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ALL WRAPPED UP
It is hard to believe that this is our third holiday issue and it wraps the end of our second full year of production here at HAMILTON CITY Magazine! If it’s your first time seeing us, we are glad you are with us. If you’ve been a loyal reader since the beginning, we couldn’t have done any of this without you. We are delivering a packed issue, with 18 pages of amazing gift ideas from local artisans, creators and businesses. But that’s not all – scan the QR code on the cover to be taken to our online version with additional gift-giving suggestions. Break out your list – it’s time to shop!
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In this edition, we also feature the critical work of the Hamilton is Home housing coalition and St. Matthew’s House street outreach. We highlight some fantastic places to eat, profile some interesting Hamiltonians, and share some great local books and albums
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Many thanks and all the best for the holidays!
– The HCM team
SHHHH! DON’T TELL THE KIDS, BUT SANTA IS DAVID MILMINE AND PHINEUS THE ELF IS MYKE HUTCHINGS. READ ALL ABOUT THEM ON PAGE 62! AND SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE A VIDEO OF OUR COVER SHOOT! PHOTO: MARTA HEWSON FOR HCM
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ON THE COVER: CHRISTMAS PERFORMERS DAVID MILMINE and MYKE HUTCHINGS
by Marta Hewson for HAMILTON
CITY Magazine
INSIDE
THE HEADLINERS
8/ SWINGING FOR THE FENCES
Rebuilding a culture of civic ambition is paramount as Hamilton’s downtown faces the choice to stagnate and slide backwards or realize its potential by refusing to settle for good enough.
12/ NO PLACE LIKE HOME
A coalition of Hamilton charities is building deeply affordable housing. The big question remains: Will the provincial government fund services that will keep vulnerable people in those units?
22/ THE LEGENDS OF CHCH
The Red Green Show , The Hilarious House of Frightenstein and Tiny Talent Time are enduring parts of the history of Hamilton and its TV station.
46/ A PLACE FOR WEIRD DREAMS
The Staircase Theatre and Café has been both a critical indie arts venue and a home for artists across Hamilton for 28 years. It’s a place where creatives of all kinds can take risks.
56/ COZY COMFORT
There is nothing like a hot bowl of soup, stew, curry or noodles when we are chilled to the bone in late fall or winter. Luckily, we have a whole host of delicious options right at our frosty fingertips.
62/ EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS
David Milmine and Myke Hutchings have been friends for 35 years and since 2017, they’ve been performing together as Santa and the curmudgeonly Phineus the Elf. They work year round to bring the magic of the North Pole to kids young and ever-young.
Your Ultimate GIFT GUIDE for the holidays
18 PAGES OF HANDPICKED PRESENTS AND EXPERIENCES. EXPLORE IDEAS THAT CATER TO EVERY PERSONALITY AND BUDGET! pg24
Photographed
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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
CITY LIFE IS SPONSORED BY CHCH – A CHANNEL ZERO COMPANY
A Hamilton holiday staple
JR DIGS HAS CREATED A HEARTFELT CHRISTMAS SHOW THAT BRINGS TOGETHER THE CITY’S MUSICAL POWERHOUSES FOR A FUNDRAISER THAT SIMPLY AIMS TO DO SOME GOOD.
By Stephen Brunt
Let’s get one thing straight. The JR Digs Acoustic Christmas concert, which returns for the 17th time on Dec. 23, is not really acoustic at all.
Oh, there will be musicians strumming un-electrified guitars on stage at the Music Hall.
Anyone who heard Luke Bentham and Kyle Fisher of local punk heroes the Dirty Nil teaming up with Dave Baksh and Jason “Cone” McCaslin from Sum 41 the past two years, or transplanted maritimers The Trews rocking out as the de facto house band, or special guests The Beaches blowing the roof off understand that somewhere along the way, somebody turned up the volume.
But no one is demanding truth-in-advertising. The tickets will sell out in a heartbeat once more and the hall will be packed with folks who have fallen in love with the evening’s unique vibe, when for one night it feels like the city has been shrunk to a small town – one with a great big beating heart.
The Hamilton holiday staple is founded, fronted and inspired by the inimitable Digs, and features both homegrown talent and musicians who have moved to Hamilton in recent years.
The regulars include Tom Wilson, Max Kerman and Mike DeAngelis from Arkells, the aforementioned Trews, Tyler Kyte and Champagne James Robertson from Dwayne Gretzky and country star Tim Hicks. They are joined each year by a surprise guest or two, their identity revealed only when they take the stage – a list that has included Randy Bachman, JulyTalk, Brett Emmons from The Glorious Sons, Gord Sinclair from The Tragically Hip and last year Brad Roberts from Crash Test Dummies.
Persuading musicians to turn up and play for free two nights before Christmas isn’t the easiest thing. Persuading a whole supporting cast, from sound crew to accountants to a security team to a large cadre of volunteers to give up their time and provide everything necessary to stage a full-on concert would seem a near-impossible task.
No one involved gets paid. And every dollar raised through the concert and the separate, elaborate after-party which follows – last year, the number was $360,000 – goes directly to a host of local charities.
The common denominator is Digs, the great persuader, whose manic spirit can’t conceal the fact that he’s a force for good. n
PHOTO: MAX KERMAN MORE ONLINE: YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS STEPHEN BRUNT’S TALE OF HOW JR DIGS MADE THIS SHOW HAPPEN. SCAN THE QR CODE
SWINGING FOR THE FENCES
REBUILDING A CULTURE OF CIVIC AMBITION IS PARAMOUNT AS HAMILTON’S DOWNTOWN FACES THE CHOICE TO STAGNATE AND SLIDE BACKWARDS OR REALIZE ITS POTENTIAL BY REFUSING TO SETTLE FOR GOOD ENOUGH.
By PAUL SHAKER
Even the most ardent city booster would be forgiven for feeling a bit discouraged about Hamilton these days. After painstakingly crawling out of the doldrums of decline over the past 20 years, we are in a period of stagnation and in danger of sliding backwards. The wake-up call was back in August when a group of business people went to City council to sound the alarm over the state of downtown. Many things were mentioned including crime, cleanliness and the general economic state of the core. Since then, there have been numerous experiences shared in the local media about first-hand encounters with the challenges faced by people in the community as they navigate their life around the city.
Let’s not sugar-coat things folks, it ain’t good. However, in the life of the city, we have been here before and we need to get things back on track. So, where to begin? Whether it’s tackling larger issues like homelessness, or the everyday concerns of municipal life like fixing potholes or collecting garbage or building safer streets, it all starts with the
type of civic culture we want. On the one hand, a risk-adverse culture is only going to perpetuate the status quo, while having a culture of ambition focuses on taking things to the next level. It’s what keeps us from sliding into the mindset that “good is good enough.” It’s the difference between managing problems and solving them. Moreover, ambition makes Hamilton punch above its weight.
Why ambition? Well, let’s begin with some historical inspiration – Hamilton’s longtime nickname, “The Ambitious City.” It is the title of books, it’s put on T-shirts and generally used as a rally cry for those who seek great things for our city. Of late, it might elicit an eye-roll given the current state of things. The phrase itself had conflicting origins. It was first used by a reporter in Toronto’s Globe newspaper in 1847. He referred to Hamilton as “the Ambitious City” in a derisive way. It suggested that Hamilton had ambitions far exceeding its capabilities. In response, Hamilton Spectator editor Robert Smiley reclaimed the nickname, writing that the Ambitious City was a proud and perfect descriptor of a community with great
potential.
Aside from what you might think of the nickname, the meaning behind it, the aspirational tone, is something worth striving for. Indeed, that tone is what has driven many achievements in Hamilton over the years. The examples are all around us. In the 1920s and 1930s, this type of thinking led to the creation of the Royal Botanical Gardens. It’s what led Hamilton to being known as “The Electric City” that helped create an industrial powerhouse. More recent generations cast their gaze to the waterfront and noticed a jewel in the rough. Where some saw landfills and pollution, others saw potential that led to the creation of Bayfront Park in 1995, which kickstarted the process of waterfront reclamation that we see today.
Hamilton’s arts and culture are also a testament to civic ambition, from the Art Gallery of Hamilton to Theatre Aquarius and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Sixteen years ago, Supercrawl was founded, transforming a local street festival into a major annual event recognized nationally. If you are ever in need of a reminder of Hamilton’s vibrant and exciting potential, do yourself a favour and spend time at Supercrawl.
So we have many examples of ambition to draw inspiration from. This brings us to the current state of affairs. Pick any one of the number of issues confronting the community
LET’S LEAVE ‘GOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH’ BEHIND AND RECLAIM OUR AMBITIOUS ASPIRATIONS AGAIN, WRITES PAUL SHAKER.
PHOTO: MEREDITH M AC LEOD
and ask are we striving to be “good enough” or are we aiming for a more ambitious goal? Let’s start with the issue of downtown. The current uproar of concern for the core is actually positive in that it shows many people care about the state of the heart of the city. They understand the importance of a thriving downtown and want to see things fixed. Downtown is the single largest employment node in the city, with thousands of people coming to work each day. It’s very important to the economic vitality of Hamilton and an emotional barometer for the health of the city overall. Unfortunately, there are a number of signs of strain in the core that are making it less hospitable. Like it or not, garbage, crime and open drug use are realities that make people feel less welcome downtown. Businesses are saying it is threatening their livelihoods and some public sector offices have vacated the core.
In response, there appears to be two reactions. First, is the desire to actually fix a number of these issues. Given the importance of downtown, there is a sense of urgency backed by the civic ambition that Hamilton needs and deserves a thriving core. While there are a variety of solutions proposed, there is an underlying belief that this greater goal is worth fighting for. The second reaction is to accept the state of things as inevitable and beyond our capacity to address (this includes the tired refrain to just avoid downtown altogether). This is “good enough” thinking at its finest.
Similar thinking can be applied to the city’s transformational light-rail transit project. As we wait (and wait) for progress on this initiative, we should remember that LRT is a starting point, not the finish line. LRT is the backbone of a broader plan for the city, not just a transit project. Instead of still thinking about the short-term, we need to talk more about the larger end goal. Some might say the goal is to just get the single east-west line built. That is perfectly understandable given the start/stop history of the project, but what about something more ambitious? How about a goal that seeks to make Hamilton the most sustainably connected city in North America? That not only sounds great, but makes the most economic sense when you consider that our current urban form is what is driving up property taxes, year over year, and creating a
massive infrastructure deficit. LRT should be viewed as step one towards the larger goal.
On the environmental front, we are still dealing with the aftermath of the massive spill into Cootes Paradise that saw 24 billion litres of sewage discharged into Chedoke Creek. While short-term clean-up is a laudable immediate goal, let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Cootes Paradise is an amazing natural asset. It contains a 320-hectare marsh, 16 creeks and 25 kilometres of shoreline. It is designated a nationally important area for birds, as hundreds of species use Cootes Paradise at some point during the year. The marsh is home to the highest concentration of plant species in Canada at more than 750 native species. Cootes is designated a national historic site and an important area for amphibians and reptiles. Add to this the trail networks and the adjacent natural areas of the Royal Botanical Gardens that owns and manages the site. All of this is five minutes from the centre of a city of more than 500,000 people. How many major urban centres have an ecological treasure so accessible to the population?
On that score, Cootes Paradise provides an outsized boost to quality of life and should be a priority for investment. Looking ahead, cleaning up Chedoke Creek and Cootes should only be the first step. There is no reason why the area can’t have its status elevated to that of a provincial or national park. Combine that with the Niagara escarpment, the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that travels through the centre of the community, and its Bruce Trail, and Hamilton can boast some of the best urban ecological assets in North America.
At the end of the day, it’s all about civic culture and how we see ourselves – what kind of city we are and what kind of city we want to be. Urban problems whether economic, social or environmental are not new and we’ve been here before. However, it’s more important to remember that decade after decade, it has taken the engagement of the whole community speaking up and confronting challenges by expressing ambition to build a better city. It’s time to do it again. n
Paul Shaker is a Hamilton-based urban planner and principal with Civicplan.
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FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON
THIS REGULAR FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO HAVE EMBRACED HAMILTON AS THEIR NEW HOME.
scan the qr code: to r ead the full interview, including BenMergui’s thoughts on aging and late-in-life reinvention
RALPH BENMERGUI was born in Morocco and came to Toronto as a child. His life has been constant reinvention. He has interviewed thousands of people on TV and radio, from celebrities to politicians to regular people, during a long career at CBC and later at JazzFM91. He has also hosted, written and co-produced critically acclaimed documentaries like My Israel, God Bless America and 5 Seekers and hosts two podcasts. He has served as executive advisor to political and academic leaders, while becoming an ordained spiritual director. In 2020, he released his autobiography. I Thought He Was Dead: A Spiritual Memoir. He is married, lives in Kirkendall and has four sons.
NEW DIRECTIONS
What prompted you to move from Toronto to Hamilton?
I’m fundamentally a Torontonian. I wasn’t born in Canada. I was born in Morocco. But I was quite young when we got here to Toronto, and I’d say I spent over 50 years living there, and it got to a point for me where I felt like I didn’t really recognize my city anymore. It seemed too full without the proper infrastructure for that to be OK. So everything was about urgency, making sure you didn’t get a parking ticket. You have to pay to park on your own street. I have two older children and two younger children, and the number three child at the time was already going to school in Toronto, and he was anxious, sitting in the car, that we weren’t going to get there. Also, it had become very expensive. It’s a much more expensive city than Hamilton. I need to live in a city, not a bedroom city, and Hamilton was a city, with its own character, so my wife and I started coming out here.
How would you describe this city as a place to work as an author and overall creative person?
You know, in Toronto, I could go out for lunches with people, different people, networking all the time, and the next job would come from that. In Hamilton, I have spent almost the entire time working from home. Like right now, I’m in my office, which is our garage as well. It’s insulated, it’s nice. But I miss that kind of connectivity I had. When I got here, there was a lot of talk about music city and culture. I still don’t find it’s really come together that way. You know, I think there’s a lot of creative people here, but I don’t think there’s an infrastructure that supports being here.
What is your hope for Hamilton?
The aspiration isn’t high enough in this city. I think Hamilton could become, and this would really turn things on its head, the greenest city in Canada. Imagine steel city, with fire coming out of a chimney, becoming the greenest steel production, the greenest community, the greenest sustainable energy, the green everything. The people who aren’t from Hamilton don’t know about the green part of Hamilton. You know, my wife and I are on the rail trail for 20 kilometre rides, Chedoke, the Bruce Trail, Princess Point, Burlington Beach, waterfalls … When people
come here and see these things, they can’t believe it. I don’t think the leadership that I’ve witnessed since I’ve been here really dares to dream. We should be bold.
Was there something that surprised you about Hamilton after moving here?
Yes, it was how much green space and great trails and waterfalls there were to explore just minutes away from our house.
What Hamilton arts or cultural events do you most look forward to attending?
Plays at Theatre Aquarius, The Playhouse cinema on any night, art crawls and Supercrawl. I wish there were some more live venues, especially for jazz.
Is there a book written by a local author that sticks with you?
John Terpstra’s The Boys, and Nothing the Same, Everything Haunted by Gary Barwin.
What is your favourite meal in a local restaurant?
Pizza and martinis at Cima on Locke.
What’s Hamilton’s best-kept secret that you’ve discovered?
Trails, from Princess Point, Bayfront on bikes, the trails at Winston Churchill Park, to the RBG Arboretum and the hike from Tiffany to Sherman Falls.
What does Hamilton need more of?
Two-way traffic and street life, parking and retail on Main. Beautiful modern architecture to complement heritage buildings in the downtown. Oh, and way more cycling infrastructure.
What does Hamilton need less of?
Poor air quality, and turf wars between downtown, Mountain, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, etc.
What is the one thing you brag about Hamilton to outsiders?
The calm that comes with a medium-sized city and the fact that you can say hello to people wherever you go. OK, that’s two. n
IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON, PLEASE CONTACT meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca
A COALITION OF HAMILTON CHARITIES IS BUILDING DEEPLY AFFORDABLE HOUSING. THE BIG QUESTION REMAINS: WILL THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FUND SERVICES THAT WILL KEEP VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN THOSE UNITS?
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
By EUGENE ELLMEN
As the holidays begin and winter closes in, life can go from bad to worse for homeless people. The dangers and hardship faced by individuals living outdoors in the summer multiply and become even more perilous as the temperatures drop and snowbanks pile up.
But this winter there are signs that life could get better for Hamilton’s homeless population. The City is investing in a big increase to the number of emergency shelter beds, bringing the total to 533, a 56 per cent increase. At the same time, it has proposed a site of small cabins – so-called tiny houses –for up to 80 additional people.
The plan is a necessary build-up of
emergency housing for the 270 or so homeless individuals living in parks and other public spaces in Hamilton. But it’s not a long-term solution to the housing crisis.
“As a municipality we have a decision to make,” Mayor Andrea Horwath said in September. “Do we plow more money into shelters, knowing that’s not the answer, or do we utilize our financial ability to begin investing in permanent solutions, which is what our council has decided is the better way to go?”
Central to these permanent solutions is an ambitious strategy – known as Hamilton is Home – by a coalition of nonprofit housing organizations to create 3,000 affordable apartments. If successful, this bold plan could help to crack the housing crisis as well as providing accommodation for most of the
INDWELL TENANT CRYSTAL DAVIS AT THE RUDY HULST COMMONS ON MAIN STREET EAST. INDWELL IS PART OF HAMILTON IS HOME, A COALITION OF SEVEN NONPROFIT HOUSING PROVIDERS TAKING ACTION TO TACKLE THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS. ALL PHOTOS: LORRY CUMMING FOR HCM
people now living in the parks and on the streets.
“Coming together has become a way for us to build trust with each other, to share knowledge, to encourage each other and to say: ‘If we all did our best what would happen?’” says coalition chair Graham Cubitt. “If we could build 3,000 units, that would move the needle on the affordable housing crisis.”
By “move the needle,” Cubitt means the group could provide housing for thousands of the 6,100 people now on the City’s affordable housing waitlist. According to the Vital Signs report last year sponsored by the Hamilton Community Foundation, some of the people on that list have been waiting eight years for a single-family home or one-bedroom apartment. It’s a symptom of the dire straits now faced by low-income people on the knife-edge of homelessness.
The Hamilton is Home coalition is made up of seven nonprofit housing organizations serving a wide range of target groups. They have been meeting biweekly for over four years, urged on by Hamilton West MP and cabinet minister Filomena Tassi.
It includes CityHousing Hamilton, with its stock of 7,100 affordable rental units that are home to about 13,000 people, along with Indwell, Victoria Park Community Homes, Hamilton East Kiwanis, and Good Shepherd with more than 5,000 units collectively, as well as the YWCA, helping women and non-binary people, and Sacajawea, serving Indigenous communities.
