Montreal vs. New York. Two cities, two styles, one fundamental question: who makes the best bagel? For over a century, our neighbours in the south have claimed ownership of the perfect bagel. But like any good Canadian face-off, we politely disagree – with its distinct sweet tang and unique texture, the homegrown Montreal bagel reigns.
To be fair, this isn’t really an apples-to-apples (or bagel-to-bagel) competition. Montreal and New York-style bagels are vastly different. Can one truly be better than the other? That’s for you to decide.
What’s the difference between New York and Montreal bagels?
More than just the name of their respective cities makes these bagels different. New York and Montreal bagels differ in shape, taste, and cooking method.
Kettle-boiled and baked in a traditional oven, New York bagels have a soft, doughytexture. They’re often thicker than a Montreal bagel with a broader ring and smaller hole.
Montreal bagels, by contrast, are typically smaller and thinner, featuring a larger hole at the centre. Each bagel boils in honey and water – creating its distinctive sweet flavour – before entering the wood-fired oven. The result is a dense golden crunchy crust exterior and a chewy centre.
Where do bagels come from?
While New Yorkers claim the bagel originated on the Lower East Side in Manhattan, bagels trace back to a Jewish tradition in Poland. European immigrants brought the concept of a ring of bread to New York around the 1800s.
The first bagels appeared in Montreal in the early 1900s. New immigrants from Poland and other Eastern European countries brought the bagel to the multicultural city. Credited as being the father of the Montreal bagel, Chaim (Hyman) Seligman sold bagels off a carriage before establishing his bakery on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in 1900.
How to eat ‘em
Regardless of the city, bagels were traditionally eaten on their own. But today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a breakfast bagel without a spread. Modern-day bagel shops offer a wide variety of cream cheese flavours to burst your taste buds. They also make the perfect “any time” sandwich with some meat, cheese, or an egg.
This artisanal bagel shop in South East Oakville handcrafts Montreal-style bagels (and bakes them in a wood-fired oven on-site). OKO delivers a diverse menu of bagel flavours, including cinnamon raisin, rosemary sea salt, and cinnamon sugar. Bagel toppings include a variety of flavoured cream cheeses and a menu of hearty bagel sandwiches. Try the Caprese bagel made with mozzarella, turkey, tomato, basil, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. You’ll never look at a bagel the same again.
This bagel cafe has been Burlington’s favourite breakfast and lunch spot since 1995. Owners Jack and Joseph Champi came to Canada from Lebanon, fleeing the country’s civil war. In their hands was their family’s bagel recipe, handed down by generations. The brothers decided to start a business using that famous recipe, and JC’s was born. JC’s offers a variety of bagel flavours, including cheddar herb, garlic, sourdough, and a wide variety of breakfast and lunch bagels. Be sure to try one of their homemade cream cheese spreads (the pineapple walnut is our fave).
Hand-rolled on-site daily, these New York Style bagels are fresh and full of flavour! Every bagel is made from scratch, with all-natural, quality ingredients. Specializing in premium sandwiches with meat, cheese, fresh veg, or eggs, they’re a great spot to pick up breakfast or lunch. Homemade spreads are also available.
Hockey: it’s the game that unites our country (and pits neighbours against each other over favourite teams). This stick-and-puck game is widely considered our national pastime, from Hockey Night in Canada to ball hockey on the street. Car!
Between Oakville and Burlington, a total of 36 players have made it to the NHL so far. While that may not be your child’s end goal, our local leagues are known to offer incredible skills training. But before we anticipate our region’s next draft picks, let’s start with the basics.
Getting Started
It really begins with one thing, learning how to skate – and learn-to-skate programs are a great way to fast-track your skills. “You want to make sure you have the fundamentals of skating,” says Anthony Miele, former Vice President of Wave Hockey and the Program Development and Marketing Consultant at Burlington Lion’s Optimist Minor Hockey Association (BLOMHA).
Once your little one is comfortable on the ice, you can graduate to a hockey skills program. Children usually hit the ice in full equipment as they learn to handle a stick and pass the puck. Oakville Hockey Academy and Wave Hockey Academy offer introductory programs, while the Oakville Hornets and Burlington Barracudas specifically cater to girls.
