DIVE INTO 14 PRIDE PAGES INSIDE, INCLUDING THE COMPELLING STORY OF THE RAINBOW KINGS AND QUEENS, PICTURED HERE. PLUS, WE FOCUS ON MADE IN HAMILTON – THE FASCINATING ROLLER DERBY SCENE, THE COOL STORY BEHIND AN INNOVATIVE FOOD-ORDERING PLATFORM, AND HOW LOCAL COMPANIES ARE ADAPTING TO A TRADE WAR NO ONE SAW COMING. AND WE’VE GOT TACOS, MUSIC, DOGS, AND BOOKS, TOO!
Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey is the most comprehensive solo exhibition of the Canadian artist’s work since 1925. Featuring over 60 works, the exhibition offers an exceptional opportunity for audiences to explore McNicoll’s groundbreaking Impressionist style and themes of female independence, risk-taking, and global perspectives captured through her travels.
Witness the rediscovery of a lost masterpiece, The Bean Harvest, now on display for the first time in 110 years.
Free Thursdays: 11 am - 9 pm Fridays: 11 am - 6 pm Saturdays & Sundays: 11 am - 5 pm
123 King Street West, Hamilton 905.527.6610
artgalleryofhamilton.com/mcnicoll
MEREDITH M acLEOD
EDITOR
CO-FOUNDER / CO-PUBLISHER
WILL VIPOND TAIT
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
CO-FOUNDER / CO-PUBLISHER
SALES DIRECTOR
JESSICA POTTER
SALES
JASON ALLEN
FINANCE
BOB FERGUSON
SUBSCRIPTIONS
JILL CUMMINGS
JAMIE VIPOND TAIT
CIRCULATION
JEREMY FREIBURGER
PROOFREADERS
SHERRI TELENKO, JESSICA ROSE
MARIA DICENZO, CHRISTINE MacLEOD
PRINTING
DOLLCO PRINT SOLUTIONS GROUP
HAMILTON CITY Magazine (HCM) is published by Hamilton City Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted without written permission. ©2025 Hamilton City Publishing Inc.
t’s spring, soon-to-be summer, and you have our 14th edition in your hands. We are thrilled – and stunned, honestly – to be here.
A bit of history.
We started this venture in late 2019 after Postmedia suddenly pulled the plug on Hamilton Magazine, a fixture on the city’s media scene for more than 40 years. A team of five slowly coalesced around the idea that our city absolutely needed and deserved an urban lifestyle magazine dedicated to arts and culture.
We figured if no one else would do it, we’d do it ourselves. After being slowed down by the pandemic and after a successful crowdfunding campaign, we produced our first issue in September 2022. It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago.
That original ownership team is now down to two people, co-publishers Meredith MacLeod and Will Vipond Tait. With lots of help from our spouses, family members, sales representatives and the incredible contributions of our writers, photographers and proofreaders, we are proud to have published 14 issues.
So to recap, we are not affiliated with the former glossy magazine that published in Hamilton. We are locally owned, independent and proudly Hamilton.
And speaking of pride, this issue is dedicated to both Pride and Made in Hamilton.
So inside you’ll find: an inspiring story of hundreds of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers from various African countries who have come to Hamilton in the hopes of finding safer more peaceful lives; the tale of a lesbian couple in Burlington who have knocked down barriers; and all kinds of community, sports and recreation groups for the queer community.
You’ll also read all about the city’s fascinating breweries, 20 years of the Hammer City Roller Derby league, an innovative made-in-Hamilton food-ordering platform, and how our business community is responding to the U.S. tariff war.
For a shot of dopamine, be sure to check out the adorable and gorgeous pups in our new Hounds of Hamilton feature!
And finally, we’ve proudly added a maple leaf to our logo. Shop Canadian and support local. (Elbows up, Canada!)
– The HCM team
HCM is a member of Magazines Canada. HCM basic price: $35 (HST includedfive issues). Single copies: $7.95 (plus HST).
HCM (ISSN 2816-7449) is indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Printed in Canada by Dollco Print Solutions Group. Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement #44039515.
Contact Us:
270 Sherman Ave. N, Studio 301 Hamilton, ON L8L 6N4
info@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca
hamiltoncitymagazine.ca
We’re always looking for new ways to bring Jackson Square and the rooftop to life.
If you’re a local organization, business, or event group, let’s discuss how we can make something great, together.
Contact: Rachel Burgess, Assistant Property Manager 905-522-3501
Rachel.Burgess@yalecanada.com
ON THE COVER: RAINBOW KINGS AND QUEENS L-R: SUSAN ELEKWACHI, SIMON MBURU, HERBERT DDIBA
Photographed by Marta Hewson for HCM | Hair/make-up: Katelyn O’Neil | Studio assistant: Nick Cameron |
8/ HAMILTON AND THE BIG BUILD
The city is undergoing a massive transformation anchored by the light-rail transit line and that opportunity must be maximized.
Hamiltonians can take pride in the surge of 2SLGBTQIA+ sports and outdoor activities now available year-round. Queer recreational athletes and outdoor enthusiasts – who frequently face barriers in the sports and outdoor space – are increasingly finding opportunities to show up as their authentic selves.
20/ USING POWER FOR GOOD
In this Pride edition, we celebrate the courage, commitment, and connection of Rebecca Moran and Michelle Douglas — a dynamic couple changing lives locally and nationally.
22/ A ROYAL LEGACY
The Rainbow Kings and Queens is a group of more than 350 LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers from eight African countries who have settled in Hamilton for a life of safety, acceptance and peace.
36/ REBELS ON WHEELS
Hammer City Roller Derby is a pioneer in the sport’s resurgence in North America over the last 20 years and continues to provide a community for many seeking one in Hamilton.
48/ LIVING IN THE LIGHT
Trans artist Ardyn Gibbs explores the pleasures, resilience and secrets of the queer experience through holograms, lenticular prints, digital renderings, and the reflective distortions of chrome.
wH o doesn’t love a good taC o? v ersatile, C onvenient, portable, easy to make, and deli C ious, t H ese fun-filled po C kets H ave no end of variety.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
7/ CITY LIFE
27/ MADE IN HAMILTON
45/ ARTS + CULTURE
55/ FOOD + DRINK
REGULAR STOPS
10/ FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON
14/ LIFE IN THE CITY
26/ HOUNDS OF HAMILTON
52/ HAMILTON READS
62/ CITY VIEW
5
1,
The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers. Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on Sept. 30 and recognize that at least 150,000 Indigenous children from across the country were forcibly separated from their families and their communities.
HAMILTON HERITAGE DEVELOPER CORE URBAN INC. IS ABOUT TO BEGIN REDEVELOPMENT OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS INTO HOTEL, RESIDENTIAL RENTALS, OFFICES, AND HOSPITALITY.
Hamilton heritage developer Core Urban Inc. will close its purchase of the historic Coppley Building at the end of May. It plans to begin construction in June to transform the pre-Confederation stone building into a boutique hotel and a red-brick building next door into residential rentals as well as office space.
The deal has been about a year and a half in the making and Core Urban is now working on heritage and planning approvals and building permits from the City, says the company’s co-owner Steve Kulakowsky.
The property, with a total of 100,000 square feet, is right across from the library and farmers’ market and a half-block from the Hamilton Arena, now undergoing a $290-million redevelopment.
“We need reasons for people to come downtown. So having that arena there will be a fantastic anchor. We would never be doing the project without the work that’s being done on the arena. It’s a catalyst for us.”
The brick building, completed in 1911, will have commercial tenants on the ground floor level. The offices of the Hamilton Community Foundation will occupy the main floor and the second, third and fourth floors will become
36-rental units, with a mix of market and below-market rents.
The cut-stone structure, which dates to 1856 and was home to suit maker Coppley Apparel for more than a century, is unique and full of character. It’s the largest example of pre-Confederation architecture in the city.
The upper floors will be transformed into 60 hotel suites, while the 14,000-square-foot main floor will feature a restaurant, event space and a café.
“We want people to be able to come inside and be proud of it and look at it as an asset for downtown,” says Kulakowsky, who has led other adaptive reuse projects, including Templar Flats, Empire Times and Witton Lofts. “Getting people to use the building is the right thing for the building, and I think the right thing for the area.”
A courtyard at the centre of the building will feature an arched glass atrium and act as a hub and entry to the hotel. A walkway that connects the two buildings will be restored and clad in a glass wall and will function as a contemporary lobby for the building. A landscaped courtyard behind will be amenity space for the residents.
The project completion date is mid-2026. n
By PAUL SHAKER
Hamilton is going through The Big Build, an unprecedented transformation involving billions of dollars of investment anchored along the upcoming light-rail transit route. This isn’t something that is going to happen at some point in the future – we are in the middle of it right now and the outcomes of this transformation, many already completed, are creating a new version of the city. This might sound like simple boosterism or hyperbole given the current focus on the everyday issues of city life from the municipal budget to garbage collection or even the larger issues like the affordability crisis or the more recent threats from the United States.
However, if you step back and take a look around, the level and pace of change is undeniable.
Reading much of the local commentary, you may not have a sense of what is actually going on. That needs to change because in this transformative period we need to refocus the local dialogue to first, fully understand and acknowledge the scale of transformation and second, to make sure we leverage it to make the most of the opportunity.
On the first point, it’s worth looking at the major parts of The Big Build.
New modern and efficient rapid transit Light-rail transit is the anchor of The Big Build both economically and geographically. The LRT project itself is a $3.4-billion dollar investment by the federal and provincial governments, the largest single project in the history of Hamilton. Its location, the east-west LRT corridor, is the spine that has attracted so much other investment. The project is just one of five “priority transit projects” for the Province of Ontario.
The LRT project itself will create 14 kilometres of fast, frequent light-rail transit through Hamilton’s downtown core, connecting you from Eastgate to McMaster and everywhere in between. It will carry approximately 50,000 riders daily and will
support 16,400 new daily trips on transit as well as connecting to GO Transit and HSR bus service. In short, this is what modern, successful cities build to make sure residents can move around efficiently and sustainably.
Upgraded infrastructure, roads, sewers and watermains
The Big Build is also about upgraded city infrastructure including roads, sidewalks, bridges, watermains, sewers, hydro, and natural gas lines. Specifically, 14 km of road reconstruction will take place and 28 km of sidewalks will be replaced and upgraded to more modern accessible standards. Further, 14 km of sewer pipe and 16 km of watermain pipe will be replaced. All told, this is a
THIS MAP SHOWS THE 47 RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS ALONG THE LRT CORRIDOR THAT ARE BUILT, UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR PLANNED. ILLUSTRATION: METROLINX
major retrofit of a ton of aging municipal infrastructure that would not be happening otherwise, and it sets the stage for other development.
Thousands of new residential units already built, under construction or planned
The Big Build is more than transit and infrastructure. It is also about other development along the upcoming LRT route. On that front, change has already arrived. In fact, the sheer numbers of residential projects already built, under construction, or planned is impressive. The accompanying map identifies these projects, and it is clear to see that all along the LRT corridor, within one or two blocks of the future rapid transit line, there are thousands of new or planned residential units. In total, there are approximately 47 developments along or around the route, representing close to 20,000 residential units. Most of these are market-rate condos and rentals with a small number of affordable housing projects. Of that, close to 40 per cent are already built or under construction.
Many of these developments are built on what were parking lots, which is a far more efficient use of land, while others replaced existing lower-density housing stock, and the majority are bringing in hundreds of new residential units each. In addition, several developments have incorporated commercial spaces on the ground floor, providing mixeduse activities to enhance street life. This is the type of development that is needed if we are to stop urban sprawl and accommodate new growth within our existing urban boundary. Further, this is the type of growth that is more economically sustainable than the alternative, sprawl growth, which is a net loss on City coffers, driving us further into an infrastructure deficit.
An economic corridor connecting tens of thousands of jobs
The Big Build is also about creating and connecting jobs. This can be seen on three fronts. First, the construction of thousands of new residential units along with streetfront retail will help in the revitalization of streets. Residents will need places to both live and shop and these developments will help boost the economic vitality of BIAs all along
the route including Main West, King West, Downtown, the International Village and Ottawa Street – not to mention the clusters of retail that appear all along the route.
Second, The Big Build will connect three major employment clusters in the city: McMaster, the Innovation District, and downtown. McMaster University is a big centre of jobs on its own with more than 50,000 staff and students at the institution. These are jobs in higher-education and research that attract some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Two LRT stops to the east is the Innovation District, which is an incubator of business innovation where ideas from research get commercialized.
Already this area has attracted world-class groups such as the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) and Fusion
more benefits. For example, with the boom in residential construction along the line, we should redouble efforts to make sure more affordable housing is developed. Public lands, whether vacant schools, parking lots or surplus Metrolinx-owned land on or near the corridor, should be made available for the development of more affordable housing. Use the momentum of The Big Build to make it happen.
From an economic development perspective, infrastructure that can help the three massive job nodes of McMaster University, Innovation District, and downtown should be reinforced. For example, there is an outstanding project to link the two sides of the Innovation District together. The McMaster side of the Innovation District is going to be a 2.8-million-square-foot Life Sciences MegaHub. The road connection
WE MUST LEVERAGE THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE BIG B UIL d TO ADDRESS OTHER CITY ISSUES, WHILE EMBRACING AN AMBITIOUS FUTURE.
Pharmaceuticals. When fully built out, the district will house thousands of new innovation jobs. Travelling two more LRT stops to the east lands you in the central business district. With more than 26,000 jobs, close to 20,000 of those in the office sector, the core is the single largest jobs cluster in the entire city.
Third, The Big Build will create thousands of jobs during the construction phases itself, providing an estimated 7,000 jobs for Hamilton and neighbouring municipalities as well as bringing jobs to the community through employment and training opportunities.
An opportunity to leverage
With this period of transformative change underway, what can we do to make the most of it? Simply put, leverage The Big Build to address other city needs. We can’t do everything, everywhere, but we can be strategic with investments to gain even
of Frid Street to Longwood Road will unite McMaster Innovation Park with the rest of the innovative companies operating on the other side of the district, currently known as the Annex. This project has been on the books for over a decade and now is the time to make it happen to leverage The Big Build.
Finally, the biggest opportunity The Big Build provides is recognizing that the community can be, and is, capable of ambitious things. It’s a shot in the arm for planning an optimistic future for Hamilton, one that is vibrant, successful and sustainable. Understanding the scope of change, and the opportunity it provides, is just the starting point.
An effort is underway to help expand awareness of the full extent of the urban transformation now happening. Learn more at thebigbuild.ca. n
Paul Shaker is a Hamilton-based urban planner and principal with Civicplan.
THIS REGULAR FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO HAVE EMBRACED HAMILTON AS THEIR NEW HOME.
who she is: Entrepreneur, speaker, community volunteer
interviewed by: Meredith MacLeod
photographed by:
Photo FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON
scan the qr code: to r ead much more from Lohifa
LOHIFA POGOSON ACKER is a consultant, business owner, hair artist, and speaker dedicated to community empowerment. Born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised on three continents, she is known for her dynamic personality and deep love for all things Hamilton. As a passionate advocate for healthy, thriving and just communities, Pogoson Acker has received multiple awards, including the 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, the 2023 Order of Hamilton and the 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal. She encourages others to live purposefully and with passion.
Can you tell us about your interesting career path?
I have done a dance between careers – very fitting as I love to dance! As a student at the University of British Columbia, I was very interested in the brain and neurology. I wanted to become a doctor but eight years of medical school became less and less appealing to me towards the end of my undergraduate degree. I chose to go the international development/public health route instead. My love for biomedicine had been replaced with a growing interest in alternate ways of learning and knowing about health and healing. I worked in health systems strengthening for many years and when it was time for a change, I veered into entrepreneurship. Hairstyling has always been a passion of mine. It brings me much peace and connectedness. Naturally, I moved in the direction of flexibility, joy and peace.
What brought you to Hamilton?
My parents, literally! After moving back to Canada from working overseas, it didn’t make sense to finally be back in the same country but on different coasts. I made the decision to move to Hamilton from Vancouver a few months after my parents did.
What convinced you to stay in Hamilton?
The energy in this city is like no other – close-knit, humble, fun, diverse. I have lived in many cities. Hamilton was a healthy mix of everything I wanted in a city I’d eventually settle in.
What neighbourhood do you live in, what made you choose it and what do you love about it?
Ward 8! I often share on social media that I speak in “wards” now that municipal elections are not so far off. For those who aren’t up to speed with their “wardnese,” and for a bit more specificity, the west Mountain. When I came to Hamilton in 2012, I was introduced to the Mountain after being disappointed, multiple times, in my search for a home in downtown Hamilton. I quickly fell in love. It was quiet, homey, walking distance to everything –groceries, church, restaurants, highway access. I love the sense of community here and in Hamilton overall.
What are your community service and volunteer activities?
I currently serve as a director on three boards: the Hamilton
Chamber of Commerce, the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success (HWDSB) and The Hamilton Club. I support many other organizations in different capacities: YWCA Hamilton, Mathstronauts, Goodwill Amity, Empowerment Squared, McMaster Black Students Success Centre, Nations Light House Church, Food4Kids Hamilton, United Way Halton & Hamilton, the Afro Canadian Caribbean Association, St. Matthew’s House and a host of others. I feel blessed to serve where and how I can.
On another note, my friend, Dr. Clare Warner and I started and lead an anti-racism reading club for women called Colourful Conversations. We are currently in our second year and very proud of the engagement and growth thus far.
What is your favourite way to spend a lazy day in the city?
A true lazy day is spent in my home, in my bed. A pseudo lazy day, I sometimes spend at a local restaurant or café, at the Hamilton Public Library, visiting my talented designer friends for outfits – Leslie Smith at the Cotton Factory, Slique Stitches in Mount Hope, going for a walk at Pier 8, sitting at Gore Park and observing downtown Hamilton, quiet moments at the Art Gallery of Hamilton …
What is your favourite meal in a local restaurant? Surely, I can’t provide a singular answer here: Breakfast of Champions at Symposium Stoney Creek; jollof rice, chicken, suya and salad at Afro Fusion Resto; ribeye steak at Victoria’s; pho at Em Oi Vietnamese; pad kee mao at Pintoh; calamari and bone marrow at Rapscallion; chimichangas at El Grito Mexicano; moimoi, rice and ofada sauce at Temmy’s Kitchen; pumpkin loaf at Lukaya Café; every single cupcake at Bitten on Locke; sizzling beef in ginger and scallion sauce at Banana Leaf Asian Cuisine; rice, peas and oxtail at True to Roots. I better stop here lest this becomes an epistle!
What does Hamilton need more of? Moral clarity and leadership!
What does Hamilton need less of?
Blasé! I’d love to see every Hamiltonian truly play a role in seeing this city reach its maximum potential. n
IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON, PLEASE CONTACT meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca
By RYAN MCGREAL
Not even the most jaded observer could have predicted just how quickly the political situation would deteriorate in the United States after the election of Donald Trump to a second term.
Between threatening the sovereignty of U.S. allies, levying tariffs chaotically, lawlessly gutting federal agencies and violating the due process rights of non-citizens, the U.S. has become a manifestly unreliable trading partner and an increasingly dangerous place to do business.
Notwithstanding Trump’s repeated threatening insistence that Canada submit
to becoming an American state, Canadians remain overwhelmingly opposed to giving up our sovereignty. At least for now, it remains highly unlikely that tanks will roll across the border and seize the country by force.
But no matter how the world’s dumbest trade war plays out, one thing seems absolutely clear: the era of cozy economic integration with the United States is over. We simply can’t count on Trump – or some future administration – to honour its trade agreements with Canada.
Canada has no choice but to chart a bold new course in economic development that weans us off the easy, alluring path of
allowing Canada’s economy to be shaped primarily by the interests of American manufacturing enterprises.
During the long industrial boom following the Second World War, Canada gradually settled into a continental model of economic integration in which supply chains flow primarily north-south instead of east-west.
The 1965 Auto Pact eliminated automobile tariffs for the Big Three U.S. automakers and guaranteed baseline levels of Canadian manufacturing, but at the cost of locking in the branch plant model in which Canada retained auto manufacturing jobs (at least in southern Ontario) while research,
development and investment decisions resided in American corporate head offices.
The Free Trade Agreement in 1988 and then NAFTA in 1992 further cemented the north-south orientation of continental supply chains by expanding the market in export-based industries – particularly fossil fuels and other extractive resources –while trading away previous guarantees of Canadian manufacturing jobs.
