acorn online: SO Guelph issue

Never Stop Learning

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce has partnered with OpenEd at the University of Guelph to offer you a discounted rate on non-degree lifelong learning opportunities.

Have you ever wondered what gives Guelph its unique charm? Maybe it’s the small-town community feel, the vibrant downtown filled with artisanal stores, or the university experience that draws people in. All things considered, many agree that Guelph is not only a special place to live and work, but it’s also a great place to learn. Add a brand-new partnership between the Guelph Chamber of Commerce and Open Learning and Educational Support (OpenEd) at the University of Guelph, and lifelong learning has never been easier.

For more than 50 years, OpenEd has been designing award-winning courses and programs that are suitable for a variety of sectors and industries. Through this new partnership, members receive an exclusive discount on OpenEd’s high-quality and locally-based continuing education courses and programs. Courses are facilitated by professionals with industry knowledge, integrating relevant research and rich learning experiences. A diverse selection of courses and programs allows you to choose what you need to continue developing your skills and improving your life.

OpenEd believes in the power of local learning. By supporting professional development within the community, a strong and skilled workforce can be built within the region.

Some of OpenEd’s programs include:

• Creative Writing

• Facilities Management

• Horticulture

• Human Resources Management

• Plant-Based Nutrition

• School Business Operations

This little piggie saved biggie.

MEET

Shakiba Shayani

President & CEO

Mark Mayo

Manager of Operations

Jane Wielhorski

Executive Assistant to the President & CEO

Calvin Hyde

Membership Sales & Engagement

Representative

Isobel Adams Program & Event Coordinator

Jason Kalbfleisch

Research & Policy Coordinator

Markus McDaniel

Finance & Database Manager

Ellyn Lusis

Marketing & Design Lead

Contributors

Guelph.beer

Guelph Hiking Trail Club

Guelph Family Martial Arts

River Run Centre

Guelph Little Theatre

Guelph United Guelph Storm

cover photo credit: ellyn

CONNECT

@guelph_chamber

@guelphchamber

www.guelphchamber.com

WHAT MAKES GUELPH SO Guelph?

Thanks again for taking the time to read another issue of acorn online. We’ve all heard the expression - that’s SO Guelph. While some might think of backyard chicken coops and thrift stores, we let our members tell us what makes Guelph, so very Guelph.

In this issue you will read about big and small brewery collaborations, local theatre and why our Farmers’ Market feeds both hearts and bellies. You’ll also read about our Destination Marketing Guelph initiative and some of the places and spaces that make others ‘drop a pin’ in Guelph.

UP AND COMING

June 15

NEARLY 100KM OF TRAILS TO HIKE, RUN, AND BIKE.

LEADERS IN LOCAL FOOD AND BREWERIES

THRIVING ARTS SCENE : THEATRE, WRITING, DANCE, VISUAL AND MUSIC.

As a member-driven organization, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce creates and provides programs and opportunities for businesses to be their best. It takes all of these businesses (and more) to ensure that Guelph is at its best.

Isn’t that just SO Guelph?

- Shakiba Shayani President & CEO, Guelph Chamber of Commerce

Click to find out more or to register for our upcoming event.

Guelph Awards of Excellence

Join us while we recognize the exceptional businesses and individuals that call Guelph home.

September 7 Chamber Cup

Get your business on course - with us. Register your foursome, sponsor a hole and let’s par-tee!

*RESONANCE CONSULTANCY

In this issue

4

Guelph.Beer

Hop on board with us and find out how these breweries are making Guelph a Craft Beer destination.

16

Cox

Creek Cellars

Sip on delicious fruit wines while sitting fireside with friends. Explore Guelph’s not so hidden gem.

10

Guelph & District

Multicultural Festival

Celebrate multiculturalism in Guelph with the very best in food, shows, entertainment and fun in Riverside Park June 9-11.

18

Guelph United

Read all about Guelph United’s goal to make both the men’s and women’s teams featured in the top Premier division.

14

Guelph Storm

When this Storm hits the community - everybody wins. Discover how the Guelph Storm gives back to their fans and the community.

22

Guelph Farmers’ Market

Learn about the recent renovations and why the Farmers’ Market is the perfect pick for destination retail in Guelph.

THE GUELPH.BEER BUS, THE MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL AND THE FARMERS’ MARKET

By: The Guelph.Beer Team

The Guelph Chamber of Commerce is proud to share the Guelph. Beer initiative with our members. This kind of collaboration is exactly what makes GuelphSO Guelph.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re travelling across the city on a Guelph Transit bus heading to the next stop which just happens to be a bustling beer hall. After a taste of a new seasonal beer and some great conversations, you’re back on the bus zipping downtown. And it’s your lucky day, the next stop is another brewery, a cozy tap room with a unique lineup of tasty new smallbatch beers to enjoy with your family and friends. It’s all part of the experience on the Guelph.Beer Bus.