Founded in 1996, the Oakville Hornets Girl’s Hockey Association is one of the largest girls-only hockey clubs in the world. Now in their 18th season, they have consistently reached over 1,100 registered players. Their program boasts 34 House League teams from U7 to Senior, plus the Development Stream (DS) in younger divisions. With similar offerings, The Burlington Girls Hockey Club recently announced their “Grow the Game” initiative in addition to their existing Initiation Program for girls aged four to six.
House League (Rec)
For friendly competition and the experience of playing on a team, try House League. This recreational league is low-stress (no tryouts) and designed for fun. Players can even request to be on the same team as their friends. With one practice and one game per week, families find this option relatively easy to fit into a busy schedule – though it does come with a cost: league fees range from $500 – $700 per season.
For more intensity, house leagues offer ‘Select’ – also known as Development Stream (DS) in girls’ hockey. This level of play is for higher-skilled players and requires tryouts.
Rep Hockey
Players with an appetite for more competitive hockey may want to explore rep (short for “representative”) hockey.
Burlington and Oakville have rep hockey teams for boys and girls, with annual tryouts. With more practice, training, games, and tournaments, this competitive level of hockey requires a significant commitment from players (and their families). “Rep hockey becomes time-consuming,” says Miele. It’s at least twice the time commitment of house league and involves traveling to tournaments. But rep comes with a cost (nearly four times that of house league hockey) ranging from $2,000 to $3,800, depending on the player’s skill level and commitment. When deciding whether to pursue rep hockey, Miele says, “You have to be realistic.”
Parents with children enrolled in the sport quickly learn that hockey is far more than athleticism and NHL dreams, regardless of the level played.Many parents say that hockey has allowed their kids to feel more comfortable and confident, and has resulted in great friendships, trust, responsibility, and sportsmanship.
From learn-to-skate to rep, you can’t go wrong with the programs in our community. Check them out:
Summer camp registration creeps up earlier every year. Sometimes the hottest camps are at capacity before the snow has even left the ground. And while planning summer activities months in advance can feel daunting, it can be especially challenging if your child doesn’t enjoy traditional camps.
If your child isn’t interested in making friendship bracelets at art camp or kicking a ball in sports camp, there’s no need to worry! Today, dozens of innovative programs engage children in play and learning. From coding to circus performing, cooking, and even farming, you’re sure to find something for your hard-to-please summer camper in this list.
Imagine a summer camp where your child learns important life skills and brings home a delicious meal. COOKSMART offers a unique opportunity for children as young as five to get into the kitchen as a chef. Offering six camps for ages 5-12, your little one will learn cooking and baking basics while making their snacks and lunch for the day (bonus, no packed lunch required)! Plus, hands-on art, science, and Indigenous activities, outdoor adventures, drama, and more. Your camper will end the session with a report card, so you can help them use their skills in your very own kitchen.
Who says learning takes a break in the summer? Code Ninjas summer camps teach kids to code while building their own video games. Kids gain problem-solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills through their programs. But don’t worry; they’ll have so much fun that they won’t even realize they’re exercising the left side of their brain.
For an epic, adventurous, thrilling, and different summer sport, try one of the many camps through Evolve. With skateboard, scooter, and BMX camps for ages 6-14, your child will hit the pavement while learning important life skills like goal setting, perseverance, and teamwork. Skateboarding through summer – can you think of anything more fabulous?
Who doesn’t enjoy a good Nerf(™) battle? Especially when it’s not in your living room. Zorbit sports is an indoor Nerf(™) battle facility with a unique offering of camps. Children ages 5 to 12 can take on their peers in Zorb, Archery, Nerf, and Dodge Ball. Morning and afternoon camp sessions are available.
A’hoy matey! Spend the summer on board a Tall Ship with Brigs. Kids ages 13+ become active crew members as they live, eat, and sleep onboard the boat. Learn the fundamentals of sailing a Tall Ship while exploring ports and anchoring throughout the Great Lakes. Plus, enjoy swimming, singing, campfires, and so much more!
Aspiring photographers ages 7 to 13 have an incredible opportunity to explore nature through the lens this summer. Campers are encouraged to be visual artists, see the beauty in the details of nature, and learn how to capture it with their cameras while on guided walks and other nature activities.
This summer, children ages 6+ can learn to become circus performers with Zacada. From aerial hoops to trapeze, acrobatics, and tumble track to juggling and hula hoops, kids will develop skills in body awareness, flexibility, and strength, all while having fun.
