City Life Magazine — Oct/Nov 2015 Issue

22

CARLSON YOUNG ON FEAR & FANTASY IN L.A.

30

SITTIN’ PRETTY WITH OUR FALL HOME DECOR FINDS

48

BRINGING ON OLD-SCHOOL STYLE FOR MEN

62

IS THE END NEAR FOR COPPER CREEK GOLF CLUB?

SINCE 2003

CANADIAN EXCLUSIVE

Publication Mail Agreement 40026675

GREY IS THE NEW BLACK: SILVER SCREEN MOVIE STAR

Robert De Niro IGNITES NYC

Oct/Nov 2015 $8.00

Display in Fashion/Lifestyle until Dec 18 10

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

94927 City0 Life74470 Magazine

5

1

2

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

50

FINDING INNER STRENGTH WITH LOCAL MARTIAL ARTISTS

66

LAYER ON THE COSY WITH OUR FALL FASHION FINDS

20

THE SEXT TALK — HOW TO GUIDE YOUR TEEN THROUGH TECH

46

GET A CHARGE OUT OF TWO ELECTRIFYING HYBRID VEHICLES

SINCE 2003

ROBO DOC

Publication Mail Agreement 40026675

Tony Finelli

THE TORONTO DOCTOR THAT IS PIONEERING ROBOTIC SURGERY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER Page 56 www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

3

4

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

NO EXERCISE • NO PAIN • NO SIDE EFFECTS

EXCLUSIVELY OFFERED IN ONTARIO ONLY AT OUR CLINICS

LOOK FANTASTIC FOR FALL

TRANSFORM YOUR BODY IN 3 TO 4 WEEKS Lose up to 20 LBS in ONE MONTH

LOS

ED

ES

H

FALL SPECIAL

GU

• NEW cold laser FAT MELTING technology • HOLISTIC, healthy approach to fat loss • Lose unwanted fat FAST IN E6 C • Slim down QUICK See Results • IMMEDIATE results after First Treatment • Incredible FAST weight loss AR • DROP dress sizes A NTE • DROP inches • Improve the appearance of CELLULITE LITE • TIGHTEN skin • SPOT TARGET those DIFFICULT fatty areas • One-step body contouring SOLUTION • FDA A Approved A and Health Canada Licensed

50% OFF

On packages of 3, 6, 9 or 12 treatments.

Special ends November 15, 2015. One promotion per customer.

Call to book your FREE Consultation

905-856-2377

Each individual is unique and requires a personalized assessment. www.mycitylife.ca We do not provide phone quotes.

Slim U Canada -

Non Invasive Fat Loss

RECOGNIZED AS A LEADER IN THE MARKET

81 Zenway Blvd., Unit #8 (Hwy 27 & Hwy 7) Woodbridge, Ont. Oct/Nov 2015 City Life Magazine WWW.SLIMUCANADA.COM

5

Fashion-forward products from across the globe, hand-picked by our lighting design specialists.

CANADA’S FAVOURITE ONLINE LIGHTING STORE.

6

City Life Magazine

Exclusively selected furniture and designs that are built to last, and leave a lasting impression.

SHOP NOW AT PRIMALIGHTING.CA 255 Bass Pro Mills Drive l Vaughan, Ontaro l 905 851 1188 Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

ARMILLAS collection www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

7

8

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

IT’S OK TO DREAM. IF ANYONE UNDERSTANDS, WE DO.

We’re proud members of a family business who are very thankful to our parents for taking the chance to IXOƓOO WKHLU GUHDPV Founded 36 years ago by three brothers, the Policaro Automotive Family has grown into a community-based business in two of the region’s most dynamic markets and we proudly accept the opportunity to build on their success.

Employing four-hundred staff and hiring more in preparation for the arrival of BMW Brampton this fall, we’re as excited as ever for a very bright future.

From our family to yours, keep dreaming.

The Policaro Automotive Family

www.mycitylife.ca

www.policaro.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

9

HOME CONTROL SIMPLIFIED RELIABILITY + SIMPLICITY + PERSONALIZATION

Total Home Control from Audio One simplifies all the technology in your home, offering the ultimate lifestyle of comfort and convenience. Adjust the lights, temperature, drapes and audio/video from anywhere in your home with an easy-to-use touch panel remote, personalized keypad or even your iPad, iPhone or Android device. Audio One will not only make your life simpler, we will also make it much more entertaining.

Home Theatre | High-Performance Audio/Video | Home Automation | Multi-Room Music | Lighting Control Shading Control | Security Integration | Digital Signage | Commercial Installation | Landscape Lighting

3200 Steeles Avenue West, Vaughan, Ont. (east of HWY 400) 10

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

416.665.0749 www.audio-one.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

Vaughan's Newest Children's Boutique

STEP INTO ANOTHER WORLD! SHAYECOLLEZIONI.COM 3175 Rutherford Rd, Unit 22, Vaughan 905.738.9642 www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

11

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5 | OCT/NOV 2015

CONTENTS

56

ROBO DOC Meet the Toronto surgeon pioneering robotic surgery in Ontario

ON THE COVERS

32

THE KING OF NEW YORK CITY Hollywood legend Robert De Niro gives us the dish on his career and passion for hotel design

22

48

FEATURE STORIES

46

20 THE SEXT TALK:

How to talk to your kids with TeenSafe’s Rawdon Messenger

50 SENSEI-TIONAL

MENTORS: How leading martial artists are making better people out of us

62 THE REDEVELOPING

FUTURE OF COPPER CREEK GOLF CLUB: Could Kleinburg’s eminent course become a residential community?

22 WE SCREAM FOR CARLSON YOUNG: How a young L.A. actress handles her fear 30 CHANGING OF THE SEASONS: Add some fire to your home décor 46 TWO SPORTY AND SOPHISTICATED OPTIONS FOR ECO-CONSCIOUS DRIVERS

30 12

City Life Magazine

48 DISCOVER 15 FALL FASHION MUST-HAVES FOR MEN

66 Oct/Nov 2015

More stories inside …

www.mycitylife.ca

sm ile

e la u g h

shine

con

fid

enc e

lov

friends

Where smiles are contagious

Extraordinary Smiles. Every detail is considered to maximize the beauty of your smile.

Advanced Technology. Modern treatment techniques are used to minimize discomfort, accelerate treatment & achieve optimal results.

Dedication. Our doctors can be contacted on a 24/7 basis.

Convenience. Weekend & evening appointments are available.

Flexibility. Customized payment plans to suit your financial needs.

VAUGHAN 2-3611 Major Mackenzie Dr. Vaughan, ON 905.553.7778.

TORONTO 6-2085 Lawrence Ave. E Toronto, ON 416.901.7778.

Contact us to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION Orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults No referrals necessary

www.tasiosortho.com www.mycitylife.ca

www.tasiosortho.com

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

13

mycitylife.ca

IT’S NOT JUST ANY CITY. AND THIS IS NOT JUST ANY WEBSITE.

THE SOCIAL RESTAURANT GUIDE

STREAMS

NEIGHBOURHOODS

DIGITAL NEWSLETTER

For local foodies, our restaurant guide is the go-to directory for dining out in Vaughan

Hashtag your photos, get noticed by our social media team and headline one of our streams

Discover the people, places and businesses that shape and define the city’s distinct neighbourhoods

This weekly update is your comprehensive guide on all things happening in the city

The new digital home of City Life Magazine is reshaping how Vaughan is seen and experienced, and people have responded. Citizens have flocked to this beautiful online hub for information on all things Vaughan. Stay up to date and join the conversation at MyCityLife.ca

@citylifetoronto |

14

City Life Magazine

www.facebook.com/citylifemagazinevaughan |

Oct/Nov 2015

info@citylifemagazine.ca |

@citylifemag

www.mycitylife.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

15

PUBLISHER’S NOTE PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Zerillo-Sosa • michelle@dolce.ca

“Hospitality isn’t about inviting people into our perfect homes, it’s about inviting them into our imperfect hearts”

I

t’s a beautiful October evening. After a fun day of apple picking, we decide to build a bonfire in an attempt to extend the glorious day.

Most of you will agree that there is nothing more mesmerizing than an outdoor fire. As we sip pumpkin spiced latte (see recipe on page 71) and nibble on roasted marshmallows, I can’t help but feel so fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family.

Living in a city where you can feel connected to the community yet have the freedom to build your own little backyard escape is a blessing.

Although not comparable by size, this is how Robert De Niro describes and feels about New York City. His love for the Big Apple and superb hospitality can easily be found in many of us. Hospitality is not something he takes lightly. As part-owner of the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca and co-owner of the much-loved Japanese and fusion cuisine of Nobu Restaurants, the legendary actor made sure to oversee every aspect of his chic endeavours. I have to say, there’s something to be admired when you see the same intensity he applies in his movie roles reflected in every book, art piece and menu he’s selected for his establishments.

As a big fan of his acting, learning about his personal investments and passion for projects that involve making people feel cared for and loved is music to my ears. This is a trait I learned from my grandmother: when anyone visits your home they need to be fed and comfortable. It’s a simple way to show your gratitude and spread positive energy that will undoubtedly bee returned.

After publishing r re City Life Magazine for over 12 years, we are the first Canadian publication to share Can a De Niro’s exclusive interview. This is yet more proof that with perseverance one can set out to do great things. See story on page 32.

Although none of us ever want to visit hospitals, you can find d reassurance in knowing that there are doctors out there like Dr. Tony Finelli. This ItalianCanadian surgeon makes it his life mission to research innovative ways to keep us protected and safe, like the comforting fire my family and I built on this chilly night in October. His wish to reduce suffering for those diagnosed with cancer has pushed him to make this his life calling. As he embarked on a quest to enter a battle against this evil, his vision of pioneering robotics into cancer surgery has made him something of a superhero. As such, he will be the recipient of the 2015 Dailey 5 Mark D Local Hero Award this September. See his story on page 56.

Although you may not be gathered around a bonfire as you read this I hope hi issue, i you take a moment to think about all the blessings in your life: your freedom, family, health and nature. As you go through this fall season, my wish is to inspire you with the mission to make it your duty to be hospitable. And remember: hospitality is not about welcoming people into your perfect home, but into your imperfect heart!

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

@dolcetweets

16

City Life Magazine

@amorebagstoronto

Oct/Nov 2015

DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL Simona Panetta • simona@dolce.ca MANAGING EDITOR Michael Hill • michael@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca ART D E PARTM E NT CO-FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fernando Zerillo • fernando@dolce.ca WEB PROJECT MANAGER Steve Bruno SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Christina Ban, Luay Saig WEB DESIGNER Yena Yoo WEB DEVELOPER INTERN Johnson Ta E D ITO R IAL D E PARTM E NT FASHION & HOME DECOR EDITOR Michelle Zerillo-Sosa BEAUTY & TRAVEL EDITOR Angela Palmieri-Zerillo COPY EDITOR Simona Panetta PROOFREADERS Nina Hoeschele, Simona Panetta CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Justin Mastine-Frost, Cezar Greif, Michael Hill, Alessandra Micieli, Amanda Storey EDITORIAL INTERNS Daniel Calabretta, Bianca Ricci CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Marco Grob, Ben Miller, John Packman, Sal Pasqua, Carlos Arturo Pinto, Marina Yarullina VI D E O D E PARTM E NT VIDEOGRAPHERS Sal Pasqua, Carlos Arturo Pinto PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING T: 905-264-6789 info@citylifemagazine.ca DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Susan Bhatia SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Mario Balaceanu SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Sarah Kanbar OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Alessandra Micieli FRONT COVERS Robert De Niro / Photo By Marco Grob Dr. Tony Finelli / Photo By Carlos Arturo Pinto City Life Magazine • Volume 13 • Issue 5 • OCT/NOV 2015 City Life Magazine is published bimonthly by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont. L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789 • F: 905-264-3787 info@citylifemagazine.ca • www.dolcemedia.ca Subscribe online at www.citylifemagazine.ca or by calling 905-264-6789. City Life Magazine’s yearly subscription fee is $24.00.

We accept Visa, MC & AMEX. Send cheque or money order to Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd. #30, Vaughan, Ont. L4H 3H9.

Publication Mail Agreement No. 40026675 All rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publishers.

DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION City Life Magazine reaches 342,342 readers per issue through household distribution, newsstand sales and event partnerships across Canada. City Life is also available to over 100 million digital consumers of Magzter Inc. and Issuu.

Inquiries about where City Life Magazine is available for sale should be directed to Dolce Media Group: info@dolce.ca or 905-264-6789.

ISSN 1206-1778 Next Issue: Dec/Jan 2015/16 The opinions expressed in City Life Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Dolce Media Group does not assume liability for content.

The material in this magazine is intended for information purposes only and is in no way intended to supersede professional advice. We are proud to be a Canadian company that has successfully published magazines for the past 19 years without any government funding or financial assistance of programs to cover editorial costs. It has all been possible thanks to the wonderful support of our readers and advertisers. ©2015 Dolce Media Group • www.dolcemedia.ca • Printed in Canada

www.mycitylife.ca @citylifetoronto www.facebook.com/citylifemagazinevaughan @citylifemag

Come visit our newly renovated store Original jewellery designs and fine craftsmanship by Christopher Valente

131 whitmore road, unit 8, vaughan, ont.

| t: 905.851.1266

www.valentejewellers.com www.mycitylife.ca

@valentejeweller

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

17

editor’s note

— John F. Kennedy

Michael Hill, Managing Editor

D

on’t you just love fall? The leaves changing colours to all sorts of vivid shades. That cool, refreshing rush as the autumn wind moves in. Pumpkin-spiced everything. And, for the first time in over 20 years, the Jays are poised to make a run in the post-season. (I mean, meaningful baseball in September? You gotta love it.) Yes, change is in the air. But it’s not just about fancy-flavoured lattes and Josh Donaldson crushing dingers. We wanted to touch base with a man who’s at the forefront of change in health – specifically in cancer surgery.

It was a warm, clear September morning when I sat down with Dr. Tony Finelli, a surgical oncologist and the new chief of urology at the University Health Network, at the Princess

Michael Hill Managing Editor

Let us know what you think of this issue by sharing your thoughts on Twitter at @citylifetoronto

We are now accepting new clients.

We believe that total wealth management embraces far more than day-to-day investment advice. Supported by the vast resources of TD Bank Group, we deliver a highly personal, specialized approach to: Investment, wealth and retirement planning strategies Wealth protection, tax and insurance solutions Business succession and sales initiatives MK Total Wealth Management Group TD Wealth Private Investment Advice 4950 Yonge Street, Suite 1600 North York, ON M2N 6K1 T 416 279 1473 | mktotalwealth@td.com www.mktotalwealth.com

Estate and trust planning Charitable giving Find out why we’ve built so many successful, long-term client relationships. If you have investible assets in excess of $1 million, we would welcome the opportunity to comment on your portfolio and show how we can make a difference.

It’s your life and your future.

Realize your full potential! Call us today.

MK Total Wealth Management consists of Jeff MacDonald, Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor and Peter Konidis, Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor. MK Total Wealth Management is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice. TD Wealth Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto - Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member Canadian Investor ProtectionFund. ® The TD logo and other trade - marks are the property of The Toronto - Dominion Bank.

15062111MC

18

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTO BY JESSE MILNS

“CHANGE IS THE LAW OF LIFE. AND THOSE WHO LOOK ONLY TO THE PAST OR PRESENT ARE CERTAIN TO MISS THE FUTURE”

Margaret Cancer Centre. We wanted to profile this humble, personable practitioner because of his pioneering work in minimally invasive robotic surgery here in the province.

Not only is he a leader in using robots to remove cancerous tumours, but he's also doing so in a way that diminishes harm and the impact on patients’ quality of life. He’s travelled across the world to give demonstrations on the benefits of minimally invasive surgeries and has helped other doctors implement robotics programs in hospitals across Ontario. It’s incredible work that could not just improve surgery on those with prostate and kidney cancer, where Dr. Finelli’s focus lies, but could be the future of how all surgery may be done. See story on page 56.

One of the great things about this job is that you get to meet all kinds of famous people – actors, athletes and the like. But it also means you get to converse with individuals like Dr. Finelli, who might not be breaking TV ratings records or igniting the box office, but is pushing hard to better the lives of others through innovative work. It’s those efforts that can lead to the change that make the biggest difference in peoples’ lives. And we think that’s worth celebrating.

Until next time,

FROM

Success Story: Meet Arianna & Fiorella

M

y sister and I joined Paul’s Boot Camp back in 2009.

We were committed to our training and went hard for 4 years doing both indoor and outdoor boot camps.

We were addicted!

We love the MetCon30 workout routine. It’s amazing for women like us who are busy with work, kids, dance, hockey and more!

The workout is great and the results are amazing!

In the last 8 weeks we have been seeing Meghan (team nutritionist) as well. Both Fiorella and I have dropped over 15 pounds combined, lowered our body fat and lost over 15 inches total body as well!

We are both over 45 and love what this is doing to our body and overall health. Paul and the staff are amazing and inspirational!

We as sisters are very close and we encourage and support each other to continue to achieve higher goals.

“TRAIN WITH A FRIEND” 2-FOR-1 SPECIAL Buy 12 sessions and your friend will get 12 sessions FREE*

*Not to be combined with other offers. Based on regular rates 12 sessions only. Plus tax.

METCON 30 IS NOW AVAILABLE AT OUR NEW EAST LOCATION!