First launched in 2019, the Guelph.Beer Bus is a free shuttle bus service that runs on select Saturdays with stops at each of Guelph’s local breweries including: Royal City, Fixed Gear,

Guelph Chamber of Commerce

Photo credit: Guelph.Beer

Wellington Brewery, Brothers, and Sleeman

Showcasing a wide range of experiences, the Guelph.Beer Bus gives guests the opportunity to discover and explore the unique brewpubs, beer halls, and tap rooms that the city has to offer.

The project is an example of what happens when breweries choose to work together to build up their industry and help make their hometown a destination for craft beer tourism. Since it launched in 2019, the Guelph.Beer bus has been a huge success drawing thousands of beer enthusiasts from across the region to explore Guelph’s local breweries. With a rich brewing history and establishments ranging in size from small downtown brewpubs to regional and even internationally known breweries, there’s a lot to Guelph’s “beer story”.

How does the whole thing work? There are no tickets required and you can start and end at any brewery; it’s as simple as getting on or off the bus which arrives every half hour at each location. The bus is free to ride, open to everyone — including families — and provides a safe and accessible way to visit your favourite local breweries. So leave the car at home, and let us do the driving!

Here’s what you can expect at each stop:

Royal City Brewery - Experience the new Royal City Beer Hall with a tasty menu of meals and snacks paired with fresh and innovative beer brewed right in the ward neighbourhood.

Sleeman Breweries - Learn about the storied history of the Sleeman family and their roots in Guelph as you enjoy a pint of notoriously good beer at Canada’s third largest brewery.

Brothers Brewery - Guelph’s downtown brewpub

CATCH THE GUELPH.BEER BUS RUNNING EVERY HALF-HOUR

founded by twin brothers Colton and Asa Proveau is a communityfocused space with inspired beer offerings.

Fixed Gear - Grab a pizza and a pint at the Fixed Gear Canteen one of Guelph’s newest beer spots with a great lineup of events and live music.

Wellington Brewery - Discover your new favourite beer in the cozy tap room at one of Canada’s original independently owned craft breweries.

On the days the Guelph.Beer Bus operates each brewery will offer a lineup of locally brewed beer including year-round classics and small-batch specialty beers. Many breweries will also be offering pop-up food vendors, food trucks and tap room activities including live music, DJs, photo booths, and other interactive fun.

Guelph is lucky enough to be the only city in Canada with a “beer bus”. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that’s affordable and inclusive. It’s also a great opportunity to get your friends and family together for a fun afternoon adventure!

While the bus is free to ride, the group accepts donations to help support a scholarship fund for BIPOC students to attend the Niagara College brewing program.

You can catch the Guelph.Beer Bus running every half-hour between noon and 7 p.m. on the following dates:

April 15, 2023

May 13, 2023

June 24, 2023

July 22, 2023

September 16, 2023

October 14, 2023

November 18, 2023 (Guelph.Beer Day)

December 16, 2023

For the full bus schedule and details visit www.guelph.beer

@guelph.beer

guelph.beer

GET ON A GUELPH PATIO GET ON A GUELPH PATIO

It’s time to push the umbrella up, put your sunnies on, swirl the ice in your glass and take your seat on some of our members’ instagramworthy patios this season.

Here is our short list for celebrating, sun-worshipping and sipping. Cheers!

ATMOSPHERE CAFE + ETC. atmospherecafe.squarespace.com

@atmospherecafeetc

24 Carden St

BAKER STREET STATION bakerstreetstation.ca

@bakerststation

76 Baker St

BAR MASON barmasonrestaurant.ca

@barmasonrestaurant 50 Stone Rd W

BOBBY O’BRIEN’S bobbyobriens.pub @ bobby.obriens.guelph 90 Macdonell St

BOREALIS GRILLE & BAR borealisgrille.ca @ borealisguelph 1388 Gordon St

DIXON’S DISTILLED SPIRITS dixonsdistilledspirits.com @ dixonsdistilledspirits 355 Elmira Rd N Unit 106