Andrews Scenic Acres Farm Camp
9365 10 Side Road, Milton
Learn to live the life of a farmer! Kids will experience life on a real working farm during this unique summer camp. In addition to learning how to grow fruits and vegetables, little ones will learn the ins and outs of farm operations, all while exploring Andrew’s 165 acres of land.
After experiencing the darkest winter in 80 years (and something called “thundersnow”), this year’s garden shoots come with an added relief – and science says there’s something to it. Plants and flowers not only make people happy but are proven to improve mood, health, and memory. Thankfully, with our wild and wonky winter behind us, flowers are here to stay (and the beautiful colours they bring with them). While spring blooms are certainly beneficial for our mental health, they’re easy to decorate with too, as long as you know how to care for them properly. From pink peonies to flowering cherry blossom trees and vibrant daffodils, making the perfect arrangement (and keeping it alive) can seem daunting. Whether you’re a botanist or an unintentional plant killer, these tips and tricks from local floral experts will make your thumb a little bit greener.
Creating a floral arrangement is easier than one may think – even if you’re not a DIY expert. It may take a little creativity, but even if you don’t have the creative gene, simply playing with layouts and colours can create something spectacular. Start by gathering flowers in colours that work well together, such as orange and yellows or pinks and purples. You can get creative by mixing textures and shapes, too. Once you have your vase – one suited for the size of your arrangement – you can start assembling.
To extend the life of your flowers, keep these expert recommendations in mind:
Buy flowers that are still closed (this indicates they’re younger).
Clean-cut the stems before placing them in water.
Trim any foliage (you don’t want foliage below the water line)
Ensure all stems are in the water; there’s no need to fill the vase to the top.
Keep your arrangement in a cool spot, away from direct sun.
Change the water every two days.
Remove any dying flowers from the vase.
If you’ve ever received or purchased an arrangement from a florist, you’ve likely seen the little powder packets that come with them. Darla Malcolm-Hauraney from The Garden Girls explains, “This little packet of flower food contains a floral preservative that can help hydrate your fresh flowers and make them last longer. Bacteria growth in the vase commonly kills flowers prematurely, and flower food can prevent this by killing bacteria in the water.”
For those who take cuttings from their garden, Darla’s recipe for homemade flower food does just the trick.
One quart of water
Two tablespoons of sugar
Half a teaspoon of bleach
Nothing beats a fresh bouquet of blooms from your own backyard, and according to Darla, the French peony is one of the most sought-after varieties for the garden. Valerie Jansen from Connon Nurseries agrees: “Peonies are very popular as perennial plants in the garden due to how spectacular and showy their blooms can be. Often mixed in perennial borders, the flowers of many peony varieties are fragrant, fluffy, and great for cut flowers!”
Surprisingly, peonies also have many health benefits. The bright and vibrant petals of peonies are known to boost energy and reduce stress, while their sweet aroma can help improve mood.
If you prefer other flowers, The Garden Girls also suggest looking for a longer-lasting flower to bring indoors. Darla recommends Freesias, Hydrangeas, Hypericum, Eryngium (Sea Holly), Sunflowers, Goldenrod, and Zinnias.
The budding of spring is just around the corner! Create your own bouquet from garden clippings, order an arrangement from a talented local florist, or grab a bouquet from the farmer’s market. Colour is here to stay! (At least until next winter).
There’s nothing better than laughing until your belly aches – and the comics at the Burlington Comedy Festival will make you do just that. A hilarious celebrity line-up of seven comedians will hit five stages over four days, promising a unique experience with every show.
Opening night kicks off on Thursday, April 20th, with three-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee Dave Hemstad at the Pearle Hotel. In addition to his CTV “Comedy Now” special and performances at the Just for Laughs Festival Gala in Montreal, Dave has many acting credits to his name. He starred in the Showcase comedy series “Almost Heroes” and is a regular on CBC’s smash hit The Debaters (and a contributing writer on the CBC series “Still Standing”).
On Friday, April 21st, guests can enjoy dinner and a show at one of two intimate pop-up events featuring Sandra Battaglini, Rob Bebenek, Arthur Simeon, and Zabrina Douglas. Doors open at 7 pm at The Block & Co., followed by an 8:30 pm show at Paradiso. Enjoy your favourite dish and drinks while special guest and celebrity magician Billy Kidd wows. Tickets are limited!
