Just as the seasons are changing and the leaves are turning colour, local bakers and baristas are switching up their menus to welcome in those sweet (and spicy!) Fall flavours!
Below, we’ve listed locally-owned bakeries, coffee joints and gelato shops, in Oakville and Burlington, that are serving up the ultimate flavour of the season: Pumpkin Spice.
Dreaming of a Pumpkin Spice Latte? These local coffee shops will serve you up with a #PSL that will have you coming back for more:
…Looking for some fun Fall-inspired activities to enjoy with your friends and family in the Halton region?
Well, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to visit to celebrate the Autumn harvest season and even Halloween! As a bonus, you’ll be supporting local.
Apples, Pumpkins…Itโs Pickinโ Season!
Photo Credit: Chudleighs Farm
Chudleighs Farmย 9528 Regional Road 25, Georgetown, Halton Hills September through October Located in Halton Hills, Chudleighs Farm has been serving the area for more than 50 years and itโs become an annual tradition for people to visit Chudleighs for apple picking and other fun Fall activities at the farm. During harvest season from September through October, guests are invited to pick from 22 varieties of apples across the farmโs 60 acres. Along with apple picking, thereโs lots more to explore, including: scenic tractor wagon rides by the Niagara Escarpment, visits with the farm animals, treks down the farmโs nature trails, and a hay bale playground for both the young and the young at heart! https://www.chudleighs.com/
Andrewโs Scenic Acres 9365 10th Sideroad, Milton With acres upon acres of pumpkins, in every shape, size and colour, youโre sure to find the perfect pumpkin at Andrewโs Scenic Acres! Youโll find jack-o’-lanterns, pie pumpkins, miniature, warty white, green and grey pumpkins. Also, you wonโt want to leave without trying Andrewsโ seasonal pumpkin ice cream and their one-of-a-kind pumpkin wine from their on-site winery! https://www.andrewsscenicacres.com/
Photo Credit: Andrews Scenic Acres
Springridge Farm 7256 Bell School Line, Milton While U-Pick isnโt an option at Springridge this Fall, the farm welcomes anyone to stop by and purchase fresh produce thatโs already been picked and is ready to bring home! Visitors can choose from three options to pick up their farm-fresh produce, including: visiting the Barn Market or the brand-new Front Porch Servery, or ordering online for barnside pick-up! Along with the produce (including apples, pumpkins, gourds, corn), visitors can pick up freshly-baked goods, lunch items, or even find a beautiful collection of locally-made gifts (fashion, jewellery, accessories, home decor) at the loft boutique inside the Barn Market. https://www.springridgefarm.com/
Stonehaven Farms 7388 Guelph Line, Campbellville Stonehavenโs market reopens on September 19 for the Falls season, offering a variety of farm-fresh and gourmet food items, baked goods, and unique gifts made by local artisans. Stonehaven has pre-picked pumpkins for purchase, or visitors are invited to purchase a ticket if theyโd like to pick their own.https://www.stonehavenfarms.com/
Souptogo 573 Parkside Drive, Waterdown This lovely farm in the Village of Waterdown (within the Greater Hamilton Area) welcomes visitors to pick that perfect pumpkin, enjoy family photos with Fall-themed decor, and visit the bakery where they can enjoy homemade treats (scones, breads, pies) and delicious homemade soups that range from Sweet Potato Apple Bacon to Chicken Pot Pie or Ham & Gouda (among a variety of other flavours that change on a daily basis). soup-to-go.ca
Get Lost! (In a Corn Maze)
Photo Credit: Stonehaven Farms
Andrewโs Scenic Acres 9365 10th Sideroad, Milton Along with their large pumpkin patch to get you stocked up for Halloween, you and your family can spend a whole fun-filled afternoon at Andrewโs! Thereโs several hay bale playgrounds for the kids (or young at heart!), a winery and market to pick up some pumpkin wine, produce and farm-fresh baked goods, and a corn maze to explore together (if youโre feeling adventurous!). https://www.andrewsscenicacres.com/
Stonehaven Farms 7388 Guelph Line, Campbellville Stonehaven Farms invites you to get lost in their five-acre Giant Corn Maze and then be challenged to a game found within the maze. The Maze opens early September and runs continuously on weekends and Thanksgiving Monday for all visitors until the end of October. Weekday and Nightly adventures by flashlight (bring your own) are also available by pre-booking only, with a minimum charge applied for groups less than 20 people. Strollers/wagons are not recommended, and proper footwear is advised within the maze. For those seeking a full afternoonโs worth of fun, they can book the โFall Fun All Inclusive Packageโ, which includes the maze, along with unlimited wagon rides and the โStrawhavenโ Straw Bale area. https://www.stonehavenfarms.com/