Weeks after they first gathered in early 2020, the COVID pandemic erupted, delaying their plans. But the group is back on track, and has about 1,500 units in development, about halfway toward their goal, to be funded largely with government subsidies and financing from the federal Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
In the meantime, soaring rents and insufficient social and medical services have sent growing numbers of homeless people to parks and public spaces in Hamilton and in cities across the country. According to the City, there are more than 90 encampments now, and they are frequently sparking frustration and anger in neighbourhoods.
“We are now in a situation where there’s a growing rage in the community,” City
A PLACE TO LIVE MEANS SO MUCH
CRYSTAL DAVIS WAS FORCED TO LIVE IN SHELTERS AND TO USE THE ER TO HANDLE HER SEVERE ANXIETY UNTIL SHE FOUND HOUSING THAT SUPPORTED HER.
Crystal Davis immigrated to Hamilton as a teenager in 2005 from Jamaica with her abusive father and stepmother. When she tried to talk to her stepmother about the abuse, she didn’t believe Crystal. The following year, at age 16, she left home.
“I told my stepmom ‘I’d rather live in a shelter than stay here and suffer,’” she says.
On the streets, Davis became pregnant. One day, the father of her unborn child invited her up to his apartment, where he put a pillow over her face. She escaped.
For the next five years, the shelter system became her only option. Nights were occupied with two other people in a cramped room. Shelter rules forced her to leave during the day, so she spent time between breakfast and dinner on the streets or hanging out at Jackson Square.
Struggling with chronic anxiety and heartbroken because her two young children were taken into care, Davis suffered bouts of anxiety, experiencing years of frequent hospital visits, sometimes twice in the same day.
Then, one day in 2011, a friend found an internet notice for an opening in a supportive housing unit at the Perkins Centre on Main Street East, managed by nonprofit housing provider Indwell. After a few years at Perkins, which has full-time support staff, she transferred to a larger one-bedroom unit across the street at Indwell’s Rudy Hulst Commons.
Rudy Hulst is unlike anything she experienced in the shelters. Opened in 2016, the building is bathed in sunlight, equipped with large windows overlooking the city and the escarpment. It doesn’t have full-time support staff, but there are staff on site for friendly conversation or to call for medical or other assistance if needed.
“If you’re going through a rough time or whatever you can go there and they will talk to you and help you cope with the situation.”
Now at age 34, Davis has a boyfriend at her side, and hasn’t visited a hospital in three years, confirming both her courage, and the benefits of a safe place to live.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Indwell’s Rudy Hulst Commons I s
unl I ke anyt HI ng s H e expe RI en C ed I n t H e s H elte R s. Opened in 2016 , the building is bathed in sunlight, equipped with large wind O ws O verl OO king the city and the escarpment.
CRYSTAL DAVIS CREDITS INDWELL FOR HER STABILIZED LIFE.
INVEST YOUR DOLLARS FOR HOUSING
INDWELL, A CHRISTIAN HOUSING CHARITY, IS USING A COMMUNITY BOND WITH INVESTMENTS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS TO BUILD HOUSING IN HAMILTON.
Unlike real estate development companies, nonprofit housing providers have no sources of private equity to construct new houses. But this disadvantage doesn’t mean they can’t raise investment funds from their local communities.
That’s exactly what Indwell, a Hamiltonbased Christian housing charity, has done in 2024 with its Hope and Homes Hamilton Community Bond, offering ordinary investors and institutions a chance to help build affordable housing while also earning a modest investment return.
The offering was so popular, says Graham Cubitt, the group’s director of projects and development, that Indwell raised the investment target for the bond from $5 million to $6 million. “There’s huge demand for people who want to invest in multiple benefits – the financial for themselves, but also the social and environmental benefits.” Proceeds from the bond purchase are
being used to create more than 140 units of new supportive housing in Hamilton by covering planning, site preparation, building fees, development charges and other predevelopment costs.
The bond was offered under five options, ranging from a three-year $1,000 minimum investment offering an annual interest return of 3.5 per cent to a five-year $50,000 minimum investment for institutions at 5 per cent interest.
Community bonds are becoming more popular for affordable housing across Canada, says Tapestry Capital, an advisory service for nonprofits. In August, Tapestry announced it is working with 11 nonprofits – including Indwell – working to raise $110 million in community bonds for affordable housing.
Indwell plans to continue raising funds through its community bond program for future housing projects.
councillor Ted McMeekin said in July.
In response, the group has sharpened its focus to concentrate on supportive housing, which is housing specifically targeted to vulnerable homeless people that can transition to independent affordable housing with the help of dedicated support staff.
Four of the seven organizations determined that they could quickly build 418 supportive housing units, more than enough to provide housing for people camped out in parks and public spaces, estimated by the City to be 267 in July. “If we could commit those units into action, we’d eliminate the crisis of street homelessness,” says Cubitt.
The tough part, he says, is not building the bricks and mortar for the buildings but convincing the provincial government to provide the social and medical services, including addiction and mental health care, to make the supportive housing plan work.
A SIMPLE IDEA
The Hamilton is Home coalition is based on a straightforward notion; namely, that nonprofit housing organizations can build supportive and affordable housing that would be impossible for the forprofit housing sector to create. Housing development companies sometimes create affordable homes as part of their plans, but these units are available at below-market rents, not the deeply affordable housing needed by low-income residents.
Nonprofits can create this housing because they have a mandate to serve what traditionally has been called “needy” communities – target groups requiring special supports to live and to thrive. What’s more, they can meet these needs without the additional layer of profit for investors demanding market returns on their capital.
Because of this absence of profit, nonprofits can accept donations of property, funds or government grants, enabling them to meet land and construction costs. Rents are usually paid by tenants out of the housing portion of their social assistance payments. Such “nonmarket” housing stays out of private hands and serves as a bulwark against rising rents and house prices.
Hamilton nonprofits have used these techniques creatively for years, says Tim Welch, a Cambridge-based consultant to the nonprofit housing sector for more than two
INDWELL IS RAISING MONEY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING THROUGH A COMMUNITY BOND.
decades.
Hamilton East Kiwanis, one of his clients, has used the equity from its nonprofit homes scattered around the city to move into largerscale housing development. Sacajawea, another client, has used government funding for Indigenous communities to create safe housing rooted in unique cultural traditions for more than 100 people, including about 40 children.
Nonprofit housing is not a new idea. In fact, Canada was a major builder of nonmarket housing in the 1970s and 1980s. But the Brian Mulroney government brought an end to these programs.
“The nonprofit and co-op housing sector more or less collapsed after the federal government left the housing field in 1993 and the province totally ended its housing role in 1995,” says Welch.
In 2017, the federal government re-entered the housing field, committing $40 billion to its National Housing Strategy (including both market and nonmarket housing). Since then, it has added billions more to the program, most recently in 2022 with the $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). Hamilton has been awarded $93.5 million in HAF funding, which has been used by the City to streamline its affordable housing grant programs together with a $31 million threeyear commitment from City council.
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING CHEAPER THAN ERS
But here’s the problem. In order for members of the Hamilton is Home coalition to start construction on the 418 units of supportive housing it has identified, it needs government, and primarily the Ontario government, to agree to $24 million annually in operating dollars for social and health services – essential services in the supportive housing model. To date, that funding has not been forthcoming.
In Canada, provinces have primary responsibility for health and social service funding. Yet, says Cubitt, the Ontario government has declined to fund services for supportive housing prior to project approval. Without it, projects are unable to get construction financing from federal or local governments, CMHC or the banks. “If you can’t secure the operating funding until maybe six months after opening, you can’t get past the start line.”
The frustrating thing, he says, is that it’s cheaper for governments to fund supportive housing facilities than to serve the homeless population through high-cost emergency services.
Many homeless people are frequent users of ambulance services, emergency rooms and the police. Toronto’s University Health Network, for example, has identified 51 patients with no fixed address who visited the city’s emergency rooms more than 3,300 times in 2023. The average hospital stay in Canada for a homeless person is 15 days at a cost of $16,800. By contrast, patients with homes stay an average of eight days and cost only $7,800.
Because of the patchwork of funding, it’s not possible to shift police or health budgets to supportive housing. But Cubitt says funds for supportive housing would create future savings for police, hospital and ambulance services.
“We can add more ambulances, but that’s
extremely expensive,” he says. “Or we can just stop the cycling of the same person who goes to hospital every three days because they’re in mental health distress, and the only option they have is to call 911.”
Ontario’s big-city mayors are calling on Ontario to work with the other levels of government to fund supportive housing. The Hamilton is Home proposal could provide a model for how this could work.
The coalition has launched a campaign urging MPs, MPPs and City councillors to fund supportive housing. For information, visit https://indwell.ca/hamilton-is-home.
The province can choose between “bigger band-aids,” says Cubitt, or permanent solutions at less cost. “There are huge dollars to save, especially in terms of not constantly ratcheting up very expensive interventions.” n
Eugene Ellmen writes on sustainable business and finance. He lives in Hamilton.
LIFE IN THE CITY
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, Donna Waxman an D Gary Green
1. The Shakers new album release party, Westdale Theatre, Oct. 4.
2. Author and psychiatrist Dr. Samra Zafar was the keynote at A Mental Health Morning at Michelangelo’s, Oct.10.
3. Nathan Eugene Carson, Roger Mooking, Laine Groeneweg; 4. Kiana ‘Rookz’ Eastmond, Amy Cross, John Evans, Shelley Falconer and Patrick Birmingham, AGH art+music+food Festival, Oct. 6.
5. DJ Mark Furukawa (Dr. Disc) and David Murkovich (DJ Murk) at the Risky Business 10 year anniversary at The Casbah, Oct. 5.
Sept. 5-15.
6. Lou Ferrigno; 7. Home Improvement’s Richard Karn and Debbe Dunning; 8. WWE Sergeant Slaughter attend the Hamilton ComicCon at the Hamilton Convention Centre, Sept. 21.
9. Selena Gomez; 10. Cate Blanchett; 11. Traci Melchor and CHCH’s Emily Taylor; 12. Jamie Lee Curtis attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF),
13. Juno Rinaldi, Nathan Fleet, Dani Kind; 14. Gabriela Amaral attend the opening night of the Hamilton Film Festival, Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Oct. 18.
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SAMEER FAROOQ: The Fairest Order in the World
October 1st - February 28th, 2025
Curated by Mona Filip
The Fairest Order in the World presents a poetic and thought-provoking exploration of museums’ colonial histories through a mixed media installation that probes notions of provenance, repatriation, and repair.
Sameer Farooq, Ifitwere possible to collect all navels ofthe world on the steps toASCENSION, 2019.
Photo by Steve Farmer.
McMaster Museum of Art museum.mcmaster.ca @macmuseum
NOT TO BE MISSED
From the annual Santa Run to local holiday craft shows to group runs and hikes, there are so many ways to enjoy city life in Hamilton and Burlington. Here are a few of our favourite local happenings.
GET CRAFTY
Arriving just in time for some last-minute holiday shopping, Craftadian Handmade Market offers visitors an array of unique offerings that you just can’t find at the mall. Featuring a curated selection of handmade local crafts, food items and more, the two-day event will give shoppers ample opportunity to make many people’s holidays a bit brighter. One ticket gains admission for both days, so shoppers can come often to fully see the wares of the 90-plus vendors. Bring your list and don’t forget a pen – you’ll be crossing names off like nobody’s business – just like that guy from the North Pole. Dec. 7 & 8. McMaster Innovation Park. craftadian.ca
OLD SAINT QUICK
The annual Santa Race is back this year, and organizers invite you to dust off that red and white costume we know is hanging in your closet, lace up those trainers, and hit the ground running. With a portion of proceeds going to local charities, the event features a 5K and a 10K route where Santa suits are mandatory for the participants, making it a fun and memorable day for the jolly racers and spectators alike. A 1K route is also available for the smaller set who are asked to wear red as a sprinting Santa in training. Ho-ho-hurry to the website for full details and to register. Dec. 15. raceroster.com
WHITEHERN HOLIDAY & MERRY MCQUESTEN
Whitehern Historic House is hosting the holidays this year and you’re invited. Christmas For The Ages (Nov. 29 - Jan. 5) showcases how generations of the McQuesten family celebrated Christmas at the festively decorated home at various points in history. Visitors are welcomed to wander through the rooms, dreaming about a simpler time when the realization that you were out of batteries did not strike panic. For a more ethereal experience, take in a candlelit evening tour – offered on select nights – capping it off with light refreshments in the stable. Visit the website for dates, info and pricing. 41 Jackson St. W. hamilton.ca
JOIN THE CLUB
Steeltown Athletic Club, the non-profit organization offering Hamilton’s youth high-quality athletic and life-skill opportunities, wants to support you and your sporty goals, too. In their monthly hikes and weekly group runs that hit both road and trails, the club strives to create a welcoming and comfortable space for all participants. Many things in life are better shared, and judging by the smiley faces on their socials, getting outside with Steeltown is one of them. Check out their website for the photos we’re talking about and for more information on your next athletic adventure. stachamilton.ca
PROPS TO MOCKTAILS
Mix things up at a mocktail workshop at Hamilton Prop House, the city’s new and arguably most unique, creative hub. Held at the prop-filled space’s designated zero-proof bar, the classroom might be familiar as it’s the set of Netflix’s Drink Masters – one of two on site. During class, students learn how to create three mocktails, and with all ingredients and required tools provided, only need to bring their thirst. While you’re there, be sure to carve out some extra-curricular time to explore the space and check out The Commuter Café –created in the reconstructed train set from Run – a great spot to hang out after class. Upcoming dates: Nov. 20, Dec. 18, and Jan. 22. Check out the website for all the info. 422 Barton St. E. hamiltonprophouse.com scan the qr code Make our t hings to d o section your go-to destination for city life and arts and culture events listings! ha M iltoncity M agazine.ca
Local photographer focuses on another Guinness World Record
STEVE HAINING HAS ALREADY TWICE BEEN CERTIFIED FOR ACHIEVING THE DEEPEST UNDERWATER MODEL PHOTOSHOOT. BUT NOW HE’S GOING DEEPER AT A FLORIDA SHIPWRECK.
Photographer Steve Haining is going to great lengths –depths actually – to break a Guinness World Record that he already holds.
Haining has achieved the record for deepest underwater model photoshoot twice, once in June 2021 and again in September 2023.
Haining is a Hamilton born and raised commercial photographer and filmmaker who splits his time between homes in Stoney Creek and Florida. He’s done all kinds of work for major brands, bands and other celebrities and launched his company, CreateOf, in 2015.
The underwater work actually began as a joke between Haining and a model friend Ciara Antoski during the shutdowns of the pandemic when it seemed the safest way to shoot together was with breathing tanks for scuba diving. Both had recently been certified as divers. So they started by practising in a pool and then went to shoot at a shipwreck in Tobermory in June 2021.
The shots that resulted got the attention of the photography
community, says Haining, and then Guinness reached out and said they believed he broke the underwater model photoshoot record. By providing dive computers for everyone involved, along with a video documenting the shoot, Guinness confirmed the record at 23.6 metres (77 feet).
But Haining wasn’t impressed with himself. He knew he could go deeper in more challenging water.
“I love to solve problems. So when people say something can’t be done, I want to figure out how it can be done.”
So he, a safety diver and model Mareesha Klups, wearing a dress with a 15-foot train, plunged to 30 metres (98 feet) where the water was just 6 C to shoot at the Niagara II, an intentionally sunk dive site in Tobermory. It required careful planning, lights and a model who is a master diver capable of holding her breath for extended periods.
Now Haining is focused on going much deeper at a Florida shipwreck with Klups and a team of technical divers in December. Check out the results in the early spring issue of HAMILTON CITY Magazine!
MODEL CIARA ANTOSKI SITS ATOP THE W.L. WETMORE SHIPWRECK IN TOBERMORY IN
PHOTOSHOOT ON JUNE 26, 2021. PHOTO: STEVE HAINING
OUT OF THE COLD
WHEN WINTER COMES TO HAMILTON, STAYING WARM IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH FOR THOSE LIVING ON THE STREETS. ST. MATTHEW’S HOUSE IS THERE TO PROVIDE SHELTER WHEN THE TEMPERATURES FALL, AS PART OF ITS MANDATE TO BE A PLACE WHERE HOPE LIVES.
By KATHRYN DUNMORE | Photo By JACK SOULE/HUMAN BEINGS OF HAMILTON
As it gets colder, we go inside, turn up the heat or snuggle in front of a fireplace. For some Hamiltonians, winter is not that easy. For those living on the streets, it’s a time to get strategic so they don’t freeze to death. They must rely on the help provided by charitable people or
organizations such as St. Matthew’s House, which runs a warming centre, a place where people can come in and get warm. Even if it’s just for a little while.
Since 1964, St. Matthew’s House (SMH) has helped vulnerable people in Hamilton.
“It started when a church burned down on
Barton and St. Matthews Avenue,” explains Renée Wetselaar, executive director of SMH.
“They took the insurance money from that and bought a building across the street, opened a kitchen to help people out and it grew from there. We ran one of the first childcare centres that worked with subsidies.
PEOPLE LIKE KNOX, WHO ARE TRYING TO SURVIVE ON THE STREETS, ARE THE PRIORITY FOR OUTREACH PROGRAMS OF ST. MATTHEW’S HOUSE.
We had one of the early food banks in the city, (which was) part of the emergency food system that eventually formed Food Share.”
SMH’s critical work is both deep and broad.
Wetselaar has been with SMH since 2018, taking the helm when it was struggling, and has overseen some transformative programs and growing its team from 30 to 90 people. In some cases, SMH has taken over responsibility for services when other non-profits close, such as the Gatekeeper program that cleans and purges units to help people stay housed. SMH took over the program in 2023 and has prevented almost 100 evictions since then.
It operates two childcare centres, including before- and after-school programs, that support 250 families a day. Its Holiday Hope program helps families and seniors thrive at what can be a hard time of year.
SMH has worked closely with the City of Hamilton and its street outreach team. Last winter, the partnership provided a warming bus. However, with a recent announcement of additional funding to increase shelter space, the City says there will be enough beds this winter that the bus will not be needed.
But the street outreach will continue.
SMH applied to Christ’s Church Cathedral to operate a drop-in centre and, last December, opened Cathedral Café, a warming centre at the corner of James Street North and Barton Street, assisting more than 20,000 people since.
“We hope the outcomes (of our work) are helping and obviously saving lives,” says Wetselaar. “We’re not going to plan your life far into the future, we just hope to see you tomorrow. Our outreach workers will encourage people to come to the café where there’s community, clothing, and to connect with services. We have every health bus in the city stopping there on different days of the week.”