The “big” show hits the stage Saturday and Sunday when Canadian actor, writer, and comedian Jon Dore headlines at The Art Gallery of Burlington. Jon’s television credits include a memorable guest star role on the CBS Emmy Award-winning series, How I Met Your Mother, and a lead role on ABC’s How to Live with Your Parents. Jon has appeared on Conan, Inside Amy Schumer, Hart of Dixie, and his own special on Comedy Central.
Need help deciding which show to attend? Visit Burlingtoncomedy.com/shows to find a clip of each comic. Doors open for all shows at 7 p.m. (except Paradiso, which opens at 8:30), leaving plenty of time to explore Burlington’s beautiful downtown.
The Burlington Comedy Festival has your back for laugh-out-loud, mature content (perfect for a night out with friends or a date night).
For a full list of complete acts and to buy tickets online, please visit: www.burlingtoncomedy.com
I still remember my childhood home – a red brick, closed-concept, four-bedroom in the heart of River Oaks. I was ten when we moved a few neighbourhoods over – but that home, in particular, holds a very special place in my heart. It was our family home. The home where my grandparents would gather for special occasions and where I made some of my earliest (and most cherished) memories. Since then, I’ve lived in a number of homes. There was the frat-house-esq university home, the move-backin- with-my-parents home, the I-think-I-want-to-marry-this-guy rental home, and all the homes that have followed. Including the family home I live in with my very own babies now. My point: home means something different to everyone…because the place you call home varies throughout each stage of your life.
While I’ve been moving homes as I’ve moved through each stage of my life (bringing along the second-hand furniture that comes with it), my parents have been adapting their home life to the changes they’ve experienced, too. From our family home to their current downsized home to what comes next, there has been a home-sweet home that accommodates each stage of life’s journey. But as we’ve learned through my grandparents and now my parents, finding a home accommodating a senior’s needs can be challenging.
Danny Gehchan, the marketing coordinator of V!VA Retirement Communities, says, “While independence and age-in-place can be desirable, delaying your move to a retirement community should be based on a simpler question, will you be happier in your home or a retirement community?” At the root of it, a retirement community is a lifestyle change that can offer resources, opportunities, and social outlets specifically catered to seniors.Aging-in-place can become quickly lonely and overwhelming if you don’t have access to support or the ability (or motivation) to take care of a household. Maintaining a lawn, shoveling snow, and navigating stairs can become increasingly difficult. Retirement communities often offer the best of both worlds.
With larger-than-average suites with full kitchens and full-size appliances, residents of Queens Avenue Retirement Residence in Oakville can cook and entertain in their suite or enjoy a meal with friends in the dining room. Residents can access many essential services without going off-site with an onsite beauty salon, laundry services, and pharmacy. And that’s really the beauty of retirement communities – the cohesive experience of home life, social life, and medical support.
While some retirement communities only provide basic care, others like V!VA, Queens Avenue, and Oakville Estates Retirement Residence (located seconds from Oakville Hospital) offer full-scale support. “As an age-in-place residence, we provide care for IL and AL (independent living and assisted living) right up to palliative level, with a great mix of people ages 70-100+,” says Janette West, executive director of Oakville Estates. With experienced staff supporting memory care and amenities, including an on-site theatre, restaurant, bistro, bar, fitness centre, billiards and games room, chapel, and more, residents will feel comforted with access to various lifestyles and needs.
Touring prospective retirement communities is one of the best ways to get a feel for their atmosphere. But as with any move – especially when downsizing – it can come with mixed emotions. Services are available to help make the transition as smooth as possible, and people like Mary Dilly, owner of Downsizing Solutions, can help you sort through every last spoon, post-it note, and picture (and prepare your home for sale). Mary and her team really take care of everything, from creating a floor plan for your new home to organizing documents and facilitating movein day.
Honouring your needs is one of the most important considerations as you move into this next stage of life. While every senior is motivated for different reasons, there’s no doubt you or your loved one will find a deep appreciation for the lifestyle and hospitality that retirement communities offer.
Oakville Estate s | 3000 Hospital Gate, Oakville, ON | 905-464-0807 | www.allseniorscare.com
An Unwavering Commitment To Exceptional Care
Welcome to Oakville Estates, now under construction on Hospital Gate right beside the new Oakville hospital. Featuring a mix of lifestyle options ranging from independent condo-style to assisted living suites, this luxury community has been created to ensure that residents maintain ongoing quality of life throughout the years.
