over 465,000 veterans alive today who have served in global conflicts including Rwanda, Desert Storm and Afghanistan.
Moore has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60 in Burlington for 40 years and now runs the branch’s poppy campaign. To him, wearing the poppy is a display of gratitude. “It’s our way of saying thank you for something we could never really repay.”
Veteran Robert Thomas, who served in Cyprus, the Sinai Desert, Gaza and Beirut, says Remembrance Day is particularly important for youth to understand that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a cost. “We owe a lot to the men and women who have served our country, and those who are presently serving our country,” says Thomas, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 551 in Waterdown.
Remembrance Day offers an opportunity to parents and educators to teach children about Canada’s military history in global conflict. A visit to the Waterdown Museum of Hope provides an opportunity to learn about the Holocaust, the two World Wars, Afghanistan and Korea. The museum is free to enter and is open during Waterdown Legion hours.
Remembrance Day also offers an opportunity to display Canadian pride. “As Canadians, we’ve got a lot of respect around the world,” says Thomas. “We don’t take a lot of baggage with us, and we’re not there to take people’s country. We’re there to be honest brokers to try to prevent war,” he says.
Moore says he has seen a surge in Remembrance Day participation from newcomers. “New Canadians from countries who have seen war and know what it’s about, and really appreciate the freedom that we have here, understand the sacrifice it took for us to have that,” he says.
While Remembrance Day isn’t a full statutory holiday in Ontario, there are many ways you can participate and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The poppy has been a symbol of remembrance in Canada since 1921. Poppy sales help to support veterans and their families.
The end of the First World War was announced at 11:00 am on November 11, 1918. It’s in remembrance of this important moment in history that Canadians pause at exactly 11:00 am on November 11th for two minutes of silence to recognize the sacrifices of all who served.
Several Remembrance Day ceremonies take place in our community. A notable one is the Burlington Remembrance Day Parade. Starting at Central High School, the parade of armoured jeeps, marching veterans and the Burlington Teen Tour Band concludes with a ceremony beside City Hall. Planes fly overhead, making this a spectacular show of Remembrance.
Branch 36
280 King Street West, Dundas
br36dundas.org
Branch 60
828 Legion Road, Burlington
burlingtonlegion.com
Branch 114
36 Upper Middle Road East,
Oakville
oakvillelegion114.ca
Branch 486
79 Jones Street, Oakville
(Bronte)
brontelegion.com
Branch 551
79 Hamilton Street North, Waterdown
waterdownlegion.ca
The day before: Place one cup of the butter in a medium saucepan. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly until brown bits begin to form on the bottom. Transfer browned butter to a heat proof bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Leave on the counter overnight to cool.
Trim the domed tops off both of the pumpkin cakes Place one cake on a plate or cake board, cut side up. Spread (or pipe) a generous amount of cream cheese icing on the top of the cake layer. Place the second layer of cake cut side down onto the cream cheese. Spread (or pipe) another generous amount of cream cheese icing on top of the cake. Decorate with seasonal sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon.
792 Brant St, Burlington
(289) 337-4777 | sweetcraft.ca
Thanksgiving dinner isn’t just about turkey.It’s the colourful array of vegetables and other sides, and the blend of tantalizing aromas, that lure loved ones to your table. “As easy as it is to lean on the featured protein of a dish, it’s often the sides and accompaniments that tie it all together and create the magic of a Thanksgiving feast,” says Kyle Corbin, Chef de Cuisine at Bardõ Restaurants. We Canadians are fortunate to have a cornucopia of food available — particularly at harvest time — and myriad ways to prepare a delicious side dish
CHAR IT. Years ago, a friend taught me how to char red peppers on the barbecue until they turned black, peel the peppers, and then slather them with hot anchovy-garlic olive oil. Oh my. Think you don’t like anchovies? Trust me. They dissolve into oil and crispy garlic, creating a salty, heavenly sauce. I made it for my family one summer, and now they request my peppers every Thanksgiving.
A barbecue isn’t always necessary for a good char. Corbin chars Brussels sprouts on the stovetop for a decadent, festive side. “The secret to the Brussels sprouts is halving them and charring them in a cast-iron pan and not shying away from the colour,” he says, then tossing them with crispy bacon and butter-sautéed leeks.
MASH IT. Mashed vegetables are an easy way to fuse different flavours together. Celery root mashed with potatoes adds a light, herbaceous flavour to an old classic. My mother’s specialty is rutabaga mashed with acorn squash, butter, parsley, sauteed onions, and an optional apple. For a vegan option, try mashed cauliflower with olive oil, roasted garlic, and nutritional yeast for creaminess without dairy.
ROAST IT. The act of slow cooking vegetables directly under a dry heat source creates caramelization and a crispy outer texture. It works wonders on potatoes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, peppers, and more.
“One of my favourite Thanksgiving sides is classic stuffing. I start with good, crusty bread cubes, then sauté onions, celery, and a little garlic in plenty of butter. To make it extra tasty, I add fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary, plus a splash of chicken stock so it’s moist but still has some crunchy bits on top. Sometimes I’ll fold in roasted mushrooms or crumbled sausage for more depth—it makes the stuffing hearty and full of flavour”
Jordan Shea
Catch Hospitality, Executive Chef Operations
Roasting is Corbin’s favourite way to prepare yams for Thanksgiving.