Today, our economy is highly integrated along complex cross-border supply lines that involve high levels of direct American investment. That was meant to provide economic security, but it also leaves Canada uniquely vulnerable to the capricious whims of the Mad King on the Potomac.
Tempting as it might be to turn inward and raise the drawbridge against the world, that is a direct path to national stagnation and impoverishment. Instead, we need to embrace a truly global industrial trading strategy in which Canada gets much better at transforming its own mineral resources and human capital into high-quality goods that compete on the world stage.
For an old, economically languishing industrial city like Hamilton, that represents an extraordinary opportunity for revitalization. But to take advantage of this transformation, we need to get prepared to leverage our strengths and shore up our weaknesses so we can play an important role in connecting Canada with the global economy.
With its deep-water port connecting to the Atlantic Ocean and an extensive rail network, Hamilton is already poised to be a hub for both expanded domestic production and international trade that takes advantage of Canada’s trade agreements with Europe and Asia and emerging markets in Latin America and Africa.
Canada has extensive supplies of the rare earth minerals needed to supply the next generation of electric battery technologies. There’s no reason we can’t manufacture batteries in Canada, and more specifically right here in Hamilton.
Likewise, to meet the increasing global demand for lower-emissions materials, particularly the emissions standards in European markets, we need to modernize our steelmaking by accelerating the shift to electric arc furnace technology.
McMaster researchers have developed
an aerosol COVID vaccine that can be taken nasally instead of injected, and they just started Phase 2 human trials. With a more well-developed life sciences sector, we could be manufacturing such next-generation vaccines right here in Hamilton.
We have a world-class research university, a dynamic community college, a still-nascent but slowly growing innovation district that includes an advanced materials laboratory, and a surfeit of industrial land.
Instead of operating in silos, we need to bring these parties together to work on a strategic plan that combines applied research, clean steel, next-generation manufacturing, supply chain resilience, clean energy and electrification, life sciences technology, advanced skills training and modern logistics to drive a real renaissance in Hamilton’s industrial economy.
The federal and provincial governments will need to manage diplomacy and national strategy, but we also need visionary, passionate leadership at the local level to seize the moment. To put it bluntly, we need to do better than the same old myopic and parochial mindset that seems to permeate City Hall.
For example, such a transformation of the city’s economy cannot succeed unless Hamilton also successfully tackles the housing crisis by dramatically increasing the supply and variety of housing. Among other measures, that will require bold and even radical reform of municipal zoning regulations to allow high-quality, mixed-use density to flourish across the city.
And yes, while we’re at it, we also need a visionary transit strategy that treats highquality local transit as a priority, directs meaningful investments into growing our transit system and integrates local and regional transit to facilitate the increased movement of people that an economic renaissance will produce.
In short, we need municipal leaders who: (a) believe transformation is both necessary and possible; (b) have a genuine sense of urgency to break through the inertia and drive the change we need; (c) are prepared to think strategically and align our various municipal policies and budgetary investments toward this goal; and (d) are able to resist the urge to fall into the small, petty politics of resentment, division and can’t-do fatalism that have held us back for too long. n
OUR BEST KEPT SECRET! FOR NEARLY 70 YEARS, DENNINGER’S HAS BEEN PRODUCING THEIR OWN SAUSAGES, SPECIALTY COLD CUTS AND SMOKED MEATS IN THE NORTH END OF HAMILTON, DELIVERED FRESH DAILY TO ALL OUR STORES. Make Denninger’s your local destination!
From festivals and films to galas, galleries and gigs, Hamiltonians love to have a good time and these photos are definitely worth a thousand words. HAMILTON CITY Magazine was there – were you?
photos By B rent perniac and d onna Waxman
1. Chris Gormley, Dave McMillan, Brian Melo and Andrew MacTaggart, St.
2.
3.
From musical bingo to archery, and from Farm Crawl to woodworking, there are so many ways to enjoy city life in Hamilton and Burlington. Here are a few of our favourite local happenings.
Get up and personal with the local farming folks at this year’s Farm Crawl and learn what it takes to get a product off the ground and into the market. Since 2011, participating farms have opened their gates to visitors during the self-guided crawl to offer a peek behind the hay bale by offering tours, activities and more. With three upcoming dates, and a multitude of farms to visit, there’s plenty of opportunity to commune with cows, chuckle with chickens, and say a hearty thank you to everyone involved. Harvest the website for a full list of participating farms, info, and to buy tickets. June 21, July 19, Sept 13 farmcrawl.ca
Channel your inner Cupid (or Apollo, or Katniss Everdeen, depending on your fav fandom) at BATL Axe Throwing. Best known for its axe- and knife-throwing events – the James Street business has now added archery to its offerings, providing customers with yet another inventive method of moving pointy item A to a receptive location B – carefully. Archers are provided with guidance and safety instructions from knowledgeable staff members, and a quiver-full of digital games featuring multiple interactive targets, ensuring their skills stay sharp. 50 James St. N. batlgrounds.com
Put down those inky daubers and don your listening ears for a different kind of bingo game. Rock & Roll Bingo – offered monthly at The Mule – invites taco-loving participants to turn their phones into interactive bingo cards while tunes are pumped through the speakers as clues, a musical approach much more energizing than a monotonous calling out of random numbers and letters. Each of the three rounds played nightly offers a chance for players to win a gift card to The Mule, and with free tacos at stake, competition is bound to get spicy. Last Wednesday of each month. themule.ca
Hamilton Craft Studios invites curious creatives to dip their steel-toe into the world of woodworking at its upcoming Sculptural Mobile Workshop. In the studio, housed inside a 1900s factory in the city’s industrial sector, participants will gain hands-on experience with woodworking presses under the guidance of the talented instructors and ultimately create their own personal work of art. Also worth noting are the fresh new carpentry skills that will be acquired during the class – a fun fact to drop into conversations at parties and grocery store lines. 121 Princess St., June 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. hamiltoncraftstudios.com
Solo walks are great, but something amazing happens when a group of chill wanderers heads to the woods – and it’s not just having someone to hold your water bottle when your shoe needs tying. Happy Hikers Hamilton invites adventurers of all abilities (and even their furry friends) to join group hikes on local trails with a supportive community and share the experience of being one with nature – together. A recent outing has even included a café crawl – because urban hikes can also be fun, and a bit less sweaty. linktr.ee/happyhikershamilton
OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO 2SLGBTQIA+ SPORTS, RECREATION AND OUTDOOR GROUPS IN HAMILTON.
Hamiltonians can take pride in the surge of 2SLGBTQIA+ sports and outdoor activities now available year-round. Queer recreational athletes and outdoor enthusiasts – who frequently face barriers in sports and recreation – are increasingly finding opportunities to show up as their authentic selves. And when we do that, everybody wins. By DOUG O’NEILL
THE BEGINNING: The 2SLGBTQ+ 10-pin bowling league launched in 2009. GHBL president Mike Kampen says the impetus was to “create a safe and welcoming space for community members and their straight friends to come together to socialize and enjoy friendly competition in a low-impact sport.”
SEASONAL: Two 15-night seasons – Fall (September to mid-December), and winter (January to April).
WHERE: Splitsville Entertainment Centre, 1525 Stone Church Rd. E.
WHAT TO EXPECT: While players love competing, Kampen describes GHBL as primarily a social league to meet new people and have fun. No experience is necessary.
COST: $50 season registration fee, plus $20 each night ghbowling.ca
THE BEGINNING: QHH was founded in 2023 to create an inclusive space for 2SLGBTQ+ players and to break down traditional gender barriers in the sport.
YEAR-ROUND: seasonal league play, skills and drills sessions, ball hockey, tournaments, and Chalk Talk educational sessions.
Where: Mohawk 4 Ice Centre, 710 Mountain Brow Blvd.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Says one transgender player: “It’s an incredible feeling to step on the ice and know you’re not going to get any odd looks or comments. That’s liberating.”
COST: Registration fees vary.
FIRST PERSON: “QHH has been a game changer for me. I grew up playing house league hockey, but once I aged out, I didn’t belong in the women’s leagues nor the men’s leagues. Then I heard about QHH. It’s been incredible getting back on the ice, reuniting with a piece of myself that had been gone for so long.” — Eli Babington, QHH goalie and Hamilton-based trans artist who designed the logo for the Professional Women’s Hockey League queerhockeyhamilton.com
Queer Dimes Basketball
Hamilton’s first inclusive basketball club for 2SLGBTQIA+ players
SEASONAL: See website for future start dates WHERE: Locations vary
WHAT TO EXPECT: QDB operates on a drop-in
basis for seasoned basketball players, as well as beginners who’ve never set foot on a basketball court. You’ll find beginners and experienced players on the same team. QDB hosts clinics to help players develop in a supportive environment.
COST: $10 per game queerdimes.com
Queer Biking Hamilton
THE BEGINNING: QBH hosted its first bike ride in May 2024 for LGBTQ non-competitive cyclists.
SEASONAL: Mostly summer
WHERE: Rides typically start in a city park, such as Gage Park, and LIUNA Park/ Immigration Square.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Relaxed rides (up to 10 km)
on paved and unpaved surfaces, sometimes ending at Willard’s Ice Cream. instagram.com/queerbikinghamilton/
Iroquoia Club’s Rainbow Hikes
THE BEGINNING: The Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Rainbow Hikes launched in 2023 to provide a safe space for 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ hikers and their allies. There are nine groups along the 900 km route.
YEAR-ROUND: All seasons
WHERE: The Iroquoia Club’s Rainbow Hikes explore Hamilton-area trails mostly outside city limits, and are reachable via HSR transit. WHAT TO EXPECT: All-inclusive hikes to such nature hotspots as Sherman Falls, Dundas Peak, Spencer Gorge, Dundas Valley and Smokey Hollows Waterfalls.
COST: Rainbow Hikes are free to join; optional annual membership is $75 (individual or family) hikes.brucetrail.org
FIRST PERSON: “I joined the Iroquoia Club when I retired with the sole purpose of meeting likeminded people, staying healthy – and with the goal of completing the 900-km Bruce Trail. I love the peace, serenity and beauty of our local trails. Being able to enjoy the club’s Rainbow Hikes in a space that is safe, all-inclusive, and all-accepting is awesome.—Kim
Mellow Queer Volleyball
THE BEGINNING: Founded in 2023 to provide an inclusive space to play volleyball without the stringent gender-based requirements of traditional co-ed leagues.
SEASONAL: Fall to spring: Tuesday night league games (Westdale Secondary School) and Thursday night drop-in (Queen Mary
Elementary School). Summer drop-ins are Thursday night in Gage Park.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Says co-founder Lauren Oldfield: “Expect diversity everywhere you look, whether it’s gender expression, style, volleyball skills, race or age. Everyone is welcome wherever they are on their journey.” Players choose between intermediate competitive volleyball or “mellow” drop-in games.
COST: Drop-ins are PWYC; 10-week Tuesday League is $100. Financial assistance available through the Pink Fund. instagram.com/mellowqueervolleyball/ FIRST PERSON: “Joining MQV has been a turning point. I get to play my favourite sport in a setting that is free from judgement and filled with so much love, support, and most importantly fun! At MQV you can just be yourself and for me that is one of the biggest benefits.” — Bruno Viacava
Hamilton Queer Curling
THE BEGINNING: Andrew Skelton and his husband Scott Cooke founded HQC in 2024 to enable LGBTQIA+ curlers and their allies to
enjoy the game they love in a safe space.
SEASONAL: Weekly games from October to April
WHERE: Hamilton Victoria Club, 568 King St. E. WHAT TO EXPECT: Beginners to competitive curlers of all genders and sexual orientations are welcome. Because HQC believes in curling as an accessible sport, members with physical limitations can use a shuffleboardstyle technique instead of the traditional slide.
COST: TBD as the league expands to full weekly seasons in October 2025. Learn to Curl lesson included.
hamiltonvictoriaclub.com/leagueInfoPage. php/queer-curling
FIRST PERSON: “There’s something really special about stepping into a space where you don’t have to think twice about whether you belong. In queer sports leagues, you just do, regardless of how you identify.” — Alex Z (she/they)
Steel City Inclusive Softball Association
THE BEGINNING: Jeff Lindstrom, Rich Sullivan, Blaine Perry and Ashley Letts drew on their queer and non-queer softball league experiences to launch SCISA in 2021 as a safe, inclusive and fun space for 2SLGBTQIA+ players and allies.
SEASONAL: June to September: recreational (Sunday afternoons); competitive (Thursday night).
WHERE: Eastwood Park, Hamilton. WHAT TO EXPECT: Rookies needn’t worry if they’ve never swung a bat or thrown a ball. The primary focus of the league is to have fun, build community and encourage healthy competition in an inclusive space.
COST: Memberships range from $55 to $125 scisa.ca
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January 8th - June 20th, 2025
Curated by Alex Jacobs-Blum and Kim Anderson
Artists: KC Adams, Carrie Allison, Judy Anderson, Hannah Claus, Elizabeth Doxtater, Charlene Vickers, Marie Watt
Ascending Horizons was shaped by the wisdom of Indigenous women, whose deep connections to land, water and the moon echo the cycles of creation.
FIRST PERSON: “Moving to a new country can be daunting, but finding SCISA has made Hamilton feel like home. Not only has it given me the chance to learn a new sport, but it’s also given me an inclusive space where I can show up as my full, authentic self.” — Kerenza Teague (She/Her)
THE BEGINNING: QAT was formed in 2022, largely in response to queer softball players looking for a winter sport, says current league coordinator Tyler (Ty) Jeffrey. It has grown steadily ever since, providing a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ axe throwers. SEASONAL: Six six-week seasons yearly, each comprising 24 games.
WHERE: BATL Hamilton, 80 James St. N. WHAT TO EXPECT: A friendly mix of queer folks and allies from all walks of life – some who’ve played sports forever, and others who’ve never touched an axe. “We have longtime LGBTQ community members, as well as people who are just starting to explore in a safe space,” says Jeffrey. COST: $135 registration for a 24-game season. instagram.com/queeraxethrowing/ FIRST PERSON: “QAT is built on community, being there for each other. It brings me joy seeing so many people come together to celebrate each other, and to know I had a role in creating this space. I do not know where I would be without this group of wonderful people.” — Ty Jeffrey
Lesbian Adventure Club
THE BEGINNING: Founder Bonita (Bo) Cronjaeger launched the Lesbian Adventure
Club in 2022 after encountering a men’s group that organized indoor and outdoor activities. Bo’s response: “Why not one for women?”
YEAR-ROUND: All seasons
WHERE: From Hamilton to the Saugeen Bluffs – and wherever adventure takes them! WHAT TO EXPECT: Membership includes lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women seeking new adventures – indoors and out – in a supportive, judgment-free setting, whether it’s hiking in Niagara, camping on the Peninsula, or visiting a winery.
COST: No fee. Members sometimes share costs for group activities such as camping. Visit Lesbian Adventure Club of Hamilton FIRST PERSON: “During hikes or camping weekends, I’ll occasionally pause to soak up the camaraderie. The conversations, the shared energy – it hits me every time. Several members have told me LAC has been part of their coming out journey. That makes me proud.” — Bonita Cronjaeger, LAC founder n
At Queer Coffee Hamilton, the buzz comes from both the coffee and the conversations.
Queer Coffee is a monthly social mixer at Relay Coffee Roasters on King William Street that started in 2021. Organizer Wolfe Wolfe, a peer support worker at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, launched the group on Zoom and it attracted so many people, the meeting crashed.
From there, it became an in-person gathering on the third Thursday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. And then Sunday Sunsets were added from May to October at the “gayzebo” to the left of the boat launch at Bayfront Park.
At a March gathering, Wolfe (they/them) greets each person with a wide smile and a hello.
“I want everyone to feel welcome and confident when they come in,” they say. Wolfe started the group as a relative newcomer to Hamilton who was searching for connections.
“I have a touch of anxiety every time about whether people will come. But then they do.”
When the clock ticks 7 p.m., Wolfe asks the
group to take part in an ice-breaker. Everyone is asked to say their names, their pronouns and an interesting fact about themselves. The group responds with: “That’s gay!”
Wolfe also asks attendees to sign and leave their thoughts in a journal. The volumes get donated to the LGBT2SQ+ Community Archive at the Hamilton Public Library.
“I like the community aspect of being with a cool, fun group of people to connect with,” says Crystal, who has been a part of Queer Coffee since the very beginning. “You show up and everyone is your friend.”
The gathering attracts a wide range of ages, from late teens to seniors, and people representing all segments of the Pride flag. There are folks who have been part of Queer Coffee since the very beginning and those who are attending for the first time. Some have moved to Hamilton, others were born here.
“I love the vibe and it’s easy to make friends. I feel like I can express myself here,” said Amarelle, who drives from Cambridge to attend.
“I’m 33 and it gets harder to meet new friends. I was looking for a queer community, so
Check out Queer Coffee’s Instagram: @queercoffeehamilton
Hamilton Queer Events @hamilton.queer.events
it’s so great to have a space like this,” says Laura.
While the city may have lost many dedicated queer bars over the years, Wolfe says many people are searching for quieter spaces to make real connections.
Wolfe celebrates the growing number of queer social groups and events that have formed in the last number of years in Hamilton, including the Queer Friendship and Action Club that meets at the central library, Uncloseted comedy events at the Staircase Theatre, Sounds Gay open mic nights at Mosaic, and queer music jam at Mainstage Rehearsal Studios.
There are also: the QUARTZ: Queer Art Hang at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, various events at Ooey Gooeys and Vertigogo, local birding events, drag bingo at Farside, Fruit Salad dances, and live action role play games at the Bard & Bear. n
In this Pride edition, we celebrate the courage, commitment, and connection of REBECCA MORAN and MICHELLE DOUGLAS — a dynamic couple changing lives locally and nationally.
Editor’s note: A word about acronyms. Though Canada uses 2SLGBTQI+ as the common initialism for the queer and trans communities, Two Spirit (2S) is not a term used in African countries, so it is left off in those references. Hamilton Police Services uses an additional letter, A for asexual, in their initialism. In references connected to Canada’s LGBT Purge and the story around that time frame, the four-letter initialism used officially for that oppressive policy is used.
hen Detective Constable Rebecca Moran, Hamilton Police Service’s first 2SLGBTQIA+ liaison officer, was invited to speak to the Rainbow Kings and Queens last year, she replied with an enthusiastic “Of course!” followed by, “Would it be OK if my wife joined me?”
Michelle Douglas travels a lot, Moran explained, so they like to do things together whenever they can. They were both welcomed with open arms by the group of nearly 100 LGBTQ+ asylumseekers gathered that night from eight different African countries.
Moran spoke about her role with HPS and answered questions, the group shared dinner, and photos were taken with Pride flags. The evening ended with a sense of hope. Soon after, Moran texted me. “How are the RKQs? I’d love to volunteer and come out to anything they’re planning. Michelle would as well.”
It wasn’t until the third visit I realized what a powerful pair of lesbian leaders we had in the house. I knew about Moran’s great work as an out and proud lesbian police
LEFT, AND MICHELLE DOUGLAS ON THE NIGHT DOUGLAS BECAME AN HONOURARY COLONEL IN THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES, WHICH HAD ONCE FIRED HER FOR BEING GAY.
She’s an expert on anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate crime, teaches at the Ontario Police College, and founded the National 2SLGBTQIA+ Police Liaison Network. Her accolades include the 2024 Serving with Pride Visibility Award and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Moran has always been a visible force for good. What I didn’t know was that her wife, was that Michelle. Michelle Douglas is the former Canadian Armed Forces officer who changed the course of 2SLGBTQI+ history by standing up for her rights as a lesbian and, in doing so, advanced the rights of all queer and trans Canadians.
Despite a highly distinguished service that included graduating at the top of her basic training class, being ranked by her base commander as “among the top five per cent,” of all the lieutenants he’d supervised in his 27 years, having signed a nine-year commitment to the CAF, and being newly promoted to the Special Investigations Unit, Douglas was honourably discharged in 1989 for being “not advantageously employable due to homosexuality,” under the LGBT Purge in the Canadian military.
The LGBT Purge was a systemic campaign of discrimination and oppression against LGBT people, or those who were suspected of being LGBT, in the military, the RCMP, and the federal public service, between the 1950s and the early 1990s. People suspected of being in same-sex relationships were harassed, followed, interrogated, abused, traumatized, and often fired.
