As we move closer into the winter months, the Businesses of the Burlington Downtown Association (BDBA) will be hosting the Candlelit stroll to kick-off the holidays!
On Friday November 29th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, the community of Burlington invites you to a FREE event full of all things cheery, festive & local as we welcome the winter season. From face painting and visits with Santa, to holiday treats & live performances, this is a highly-anticipated family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss!
Starting at the Civic Square, join your fellow visitors and residents of Burlington for the annual lighting of the Tree of Hope, followed by the self-led winter wonderland across Downtown Burlington!
Stroll, sing & get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season once again!
Shop local and handmade for the holidays IN TWO WEEKS!
The Artisan Bazaar has been supporting local handmakers since 2017! Our passion is celebrating creativity and craftsmanship by providing a vibrant space for artisans to connect with the community.
We’re dedicated to showcasing unique, high-quality handmade goods and helping small businesses thrive. Every event is designed to bring people together to discover and support talented creators, fostering a love for locally made products and the stories behind them.
Autumn here we come. Falling for Burlington Downtown is Back!
The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) proudly welcomes Burlington residents and visitors to a day full of autumn fun. The changing of the seasons is truly a magical thing to see, and the BDBA is inviting you to enjoy it all!
Residents and visitors alike are welcomed into Burlington Downtown for a magical, captivating, and interactive fall experience. Falling for autumn has never been so easy as you enjoy a day filled with fun for all ages, treats & sweets, drinks & bites and so much more.
The FREE fall fun and activities at our annual downtown event is a day of self-led exploration in your own backyard. Take in delicious pizza along Promenade West. Enjoy some nibbles and crafts in Promenade East. Play games and snap some Instagram worthy pics in Civic Square! Enjoy seasonal treats and sweets along Brant Street & in Village Square.
Have you had your first PSL yet this season (I mean, come on Pumpkin Spice Lattes are delish!)? Have you picked up that oh-so-cozy fleece sweater that just screams comfy? Ready to enjoy that satisfying hearty fall meal on a crisp autumn night? Burlington Downtown has you covered! As you take in the sights of the season, make sure to take in all our downtown business community has to offer.
Shop, dine, sip and everything in between as you visit over 400 small businesses that proudly call downtown home.
New this year is the BDBA’s sensory zone! This special place offers visitors a break from the day’s activities with calming lighting, lowered sounds and multi-sensory relaxation activities. Need a hand while visiting the sensory zone? Our event staff has you covered, we’re here to help!
Falling for Burlington Downtown takes place Saturday October 5th, 4h from 12pm to 4pm.
Heading west along Plains Road from bustling Burlington, the landscape becomes more spacious as you enter Aldershot Village. You pass strips of unique shops, and proud residential streets lined with stately trees.
More than just a lovely neighbourhood, Aldershot is home to over 250 businesses. Their owners, many of whom reside in Aldershot, are committed to developing long-lasting customer relationships. Andrea Dodd, Executive Director of Aldershot Village BIA, feels that community spirit every time she goes out for coffee.
“Our local Tim Hortons is where the Aldershot community gathers!” she says. This particular Tim Hortons is a multi-generational, family run establishment that hosts NHL Hockey Card trading nights and helps out with local events and festivals — just a few examples of their community involvement.
That friendly down-home vibe imbues every business in the Village, from classic institutions to ultra-chic new ones.
The business owners of Aldershot BIA are the heart and soul of this community. When you buy their products or enlist their services, you directly support the good folks who call Aldershot home. Here’s a sampling:
MEET OUR MERCHANTS
Fashion Retailers & Kids Clothing
ISarti Luxury Menswear The latest luxurious men’s fashions, Italian-designed and made, including suits, dress shirts, casual jeans and jumpers.
Kid to Kid Burlington A consignment shop for parents and kids that offers first-rate second-hand clothing, accessories and gear for kids of all ages.
Food & Drink
J&G Meats A destination in Aldershot since 1962, J&G Meats proudly serves up the freshest cuts of top-notch meats and actively supports community initiatives.