• Choose from a variety of beautifully designed 1 or 2 bedroom suites, each with a 4-piece bathroom, air conditioning, heating, and a kitchenette. Elegant and comfortable, all suites are equipped with the latest safety features to meet the needs of older adults.
• Take advantage of “age in place” living, with a true continuum of care options, from independent to assistedliving, and secure memory care.
• No shortage of wellness and exercise options, including an indoor pool, an indoor walking track, a fitness and yoga centre, and a billiard and games room.
• With 33 full kitchen suites, you can prepare your own meals in comfort, or visit the onsite restaurant, bistro or bar. All meals are prepared in-house by culinary teams led by Red Seal chefs.
• Make new friends and indulge in memorable experiences and choose from an excellent range of activities to suit all interests.
• There is even an onsite theatre, chapel, hair salon and pet washing station, plus underground parking!
Oakville Estates is operated by All Seniors Care, one of the oldest, most respected and accomplished names in the retirement residence field.
1 Sixteen Mile Drive, Oakville, ON | 289-725-6000 | www.vivalife.ca
V!VA Retirement Communities Wants You To Be Happier Here™
Located on Sixth Line just north of Dundas, and nestled alongside a residential enclave, V!VA Oakville is close to convenient shopping, restaurants and the hospital. The 6-storey retirement community has 151 suites, with studio, 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom + den, and 2 bedroom suites available.
At V!VA Oakville, you are more than just a resident – you belong to a select group with a passion for active living and the finer things in life, such as sophisticated design, premium amenities, healthy dining, and unparalleled service.
• Enjoy 3 meals a day Anytime Dining with meals prepared fresh daily from a Red Seal certified Chef. And there’s no need to eat alone with the friends you are sure to make. Plus, there’s fresh coffee, delicious teas, and snacks in our café throughout the day.
• Participate in daily fitness activities in our gym and saltwater pool to keep you in good physical health. Plus, enjoy yearround golf in our V!VAlinks Golf Simulator.
• Take part in a rich social life with plenty of activities in the Community and fun excursions to interesting events and places.
• There are wellness and medical services in-house with doctors, nursing staff, personal support workers, and regular visits by dentists, chiropodists, and more.
• The safety and security of our Retirement Communities with 24/7 staffing and emergency call buttons means help is seconds away. Having the discussion with elderly parents about the right time to enjoy the benefits of a retirement community should be easier when you simply ask, “Will you be happier here?”.
Spring is just around the corner! Here are some of our favourite local finds
DTWO Clothing
Burlington & Dundas Dress to impress with these black leather mules, complete with a jewel encrusted heel that will let everyone in the room know; you’ve arrived! davidwilliamshoes.com
Pure Boutique
Burlington Whether it’s the beach or brunch, this bag will be your go-to! Pair it with virtually any outfit and get outside this spring! pureboutique.ca
Lana’s
Oakville In spite of a looooong winter, summer is just around the corner. Get sun ready with a stylish sun hat that pairs wellwith any outfit. Find it at Lana’s in Bronte Village. lanasbronte.com
Jus B Gauze
Burlington Look good AND be sun safe. The Aubrey Chic Cheetah top made by Tommy Bahama is moisture wicking and provides up to 30 UPF. jusbgauze.com
Bos & Co.
Burlington Slip these on as soon as the snow is gone! Made in Italy, these easy slip-on sandals have a full cork insole that is both soft and comfortable. Find them at Bos & Co. bosandco.com
My Girlfriend’s Closet
Oakville Periwinkle Coach purses like this one are among the many amazing finds waiting for you at My Girlfriend’s Closet in Bronte Village – follow their Instagram for the latest arrivals! @mygirlfriendsclosetoakville mygirlfriendsclosetoakville.com
Tundra Leather
Hamilton Bridle leather belts that are hand made in Hamilton! Looking for something custom? Head to Tundra Leather, a hidden gem on King Street East. tundraleather.ca
Each February or March, with lined boots and knit mittens, Canadians head to the sugar bush in search of something sweet. Sure, the photo ops are great – but at the heart of these experiences, there’s a harvesting history with Indigenous roots.