Douglas’s honourable discharge from the career to which she had committed her life, followed a 13-month process that began with an unexpected trip to the Constellation Hotel near the Toronto Airport. She was holed up and interrogated for two days by
two of her new male colleagues in the SIU, a highly trained division that rooted out the worst offences. Douglas was now being accused of homosexuality, seen as one of the gravest betrayals of military trust, along with espionage and treason.
The interrogation ended with Douglas denying the allegations. She returned to work but it was an agonizing time. After months of mounting pressure, she reluctantly agreed to a polygraph test. As it was about to begin, she famously threw up her hands and declared, “You win. I’m gay. What do we do now?”
Douglas launched a legal challenge in 1990, with one of the country’s finest defense lawyers, Clayton Ruby, arguing her case. Douglas sued for $550,000. In 1992, on the eve of her trial, the government settled her case for $100,000 and subsequently stopped the abhorrent practices of the LGBT Purge.
Douglas’s case provided the springboard for a class-action suit leading to landmark outcomes including an apology from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a historic settlement of $110 million for Purge survivors. Another $23.7 million was earmarked for projects like the Thunderhead monument in Ottawa to advance 2SLGBTQI+ human rights.
Douglas is not only a survivor of the LGBT Purge and the woman who brought the practice to its knees, but she is now also the executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund, ensuring the remaining funds are appropriately spent by June 2027. In a lovely case of situational irony, the once honourably discharged Michelle Douglas is now the first Honourary Colonel for Chief Professional Conduct and Culture for the Canadian Armed Forces, appointed in December 2023 by Minister of National Defence Bill Blair.
Moran was at that appointment ceremony. They had been together for a couple of years by then. They first met in the early 2000s, a situation Moran remembers much more vividly than Douglas. Well, it wasn’t much of a meeting really. Moran was a Toronto paramedic back then and was responding to a call at an event where Canadian queer Muslim author Irshad Manji had fainted. Douglas was Irshad’s partner at the time.
“Now Michelle tells the story like she remembers it because I have told it so many times but it was over 20 years ago and rightfully, she had someone else on her mind,” laughs Moran. Meanwhile, Moran took a few days back then to get Douglas off her mind.
She had plenty to keep her occupied over the two decades it would take until they met again. Moran traded her paramedicine career on a Friday in 2011 for the policing job she started the next Monday. She had been in a relationship with a woman that had ended, but the gift of their time together were the twins Moran birthed and then raised as a single mom while in police college.
It can be argued that because of Douglas’s fight, Moran had an easier time being out as a lesbian in the service. She talks about unwavering support from her commander and that was essential when tragedy struck, with Moran’s parents dying just three months apart in 2012 and 2013.
When I picked up my phone to hear Douglas on the other end, she was making her way to be honoured at an event for International Day of Pink in Toronto.
I start by asking her to clarify one of her wisdom phrases that Moran tried to share when we spoke. A few hints from my scribbled notes and she’s got it.
“I don’t believe you ever actually peak in the achievement of some kind of human rights. But, when you feel at your most safe and secure and comfortable, that is precisely the time that you must look around and say,
‘Who else needs a hand?’”
Moran and Douglas continue to reach out to others. Though Douglas is retired after a 30-year career in the federal public service, largely with the Department of Justice, her volunteer work has added up to a full-time job. She’s chaired the boards of WE Charity, the 519 Community Centre, and the Foundation for Equal Families. She was a founding member of the Rainbow Railroad and is currently on the board of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation. She travels in her role as honourary colonel and is a much-indemand speaker.
Moran is still active in her policing career as a sergeant with HPS. She also volunteers with the community panel and inclusion committee in the City of Burlington, where she lives with Douglas and their two 18-year-olds.
The couple has a serendipitous story of Burlington and Ottawa. While Moran was born and raised in Nepean, a suburb of Ottawa, she ended up living in Burlington and working in Hamilton. Douglas, on the other hand, was born in the nation’s capital, raised in Burlington, and returned to Ottawa when she joined the public service.
“Are we finished the interview part now because I have a question for you?” Douglas asks. She is looking for some local resources to assist an aging lesbian veteran who needs a hand in downtown Hamilton. I laugh as she literally proves the point of her own maxim.
“You can’t just think of yourself,” she replies. “What kind of community would we have?” n
HAVE SETTLED IN HAMILTON FOR A LIFE OF SAFETY AND PEACE – AND COMMUNITY-BUILDING. By DEIRDRE PIKE
Herbert Ddiba can’t quite recall how he came up with the name Rainbow Kings and Queens. He knew he wanted to coin something quickly to begin connecting with LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers from his native Uganda and neighbouring Kenya. Like himself, they had run for their lives, arriving in droves to Hamilton beginning in the fall of 2023.
Since its inception in February 2024, the Rainbow Kings and Queens (RKQs) has been a place of connection, either virtually or in person. Now numbering more than 350 from eight African countries, members have fled their homelands after suffering unspeakable brutalities because of their sexual orientation.
At the anniversary of the first RKQs meeting this past March, the 133 attendees identified their home countries as Uganda (63), Kenya (30), Nigeria (21), Ghana (13), Tanzania (2), Sierra Leone (2), Rwanda (1), and Cameroon (1).
The seeds for the group were planted through a furniture delivery program assisting newcomers out of St. James Anglican Church in Dundas. Lynn Dykeman coordinates volunteer movers, who have either already been recipients of donated furniture or will be when they leave a shelter. In January 2023, I heard they needed a volunteer truck driver and signed up.
One day, while driving down Sulphur Springs Road to pick up a donation, Simon Mburu, a young Kenyan man, came out to me as gay. A few days
later, it was Herbert, a Ugandan who received some furniture we delivered. He was sporting a toque with a Pride flag emblem.
“Nice hat,” I said as we shook hands. He smiled widely. A few days later I had a text from Herbert.
“I’m the one with the nice hat,” he wrote by way of introduction. He needed assistance with his refugee claim, which revolved around his identity as gay and the violence he faced when he was exposed publicly. Lynn and I met him for a coffee.
Noting the trend of two gay African men coming out in one week, I asked him if any of the other furniture recipients might also be LGBTQ+.
“Oh, so many, Pike,” Herbert exclaimed.
I offered to find a spot for them to gather. That afternoon, Herbert created the Rainbow Kings and Queens’ WhatsApp group. By nightfall, there were 12 members. Three weeks later, nearly 50 people squeezed into a small church meeting room. The growth continued in leaps and bounds.
The fear was palpable in the initial silence of that first meeting. Imagine running for your life because you are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and now you are invited to gather and socialize in freedom and peace precisely because of that identity. After experiencing surveillance, threats, branding, rapes, and countless kinds of torture, here they sit wondering what lies ahead, and just who are these strangers welcoming them. The leap of faith is unfathomable.
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My name is Margaret Ndungu, and I am a proud lesbian from Kenya. Leaving my home wasn’t just about seeking freedom, it was about survival. Life was incredibly painful and dangerous.
Being open about my sexual orientation meant constant judgment, rejection, and isolation. People in my community distanced themselves from me as if I were a disease. I heard the whispered plans to beat me, threats disguised as “warnings.” And then came the most heartbreaking moment: having to leave my partner behind. Saying goodbye to the person I loved most, not knowing if I’d ever see her again, shattered me.
Worse still, I experienced a traumatic violation. I was raped because I am a lesbian. It was meant to “correct” me, to break me. But even through that pain, I held on to the belief that I deserved better. I knew I had to get out. I longed for a place where I could live freely, love without fear, and just be myself.
I decided to come to Canada.
When I landed in Guelph, I stayed at a host house. It was a new beginning, but also a scary one. Everything was unfamiliar: the culture, the weather, the people. I had never experienced such cold before, and as much as I was hopeful, I also felt a deep loneliness. Later, I moved to Hamilton to live with a friend. That’s where things started to shift.
One day, I was taken to Christ’s Church Cathedral, and that visit changed everything. It was there that I first learned about Rainbow Kings and Queens. Soon after, I joined and I haven’t looked back.
RKQs is more than just a group, it’s a family. We are now over 350 strong. Some have faced even worse experiences than I did, but together, we are healing. We are growing. We are living our truth out loud. n
Fast forward to March 19 this year and the first anniversary party. The room is bursting with bodies, laughter, music, and the smell of good food emanating from the kitchen. The space where they gather now at Christ’s Church Cathedral on James Street North, is four times as large as their first meeting space in the same building, but still not large enough to hold everyone comfortably.
St. Matthew’s House became involved from the start, purchasing food for the RKQs so over 100 members can enjoy a monthly meal that includes familiar dishes. There is almost always matooke for the Ugandans, jollof rice for Nigerians, and ugali for the Kenyans. SMH also covers the cost of Safe Food Handling courses for those who want to participate in the cooking and gain employable skills.
The group hosts guest speakers each month including experts on navigating the primary healthcare system, health and safety in the workplace, refugee law, and pursuing permanent residency.
Speakers still to come this year are: Sara Sanelli, a lawyer specializing in LGBTQ+ refugee cases; Kathleen Wynne, 25th premier of Ontario, and the first lesbian premier in Canada; and Michelle Douglas, a human rights activist who launched a landmark legal challenge against the Canadian military’s discriminatory policies against LGBTQ+ service members.
Getting their pictures taken with the Progress Pride flag at the end of each meeting is always a blast, so when Pride
month was approaching last year, the excitement level rose to fever pitch at the potential of the RKQs attending their first Pride festival together.
Over two dozen Rainbow Kings and Queens boarded a GO train to party at Toronto’s Dyke March and Pride Parade. Some wore their tie-dyed shirts with the RKQ logo; all marched and danced with joy and defiance. Later that summer at Hamilton Pride, nearly 75 attended. This year, the group hopes to host their own table to connect to each other and the larger 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Each asylum seeker must write their narrative, a document detailing the history of their lives and the most horrific details of what happened when their families or communities found out they were “cursed with homosexuality,” as it is prominently considered back home. Typically, the police were involved and not in a good way, with wrongful imprisonment, brutal beatings, and bribes.
So, once again, imagine the trust it takes to realize the police here are in place to protect you. In fact, Hamilton Police Services have been a strong supporter of the RKQs, with Lyndsay Scott, the 2SLGBTQIA+ liason officer, offering workshops on hate crimes. She’s also arranged a free BBQ for the group with her colleagues in front of central station to kick off Pride and even brought mashed potatoes to the Christmas party. Sergeant Rebecca Moran, HPS’s first 2SLGBTQIA+ community
the rainbow kings and Queens has been a place of connection for over 350 people from eight african countries who fled their homelands after suffering unspeakable brutalities because of their sexual orientation.
liaison officer, and her wife, Michelle Douglas, have been ardent advocates as well.
Those narratives have been shared with Lynn and I, as we are regularly asked to provide letters of support for refugee protection claims. We build relationships with the members of the group and are able to write the letters with confidence. Each time someone gets a positive outcome from their hearing, it is announced in the WhatsApp group, and the crowd goes wild. It is a decision that is always received with great joy. At the same time, it is a decision that cements the finality of their situation. They won’t be going home. Recheal Twahirwa initially had mixed feelings when her hearing was over.
“I was nervous because my lawyer had warned me it could take anywhere from three to six hours. I was completely shocked when it only took 25 minutes. I remember lying on my bed, my mind racing. ‘This is it. There’s no turning back now. I’m never going home. I’m here all alone. What if I can’t make
rent? I can’t even call my mom for help.”
After the initial shock, Recheal was able to see something else, too.
“In the midst of it all, I’m so grateful to have found a community with the Rainbow Kings and Queens, who make living here feel a little less scary, even when it’s hard inside.”
It seems the RKQs are building quite a name for themselves. When Herbert had his hearing, the judge asked about the group. He started to explain what it was about. Then the judge reached for something on her desk and picked up a copy of the Niagara Anglican newspaper, which featured a story about the RKQs.
Herbert says, “I swear to God it was the best part for me during the hearing. The moment she asked about Rainbow Kings and Queens, I just knew I have won the case.”
He did.
Herbert may not recall how he came up with the name, but the Rainbow Kings and Queens are making a name for themselves as they push restart on their lives in their new home of Hamilton. n
TOP: SUSAN ELEKWACHI
MIDDLE: SIMON MBURU
BOTTOM: HERBERT DDIBA
PHOTOS: MARTA HEWSON FOR HCM STUDIO ASSISTANT: NICK CAMERON HAIR AND MAKEUP: KATELYN O’NEIL ART
DIRECTION: WILL VIPOND TAIT
COSTUMES: THEATRIX
SCAN THE QR CODE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE RKQs, SEE MORE PHOTOS, AND WATCH A BEHIND-THESCENES VIDEO OF OUR COVER SHOOT!
WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SHOWCASE THE ADORABLE, JOYFUL AND LOVABLE DOGS OF OUR GREAT CITY!
We know your phone is jammed with pet photos, so, if you live in Hamilton or Burlington, send your best canine candids to hounds@ hamiltoncitymagazine.ca, along with your pet’s name, breed, age, neighbourhood, favourite hiking spots, some information about his/her personality traits, what they love, and any other fun facts we should know. We will feature all dog submissions online, but to make it into print, please send JPEGS, that are at least 1 MB in size.
IPhotos By FETCHING
s there any better escape from the relentless news cycle, doom scrolling and polarizing politics, and any simpler way to find joy and laughter than dogs? We didn’t think so. So that’s why we’ve launched Hounds of Hamilton, our celebration of local dogs in print and online. Mutts to purebreds, toys to giants, puppies to seniors, Hounds of Hamilton will be the place to find the doggoes in our fair city just waiting for their brush with fame. We are pairing up with Fetching Studios, the husband and wife team of Geoff Fitzgerald and Vanessa Marion-Merritt, who will help us showcase local canine clients. Here, and in our next issue, we are showcasing beautiful dogs who were rescued and adopted to loving families by southern Ontario rescue organization Save Our Scruff, which saves dogs from around the world. saveourscruff.org
Encore Bridal is a new consignment boutique in downtown Hamilton, offering a high-end experience while selling sustainable and affordable wedding dresses.
Owner Sheyda Sayahi frequently finds herself talking to women about not getting too caught up in wedding mania. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to realize a dream, she says.
A wedding dress is often the most expensive clothing item a woman ever buys, yet she wears it only once. It’s better for the environment and for the pocketbook to reuse them, says Sayahi.
“I just think the wedding industry has really gone out of proportion. Somehow, it’s really no longer about the marriage and the union, it’s all about that day and the wedding … I hope more and more people get onto that bandwagon of choosing marriage over a wedding.”
Sayahi is combining her background in bridal fashion, retail and finance to open her business in her new home of Hamilton. She officially kicked off Encore Bridal – located in the restored King John Building facing Gore Park – with a fashion show at the end of March.
major retailers in Sweden, India and Canada.
From there, she decided to shift her career into business analysis and worked in change management in the finance industry. But she soon found she craved a different kind of life.
“I started looking at options and avenues, and how I could launch my own business. What would be the right thing for me to do. Of course, I love clothes. I love vintage clothes. I love sustainable fashion.”
Encore’s dresses are either pre-worn or new but all sold on consignment. She’s focused on bridal wear, but also has a small selection of wedding guest or occasion clothing.
Sayahi’s family fled Iran in the 1970s and eventually settled in Sweden. She studied fashion in London, England where she worked in a high-end custom bridal store before becoming a buyer, product manager and head of design for
Sayahi moved to Ancaster with her mother and her pug Chloe (the latter has 5,000 followers on Instagram!) two years ago.
Hamilton has a good number of vintage and used clothing sellers, say Sayahi, but nothing in bridal.
“If this is a market that has got such an amazing appetite for their everyday wear then they are going to have that appetite and be open to also purchase pre-loved for their big day. And that is how the whole thing kind of clicked and came together.”
She says the universe led her to the King John Building after she had been disappointed in her search elsewhere in the city. It’s so appropriate to have a high-end bridal reseller in a building that has found its own new life, says Sayahi.
Her unit has exposed brick walls, a Juliet balcony and plenty of space for a bride and her party to be pampered during a dress viewing.
“It’s a really couture, high-end experience but at checkout, people don’t pay what they would in a designer boutique.” n
By JODY ABERDEEN
If there’s one Canadian industry that understands the importance of supporting local, it’s craft brewing. For more than four decades since the days when Labatt and Molson produced over 97 per cent of all Canadian beer, independent Canadian breweries now number in the hundreds, offering not only a multitude of different beers and ciders, but also serving as important hubs for community. Hamilton and the surrounding area have long enjoyed a thriving and vibrant craft brewing scene, particularly since the city’s renaissance as the “go-to” place for young professionals, artists, foodies, and entrepreneurs in the 2010s. Still, whether new to the Steel City or born and raised, Hamiltonians by and large have always gone out of their way to support their local businesses, especially their breweries.
In turn, Hamilton’s taprooms have helped strengthen their neighbourhoods and communities, providing what sociologist and author Erik Klinenberg calls “social infrastructure,” serving as vibrant third spaces between home and work where people can meet, hang out, build relationships, and stay connected.
But in 2025, the city (and indeed all of Canada) is contending with new tariff threats from the U.S. under President Donald Trump. As of this writing, Canadians have endured more than 60 days of uncertainty and ongoing disruptions to the status quo akin to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago to the month.
It should come as no surprise then, that “buy local” has become a new rallying cry for Hamiltonians. In this new era, Hamilton’s craft breweries are well-poised to not only adapt to these challenges, but also continue to help Hamilton thrive.
“The tariff crisis has driven up the cost of essential materials like aluminum and certain specialty ingredients, making it harder to keep our prices accessible for the community,” says Fernando Sequeda, cofounder of Burlington Brewery. “On top of that, supply chain disruptions have created delays that affect our ability to plan and innovate as quickly as we’d like.”
point at a lower price than smaller producers can afford.
Alex Hamilton of Steel Town Cider adds that “disruptions in our supply chain have slowed down equipment procurement, impacting our expansion plans. Not to mention the overall uncertainty in the economy makes for tightening of consumer spending, directly affecting our taproom sales.”
Aaron Spinney from Merit Brewing notes that the brewery may need to reconsider the prices on cans, noting that “larger keg volumes and draught sales can help with the costs but we need to have cans to help move draught and vice versa. We rely on our taproom as our main point of sale and continue to create highquality product with a high perceived value to help mitigate the cost.”
However, Spinney also acknowledges that everything has a ceiling and any tariffs that are added, unfortunately, get passed down to the consumer one way or the other.
“Can sales are a big part of our business,” says Spinney, noting that after COVID, and the
Lindsey Mrav knows a thing or two about navigating troubled times.
“COVID changed everything for us,” says Mrav, who, along with her husband Joe, opened Grain & Grit Small Batch Brewing in the city’s west end in 2017. “From our margins to how customers engage with our business – everything. Early on, we were busier than ever and from the outside, it looked like we were thriving.” However, the reality behind the scenes told a different story as the costs for ingredients, materials, and changes in packaging resulting from shifting entirely to retail led to rapidly shrinking margins.
As the restrictions began to lift in 2021, it also became clear that some changes were permanent. “We noticed that consumer habits had shifted,” says Mrav. “People were going out less and spending more cautiously.” Even five years after the pandemic began,
where we invest our time and resources.”
In the face of the tariff war with the U.S., Mrav says they have not yet felt the full impact, but are expecting material costs to go up, particularly on aluminum cans. “We’re prepared to pivot quickly, whether that’s switching to new Canadian suppliers or adjusting our pricing if we have to. Luckily, our long-standing focus on sourcing locally puts us in a stronger position, but we’re watching closely, especially with the potential for a recession to affect consumer spending.”
Indeed, for Grain & Grit, “made in Canada” and “buy local” aren’t just trendy slogans. “They’re at the core of who we are. As a community-focused brewery, we’ve always been committed to supporting local, and that hasn’t changed. We did see a surge in local pride during COVID, and now it feels like that momentum is returning.”
For Barrel Hearts Brewing founder Mark Horsley, sourcing locally has been a mandate /continued on next page
from day one. “We’re currently sourcing over 99 per cent of our ingredients within Canada and looking for ways we can increase that while also increasing the quality of what we do. The few materials we source from outside of Canada are our glass bottles, which come from Germany, and our hops from Europe and New Zealand.”
Indeed, Horsley points out that the beers served at the Dundas brewery need to have glass and not aluminum, which offers some protection from the Trump tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel. “Our beers can age in five to six years,” says Horsley, “whereas the plastic liner in the can will degrade by that time. You can’t sell a beer that’s there for that long safely. What’s more, these beers really belong with food, and the bottle belongs in those meals. A can with artwork seems out of place in this setting.”
Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, Horsley has been in Canada for 18 years, having lived in Hamilton, Toronto, Jasper, and Vancouver before returning to Hamilton.
Horsley has long loved farmhouse beers like Belgians that are rustic, low-intervention products. “They have this beautiful funk, which is a catch-all for a lot of things, but it’s a flavour that you can’t achieve in any other way than with time. If I’m not seeing the beer that I want around, I decided to make it myself. It’s a niche style. Barrel Heart largely started with my love of brettanomyces, which is a somewhat wild yeast that has been pushed out of modern brewing in favour of beers that are faster, more predictable and easier to produce.”
First opened in an industrial area of Ancaster, Barrel Hearts has relocated to
Dundas and now operates a restaurant alongside its taproom in the former town post office.
Both towns provide ready access to Ontario’s prime farmland, and for Horsley, the current movement towards supporting local is not a major shift from what Barrel Hearts has been doing since its inception.
“We’ve always been hyper-local because that’s where the best quality we can get is. In the summer, I’ll drive down to fruit country and pick up fruits from the roadside farm stand for our beers. I’ll talk to the farmers about what grew well this season – maybe some varieties of blackberries or peaches did better than others – and these little conversations clue me into what I should be using this year. The difference in quality between what the farmer is really proud of and what looks good on a supermarket shelf that came from far away, makes buying local such an obvious choice for the best quality ingredients in our beer. If I can drive somewhere, shake someone’s hand, hear from them how they grew their produce and what’s good this season, I’m getting the best of it.”
As of this writing (late March), U.S. tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian goods are in effect, including Canadian steel and aluminum, which directly impact jobs in Hamilton, with more slated to take effect in April. Earlier in March, the LCBO pulled U.S. products from its store shelves and online catalogues, which, in the long term could make more room for local products. As Canada elects its next federal government, threats of additional economic hardship and
even annexation by the U.S have led to a surge of Canadian pride encapsulated in the hockey-inspired “elbows up” rallying cry.
Regardless of the chaotic backdrop of politics and economics, Hamilton’s craft brewers remain committed to a hopeful and thriving local future. For Burlington Brewery’s Sequeda, brewing is patriotic.
“As immigrants from Venezuela, buy local means giving back to the country that has given us so many opportunities. It’s about building strong connections with local farmers, artists, and businesses, and creating something that reflects the diversity and creativity of our new home. Every pint we brew carries that spirit of community and a deep love for Canada.”
Sequeda says Burlington Brewery is doubling down on its commitment to sourcing locally, partnering with Canadian suppliers to bring in high-quality ingredients while reducing reliance on imports. They are also experimenting with sustainable packaging alternatives to offset rising costs. “These changes allow us to stay true to our values while contributing to Canada’s growing craft industry.”
Merit’s Spinney says a commitment to making everything in-house is a source of pride. “Everything but the buns as we say, since we are surrounded by so many wonderful bakeries in our area. We want to support others’ hard work. This isn’t always easy to do but it’s something we stand behind and are proud to communicate to our customers.”
For Hamilton at Steel Town Cider, buy local showcases the city. “It means choosing products that are crafted with local expertise and pride, reinforcing the unique character of Hamilton and its surrounding areas.”
Steel Town will be working to forge stronger ties with local suppliers and exploring alternative packaging options to lessen its reliance on tariff-impacted imports, says Hamilton, and looking into bulk ordering and more strategic planning to help stabilize costs and keep prices competitive.
“The reality is, buying locally made products does come at a higher cost,” says Grain & Grit’s Mrav, “but the value you get — in terms of quality, community impact, and sustainability – is worth it. We hope people continue to see the importance of supporting businesses close to home.” n
WITH A COMMITMENT TO PATIENT-CENTRED CARE, JACKSON SQUARE DENTAL CENTRE OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF DENTAL SERVICES DESIGNED TO MEET THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
How long have you been a dentist?
I graduated from Aleppo University in 1990 and have been practising in Canada since the year 2000.
When did you start working at Jackson Square Dental?
I started working with Jackson Square Dental as an associate in the year 2006, and became the owner in the year 2012.
The dentist is not everyone’s favourite place to visit. What kind of experience can patients expect when visiting you and your team at Jackson Square Dental?
You will be greeted by our concierge with a friendly warm smile! Our team at Jackson Square Dental strives at every patient interaction to provide the best patient experience. Our patients are treated like they are family! We continually advance by staying current with our education in the industry, and with modern technology and best practices.
What are all of the dental services offered by Jackson Square Dental?
At Jackson Square Dental we provide comprehensive oral care, from cleanings to teeth whitening, dental implants, crowns, bridges, orthodontics, wisdom teeth removal, root canal procedures, and dentures. We offer our services to adults and children –awake or asleep.
What is your favourite dental procedure and why?
I enjoy all aspects of dentistry, especially dental implants, oral surgery and endodontic treatment. The experience is paramount.
What are dental implants?
Dental implant is a prosthesis that interfaces with the bone to support the replacement of a tooth or multiple teeth.
Are dental implants common?
Dental implants are very safe and very common.
What should I expect to experience during a dental implant procedure?
My patients’ feedback is that a dental implant placement procedure is a lot less traumatic than having a tooth removed, and recovery is a lot faster.
What are the benefits of replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant?
Dental implants are the ideal tooth replacement and provide the closest experience to natural tooth in function and aesthetics.
Are implant consultations complimentary?
Yes, we offer complimentary implant consultations.
In addition to providing treatment with laughing gas, Jackson Square Dental provides dental treatment while patients are asleep under oral sedation or general anesthesia.
Is there a minimum age to be treated with sleep dentistry?
Generally speaking, the minimum age for general anesthesia in a dental office setting is 3 years of age.
Are there any procedures that cannot be completed under sleep dentistry?
All treatments can usually be performed under general anesthesia, and with a consultation this would be further decided.
Is there a recovery period from sleep dentistry?
In general, recovery time for sleep dentistry sedation is 24 hours.
For those with limited availability, do you offer sleep dentistry on Saturdays?
Due to high demand, we do offer sleep dentistry on Saturdays.
Other dental practices advertise that they offer sleep dentistry but the highest level offered is oral sedation. What is the difference between oral sedation and general anesthesia offered at your location?
Oral sedation is a lighter modality than general anesthesia, done by having the patient ingest a sedative pill. The patient is in a relaxed state throughout the procedure, aware of surroundings, and able to communicate.
General anesthesia is only provided by an anesthesia specialist, with medication administered by IV. The patient is completely unconscious.
FIND US AT:
2 King Street West, Suite 605, Hamilton, ON L8P 1A1
In Jackson Square Mall on the Plaza Level, just above Dollarama. Elevator, stairs and escalator available at our doorstep.
Call or email us to set up your complimentary consultation!
info@jacksonsquaredental.ca 905-524-2976
PETER LAZAR, A SILENT PARTNER IN MAIPAI, JUMPED IN WHEN THE BARTON STREET PIZZA JOINT HAD TO PIVOT TO TAKEOUT IN THE PANDEMIC. THE RESULT, A PLATFORM CALLED PAVEMENT, IS NOW PROVIDING A BUY CANADIAN SOLUTION TO ORDERING IN.
By VANESSA GREEN
Buy Canadian has never felt more urgent.
Many of us are meticulously reading food labels at the grocery store and checking where our produce is coming from. But are we being as careful about where we order takeout?
That’s the question that drove Peter Lazar, a silent partner in Hamilton’s beloved Maipai Pizza, to accidentally launch Pavement, a homegrown ecommerce platform taking on American-owned delivery giants.
“The idea behind Pavement is, really, we want to see Canadians ordering directly from Canadians and sending less of their money
down south,” says Lazar. “Third-party apps have really decimated local restaurants and have taken away from communities. They’re convenient, they’ve got whatever you want: you can get toilet paper and a hamburger at the same time. But they don’t do anything at the community level.”
A proud Hamiltonian for more than 20 years, Lazar is not your average tech entrepreneur. His laid-back energy and fun, irreverent sense of humour help him stand out in a sea of overly-serious tech bros.
The reluctant founder was born and raised on Australia’s Gold Coast and comes from a tight-knit, community-minded family. As a child, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels and travelled to orphanages in Thailand. In
his late teens, he moved to Mozambique on a humanitarian aid mission where he helped deliver healthcare, education and food programs to the local community.
In 2005, Lazar moved to Canada for a sixmonth humanitarian training course. During the program, he met his future wife and has lived in Hamilton ever since.
With philanthropy always top of mind, Lazar launched an event marketing company called Tusq.
“I wanted to start a social enterprise, a for-profit company that, in its charter, would donate a portion of its revenue, not just its profits. That’s kind of why I started out in business in the first place.”
Thanks to Lazar’s hard work, Tusq grew beyond weddings and birthday parties to establish a stronghold in corporate events, delivering branded experiences for major clients like Shopify, Entertainment One, and Wealthsimple.
During this time, Lazar’s friend and neighbour Salar Madadi (founder of Pokeh, one of Canada’s first poke-focused
restaurants) asked if he wanted to help open Maipai, a tiki bar serving pizza in the heart of Barton Street.
“And I was like, ‘Well, that’s stupid for starters. A ridiculous concept. So absolutely, let’s do it.’”
Located at 631 Barton St. E., Maipai launched in 2019 and offers an immersive dining experience, blending retro tiki vibes with street-style edge. Patrons can sip on tropical cocktails and savour Detroit-style pizza while awash in neon lights.
It’s a real vibe.
This was the first permanent installation under the Tusq brand and a passion project for Lazar. The pizza joint would go on to win several awards, including best pizza recipe for the restaurant’s Mala Honey Pie at the Canadian Pizza Summit in 2021.
But less than six months after opening, COVID hit, and the team behind Maipai had to, as we loved to say at the time, pivot.
“When we opened Maipai, we hadn’t thought of doing takeout. All of a sudden, we were faced with this kind of dilemma: we haven’t built a customer base because we just opened up the door, so people don’t really know who we are. We’ve spent the better part of a year designing and building out the restaurant. This isn’t just pizza in a box. It’s an experience.”
Despite the pandemic buzzkill, Maipai kept those good vibes alive during lockdowns, setting up a mock tiki bar outside the restaurant, creating a pizza box scavenger hunt and concocting an elaborate backstory involving Nicholas Cage hijacking the restaurant to explain why it was closed.
“We didn’t mention COVID once in our marketing,” says Lazar.
And yet, management still had the problem of taking online orders.
“We couldn’t afford to use third-party delivery apps and part with 30 per cent of our profits,” says Lazar. “Until I started (running my own) restaurant, I didn’t have a clue how bad the profit margins really are. You go on a Friday night, and you’re like, oh, this place is hopping. They must be killing it. And it’s like, you’re not there for 80 per cent of the rest of the time when the place is empty.”
They tried some out-of-the-box options, but nothing seemed to fit the bill for a small local restaurant. They tried one popular plug-
We’re bootstrapped, 100 per cent independent and Canadian owned. w e don’t have any ameri C an dollars in our po C ket.
W e’d like to stay that W ay as long as W e can.”
p eter l azar
in on their website, and it was a complete disaster. Deliveries were sent to the wrong places, and the printer stopped working halfway through an evening rush. The team ended up writing all their orders by hand.
It was clear Maipai needed to create its own ordering solution. With rudimentary development skills, Lazar found some existing source code and hacked it together to create a basic online ordering system for the business. And while it wasn’t perfect, it worked. Maipai launched it on its website and started taking orders.
What was meant to be a two-week stopgap solution until indoor dining restrictions were lifted turned into a month, which turned into six weeks. Restaurant owner friends in similar predicaments started reaching out to ask if Lazar could build them a similar system. In true community spirit, Lazar agreed.
Six weeks turned into six months, and when winter hit, Tusq’s corporate events had all but dried up.
After 10 years, Lazar’s events business was done.
But Lazar was not deterred. This new online ordering system, Pavement, was doing well, and more and more restaurants from across Canada were showing interest in the platform.
“Pavement was one of those things that happened completely by mistake,” says Lazar. “It was definitely fortunate timing. This journey was very different from starting a business and growing it over 10 years.”
Lazar realized that he needed to make the solution a “forever product” rather than a hacked-together platform.
He decided to rebuild Pavement from the ground up, and brought on some developers to recreate the platform from the very first line of code. The experience was “a journey” and a big lesson for Lazar.
“I’ve always been involved in sectors where people are motivated by something more than just money,” says Lazar. “Restaurant owners aren’t running restaurants because they want to become millionaires. They’re doing it because they love food. Tech is not that industry. It is driven by cold, hard cash, and that, to me, isn’t enough of a motivator.”
Though Lazar’s background in the hospitality and events industry served him well in creating a platform that was tailored to the needs of small, local restaurants, he realized he was out of his element when it came to navigating the tech space. The job title on his LinkedIn profile even says, “Guy who runs tech company (by mistake).”
/continued on page 44
HAMMER CITY ROLLER DERBY IS A PIONEER IN THE SPORT’S RESURGENCE IN NORTH AMERICA OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS AND CONTINUES TO PROVIDE A COMMUNITY FOR MANY SEEKING ONE IN HAMILTON. By
Those who pull on roller skates and take to the oval flat track describe roller derby as playing chess while having bricks thrown at you. There is the strategy and then the pain.
Hammer City Roller Derby, a multi-team league and development program in Hamilton, is celebrating its 20th season this year. It’s a pioneer of the sport in Canada – the first modern-era roller derby league in Canada, which debuted on July 22, 2006, when founder Lasha “Whiplasha” Laskowsky and a group of skaters held the first bout in Canada. Roller derby is a full-contact sport
MEREDITH M ac LEOD
defined by strength, speed, agility, and tactical teamwork but it’s also an inclusive community for those who never quite found their place, are new to the city, or who always wanted to play sports but never found the one for them.
“I absolutely love it. Everyone is so supportive. It’s just this supportive group of misfits,” says Robin Matthews-Osmond, aka Drrrty Bird on the track, just before she heads out to the oval for a scrimmage with Guelph’s Royal City at Eastwood Arena in early March.
Each player has a derby name and number
on the back of a black and yellow HC jersey. There are definitely creative names here, from the descriptive Crash N Bleed and Daily Bruise to the punny Ghoul Next Door, Snow Fight, and Terror Bytes.
There are hard crashes to the concrete floor as the teams gear up for the launch of their season in April. Players wear plenty of gear, from elbow and knee pads to wrist guards, and, of course, helmets. But there is nothing protecting back sides or hips. There is a wide range of skill level on display, from players that glide with the smoothness of a speed skater on ice to those who seem to have to concentrate on staying upright.
But that’s just fine here.
Roller derby is the sport for people who don’t like sports, says Danielle Lamon, D-Maulish when she puts on the skates.
“It’s just one of the most accepting
kind of communities I’ve ever really been involved with. I was not a sport person until I got involved. It’s unlike anything else I’ve ever encountered, to be honest, and it’s all grassroots.”
Matthews-Osmond joined Hammer City about a year ago at the age of 45, with a bad knee and never having been on skates.
“I always loved the idea of roller derby. I grew up as a punk rock riot grrl and it just seemed so fun. But I’m not athletic at all,” says the Paris resident.
After meeting a Hammer City player, she enrolled in the league’s foundations program to learn to skate. She fell a lot.
“You have to be willing to make a fool of yourself,” she says. “I just kept saying to myself that I’m a tough bitch and I can do it,” says Matthews-Osmond, who is a civilian spokesperson with the Brantford Police Service. She’s now encouraging her 18-yearold daughter to join because it’s been lifechanging for her.
“It’s good for my kids to see their mom out there doing something she’s not the best at but having a ball doing it.”
Originally dubbed Hammer City Roller Girls (the name changed in 2017), HCRD was just the second international member to join the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), the international governing body of the sport that includes 420 member leagues around the world. HCRD is now among about two dozen Canadian teams that play in the WFTDA. Among 140 teams in the North America northeast division, HCRD ranked 84th in early April.
Hammer City includes about 75 skaters, coaches and volunteers involved in three levels: the elite WFTDA charter Hammer City Eh! Team, the Hammer City Dundurn Hassle, both of which compete against other leagues in Canada and internationally, plus the Pier Pressure rookie team. (HCRD also had a junior program for a number of years but that hasn’t been running since the pandemic.)
HCRD’s nine-week skating foundations program teaches beginning skaters who are 18 or over. The program ends with a skills assessment to graduate to Pier Pressure, where skaters learn game play and derby skills. The league even operates a gear-lending library to offset the upfront costs of equipment.
Pier Pressure will take on Toronto Roller Derby Toxins and HCRD Dundurn Hassle will play Toronto Roller Derby on May 24. Next is June 14, when HCRD Eh! Team will play Hogtown Horror and Dundurn Hassle will tangle with Hogtown Debu-Taunts. Finally, on Aug. 16, Pier Pressure will compete with Durham Region Select and HCRD Eh! Team will play PARDy Animals. All games will be played at Coronation Arena, 81 Macklin St. N., Hamilton.
Players pay monthly fees ($30 for Pier Pressure and $50 for Dundurn Hassle) to cover arena rentals, registration in tournaments, and other costs.
“We do try and keep it as affordable as we can,” says Sarah Nagus, who sits on the league’s board of directors. “We also have a Rolling Forward program, so if you’re not able to pay your dues, you can approach the board, and some people will choose to pay extra, or some people will have a sponsorship program and some of that money can go towards your dues if you’re not able to make the monthly payments. That way it is inclusive. And no matter you know what your life is looking like, we still want you to be able to play. We don’t want money to be a factor.”
As a player-led, DIY league, even the newbies have to take on at least one committee role and that grows to two committees in a player’s second year. There are committees for fundraising, community events, merchandise and membership, along with the board of directors.
Hammer City has been bounced from home to home over its existence. After several years headquartered at Eastwood Arena on Burlington Street, structural issues with the roof meant the facility closed in March. That left Hammer City scrambling again for a new place to practise and play this year.
Before Eastwood, the league spent several
/continued on next page
years in the expansive space that was once a Target at The Centre on Barton. But when that was converted into retail space again, Hammer City was left homeless once more. Before that, the league was headquartered at the Caledonia Fairgrounds.
After working with the City of Hamilton, HCRD has secured space for home games this season at Coronation Arena in west Hamilton.
Roller derby sees two teams of 15 play for two 30-minute periods. Playing in twominute rounds called jams, teams earn a point every time their free skater, called a jammer, laps a member of the opposing team’s four pack skaters, called blockers. The blockers work together, both to impede the other team’s jammer, and to help their own jammer keep moving.
So, skaters slam, push and jump over each other, using their hips, chests, legs, shoulders and butts.
Tripping, using elbows or hitting a player’s back is illegal. Violations result in 30-second penalties, during which time a team plays short.
All kinds of skaters are needed on a team, from the fast and agile – think crossovers and running on their toe stops to gain speed – to the walls on wheels who stop their opposition in their tracks or knock them out of bounds.
STORIES OF DERBY: THE BLOCKER
Danielle Lamon (aka D-Maulish) had an ignominious start to her roller derby life, breaking her ankle on her first day on skates in 2015.
“And everybody was like, ‘Oh, she’s not coming back.’ But the thing is, I didn’t have a job yet, and I dropped all this money on this new gear, and it was like, I gotta go back.”
The Newfoundland native had just moved to Hamilton with her husband and was looking for a way to meet people. So when her ankle healed, she was back at the learnto-skate program in April 2016.
In 2023, Lamon was named to the B roster for Team Ontario, which she jokes “means I don’t suck at this, I guess. I’m not terrible at it.” But she says she is constantly learning and improving. She’s always competed as a blocker but now she’s working on jammer skills, too.
Lamon, a university administrative assistant who wears No. 709 in honour of Newfoundland’s once sole area code, prides herself on being able to take a hit, especially from someone who is skating fast.
“Let me tell you, it’s really weird to have a reputation, especially for me, because I’m a marshmallow, but I have this reputation for being this hard hitter and like a fridge on the track. I like being hit and being able to stay standing. I love it when someone hits me and falls over when they bounce off of me.”
She shows a video of a group of awkward, struggling skaters fighting to stay on their feet that cuts to that same group just a year later confidently playing roller derby.
“I sucked so bad at the beginning,” she says, pointing herself out. She tells new
skaters about her journey when they get down on themselves.