Recently, the City made a new request of SMH to provide management services for the yet-to-be-determined HATS (Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters) village. St. Matthew’s will operate the future tiny homes site, providing support, staffing and partnering with HATS to bring it to life.
“It’s an alternative to living in a tent,” she says. “It’s not permanent housing. So part of the objective is that, with the right supports, the right shelter, with autonomy, we can move people into more permanent situations,
We’re not going to plan your life far into the future, we just hope to see you tomorrow.”
r enée Wetselaar, executive director of s M h
whether it’s housing for themselves or moving back with family or connecting with community. That’s why we’re taking this on, because it demonstrates the continuum of our work with encampments, our work with the sanction sites, our work with food delivery, income support and then building permanent housing.”
There is also a capital campaign underway to build 412 Barton, a modular project now under construction that will provide 15 deeply affordable units for seniors facing homelessness. It will have a special focus on Indigenous and Black older adults 55-plus, with 50 per cent of units designated for women.
SMH is also connected to a variety of research projects happening at McMaster University and works with the Hamilton Police Service to provide support services.
“It’s part of working more deeply in community, it’s really important to collaborate with others because the need is so great. We wait until we’re asked because we want to stay in our lane. If nobody else is going to do it, we’ll try to help if we have the capacity. We are pushing forward at the same time for better working conditions, better wages, and looking into harm reduction in a very positive proactive way.”
Wetselaar is constantly researching solutions to poverty and homelessness, by sitting on councils, attending conferences, reading studies, looking at cities or projects with successful interventions and programs, and forging partnerships.
To her, helping is more than just a job.
“I’ve lived in Hamilton my whole life. I lived outside the city for two short years,
and I have always had a very passionate commitment to this city,” she says. “I identify as a Hamiltonian, I’ve watched it ebb and flow. I just really care about the city, about the people and, as we see more and more people live outside, rather than just cry or get mad about it, if we can do something, even if it’s something as small as hoping you’ll see the person the next day, that means a lot. Peoples’ lives have been saved as a result of all this work and I find that really important and meaningful.”
WINTER ON THE STREETS
Knox has been living on the streets for more than 10 years. Featured in Human Beings of Hamilton frequently, he shares his life on the street and living with addiction. He believes in the importance of showing the reality of this life. He’s learned over the years how to survive the winter on the street – maybe not without frostbite but at least to see another day.
“It’s cold. It’s very difficult,” explains Knox. “I’ll do anything I can to stay warm – lots of layers, try to get good warm clothes. I try to build a shelter, off the ground a bit so we’re not directly on the ground. I usually build my own fireplace then try to make sure nothing catches on fire that isn’t in the fireplace. Usually, shelter is a tent, and you’re not supposed to have an open flame in a tent, so you have to arrange yourself around the fire. It’s really important to make sure nothing catches on fire because waking up on fire is almost as bad as waking up freezing to death.”
He has suffered the consequences of living without warmth in the winter.
“When I was younger, it was mostly bad snowfall, then it started being frigidly cold. You get frostbite on your toes and fingers, and every year it comes back worse. It’s painful.”
Knox says he does use the SMH warming centre, but the growing population on the streets makes it hard to stay warm for long.
“There’s just so many people now that you go in, warm up for 20 minutes, then go out because there are other people who want to come in and warm up.”
When asked how people can help, Knox suggests a weatherproof sleeping bag.
“You have to have some sort of a shelter,” he says. “If you have to build one, you build one.” n
THE RED GREEN SHOW, THE HILARIOUS HOUSE OF FRIGHTENSTEIN AND TINY TALENT TIME ARE ENDURING PARTS OF THE HISTORY OF HAMILTON AND ITS TV STATION.
THE LEGENDS OF CHCH
By STEPHEN METELSKY
As CHCH celebrates 70 years this year, HAMILTON CITY Magazine delves into three of the iconic television shows that captivated viewers for decades: Tiny Talent Time, The Red Green Show and The Hilarious House of Frightenstein
“You don’t forget these shows that stuck with you,” says CHCH producer Don Jonescu, who has helped plan the station’s anniversary celebrations this year. “The television programming in the past is legendary and huge.”
THE RED GREEN SHOW
“The Red Green Show is displayed prominently here at CHCH,” says Jonescu, during a tour of the station that opened its doors in 2022 after a long tenure at the Jackson Street studios.
There is a large collage wall at the new Waterdown headquarters that is adorned with photographs of the station’s classic programming over the years, along with former CH personalities.
“I don’t know what it is about Canadian shows with small budgets, but viewers still talk about them,” Jonescu says. “There is something about Hamilton, where things start out small, but they become big. You need to bottle it.”
The Red Green Show was one of those shows. It was originally recorded at CHCH and first aired in January 1991. The show later found many other homes, including Global, CBC and later PBS, where the show had success in some American markets.
The show was the brainchild of Steve
BILLY VAN PLAYED MULTIPLE CHARACTERS ON HILARIOUS HOUSE OF FRIGHTENSTEIN, INCLUDING THE WOLFMAN. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHCH
Smith, who first introduced Red Green in a segment on his CHCH-produced comedy show Smith & Smith, with his wife Morag.
The concept was that Red Green was the host of a live cable show from the fictional Possum Lodge. The show was a parody of other fishing and handyman shows. His sidekick was his nephew Harold Green, played by Hamilton native Patrick McKenna.
Even though The Red Green Show moved on from the CHCH studios during its heyday, Smith kept the original CHCH crew until the show wrapped in April 2006 after 300 half-hour episodes.
The show is famous for putting duct tape in our vernacular, with Red Green referring to it as “the handyman’s secret weapon” – a fix-all for anything in need of repair. Whatever he applied generous portions of tape to usually fell apart almost immediately.
THE HILARIOUS HOUSE OF FRIGHTENSTEIN
Another parody-based CHCH comedy show with legendary status in Canada and the U.S. was The Hilarious House of Frightenstein. All 130 episodes of the show were filmed in a nine-month span at CHCH studios in 1971.
The premise of the show centred around the character Count Frightenstein and his inability to revive a Frankenstein-like character named Brucie J. Monster. The show had many other segue sketches that were disjointed from the main storyline, but they all played out somewhere in Castle Frightenstein.
Originally billed as a children’s show, it was later hailed as a comedy and garnered wide appeal from a young adult demographic. The show was able to entice Hollywood actor and horror genre legend Vincent Price to Hamilton. Price filmed all his 400 segments at CHCH studios over the course of a few days for a fee of $13,000.
The star of the show was Billy Van, a Toronto-born comedian and actor who played most of the characters on The Hilarious House of Frightenstein.
“As a fan, I’d watch the show every Saturday and Sunday,” says Jonescu. “It was an amazing show. Billy Van was one of the greats. He played over 10 different characters on the show.”
They included the Wolfman who imitated
popular DJ Wolfman Jack by playing records, and dancing to them, while wearing a werewolf costume, the Librarian, an ancient bearded character who tried “to horrify you” with benign fairy tales from dusty old cobwebbed volumes, and the Oracle, who would give astrological readings, and answer fake letters from viewers while wearing a large headdress.
More than 50 years later, the show still has a cult-like following and many in the entertainment industry credit The Hilarious House of Frightenstein with being influential, including Canadian comedian and SNL alumni Mike Myers in his 2016 memoir and rock musician Alice Cooper.
Former SCTV cast member Dave Thomas, a Hamiltonian who made a career in the world of comedy as a sketch artist, says the show played a role his character-based comedy.
“I remember watching Hilarious House of Frightenstein and being amazed at Billy Van and all the characters he was able to play,” Thomas recalls during an interview with HAMILTON CITY Magazine. “I was doing characters myself at that time, but mainly at the amusement of my family and friends.”
When the show gained traction south of the border, in some markets it was garnering larger audiences than The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Jonescu says.
“It was a huge hit.”
Billy Van died in 2003. In February, both Van and Smith were inducted into the Canadian Comedy Hall of Fame, along with Thomas, and other notable Hamiltonians Eugene Levy and Martin Short, and Newmarket native Jim Carrey.
TINY TALENT TIME
One of CHCH’s most enduring shows was Tiny Talent Time. The original version aired on the station from 1957 to 1992 and was hosted by station weatherman Bill Lawrence. It was an amateur talent show aimed at showcasing children’s talents.
“Bill Lawrence, the weatherman, lived in our neighbourhood,” recalls Thomas. “He was like the Canadian Mr. Rogers and had a gentle nature and a way with kids. He was really a nice gentleman who happened to be a Hamilton television personality. That’s how I thought of him.”
Jonescu credits Lawrence with creating a “connection to the community” that drove the
appeal of Tiny Talent Time
It gave kids and teens, from as far away as Buffalo, an opportunity to display their talents – whatever they may be – on television, well before anything like Canadian Idol
“Bill Lawrence got it. He understood the passion of the kids. He got down to their level, he was never condescending,” says Jonescu. “Bill always wanted to know about them, how they got involved and where they wanted to end up.”
Tiny Talent Time went off the air in 1992 – but not for long. In 2000, an updated version titled Today’s Talent Time went on the airwaves from CHCH studios. It was hosted by Sandy Savelli and Mike Gravina.
In 2014, the show returned for a third time under its original name with new hosts Jaclyn Colville and Jason Agnew.
In February 2019, Erin Myke’s daughter Paige was on an episode of Tiny Talent Time with her Ridgeway-based theatre company Down the Rabbit Hole.
“It was a great experience. The show made my daughter feel special. It was like a Canadian celebrity moment,” says Myke. “To watch your kid be in the spotlight, it was beautiful; an emotional moment. To CHCH, I want to say thank you for providing my child with a true Canadian experience and an opportunity to shine in our community.”
Thomas reminisces about the iconic CHCH television programming, remarking: “Through my love of films and television shows, we used to as a family, sit and watch CHCH television programming together – on Channel 11 in Hamilton.”
Jonescu is also thankful about being part of the storied station and its programming. He credits the viewers in Hamilton – and beyond.
“We do it for you and because of you. The passion people have. They are so invested,” he says. “I’m in awe at what has come before me at CHCH. To the viewers, thank you from deep in my heart and soul.” n
MORE ONLINE:
scan the qr code to see many more photos from the iconic t V shows produced by chch .
UNWRAP JOY:
Your Ultimate Gift Guide for the Holidays
DIVE INTO OUR CURATED, 18-PAGE GIFT GUIDE , WHERE WE’VE HANDPICKED THE PERFECT PRESENTS TO DELIGHT FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND EVEN YOURSELF! EXPLORE IDEAS THAT CATER TO EVERY PERSONALITY AND BUDGET, ENSURING THAT YOUR GIFT-GIVING IS NOT ONLY MEMORABLE BUT ALSO MEANINGFUL.
MORE ONLINE: scan the qr code for even more gift-giving ideas. Plus, each item has a direct link to the vendor!
Let’s spend it with the girls
THESE GIFT IDEAS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES OWNED BY WOMEN.
By SUZANNE ZANDBERGEN
Your gift giving can have more impact this holiday season when you choose to spend your money with local women-owned businesses. Why specifically support shops owned by women? They account for under 20 per cent of all private businesses in Canada, yet a new Stats Can study shows that women-owned businesses employ over double the percentage of women in senior management roles than the average across all private-sector businesses. Women are effecting change with action, and your holiday gift spending can help propel that change. The following are some beautiful gift ideas from local businesses owned by women.
Nest
171 Locke St. S., Hamilton nesthamilton.com | IG: @nesthamilton X Dog Ornament – $16
Anyone with a furbaby would love a tribute in the form of these handmade wood ornaments. Great as a fond keepsake all year round, or as a beautiful décor on your tree. The colours are found naturally in the woods used such as maple and cedar, and each piece is finished with tung oil. Many different breeds are available in Robyn Allan’s shop, including corgi, schnauzer, husky, Doberman, Eskimo, Yorkshire Terrier, Australian shepherd, Scottish terrier, doodle, and Jack Russell.
Relax Beauty
1036 King St. W., Unit 204, Hamilton relaxbeautyco.com | IG: @relaxbeautyco_ X Relax Beauty Lip Gloss – $24
Lip gloss is a perfect gift for the cosmetics lover on your list, and Darlene Shapiro’s Relax Beauty has its own brand that provides nourishment and hydration for winter weather. They contain the antioxidant vitamin E, shea butter, natural vanilla essential oil and come in 54 shades. Shop online or in store to purchase.
ellënoire
104 King St. W., Dundas ellenoire.com | IG: @ellenoiredundas
You can create a gift pack of handcrafted products made with natural nourishing ingredients and essential oils in this store owned by Noelle Smith.
X Wake Up Angel! Shower Bomb – $7
A soothing aromatherapy experience and a refreshing foot soak.
X Scent to your Room Spray – $5.25, 2 oz.
Natural air freshener made with distilled water, alcohol, witch hazel, and pure essential oils.
X Soften – ellenoire everyday lotion – $7, 4 oz.
Luxurious spa-quality lotion made with 70 per cent organic ingredients, unscented or custom-scented.
X Double Rich Body Butter – $10, 2 oz.
Made with 70 per cent pure organic shea butter and nourishing plant-based oils for a luxurious feel.
X Delicious Hand Balm – $7.50, 1 oz.
A blend of beeswax, coconut, and grape seed oil for smooth, soft skin.
While not a retail shop, Comfort Bears is a local charity run by Lena Bassford (also the founder of Food4Kids) that provides teddy bears to children facing terminal illness or severe trauma. The charity is currently offering a beautiful beaded bracelet with an engraved gold charm that reads “Brave.” The gift comes with a tag that tells the recipient a comfort bear is being donated to a child thanks to the purchase of the bracelet. To order, email debb@comfortbears.ca
Rustic Daisy’s
25 Main St. S., Waterdown rusticdaisys.wpcomstaging.com | IG: @rusticdaisys
X Snowman mug – $39.95
Rustic Daisy’s is a darling gift shop highlighting Canadian talent, run by Cat McCrimmon and her two tiny dogs. This mug is from just one of the female makers that the shop carries, potter Christine of Studio C Ceramics. Frosty is handcrafted in speckled clay, is food safe, and the perfect size for enjoying some steaming hot holiday cheer.
Sell It 2 Wear It
136 King St. W., Dundas sellit2wearitinc.com | IG: @sell_it2wear_it
X Vintage Fendi bag – $845
Imagine the excitement when the designer bag lover on your list unwraps a vintage handbag! Monika Waszczuk at Sell It 2 Wear It curates her collection of designer handbags, carefully authenticating them so you can be assured you’re getting your hands on the real deal. The consignment shop regularly carries a range of designer bags from Kate Spade to Michael Kors to Coach.
Just the Essentials
532 ½ Concession St., Hamilton justtheessentials.ca | IG: @justtheessentials_hamilton
X Hanging crystal garden
Owner Janice Milligan, a wellness practitioner and reiki master, creates each of these terrariums, placing each crystal with intention to bring in positive calming energies. Each one is unique, filled with air plants and crystals with themes including protection, abundance, angelic, and love.
sariKNOTsari
228 James St. N., Hamilton sariknotsari.com | IG: @sari.knot.sari
X Pure Silk Capelet Poncho – $128
One size fits from size 2 to size 3x. There are so many ways to wear this versatile piece – it’s a scarf, a tunic, a crop top, a shrug. Wear it over jeans, a dress or a bathing suit. Wear it frontwards or backwards – it’s a super-versatile piece of slow fashion. Priya Mohan, the founder of sariKNOTsari, creates clothes that will always fit, regardless of how your body evolves, using vintage fabrics, with meticulous construction by fairly paid artisans.
Gifts for the gourmet
APPEAL TO FOOD LOVERS AND CULINARY ENTHUSIASTS WITH THESE UNIQUE IDEAS.
By SUZANNE ZANDBERGEN
The holidays are the best time to indulge in delicious food and drink, and to share the gift of special food with family and friends. Foods that have been lovingly created by local artisans and entrepreneurs come with a wonderful story and make them that much more appealing to gift to your loved ones. This selection of gift ideas has many different locally made products, and many of them are available through Hamilton and Burlington businesses that curate their shelves with a variety of local makers – supporting two local businesses with one purchase.
Personalized
set of 4 oil & vinegar | $24
Where to find it: The Urban Vine, 22 King St. W., Dundas IG: @the_urban_vine
Create a personalized set of high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars, choosing from a variety of flavours like herbs de provence olive oil and all-natural-aged black cherry balsamic vinegar. The independently owned, family-run business has a tasting boutique in its Dundas shop where you can sample different flavours before deciding on the perfect combination. The set is packaged in a beautifully presented sampler pack and includes four 60ml bottles. Shop online or in store.
Handcrafted bonbons – box of 9 | $23
Where to find it: Madam Bonbon, 165 Locke St. S., Hamilton madambonbon.ca | IG: @madam_bonbon
For the lover of fine things on your list, Madam Bonbon’s exquisite bonbons are just the thing. Each handcrafted chocolate is like a delicate jewel, almost too beautiful to eat. The centre of each bonbon is very thoughtfully created with flavour combinations that delight the taste buds. Flavour rotations occur often around the seasons and availability of fresh local fruit. Festive flavours make an appearance during the holiday season, but these treats are a hot commodity as December progresses, so order ahead if you need a few boxes. Shop in store only.
Nutty Hero 5 Variety Pack | $77
Where to find it: Village Boutique Foods, 2049 Pine St., Burlington nuttyhero.com | IG: @villageboutiquefood
You can buy Nutty Hero seed and nut butters by the single jar at retail locations such as Village Boutique Foods in downtown Burlington, but we also recommend the variety pack that you can order on the Nutty Hero website. Why not gift the pleasure of tasting every flavour of this incredible product that is manufactured in Burlington? It’s impossible to pick a favourite and many fans report eating directly from the jar with a spoon. Made with 12 nuts and seeds including almonds, cashews and pecans, plus natural ingredients like cinnamon, maple sugar, cocoa powder, and coconut. Shop online or in store.
Cheese box subscription | $25/$40 month
Where to find it:
East Hamilton Cheese Co., 205 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton IG: @easthamiltoncheeseco
A cheese box subscription reminds the cheese lover on your list of your generosity every month, all year long – the ultimate holiday gift. The subscription is available in two sizes. The 454-gram (one pound) cheese box is $40 per month, while the 300-gram version is $25 per month. Both include three gourmet varieties of Ontario cheese that are available exclusively in the subscription box, along with tasting notes and recipe cards. Cheese boxes must be picked up at the shop on Ottawa Street each month, so this gift is best given to someone in the Hamilton area. Subscriptions can be purchased for as many months as you like, a full year is not required. Shop in store or call/email to order.
