HAMILTON CITY Magazine - No. 7 - Winter 2023

N O. 7 - T H E H O L I D AY I S S U E

hamiltoncitymagazine.ca

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!

ultimate gift guide of local artisans and shops 11 PAGES the

scan the qr for even more gift ideas online!

WINTER 2023

POLLYANNA THE MUSICAL IS THEATRE AQUARIUS’ HOLIDAY

CELEBRATION

AWARDING ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE

HCM TAKES YOU BEHIND THE SCENES WITH ITS STARS AND CREATORS

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THE CITY’S 2023 URBAN DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE AWARDS RECOGNIZE ACHIEVEMENTS IN 14 CATEGORIES

BEHIND AR MY LINES

THOSE ICONIC HOLIDAY RED COLLECTION KETTLES ARE ONLY A SYMBOL OF ALL THE SALVATION ARMY DOES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

FESTIVAL GUIDE: THE GREY CUP IS BACK IN THE HAMMER $7.95

EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING FOR CANADA’S LARGEST SINGLE-DAY SPORTING EVENT – AND WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

WINTER 2023 HCM

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Be the future of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities and most diversified economies. Home to an active and inclusive community; thriving arts, cultural and music scenes; and a mecca of food and culinary experiences. A waterfront city that embraces its natural environment and beauty with hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, and so much more.

Join our diverse, talented and ambitious city team who embody our commitment to service quality, a passion for nurturing change and a dedication to steadfast integrity. Our engaged, empowered employees make a difference. So will you. Hamilton is happening. #BeTheReason

Consider joining the City to advance your career in public service.

Scan the QR code or visit hamilton.ca/careers

hamilton.ca/careers

SHOP

Gift artfully this holiday season.

Buy or Rent Art From the AGB Shop.

AGB Admission: Free Gallery Hours Monday: Closed Tuesday – Thursday: 10AM – 9PM Friday – Sunday: 10AM – 5PM

AGB Shop Monday: Closed Tuesday – Sunday: 10AM – 5PM

Angelina Bontempo, Promessa Di Lucce (Promise of Light), Acrylic on Canvas, 40×60"

AGB.Life Art Gallery of Burlington 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Burlington Phone: 905.632.7796

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FINANCE + SUBSCRIPTIONS

POLLYANNA THE MUSICAL: ATHAN GIAZITZIDIS (JIMMY BEAN) WITH HIS MOM ANTONIA PETROU AND EMILY WATT (POLLYANNA) WITH HER MOM CHRISTY WATT. PHOTO: DAHLIA KATZ. SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE A VIDEO OF OUR COVER SHOOT!

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WRAPPED IN A BOW!

s it the holidays already?! Our first full year has flown by. Thank you for picking up the latest edition - The Holiday Issue! - of HAMILTON CITY Magazine.

This might be your first time seeing HCM – welcome to our seventh issue! We hope you love it and want to support what we’re trying to do for this great city.

We are delivering a packed issue, wrapped in a bow! It features our ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE - 11 pages of 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. It’s time to shop!

Excitement is building for the 110th Grey Cup that is coming back to Tim Hortons Field.

Check out our extensive festival guide with all the events linked to the big game.

In this issue, we also feature the winners of the City of Hamilton’s Urban Design and Architecture Awards and the year-

round work of the Salvation Army.

Our cover story is the launch of a project to pull back the curtain on bringing the world premiere of Pollyanna The Musical to Theatre Aquarius. We are so grateful to have been given unprecedented access to the creative team, cast, crew and theatre leaders. We will feature digital diaries leading right up to opening night on Dec. 6! Couldn’t we all use a little more Pollyanna these days?

As we reflect on the end to another year, our small but mighty and entirely local and independent team continues to be determined to deliver a high-quality city magazine. We are so grateful to all of you who have already got behind HCM. Together, we can do amazing things!

Please help by subscribing, spreading the word and supporting our advertisers.

If you own a local business, please consider becoming an advertising partner.

It takes a city to raise a city magazine!

–The HCM team

info@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca hamiltoncitymagazine.ca

@hamiltoncitymag

@HamiltonCityMagazine

@HamCityMagazine

@HamiltonCityMag

@hamilton-city-magazine

From award-winning writers to world-class photographers, hamilton city magazine is proud to support incredible local creative talent. scan the qr code to read about our amazing contributors.

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HCM WINTER 2023

EXPERIENCE

THE GREY CUP THE WAY IT IS MEANT TO BE

FOR EVENT INFORMATION

GREYCUPFESTIVAL.CA /greycupfestival

@greycupfestival SIGNATURE PARTNERS

@greycupfestival

Photography by Tourism Hamilton

O N T H E C O V E R : AT H A N G I A Z IT Z I D I S a n d E M I LY WAT T o f P O L LYA N N A T H E M U S I C A L

Photographed by Dahlia Katz for HAMILTON CITY Magazine | Hair/Make-up: Katelyn O’Neil

INSIDE THE HEADLINERS 14/ BEHIND ARMY LINES You know the red collection kettles that are out during the holiday season.

They are only a symbol of all the Salvation Army does throughout the year.

24/ AWARDING ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE The City of Hamilton’s Urban Design and Architecture Awards for 2023 recognize achievements in 14 categories.

28/ GREY CUP FESTIVAL GUIDE The six-day Grey Cup Festival leading into the big game has a decidedly musical and Hamilton spin in 2023.

38/ BEHIND THE SCENES OF POLLYANNA What does it take to launch the world premiere of a new musical based on a classic novel? We pull back the curtain on Theatre Aquarius’s holiday show!

48/ LABOUR’S NEW STORIES The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre has shifted from a place of permanent exhibits to one built around the views of local artists and the community about the present and future of work.

59/ DOWNTOWN DUNDAS: ALL BUT FOOD PERFECT Hamilton is a city blessed with great food and dining districts. Here we feature downtown Dundas.

62/ CITY VIEW: A LIFE OF MUSIC It was the sax solo on a Supertramp record that made Astrid Hepner fall in love with the tenor sax. Then she discovered jazz and never looked back.

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GIFT GUIDES!

START CHECKING OFF YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING AND ENTERTAINING LISTS. 31/ SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE 42/ ARTISANS AND CRAFTS GIFT GUIDE 57/ LOCAL FOODS GIFT GUIDE

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THREE HAMILTON BAR BANDS TO WATCH IN 2024 Heather Valley and the Current State (pictured), Wreckless Harbour and Checkerboard Floors frequently play local bars and breweries and offer a fantastic show for audiences.

AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY FILMS

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Hamilton-based actor Ann Pirvu is a supporting lead in a Hallmark original movie that was shot in the city and debuts this holiday season.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS 7/ CITY LIFE 23/ MADE IN HAMILTON 37/ ARTS + CULTURE 53/ FOOD + DRINK

REGULAR STOPS 8/ FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON 21/ LIFE IN THE CITY 50/ HAMILTON READS 62/ CITY VIEW

L A N D A C K N O W L E D G E M E NT

The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas.

This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which was an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Today, the City of Hamilton is home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as residents, neighbours, partners and caretakers.

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on Sept. 30 and recognize that at least 150,000 Indigenous children from across the country were forcibly separated from their families and their communities.

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Discover Unique Gifts

Frank Lloyd Wright Geometry Travel Journal from Galison

Sunday Socks made completely in Toronto by independent Canadian brand OkayOK ready for your boots or the cabin cozies

Lagoon Green Orb by Canadian glass artist, Courtney Downman

Art you can touch, wear, and bring home: visit the AGH Shop online or in-person to explore intentionally curated collections of slow-made, locally-focussed craft and art-inspired beautiful books and gifts for everyone on your list.

123 King Street West, Hamilton 905.527.6610 ext. 244

Ofui Bracelet in Gold handmade by multidisciplinary artist, Anne-Marie Chagnon

@agh_shop shop.artgalleryofhamilton.com

HCM-AGH-WONDER-ad-v2-PRINT.pdf 1 2023-10-25 3:22:09 PM

DISCOVER THE WONDER OF THE ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON On until January 7, 2024, WONDER: the real, the surreal, and the fantastic, explores the relationship between a logical view of life and the unconscious mind, fantasies, and the dream world. Here, imagination is front and centre.

Presented by:

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

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HCM WINTER 2023

Talking with trees URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL ARTIST LESIA MOKRYCKE HAS DEVELOPED A DATABASE OF TREES IN HAMILTON THAT ARE OLDER THAN THE CITY ITSELF.

L

esia Mokrycke is telling the stories of the city’s old-growth trees.

Hamilton is home to oak trees believed to be more than 300 years old, including some along the shoreline in Confederation Park.

There are also many shagbark hickories, maples and elms.

“These trees are remnants of the Carolinian forest and an ecosystem that hasn’t been disturbed. They are irreplaceable. They are monumental and impressive,” says Mokrycke.

The database includes 1,557 trees and that number continues to grow as areas of the city, including Dundas and Ancaster, are examined. Mokrycke is including trees that are older than the 177 years of the city itself.

“I’ve been shocked by how many people, hundreds of people, have contacted me to report old trees. A lot of people care about old trees.”

In fact, Mokrycke says the majority of long-surviving trees are on private property. Many are on the west and east Mountain, at the base of the escarpment, and in the downtown area.

“Hamiltonians have been responsible for preserving them. People have strong emotional connections to these trees and are acting as stewards for them.

That’s the beautiful part of this story.”

This began as a research project when Mokrycke was a graduate student in landscape architecture at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I was looking for a way to talk about climate through something more visceral. I settled on trees. It’s something people can touch and see when talking about climate.”

Mokrycke launched a Hamilton studio in 2021 called Tropos that works on projects combining lanscape architecture, art and the environment. It also houses the Urban Forest Lab, which is building the tree inventory.

Mokrycke is working with the City of Hamilton to follow up an online exhibit last year called Monument Trees. A second phase beginning in November adds four new heritage sites where ancient trees are growing.

The Urban Forest Lab will also host an exhibit in the Lister Block from mid-January to the end of April that will feature video, sound and photography. The hope is to raise awareness of – and appreciation for – these old trees.

“The more we pave and the more we take down trees, the more we will struggle later with floods and erosion. We can make different decisions.” n

PHOTO: MARTA HEWSON WINTER 2023 HCM

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/CITY LIFE FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON THIS REGULAR FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO HAVE EMBRACED HAMILTON AS THEIR NEW HOME.

RACHEL RIORDAN and

PAUL RISS who she is:

Illustrator/artist who he is:

Advertising creative interviewed by:

Meredith MacLeod illustration by:

Rachel Riordan for HCM

Don’t miss an in-depth story online:

Read the full interview with Rachel Riordan and Paul Riss: scan the qr code

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RACHEL RIORDAN grew up with a pencil in her hand and now draws for brands big and small around the world as well as for private clients. PAUL RISS owns an ad agency in Hamilton and is a passionate birder. They lived in Toronto when they were younger, then moved to the country with their twins Georgia and Shepard. But when they wanted to live in a city again, they chose Hamilton. They live in the east end.

A CREATIVE LIFE Where did the two of you grow up?

R: Northern Ontario P: Oshawa What are your day jobs and why do you love them?

R: Illustrator, designer, fine artist. It gives me the freedom to be home and making beautiful things.

P: Creative director, designer, agency founder. I love that I am in complete control of the work I take on since opening Round, my own shop.

What brought you to Hamilton?

R: We were looking to move back to a city and find a great Montessori school for our twins. We were not as interested in Toronto because we’d lived there for so many years. We wanted to live in a city, but with easy access to nature.

What’s your take on Hamilton now that you live here?

P: We love it here. It is just the right size of city and it has so much easy access to nature and as a birder, Hamilton is a very unique spot with so many varied habitats that always have interesting birds to see. We also love that it has a vibrant art community and so many great restaurants.

What neighbourhood did you choose to live in and why?

R: We chose east-end Hamilton – Stipley. It is a little more lively and art-driven community and we have always liked that.

Is there a true Hamilton experience you’ve had?

P: Many. One that always is great is Ticats game day. We live close enough that we hear the game and can walk to the stadium to go to a game. The fans love it, everyone is selling parking on their lawn and it feels like a very Hamilton vibe.

Favourite hangout in Hamilton?

R: Hard to decide. I love walking down by the lake and sitting on my front porch. Our street is pretty entertaining some days.

P: We live close to the Capitol Bar, as well as Vintage and Rooney’s coffee shops. All three spots are very community driven and you end up chatting with neighbours when you go in.

Best meal you’ve had in the city?

P: Probably The French for a more upscale meal but you just can’t beat Maipai’s Sunday family deal. So good.

What’s Hamilton’s best-kept secret that you’ve discovered?

P: It’s not a secret to those that live here but when you first hit Grandad’s Donuts, that’s a memorable Hamilton spot.

R: The main library and its Makerspace is amazing.

What does Hamilton need more of?

R: Small-scale businesses like grocers and markets. That is one thing we’ve missed from Toronto (there’s not much we miss). We lived in Roncevalles Village and there were so many small markets on every corner you could quickly walk to.

P: All-ages punk venues like we had in The Kill Room. That place will be sorely missed.

What does Hamilton need less of?

P&R: Cars that turn unexpectedly from two or three lanes over from the turning lane. We’ve never seen that so much as here. It’s daily at least. So strange.

What’s the one thing you brag about Hamilton to outsiders?

P: The lack of traffic. It’s not crippling to move around the city. /continued online R: Greenspace.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON, PLEASE CONTACT meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca

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/CITY LIFE

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL OF

SLOWER STREETS

EVE RYO NE W IN S W HE N V E HIC LES M OV E AT LOW ER SP EEDS AND W H E N PED E ST RI A N A ND CYC LIST SAFET Y IS P R IOR ITIZED.

S

B y PA U L S H A K E R

ometimes transformative change comes from a major development or initiative. Few would argue the long-term potential something like light-rail transit will have on making Hamilton a more economically and environmentally sustainable city. However, transformative change can also come from smaller changes at a local level that, collectively, alter the nature of the city itself.

This is the transformative potential of slow streets: the move to reduce traffic volume and speed so that people can walk and cycle more safely around their city. This global movement gained significant momentum during the pandemic, but some of the more 10

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notable initiatives, such as temporary street closures, were rolled back in recent years.

This is unfortunate, as the benefits of slower streets are striking and worth considering as a fundamental part of community planning moving forward.

W HY SP E E D M AT TE RS In any talk of slowing streets down, the pursuit of safety is inevitably the instigator for change. In much of our work in community planning, speed is consistently cited as a top concern of residents for neighbourhood safety, and studies back this up. In 2012, Ontario’s chief coroner called for an overhaul of the province’s streets to bolster pedestrian safety, including suggesting many residential speed limits

be lowered to 30 kilometres an hour. He made this recommendation after analyzing the circumstances of pedestrian deaths on Ontario roads. The review found that 67 per cent of the fatalities took place on streets with a posted speed limit above 50 km/h, while only five per cent occurred on roads with a lower limit. Similarly, an Edmonton study showed that at 50 km/h, 55 per cent of pedestrians will be killed, whereas, at 40 km/h, 25 per cent of pedestrians will be killed. Another study from the U.K. suggested that for every mile per hour reduction in average speed there is an eight per cent reduction in fatal injuries.

Researchers have dug deeper into this link between speed and safety and have found that vehicle speed impacts the driver’s ability

to “see the road.” Essentially, peripheral vision narrows as speed increases. This link was illustrated through work by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), which is an association of 96 major North American cities and transit agencies.

NACTO’s work showed that at 16 to 24 km/h, a driver’s vision is wide enough to see the full width of a streetscape, sidewalk to sidewalk. Full pedestrian activity is recognized, the distance required to stop a vehicle is about seven metres and the crash risk is 5 per cent. Increase speed to 32 to 40 km/h and things change. A driver’s peripheral vision is confined to the road itself, from curb to curb. This still enables recognition of pedestrians stepping off a sidewalk as they start to cross a road, as well as any flashing lights that might mark a pedestrian crossover. At this speed, stopping distance increases to 12 metres and the crash risk is 15 per cent. Moving to a speed of 48 to 56 km/h, a driver’s peripheral vision is further restricted. At this speed only the active driving lanes are fully recognized, which cuts off much of the surrounding activity/signals that would warn drivers of pedestrians. In addition, stopping distance almost doubles to 23 metres and the crash risk jumps to 55 per cent.