ELIZABETH ST

EARTH TO TABLE BREAD BAR breadbar.ca

@breadbar_guelph

105 Gordon St

EINSTEIN’S CAFÉ einsteinscafe.net

@einsteinsguelph

2 Grant St

FIXED GEAR BREWERY fixedgearbrewing.com

@fixed_gear_brewing

5 Edinburgh Rd S

20 Alma St S 355 Elmira Rd N Unit 135

LA CUCINA lacucinaguelph.com

@ristorantelacucina

25 Macdonell St 43 Wyndham St N

LA REINA lareina519.com

@lareina_519 10 Wyndham St N

MIIJIDAA CAFÉ + BISTRO miijidaa.ca

@miijidaa 37 Quebec St

PARK EATERY parkeatery.ca

@park.eatery 294 Woolwich St

PIATTO NEAPOLITAN PIZZA piattopizzeria.com

@piattoguelph 153 Wyndham St N

ROYAL ELECTRIC royalelectricguelph.com

@royalelectric

52 Macdonell St

SLEEMAN BREWERIES LTD. sleeman.ca

@sleemanbeer 551 Clair Rd W

SPRING MILL DISTILLERY LTD springmilldistillery.com

@springmill1836

43 Arthur St S

SYMPOSIUM RESTAURANT & LOUNGE symposiumcafe.com

symposiumcafe.guelph

304 Stone Rd W

THE KEG thekeg.com/en/locations/guelph

@thekegsteakhouse

49 Clair Rd E

THE WOOLY PUB thewoolypub.ca

@thewoolypub

176 Woolwich St

WELLINGTON BREWERY wellingtonbrewery.ca

@wellingtonbrewery

950 Woodlawn Rd W

Interviewee: Cinthuja Leon

Photo credit: SK-Photography

We grab a plate and chat with Cinthuja

Leon of The Guelph & District Multicultural Festival (GDMF) to discuss Guelph’s annual celebration of our diverse communities.

CONNECT

@ gdmf_inc

gdmf.ca

Q: The GDMF first started in 1978 which would make it 45 years old in 2023. How has the event evolved since the early days and what do you think have been some of the most significant changes?

The Festival had its beginnings as a small downtown event in 1978, organized by the Board of Directors from The Multicultural Centre in Guelph, and was held annually in the downtown core for 10 years. After a brief hiatus, the Festival was revived in 1996 due to overwhelming interest from other cultural groups. We are celebrating the 37th Multicultural Festival in 2023.

The Multicultural Festival has changed significantly since it’s humble beginnings. For one, we have been able to secure a bigger venue to accommodate the increased community interest and participation. With more people attending, we’ve created more awareness about the different communities present within the City of Guelph, and we’re proud to showcase their unique cultures and traditions. The Festival has truly become a celebration of diverse communities and we’re excited to see it continue to grow and evolve progressively in the future.

Q: Many people may be surprised to learn that the multi-day event at Riverside Park is the key component of the Festival, but not the only activity people can attend. What other ways can people support the Festival?

There are several ways the public can join and help the Multicultural Festival. Here are just a few of them -

Multicultural Award Presentation: Introduced in 2007, the Guelph & District Multicultural Award provides everyone with an opportunity to recognize the special contribution of individuals or cultural organizations who make a difference in our community. Public can send their nominations to us. These awards are presented during the opening ceremony.

Multicultural Traditional Outfit Parade: This colourful parade is one of the major highlights of the opening ceremony. Several community groups proudly showcase their cultural heritage through their traditional outfits. The parade is enthusiastically joined by local dignitaries and other members of the community.

MEMBER & 2022 GUELPH AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNER: KIRTIDA’S KITCHEN

CHAMBER PRESIDENT & CEO SHAKIBA SHAYANI DURING THE OPENING CEREMONIES

On-Stage Traditional Fashion Show: Cultural representatives from various ethnic communities take part in the fashion show displaying their finest traditional attire.

Family friendly area: We have a special area at our Festival just for families with kids. There are many fun things for kids to do like making buttons, taking pictures in a photo booth, a tour of a fire truck, taking pictures on a Police cruiser, getting their face painted, listening to stories, watching puppet shows, trying out diverse sports/ games and more! This means parents can enjoy watching their kids have a good time and have some fun too.

Q: The Festival always has activities such as performances or fashion shows which are a space for different groups to showcase their culture. How important is it for a city like Guelph to host activities that raise awareness about cultural diversity?

Multicultural Festivals in any city are events that celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of a community. These events can have several significant benefits for the community including:

Promoting cultural awareness: Multicultural Festivals provide an opportunity for individuals to learn about different cultures, traditions, and customs. This exposure can help to foster greater understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Encouraging social unity: Multicultural Festivals bring people from different backgrounds together, promoting social interaction and conversations. This interaction can help break down barriers and promote a better sense of community.

Boosting the local economy: Multicultural Festivals can attract visitors from outside the community, contributing to the local economy through increased tourism and spending.

Providing a platform for cultural expression: Multicultural Festivals provide a platform for individuals and groups to express and showcase their cultural cuisine, arts, talents, etc., promoting cultural preservation and continuity.

Enhancing community pride: Multicultural Festivals can instill a sense of pride and belonging within the community, promoting a positive sense of identity and unity.

Q: The Festival has many vendors selling goods, and entrepreneurs promoting their businesses. Do you have any stories where the GDMF was the launching pad for a newcomer or immigrant to start their business?

The Multicultural Festival has proven to be a great platform for new immigrants, women-led businesses to showcase their talents and business ideas and connect with diverse audiences. Many of these businesses have seen a significant boost in their profile and sales, as well as the creation of a solid network of loyal customers. Participating in this event has not only helped

these entrepreneurs thrive but also enriched the Festival experience for all attendees.

Example: Kirtida Kitchen - they started from home catering, came to the Festival as a food vendor and eventually opened a take-out restaurant that has become a highly recognized and successful business.

Q: When we attend the GDMF, the food tent is always a main attraction for our family. Can you give our audience a snapshot of the different types of cultural foods available and your thoughts on how the food tent has impacted the cultural food scene in Guelph?

