Kerr Village has the kind of charm that develops when a community’s deep roots meld with the vibrancy of the new world. This spirited, revitalized strip has become a favourite stop for Oakville locals and out-of-towners alike.
People flock here for coffee or to grab a burger, dine out in style, or indulge in pastries and gelato. The area also attracts hobbyists, music fans, crafters, antique collectors, movie-goers, boutique patrons, and thrifters.
This small slice of Oakville is truly diverse, with shops and restaurants representing 39 cultures. The cosmopolitan nature of Kerr Village grew organically over time, resulting in a vibe that’s natural, friendly and without pretension.
Welcome to the neighbourhood. Enjoy all that Kerr Village has to offer!
KERRFEST IS HERE!
The 8th Annual Kerrfest is happening on Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7. Don’t miss this popular music festival at Westwood Park, on the corner of Kerr and Bond Streets. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a pop-up market from 6 to 11 pm on Friday and 1 to 11 pm on Saturday! The fun continues on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm with Kerrfest Kids, a free event with kid-friendly entertainment and activities.
Kerrfest 2024 boasts an exciting musical lineup:
Teenage Head – 50 Years! ← Friday at 6 pm TEENAGE HEAD endures to bring their unmistakable sound to their diehard fans. You won’t want to miss this iconic Canadian punk rock band.
Haywire ← Friday at 7:45 pm Haywire burst onto the Canadian music scene in 1986 with their debut full-length album “Bad Boys”. Now they’re gracing the stage at Kerrfest to reprise their top Canadian hits.
David Wilcox ← Friday at 9:30 pm Friday night’s headliner is none other than David Wilcox. This Canadian music legend is a celebrated entertainer, master guitarist, and soulful singer with multiple gold and platinum albums. Kerrfest is thrilled to welcome this national treasure. Come show him the love!
Blue Avenue ← Saturday at 1:15 pm Blue Avenue is a band of Appleby College performers, coming together through a shared love of creating music. Featuring Ellena and Selene Li, twin singer-songwriters and award winners at the New York Global Musical Competition, accompanied by Arman Rai, Benjamin Kim and Ty Collver in the rhythm section.
Fiddlestix ← Saturday at 2:30 pm Fiddlestix is Ontario’s premier Fiddle Rock Show, known for its energetic stage presence and extraordinary musicianship, featuring Steve Bowen. They’re sure to get your feet moving.
The Lightfoot Band ← Saturday at 4:30 pm Enjoy songs by the late, great Gordon Lightfoot, performed by the musicians who recorded many of his memorable hits.
Lighthouse ← Saturday at 6:30 pm A Juno Award winning band formed in 1969 in Toronto, Lighthouse reunited in 1992 and were recently inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and the Canadian Walk of Fame.
Toronto Band – The Legacy ← Saturday at 8:00 pm Led by lead singer Michelle Truman and Drummer Barry Connors, Toronto Band delivers its signature brand of rock classics to Westwood Park.
With thanks from the BIA
The Kerr Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a proactive and action-minded association. The BIA promotes Kerr Village interests, attractions, services, and events to benefit local businesses and the community. In addition to marketing opportunities, the BIA also champions the frontline issues affecting our neighbourhood.
The fourth annual Walk to the Lighthouse for Mental Health and Addictions in support of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is on! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22nd, rain or shine.
What is the cause all about?
The Walk to the Lighthouse is an annual fundraising event that continues to grow each year in size and donations. Every year, people are suffering with Mental Health in silence and not getting the proper treatment they need due to fear of stigma, isolation and judgement.
The walk is an important event that is dedicated to advocating for change and providing improved programs for Mental Health & Addictions in our community.The walk committee is made up of both individuals and families, with real world experience, living with Mental Health issues, all working towards a brighter future to help the next generations.
Where is the walk?
The walk will depart from the Joseph Brant Hospital parking lot directly beside the Joseph Brant Museum and will make its way down the scenic waterfront trail towards the lighthouse and back.
There will be a limited amount of parking passes available to those who register online and paid parking in many nearby lots. The distance to and from the lighthouse is approximately 5 kilometers and should last about 45 minutes to an hour.
Where do my donations go to?
All donations and proceeds will go directly to the MH&A fund at the Joseph Brant Hospital in support of those in need. Last year, the team was fortunate enough to raise over 50,000 dollars and this year, we hope to match and raise that amount!
Help support the cause by joining your local community for an afternoon walk and work towards breaking the stigma against Mental Health and Addictions within our society.
Love Your Lakes is a community science and engagement program hosted by A Greener Future each summer. Through litter clean-ups, data collection, and education, we empower volunteers to join alongside other like-minded love lovers.