Delusional
Sauce’s Miso Chili Crunch | $15
Where to find it: James North General Store, 95 James St. N., Hamilton Hamilton Farmers’ Market, Upper Level jamesnorthgs.com | IG: @jamesnorthgs
This is the gift that keeps giving because once you’ve tasted Miso Chili Crunch you will have instantly developed a new habit. Bursting with flavour, this sauce elevates virtually everything from veggies to noodles, tofu to pizza. It has a delicate blend of crispy chilies, garlic, and shallots, enhanced with the rich combination of miso, soy, and toasted sesame. Grab a jar for everyone on your list, and don’t forget to get one for yourself. Find it at James North General Store’s two locations, or order directly online from Delusional Sauce Co.
Meat and beer. Can you think of a better combination? This crate is FULL of tasty snacks from a variety of salami, to cheese, and pretzels, popcorn and chocolate, and much more.
Accompanied by two tall cans of Nickel Brook’s Easy Going Lager and all packed in a stamped wooden crate that will be perfect for holiday decorating. Beer type may vary. Shop online or at one of the four Denninger’s locations in the Hamilton/Burlington area.
Garden City Heritage Mead
$22.95
Where to find it: Backed By Bees, 6214 Appleby Line, Burlington backedbybees.com | IG: @backedbybees
Perfect for gifting and celebrating the festive season, Garden City Heritage Mead is a truly unique and artisanal creation, combining the finest local honey with the crisp, fresh flavours of Halton apples, creating a delightful harmony of sweetness and fruitiness. Enhanced with a warming blend of spices, each sip of this mead evokes cozy comfort. Limited edition and available exclusively at Backed By Bees, a honey farm and meadery that also grows pollinator-friendly produce. Shop the market and mead bottle shop on site or find the products online.
Comeback Snacks | $6.99
Where to find it:
Strathcona Market, 460 York Blvd, Hamilton shop.mrktbox.com | IG: @mrktbox
A sweet treat like salted caramel popcorn is what the holidays are all about. Each kernel of caramel corn is luxuriously coated with a rich, salted chocolate drizzle for that delicious contrast of salty and sweet. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer, or add it to a DIY gift basket of local goodies. Comeback Snacks has a great backstory that starts in prison and ends with a successful Hamilton-based enterprise. You can add the delicious popcorn to your online grocery order, or throw a few bags in your cart when shopping for groceries at Strathcona Market. You can also order directly online on Comeback Snacks’ website.
Monarch Tea Co. & ChocoSol chocolate pairing, $31
Where to find it: Dundas Chocolate Shop, 50 King St. W., Dundas dundaschocolate.ca | IG: @dundaschocolate
There’s no pairing like tea and chocolate, especially when the tea is a superior loose-leaf chocolate mint blend and the chocolate is stone ground, bean-to-bar. Organic cranberries and mint add a festive flavour to these two rich bars of 65 per cent cacao. This is the perfect gift for anyone on a vegan or gluten-free diet. There is a vast selection of ChocoSol and Monarch Tea Co. flavours, as well as other locally made gift items, at Dundas Chocolate Shop. Shop in store for this pairing, or shop online for each product on the Monarch Tea Co. and ChocoSol websites.
Jolly Cut Cocktail Syrups | $16
Where to find it: Cherry Birch General, 219 King St. E., Hamilton Jolly Cut Cocktail Syrups cherrybirchgeneral.ca | IG: @cherrybirchgeneral
Jolly Cut Cocktail Co. was founded in Hamilton and its cocktail mixes make the perfect gift for the cocktail lover on your list: Juniper & Cedar Tonic Syrup makes a delicious non-alcoholic G&T or pumps up your favourite gin with foresty, botanical flavours. Smoked Old Fashioned Syrup is the Scotch lover’s mix with a dose of peat smoke from single-malt Scotch bitters. Old Fashioned Syrup makes a perfect old-fashioned in a snap – just add ice and your favourite whisky. Organic Sumac & Cranberry Syrup is made with wild-foraged sumac flowers with a hint of cranberry for classics like cosmopolitans and crantinis. Shop online or in store.
Diablo Maple Pepper Praline Spiced Pecans & Cashews, $10
Where to find it: The Platter Company Gourmet Market 175 Plains Rd. E., Burlington theplattercompany.ca | IG: @theplattercompany
A diabolically good snack made locally in Burlington with pure Canadian organic maple sugar blended with peppers, spices and organic cane sugar to create a sweet crunch of premium pecans and cashews, with a bit of seductive heat. Small-batch artisan made, these spiced nuts are perfect on their own, great in a salad, and an ideal addition to your holiday charcuterie board. Shop in store only, but it’s worth the trip to The Platter Company to grab some nibbly appetizers for your upcoming holiday gatherings from its vast selection of prepared foods.
JACKSON SQUARE DENTAL CENTRE:
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.
DR. SAMER AKKAD IS OWNER OF JACKSON SQUARE DENTAL CENTRE.
CENTRE: MEET DR. SAMER AKKAD
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.
SLEEP DENTISTRY
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
JACKSON SQUARE DENTAL CENTRE OFFERS A RANGE OF SERVICES. SCAN THE QR CODE TO MEET THEIR TEAM AND SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOU!
Presence, Not Presents
SPARK JOY AND CREATIVITY WITH THESE MUST-HAVE KIDS EXPERIENCES.
By KRIS OSBORNE
Ho-ho-hold up! Why settle for another toy that’ll be abandoned by New Year’s when we’ve got a sleigh-full of experiences that’ll make your kids’ eyes sparkle brighter than tinsel? Forget about assembly required – these gifts come preloaded with fun, laughter, and sneaky learning opportunities (but don’t tell the kids that part). Whether you’re raising a future ninja, artist, or donut connoisseur, we’ve got you covered. So, put down the toy catalogue and start creating memories instead. After all, the best gift you can give is the gift of your time.
Hashtag ninja goals
For the kids with a lot of physical energy, the Warrior Factory is the perfect answer! Your little movers and shakers can swing, climb, and conquer obstacles like real-life ninjas. Whether it’s a day of open play or a month-long membership, help your kids leap into a world of excitement and challenge. From scaling walls to navigating tricky balance beams, every visit is a new quest waiting to unfold. Each visit promises to build confidence, strength, and ninja-level agility. Plus, with flexible options like the Ninja Play Pack, the whole family can join in the fun. It’s an action-packed experience they’ll never forget! X hamilton.thewarriorfactory.com
Chapter one starts here
Spark your little one’s love of reading with a Hamilton Public Library card. This gift is your child’s “free pass” to an epic world of stories, education, and fun. Armed with a library card, they can choose their own reading adventure through local borrowing and explore digital wonderlands such as Libby and Hoopla’s audio books and ebooks, Summa Kids and Kanopy Kids. But that’s not all! The card grants access to five additional sister libraries, free transit for kids, and even entry to Hamilton’s civic museums. An HPL card is a key to lifelong imagination, learning, and community connection. X hpl.ca/librarycard
You’ve got mail!
How about giving the retro thrill of receiving mail each month to a child in your life? And cool mail, at that! A subscription to Chirp (ages 3 to 6), Chickadee (ages 6 to 9), or Owl magazine (ages 9 to 12) is the gift that keeps on giving! These agetailored magazines are packed with engaging stories, fun facts, silly recipes, and hands-on activities that spark curiosity and foster a love for learning. Each issue is a ticket to exploration, from wildlife adventures to scientific discoveries. Give the gift of year-round excitement and watch knowledge bloom! Plus, HCM readers save $10 online! X Owlkids.com/hamiltoncitymag
Glaze of glory
Introducing the Hamilton/Burlington Donut Tour! This mouthwatering experience is the perfect gift for families with a bonafide sweet tooth. Each month, commit to exploring a new independent gem, from Grandad’s classic creations to Donut Monster’s vegan delights and Café Baffico’s fermented flavours. Sink your teeth into pillowy goodness at The Donut Stop, savour sunshine-filled bites at Sunshine Doughnuts, and indulge in Momoco’s artisanal bites, Darling’s mini bites or the apple cider treasures at Bennett’s. Add your favourite donut shops! But it’s more than just donuts, it’s 12 months of family bonding, supporting local businesses, and creating memories sweeter than any frosting. 2025 will be delicious and a kid favourite!
This dynamic duo offers non-stop fun for curious minds and active bodies. At Imaginasium, kids can dive into hands-on learning, where play comes alive through interactive exhibits. Then, kids can bounce, climb, and slide through a colossal indoor playground at Funzilla’s indoor play park. It’s a perfect blend of physical play and mental stimulation that’ll keep them entertained for hours.
X imaginasiumancaster.ca funzillahamilton.ca
Crafty hands
Ignite your teen’s creativity this holiday season with a class at Hamilton Craft Studios! Whether they’re yearning to master the potter’s wheel or itching to design their own fashion, these hands-on experiences are perfect for ambitious 13-17 year olds. In the youth sewing class, they’ll craft a stylish, functional bag, while classes like the weekend wheel throwing course promises messy fun. Led by passionate, local artists, these classes aren’t just about learning skills – they’re about building confidence, making friends, and discovering hidden talents.
X hamiltoncraftstudios.com
Clue chasers
This holiday, engage in an epic city-wide scavenger hunt that turns the Hammer into a place of discovery. Fun for the whole family, you’ll unravel clues on statues, plaques, and street art to get to the next location and learn something cool about the city. With smartphones as your guide, tackle photo challenges that’ll have the whole family striking silly poses, seeing Hamilton through new eyes, and bonding as a family – right in our own backyard! X scavengerhunt.com
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Maki magic
The Joyce of Cooking’s parent and kid sushimaking class will surely be a hit with the budding chef in your life. Equal parts delicious and educational, watch your little ones transform into mini master chefs as they learn the art of sushirolling with kid-safe tools. From selecting fresh ingredients to crafting the perfect roll, this hands-on class promises giggles, bonding, and a feast for the senses. With accommodations for dietary needs and options for additional siblings, it’s a recipe for holiday magic that the whole family will savour! X joyceofcooking.com
Click it real good
Champion your burgeoning Tiktok star/mini-Scorsese with a high-quality digital camera. “Without question, the best value in cameras for beginners is the Canon R100 mirrorless camera,” says Tom Brockelbank from Bell Arte Camera. This affordable, pocket-sized powerhouse outshines smartphones and other point-and-shoot cameras, providing “far stronger images” and the capacity to “shoot 4K video better than almost all camcorders.” Every moment becomes an opportunity to create lasting digital memories and muchloved viral videos. Bonus: by buying from Bell Arte, you’re helping to preserve a local treasure that’s been serving the city for over 50 years. X bellarte.fotosource.com
Stories worth repeating
A treasure hunt for young readers, set your little ones on their own “book party” thrifting experience through the shelves of gently-loved stories. Once Upon a Child’s pre-loved books offer stories for every reader. And with deals like 10 books for $10, it’s also a budgetfriendly way to build their personal library. Hunt for hidden literary gems, fun new stories, and interesting escapes. Give the gift of choice, sustainability, and endless bedtime stories this season! X onceuponachild.com
Spark art
Never hear the words “I’m bored” again. Or at least die trying! The Endless Art Challenge card deck from Parkette, a shop dedicated to kids and the kids at heart, is a portal to 25,000 artistic adventures. The deck allows you to mix and match 90 unique cards to make whimsical creations from thin air. It’s a daily dose of inspiration, perfect for budding Picassos and seasoned scribblers alike. Featuring global artists’ work on each card, it’s also a gallery in your hands. From subject matter to style, every draw is a masterpiece in the making! X parkette.ca
PHOTO: BELL ARTE
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Airborne adventures
Want a ticket to the ultimate playground in the sky? A high-flying gift at Flying Squirrel will have kids bouncing off the walls (literally) as they explore a wonderland of trampolines, obstacle courses, and foam pits. Gift an afternoon with a friend and watch them soar through the air, creating unforgettable memories that you helped create. Perfect for burning off that festive energy and guaranteeing giggles galore. X flyingsquirrelsports.ca
VIP vouchers
Craft their ideal Hamilton story, one coupon at a time! Create a custom coupon book filled with offers for their favourite local experiences. Maybe it’s a matinee at The Westdale, a pizza feast at Mai Pai or Shorty’s, a swim at their favourite rec centre, or a day at the RBG. Each coupon is a promise of child-directed, parent-approved fun in the city they call home. When they flip through pages of personalized fun, planning their next big day out, it’ll be like offering your little ones a year of “Yes!” to the things that make their hearts sing. X thewestdale.ca | maipai.ca shortyspizza.ca | rbg.ca
Pamper party
Instead of giving in to your tween’s unnecessary skincare mall haul, pamper your little rascal with a touch of luxury at Joie Day Spa. Watch as your child transforms into a mini VIP, donning a fluffy robe and cozy slippers. They’ll experience a 30-minute kiddie facial, complete with a bubbly Hydrojelly mask, followed by a soothing foot and hand massage. It’s 60 minutes of pure bliss that’ll have them feeling like royalty! To level up the fun, add on spa snacks and non-alcoholic bubbly for the ultimate pamper party. Even little rascals deserve some R&R! X joiedayspa.ca
Free-Run Fun
With an open gym pass at Burlington’s The Play Project, your kids can vault, climb, and flip through a wonderland of parkour equipment. No rigid classes, just pure, supervised freedom to explore and push limits. Whether they’re mastering wall runs or perfecting backflips on the spring floor, every visit provides a new adventure and opportunity to learn through movement. Clean, safe, and buzzing with energy, Play Project is where young daredevils spread their wings. X playproject.ca
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Experience this!
SHOW YOUR LOVE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH GIFTS THAT CAN’T BE WRAPPED UP IN A BOW.
By KRIS OSBORNE
The holidays are all about being together and making memories, right? So why not give a gift that extends the memory-making into the new year and beyond? There’s no worrying about the right size or colour, and there’s the added benefit that you can book for yourself and join in the fun!
Trail blazers
Embark on a year of adventure, discovery, and closeness by creating intentional hiking experiences for you and a plus-one. Paired with the popular Hamilton-based Loops & Lattes guidebook or a Hamilton Conservation Area membership and a commitment to explore two new trails a month with your giftee, this gift will unlock 145-plus kilometres of local wonders. Discover breathtaking trails, hidden waterfalls, ancient forests, and panoramic vistas, from the lush Dundas Valley to the stunning Niagara Escarpment. Perfect for solo wanderers or dynamic duos, it’s an opportunity for exploration, wellness, wonder, and unforgettable memories. X loopsandlattes.ca X conservationhamilton.ca/hiking-trails
Sip, sip hooray!
From award-winning wineries to craft breweries and charming cideries, gift an unforgettable and flavourful experience with Ride the Bine’s unique beverage tours. Whether sipping lakeside or meandering down Norfolk County country roads, these guided adventures explore the region’s hidden gems by offering a perfect blend of local sips and scenic beauty. With a variety of excursion options, there’s a tour to tickle every palate. This season, your budding bartender or sprouting sommelier can raise a glass to Ontario’s craft beverage scene. Note: Tours are also available in other areas of southwestern Ontario. X ridethebine.com
Cut a rug
Step into a world of rhythm and groove with a dance workshop at Burlington’s Simply Ballroom or Outlaw Country Western Dance Co. From sizzling couple-style salsa moves to line dancing to viral hits, your dancer will have a blast in this fun, energetic, and supportive environment. Perfect for beginners or seasoned shakers, these classes – and dance parties every other Saturday – offer more than just steps; they’re a ticket to confidence, fitness, and new friendships in a life-changing experience that has the potential to keep on giving. X simplyballroom.ca
PHOTO: AMY DARRELL
PHOTO: RIDE THE BINE
Sky’s the Limit
Elevate gift-giving to new heights with a tandem skydive experience. This heart-pounding adventure offers 55 seconds of pure adrenaline during a freefall from the clouds, followed by a serene five- to eight-minute parachute descent. Attached to a “badass” instructor, even novices can safely experience the ultimate thrill. With state-of-theart equipment and a promised perfect safety record, you can relax knowing you’re giving an unforgettable, perspective-shifting journey. The season runs from April to November and bookings and gift cards can be paid for over the phone. It’s a non-traditional gift that’ll make your loved one’s spirits soar! X skydiveontario.com
Sweet surrender
Foam sweet foam
What could be more suitable to the gearhead in your life than a year-round sparkle on their pride and joy? Klassic Car Wash’s unlimited Wash Club membership is a practical present that transforms tedious car care into a breeze. For a low monthly fee, recipients can keep their ride shining with unlimited washes – perfect for battling Hamilton’s dirty, salty winters and year-round, ever-changing weather. The membership allows them to drive in anytime for a quick refresh. But it’s not just a clean car; it’s the gift of time, convenience, and pride in their vehicle. Your automotive enthusiast will appreciate every spotless drive, and especially the person who gave it to them! X klassiccarwash.com
Indulge your sweetie in sweet sophistication with Chocolate Tales’ decadent tasting experience. This Hamilton gem offers a delectable journey through the world of artisanal chocolates. Gift a sensory adventure where chocolate lovers can savour exquisite flavours, learn the art of tasting, and uncover the secrets of cocoa craftsmanship. From velvety truffles to exotic single-origin bars, each bite is a delicious learning experience that’ll leave them craving more. X chocolatetales.ca
The Perfect Pour
Brew up some holiday cheer with a tour at Shawn & Ed’s Brewing Co! Housed in Dundas’s historic former curling rink, this craft brewery offers a spirited journey through Hamilton’s sudsy past and present. Gift a guided experience where family or friends can explore the art of beer-making, sample handcrafted brews, and soak in the authentic ambiance. From hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers, there’s a pint for every palate. Toast to fun and flavour at this local gem! X lagershed.com
PHOTO: SHAWN & ED BREWING CO
Recipe remix
Elevate your loved one’s culinary toolkit with a gift that will turn meal prep from a task into a delightful experience. The Kitchen Efficiency workshop, led by chef Clay Smith, is a practical, hands-on, twoon-one class designed to enhance cooking and meal-planning skills through knife techniques and prep methods. The result? Culinary confidence and endless opportunities for delicious memories! X chefclaysmith.com
An axe-ceptional adventure
For those looking to release some pent-up energy, an excursion to BATL AXE is the antidote. This thrilling Hamilton hotspot offers an unforgettably sharp experience. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and first-timers alike, BATL’s expert coaches can guide newbies through the art of axe-throwing in a safe, exhilarating environment. This urban playground promises laughter, games, friendly competition, and a place to blow off steam, leaving your recipient buzzing long after the last throw! X batlgrounds.com
Show stoppers
Step into cinematic time machines at Playhouse Cinema and The Westdale, Hamilton’s historic movie havens. A gifted membership at either venue unlocks a year of silver screen magic! For just $14 at Playhouse and $22 at The Westdale, movie buffs can enjoy discounted tickets, special screenings, and exclusive perks, like member-only screenings and events. Your gift supports local indie cinema while indulging in cult classics, international gems, and thought-provoking films. Lights down, popcorn up – let the movie marathon begin! X playhousecinema.ca | thewestdale.ca
Retro retailer
Explore Hamilton’s acclaimed antique scene and give a journey through time. Arm your loved one with a custom budget (gifter’s choice) and set out on an antiquing adventure starting in the noteworthy Ottawa Street shops. Explore the Hamilton Antique Mall, uncover oddities at Cabinet of Curiosities, and peruse timeless pieces at Roberts Antiques. Then take that “thrill of the hunt” city-wide and head to gems like The Rustic Rose on Beach Boulevard or Antiques on Locke in the trendy west end. From vintage furnishings to quirky collectibles, every corner holds a potential gem. X hamiltonantique.com | cabinetofcuriosities.ca instagram.com/rlockeantiquesandestates | therusticrose.ca
PHOTO: DANNY ZHANG
PHOTO: DENNIS THOMAS
Cliff hangers
Forget thinking out of the box – this holiday season, think up the wall! In Gravity Climbing Gym’s vertical playground, a gift promises unforgettable memories, improved fitness, and a new perspective on what’s possible. Beginners can “learn the ropes” or opt for a climb-only experience for instant action. With diverse climbing zones, including bouldering areas and rope climbs, Gravity caters to every skill level. Suitable for ages 5 and up, it’s also the perfect family outing or solo challenge. More than a gift, it’s an invitation to conquer fears, defy gravity, and discover hidden strengths. X gravityclimbinggym.com
Petal pushers
Dreamy steam
An afternoon at Cedar Lodge Sauna & Spa in Dundas will transport your lucky giftee to a serene, world-inspired oasis. A day pass offers four hours of pure relaxation and rejuvenation, rotating between the authentic Finnish sauna, hammam, hot tub, jetted swimming pool, and the optional cold water bucket experiences. This experience alone promises an otherworldly state of relaxation, but for something extra, add on a nourishing, post-spa massage! The thoughtfully curated selection of treatments, coupled with the lodge’s rustic-chic ambiance, create a genuinely restorative escape from the everyday. X sauna-dundas.club
Bloom into the new year with an enchanting threemonth flower subscription from Fora Floral Shop This Ancaster gem delivers nature’s artistry right to your doorstep. Each month, talented florists craft a stunning, hand-tied bouquet tailored to your preferences, from vibrant hues to subtle palettes. More than just flowers, it’s a welcome recurring dose of beauty and joy in those dreary, post-holiday months. An evolving seasonal story told through petals and stems will surely see their smiles blossom! X forafloralshop.com
Fairway to heaven
Tee off in state-of-the-art golf simulators and encourage your loved one to master their golf swing on 69 world-class courses. Cute clothing recommended! Then, transition from the virtual fairways to a glamorous speakeasy setting and sip innovative, handcrafted cocktails (or mocktails) in style. Whether for a golf pro, cocktail connoisseur, or someone who just loves trying new things, this experience promises a hole-in-one reaction. An unforgettable blend of sport and sophistication is par for an extraordinary course with this holiday gift! X theargyle.ca
PHOTO: THE ARGYLE
Unwrap some local love
VISIT NEIGHBOURHOOD SHOPS TO FIND HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.