At our event, we will be showcasing a variety of different foods from all over the world. This means that people will be able to try foods that are part of different cultures, without having to travel to those countries. So, you can enjoy different types of food from many different places all in one location. This year, we have 22 different food vendors participating including Bollywood Bistro, Caribbean Delight, Greater Guelph Nepalese Community, Greek Wagon, Lemon Grass Thai Food, Mia Mamma, Paghman Kabob, Pho Saigon, Flor de Izote, etc. which means there will be a lot of different types of food to try!

Q: What are some of the ways people can get involved with the GDMF?

There are several ways the public can get invoved with our Multicultural Festival.

Come and join our Festival with your family and friends, whether you live in Guelph or outside the city. You can learn about different cultures from around the world, all while relaxing in the lovely Riverside Park.

If you’re interested in getting involved, members of the public can join one of our committees to help plan and organize the event.

We’re also looking for emerging local artists and new businesses to participate in the Festival as a way to promote themselves. If you’re interested, just ask us for more information.

We welcome donations and support to help us fundraise for the Festival, which makes it all possible.

We also need volunteers to help with the event, so if you’re interested, we’d love to have you on board! High school students are especially encouraged to participate and can ask their friends and family to help out too.

Finally, please help us spread the word about the Festival by telling your friends and family or sharing on social media. Together, we can make this a fun and successful community event!

Check out the Multicultural Festival in Riverside Park - June 9 - 11th, 2023.

Friday June 9, 5pm-11pm

Saturday June 10, 11am-11pm

Sunday June 11, 11am-6pm

Winning for Our Community

By: Lisa Della Mattia

Each season the Guelph Storm is proud to partner with many organizations to support local not-for-profits in the community as a way to give back to those who give the Storm so much. Each season, the community continues to embrace the Guelph Storm. This season was no exception with fans packing the Eye of the Storm with nearly 4,500 fans a game.

During the 2022/2023 season, Storm players were fortunate to visit nearly 40 elementary schools after 3 seasons without school visits due to COVID-19. The “Champions for Education” initiative sees Storm players teaching STEM In Action on the Ice, or Read to Succeed, a program that stresses the importance of school.

The Booster Juice Ambassadors program was also back this season which saw the five Ambassadors, Cooper Walker, Ben McFarelane, Braeden Bowman, Jake Karabela, and Cam Allen attend local minor hockey practices to assist coaches with running drills and take part in a scrimmage.

The Storm brought back two highly anticipated events this year, Served by the Storm and Guelph Storm vs. Guelph Giants Benefit Game. The annual Served by the Storm event took place at Bobby O’Briens in downtown Guelph and raised $5,000 for our Adopt-A-School program. The program provides rewards and incentives to elementary school students throughout Wellington County for exemplary achievements in the classroom, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. The Storm provided

Photography credit: Gar FitzGerald

$65,000 in donations to local non-profits and schools during the season through ticket sale fundraising and other cash donations. The sale of our warm-up jerseys, which were auctioned off at the conclusion of the regular season, raised $6,360.

To start the 2023 OHL playoffs the Storm made a promise to donate $10,000 to local charities if the OHL’s best fans filled the Sleeman Centre with over 4,000 fans for game 3. The Tuesday night game saw a standing-room-only crowd of 4548. Five local organizations benefitted from the donations.

As an organization, the Guelph Storm helped raise nearly $300,000 for local nonprofits. This was done through direct donations or hosting fundraising opportunities at regular season games. Each game features a 50/50 which supports local organizations in the Guelph Wellington community.

Nearly 4,500 fans a game.

4,500 FANS

40 elementary schools visited.

Champions for Education: STEM In Action on the Ice Read to Succeed

The Booster Juice Ambassadors program

Saw the 5 Ambassadors attend local minor hockey practices, to assist coaches with running drills and take part in a scrimmage

Raised $5,000 for our Adopt-A-School program.

Provided $65,000 in donations to local non-profits and schools during the season through ticket sale fundraising and other cash donations.

Donated $10,000 to 5 local organizations after the OHL’s best fans filled the Sleeman Centre with over 4,000 fans for game 3.

@guelph_storm_ohl

The Guelph Storm helped raise nearly $300,000 for local non-profits.

Sip and See

By: Heather Willard Photography

Cox Creek Cellars, family owned and operated for 25 years produces Ontario Grape and Fruit Wines, as well as Craft Cider designed to delight your tastebuds!

With a long history of wine making dating back generations, the Trochta family keeps their European traditions alive with fabulous fruit wines and boldly dives into 2023 with our modern, VQA grape wines.

When you hear fruit wines, you probably think they are sweet, but that is not the case. Our Back Home is an explosion of flavour. This dry, oak barrel aged black currant wine is something to savour. Looking for a softer white wine?

Evening Romance is a semi dry apple wine that pairs well with light cheeses and BBQ pork chops. Or if you want to sip your dessert, try our Spiced Russet! It is apple pie in a glass.