Arianna and Fiorella Paul’s Boot Camp members since 2009

Mike / Claudia / Chandler / Angie / Palmira / Sam / Sandra / Paul / Donald / Noemia / Victoria / Maria / Anastasia / Meghan g / Scott

905.851.7722 www.integrityfitness.ca www.mycitylife.ca

Woodbridge West

8000 Highway 27, Unit 1

Woodbridge East

61 Creditview Rd., 2nd Floor Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

19

Teen Talk

THE SEXT TALK

Children are getting smartphones at a younger and younger age, and what they’re doing with them may surprise you. Help your child safely navigate their digital space with sound “sexting” advice Written By Michael Hill

As

smartphones have become ubiquitous, so too has the practice of “sexting,” the sending of sexually explicit content, generally through mobile devices. While adults engage in this practice, it’s also become common in teenage relationships.

According to statistics from TeenSafe, a service that allows parents to monitor their kids’ mobile behaviour, it’s estimated that 40 per cent of high school students have either sent or received a “sext” and 70 per cent of teens admit to sexting with their significant other. We spoke with TeenSafe’s CEO Rawdon Messenger to find out what parents should communicate to their kids to ensure safe use of their devices.

And the first thing to consider is …

You Can Never Get It Back Any time a text or an image is sent, it’s gone — like, gone gone. It’s irretrievable; its fate is out of your hands. “You can’t control what happens to that image,” says Messenger. “And even if it’s somebody trusted, you never know what’s going to happen to it.”

Which leads into the second point …

20

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

If It’s Not Meant for Everyone, It’s Not Meant for Anyone “Never send an image to anyone that you wouldn’t want the whole world to see,” says Messenger. Sending a photo via text is the same as handing out photocopies of it — only worse, as it can be sent to a third (fourth, fifth, etc.) party instantly. “We’ve seen it time and time again where people’s private and personal digital content, whether it’s images or anything, even years later, can come back to haunt them.” So it should go without saying …

Don’t Share Anything Inappropriate — Even of Someone Else If it never leaves your possession it can’t come back and hurt you. The safest thing to do is simply not share anything inappropriate. Period. And that includes images of other people. “If somebody sends you a picture, you shouldn’t then go and post it on Instagram or forward it to your friends,” says Messenger. If you do receive something unseemly …

Talk to Somebody If your child is sent something that could be harmful to others, they should

feel that they can come to you about it.

If something they received makes them uncomfortable they should “talk to somebody about it,” says Messenger — whether a parent, a teacher, a friend or even the person that sent it. Speaking up could be the difference to making it stop. And finally …

Don’t Connect with Untrustworthy Individuals If you don’t completely trust someone, don’t acknowledge their sexting requests. Messenger explains that a new phenomenon that is sadly arising is “sextploitation,” where someone will send an inappropriate photo of themselves to another, who will then turn around and claim they will send the photo to, say, the whole school unless they do further inappropriate behaviour.

“We’re the first generation of parents to be giving our children smartphones and we have to think about the consequences,” Messenger concludes.

“Some of them are good, some of them are bad. We’re all learning this together.”

With these tips, maybe you can help your children learn too. www.mycitylife.ca

Canada’s Largest Home Improvement Centre

Coming Soon

Over 400 showrooms all under one roof IMPROVE Inc. 7250 Keele Street, Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 21 Oct/Nov 2015 City Life Magazine Tel: 416-417-7507 Website: www.improvecanada.com Email: info@improvecanada.com

www.mycitylife.ca

ENTERTAINMENT

We Scream for

CARLSON YOUNG Actress Carlson Young chats with City Life Magazine on fear, fantasy and her beloved pet, Francis the Cat

Playing the role of Brooke Maddox in the TV adaptation of the slasher film Scream, Texas-raised Carlson Young is one of Hollywood’s most electric talents

CL: Let’s go back to the beginning.

What prompted you to get into acting?

CY: I always wanted to be an actress — I’d beg my parents every day when I was little. I was lucky enough to get an agent when I was a freshman in high school. That’s when I got started.

L.A. But I found wonderful friends and I love life here now. L.A. is a really beautiful place, so I just try to stay focused. My Texas upbringing has kept me grounded in a lot of ways and just sort of enabled me to sift through some of the not-so-pleasant aspects of this industry.

CY: I think there’s always the fear, especially when you’re auditioning, that you’re not going to ever be good enough. I think that’s probably there to some degree for everyone. But just quieting my mind and focusing on all of the blessings in my life helps me overcome that.

CL: How was the transition from ordinary life in Texas to the life of a working actress in L.A.?

CY: It was definitely a transition since Texas is undoubtedly different from

CL: The slasher movie franchise Scream has terrified millions with its gruesome murder scenes and underlying dread. What is your biggest fear and how have you overcome it?

CL: How did you prepare for the role of the unruly socialite Brooke Maddox?

CY: I think I may have seen Mean Girls one too many times. My character,

22

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN MILLER

INTERVIEW BY SIMONA PANETTA

Brooke, always came really naturally.

She is a blast to play because she’s got a lot of different layers to her personality.

CL: With MTV recently picking up Scream: The TV Series for its second season, you must be excited. Can you tell us a bit about how the show will evolve and what we can expect?

CY: Yes! Very excited. I don’t really know what it will be like to be honest.

I think our story is a big one that will no doubt make season two equally — if not more — exciting and bloody.

CL: If you’re not at home, where can we find you hanging out?

CY: At Izaka-ya with my friends! Best sushi in L.A.

CL: A few thoughts on your upcoming role as Selina Golias in Grimm?

CY: It was so much fun to work on Grimm. My character is a Klaustreich, so I morph into a cat. How perfect is that? I was like, are you kidding me?

YES.

CL: What is the one thing you can’t live without?

CY: Couldn’t live without my fantasy books.

CL: What’s at the top of your iTunes list at the moment?

CY: The new Tame Impala and Unknown Mortal Orchestra records.

CL: What book is on your nightstand now?

CY: Golden Son. The second book in the Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown.

CL: Tell me how social media has changed your life both positively and negatively. How do you deal when fans recognize you when you’re out?

CY: I don’t mind social media — I like it a lot, actually. It’s nice to just be able to post what I want to post and have it be a direct extension of me, and not an agent/manager/TV show’s perception of me. I just post whatever I feel like and I’m not too calculated about it. It’s always nice to see fans! I get so excited that they like the show.

fledged dating legitimately hours after talking for the first time.

CL: You made big impressions with roles in True Blood and Pretty Little Liars, as well as the hit series Key & Peele and The League. Of these opportunities, which one would you say kept you the most challenged?

CY: Being involved in the Key & Peele sketches was really amazing because those two are comedic geniuses. I think it was really inspiring to be able to work with them, especially because I love comedy so much.

“ I THINK OUR STORY

CL: Any fantasy-related projects you’re hoping to tackle in the near future?

CY: I heard they’re doing a Dungeons & Dragons movie … I would die to be in that.

”

CL: What are you most grateful for?

CY: My family, boyfriend and friends … and Francis, my cat.

CL: What can we expect from Francis the Cat on Halloween?

CY: Good question. I haven’t fully worked out his costume yet. My boyfriend and I are being Audrey Horne and Agent Dale Cooper from Twin Peaks, so maybe I’ll make him be an owl.

CL: Where and how did you meet your boyfriend, Isom Innis of the band Foster the People?

Was it love at first sight?

CY: We met through a mutual friend. And yes, no doubt, it was love at first sight. We were fullwww.mycitylife.ca

IS A BIG ONE THAT WILL NO DOUBT MAKE SEASON TWO EQUALLY — IF NOT MORE — EXCITING AND BLOODY The drop-dead blond on fear and fantasy

CL: What would you say has been your proudest moment thus far?

CY: I felt proud to watch Scream on Tuesdays with my amazing co-stars because we put a lot of long and crazy hours into season one.

CL: How do you live your life to the fullest every day?

CY: I try to stay present and just enjoy what’s in front of me.

CL: Any actors you’re hoping to work with in the future?

CY: Too many to count, actually!

It would be amazing to work with Julianne Moore.

CL: How do you find balance? What keeps you grounded?

CY: Friends and family. I think you are the company you keep, and I’m lucky enough to have incredibly normal friends and family that are always honest with me. @carlsonyoung

Scream airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST on MTV Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

23

beauty

3

1

5 2 4

Kiss and

6

MAKEUP

Local beauty expert Rita Stirpe gets us ready d for sweater weather with her favourite fall picks of the season THAT’S HOW I ROLL Pump up the volume with Benefit’s newest mascara Roller Lash. The new brush grabs, separates, lifts and curls your lashes while the instant drying formula keeps your lashes in place. www.benefitcosmetics.com SHIMMER AND SHINE The Ambient Lighting Palette by Hourglass features three luminescent shades sure to bring out your inner glow. Simply brush the soft-focus powders across your cheekbones for a radiant and smooth complexion under any light. www.hourglasscosmetics.com AUDACIOUS COLOUR Bold and sexy, Gucci’s luxurious and moisture-rich lipstick in Rose Dragée (shade 040) promises a beautiful pout while playing with one of autumn’s hottest shades, leaving a creamy and weightless finish on your lips. www.gucci.com GO NUDE These multi-purpose dynamos by Toronto brand Nudestix pack a lot of punch. Use

2

3

7

4

them for face, lips or eyes for an all-over glow that looks neutral and naturally beautiful all year round. www.nudestix.com PUMP IT UP Fight bad hair days with Sally Hershberger’s 24K Root Envy Ultimate Root Boost. Infused with pure gold elixir and sweet almond protein, this spray will lift your roots for effortless volume and bouncy hair. www.sallyhershberger.com KAT EYE The Kat von D Five Fearless Years pen liner is not only great for creating a custom wing, it’s also a great way to give back. One dollar from every limited-edition liner sold goes to the California Wildlife Center. www.katvondbeauty.com SWEET & SULTRY Created by the Olsen twins, Elizabeth and James’ Nirvana Black fragrance features notes of violet, sandalwood and vanilla to create a perfectly alluring and deep fall scent wherever you go. www.elizabethandjames.us

5

6 7

ABOUT RITA STIRPE From educating aspiring makeup artists to hosting her own show, Cosmetic Art, on Rogers TV, Vaughan-based makeup artist Rita Stirpe has been making the world a more beautiful place since the year 2000. In 2014, she was one of five top finalists for Makeup Artist of the Year at the Contessa Awards, and this year she made it to the finalist round for Makeup Artist of the Year at the prestigious Canadian Mirror Awards. Along with rouging the faces of celebrities and well-known personalities, Rita is also a top choice for local brides-to-be searching for expert makeup application on their big day. @MakeupArtByRita www.makeupbyritastirpe.com

24

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT SEPHORA

1

LOVELY LINGERIE B R A F I T T I N G , S W I M W E A R & M A S T E C TO M Y S P E C I A L I S T

7 6 0 0 W E S TO N R O A D, W O O D B R I D G E , O N TA R I O L 4 L 8 B 7

www.mycitylife.ca

T 905.850.4067

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

25

A DV E R TO R I A L

VISION FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

How local architect Frank Di Roma of Ware Malcomb is shaping commercial, corporate and industrial development in Vaughan and beyond

Left: Frank Di Roma, regional director of Ware Malcomb’s Canadian office Top right: Ware Malcomb shapes a variety of industrial and corporate spaces, including transforming the CN Rail warehouse in Brampton into a two-storey office Bottom right: Ware Malcomb also excels at bringing pad sites to life, such as various Scotiabank branches

F

rank Di Roma knows that long-term vision is the modern architect’s greatest tool. Of course, buildings need to be functional today. But in order for developers to maximize their investment it’s essential to think about what the building can and will be used for in the future. “The smart developer is always thinking of the life cycle of a product,” says Di Roma, regional director of international architectural firm Ware Malcomb. “For me, it’s all about helping them cultivate that vision for what’s the best use of a site.”

For the past five years, Di Roma has wielded this attitude to successfully pioneer Ware Malcomb’s expansion into the Canadian landscape. Since 1972, Ware Malcomb has designed various commercial, industrial and corporate real 26

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

estate projects through architecture, planning, civil engineering, branding and more. The award-winning U.S. firm branched out into the Canadian market in 2007, and with Di Roma at the helm since 2010, quickly turned heads through intelligent designs that meld beauty and practicality, all within a client’s budget.

What makes working with Ware Malcomb so advantageous is its combination of boutique-style offices backed by the strength of a large multinational firm.

Canadian clients deal with Di Roma oneon-one, affording that personal touch of a small local firm, but it also means the vast resources, quick turnaround time and manpower of a bigger company are at the ready. If needed, Di Roma will fly in a designer from one of the other 16 offices across North America to give insight.

Designs also circulate through those other offices to give clients greater input from different regions. “It’s not just my expertise of this region,” says Di Roma. “We give you more options, designs and opinions from every region where we have an office — and that’s at no extra cost to the client.”

Di Roma recently moved Ware Malcomb’s Canadian headquarters to his hometown of Vaughan and it’s led to their best year in Canada to date. Di Roma and his team designed an impressive seven million square feet of industrial/office space over the last five years, including the new one-millionsq.-ft. adidas Group Canada distribution centre in Brantford, Ont., which won this year’s NAIOP Greater Toronto Industrial Development of the Year award. Di Roma has another two-to three-million-sq.-ft. development already in the works, including a new Porsche corporate dealership in North York and the Mississauga Gateway Centre’s five-storey office building.

“Being born and raised in this community, I know how central a role Vaughan will play in the development of the GTA and the rest of Canada,” says Di Roma. “We’re excited to use great design to help developers continue to position themselves for success today and tomorrow.”

180 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Unit 103, Vaughan, Ont. 905-760-1221 www.waremalcomb.com www.mycitylife.ca

LIFE ISN’T BLACK AND WHITE. ENJOY EVERY

For over 25 years, we’ve provided the entire GTA with colour through wallpaper, fabrics, stains, lacquers, and so much more. Let our decorating consultants help brighten your life with the right colours for you.

SteelesPaint DÉCOR STORE

VISIT OUR 20,000 SQ. FT. DÉCOR CENTRE

4190 STEELES AVENUE WEST, WOODBRIDGE | 905.850.4040 | STEELESPAINT.COM 27 www.mycitylife.ca Oct/Nov 2015 City Life Magazine

A DV E R TO R I A L

A PROVEN FIGHTER Voting for real change with King-Vaughan candidate Deb Schulte

Liberal L Lib ibera ibe erall candidate era cand andid dida idate id idat tte e Deb Deb Sch Sc S Schulte chul hulte hulte lte pro p promises romis mises i e ises ess rea real eal eal cha change hange nge ge iff elected e ected elect el ected d as a Mem M Me Member ber be err of Pa P Parli Parliament arli rliament rliame ament nt fo forr th the he new ne n ew rridi riding iidi di ding ng g of Kin K King-Vaughan ing g-V g g-Vaug -Vaughan aug gha han h n

A

s King-Vaughan Liberal candidate Deb Schulte readies herself for the upcoming election on October 19, her platform is fuelled by her promise to fight for real change and build a better future for our community and our country. Being the voice of the people is, after all, what she does best.

“I fight for what I believe is right, even if it’s going to be difficult.

My passion is helping people solve problems – I’m here for them,” she says.

Throughout the years, Deb’s priority of putting the needs of the community first has been a driving force in her work and how she lives every day. The former national champion track-and-field athlete and Princeton University graduate knows a thing or two about mental toughness and tenacity, having gained tremendous experience in her previous leadership role in change management at Bombardier Aerospace. Along with her multifaceted skill set, Deb’s greatest advantage is always driving for improvement and getting things done. Since stepping into the political sphere in 2006, she has cultivated positive relationships within the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government to ensure that the needs of the community are heard and represented in an efficient, effective manner.

Determined and tenacious, King-Vaughan candidate Deb Schulte is the kind of person you can always count on. And her track record of proven results and positive change reflects that.

During her tenure as regional councillor in Vaughan, Deb saved taxpayers millions of dollars by improving fiscal discipline and accountability at Vaughan City Hall. She created jobs in York Region and championed the expansion of Major Mackenzie Drive as well as advocated for the much-needed Highway 427 extension. Deb improved road safety with bike lanes and

28

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

additional traffic lights and enhanced public spaces with parks and sidewalks. She advanced the development of the muchanticipated Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, which brings with it significantly improved health-care access and high-value job opportunities for our community. Deb shares confidently: “I’m ready to put my strong work ethic and proven business and government experience to work for the people of King-Vaughan in Ottawa.”

If elected as a Member of Parliament on October 19, Deb will fight to ensure that the Liberals’ largest infrastructure investment plan in Canadian history will address problematic gridlock and commute times; provide tax relief for middle-class Canadians to stimulate our economic engine; create a bigger tax-free Canada Child Benefit for families to help make ends meet; ensure seniors have a secure retirement; grow our economy while strengthening our environment; and fix a broken Ottawa with fair and open government.

“It’s time for a hopeful Canada. Stephen Harper’s negative approach and policies have failed the citizens of Vaughan and King Township”, says Deb. “We need to create jobs, we need to create an environment of future success and we need to build this country up again. Let’s get to work, together.”

www.debschulte.ca Campaign Office 20 Cranston Park Ave., Unit 5 Maple, Ont., 905-553-6555 Authorized by the Official Agent for Deb Schulte

www.mycitylife.ca

A DV E R TO R I A L

DAVID’S

FINE LINENS Versace, Cavalli and Boss, oh my! David’s Fine Linens delivers new lines for fall

A

s the days get shorter and colder, David’s Fine Linens is ready to wrap you up in warmth and comfort. The GTA’s authority on modern and luxurious linens is excited to unveil its latest offering: the Versace 19V69 collection — an inspiring fashion collection of luxury bedding all made and designed in Italy. With big and bold to small and contemporary geometric designs, as well as loads of neutrals like greys and beiges making a comeback this season, David’s Fine Linens is also proud to offer exceptional quality cottons, distinctively luxurious bedding and robes and towels from iconic fashion houses Roberto Cavalli

and Hugo Boss. David’s Fine Linens’ beautiful collection of high-end European linens and bedding deliver the epitome of modern comfort for a bedroom you can’t wait to come home to.