The Lord Nelson Enjoy the highest quality meats and seafood in an atmosphere of elegance along with an extensive wine list.
The Olive Oil Dispensary Choose among more than 60 extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world.
The Platter Company Gourmet Market Pick up ‘restaurant style’ prepared meals including appetizers, mains, side dishes and desserts to make entertaining easy. Full gluten free menu also available.
Russell Williams Since 1932, this diner has served home-cooked food with a warm welcome. It’s the kind of place where the pancakes are stacked high, the fries are plentiful and the coffee flows freely.
Skyway Diner A favourite local place for breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a wide variety of menu items, including family-friendly packages.
West Plains Bistro An independently owned bistro style restaurant, West Plains Bistro offers market fresh and seasonal menu items in the heart of Aldershot.
Health & Wellness
Aldershot Audiology Provides exceptional and affordable hearing healthcare in a compassionate environment.
Aldershot Foot Clinic Clinic and mobile services in comprehensive foot care, treatment of ingrown toenails, corns and calluses.
Dental Life Dental and specialty care for the whole family.
Eye Focus Optometry & Optical A total wellness approach to eye wellness, identifying areas in a patient’s life where small changes could have an impact on their eye health – including nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle choices – to maximize visual potential.
Grounded Pilates A studio offering small group Reformer and Pilates chair classes, barre, mat and yoga classes.
JV Pro Fitness Offers private and semi-private training to get you in the shape you desire. They specialize in core strengthening, improving flexibility, building muscle and ‘lean and mean’ bodies.
Still Water Float Centre Floating (on super buoyant, heated water with a high concentration of therapeutic grade Epsom salt) is a way to give yourself a break from the endless input of sensory experiences, allowing the mind to rest and recharge.
INSTRUCTION Yellow Umbrella Driving School – A small class, quality instruction driving school, catering to all students including those with ADHD, anxiety, Asperger’s and higher functioning Autism.
PET FOOD
Call of the Wild This raw and natural pet food store is committed to improving the quality of life for dogs and cats by providing nutrition the natural way, through real ingredients.
SENIOR LIVING
Burlington Gardens Residents at this lovely independent senior living community enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, with time to pursue their hobbies and spend time with friends.
LaSalle Retirement Community Enter into a world of vibrant seniors living, where the well-being, comfort and safety of residents are priority number one.
Two murals now adorn the walls of Aldershot businesses. The Mr. Sub plaza proudly displays a cheerful “Greetings from Aldershot” mural, lovingly conceived by @mrsprayart. And at the Tim Hortons drive-thru, a mural by Aldershot High School students adds pure joy to your coffee buzz with their Timbits-and-outdoors-themed creation.
ART ON A GRAND SCALE
Happy Anniversary, Beautiful! The Aldershot BIA turned 20 years old in 2024. To mark the occasion, several storefronts along Plains Road got a makeover thanks to the Aldershot BIA’s Keep Aldershot Beautiful initiative. Streetscape improvements include lighting, signage, street furniture, planters, banners, sidewalk treatments, and seasonal decorations.
New construction soon will only enhance Aldershot’s high aesthetic standard. The BIA aims to increasingly attract visitors, encourage foot traffic, and ultimately contribute to the economic vitality of the area.
“As the BIA celebrates its 20th year, we are celebrating growth and change,” says Andrea Dodd. “The area is set for development and as these buildings go up, we are looking forward to new businesses coming in, along with celebrating and supporting our old favourites. It is an exciting time along Plains Road!”
Wellness check: how are you coping in the aftermath of the worldwide pandemic? Although 2020 seems like a lifetime ago, the ripple effects of Covid 19 linger as many people struggle with mental health and addiction issues. Huge complications such as the economic downturn, increased food insecurity and the housing crisis have converged to create a perfect storm affecting our friends, family members and neighbours.
I’m an example of this. Normally an extroverted, friendly person who strives to be the life of the party, since the pandemic I feel anxiety when in large social situations. Furthermore, I haven’t ventured onto a plane in five years (but hope to soon)! I’ve also noticed that my alcohol consumption has risen while my fitness level has declined. And I know that I’m not alone.