There is something to satisfy everyone out at Cox Creek Cellars. Come check out our newly renovated wine shop or explore Guelph’s not so hidden gem, by taking a stroll through the orchard. Escape here on our 50 plus acre property with over 5 km of walking trails, apple orchard, grape vines, black currant bushes and more. We are pet friendly, so pack a picnic and bring the whole family.

Just a short drive down Highway 6, you will find us waiting to welcome you!

Services include wine and cider for purchase, flight tastings (with or without fire pit), cheese for sale, samples, and events. We also have beer for on premises consumption, as well as Kombucha and the most amazing premium de-alcoholised sparkling rosé wine you will ever taste!

Coming soon, charcuterie to nibble while you sip and our tasting tower lounge. Follow us for our upcoming events or reach out to host your own!

credit: Connor Creighton

Spirit of Guelph

By: Leanne Roy Photography credit: Leanne Roy

Enshrined in local history and built from stone and designed to last, Spring Mill Distillery sits in one of Guelph’s most historic buildings on the banks of the Speed River. On the outside, an exhibit to Guelph’s earliest days and on the inside, a nod to traditional distilling practices across the globe. In 2018, John Sleeman and his sons set out to create a world-class distillery that could stand the test of time. The Spring Mill facility is the largest distillery in Guelph and the largest distilling operation built in Canada in the last 27 years. Following the tried and tested traditions of Single Malt distilleries in Scotland, only the best and most noteworthy equipment is used in the pursuit of liquid gold. Canadian grains are the foundation to the quality products made at Spring Mill Distillery. From grain-to-glass and distilled entirely on site in Guelph, Spring Mill Distillery spirits are meticulously crafted to be deliciously reliable and premium.

Guelph is home to some amazing attractions like the Guelph Civic Museum, the John McCrae house, The River Run Centre and so many more. An operation the size and calibre of Spring Mill Distillery required many hands and thoughtful planning to properly protect and showcase the building’s heritage while maximizing distilling capabilities. The drive

behind operating Spring Mill as a tourist destination is in part because of its designation as a heritage building in Guelph, but also because of the appreciation for the craft of distilling that is held by the Sleemans and the Spring Mill team and their desire to show off the work they are proud to do. Take a tour of Spring Mill Distillery to see the intricate details of the distillation process and how history lends a hand to the whisky world as a whole and find Spring Mill Distillery products in the LCBO.

Guelph’s #unitedfront

By: Sarah Mason

Guelph United Football Club (F.C.) was founded in 2020 to provide talented soccer players from Guelph and nearby areas with a professional environment to compete. The club aims to establish Guelph as a national center of excellence for soccer, where local talent can access the infrastructure needed to compete at the highest levels. Guelph United F.C. competes in League1 Ontario (L1O), which serves as a stepping stone between high-performance youth soccer and professional levels of the game. L1O focuses on showcasing and developing Canada’s future soccer stars and eight L1O alumni were on the Canadian men’s national team at the World Cup in 2022.

In 2021, Guelph United F.C. became the first team in L1O’s history to win the championship in their inaugural year. The following year, the club added U21 and U19 men’s teams to their roster and acquired Guelph Union in January 2023. The takeover ensures that both teams will compete in their respective Premier Divisions under the same ownership. Beginning in 2024, the men’s and women’s competitions will be organized into three tiers, with team movement between tiers governed by a promotion and relegation system. Guelph United F.C. is working hard to ensure both teams are featured in the top Premier division in the new structure to attract better players and more fans.

The club’s success is thanks to the vibrant soccer community and fan base in Guelph, including players, parents, volunteers, youth clubs, local businesses, and sponsors. Guelph United F.C. aims to

create a professional, inclusive, and inspiring atmosphere that every fan can experience.

In 2023, Guelph United F.C. made Centennial Bowl their home to create the best fan experience possible. Their new home features a beer tent hosted by Wellington Brewery, Fleetstreets food vendor, and a soccer-specific field. Fans can check out their website (guelphunitedfc.ca) for upcoming games and join the #unitedfront.

Photography credit: League1 Ontario

Guelph is home to so many great hiking and biking trails, diverse restaurants, educational and cultural facilities and businesses.

Explore, partake and be proud to call Guelph, home.

From the office of Lloyd Longfield - Member of Parliament for Guelph.

MPLONGFIELD.CA

‘Little’ Theatre, BIG Plans

By: Shona Sneddon, President, Guelph Little Theatre

Guelph Little Theatre is bouncing back by moving forward. Created in 1935, GLT has seen Guelph grow, and it has been expanding right there with it. Settled in the St. George’s “Ward” area of Guelph, a short walk and an even shorter drive to downtown Guelph, the area offers a beautiful history of the Royal City through it’s eclectic locally-owned businesses and buildings, wooded and man-made trailways, recreational hotspots, and coffee houses.

GLT itself offers main stage shows (Sept - May), the Ward One Acts Play Festival (July 6-9), a Live In The Lobby music series for local musicians to share their talent (scheduled Fridays throughout the year), offers rental spaces, and holds community events.