Linosa beige Versace duvet cover

www.davidsfinelinens.com BAYVIEW VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE 2901 Bayview Ave., North York, Ont. 416-590-7311, Toll-Free: 1-877-591-1115 RENAISSANCE COMMERCIAL PLAZA 8099 Weston Rd., Unit 25 Woodbridge, Ont., 905-264-7778

Zena design by Versace 19V69

Corporate Holiday Gift Baskets Available

Gourmet Italian Fine Foods & Bakery BAKERY & DELI | GELATO | ESPRESSO BAR | HOT TABLE | PASTRIES & CAKES | CATERING

1 Queensgate Blvd., Bolton, Ont., 905-857-9040 www.mercatofinefoods.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

29

home decor

2 1

CHANGING OF THE SEASONS

3

As the outside world ignites in colour, these fall favourites will ensure you go home to something equally as beautiful

4

1. BRIGHTEN UP: Bubblier than a bottle of champagne, this mod chandelier is cause for celebration www.primalighting.ca 2. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK: When paired with white walls and simplistic accents, an orange couch makes a major — and stylish — statement www.ikea.ca 3. FALL IS IN THE AIR: Reminiscent of an autumn forest, this lush light brings nature’s artwork inside www.primalighting.ca 4. ON CHEVRON: Your bed wants to look good too and it will with this textured chevron duvet cover in white or cream www.anthropologie.com 5. BRANCHING OUT: You love your books, and so will this handmade, tree-inspired shelving unit www.etsy.com

5

6

30

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

TEXT BY AMANDA STOREY

6. EMERALD SIT-Y: Lush greens are in this season’s colour forecast, and this plush couch does the hue justice www.anthropologie.com

www.mycitylife.ca

7

9

8

7. CIDER DAYS: No fall is complete without apple cider, and this pumpkin-shaped dispenser will charm your tasting experience www.potterybarn.ca 8. MIRROR, MIRROR: Store your treasures in something just as pretty with this mirrored cabinet www.zillihome.com 9. WOULD YOU LATHER: Bring these craftily scented soaps into your bubble bath for a beautiful end to a crisp day www.anthropologie.com 10. CHIC YOURSELF: It’s the coffee table book you’ll actually read — Miles Redd’s The Book of Chic will be the Queen Clarisse to your Princess Mia www.elte.com 11. AN APPLE A DAY: Cheeky but refined, this metal décor piece brings flavour to any room www.elte.com 12. CROSS MY HEART: This pillow livens things up with a simple yet fun take on the classic stripe pattern www.elte.com

www.mycitylife.ca

11 10

12

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

31

STYLING BY ISE MICHELLE WHITE FOR COOL HUNT INC. GROOMING BY LYNDA EICHNER

Born and raised in New York, actor Robert De Niro’s stylish boutique hotel in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighbourhood features 88 rooms, a private spa and the Locanda Verde restaurant

32

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

RB

et

r De

O

CANADIAN EXCLUSIVE

THE KING OF NEW YORK CITY

The Academy Awardwinning actor who’s brought us stellar performances throughout the years takes us on a journey through the streets of NYC as co-founder of The Greenwich Hotel INTERVIEW BY CEZAR GREIF FOR COOL HUNT INC. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO GROB

www.mycitylife.ca

Niro

A

star. A legend. Today these words are used for almost every celebrity. Two or three successful movies and these superlatives are already being thrown around. But if there were someone everyone would agree deserves such accolades, Robert De Niro would be that person. The kind of person that people talk about with a lowered voice — like in a church or a temple — before he arrives on the set of a photo shoot. His name alone inspires respect. We all know his movies and his famous lines. Even the different expressions of his face are iconic. And then there’s De Niro the traveller and entrepreneur, which many people don’t know about.

On a beautiful day in New York’s Tribeca area, the shooting team gathers at De Niro’s own Greenwich Hotel, which can be described as an ultraOct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

33

chic boutique hotel. But there’s no talk of “Mr. De Niro” among his staff.

For everyone working with him, he’s just known as “Bob.” Arriving late, he apologizes profusely and goes straight to work, responding eagerly to every request made by photographer Marco Grob. Immediately, the whole set lights up, with everyone being literally transported back to classic movies like Taxi Driver, The Godfather Part II and Once Upon a Time in America with every smile and wink from Bob. After the shoot, it’s at his huge personal office full of amazing movie memorabilia that we sit down to discuss the many sides of an American cinema icon. Marlon Brando looks down at us from a blackand-white framed picture with Martin Scorsese not far either.

I’m surrounded by giants and facing a legend.

If you had to define New York City in three words …

It’s hard to define it in so few words! It’s a city where you can feel anonymous and part of a certain community at the same time, but also liberated in a certain way. I’m from New York, but I could imagine someone coming from a small town, from somewhere where there are less things to do, they come here and it’s so exciting, with young people and different areas and new places. Anything you want to see or do, you can do it. To me it’s the centre of the world. But of course there are also other great cities in the world, certainly Paris is an amazing city, London, Rome, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, etc. New York has a certain thing, though. I guess “liberating” is the word that best defines it.

The hotel where we did the photo shoot, the Greenwich, has a real artistic sensibility; it’s not a gimmick like so many other boutique hotels. Could you tell us how you got involved in the Greenwich Hotel?

My partner and I put a lot of work in it. We supervised every detail. It’s not perfect, but I tried to do as much as I could. I was involved in everything. It was an eclectic project. Ira Drukier, my partner, and I were deciding everything.

He had the practical experience running other boutique hotels. I had the land. I always thought if I didn’t do an addition to the Film Center [Robert De Niro owns the film production company in the adjacent building], I would do a hotel, a nice hotel. I’d have fun designing it, I thought.

He’s been a very good partner and his esthetic is good. He’s more like a producer/director and has experience running hotels. I’m more in charge of the visual aspect and making sure we adhere to a certain esthetic. If we had only one designer do it there would

You’re very involved with this neighbourhood and real estate, restaurants and the Tribeca Film Festival. It’s also near where you grew up. What makes this neighbourhood special?

I grew up in the Village, up the street from here, and then spent time on the Lower East Side. Everything has changed so much in New York.

Little Italy has become so gentrified.

It has totally transformed. When I was growing up, it was a lot more like in the movie Mean Streets. The neighbourhood in A Bronx Tale is still a more intact Italian-American neighbourhood than here in downtown. It hasn’t changed as much. Much of the East Side has changed, too. The Village hasn’t changed as much. Tribeca started like SoHo — big spaces, industrial spaces, open spaces.

That’s where it started, and then it got gentrified. And now, in general, it’s just been loft spaces. I remember when I was in my mid- to early thirties I started seeing things and getting a sense of the city’s neighbourhoods. All of a sudden I started noticing new bars and restaurants opening — another generation of venues. This was then, now the whole thing has transformed even more. It’s like watching all kinds of plants and grass grow! A whole new generation of vegetation, some of which you don’t even know, like exotic plants.

The change is overwhelming here in New York. In other places, it’s slower sometimes. Here it’s pretty fast.

For people who have never been here, how would you describe Tribeca, the neighbourhood where your hotel and film production company are based?

It has a certain thing about it — the whole loft thing. It’s the main draw here; it’s a different way of living as opposed to a typical apartment, even a big apartment. There’s more space, more light — originally artists making art occupied the lofts. Then it changed to what it is now, with other people moving in. I like Tribeca — it hasn’t changed as dramatically as SoHo, which has all these stores and so much tourism. Here

NEW YORK HAS A CERTAIN THING, THOUGH. I GUESS ‘LIBERATING’ IS THE WORD THAT BEST DEFINES IT ”

34

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

always be something I wouldn’t like. It has to come out of feeling. We mocked up the outer brick wall by meeting these Irish brick-makers in Long Island City.

We all liked it but I said, “let’s do a mock-up” to get a sense of how it looks en masse as opposed to just a couple of bricks. I thought the corner of the hotel should be round, instead of angular, as I thought it would be nicer. Artist studios on the West Side, on 57th Street, inspired the room where we just shot in. I thought it would be nice to have two-storey windows. David Rockwell designed it. I wanted real fireplaces downstairs — it gives a whole other feeling. Take a look around! All of the artwork in the hotel is my father’s. If you go downstairs you’ll see it in the lobby, the restaurant, in the back.

www.mycitylife.ca

Make memories dining at

Il Postino

186 Main Street, Unionville 905-940-1555 www.ilpostinoristorante.com

TURN OVER A

NEW LEAF

At U Weight Loss Clinic of Maple, our clients know the positive impact of making strategic lifestyle changes. Our CertiďŹ ed Health Coaches will design a program that is tailored to your individual health and weight loss needs, and show you how minor changes can add up to major transformations.

START YOUR PROGRAM TODAY AND

RECEIVE 50% OFF U WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC OF MAPLE

2810 MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE, UNIT 14 T: 905.832.9005 t E: umaple1@uweightloss.com

www.mycitylife.ca

www.uweightloss.com Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

35

Apart from acting and producing, co-founding the Tribeca Film Festival and launching his Nobu restaurant and hotel partnership worldwide, Robert De Niro oversaw every interior and exterior design detail of the Greenwich Hotel with his partner, hotelier Ira Drukier

it’s a little more of a community. I don’t mind tourists, though. After 9/11 we did need more of them to come back for all the bars, hotels and restaurants here. It’s just a little less packed here, a little less dense.

Did you always feel this connection to your neighbourhood or were there times when you got tired of New York and just wanted to live elsewhere?

I always wanted to live in New York.

I go to L.A. all the time but I never wanted to do anything other than work there. Then I saw this building and put a restaurant in there, the Tribeca Grill, which is the first restaurant we started. And then I put in the offices.

And then other people came in, like the Weinstein brothers with Miramax (now the Weinstein Company). People have taken floors. [Steven] Spielberg has 36

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

a floor. I liked this area. I had moved out here earlier and wanted to set something up here. It wasn’t easy.

When friends from out of town come to visit, do you take them to certain places for a great “New York” experience?

Just the places I enjoy going to. I’d tell them to go to the Village, to Tribeca, to Lower Manhattan to see the new Freedom Tower. Go to Central Park.

There are so many places to see in New York, it just depends on what they’re interested in. Brooklyn is so active and busy with life. I rarely go there, but it has a lot going on, especially with young people. It’s changed a lot.

A number of movies you’ve done are set in NYC — you’ve covered almost every neighbourhood, from Brooklyn (Once Upon a Time in America) and

the Bronx (A Bronx Tale), Little Italy (Mean Streets) to New Jersey (Cop Land) and many other movies happening all over New York. Is there one film you think rings truest to the city?

I think Mean Streets would probably be closest to the actual neighbourhood and to the way Little Italy was. It’s not far from here. Taxi Driver is happening at night during the seventies. It’s another feeling — New York is not like that anymore. A Bronx Tale was really Chazz Palminteri’s story. He did it as a one-man show and then we made a movie out of it. It has a lot of truth about it, about that neighbourhood. It’s kind of like a fable; there’s something a bit magical to it. But as the director, I tried to make it very real with all the kids in it. They’re real kids, they’re not actors. It www.mycitylife.ca

FLOOR COVERINGS GROUP

EXCELLENCE IN FLOORING The floor is more than the ground we walk on — it’s the fifth wall in a room, the platform on which we live and work and play. We at Weston Floor Coverings Group think the floor is something to be celebrated, and with our array of fine hardwood finishes and with the passion and expertise of our team, we create a surface of distinction in your space.

87 Westcreek Drive, Woodbridge, Ont. Langstaff & Weston Road, just off Highway 400

416.746.8492 | www.westonfloorcoverings.com

Cardinal FLOOR COVERINGS e.1974

www.mycitylife.ca

HARDWOOD DIVISION

CARPET DIVISION

RICON

FLOORING

Oct/Nov 2015

TILE DIVISION

Trade Contractor

City Life Magazine of the Year 37

would’ve been hard to find actors who would play these parts believably unless they understood the culture.

What are some of your favourite New York movies by other people?

On the Waterfront by [Elia] Kazan is a great New York movie. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a whole other side of New York. Also The French Connection starring Gene Hackman.

What’s your opinion of the gentrification of NYC? My dad lives in the centre of Paris and is always complaining about “one more fashion boutique opening.”

Where do you come from in Paris?

The Fourth District near Bastille.

The Marais.

That’s a nice area. It reminds me of the movie The Family I did with Luc

Besson not long ago in Paris. He started a studio, a very nice place in an old electrical factory. He renovated it — it’s a terrific space. We were the first movie he directed that was shot in his studio in the fall of 2012.

Was it a good experience shooting with Luc Besson?

Yes, he was great. It was very good.

Hopefully we’ll do another one together soon.

So you don’t miss how this neighbourhood was before?

I don’t miss how it was before. Things change. I don’t get nostalgic for things of the past that you can’t change anyway.

Unless things were nicer then and they’re bad now. But they’re not bad now. They’re just different. You just have to adjust to that. It’s like, people say that

New York in the seventies was so gritty whereas now it’s more gentrified and “cleaned up” — yeah, that’s true. But there are still areas of New York that are gritty. It’s what it is; it has evolved.

Paris is also a good example of this kind of evolution.

Nobu Restaurants have become quite popular with the fashion elite around the world. Did you always have a fondness for Japanese food? How did you decide to start a partnership with renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa?

I was in L.A. right after Matsuhisa’s restaurant opened. I told him, “If you ever want to open a Japanese restaurant in New York, let me know.” He contacted my partners and me about a year later, and that’s how it started. The first one was right up the street over

The legendary actor’s filmic compendium spans over 50 years and includes iconic and acclaimed films such as The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, A Bronx Tale, Goodfellas, Casino, Heat and Silver Linings Playbook. The 72-year-old’s latest flick, The Intern, sees him in the role of a widower alongside actress Anne Hathaway

38

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

www.videobrochurecanada.ca

Tell Your Story

14TH YEAR OF OPERATION

Finally, a brochure that literally speaks to your clients

“Education is the leading of human souls to what is best,, and making what is best out of them.” — John Ruskin MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF KLEINBURG (MSK) SK) is an accredited Montessori and ministry-licensed school educating children from 15 months to 12 years ars of age. Overlooking 13 acres of breathtaking greenery ery and the Humber River, MSK provides students with Enza Marzano-Pellegrini, an academically rich, scenic and safe environment.

Principal MSK’s students are recognized for being respectful, responsible and resourceful citizens of the community. We look forward to welcoming your family into ours.

OPEN HOUSES SAT. OCT. 17 & SAT. NOV. 21 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

REAL ESTATE PACKAGE

CONDO DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE

Montessori School of Kleinburg Quality Educational Standards Overlooking the Humber River ESTABLISHED IN 2002

10515 Highway 27, Kleinburg, Ont. 905.893.0560 • www.msk2002.com •

www.dolcemedia.ca | 905.264.6789

GET THE BACKYARD OF YOUR DREAMS THIS SEASON!

ASK ABOUT OUR HEATED DRIVEWAY SYSTEM

BOOK YOUR

FREE

CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR IN-HOUSE DESIGNERS

THE ARCHITECTURAL LEADER OF CONCRETE PAVING FOR

VISIT OUR SPECTACULAR DESIGN CENTRE 111 Zenway Blvd., Unit 17, Vaughan, Ont. Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Saturday: By appointment only

This year, elevate your home and discover the outdoor space you’ve always wanted with a professionally designed Bomanite driveway, patio or pool deck. Bomanite is a versatile and unique paving alternative that exudes the beauty and sophistication of traditional stone materials while offering a range of colours, textures and patterns that can be customized to your taste.

Call us today to book an appointment and enjoy your own slice of paradise all season long.

905-265-2500 | 1-800-331-9754

www.bomanite.ca

905-265-2500 | 1-800-331-9754 | www.bomanite.ca www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

39

here. I knew that Nobu was special.

There are a lot of Japanese restaurants in New York and they’re good … but when I tasted his food I thought, “This is special, people are going to like this.”

You recently launched Nobu Hotel in Vegas. How would you define it compared to your own Greenwich Hotel here in Manhattan?

It’s a different thing. So many places were asking us to put a Nobu restaurant in them, so I said, “Why not do a Nobu Hotel and put a restaurant in it!” Why do we need to help other hotels get a certain cachet, a certain credibility, by putting a Nobu restaurant in them?

Why don’t we do it ourselves since we have a real brand? Why are we allowing others to take advantage of it and exploit it? Let’s take advantage of it ourselves! This kind of opportunity rarely comes along, if ever. There were instances where people were saying, “you just do the restaurant, you just stay over there.” I said “no.” Anybody can do it. How did you wind up doing this? Maybe you came from a family already in the hotel business, but excuse me! We have something that’s very real, that people want. Why not try to move forward with it? We try to find strategic partners in each country where we go.

It’s that simple.

Do you plan to launch Nobu Hotels in other countries?

There’s one in Manila, one in Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], and plans for more that we’re talking about now. If we never tried it, we would’ve never known. The most important thing is that the Nobu Hotel is very interesting and good. It has an Asian concept, since it’s Nobu, and the service is great. You don’t know it until you try it.