The story has it that Chief Woksis of the Iroquois found “the sweet” (syrup) when he threw his tomahawk at a maple tree in the cold of winter. The next day, the sun warmed the sap inside the tree, and syrup sprung from the hole. European settlers began to adopt the practice from Indigenous communities in 1557 and were shown how to harvest the sap, boil it, and turn it into syrup. This sweet staple was the initial form of sugar in North America until sugar cane became available in 1875.
Since then, maple syrup has become a beloved staple on Canadian breakfast tables. It’s also become a significant Canadian export, with 60 million kilograms exported to 50 countries in 2020 (valued at $515 million). Ounce for ounce, maple syrup is worth more than oil in Canada, with Canada supporting 75% of the world’s demand.
As with any product of value, there runs a risk. In 2012, a suspected insider stole 9,571 barrels of maple syrup valued at $18.7 million from the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (FPAQ). “The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist,” as it’s become known, made global headlines, even making it to Netflix in the documentary Dirty Money.
The incident shed light on the value and importance of maple syrup in Canadian culture and our economy. It’s a reminder that even the most unexpected things can hold value.
At this time of year as the winter thaw begins, across many regions, you’ll discover maple syrup festivals of activities and educational opportunities for the whole family. And with additional knowledge of its history and value to our economy, we’re sure you’ll find the experience even more special.
Fresh Ontario maple syrup begins flowing at Bronte Creek Provincial Park on the first Saturday in March when the park’s annual Maple Syrup Festival gets underway. Enjoy a guided tour of Maple Lane, where 1890s costumed interpreters demonstrate how to tap maple trees and make maple syrup and maple sugar. View artifacts in the maple museum or tour the 100-year-old Spruce Lane Farmhouse. Be sure to browse through the maple products and souvenirs available in the Maple Gift Shoppe and pick up a bottle of syrup to take home. Hop on a wagon that will take you to a heated pancake house where you can enjoy fresh, hot pancakes with pure maple syrup and sausages, served up throughout the festival hours.
Another great local option is Maple Town at Mountsberg, hosted by Conservation Halton.
This is the sweetest time of year at Conservation Halton! The Mountsberg sugarbush has been producing maple magic for over 150 years and educating the public for over 40 years. Your 2-hour reservation includes access to Maple Town, gift shops, Pancake House, Farm Animal Barn, Raptor Centre Wildlife Walkway, Natural Playground, and park trails. An optional Guided Tour featuring tree tapping and syrup samples may be added (additional per person fee applies).
Just north of Halton Hills, in the Town of Erin, you’ll find Elliot Tree Farm and their annual Maple Syrup Experience. It’s also worth a visit!
Beginning on Family Day and running through to April 9th, you can immerse yourself in the maple syrup experience at Elliot Tree farm. Enjoy an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast or brunch followed by a maple treat sampling in their tree cellar. Follow up with a walk through the sugar bush, where you can try sap and explore buckets. Tickets are available through their website.
The next time you pour maple syrup over your breakfast, take a moment to appreciate the rich and unique history behind Canada’s liquid gold!
Everyone has something they wish they had more time for in their busy schedule. Time for yourself. Time for your family. Time to give back to your community. Ideally, we all want time to do the things that truly matter. But the more balls we have in the air, the harder it is to find “time” (and when we do find time, it’s usually because something else had to give).
But just like your relationships with yourself and your family, your relationship with your community is deeply personal and important. Togetherness is central to our experience as humans, and that feeling that we are part of something bigger can help give meaning to our lives. Most importantly, it can make a difference in the lives of others.
This is where the Oakville Community Foundation (The Foundation) comes in, offering flexible charitable giving in the Oakville community. The Foundation is a charity and granting organization, and is also a philanthropic solutions provider for donors with all interests and goals, offering donors a personalized use of their donation – now or in the future.
With a local community focus, The Foundation undertakes research in Oakville and Halton, identifying various needs and possible solutions. The relationship with local donors is a true collaboration built on trust. And together, The Foundation and donors work to fund the needs of our community with both resources and support.
The Oakville Community Foundation is truly a charitable umbrella, offering great insight into the diverse needs of our community. Here are some of the many ways The Foundation can help you make a difference:
GIVEOakville
The Foundation has a vast knowledge of other charitable organizations in our community. GIVEOakville, hosted every fall, is an annual giving campaign that allows donors to complete their end-of-year giving in one place. The campaign features over 50 charities and enables the public to crowdfund, with 100% of donations going directly to their charity or charities of choice.
