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A Taste of Burlington: February 18 to March 21

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Tourism Burlington is proud to announce that Taste of Burlington; presented by PV&V Insurance, is returning this winter as a Take Out program. Participating restaurants will be offering unique specials and promotions, all ready for you to take out and enjoy at home.

With 55 participating eateries and restaurants, you can guarantee you’ll be well-fed from February 18-March 21. For the prix-fixe lovers, some restaurants are still offering prix-fixe menus, but others will also have frozen options, soup bundles, family breakfast, date nights, make at home meal kits and more!

In order to make it easier to view menus, enter to win prizes and receive returning offers from restaurants, Taste of Burlington is once again using a free mobile passport that patrons can sign up for on the Taste of Burlington website. There’s no app to download, it’s a web-based program and you just sign up. When you use the passport to check in at restaurants you are entered to win weekly gift card giveaways as well as the grand prize draw of a $500 gift card to the Taste restaurant of your choice.

Taste of Burlington meals will not be available through 3rd party delivery services as we are making every effort to support our local restaurants. All specials and promotions can be ordered directly from the restaurant and picked up from them. Check in on the passport when picking up at the restaurant for your chance to win!

Kelly Harris, Marketing Specialist at Tourism Burlington and Coordinator of the Taste of Burlington program shares her excitement about the winter program: “It’s great to see so many businesses participating in the winter program, making it our biggest program to date. There is no doubt that the restaurants have been hit hard and still have a long road to recovery. This new format has allowed the restaurants to offer what they want and in doing so, diners are going to get to enjoy a great variety of culinary delights. We encourage everyone to #TakeOuttoHelpOut as often as they can.”

Taste of Burlington started with just 12 restaurants in 2008 and has steadily grown since. Burlington has been established as a dining destination in the GTA with the variety and uniqueness of a large city combined with the accessibility and service of a small town.

Burlington has something to offer every taste from casual fine dining and intimate bistros to pubs, fast food and specialty shops. The Taste of Burlington program encourages diners to try something new at one of our many dining establishments.

A full list of participating businesses can be found at https://tasteofburlington.ca/take-out-program/

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Digital Main Street Lab partners with Look Local

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LookLocal.ca, a multi-vendor marketplace (founded by the team behind Look Local Magazine) that makes it easy for consumers to shop their favourite small businesses all in one place, has been selected as a participant in the Digital Main Street Lab program.

Digital Main Street, supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as well as the Government of Ontario and administered across the Southwestern part of the province by Communitech, will provide funding and resources to Look Local as they develop a user-friendly, online marketplace where customers can support multiple local retailers and makers on one platform.

“It’s never been more important to support small businesses and spend our dollars locally. Our goal with Look Local is to make shopping local as easy as shopping on Amazon or Etsy, showcasing all the products available nearby,” said Jonathon Root, Co-Founder of Look Local. “We couldn’t be more excited to have DMS Labs partner with us on this pilot and help us put the pieces in place to scale this concept across Ontario.”

In their work with Look Local, the Digital Main Street team will focus on ensuring that the pilot unites small businesses to improve their online presence. Much like a trip to Main Street, visitors to Look Local can browse and add items to their cart from multiple shops but enjoy the convenience of only one checkout at the end of their visit. The company will add new retailers and products to the site on a weekly basis.  On the site, customers are able to search by both community and product category.

“The Digital Main Street Lab connects technology companies with locally-owned businesses to collaborate on innovations that lead to impactful digital transformation,” said Ahmed ElBedawy, Communitech’s Digital Main Street program director. “Look Local shares in our belief that main street businesses are the heart of communities across Southwestern Ontario and we are honoured to support them as they work to develop support for these businesses to compete with big box retailers online.”

“COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our main street businesses and local economies,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Shopping local is a great way to support our communities and our government is proud to work with great partners such as Communitech and LookLocal.ca that are helping local businesses move online and adapt in today’s changing economy.”