You travel a lot for work, both for filming and promoting. What are some of your favourite destinations?

I always love Paris and France in general. Italy and Spain, too. Asia. I’m always curious to travel places around the world. Polynesian islands, I’ve been to a couple of those. Africa and the Indian Ocean. I like warmer places.

Although I’d like to go to Norway and I’ve been to Sweden for a couple of days.

I’m going to go to India for a week. I’ve always liked to travel when I can. For vacation, I like to go to warm weather 40

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

places, like the Caribbean islands.

Do you have any favourite cities other than NYC? London, Barcelona. I did a movie there. Madrid and Rome, of course.

Berlin is an interesting city. I like Moscow for many reasons.

Does travelling sometimes inspire your work?

It depends on the movie. When I was doing The Good Shepherd [De Niro directed this movie], going to Russia and the idea of the Kremlin, of the Cold War, intrigued me. I had been going to Russia many times before the wall came down, when it was a completely different world. It’s totally transformed now. That’s another thing I never thought I’d see.

Can you list three destinations you’d like to visit in the next few months?

I’ve always been curious to go to Mongolia. Also I’ve always wanted to go to Norway in the winter. The Amazon rainforest, too. And New Guinea — it’s supposed to be so primitive there.

Do you have favourite hotels around the world that you like going back to?

Sure. The Hôtel du Cap in Cap d’Antibes, in the south of France. I used to like the Savoy, in London; I heard they remodelled it. There’s the Ocean Club in the Maldives. In India there’s the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. I haven’t been there in years, but I hear it’s still great.

Do you think there’s a special relationship between actors and hotels?

Some people say that the lobby of a hotel is a bit like a stage, but at the same time the rooms are anonymous and private.

That’s an interesting idea. I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels. For some reason, I have a hobby or fantasy of doing hotels.

I thought of doing resorts, for example, a Nobu resort, which I hope one day will happen. There’s talk of that. It’s kind of fun to create a place you would like to be at — that’s the way I look at it.

Some actors take residence in hotels and stay there for months or even years, like Warren Beatty at the Beverly Hills Hotel or Egyptian actor Omar Sharif living at the Hôtel Le Royal Monceau in Paris.

I’ve stayed at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles for many years myself.

I stayed at a hotel in New York called the Mayflower for a few years, near Columbus Circle. It’s not there anymore. It’s not a bad combination of things — it’s convenient, you have your privacy. I understand the appeal. Things were also a lot quieter at hotels in those days.

I’ve found that people in different countries don’t necessarily appreciate your movies the same way. For example, I grew up in France and we always watched Once Upon a Time in America by legendary Italian director Sergio Leone (it was shown on TV almost every year), but it’s not as popular in North America, possibly due to the editing problems of the U.S. version.

It’s also a hugely popular movie in China — people there quote the movie all the time in daily life.

Really? Wow, I didn’t know that.

Do you think there’s something unique in the storytelling of this movie? Is it a movie about America for foreigners?

I think so. When we did the movie, the people distributing it knew what they were getting from Sergio [Leone], but they tried to make it into something it never was in the first place.

It’s Sergio’s vision of America through his eyes, the eyes of a foreigner. When the movie was finally done, the length was three-and-a-half, four hours, they were not happy. They started editing it and cut a lot. Even I said, “why don’t you have two screenings, one for the long version Sergio wanted, and one for the edited version?” The style, the texture, the feel of the movie is about us, Americans, but by someone who’s not from here, filtered through his sensibility and feeling. It was never intended to be accurate about things. I used to tell Sergio “we don’t have this type of coffee machine in America” while we were shooting the movie in Rome. I was hoping these details would make people understand that it is very close to what it was. But he wasn’t doing that. He was doing something that was in his own head, a romantic thing. It was based on a book called The Hoods, which I happened to have read way before shooting the movie. It’s a good book about Jewish gangsters in the Lower East Side in New York. But www.mycitylife.ca

SEE WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MISSING Discover D Discov Dis Di isscov cover err th e thr three hree ee llux luxury uxu uxury ury ry ey eyewe eyewear eweaar b ewear bouti bou bo boutiques outiq tiques i ue ues tto o se serv serve rve Vaughan Vaugha augha han an community commun communi comm unity nity ty un und under nde er th the same saame e um umb umbrella. mb brell rella rel la. a.

All All three Al t ree th ree locations llocat lo cation ca tion i ns off offer er next-generation next-ge next-g xt g gene ener nerati rati ation tion on n eye eyewe eyewear y we ye weaar and a advanced an advan adva ad van vanced nced d ey eye ye care ccare. are e.

Amel Ame A Amela mel mellaa and d Arif, Arif A rif, rif i th the eo original rig igin igina inal o ina owne owners wn rs wne wners rs of all all th three hre ree ee e lo locations, oc o ccat ation atio ation ns, s, ccont continuously ontinuous ontinu inuou ously usly l str ly strive i to oo offe off ffer e err a wi wide select wide ssele selection electi cttiion on of the of th ďŹ nest nes e eyewear yewearr br yew brand brands. ands nds. s. Co C Collec Collections ol ollec lectio tions tion i ns in iinc include ncclude n lud de C Chrome hrome hrome H Heart He Hearts eart a ts and and Dit Ditaa tto o Gucci, Gucc ucci,i, Bvlgar B Bvl Bvlgari, gaarri,i,i Ti T Tiffan Tiff iffan iffany, ny, Dio D Dior, ior, io r, Ve Versace Versac sace e and and Tom Fo Ford. A dedicated dedica ded icated d tte team e eam am of am of o optici op opticians, pticians pt ician ans,, o optometrists pto trists ptomet ists t and ffa fashi fashion ashio shion on cconsul consultants onsultants ultan tants tss del d deliver e iver eli eliv iver g great reatt serv rea sservice ervic ice aalo alongside longside ongsid de state stat state-of-the-art tate e-of-t -o of-t f the he-art op optic optical ttic cal al ttechnology tec te chno hnology hnolog log lo gy ffo for or a sseam or seamless eamles eam mless less shop sshopping hopp hop hoppi opping ping e pin experience. xpe p rie r ence nc ce. e.

SEVERAL LUXURY EYEWEAR BOUTIQUES IN VAUGHAN TO SERVE YOU BETTER

TRADES OPTICAL 4th Location Coming Soon!

9600 Islington Ave., Building D, Unit 2A Woodbridge, Ontario

Vaughan Mills Mall 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Unit 253, Vaughan, Ontario

2810 Major Mackenzie Dr., Unit 6, Maple, Ontario

see-eyewear.com

occhiali.ca

allabouteyesoptical.com

905-893-1221

905-760-2539

130 Toro Rd. North York, Ontario

905-417-9950

SHOP OUR NEW FALL ARRIVALS

SHOES FOR MEN Tues – Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sun & Mon: Closed 2354 Major Mackenzie Dr., Unit 14 Maple, Ont. (Just west of Keele St.)

905.417.1199 www.mycitylife.ca

menellishoes.com 905.265.8644 ‡ 5XWKHUIRUG 5G ‡ $W :HVWRQ 5G Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

41

the movie has nothing to do with the book. It was Sergio’s take. He was very passionate about it; he wanted to tell the story.

Would you ever consider being in a movie produced for another country’s film industry?

Funny you mention this. I am actually talking to some people in China who want to do a movie with me. It’s a love story. I met a Chinese director but I cannot say whom. It’s very real; we’re talking about it.

You’ve often played characters with a lot of street smarts, the tough guys and the “wise guys.” But in reality you come from an artistic background and own sophisticated restaurants.

I’m wondering if you ever get offered parts closer to who you are in real life. Would they be as appealing to you?

They would be appealing, of course, if they are parts I can identify with.

There are certain roles that come along that part of you can understand and identify with.

It’s not you or what you’ve been through, but there are elements in the story that you can definitely connect with.

I use those parts that will fit with that story. I did a movie called Everybody’s Fine, which is a remake of an old Italian movie called Stanno Tutti Bene with Marcello Mastroianni and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. It was made about 25 years ago I think. I enjoyed that movie. It’s about a father who has kids and he wants to go and visit all of them once they’ve grown up to find out what they’re doing but they’re avoiding him. It’s a movie any father would certainly understand.

One of your recent movies, Silver Linings Playbook, deals with mental illness. In the movie your character is either just a bit intense or has obsessivecompulsive disorder, we’re never quite sure, but it’s implied that Bradley Cooper’s character didn’t fall that far from the tree. I’m wondering if you saw parallels with previous characters you’ve played, all the way to your early movies in the ’70s.

Nowadays, we’re getting closer to 42

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

labelling conditions accurately, which is both good and not good. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what the person is dealing with. Bradley’s character is bipolar. The only connection I’d say is that the father could have those traits to a lesser degree. Through alignment of the genes, they’ve been intensified in Bradley’s character. Is there a connection? Yes. But every person with a disorder is different, even if it’s the same label. Regarding the Taxi Driver character, at one point I tried to get Marty Scorsese and Paul Schrader together to talk about doing a sequel. I said, “What if we try to do my character

ALL OF THE ARTWORK IN THE HOTEL IS MY FATHER’S. IF YOU GO DOWNSTAIRS YOU’LL SEE IT IN THE LOBBY, THE RESTAURANT, IN THE BACK” twenty to twenty-five years later?” We tried, but didn’t think it was worthy.

It never came to fruition because we never saw where we’d go. But I certainly thought about it.

Most of your younger fans have first seen you as Jack Byrnes in the Fockers trilogy. This movie resonated with me because when I met my soon-to-be father-in-law, I wondered if he’d be like Jack Byrnes and whether or not he’d let me inside the circle of trust. What do you think differentiates playing a father versus a father-in-law? Where did the inspiration for this character come from?

Actually, I didn’t have a father-inlaw at the time. I didn’t feel any family pressure in my personal life. I had no idea what that dynamic was. But the performance resonated with a lot of

people because that’s usually what happens with families. Since the movie came out, my life has been more like that so I understand it more. At the time I understood it only intellectually.

Now you’re a father-in-law yourself.

Yes. I have a daughter-in-law. You understand that when things are pulling at family members that you have no control over it. The simplest thing is in the movie when Jack’s daughter is getting married. He’s losing her, she’s going to have a family, and now he’s going to have to deal with her and her husband.

She’s not going to be “daddy’s little girl” anymore.

I’ve read an interview of Ben Stiller where he says the first time his character met your character in Meet the Parents, his reaction was the genuine feeling of being intimidated by you when he first met you.

Did you ever have that feeling with another actor when you were starting out?

I used to know [Marlon] Brando a little bit. I met him, he was great; I loved him. But still, on set he was “Brando.”

So I understand that. Ben was very good and funny for that movie. Whatever he does, you know what he’s thinking.

Are you a strict father yourself, or are you getting more lenient as time goes by?

I’m not like Jack Byrnes.

I could be closer to the character in Silver Linings Playbook if anything. I’m a pretty liberal parent. I can be tough on certain things if I know it’s a very serious matter and when the children need a certain discipline. Not physically, but getting them on the right track.

Tough decisions, but you have to do it.

I’ve been through that.

Getting back to movies, do younger actors ask you for advice? What do you usually tell them?

Sometimes. I like to give advice if people are interested. Bradley and I became friends. I tell him some things, maybe about what happened in another movie I worked on years ago and my feelings about it. With him I know he’ll understand and appreciate it. I’ll tell him something about one director www.mycitylife.ca

Visit our Retail Store and Design Centre for all the best pool accessories and chemicals

Meet with our In-House Landscape Designers to Design the backyard of your Dreams!!

VISIT OUR NEW DESIGN STUDIO 3560 RUTHERFORD ROAD, UNIT #34 WOODBRIDGE www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

43

Robert De Niro looks up at the chic hotel he co-owns, the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca

44

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

versus another. I trust him. I know he’s smart, so I’ll tell him something I wouldn’t necessarily tell someone else.

In one of your most recent movies, Last Vegas, you’re part of an ensemble cast starring Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline. But it’s not the first time you shot there — we all remember Casino. Can you tell us about the movie and how you think Vegas has changed throughout the years?

Vegas has totally changed. Even when I was doing Casino twenty years ago, things had already changed, but there weren’t any good restaurants like there are today. Even the seventies and sixties were different, too. We had a nice time shooting the movie in Vegas.

Do you still see acting as being your priority among your restaurants, hotels and family?

Yes, because it’s something only I can do in my film production company.

It’s a more simple, one-on-one type of thing. The other things, I’m very much involved but I’m not running them.

I’m not cooking the food at Nobu.

I have decisions to make about the whole business of it, but those day-today decisions are left to the people in charge. Like the Tribeca Film Festival, I’m there when I’m needed. I try to watch as many movies as I can that are going to be shown and help with organizing. I wasn’t sure when we first started that it would get this big.

A lot of people dwell on the past, but you seem to be able to stay focused on the here and now. How do you manage to always look forward, especially since you’ve done so much? Doesn’t the past sometimes invite itself into the present?

I’m nostalgic of certain things, of course, like children when they were younger and more innocent in a certain way. Now they’re older and in different stages in their lives. My teenage son is more interested in being with his friends than being with me, but that’s OK. He’ll come back. I try to be practical, because you can’t do anything about most things; things move on.

Life goes on, so just enjoy it and make the most of it as you go. Stay healthy, stay strong and keep doing things that interest you, and keep family as close to you as you can. www.mycitylife.ca

,

Birthday Parties | Anniversaries | Christmas | Holidays Bridal & Baby Showers | Weddings | Themed Events | Corporate Gifts & Events

www.dolcebouquets.com 647-920-0675 @DolceBouquets

Florals

beyond your expectations

12994 Keele St., #3, King City

T 905-833-3148

•

C 416-300-9761 Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

45

Auto Review

A HYBRID OF EFFICIENCY AND SOPHISTICATION The 2015 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid says plenty through a whisper of refinement Written By Justin Mastine-Frost

T

he full-sized luxury hybrid sedan segment hasn’t been around all that long, and it remains a segment with very few contenders. The RLX is only a few years old, and it is built in direct competition with offerings such as the big Lexus LS 600h, as well as BMW’s upcoming reboot of the 7-Series hybrid, the 740e. In many ways Acura has found interesting middle ground between these two options by offering more of an engaging driving experience than the Lexus without forgoing any comfort or convenience.

Acura totes the new RLX as the most powerful sedan the brand has ever released. By mating a new version of their 3.5-Litre V-6 with three electric motors, the new RLX Sport Hybrid boasts a combined 377 horsepower and 341 lb-ft of torque, all while maintaining very respectable 8.0-L/100 kilometres city and 7.5-L/100 km highway fuel economy stats. The first of these electric motors is mated to the car’s 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, while the other two are mounted at the back to power each of the rear wheels.

While power and economy are

always part of the equation when looking at your average hybrid, a luxury sedan requires that extra dose of sophistication to make it worthwhile.

Of course, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid is heavily clad in soft leathers and is packed with loads of infotainment and safety tech to keep its passengers both protected and entertained during their journey. Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control as well as a handful of other safety systems are all on hand to keep this mighty sedan, and its passengers, out of harm’s way at all times.

The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid blends fuel economy with subtle sophistication

46

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

In terms of visuals, the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid also has no problem dressing for the part of luxury sedan. It exudes a restrained sophistication that manages to maintain personality. From its unique Jewel Eye headlights and distinct Acura grille, to its sleek-yet-understated side profile, the RLX doesn’t scream for attention, but rather whispers a tone of refinement. And sometimes subtlety is the most fashionable. www.acura.ca

MENSWEAR MENS ME NSWE NS WEAR WE A S AR SHOP HOP HO P QUALITY SINCE 1988

The RLX Sport Hybrid features three electric motors, one mated to its 7-speed gearbox, and the other two mounted to its rear tires

TAKING CHARGE OF THE ROAD 2016 Chevrolet Volt The much-anticipated 2016 Chevrolet Volt is almost here, and aside from bringing its exterior and interior styling up to date, the new model boasts a host of upgrades, including an increased range of up to 80 km on a charge (up from roughly 50 on the outgoing model). Thanks to advancements in EV technology, Chevrolet has also managed to shed roughly 100 pounds from its battery pack. Of course, a host of other improvements such as builtin Wi-Fi and an 8-inch touchscreen display ensure that the Volt is as high-tech in the passenger cabin as it is under the hood. www.gm.ca

REAL FALL STYLE THE KEY TO MEN’S FASHION 7600 Weston Road (at HWY 7), Woodbridge, Ont. T 905-851-6500 | www.perlui.ca The 2016 Chevrolet Volt has an increased electric range of 80 km, up from the outgoing model’s 50-km range

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

47

48

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

3

Add a touch of old-school panache to your ensemble with the Armani Collezioni sport jacket www.harryrosen.com

Make a cool yet subtle statement at work with a charcoal-grey suit www.hm.com

1

15 MEN

4

Freedom and friendship are celebrated with every spritz of Chrome United by Azzaro for Men www.beautyboutique.ca

5

Clean up that scruff with the g Proraso perfect shave using Shaving Cream m www.proraso.com

Find yourself cringing as you swap your summer clothes for a wardrobe burdened by heavy fall sweaters? We totally get it.