By VANESSA GREEN
Hamilton and Burlington are home to an eclectic collection of gift shops – from charming and whimsical to bold and playful. Featuring locally made products that showcase our homegrown talent, and unique items from across Canada, this festive collection has something for even the hardest person you have to buy for this season.
Vintage Style
Go back in time for the holidays with these retro floral ceramic mugs from STOREonjames, perfect for that nostalgia lover on your list. Brimming with sunshine and whimsy, these playful daisypatterned mugs are handmade, hand-carved and hand-painted by Hamilton potter and owner of STOREonjames Chris de Takacsy. Fill them with coffee or tea, or use them as a vase for more dainty blooms. Mugs starting at $50. X storeonjames.ca 129 James St. N., Hamilton
A Blue Christmas
Got a potty-mouth on your list? These extra-spicy coasters, available at Len: Democratic Purveyors of Fine Art & Beautiful Things, are the perfect gift. Proudly made in Canada, these attention-grabbing coasters are a collaboration between Effin’ Birds, a beloved bird illustrator from Toronto, and Versatile Coasters based in Almonte, Ont. They’re made using a custom-developed ceramic blend to absorb condensation from your glassware and feature a large cork pad on the bottom to prevent scratches. Get them for $10 each or a mix-and-match set of 4 for $36. X len4all.com | (online only)
A Golden Gift
Give them a present full of joy and warmth with these polymer clay sunflower earrings available from The Flower Market Waterdown. Each pair is handcrafted by sisters Jenni and Marija, the owners of Forget Me Knot, based in Flamborough and Guelph. The duo use various tools like rollers, 3D-printed cutters and impressions to fashion a collection of cheerful artisanal jewelry. The handmade shop also sells necklaces, bracelets, beaded earrings and studs. Get a pair of sunflower earrings for $22 each. X flowermarketwaterdown.com 255 Dundas St. E. #23, Waterdown
So Fresh, So Clean
The holidays are a time to scrub up and put on your sharpest attire. Help those partygoers get ready for the festive season with this Everyday Cream by Love Fresh available at Vintage Charm. Made in Toronto, this line of luxurious moisturizers is all-natural and cruelty-free and will leave your skin hydrated and feeling super soft. Inspired by the fresh and aromatic notes of the Italian seaside, this grapefruit and lemon scent will leave your recipient feeling like they’re in the Bel Paese during those cold winter months to come. Treat them for $28. X vintagecharmhome.com | 162 Locke St. S., Hamilton
Fill Your Cup
Spread some holiday cheer with these unique clay cups made by Stoney Creek-based potter Melody Stumpf of Stoney Ridge Pottery. These 8-ounce teal wine cups with a robin egg bottom, available from Simply Gifted in Burlington, are handmade on the pottery wheel from high-fired stoneware clay and finished with a beautiful glaze that is food- and dishwasher-safe. Stumpf’s pottery is crafted to bring joy and utility into your daily routine and makes a perfect stocking stuffer. Grab a cup for $20. X simplygifted.ca | 491 Brant St., Burlington
Jolly Jigsaws
Cozy Up and Chill
Who doesn’t love to curl up with a hot cup of tea over the holidays? How about a blend that can relieve all those holiday stresses? Available at Pretty Grit, this Vanilla Cookie Calm tea offers a sweet blend of rooibos, chamomile, toasted coconut and vanilla to help achieve that festive zen state. This delectable blend is made by Lake & Oak Tea Co., a Hamiltonbased, female-owned and operated company. The brand specializes in clean and functional superfood teas that are 100 per cent plant-based, sustainable and eco-friendly. Get one for you and a friend for $19 each. X prettygrit.ca | 128 James St. N., Hamilton
Chocolate For The Ages
Fun fact: puzzles are a form of self-care. Help friends and family rediscover downtime with a picturesque puzzle made by Villager Puzzles, available at Lulu & Lavigne. Villager Puzzles partners with Canadian female artists to design each puzzle and pays royalties to the artist for every puzzle sold. Each puzzle is carefully crafted with perfect-fit pieces and a matte, low-glare and textured finish. They’re made with premium blue paperboard and packaged in a sleek magnetic closure box with a poster. From breathtaking landscapes to quaint indoor settings, these folk-art-style illustrations are equal parts fun and beautiful. Pick a 500-piece puzzle for $30.99 or give them a challenge with a 1,000-piece for $32.99. X luluandlavigne.com
228 Locke St. S., Hamilton
For those discerning chocolate lovers on your list, gift them a classic assortment of Richard’s Chocolates from Baskets ‘N’ Bundles. This heritage brand has been making chocolates since 1885 in Victoria, B.C. and is still considered one of the finest chocolate companies in the country. Its signature Victoria Cream is rich and velvety, with a naturally flavoured whip crème centre smothered in chocolate. This chocolatier still uses the original recipe and sustainable certified cocoa in all its chocolates. With 20 flavours to try, treat a friend (or yourself) to an assorted box for a little taste of everything. $37 for a box of 10. X basketsnbundles.ca
386 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
Art comes to steel lands
HAMILTON MURALISTS COMMISSIONED TO PAINT STACKED SEA CONTAINERS THAT ARE A FIRST STEP IN REALIZING A NEW VISION FOR FORMER STELCO PROPERTY.
By meredith m ac leod
On an industrial site closed to the public for more than a century, there is the first stroke of a vision to create a master planned employment park that will welcome Hamiltonians to that part of the waterfront again.
Slate Asset Management, which owns the former Stelcolands that are now called Steelport, commissioned Hamilton artists to paint murals on two sets of stacked shipping containers near a mobile on-site office for the project team.
Hamilton artists, Ver Sands (Jacqui Oakley and Jamie Lawson) and Lester Coloma, were chosen for their styles, experience, ties to Hamilton and knowledge of the city’s history.
“These murals created by local Hamilton artists are a first, small step toward transforming Steelport into a vibrant hub where people want to work and spend time,” says Steven Dejonckheere, senior vice president of development at Slate and project lead for Steelport.
“Steelport gave us the freedom to create something that will fit the area today and in the future. Working at this scale was a fun challenge, and the locale became a crucial source of inspiration as we painted,” Oakley and Lawson said in a statement. They depicted chimneys and factory buildings morphing into natural elements.
“Our hope is that this artwork provides some excitement and joy for people who come across it, particularly in the early stages of the Steelport project, when the contrast between the containers and their surroundings is at its height.”
In his mural, Coloma depicts the working history of Hamilton’s industrial area, with two workers in the foreground representing thousands who toiled at the site.
“The inspiration for my mural design stems from Slate’s commitment to honour the historic Stelco lands by integrating past industrial buildings, structures, and artifacts into its Steelport development,” Coloma said.
“My concept features a scene from the steelmaking process, prominently showcasing the labourers who contributed to Hamilton’s steel town legacy.”
Slate’s vision for the 800 acres of Steelport includes about 11 million square feet of new buildings geared toward traditional and advanced manufacturing, logistics and transportation, production and innovation hubs, energy and tech companies, creative industries, and professional services. The project also includes retail, public spaces for art, entertainment and heritage industrial elements, as well as trails, a park and a waterfront promenade. n
A PLACE FOR WEIRD DREAMS
THE STAIRCASE THEATRE AND CAFÉ HAS BEEN BOTH A CRITICAL INDIE ARTS VENUE AND A HOME FOR ARTISTS ACROSS HAMILTON FOR 28 YEARS. IT’S A PLACE WHERE CREATIVES OF ALL KINDS CAN TAKE RISKS. By STEPHEN NEAR
“There’s a weirdness here.”
I’m nestled inside the brownstone interior of Hamilton’s Staircase Theatre and Café, sitting with director of event management Matthew Surina. Confronted by a dizzying assortment of show posters in the lobby, it’s hard not to agree.
Yet, sitting on an unassuming corner of one of the city’s most bustling thoroughfares, you’d be forgiven if you had no idea it was there. Such is the strange secret identity of what has become one of this city’s most treasured if oft-overlooked performance spaces. It’s all part of the charm that is the Staircase, a hidden gem which has been attracting audiences to local artists and their eclectic work for nearly three decades.
Long before I moved to Hamilton, I knew of the Staircase. A darling of the indie arts scene, the venue has played host to a literal feast of cultural events, the kind that have been instrumental to keeping the arts alive and thriving in Steeltown. Indeed, almost every artist working in Hamilton today –including yours truly – can point to being part of some event or other hosted by or taking place at the Staircase. It’s baked into the collective grassroots identity of the city.
“It’s very off the beaten path,” says Surina. “We’re not quite downtown, and not quite Westdale. But you come in here, and you’re going to see a show that you might not know much about. A lot of the acts we book, we try to keep things affordable enough so audiences can take chances.” For Surina, who runs daily operations and programming for the Staircase, this is the essence of keeping the venue alive. “That’s the biggest thing I want to keep doing here: allow people to just have a weird dream.”
You walk in the door, after climbing a small set of chiseled granite steps, and the wrought iron spiral staircase winds itself towards an almost cavernous roof. The spacious interior belies the hustle and bustle that has come to characterize the space on
a performance night. Be it a comedy set, a cult film screening, a book launch, a wedding or the annual Fringe Festival, the Staircase has become Hamilton’s go-to grassroots arts venue of choice.
A passionate advocate for the role that the Staircase plays in the city’s arts scene, Surina first connected with the venue as part of the many improv workshops and events
that have run out of its spaces for years. “I ran a show here called Hammer Night Live in 2012. It was a hybrid comedy / talk show for seven years.” Now that he’s running the place, Surina feels a bit of an obligation to keep the venue’s unique profile alive within the community. “It’s always been a building that’s been very important to me. But now, as we’re losing venues left and right in the city,
STAIRCASE STAFF, FROM LEFT: GABE CONWAY, HEAD SERVER, MATTHEW SURINA, MANAGER/BOOKER, ROSE USENICA, TECH MANAGER, WILLOW WATSON, KITCHEN MANAGER, MARC NASCIMENTO, MANAGER. MISSING IS MATT GRANDE, MANAGER. PHOTO: JON EVANS FOR HCM
it’s even more vital.”
A multi-faceted building, with a wide variety of performance and event spaces, the Staircase can house multiple events at the same time. “We have a building that can pretty much house anywhere between 50 to 75 people per show,” says Surina. In addition to the first floor’s black box space, used for both live theatre and film screenings, the Staircase boasts the third floor Bright Room and a smaller studio in the basement. Next door, there’s the Elaine May space, which was added in the mid-2010s and now serves as a companion space for improv and theatre workshops.
Though the versatility is certainly a selling point, Surina contends that it’s only part of the building’s charm. “It just has this characteristic vibe to it,” he says. “We’d have much more of an uphill battle if it was just a black box theatre attached to a bar. You don’t have to see a show to appreciate this place, and I think that’s kind of what we’re trying to accomplish is getting this place populated. If you’re not here to see a show, you grab a drink with a friend.”
Sitting across from Surina, with the sun streaming in through the windows, there’s a sense that the Staircase is coming alive again. This is all the more miraculous when you consider that the building has changed hands, and was threatened with permanent closure, twice in the last four years. Given the loss of several other prominent local indie arts venues in the last decade – Artword Artbar, This Ain’t Hollywood, and the Pearl Company – the continued survival of the Staircase would seem to be a continuing struggle.
Surina admits that shrinking audiences and funding cuts across the arts sector have impacted the venue (like many others). But he’s quick to say how he tries his best to accommodate such challenges for those artists looking for space. “Has it bit me in the butt a couple times? Sure. But if it means people are taking more chances and following their passions, I’m all for it. You have to have that in the arts with the way the economy is. You have to take a chance. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. But that’s the beauty of it.”
Surina is the latest in a long line of stewards who have overseen the running of the Staircase, starting with its foundation by
STAIRCASE HAS BEEN AN ARTS HUB FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES . PHOTO: THE STAIRCASE
Elaine May MacLeod, gave us the seed money for the renovations. She was very ill at the time but she still managed to do a bit of work on the building before passing away. She knew the benefits of improv comedy and wanted to see her impending inheritance concretely make the world a better place. It’s ironic that it was the generosity of a woman from Vancouver that seeded the Staircase and all that came from it.”
MacLeod is upfront about the challenges he faced in starting up the Staircase. “Running an event space is nothing but hurdles,” he asserts. “The City was overtly hostile to the project and did everything it could to not let it start. This is a crucial point that informed a lot of the Staircase’s point of view.” MacLeod recalls a tangle of zoning issues rooted in the venue’s location that contributed to the challenges. To win over City council, MacLeod “enlisted improv comedy contacts from coast to coast to email the councillors in support of the project.” In the meantime, he and Garneau used the venue to teach comedy workshops, which helped to put it on the map.
One local performer who recalls those early years is Crystal Jonasson. “When I first started attending the improv workshops, it wasn’t yet a completed venue and there was still active construction. At times, there was no central heating or other amenities. Sometimes before the workshop we would show up and also drywall or do whatever current renovations we’re going on. Although I have a lot of memories of the theatre as a polished space, I think some of my dearest
2000s. For them, the Staircase represents something much more than simply another theatre venue. “I’ve attended birthday celebrations, baby showers, and weddings at the Staircase. In fact,” recalls Kimberley Jonasson, “my own wedding was at the Staircase, as was my mother’s celebration of life in the café area.”
She points out that the sheer diversity of the productions at the Staircase are essential to its unique character. “Actors got to perform their first one-person shows; singers and musicians made their start at open mic nights; poets and spoken word artists honed their crafts; artists hung their paintings; yoga gurus, karate teachers, and dance instructors were all able to earn their livings there. I think when a venue has been so instrumental in giving a start to so many creative and talented people, it’s a hard place to forget.”
Indeed, since the mid-2000s, the Staircase as a community hub has often overshadowed its profile as an arts centre. Private parties and weddings bumped up against roleplaying games and trivia nights alongside karaoke and the weekly improv workshops. And, of course, the annual Halloween galas and New Years Eve parties were epic. During this influential period, daily oversight and management of the Staircase was handed to Colette Kendell, herself a local veteran of the Canadian theatre and comedy scene.
Kendall would come to preside over the Staircase during this time, when rapid artistic growth and an influx of new talent was
/continued on page 54
Crystal’s father and stepmother, met as active
THE
ALREADY AT HOME IN HAMILTON
BRAD ROBERTS, THE BARITONE LEAD SINGER OF FOLK-ROCK GROUP CRASH TEST DUMMIES, CHOSE OUR CITY WHEN HE DECIDED TO MOVE NORTH OF THE BORDER AGAIN. ONE OF CANADA’S BIGGEST ACTS OF THE ’90S, HE AND HIS BANDMATES ARE BUSY TOURING TO MARK THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR SECOND SMASH RECORD GOD SHUFFLED HIS FEET.
By KERRY DOOLE
The recent relocation of Crash Test Dummies leader Brad Roberts to Hamilton reaffirms that the influx of notable artists into the Hamilton music community continues apace. Roberts recently sat down with HAMILTON CITY Magazine for coffee in his Dundurn neighbourhood to discuss his move as well as the ongoing success his band is enjoying internationally, 30-plus years on from their commercial heyday as a multi-platinum selling entity.
Roberts and his wife bought a house and moved here a couple of months ago, but the extensive touring schedule of Crash Test Dummies this year has not allowed him much time to settle in. We chatted two days after his return from dates in the U.S. – “16 shows in 18 days that went very well,” says Roberts – and 10 days later the group was off to the U.K. and Europe for more shows.