At the core of this project, the Digital Main Street Lab is focused on bringing immediate and lasting improvements to neighbourhood businesses across Ontario, enabling them to not only survive, but thrive in today’s rapidly changing landscape. By launching in local communities, tech companies will gain access to real-time feedback from small businesses and effective solutions will be shared throughout the province.

To learn more about the Digital Main Street Lab program, please visit: Digitalmainstreet.ca/digital-main-street-lab.

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Downtown Oakville’s Hometown Holiday Experience

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Oakville, ON – It’s official. Downtown Oakville’s vibrant core is bustling once again. And there’s not better time than now to explore all the enhancements of its recent construction project. With travel halted due to COVID-19, many are spending the holidays right here at home – in Oakville. This holiday season, take advantage of being home and become a tourist in Oakville’s downtown. Rediscover its historic charm and explore the revitalized core featuring new installments and classic charm. 

To celebrate the 2020 holiday season, Downtown Oakville has created a heightened holiday experience, offering new sights and wonder. 

Introducing Downtown Oakville’s Hometown Holiday. From new dazzling décor to holiday happy hours and virtual gift guides, the Downtown Oakville BIA has pulled out all the stops to bring this season to life. 

On display from now until January 10th, 2021, there’s a must-see 30-foot Ribbon Tree of Lights and #DTOakville sign located in Towne Square. Centennial Square comes to life with a 3D illuminated ornament, matching archway, and beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Throughout the district, you’ll find spectacular lighting and décor, perfect for an evening stroll with family and photo-op. 

Don’t miss out on the this week’s special offers from participating stores and restaurants during Holiday Happy Hour from 6 pm to 7 pm (Dec 17,18 from 6-7 p.m.) and you can also support local by shopping our Virtual Gift Guide featuring over 100 unique items from Downtown Oakville businesses – all of which can be purchased with the click of a button. 

Lastly, everyone loves to give during the holidays. So, Downtown Oakville is giving you the chance to WIN (1) of (3) $500 gift cards to a Downtown Oakville business of your choice – truly a gift of shopping local. The contest ends Sunday December 20th, 2020 and you can enter here. 

Parking is FREE on weekends (until Dec 31st, 2020), weekdays after 6 p.m. and on holidays. Learn more about the parking program here. 

For updates on shopping experiences, visit and Instagram (@oakvilledowntown), Facebook (@downtownoakville) and Twitter (@oakvilledwntown). 

Click here for a full list of Downtown Oakville businesses. 

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Dove + Arrow wins Best Local Shopping Talk of the Town Award

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Note: Each business listed below has made changes and is taking precautions to ensure customer and employee safety during this time. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm up-to-date products, offers, hours and safety procedures.  

Look no further for your holiday gifting needs, because Dove + Arrow has won the Best Local Shopping Talk of the Town Award!

This home decor and crafting store is your one-stop-shop for cute and fun D.I.Y. projects. You can find locally crafted pieces from decoration to jewellery, fashion and even skincare. Walk through their gorgeous collection, shop online for curbside pickup or order delivery this holiday season! They are even shipping to the United States.

For those of you who love to craft, this Kerr Village hot spot carries supplies for D.I.Y. pillow covers, signs, birdhouses, planters and more! They also host digital workshops, so you can enjoy the creativity of a class from the comfort of your home. You’ll also find a healthy supply of FusionTM Mineral Paint for all of your decor design needs.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll always find something new and innovative at this one-of-a-kind crafting haven.

Looking for ways to support local makers? Take a look at Best Local Shopping runner-up, Maker’s Mojo!

You’ll find clothing, decor, crafting, kitchen, bath and body products with this incredible collection of Canadian-made products in Downtown Oakville. This unique store sells products from small independent makers all over Canada, so you can find the perfect one-of-a-kind present for that special someone this holiday season.

Take the essence of Oakville home with you this winter with Best Local Shopping second runner-up, Lakeside Livin’!

This Bronte Village mainstay is all about nautical decor! You’ll find cute and stylish cottage creations as well as kitchen (Mudpie), bath, body, Christmas, wedding and baby items. They are also stocked up on NHL masks, so you can support your favourite team while staying safe and comfortable!