In a response to these studies, cities across Canada, including Hamilton, have started to lower speed limits to 40 km/h in some neighbourhoods. However, many arterial roads remain at 50 km/h, resulting in a variety of different speed zones that are not easily understood. We should follow the research and reduce speeds to the recommended limits in a consistent way

so that everyone, no matter where they live, understands the rules – 30 km/h for neighbourhoods, 40 km/h everywhere else.

In fact, Hamilton has already done this in the North End, so why not expand this to other neighbourhoods around the city?

SLO W E R ST RE E TS T RAN SF O RM N E I GH B O URH O O DS Improved safety is not the only benefit of slower streets. When implemented at a neighbourhood scale, they have the potential to transform neighbourhoods and increase local quality of life. The ability to walk to local amenities, such as parks, stores, or schools becomes easier. This is good for physical health, as walking is an important activity for all ages and contributes to the ability to age in place. A neighbourhood study our firm Civicplan conducted a few years ago showed that the top location for neighbourhood physical activity was actually streets and sidewalks, ahead of local parks.

This illustrated that rather than simply being routes to travel along, streets themselves are important public neighbourhood spaces alongside more formal recreational spaces.

Walkability is also good for local businesses that depend on walk-in traffic. Just think of any vibrant commercial storefront clusters in your city and inevitably they are connected to customers by walkable neighbouring streets.

In contrast, fast streets are rarely commercial destinations and are often underperforming economically.

Slower streets are even good for kids’ ability to learn since studies show walking to school has a positive relationship with school performance. Through the work of the Daily

STREETS WITH SPEEDS OF 40 KM/H, LIKE LOCKE STREET, ARE SAFER AND DO BETTER ECONOMICALLY.

School Route (DSR), we know that the street environment has a major impact on walkto-school rates across neighbourhoods and when surveyed, students and parents cite traffic safety as a major concern.

From a cycling perspective, many Dutch cities use slow streets as the foundation for their cycling networks. While higher capacity cycle tracks help people navigate busier streets, a slow neighbourhood street is the first or last step for cyclists to connect from home to nearby bike lanes.

WH O DO WE BUILD O UR STRE E TS F O R? Embracing slower streets is really about asking some fundamental questions around city building. Specifically, who do we build our streets for?

For all the talk of “complete streets” and “walkability,” we still don’t view pedestrians on the same level as drivers when designing our transportation systems.

Consider the impressive level of thought around the design of the road network. It’s a complex environment with a myriad of interventions that help get vehicles safely in, through and around town. By comparison, pedestrians are a secondary concern, with less safe and efficient infrastructure.

For example, think of the last time you felt precarious while walking along a narrow sidewalk with a wall of vehicles rushing past you a few feet away. If a car were to approach a bridge, a guardrail would ensure it wouldn’t veer off the road. The guardrail is designed and built to keep cars safe. In contrast, pedestrian safety is ensured through a white line and/or a sidewalk curb. There is just no comparison. When you are on foot, you clearly get a sense of who the streets were built for.

We are still at the point where a suggestion to reduce the number of traffic lanes to create a safer environment is met with pushback, even when it’s shown to have a negligible impact on vehicle travel time.

At best, vehicular convenience is treated on par with pedestrian safety and at worst it is prioritized. This is the fundamental roadblock to embracing the transformative potential of slower streets. However, if we can overcome this thinking, our neighbourhoods and our city will be collectively better for it. n Paul Shaker is a Hamilton-based urban planner and principal with Civicplan.

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/CITY LIFE

TINY HOMES, HUGE

CONTROVERSY H AM ILTO N N EEDS B I G W I N S TO ME E T TH E H O U S I N G C R I S IS B UT IT SE E MS W E C A N ’ T E VEN M AN AG E T INY O N E S .

B y RYA N M C G R E A L

I

n April 2020, the City of Kitchener embarked on a transitional housing project called A Better Tent City – a community of tiny cabins for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The community has shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, plus social and health services from the Sanguen Mobile Health Clinic, a harm reduction organization called ACCKWA and an onsite methadone treatment program.

In Kingston, a group called Our Livable Solutions is running a pilot project to provide transitional communities of sleeping cabins with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. The implementation has been a bit rocky, with the cabins being shuttled back-and-forth between a winter location at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and a summer location at Centre 70 arena.

In St. Thomas, a small southwest Ontario city of about 40,000 residents, a project is underway to build 40 tiny homes on a vacant downtown lot. Unlike the sleeping cabins in Kitchener and Kingston, each unit will have 12

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a full kitchen, laundry facilities and a living room, with a mix of one-, two- and threebedroom units.

City council there cleared the path with necessary zoning amendments and contributed $3 million toward the total cost, while funding and organizing partner YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin has raised nearly $7 million and will be providing case management and wraparound support services for residents. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in May. Another tiny homes project is underway in Deshkan Ziibiing, also known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, an Anishinaabe community in southwest Ontario near London. The student-led initiative, in partnership with Pathways Employment Help Centre, combines the construction of 400-square-foot self-contained homes with certification in building trades. The first two homes were completed in late 2022.

Amidst this backdrop of imagination and initiative, the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) launched in January 2022

with a proposal to build a community of tiny homes. A demonstration cabin unveiled in April 2022 featured a locking door, insulated walls and floor, a bed, a microwave and minifridge and a place to charge a device.

Despite its enthusiasm, HATS has struggled to land a site for its pilot. The group first tried the former Sir John A. MacDonald School grounds at York and Bay, but was rejected due to concerns that flooding might require the school building to be demolished soon.

They also made a tentative deal for a private parking lot at Barton and Earl, but council rejected the proposal in part because of pushback from neighbouring residents.

Then HATS tried without success to get council approval for several public sites, including a lot near Gage and Barton, Cathedral Park near King Street West and Breadalbane and Stuart Street near Tiffany.

2022 came and went without a location, and HATS tried casting a wider net, asking the public for suggestions. Their search criteria included a location outside the

downtown core, close to transit, with on-site hydro, compatible zoning, a size of 0.75 to two acres and minimal impact on residential neighbours.

In August, Hamilton councillors abruptly adopted a staff proposal to build up to 25 tiny houses on Strachan Park between James and Hughson. This triggered a firestorm of community opposition, which escalated into actual violence that disrupted a community meeting on Sept. 11 at Bennetto Community Centre.

Soon after the doors opened, a small group of angry attendees began hurling verbal abuse at a man they (wrongly) believed to be unhoused, and there were multiple reports of physical assault. The meeting was quickly cancelled.

During this time, volunteers with the Hamilton Encampment Support Network also began warning of an uptick in threats and abuse directed at unhoused people living in tents near the proposed site. The public mood was ugly.

Opponents argued that the site was too small, too close to Bennetto Elementary School and too close to nearby residents.

Many neighbours pointed out that the site was chosen before doing any community engagement – though if we’re being honest, it is unlikely that more proactive engagement would have yielded a more supportive community response.

HATS decided in early October to abandon the proposed location, acknowledging that the Strachan site was not an ideal fit for their selection criteria and also warning that an unsuccessful pilot would undermine the goal of providing transitional housing.

So another winter is descending on Hamilton’s unhoused population of nearly

THE JAMESVILLE SITE OF AFFORDABLE TOWNHOMES HAS BEEN BOARDED UP FOR YEARS, RIGHT ACROSS THE SITE FROM A FAILED PROPOSED TINY HOMES SITE. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

2,000 people with no progress in building tiny homes. This is not a criticism of HATS, which is, after all, a small group of volunteers trying desperately to step into the vacuum of municipal leadership. Indeed, HATS proposed several sites across the city, all of which councillors rejected.

It shouldn’t be this painful to find a decent location, commit to it, and set up some prefabricated cabins with support services.

Perhaps most galling is the fact that right across the street from the failed Strachan site stands a complex of 91 affordable townhomes, all of them boarded up and desolate.

The City began emptying Jamesville units in 2015 for a planned 447-unit redevelopment that has been stuck in planning purgatory

after CN Rail filed an Ontario Land Tribune appeal in September 2022. The parties are in mediation with a hearing date set for May 2024.

If we can’t manage to build housing for 25 people over two years, how on earth do we expect to provide housing for everyone? n Ryan McGreal is a web programmer, consultant, writer, editor and self-described troublemaker. He served as founder and editor of Raise the Hammer, an online magazine dedicated to sustainable urban revitalization in Hamilton. He is also a founding member of Hamilton Light Rail, a community group dedicated to bringing light rail transit to Hamilton. His personal website is Quandy Factory.

Never stop learning.

Flexible options geared to your success.

Diplomas | Certificates | Micro-credentials | Courses | Workshops Discover Continuing Education ce.mohawkcollege.ca WINTER 2023 HCM

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/MADE IN HAMILTON

RED COLLECTION KETTLES ARE THE PRIMARY WAY THE SALVATION ARMY FUNDS ITS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

YO U K NO W THE R E D C O L L E CT ION KET TLES TH AT A R E OUT DUR ING TH E H O L IDAY SE A SO N. T HE Y AR E ONLY A SY M B OL OF A LL TH E SA LVAT IO N A RMY D O ES TH R OUGH OUT TH E YEA R .

H ERE A R E P E O P L E A N D P ROGRAMS YOU CAN THI NK ABOUT WH E N YO U HE A R VO LU NTEER S R INGING TH OSE B ELLS. B y K AT H R Y N D U N M O R E

BEHIND ARMY LINES

W

hen thinking about The Salvation Army, the image of holiday collection kettles set up on a wintry street with some generous soul ringing a bell and asking for donations, might be the first (or only) thing that comes to mind. This is The Salvation Army’s No. 1 fundraiser, and its staff are stretching each donated dollar to do the most for vulnerable people in Hamiton.

Beyond its thrift stores and food banks – The Salvation Army’s most known programs – the Protestant-founded international charity has been quietly helping 14

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Hamiltonians in so many nuanced ways, with services and programs in Hamilton that weave a supportive quilt for the community.

It has been doing so for more than a century. Here are snapshots of just some of the ways The Salvation Army helps.

GR AC E H AV E N Along with those red collection kettles, think of a senior visiting a building downtown to drop off knitting, food, or other donations to support young parents because she was a young mother receiving assistance at Grace Haven decades ago.

The Salvation Army’s Grace Haven goes back even farther than The Salvation Army itself – 127 years.

“It’s an emotional connection that a lot of people have with Grace Haven because we have helped people for over a century,” says Stephanie Amos, program manager.

“We have seniors reaching out to support us because they, at one point, had their baby at Grace Haven back in the ’40s. It’s incredibly meaningful and there’s such a rich legacy for what we do.”

Now Grace Haven offers a high school education program in partnership with

the local public school board, parenting preparation for soon-to-be and new parents, life navigation, personal development and wellness, support for dads, children’s programs, and free childcare, all with the support of a diverse team including teachers, infant-parent specialists, child development workers and addiction counsellors.

“Historically, the focus has always been on mom and baby and that goes way back to the beginning,” notes Amos. “Over the years, we’ve evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. What used to be a maternity hospital evolved to be a residential program that provided life skills in teaching moms how to take care of babies. Then slowly introducing things like education so moms can still get their education, then addiction programs and all different types of programs were added to that.”

In 2021, The Salvation Army closed the longstanding residential program in favour of collaborative day programs.

“Young parents have a lot of support in the community so they can live independently …

All the programs work together to meet the varying needs of young parents and we’ve switched our focus from mom and baby to mom, dad, or partner in parenting role to focus on the whole family unit.”

Currently, Grace Haven is supporting 38 participants with 10 registered in its school program. In the past year, the day program supported 127 young parents and children.

“We provide programs that increase their skills, equip them to better manage challenges of life and increase their parenting capacity,” says Amos.

One young participant who graduated with her high school diploma in June said Grace Haven is a community.

“It’s a place to learn, to grow, to parent, to make new friendships and memories, a place to watch your child hit milestones, a place to ask for help when you need it or help others when they ask, this is a place where you can focus on your education and your child.”

Grace Haven’s New Choices Addiction Treatment program is a residential and day treatment program and, for more than 25 years, has developed a large outreach program. It exists to reduce the harmful effects of substance use on pregnant or parenting women and their children by providing a diverse range of services and supports all in one place.

in the delivery of our community and social services, and anyone who comes will receive assistance based solely on their need and our capacity to help, regardless of race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or religion. We uphold the dignity of all people, believing that all are equal in the eyes of God, and firmly oppose the mistreatment of any person.”

JUNE NEWBURY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S GRACE HAVEN.

“Basically, we’re designed as a one-stop shop so mom can come in and receive addiction education, parenting skills, specialists who can work with the children, and more,” says Kristin Baughan, program manager. “For me, it’s important that we have some sort of intervention with children from zero to six (years). The important piece is keeping the attachment with mom and child, as well as the early intervention.”

New Choices serves 150 to 170 women and children each year.

“My life before New Choices was confusing, miserable, tiring but that’s not who I am today,” says program participant Chantel.

“The wonderful people who work at New Choices have made it possible for me to believe in myself and make my life a good one. All I did was follow the advice that was given while at the same time followed my heart and I couldn’t be happier today.”

Baughan and Amos stress the importance of the work they do.

“The cool thing about what we do, because it is those early years, we know that what we do now makes a big difference in the long-term for children, their parents and families,” says Amos. “This is what people don’t see: where their money goes. All the monies collected go into this kind of work, not just Grace Haven but all the rest of The Salvation Army as well.”

It’s important to recognize here that although there may be perceptions about The Salvation Army’s diversity and inclusivity position, the Canadian branch has been explicit that it welcomes anyone and everyone through its outreach and hiring.“The Salvation Army is an innovative and inclusive partner in the city of Hamilton with its doors to life-changing services open to everyone,” said Glenn van Gulik, divisional secretary for public relations for The Salvation Army’s Ontario division.

“The Salvation Army does not discriminate

H E LPIN G WIT H H O USIN G In addition to those red collection kettles, think of a man who has always had a home until he was evicted after a rent increase this summer. Night is falling and he is scared – the day was hot, but this evening is calling for thunderstorms and he has nowhere to go.

“When people come to us, there are not a lot of options available and we’re meeting people at a critical moment in their lives,” says James Moulton, executive director of The Salvation Army’s Hamilton, Halton and Brantford Housing and Support Services. “For some, it’s more chronic but we’re also helping more and more people who this is new for them. They used to be able to afford some form of accommodation, but the economy is making that more difficult.”

The Salvation Army Hamilton Booth Centre is a male, or male-identified, emergency shelter and has been in Hamilton since 1904.

“In our facilities, historically, we have times in the year where fuller occupancy would be expected, so colder months, but now we’re finding we have been full this entire summer,” adds Moulton. “Today, we run at more than 100 per cent occupancy, so we’re at overflow constantly. If you take the definition of emergency shelter, it is very short term, akin to an emergency room in a hospital, it’s shorter stays with the goal of someone moving to permanent housing. Now, we face longer stays and that would be an indication that people are struggling to find permanent housing.”

Booth Centre sends a soup van into Hamilton five nights a week to provide food, clothing and hygiene items to those living on the streets.

“This summer, we served around 200 meals every evening. We are seeing a much greater, almost doubling of need in the program,” says Jonathan Miedema, director of spiritual care. “Ultimately, the food our program provides is meant to be a conduit /continued on next page WINTER 2023 HCM

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JOIN OUR ARMY OF GIVERS AND GIVE HOPE.

EVERYONE NEEDS AN ARMY SalvationArmy.ca 1-800-SAL-ARMY

/MADE IN HAMILTON MORE ONLINE: to having conversations with the people we support to learn their stories. The emphasis is less on serving food but getting to know the community, getting to know how we can support them beyond the food.”

Despite the growing need and the constant lack of funding, The Salvation Army is making a difference, says Moulton.

“In September alone, 20 people were successfully housed. Since June, almost 60 people, in these difficult circumstances, have been helped by one emergency shelter in finding housing.”

As one man who received this help said: “Thank you so much for your help and giving me the courage and motivation to be the person I want to be. Without (this) assistance, I feel I would still be in a bad state.”