He has already been made to feel welcome on the Hamilton music scene, he says. “I got my feet wet in the music community here by playing at the JR Digs Acoustic Christmas show last year (his appearance was a show highlight). I met a lot of people that night at that show, and they were all very welcoming. There was no attitude at all, no snobbery or cliquishness or any of that nonsense.
“We have made a lot of friends here already,” Roberts adds. “Our realtor was very chit-chatty with us during the transaction and she invited us out for tacos. She introduced us to all her friends and we became part of this nice close-knit little community in Hamilton. I feel more at home here than I do in my old hometown.”
Roberts was born and raised in Winnipeg,
BRAD ROBERTS, LEAD SINGER AND SONGWRITER OF CRASH TEST DUMMIES, HAS MADE A NEW HOME IN HAMILTON AFTER 30 YEARS IN NEW YORK CITY. PHOTO: JACK MALLOY
and earned a bachelor’s degree with honours from the University of Winnipeg as he was forming the Crash Test Dummies, the quirky folk-rock accented group that quickly launched him to national, then international stardom as the band’s lead vocalist and primary songwriter.
He left Canada 30 years ago, explaining that “when I was 30, I moved away from Winnipeg and relocated to New York ’cause I was in love with that city.”
He eventually met his wife there.
“However, in the last 10 years, NYC has, in my view, lost all of its charm. It is priced out of anyone’s pay scale who is not extremely wealthy. I had rent control, so was not paying exorbitant rents but my neighbours were paying $15,000 a month. All of the creative people who used to flock to New York are gone as they can’t afford to be there. All the groovy restaurants have been rooted out and generally it is just not a fun place to live anymore,” he says.
“I also did not want to grow old in the U.S. The healthcare system is so poor there. You can buy as much insurance as you want there and it will never cover you for everything you need. If you get really ill, it can cost you a million dollars.”
Once the decision to move back to Canada was made, Hamilton topped Roberts’ choice of locale. He has friends here and his wife would be miserable in cold Winnipeg, he says.
“People ask me, ‘Why the hell did you move to Hamilton of all places?’ Hamiltonians ask me that and I say to them, ‘Why do you have such a low opinion of your hometown?’”
But he adds that Hamilton has attracted too many “outsiders” too quickly and that’s driven up the housing market.
“That must piss off the locals quite a bit. I don’t blame them. I feel I’m part of that problem.”
Much of the touring this year of Crash Test Dummies has been to mark the 30th anniversary of their second album God Shuffled His Feet. Fuelled by the hit status of its infectious single “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” that record brought international success, selling 6 million copies worldwide and earning them three Grammy award nominations in 1994. “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” became so ubiquitous that it was parodied by Weird Al Yankovic, as “Headline News.”
“That was a great milestone for us, and one of the biggest compliments I could get,” says Roberts.
The 1991 CTD debut album The Ghosts That Haunt Me was a huge success in Canada, thanks to the group’s other signature smash hit “Superman’s Song.” Though the record did not make a big splash internationally, it sold five-times platinum (500,000 copies) in Canada, and helped them win the 1992 Juno Award for Group of the Year.
In candid fashion, Roberts admits: “I don’t think much of our first record. I don’t think it stands the test of time. Those were my first attempts at songwriting. With ‘Superman’s Song,’ I think I came up with a good one, but a lot of the others are just so so. The playing is poor, with a drummer who we fired shortly after we made the record. Having said that, I feel our second record does stand the test of time.”
Those two records are characterized by Roberts’ distinctive deep baritone voice and intellectual and somewhat idiosyncratic songwriting. He credits his university studies in English literature and philosophy as having a deep impact on the latter. “I’d not have been able to write any of those songs without the education I got in those subjects. I learned to scan poetry, find out how rhyme works and I learned a lot about philosophy. All that informed my songwriting.”
A third Crash Test Dummies album, 1996’s A Worm’s Life, sold over a million copies worldwide, but subsequent releases did not fare well commercially. In the 2010s, CTD scaled down their activity, with some of the lineup departing and Roberts recording and touring as a solo artist, as well as working as a songwriting instructor and studying and teaching yoga in New York City.
He reunited with core members Ellen Reid, Dan Roberts (his younger brother) and Mitch Dorge in 2018 for the first full Crash Test Dummies North American tour in nearly two decades, and performing has been their primary focus since. The lineup now also includes east coast guitar ace Stuart Cameron (a longtime Roberts collaborator), and new keyboardist Leith Fleming-Smith, and Roberts says he feels lucky to play with musicians he gets along with.
He’s no longer a prolific songwriter, says Roberts, but is proud of one recent song
“Sacred Alphabet.”
“It is very classically-influenced and is going over like gangbusters, with standing ovations at our concerts. I’m not sure why, as nobody is familiar with it, and usually people want to hear the songs they know. I’m surprised and pleased at that. At this point, I don’t know if we’ll be bothered with writing a new record anymore. These days I don’t think people listen to full records, just tracks.”
He continues to stretch himself musically, however. “I have been studying classical composition with a teacher in Connecticut. He is familiar with all orchestral instruments and has taught me how to write for them. Right now, I’m writing a string quartet. That is extremely challenging because all the best were already written by Beethoven hundreds of years ago, but it’s a lot of fun.”
As well as being the primary income source for Roberts and Crash Test Dummies, international touring is more enjoyable for Roberts now than during the band’s heyday. “When we first started touring I had an enormous amount of press to do. I’d have phone interviews every morning, then go to radio stations all afternoon, then play the show.”
He’s grateful for the experience but it was gruelling. Now, with an established name, he does any press before the tour starts.
We can be hopeful of some local dates at some point, but CTD are touring Europe and the U.K. through November and then Australia and New Zealand next spring.
Asked whether he ever gets sick of having to sing his two blockbuster hits at every show, Roberts gives a thoughtful response. “Doing them stays fresh for me because even after a million times, I know I’m singing them for a crowd of people that have paid good money to come and hear them. They are very happy to hear them and their enthusiasm is infectious.”
The fascinating life and career of Roberts could make for a memorable memoir, but he has no interest in that. “I would rather let the dust of the past stay where it has settled,” he explains with a chuckle.
He remains content with his career choice. He considered academia but after getting his BA, he decided to try music first.
“Looking back now, I really think I’d have been miserable teaching, so I’m glad things worked out the way they did.” n
DYLAN HUDECKI, AKA THE DILL, IS A CANADIAN INDIEROCK VET HAVING PLAYED IN MANY DIFFERENT BANDS, INCLUDING BY DIVINE RIGHT, COWLICK AND JUNIOR BLUE. HE’S A PROUD HAMILTONIAN & HAPPY TO COVER NEW ALBUM RELEASES FOR HAMILTON CITY MAGAZINE.
FAMOUS AND BETTY Be the Light
Famous Framus and Betty Bomb’s latest release Be the Light is a raw, high-octane blend of dirty down blues and fiery rockabilly soul. Recorded live off the floor at Bluetilt Studio in downtown Hamilton, this album captures the gritty essence of a duo who live and breathe their music.
From the very first chord, the slapback vocals and sultry grooves transport listeners to a place where the blues roots intertwine with punk rockabilly energy. Famous Framus’ slide guitar playing is a nod to the blues invasion of the ’50s and ’60s, while also tipping its hat to the early 2000s’ garage revival, evoking the raw power of acts like the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and The White Stripes. The lyrics, “Walk around downtown. Dig a hole. Sell my soul,” embody the album’s downtown grit and soul-baring honesty.
Betty Bomb on drums drives the record with thunderous precision, locking into grooves that are as primal as they are infectious. Together, this married couple creates a sound that feels far larger than the sum of its parts, embodying a garage blues ethos that pulses with energy and authenticity. Tracks like “Be the Light,” “Lover Man,” and “Not Today Satan” are standout examples of the duo’s chemistry, their sound dynamic being rooted in the deep tradition of the blues.
The album holds a special significance for Famous Framus, marking his 12th release since 2003. Returning to Bluetilt Studio, where his first solo EP Live Off the Floor was recorded, Be the Light feels like a full-circle moment – a testament to his journey as an artist. The entire recording, mixing, and mastering process was kept in-house, with longtime collaborator Danny Zivkovic (Danny Z) at the helm.
Be the Light is a bold, unapologetic release, standing toe-to-toe with Famous Framus’ contemporaries.
“This release is more than just another record – it’s a labour of love, a culmination of years of dedication, and a dream fulfilled with its long-awaited vinyl release,” says the duo, who plays The Casbah the second Saturday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
RIYL: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, White Stripes, Johnny Winter, The Cramps, Teenage Head, Garage Blues! Punk Gospel! Rockabilly Soul!
LOST FACULTY Drifter
Lost Faculty’s Drifter bursts with energetic vibes marking it a standout release from the Hamilton-based band. Kicking off with “Drifter,” the EP delivers an upbeat blend of indie rock and pop influences. Tracks like “Bucket List” and “Demo 5” are characterized by their lively tempos and catchy hooks, showcasing the band’s knack for creating feel-good and at times epic anthems. The production, recorded at the legendary downtown Threshold Recording Studio, is crisp, enhancing the vibrant and dynamic sound of the release. With its engaging melodies and upbeat energy, Drifter is a fun, memorable listen that highlights Lost Faculty’s potential and infectious charm.
RIYL: Hey Rosetta, Dan Mangan, Arkells
SLOW READER Slow Reader
Tori Tizzard has a soft emotive voice and quality that sets a compelling tone for Slow Reader’s debut self-titled EP. It’s a playful blend of quirky upbeat melodies and reflective lyrics that creates an engaging listen.
On “Awkward Tanlines,” it’s nice to hear a band dedicate a whole chorus and outro to a single almost teenage-esque theme, singing “….I wanna make out, I wanna make OUT!” over and over again.
This EP is cool, contagious fun and it’s catchy in a singular, somewhat modern wholesome way. It’s a solid first release from this outfit that knows who and what they are, which is a journey in itself.
RIYL: Best Coast, Juliana Hatfield, Alvvays, bubble gum jangle indie pop, riding your bikes with friends on a summer night looking for a random pool to hop in.
SUNNSETTER
The Best That I Can Be
The album merges lush instrumentation with poignant lyrics, providing a powerful message of hope and resilience. Its rich shoe-gazing, fuzzed, bedroom indie pop production makes for memorable highlights and a solid arc. “I Hear a Voice” sets an optimistic tone that resonates throughout. The album was written over three years, when the band grieved a close friend and bandmate, and deals with sobriety, mental health, and gender identity and queerness.
RIYL: Bright Eyes, melancholy Smashing Pumpkins, My Bloody Valentine, Sigur Ros, Zoon, Diiv, Alex G.
THE FESTIVE SEASON IS UPON US, AND THERE’S NO BETTER GIFT THAN A LOCAL READ FOR THE BOOK LOVER IN YOUR LIFE. BONUS POINTS IF YOU SUPPORT ONE OF THE CITY’S INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS. HERE’S A HOLIDAY ROUND-UP OF GREAT LOCAL BOOKS. GET YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST READY! By
Jessica Rose
SMOKE
BY NICOLA WINSTANLEY
Nicola Winstanley is known for picture books for children, such as How to Give Your Cat a Bath and A Bedtime Yarn. But it’s her foray into short fiction is now capturing readers’ attention. Moving between Winstanley’s previous home in New Zealand and Canada, Smoke is a series of connected stories that consider themes of intergenerational trauma, fate, and compassion through multiple points of view. Published by Hamilton’s Wolsak and Wynn, it’s a fascinating exploration of resilient and complex characters.
MOSAIC THROUGH EAST-FACING GLASS: A COLLECTION OF PERSONAL ESSAYS
BY MARG HEIDEBRECHT
How did your life change in the pandemic? That’s the question we’ll be asking ourselves for years to come. In early 2020, Dundas’s Marg Heidebrecht had just released her book In the Shade: Friendship, Loss & the Bruce Trail. Continuing her routine of writing 90 minutes a day in the pandemic produced a book of personal essays. Mosaic Through East-Facing Glass is a stunning collection of insights and humour intended as a legacy for family and friends. A retired educator, Heidebrecht shows she’s still got a lot to teach – timeless wisdom for an ever-changing world.
GRANDFATHER OF THE TREATIES: FINDING OUR FUTURE THROUGH THE WAMPUM COVENANT
BY DANIEL COLEMAN
Also published by Wolsak and Wynn, Grandfather of the Treaties: Finding our Future Through the Wampum Covenant is the most recent book by Daniel Coleman, an English professor at McMaster University. Named among CBC Books’ Canadian nonfiction to check out this fall, it introduces readers to the founding Wampum covenants between European settlers and the Haudenosaunee nation, showing how returning to these covenants today could heal our society.
BY GEOFFREY W. COLE
Oakville’s Geoffrey W. Cole has worked as a rock and roll singer, a Segway tour leader in Rome, a grizzly bear caretaker, a Lego robotics instructor, and a municipal engineer. As if that isn’t already the resumé of the most interesting person in the room, he’s added author to the list. His collection of short stories Zebra Meridian was released this fall by local publisher Stelliform Press, which publishes works that address our world’s most pressing problems. The 13 stories in Zebra Meridian bring together elements of fiction, fantasy, and horror, encouraging readers to delight in how humans find connection in a disconnected world.
POPPY & PA BY
KRISTYN JEWELL
Dundas author (and doctor) Kristyn Jewell is a lifelong reader who, at 39, wrote her first story. The result is Poppy & Pa, a charming book for young people and grown-ups alike, inspired by her own father and his legacy. It tells the story of Poppy, who can’t wait for summer to arrive so she can travel to Muskoka to visit her beloved Pa. Together, they share stories, food, and adventures, making countless memories along the way. Told in memorable prose, Poppy & Pa is complemented by the whimsical illustrations of Chelsea Peters.
SCANDAL AT THE ALPHORN FACTORY BY
GARY BARWIN
Scandal at the Alphorn Factory: New and Selected Short Fiction, 2024–1984 is the latest book by writer, composer, and multidisciplinary artist Gary Barwin whose writing career has spanned — you guessed it — 40 years. Bringing together new and uncollected stories, it harnesses Barwin’s unique brand of playfulness, humour and originality, serving as the perfect gift for anyone who is looking for a crash course in one of Hamilton’s most innovative storytellers.
ZEBRA MERIDIAN
ART AND ABOUT
There are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the chillier days and longer nights heading into the holiday season. Here are a few of our favourite local happenings.
MARVELOUS MESSIAH
Though originally created for Easter in 1742, Handel’s “Messiah” has long since been adopted by – and is now synonymous with – Christmas. While the “Hallelujah Chorus” is perhaps the most recognizable movement of the oratorio, any number of the powerful pieces can create goosebumps and even tears (the good kind) with its audience at any given moment. The Brott Music Festival continues its annual tradition, bringing the Messiah – and all accompanying emotions – to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for one spectacular night only. Dec. 18. brottmusic.com
SWIFT AT THE STUDIO
For the Swifties without seats to the superstar’s Toronto shows, or those who just can’t get enough T-Swizzle content, Taylor Swift is coming to town, by proxy. In her Taylor Swift Tribute, Katy Ellis covers all eras of the singer’s music during the energetic show, where her own talents shine as brightly as the star’s musical catalogue. With replica costumes from each of Swift’s tours on rotation, a live band and backup dancers rounding out the stage, the show promises to be the ultimate night out for music fans in general and Taylor Swift fans in particular with no navigating Toronto traffic required. Nov. 19. The Studio. firstontarioconcerthall.ca
GET OUT AND GET DOWN
You can say a lot about Hamilton, and with our abundance of great music venues and creative people, you can’t say there is never something amazing going on. Lucky for those who like to hit a dance floor from time to time, local clubber Rohan Jayasekera did us all a favour and created Outdancing Hamilton – a compilation of the city’s inclusive dance events. Check the site when you feel like doing something other than folding laundry. Chances are there is something going on, and nothing is more frustrating than finding out about a great event after it has happened. Boogie over to the site for what’s coming up, and we’ll see you at Right On 70’s Night at the Casbah. Dec. 7. outdancinghamilton.com
CLASSICS BY CANDLELIGHT
Not only do we look great in it, but the warm and relaxing glow of candlelight can also be a balm for the soul. Fan favourite Candlelight Concerts visit The Westdale this December, where a string quartet performs a repertoire of Christmas classics, lit by a multitude of flickering candles. Far from the frenetic seasonal music that permeates the airwaves this time of year, an evening of familiar tunes presented in a novel way promises to offer a factory reset to the audience where after the show, they emerge refreshed and hopeful into the cool winter evening. Dec. 21. thewestdale.ca
B.SIDE YOURSELF
Tucked inside Farside – the James Street North bar with a chill vibe and hotdog-forward menu – sits B.Side, a performance and visual art gallery, home to area artists looking for a stage – or wall space. An eclectic mix of art installations and musicians are invited to use the venue for the weird and wonderful. Recent events include Freak Show – a collection of works by local artists organized by Goopdude, and a performance by rapper Hoss Bowman. Get out of the ordinary and onto the website for the up-to-date info. farsidebar.com scan the qr code Make our t hings to d o section your go-to destination for city life and arts and culture events listings! ha M iltoncity M agazine.ca
/continued from page 47
emerging in Hamilton, marking a renaissance for the venue that mirrored the rest of the city’s cultural revival. As more and more artists from Toronto and Vancouver settled in Hamilton, a myriad of companies and a long list of new and local creatives came to use the space, adding to its allure as a credible and affordable alternative performance space.
Aaron Joel Craig, of Same Boat Theatre, is one of the many drawn to the Staircase during this period. He says the venue “made me curious about what making new work in Hamilton could look like – it gave us a place to experiment.”
For Craig, the ability to take risks is the key to the Staircase’s legacy. “It’s a landing place,” he says, “for folks to try new things, and a home for artists to do work in a place that feels comfortable and knowable, without feeling low rent.” He adds that the venue has “been able to evolve with the changing city, while maintaining its working class accessible identity,” something that leads to “an intersection of a lot of creative worlds in Hamilton, a city where there aren’t a lot of opportunities to overlap with other creatives.”
In that vein, Nathan Fleet, the executive director of the Hamilton Film Festival, calls the Staircase a true arts incubator, responsible for keeping his and many other arts festivals alive. “The festival started there and now it’s going into its 19th year and is a Top 100 festival out of over 10,000 such events and is recognized worldwide.” As an early filmmaker, Fleet often had to make the trek to Toronto but when he learned of the Staircase, and the venue’s large projector and screen, “I planted myself there and started volunteering at their film festival events.”