Photo Credit: Stonehaven Farms
Boo! Have some Spooktacular Fun
Pumpkins After Dark: Drive-Thru Event Country Heritage Park 8560 Tremaine Rd, Milton September 18 to November 1 (Thursdays to Sundays starting after dark) After selling out last year and receiving great reviews, Pumpkins After Dark is returning this Fall but will now take place as a drive-thru event! Fun with your family, friends or even alone, visitors will enjoy a 1.5 hour spooktacular drive through a 2.5 km loop in Miltonโs Country Heritage Park, lit up on either side by over 150 one-of-kind pumpkin sculptures. Visitors will also have the option to tune into the local radio station for a complete guided audio tour as they cruise along and marvel at the uniquely carved jack-o-lanterns. Tickets must be pre-purchased online, with a timed entry. https://pumpkinsafterdark.com/
Photo Credit: Pumpkins After Dark
The Great Pumpkin Trail 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington Friday October 23 and Saturday October 24 Itโs a magical evening on the Pumpkin Trail! Follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns guiding your way through Hendrie Park, and along the South Bridle Trail. Encounter roaming entertainment and other special guests who are ready to share some cool facts about bats, spiders, and of course PUMPKINS! Donโt miss the unique opportunity to take part in this family-friendly event celebrating the fall season. Donโt forget your costume! https://www.rbg.ca/events/the-great-pumpkin-trail/?on=2020-10-23
Trick or โฆ. Trivia? Halloween Edition Online, via the Royal Botanical Gardens Wednesday October 28 The things that go bump in the night and make your hair stand on end are coming for you this October with RBG Virtual Trivia! Delve into the world of monsters, ghosts, creepy crawlies and freaky science as we explore all things Halloween! Be sure to join the RBG Team on Wednesday October 28 for a ghoulish good time! Questions will be presented through Zoom by the trivia host(s) and participants can enter their answers on Kahoot! through their mobile device. Pre-Registration is required to participate. https://www.rbg.ca/events/virtual-trivia-night/?on=2020-09-23
Walk down any beer aisle at the LCBO or your grocery store, and youโll find an assortment of carefully crafted, small-batch local beer. Infused with seasonal flavours and influenced by local ingredients, craft beer has been gaining in popularity since the boom of the microbrewery in the 1990s.
While Canada has a longstanding history in the beer industry, we also have a โspiritedโ past dating back nearly 250 years. Legend has it that a fellow named James Grant started making rum in the first legal distillery in Quebec City. Over centuries, Canada has forged a reputation for its high-quality whisky and inspired a growing scene of craft distilleries, which produce everything from tequila and gin to vodka, rum, and, of course, whisky.
On the rocks? Neat? Sitting with a cigar in a wingback chair? With craft distilleries popping up right in our own backyard, itโs easy to sip your way through the GTHA.
A fixture in Grimsby since 1992, Forty Creek Whisky has been instrumental in ushering what would eventually become the craft spirits movement. Founded by John K. Hall, a winemaker with over four decades of experience in the industry, Forty Creek has largely been responsible for putting Canadian whisky back on the map.
Their flagship whisky, Barrel Select, is a blend of rye, corn, and barley. Warm gold in colour, it offers complex aromas and flavours of apricots, caramel, spice, vanilla, ginger, and toasted oak, ending in a long smooth finish.
Coming this fall are two limited-edition whiskies, along with Forty Creekโs 14th annual Whisky Weekend โ although, this yearsโ event will be a virtual celebration.
Founded by in-law duo Geoff Dillon and Gary Huggins, Dillonโs broke into the spirit industry with one goal: to create new spirits from old ideas and to make them with unparalleled quality, handcrafted, one small batch at a time.
Distilled the traditional way โ using a copper pot โ Dillonโs gin, rye, vodka, and bitters has impressed palates across North America. Using only local Niagara botanicals, and the freshest produce, flavours of their spirits vary according to whatโs in season. For example, strawberries sourced in Jordan, Ontario are distilled to create their strawberry gin. This fruity spirit, perfect for cocktails, brings summer to life any time of year. They also have a cherry gin, rose gin, black walnut amaro, absinthe, peach schnapps, vodka, and rye.