C RE ATING IN D EPEN D EN C E A N D P RIDE You should think of Katie, who has a developmental disability, coming out of an art class offered by The Salvation Army’s Lawson Ministries program with a wide, proud smile.

She’s happy with her artwork but also her ability to get to the class independently from where she lives on her own.

“I’ve been with Lawson since I was 18,” says Katie, who’s now 30. “I’ve been more independent. I’ve been doing what independent women do. I go out for stuff, clean, cook. My favourite thing to do is cooking. I’ve been taking care of everything.”

With the help of several programs, such as a training program to use public transit, Katie is now able to commute from her new apartment on the other side of the city.

“Today, I just left an art class. I volunteer on Mondays. I’m going to start a Mohawk (College) program, which is going to be fun. I do my own shopping. I do all sorts of things.”

Lawson Ministries supports adults with developmental disabilities in a range of residential and day programs, including DARE, which enhances literacy skills to attain employment and independence in the community, and Let’s Ride, where participants are provided bikes and learn how to bike around Hamilton safely.

Lawson Ministries was established in Hamilton in 1982, says executive director Deanna Finch-Smith.

“It was quite a small program when I came, there were 12 residential spots and now we have about 60, and we have day programs

scan the qr code to read more about the salvation army and to see more photos.

SALVATION ARMY HAMILTON OFFERS A RANGE OF SENIORS PROGRAM. READ ALL ABOUT THEM AT HAMILTONCITYMAGAZINE.CA.

all over the city. Programs depend on the client’s needs, which change all the time. We have two different mottos: we build it, and they will come, or they will come, and we will build it. We focus on who is at the door.”

Picture Cody Roberts, a young man who has lived in Lawson’s residential program for eight years and credits it with helping him manage his emotions.

“At the beginning, I was having a rough time and I got in trouble with the law,” he says. “I was able to get on the right path and do the right thing. It all started when I was shown the program of Inclusive Radio (at Mohawk College’s INDI 101.5FM). It helped me free my mind, speak about my thoughts. It’s what made me become a better person. It’s helped me rationalize my feelings without becoming impulsively angry. I was able to channel it really great.”

At Lawson’s Paparella Innovative Arts Centre on King Street East, there is a range of arts programming and events, including the new Creative Studio, which provides multifaceted sensory stimulation in a range of art media. There are also dancercise, tea socials, and spirituality programs.

“I grew up in a small town where our neighbour had a disability and I grew up with him, protected him and supported him,” says Finch-Smith. “For me, it’s a passion.

There is always a need for somebody to help somebody. There are also, of course, lots of sad stories but definitely more success and more happy stories.”

P R OV I DI N G H O PE WITH SUSTA I N A B ILIT Y Think of a young mother, who thinks only about her small child in deciding if this paycheque goes to food or rent. She doesn’t understand how it came to this, never mind where to go for help.

Community and Family Services is primarily known for its food banks, but offers numerous other programs, says executive director Shirley Molloy, whas been with the program for more than three decades.

“I would say the need now, as it stands in

hamiltoncitymagazine.ca 2023, is probably the most challenging that it’s been and that’s just because of the sheer number of people who are coming through our doors. We’re coming out of COVID, which created issues for people, especially the clients we served because it was difficult for them to get to us,” she says.

“What we’re seeing now is the cost of living has increased, rent has gone up, food has gone up, gas has gone up, so it’s just made it really difficult to keep resources in place to keep up with it. What I see most through all of this is basically people who could afford to sustain themselves, were financially able to carry themselves, are having challenges doing that as well now.”

One program is Pathway of Hope, which identifies and addresses root-cause issues for people living in poverty. It is a strengthsbased case management approach to provide targeted services to people who want to break the cycle of vulnerability.

The program helps people confront issues they are overwhelmed by.

“It could be housing, it could be addiction issues, could be hoarding issues, could be they don’t have enough money to make ends meet and don’t know where to go to get resources,” says Molloy. “So, we do a lot of sourcing for them and help them make a plan that basically is designed by them with our assistance, and we help them navigate through it to get them to a better place.”

But the importance of its food bank cannot be overstated.

“With the food bank system, we are preventing homelessness in a way. If we can provide food for people, then they can use their money to keep the roof over their heads and have food on their table. Right now, with the cost of living so high, it’s really challenging for families who are just scraping by.”

So, when you drop some cash into one of those iconic collection kettles this holiday season, think of these and many more programs The Salvation Army offers to give hope to Hamiltonians in need.

To donate to The Salvation Army, visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. n WINTER 2023 HCM

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THIS CONTENT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE INCITE FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS scan the qr code to read more about incite and the legacy of carl and kate turkstra.

MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC IN C ITE FO UNDAT IO N FO R T HE A RTS SU P P ORTS T H E C ONT R IB U T IONS OF TH E BUR L ING TO N S Y MPH O NY O R C H E S T R A A ND B AC H E LG A R C H OIR.

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he Incite Foundation for the Arts has contributed more than $6 million to 30 Hamilton-area organizations, through grants from $2,500 to $150,000, 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 Burlington Symphony Orchestra and Bach Elgar Choir.

THE BURLINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IS A 50-YEAR INSTITUTION. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

THE BURLINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Burlington Symphony Orchestra was established in 1973 as the McMaster Symphony and became the Hamilton Symphony in 1988. Then in 2011, it was renamed Symphony on the Bay and finally, in 2019, it became the Burlington Symphony

BACH ELGAR CHOIR The Bach Elgar Choir has been a cornerstone of choral music in Hamilton for more than 115 years. The ensemble is Hamilton’s auditioned, mixed-voice community choir numbering approximately 65 singers, led by the professional team of artistic director Alexander Cann and accompanist Krista Rhodes, both in their 14th season with BEC. The choir is known for its high-calibre performances, innovative productions and the celebration of Canadian choral music.

The Bach Elgar Choir has a vision to grow its presence in Hamilton, adding to the city’s vibrancy. BEC has launched innovative and creative works including “Space Journey” 18

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Orchestra. It has found a permanent home in the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.

Conducted by Denis Mastromonaco, the BSO performs five concerts a year, along with outreach and youth programs and community performances.

Young bursary performers are mentored by more experienced players. The BSO also

THE BACH ELGAR CHOIR HAS A 115-YEAR HISTORY IN HAMILTON. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

which premiered in May, featuring a film of images from the James Webb and Hubble telescopes and the Voyager Spacecrafts,

runs a youth competition each year.

Ticket sales cover less than 40 per cent of the BSO’s annual budget, so external funding is necessary to keep high-quality musical experiences affordable and accessible for all.

“Incite is such a special and important organization,” says Karen Stothart, manager of operations. “In a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain operating funds from government and municipal sources, Incite is a beacon of light. Their statement that they believe in the power of the arts to enrich communities gives us hope and strength to move forward with our artistic and community goals knowing that we are valued and supported.”

Thanks to an Incite award and a special gift from the Turkstra family in memory of Carl and Kate Turkstra, BSO did not run a deficit this past financial year.

“It is almost impossible to grow artistically if financial difficulties are a constant challenge. One of Incite’s goals is to allow groups to thrive without fear of monetary encumbrance and this is what Incite does for the BSO. We are so grateful.”

created by Cann and local filmmaker Mark Boschsler, set to live choral music directed by Cann. This performance will be relaunched in 2024 and taken on the road to new audiences in London and Toronto.

BEC regularly collaborates with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and Brott Music, Hamilton’s leading orchestras. A choral scholarship program is in place at the BEC to nurture up-and-coming choral leaders and the choir regularly celebrates Canadian choral music with commissions and special features.

“Hamilton is so lucky to have Incite,” says Cann. “They connect what we do with an ever-expanding audience and they make great music possible right here in our city.” n incitefoundation.ca

Paid for by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107

Calling all Hamiltonians to rise up and say NO to privatization of the new LRT system.

The provincial government’s model of privatizing LRT systems in Toronto and Ottawa have been nothing short of disastrous – with serious failures, extreme delays, derailments, safety hazards, and huge cost overruns that will cost riders and taxpayers billions of dollars for years to come. Using the Public Private Partnership (P3) model, the LRT construction in Toronto is now more than 12 years in the making with no end in sight. Ottawa’s LRT is a debacle and has already had two derailments, several serious safety issues, and a complete system shutdown which left riders scrambling.

Hamilton Street Rail (HSR) has over 150 years of expertise with a great track record of running and maintaining the street and rail transit system – so why does the province and its agency Metrolinx believe they can do a better job? Why do they want to take control of the LRT and give the maintenance work to private companies with a poor track record of building, operating or maintaining rail systems? It’s all about PROFIT. Private companies operate to make a healthy profit year over year... so the cost to riders and taxpayers will keep going up. We need to Keep Transit Public.

City Council will soon decide who will run the LRT system but the maintenance work that is so vital to keeping the system safe and running smoothly is not on the table for Council to decide. It has intentionally been stripped away and will be outsourced to a private company for profit. Regardless of who will run and/or maintain the LRT – taxpayers will be on the hook to pay for it!

Let’s send a strong message to our elected officials – Keep Transit Public.

Speak up Hamilton!

Sign the Petition Say NO to Privatizaton.

/CITY LIFE EVENTS

NOT TO BE MISSED First snowfalls and twinkling lights make this season perfect to get out and enjoy your city.

Here are a few of our favourite local happenings.

MM-MM MUSEUM Send your kids to Ireland House for a more delicious kind of museum experience. At the monthly Culinary Kids Club designed for kitchen rookies ages 8 to 12, participants will learn their way around the kitchen and every session is kept fresh by featuring a different theme (January’s focus is desserts, which we aren’t mad about). The best part of the dropoff program is that kids come away with a life skill, and parents come away with an increased chance of someone else doing the cooking. Preregistration required, space limited. Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $30/child. museumsofburlington.ca

PARK IN THE DARK We are so fortunate to have the RBG as a backyard we can borrow – it’s like having a friend with a cottage – and the fun doesn’t stop once winter comes. Hendrie Park will be set aglow for Winter Wonders, where visitors are invited to stroll the park’s pathways, illuminated by festive lights and interactive installations. Live entertainment and festive snacks will be available, and warm drinks will be on offer along the route to warm your cockles – but be sure to wear extra socks to warm your toes. Check the RBG website for info and to purchase tickets. Nov. 23 to Jan. 7. rbg.ca

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE

BURLINGTON BULBS When the holiday lights power up in Spencer Smith Park, we know the Christmas season is really upon us. The Festival of Lights has been making Burlington burn brighter for nearly 30 years, and a park pilgrimage to see the colourful holiday installation has become a tradition for many. While a simple drive-by is enough to get you into the spirit, there is something magical about wandering among the flickering displays on a quiet snowy night – and maybe this is the year you’ll run fast enough to catch a ride on Santa’s merry-go-round. Nov. 24 to Jan. 8 burlingtonfestivaloflights.com

LIGHTING UP FOR SANTA Santa Claus is coming to town, and Waterdown is pulling out all the stops to make sure he enjoys his stay. On the evening prior to Santa’s parade, the town transforms into Wintertown, where the holiday marketplace will help visitors cross a few names off their own lists while tasty treats, music, and hot chocolate – the official drink of the season – will keep spirits high. The storybook evening will be topped off by a tree lighting on the lawn of Chestnut Grove – the glow providing a beacon for the reindeer on their upcoming December visit. Nov. 24, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. waterdownvillage.ca

hamiltoncitymagazine.ca scan the qr code Make our Things to Do section your go-to destination for city life and arts and culture events listings!

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The city’s favourite castle gets dressed up in its holiday best this winter for a Victorian Christmas, thanks to the Garden Club of Hamilton.

Adorned with flowers, ribbons, and cedar boughs, Dundurn’s hallowed halls turn fragrant and festive for a mid-19th-century-style celebration.

Guided by costumed interpreters, guests are invited to travel back in time and live for a moment like an upper-crust Victorian, celebrating a tricked-out family Christmas with nary a video game or new phone under the tree. Nov. 28 to Jan. 7, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. hamilton.ca/museumevents

PUBS AND PAINTS

Art class is going on a field trip this winter and no permission slips are required. Paint Nite, held at various locations in the region, including Pub Fiction in Ancaster and Waterdown’s Mill St. & 5 American House, invites you to unleash your inner artist in a casual and fun low-stakes environment. Guided by an enthusiastic artist-host, participants create their own interpretation of the evening’s selected canvas, where there is no wrong way to get the job done, just various versions of right. Various locations and dates. paintnite.com

MERRY MILERS

Support the YMCA and your cardiovascular health at the same time by taking part in Hamilton’s annual Boxing Day run. Run or walk the 10- or 4-mile course of this historic race that attracts speedy folks from all over. The event routinely draws more than 1,000 participants. This strong field helps create a stronger city because each year the race’s generous donation to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign means that there are far more winners beyond the ones wearing the running shoes. Dec. 26, noon start. boxingdayrun.ca

/CITY LIFE

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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 brent perniac, Donna Waxman and Gary Green 2

1. Sera Filice-Armenio (president & CEO, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation), Lynn Keane (keynote speaker, author) and Michael Paletta (sponsor) at A Mental Health Morning, by ArcelorMittal Dofasco at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, Oct. 4.

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2. Tomi Swick, Melissa Marchese and Jon Harvey (Monster Truck) at Boots In the Creek, Aug. 18.

3. Sam Mercanti book signing (Risen From the Shop Floor: Lessons From an Entrepreneur), C-Hotel, Oct. 2.

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4. Blue Rodeo with Hamilton’s Melissa McClelland, FirstOntario Concert Hall, Oct. 13.

5. Brian Melo headlines Winona Peach Festival (with Matt Gormley), Aug. 25.

6. Stacie Mistysyn and Pat Mastroianni (Degrassi Junior High Reunion) at Hamilton ComicCon, Hamilton Warplane Heritage Museum, Sept. 23.

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Toronto International Film Festival, September: 7. Emily Taylor (CHCH Hamiltonian) & Andria Case (CTV) 8. Actress Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, The Help, Molly’s Game.)

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To check out more photos, scan the qr code WINTER 2023 HCM

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NE CITY IT HERE

HAMILTON’S BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREAS

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This holiday season, spend time with loved ones in the BIAs we ALL love.

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Experience holiday events, find the perfect handmade gift and indulge in Hamilton’s unique coffee shops and restaurants.

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FEBRUARY 2-19, 2024 www.hamiltonwinterfest.ca Co-produced by:

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STONEY CREEK TO WATERDOWN Ancaster Barton Village Concession Street Downtown Dundas Downtown Hamilton International Village Locke Street Ottawa Street Stoney Creek Waterdown Westdale Village

COMPLIMENTARY STREET PARKING NOV 25–DEC 25 *Max 2 hour street parking in Business Improvement Areas

MADE IN HAMILTON IS SPONSORED BY CITY OF HAMILTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVEST IN HAMILTON

Amassing awards I

PATRICIA GAGIC, A HAMILTON-BASED PAINTER, PHOTOGRAPHER AND AUTHOR, HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY A NUMBER OF PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS AND WILL BE INCLUDED IN AN UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY ABOUT 10 GLOBAL “TITANS” OF THE ARTS.

nternational recognition is accumulating for Hamilton painter, photographer and author Patricia Gagic.

Two weeks after sitting down with HAMILTON CITY Magazine, Gagic headed to Paris to accept the French Academic Society of Arts, Sciences and Letters silver medal in painting. It’s her third award from the prestigious organization after earning the silver medal in photography in 2019 and the pewter medal for painting in 2020.

Gagic’s work has been exhibited around the world, she has been mentored for 25 years by renowned French master artist Dragan Dragic and her work is even displayed in the Vatican museum.

In her work, she’s taken moments of hardship, even trauma, and “converted that into love, peace and tranquillity.”

Gagic (pronounced Guy-jich) moved into a sprawling studio space on Queen Street North about three months ago. She wheels around a cart of stacked books and magazines that feature her work. Shelves are jammed with international awards and more are packed away in boxes.

Gagic doesn’t boast about this, she’s really just surprised.