Clean Ups As a Catalyst
Combating plastic pollution requires a multi-pronged attack, and clean-up events are the frontline warriors in this fight. More than just a feel-good activity, these events offer a chance to experience the plastic problem firsthand, fostering a collective understanding of its scope. By participating, we make a real difference in our local communities, capturing litre before it pollutes our waterways and harms wildlife.
Clean up events also serve as a platform for raising awareness, inspiring action, and building momentum for a multi-pronged approach to tackling the plastic crisis. This approach includes holding industries accountable, pushing for systemic solutions and improving recycling infrastructure.
Its true, that clean up events alone wont solve the plastic problem entirely. However, they are vital for building a strong community, raising awareness and tackling the exciting mess until we can turn down the plastic tap.
Become a Lake Lover!
A Greener Future is hosting a series of clean-up events this Summer. Sign up today and be a part of the solution!
Upcoming Burlington and Oakville Events:
July 9, Burlington Beach, 1 pm to 3 pm, *Plastic Free July Presentation
July 16, Bronte Beach Park, Burlington, 1 pm to 3 pm
July 17, Burloak Park, Burlington, 6 pm to 8 pm
July 18, Coronation park, Oakville, 10 am to 12 pm
July 23, South Shell Park, 6 pm to 7:30 pm
August 6, Lake Side Park, Oakville, 1 pm to 3 pm
August 8, Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville, 6 pm to 8 pm
The charming town of Dundas, Ontario is a favourite warm weather destination for the young and old. Historic and hip, scenic and swingin’, this town is a mecca for foodies, shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as a patio-goer’s dream.
A day trip to Dundas is well worth the short jaunt from Burlington, Oakville or Waterdown. You can work up an appetite – and your thirst – by hitting the trails, parks and shops and exploring the tree-lined streets, and then settle in for some serious lounging. Gazing up at the stars after dinner with a cocktail or mocktail in hand, you might not want to leave.
Here’s how to fill your day in Dundas with adventure, relaxation, and everything in between.
SHOPPING
If shopping’s your bag, Dundas won’t disappoint. King Street is lined with cozy cafes and charming shops offering artisanal goods, apparel, sweets, and locally crafted treasures. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or indulging in a little retail therapy, the boutiques and galleries are sure to delight. Weekends are extra special in downtown Dundas with free parking!
Getting Out In Nature Dundas is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The town boasts several beautiful parks and conservation areas, providing ample opportunities for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and simply basking in the beauty of nature. The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is home to over 40 km of trails, including a stretch of The Bruce Trail. The awe-inspiring Webster’s Falls and Tews Falls are two natural wonders that showcase the area’s stunning landscapes.
DINING
Food lovers will find plenty to savour in Dundas. The town’s culinary scene is ethnically diverse and exciting, with a range of eateries serving up everything from casual bites to gourmet meals. Whether you crave a lentil curry, fish ‘n chips or steak tartare, expect to be well fed in the valley.
EVENTS
Summer is when the town of Dundas really comes alive.
Dundas Live and Local (June 8) Experience the heartbeat of Dundas by strolling the open King Street West (between Cross and John Streets) and celebrating the lively spirit of Dundas. Local businesses will be selling on the street, hosting open houses or running activities. The Dundas BIA will also be revealing its new logo at this festival, one that features architecture from key historic landmarks.
Dundas Cactus Festival (Aug 16 – 18) This event is family fun at its best with free local entertainment, vendors and fun for all ages. Visit dundascactusfestival.ca for more information.
Check Downtowndundas.ca and @downtwndundasbia for the most up-to-date events.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
The blend of natural beauty, rich history, and culture of Dundas make this small town an ideal destination for a summer day trip.
PATIOS
Experience the laid-back vibe by unwinding on one of the town’s many patios.
Pinbones Fish Market has now added an upscale seafood restaurant and will be open for patio dining this summer.
Barrel Heart Brewing, a newcomer to Dundas, offers craft beer brewed in the saison style—in aged oak barrels that once housed wine. There’s a charming patio with views of King Street outside the historic post office.
Collins Brewhouse opened in 1833 and remains a town favourite, now a laid-back, modern space offering pub grub, a full bar, and garage doors opening to a large patio.
Detour Caféhas a vibrant shaded patio where you can enjoy a cup of java and a delicious snack.
The Winchester Armshas a beautiful patio on the side of the building where patrons are served British pub classics like fish & chips and burgers.
Bangkok Spoon Deluxe has a slightly hidden patio for patrons to enjoy this Thai restaurant’s fresh and flavourful dishes.