Family Funds
Setting up a Family Fund is a great way to have your own named Foundation without the admin work. The Foundation will help you set up a long-term or short-term fund and guide you toward achieving your charitable goals. Allow your funds to build up over time, or contribute a one-time lump sum – it’s entirely up to you!
Scholarships, Bursaries And Education Awards
Post-secondary school can come with a hefty financial burden. By creating a scholarship, bursary, or education award, you can change the lives of youth in the community. The criteria for the scholarship are always in your hands, and you can decide if the funds are gifted as needed or in a lump sum. From there, The Foundation does the heavy lifting, while you rest assured knowing your generosity has helped a student achieve their dreams.
Memorial Funds
Honouring a loved one through a Memorial Fund offers a beautiful legacy. The Foundation can quickly initiate and manage these funds in the event of a loved one’s passing or to meet one’s wishes. With a dedicated link, Memorial Funds can be shared online and set up to readily accept donations worldwide. You can honour your loved one by dedicating these funds to cherished charitable passions or beloved community organizations. The Foundation handles all of the admin work and disbursement of the funds, so you can focus on what matters most.
Women’s Giving Collective
Tap into the collective giving power of incredible local women with the Women’s Giving Collective. Members learn about prevalent issues in the community while enjoying a like-minded group’s camaraderie, connections, and support. The collective pool of funds makes an impactful difference toward selected causes.
Want to take a next step with your personal relationship with your community? Contact Sarah McPherson, VP of Philanthropy, at sarah@theocf.org to help find what’s right for you.
When it comes to home renovations, natural stone is a popular choice. It doesn’t matter if you’re replacing those old linoleum floors with gorgeous granite tiles or turning your bathroom into a marble palace. Something about natural stone feels timeless, elegant, and like a good investment in your home. There are also some spectacular artificial stone options to expand your options even further. Here’s how to choose which products to use in different parts of your home — no matter what you end up going with, we’re sure it will look amazing.
In The Kitchen
There are a lot of opportunities to add natural or artificial stone products in your kitchen: on the floor, on the counter, in a beautiful backsplash, or even as an accent wall.
Let’s start with flooring — you want to look for something durable and low maintenance (especially if you have kids or pets). However, it’s important to be realistic about what ‘low maintenance’ truly means. “Stone is a natural, porous product,” explains Natasha Altena of Eden Tile-It in Burlington. “No matter the application, stone is going to require some level of maintenance.”
Granite and marble countertops are classic, but they aren’t the only option. An artificial product like quartz may provide a similar look and is incredibly durable. Quartz is scratch-resistant, bacteria-resistant, and difficult to damage, but it’s not heat-proof. It doesn’t require sealing, but it may discolour somewhat over time. Granite requires a bit more maintenance — ideally, you should seal it every year, but it withstands heat well. It’s not as strong as quartz, but it’s still pretty tough and looks great. And what about marble? It has a stunning aesthetic and is great for bakers because it remains cool, but it won’t withstand heat like granite will (meaning, you can place a hot pan on granite but not marble). Marble also stains more easily than other stones because it’s more porous.
You can use just about anything as a backsplash. This might be where you want to splurge on marble if you choose a more costeffective product for your floors and countertops. Altena notes that while marble is one of the softest types of stone, it performs well once sealed. “Marble stands up to the job as a backsplash option — it tends to come in lighter colours and less busy patterning, which seems to be trending still in the industry.”
In The Bathroom
Consider porcelain or ceramic tiles if you want something practical and budget-friendly for your bathroom floor. They come in various colours, patterns, and shapes, and you can choose ones with a higher friction rating to avoid slips. Porcelain tiles are often the same colour through multiple layers, so it’s easier to hide chips if they happen (the same can’t always be said for ceramic tile, however, beautiful they are).
“For a shower, marble tile and slabs are still popular, although porcelain tile and slabs have come a long way,” Altena says. “It would definitely be less maintenance and more affordable to check out what is available in porcelain options for showers over natural stone, as they can look identical after a proper installation.”
Everywhere Else
If you’re looking for stone tiles for your foyer, hallway, fireplace, or another spot in your house, consider the room’s function, the look you’re after, and the budget you’re working with. You may want to go with a natural stone like granite, limestone, travertine, slate or marble. Look at different finish options — honed or polished, for example — and take samples home to see what looks best in the space and lighting you’re working with. There are several stores in Oakville and Burlington with some beautiful options!