An active player in the craft beer scene since 2013, Collective Arts fuses the creativity of craft beer with the inspired talents of emerging artists and musicians. With a successful and diverse beer line-up established, Collective Arts expanded their mixology in 2019 with their flagship Artisanal Dry Gin. Crafted in small batches with juniper berries and their unique, house-made botanical blend, the artisanal gin offers flavours and aromas of fresh lemon, lime, and orange peel.
As of August 2020, Collective Arts has three varieties of gin โ Artisanal Dry, Rhubarb and Hibiscus, and their current seasonal blend: Plum and Blackthorn. They also launched a new line of canned Sparkling Gin Cocktails in April 2020 and a line of Sparkling Hard Teas (mango and pineapple, peach and orange, and blueberry and elderberry). All spirits feature their signature creative arts and are available through delivery or pickup at the brewery โ although, many of their products are available at the LCBO.
Open for business in February 2020, SilverFox Distillery is just breaking ground in the craft spirit industry. Mark Townsend, the master distiller for SilverFox, has been busy renovating a 3,100 square ft. facility since January 2019. With COVID restrictions in phase 3, Mark is ready to share his craft. Their signature multiple grain FoxShine White Lightning is made in a traditional Canadian fashion. Corn, oats, and wheat all harmonize to make this 100-proof spirit. For this Fall, try their Apple Pie Moonshine, featuring a blend of mulling spices to create an ole time experience.
Thereโs 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. Weโve pulled together a list within an hourโs drive โ pack some car snacks and hit the road!
Ripleyโs Aquarium of Canada (Toronto)
Ripleyaquariums.com/canada Practice your best fishy face! In the heart of downtown Toronto is Ripleyโs 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 Ripleyโs 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 atย iFLY Toronto. Enjoy indoor skydiving in a safe environment. Fly solo, with a group, or with your family and friends. Visit iFly Torontoโs 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 museumโs 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 Queenโs 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 โบ 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 โsenseโational camp for kids to explore their five senses through a variety of activities, alongside a special exhibit running from February 1 to May 10, โGiants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creaturesโ. 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 Burlingtonโs trails and gardens while their extensive programming offers seasonal education and camps. Over March Break, visit the winter exhibit: โWildlife Rescueโ 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 Cambridgeโs 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 Cafรฉ, perfect for a lunch stop without leaving the beauty of the facility. The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is located at 2500 Kossuth Road,Cambridge
Days of Wine & Chocolatestarts on Friday, January 31st . Yes, thatโs 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 โ 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 groupโs 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
Thereโs nothing better than laughing until your belly aches โ 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 Emmaโs 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 Channelโs 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 Emmaโs 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
When planning a night out, whether for date-night or some friendly fun, there is plenty to do without hopping on a train and heading to downtown Toronto. With a variety of karaoke bars, restaurants with delicious food and drink and more, Oakville and Burlington have a bustling nightlife waiting to be discovered. Here are just a few ideas:
Friends Night Out
Joe Dogโs Gasbar Grill
Both sports bar and lounge, Joe Dogโs is Burlingtonโs party hot-spot. With a new Underdog Rec Room (ages 21+) featuring arcade games, DJ, and cheap-drinks, itโs no wonder this is a popular destination for friends to drink, eat, and boogie. Their wacky weekday menu features drink specials, such as $4.43 domestic bottles and $12.99 wraps. Not to mention their tasty Taco Tuesday. If youโre looking to let loose, eat great grub, and dance your heart out to everything from old-school hip hop and classic tunes โ Joe Dogโs is your spot. 531 Brant Street, Burlington Joedogs.com
Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill, Burlington
Beertown Public House
With a new location in Oakville and an already popular location in Burlington, Beertown Public House serves up locally brewed ales, many of which are brewed in Waterloo, Cambridge, and London, as well as brews from Burlingtonโs own Nickel Brook Brewing. Despite its beer-themed name, Beertown offers signature cocktails and wine in addition to their lengthy beer, lager and cider menu. 271 Cornwall Road, Oakville 2050 Appleby Line, Burlington Beertown.ca
Beertown Public House, Oakville
Chop and Wop Ristorante
New to Burlington with its fusion of Italian and Portuguese culture is Chop and Wop Ristorante. A unique fine dining restaurant, Chop and Wop’s focus is on providing a quality dining experience with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Browse through the menu of delicious Italian and Portuguese cuisines, wine, cocktails, desserts, and after-dinner drinks for an unforgettable night out. 4045 Harvester Road, Burlington Chopandwop.com