“If I can do this, you can do this. Trust me, all you need is the practice. It takes time. It takes dedication. It takes effort. But if you put in the effort, you play, you just keep going, keep doing it, keep getting better, and someday you end up on Team Ontario somehow.”
Sarah Nagus, whose derby name is Marshmallow, craved an inclusive sports league, because sports wasn’t always that for her growing up.
“So that’s really what I was seeking out, just a really nice community, mostly for women, that I could join and have fun. I was very lucky to find that in Hamilton,” says Nagus, playing her second season this year.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re coming from, there’s a space for you, and everybody is really open to making friends and supporting one another. If you’ve never skated before, it doesn’t matter, everybody is there to help you get better.”
Nagus, a Kincardine native, who moved to Hamilton for a job with a credit union, plays as a jammer. She’s agile but not sturdy enough to stand her ground, she says.
“When I started with the learn to skate foundations, I mean, I couldn’t stop. My idea of stopping was skating in a circle until I slowed down enough. But then we were playing full games within eight months.”
Virginie Corneau learned to skate through Hammer City and played a couple of seasons
before transitioning to being an official. It’s a fringe sport and no one has grown up playing it, they say. And there are nuanced rules, so there is a lot to learn.
“It’s a complicated game in a lot of ways. And it’s a game where there are some parallels that can be drawn to other sports, but not always. So it’s a steep learning curve in that, in the sense that it kind of is its own thing.”
Roller derby requires many officials to call, count and time penalties, tally the score, track the jammers, make sure the pack stays together, and start and end jams. If a match is fully staffed with all the skating and nonskating officials, there are 17 positions. But it’s rare to have that many officials available, so jobs get combined.
After the pandemic, Corneau decided not to return to playing but also didn’t want to give derby up entirely.
“We’re not from Hamilton, and basically our social group is mostly attached to roller derby. That’s really our community in this city.”
Corneau and her partner moved to Hamilton in 2015 and they both work from home.
“It’s easy to feel small in a new city and you don’t know anyone, especially making friends as an adult. Roller derby is a good place to find friends.” n scan the qr code to read about roller derby history and its leadership in women’s sports. p lus, we’ve got tons of great photos!
River Evans will be lacing up roller skates while wearing a Team Canada jersey this summer.
The 16-year-old Hamilton resident will represent his country in Brisbane, Australia at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in late July.
River was a member of the last Team Canada, too, when the World Cup was in Valence, France in 2023.
To make the team this year, he attended tryouts in both Ontario and Calgary. Among the 90 youth from 13 to 18 who vyed for a spot, River was chosen for the final cut of 15 players. Three other players from Ontario made the team, too.
River has been competing in roller derby for about eight years. He comes to it naturally. His mother Heather Cronkwright played for Hammer City Roller Derby for about four years.
“I like it because it’s a super high intensity, fast-paced sport, where you’ve got to really think at quick intervals in order to outplay the other team,” says River. “And so that’s kind of the thing that I most like about it, how it’s a mixture between fast-paced contact and also strategically moving around and coordinating with your team on how to beat the opposing team.”
Roller derby is often seen as a femaledominated sport, but there are men’s and co-ed leagues, says River. Neither the Junior Roller Derby Association or the Men’s Roller Derby Association have gender-related requirements for skaters.
River used to skate in the Hammer City program, but the league cut its junior team after the pandemic, so he now plays for Niagara and Tri-City. He also serves as a referee for local and regional games. Knowing the rules makes him a better player, he says.
River, whose derby name and number are Speed Demon and 666, likes the physicality of the sport, in spite of a concussion he got when another player slammed him on the top of the head.
“You’re going to come out with bruises. You’re going to be sore. It really depends on if you’re going up against someone who really wants to just hit you or someone who just wants to get around you. But usually it’s going to hurt, but it’s fun,” says the Grade 11 student at Bernie Custis Secondary School.
River works out four times a week and each twice-weekly Team Canada regional practice includes endurance and strength-building exercises.
The trips to the tournaments, across Canada and around the world, are entirely self-funded. Unlike mainstream sports, there is little in the way of funding or sponsorship. So to raise money, the junior team is selling Team Canada hats and shirts, and have a GoFundMe set up to raise money.
Cronkwright, a homeopath and counsellor who owns a wellness centre on the Hamilton Mountain, says her years playing with Hammer City were an “awesome experience.” She appreciated that as players get more advanced, they are still willing to spend time teaching and practising with those building their skills.
“But my body started not really loving it, so I had to slow down a little bit, and then I made the decision to retire. But by that time, River had started to really be interested, so we just kind of switched places and I starting taking him to the practices,” she says.
“It’s been really cool to watch him, his dedication to it, and his understanding of the sport and just his energy for it is very inspiring.”
River says he’s looking forward to representing both Canada and his sport.
“Roller derby isn’t widely known so this is really putting it out there.” n
THE WRECKING BALL THAT DONALD TRUMP HAS TAKEN TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE HAS WOUNDED RELATIONS BETWEEN HAMILTON BUSINESSES AND THEIR AMERICAN SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS. NOW THEY’RE LOOKING EAST AND WEST TO REPLACE TRADITIONAL LINKS TO THE SOUTH. By
EUGENE ELLMEN
Editor’s note: This story was finalized in late April. We acknowledge that this is a highly fluid and volatile situation and that tariffs being imposed may have changed since HAMILTON CITY Magazine went to press.
Keanin Loomis, a leader in Hamilton’s business community who has lived and worked in both Canada and the United States, can’t come to grips with the delusional and reckless tariff policies of Donald Trump.
For Loomis, the long-standing rules governing trade between the two countries have seemed so permanent, so wellestablished that it seems impossible that the U.S. can wave them away with a simple presidential order.
“This is hard as an American citizen, as a dual national,” says Loomis, the former CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, a past mayoral candidate and now CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. “This is particularly personal for somebody who’s straddled both sides of the border for my entire life. I can’t even believe we’re here, to be honest.”
While Canadians and Hamiltonians grapple with the enormity of these tariffs, a new normal of Canada-U.S. trade relations is beginning to settle in with the city’s business community.
“People realize that the status quo is no longer good,” says Norm Schleehahn, director of economic development with the City of Hamilton. “It’s a wake-up call. We’re going to see the east-west discussion being more of the norm now versus just relying on northsouth relationships.”
This new normal – the realization that the traditional Canada-U.S. relationship has come to an end – was front and centre in Canada’s recent election campaign. “It is clear that the United States is no longer a reliable partner,” Prime Minister Mark Carney told
reporters at the end of March. “We will need to dramatically reduce our reliance on the United States. The road ahead will be long. There is no silver bullet. There is no quick fix.”
Hamilton’s economic base evolved in the years after World War II, a time of growing integration in cross-border markets. While there have been occasional trade disputes, especially in the steel industry, the city’s manufacturing and transportation businesses established firm links with suppliers and customers across the border based on a faith in enduring free trade.
That friendly arrangement ended on April 2.
That was the day Trump unveiled his socalled “reciprocal tariffs.” In his words, the new policies were meant to fight unfair tariff
GOODS EXPORTS FROM HAMILTON TO THE U.S.
$10,823.2 M RANKS 9 *
$12,867 per capita RANKS 15 *
23% of GDP RANKS 12 *
92.3% of total exports RANKS 8 *
HAMILTON’S POPULATION
841,186 RANKS 9 *
NUMBER OF EXPORTERS FROM HAMILTON TO THE U.S. 1,226 RANKS 6 *
HAMILTON’S GDP
$41.2 B RANKS 9 *
HAMILTON’S GDP PER CAPITA
$50,343 RANKS 28 *
* OF 41 CITIES /continued on next page
and non-tariff barriers by America’s trading partners. In fact, the tariffs were created with flimsy math based on national trade patterns that in most cases had nothing to do with tariff rates imposed on the U.S.
In Canada’s case, no “reciprocal tariffs” were imposed. Rather, Trump levied a 25 per cent tariff on non-U.S. content of vehicles imported into the U.S. These new tariffs came in addition to a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum products imposed earlier. The Canadian government levied counter-tariffs on the same goods and billions of dollars of other U.S. products.
By sparing (at least for now) Canada from “reciprocal tariffs,” Hamilton was saved from the worst possible impacts of the U.S. trade policies. Nevertheless, the blow to Hamilton was significant.
This is because of the large share of employment in the city related to the steel industry. About 10,000 people work for the primary steel producers and fabrication companies, and thousands more work in related supply and service providers. In addition, about 1,800 Hamiltonians work in auto parts companies. Together, that’s more than a third of the city’s total manufacturing employment of 29,000.
To make matters worse, a large share of the primary steel produced in Hamilton is used in auto production. Several car companies issued layoff notices after the Trump announcement in April because tariffs immediately disrupted cross-border auto industry supply chains, also causing potential ripple effects in the steel industry.
“When you layer in the steel and auto tariffs, I’d be shocked if we are not now into the top three communities impacted in the country,” says Greg Dunnett, CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
There are signs that business growth plans are being halted or slowed down. Thirty-eight per cent of more than 200 local businesses responding to a City of Hamilton survey said they expect to put off investments due to tariff-related uncertainty. Thirty-two per cent expect to reduce their workforce.
“Businesses have stopped their expansion plans or have delayed them because they don’t know what tomorrow looks like, much less what a three-, five- or 10-year window looks like,” Dunnett said in an early April interview. “It’s going to have a long-term slowdown
a year in the making, long before Trump was re-elected president or his tariffs were rolled out. But a large number of Hamilton companies sent delegates or exhibited, at least partly motivated by potential opportunities presented by the Trump trade attacks. The reception was very positive.
“It has been absolutely overwhelming to see the response and the reception we are getting from European markets,” Brad Sparkman, president of Orangeville-based Innovating Finishing Solutions, told CBC News.
Representing the City of Hamilton, Schleehahn said Canadian companies told European customers and suppliers they would be a reliable partner. The message was greeted warmly. “They absolutely love Canada,” he said.
scan the qr code to read about how local organizations are responding to u s tariffs.
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because those expansion and growth opportunities are being delayed or shuttered.”
At the time of writing in early April, neither ArcelorMittal Dofasco nor Stelco had publicly commented on the tariffs. But Laurenco Goncalves, CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., Stelco’s U.S. owner, said he supports the tariffs and believes Stelco can weather them by pursuing Canadian markets, a strategy the company used with some success in a previous tariff fight in 2018.
The week that Trump announced his tariff plan, business people from around the world gathered at Hannover Messe (messe means “trade fair” in German), site of the largest annual manufacturing trade event in the world. Held annually in a sprawling convention centre in Hannover, Germany, the event this year attracted 130,000 participants from 4,000 companies and more than 150 countries. As the official partner country, Canada had one of the largest contingents at more than 250 delegates and more than 230 exhibitors.
Planning for Canada’s participation was
Attending companies based in Hamilton, or with local interests, included Kubes Steel, a construction steel manufacturer, industrial supply companies Bar Hydraulics and VTR Feeder Solutions, pre-fabricated home builder BECC Modular, and real estate developer Slate Asset Management. Mohawk College, McMaster University, McMaster Innovation Park and the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority also attended.
Hamilton-based EVM Group, which provides industrial automation products and services, went to the event to meet with existing customers and to explore new markets.
Adam McCormick, chief growth officer, said the company was recently cast out of the running for a major U.S. industrial control panel contract when EVM couldn’t confirm how much of the total cost would be subject to the new steel tariffs.
But Canadian trade in automation services is a growing market as companies demand more artificial intelligence controls over manufacturing processes. And with strong two-way trade between Canada and Europe, there is growing demand for these services in Europe and for European companies operating in Canada, he said.
Canadian expertise in industrial automation is ranked fourth- or fifth-best in the world, said McCormick, which was a strong selling point at the show. “The interest in working with Canada is very, very big. We’ve had a lot of positive conversations with a lot of people about how they want to increase their operations or sales in Canada.”
As many companies pursue international markets, others, including some in the steel industry, face a fundamental problem: Steel is being dumped on world markets by China and other countries at prices far too low for them to match.
China produced about 990 million tons of steel in 2024, more than half the world total of 1.9 billion tons. To contrast, the U.S. produced 81 million tons and Canada produced a mere 12 million.
Much of this steel is being dumped by China and other countries such as South Korea, Vietnam and Turkey at cut-rate prices into Canada, a problem that is expected to get worse as producers search for alternatives to the U.S. market.
“We are expecting more unfairly traded (steel) goods to land in Canada because they can’t go to the United States,” says Catherine Cobden, CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association. A 25 per cent steel tariff Canada imposed on China last fall will help, she says, but there needs to be greater enforcement and higher tariffs. “It is time for the government to do much more to get that unfair trade out of the market.”
“There is still a threat of Chinese steel flooding the zone here in North America,” said Loomis at the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. “We want to make sure that we’re acting in concert with the Americans against this common threat.”
While the steel industry is hopeful the Canadian government can get relief from U.S. tariffs by focusing on the common problem of offshore dumping, industry representatives are looking for Canadian markets for at least some of the steel now sold in the U.S. Loomis is calling for federal and provincial rules requiring that Canadian steel must be used for infrastructure projects like bridges, public buildings, pipelines and the giant new auto battery plants that will be built partly with government funding. “We’re looking at projects that are close to being awarded where there is a threat of them using Chinese steel or foreign fabricators.”
Modular houses made with corrosionresistant steel could be another major market as governments call for a crash program in home-building, says Peter Warrian, a steel industry researcher at University of Toronto’s Munk School for International Studies. An
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east-west energy pipeline and expansion of the national electric grid could also provide additional demand for Canadian steel.
But Warrian also believes there will be substantial pressure on Trump to relent on the tariffs, particularly on autos. “We’ve just spent 20 or 30 years and billions of dollars building an integrated North American industry. Are you (Trump) really saying we’re supposed to unwind all that?”
At the time this article was written, there were growing signs that the Trump tariff plan may not last long. Trump supporters like Texas Senator Ted Cruz warned that tariff-caused inflation and unemployment could devastate Republican support. The Senate was flexing its muscles, preparing measures to re-take control of national trade policy. Stock markets were plunging and auto plants on both sides
of the border had announced layoffs.
But even if Trump’s tariff plan unravels, the fundamental relationship between Canada and the U.S. has changed. Hamilton businesses and their industry leaders are adapting to new realities, looking less at the U.S. and more toward fresh markets at home and abroad.
Dunnett says this new paradigm is about more than business relationships; it’s about Canada’s existence.
“It’s imperative for us as a nation as we go through this that we don’t back down,” he says. “We all have to be cognizant of the fact that this is about more than just trade. We need to protect our sovereignty.” n
Eugene Ellmen writes about sustainable business and finance. He lives in Hamilton.
/continued from page 35
“I was green in the world of tech, understanding how developers work and what the industry was like. And how cutthroat it was. That easily was the biggest challenge.”
Despite the technological hurdles, turning Pavement into a “forever product” drew Lazar back to what had motivated him to get into business in the first place.
“The thing that attracted me to creating Pavement was going back to where I had originally started out, (trying to) help fund grassroots organizations. The potential and the scalability of Pavement and the tech made that very realistic. Like, oh, this could actually make a meaningful impact. I’d struggled to find that footing with Tusq.”
During the pandemic, Pavement worked with Innovation Factory as part of its partner program to help local restaurants, like Hamilton favourites Mystic Ramen and Golden Tenders, get set up on the platform. Today, Pavement counts some of Hamilton’s favourite eateries – The Mule, Donut Monster, Electric Diner, Cowabunga and Parm Bros –among its customers.
The incubator also connected Lazar with tech experts who could help provide industry-specific guidance and support, such as how to make Pavement attractive to investors.
But Lazar’s not looking for outside investment anytime soon.
“We’re bootstrapped, 100 per cent independent and Canadian-owned. We don’t have any American dollars in our pockets. We’d like to stay that way for as long as we can. We’re growing at a rate that’s slow and steady. I’m comfortable with it and happy with that kind of trajectory for the time being.”
While Pavement helps restaurant owners save money through online ordering, Lazar’s next venture will help them get discovered by locals in their community.
Tasty Local is a consumer-facing platform that connects residents with local restaurants so they can order from them directly and read reviews from influencers and local publications.
“What we’re trying to do with Tasty Local is bring some life back into our local communities,” says Lazar. “With Pavement, we created a solution for restaurants to
be able to take orders directly from their websites and social media platforms. The next missing piece was always, OK, that’s great, but if no one knows about your restaurant, what’s the point? With Tasty Local, we created a platform that would allow Canadians to find out how to order directly from restaurants and how much money they save when they do that.”
Lazar estimates that when someone uses Tasty Local, they’ll save between 20 per cent and 30 per cent on average per order compared to third-party delivery apps. That’s good news for the consumer and restaurants. Tasty Local will also feature vendors that aren’t listed on any third-party apps like Maipai and Cowabunga, as well as vetted reviews.
Tasty Local will launch a public beta starting in May and is planning a “grad party”themed launch event in late June. The goal is to establish a Hamilton presence and eventually expand to Ottawa and the east coast.
Hamilton feels like the natural place for Lazar to launch Tasty Local, not just because he’s lived here for 20 years but because the community spirit is so deeply rooted within the restaurant scene.
“The positive of a town like Hamilton is that community feeling. It’s like a small, big city, particularly with restaurants,” says Lazar. “The level of support that the business owners have for each other is almost unheard of. Say something floods. You can call up the pizza shop down the road and say, ‘Hey, can you help?’ And they’re gonna come over and help you out, even if you’re in competition. From a business standpoint, you don’t see that level of community very often. It’s a big attraction.”
But that small-town feel of Hamilton can often come with a sense of exclusivity, which Lazar says can make it harder for restauranteurs to grow.
“Hamiltonians seem to be a little bit Hamilton or nothing. There’s a wariness of things that are from outside of Hamilton,” says Lazar. “I think that that limits the ability of a lot of Hamiltonian businesses to think outside of the city. It’s OK to expand outside of Hamilton. You can still stay true to Hamilton, but also bring what you’ve got to the rest of the world.” n
Tasty Local: tastylocal.ca Pavement: pvmt.com
FESTITALIA IS MARKING ITS 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR WITH A CULTURAL EXPO AND A STREET FESTIVAL IN JUNE AND TRADITIONAL EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER.
For 50 years in September, Festitalia has brought Italy to Hamilton with dinners, dances, art shows, and grape stomps.
This year, the golden anniversary celebration is going to the next level, with a downtown street festival and a cultural showcase on the Mountain in June. These events are happening in addition to the traditional September events, which have always been timed to the season of the harvest, a strong tradition in Italy.
June was declared Italian Heritage Month by the federal government in 2019. So in honour of that, the Hamilton Italian Centre (HIC) at 420 Crerar Dr. will play host to the Festitalia 50th Anniversary Expo on June 21 and 22.
It will include food booths by restaurants and regional clubs, cooking demonstrations, chef talks, wine tastings, an espresso booth, an art show, local musicians, films, Italian lessons, soccer games, soccer clinics, bocce games and lessons, and an exotic car rally.
The expo’s pinnacle event is Saturday with an evening with chef David Rocco. In a 250-person tent at the rear of the centre, Rocco will talk about his books, his world travels, and his love of Italian food. Sunday morning will include a mass in the tent.
The HIC is owned by the Sons and Daughters of Italy, one of Hamilton’s nine regional clubs, and it opened in the former Guido de Brès Christian High School early last year.
The weekend expo, emceed by Hamilton native Rick
Campanelli, will include talks and performances by members of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, a Thursday dance at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, along with a speaker series talking about architecture, Hamilton’s Italian families, authors, history and a panel of past Festitalia presidents.
Also on June 21 and 22, the Hamilton Italian Heritage Festival will happen along James Street North between Murray Street and Strachan Street. It will feature food vendors, a beer tent, market vendors, a carnival and a performance stage.
“We are working with the Racalmutese Club who is putting on the street festival,” says Mark Farrugia, the past chair of Festitalia. “It’s the inaugural year and will be taking place every year going forward. Festitalia is kind of incubating this year and will continue to support it going forward. It is the only Italian street festival for the city.”
A shuttle will run between the two sites.
Hamilton has a rich history of Italian settlement. Just over 16 per cent of Hamiltonians are of Italian descent, which makes it one of the largest Italian migration communities in the country.
It’s appropriate to have the twin events, one in the heart of Hamilton’s Little Italy and the other on the Mountain, where many Italian families migrated in the decades after World War II, says Lia Dean, Festitalia’s vice chair.