She’s also thrilled that her work will be displayed on the Nasdaq jumbo screen in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. She was named Artist of the Year in 2020 and 2023 by New York City’s ArtTour International and is now among 10 “titans” in the world who will be featured in ATI’s documentary coming out in 2024.

Gagic, who moved to Hamilton in Grade 7, and is married to general surgeon Dr. Ned Gagic, won a gold medal in photography at the Salon National des Beaux-Arts (SNBA) at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris in 2018, making her the first woman and the first Canadian to do so. The next year, her work was exhibited at the Salons des Indépendants Grand Palais in Paris, the Brussels 3F Art Fair and the World Art event in Cannes.

She is among the Women’s Executive Network’s Top 100 most powerful women in Canada and has received an Arts Excellence Award for Courage and Commitment to Human Rights, Dignity and Freedom from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

See more about Patricia Gagic, including her global philanthropy, her brushes with celebrities, her books and her ties to Hamilton in the spring issue of HAMILTON CITY Magazine. n

PAINTER AND PHOTOGRAPHER PATRICIA GAGIC HAS TAKEN UP DRUMMING, TOO. PHOTO: HANNAH ISENBERG

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/MADE IN HAMILTON

AWARDING ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE TH E CIT Y O F H A MILTO N ’ S U RBAN D E S I GN AND ARCHITE CTU RE AWA RDS F O R 2 0 2 3 RE C O G N IZ E AC H IEV EM ENTS IN 1 4 C ATEGOR IES.

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he Urban Design and Architecture Awards (UDAA) are held every two years to recognize and celebrate design excellence throughout the city. A high-quality built environment contributes economic and social benefits, improves the image of the city, and creates a sense of pride. A well-designed city is integral to developing vibrant and sustainable communities with a high quality of life. This year, the City of Hamilton received 34 submissions from architects, urban designers, planners, landscape architects, engineers, consultants, and owners. Each submission was evaluated by a volunteer jury consisting of design and building professionals from Hamilton and Toronto, as well as a student. Award winners were determined based on the following evaluation criteria: n Energy efficiency, sustainability,

adaptability, or resiliency n Contribution to the public realm n Success of massing, orientation, scale,

materiality, and contextual integration n Quality of execution n Innovation and uniqueness n Comprehensiveness n Creative solutions n Clarity n Community involvement

The winners were announced Nov. 8 in celebration of World Town Planning Day. “It was the contribution of the project to the public realm, social impact and sustainability that drove projects to the top of the awards categories,” reads the jury report. “The jury felt that there should be additional design focus on taking steps towards addressing the climate crisis and social challenges with the housing crisis and less emphasis on aesthetic merits.”

The jury says there is still much work to be done to combine advancements in sustainability with design excellence. “The jury would like to encourage the design community working on projects in Hamilton to be bold in designing for the future to tackle the environmental and social challenges that need to be overcome. Hamilton has a very strong past as Canada’s ‘Steel Town’ also historically known as the ‘Ambitious City’, making it the ideal place for designers to push the boundaries of their respective disciplines.”

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THE WINNERS UR BA N ELEM ENTS A stand-alone object, public art installation, landscape element or small-scale building component that contributes to the public realm.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Be:longings Be:longings is a series of 10 life-size bronze suitcases situated beside the length of a pathway in Churchill Park. The cases lead viewers toward the culminating central element of the artwork: an open suitcase out of which a living tree grows. The work, created by Gary Barwin, Simon Frank and Tor Lukasik-Foss, was installed in May. Texts and images in the piece speak to the universal theme of human rights and connect to elements vital to the existence of both humanity and the natural world, further creating a network of symbolic associations.

The jury acknowledged the strong narrative of Be:longings. “Over time the metal will patinate, which will give the work an evolving character as it ages. There is a sense of discovery to each piece which tells a story, creating an interesting and eternal response to the space.”

P RIVATE B U ILD IN G S Residential AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: The Cumberland Apartments The Cumberland Apartments at 347 Charlton Ave. W. is an urban infill development aimed at enhancing an established neighbourhood in Kirkendall. The development introduces a six-unit, threestorey apartment building that carefully integrates into the surrounding Victorian context. The design of the façade takes inspiration from the proportions, roof angles, and access elements found in neighbouring properties while incorporating contemporary elements through the use of dark brick and wood accents. The design features a regular rhythm of windows, Juliet balconies, and stone accents to create a visually appealing composition that respects the architectural styles present in the neighbourhood.

Pedestrian-friendly features such as accessible walkways, landscaped areas and parking in the rear are integrated to

THE CUMBERLAND APARTMENTS WON A RESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

encourage social interaction and community engagement.

The jury recognized the Cumberland Apartments as the first example of a “missing middle” project in recent times, proving that a multiplex building can successfully integrate with the neighbourhood and provide muchneeded housing.

AWARD OF MERIT: Kirkendall coach house Invizij principal and urban densification advocate Emma Cubitt built a secondary dwelling unit in the Kirkendall neighbourhood to demonstrate the technical and financial feasibility of this approach to the current housing crisis. It was built to the Passive House standard, enabling low-energy, low-carbon, all-electric living.

SPECIAL JURY MENTION: 66 Weirs Lane single dwelling This new modern, clean-lined 8,150-square-foot home in Dundas encompasses core living spaces and bedrooms, as well as a 1,200-square-foot work-from-home studio. It features a super-insulated building structure, fully vegetated green roof, 36-kilowatt solar array, geothermal heating and cooling system along with a native species wildflower front yard space, allowing the home to sustain itself with minimal assistance from the grid.

P R I VATE B UILDIN GS Commercial Industrial AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: The Laundry (18 Augusta St.) 18 Augusta, a six-storey project located in the Corktown neighbourhood, is a new

build with a neo-classical touch. The building is comprised of 40 suites in a new hotel concept that encourages a live, work, play lifestyle for guests and actively promotes the idea of living in the city of Hamilton. On the ground floor, the space plays host to a stylish restaurant that spills onto the street with a patio space and lobby connection.

The Juliet balconies and facade details add to street animation, while the north façade has deep recessed balconies that add dimension.

This development serves as a template and blueprint for future development in the city when it comes to mid-rise development, encouraging infill, and promoting investment and pedestrian engagement within downtown neighbourhoods. The jury noted 18 Augusta feels like an adapted reuse building despite being a new construction.

AWARD OF MERIT: Effort Trust office building (50 King St. E.) The building’s overall scale allows for a comfortable integration into the surrounding built context, utilizing a sloped parapet to transition smoothly between neighbouring buildings. The design of the building, which overlooks Gore Park, is mindful of its impact on scale in the public realm, evident in its creation of a light base through the use of materiality, colour and lighting. This contrasts and emphasizes the monolithic black cube floating above. Translucent glass on the upper portion reflects the streetscape of the surrounding community. The building also achieves sloping soffit lines, a recessed main entrance, and vertical facades that reach their apex at the roofline. /continued on next page WINTER 2023 HCM

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/MADE IN HAMILTON P RIVATE B U ILD IN G S Mixed-Use AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: The Oaks Heartwood Apartments, Dairy Lofts and Ain-dah-ing Royal Oak Dairy began in the basement of city founder George Hamilton’s home on East Avenue North in 1898, and played a role in the lives of Hamiltonians for 83 years. Non-profit housing provider Indwell bought the vacant, brownfield site in 2018 with the intention of celebrating the site’s rich history while creating an affordable housing community for people seeking health, wellness, and belonging.

Designed to Passive House standards, the greenhouse gas emissions and utility costs associated with the development are dramatically reduced. From the street, the Oaks showcases two buildings sharing connected, at-grade parking; Heartwood Apartments’ five storeys project a modern presence, whereas the adjacent Dairy Lofts reference the materiality and detailing of the original dairy building. Supporting Indigenous tenants throughout The Oaks development, Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing moved its head office into the historic stable building on site, renovated to accommodate studio apartments, offices, and a community room.

This project scored highly with the jury in many categories, notably innovation and sustainable design as well as providing a needed contribution to the public realm and societal good. The building envelope is enriched by the arrangement of building components to form a “wonderful communal interior courtyard space.”

AWARD OF MERIT: 213 Wilson St., Ancaster This development features a 2,000-squarefoot office space on the main level, overlooking beautiful Wilson Street in Ancaster; along with a 2,400-square-foot partial two-storey residential living space for the owners of the building above.

The project lands in a heritageregulated section of the downtown core, so architectural approvals were required during the site plan process prior to construction commencing.

“This piece of architecture blends harmoniously with the rich history of the street, while simultaneously being a unique 26

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CASE UNITED CHURCH IN MOUNT HOPE WON AN AWARD OF MERIT FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

building that stands out among the crowd in a subtle yet defined way.”

“The jury gives credit to this project for implementing an urban building in a challenging context – and appreciated the connection with the public realm – in part from the selection of clear glazing and smart layout and uses. The building massing feels appropriate and interesting while remaining sensitive to the surroundings.”

AWARD OF MERIT: Case United Church addition, Mount Hope While the 1892 structure is focused inward on worship, the addition supports the desire to be visible, open, and welcoming.

Recognizing this desire for an updated role of the church within the community, the contemporary outward-focused addition allows the church to connect to the community by “letting their light shine.”

P UB L I C B UI LDIN GS

O PE N SPACE S & GRE E N IN F RASTRUCTURE

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Valley Park Community Centre Valley Park Community Centre is at the heart of its community but a lot has changed since the 1980s when it was built. The library addition underwent extensive upgrades that transformed the site. The exterior of the addition is clad in a combination of Corten weathered steel and limestone, organized in a distinctive rhythm of windows. Solar panels act as a visual symbol of its sustainability vision and a new public art wall on the north entrance greets the community. More than half of the site was retained as open space and much of that is vegetated with native adaptive plants.

“The jury was impressed with the composition of the exterior and interior materiality – producing a high-quality and welcoming addition to the community centre.

The project scored high marks in sustainable design with LEED Gold (certification pending) and sustainable design detailing thoroughly developed throughout.”

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Copps Pier Public Space Punctuated with native trees, wetland vegetation, and public art, Copps Pier adds more than 1.4 hectares of new park space with full public access to the water’s edge and connections to the existing waterfront trails. Steel, concrete, and timber combine industrial iconography with people-friendly elements to celebrate Hamilton’s proud steeltown heritage.

Copps Pier celebrates industrial Hamilton’s past, present and future. This revitalization of a disused pier adopts forms from the industrial harbour, including giant steel boat hulls that create parkettes along the north shore, a gantry pavilion that frames the skyline and forms a venue for city-scale events and a prow of a ship that looms up to create additional public art and performance space.

The jury noted the “flexible spaces and adaptable uses give the pier a longevity that

is needed in a public space, and the highquality, resilient materials selected, and the inclusion of public art raises the bar for public spaces in Hamilton.”

SPECIAL JURY MENTION: Saltfleet Conservation Wetland The Saltfleet Conservation project’s ultimate design and sustainability features and merits include the construction of four separate wetlands in the upper Stoney Creek and Battlefield Creek watersheds to create natural wetlands that will address flood and erosion risk below the Niagara Escarpment in urban Stoney Creek.

V I SIONS A N D M AS TERP L A N S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: The Daily School Route The Daily School Route (DSR) creates active transportation systems for kids with the aspiration of 100 per cent of students walking/wheeling to and from school daily.

The DSR sees kids as “transportation users” within their own system and creates a network of routes, called Student Streets, to help facilitate safe and effective active school travel.

The jury was impressed by how this vision was not strictly plan-based but used data and engagement to make clear recommendations for urban design and planning.

C I VIC AC H IEVEMENT Urban design or architecture-related initiatives, services, or projects that have had significant civic, social, and/ or public realm impacts.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Mission Services, 400 King St. E. This building is an adaptive reuse project done in collaboration with Mission Services to double the number of shelter beds from its previous space, while providing updated amenities, accessibility, an industrial kitchen, additional administrative space, and upgraded bathrooms. The new Mission Services building is precedent-setting proof that social services and shelter space can still be “cool,” welcoming, and dignified.

“The project brings a sense of dignity to residents at a time when they most need it.

The jury was fond of the overall massing, restoration of exterior brick and windows, and clarity provided by the design.”

AWARD OF MERIT: Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre While the idea of turning the Ancaster Memorial School – built in the mid-1940s – into an arts and cultural centre enjoyed universal community support, there was heated debate about whether to renovate the existing structure or demolish and build new.

Located in the heart of Ancaster’s Heritage Village, the resulting adaptive reuse of (and addition to) the existing structure ensured the history of the site was preserved while successfully diverting excessive demolition waste from landfill.

The state-of-the-art, four-storey centre includes the 470-seat Peller Hall, a 150-seat multi-purpose studio, visual arts classrooms, and music and dance studios to serve the growing local arts community.

C H I E F P L A N N E R AWARD recognizes an outstanding contribution to the City of Hamilton and incorporates the highest standards of sustainable design.

The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation at Mohawk College is the first institutional building in Canada to be certified as a zero-carbon building by the Canada Green Building Council.

The building features a high-quality envelope, geothermal heating and cooling, an extensive solar array, a green roof, and extensive automation technology. It will

MISSION SERVICES WAS RECOGNIZED WITH AN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT.

inform future processes in the collective move toward net-zero construction for all new buildings by 2030.

“It is a powerful symbol for the city and region, reflective of current and future trends in sustainability that combines an expressive design with environmental performance,” says the City’s chief planner Steve Robichaud.

“The project represents a cultural shift in thinking for Mohawk College and for the City of Hamilton creating a social learning environment that is a milestone for a more efficient future. the industry.” n MORE ONLINE:

scan the qr code to see more photos of the winners! hamiltoncitymagazine.ca

THE JOYCE CENTRE FOR PARTNERSHIP & INNOVATION IS THE WINNER OF THE CHIEF PLANNER AWARD. WINTER 2023 HCM

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FESTIVAL GUIDE

JON HARVEY AND HIS BAND MONSTER TRUCK WILL PLAY A CONCERT IN THE PLAZA ON GAME DAY. PHOTO: BRENT PERNIAC

The 110th Grey Cup is coming back to Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton! Excitement is building for Canada’s largest single-day sporting event with kickoff at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19. Leading up to the game, the 2023 Grey Cup Festival will combine football, music and culture in a quintessentially Hamilton experience. The festival will run from Nov. 13 to 19 and includes more than 40 – mostly free! – events at venues largely centred in downtown Hamilton. Doesn’t matter if you’re a football fan, a music lover, or looking for something for kids, there is something for you!

FAN CENTRAL: JAM ES S TR E E T The main hub of the festival is Fan Central, a free interactive area for fans on James Street North that will be chock full of things to see and do, all with a Grey Cup theme.

From Thursday, Nov. 16 through Saturday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, fans can stroll down James Street and experience 28

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Hamilton’s great food, art, culture, and music scene.

Produced by Supercrawl, Hamilton’s famous arts and indie music festival, it will showcase the best of what makes this city a dynamic place.

Don’t miss: z A main festival stage on James Street that will feature local Hamilton talent throughout the

day and showcase the diverse music scene of the greater Hamilton area. z A beer garden near the main stage z Hamilton’s best food trucks z Inflatables and iconic Grey Cup signage z Hamilton’s traditional Christmas Market z Giveaways, games and activities throughout the street

FAN CENTRAL: CAN AD I A N A R M E D F ORC ES FAN ZO N E Take advantage of an unprecedented opportunity to get inside the John Weir Foote Armoury, a historic and signature Hamilton venue, for the Canadian Armed Forces Fan Zone that will feature free activities for all ages.

Highlights include: z The Media Centre – a daily feature with players, coaches, broadcast personalities and special guests providing information about the CFL and the Grey Cup. z A specially constructed 35-yard turf football field inside the Armoury that will be complete with stands and a scoreboard. Check out the three-day, five-on-five Hamilton Flag Football Classic, an exciting multi-day youth tournament hosted by Football Ontario. z The Canadian Football Hall of Fame display that will highlight the rich history of Canadian football. z The Canadian Armed Forces Obstacle Course that will test the skills and abilities of those who are brave enough to try it.

FAN CENTRAL: TELU S K I C K F OR G OOD CO U RT YARD Right beside the Canadian Armed Forces Fan Zone, the TELUS Kick for Good Courtyard will offer fans the chance to showcase their kicking prowess to win exclusive prizes.