Sensational Samosa is an artisan food shop serving noodle bowls, butter chicken bowls, pot pies, and of course their signature samosas and sensational chutneys, all the more delicious on their summer patio.
Café Domestiique is a fun bicycle-themed cafe with breakfast and brunch items, great coffee and a covered, bike-friendly outdoor seating area.
Dundas’ vibrant downtown is perfect for finding that special gift or enjoying some retail therapy.
SHOPS
Food & Drink Shops
Norfolk Juice Co is the newest addition to downtown Dundas. Opening this summer, this healthful haven will fuel you up with delicious cold press juices, smoothies, bowls and amazing coffee.
Mickey McGuire’s Cheese Shop carries over 400 varieties of fine cheeses, sourced around the world by its proprietor, Mike McGuire.
French Revolution Bakery & Creperie is owned by a French pastry chef and serves up everything from fresh crepes to coffee. Bon appétit!
Genesis Chocolate Companyis a new addition to Downtown Dundas. This artisanal chocolate shop uses high-end ingredients and Belgian chocolate to create delicious treats.
Dundas Chocolate Shop is another new addition to Downtown Dundas, specializing in horizontally-traded, bean-to-bar chocolate.
Emilio’s is a popular pizza, sub and wing establishment that takes pride in its handmade dough, homemade sauces and freshly prepared ingredients.
Jax Sweet Shoppemeets all of your sweet and savoury needs, including decadent breakfast creations, homemade baked goods, hearty sandwiches, and a tantalizing selection of ice cream.
Picone’s Fine Food has been a family business in Dundas since 1915 and continues to serve fresh, quality items such as premium oils, condiments, produce, prepared foods, flowers, gift baskets and more.
Home Décor & Gifts
The Handmade House is a hub for handcrafted apparel, jewellery and a host of other high quality items, supporting the local artisan community.
The Keeping Room is a local favourite for cooking enthusiasts. This shop calls itself the “toy store for local cooks and chefs”.
Mrs. Greenway sells a wide assortment of green, eco-friendly products, kids’ toys and gifts. You can bring in your containers and refill over 80 varieties of personal care and cleaning products.
The Kitchen Witch is an entertaining little gift shop, perfect for finding hostess gifts, containers, linens, antiques and curiosities.
Oliver & Co is an elegant home décor boutique that offers a curated selection of home décor, art, gifts and candles to breathe elegance, comfort and luxury into every corner of your home.
Webber Balloons, Cards, and Collectibles offers an impressive selection of sports cards, trading cards, games, toys, stickers, balloons, and even Pez dispensers, for the child in all of us.
Anglesea Home Accents and Apparelfeatures natural apparel and a mix of new and vintage styling options for your home, thoughtfully curated by designer & stylist Kate.
Weir’s Lane Lavender & Aviary started as a lavender farm and now produces luxurious lavender and bee related products including soaps, sprays, honey, sachets and more.
Fashion & Jewellery
David William Shoes and More Inc. is one of the top independent shoe retailers in the area, with collections sourced from around the world.
Gadsby’s Clothing Co. offers mid-high-end clothing for men and women, with consultants who ensure a happy fit and are trained to make alterations as needed.
La Rouge Consignment and Bridal is the place to shop for new and gently used designer clothing, dresses, shoes and accessories.
Kevin Martin Fine Jewellery has served the Dundas community since 1992 with its wide range of high-end jewellery, from best-selling collections to limited edition items.
Lillian’s Style Shoppe is a consignment boutique that sells clothing and accessories for women in the heart of downtown Dundas.
Dolce Kimerastarted as a mother daughter team in 2003 and sells unique fashions, gifts, jewellery and décor.
Bling on King sells unique clothing, jewellery and accessories, and the staff go out of their way to help customers make the perfect selection.
Do you have positive energy to burn? Are you looking for the ideal recipient for your charity dollars? There’s no better way to spread good vibes than by participating in a charity run, walk or ride. Community goodwill abounds in these heart pumping, heartwarming events. May and June are peak season for these events, so register soon if you want to get involved.
May 11
Walk to Save a Mother In Africa, over 800 women die every day of pregnancy and childbirth related complications. Almost all of these deaths are preventable with skilled doctors, nurses and/or midwives present, but social norms prevent women from seeking skilled care. Register yourself, your team, or donate to support a participant. Kids 12 and under walk for free. 9 am registration, 9:30 am walk
Run4Lighthouse 2024 This annual fundraiser’s goal is to ensure that the services of Lighthouse for Grieving Children remain free, so no child has to grieve alone. Children, youth and their families who are grieving the death of a family member can come to Lighthouse to find a sense of belonging, connection, and understanding from others experiencing a similar loss. The run starts at 8:30 am.