Fleet and Craig’s experiences echo that of so many other artists as well as numerous arts organizations. Some of these, like the Black Box Fire Theatre Company and the HamilTEN Theatre Festival have gone or are on hiatus. But others, like the LitLive Reading Series, the Hamilton Fringe Festival, and Hamilton Theatre Project have continued producing events at the Staircase. And this may be an essential part of the Staircase’s role within the city: giving a piece of real estate to smaller arts organizations when they need it without breaking the bank.
Franny McCabe-Bennett, managing director of the Hamilton Fringe, says when she joined the Fringe team in 2019, the Staircase was already an essential element of the festival. The result of this long-held partnership has been an expectation – borne out by ticket sales year after year – that the venue often sells out. “Hamiltonians know that when it’s Fringe season, you head over to the Staircase and there will be something to see, something to eat, and someone to chat with. We’ve been lucky to continue to build that relationship and prove those Hamiltonians right year after year.”
Playwright and performer Ryan Sero also cites the importance of the Staircase working in concert with professional organizations like the Fringe as key to raising the venue’s profile. “When it became #TeamStaircase at the Fringe; things seemed to explode all around the community. Multiple spaces were in-use and it was tough to book it with less than five months’ notice. This increase meant a slightly easier time to attract audiences all year round.” That, in addition to the “bright and welcoming look” of the venue “compared to other venues in operation at that time,”
meant the appeal of the Staircase was clear. Despite pandemic hiccups, the venue seems more popular than ever. Just ask Amber Mills, artistic producer at Hamilton Theatre Project. In 2020, her company produced a show in the Bright Room upstairs. After a four-year break, her company returned this past spring with Nick Payne’s award-winning play Constellations. In many ways, her company’s mission of “intimate storytelling for the big city that feels like a small town” feels like an apt description for the venue.
“There are so few affordable spaces in Hamilton,” says Mills. “Knowing I could access the Staircase on my meagre budget was one of the things that allowed me to move forward with producing work here.”
Mills sees the Staircase as one of the city’s best hubs for the arts, but she also thinks the venue has to change if it’s to prosper in the future. “I hope it can adapt and grow alongside the city,” she says, “while continuing to be an affordable space for indie companies like mine. It would be wonderful if the café/bar developed into a space that people chose to come to, even without a show attached, so the energy of the space can continue.”
Staying an affordable space for artists, while holding on to the gritty urban weirdness factor that started it all, is exactly what Surina plans to keep doing at the Staircase. “We’re finding ways to update the place without losing its charm and character. It’s a tough tightrope to walk because you have to be realistic. But if we can take a chance on something, we will. Some things will stick and some things won’t. But that’s the arts.” n
Brothers Burger: A family affair
MARTIN JOSE OWNS A BURGER EMPIRE IN MANILA WITH HIS TWO BROTHERS AND CHOSE THE FOOD COURT IN HAMILTON’S JACKSON SQUARE FOR THE FIRST CANADIAN LOCATION. By
Suzanne z and B ergen
At Jackson Square the halls are decked, buzzing with holiday shoppers. When hunger hits, many head to the food court where they find a new option has arrived. Brothers Burger is a bright, inviting spot, drawing diners to its menu of flame-grilled gourmet burgers.
I met with the owners of Brothers Burger one busy Saturday to find out the story behind the burger shop. Martin Jose is one of three brothers who own the empire of designer burgers that originated in the Philippines in 1999. There are now 15 stores across the Metro Manila area.
Jose and his wife Marilyn moved to the GTA in July 2023 to find a location for Canada’s store No. 1, searching for six months throughout the Toronto area. It wasn’t until they came upon a vacancy at Jackson Square that they realized Hamilton was the perfect place to open their restaurant.
“Everything was there, it was quick to set up. And they’re the only ones that took the risk with us,” Jose says, “because we’re a new brand in Canada, there’s no track record. And we were
surprised that they had a program to help new businesses.”
Brothers Burger opened at the end of the summer and Jose says they have felt the brand has been accepted in Hamilton, from people working in the surrounding office towers to McMaster students living in the core. While we were chatting, a family arrived from two hours away, north of Toronto, to try the burgers they’d heard about on social media and through friends. They snapped a selfie with the Joses after their meal. You’ll see the couple working behind the counter, chatting up customers – even their two daughters are involved with helping the business. This is truly a family-run operation, with a goal of expanding into more locations in the GTA.
“We realized that people in Hamilton really enjoy their food. People are buying more of the designer burgers on our menu rather than the standard classic cheeseburger. They’re ordering the extreme bacon burger, the Blues Brothers burger, the lamb burger … specialty burgers are what people are craving in Hamilton.” n
MARTIN AND MARILYN JOSE HAVE OPENED BROTHERS BURGER IN JACKSON SQUARE. PHOTO: SUZANNE ZANDBERGEN/THE GENERATOR
THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A HOT BOWL OF SOUP, STEW, CURRY OR NOODLES WHEN WE ARE CHILLED TO THE BONE IN LATE FALL OR WINTER. LUCKILY, WE HAVE A WHOLE HOST OF DELICIOUS OPTIONS RIGHT AT OUR FROSTY FINGERTIPS.
By HEATHER PETER
The term “comfort food” can refer to a large variety of dishes. But one thing we do know is as the colder months roll in, people crave warm and hearty meals to fill their bellies. Large portions are better, powering us through those shorter days. Below are some of our favourite restaurants locally to find some comfort foods that are sure to keep you going through the chilly winter.
THE BURNT TONGUE
10 Cannon St. E., Hamilton • 182 Locke St. S., Hamilton • 1019 King St. W., Hamilton theburnttongue.com
IG: theburnttongue | FB: theburnttongue
You cannot mention cozy comfort foods within the city without mentioning The Burnt Tongue. The Burnt Tongue’s soups, grilled cheeses and burgers have become synonymous with winter dining within Hamilton. With three locations to choose from in the area, these hearty soups and stews can be found nearby no matter where you live in the city. Soups rotate based on what produce is seasonally available but previous winter menus included Buffalo chicken wing, pumpkin spice squash and dijon smoked turkey, potatoes & kale.
SAGARMATHA CURRY PALACE
43 King William St., Hamilton sagarmathacurrypalace.ca
IG: sagarmathacurrypalace
FB: sagarmathacurrypalace
The term “hidden gem” is one you hear tossed around often when describing restaurants, but Sagarmatha Curry Palace
is a place that can actually be described as such. This flavour-filled Indian and Nepalese restaurant is housed in a basement on King William Street. Yet, with all the colourful décor creating a sunny atmosphere, it has a cozy vibe to hide away from winter. The menu has a plethora of warm-your-belly dishes, such as the tandoor (clay oven) dishes, thali (small portions on a platter), and curries, along with soups, pakoras and appetizers. Try the popular Royal Dinner Thali!
WEST END DINER
1811 Main St. W., Hamilton restaurantsnapshot.com/WestEndDiner
West End Diner is one that you will rarely find empty, and for good reason. The homey restaurant specializes in diner favourites and hearty home-cooked-style meals, such as chicken parm, clubhouse sandwiches, hot hamburger dinners, and many Greek favourites, too. The portions are huge for the price and the senior specials add a little extra something special for the older crowd. It’s a Hamilton classic that will keep you full with comfort foods during the cold months! The hearty soups are a must-try.
KOHINOOR BISTRO
1443 Main St. E., Hamilton thekohinoorbistro.ca
IG: thekohinoorbistro | FB: thekohinoorbistro
One of the newest restaurants on the scene, you will find Kohinoor Bistro in the east end of Hamilton. The team at Kohinoor aims to offer South Asian food dishes that are hard to find at other restaurants locally, such kurkure momos (fried dumplings), puri dishes, biryani and many other dishes that are sure to comfort and warm the soul.
PHO NHUNG
85 Queen St. N., Hamilton phonhungrestaurant.com
IG: phonhunghamilton | FB: phonhungrestaurant
Pho Nhung can easily be overlooked. It’s a little hidden in the plaza at Queen near York, but once you try the dishes here you’ll be sure to remember this restaurant! Large bowls of Vietnamese soups, noodles, and comfort food dishes are served up from this family-run spot. They offer classic and flavourful pho, alongside rice noodles, egg noodles and vermicelli soups. Try the peanut satay noodle soup with beef — it’s excellent!
MISTER GAO
1561 Main St. W., Hamilton gaolaozhuang.ca
Many of the dishes at Mister Gao China Restaurant are sure to keep you warmed during the cold months of winter. One of our favourites is the clay pot stews. They are brought simmering to your table, with umami flavour served to the brim. Options include lamb and radish, chicken and mushroom, and veggie and tofu. On the menu you will also find dishes like chili and garlic wings, scallion pancakes, mapo tofu and many sizzling meat dishes.
THE BLACK BULL
2475 Mountainside Dr, Burlington blackbull.ca
IG: blackbullburlington
FB: theblackbullburlington
If British pub food is your comfort fare, look no further than The Black Bull neighbourhood pub in Burlington. It welcomes with a cozy traditional atmosphere, hearty dishes and warm service. As is customary in drizzly England, the English-style pub foods are filling and comforting, including bangers and mash, meatloaf, steak and Guinness pie with puff pastry topping, English curry, and bacon mac and cheese. There is lots of variety at The Black Bull – they’re also famous in Burlington for fish and chips, nachos, and chicken wings.
541 EATERY & EXCHANGE
541 Barton St. E., Hamilton fivefortyone.ca | IG: 541barton/ 541 Eatery and Exchange on Barton Street serves dishes that not only nourish you, they nourish the community too! This
non-profit café and eatery offers a button program, allowing visitors to purchase buttons for $1 that are available for others to buy something from the menu where hearty breakfasts, soups, grilled cheeses and more can be found.
GREEN MACHINE FOOD TRUCK & KITCHEN
Food Truck and 664 Concession St., Hamilton greenmachinefoodtruck.com
IG: greenmachinekitchen/
FB: greenmachinefoodtruck
Originally known for spectacular smoothies, Green Machine Food Truck (and now storefront) shifts right into comfort foods once the cold weather hits. Items like the chicken pesto panini grilled sandwich, chili and a wide variety of stick-to-yourbones soups are available at a storefront on Concession. Can’t make it to the restaurant? You can also order hearty soups to be delivered direct to your door with flavours such as beef barley, sweet potato and butternut squash, and dill pickle and potato.
VERLAN
304 Barton St. E., Hamilton verlan.ca
IG: creperieverlan | FB: creperieverlan
Crêperie VERLAN on Barton is all about the melty, ooey-gooey goodness. Specializing in savoury and sweet filled crêpes, one of our go-tos in the winter months is sure to be the crêpe gratinée: a crêpe topped with a variety of meats and/or veggies, cheese and bechamel and then baked. Absolutely divine! You also cannot go wrong with the hearty toasties (a grilled French bread sandwich stuffed with meats, melted cheeses, bechamel and more).
ROYAL COACHMAN PUB
1 Main St. N., Waterdown royalcoachmanpub.com
IG: theroyalcoachman | FB: coachmanpub
Pub grub is kind of synonymous with winter eating and the Royal Coachman menu has all the makings of comfort food must-haves. From the braised beef Yorkshire pudding bowls to cottage pie to the crispytopped mac and cheese and classic fish and chips, since 1995 this restaurant has been keeping the Waterdown community (and beyond) well fed. Looking for something a little different? Try the pierogi pot roast poutine!
MESA
255 James St. N., Hamilton
IG: mesahamont | FB: MesaHamilton
The from-scratch Mexican favourites with hearty flavours offered at the colourful Mesa on James Street North are sure to warm you up in the depths of winter. Mesa serves large portions of winter comfort foods including grilled panela, pozole chicken and corn soup, enchiladas, tamales and so much more.
Try the beef barbacoa! n
BURLINGTON booms for foodies
THERE ARE MORE THAN 30 EATERIES IN THE DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR OF BRANT STREET, LAKESHORE AND SIDE STREETS.
By DIANE GALAMBOS
While working in Oakville, my commute passed through Burlington, which became somewhat central to my routines. It was a (temporary) period of estrangement from Hamilton. I have not become a stranger to Burlington, but its downtown is fast becoming a dining community I can barely keep up with. Once a regular at Locust Street’s Pane Fresco (now closed) I watched the construction of a nearby condo. Imagine the walkability score for a place that is within easy walking distance of more than 30 eateries – and that doesn’t include coffee houses and gelato. Space doesn’t permit overviews of them all. Visit one, note nearby eateries and begin compiling your downtown Burlington dining wish list!
THE OKLAHOMA BURGER AT MARTINI HOUSE IS A TOWERING COMBO OF ONION, PICKLE, MUSTARD AND AMERICAN CHEESE TOPPED WITH ONION RINGS. PHOTO: MARTINI HOUSE
james street north king william street downtown dundas hess village ancaster
BRANT STREET stretches from Lakeshore Road all the way up to Hwy. 5, but the first few blocks that form the city’s core and house City Hall offer a long list of foodie choices. Here are just a few.
RADIUS ON BRANT
455 Brant St.
radius.ca | IG: radiusdining
Powered by an energetic team and the creativity of chef Dan Burcher, radius has been on the move – from Corktown to Hess Village in Hamilton and then adding their new Burlington location in November 2023. On a recent visit, the top-notch menu designed with input from a nutritionist yielded an accidentally (but perfect) vegetarian shareable feast. Imagine this combo – roasted baba ganoush, signature goat cheese spring rolls, maple miso brussels, mango del mar ceviche with taro chips, burrata and prosciutto with honey-infused melon, and of course, truffle fries.
They have menus to match moods and the hour – at night dinner, by day lunch, by day weekend brunch, cakes & cocktails, happy hour & after dark – and delivery. In the summer, diners enjoyed a wine tasting and canapé experience on the patio, and the restaurant has an impressive drinks program that includes creative zero-alcohol cocktails. radius magically combines great food with great vibes any day. This is urban casual dining at its best.
PRIME STEAK AND RAW BAR
390 Brant St.
primesteakandrawbar.ca
IG: primesteakandrawbar
Another 2023 addition to the dining scene, Prime opened in an existing restaurant space with a fresh new look and exquisite menu already winning a Diner’s Choice Award. With a focus on sourcing the highest quality ingredients, it offers premium steak and sushi. Fans of steak will be impressed with the first-rate quality of the prime cuts that include wagyu and Canadian/USDA prime aged a minimum of 40 days. Beef, pork, lamb and chicken are also tantalizing protein options as well as seafood and sushi. To traditional sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls Prime has added signature options that can all be sampled with the seafood tower. Tempting Singapore slaw and yakisoba
noodles are hard to resist. For a supreme treat, indulge in the multi-course chef’s menu featuring selections from the raw bar, sushi, starters, prime cuts, sides, and desserts. Enjoy all of this in an elegant and inviting setting that provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a corporate event.
400 BRANT KITCHEN AND BAR
400 Brant St.
400brant.ca | IG: 400brant
Built in 1860, 400 Brant Street is the oldest structure in Burlington and has continuously operated as a hotel and public house. Open for years as the Queen’s Head Pub, chef Stewart Schmidt and the creative visionary Sarah Millar poured hard work and love into restoring the historic building as a setting for casual upscale dining. The patio was charming all summer and the indoor space, lined with windows, offers a bright and inviting atmosphere. Private event spaces include the Fore Hundred Room featuring a bar, golf simulators and TVs. The menu, which offers shareables, handhelds, soups, salads and mains will be updated in the fall, with special events around Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. The unique made-to-go menu makes it easy to enjoy a fabulous meal at home.
BURRO
4-480 Brant St. S. burrotacos.com | IG: burromakestacos
If you’re a regular at Hamilton’s The Mule you may wonder why Burro seems familiar. It’s because it is part of the Other Bird family run by Erin Dunham and Matt Kershaw who “happen to think that tacos are a dish best served fun, with a side of liquor …” An extensive (and clever) drinks menu includes zero-proof options. Available eats are glutenand peanut-free and include vegetarian and vegan options. Choose from the tacos and “not tacos” (aka wings, tamales, ceviche, guacamole, tostadas). Top it all off with waffle churros and ice cream topped with salted caramel drizzle.
CULACCINO BAR & KITCHEN
527 Brant St. culaccino.ca | IG: barculaccino
Growing up in Burlington, owner Jerod McCrory was keen on sharing with readers the extent to which Culaccino is family run, with hands-on help from his mother (Nancy), father, (Mark), sister (Tess) and brother (Nathan). In 2016, the one-time bank was converted into a unique, charming space and the vault became a private dining room.
Given that Jerod is a Prud’homme master beer sommelier, it should come as no surprise that the Italian gastro pub has a craft beer focus, featuring more than 140 beers. If you quaff a glass of cold beer and the glass leaves a white ring on the table you may as well know that “culaccino” is Italian for watermark! Check out the beer dinners where local craft brew masters pair their beers with Culaccino’s six-course dining experience. (Be sure to try the gnocchi.) Open now for almost a decade, this family says they are proud to serve their community and look forward to welcoming you.
MORE ON BRANT STREET
In the 10 minutes or so it would take you to stroll from Lakeshore to just past Caroline Street, you’ll encounter more than one café, pastries and cupcakes, Indian food, burritos, corned beef, banh mi, rotis and dosas, shawarma, everything chicken (from eggs to wings), pub grub, and burgers. Some eateries are new-ish and then there’s sports bar Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill, which for 25 years has offered comfort classics, brunch, and a tiki bar. /continued on next page
PRIME’S SINGAPORE SLAW FEATURES WASABI SWEET & SOUR DRESSING, WONTON CRISPS, FRIED CHOW MEIN, AND CASHEWS.
PHOTO: PRIME STEAK AND RAW BAR
A stunning lakeshore
When it comes to dining, downtown Burlington has made the most of its lakeshore location. In addition to the eateries described below, consider visiting Pepperwood Bistro, Express Restaurant, Pizzaiolo, La Pita Halal, Port House Social Bar and Kitchen, and Sunset Bistro. It must be added that the Lakeshore offers more than one option for ice cream and gelato!
SPENCER’S AT THE WATERFRONT
1340 Lakeshore Rd.
spencers.ca | IG: spencers_waterfront
Since 2006, Spencer’s has offered delicious food combined with splendid lake views from the interior lined with windows or the elevated patio that remains open until weather no longer permits. Spencer’s is part of the Pearle Hospitality Group whose portfolio includes the nearby Pearle Hotel and Ancaster Mill, Elora Mill and Bardo. It is chef-driven with executive chef Matteo Paonessa at the helm. Stalwart Burlington diners would remember the Blacktree chapter of his life where he combined his creativity with his rich experience with many of Toronto’s best chefs. Expect delicious food, beautifully plated.
The weekend à la carte brunch menu, and lunch and dinner menus make it a dining destination for any day. Appetizers and entrées have offerings for varied tastes and preferences. Desserts are a must have. Spencer’s setting, spaces and hospitality have made it an ideal and popular location for weddings and special events.
