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A Super Summer: Unique Summer Camps For Every Kid

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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.

CookSmart

Oakville and Missisauga
Cooksmart.ca

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.

Code Ninjas

3410 Mainway ActivityPlex, Burlington 
Codeninjas.com

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. 

Evolve Skateboarding and Scooter Camp

Norton Skatepark, Burlington
Evolvecamps.com

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? 

Zorbit Sports Camp

3410 Mainway ActivityPlex, Burlington
Zorbitsports.com

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.

Brigs Youth Sail Training

Hamilton 
Brigs.ca

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!  

Focus on Nature Photography Camp

Locations in Oakville, Guelph and Hamilton 
Focusonnature.ca

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.

Zacada Circus School Summer Camp

687 Barton Street #101, Stoney Creek
Zacadacircus.com

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.  

by Lisa Evans

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Spring Bloom: Making The Most Of Fresh Florals

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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). 

Happy Spring!  

by Nicole Lischer

Local Links

The Garden Girls, Halton
Thegardengirls.ca

Campbell & Co. Home, Burlington
Campbellcohome.com

Centro Garden, Burlington
Centrogarden.com

Connon Nurseries, Waterdown
Connon.ca

Fiori, Oakville
Fiorioakville.com

Brant Florist, Burlington
Brantflorist.com

Bulow Garden Centre, Oakville
@bulowgardencentreoakville

Foli, Burlington
Foli.ca

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Have A Laugh At The Burlington Comedy Festival

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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

By Anneliese Lawton

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Shop Local: Spring Fashion

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…

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 well  with 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

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The Sweet History Of Canadian Maple Syrup

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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.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
Ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek

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.

Maple Town Mountsberg

2259 Milborough Town Line, Campbellville
conservationhalton.ca

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!

Weekend Maple Syrup Experience Elliot Tree Farm

9467 East Garafraxa Erin Townline, Hillsburgh
elliottreefarm.ca

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!

by Nicole Lischer

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Impactful Giving: Unique Charitable Opportunities With Oakville Community Foundation

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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.

By Anneliese Lawton

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A Cut Above: How To Choose Stone For Every Room In Your House

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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!

by Erin Pepler

Local Links

Eden Tile-It, Burlington
tileit.ca

Tile Giant, Burlington
tilegiantcanada.com

The Flooring Gallery, Burlington
eurostandardinc.com

Deco Tile, Oakville
decotile.com

Speers Flooring, Oakville
speersflooring.com

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The Secret Ingredient Is Cinnamon

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If you’ve been looking for that “secret ingredient” in a recipe handed down by previous generations – try cinnamon. It’s the one spice you’re likely to find in everyone’s pantry and a key ingredient used in dishes worldwide. From desserts to savoury dishes (even ones with meat), it’s hard to find another spice with this type of versatility… and one with such a unique history.

Once considered more valuable than gold, cinnamon was a highly valued spice in ancient trade. Ancient Egyptians were the first to use cinnamon in cooking but also viewed it as a prestigious gift for pharaohs and used the spice during embalming rituals.

Sourced from the Cinnamomum tree (a variety of evergreen), native to Sri Lanka and south India, cinnamon is most often used these days in cooking and baking. The world’s insatiable demand for cinnamon has resulted in different varieties of the spice being grown in countries including Myanmar, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and some countries in the West Indies and South America. Workers score and peel the outer bark of the trees with a few simple tools during harvest. Large pieces of bark are peeled, dried, and ground into powder, while smaller twigs and shoots dry into familiar curled sticks.

There’s no doubt this spice packs a powerful punch. Sprinkling it in desserts, seasonal drinks, and even main dishes, our culinary community uses it well. We’ve rolled our way through Oakville and Burlington to discover some of the best cinnamon-inspired dishes – check them out:

Cinnaholic

259 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
cinnaholic.com

All hail the cinnamon roll. With over 20 flavours of frosting and a variety of toppings, Cinnaholic delivers the optimal cinnamon experience. Design your own roll, or choose from Cinnaholic’s suggested combinations – like the S’mores Cookie Roll, with gooey chocolate chip cookie rolled in graham cracker crumbs and topped with marshmallow, or the Candied Almond Roll, topped with marshmallows, pretzels, and homemade candied almonds.