OTHE R F R E E GRE Y CUP F E STI VA L E V E NTS: COMMUNITY RACE TO THE CUP PRESENTED

BY FIRSTONTARIO Thursday, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.: In partnership with Around the Bay Road Race, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, this event will promote health and fitness for 2,000 students. The Race will be one kilometre in distance – from Gage Park to Tim Hortons Field (area outside of South Plaza) – for all participating students.

SIRIUSXM KICKOFF PARTY Thursday, Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Free street party for fans to kick off the Grey Cup Festival week. Live performances by the Royal Canadian Air Force Band, Nobro, and headlined

by The Dirty Nil, and cheer performances.

CALGARY GREY CUP COMMITTEE PANCAKE BREAKFAST Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Experience a genuine Calgary Stampede breakfast without actually going to Stampede! The Calgary Grey Cup Committee will be hosting a free breakfast at Fan Central on James Street North.

THE HAMILTON SANTA CLAUS AND GREY CUP PARADE Saturday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The annual Hamilton Santa Claus Parade will take place in downtown Hamilton in the heart of the 2023 Grey Cup Festival. This year, there will be a football twist with the addition of CFL cheer teams and the Grey Cup trophy in attendance.

Festival-themed giveaways will happen throughout the parade!

GRE Y CUP F E STIVAL TICKE TE D E VE NTS: SPORTHAMILTON BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS PRESENTED BY STELCO Tuesday, Nov. 14, 8:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.: In partnership with the 2023 Grey Cup Festival, SportHamilton will recognize Hamilton-area athletes, teams, and coaches who have accomplished high athletic success this season.

TEAM PARTY HEADQUARTERS PRESENTED

BY COORS LIGHT Thursday, Nov. 16, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 18, 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.: The Team Party Headquarters, located at Hamilton Convention Centre, will feature Tigertown, the Eastern Social Hall (Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton), Riderville, the Atlantic Schooners, Lions Den, Stamps House, and Bomber House team parties. A three-day pass to all the parties, plus food, drinks, live entertainment, games and more, is $109.

2023 CFL AWARDS Thursday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.: The Canadian Football League’s most coveted hardware – apart from the iconic Grey Cup trophy itself — will be handed out at the Avalon Theatre at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls.

Following the show, event guests will be welcomed at the state-of-the-art OLG Stage for a live concert by reggae star Shaggy.

CFL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LEGENDS LUNCHEON PRESENTED BY CARSTAR Friday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Meet CFL Alumni in this memorable, up-close-and-personal experience over a provided lunch that includes a silent and live auction. The CFL Alumnus of the Year and Indigenous Champion Award will be presented at this event. Proceeds from this ticketed event go to the CFL Alumni Support Fund.

FAN STATE OF THE LEAGUE Friday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Fans will have an up-close-and-personal encounter with CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie who will share his thoughts on the current state of the league. As part of the event, fans will be able to ask questions and share their suggestions on the league’s activities and future direction.

THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES FAN ZONE WILL OFFER UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO THE JOHN WEIR FOOTE ARMOURY. IMAGE: SUPPLIED

SPIRIT OF EDMONTON Saturday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Spirit of Edmonton Grey Cup breakfast has been one /continued on next page WINTER 2023 HCM

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/MADE IN HAMILTON of the premier events at every Grey Cup for 49 years.

The breakfast will take place at Michelangelo Banquet Centre. It will include northern Alberta hospitality, live music, dance teams, pipe bands, cheer teams, a full buffet breakfast and of course, the famous Sluice Juice! Guests are encouraged to wear their team colours or favourite crazy outfits.

Nov. 16-18, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Spirit of Edmonton is setting up for nightly live entertainment at Bridgeworks, 200 Caroline St. N. A limited number of VIP passes are available.

ATHLETES IN ACTION GREY CUP BREAKFAST Saturday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m to 10:15 a.m: During the Athletes in Action Grey Cup Breakfast, football fans, friends, and family are given the opportunity to hear from some of the CFL’s most influential athletes, coaches, and wives, both past and present. These men and women give us a glimpse into their lives and share about the role their faith has played in creating success and handling their failures.

CHEER EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, Nov. 18, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Cheer loud and proud at this family-friendly event that is sure to get the entire family ready for the 110th Grey Cup! Feel the energy of your favourite CFL dance and cheer teams and enjoy talent from across Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area. Meet the performers, collect autographs and snap pictures with CFL cheer teams after the event during an exclusive meetand-greet.

CARETAKER’S GAMEDAY WARMUP HOSTED BY TIGERTOWN COUNCIL, PRESENTED BY COOPER EQUIPMENT RENTALS Sunday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.: The Caretaker’s Gameday Warmup Hosted by TigerTown Council at the Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre will feature fun-packed hours before the 110th Grey Cup game. Warm up before the big game and cheer on the best teams in the league in this pre-game celebration.

NEIGHBOURHOOD BLOCK PARTY Sunday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: CFL fans will unite for this traditional outdoor tailgate party, free for 110th Grey Cup ticket holders. The tailgate will offer live entertainment and food and beverage to help get fans warmed up to celebrate the 110th Grey Cup game.

Running to just before kickoff, the party is free to attend for anyone with a ticket to the 110th Grey Cup game and will be fully licensed.

110TH GREY CUP Sunday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.: The big event! The 2023 Grey Cup Festival culminates in the clash of the East and West Division winners in the 110th Grey Cup at Tim Hortons Field. n greycupfestival.ca 30

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MUSIC MEETS FOOTBALL

THE BUILT IN THE HAMMER GREY CUP MUSIC FESTIVAL WILL OFFER FOUR DAYS OF CONCERTS

BY INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL AND LOCAL ACTS.

By KERRY DOOLE

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ake major international stars, add in a well-curated and diverse selection of local and regional talent, and you have all the ingredients in place to make this year’s Grey Cup Festival in Hamilton the biggest and best yet in terms of its musical component.

In fact, music has been spun off into its own event called Built in the Hammer Grey Cup Music Festival, set to run downtown Nov. 16-19.

The announcements that Carrie Underwood and Green Day are involved in this year’s festivities generated major national, and even international, attention. Underwood, a country superstar and eight-time Grammy winner, will perform at FirstOntario Centre on Friday, Nov. 17, while pop-punk legends Green Day will rock Tim Hortons Field to its foundations with a halftime show during the big game on Sunday, Nov. 19.

And to top off the headliners, reggae hitmaster Shaggy will perform Thursday, Nov. 16 at the OLG Stage in Niagara Falls in conjunction with the CFL Awards.

In an interview with HCM, Gerry Fonzo, vice president of stadium events and operations with Hamilton Sport Group and a prime mover behind the Grey Cup Festival, expressed justified excitement about the coup in scoring these big stars.

“When you bring in artists of that calibre it is worldwide news. Everybody is talking about it, and it puts the Grey Cup on the map. Music is definitely a big piece of the Grey Cup Festival. It is all about entertainment for our fans and being able to create additional value during the Grey Cup experience. We are elevating the event as much as we can,” he said.

“Part of our strategy is bringing in different types of music, so there’ll be something for everybody.

You may not be a football fan, but you’ll tune in because Carrie Underwood is performing that week and now you’ll take in the festivities the Grey Cup offers.”

Fonzo says the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (part of Hamilton Sports Group) is partnering with the CFL on the entertainment /continued on page 64 CARRIE UNDERWOOD

/MADE IN HAMILTON GIFT GUIDE

GIVING

THE GIFT OF LOCAL W E AR E BL E SS E D W HE N IT C O MES TO TH E SH OP LOC A L M OVEM ENT. H AMI LTON A ND B U R L I N GTO N ARE HOME TO COUNTL E S S S HOPS AND ARTI SA NS SE L L ING INT E RE ST ING A ND INSP IR ED GIFTS FOR A NYONE O N YO UR H O LIDAY L IS T. YO U ’ LL FEEL AS GOOD AS TH E R EC IP IENT !

By KRIS OSBORNE

MORE ONLINE:

scan the qr code for even more gift-giving ideas.

Plus, each item has a direct link to the vendor!

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/MADE IN HAMILTON GIFT GUIDE

Chillies Gone Wild Bring fiery flair to sandwiches, salads, pastas and more with Artie’s unbeatable fermented chillies. The Hamilton eatery harnesses old-world techniques to infuse flavour into simple chilli peppers, mellowing their bite and adding pungency. A tangy ferment softens the initial punch, allowing the chillies’ fruity undertones to linger. This spicy condiment enlivens everything with its gorgeous crimson colour and bright acidic pops of flavour. Expertly cultured for depth, not just heat, these chillies are a must-have for any food-lover’s kitchen.

X instagram.com/shop.arties or arties-shop.square.site

A Tasting Table Pitch in on a loved one’s holiday gathering with this Instagram-worthy spread. Curated by Hamilton’s Dear Grain, the ready-to-serve charcuterie packs take the stress out of party planning. With artful arrangements of cheeses, cured meats, and tangy accoutrements, they’re the definition of effortless entertaining, suitable for everything from intimate, festive occasions to casual family game nights. Don’t forget to add a loaf of Dear Grain’s iconic sourdough to round it out!

Available in two sizes, these grazers are the perfect crowdpleasing centrepiece. X deargrain.com

Potter’s Touch Sip your morning cup of joe in earthy, artisan luxury with Kai Eichenbaum’s handcrafted clay mugs. Handmade from clay slabs, instead of a potter’s wheel, each ridged mug bears the Hamilton potter’s signature style and develops distinct character from Eichenbaum’s individualized attention. Smooth glazes drape over textured clay, and even the inside base boasts embossed designs that Eichenbaum creates herself. Another thoughtful touch? A slight indent makes them easy to grip as you enjoy the warmth of your drink. Eichenbaum draws inspiration from fabric patterns to create her organic impressions, bringing nature’s textures into your hands. Fired in intimate batches, these mugs are functional art pieces that make everyday rituals feel special. X Kai Eichenbaum via agb.life/shop

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Sweet Artistry Indulge in edible artistry with Madam Bonbon’s beautiful bonbon collection. This Hamilton chocolatier carefully crafts each confection like a delicate work of art. With flavours like coffee caramel and cookie crunch, cinnamon bun, homemade dulce de leche, and blood orange and kalamansi, there’s no doubt that thoughtful research and meticulous craftsmanship go into each one. Individually handcrafted, these chocolatiers “appreciate the process of creation as much as … the finished chocolates.”

If we eat with our eyes first, Madam Bonbon’s chocolates are a testament to the joy and delight it is to experience food through all of our senses. Each ornate box can be custom-filled with your selections. X madambonbon.ca

Self-Care, Earth-Care Embrace eco-conscious living with Hart Creative’s innovative line of paperless household, cleaning, and self-care products. For those with a commitment to sustainability, Hart Creative offers something tangible for helping to preserve the planet. These thoughtfully crafted products replace disposable items with reusable, durable alternatives, reducing waste and limiting the environmental impact.

From soft, bamboo face rounds to paperless towels that naturally cling to each other to stay on the roll, every product reflects a dedication to eco-friendliness and a movement towards greener, cleaner living. Shop in-store at Rustic Daisies, a boutique shop in the heart of Waterdown selling handmade gifts, home decor and original art pieces from local and Canadian makers. Mention HAMILTON CITY Magazine and get the face cloths/face rounds combo for $25. X Hart Creative via rusticdaisys.wordpress.com

Heart of the Home Dry dishes in hometown pride with Lulu & Lavigne’s charming Hamilton tea towels. Exclusively designed in-house, these 100 per cent brushed cotton towels sport the city’s name in a retrocool bistro stripe pattern. An earthy, natural base colour with bold navy stripes gives a classic diner-vibe, while quality material ensures durable absorbency and long-lasting appeal. Displayed proudly on racks in the city and across the country, these tea towels offer a fun and practical way for Hamiltonians living anywhere to bring a piece of home to their kitchens.

X luluandlavigne.com

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/MADE IN HAMILTON GIFT GUIDE

Eternal Flame Handmade in Hamilton, this soy-based candle gently uplifts with subtle, fresh scents of lemongrass and peppermint. Crystal devotees will appreciate that tiger’s eye and eucalyptus leaf adorn the top to ignite inspiration, energy, and movement. Free of harsh chemicals, the candle’s natural ingredients make it perfect for scent-sensitive spaces, for regularly burning throughout the day, or as part of a nightly calming ritual to help unwind after bigger challenges. Wax & Fire Co. embraces zero waste, so once the 30 hours of burn time are complete, simply soak in warm, soapy water and reuse the containers. Curated and sold by the Art Gallery of Hamilton Gift Shop.

X shop.artgalleryofhamilton.com

Three’s Company For soothing, flavour-filled sips and a bit of extra comfort on chilly nights, Lake and Oak Tea Co’s trio of unique tea blends is the one to reach for. Vanilla Cookie Calm, with hints of vanilla bean, toasted coconut, and chamomile, is reminiscent of freshly baked treats. The caffeine-free Chaga Coconut Chai is an infinitely sippable anytime tea with promises of mushroom wellness that’s all the rage. And antioxidant-rich Mint Cacao Bliss blends raw cacao’s chocolatey flavour with rooibos and soothing peppermint for a drink that’s more like a “dessert in a cup.” Each thoughtfully blended jar of tea steeps up nourishment and self-care this season.

X shoplakeandoak.com

Sipping Spring Capture the fleeting magic of spring with the Royal Botanical Garden’s Lilac Gin. Distilled in collaboration with Manns Distillery, this spirit encapsulates fragrant Ontario lilac season in a bottle. Fresh lilac blossoms, hand-picked from RBG’s idyllic grounds, infuse the London Dry gin base with notes of lilac, lavender and rose, making for a wonderful twist on a classic. Reimagine a tart gin sour, a crisp gin & tonic, or even a heady gin martini, with evocative new flavour notes and a pretty pastel hue. With no artificial additives, the gin’s natural lavender colour and aromatic bouquet speak to its honest Hamiltonian roots.

X rbg.ca/dining/greenhouse-cafe/#menu

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Master Of the Micro-Roast Hamilton micro-roaster, Sippy Cup Coffee, strives for trusting and respectful relationships with farmers from around the world. These direct partnerships ensure sustainable sourcing and hand-picked quality that is reflected in the final product. Each sip tells a story of the local terrain and the craft behind it. The Calavera Negra blend is a mix of Sumatran and Mexican beans that bring out notes of spice, earth, caramel, and bittersweet chocolate. Sold by The Casual Gourmet, Westdale’s premier kitchenware boutique for 25 years and counting, use it as an opportunity to support another longtime, local business and pair it with one of their ochre mineral glaze mugs or teak wood coffee spoons.

X Sippycupcoffeeroasters.ca via casualgourmet.ca

Watercolour Wonders Toni Major’s watercolour greeting cards are a symbol of Hamilton’s thriving artisan spirit. Each hand-painted card encapsulates her decadeslong passion for textile arts and is a work of art in its own right. Sold at artisan-artist collective Textures on Locke, these cards capture beauty in nature, alongside the work of other talented woodworkers, printmakers, ceramicists, artists and craftspeople. Just as Major’s quilts have earned acclaim across North America, her cards stand out for their intricate and individual details. She infuses artistry into everyday objects, transforming things like greeting cards and placemats into treasured pieces. Each card can be used as a special greeting or framed and hung on a wall like the art that it is. X texturescraftworks.ca

Blissful Bathing Want to escape into cozy relaxation? Mojo Hydrotherapy’s fizzy Netflix & Chill CBD bath bombs envelop you in hygge vibes perfect for an at-home spa night. These hemp-infused bombs feel like a warm hug and smell like snuggling up fireside. The light cotton and sweet cream aroma is perfect for chilling out – it’s Netflix & Chill, after all. But you’ll find an array of popular and seasonal scents to choose from. With 100 mg of CBD per frothy bomb, Mojo delivers both supreme scent-sation and the benefits of deep relaxation. Treat yourself or someone you know to a little cottage coreinspired luxury. X mojohydro.com

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Queen of three dimensions KATYA NEKLYUDOVA HAS ONE OF HER STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOS FEATURED IN A BOOK PUBLISHED BY QUEEN GUITARIST BRIAN MAY.