Karaoke
Moonshine Cafรฉ
In the up-and-coming food district of Oakville, the Moonshine Cafรฉ on Kerr Street delivers great food to enjoy while singing along to the nightly live entertainment. With Monday night jam sessions, kids open mic nights, improv comedy theatre, open stage and more, thereโs always a good time to be had. 137 Kerr Street, Oakville Moonshinecafe.com
West End Social
At Oakvilleโs West End Social, thereโs no shortage of fun. In addition to their delicious food and drink menu, West End Social also hosts a variety of events throughout the week including Rhythm and Relaxation Wednesday, Throwback Thursdays Karaoke, Live Band Sundays, and more. Sit back and enjoy a drink from the craft brew and cider menu, wine list and the always evolving cocktail menu while enjoying some evening entertainment. 2432 Lakeshore Road West, Bronte Village Westendsocial.ca
West End Social
Fun
Honey West
In the heart of downtown Burlington, enjoy seasonal menus, weekly specials and live entertainment at Honey West. Enjoy half-priced select bottles of wine on Tuesdays, half-priced appetizers on Wednesdays, $15 pizzas on Thursdays, $5 Honey West cocktails on Sundays, and live entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday nights, and during the day on Sundays. Sample the delicious food and enjoy some live music just one block from Burlingtonโs waterfront. 399 Elizabeth Street, Burlington Honeywest.ca
Honey West
The Dickens
Now under new ownership, The Dickens has a revamped menu and endless social fun. FYI, if you havenโt tried their โBest of Times, Worst of Times Poutine,โ youโre seriously missing out. Test your talents with their Tuesday Open Mic Night, or belt out your best rendition of Your Heart Will Go On with some Karaoke. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday feature live bands, drink specials โ Jager Sundays whhhhaaat. 423 Elizabeth Street, Burlington Thedickens.ca
Carrigan Arms
If you walk into the Carrigan Arms any day throughout the week, the pub will be filled with live music, dancing, karaoke, trivia nights, and more. The Burlington bar boasts local talent with their live music and encourages nothing but fun for everyone with its neverending entertainment. Wind down after a busy Monday with trivia night or start the weekend relaxing to music from the Acoustic Duo every Friday. 2025 Upper Middle Road, Burlington Carriganarms.ca
Every winter, our streets transform. The familiar and fresh sights of autumn days are exchanged with twinkling lights, natural greens, and a little bit of holiday magic. Bronte Village is no exception. With their iconic Christmas tree and jolly decorations, this little lakeside village in south-west Oakville transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland.
In addition to Bronteโs beautiful windows and classic decorations, the Business Improvement Area has something special up their sleeves this year with hopes to encourage local shopping – because #whereyoushopmatters.
Bronte will feature a number of Instagram-worthy selfie spots on Lakeshore Road just east of Jones Street, including a 20ft. by 8ft. festive backdrop providing a place for visitors to take photos, but more importantly, it will provide a space to write Christmas wishes:ย wishes for peace, and wishes for family. Visit Bronteโs magical Hallmark card-setting at the Gazebo and Christmas tree in Bronte Heritage Park, a place to meet for warm hugs, a smooch or two and who knows, maybe even a Christmas proposal.
This holiday season, experience the magic of beautiful Bronte. Spend the day perusing local shops and discover award-winning restaurants. Bronte is so much more than its waterfront and charm – it’s the people behind the small businesses. They are the heart that helps you source the perfect gift as unique as the person on your list.
Supporting local shops not only supports the local economy, it supports the community, and every time you purchase something from a small independent business owner, a real person does a happy dance.ย
Joanna Smithโs son, Owen, began playing baseball at the age of 11 through a program called Challenger Sports. Unlike most recreational sports teams, Challenger Sports is a program designed for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This was more than just playing baseball โ it was an opportunity for Owen to learn important life skills.
For some children on the spectrum, like Owen, participating in an organized sport can be a challenge. โOwen couldnโt play on a team regularly because he struggles with losing. He struggles if he doesnโt hit the ball on his first pitch or doesnโt get a goal. Itโs difficult for him to control his emotions in a typical way. He can, however, play in a gym class with his typical peers,โ says Joanna.
Children and adults living with ASD struggle with social and communication skills. Sometimes speech andsensory responses also requiremore support. However, because the condition is a spectrum, an individualโs strengths and challenges may vary within the diagnosis.
Alex Fawcett-Drummond, a board-certified behaviour analyst in Oakville, says including children with ASD in an organized sport has many benefits. โLearning to navigate social situations without someone doing it for them can help children build independence and work on problem-solvingโ, says Fawcett-Drummond. “It even provides the opportunity for a child to ask an adult or peer for support, or even be the one to approach a peer and start an intersectionโ, she adds.