Cobbs Bakery

Multiple Locations In Burlington And Oakville
cobbsbread.com

Cinnamon is the star in two of Cobbs’ best-selling baked goods. Their Cinnamon Scone is filled with generous cinnamon flakes and topped with cinnamon sugar; warmed up, it’s a great treat with your morning coffee. And their Classic Cinnamon Bun is a must-have with your Sunday breakfast. Unwind the spirals of sticky dough to reveal an ooey gooey cinnamon sugar-glazed centre!

Kelly’s Bake Shoppe

401 Brant Street, Burlington
kellysxo.com

Plant-based and dusted with cinnamon, Kelly’s Bake Shoppe makes a must-try old-fashioned snickerdoodle cookie. Their Morning Glory Muffin with sweet potato, carrots, cranberries, and a cinnamon cream cheese filling also makes a great morning treat.

Pur & Simple

1940 Appleby Line Unit 22, Burlington & 350 Dundas Street East, Oakville
pursimple.com

Another cinnamon twist on a breakfast classic! Pur & Simple’s Carole’s Cinna- Cakes are cinnamon swirl pancakes topped with icing glaze, caramel, and whipped cream. Pair with a mimosa or freshly brewed coffee for breakfast or brunch.

Coop Wicked Chicken

370 Brant Street, Burlington
thecoopwickedchicken.com

While famous for its fried chicken, The Coop has cinnamon all figured out – and their Cinnamon funnel cake isn’t exactly what it seems. Consisting of fries topped with cinnamon sugar and accompanied by vanilla ice cream, have it for lunch or dessert – all of the components are there.

Oko Bagels

499 Cornwall Road, Oakville
okobagels.com

Oakville’s hot spot for Montreal-style wood-fired bagels handcrafts a perfect cinnamon sugar bagel. Pair with a wide selection of flavoured cream cheese (Canadian Maple makes a good match) or other toppings like Nutella or peanut butter.

Duck Donuts

5010 Pinedale Avenue Unit 1001a, Burlington
duckdonuts.com

Cinnamon bun or donut? You don’t have to choose! Burlington’s newest donut establishment, Duck Donuts, serves a Cinnamon Bun Donut made with cinnamon sugar and vanilla icing. The best part: it’s made fresh on-site, just for you. 

Cinnamon… it really is everywhere. Inspired by her Nonna, our editor mixes a little into her ricotta cheese when she makes lasagna or ravioli. It’s a basic ingredient in a traditional Greek moussaka. And for me, I sprinkle a light dusting on top of my coffee grounds. My guests always ask, “What do you put in your coffee?”.

My secret ingredient? Cinnamon. How do you use cinnamon? Why not share your recipes with us on Instagram @looklocal.ca ?

by Lisa Evans

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Shop Local: Thoughtfully Curated Products For Home And Body

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Eco-friendly” products aren’t only beneficial for the environment; they have other benefits, too! Shop thoughtfully formulated products from local boutiques that carry ethical fashion, socially responsible goods, sustainable products, give-back brands, fair trade clothing, and more.

Ten and Co.

The Ten and Co. Swedish Sponge Cloth is the ultimate eco-friendly kitchen accessory. Depending on your use, your sponge cloth can last anywhere from 6-12 months and replace up to 40+ rolls of paper towel.

414 Speers Rd, Oakville,
437-247-1222
tenandco.ca

Refillery Market

This Canadian-made lemongrass-scented all-purpose cleaner does the dirty work for you with nothing but clean ingredients. Safe for your family, eco-friendly, and available in refillable bottles.

Waterdown
905-580-7832
refillerymarket.ca

Maison Apothecare & Lemon Aide

Soothe your baby’s delicate skin with this naturally blended lotion made with skin-soothing organic lavender essential oil as well as calendula and chamomile. Gently massage your baby’s skin for hydration and relaxation.

1173 North Service Rd W Unit D3, Oakville
(888) 232-9468
maisonapothecare.ca

A Greener Place

Express your own unique beauty with these vegan and cruelty-free LipColour Pencils. The Elate LipColour Pencil is made with low environmental emissions and COSMO CERT ingredients for a positive impact on the planet – with YOU in mind. Available in a range of colours.