DI MARIO’S TRATTORIA
1455 Lakeshore Rd.
dimarios.com | IG: dimariostrattoria
A few steps away from Lakeshore Road, Di Mario’s has been a Locust Street landmark for 25 years and transitioned to new ownership a few years ago. While many of the excellent staff remained, renewal of kitchen leadership came in the form of chef Claudio Aprile. Readers may recognize him as one of the judges on MasterChef Canada, or may have encountered him at some point in his 30-plus year international career, which included renowned Toronto restaurants such as Colborne Lane and Origin.
The sophisticated yet casual décor provides the perfect ambiance for
exceptional dining. The Italian influence is evident and clever twists take the flavour experiences over the top. The talented kitchen turns out the full range of skills and creativity. The aperitivo tower is a clever presentation of memorable appetizers such as the classic arancini or the unique fig and ricotta crostini. Pastas are flawless as are mains – the chicken piccata being a favourite. Plating and presentation trigger anticipation. The desserts are sumptuous and ingenious. Chef’s Round Table promises a unique culinary experience created just for you. The full dining room reflects diner enthusiasm – a sentiment shared by Aprile, who says bringing his craft to Burlington is an “exciting chance to be part of a great neighbourhood with a vibrant culinary scene.”
NISI GREEK TAVERNA
1455 Lakeshore Rd.
nisigreek.ca | IG: nisigreektaverna
Joining the dining scene in early 2023, Nisi Taverna is a must stop, especially for fans of Greek cuisine. Enjoy the calming interior ambiance or the pet-friendly patio while it lasts. Nearby traffic fades into the background as patrons enjoy their meal. Nisi is proud of the authenticity of its Greek menu, which adds vegetarian and gluten-free options to the expected meat and seafood. All the classics await – brandy-flamed saganaki, spanakopita, avgolemono soup, souvlaki, gyro, moussaka – many of which are combined on platters. The wonderful lemon potatoes are baked and roasted fresh each day. Nisi can accommodate private events, catering and does takeout, too.
ISABELLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
3 Elizabeth St.
isabelle.ca | IG: isabelle_restaurant
In December 2021, Isabelle joined the Burlington scene as a top-rung, but laid-back dining destination with menus influenced by Mediterranean cuisines, delivered in an agreeable, casual setting. If you get a window table or sit on the patio, the amazing lake views have their optimal effect on the ambiance. The patio was designed to be active for three seasons, sheltered from rain, with heaters, blankets and fire pits as the weather cools. Isabelle has private spaces for meetings or events.
From Monday to Saturday a breakfast
menu is followed by the all-day menu. Sunday brunch is followed by an evening menu. By offering snacks, small and sharing plates along with mains, guests can shape their dining experience. Favourites have remained on the menu joined by innovative creations plated to entice. By the way, never miss the chance to enjoy the bread offerings. Isabelle daily achieves its stated goal of Ontario’s best ingredients prepared with a global twist. Located in the Pearle Hotel and part of the Pearle Hospitality group, the main floor also features Pearle Café – open early for breakfast.
THE CARRIAGE HOUSE
2101 Old Lakeshore Rd thecarriagehouse.ca
When I worked in Oakville, dining at Oliver’s was often held up as a reward for a job well done. Restaurateur Nancy Knowles, who launched the award-winning steakhouse Oliver’s, opened Burlington’s Carriage House in 2004. Awards continued, including for the restoration of the 1859 building. The steak and seafood menu offers classics such as lobster bisque, oysters, caviar, Iberico ham, and Dover sole with a twist on some offerings – for example, Cajun Irish organic salmon. Beef and steak are prepared on a mesquite grill. Available as a venue for small events and business dining, light fare such as seafood crepes, curry or charcuterie is also offered.
RAYHOON’S APPETIZERS (FROM TOP CLOCKWISE) KASHKEH BADEMJOON (DIP), STUFFED BABY EGGPLANT, HUMMUS, AND ZEYTOON PARVARDEH (OLIVES). PHOTO: DIANE GALAMBOS
The Village Square
Two small blocks from Brant Street is Burlington’s Village Square – built over 40 years ago as a stroll, shop and dine experience. The Village consists of historic replicas and actual buildings moved to the site and it’s experiencing a renaissance with new tenants and outdoor events. Arguably there is a defined perimeter to the Village but there are several eateries surrounding it. Here are only a few awaiting your visit.
RAYHOON PERSIAN EATERY
420 Pearl St.
rayhooneatery.com | IG: rayhooneatery
If you’re a fan of family restaurants, Rayhoon is a must visit. Son Mohammad Emami takes the lead role while his father Mahmoud is the charming host and his mother Rohangiz Bagherian supplies the culinary guidance. Hospitality is top notch while you enjoy Persian dishes that incorporate the flavours of pistachios, dates, walnuts, rose water, pomegranate, cardamom, saffron, sumac, mint and basil (which is“rayhoon” in Farsi). Start with barbari bread and hummus and return often to sample the various kabobs and house specialties. Rayhoon’s halal menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options and quantities are generous. Dessert is not to be missed and I enjoy the cardamom tea so much that I purchased some for home. Linked to the eatery is Nannaa Foods, which offers Persian meal kits and heat-and-eat meals. Rayhoon’s online store has a bazaar (market) section. Family packages and catering are also on offer.
Taste of Burlington
tasteofburlington.ca
BUVETTE RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
417 Elizabeth St. buvetteresto.com | IG: buvetteburlington
This 2022 addition to the Village Square delivers a creative menu from chef Joel Bennett whose kitchen creds include Canoe and Peller Estate Winery. The once historic home is now a modern light-filled space with an ambiance that suits casual fine dining where classics often get a modern twist. The Butcher and Fisherman sections of the menu reflect the seafood and steak focus with chicken, veal and lamb also offered. Tantalizing platters, shared plates and vegetarian options ensure there’s something for everyone. Dietary preferences such as dairy- or gluten-free can be accommodated. Buvette can be booked for large weddings, meetings or family and business gatherings.
THE MARTINI HOUSE
437 Elizabeth St. martinihouse.ca | IG: martinihouseburlington
Serving Burlington for more than 25 years, Martini House is a well-established eatery, active in the community and supporting local businesses. The indoor space in this 1812 heritage building is chunked into several spaces. In this chef-driven restaurant, executive chef and part-owner Jayke Carter is responsible for the menu. With years of experience, Carter achieved some celebrity for winning Chopped Canada in 2014. Using local and seasonal ingredients, the menu features appetizers, salads, pasta, pizza, protein entrées and dessert. Butcher’s Block is the chef’s selection of different cuts of
beef paired with creative sides. There are vegetarian and gluten-free menu items and options for diners with dietary restrictions. Of course, there are martinis – too many to even count! Martini House is open seven days a week and hosts special events from family to corporate, along with catering at Wyldewood Golf and Country Club, which also hosts special events.
SON OF A PEACH PIZZERIA
2049 Pine St. #62
heypeachy.com | IG: sonofapeachpizzeria
The Peach (as regulars call it) celebrated its 10th anniversary in May. The team credits the growth of downtown Burlington and the popularity of the waterfront for making it a destination. For what? Mainly pizza, although the starters do their fair share of drawing patrons back. Think garlic knots, cheesy bread, the starter board, wings, meatballs and more. Making everything in-house is central to the brand, including the 96-hour cold-fermented naturally leavened dough and handcrafted sauces. Peach uses wholemilk mozzarella, garnished with 30-monthaged parmigiana reggiano and fresh basil. When it comes to ingredients, the restaurant supports local in as many ways as possible. Watch for new fall features. The Sunshine Doughnut Co. – equally popular – is a sister enterprise also celebrating eight years.
AND MORE ...
The Village Square zone has enough to spark frequent visits. There are dessert cafés, coffee and food shops and popular restaurants, including Benedict Eatery, Downtown Bistro & Grill, Mikado Japanese Restaurant, No. 8 Restaurant, North Coal, Paradiso, The Dickens, and The Poacher.
On John Street, for a deep dive into wellness, visit Lettuce Love, a plant-based café with an impressive vegan and gluten-free menu, and Heal Wellness with its all natural, nutritious and delicious superfoods. n
The City of Burlington’s support for the food scene is clearly demonstrated in its Taste of Burlington website. Claire Green, leading the Economic Development + Tourism Burlington portfolio, is pleased to announce the “Fall into Burlington” campaign and the dates for the next (and ever popular) Prix-Fixe event – Jan. 29 to Feb. 11, 2025 – when many restaurants invite diners to enjoy discounted fresh, local farm-totable culinary experiences. Green reminds readers that the dining scene is vibrant and extends beyond the downtown district. scan the qr code to see a full list of dining options in downtown burlington’s brant and lakeshore district.
EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS
By MEREDITH M ac LEOD
Christmas performer DAVID MILMINE grew up in Stoney Creek. He worked at Dofasco in automotive sales until his retirement. Most Sundays he can be found in the pulpit of one of Hamilton’s Presbyterian churches, leading worship. He has a son in Winnipeg and daughter in Hamilton. He has been married to the love of his life Lynda for 47 years, having met in high school. David is proud “Poppy” to his granddaughter Charlie Scout, who is only 6 and has not yet figured out who he is when he’s wearing his red suit. David is an avid reader, singer and pianist and spent many years on the board of directors for CityKidz.
Christmas performer MYKE HUTCHINGS was born in Etobicoke and raised in Ajax. A social worker and musician, he moved to Hamilton in 2000 to live with his husband Larry, who passed away in 2013. Myke is currently the tenor section lead at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and volunteers at Laidlaw
Memorial United Church. He helped chair Hamilton’s Pagan Pride Day from 2013 until 2021 and has performed as a musician and vocalist with a number of local choirs and theatre companies since 2003.
PHOTO: MARTA HEWSON FOR HCM
How did the two of you meet?
In the 1990s, David ran a clown school in Burlington. Myke was a young family entertainer looking to broaden his horizons and attended clown school. We maintained a friendship through correspondence over the internet, reconnecting when Myke moved to Hamilton in 2000 and have been good friends ever since. We have known each other and have worked together on and off for nearly 35 years.
David, how did you begin becoming Santa?
David was performing as Dooley the Clown at a holiday show with fellow clown Brian Burnside. The organizer came over to the clowns in a panic as their Santa was nowhere to be found. Brian had a Santa suit in his car and David went out to put it on. David, although unprepared for taking on the mantle, felt the beginnings of something good that spoke to his heart.
Myke, how did the elf character of Phineus come about and what’s his backstory?
From about 2007 onward, I had pulled back from performing as my husband, Larry, was in treatment for cancer. Larry was a professional real-bearded Santa, so I spent my time supporting him (behind the scenes) in his portrayal and business operation. When Larry died in 2013, I took some time to heal, eventually attending the Clowns of America International convention in 2015, where one of the instructors remembered me from the past and proceeded to work with me to create a new clown nose. This new nose spurred on the creation of Phineus as a general character. In 2017, David asked me to help him with some of his larger gigs and the character of Phineus became a grumpy, curmudgeonly elf who was approximately 450 years old and has seen and heard it ALL.
How much do you look forward to the holidays?
David loves Christmas, the fun, the celebrations, the wide eyes of the children and wonderment of the holiday spirit. But he also
loves the ability to share the reason for the holidays and the message of God’s love through the birth of Jesus.
Myke tries to carry the “holiday season” – as in the spirit of goodwill to others, giving freely of one’s self and living peacefully – should occur year round. It sounds like a cliché but he tries to live every day as if it’s Christmas Day.
How much work do you put in during the year into being Santa and Phineus?
We work year round, honing our performance skills, building our story times, as we change our shows yearly to keep things fresh for us and also to ensure our annual visits are always new and different for the believers in Hamilton. Our public work as Santa and Phineus continues throughout the year, including an Easter update where Phineus finds himself loaned to the Easter Bunny to help out with the worldwide delivery of chocolate and candies, and we also have a Summer Santa/Christmas in July program when we share stories and shenanigans and provide updates about what is happening at the North Pole throughout the year. We try to attend classes at least once a year as well as network with other Christmas performers around the world.
What has been your favourite moment when out in the community as Santa and Phineus?
David enjoys meeting families, particularly sharing the Christmas story from the Bible and sharing a message of universal love, peace and joy. Myke enjoys watching the eyes of believers of all ages, especially adults, light up when they recognize Santa and Phineus. For a brief moment, you see the look of shock, surprise, then that “childhood glee” set in …
What are some of your own holiday traditions?
David has recently “downsized” into a condominium and has a much smaller space. He has had to focus on decorating and celebrations that fit within that space to be able to comfortably share with his family and friends. As a lay minister in the Presbyterian church, David often spends the Advent season, leading up to Christmas, helping churches prepare for the celebrations of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Myke is a professional musician and singer. He works as a chorister at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church and volunteers at Laidlaw Memorial United Church. On Christmas Eve, Myke has
been blessed to lead the congregation at Laidlaw Memorial in the candlelight singing of “Silent Night” accompanied by his acoustic guitar. It’s a wonderful quiet moment of peace amongst the hubbub and chaos of the holiday season. Also for the past nine years, Myke has hosted a holiday concert called “No Coal In Your Stocking,” which hosts local Hamilton musicians for a family-friendly concert consisting of their favourite holiday songs.
What’s your ideal way to spend a lazy day in Hamilton?
David enjoys a drive down the Niagara Peninsula on Highway 8 with his wife Lynda, perhaps all the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit the Christmas Shop or Beau Chapeau Hats. Or perhaps a drive to Dundas to shop at Picones and some of the other purveyors of food.
Myke enjoys visiting the Ottawa Street Farmers’ market on Saturday mornings and then having a latte and waffle bacon at Cannon Coffee. He later enjoys walking through Gage Park or taking a stroll around Bayfront Park and perhaps checking out a local bookstore like J.H. Gordon Books, Epic Books or City and the City Books and then visiting Dr. Disc, Revolution Records or Into the Abyss.
What’s your favourite meal in the city?
David loves getting a meal at Himalaya off Centennial Parkway, in his opinion, the best Indian food in the city with the added bonus of being vegetarian.
Myke enjoys eating at MaiPai on Barton Street. He loves the non-alcoholic Dancing Fully Naked cocktail and then either the Pepperoni Pile On or one of the weekly special pizzas. If he’s sharing a meal with a guest, an order of parm fries is always welcomed!
What is Hamilton’s best-kept secret?
Most outsiders see Hamilton from the Burlington Skyway Bridge or enter from Nikola Tesla, so they see the industry and factories. David loves exploring the beautiful waterfront parks from Confederation Park to Pier 4. They are beautiful areas to walk and take in the beauty of the Hamilton area. When Myke brings people new to the area into the city, he tries to bring them in through the 403 or Plains Road, so they can see the green spaces and history of the city outside of the industrial areas. Myke thinks Hamilton’s amazing green spaces, trails, waterfalls and parks are the best-kept secret. n
THIS CONTENT
scan the qr code to read more about incite and the legacy of carl and kate turkstra.
BEYOND THE FRAME
THE INCITE FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS SUPPORTS THE INNOVATIVE WORK OF THE ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON .
AT LEFT, VISITOR LOOKS AT ALEX COLVILLE’S THE TRAVELLER THROUGH AN IPAD AT THE AGH; AT RIGHT, VISITOR LISTENING TO BEYOND THE FRAME CONTENT STANDS IN FRONT OF THIS IS NEMESIS BY WILLIAM KURELEK. COMPOSITE IMAGE: ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON
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 Art Gallery of Hamilton.
Century old paintings suddenly coming to life. Immersive soundscapes reinterpret collection classics. Artists reveal the processes, inspirations, and personal reflections of their work.
These are the kinds of new experiences offered at the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) with its groundbreaking new art activation project Beyond the Frame. The project uses digital media to provide interpretive, sensory, and reimagined experiences that activate works from the AGH’s important permanent collection.
Select works have been supplemented with the addition of audio and video interviews of artists sharing the meaning of their work, inspiration and creative process, as well as musical reinterpretations of paintings, process sketches, artist
biographies, dramatic poetry readings, immersive soundscapes, and even augmented reality views of painting and sculptures.
Works by William Blair Bruce, Alex Colville, Tim Whiten, Kareem-Anthony Ferreira, Christina Sealey, Marlo Panko, Esmaa Mohamoud, and Katherine Takpannie are included in the project so far. The AGH plans to have 20 activations available by year-end, with more anticipated in 2025 and beyond. With more than 11,000 works in the permanent collection, the number of possible stories to tell is endless.
“The goal of Beyond the Frame is to present new ways to appreciate the art, making it more accessible for as wide a demographic as possible. Prior to the project, visitors weren’t able to discover the stories behind works in the permanent collection
unless they were on tour with AGH staff and docents,” said Denise Tenio, coordinator of interpretation and public programs.
“Museums are undergoing a digital transformation, and we want to leverage emerging technologies in a way that allows people to enhance their experience of an artwork, providing moments of wonder for visitors,” said Ty Tekatch, lead of media production.
“We also view Beyond the Frame as a chance to work with the diverse artists whose art we have the privilege of housing in our collection. Sharing their stories and highlighting the humanity behind the art is a significant driver and motivator for this project,” says Tenio and Tekatch. “This project allows us to foreground the voice of the artist to speak about their work, influences, and experiences.”
The hope is that visitors will walk away with a deeper, more personal understanding of the art, allowing them to connect with the pieces on an emotional or intellectual level, regardless of their prior experience with art.
“The AGH is thrilled to have this opportunity to amplify our important permanent collection and transform the visitor experience with Beyond the Frame,” says Shelley Falconer, president and CEO at the AGH. “We are so grateful to the incite Foundation for the Arts for their generous support, which has made this innovative art activation possible.”
Beyond the Frame activations are being added weekly into December and planning is underway for new works throughout 2025. An official launch party will happen in the new year as well. n
Note: Beyond the Frame is best experienced using headphones. If you don’t bring your own or don’t have a pair, you can borrow them at the visitor services desk on Gallery Level 1. There will also be iPads to borrow soon.
what to do?
TONIGHT, TOMORROW, THIS WEEKEND, NEXT MONTH? LET US HELP WITH THAT.
HAMILTON CITY MAGAZINE HAS CURATED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FROM DOZENS OF ORGANIZATIONS, PROMOTERS, CLUBS AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE HAMILTON AND BURLINGTON AREA.
Instead of endlessly searching the internet, you only have to go to one place: hamiltoncitymagazine.ca. Check out the Things To Do section on our homepage menu and use the dropdown menu Find An Activity to search by the type of activity or event you’re craving. It’s all there for you – including our feature stories that highlight local events, found under Happening Now.