“We will cover Hamilton with Italy.” n
Over the past year, he has actively worn both hats, performing shows in Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal and beyond with both Simply Saucer and as Edgar Breau. A sizzling full-band Simply Saucer show at The Mule Spinner last year (recorded for a potential live album) was the finest local concert this scribe saw in 2024.
By KERRY DOOLE
Veteran Hamilton singer-songwriter and guitarist Edgar Breau is leading a fascinating musical double life. He remains a cult hero as the leader of internationally acclaimed underground rock band Simply Saucer, while also pursuing a career as a folk-rooted solo songsmith.
In February, Breau released his fifth full-length solo album Acadian Drifter to glowing reviews. He launched it with a sold-out matinee at The Capitol, a show that confirmed the peer respect that Breau, a proud Hamiltonian, has earned over his five decades plus of making music in this city. Spied in the appreciative crowd were such noted Hamilton musicians as Champagne James Robertson, Martin Verrall, Darryl Gould, Mickey DeSadist (Forgotten Rebels), Pip Kummel and Scott McCullough (Rusty).
At that show, Breau played both solo and with the rhythm section of Kevin Christoff and Paul Panchezak, premiering new material alongside favourites from both his solo and Simply Saucer catalogues. The performance again showcased the astonishing range of styles Breau draws upon, from Anglo-style folk to blues to protopunk and guitar-driven psychedelia. Factor in his always literate narratives, fluent guitar playing, and a vocal style that moves from plaintive to aggressive with ease, and you have a formidable and well-rounded talent.
To learn more about Edgar Breau’s musical balancing act and his deep Hamilton and Acadian roots, HCM interviewed him over coffee in the east end.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Breau has primarily lived in the east end, along with stints downtown and in Dundas, plus a short stay in Guelph and Fergus when his father moved the family there to take a job at the reformatory in Guelph. “My father worked at Westinghouse in Hamilton at the same time as the father of David Byrne (the legendary Talking Heads frontman),” says Breau. “He also worked at the Barton Street jail as a prison guard, alongside Frankie Venom’s father.
“I grew up hearing a lot of prison stories from my father, often quite violent and gruesome. The east end then was a rough area. Some of my friends went to prison, and those things are all influences on me as a writer – the crime thing, the fugitive, the outsider.”
Breau explains that the title Acadian Drifter “in part reflects my own life and roots. My family goes way back in terms of Canadian history, as part of the first French presence in Canada (they settled in the Maritimes). I’m taking French lessons now, and I’ve been learning Acadian songs on the guitar, hoping to incorporate some into my set.”
The new album is a generous 13-song collection with a wide stylistic reach. A focus track on Acadian Drifter, “Cornpone The King of Jive,” is grabbing attention, as its aggressive loud guitar-driven sound rather stands apart from the generally mellow vibe of the album. Breau describes it as “snarly Southern-fried garage rock,” explaining that the song went through a real transition.
“I wrote it on acoustic guitar, fingerstyle, then sent it to (producer/guitarist Dany Laj) ahead of us recording it. He had his own ideas for it, and he gave me a little Fender Champ amplifier. Most of Led Zeppelin’s most famous recordings are on small amplifiers that they just cranked up.
“I was playing an Epiphone hollow-bodied guitar, and Dany had a hollow-bodied
Gretsch. His band Dany Laj and the Looks backed me up, and Dany cranked it up.”
At his home studio in Montreal, Laj also produced “Rosemary,” another of the more recent tunes on the album.
The rest of Acadian Drifter was recorded in Hamilton, with some sessions dating back as far as 15 years. With the exception of “Brandywine” (produced, engineered and mixed by the team of Adam Bentley and Jordan Mitchell), noted local musician and producer Michael J. Birthelmer produced, engineered and mixed the other 10 songs at his Pine Street Studio.
The album features one of the most talentpacked lineups ever for a made-in-Hamilton record. Billed as The Drifter Ensemble, it’s a group that includes drummer Paul Panchezak (Trickbag), bassist Kevin Christoff (a longtime member of Simply Saucer), keyboardist Ed Michael Roth, pianists Greg Brisco and Michael Fonfara (Alice Cooper and Lou Reed), multi-instrumentalist Birthelmer, backing vocalist Colina Phillips (ex-Simply Saucer), and guitar aces Bill Dillon (Robbie Robertson, Bob Dylan) and the late Brian Griffiths. Other
guests added such instruments as banjo, mandolin, tuba, trombone and violin, making for a wide sonic palate for Breau’s songs.
These days, Breau primarily writes for his solo career.
“I think I’m capable of writing new material for Simply Saucer, but it is a matter of getting my head around it as it is quite a different space. I wrote so much material for the band in the ’70s, so there’s plenty still in the archives.”
He relishes the range of music he now gets to perform via both projects. “With Simply Saucer, I can do more of the experimental and heavy rock guitar playing. It’s still fun for me to crank it up onstage,” he says.
The story of Simply Saucer is certainly one of the most fascinating in Hamilton music history. It is compelling enough to justify the band receiving a comprehensive biography, Heavy Metalloid Music: The Story of Simply Saucer, written by Canadian music journalist Jesse Locke, who drummed in the band for a spelI.
In turn, a lyric from Simply Saucer song
TRANS ARTIST ARDYN GIBBS explores the pleasures, resilience and secrets of the queer experience through holograms, lenticular prints, digital renderings, and the reflective distortions of chrome.
By STEPHANIE VEGH
Ican’t help but think of holograms as the neon-retro dreams of a future that never came, which made my first encounter with Ardyn Gibbs’ holographic artwork an unanticipated surprise. Far from the solidity promised by Jem and Star Trek: The Next Generation, these holograms cast three-dimensional spells that playfully wink in and out of being – a fitting medium for a queer artist exploring visibility with no small measure of joyful defiance.
Gibbs uses a variety of digital tools to explore queerness as experienced within the body: as heartbeats and dance, sweat and sensation that the artist translates into pulsing light and colour through futurefacing technology. While more prolifically used by major corporate advertisers, Gibbs first saw holographic projections at Art Toronto and soon picked up a Holofan to create 3D animations that can inhabit space without reliance on screens. The resulting works are apparitions of fleeting
fun that launch their lived experience into otherworldly dimensions.
A recent McMaster graduate now settled in Hamilton, the Cayuga-born artist credits the pandemic’s disruption and shift to remote learning for their embrace of digital media.
“I don’t know where my practice would have been at all,” they admit with a grin.
The portfolio they presented at the urging of studio art professor Briana Palmer as a first year humanities student was promising but unfocused: drawings, ceramic sculptures, “silly little videos of me singing as a teenager.”
The need to make art without regular studio access after pandemic lockdowns sharpened their creative focus during a chaotic time when Gibbs also came into their trans identity. Their art began to engage more deliberately with their transition with the support of peers like Eli Nolet, a trans classmate who shared many of the same experiences. The two collaborated on an installation work for their graduating exhibition that was later shown in Toronto and has been updated this spring in “Tender
Like a Bruise” at Hamilton Artists Inc. This new exhibition references the backrooms of queer undergrounds with a moody installation of glowing monitors, Nolet’s handmade chain works, encouraging words of belonging and digital renderings that harness the pleasures found within identities too often associated with pain.
“Everybody wants to hear about the hard parts of queerness,” Gibbs acknowledges, which is reason enough to insist on trans pleasure. By experimenting with holograms, lenticular prints, and the reflective distortions of chrome, Gibbs plays with the visibility of queer bodies through art that requires the viewer to move through these spaces to fully receive these images and words.
Transition can be an isolating experience for many queer youth, but Hamilton’s generous network of peers and spaces –what Gibbs describes as a “lovely community, funky but special” – holds a special place in their heart. This was especially true of Sous Bas, a beloved dance club in downtown Hamilton that Gibbs fondly recalls as the
first space in Hamilton where they found kinship and community. Now closed, Sous Bas is memorialized as a reflective layer in some of their digital renders, including a variant of the CBC Arts logo that Gibbs was commissioned to create for last November’s Trans Awareness Month. The resulting work is reflective of their distinct artistic voice – a spiky pink beacon of movement and joy that celebrates the sweat and shimmering beauty of life under the club lights.
Their works encapsulate joy in sometimes coded form to honour a history of secrecy among queer communities as well as the subjective honesty of their own experiences. A swan in Bayfront Park that curiously approached and followed Gibbs and Nolet during a shared walk lingers in Gibbs’ imagination as a “magical experience” that resonated with their shared trans experience. The swan conveys beauty as well as fierce territoriality and protection, and has since become a recurring symbol in Gibbs’ visual vocabulary.
This same swan appears in their response last year to the vandalism of Trans Lives are Sacred by B.C.-based artist Ris Wong, a billboard commission at Hamilton Artists Inc. that was repeatedly targeted by violent acts of graffiti and cutting. When Inc. artistic director Sanaa Humayun invited Gibbs to respond with their own additions to the mural, they were understandably apprehensive. Working on a site that had
LEFT: ARTIST ARDYN GIBBS
already attracted so much hostility was a worrying prospect, but Inc. staff worked alongside Gibbs to devise a safety plan and provide supervision throughout the project. The resulting work is characteristic of Gibbs’ preference for softness in the face of hardened hate; the Bayfront swan became a layered design that is both approachably appealing to viewers and ambiguous in meaning. The choice to write the word “co-exist” under a cut flap in the mural is a nod to Cree writer Billy-Ray Belcourt’s teachings on co-existence – a call to hold space for different ways of being in the world through inherent respect rather than perfect understanding of the other.
These gentle touches are a form of resilience in the face of a hostile world. At a time when tensions and debates are resounding heavily against the very existence of trans people, Gibbs is defiantly sharing the abundance of joy in queer lives. In their hands, digital chrome is a magic mirror that transforms the world, and in Gibbs’ lens can present “a queer body as a shiny, beautiful, glimmery thing, especially when moving through the world dancing.” In increasingly dark times, Ardyn Gibbs lives, deliberately and daringly, in the light. n
Dylan Hudecki is a Canadian indie-rock vet having played in many different bands, including By Divine Right, Cowlick, Slow
Not many publications do retroactive reviews for albums that are fantastic and overlooked. Why not? Why does every music review have to be for a new release? Why do we have to wait until certain songs have made comebacks thanks to movies and TV shows, like Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody," originally released in 1975, came back in 1992 for Wayne's World, or Nirvana’s "Something In The Way," originally released in 1991, came back in 2022 in The Batman, to remind us how good a song or album is? So at HCM we’re introducing a new feature called: Revisit Me. In each issue we’ll spotlight a Hamilton album that deserves another listen and the spotlight again.
This time, we’re diving into Jessy Lanza’s stunning 2013 debut, Pull My Hair Back Lanza, a Hamilton native and jazz-trained musician, found a perfect collaborator in Junior Boys’ Jeremy Greenspan, also a fellow Hamiltonian and owner of The Brain bar. Their partnership led to a record that blends sparse electro-R&B with hypnotic synth-pop, released on the U.K. label Hyperdub. The result? A sleek, futuristic sound that still feels fresh today. From the whispery pulses of “Kathy Lee” to the percussive vocal layering of “F%*k Diamond,” Lanza experiments with space and restraint, letting her voice weave in and out of Greenspan’s atmospheric production. Standout track “5785021” layers fluttering vocals over shimmering synths, while “Against the Wall” delivers a funk-infused bassline straight from an ’80s fever dream.
Lanza’s subtle vocal charisma makes these tracks shine – whether it’s the cool detachment of “You know my address” on “5785021” or the hazy allure of “Keep Moving.” She doesn’t just sing over the production; she melts into it, becoming an essential part of the sonic landscape. My favourite song might even be the opener “Giddy” with absolutely perfect vocal production of just the right amount of compression and delay to make for a hypnotic union, along with the arpeggiated synth.
Though Pull My Hair Back was celebrated upon release, it’s a record that deserves to be rediscovered and lauded as one of the finest albums to come out of Hamilton this century. Over a decade later, its minimal yet intoxicating mix of R&B, electronica, and dreamlike pop still stands as one of Hamilton’s most innovative musical exports.
RIYL: Jamie XX, Junior Boys, Portishead, Janet Jackson
Following their 2022 Polaris and Junonominated debut, Sewn Back Together, Ombiigizi – Daniel Monkman (Zoon) and Adam Sturgeon (Status/Non-Status) – return with Shame, a record that feels sharper, angrier, and more urgent. While their first album leaned into healing and hope, Shame embraces discomfort, peeling back layers of pain, resilience, and reckoning.
Musically, the duo expands their sound, weaving together grunge, dream pop, and indie rock with Indigenous storytelling and experimental structures. The album opener, “Laminate the Sky,” sets the tone with psychedelic textures and a haunting refrain: in our shame, there is truth. “Connecting” starts as shimmering ’80s rock before erupting into punk-fuelled chaos, while “Oil Spills” shifts into an almost emo-tinged dreamy interlude. The hypnotic “Ziibi” explores off-kilter time signatures, and “Street Names and Land Claims” channels a hazy, grunge-gaze intensity.
Lyrically, Shame is both deeply personal and universally resonant. It speaks to struggles that many listeners will never fully understand, yet the raw emotion invites empathy and reflection. The band describes the record as an exploration of the things we don’t always say – the anger, sadness, and weight of history – but also as a call to move forward.
With production from Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), Shame carries an Arts & Crafts-style richness, balancing fuzzed-out guitars with swirling melodies. The interplay between Monkman’s ethereal vocals and Sturgeon’s grittier delivery adds depth, making each track feel alive with contrast and tension. The closing moments of “Photographs” offer a particularly poignant reflection, blending electronic elements into one of the album’s most affecting passages. Ombiigizi continues to push boundaries, crafting music that is both intimate and expansive – an unflinching, beautiful finished painting.
RIYL: GBV, Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Broken Social Scene, Wintersleep
Scott Orr’s Miracle Body isn’t just an album –it’s an atmosphere, a warm glow of sound that feels like stepping into a serene, softly lit space. Blending ambient folk, new age jazz, and hypnotic textures, Orr crafts one of his most immersive and comforting records. With his fluttering falsetto as a gentle guide, Miracle Body invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and simply be.
Orr, unlike many of his recent mostly self-made releases, has assembled an incredible collective of musicians who bring a sense of sonic curiosity to the project. The album features a wide palette of textures, including seldom-heard (or possibly fictitious) instruments like the crystal baschet, bansuri, and tumbadora. You have to admit, you don’t hear those too often. The result is a rich, organic tapestry that feels both expansive and deeply intimate. Tracks like “Clear (As Day)” and “Show Shelter” weave together delicate guitars, hushed vocals, piano, and lush, earthy percussion, while “Hold Time” introduces shimmering synths, chimes and field recordings that blur the line between folk, world music and dreamlike jazz.
At times, Miracle Body feels like a distant cousin to the work of Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records label or Brian Eno’s ambient explorations. But it also holds echoes of Arthur Russell’s experimental warmth and even nods to the spacious instrumental landscapes of André 3000’s recent foray into meditative music. It’s a record that embraces a fluidity that reflects the modern musical landscape – one where folk, ambient, world music, and jazz can coexist in harmony.
Orr’s ability to balance intricate musicianship with an inviting sense of simplicity is what makes Miracle Body so special. It’s a record that doesn’t demand attention but effortlessly earns it, drawing the listener in with every shimmering note and whispered refrain. More than just a collection of songs, it’s a sonic retreat – one that lingers long after the final track fades.
RIYL: Brian Eno, Tim Hecker, Four Tet, Arthur Russell, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Stars of the Lid, Peter Gabriel (and Real World Records artists)
Hamilton’s own Duckai (Ezekai Robinson) may be a rising name, but ESP CLUB. SUMMA makes it clear he’s already a fully formed artist. Son of local creative powerhouses Queen Cee and Leon “Eklipz” Robinson, Duckai carries his artistic lineage with ease, blending Latin, R&B, and urban influences into a vibrant, sun-soaked mixtape.
Following his 2023 debut Future Vision, ESP CLUB. SUMMA feels like an artist stretching his wings, experimenting with sound and style while maintaining a confident and cohesive vision. From the hip bounce of “Maria, Sofia, Daria” to the smooth, introspective R&B of “Life is Honest,” each track brings a different shade to the project’s overarching sunny vibe. “Kiss the Cook” and “Wanting You” further showcase his knack for infectious melodies, while “Night
Danceclub” leans into a darker, late-night energy.
In his words, “My most recent release ESP CLUB. SUMMA I found myself wanting to release a collection of songs of sounds and ideas I had in the tuck for a while.
“I was working on many different styles so it ended up being a diverse mix of genres from reggaeton to R&B to rap but still all under the umbrella of sounds of summer, or at least how it sounds to my ears. Since then I’ve been dormant in the scaffolding as I continue to paint the walls of a new full-length project telling a new story with new sounds and ideas, hopefully coming later this year.”
Duckai’s production skills shine throughout, with layered beats, rich textures, and a natural feel for rhythm that makes each track immersive. His ability to weave between genres while keeping his signature sound intact is impressive – he’s not just dabbling; he’s owning each style. ESP CLUB. SUMMA is a statement of versatility and ambition. Duckai has the voice, the vision, and the artistry to carve out his own lane. If this is just a glimpse of what’s to come, his next full-length project is sure to be something special.
RIYL: Weeknd, Blood Orange, James Blake, Frank Ocean n
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POETRY IN PLACE ISN’T
Poetry in Place: Poetry and Environmental Hope in a Southern Ontario Bioregion features work by more than 40 contemporary poets, many of whom call Hamilton home. Ambitious in scope, it asks poets to ponder the natural world around them, specifically, the “land between the waters” of Lake Ontario and the Grand River, west of Toronto and east of London, in southern Ontario. The collection is curated by Deborah Bowen, a professor emerita of English at Redeemer University, who has lived in Hamilton for nearly 30 years.
“I have always been a person who loves the natural world. I grew up in the country in southeast England, and spent my childhood going for many walks in the local hills and dales,” says Bowen, noting that despite the steel mills and industrial despoliation of Hamilton, she quickly fell in love with the city’s green space. “Once in Hamilton, I got to know local poet and Hamilton aficionado John Terpstra fairly early on, and when his Falling into Place came out in 2002, it radically adjusted my ‘reading’ of the downtown city, in all its brokenness and underlying beauty,” she says. Terpstra joins many other Hamilton poets in Poetry in Place, including Gary Barwin, Linzey Corridon, Marilyn Gear Pilling, and Elizabeth Tessier, among many others.
During her time at Redeemer University, Bowen developed a course in environmental literature, confirming for her the power of literature to “speak to environmental crises in ways that inspire imaginative involvement, rather than just conveying depressing statistics.” This, along with her Christian faith and a belief that humans are responsible for stewarding and caring for the world around them, helped inspire the anthology, which began to take form in 2017 after she retired from full-time work.
“What I didn’t know then is that working on this project would also build something that I have found deeply satisfying: not just a book of poetry, but also a community of
poets and other like-minded folks concerned for our environment, across differences of ethnicity, gender, age, race, and religion,” she says. The book also features interviews with contributors who were asked about their relationship with the land, their spirituality and worldview, and their motivation in writing poetry about the environment.
To gather poets featured in the collection, Bowen advertised through the League of Canadian Poets, and through different cultural associations, also seeking suggestions from creative writing teachers in university and college programs in the area. Noah Van Brenk, the book’s assistant editor, writes: “The poems in this anthology give voices to the natural phenomena they depict, voices which demand that the land and the plants and animals and water be treated not just as objects to be controlled and consumed, but as subjects to be encountered on their own terms, for both their flourishing and our own.”
Bowen says the southern Ontario bioregion “is the most endangered in the whole of Canada, because of the amount of natural habitat that has been drained, cut, and converted into agricultural and suburban land uses,” yet it’s often maligned as uninteresting. Poetry in Place proves that it is anything but uninteresting. Rather, it’s rich with ecological significance and unexpected beauty – one worthy of some of the area’s emerging and most notable poets. n
A CARPENTRY OF WORDS AND WOOD BY JOHN TERPSTRA
As a cabinetmaker and carpenter, John Terpstra has a complex relationship with timber. “I have to put out of my mind what is happening to the trees of the forests in order to do what I do,” he writes in the opening of his latest memoir A Carpentry of Words and Wood. A longtime craftsperson, Terpstra has also been publishing books since his first collection of poetry was released in 1982. A Carpentry of Words and Wood brings together both of Terpstra’s creative outlets.