Raising awareness, lessening stigma, and increasing access to services are crucial. Equilibrium Burlington’s 4th Annual Walk to the Lighthouse For Mental Health and Addictions on Sunday, September 22 aims to do just that.
The walk supports Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s (JBH) For All Minds campaign, which seeks to raise $20 million to expand its Mental Health and Addictions Department.
The goal of the campaign includes relocation and expansion of the In-patient Mental Health and Addictions Unit, the addition of a psychiatric intensive care unit, relocation of the Outpatient Mental Health Unit, and a new Child and Youth Mental Health Day Hospital.
Melanie Walker, the Intake Coordinator for Out-Patient Mental Health at JBH, co-chairs the Walk to the Lighthouse Committee, aided by people with lived experience. As suggested by the committee, registration is free, enabling everyone to participate.
As Intake Coordinator, Walker’s role is to review referrals and determine the starting point for people needing services. This could include a referral to programs such as psychiatric consult, concurrent disorders, first episode psychosis or Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.
She notes an influx of referrals due to the pandemic, numbering 5,000 a year. Youth, adolescents, and new mothers in particular are struggling, and new programs will respond to their needs.
AN IMPORTANT CAUSE
A December 2023 study, “Understanding the Mental Health of Canadians Through Covid 19 and Beyond, Poll #18” by Mental Health Research Canada reports that one in three Canadians have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression since the onset of the pandemic. Anxiety and depression levels are 57% and 33% higher than pre-pandemic.
One in seven Canadians (15%) reported accessing mental health services in the last year, although finding help can be problematic. When asked why they didn’t access mental health care, 31% didn’t know where to get help, and 20% said wait times were too long. Twenty percent couldn’t afford services, and 21% reported access to care was limited.
Walk to the Lighthouse For Mental Health and Addictions on Sunday, September 22 supports Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s (JBH) For All Minds campaign, which seeks to raise $20 million to expand its Mental Health and Addictions Department.
The For All Minds campaign aims to redefine mental health services and update the unit. “The expansion is needed because the services are presently spread out in the hospital,” Walker says. “People deserve to be in a safe and healing environment. The aim of the walk is to raise awareness of the services and to let people know we are here and we have the resources if they reach out.”
Last year’s walk was an outstanding success with 300 people of all ages and stages participating, including a woman who used a walker to complete the 5K circuit. A total of $53,000 was raised!
Getting involved in Walk to the Lighthouse helps those with lived experience make a difference while helping others and themselves. “It is the best feeling when we walk in unity with no shame and no stigma,” Walker says. “People stop to ask why we are walking, and those walking are open about it. This is a day of hope to tell people that they aren’t alone and that there are services and people do care.”
The event starts at the JBH parking lot and participants walk 5K to the lighthouse and back.
This divinely versatile and refreshing chutney goes well with just about anything! Try it at Community Restaurant, shown here with their delectable Dosa, or make it at home with this fabulous recipe!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup red onion
• 1.5 cups roasted red pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp red pepper chili flakes
• 7 cups frozen mango
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 + 2 tbsp cup water
• 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp each of ground coriander, cumin
• 1 tsp each of salt & pepper
METHOD
1. Sauté 2 tbsp water, red onion, ginger, chili and spices. Cook for 5 minutes.
2. Add mango and all remaining ingredients and cook for 25 minutes. Mango should be soft but not mushy.
3. Serve with lentil crepe/dosa, on a charcuterie board, or with salad.
Enjoy!
Recipe by: Community Resturant 343 Kerr Street, Oakville communityresto.com
Kerr Village has the kind of charm that develops when a community’s deep roots meld with the vibrancy of the new world. This spirited, revitalized strip has become a favourite stop for Oakville locals and out-of-towners alike.
People flock here for coffee or to grab a burger, dine out in style, or indulge in pastries and gelato. The area also attracts hobbyists, music fans, crafters, antique collectors, movie-goers, boutique patrons, and thrifters.