Our hot picks for autumn will get you through sub-zero temps without cramping your style

6

FALL FASHION MUST-HAVES FOR

H the streets with Calvin Klein’s Hit C watch. Swiss-made with quartz City movement, a black dial and a leather strap, it’s the coolest way to tell time www.cupidodesigns.com

2

A cosy ca cardigan paired wi with dark cuffed je jeans makes for a casual-sweet cas look this fall www.joef www.joefresh.com

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

49

7

Energize your old arsenal of loungewear with the purrfect T-shirt www.urbanoutfitters.com

Succumb to sweater weather with a comfy knit pullover equipped with a hood and drawstring closure urban-planet.com

13

14

Complete your day or evening look with sleek dark dress shoes that were made for walking www.hm.com

9

Be the poster boy of positive messages with this super-soft grey T-shirt www.urbanoutfitters.com

10

Armani Collezioni’s grey mélange jacket repels water and is padded with down to keep you warm and stylish through the colder months www.harryrosen.com

This cool blue suit for day or night would make Jay Gatsby green www.hm.com

8

15 ’s Pack Away The Men’s ffer e will add a Puff much-ne eed dose of much-needed sunshin ne against the sunshine Nov dull November rain www w.joe www.joefresh.com

This super-wearable white Oxford shirt by Ted Baker lends a quiet air a of o sophistication sop st cat o to any outfit perlui.ca

11

12

The Yonkers checked wool suit jacket by Ted Baker features grosgrain pocket trims for a curated look perlui.ca

TIONAL MENTORS

City Life Magazine goes head-to-head with martial artists in Vaughan who are raising the bar in developing self-conďŹ dence and spiritual strength in kids and adults across the community

Interviews By Daniel Calabretta Photography By Carlos Arturo Pinto and Sal Pasqua

an a martial artist instructor be the saving grace of self-esteem and bullying issues on the playground and in the workforce? From karate and jiu-jitsu to Muay Thai, Kobudo, Chitoryu and tai chi, established Japanese, Thai and Chinese martial arts have been cultivating an environment where individuals can achieve inner peace and balance for centuries. Bringing these ancient styles of discipline to our community in a relevant, relatable way, our compendium of black-belt senseis have been transforming the lives of children and adults through structured programs, motivational classes and uplifting messages of encouragement to guide people through day-to-day issues and hardships. It’s no wonder more and more martial arts schools are popping up — the discipline is a big contender in developing physically and mentally strong, self-assured individuals from the ground up.

50

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

AAMIR SHAIKH

Northern Karate

It’s been over a year since Aamir Shaikh, 43, retired from the corporate world to become a sensei and he couldn’t be happier.

“It was a transformation coming into this place. The Northern Karate model of mind, body and spirit is not just kicking and punching.

There’s something else; there’s a zen involved in it. It focuses your energy and allows you to reach inside to find that part you want to improve.” While the sensei started his martial arts career later in life, his impact thus far has been far-reaching. Armed with a firstdegree black belt, Shaikh has guided students toward achieving inner greatness, including a young girl struggling with social anxiety who has now become an outgoing class member. “As a teacher it’s not just about making individuals into great martial artists, it’s making them better people.” www.northernkarate.com

AS A TEACHER IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT MAKING INDIVIDUALS INTO GREAT MARTIAL ARTISTS, IT’S MAKING THEM BETTER PEOPLE — Sensei Aamir Shaikh

CHRISTOPHER JANNETTA

Balance of Life Martial Arts

A sixth-degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate and Shotokan Karate, Jannetta says that the best part of martial arts is the connectivity he feels with his inner self and those around him. “Through martial arts there are a lot of hidden lessons that you can teach yourself or at least see through other experiences from years of training — it’s a very different feeling than everything else. Whatever you put in you’re going to get back — and that’s a cool lesson martial arts teaches you.” The sensei, who is the recipient of four Martial Arts Hall of Fame Awards, has been immersed in the discipline of martial arts since he was four and opened up his own school, Balance of Life Martial Arts, when he was just 18. www.balanceoflifemartialarts.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

51

GIANCARLO ESPOSITO

Nobleton Karate

At the age of 12, Giancarlo Esposito asked his father to enroll him in a martial arts program after becoming inspired by old movies of the discipline that played on the family TV every Saturday. Since then, the sensei opened up his own dojo in 2011 to inspire young kids with courage and the fundamental values of the ancient Japanese sport. The sensei, who is a sixth-degree black belt ranked in two systems of karate, counts Masami Tsuruoka, the first man to bring the Chito-ryu style to Canada, as a big influence in the work he carries out at Nobleton Karate. “The biggest thing I try to push is to work hard and to work smart,” says sensei Esposito. “The lessons and old-time values we can convey to our students are my passion.” ww www.kaishinmartialarts.com

JASON FIGLIANO JAS

Canadian Black Belt Academy Can Sens Jason Figliano started Sensei train training in martial arts at age six and has never looked back. The owner and head instructor of Canadian Black Belt Academy in Bolton is a proven MMA ama amateur champion and holds a fourth-degree blac black belt in Shotokan/Kempo Karate and a black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. For well over a decade, sens sensei Figliano has trained countless kids and adul adults with the life skills imparted by martial arts. Next to teaching, his passion is to equip stud students with the tools to build character and selfself-confidence. Sensei Figliano runs classes and priva private lessons, as well as free women’s selfdefe defence seminars and anti-bullying programs at the aacademy. “If you can arm your child with the mental attributes to deal with a bully, they won’t have to resort re to getting physical,” he says. bolt boltonkarate.com

JEFF BOYCE

Bushido Kai Martial Arts Centre “In the dojo and in life, you never quit, you never give up. You keep going no matter what. This is one of the biggest things we strive for here,” says sensei Jeff Boyce of Bushido Kai Martial Arts Centre.

Guiding students through programs in Goju Ryu karate, jiu-jitsu, Kobudo and tai chi since he opened his Richmond Hill dojo over 20 years ago, Boyce leads from the front and pulls students along in an encouraging and motivating, one-on-one environment. “If we’re doing a sit-up drill I’ll do it along with them,” says the fifth-degree black belt, who aspires to teach martial arts internationally one day. “We make sure it’s a positive experience for all our students.” www.mydojo.ca

52

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

ALEX RICCI

M-1 Thai Boxing

On the outside he’s a lean, mean fighting machine, but on the inside, Kru Alex Ricci, head coach of M-1 Thai Boxing, is a gentle soul with a passion to teach. “I learn a lot through competition. It really tests me. It helps me grow as a person.

And I like to share my experiences and pass on my knowledge to other people,” says Ricci, a UFC hopeful who first stumbled upon the combat sport of Muay Thai in a library book when he was a teenager. After a visit to Thailand, the motherland of the sport, he began training and competing in fights before opening a gym that focuses on finding balance and the physical strength within men, women and children. www.teamm1.com

SEEING MY STUDENTS BREAK THROUGH AN OBSTACLE WITH RENEWED CONFIDENCE AND THE FEELING THAT THEY’VE ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING THEY NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE IS THE BIGGEST REWARD FOR ME — Sensei Scott Bullard

SCOTT BULLARD ARD

Canada’s Best Karate

Everything worthwhile doesn’t always come easy. This is a message sensei Scott Bullard e black lives and breathes by. A sixth-degree emical belt, Bullard gave up his job as a chemical engineer to pursue his life calling in martial arts instruction back in 1991. Two yearss later te-ofhe founded Canada’s Best Karate, a state-ofgrams the-art facility offering structured programs efence that focus on building one’s self-defence e then skills and personal development. Since pion in he’s become a trusted sensei, a champion supporting local charities and one off a few anada. certified Bullies2Buddies instructors in Canada. n self“Karate is the vehicle by which we learn ullard. discipline and self-confidence,” says Bullard. stacle “Seeing my students break through an obstacle g that with renewed confidence and the feeling ething they’ve accomplished something they never thought possible is the or me.” biggest reward for ate.ca www.canadasbestkarate.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

53

DISCOVER YOUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL THROUGH THE STUDY OF MARTIAL ARTS.

43 YEARS

201 14 READERS’ CHO OIC CE AWARD WIN NNER, 7 YEA ARS IN A ROW

Studies show that students enrolled in martial arts programs have increased self-esteem and improved focus and concentration abilities in the classroom.

With 43 years of martial arts instruction under its belt, Northern Karate Schools is the trusted choice for many men, women and children in the GTA. With 10 world-renowned locations, NKS offers award-winning programs taught by instructors with decades of experience.

10% OFF AND COMPLIMENTARY INTRODUCTORY CLASS

NORTHERN

SCHOOLS

54

WOODBRIDGE

VAUGHAN

MAPLE

RICHMOND HILL

3883 Rutherford Rd. 905.265.7777

4350 Steeles Ave. W. 905.856.4047

225 McNaughton Rd. E 905.303.5202

11160 Yonge St. 905.508.5811

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

WWW.NORTHERNKARATE.COM

www.mycitylife.ca

A DV E R TO R I A L

Attention All Girls Ages 8-13...

Dr. Andrew Scott, owner of Scott Family Chiropractic

SCOTT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC OPRACCTIC How a Woodbridge family practice guides patients toward a healthy, all-natural life

D

8 Lansdowne Ave., Woodbridge (Enter at 5220 Hwy. 7, near Kipling Avenue) 905-264-KIDS (5437), www.scottfamilychiro.com www.mycitylife.ca

s

r. Andrew Scott knows how powerful the human body is. Over his 20-year career, he has seen it heal itself in miraculous ways — when given the right opportunity. “At Scott Family Chiropractic, we specialize in getting the body to do what it was supposed to do,� he explains. “We provide natural solutions to health issues, but also educate patients on what lifestyle will enhance health so they are empowered to be their own best doctor.�

Dr. Scott’s focus is to detect and correct tiny misalignments in the spine called vertebral subluxations. These subluxations, often caused by physical, chemical or emotional stress, can put pressure on the delicate nervous system and interfere with the transmission of vital communication from the brain to the body.

He explains, “When this happens, all manner of health challenges emerge. If left uncorrected, pain, tissue damage and organ breakdown result. With gentle release of such interference, the brain is able to heal the body through the nervous system.�

This approach may be atypical in the industry, but it’s allowed numerous families to regain health in ways they didn’t think were possible. As Dr. Scott notes, “We strive to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques of spinal correction, exercise, physiology and nutrition to remain clinically excellent.�

Passionate about helping children grow up healthy, Dr. Scott fosters a caring, family-oriented environment that caters to all ages. Most challenges that adults face actually begin in childhood.

By identifying problems at a young age, parents can steer children toward a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Scott asserts, “We’re about taking care of the spine early, so individuals can benefit from a healthy, active life — no matter their age.� Scott Family Chiropractic provides dedicated service for kids and adults, ages zero to 99.

Introducing Lexie

by Mon Cherie Beautiful party dresses your daughter will love!

Perfect for special occassions like: Bat Mitzvahs, Confirmations, graduations and weddings. You’re sure to find what your looking for with our huge selection of formal wear.

Visit us today!

Hwy 7 @ Pine Valley Drive,Woodbridge, Behind McDonalds s WWW ZERO COM

-ONDAY &RIDAY AM PM 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY AM PM

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

55

ROBO DOC We spend an early morning with Dr. Tony Finelli, one of Toronto’s leading surgical oncologists and the recipient of Prostate Cancer Canada’s 2015 Mark Dailey Award recognizing his pioneering work in minimally invasive robotic surgery Written By Michael Hill

56

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

#CITYLIFER

D

Photo By Carlos Arturo Pinto

octor Tony Finelli is nowhere to be found in the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s Sam Gartner Concourse. We were supposed to meet here, in the rear lobby, at 7 a.m. But we can’t seem to pinpoint each other in the crowd of early morning patients and medical staff. I send him a text to let him know where I am and that I can’t seem to locate him. A quick phone call and the reason why materializes.

The Sam Gartner Concourse isn’t in the Princess Margaret hospital. It’s in Mount Sinai Hospital, one building south.

I’m in the wrong place.

This is a problem — a small problem, but a problem nonetheless. You don’t want to waste Dr. Finelli’s time. Or more accurately, you shouldn’t waste Dr. Finelli’s time. He’s one of the city’s leading surgical oncologists, the man responsible for operating on around 200 patients with prostate and kidney cancer every year. People’s lives literally depend on him, and here I am squandering his minutes because of an early-morning haze and an inability to walk into the right building.

Surgical oncologist Dr. Tony Finelli has gained a reputation as one of Toronto’s best doctors and a leader in minimally invasive robotic surgery

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

57

I dash out the doors and stride north toward the proper destination.

Dr. Finelli is sporting a pale-blue blazer, white dress shirt and sweptback hair that exudes approachable professionalism. He gives a single wave from atop the quiet Murray Street entrance before strolling jauntily down the ramp with a hand stretched out and a cheek-to-cheek grin. It’s only a few minutes after seven on a mild Thursday morning, but judging by Dr. Finelli’s energy you would think it’s closer to noon. One wonders how he summons so much gusto at this ungodly hour.

“I’m always smiling,” he says after we’ve moved up to the boardroom of the hospital’s Robert & Maggie Bras and Family New Drug Development Program. He explains that he doesn’t understand doctors who aren’t happy, especially given the nature of their work. “I always tell students who are desiring a medical career that it’s one of the few industries in the world where 99 per cent of patients are grateful. To me, that’s the most rewarding.”

For the past 10 years, Dr. Finelli has not only solidified his name as one of Toronto’s best uro-oncologists (doctors who focus on cancers of both the urinary system and male reproductive system), but as one of the city’s top doctors. He’s helped pioneer minimally invasive surgery for urologic cancers in Ontario and this work has taken him all over the world. It’s also brought him to the lead of both the Princess Margaret and Cancer Care Ontario’s Genitourinary Cancer Group (medical, surgical and radiation organizations that care for prostate, kidney, bladder and testes cancer). Sprinkle on some medical research and teaching at the University of Toronto Medical School, as well as the responsibilities of his recent appointment as the new chief of urology at the University Health Network, and you can see why every minute of his day is precious. “I love my wife and my kids, and I could never be where I was if it wasn’t for them,” he chuckles after we break down his resumé. Early mornings and 12-hour days are just par for the course.

While all these accolades are respectable in and of themselves, what’s really thrust Dr. Finelli to the forefront 58

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

of the medical world is his work in minimally invasive surgery, specifically using the da Vinci Surgical System.

Traditional open prostate surgery, for example, involves making a sevencentimetre incision across the abdomen to gain access to the organ. But by using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, Dr. Finelli can perform the same procedure using only a few small incisions to remove the prostate with greater precision and less blood loss.

The machine’s robotic arms also rotate 360 degrees, “allowing you to position your instruments for the best possible angle to either cut or sew something,” he explains. It’s all part of a movement that’s become central to many cancer treatments, where it’s no longer just about cancer control and improving cures.

“WE’RE ALWAYS TRYING TO DIMINISH HARM AND IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE” — DR. TONY FINELLI

“We’re always trying to diminish harm and impact on quality of life,” he says. And those efforts are making headway. The year before Princess Margaret recruited Dr. Finelli in 2005, only four per cent of all urologic cancer surgery was minimally invasive. Today that number’s been raised to one-third.

“So we’re growing,” he adds.

Because of his proficiency in minimally invasive robotic surgery, Dr. Finelli has served as a mentor to surgeons in Ontario who have

adopted robotic surgery. He’s also gained international attention. He’s operated in more than 10 countries around the world — Italy, China, India, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, just to name a few — and has given demonstrations on laparoscopic surgeries and their benefits.

“Our mission is to help other surgeons learn how to do things safely,” he explains of his demonstrative work. So while his primary focus is the care of patients at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, “a real part of my agenda is I strongly believe in dispersing knowledge and ability nationally and internationally so that everyone benefits.”

Those that are well acquainted with Dr. Finelli will tell you that this isn’t all talk, either. Dr. Neil Fleshner, who was the chief of urology at the University Health Network for the past 14 years before Dr. Finelli took over, describes his colleague as multitalented, meticulous and always eager to learn. His leadership capacity makes him ideal to helm the department, as does his team-player mentality. Dr. Fleshner describes a time several years ago when he and Dr. Finelli were engaging in a new minimally invasive procedure called high-intensity focused ultrasound. Because it was such a new procedure, the first case Dr. Fleshner took on was intimidating. “It was all new to us,” says Dr. Fleshner, who also recruited Dr. Finelli to Princess Margaret back in 2005. “Instead of saying ‘It’s your problem,’ he stuck through with me in the trenches, and everything turned out to be fine for the patient.” When you’re faced with such anxiety-provoking prospects you don’t want to be left out in the cold, exposed and on your own. “And he was that kind of guy that didn’t leave you alone.”

Rocco Rossi, president and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada, appreciates Dr. Finelli’s work in nerve-sparring surgical techniques as well as his frank, open and approachable nature. But he also values Dr. Finelli’s willingness to put in the extra time, as limited as it may be, to continuing the dialogue around prostate cancer. “He’s someone who could just be in practice and yet he spends that additional time www.mycitylife.ca

participating in a number of research studies, but then over and above that, also speaks on the issue and volunteers in a variety of ways to contribute back to the community.”

One such contribution to the community is Dr. Finelli’s dedication to the Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer in support of the Princess Margaret hospital. He’s captained his team, the Mighty Docs, every year since the event launched in 2011, with the team raising over $215,000 for the cause — $65,000 of that being generated personally by him. He’s even been one of the event’s honorary chairs every year it’s been running.

Because of his work and attitude, Dr. Finelli is receiving Prostate Cancer Canada’s 2015 Mark Dailey Local Hero Award. The annual award recognizes a major contributor in the treatment of prostate cancer. It’s given in honour of Mark Dailey, the CityNews journalist who passed away from cancer in 2010. And because of his prostate cancer advocacy, the recipient of the award isn’t chosen carelessly.