331 Dundas St E Unit 2, Waterdown
289-895-7429
agreenerplace.ca

Rustic Daisy’s

Soothe and protect your baby’s tiny bum. The healing power of Calendula makes this Butt Balm a must-have in the diaper bag, and it’s cloth diaper friendly!

25 Main St S, Waterdown
289-260-7414
rusticdaisys.wordpress.com

Bos & Co.

Ground yourself in nature with Style Care (seen here in vibrant Orchid Rose). Their S Café technology combines an energy-saving process to transform used coffee grounds and recycled plastic bottles into yarn. The sole is a natural “cork” born off a tree and is retrieved every nine years without the tree even being cut down.

3300 Fairview St, Burlington
905-639-2016
bosandco.com

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A Frozen Era: Cootes Paradise Has An Icy History

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Kitty-corner to the bustling hub of McMaster University and Children’s Hospital, you’ll find 600 acres of preserved paradise. Birdwatchers flock to the boardwalk that meanders through the marshland, but back in the early 19th Century, hunters frequented the spot for its hearty waterfowl population. Captain Thomas Coote, a British naval officer, was one of those hunters. He spent many days pursuing the land for fowl in the 1780s. Rich in history and named in Captain Coote’s honour, “Cootes Paradise” is a crucial wildlife habitat and the only remaining wetland in western Lake Ontario. But there were other uses for this popular spot. Because of its sheltered location, accessibility, and tendency to freeze at a suitable depth, it was an ideal spot to harvest ice. Before the development of refrigeration, ice harvesting was an important activity for many communities across Ontario. It provided a much-needed income source and helped sustain local economies. The practice continued until well into the 20th century when artificial cold storage methods became more widespread.

Natural ice was used domestically to preserve food, and was also an essential element of commerce throughout the 19th and early 20th Centuries, with many industries relying on it for refrigeration. Breweries utilized extensive quantities to cool their wort before the advent of artificial means. Railway shipping used such a considerable volume that the Canadian National Railway maintained its own ice operation on Lake Simcoe, with steamboats packed full of natural ice to keep goods fresh while enroute.

The harvesting process involved cutting large chunks of ice, called “cakes,” up to twenty inches thick, with longhandled saws and loading them onto sleds pulled by horses or oxen. The harvested blocks were then transported off the lake, packed in straw and sawdust, and stored in icehouses until sold off in the summer months. The practice was an arduous job that required a great deal of skill, effort, and perseverance. Drowning and hypothermia were a dangerous and very real possibility, as workers and animals risked falling through the ice.

For many years, ice harvesting from Cootes Paradise and the adjoining Burlington Bay, known now as Hamilton Harbour, was a significant source of employment for the local community and provided ice to many cities around Lake Ontario. At its peak in the early twentieth century, over 600 workers were employed in the trade, cutting ice daily while the conditions were favourable. Over 60,000 tons of ice were cut in a typical winter season.

Many ice harvesters were farmers, and there are strong parallels in the language and equipment used in the process. Ice blocks were referred to as “the winter crop” and cut with a specialized “ice plough”using the same draft animals used to work the land. An example of overlap between farming and ice harvesting was the Raspberry family, whose 1864 farmhouse still stands on the north side of the marsh. The Raspberrys had a dairy farm and operated an ice-cutting business in the winter. In her journal, then-teenage Elva Raspberry tells us how in the winter of 1912, one of her brothers bought his own ice cutter to help with the family business.

Today, Cootes Paradise is a protected area – and while ice harvesting in the marsh is a thing of the past, this picturesque and naturalized gem is a popular spot for leisure activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Cootes Paradise is owned and managed by the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), which plays an integral role in conserving and protecting these precious wetlands for generations to come. The Raspberry Farm is now the RGB Arboretum.

Ice harvesting is still occasionally practiced in Canada, serving as an important touchpoint with history and our continued dependence on the natural world. As we work towards a more sustainable future, it helps to remember our roots and the traditions that sustained us in the past.

by Julian Kingston

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