H

amilton resident and McMaster University professor Katya Neklyudova, a lifelong Queen fan, has one of her photos published in a book of 3D photography published by Brian May, the guitarist of the iconic British band.

May is a huge 3D (stereoscopic) photography fan – he even bought the historic London Stereoscopic Company (LSC) – and published a book of his photographs of the band called Queen in 3D. Neklyudova was transported to her childhood right away.

As a youngster in the Soviet Union, she had a set of stereo slides depicting fairy tales and adventures that she looked at through a viewer for hours. It was similar to the ViewMaster familiar to North Americans of a certain age.

“I was so entranced by the whole other world that opened up to me.”

Inspired by May’s work and a community of stereophotographers on Instagram, Neklyudova began to experiment with 3D photography. She practised, talked to people and attended a convention.

Stereo-cameras have two lenses that take separate images but traditional cameras work, too, for still subjects.

The photographer takes an image and then moves the camera slightly to capture a second. Neklyudova takes her photos with a phone and uses an app as a guide.

“It requires great concentration and focus. It’s a very meditative activity for me.”

When May issued a call for photos shot during the pandemic, she submitted several and was thrilled when one was chosen from among entries from all over the world for Stereoscopy is Good For You: Life In 3-D. Her shot of rows of colourful umbrellas was taken on an empty street in Quebec City in the summer of 2020.

“It looks like a flock of birds are flying toward you. It’s a symbol of beauty and hope,” says Neklyudova.

“It’s such a great honour to be in the book. It’s hard to describe. It’s not something you would ever expect to happen in your lifetime. It really powerfully documents how people were feeling and what they were going through.”

The launch of the book was celebrated last November in a gallery in London, England.

“Of course I went!” Neklyudova answers with a laugh. “I was completely overwhelmed to meet Brian. I forgot my English words but he was very sweet and nice.” n

McMASTER UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR KATYA NEKLYUDOVA HAS ONE OF HER 3D IMAGES (TOP RIGHT) FEATURED IN A BOOK PUBLISHED

BY BRIAN MAY OF QUEEN. PHOTO: MARK FARLEY

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POLLY

/ARTS & CULTURE

BEHIND THE IN TH E SE PAG E S A ND IN A SER IES OF DIGITA L D I A R IE S TO F O L LO W, H AMI LTON CIT Y M AG A Z INE L I F TS T H E C U RTAI N ON BRI NGI NG THE WO R L D P R E M I E R E OF POL LYANN A THE MU S I C A L TO T HE S TAGE AT THE ATRE AQ UA R IU S . W E A RE G E T T ING UNP R EC EDENTED ACCE SS TO T HE C RE AT IV E TEAM , C AST AND PR O D UCT IO N C RE W TO SHOW AUDIENC ES WH AT IT R E A L LY TA K E S TO P ULL OFF T HE M AG IC O F T HEATR E.

By MEREDITH MacLEOD

| P h o t o b y D A H L I A K AT Z F O R H C M

EMILY WATT (POLLYANNA) AND ATHAN GIAZITZIDIS (JIMMY BEAN) ARE THE TWO CHILD LEADS IN A 21-MEMBER CAST THAT WILL BRING POLLYANNA THE MUSICAL TO THEATRE AQUARIUS DEC. 6 TO 23.

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YANNA SCENES C

coming to Theatre Aquarius in December, Pollyanna The Musical takes a new look at the classic tale of the orphaned girl who changes hearts with her sunny outlook on life.

But don’t expect a modernized version. It remains firmly set in 1910 in a fictional town in Vermont, just like the original book released in 1913. There is still the cold and stern Aunt Polly who only takes in her 11-year-old niece out of a sense of obligation.

There are still troubled townsfolk who are transported to a new attitude through Pollyanna’s Glad Game that consists of finding something to be glad about in every situation, no matter how bleak it may seem.

So, in these trying times, let’s be glad about Pollyanna The Musical, the holiday show at Theatre Aquarius, which is a longstanding family tradition for many Hamiltonians. Those bringing youngsters to this show may well have grown up coming to the December shows with their parents or grandparents.

That means a lot to the musical’s writer and lyricist Steven Gallagher, who lives in Hamilton, and performed in The Sound of Music, Theatre Aquarius’ holiday show in 2013.

“I think this is the time for Pollyanna. Its message is about home and love and family and that’s what people want at the holidays. The book and the movie have brought a lot of joy. It was such an innocent time. I think we are looking for that now.”

Pollyanna is as relevant today as it was a century ago, he says.

“The people in the town have become hardened and don’t let others in. They don’t trust people that are different from them. Pollyanna changes them and I think we need to hear that message today. If we don’t let each other in, we are never going to make it.” /continued on next page

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/ARTS & CULTURE HOW IT A LL BEG AN The acclaimed Hamilton took sevens years to reach the stage. Maggie, which debuted at Theatre Aquarius this year, took eight years.

Come From Away, Canada’s runaway hit, was in development for a relatively short five years.

Fiddler on the Roof was 15 years in the making.

Pollyanna The Musical has taken nine years but the dark theatres of the pandemic certainly slowed things down.

The origin story is that a decade ago Gallagher was presenting at NoteWorthy, a musical theatre writing laboratory in Toronto.

Linda Barnett, a composer and co-founder of award-winning production house Yonge Street Theatricals, approached him afterwards. The two had never met but Barnett told him she had always wanted to write a musical based on Pollyanna and asked if he wanted to join her.

“When she said she wanted to do a musical based on a 100-year-old book, I knew we would get along right away,” he says.

The two talked about modernizing the story and setting it in Toronto. But after reading the book, they decided to leave it in 1913 Vermont.

That’s a tricky thing to do well, says awardwinning director Robert McQueen.

“We have put a lot of thought into how this will have resonance with a contemporary audience. We wanted to ensure that we were not making this a museum piece but connecting this to what we are experiencing today.”

The script could be saccharin but it’s not, says veteran actor Linda Kash, who will play crusty invalid Mrs. Snow. Gallagher and Barnett cut across the sentimentality and ensure the audience is rooting for Pollyanna.

“This little kid charms a town. It’s sort of like Music Man meets Anne of Green Gables.

It’s very easy to go cornball with this and Linda’s music does not allow for that. The songs are not extraneous. I think they are character-driven. And they have a point of view. It could easily be fluffy and it’s not, I love that. It’s beautiful.”

There are two film versions and other plays and adaptations but Gallagher and Barnett worked directly from the original novel. There are plenty of parallels between the book’s setting 110 years ago and today, says Gallagher.

“Pollyanna is the new person in town 40

HCM WINTER 2023

ATHAN GIAZITZIDIS IS MAKING HIS THEATRE DEBUT AS JIMMY BEAN, WHILE EMILY WATT TAKES ON HER FIRST LEAD ROLE AS POLLYANNA. PHOTO: DAHLIA KATZ FOR HCM

MORE ONLINE: scan the qr code to follow along with digital diaries that lift the curtain on what it takes to get to opening night! hamiltoncitymagazine.ca and people are scared of her. They don’t understand her or why she’s there. But the town learns to listen and accept her.”

Barnett and Gallagher have retreated to Barnett’s Muskoka cottage every summer for an intense work session around a piano. The first summer they wrote five songs in four days.

They have written no fewer than six opening numbers. It’s the hardest thing to do, says Gallagher. The opening number has to hook the audience and set the stage for the entire story.

The musical features 16 songs that, with reprises, become 21 numbers in the show.

Many are group numbers, just like an oldfashioned musical, says Gallagher.

“Linda’s melodies are very hummable.

People will leave with the songs in their heads.”

McQueen has been on board since a first draft was workshopped in 2015.

“We wanted to work with a director who has experience in musicals and also in working with kids. Robert just fit the bill,” says Gallagher, who has known McQueen since the two worked on Forever Plaid in Vancouver 30 years ago.

McQueen has worked as a dramaturg on the musical, too. That role is about dissecting the story and working with the writer to fix what isn’t working and strengthen what is.

“The dramaturg is all about bringing the lens of: What are you trying to say here?” explains Gallagher. “The dramaturg helps you find the show you are trying to write and guides you to the best version of your work.”

The first workshop led to new songs and dialogue, scrapped songs, paring down characters and beefing up others.

“By the end of the week, we had a new show,” says Barnett. “The whole process is about getting other eyes on the work and making it better.”

Pollyanna The Musical has been

THE CAST

THE CREATIVE TEAM

LINDA KASH, KELSEY VERZOTTI AND MICHELLE BARDACH WILL STAR IN THE WORLD PREMIERE OF POLLYANNA THE MUSICAL.

COMPOSER LINDA BARNETT, DIRECTOR ROBERT MCQUEEN AND WRITER AND LYRICIST HAVE COLLABORATED ON THIS MUSICAL FOR NINE YEARS.

workshopped four or five times since. The last was on the eve of the pandemic in 2020.

Actors worked the scenes and songs, asked questions and made suggestions.

Presenting a musical has meant cutting major characters from the book to streamline the story. In Pollyanna The Musical, the spotlight remains on the love story between a young girl and her distant, unmarried aunt.

“In the book, it takes a man to change the women, but we felt it should be just the child,” says Gallagher.

“From there, the path was clear,” says Barnett. “This is a show about finding your home. I think that’s something that resonates today. This love story is so powerful, along with the positivity of it all. It’s hard to put into words the hope we have for Pollyanna.”

The team behind Pollyanna was invited to a theatre festival in 2016 in London, England and presented a 45-minute version of the show. It’s also been shortlisted for the Playwright Guild of Canada’s best new production in 2016 and for the Stage West Best New Musical Award.

G ET TING TO TH E STAG E The 21-member cast, including a children’s ensemble of performers from Hamilton and area, will have five weeks of rehearsals leading up to opening night on Dec. 6.

Theatre Aquarius is the perfect place for Pollyanna The Musical, says Barnett.

“They know how to produce a new work and they have set aside more rehearsal time and more tech time. There are a lot of elements to pull together.”

The musical presents challenging and ambitious set and costume needs, elaborate musical and choreographed numbers that require a live orchestra, and lots of moving parts behind the scenes.

But at its heart, the show is in the hands of an experienced and talented cast that centres around the two child leads, says Gallagher.

Auditions began in the late winter, ran throughout the spring and into the summer.

“That was the biggest challenge, finding the right children. We were specific about what we were looking for. We didn’t want showbiz-y kids. They need to be natural. They need to be good actors who can sing and dance.”

Pollyanna, in particular, performs many songs and is on stage for much of the show.

The connection between her and her aunt is crucial.

“She does a lot of the heavy lifting. This needs a child who is 13 going on 30.”

Hamilton’s Pollyanna, Emily Watt, has long red hair and a big smile with dimples to match.

She rushes into a photo shoot for the cover of HCM. She and her mom are 45 minutes late after battling traffic all the way from Toronto.

“I’m so sorry! We thought we would never get here!” Her words spill out in a tumble.

She was in Joseph at the Princess of Wales in Toronto earlier this year. Other credits include the Holly Hobbie TV series and Christmas in Toyland.

“It’s going to be fun to be such as positive character,” she says about her debut in a lead role. “And dancing and singing are just genuinely fun to do.”

This will be the professional theatre debut for Athan Giazitzidis , 9, who will play Jimmy Bean.

“I love it because I get to be a character that’s very far from me. That’s fun for me.”

McQueen, who has at least two dozen directing credits over a 43-year career in theatre, says it’s difficult to find children who can command the stage in a natural way.

“You can find many great children but they’ve been coached within an inch of their life. I sometimes do improv in auditions to see if they could drop that approach and get into a character.”

WO RLD PRE MIE RE Michelle Bardach, who will play Aunt Polly, jumped at the chance to try out for McQueen and Gallagher.

“They were so welcoming and made me feel so comfortable. It was fun. It just felt like friends hanging out. I knew Robert because he came to my university to teach a threeweek master class. He knows how to speak to actors and he makes you feel at ease and safe.”

Bardach, who played Jean in Maggie at Theatre Aquarius and during its run on the east coast, says she is amazed at what it takes to get a production off the ground.

“The average person in the audience has no idea the number of human beings it takes to put on a play. A lot of people really have to believe in these projects to make them happen.”

Theatre Aquarius is building a reputation as a place of cutting-edge theatre. Last season saw the world premieres of The Extinction Therapist, The Gig, and Maggie.

This year brings the debut of Pollyanna and then the Tom Wilson memoir Beautiful Scars, which will close this season.

And this year saw the launch of the National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM) headquartered at Theatre Aquarius that will incubate Canadian productions.

Mary Francis Moore, artistic director at Theatre Aquarius, says Pollyanna is special.

“This is a really heavy hitter cast and creative team. When I talk to people in the theatre world about this cast, their jaws just drop. These are amazing artists from coast to coast. We are just so excited about this production and hosting another world premiere at Theatre Aquarius.” n

Pollyanna The Musical runs at Theatre Aquarius from Dec. 6 to 23. Tickets are available at theatreaquarius.org.

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/ARTS & CULTURE GIFT GUIDE

CRAFTING A HOLIDAY LIST A RT ISA N S P O U R T HE IR HEA RTS AND SOULS INTO TH EIR WO R K C RE AT ING H A N D CR A FTED, C R EATIVE ITEM S TH AT W I L L BE SU R E TO B E A HIT W ITH ANYONE YOU A R E B UY ING FO R TH IS HO L IDAY SE A SON. HE RE ARE S OME PI CKS WE ’ VE C OM E U P W IT H B U T W E KNOW TH ER E AR E M A NY GR EAT F IND S TO B E H A D AT A LL TH E H A M ILTON-B UR LINGTON M A R K E TS IN N OVEM B ER A ND DEC EM B ER .

By KRIS OSBORNE

MORE ONLINE:

scan the qr code for even more gift-giving ideas.

Plus, each item has a direct link to the vendor!

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HCM WINTER 2023

Keys to the City Robin + Canary’s vintage-inspired keychains celebrate Hamilton’s spirit in retro-motel style. Featuring colourful, gel-like canvases and whimsical typefaces with phrases like “The Hammer,” “Steel Town,” “Happy Place,” and “Home Sweet Home,” these easily likeable accessories celebrate the city in lighthearted style. Their classic shape evokes a Motel 6 feel, while their playful designs capture Hamilton’s artsy undercurrent. Attach your keys to show hometown pride wherever you roam. Or give them as a gift to unlock nostalgia for those friends who are missing the Hammer.

X etsy.com/shop/robinandcanary

Toasty Toes Each snuggly pair of Rough Bark Knits’ handcrafted Cabot Booties starts with soft, breathable yarn that’s knitted into a classic sherpa-lined bootie and bound for comfort. Finishing touches like genuine suede soles and hand-cut leather laces elevate these slippers into wearable works of art. The slippers can even be slipped on and off without tying the laces each time! Rough Bark Knits pays attention to the smallest details, making these foot warmers a perfect fit for lounging or gift-giving. Slip on a pair of Cabot Booties for a little piece of homespun Hamilton right at your feet. X roughbarkknits.com

Cherry Picking There’s something about Brightside General’s charming cherry dish that genuinely sparks joy. This dainty trinket dish features a neutral glazed base accented by cheerful, hand-painted cherries. The juxtaposition makes for a playful pop of colour! As functional as it is cute, the dish is perfect for holding rings, earrings, loose change, keys, or other small treasures. Let this little dish add a touch of brightness to your home, or give it as a gift to spread some Hamilton-made cheer.

X brightsidegeneral.ca WINTER 2023 HCM

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/ARTS & CULTURE GIFT GUIDE Lip Love Calling all beauty buffs! Transform your nightly routine into a restorative ritual and wake up tomorrow with smoother, softer lips. Artifact skincare’s overnight lip mask is infused with high-quality, active ingredients and botanicals like moisture-rich honey, soothing avocado oil, and marshmallow root extract to deeply nourish your skin. As you sleep, it works its magic, gently exfoliating and delivering intense hydration – a boon to parched winter skin. Offering a range of thoughtfully crafted and always non-toxic skincare, Artifact’s products carry with them the “artifacts” or elements of aroma, memory, place and beauty traditions from around the world, bringing them home to Hamilton. X artifactskinco.com/en-ca

Woven Wonders Stephanie Weaves’ tactile wall hangings radiate vibrancy. Using sustainably sourced fibres, each abstract tapestry is a burst of colour handwoven with intention and infused with healing Reiki energy to “help bring peace, calm and love to your home.”