These events include the Western Ontario Drama Festival (in which we received 7 nominations and a special Adjudicator’s Award this past season), and the recent Steve Strongman Band and Skydiggers concerts. Workshops like Healing Thru The Arts, integrating the arts with healing, and The Actor’s Lab, a weekly series to help performers learn and improve their talents, are just some of the other pots we’ve been cooking. By the way, did

we mention we are neighbours to some fabulous restaurants and eateries offering various ethnic and Canadian delicacies, and have our own bar where you can partake of a beverage and a snack during shows and certain events?

We’ll continue to share more laughs, personal stories, and joy in next year’s season:

Bare Bear Bones by Michael Grant

Oct. 26 - Nov.12

Dear Santa by Norm Foster

Dec. 7 - Dec. 17

Almost, Maine by John Cariani

Feb. 8- Feb. 25, 2024

Five Alarm by Kirsten Da Silva

April 11 - April 28, 2024

100% volunteer run, we are always looking to share vision, creativity and opportunity with fellow Guelphites and beyond. Check out our links at linktr.ee/guelphlittletheatre

See you soon! (Insert applause here). CONNECT @guelphlittletheatre guelphlittletheatre.com

Photo credit: Pam N. Curtis

Photo credit: Jane Watson Photo credit: Shona Sneddon

Photo credit: Fin

Guelph Chamber of Commerce Magazine - SO GUELPH issue

Performing Arts and a Cultural Hub in the Heart of Downtown

By: Kasia Rusiniak

For 25 years, River Run Centre has been the city’s premier performing arts centre and a cultural hub for creators within the community. Each year, it brings the best of performing arts to the City of Guelph and is a cultural hub in the community for several visiting productions, arts camps, and dance recitals.

With a professional stage and state-of-the-art sound equipment, River Run Centre attracts outstanding international acts and offers local artists and aspiring performers the opportunity to play and learn in an incredible space.

RESOUNDING 23/24

Aiming to present something for everyone each year, River Run Centre’s 23/24 season – RESOUNDING – promises to do just that. The season will introduce several new artists and shows and welcome back some returning favourites.

Performances range from children’s and family shows – including Paddington Gets in a Jam – to standup and improv comedy for mature audiences – including the annual favourite, Just For Laughs Road Show

Musical acts feature some of the biggest names in rock and country on the Main Stage – such as Big Sugar and Dean Brody – and some of Canada’s most exciting indie artists in the Studio Theatre – such as iskwē and Matt Zaddy. The lineup also features jazz, blues, ballet, an urban circus with breakdancing and basketball – and more!

Tickets & More

For more information on upcoming shows, visit riverrun.ca, follow River Run Centre on social, or visit us in person at our Box Office.

See you at the theatre!

Chamber

ISKWE Photo credit: The Feldman Agency

BIG SUGAR

Photo credit: Mark Lepage

PADDINGTON GETS IN A JAM

Photo credi: Rockefeller Productions

JUST FOR LAUGHS ROAD SHOW

MATT ZADDY

Photo credit: Melissa Aquino

The Guelph Farmers’ Market

We sat down with Julia Grady from 10C Shared Space to ask about the much anticipated renovations of the Guelph Farmers’ Market and what these (local) fruits of labour, will mean for our city.

Please let our readers know what renovations will be done to the Farmers’ Market and how they might fill gaps in our community.

10C’s goal with the renovations at the Market is to create a multi-use facility that becomes a key regional gathering place and food tourism destination. We are underway on adding a shared commercial kitchen and café, building new vendor booths, adding universal barrier free washrooms to improve physical accessibility, and improving HVAC to increase the occupant load from 233 to 500. A new front and back entrance and outdoor gathering spaces are also on the horizon.

Adding the kitchen will allow the Market to support the needs of existing market vendors, expand to new local food entrepreneurs, and develop other food-related activities including teaching and learning opportunities. 10C, Harvest Impact, Nourish, and the Guelph Farmers’ Market will become an ideal food business incubator as all of these elements come together.

Has there been any thought to extending days/ hours of the farmers’ market? What about other uses? Rent as an event venue?

Yes, yes and yes! From the outset of our involvement with the Market, 10C’s goal has been to bring more activity level and new uses to the Market. With a ‘food first focus’, we are working towards Thursdays at the Market from 4:00pm-7:00pm becoming a mainstay market offering, in addition to welcoming increasing levels of customers to Saturday’s main 8:00am1:00pm market.