Thank you so much to everyone who voted!

2020 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Local Shopping

  1. Dove + Arrow
  2. Maker’s Mojo
  3. Lakeside Livin’
  4. Farmhouse Artisan Cheese
  5. J.Y. Jewellery
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Downtown Burlington’s Holiday Cocktails & Cuppas Crawl

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There’s something to be said about the magic of Downtown Burlington. In the summer, our waterfront is a hot-spot for festivals and food and in the winter, we transform into a whimsical, glittering wonderland. 

From the Festival of Lights in Spencer Smith Park to our new interactive light display along the Elgin Promenade, the heart of downtown oozes with tradition in the winter months. And this year, we want to help you add a new tradition to your holiday favourites. A tradition you can’t help but say cheers to as it brings warmth to those cold winter nights. 

Announcing: our first annual self-guided Holiday Cocktail & Cuppas Crawl. 

The holiday season is a time to treat yourself – and this year more than ever, we’re all looking for new ways to have fun and indulge. Our first ever Cocktail & Cuppas Crawl ticks all of those boxes. Throughout the month of December, Downtown Burlington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars will be mixing up their favourite holiday concoctions. 

A little peppermint here, a little cinnamon there – as you sip and savour boozy cocktail delights or indulge in a specialty coffee or hot chocolate mounded with whipped cream, you’ll actually be qualifying for an assortment of prizes. 

And since nothing about 2020 has been all that easy – we made participating in the holiday crawl a sinch. Just download the free pass on your phone (details are available on our website at burlingtondowntown.com). Check-in on the app as you drink and explore boozy bevies and delectable warm drinks at participating businesses. The more check-ins you make, the greater your chances are to win our weekly giveaways. There’s also a grand prize, where the winner will be treated to $300 in various restaurant gift certificates.

Grab someone in your bubble and take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of the season – all in our charming downtown. 

Holiday Cocktails & Cuppas Crawl begins December 1st. Download the passport today to see who’s participating and learn how to check-in on the app at burlingtondowntown.ca

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Burlington Downtown Bright Nights

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When you think back on the holidays, what do you remember most? Is it gathering with family around the kitchen table? Singing carols around a piano? Maybe it’s baking gingerbread cookies with Grandma on Christmas Eve. We all have something special we hold close to our hearts when it comes to the holidays. For years, Burlington Downtown has played a hand in crafting those memories and traditions.

From the annual Festival of Lights in Spencer Smith Park to the Festival of Trees at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, our charming downtown comes to life every winter – and every winter, magic is made.

While our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa Claus Parade are taking a 2020 hiatus, we’re excited to bring you something new and bright that we call Burlington Downtown Bright Nights.   

This interactive instalment will illuminate and transform downtown walkways with glittering lights and interactive displays.

As you enjoy an evening stroll through a picture-perfect postcard setting, you’ll be greeted by charming storefronts, each decorated for the season in their very own way. Entering the Elgin Promenade, you’ll find yourself under a 100-foot canopy of glistening lights, a perfect setting for pictures (or engagements – no pressure). Between Scriveners and Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, The Singing Tree will invite you to interact in real-time. This lighting scheme responds to singing, clapping, or yelling – creating an unforgettable and magical experience for participants. 

No matter where you wander, you’ll be met with magic. This is an illuminating downtown experience unlike one we’ve ever done before. 

Bright Nights will take place from December 2020 to January 2021. The experience is free to the public and designed to be enjoyed safely outdoors with physical distancing. 

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The Gift of Giving: Local Charities in Need

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The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides resides in Oakville, and the puppies inside of their building are more than just adorable little beings.

For hundreds of people, these dogs have been lifesavers who became the ears, eyes, legs, and more to people who have disabilities. The agency’s seven programs include those for people with epilepsy, autism and diabetes. Since opening in the 1980s, they have helped more than 3,000 people.

No one has escaped the changes brought about by the pandemic, from businesses that were forced to shut down to individuals wearing masks. But charities, like Dog Guides, have faced unique challenges because people in need rely on them.