Her weavings are inspired by the colours of nature and this particular piece reflects the natural palette of spring and summer sunsets. With beautiful, organic colour and soft, textural character, Weaves’ pieces enrich spaces with beauty, creativity, and tranquility. X etsy.com/ca/shop/stephanieweaves

Change Starts Here If you want to start 2024 off on the right foot, Full Bloom’s deliberately designed wellness journal helps kickstart healthy habits. With daily guides for setting intentions, and tracking things like nutrition, sleep, hydration, movement and self-care, this journal keeps you tuned into your overall wellness. Monthly habit tracking helps you review and measure your patterns and progress while prompts encourage reflection throughout the journey. Full Bloom also carries morning journals for daily intentionsetting and manifestation journals for helping to gain clarity on your desires. Available in an array of colours, Full Bloom’s journals are flexible and minimalist – an excellent blank canvas for personal goal-setting.

X fullbloomjournals.com

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Altered Course Handcrafted with locally foraged botanicals, each nourishing bar aims to reconnect users to the land through everyday rituals.

ALTR Soaps alter soap culture by elevating everyday ablutions into thoughtful self-care moments. The vegan soaps are free from palm oil and made with organic ingredients that are 100 per cent grown or responsibly wildcrafted ALTR Soaps. And with lively and enchanting scents, like sage & sea salt, pine & charcoal, red oak & black walnut, yarrow & calendula, and spruce & rose, their earthy, botanical bars awaken your senses and connect you to the literal natural world around you. Lather up and experience bubbly bliss.

X altrsoaps.com

Tote-worthy Tastemakers Pay homage to Hamilton’s tastemakers with this cheeky Food Is Me canvas tote. Inspired by the stars of the local docuseries, the bag playfully riffs on the classic Beatles ampersand tee, celebrating the city’s culinary scene. Dear Grain, Tomah, Himalya, Maria’s and Grain & Grit – their names connected via ampersand – unite Hamilton’s beloved eateries. This durable tote is a fun way to flaunt your hometown pride while running daily errands or hauling groceries for your own homemade feast. Carry the flavours of the city with you everywhere this season, while supporting local filmmakers and eateries.

X foodisme.ca/merch/p/tote Disclaimer: As the owner of Wild Fig Studio and co-director of Food Is Me, I’m thrilled to share this selection with you. This tote was intentionally created as a way to support the eateries, the series, and local shoppers all around, making it a perfect homegrown suggestion for this year’s gift guide – Kris Osborne

Hands-Free Style Sunstone Jewels’ The Frankie crossbody bag is the perfect accessory for those with a bold and funky flair. Sunstone takes pride in “being different, celebrating [their] uniqueness, and looking great while doing it.” And this bag, a practical yet stylish statement piece, reflects that vision. Designed for modern function, the bags have a durable, adjustable strap and the option of a smaller or larger compartment to accommodate everyday essentials, like a cellphone, wallet and keys. Fun and functional, this crossbody bag offers an affordable, wearable canvas to showcase your own unique style.

X sunstonejewels.com WINTER 2023 HCM

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/ARTS & CULTURE

At home for the

holiday films Hamilton-based actor ANN PIRVU is a supporting lead in Hallmark original Undercover Holiday that was shot in Hamilton and debuts this season.

By MEREDITH MacLEOD 46

HCM WINTER 2023

PHOTO: DONNA WAXMAN FOR HCM

M

ade for TV holiday movies are endlessly and unabashedly positive. They are simple and rather old-fashioned rom-coms where love always wins and Christmas transforms even the hardest of hearts.

They have become a much-parodied trope but they are wildly successful. Hallmark alone will premiere 40 original Christmas movies this season.

Forty!

Among them is Undercover Holiday, which was shot in Hamilton and features city resident Ann Pirvu in a supporting lead role.

The film debuted in October on W Network and StackTV in Canada and Hallmark Channel in the U.S. The real-life Pirvu seems to have dropped right out a holiday movie. She’s incredibly cheerful and apologizes for being a hugger by giving a big hug. Her emails are filled with happy emojis and she addresses her messages to me: “Hi lovely Meredith!”

See what I mean about cheerful?

So it makes so much sense that Pirvu is particularly fond of made-for-TV Christmas romances. They may be formulaic but that is comforting in difficult times, she says.

“You can turn on a beautiful Hallmark film and you know you’ll feel good and be uplifted and have a family-oriented experience that will be positive no matter what.”

In a fast-paced world of shifting values, hyper consumerism and social media negativity, holiday movies are simple, escapist and timeless, she says.

“At their core, they teach that love should be a priority in life.”

Previous credits for Pirvu include A Tiny Home Christmas, Around Robin, an indie thriller shot in Los Angeles that played the Hamilton Film Festival last year, the hit series Reign, Netflix’s Workin’ Moms, Remedy and the Steven Soderbergh produced call-girl series The Girlfriend Experience.

Next year will come the release of two new thrillers: The Path of Totality and A Dangerous Romance, which was shot in Hamilton.

“I always knew I would be an actor.

Whatever it took, I was going to make it happen,” she says over a bowl of soup in a King Street café.

But her positivity is not just about the results but about the process.

“The structure and discipline of a professional actor has to come from within.

That craft of acting leads to being able to play,

discover and explore. Those are the building blocks of happiness and fulfilment for me. I love acting so much because it’s joy in a job.”

Pirvu is engaged to producer Christopher Giroux, who grew up in Burlington.

Her first experience filming in Hamilton was Total Frat Movie in 2016. She returned in 2020 for Learning to Love Again, which marked the first time she worked with Giroux and her first lead role in a feature film.

“I just had the best time shooting here.

I saw how supportive the community is and how deep the talent pool is. So when Christopher and I got together, it just seemed right to move to Hamilton.”

They bought a house in the Gibson neighbourhood in 2020 and they will get married Nov. 23 – exactly four years from their first date.

It’s a holiday romance of their own.

And Giroux and Pirvu are bringing their friends west with them.

“We are single-handedly responsible for five couple friends moving to Hamilton from Toronto. There is more space and more value for your money. And it’s just a fun, artistic city to live in.”

A growing film industry in Hamilton and a shift to self-taped auditions out of the pandemic make it much easier to live outside Toronto, she says.

In the world of TV movies, actors are often cast about a month ahead of a three-week shoot. Those projects involve 12- to 14-hour days, at a minimum, and no days off. Pirvu is grateful her partner also works in the business.

Giroux is senior vice president of production at Vortex Media.

“We understand each other’s work and can inspire each other. We can also work together on projects, which is really great for us. Most people are perplexed by the concept.”

She says the greatest challenge of working with one’s significant other is knowing when to turn off work. “We’ve learned to carve out time and to be more structured about it.”

Pirvu was born in Romania and her family moved to Canada when she was 12, landing initially in Toronto. They then moved to Edmonton when her dad was offered a job.

Both her parents are electrical engineers.

“I saw my parents work so hard. It was a sixyear process to get reaccredited but they never looked at it as a negative. They just got it done without complaint. That was so inspiring.”

From a young age, Pirvu took part in talent shows while also showing interest in filmmaking. She made her first feature at 17, a thriller called Pure Malice.

“It’s about the psychological repercussions of making a mistake. It was my very own film school.”

Pirvu was devastated when she wasn’t accepted into the film program at Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson University.) But she did “the next best thing” and enrolled in broadcast journalism.

“Learning to think like a journalist has made me more well-rounded as a filmmaker.”

After graduating, she worked on reality TV show Rich Bride, Poor Bride but then decided she wanted to focus on acting.

“You can’t really do it all in this business. If you want to act, you have to be accessible for auditions, you have to take classes, you have to get prepared for roles. I realized early on that auditioning is actually your job as an actor.

Getting roles is the reward of that work.”

Pirvu has taught acting and she tries to prepare her students for the inevitable rejection that comes with being an actor.

“I love working with 10- to 13-year-olds.

Planting the right seeds in kids, and helping them eliminate the noise means a lot to me.

I still have lots to learn myself but I offer advice: just keep going, be yourself, stay on track and be consistent.”

Pirvu takes her public platform as an actor seriously. She started an Instagram series to talk about mental health and emotional intelligence issues after people reached out to her on social media who were clearly hurting or in crisis.

“Acting gives you a doorway to talk about what it means to be human.”

And that precise issue really struck a chord with Pirvu during the labour strikes that rocked Hollywood and halted virtually all work from south of the border this summer.

“As a performer, it’s incredibly daunting to think how little they might need human performers in the future. An actor could be paid to go in for a day where they scan your likeness and record your voice and then piece you together and put you in five episodes of a show. I can’t imagine a world where humans don’t make art.” n WINTER 2023 HCM

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ARTIST AND LABOUR ACTIVIST TABITHA ARNOLD’S EXHIBIT EMBROIDERY AT WORKERS ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTRE . PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

LABOUR’S NEW STORIES

F

TARA BURSEY, executive director of the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, has shifted the non-profit from a place of permanent exhibits to one built around the views of local artists and the community about the present and future of work. B y S T E P H A N I E V E G H

rom its start as a hub for Hamilton’s ports of trade in 1860, the Custom House on Stuart Street has alternately served as schools, housing, offices and factories before becoming the home of the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre. In the hands of its new executive director, this heritage site is changing once more to meet the challenges of our uncertain times.

Unlike most changemakers, Tara Bursey approaches her task from a place of longstanding familiarity. She volunteered at WAHC shortly after moving to Hamilton in 2013, using her recent training in curatorial studies at OCAD University to tend to the museum’s collection before transitioning into a permanent role organizing exhibitions and public programs. For the next six years, Bursey would experiment in a space that she describes as “a bit of a laboratory for how art, labour and class can be examined through public programming and presentation.”

Bursey’s artistic priorities have long been shaped by a class consciousness that is informed by her own working-class 48

HCM WINTER 2023

upbringing in Scarborough. Navigating her chosen worlds of art and higher education did not come naturally. “It takes a lot to push through the messaging you get as a workingclass person that you have to do something practical.” At WAHC, she found a surprising cultural space that resonated with her working-class identity.

Even so, Bursey recognized gaps in the stories WAHC told in its permanent displays, which dated to the museum’s founding days in the mid-1990s and told an overwhelmingly singular story of unionized industries that excluded other working realities that are increasingly common today.

As a programmer, Bursey carved out space for non-unionized work, precarious gig economies, and even amateur wrestling as equally significant sites of labour.

As executive director, Bursey has dispensed entirely with those permanent displays, and doubts they will ever return.

“What is a permanent exhibit when nothing is permanent?” Inspired by exhibition prototyping methods more commonly found

in the U.K. and supported by a grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation, Bursey and her colleagues have invited the community to rebuild WAHC’s exhibits by sharing their own experiences of work.

The questions posed throughout the museum’s main floor collect responses from the full spectrum of human labour, both paid and unpaid, with stories gathered through sticky-note comments and coffee bean votes tallied in jars. WAHC embraces the frugal realities of being a non-profit organization in a time of scarcity and crafts its displays from recycled and repurposed materials. Equally motivated by environmental sustainability, these choices also defy the museum’s traditional emphasis on displaying precious, untouchable objects. Here, everything is tactile and transforming.

Even so, fresh perspectives often reveal how much remains the same. Reproductions of pinback buttons from WAHC’s collection have been enlarged as a series of historical labour slogans that visitors can affix to a fence alongside their own stories. As at

least one contribution painfully revealed, this interactive display is a reminder of how aspirations like the right to refuse unsafe work remain devastatingly necessary today.

In WAHC’s main gallery, contemporary art charges these conversations with imaginative force, as currently seen in a solo exhibition featuring Tabitha Arnold. Born and recently returned to Chattanooga, Tennessee, Arnold’s work and life are a perfect fit for WAHC’s mandate – an artist and labour activist who produces compelling symbols for protest and recently fought to unionize the coffee shop where she worked at the height of the pandemic. Those slow, lean years also afforded Arnold the time to translate her drawing and painting practice into punch needle embroideries that create intricate new stories of work for today’s world.

Bursey connected with Arnold shortly after her return to WAHC as executive director, excited by the possibilities of “work that combines politics and beauty in a way that is irresistible.” The resulting exhibition opened close to Bursey’s first-year anniversary in her new role. On view until Nov. 25, The People’s Cathedral draws on parables of Christian morality inherited from the artist’s religious upbringing to unravel the dynamics of power, privilege and labour that have long divided societies. Arnold’s tapestries read as medieval artifacts marked

by Soviet-era aesthetics that create surreal narratives where gig workers and protestors

COFFEE BEANS ARE USED TO VOTE FOR VARIOUS RIGHTS FOR WORKERS IN AN INTERACTIVE DISPLAY AT THE WORKERS ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTRE.

climb the strata of history into future possibilities.

Arnold’s visit to Hamilton included a short residency that saw the artist facilitate workshops for local community groups, spurring the creation of new work at the local level. WAHC’s next exhibition will invite contemporary artists to respond to its collection of trade union banners, which have been recently digitized and will soon be widely accessible as a virtual exhibition.

Reciprocity and creative exchanges such as these are central to how Bursey intends to shape WAHC’s future, particularly at a time when people are talking about toxic labour practices, work-life balance, and the potential of unionization. Ten years after she got her start at WAHC as a volunteer, “the world has come around to us,” she says. Radical changes in work spurred by the pandemic, and the inequalities that have come in its wake, have given these conversations a heightened urgency.

Where locals have become used to seeing the Custom House as “that haunted place,” visitors arriving in Hamilton via the new West Harbour GO Station across the

street are passing through WAHC’s newly reconfigured doors in growing numbers, drawn by the same curiosity that brought Bursey here 10 years ago. And freshly motivated by the need for change. n

AN EXHIBITION AT THE WORKERS ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTRE FEATURES REPRODUCTIONS OF HISTORIC PINBACK BUTTONS ALONGSIDE CONTEMPORARY LABOUR STORIES. WINTER 2023 HCM

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PAIGE MAYLOTT DELIVERS A VULNERABLE MEMOIR THAT DELVES DEEP INTO HER TRANS COMING-OUT STORY AND HER BATTLE WITH CANCER. B y J e s s i c a R o s e

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y Body is Distant, the absorbing debut memoir by Hamilton’s Paige Maylott, is an intimate look at identity and self-discovery set against the backdrop of both real and digital worlds.

Taking readers back and forth in time, it explores Maylott’s experiences coming out as a trans woman, being diagnosed with cancer, and navigating virtual playgrounds in which she finds both love and her authentic self.

“While I take the reader on explorations of gender and seeking love in strange places, I contend with a crumbling marriage and work towards coming to terms with bodily betrayal as I am diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer,” says Maylott, calling the book “an atypical trans coming-out story.”

Maylott, a 2021 Hamilton Arts & Letters Award winner for Creative Non-Fiction, explores deeply personal experiences with great authenticity and vulnerability, talking candidly about her most difficult moments and regrettable decisions.

“Admittedly, some of my earlier drafts didn’t delve as deeply, or as honestly, into my personal life. However, as I wrote and developed the manuscript, I began to realize that I needed to tell the whole story,” she says, adding that it’s nerve-wracking and surreal knowing that people are reading about her most intimate moments.

“However, this was also a part of my life that I zealously hid from everyone I cared about all my life. These secrets gnawed away at me over the years, plagued me like demons, and now I am at a stage of my life where I no longer want to keep secrets,” says Maylott.

“Honestly, now that I have exposed these privacies to the world, I feel as if they can no longer have power over me.”

One of the most challenging parts of putting her life to paper was narrowing down the stories that she wanted to tell.

“As anyone who has written a memoir before will likely tell you, one of the cardinal rules is to stay on theme. It’s too easy to stray into fun, but unrelated anecdotes,” says Maylott, adding that it was difficult to not feature some family and friends. While it was 50

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OTHER LOCAL READS 101 FASCINATING CANADIAN MUSIC FACTS

PAIGE MAYLOTT. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

important to Maylott that anyone could pick up her memoir and read it, she says she was conscious to always centre other trans folks.