Run for Women Help support Halton Healthcare’s mental health programs by extending capacity of staffing and peer support, offering holistic and other alternative services, and creating new models of care for women and girls in our community. There’s a 5k walk/run, a 10k run, and 1k “Little Steps” by Culturelle Kids. Virtual or in-person.
Bronte Provincial Park 1212 Burloak Drive, Oakville runforwomen.ca
May 26
Hamilton-Burlington MS Walk Join a vibrant community in a 5k walk to help improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis. The MS Walk Facebook page is a great way to get pumped for the event and meet other participants. Participate in person or virtually. At the park, check-in is at 10 am, opening ceremonies at 11 am.
Hamilton Halton Niagara Relay for Life In support of the Canadian Cancer Society, this event helps thousands of people get to their treatments and supports the brightest minds in cancer research. Relay for Life also offers peer support programs and provides more than 3,300 wigs, headwear, and breast prostheses. Registration is at 3 pm and the event closes at 10 pm.
Oakville Ride for Dog Guides (geared to motorcyclists!) The Lions Foundation of Canada raises funds for dog guides that help Canadians with disabilities. Take a scenic ride and enjoy refreshments, incentives, prizes, and a poker run as part of the fun. Registration begins at 8:45 am and the ride starts at 10 am.
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides 152 Wilson Street, Oakville ride.dogguides.com
June 9
Teagan’s Ride In support of the Oakville & Milton Humane Society, Teagan’s Ride is a vintage car and motorcycle ride in memory of Teagan Walsh, who loved animals and wanted to become a veterinarian. Check-in at 9:15 am on the patio and ride to the Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington) and back.
Are you familiar with a song by Bette Midler called, “Friends”? It came out in 1972, so if you were born long after bell bottoms were cool (the first time), let me fill you in. The chorus went, “You gotta have… friehhhhhh-ends.” According to the song, Bette had friends, but “somethin’ came and snatched them away.” Yikes. Would love a little back story on that. She sang, “I’ll wait for new friends to come at dawn. I don’t care if I’m hungry or freezin’ cold. I’m gonna get me some of them.” Bette wasn’t playing around when it came to friendship.
Even though she didn’t explain why she was so adamant about making friends, she was right to sing the praises of friendship.
Scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the notion that humans are inherently social creatures who benefit greatly from having friends. From improved brain health and stress reduction to enhanced emotional well-being and physical health, the positive effects of social connection on our lives are undeniable. If we nurture friendships and our pals aren’t snatched away (poor Bette), we can reap the rewards of a longer, happier and more fulfilling life.
However, making friends as adults is tricky. Gone are the days of bonding over shared classes or playground antics. Now, we’re left to navigate the awkward waters of social interaction armed with nothing but our wits and maybe a few icebreakers. Add in the complexities of adulthood – careers, families, and so many commitments, and it’s no wonder we often feel a little isolated.
The first step in building your adult friend group is recognizing the importance of companionship. Friends aren’t just for giggles and gossip; they’re a crucial support system, helping us navigate life’s ups and downs with a little less stress and a lot more laughter.
So how do you actually go about making friends as a grownup? Well, it’s about finding common ground – quite literally, in some cases. Remember those hobbies you used to love before life got in the way? Dust off that tennis racket, dig out those watercolour paints or lace up those running shoes because joining a club or group centred around your interests is a surefire way to meet like-minded individuals.
Here are a few suggestions to help you seek out those new friends:
1. Pickleball If you’re looking for a fun and fast-paced way to make new friends, hit your local pickleball court. This hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping pong is all the rage among adults looking to stay active and socialize.
2. Get Out There Join a local running/hiking/cycling group. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to hiking, there’s a group out there waiting to welcome you with open arms (and sweaty high fives).
3. Crafty Crew Check out a crafting class or workshop in your area. From pottery and woodworking to painting to knitting, there’s bound to be a group of creative souls just waiting to bond over their shared love of all things handmade.
4. Book Lovers Joining a book club is a fantastic way to meet fellow bookworms and engage in lively discussions about your favourite novels.
5. Cooking If you take a cooking class, not only will you pick up some new culinary skills, but you’ll also have the opportunity to bond with fellow foodies.
6. Volunteer Giving back not only feels good, but it’s also a great way to meet new people.
Making friends as a grown-up may not always be easy, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. So put yourself out there, embrace your interests, and watch as your social circle blossoms before your eyes. After all, you gotta have friends. (Sorry, that sounds bossy. And I’m having trouble with the bad grammar). You don’t “gotta” have friends, but life is sure sweeter when you do.