“We guard and hold that memory of Mark Dailey in incredibly high regard,” Rossi explains, “and so we’re looking for people of the utmost character and contribution to recognize with this award.”

For Rossi, there are plenty out there in the medical world that get labelled as “world-class.” But just like any other profession, there are those that lead the pack and those that do not. It’s like in the NHL, Rossi explains. You might be watching the greatest players in the world, but at the end of the game there are still only three stars. “And when it comes to surgery and prostate cancer,” says Rossi, “this guy is one of those.”

While he’s blazing new ground in minimally invasive surgery today, Dr. Finelli’s roots are as modest as his demeanour. His mother and father moved from Italy to Toronto in the late 1950s and “like many immigrant stories, they essentially came to this country with a suitcase but incredible work ethic.” He describes his family home as a traditional Italian household.

He and his brother would learn the value of hard work by lending a hand to their parents — whether it was in the www.mycitylife.ca

— Authentic —

Mediterranean Italian Cuisine Since opening in 2004, Villaggio Ristorante has quickly become a mainstay of Vaughan’s competitive dining scene. Its award-winning Mediterranean Italian dishes feature only the freshest ingredients and are prepared with passion and imagination. Enjoy succulent Black Angus New York steak, Quattro Formaggi pizza and pappardelle in tomato lamb sauce, all in an upscale, contemporary atmosphere in historic Kleinburg.

905-893-4888 110 Nashville Road, Unit 11, Kleinburg, Ont. Oct/Nov 2015 City Life Magazine www.villaggio-ristorante.ca

59

kitchen, the garden, around the house.

“Whatever facet of the day required effort, we were always engaged in helping,” he says.

As a student he enjoyed science and math, and found his curiosity sparked by subjects such as biology and human anatomy. But it never really struck him to pursue medicine until he was enrolled at the University of Toronto. “I realized that medicine would fulfil all of my career desires, meaning teaching and taking care of people and being in the sciences,” he says. He began to gravitate toward oncology because of the amount of suffering he saw in patients; it was here he felt that he

still a controversial practice. The big issue being what most technological advances are faced with: money. A hospital needs roughly $5 million to get a robotics program up and running and the funds don’t come from the government — it’s all philanthropically financed. While the Princess Margaret hospital was fortunately gifted the funds by the Muzzo family in 2008, Dr. Finelli feels that, overall, the cost is relative. Within the realm of surgery a $5-million robotic program is definitely expensive, but: “If you look at the cost of the robotic surgery versus some of the drugs that are being given for patients for their cancers or some of the

This idea of critical evaluation is also important to Dr. Finelli. When asked about his most memorable surgeries, he acknowledges that, yes, there are times when he’s proud of his performance.

But he believes surgeons must always engage in a practice of “continuous surgical education” and have an appetite for improvement. “I think surgeons should be aware of their own results, should review videos of their surgeries to continuously improve and should go and observe others in the field to see what they can learn,” he says.

“I think that’s very important.”

In regards to his own future, Dr. Finelli, 46, feels he’s already met

“A REAL PART OF MY AGENDA IS I STRONGLY BELIEVE IN DISPERSING KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY SO THAT EVERYONE BENEFITS” — DR. TONY FINELLI

could do the most good. He became interested in prostate cancer care back in 1993 when he was working as a medical student in research, and when he entered his resident training in 1996 he began to learn to operate.

“It was during those formative years that I realized that although we performed great surgery through large incisions, there’s a lot of pain and recovery involved, and with such great technology around us, why aren’t we trying to harness that technology and bring it into surgery?”

He would eventually make his way to the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, where he worked with one of the pioneers in the field of minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Inderjit Gill. While training with Dr. Gill, he learned to perform advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

While there are plenty of benefits to minimally invasive robotic surgery, it’s 60

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

radiation technologies, this is relatively inexpensive,” Dr. Finelli explains.

Dr. Finelli believes there will always be a role for traditional open surgery, but the momentum is heading in the direction of surgery becoming continuously less invasive.

He extrapolates the potential of today’s current technology, imagining better fibre optics, improved magnification and vision, and new tech that overlays imaging onto organs so that during surgery the surgeon can see the details discovered by CAT scans or MRIs. “This is where, I think, the drive is going,” he explains. Health care in Canada doesn’t adopt new technology as fast as other industries, which can partially be attributed to it being a cost creator as opposed to a revenue generator. But this isn’t such a bad thing. “I think that’s because of our concern of safety and a culture of critical evaluation before we accept and adopt something,” he says.

most of his surgical goals. And while his focus is still on providing the best care to his patients, he’s also examining the system itself and how it can be finetuned to better serve the public. How can these robotic-assisted surgeries be brought to the masses? How can a culture of continuous surgical improvement be implemented without it feeling like a witch hunt? These are the big questions Dr. Finelli has set his sights on. “I’d love to see a community of practice where all surgeons together, either through peer review or self-review, are striving to improve continuously. That would be the ultimate vision,” says Dr. Finelli.

And now that he’s sitting as the chief of urology at the University Health Network, does he see that vision coming to life?

“I think so,” he says, adding with a smile, “Well, I am going to have a say in it.”

All he needs, it seems, is time. So better not waste any more. www.mycitylife.ca

Preplanning your funeral will make certain that your choices are respected and carried out by your family, without having them wonder what your wishes might have been. You also have the option of paying for your funeral in advance.

This guarantees sufficient funds to cover future prices.

When you are ready to make your prearrangements, simply contact us and we will help you through the process.

The Vescio family: Luigi Jr., Rose, Luigi Sr., Laura

Vaughan Location 8101 Weston Rd., Woodbridge, Ont.

New Toronto Location 2080 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ont.

Luigi Vescio — President

Rose Vescio — President

905-850-3332

416-656-3332

www.vesciofuneralhome.com

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

61

Feature Story

THE REDEVELOPING FUTURE OF COPPER CREEK

&

A

vid golfers in Vaughan know that when it comes to the city’s best public courses there are only two heavyweights crossing swords for top spot: Eagles Nest and Copper Creek. But could one be dropping out of contention?

If you’ve spoken with anyone who frequents Copper Creek Golf Club over the past few months you may have heard some interesting information.

There is buzz about drilling equipment near tees — testing soil, perhaps — and that at some point in the not-so-distant future a portion of the rolling hills and sweeping fairways that make this course so special could be replaced by the driveways and front lawns of a couple hundred houses. And such speculation isn’t off the mark.

In April of this year, a pre-application meeting was held between the city and representatives of Copper Creek, where

62

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

a concept was submitted that outlined an initial vision for a high-density neighbourhood on the western half of the golf course running adjacent to Highway 27.

That possible community would feature from 658 to 791 units, with lots ranging in size from 80 to 40 feet for detached homes. Space is also designated for lane townhomes and several four-to-six-storey low-rise buildings, likely condos. Nine holes of executive golf, as well as the existing clubhouse, would remain.

This, of course, is just a concept.

It’s not a detailed plan showing exact dimensions and lot sizes — nothing final. But imagining those majestic, tree-lined, river-crossing valley holes, where it feels like teeing off in the heart of Muskoka, being introduced by a view-stifling sea of bricks and two-car garages really dampens the magic. And who gets excited about an afternoon at

a nine-hole course, anyway?

While this is just a concept, it still offers a glimpse into the possibilities being considered by Copper Creek’s owners and their ambitions for this large swath of land. The issue is: they’re not talking.

Both Fieldgate Homes and TACC Construction, the companies that own Copper Creek, are not interested in discussing the fate of their prestigious 18 holes, recently ranked 40th in the country by Canadian Golf magazine.

“We are in the very preliminary stages of our planning and as a result it is premature at this time to have any discussions regarding this project,” Carlo Stefanutti of Fieldgate explained in an email response.

But even without their input, there is one assumption that can be made: there is serious money to be made.

It was reported in April that members of the York Downs Golf and www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTO BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

Could Copper Creek, one of the province’s premier golf courses, be redeveloped into a residential community? City Life investigates Written By Michael Hill

Country Club, a course encompassing roughly 400 acres in the heart of Markham, agreed to sell to four urban development groups for a whopping $412 million.

Cleary, there are a lot of zeros at stake.

Development is big business in the GTA. Why wouldn’t these landowners want to cash in on their investment?

John Young, general manager of Copper Creek, explains that the preapplication for redevelopment was submitted to do just that: protect the investment of ownership should policies change in the future. However, “Nothing’s on the horizon anytime soon,” he says. Any development is probably seven to 10 years away.

Despite claims of temporal distance, this news has not sat well with a number of residents in the area. I spoke with several homeowners in Kleinburg Reserve on the boulevard, the manor-filled neighbourhood just south of Copper Creek, to gauge the temperature, especially of those who back onto the course.

One man bluntly summed up the displeasure: “I hate it, because we paid a premium for these lots here. Now we’re

IF YOU LISTEN “ TO THE RESIDENTS,

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING IS WE HAVE AN APPROVED PLAN, ABIDE BY THE APPROVED PLAN

”

— Ward 1 councillor Marilyn Iafrate

going to have houses backing onto our lots? That’s not good at all.”

The pinging of drivers and the view of lush fairways might be replaced by the chatter of evening socials and backyard patios. I believe kids today refer to this as “first-world problems.”

A bigger first-world problem is degrading value. Recent home listings in the area have shown prices ranging from $2.2 million to over $3.3 million for a four-bedroom, seven-bathroom.

Vitriol is understandable when those investments could take a hit.

There are also concerns about what a high-density neighbourhood would do to traffic. Highway 27 is already bumper-to-bumper during mornings and evenings. What would another 1,200 or 1,500 people mean for travel time?

On the one hand, you can sympathize with these residents. The city designated that parcel of land as “OS2,” or “Open Space Park Zone.” It’s meant for things such as parks, cemeteries and, what currently stands, golf courses. They purchased homes in good faith knowing that the land immediately north was zoned particularly.

On the other: they’re not entitled to live beside a golf course. Golf courses can and have been redeveloped in the past — it happens. The extra money flowing in from additional residents might prove beneficial for businesses in Kleinburg proper, as well. And don’t the landowners of Copper Creek have somewhat of a right to decide what happens on their property? Cities grow, things change. C’est la vie.

But as Ward 1 councillor Marilyn Iafrate notes, “Just because you think

The concept of a possible residential community on half of Copper Creek, as submitted during the pre-application process

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

63

FOR THOSE WHO SEEK OUT THE BEST IN DESIGN. Exquisite fabrics. Distinctive details. Custom combinations.

The Alustra® Collection infuses remarkable, intriguing elements of window fashion into every design.

Visit this participating dealer for more information about the

Alustra® Collection.

Free Shop at Home and Installation

Visit Centurian Window Fashions Locations Unexpected combinations and unparalleled style.

3737 Major Mackenzie Drive Vaughan, ON 416.998.9993 1717 Avenue Road Toronto, ON 416.489.9990

64

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

it’s a great idea doesn’t mean it fits.”

Developments must be compatible with the existing community and considerate about how they will impact the area. They must also abide by the city’s Official Plan.

She explains that Vaughan spent three years and nearly $400 million to come up with an Official Plan to meet the guidelines and the growth projections imposed by the province — a process the development community was part of. The Official Plan does not identify this area along Highway 27 as an intensification area. “If you listen to the residents, what they’re saying is we have an approved plan, abide by the approved plan,” she says.

Iafrate notes that most developers acknowledge the Official Plan and adhere to its parameters. But the city still consistently sees applications asking for changes. “At some point no is no, and that’s it. You have to live with it,” she says.

Ken Schwenger, president of KARA, the Kleinburg and Area Ratepayers’ Association, takes a diplomatic view on the matter. “We’re not antidevelopment,” he says. He respects TACC, specifically owner Silvio DeGasperis, for always being upfront with the community. “You might not like what he wants to do, but at least he’s coming at you straight on,” he says.

TACC gave a presentation to KARA members about the possible future of Copper Creek, and KARA in return gave TACC comments about the current proposal’s makeup. KARA’s now waiting for an altered plan before they take a formal stance.

“It’s really for them to change to something more appropriate,” Schwenger says. “Because not only is it not an area that’s slated for development, it’s not the type of development that’s allowed.”

He feels residents may be more receptive if the concept were similar to how the old Kleinburg Golf Course was handled, where high-end homes were built abutting other high-end homes — something that integrates well with the community, as opposed to the current high-density concept.

And the problem is not all on the developers. Developers can ask for www.mycitylife.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

PURE SUCCESS

YOU’RE MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER HERE Karen Lost 32 Lbs.

IT’S TIME TO CHANGE

Nick Lost 55 Lbs. NEW! Small Group Training: Limit 4 per group session Mention this Ad & Receive 1 Month FREE* (*with a 1 year membership)

Service List Personal Training | Group Fitness Classes Nutritional Counseling & Guidance | Sport Specific Training Corporate Membership Packages | Health Assessments | Spin Studio

Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Orthotics, Acupuncture, Food Intolerance Testing

289-468-6032

www.physiomed.ca/10557keele

905.303.9900 1–10557 Keele Street, Maple, Ontario

www.purefxfitness.com

FALL, WINTER & SPRING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

ACADEMY OF FASHION, FINE ARTS & DESIGN The only school in

YORK REGION

Specializing in Fashion Arts & Portfolio Preparation for over 16 years.

PROGRAMMES & WORKSHOPS FOR ALL AGES Fashion & Art Shows | Sewing & Patternmaking | Fashion Illustration Fine Arts | Graphic Design | Interior Design | Cosmetics Portfolio Prep & Scholarships | Elements of Design Tour

ALTA MODA FAS HIO N WE EK ROME, ITALY

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK & NETWORK BACKSTAGE WITH FASHIONS BIG NAMES MEMBER OF

20 %

OFF

whatever they want. “That’s how our system works,” Schwenger says. “But I think you can fault all of Vaughan and council for a lot of times not really adhering to what they have always pitched as being an important document.” I.e., the city’s Official Plan.

While the Official Plan is one hurdle any development at Copper Creek would have to overcome — needing both a green light from Vaughan’s Site Development Application Approval Process and its land rezoned — a substantial issue is with the Greenbelt.

About 10.6 acres of the redevelopment concept, including two-thirds of the 40,000-square-foot clubhouse, are situated on Greenbelt protected land.

Under the current administration, the Greenbelt has never contracted.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are currently undergoing a co-ordinated review of the four provincial land use plans, including the Greenbelt Plan.

This included an initial consultation of 17 town hall meetings and over 3,000 participants, as well as 1,500 written submissions, some regarding specific lands within those provincial plans.

But according to one ministry spokesperson, shrinking the Greenbelt isn’t on the agenda. “Our initial view is that beyond growing the Greenbelt, there is little need to change the boundaries,” they said.

This could prove problematic for Copper Creek’s current plans, should the province stick to their guns.

All those possible bureaucratic obstacles aside, it’s still early in the game — really early. These plans can all change at the drop of a hat and the developers have not moved beyond the pre-application phase.

Even though Copper Creek may be fated to lose half its course, Young explains that business will continue at the banquet facility and nine holes will still remain. “There will always be golf here at Copper Creek,” he claims.

In what form? We’ll have to wait and see. Until then, you might want get a round in while you can. Teeing off from that captivating 10th might not be the same with the Smiths gawking from their patio.

ALL NEW STUDENTS

8099 Weston Rd, Unit 10, Woodbridge | www.hcfashionarts.ca | 905.264.9341 Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

65

66

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

TEXT BY AMANDA STOREY

1

5

Being this comfortable at work shouldn’t be allowed — but in a salt-and-pepper mixed knit ensemble, you’ll be all sophistication www.zara.com Balancing artistry with bling, the Caviar cuff adds an element of surprise to an evening outfit www.anthropologie.com

Dreamy is the new sexy. The Jacquard sweater wraps you in a cloud that’s equal parts dressy and fireside-friendly www.zara.com

2

3

Pastels may not be a fall tradition, but you can break the rules beautifully by donning a turquoise green wool coat www.zara.com

4

From sweaters to baubles, autumn calls for everything chunky. The Aizea bib necklace romances your knits and tweeds www.anthropologie.com

Autumn’s runway has us craving the wearable versions of pumpkin spice lattes: scrumptious twists on classic fall comfort. It’s time to layer on the cosy

#fashionista

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

67

We heart Glossybox, a monthly subscription that delivers the best in beauty, and we’ve fallen hard for its Frenchinspired October edition www.glossybox.com

7

’Tis the season for dressing in black. Brighten things up with this necklace, which boasts a vibrant splash of peacock blue www.hm.com

6

Jumpsuits are your best friend for fall: comfy, effortless and very much on trend www.forever21.com

8

Eye-catching and wearable, these gilded slip-ons give your favourite pumps some serious competition www.zara.com

10

Fringe is b back, and your inner ’90s grung grunge style couldn’t be more excit excited. Rock the look with these on-trend heels www.zara.c www.zara.com

9

11

Black and white is anything but boring when paired with a bold print and an A-line silhouette www.anthropologie.com

#fashionista An H&M jumpsuit in army green brings balance to a stunning necklace

68

City Life Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHER: MARINA YARULLINA TALENT: KATTIE LUDDY (ELITE MODELS) MUAH/HAIR: ALICE PARR LOCATION: DOWNTOWN MIAMI

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

OOH LA LA! Get Haute Hair with La Couture • Tired of frizzy, damaged hair? Brocato Supersilk is a Formaldehyde-Free smoothing treatment that gives you the silky, shiny, healthy hair that you’ve always dreamed of.