CHOMP-O-RAMA: THE STRANGE WAYS THAT ANIMALS EAT BY MARIA BIRMINGHAM ILLUSTRATED BY KYLE REED Kyle Reed loved to draw animals as a kid – a talent that’s followed him into adulthood. His vibrant, fact-filled new book, Chomp-ORama: The Strange Ways That Animals Eat, offers readers creative comparisons between the way humans eat and the mealtime habits of other creatures. Born in Hamilton, Reed’s colourful, distinctive illustration combines traditional collage, various mixed media, and digital applications. A follow-up to 2021’s Snooze-O-Rama: The Strange Ways That Animals Sleep, Chomp-O-Rama is a fascinating look at the many ways animals crunch, munch, slurp, and chomp their grub.
HEARTY: ON COOKING, EATING, AND GROWING FOOD FOR PLEASURE AND SUBSISTENCE BY
ANDREA BENNETT
Speaking of food, the latest book by andrea bennett – a Hamiltonian now living in Powell River, B.C. – takes readers to kitchens, gardens, fields, and factories, combining journalism, cultural commentary, and personal reflection, all centred on the many ways food nourishes not only our bodies, but our minds, hearts, and communities.
There are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the gorgeous days of early summer. Here are a few of our favourite local happenings.
Patriotism is trending a little bit extra these days – because of reasons – so this Canada Day, share your love of the maple leaf at It’s Your Festival. The Gage Park event, celebrating its 56th iteration, is a showcase of all things Canadian with activities, vendors, and food options for everyone. A highlight of the fest is always the free live music, and this year is no exception. Featured performers in recent years include Sass Jordan, Big Sugar, the Jim Cuddy Band, Chilliwack, Jully Black and The Box. Check out the website for this year’s lineup. Come early and come often. You won’t be sorry, eh?
June 28-July 1 itsyourfestival.ca
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The music that backs some of the most famous video games – powerful, nuanced compositions – is no child’s play. HPO’s Video Games Live challenges you to put down your controllers and immerse yourself in a selection of these top-notch tunes, without the pesky distraction of trying to level up. Featuring scores from games such as Castlevania, World of Warcraft and Tetris, the orchestral performance, combined with synchronized video and lighting effects, will introduce both gamers and non-gamers to a whole new type of mission. May 30, FirstOntario Concert Hall hpo.org
Fans of observational comedy specifically, and mirth in general, are in for a treat when comedian Steve Hofstetter visits The Westdale during his current North America tour. With multiple TV credits to his name, as well as more than 650 million views on YouTube and Facebook, Hofstetter’s stand-up show touches upon the absurdities of life and his personal mental health journey. The evening is guaranteed to provide a muchneeded balm to soothe our frayed souls, because “I’ve laughed enough,” said no one ever. July 9, The Westdale thewestdale.ca
Take a War of 1812 walking tour and explore the literal spot where Hamilton’s iconic tenacity was born. Burlington Heights – now the Hamilton Cemetery –served as a British military stronghold during the battle, and marks where Upper Canada was defended against American forces. During the free guided tour, organized by the Hamilton Military Museum, guests will hear stories about local life back in that day, and of military occupation, the peaceful locale a stark contrast to the chaos that took place on that very spot, ultimately winning us our country. 777 York Blvd. May 30, June 1 hamilton.ca
Francofest returns to Gage Park this summer to showcase and celebrate toutes les choses francophone. The lineup for the long-running annual festival of French arts and culture is packed, and includes acrobats, artists, and singers – and all will no doubt be music to the ears for the Francophone attendees. The diverse entertainment at the festival will also do double duty by introducing brand new talents to a whole new audience who may be unfamiliar with how much better things sound en français. June 20-22 francofesthamilton.ca n
“Bullet Proof Nothing” inspired the title of Treat Me Like Dirt, an in-depth look at the Toronto punk rock scene written by now Hamilton-based author Liz Worth.
The saga of Simply Saucer begins with the formation of the band, fronted by Breau, in Hamilton in 1973. The following year, the group went into the Ancaster basement studio of a pre-fame young producer and engineer named Daniel Lanois and his brother Bob.
The results of those sessions never saw the light of day at the time. Simply Saucer then toiled in relative obscurity, earning a reputation for powerful live shows but gaining no commercial success prior to breaking up in 1979.
That would have been the end of a short story, but for Hamilton Spectator music critic Bruce ‘Mole’ Mowat’s passionate love of the band. He tells HCM that “Edgar Breau had given me a cassette dub of half of the June 1974 Lanois studio sessions. I was so blown away that, in early 1988, I dubbed six copies and sent them to some of the leading fanzine scribes of the day, who also did pro writing, for publications like Spin and Sounds.”
Mowat recalls that, “All six gents went absolutely mental over this find, and one, Byron Coley, offered to put it out on his Forced Exposure label. After some months, I got a forlorn note from Coley: ‘We can’t do it. Why don’t you put it out?’”
Then Breau found another reel of music from the Lanois session. Mowat took out a loan, pressed the plastic and sent out press copies to fanzine publishers and campus radio stations in November 1989.
This collection of songs was augmented with live recordings from a June 1975 Simply Saucer concert at Lloyd D. Jackson Square. Dubbed Cyborgs Revisited, the double-album came out on Mowat’s tiny indie label, Mole Sound Recordings, and the international reaction to this “lost treasure” was astounding. It received rave reviews in music mags and fanzines around the globe, establishing Simply Saucer as cult favourites long after their initial demise.
electronica and garage rock into a heady sonic cocktail that genuinely was ahead of its time.
The reputation of Cyborgs Revisited has continued to grow over the decades, enhanced by a later CD edition in 1992 and an expanded reissue by Sonic Unyon in 2003. It ranked 48th in Chart magazine’s 1996 reader poll of the greatest Canadian albums, and 36th in Bob Mersereau’s 2007 book The Top 100 Canadian Albums. A major fan, Mersereau has claimed that “Edgar Breau has had the strangest career in Canadian music.”
The enthusiastic response to Cyborgs Revisited inspired Breau to reunite Simply Saucer in 2006. The band has undergone multiple personnel changes over the years, but Breau has always been able to attract high-calibre players. For instance, the Simply Saucer lineup at The Mule Spinner last year included Blue Rodeo drummer Glenn Milchem and Killjoys mainman Mike Trebilcock, plus longtime Simply Saucer bassist Kevin Christoff.
International interest in the band has remained strong. A planned U.S. tour was scuttled by the pandemic, but may be reinstated, and Simply Saucer has played select shows stateside.
Reflecting upon the original incarnation of Simply Saucer, Breau explains that “right from the start, working with David Byers from The Shangs, our intent was to form an outsider cult band. It was almost like an ‘us against the world’ thing, which is fun when you’re young.”
longer, and I became a family guy with five children. I kept playing, writing and learning, however.”
That period saw Breau explore different elements of folk music, leading to his solo albums. As Mowat explains to HCM, “Ed’s solo discography is hard to follow, because his initial releases were compilations of material, drawn from a variety of sources, over a period of six years 1988-1994, augmented with 2002-2003 sessions. In the years since, Ed has reconfigured many of these into specific session collections.”
For instance, his acclaimed 2020 album Shadows Of Ecstasy comprises material he recorded back at Grant Avenue in the late 1980s.
“The important thing about the solo material is that all of it originates from his acoustic guitar playing,” says Mowat. “That also involves alternate tunings, which give it a distinct flavour and sound.”
Breau’s official solo debut album was Canadian Primitive, released in 2004, and it vividly showcased his stylistic transition from the psychedelic proto-punk of Simply Saucer to a folk-rooted sound featuring his fluent fingerstyle guitar picking. Influences on this style included renowned American folk guitarist John Fahey and such English folk groups as The Incredible String Band and Pentangle.
Critics termed the Simply Saucer sound “proto-punk,” given these songs were recorded a few years before the punk rock explosion. Breau’s material mixed elements of psychedelia, progressive rock, early
“If you try to walk away from it, you get cognitive dissonance in your life. There is something missing.” n /continued from page 47
But the ’70s brought a self-destructive lifestyle, too. “There were hard drugs, and scary people became involved in what was called the (band HQ) Saucer House. We crashed and burned and that looked like the end of it. I couldn’t live that way any
Subsequent solo releases were Patches of Blue (2012), Edgar Breau (2018), Shadows of Ecstasy (2020), and now Acadian Drifter
As prolific now as ever, this musical veteran has no retirement plans.
LA
isa and Ryan Stewart are the powerhouse team behind Power Pizza, the popular Ottawa Street pizza and wings eatery with the superhero theme, which turns four years old in May.
“We opened during the pandemic in an area that is surrounded by pizza places,” Ryan said, while we sat in the colourful dining area. I asked if that was a concern, and Ryan replied, “not really, we knew we were doing something really different.”
Different is an understatement. Power Pizza is not your usual neighbourhood pizza joint. The menu is filled with unusual flavour combinations, all of which are made from scratch. Lisa happens to be a skilled culinary wiz who spends much of her free time inventing new recipes, like Super Mac Pizza, Pickle Tickle, and the latest taste sensation, Hot Honey Roni. She has also created a sauce lineup that has elevated the restaurant’s wings far above others. They set out to ensure their wings were not an afterthought or a simple pizza addon. Customers keep returning for their wings because of the quality and those housemade sauces, like Caribbean Jerk, Kapow and Vampire Slayer. There are also fully vegan pizza options, as well as gluten-free and keto choices.
Born outside of Canada – Lisa in Guatemala and Ryan in Trinidad – the couple met in Toronto and moved to Hamilton over a decade ago. They are married and share two children, as well as two businesses. Together they also run POSH, an award-winning cleaning service that they say contributes to the success of Power Pizza.
“We know how to clean,” Ryan says. “We vacuum the restaurant daily. Sweeping just pushes dirt into corners.” Power Pizza is indeed inviting, clean, bright and festooned with superhero images created by Ryan himself, a trained graphic designer.
Power Pizza just had some of its best months this winter while many other Hamilton businesses have been shuttering. The restaurant’s involvement in the community is a testament to that success, including a recent collaboration with Simoni Lawrence and Good Shepherd. This ongoing success has allowed for investments in new things like additional seating and the new ice cream bar they just added with an array of fun flavours.
Visit Power Pizza at 134 Ottawa St. N., open daily. n PowerPizza.ca
– Suzanne Zandbergen
By HEATHER PETER
When talking about tacos in and around our city, let’s just say there’s a lot to talk about! That was almost a tongue-twister, wasn’t it? From Tex-Mex fusion styles, to authentic Mexican and Latin American, we really do have a huge variety of choice for these handheld morsels. Let’s delve into some favourite taco spots in Hamilton and Burlington.
Located in the year-round Hamilton Farmers’ Market is the Mexican Kitchen – a favourite stall for Hamiltonians searching out tacos. This small-but-mighty spot’s menu has offerings like tostadas, burritos, tamales and pozole soup, but if it’s tacos you are after, try the soft corn tortillas with chicken, pork, beef or chorizo. The birria tacos are very popular among visitors, and there are veggie options for the non meat-eaters.
35 York Blvd., Hamilton mexicankitchen.ca
IG: mexicankitchenmarket
FB: marketmexicankitchen
Not only does this Hamilton Farmers’ Market stall provide a variety of Latin grocery products, it has a bar stool setup where you can enjoy delectable mix-and-match tacos like chicken mole, panela cheese, or braised achiote pulled pork. Veggie, vegan and gluten-free are available on the menu, too! The team also recently launched tacos gobernador (a shrimp quesa taco served with a consomme). Be sure to check their social media for the details on that special.
35 York Blvd., Hamilton latinfoodshamilton.com
IG: latinfoodshamilton
Flavours Latin Cuisine is a true hidden gem. This corner spot at Parkdale and Queenston serves up delicious Latin American eats like salchipappa, empanadas, tostones, and so much more! For the taco choices, choose from either carnitas, pastor or quesabirria (stuffed with beef shank, beef short ribs and cheese). 261 Queenston Rd., Hamilton flavourslatincuisine.ca FB: flavourslatincuisine
This ever-cool and colourful Tex-Mex spot on George Street off Hess isn’t necessarily what you would call authentic but it does serve up big tasty flavours. And for tacos, there are several to choose from: chicken with pineapple salsa, and crispy charred pork with pickled jalapeno, to spicy carrot with charred corn and braised oyster mushrooms. You can also grab yourself some hard tacos at Amigos!
109 George St., Hamilton amigoshamilton.com | IG: amigoshamont
Bold authentic Mexican flavours and very warm customer service are served out of this mostly takeout spot on King Street. If you find yourself working downtown, or are there for a nearby show, this is a great spot to try out something new. Try the pastor or birria tacos, but you can’t go wrong with any option from the menu.
162 King St. W., Hamilton IG: yourtacomex
EL CABRÓN CANTINA
One of the newest taco spots in the city (and one of the few taco spots on the Mountain) is the wonderful addition of El Cabrón Cantina. It is also one of the few Guatemalan restaurants in Hamilton, bringing something new to our city. Try their platanos con frijoles (plaintains with beans and crema), carne asada beef entrée, and regular or premium tacos like battered shrimp or fish. 310 Crockett St., Hamilton IG: elcabroncantinahamilton
Another Mountain taco spot is Lemon and Ice on Concession. Best known for freshly made smoothies and power bowls (rice, lettuce, greens, vegetables and proteins packed
together with dressings), Lemon and Ice also has a variety of chicken taco choices – some more classic, some more creative. Pick from options such as Southern with corn and BBQ drizzle, chicken caesar, BLT, or Dill Boy with dill pickles and ranch dressing. They often launch new drinks and products seasonally.
780 Concession St., Hamilton lemonandice.ca
IG: lemonandiceconcession
FB: LemonAndIceConcession
If you have ever enjoyed dining out for Mexican food in the city, it is likely you have heard of Mesa. Mesa is one of the classic spots on James Street North and is a Hamiltonian favourite with options like their grilled panela, and giant burritos. For tacos – you can choose from either corn tortillas or flour tortillas and they come in sets of two with your choice of meat or protein. All of their meat options are halal, too.
255 James St N, Hamilton, ON IG: mesahamont
FB: MesaHamilton
Though they may be a brewery first and foremost (serving up brews like their Maiz Corn Pilsner, Caracas Venezuelan Ale, or Parchita Loca Sour Ale), Burlington Brewery is also making a name for its food items, too! Options like tuqueños, empanadas and flautas grace the menu, but there are also hearty servings of birria tacos to enjoy. Burlington Brewery hosts shows, so be sure to check out its social media or events listing on the website for all the details.
3600 Dundas St. Unit G101, Burlington burlingtoncraft.com
IG: burlington_brewery
FB: TheBurlingtonBrewery
MARIA’S
This Stoney Creek spot always gets a lot of love on social media, and for good reason! Maria and her family serve up authentic Mexican street food – with their specialty being their tortas (a Mexican sandwich on a French bun, stuffed to the gills with delicious meats and toppings). In addition to their namesake item, you can enjoy dishes like burritos, nachos, chimichangas – and of course, tacos. Try their chorizo or barbacoa
topped with traditional toppings! 438 Hwy 8 Unit 1, Stoney Creek mariastortasjalisco.com
IG: mariastortasjalisco
LOS MAYAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Inspired by Mayan culture, and serving what they call “Pre-hispanic” dishes, is Los Mayas Mexican. Noteable is the table-side guacamole – made right before your eyes. At Los Mayas, they do more entrée-style dishes such as chicken with chorizo and cheese, carne asada grilled steak, and huevos rancheros. For tacos, you can mix and match with your favourite proteins or choose from some favourites such as steak, shrimp, chorizo, birria and more. They also have a special menu of seafood features, for all the seafood lovers out there. 180 James St. S., Hamilton losmayasmx.com | IG: losmayas.mx
Since “margaritas and tacos” is in the tagline here, as you can expect – it’s done well! Though that isn’t all this colourful spot serves. There is a variety of Mexican favourites on the menu. For margaritas you can choose from frozen, or on the rocks in a whole variety of flavours (tamarind, passionfruit, lime, mango – to name a few), in either alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions. For tacos, you have the choice of proteins like al pastor (pork with pineapple), suadero (slow cooked brisket), milanesa (breaded chicken cutlet) and more. They are all then topped with cilantro and onion, for an authentic Mexican presentation.
236 James St. N., Hamilton IG: el.grito.mexicano
Since its opening in Hamilton back in 2015, The Mule has expanded by leaps and bounds, with five locations now under the Mule umbrella. The menu has remained just as delicious as ever though, with options including patatas bravas, ceviche and spicy Baja wings. For tacos, the ever-popular Brussels sprouts taco with lemon mayo and cotija is a must-try, or the habanero brisket with purple cabbage slaw and pickled cucumbers.
41 King William St., Hamilton themule.ca
IG: themulemakestacos
FB: themuletacos
By DIANE GALAMBOS
Is Barton Street part of the tapestry of your life? Was it ever? I was married on Barton, shopped on Barton, family members worked (and ate lunch) on Barton, rode the Barton bus, and favourite birthday cakes were purchased on Barton. Oh, and there was the circus and hockey.
The street’s origins date back to the early 1800s when it was the main road in Barton Township, which later became part of Hamilton. Stretching from Locke Street to Fifty Road, the 21-kilometre span makes it the longest street in Hamilton. With such a deep history, it’s no surprise that things have come and gone. Readers of a certain age may remember the Barton Street Arena (aka The Forum), which was the site for hockey and other events before being overshadowed by Copps Coliseum. The Centre Mall was built on the site of the Hamilton Jockey Club Racetrack. There was a time when almost every family would have purchased something from Kenesky Sports & Cycle.
As a social hub for the city’s industrial working class, a noteworthy boom period for Barton Street was the early 1960s. The Hamilton Spectator’s Steve Buist describes the section from Wellington to Ottawa streets as “the meatiest … an economic engine for the city, a sturdy backbone of business, a commercial heart that helped keep Hamilton healthy.”
The opening of malls, super centres, an increased use of cars, and suburban sprawl are only a few of the reasons cited for the shift in the street’s status. Its history is undeniably one of a rocky road, but many households and businesses are embracing Barton Street neighbourhoods again –fighting and changing negative stereotypes. Admittedly, while there are boardedup windows interspersed with gentrified storefronts, our focus is on a few Barton Street “food gems.” Nowhere else in Hamilton have I encountered such a cluster of creative, intrepid entrepreneurs with the fortitude
and determination that community building demands.
The intersection of James and Barton has seen some recent closures, but rumours about a possible jazz club being opened by The Other Bird promise to add to that neighbourhood’s energy.
MOSAIC NEIGHBOURHOOD BAR
431 Barton St. E. mosaichamilton.ca | IG: mosaichamilton
Mosaic describes itself as the kind of casual place where everyone feels like a regular –whether it’s the first or 50th visit. Fourteen rotating craft beers, cocktails and mocktails can be enjoyed with shareables including the crowd favourite charcuterie boards and warm pretzels with cheese dip. “Laid back” is paired with “lively” with events including weekly trivia, karaoke, open mic nights and beer tastings. In their words: “No fuss, no frills—just good times, great drinks, and a space where everyone’s welcome.”
301 Barton St. E.
IG: comma_lots_more_
Some blocks away, there’s no shortage of energy at Comma Café. Reservations are advised for this thriving, year-old, tastefully renovated space, steps away from the General Hospital. The talented trio of Stacey Chang, Phoebe Kuo and Alice Shih – each with impressive culinary CVs – is behind the café’s food and beverage wizardry. Open early and closing at 3 p.m., they deliver an eclectic breakfast/brunch menu that includes classics, bennies, sandwiches and Hong Kong-style French toast. Their beverages are unique, delicious and satisfying. With top marks for service, they take time to describe menu specialties. Their future may include an expansion to Burlington.
305 Barton St. E. jwaldronbutchers.com | IG: j.waldron_butchers
The days of walking through an alley to a modified garage to find Jamie Waldron’s Butcher shop are gone, replaced in July 2024 with a lovely storefront. Waldron’s website details his decades of experience (including authoring a butchering handbook), leaving no doubt about his expertise and values –sustainability, quality, and community – in his work with small-scale Ontario farmers.
Marking his fifth anniversary, the enterprise has evolved to include sales of prepared foods including sausages, meat pies, terrines, chicken wings, butter chicken, chili, bourguignon, braised lamb shanks and meatballs in sauce. Butchery workshops are also available. Says Waldron: “Locationwise, we are proud to be part of the Barton Village community with all of the other small businesses and the people who live and/or work here … my experience on this street has been nothing short of positive.”