At the Oakville Soccer Club, inclusion is the foundation of their Breaking Barriers program, launched in the Fall of 2015. Developed for children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, Breaking Barriers was designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of physical literacy and the sport of soccer in a safe and inclusive space.
Fawcett-Drummond says, โFor kids with ASD, participating in integration provides them with learning opportunities and exposure to situations they wouldnโt otherwise have to work on social and communication skills โ in addition to whatever the activity itself targets, whether itโs soccer or pottery.โ She adds, โHaving a peer group to model social and communication skills is invaluable to kids on the spectrum.โ
Lillian Smith, whose son went through the Breaking Barriers program, says itโs incredible to see the coaches get in tune with the children and work with them one-on-one.
Director of Marketing and Communications at Oakville Soccer Club, Katryna Indewey, says this type of program is imperative in our community and wouldnโt be possible without support from the Oakville Soccer Club and its sponsors who contribute to the overall budget.
Now in its fourth year of supporting the community, the Breaking Barriers program has seen over 400 registrations and 500 volunteers participate.
While Fall registration is closed, winter registration is opening soon and will be available to players ages 4 to 16.
This program takes place on the indoor fields of the Pine Glen Soccer Centre, which is a 100,000 square foot indoor soccer facility.
For parents like Joanna and her son Owen, organized sport through programs like Breaking Barriers and Challenger Sports has provided not only freedom from ASD but some peace of mind. In learning critical skills, children and their parents feel empowered, determined, and resilient while also increasing their network of support with other families and coaches
Fishing has been a love of mine for as long as I can remember. My first experience was at a local pond in Sheffield with my grandfather, where we spent the day fishing with some string and bread-dough bait. Without a single nibble, I was hooked nonetheless. Over the years, Iโve fished a wide variety of methods but come to appreciate the nature of fly-fishing best. With the perfect cast, you can almost sense a strike before it happens.
Historically both Sixteen Mile and Bronte Creek were important fishing and hunting grounds for the Mississaugas and their predecessors. When Europeans settled the area, they continued to fish the creeks for both sustenance and sport. At the Oakville Museum, there are records, photographs, and accounts of fishing parties on the Sixteen. The Museum even holds a photograph of Oakville’s Dr. George Brock Chisholm, (the first Director-General of the World Health Organization), holding what appears to be a fly rod and Sunfish. The odd time Iโm able to wander to the creek, fly rod in hand, I feel Iโm participating in a long tradition.
If you’re new to fly fishing, the jargon may seem daunting – but the main difference between fly fishing and other kinds of fishing is the weight of the line used to cast the lure. To start, youโll need a decent light rod, a small reel, fly line, and leader, as well as a basic selection of flies.
The flies themselves have some pretty unique and catchy names, including Royal Wulff, Adams, Gold-Ribbed Hareโs Ear, Pheasant Tail Nymph, and Woolly Bugger. The Woolly Bugger is my go-to and personal favourite.
When itโs time to hit the water, learning to cast a fly line is the biggest hurdle for most beginners. Grindstone Angling in Waterdown has a full-service fly shop, fishing guide services, fly fishing school, and fly-tying classes. For beginners or even those who want to learn more about fishing in the area, Grindstone is a great place to start.
Surprising to some, Oakville, Burlington and surrounding areas are great fishing destinations. Many nearby lakes have good populations of Sunfish (along with Pumpkin Seed, Rock Bass, Perch) and you can find them through the summer in the deeper pools of the local creeks. Lions Valley Park and other public access points along Sixteen Mile Creek in Oakville are good places to go prospecting. Conservation Halton allows fishing in Kelso, Mountsberg, and Hilton Falls. You can also try the upper reaches of Bronte Creek for pitching dry flies to Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
Casting, hooking, retrieving and landing fish all become more natural with practice and the skills built catching smaller fish like the Sunfish can be transferred to fishing bigger quarry later.
When you are ready for larger game, consider the spring Steelhead run and fall Salmon run. Head to either Sixteen Mile Creek or Bronte Creek during October and November, when a few days of rain have caused the rivers to rise. Luckily, techniques, gear, and flies for Steelhead and Salmon are similar. However, you will need to upgrade to at least an eight-weight rod, reel, and line. You should also invest in a comfortable set of chest waders and a landing net.
Fly fishing has a reputation for being exclusive and mysterious, but itโs often the best way to catch fish and a way that allows a closer connection to the water. Letโs dispel the mystery.
by Julian Kingston
Our thanks to Julian Kingston, who is the Museum Supervisor at the Oakville Museum, and a passionate fly fisherman.