They suddenly had to find new ways to do what they’d done for decades. At Dog Guides, that meant halting their training and breeding programs, which meant longer wait times for those needing a dog.

They also had to temporarily stop taking new applications for programs and placing fewer dogs with people. It greatly hampered their ability to raise funds, especially with their annual Pet Valu dog walk, which last year raised more than $1 million. This year the walk was done virtually and the number dropped to $548,754.

“We were very happy with the result from the Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides since we know how difficult these last few months have been,” said Maria Galindo, communications manager.

Dog Guides relies completely on donations and are hoping people will participate in fundraising events like Stay Home & Bid Online Auction: www.32auctions.com/LFCDGFall2020. Donations can be made at www.dogguides.com

Like all charities, the Kerr Street Mission in Oakville has learned to pivot and alter the way it helps the community. It modified its Children and Youth program by helping and connecting with people online. In the summer, they provided a scaled-down version of their programming (Day Camp and Youth Leadership in Training). When school began, they went back to normal programming with COVID protocols in place.

With their Family Care program, they shifted their focus to food distribution. “When the lockdown was declared our numbers dipped as people didn’t know if we were open, and seniors and those with health risks were told not to go out,” said Gary O’Neill, Executive Director.

However, the agency quickly redesigned its food bank so that it complied with all of the safety protocols and within two months it had launched a delivery program for seniors. The number of people reaching out for help reflects the growing need. Since May, people benefiting from the Food Bank have grown by more than 58 percent from last year. “We just had our biggest week ever with more than 650 people served through our Market,” said O’Neill.

Like Dog Guides, the majority of the Kerr Street Mission’s funding comes from donations. They’ve been heartened by the number of people, families, and local businesses that have supported them.  “The compassion and generosity of our community are amazing,” said O’Neill.

To donate, people can go online, or call the office. Their campaign for Our Christmas Wonders and Beyond Program will be online starting November 1st. Donations to the general fund will be used to support programming, including the food program.

The pandemic has also been an opportunity for agencies to change the way they do things and, in some cases, that’s meant becoming more efficient. At the Salvation Army in Oakville, food bank use went up with the pandemic and they were forced to move their operations to the parking lot and offer curbside pickup.

They put programs like the After School Club and Coffee and Conversation group on hold while they worked on ways to offer physically-distanced social opportunities. But by adding an online approach and a designated cell phone for clients, they were able to communicate their client’s needs so orders could be packed accordingly.

“This has avoided waste in that people only order what they can use,” said Captain Kathy Ratcliff, Community Ministries Officer, The Salvation Army Oakville Community Church. “We have encouraged people to give financially as opposed to contributing food as it poses less risk toward spreading the virus,” said Ratcliff, adding, “To those who have given thus far, we offer our grateful thanks.”  For those wishing to donate: https://salvationarmy.ca/donations

Whether it’s a toy drive or food or monetary donation, our community charities require our support this Christmas. It’s been a challenging year for many and it’s anticipated that nearly 30 percent more people will need help this holiday season. Put a smile on a child’s face, put a turkey on someone’s table, there are endless ways to give this time of year – and even a small donation makes a huge difference.

LOCAL LINKS

  1. The Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs: dogguides.com
  2. Kerr Street Mission: kerrstreet.com
  3. Salvation Army: salvationarmy.ca
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Lighting our Way: Holiday Sights on our Local Streets

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There’s nothing I love more than grabbing a hot chocolate and venturing out to see the lights. From the comfort of your car – seat warmer on, warm drink in hand – there are endless sights to see among our streets.

Families across Oakville and Burlington are spreading holiday cheer and putting up their infamous light displays to add some festive celebrations in an otherwise strange year.

Gatherings may be limited this holiday season, but it doesn’t mean we have to stop the celebration of the season – cheer is here folks.

Put on your winter gear (and your mask!) and head out for a dazzling light show.