He oven roasts them “glazed with maple and toasted walnuts.”
FRITTER IT AWAY. A fritter is a sort of thick pancake made with chopped or shredded vegetables (squeezed first, to remove excess moisture), mixed into a simple batter, and shallow-fried until golden. Almost any combo works. Try zucchini, carrots and scallions, or combine turnip with feta and cornmeal. A potato fritter is essentially a potato latke, a crispy treat in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, often served with sour cream or apple sauce.
STUFF IT. Mushroom caps are decadent with a stuffing of minced mushroom stems and onions, sauteed in butter and mixed with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, and then baked. Or take these a step further with a crab and asiago stuffing. Anything that can be hollowed out can be stuffed, including bell peppers, squash, zucchini, eggplant, artichokes, and even cherry tomatoes. Stuffed vegetables load extra flavour in each bite and look impressive!
Speaking of stuffing, turkey stuffing is my personal favourite side. For years I refused to deviate from my grandmother’s old bread-and- poultry-seasoning standard until Dave, my partner, made me one with sourdough bread, sausage, and roasted chestnuts. That stuffing alone could be my feast now. Turkey optional!
Other foodies swap bread for cornbread, rice, or (in Scotland) oatmeal. Stuffing can be spicy, nutty, meaty, or fruity. The varieties are endless, and not for the carb-averse. Fixings make the feast. Happy Thanksgiving and bon appétit!
BY MICHELLE MORRA
Preparation time: 15min. | Baking time: 20min. | Makes 12 muffins
• 1 cup organic Rye flour
• 1 cup organic Porridge Oats, blended to flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 shake cinnamon powder
• 1 tbsp. coconut sugar
• 1 tsp of sea salt flakes
• 1 cup evaporated milk either full fat or 2%
• 3 tbsp. melted organic sea salted butter
• 2 large eggs (Wisk these together very well in a large measuring cup)
In a blender or food processor, turn the oats into the most delicious flour and add to the bowl that you have put all the dry ingredients. Stir all ingredients well with a spurtle.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir with a spurtle until just mixed. Then spoon into a buttered 12 cup muffin tray and bake at 400 degrees F for
20 minutes. Once removed from the oven, let sit in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a cooling rack for 5 minutes and then to a serving plate.
Thanksgiving is a time to reap the bounty of food crops and savour pumpkin pie in the glow of candlelight among loved ones. It’s also a time to set aside the heavier side of life, with its socio-economic and ecological uncertainties, and the dips In morale that often accompany summer’s en
Behind the storm clouds, there is much to be thankful for. In celebration of Thanksgiving, we at Look Local reached out to public figures and community leaders — who are some of the most committed, hardest working citizens in Halton Region — and asked them to share what they are grateful for in their professional or personal lives. We are pleased to share their uplifting words and smiling faces.
“I am deeply grateful for my good health. A few years ago, I realized that spending long hours at a desk was starting to take its toll, so I committed to incorporating physical activity into my life. What began as small steps has become part of my daily routine, leaving me feeling stronger, healthier, and truly thankful.”
France Fournier
President & CEO, Oakville Chamber of Commerce
“There is a lot I am grateful for: my family, my health, and my incredible community. I am so fortunate to have gained the trust of Burlington voters four elections in a row and to live in this beautiful city and amazing country we have the privilege to call home. Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!
Karina Gould
Member of Parliament, Burlington
“Serving Oakville is one of the greatest honours of my life. This Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for the strength and compassion of our community. As we gather with loved ones, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to live where generosity, kindness, and resilience are part of our everyday lives. I’m thankful for the trust and opportunity to serve, and I wish everyone a safe and joyful Thanksgiving.”
Stephen Crawford
Member of Provincial Parliament, Oakville
“I am most grateful for the people of Burlington who make this city what it is. Our residents and business owners embody our motto “Stand By”— stepping up to donate food, give to charities, volunteer for community events, run programs, and so much more. Thank you! Our City is great because of you.
Marianne Meed Ward
Mayor of Burlington
“I am grateful for the generosity and resilience of our community. Every day I see neighbours step up to support one another with kindness and care, which reflects the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Brad Park
President & CEO, United Way Halton & Hamilton
“In a word, community. I’m fortunate to be a part of a community of family, friends and work colleagues that nourish me personally. My work community is vast,
supportive and professionally rewarding. My home, Burlington, is built on a network of communities that delivers a high quality of life and welcomes my contributions.”
Brian Dean
Executive Director, Burlington Downtown Business Association
“I am grateful for my health, my family, to be Canadian and to live and work in Oakville. I have the privilege of leading the Oakville Community Foundation, a place where generosity and community connect. I am grateful to work with the OCF Team and the generous community members who make Oakville a better place for everyone.”
Wendy Rinella
CEO, Oakville Community Foundation
“This season, I’m especially grateful for the incredible spirit of the Bronte community. It’s a privilege to work alongside such passionate business owners, residents, and partners who are all dedicated to making our neighbourhood vibrant, welcoming, and full of heart.”
Kylie Wilson
Bronte Business Improvement Area
“As the Member of Parliament for Oakville East, I would like to express my deepest thanks to my loving family and to all the community voices who inspire me to lead with dedication and gratitude every day. Thank you for helping build the remarkable communities that shape our wonderful country – Canada, the True North
Strong and Free.
Anita Anand
Member of Parliament, Oakville East