On the special events side, new programming is definitely an option. In 2022, 10C hosted

With Julia Grady, 10C Shared Space, Executive Director & Co-Founder Photo credit: Ellyn Lusis

and co-hosted a number of events at the Market, including Take Time Night Market, Sunday Special Vintage Market, Vocamus Book Bash (a local literary festival) and a small series of urban agriculture workshops. In early 2023, we hosted the 10 year anniversary of Queen of Craft, Wellington Brewery’s fundraising program for Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis. Tradeshows have big potential as well. On June 4, Robin’s Nest Family Care is hosting the The Awesome Baby Show. Also in June, the Art in a Just Recovery project shaped by Art Not Shame and Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition will be installing a mural and celebrating with the local artists and creators who were part of this wonderful community-led project. Many more events are on the horizon, as the upgrades and renovations will help us to have other types of activities in the Market building and grounds and extend the days of use. People can start to think of the market as FOOD PLUS+ events and activities, tradeshows, small festivals and community gatherings centred around food and connection. Reach out to the 10C team to learn more by connecting at info@10carden.ca or www.guelphfarmersmarket.ca

What role do you see the Guelph Farmers’ Market playing in our community?

The Guelph Farmers’ Market can become a hub for local food, and for social connection. The market creates opportunities for farmers and local food entrepreneurs, and it brings delicious local food closer. In 2022, we were pleased to welcome social enterprise The SEED to the Market with their sliding scale produce and circular economy products as a way to extend the market to more members of our community, regardless of income level.

What makes the Guelph Farmers’ Market a great place for vendors to introduce their new product? Can you cite any examples of success stories?

The Guelph Farmers’ Market serves both urban and rural community members, and provides essential and convenient methods for people to buy locally grown and produced food, beverages, arts and crafts. The Guelph Farmers’ Market is a great place to launch from, and to become permanent within. We have a mix of long-standing vendors like Thatcher Farms, Heritage House

Farms, Thames River Melons and Strictly Organic some who have been a market mainstay for multiple generations. New vendors are also thriving, from Durrzame Growers, new in 2021 and active on both Thursday and Saturday, to Olive Haven who started this past December, to The Happy Era and their protein rich waffles which are now available in other markets and stores. And then apples! Applevue and Brant View have us covered for crispy tasty apples year-round.

Guelph has a history steeped with food and farming. Why is it so important to support farms through the sales at a farmers’ market? What difference can it make in their pocket AND in our local economy?

Local food and shorter supply chains are becoming a big part of a sustainable and resilient economy. The market is pretty much the shortest supply chain that you can find, with many vendors coming from just a few kilometers away with food that they’ve grown and produced on their farms, and prepared in commercial kitchens. Smaller scale farmers are also using more regenerative farming practices, such as organic methods that increase the soil health of the land, which we know is vital to sustainability. All of these practices also ALL comes through in the TASTE of the food, which is so much more flavourful. Buying local keeps the benefits local.

What is it about the Guelph Farmers Market that makes it a destination retailer?

It’s the blend of the people and the unique products. People come to the Farmers’ market to meet with local farmers, local producers and creators. Each person we’ve talked with has one (or MANY!) favourite market vendor(s), product(s) and experience(s). People visit to see friends, gather, informally connect, and all of these make up a really strong social fabric that is important in communities. As a ‘destination’ for people from out of town, Guelph’s Market gives a great scan of what this region and area has to offer. With a growing focus on primary producers (the people who grow and make our food) you can get a taste of Guelph and Wellington County by visiting the Guelph Farmers’ Market.

Destination Marketing Guelph

Destination Marketing Guelph (DMG) was created in December 2022 under the Guelph Chamber of Commerce with a mandate to market Guelph as a must-see visitor destination. Funded by the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and working in tandem with the City of Guelph, DMG was created to promote and illuminate Guelph as a vibrant, unique, and authentic place to come play, stay and enjoy. Through a strategic and integrated marketing approach we will produce a long-term brand and messaging, digital and promotional products and assets that generate awareness, attract visitors, and create value for all our businesses, organizations, and events. This work will be built through targeted market research, stakeholder and community engagement, and strategic planning that will ultimately inform and support the tourism sector through the creation of products, destination development opportunities, and marketing. Led by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce as a not-for-profit organization, our goal is to drive awareness of Guelph and entice visitors to come and discover the many wonderful things our city has to offer.

Hilary McCann was hired to lead DMG and brings over 30 years experience to the role. Hilary launched her career in media as a writer, producer, and news anchor. At the outset of the “internet age’, Hilary pursued a graduate certificate in Interactive Multimedia and was part of the team that brought Torstar’s digital properties to life. She has worked in various senior and leadership roles in marketing and communications for the Government of Ontario, CBC and United Way Waterloo Region Communities.

HILARY MCCANN, LEADING GUELPH INTO DESTINATION TOURISM

GET TO KNOW

Guelph Family Martial Arts

Tell us about your business story.

Martial arts have really shaped me into the person I am today. I started at the young age of four, my mom hoped it would instil powerful life skills of respect, empathy, perseverance, dedication and mental clarity. I started the studio to spark positive growth in our community. Our studio is dedicated to making a difference and changing lives through martial arts.

How long have you been a Guelph Chamber member and how has it helped your business?

We have been members of the Guelph Chamber for four and a half years now and it has been an essential and valuable resource for our business.

What do you feel are the most important things to look for in a martial arts studio?