304 Barton St. E. verlan.ca | IG: creperieverlan
Verlan has links to Bronte’s now closed La Parisienne, which was founded by the parents of Mikael Colas. He continued the hospitality adventure with his partner Courtney Colas. Once in Hamilton, Courtney became the main player, soon joined by her mother, Trish Davies from Australia. Davies
MAISY’S PEARL LOBSTER ROLL AND OYSTERS ARE ONLY A HINT OF ALL THEY HAVE TO OFFER.
PHOTO: MAISY’S PEARL
now runs the show, with Courtney running Bistro Réunion – her dream project – near Morriston. Crêperie Verlan offers a unique French-Australian fusion, featuring signature crêpes and toasties – panini-like sandwiches – a nod to Aussie café culture. Charm is the best word to describe the indoor and patio spaces. The wee marché tempts you to shop before heading home.
340 Barton St. E. eldercamp.ca | IG: eldercamp.ca
In a space that 1911 city plans show as a Chinese laundry, Kathryn Dieroff opened ElderCamp, which had its previous chapter at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. The move to Barton brings her full-circle back to the area where her grandparents once lived. The skilled Dieroff left 20 years of goldsmithing to embrace food. The stars at the new location are the delicious pretzels. They are made fresh daily in various flavours and served with several dips. Pretzels sandwiches are creative and part of the brunch menu that includes Bennies on cornbread, sourdough potato loaf French toast, and a “Brotzeit” (bread time) plate that features a pretzel, dip, pickled egg, pickles, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The new location enables Dieroff to focus on the fermenting, pickling and preserving parts of the business –including house-fermented yogurt. Top off a visit with a beverage made from one of the house-made syrups!
MAISY’S PEARL OYSTER BAR
342 Barton St. E. maisyspearl.com | IG: maisyspearl
David Burns could be called an oyster sommelier who talks about “meroir,” not terroir. Learning his craft at Rodney’s in Toronto, he reckons he’s shucked seven million oysters, winning countless accolades and competitions along the way. (Burns shares his skill via shucking classes.) More important than that skill is his deep knowledge of oysters and seafood, after travelling extensively seeking quality products and befriending farmers who share his passion. Maisy’s Pearl – named after his daughters – opened in fall 2023, five years after he and his wife Brooke moved to Hamilton. Fresh oysters share the spotlight with a full coastal seafood menu with vegan options, all made from scratch. The intimate (largely bar) space is packed every night, with diners enjoying Burns’s skills and stories. Burns says he likes the grit of the neighbourhood and “every single night my heart is just exploding with joy” because of the vibe and patron interactions.
339 Barton St. E. crumbled.ca | IG: crumbledhamilton
Angela Laurenciano – a food artist and chocolatier – and her husband Matthew Ridley, are the new owners of this unique dessert shop that was established in 2018. Being a resident of Barton Village and a talented food artist who has always wanted her own shop, it was an easy decision to purchase the business. Crumbled cake bowls layer crumbled sponge cake with icing and toppings. Added to this classic offering are now cleverly designed cake pops sold individually or as part of a cake-pop-fruitchocolate edible display. Laurenciano has added 16 flavours of Kawartha Dairy ice cream and milkshakes to the menu and has leveraged her creativity to offer beautiful custom cakes.
353 Barton St. E. wildcathamilton.com | IG: wildcat.hamont
Wildcat has become known as the pre-eminent spot for hot dogs in the city and readers of a certain age may rush to visit once they know how they are made. /continued on next page
Wildcat uses a vintage Dogeroo rotisserie, often mesmerizing patrons as it rotates and cooks the 10-inch dogs – though the snack menu offers even more. This inviting neighbourhood watering hole is run by a couple who live in the neighbourhood –Jenna Firsht and Ian Leipurts. They offer a range of beverages and strive to keep prices fair, welcoming folks from all walks of life. It’s been described as one of the most friendly bars in the city. Their motto? “We pride ourselves on warm service, cold beer, and no pretensions.”
CHARCUTERIE & CHEESE
357 Barton St. E.
bartonsalumeria.com
IG: bartonsalumeria
For Eric Muller and his wife Ikuko Matsumoto, their passion project for curing meats quickly gained a loyal following among friends and family. Supporting local farms and producers, their house-cured meats are made from locally raised Berkshire pork, prized for its marbling and deep flavour. Combine that with expertly curated cheese and beverage selections and enticing snacking plates and you get Salumeria. A warm, intimate setting invites you to dine in from a seasonally changing menu or order charcuterie boards or stunning “grazing tables” for larger events. Service is attentive. They are pleased “to be part of Barton’s growing reputation as a hub for great food and drink.”
359 Barton St. E.
motelrestaurant.com | IG: motelrestaurant
Motel is a veteran of the latest Barton Street resurgence, celebrating its eighth anniversary in June. Offering a decadent brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., reservations
MOTEL’S
are advised. Expect decadence in a space with a fun Miami Beach vibe. The signature dish is Champagne pancakes with Devonshire cream, raspberry coulis and real gold flakes towering above the plate. Also popular is Je Suis Bleu – hotcakes with blueberry compote and Chantilly whipped cream. I Am Vegan delivers a hearty salad with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and pomegranates. Motel’s cocktails pair well with the menu and the summer patio is worth a visit.
BARTON LETTUCE
337 Barton St. E.
bartonlettuce.com | IG: bartonlettuce
Since May 2021, Alexandra and Matt Sinclair run the kind of small independent grocery store that every neighbourhood envies. They offer high-quality produce and groceries at affordable prices and support local farmers and producers. To your shopping basket, you can add coffee, fresh bread, baked goods, cheese, dairy products,
and vegetarian food. Top it all off with plants, cut flowers and seasonal gift baskets. No surprise that they received the top rating (diamond) in the Hamilton Spectator’s 2024 Readers’ Choice category for best fresh produce. The Sinclairs believe that everyone should have access to fresh food and a welcoming shopping experience.
DAWSON’S HOT SAUCE
435 Barton St. E.
dawsonshotsauce.com | IG: dawsonshotsauce
sweetheartssyrup.com | IG: sweetheartssyrup
Brodie Dawson launched his hot sauce enterprise in 2013 and, partnering with his father Bruce, moved the retail and wholesale business to a Barton Street storefront in late 2020. Being featured more than once on YouTube’s Hot Ones, which features celebrity hot sauce tastings, has yielded international attention. The thriving business released six new sauces last year alone and the Barton location now has a small manufacturing space. With Brodie Dawson’s partner Vanessa Robak, they started a simple syrup company called Sweethearts Syrup Co., with products available at the Barton shop. They offer creative flavour combos for use in spirited/ non-spirited cocktails. You can find Dawson’s sauce in all Loblaws stores, but it doesn’t beat a visit to Barton.
HAMILTON PROP HOUSE
422 Barton St. E.
hamiltonprophouse.com
IG: hamiltonprophouse
Simon Winterson, CEO of Digital Canaries Film Studios has a “glass is always full” philosophy – full of creative ideas for Prop House. The exterior offers no clue that the indoor space is filled with countless props and set pieces. Since July 2024, they’ve been artfully arranged to create spaces (which they call cine-minis) where you can enjoy
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coffee, cocktails/mocktails and snacks. It’s ideal for individuals, couples or groups to work or socialize and for creatives or entrepreneurs to collaborate. Winterson’s guided tour comes with delightful stories about prop sources – from productions such as The Handmaid’s Tale or Netflix’s Drink Masters. Most mind-blowing is the train car filled with authentic seating and luggage. Prop House is also used as an event space for live performances, games nights, filming and even cocktail classes. Winterson’s goal is to create a place of inspiration and discovery.
541 Barton St. E. fivefortyone.ca | IG: 541barton
541 is a non-profit café working with mostly volunteers to support its local community. Known in part for its “pay it forward” button jar, patron contributions ensure that all visitors can enjoy affordable breakfast, lunch, treats, and beverages. Ask about the catering service.
627 Barton St. E. nannyandbulls.ca | IG: nannyandbulls Drinks, snacks and good times in a warm, nostalgic, casual neighbourhood haunt. That’s what you’re promised by partners Brad Richards, his brother Jeff Richards and his wife Lexi McKenna – the latter two being the faces you’ll see most often. Named after the owners’ grandparents, no surprise that they’ve
bartonvillage.ca | IG: barton_village
Barton Village is only one segment of Barton Street, but it does have a BIA (business improvement area) headed by Nadine Ubl. She sees her district making a comeback and believes that there are eateries acting like beacons, bringing people to the area to “re-fall” in love with the city’s North End and with Barton. The Barton Village Festival on June 14 is a good start.
aimed for a mid-century vibe including a “rumpus room” for small groups. “We’re so happy that the community is as excited as we are!” and that welcome is mirrored in their promotion of their neighbours. They suggest dining at Maipai, taking in a feature at the renovated Playhouse Cinema and winding down at Nanny’s. Their goal? “Just a nice place for nice folks.”
631 Barton St. E. maipai.ca | IG: maipaitiki
The pizza that is at the core of this eatery has won countless awards – local and international. Salar Madadi’s food journey has involved a food cart, a tent, a food truck, and poke joint Pokeh before he settled on pizza, wings, salads and a Tiki bar. Maipai turns out fabulous Detroit-style pizzas –square, with thick crusts and lacey, crispy cheesy edges that they call a cheese crown. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options are on offer. Like the tropical Tiki ambiance, the beverage menu is also an attraction. The choice of rums is like a world tour. Non-alcoholic cocktail/drink options have expanded. The net result is that Maipai is routinely booked weeks in advance so reservations are a must. Check out the merch, which includes T-shirts and Tiki mugs if there are none in your mom’s basement.
657 Barton St. E. hottiessmashburgers.com
IG: hotties.smashburgers
Hotties opened in 2023, but assuming it was hot/spicy foods, I never visited. Not
so. Despite the use of “flame” icons, the spiciest thing on the menu is the optional jalapeno sauce. “Hot” hints at the warm welcome and atmosphere. Coming from a hospitality family, Ted Taras and his wife Maui began with pop-up eateries before settling in Hamilton. The burgers are literally smashed on a very hot flat-top resulting in a delicious lacy, flavourful skirt around the edges. Impossible brand burgers and awardwinning beef franks served on Martin’s potato rolls are also available. Don’t be surprised if you bump into Ticat players.
737 Barton St. E.
wingporium.ca/sports-bar-hamilton
IG: wingporiumhamilton
Opened in the renovated 1934 Prince Edward Tavern, Wingporium has become a casual neighbourhood sports bar popular on game days. The wings can be dry, dusted or non-dusted, with sauce on the side, or sauced and grilled. The brand offers a creative list of 88 sauces grouped as mild, hot, or suicide. Daily features and sides, salads, tacos, handhelds and burgers add to the options.
762 Barton St. E.
IG: karlikpastrybakery
About a decade ago, Luba and Boris Mudrak took over Karlik’s European-style bakery (established in the 1950s) and continued producing the same products with the same recipes – plus some additions from their Ukrainian/Eastern European customs. You may have purchased their baked goods at a local deli or the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, but a visit to their Barton storefront offers the maximum experience. Their baked goods are made fresh and include special occasion platters and seasonal traditional sweets. In my home, their Dobos torte is a family staple. Luba says: “Everything we do is with passion and love.” No doubt about that. n
MORE ONLINE: scan the qr code for a long list of other delicious options on b arton s treet. hamiltoncitymagazine.ca
By MEREDITH M ac LEOD
LISA STROUD was born in west Hamilton and knew from a very young age that though she was born a boy, she was meant to be a girl. She had a 35-year career as a pipefitter/gasfitter/ plumber at ArcelorMittal Dofasco and raised a son with an ex-wife. During her working years she lived a double life, and only expressed herself as a woman outside of the factory. After retiring in 2007, she decided to live as Lisa full-time and had gender-affirming surgery in 2020 at the age of 67. She’s now taken up acting and modelling and has been in more than a dozen productions since 2021.
Where did you grow up?
In Hamilton, in the west end. My grandparents lived on our street, Stroud Road. It was named after them and Stroud Park is at the end. The original farmhouse is still here and my grandfather built the house beside it. It’s still there. I went to Prince Philip school, which is gone, and then I went to Dalewood and then to Westdale. I was the baby, with an older sister and brother.
What was your childhood like?
I had a pretty lonely childhood, only because I had this feeling inside and yet I wanted to be like my brother, because he was very athletic. I played baseball. I played hockey. When I got to Westdale, they wanted me to play football because I was big, which I did, but I just wanted to dress up, right. I mean, I got caught so many times, so many times. My sister tells me I was three when she and my mother first caught me dressing up. I guess I was about 14 or 15 and my mom gives me a package. I open it and it’s bras and panties. And she said, “Now stay out of my stuff.” That was the best thing. I found out later from my sister and that (my mom) was going to doctors and talking about it. They told her it was just a phase and I would change. Wrong. I knew something was wrong, and I always thought I was totally alone. It was years before I ever heard the word transgender and I knew that was me.
Was your dad aware?
I don’t know what my dad knew (when I was a kid). But after I got divorced, he called me into the bathroom, and we had a nice talk, and I told him I can’t go on with this. And he made me promise that I would treat people how I wanted to be treated. I told him I never disrespect anybody. He ended up dying a little later. He died in my arms of a heart attack and then my mother died a year and a half later.
What was it like to work in such a maledominated work setting?
I applied for the fire department but when it came to the physical part, I didn’t do well. So I applied for Dofasco and got a call right away. I went into the labour pool. Then I lucked out and they sent me to Humber College for training. I went to different places in the plant but I ended up in central maintenance. Every week was something different, which I loved. But I stayed to myself. I didn’t socialize. I came to work, did
my job and went home. After I got divorced, I met a man and we were together until he unfortunately died in 2000. I felt that I had to be very careful with anything I said at work, so I didn’t say much but I was still verbally assaulted for 30 years.
In 1998, I had a major, near-fatal accident. I fell off a ladder. I was off for 61 months and had 16 operations, on both elbows both knees, some discs in my back. I returned (to work) to repair tools for about a year but then that shop was shut down and I was forced to retire.
Why did it take you so long to fully embrace your transition?
I was going to the Clark Institute (in Toronto) for group sessions. I went for five years because I had to prove this is what I wanted. There were people there who ended their life because they lost their kids and their families and their jobs (when they came out as trans). They lost everything. When I got divorced, my son was four years old. I knew I couldn’t risk losing him. So I just kept living a double life. I regret I didn’t do it sooner but I am blessed. Both my ex and my son say they have never seen me so happy.
What was the reaction of your ex and your son to your transition?
One day in 2014, I called my ex and my son and said I wanted to have them over for dinner. My ex is a typical Jewish mother and she goes, “What do you want to tell us? Why do you want to have dinner?” I said, “Settle down, we’ll have dinner, we’ll have a glass of wine, then I’ll tell you.” So that’s when I told them. I said, “I’m actually going through with this. I can’t live anymore as him.” She turns to me and says, “What took you so effing long?” My son said, “Why don’t you just carry on dressing up, Pops?” I told him he just didn’t understand. He’s been super. My son drove me to my surgery in Montreal and 10 days later he came back and drove me home. The surgeon and nurse told him, you’ve got to take it easy. You’ve got to stop every hour. It took a long time to get home.
Has acting always been something you aspired to?
Well, I’ve been acting all my life. I pretended I was a boy for most of my life. How it all started with the film and TV, I saw a post on Facebook and it said they were looking for extras. I didn’t know what that meant, I won’t lie, but I put my name in and all of a sudden they called. It was in Dundas. It was a comedy called Pink Is In.
I love every form of art. I like to sketch, I like to draw. I love photography. And now my new love is acting. I’ve played a trans woman caring for a spouse with dementia in Help Us Remain. I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve been in a dozen movies. The latest one, I don’t know if it’s still playing or not, was called Trap. It’s an actionpacked movie with Josh Hartnett.
You have been attacked twice. Can you tell us about that?
I was sexually assaulted almost three years ago. It was mid-afternoon, right out in the open, right out on the street. I was waiting for a friend. Then a year ago, I was leaving The Well (a queer bar), late at night. I don’t go out that often, but I was asked to come down because one of the performers I’ve known for years, it was her birthday. I don’t know if (the assailant) followed me out or they were waiting. I was walking to my car. It was definitely a hate crime. I was wearing the Star of David and I’m trans. I got attacked from behind and they punched me repeatedly. I lost many teeth and couldn’t do any (acting) roles for seven months.
The community rallied around you after your attack and helped you with the cost of replacing your teeth. What was that like?
I was staying in my apartment. I felt embarrassed. I couldn’t eat much. I had to put everything on a credit card because my insurance wouldn’t cover anything. I couldn’t work for months. But then there was a GoFundMe started by the head of a casting agency and I got some money from the police through a victims’ fund. There was another GoFundMe started by Wolfe, (a leader in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community) who lives here in Hamilton. People raised about $17,000 or $18,000. The total was about $28,000 for five implants. I didn’t want to accept anything. I have never had my hand out for anything in my life. So this has been different for me, but I’m very grateful. n
THIS
scan the qr code to read more about incite and the legacy of carl and kate turkstra.
The incite Foundation for the Arts has contributed more than $9 million to 50 Hamilton-area organizations, through grants from $2,500 to $300,000, since it was founded in 2011. It is the legacy of the late Carl and Kate Turkstra who believed the arts are key to quality of life and critical to the future of Hamilton. And they believed anyone, regardless of circumstance, should be able to enjoy and pursue music, theatre and visual art. HAMILTON CITY Magazine is showcasing the incredible, creative and talented recipients of incite grants. Here we share the work of the Ancaster Music Society.
The Ancaster Music Society is a rising force in the classical and crossover-classical music scene. Founded in October 2023 by violinist Megan Jones and Jacqui Templeton Muir, the organization emerged from a desire to fill a gap in Ancaster’s arts landscape.
A conversation with Colin Lapsley, executive director of the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, revealed the need for a dedicated classical music program and this remark immediately sparked ideas, vision and a new venture for both Templeton Muir and Jones. They embarked – almost overnight – on an ambitious journey to build the Ancaster Music Society, incorporating under the name of the Great Lakes Music Makers. They have their eye on expanding beyond Ancaster. With the help of a trusted business friend, Templeton Muir and Jones assembled their
first concert series called Captivating Classics. They engaged talented artists and secured local sponsors for the five-concert series that ran September to May in its first season. Their primary mission is to provide musical performances of the highest quality, offering a platform for both emerging and established musicians. At its core, Great Lakes Music Makers and the Ancaster Music Society is about more than just performances. Jones and Templeton Muir wanted it to be about building connections and fostering a rich cultural experience for audiences and musicians alike.
Templeton Muir emphasizes the vital role local businesses have played in supporting the venture through donations, advertising, door prizes, and regular attendance. “From day one, we felt the community had our
backs,” she says, “and they fully appreciated our top priority: dedication to fair, industrybased compensation ensuring a supportive environment for artists. So often musicians are asked to play for reduced fees. People know that musicians love to play, so it is easy to get them to agree to play for less than they deserve. We didn’t want that.”
Connections fostered with organizations such as Guelph Musicfest, the Hamilton Conservatory of Music, the Hamilton Philharmonic and McMaster University have expanded the reach. The 2024 holiday gala fundraiser for the An Instrument for Every Child program of The Hamilton Music Collective, reinforced their determined commitment to community engagement.
Despite strong enthusiasm in every corner, getting the word out has been challenging. A turning point came in June 2024 when the amazing incite Foundation awarded a threeyear sponsorship. This provided financial stability and allowed a strong focus on attracting top-tier musical ensembles.
“This support allowed me to sleep nights,” says Templeton Muir. “Incite’s philosophy of supporting experimentation, enthusiasm, and artistic integrity has proven invaluable in sustaining so many arts organizations in and around our home. Where so many granting bodies put up impossible criteria for success in the early years of a program, incite looks deeper and further into the aims and objectives, the intentions and aspirations of each applicant. How fortunate we are to have this organization in our Hamilton arts corner.” Looking ahead, Captivating Classics enters its third season in September with a strong foundation and a dedicated audience. Though Jones now resides in the Ottawa Valley, she remains actively involved, while the Great Lakes Music Makers board – including local business owners, residents, and musicians – provides unwavering support and a true musical fellowship. n
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