Jovanovic Family

On the corner of Pine Glen Road and Stone Glen Crescent | Oakville

There’s nothing that can ruin the Jovanovic family’s Christmas spirit, not even a brazen attack that left their entire inflatable Christmas display slashed in 2017. Thanks to help from their neighbours, the family was able to relaunch their annual display that same year. Now, three years later, the family is more dedicated than ever, displaying inflatable Christmas décor. Easily spotted while driving down Pine Glen Road, the holiday display fills the home’s lawn with an inflatable Santa, reindeer, elves, and much more.

Jackson Family Lights

113 McCraney Street West | Oakville

Located in Oakville, the Jackson family not only fills their neighbourhood with holiday joy, but the funds raised during their seasonal light show are donated to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) and Kelly Shires Foundation. After the 2019 display, the Jackson family donated $1,500 to both organizations. The holiday display, which is referred to as Santa’s Castle, encompasses the entire Jackson family home and includes inflatables on the lawn, and flashing lights on the roof. Visit this link to support their fundraising initiative and keep updated with their festive traditions by following them on Facebook: jacksonfamilylights

Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display

2176 Delvin Drive | Burlington

Bigger and better this year, Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display in Burlington has extra displays, bringing the grand total of bulbs in the display to 7,075. This year’s display will also feature seven new lollipops with twinkling lights, some extra candy canes, and two new songs. The lights and music are tested, programmed, and installed by Rusty himself, and the new lollipops were built by his own two hands. While enjoying the festive display, visitors can also enjoy some holiday music; new to the display this year is Frosty the Snowman and Snoopy vs. The Red Baron.
rustygriswold.ca

Musson’s Famous Christmas Display

3360 Spruce Avenue | Burlington

Arguably one of the best-known Christmas light displays in Halton, the Musson family has been displaying lights for more than 30 years. This passion project was started by Doug Musson when the family lived in Calgary, and they brought it with them to their new home in Burlington in 1976. In 2017, Doug tragically passed away, however, the family continued the light display year after year in his honour. Traditionally, the display guides visitors through the front yard into the back yard, both of which are filled with lights and inflatables. This year, the family will be continuing the tradition despite the uncertainty looming amidst the pandemic with some slight changes to make room for social distancing, because after all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing (or decorating) loud for all to hear.
christmasdisplay.ca

Downtown Oakville & Downtown Burlington

And it’s not just these homeowners that put on a great show. Both Downtown Oakville and Burlington Downtown will be bringing back favourite decorations this year with the addition of a few new attractions.

A must see this holiday season starting November 28th is Downtown Oakville’s spectacular 30 ft Instagram worthy ribbon tree of lights located in Towne Square. The tree-lighting will be virtual this year, but there is plenty of time to visit throughout the holidays. Be sure to visit and take a photo with family and friends. You can also enjoy the extraordinary lighting installations in Centennial Square and throughout the Downtown core.

Celebrating 25 years of magic, the Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights will be returning to Downtown Burlington. Sixty magical lighting displays will be set up at Spencer Smith Park from November 27th, 2020 to January 8th, 2021. The lights will turn on at 4 p.m. every day and run until midnight – with exceptions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, where the lights will be lit all day and night. This outdoor event is a perfect way to experience the holidays in Burlington and also grab some fresh air.

In addition to the Festival of Lights, Downtown Burlington has invested in a unique plug n’ play technology that transforms traditional lighting displays into interactive experiences. The display is powered by a real-time sound-to-light mapping system called Aurora. Located next to Scrivener’s along the Elgin Promenade, visitors can interact with the lighting in real-time by singing, clapping, or yelling. There will also a canopy of lights in other areas of the promenade.

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Puckz Pub wins Best Sports Bar ‘Talk of the Town’ award

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Note: Each business listed below has made changes and are taking precautions to ensure customer and employee safety during this time. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm up-to-date products, offers, hours and safety procedures.  

This category was a slam dunk, sending Puckz Pub home with our 2020 Best Sports Bar Talk of the Town Award!