• Getting ready for your big day? Make your hair fuller and longer with hot or cold fusion, tape, or clip-on Extensions.

• Purchase a Photofacial Package of 4 sessions and receive 50% off.

ALSO OPEN ON SUNDAYS PURCHASE 10 BLOW-DRIES for (Savings of 40%) OR

5 BLOW-DRIES for (Savings of 20%)

200

$

125

$

*These promotions cannot be used in conjunction with your La Couture points or birthday points.

La Couture Hair Lounge 8383 Weston Rd., Unit 109 Woodbridge, Ont.

905-850-0235

FEATURING OUR FALL BRANDS

REBECCA TAYLOR / KAPALUA / OUI COLLECTION / PERUZZI / AUTUMN CASHMERE ANNA SCOTT / CARLA B / CAPPUCINO / ECRU / MAC JEANS / J BRAND NICOLE MILLER / JENNIFER HALEY / MARY FRANCIS / ALEXIS BITTAR / MYKA

905.893.7035

10472 ISLINGTON AVE., UNIT #1, KLEINBURG FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM WILLOWBOUTIQUEKLEINBURG

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

69

A DV E R TO R I A L

SERVING UP the GOODS How Mario’s Bake Shop has become the bakery everyone is talking about

Mario’s Bake Shop owner Mario Spizzirri has the experience and artistic vision to create any custom cake

W

henever customers walk into Mario’s Bake Shop for a custom cake, owner Mario Spizzirri always personally takes their order. The 25-year veteran baker feels that in this day and age it’s not just about serving a great product, but also providing that personal experience.

“I try to come out and personally talk to all the customers,” says Spizzirri, owner of Mario’s Bake Shop. “It’s so they feel comfortable in my shop, and it allows me to answer all their questions and ensure they’re getting the service they deserve.”

This dedication has been the icing on the cake for clientele ever since Spizzirri opened Mario’s Bake Shop in Nobleton a little over a year ago. Over that time, Spizzirri has turned heads from all across Vaughan with his fresh, crisp artisan breads, decadent desserts and beautifully decorated custom cakes — and people just can’t get enough.

Whether it’s the heavenly chocolate mousse cake, the out-of-this-world New York-style cheesecake, the house gelato or 70

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

any of the artistically crafted custom cakes, the desserts Spizzirri and his team create are simply to die for. And his breads? Break off a piece of fresh potato loaf, French baguette or one of the other homestyle loaves and you’ll see exactly why the city is buzzing for everything that comes out of Spizzirri’s oven.

“It’s all old-school family recipes that we’re elevating to a new level,” Spizzirri explains of his baked goods. “Whenever people taste our foods they tell me, ‘Wow, I remember this from when I was a kid,’ and that’s always rewarding.”

When Spizzirri was 11, his father Giuliano, a baker, would take him to work at 3 a.m. to help prepare the day’s fresh goods. “We would start with doughnuts, get the bread ready — a little bit of this, a little of that,” Spizzirri recalls fondly. He immediately fell in love with the craft and seeing the smiles on the faces of satisfied customers. Over the years he refined his skills and expanded his repertoire, learning how to make an assortment of delectable confections.

While Spizzirri is a master at preparing a wide variety of desserts today, he prides himself on his custom cakes. “There’s nothing you bring me that we can’t do,” he explains. From birthdays to baptisms to weddings and anniversaries, Spizzirri can create a cake as unique as the customer that orders it.

But it’s not just his baking that’s dropping jaws. Spizzirri’s hot table has become a local favourite, thanks to such authentic dishes as hearty eggplant Parmesan and mouth-watering porchetta that’s seasoned in-house and slow-roasted overnight.

“We try to give you the best of everything,” says Spizzirri. “We’re a one-stop shop for cakes, breads and catering — everything from A to Z is here. We look forward to serving this community for years to come.”

13305 Hwy. 27, Unit 5 Nobleton, Ont. 905-859-2253 www.mariosbakeshop.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

recipe

PUMPKIN SPICED LATTE INGREDIENTS /2 cup ground coffee 1-1/2 cups water 3 cups fat-free milk 3 /4 cup canned pumpkin 1 /3 cup packed brown sugar 1 /2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 /4 tsp. ground ginger 1 /8 tsp. ground nutmeg Whipped cream and additional ground nutmeg, optional 1

DIRECTIONS 1. Place ground coffee in the filter of a drip coffee maker. Add water; brew according to manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin, brown sugar and spices. Cook and stir over medium heat until steaming. Divide coffee among five mugs; add pumpkin mixture. Garnish with whipped cream and additional nutmeg if desired.

Recipe from www.tasteofhome.com

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

71

A DV E R TO R I A L

HOMESTYLE GOODNESS MADE EASY

Brettone Catering and Events’ line of homestyle frozen products makes healthy meals a convenient option

L

Anna and Gino Brettone, owners of Brettone Catering and Events

NEW eady

oven-rmeals zenl flavourings fro es rtificia No A

iv servat or pre

agna yle las homest

ong-standing Vaughan catering company Brettone Catering and Events has elevated its authentic Italian offering with a convenient ovenready frozen product line — and it has the city asking for seconds!

Made from scratch with fresh, highquality ingredients sourced from local markets, these delicious dinner options take everything customers have come to love about Brettone’s mouth-watering catering menu and presented them in an oven-ready frozen offering.

“People are busier today than they’ve ever been, and it can be difficult to find the time to prepare a healthy meal for their families,” says company owner Gino Brettone. “We wanted to provide consumers with an authentic, homestyle, high-quality meal in a convenient frozen meal so they don’t have to settle on fast food.”

While Brettone has been the go-to for events big and small across Vaughan for over 20 years — private parties, baptisms, weddings, office functions, anniversaries and even lunch programs at elementary schools through its Tummy Time service — this preservative- and artificial-flavourings-

free frozen product line means families can enjoy homemade cuisine any day of the week.

With nine succulent options, including stuffed peppers, four-cheese eggplant medallions and its hugely popular homestyle lasagna, which bursts with bright flavours thanks to its perfectly seasoned beef, gooey mozzarella, rich Parmesan cheese and zesty tomato sauce made from ripe Italian tomatoes, it’s easy to see why so many quickly say “It tastes just like nonna’s.”

And also why they keep coming back for more.

“We keep these meals simple and authentic, and that’s what people have come to appreciate,” says Anna, Gino’s wife and business partner. “It’s high-end quality at a very affordable price.”

Brettone’s frozen product line is available exclusively at its Woodbridge location. Ask about their gluten-free lasagna and how they can accommodate for allergy and dietary restrictions. Visit them today and try their oven-ready frozen meals! They’re delicious.

830 Rowntree Dairy Rd., Unit 5 Woodbridge, Ont. 905-856-0506 www.brettone.ca

GET A COMPLIMENTARY HOMESTYLE SAUCE WITH ANY PURCHASE WHEN YOU MENTION THIS FEATURE BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2015.

$20

6-8 serves

Gluten-Free Lasagna available

72

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

*Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires Nov. 30, 2015. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible®, Edible Arrangements®, the Fruit Basket Logo, and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2015 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

3255 Rutherford Road Building H Vaughan, ON L4K 5Y5

Call, visit or order at edible.ca 905-738-4100

Code: OCCL0202

EXPIRES: XX/XX/XX

Valid on arrangements & CODE: dippedXXXX0000 fruit boxes.

offer details go here offer details go here

$XX

$4

SAVE Save

Salted Caramel!

FALL IN LOVE WITH NEW

www.mycitylife.ca

73

A DV E R TO R I A L

THE RIGHT PATH

How De Thomas Financial’s disciplined approach and decades of experience have successfully guided investors toward their long-term financial goals

W

hen it comes to financial investment, Tony De Thomasis is a firm believer in focusing on the factors you can control — and with good reason. With close to 40 years of experience in the advisory service industry, De Thomasis has seen the highs and lows of the market.

He and his team at De Thomas Financial Corp. have helped thousands of investors successfully navigate those waters through a patient, disciplined approach and personalized investment plans.

“The most important part of our 74

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

practice is to make sure that whatever we recommend fits the individual client,” says De Thomasis, president of De Thomas Financial. “It’s all about assessing their current financial situation, long-term goals and risk profile to determine a course of action that will make them comfortable and lead to growth.”

For nearly 30 years, De Thomas Financial has been doing just that by providing investors with objective, unbiased investment guidance tailored to their unique situation. De Thomasis founded the independent investment firm after the company he worked for decided

to get out of investment planning in the wake of the market crash in 1987. Despite the firm’s apprehension, De Thomasis had vision for what the industry could become — and that vision proved fruitful. Today, De Thomas Financial has well over $1 billion under management.

As an independent firm, De Thomas Financial has been able to supply clients, who range from $25,000 to multimillion-dollar accounts, with practical financial plans that are free from outside influences. “Being a private, independent firm, we don’t have any external pressure in terms of the advice given, the products www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTO BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

Tony De Thomasis, BSc (Math), CFP, RFP, is the president of De Thomas Financial Corp., an independent investment firm with over $1 billion under management

recommended or our price structure,” De Thomasis says. It means that, unlike larger, publicly traded financial institutions such as banks, investment firms or insurance companies that have shareholders to please, De Thomas Financial doesn’t play favorites with any one product or service line. As an independent dealer, its advisors form strategies that are right for you and your money.

It also means that the rates De Thomas Financial offers are far lower than those major firms. While big financial institutions can charge upwards of 1.5 per cent to manage your money, De Thomas can go as low as 0.25 per cent. As De Thomasis explains, “Our independence helps to mitigate costs. We don’t charge for trading or have any commission fees, and that’s very important to our clients.”

In order to ensure the best financial advice, the advisors at De Thomas Financial engage in a free, in-depth consultation with clients. Like financial architects, its advisors work one-on-one with investors to design a custom portfolio.

De Thomas Financial advisors look at the investor’s current financial situation and use an online calculator to determine how the investor’s money would have performed in the best and worst periods of the past, such as Black Monday in 1987, the technology crash of 1999 and the economic recession of 2008. The final portfolio will reflect how comfortable the investor is when faced with those situations so they will stick to the long-term plan and see successful financial growth.

“In the investment world, you don’t know what’s going to happen until after it happens, which is why you have to be so disciplined,” De Thomasis says. “That’s why that first two- or three-hour session is so critical to understanding the client and what will work for them, and you only get good at recommending a solid course of action through experience.”

While other portfolio managers may attempt to accelerate your plan through guesswork, De Thomas Financial advisors add value by focusing on things they can control: capturing returns of global markets. Client portfolios are built to focus on long-term asset allocation and diversification of stocks, bonds and hard assets. De Thomasis explains that diversification is more important today www.mycitylife.ca

“ THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

OF OUR PRACTICE IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER WE RECOMMEND FITS THE INDIVIDUAL CLIENT

”

than it has ever been, as downturns in the market can happen rapidly. “So the more diversified you are, the better you’ll be able to ride out the storm,” he says. It’s this intelligent, pragmatic approach that has solidified so many lasting relationships between De Thomas Financial and its investors — those that have stuck with the firm over the past few decades have seen just how beneficial this method is.

“The older you get, the more you need to rely on your investment firm or your portfolio manager to ensure a stable retirement,” says De Thomasis. “As we age and accumulate more wealth, it’s so critical that the trust between the advisor and the client is strong. That’s why we’re so committed to designing portfolios that

— Tony De Thomasis

work for our clientele.”

And when it comes to selecting the right firm and advisor, De Thomasis offers more prudent advice: “Whenever you meet with a potential advisor for the first time, whether it’s us or somebody else, don’t commit to anything,” he explains. “Go home, think about the plan they propose and determine whether or not it’s really right for you and if that advisor is someone you can rely on for the next 20, 30 years.”

This is your future, after all. And De Thomasis and his team want to make sure you’re on the right path.

7620 Yonge St., Suite 200 Thornhill, Ont. 905-731-9800 www.dethomasfinancial.com Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

75

VAUGHAN

Make your Next Event Memorable at Novotel Vaughan

City finds FOR EVERYTHING VAUGHAN & BEYOND

We’ve scoured the city for the hottest shops to find you the biggest bang for your buck

Ideal for small or large corporate gatherings Trio

Restaurant Banquet Rooms

Private

Book with Us Directly at NOVOTELVAUGHAN.CA YOU

LONG H BE

E ER

905 660 0212 novotel.torontovaughan@accor.com

200 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan, ON L4K 0B9 Canada

▲KOOKOOS KITCHEN Loved by foodies, this comfort-food heaven creates in-house burgers, fresh salads and fish and chips that are free from the additives commonly found in fast food. To ensure the best dining experience, Kookoos Kitchen runs on a three-G principle: great food, great value and great service. Enjoy the #burgersaffair deal to receive $3 off any burger, a 30% discount on burger accessories, any premium drink at no extra charge and any inhouse sauce for free every Thursday to Sunday until Nov. 30, 2015, when you present this listing.

5100 Rutherford Rd., Unit 6, Woodbridge 905-893-9153 www.facebook.com/Kookooskitchen

From our hands to yours Gourmet, hand-picked Produce, Meats & an extensive selection of organics in a grocer that’s conveniently located in the heart of Bolton

501 Q Queen St Streett S South th Bolton, Ontario

905-857-1227 www.gardenfoodsmarket.com

76

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

City finds WI LLOW BOUTIQU E Previously located in downtown Bolton, Klementine Boutique now has a new location and a new name: Willow Boutique. Owner Stephanie Favot, who has years of experience in fashion, will help you find your style with beautiful garments and styling tips to carry you from day to night. Find the perfect piece to transition your wardrobe into fall with hand-picked designer items from brands such as Nicole Miller and Rebecca Taylor.

Bring in this feature and receive 15% off your purchase until Nov. 30, 2015.

10472 Islington Ave., Unit 1, Kleinburg 905-893-7035 @willowboutiquekleinburg

▲B EAUTY AD D IX LOU NG E Addicted to beauty? So is the team at Beauty Addix Hair & Esthetic Lounge. Stop in for anything from a wash, cut and blowdry to a shellac manicure, sugaring hair removal, Guinot facial, massage, makeup and more — plus salon-quality products and tools to liven up your arsenal of beauty must-haves. Beauty Addix is open seven days a week with extended hours to accommodate busy lifestyles. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Present this listing to get 10% off any hair service until Nov. 30, 2015.

3175 Rutherford Rd., Unit 15, Vaughan 905-761-0066 www.beautyaddix.ca

Planning a Party or Corporate Event? Oh So Sweet specializes in spectacular Sweet Tables filled with a variety of our delicious Nut-Free desserts. We utilize your theme, colours and logos to create tasteful, memorable desserts.

I N KLE I N FITN E SS AND R E HAB Introducing InKlein Fitness and Rehab, the new boutique gym and workout space in the heart of Kleinburg. Exercise in a comfortable, tailored-to-you environment with the help of health experts guiding you through your health journey. Tone up or just keep healthy with one-on-one training and personalized meal plans that will keep you focused and on track.

InKlein also offers physical rehabilitation, chiropractic, massage, foot health and shockwave therapy. Receive a complimentary personal training session and 10% off any package when you present this listing until Nov. 30, 2015.

10477 Islington Ave., Kleinburg 416-230-9059 www.inklein.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

77

People & Places

2

3

A RUNDOWN OF LOCAL EVENTS LIGHTING UP THE CITY

7

6

5 8

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (TIFF) 2015

1. Sandra Bullock arrives at Montecito Restaurant for the post-screening event presented by Audi following the special presentation screening of Our Brand Is Crisis 2. George Clooney poses with a fan on the red carpet event 3. Barkhad Abdi at a post-screening event for Eye in the Sky 4. George Clooney and Sue Kroll inside Montecito Restaurant for the postscreening of Our Brand Is Crisis 5. Dakota Johnson makes an appearance at the pre-screening dinner for Black Mass 6. Cameron Bailey at Montecito Restaurant 7. Helen Mirren at Patria for the post-screening event of Eye in the Sky 8. Kevin Bacon at Michael’s on Simcoe restaurant 9. Director Gavin Hood strikes a pose outside Patria restaurant

Stars gathered once again at TIFF, the annual film festival in Toronto that marked its 40th anniversary this year.

During the pre- and post-screening events, celebrities such as George Clooney took time to get candid with fans.