For every student to thrive and excel to their fullest potential, we ensure that everyone that comes into the studio feels comfortable and safe. We work to help them meet their personal goals. Our programs provide transferable skills that can be used in all areas of life.

Can anyone try a class or two before joining?

We encourage everyone to try out a class, to see the benefits of martial arts. We offer classes for all ages - youth, teens and adult students.

Can you tell us about some of your classes?

We are proud to offer a program for everyone to work towards their personal goals. Here are some of the classes we are currently offering:

Knee High Ninja program (3-6.5 years old)

Youth Program (7 years old and older)

Teen Program (13 years and older)

Adult Martial Arts Program

Adult Fitness Kickboxing Program

Recreational and Competitive Programs

What benefits (physical, mental) have your clients (or their parents) seen from taking martial arts?

Martial arts can instil lessons of respect, focus, confidence, self-control, compassion, perseverance, leadership, courtesy, integrity, fitness, mental clarity, stress coping strategies and non-conflict resolution.

Our program connects physical, mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects to help develop well rounded students. To develop the next generation of community leaders and builders. To EMPOWER, INSPIRE and MOTIVATE everyone to strive to their fullest potential and their personal best.

To find out more about Sensei Nathan and Guelph Family Martial Arts, visit http://gfma.org

SENSEI NATHAN, OWNER OF GUELPH FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS

With: Sensei Nathan

Photo credit: Guelph Family Martial Arts

Take a hike, Guelph

By: John Fisher President Guelph Hiking Trail Club

The Guelph Hiking Trail Club has been a Guelph Chamber member for several years. In pre-covid times we took advantage of the Chamber’s meeting rooms to hold our monthly executive meetings and more recently our relationship with the Chamber’s executive has been invaluable for advice and making specific member connections with the business community. The relationship is even more important now as The Guelph Hiking Trail Club looks to support and contribute to the Chamber’s efforts to create a marketing strategy promoting the tourism attributes of Guelph.

Last year the club celebrated its 50th anniversary. Founded and incorporated as a charitable entity in the early 1970’s by active Guelphites who wanted to create a Bruce Trail side trail, to link up with the nascent Bruce Trail in Limehouse. Today the Club has over 400 members, and a growing social media presence. Today the club conducts guided hikes while managing, maintaining and providing safe access to nearly 100 kilometers of trails, bridges, and boardwalks. Permission for these trails is dependent on the relationships and agreements the Club has formed with Landowners, Municipalities and Conservation Authorities.

Over the last few years, the Club purposefully sought to shift it’s mainly rural presence to make greater connections with the city of Guelph. We now have trail heads in Guelph with a direct route to Cambridge, Limehouse and the Covered Bridge at West Montrose. Additionally, we manage recreational trails in Guelph, installed two eagle bridges (Gosling and Crane Park), and have enhanced the urban trail users experience by adding placemaking features to the Wellington Plaza River Trail and the Downtown trail (Seth mural).

We continue to advocate for increased trail connectivity in Guelph and have been actively promoting the repair and repurpose of the Eramosa Heritage Wooden Trestle bridge, the G2G link between Silvercreek and Woodlawn and improved access to our trails from the Imperial Road community. We are hopeful these initiatives will be successful because of the strong partnerships we have forged with likeminded community groups and advocacy with the city, emphasising the democratic, health and economic returns of a robust, connected city trail network.

Find us at guelphhiking.com

MEET CALVIN HYDE

Calvin, our Membership Sales & Engagement Representative sits down with us to tell us what is SO GUELPH about Guelph?

Q: What are you most excited about in this new role?

A: I’m really looking forward to connecting with the community and bringing businesses together.

Q: What is your favourite place to eat in Guelph?

A: I’m in love with Bread Bar – it’s been a favorite since high school!

Q: Now that patio season is in full-swing - what’s your favourite patio?

A: I’ve always really loved Miijidaa – it’s got such a great vibe. I’m excited to get out there this summer to experience more of the patio culture present in the city!

Q: What does the phrase ’SO Guelph’ mean to you?

A: ‘Guelph’ – the word conjures images of community, local talent and food, farmers markets and coffee. It makes me think of something that I would say to a friend when I saw something that could only happen in our city.

• You have a question about your membership

• You have a question about the benefits of membership

• You’re looking to get more out of your membership

• You’d like to refer a new member to us (and save some money while you’re at it)

calvin@guelphchamber.com 519-822-8081 ext. 10

CHAMBEROFCOMMERCEPRESENTS

THE CHAMBER CUP 2023

LET’S par-tee

THE CHAMBER CUP 2023 Get your business on

course...

Show us your swing at our annual Chamber Cup at Victoria Park Valley Golf Course. Keep your business on course by signing up for a day of relaxed networking and friendly competition.

Register now:

Event Det ails

Date

Thursday September 7th 2023

Venue Vic toria Park Valley Golf Course

Time

11am - Registration & Lunch

12pm - Shotgun Start - Scramble Format Followed by Networking & Nosh at our food stations.

$175 +HST per golfer

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To learn more, contact:

events@guelphchamber.com