This unique watering hole resides in Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Creek Sports Complex in between rinks 1 and 2. Depending on the day, you can catch some live and in-person hockey or figure skating through their expansive glass windows as you indulge in some pub fare.

Though service might look a little different right now, you can still indulge in their famous jumbo wings, fried dill pickle spears and buffalo chicken poutine from the comfort of your couch. Complete your at-home recreation of this beloved sports bar with an order of Locker Room Lager.

Once restrictions ease, you won’t want to miss a night of sports (televised and live) at this local favourite.

Any Blue Jays fans out there? You’ll find a home at Best Sports Bar runner-up, Monaghan’s Sports Pub and Grill!

Home to everything Toronto sports, this local favourite hosts over 22 screens (including one on their patio) that have you covered for every home and away game. Indulge in their daily deals, including wing, rib, beer, burger and fish & chip specials. Bring the experience home with you, or find your favourite booth and never miss a pitch at this sports enthusiast’s haven.

If sports are your religion, you won’t want to miss a game at the Stout Monk, Best Sports Bar second runner-up!

Though this local pub is known best for its extensive selection of wing flavours, you’ll also find something new and unique in the rest of their fare. Keep it vegetarian with their cauliflower bites, indulge in the rich flavour of their mac n’ cheese or satisfy your sweet tooth with their churro donuts. Order takeout now and come back when we can all watch the game together.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted! We will be announcing our next category on November 23, 2020 over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2020 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Sports Bar

  1. Puckz Pub
  2. Monaghan’s Sports Pub and Grill
  3. Stout Monk
  4. Tin Cup
  5. Firehall
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Honouring loved ones and spreading Christmas cheer with Ian Anderson House’s Tree of Lights Celebration

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On the first Sunday of each December, the grounds of Ian Anderson House are filled with the sights and sounds of holiday cheer, as a large fir tree is lit with Christmas lights and a choir of staff and volunteers sing carols.

The Tree of Lights Celebration is a Hospice tradition around the world that serves to honour the memories of loved ones passed, celebrate the magic of the holiday season and raise much needed funds so that these hospices can continue to provide quality end-of-life palliative care to residents and supports for their families during their last weeks of life.  

Here in Oakville at Ian Anderson House, families are invited each year to join the staff for the lighting of the tree, carol singing, desserts, and hot chocolate and cider. Each family member is given a candle to light in memory of the loved one that they have lost.

This year however, due to the pandemic, the event is being held virtually, live on the Ian Anderson House Facebook page. The staff will on the grounds singing Christmas Carols to families watching at home. Community members are also invited to take part virtually, to show their support and to witness this joyous celebration. The event is being broadcasted live on Sunday December 6th at 5:15 pm.

Anyone wishing to donate to the IAH Tree of Lights can do through the website www.ianandersonhouse.come and select the “to donate” tab.

About Ian Anderson House: Founded in 1997, Ian Anderson House is Ontario’s first in-resident cancer hospice. It is located at 430 Winston Churchill Drive near the corner of Winston Churchill and Lakeshore Rod in Oakville. In addition to residential bedside care Ian Anderson House also provides outreach support for those families caring for a loved on dying at home.

IAH is dedicated to the memory of Ian Anderson, who was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1987 and who died in November 1990 at age 59.  The creation of IAH arose from the personal experience of Margaret Anderson, who took care of her husband Ian at home during the last three months of his illness.  Ian died at home, which was his wish, but Margaret had become aware of the lack of alternatives for those in a similar situation who, for whatever reason, could not be given the necessary round-the-clock care in their own home.  IAH was created to provide palliative care in a home-like, safe environment for individuals with terminal cancer.  Because of her experience of caring for Ian in the last few months of his life, the physical and emotional toll, the sense of isolation and the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty, Margaret decided to create a residential hospice in memory of her husband so that families in a situation like hers could be cared for and supported.

Seven years later, in 1997, Ian Anderson House, Ontario’s first cancer hospice was finally opened, on the seventh anniversary of Ian Anderson’s death.  As of October 2020 more, than 2900 residents and their families have been cared for and supported at IAH.

 

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