This small slice of Oakville is truly diverse, with shops and restaurants representing 39 cultures. The cosmopolitan nature of Kerr Village grew organically over time, resulting in a vibe that’s natural, friendly and without pretension.
Welcome to the neighbourhood. Enjoy all that Kerr Village has to offer!
KERRFEST IS HERE!
The 8th Annual Kerrfest is happening on Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7. Don’t miss this popular music festival at Westwood Park, on the corner of Kerr and Bond Streets. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a pop-up market from 6 to 11 pm on Friday and 1 to 11 pm on Saturday! The fun continues on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm with Kerrfest Kids, a free event with kid-friendly entertainment and activities.
Kerrfest 2024 boasts an exciting musical lineup:
Teenage Head – 50 Years! ← Friday at 6 pm TEENAGE HEAD endures to bring their unmistakable sound to their diehard fans. You won’t want to miss this iconic Canadian punk rock band.
Haywire ← Friday at 7:45 pm Haywire burst onto the Canadian music scene in 1986 with their debut full-length album “Bad Boys”. Now they’re gracing the stage at Kerrfest to reprise their top Canadian hits.
David Wilcox ← Friday at 9:30 pm Friday night’s headliner is none other than David Wilcox. This Canadian music legend is a celebrated entertainer, master guitarist, and soulful singer with multiple gold and platinum albums. Kerrfest is thrilled to welcome this national treasure. Come show him the love!
Blue Avenue ← Saturday at 1:15 pm Blue Avenue is a band of Appleby College performers, coming together through a shared love of creating music. Featuring Ellena and Selene Li, twin singer-songwriters and award winners at the New York Global Musical Competition, accompanied by Arman Rai, Benjamin Kim and Ty Collver in the rhythm section.
Fiddlestix ← Saturday at 2:30 pm Fiddlestix is Ontario’s premier Fiddle Rock Show, known for its energetic stage presence and extraordinary musicianship, featuring Steve Bowen. They’re sure to get your feet moving.
The Lightfoot Band ← Saturday at 4:30 pm Enjoy songs by the late, great Gordon Lightfoot, performed by the musicians who recorded many of his memorable hits.
Lighthouse ← Saturday at 6:30 pm A Juno Award winning band formed in 1969 in Toronto, Lighthouse reunited in 1992 and were recently inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and the Canadian Walk of Fame.
Toronto Band – The Legacy ← Saturday at 8:00 pm Led by lead singer Michelle Truman and Drummer Barry Connors, Toronto Band delivers its signature brand of rock classics to Westwood Park.
With thanks from the BIA
The Kerr Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a proactive and action-minded association. The BIA promotes Kerr Village interests, attractions, services, and events to benefit local businesses and the community. In addition to marketing opportunities, the BIA also champions the frontline issues affecting our neighbourhood.
The fourth annual Walk to the Lighthouse for Mental Health and Addictions in support of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is on! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22nd, rain or shine.
What is the cause all about?
The Walk to the Lighthouse is an annual fundraising event that continues to grow each year in size and donations. Every year, people are suffering with Mental Health in silence and not getting the proper treatment they need due to fear of stigma, isolation and judgement.
The walk is an important event that is dedicated to advocating for change and providing improved programs for Mental Health & Addictions in our community.The walk committee is made up of both individuals and families, with real world experience, living with Mental Health issues, all working towards a brighter future to help the next generations.
Where is the walk?
The walk will depart from the Joseph Brant Hospital parking lot directly beside the Joseph Brant Museum and will make its way down the scenic waterfront trail towards the lighthouse and back.
There will be a limited amount of parking passes available to those who register online and paid parking in many nearby lots. The distance to and from the lighthouse is approximately 5 kilometers and should last about 45 minutes to an hour.
Where do my donations go to?
All donations and proceeds will go directly to the MH&A fund at the Joseph Brant Hospital in support of those in need. Last year, the team was fortunate enough to raise over 50,000 dollars and this year, we hope to match and raise that amount!
Help support the cause by joining your local community for an afternoon walk and work towards breaking the stigma against Mental Health and Addictions within our society.