Studies have shown…
1. Brain health: Social interaction stimulates the brain and may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age.
2. Stress reduction: Spending time with friends can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
3. Emotional well-being: Social support provides a sense of belonging, validation and emotional security, which are essential for maintaining mental health.
4. Physical health: Socially connected people tend to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and better nutrition, which contribute to overall longevity.
5. Longevity: Having close friendships provides a sense of purpose, meaning and fulfillment, all of which contribute to a longer and happier life.
Oakville resident Marc Fitkin grew up watching 2001 Space Odyssey and being fascinated by the night sky. By the time he got his first department store telescope at the age of 12, he was hooked on astronomy.
In 2018, Fitkin and his wife, Karen, moved to Oakville and one evening, Fitkin decided to set up one of his telescopes at Bronte Heritage Park. He invited passersby to peek through and get a glimpse at the night sky. “The public seemed to enjoy it,” says Fitkin. “The crowds were getting bigger. Then COVID hit and that was the end of it.”
Throughout the COVID lockdown, Fitkin couldn’t allow other people to look through his telescope, but he wanted to share what he could see in the night sky and began posting photos from his telescope on a Facebook group called Bronte Neighbours Helping Bronte Neighbours.
Interest in his photos grew, prompting Fitkin to form his own Facebook Group called The Bronte Astronomer. In August 2022, he returned to Bronte Heritage Park with his telescopes, hosting astronomy events that, he says, are an adaptation of the popular practice of sidewalk astronomy.
Sidewalk astronomy, also called street corner astronomy, operates on a straightforward principle: to educate the public about the universe by peering through telescopes. This grassroots approach to stargazing has taken different forms over the years. Astronomer John Dobson, inventor of the Dobsonian telescope, is said to have pioneered the practice in the 1960s when he assembled telescopes on urban street corners, inviting the public to view the night sky. “His famous words are ‘just come look at the moon’,” says Fitkin.
This is exactly what you hear Fitkin and other volunteers saying at Bronte Heritage Park. “We’ll say to people, hey, do you want to see the moon? Do you want to see the rings of Saturn? Do you want to see Jupiter?” he says. Passersby are often so amazed at what they’re seeing, some even think they’re being tricked. “They’ll say oh, you have a picture in there and we’re like no, no, that’s real,” laughs Fitkin.
While Dobson’s version of sidewalk astronomy saw astronomers spontaneously setting up telescopes on various urban street corners, continually moving around cities, Fitkin and his volunteers have reimagined the concept, creating a regular gathering at Oakville’s
Bronte Heritage Park. Through The Bronte Astronomer Facebook page, Fitkin notifies its 2,000-plus followers about upcoming events. Interest in these stargazing events has grown over the past two years. “We’re getting close to 200, 300 people some nights,” says Fitkin.
Fitkin’s vision is inclusive and accessible. With a goal of hosting at least one event per month, he extends an open invitation to anyone curious about astronomy. “It’s astronomy for everyone — kids, adults, anyone with an interest,” Fitkin emphasizes. Volunteers, armed with their telescopic expertise, offer guidance and insights, fostering a welcoming environment for novices and enthusiasts alike.
Fitkin and fellow volunteers set up their own telescopes, sometimes amassing over a dozen telescopes. Frequently amateur astronomers will bring their own telescopes to the events to ask volunteers for pointers on how to use them. Fitkin often brings an electronically assisted telescope that projects celestial objects onto a screen for easy viewing. “It makes it easy for public viewing so you don’t have a bunch of people trying to look through the telescope,” he says.
Engagement is key during these events. Passersby are encouraged to ask questions about what they’re seeing through the lens — even asking questions as simple as what exactly is a star — sparking discussions about the mysteries of the night sky. Fitkin notes that volunteers are always eager to demystify astronomy, addressing queries about stars, planets and beyond.
“The goal is to educate others and advance the public’s understanding of astronomy,” Fitkin affirms, while also dispelling the misconception that urban environments hinder stargazing. “People often think because we live in an urban environment that we can’t see anything and we tell them that’s not really true. Here’s what you can see.”
At Look Local, we are honoured to work every day with small business owners and entrepreneurs in our community. We know that the people behind these businesses have taken risks and made sacrifices to follow a dream and their passion. Their stories are interesting and inspiring and we wanted to share them with you, our readers. We hope you enjoy the first few profiles in this issue. We plan to make this a regular feature in Look Local, so look out for additional small business stories in the future!