The highly praised Canadian-Irish film Room, directed by Lenny Abrahamson, received the prestigious People’s Choice Award as best film at TIFF 2015. tiff.net

1

9

2

TORONTO FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

The 2015 Toronto Food & Wine Festival was the place to be for delicious eats, wine tastings and friendly culinary cook-offs during a weekend in September in the heart of downtown Toronto. Festival patrons were given the opportunity to experience food at its finest, as well as gather around to listen to several seminars given by celebrity chefs such as Mark McEwan, David Rocco and Curtis Stone. www.torontofoodandwine.com 1. Celebrity chef Marc Murphy is the owner of Benchmarc Restaurants

by Marc Murphy and Benchmarc Events by Marc Murphy 2. With over 20 years of experience under his belt, award-winning pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini has been acknowledged as one of the 10 most influential pastry chefs in America

78

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

Photos Courtesy of Butter Public Relations

4

Photos Courtesy of George Pimentel Photography

1

People & Places RALLY FOR KIDS 2015 — TORONTO

1

The checkered flags were waving proudly at the 8th annual Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup in Toronto. The two-day race event in September featured luxurious supercars competing against each other in an effort to raise just under $1 million, which will benefit The Hospital for Sick Children’s pediatric cancer research, treatment and care unit. Several celebrities were in attendance, including Wayne Gretzky, Omar Benson Miller and John Salley. www.rallyforkids.com

2

5 4

3

6

Photos Courtesy of George Pimentel Photography

7

LOCATION

1430 MAJOR M A C K E N Z I E D R .W VA U G H A N , O N 905-695-7809

8

SPECIALIZING IN 1. John Salley, Kim Williams, Jim Williams 2. Kim Coates, Brooke Smith, Mark Boone, Billy Baldwin 3. Eloise McIntosh, the secondtime No. 1 fundraiser for Rally for Kids with Cancer, poses with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky 4. Joel Hock and Mira Sorvino 5. Christine Avanti, Jonathon Fischer, Nadine Meehan, Steve Meehan 6. Mary Jo Eustace and Dee Dee Taylor Eustace 7. Luciano DeBenedictis, Fernando Zerillo, Leo DeBenedictis 8. Claudio Chiappetta, Sergio Sosa, Aurelio Calabretta

www.mycitylife.ca

HAIR CARE PRODUCTS WIGS / HAIR PIECES HAIR EXTENSIONS WWW.THEBEAUTY-EMPORIUM.COM FOLLOW US @BEAUTYEMPO MOROCCANOIL

R

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

79

THANK YOU EVVENNIINNG EVEN SPONNSO SP S RS R

We would like to thank the following sponsors and donors for helping to make the 28th Annual Crystal Ball a tremendous success! Their continued support allows Reach for the Rainbow to provide integrated recreational opportunities to close to 600 children and youth with disabilities at partner camps across Ontario each year.

For more information please visit thecrystalball.ca and reachfortherainbow.ca

INVVIIT IN ITAT ATIIO ON DEEESI D SIIGN S SIGN GN SPO P N PON NS SOR

M VI MO VING NG SPO PONS NSO NS OR

C FFFFEEE SPO CO P NS NSOR

OFFFIICI OF CIAL AL AAIIRL RLINE IN NE SPON SP ONSO ONSO SOR

CO OA AT CH CHEC CK SP SPON SPON ONSSO OR

PHOTOG PH OTOG OT OGRA RAPH RAPH HY BO BOOT OTH SPON SPON SP ONSOR SO OR

SSPPIRIT IIR RITTS SP SPO ON NSO SOR OR

PRRIN PR IN NT AAN ND ND PAPE PA APER PER SP PE SPONSO ON O NSSO OR

WIINE W NE SPO PONS ONSO NSOR NS

SIGN SI GNAG AGE D DEESI SIG GN NA AN ND PR RIIN NTT SPO ONSOR NSOR NS OR

MAAGA G ZI Z NE N S ONSO SP ONNSO S RSS

AUCT AU CTIO ON CCAATAL ALO OG GUE UE AN AND MAAG GAZ AZIIN AZIN NE D DEESI SIGN GN SPO GN PONSOR NSO NS ORR

OYSSTTEER S SPPON ONSO SOR

BALLLLOO BA OON ON BU BUSSTT SPO PONS NSOR ORS

MED ME DIIA SPON SPON SP ONSOR SORS SO

SIILENT SSILE LEENTT AUC UCTI T ONN DOONNOR ORSS

LIIVVEE AUC U TI T ON O SSPPON O SSOORRSS

AAFFTEER HO HOUR OUR URS D NO DO N RSS

LIIVE V AUX UXIL ILLLOR ORY RY SPPOONNSO SORRS

VVIIDE DEO S SPPONSO ONSO ON SOR OR

Allbi A bioonn Goollflf C Caars rs • Ana nant ntar ara KKiihava havaah Vi ha Villllas as • Aqu qua ua We Wellllne ness ne ess ss Reessor ort • B Bllan a ccoo Canad aannad ada • Bl Bluunnt R Roollll • Bosss Le Leaatthheer er • Caarnnivval al Cru ruisse Li L nees • Cl ClubbLi Link ink nk Coorrpo poraattiioonn • Cooup uplees RReesoorrtt Inc nc. • De Desi siggn gner e Sto tone ne Pan ne anel els • Do Dope Dope pe Wood ood • Dy oo Dyso son Caanaada da Lttddd.. • ep epR Riideer • Faaem e a Cana Caannaada C da • Fis ishe her & PPaayk ykeell Appplliiance ance an ces es • Fo Fouurr Sea eassoonss Res esor ort Coost C sta Ri Rica ccaa • Fraame mete tech ch Des e iggnss Innccc.. • Fuutu ture re Finne Fu re Furnnititur u e • In Inn at at Eng ngglililish sh Haarrbo sh b ur ur • Keelltic titic LLoodge dge Reeso dg sortt & Spa pa • Las as Veerran anda d s Hoote tel • Le Le Ser ere ren eno SSaain ain intt--BBaart arrtthe heele lemy le my • Mu Musk skok kokka Wo Wood odss • Na Nature tuure re Sce cenees & Art AArrt of of Tra rade deho hornn Inncc. • Outd Outtddoo Ou doooor Ligh LLiigghhttiing ng Per erssppec ecti cttiive ivvees es • PPaarrot rrot rr ot Caayy • Per ereg egririine nee Adv dven entu ture res es • RO R CA CA Woo ood W Woork rks Inncc.. • Rub ubiinnett Fauc Fa ucet et Com ompa pany ny • Sau aunaacooree • Sou auna outthh Hilill H Hoome me • Sppiin in Ma Mast stter er Ltd er td • Spprrin ing Cr Cree eek R Raancch • Su Suga uggaar Be Beac Beac ach A Vice ach Vicceerrooy Vi oy Re Ressoort rt • Suuggar ar Miilll H Hootel tel • Su te Suns nset sett Res esorts orrttss, s, TThhe Oassiis at Oas Oa at Sun unse set BBe Beac eaacch • TTa Tama ama maririnndd Bea each ch Hot otel el & Yac acht cht ht Clu lub ub • Tast Tasstte Cuulilinnaary Ta arryy • Vic icto cto torriria ia Ho Houusse iinn Beel eliz liiz ize ze • W Weeest st Bro st rros os. os. s. Fuurrnitu niitu tuure re • Wes re este tern rn Riv iver veerr Exp xped eedit ddititio itittio iioonnss.

All proceeds from the Crystal Ball support the children’s charity Reach for the Rainbow and its mandate to develop and promote integrated opportunities 80 across City Life Magazine Oct/Nov www.mycitylife.ca Ontario for children and2015 youth with disabilities. www.reachfortherainbow.ca Charitable Registration # 11911 1748 RR0001

People & Places

YOU YOU O U KNOW K N O W US U S FOR F O R LUNCH LUNCH …

1

Photo By Carlos Arturo Pinto

AAA VACUUM SUPERSTORE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS — TORONTO

What better way to celebrate Jim Jammehdiabadi’s 40 years in the vacuum cleaning industry than with a customer appreciation anniversary event complete with pizza, cake and coffee? From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10, 2015, everyone is invited to visit the AAA Vacuum Superstore on Wilson Avenue in North York for free giveaways, door prizes and special pricing on select brand-name products. Money raised from a donation box, along with a percentage of sales that day, will go toward the Humber River Regional Hospital. www.aaavacuum.ca

GET TO KNOW US FOR DINNER!

Jim Jammehdiabadi welcomes everyone to AAA Vacuum Superstore’s customer appreciation day this October

Trimani is now open for dinner Fridays & Saturdays

Photography Courtesy of MSF

MSF HONOURED WITH LASKER-BLOOMBERG PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD — NEW YORK CITY

Humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders recently received the annual LaskerBloomberg Public Service Award for its leadership in responding to the Ebola crisis in affected countries such as Liberia and Sierra Leone. MSF first reported on the outbreak in March 2014 and has been active in the fight toward eradicating the disease. www.doctorswithoutborders.org Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders first responded and reported on the Ebola outbreak in March 2014 and have since been active in fighting the infectious disease

www.mycitylife.ca

Come home to Trimani Ristorante.

Treat your palate to world-class chef Domenic Colacci’s fresh, simple, European style with every dish executed to perfection. Celebrating 15 years in Vaughan, owner Robert De Zorzi ensures the satisfaction of every guest. Enjoy live music by singer/pianist Mellow Dee as you indulge in a glass of wine from our extensive collection.

8555 Jane Street, Unit 6, Concord, ON L4K 5N9 905.660.7474 | www.trimani.ca Oct/Nov 2015 City Life Magazine

81

People & Places

Hosted by Element Financial Corporation, the Bay Street Kicks Kids’ Cancer Soccer Tournament scored a fantastic turnout and raised over $67,000 at the Woodbridge Soccer Club on Sept. 19, 2015. Benefiting from the proceeds is Camp Quality Canada, an organization devoted to helping kids with cancer go to camp for a free, six-week adventure. www.campquality.org

Photo By Brendan Turner / Courtesy of Camp Quality Canada

BAY STREET KICKS KIDS’ CANCER SOCCER TOURNAMENT — VAUGHAN

Team ITG (yellow) and Team Mackenzie Investments (blue) face off at the Bay Street Kicks Kids’ Cancer Soccer Tournament on Sept. 19, 2015

OVERDRIVE DIGITAL BOOKMOBILE VISITS PIERRE BERTON RESOURCE LIBRARY – VAUGHAN

Photo By Karen Yang

The OverDrive Digital Bookmobile rolled up to Pierre Berton Resource Library in Vaughan to teach library-goers how to retrieve library content from their mobile devices. Students from Emily Carr Secondary School visited the 74-foot-long trailer, where they engaged in hands-on activities such as the interactive Digital Catalog room, Video Lounge and Audiobook Alley. www.digitalbookmobile.com

Students from Emily Carr Secondary School in Vaughan enjoy their visit to the Digital Bookmobile outside the Pierre Berton Resource Library

82

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

A DV E R TO R I A L

People & Places

PARAMAX LEGAL SERVICES

SOPHIA LEE NAMED RWB’S NEWEST PRINCIPAL DANCER — WINNIPEG

The trusted source for professional legal services in Vaughan

A graduate of the Ballet Academic Program and a student plucked from the school’s prestigious Aspirant Program, ballerina Sophia Lee has claimed the title of principal dancer in the critically acclaimed Royal Winnipeg Ballet. The young Korean-born native has stepped into various roles on stage, including Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Clara in The Nutcracker and Juliet in Romeo + Juliet. rwb.org

Photo Courtesy of RWB

Licensed paralegal Sonny Spadafora’s reputation and integrity are backed by years of experience in law enforcement and trials

Prior to being accepted into the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Division, Korean-born Sophia Lee trained in British Columbia

Photo By Matthew Zuech

16TH ANNUAL REBEL GOLF TOURNAMENT — BOLTON

Golfers hit the links at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Bolton in support of the Down Syndrome Association of York Region (DSAYR)’s 16th annual Rebel Golf Tournament. The event raised over $13,000, which will benefit ongoing DSAYR programs such as new parent support groups and the Chatterbox speech and occupational therapy program for school-aged children. www.dsayr.on.ca

Volunteers pose for a group photo at the 16th annual Rebel Golf Tournament in support of the Down Syndrome Association of York Region on Sept. 12, 2015

www.mycitylife.ca

R

etired Justice of the Peace and former police officer Sonny Spadafora is back in Vaughan to serve the community with professional legal services and guidance.

Working with a network of highly skilled legal professionals throughout Ontario, licensed paralegal Spadafora and his team represent clients in and out of court to bring them the peace of mind and redemption they deserve. “We’re always working in the best interest of our clients,” says Spadafora.

Having first opened paralegal offices in Woodbridge in the 1990s, Spadafora is considered one of the grandfathers of the traffic industry.

From provincial and municipal charges and all regulatory tribunals, to traffic tickets, careless driving and suspended licences, to small claims court, all criminal offences and personal injury cases, the Paramax Legal Services team draws upon over 50 years of combined experience to bring out successful results. Partner Maurizio Tassone alone boasts 19 years of paralegal experience.

Spadafora’s long-standing reputation, insight into the complexity of trials and broad knowledge of the law comes from his extensive experience on both sides of

the criminal justice system. Throughout his tenure as a high-profile Toronto police officer, he worked in uniform and later moved to the detective branch of policing in units such as homicide, narcotics and the intelligence bureau. Impressively, he has received numerous letters of commendation and Merit Marks for going above and beyond the call of duty, as well as multiple accolades that include the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery, Policeman of the Year and the city’s Stars Are Shining medallion for his outstanding service to the people of Toronto. In 2000, he was appointed as a Justice of the Peace, where he presided over trials for 15 years. Recently, Spadafora was accredited as a paralegal instructor and teaches part-time at a North York college. “I’ve seen every side and I’ve been involved with every side,” says Spadafora, “and now I’m here to assist the community in all legal matters.”

Call Paramax Legal Services today for a complimentary consultation.

416-556-4900 7611 Pine Valley Dr., Unit 25, Vaughan, Ont. Satellite office available in downtown Toronto 416-410-8946, www.paramaxlegal.com Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

83

A DV E R TO R I A L

AAA Vacuum Superstore founder Jim Jammehdiabadi, a.k.a. Jim Jam, celebrates 40 years in the vacuum cleaning industry

People & Places

This year’s Shoppers Drug Mart OneWalk to Conquer Cancer packed a powerful punch in the fight against cancer, raising a staggering $7.5 million to benefit the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Sept. 12, 2015, saw over 4,000 runners and walkers complete an exhausting yet exciting 25 kilometres around the city. The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto is one of the top five cancer research centres in the world. to15.onewalk.ca

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SERVICE The only AAA Vacuum Superstore in Canada to serve you better

W

hen Jim Jammehdiabadi first came to Canada in 1970, he knew he’d found home and the place to fulfill his aspirations.

Selling his first vacuum system four decades ago, the founder and president of AAA Vacuum Superstore — affectionately known in the industry as “Jim Jam” — has since provided patrons across the Greater Toronto Area with the utmost in customer service, the best in quality products, and an optimistic approach reflected in his life’s work and through the smiles of his customers. “The most important thing in life is to always have a positive attitude.

That’s where the company name comes from — attitude, attitude, attitude,” says Jim. Serving the needs of the community with exclusive products, Jim’s AAA Vacuum Superstore sells, services and installs a wide variety of residential, commercial and central vacuums. Brands include DuoVac, 84

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

Electrolux, Eureka, Miele, Nilfisk, Kärcher and many more.

Celebrating 40 years in the industry this October, Jim is a Ryerson University graduate, a loving husband, father and grandfather and a proud Canadian businessman. He is also a former recipient of the First Service Excellency Award for his achievement in vacuum sales at Filter Queen, Eureka and many other brands, where he expanded to selling and servicing all makes and models before launching AAA Vacuum Superstore.

A natural-born salesman with a strong work ethic, Jim credits his 40th anniversary to his devoted team and their collective passion for customer service and satisfaction. “Our service is our No. 1 priority!”

710 Wilson Ave., Toronto 416-635-9161 www.aaavacuum.ca

The rain did not stop these happy participants from joining in on the 2015 OneWalk to Conquer Cancer sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart

“WE NEED TO TALK!” We have seen your marketing We can help with your brand identity

Marketing | Web Design Video Production | Print Design Branding | Social media Custom Publishing

www.dolcemedia.ca | 905.264.6789

www.mycitylife.ca

Photo By Edwin Santiago

ONEWALK TO CONQUER CANCER 2015 — TORONTO

AN IDYLLIC SETTING Just a short drive north of the city, XXI Chophouse serves firstrate meals in the peaceful village of Kleinburg, one of the GTA’s most beautiful and coveted communities.

EXTENSIVE WINE AND SCOTCH SELECTION An ever-evolving wine program features vintages from Canada, France, Chile, the U.S. and beyond. A sizeable Scotch Wall boasts a rich selection of single malts, fine cognacs and specialty liqueurs.

PREMIUM AGED BEEF An in-house dry-aging locker ensures precise aging times of 35 to 50 days of the highestquality cuts of beef sourced from top purveyors, including Paradise Farms, the American Angus Hall of Fame’s Best Breeder of Aberdeen Angus in North America.

Located in The Doctor’s House in the village of Kleinburg, XXI Chophouse blends the area’s historical setting with contemporary design to deliver a premier steakhouse experience north of the city.

www.mycitylife.ca

www.XXIchophouse.com info@XXIchophouse.com 905 893 CHOP (2467) www.thedoctorshouse.ca 21 Nashville Road, The Doctor’s House Kleinburg, Ont.

Oct/Nov 2015

City Life Magazine

85

© 2015 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved • PANDORA.NET

WHAT IF YOUR EARRINGS COULD SPEAK? THEY’D SAY YOU’RE A CREATIVE TYPE. A ROMANTIC REBEL. WE SAY, LET THEM DO ALL THE TALKING SO ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SMILE. SHARE THE #ARTOFYOU SHOWN: OPENWORK WINGS IN .925 STERLING SILVER WITH FLOATING 14K HEARTS

PROMENADE MALL 905.889.5656

MARKVILLE SHOPPING CENTRE 905.477.9606

BAYVIEW VILLAGE 647.346.2176

SHERWAY GARDENS 416.621.6643

VAUGHAN MILLS 905.660.7400

VAUGHAN MILLS 905.669.8522

86

City Life Magazine

Oct/Nov 2015

FAIRVIEW PARK 519.894.4900

VAUGHAN MILLS 905.660.9993

www.mycitylife.ca

MARKVILLE SHOPPING CENTRE 905.477.1273