“With that in mind, you might notice that I don’t overexplain some trans-related terminology, except for one or two parts where it seemed relevant,” she says.

Though not told chronologically, My Body is Distant does begin in rural Ontario in 1985 when Maylott escapes schoolyard bullying by playing Zork on the school’s Commodore 64.

Slipping away to digital worlds and beyond is a central theme to Maylott’s story.

“Escaping to Hamilton saved me from potential violence had I come out in my small, judgmental hometown. McMaster University threw me a lifeline when I was on the verge of homelessness,” says Maylott, adding that Hamilton lacks the pretension of many larger cities, an authenticity that speaks to her.

“Our city embraces its gritty side, our art, our foundation on blue-collar labour, and I take great pride in being part of a city that combines beauty and heart.”

D AV I D M C P H E R S O N In 101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts, author and historian David McPherson curates a collection of stories from his more than 25 years of researching, listening to, and learning about Canadian music. Sure, you’ll read about the Hip, Blue Rodeo, and Joni Mitchell, but it’s the wealth of Hamilton content that will make local fans rejoice. In this memorable book, you’ll read about Hamilton’s Edward L. Johnson, the youngest member of the New York Metropolitan Opera company, and beloved folk musician Stan Rogers.

You’ll also add to your rolodex of knowledge about Hamilton’s favourite punk rockers Teenage Head and the famous Grant Avenue Studio.

101 Fascinating Canadian Music Facts is much more than a book of trivia. It’s a celebration of Canadian talent from coast to coast.

NORMAL WOMEN

A I N S L I E H O G A RT H Dani, the protagonist of Normal Women, feels isolated and anxious in the wake of new motherhood. That is until she discovers The Temple and its “guardian” Renata, a controversial entrepreneur who suddenly goes missing. Part mystery, part rumination on how we value, or fail to value, motherhood and female labour, Normal Women is the latest book

by Hamilton’s Ainslie Hogarth, who released her first adult novel, Motherthing, a darkly funny domestic horror novel, last year. She’s also the author of two young adult novels.

THE BOOK OF BENJAMINS

BEN ROBINSON “My parents didn’t know it when they named me but there have been at least two other Benjamins in my family,” writes poet, musician and librarian Ben Robinson in The Book of Benjamins. His innovative collection of nonfiction brings together elements of memoir, prose, and poetry, forging links between names, identity, memory, and masculinity. The book is multiple stories in one, woven together, as Robinson explores the grief of his stillborn younger sister Emily, the Biblical account of Benjamin, and his own family’s genealogy. n

/ARTS & CULTURE EVENTS

ART AND ABOUT The holiday season means many fun and inspiring arts and culture events in Hamilton and Burlington.

Here are a few of our favourite local happenings.

SWING BY THE WARPLANES

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum will fly back in time and be transformed into a big-band ballroom for its Swing Out to Victory dinner and dance. Come dressed in vintage fashions or Allied Forces uniforms of the ’40s and dance the night away to the music of the Toronto All-Star Big Band, surrounded by a backdrop of vintage aircraft.

The memorable evening will be capped off with prizes, giveaways and some swing dancing lessons to get your Lindy hopping a little bit better. Limited tickets available.

Nov. 18. warplane.com

TRADITION WITH A TWIST

This year, Ballet Jorgen’s choreographer and artistic director Bengt Jorgen brings holiday favourite The Nutcracker to Hamilton – but with a distinctly Canadian flair. Thanks to a collaboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the dancers – both company and local talents – perform in front of the stage’s soaring 30-foot backdrops that feature the works of some of the country’s greatest artistic talents. Even Klara’s dream takes place in a Great White North winter landscape filled with snowflakes, woodland creatures, and a Mountie or two. Dec. 2, 2 p.m., FirstOntario Concert Hall. jorgendance.ca

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS (MUSIC) PAST

QUEEN FOR A DAY

The legacy of Queen is legendary and their music catalogue hits as hard today as it did in the band’s heyday. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra pays tribute to the incredible talents of Freddie Mercury and his bandmates in a more classical way with The Music of Queen – a powerful rock symphony that celebrates one of the world’s greatest bands of all time. With guest vocalist David Blamires lending his voice to the orchestra’s tunes, the audience will revel in hearing the old hits in a new way. Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., FirstOntario Concert Hall. hpo.org

hamiltoncitymagazine.ca scan the qr code Make our Things to Do section your go-to destination for city life and arts and culture events listings!

The Christmas music playing on repeat in the shopping mall may get on your last nerve, but hearing it live is guaranteed to make your heart grow a couple sizes bigger. Join the Theatre Ancaster Chorus for its Christmas Top 40 show where, accompanied by a small band, the singers perform a countdown of the top 40 Christmas hits of decades past. The interactive concert will feature well-known music from Bing Crosby, Stevie Wonder, Pentatonix and more, and even the Scroogiest Scrooges are guaranteed to break out in at least a hum. Dec. 16 and 17. theatreancaster.com

NEW YEAR’S SUMMER NIGHTS

Slide into the New Year with the help of some Greased Lightnin’ at an epic sing-along event at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Sing-a-Long-a Grease invites participants to come dressed as their fav character from the 1977 film and belt out the well-known soundtrack as the movie plays on screen (lyrics are posted for brain-fog moments). The singing will test vocal abilities and a costume contest will test creativity while determining which version of Sandy comes out on top this time around. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. burlingtonpac.ca

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The Cat is back

BELOVED JOHN STREET SOUTH PUB AND LIVE MUSIC VENUE THE CAT & FIDDLE HAS REOPENED UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP.

W

hen Reg Collett and Dario Pacini first opened the Cat ’N’ Fiddle in 1993, it quickly became one of the city’s best spots, most notably for its Wednesday night jazz jam and a safe space for folks from many different walks of life. For more than 28 years, an entire generation of Hamiltonians passed through its doors at 174 John St. S. Then came the pandemic. In September 2021, then-owners Suzanne Keast and her partners made the heartbreaking decision to close the beloved Hamilton staple and put the building up for sale. The outpouring of grief and appreciation from many regulars and musicians was tremendous.

But cats, as they say, have nine lives, and this September, nearly two years after it closed, the Cat & Fiddle (with a slight change to the name) has come back to Corktown.

New owner Ty Patry, who bought the property from Keast in June 2022, aims to bring excitement back to the area. “We are looking forward to seeing other businesses open again and make this an excellent neighbourhood to visit.”

As with its earlier incarnation, the Cat & Fiddle is family-run, with Patry, his parents, and sister all in charge of the business.

“We’re new to the neighbourhood. My father and I worked on the property for five months with the help of many great friends to create an atmosphere that will be welcoming for everyone. We are bringing bands back and will be televising major sporting events such as the Grey Cup, NFL, NHL, NBA. We will be creating a fan club here for the Toronto Rock Lacrosse team.”

Patrons can expect to see a few changes, including an expanded menu and a modern look combined with the original charm in the interior. “We took out the upper storage around the bar to give it a more open look and have added TVs and new lights. We’ve also restored the hardwood floors in the bar. The outside has been brightened up, mixing white and black together to give it a new pub-style look.” n catandfiddle.net –Jody Aberdeen

THE CAT & FIDDLE ON JOHN STREET SOUTH REOPENED IN LATE OCTOBER UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND WITH A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED NAME. IT HOSTS LIVE MUSIC, TELEVISES PLENTY OF SPORTS AND FEATURES AN EXPANDED MENU. PHOTO: HCM

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/FOOD & DRINK

THREE HAMILTON BAR BANDS TO WATCH IN 2024 H EAT HER VA L L E Y A ND T HE C URRE NT S TATE , WRE CKL E S S H ARBOUR A ND C H EC KER B OA R D F LO O R S FR EQ UENTLY P L AY LOC A L B A R S AND BRE W E R I E S A N D O F F E R A FA NTA STI C SH OW FOR TH EIR AUDIENCES.

By JODY ABERDEEN

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s there a more enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or evening than with some good local craft brews (or other beverage of choice) while listening to a great local band? Maybe you have better ideas but I sure don’t. Here are a trio of Hamilton bands making the rounds of breweries and bars such as Shawn & Ed Brewing Co, Clifford Brewing Company and Collective Arts. These bands are killer live and deserve to be more well known.

Hamilton’s a city that’s bursting with musical talent, boasting such worldwide successes as the Arkells, Teenage Head, Terra Lightfoot and the Killjoys to name just a few. Every great performer has to start somewhere, however, and if you’ve been frequenting some of Steeltown’s best bars and breweries, you may have seen some amazing talent that stand poised for stardom far and wide. Here are three such acts to watch in 2024.

HEATHER VALLEY AND THE CURRENT STATE. PHOTO: JESSE GOLEM

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H E ATH E R VALLE Y AN D TH E CURRE NT STATE Heather Valley is a self-described student of human nature in both her life and her art. Raised by immigrants from central Italy in small-town northern Ontario, she always felt out of place growing up. “The values I was raised with were not reflected around me. Through law, bartending, and music I spent years trying to understand people’s motivations, their self-perceptions, how these change over time and the things people tell themselves to reconcile it all.”

Following a harrowing abusive relationship, Valley found herself without a home, a career, or a sense of mental health. Taking on a bartending job at the Casbah, Valley met Benny Jay. “He was a huge jam band and Grateful Dead fan,” says Valley, “whereas I was into Americana and alternative country. Turns out there is a lot of crossover between those genres. We became fast friends and I now consider him to be my brother.” Through her work in the music scene, Valley would meet the other musicians with whom she would first share a stage in December 2021.

Heather Valley and the Current State consist of Valley; veteran electric guitar virtuouso Matty Simpson (who also performs with the Matty Simpson band, Golden Feather, and others); Justine “the Bass Machine” Fischer; and drummer Benny Jay. Appearing as guest vocalists: Melissa Marchese and Laura Cole, both of whom appear on backup and harmony vocals on an upcoming record Harsh Realm.

Valley sees songwriting as a way of getting at a universal truth about the human experience, either by describing something we all feel in a novel way, or describing something she has struggled to put her finger on in a simple and obvious way. “I think that is the trick and the gift of good songwriting – it creates connection – and by choosing to be open and vulnerable about the pain I’ve experienced in life through my music, others feel safer talking about their own pain, and we all feel less alone.”

Valley’s primary goal for the band is to keep playing live, connecting with folks, and creating more music. Her first album, Desert Message, was released in 2019 and charted No. 5 in Canada, while also being named best record/song of 2019 in the Netherlands.

The album was reviewed by the Philadelphia Inquirer and was so successful, it led to a European tour. Not bad for an independent release. thecurrentstate.net

HEATHER VALLEY AT FESTIVAL OF FRIENDS. PHOTO: BRENT PERNIAC

WRECKLESS HARBOUR IS A FOLKINSPIRED BORN-IN-HAMILTON BAND. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

W R E C K L E SS H ARBO UR Wreckless Harbour owes its existence to Fort Elgin, a community group based in Beasley known for hosting musical events throughout Hamilton. It was at one of Fort Elgin’s socially distanced open mic events that bandmates Trevor Roach, Lawren Helder, and Jon “J.J.” Harley first met.

Following the meetup, Roach – who grew up on bluegrass festivals and trips along the east coast to his family’s home in Cape Breton – led an open jam session where he was joined

by Helder and Harley, both of whom share talents for vocals, banjo, and the mandolin, with Harley adding violin to the mix.

Inspired by the meeting, Roach wrote “Step Lightly” later that evening, which became the first song for the newly-created ensemble.

With the recruitment of Jon’s longtime collaborator Mark “Big Mark” Korczynski, Wreckless Harbour was born, with “Step Lightly” becoming one of the band’s signature songs. Roach’s songwriting and musical contributions would be primarily responsible for the band’s evolution of sound and style in those early days, with Helder and Harley contributing their own writing over time.

“Playing in a folk-inspired band as a classically trained violinist has been quite the adventure,” says Harley.

“It’s incredibly liberating. In classical

music, we’re often bound by strict notation and precise interpretations. But in folk, there’s room for spontaneity and personal expression. It’s like setting sail without a map and just following the wind. Folk music often relies on playing by ear, which can be a bit of a departure from the sheet music we’re used to in the classical world, but it’s a departure that feels natural to me and my playing styles.”

Harley notes that Wreckless Harbour has challenged and inspired him creatively to embrace the informal, communal spirit of folk music. “I’m so very glad to be doing this with my very dear friends.”

“Our music is a place where people can feel safe,” says Korczynski. “It’s a very cooperative environment that breeds the free flow of thought. I hope that this is reflected in our sound and recognized by people who listen to our music.”

Helder really enjoys the blend of traditional sounds with more modern songwriting. “I think acoustic instruments have an almost universal connection with people. They’re very expressive and direct, and the way they blend together in a string band setup can be magical, like the instruments are having a conversation with one another. It’s a great foundation for each of our unique songwriting styles.” /continued on next page WINTER 2023 HCM

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/FOOD & DRINK What are their hopes for the future of Wreckless Harbour?

“I want to connect with more people and play more shows with artists we love,” says Roach, who also can’t wait to press their first vinyl record.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the recordings we’re currently working on,” says Helder. “I’m also excited to try more collaborative writing with my bandmates. I think we’ve only scratched the surface of the music we can dream up together.” linktr.ee/wrecklessharbour C H ECKERBOARD FLO O R S For more than 10 years, Checkerboard Floors has been playing music to dance to, selling out high-energy shows that have the crowds singing and moving together. Their 2023 single “Could It Be” is now streaming across multiple channels.

“I think I’ve been lucky to be exposed to music from a young age, growing up in a musical family,” says singer and guitarist Derek Palango, whose parents played in a band together for a time when Palango was in elementary school. “I eventually dove into my dad’s Led Zeppelin and Beatles albums, and that started me down a path. I love that rock ’n’ roll, and rock alternative/indie music by extension, can sort of marry elements from all kinds of music which came before it and still wear those influences on its sleeve.”

Checkerboard Floors is Palango (vocals, guitar, and also one half of the Corduroys), Matt Outerson (bass, vocals), and Kevin Barrie (drums, vocals), all of whom came together in 2009 through work, mutual friends, and a shared love of music. They have built up a large repertoire of covers while refining their own sound, which contains at times hints of blues, funk, Motown and jazz, in varying degrees, and all with the aim of getting people moving.

“The music we play has always been able to shift a crowd from their seats to the dance floor,” says Outerson, who describes himself as a big believer in locking in the low end, yet always stands ready to add a bit of flair (a bass flourish here, a vocal harmony line there) when required to round out the band’s sound. “Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a group get up and get moving, and to inspire people to groove with our original music is next level.”

Palango hopes that they just keep making 56

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CHECKERBOARD FLOORS HAS BEEN REFINING ITS HIGH-ENERGY SOUND SINCE 2009. PHOTO: ASHLEE PALANGO

The music we p l ay h a s a lway s been able to shift a crowd from their s e at s t o t h e d a n c e floor. Nothing is m o r e s at i s f y i n g t h a n seeing a group get up and get moving, and to inspire people to groove with our original music is next level.”

Matt Outerson (bass, vocals)

music without getting too specific beyond that. “I’m just thankful that, for someone who suddenly found himself playing steady gigs back in 2009, borrowing my dad’s amp and pedals to start, I can now look back at the better part of 15 years’ worth of amazing experiences and find that I’m still able to do this with friends new and old, bringing happiness to rooms full of people. I’m at a time in my life, especially coming through this pandemic, where I’m trying as best I can to keep things as simple as possible.”

Outerson says that with all the songs written and ready to record, he would love nothing more than to find a good chunk of uninterrupted time to focus on recording and producing all of their music and sharing it. “It would be a dream come true.”

And as for Barrie? “As long as we’re still all having a great time, my dream is that we can just keep at it, keep recording music and playing gigs, but maybe with earlier hours.” n checkerboardfloors.com

/FOOD & DRINK GIFT GUIDE

EATING AT HOME It comes as no surprise that buying local continues to be a must for many holiday shoppers. Supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses reduces your carbon footprint while putting money right back into your community. In the Hamilton-Burlington area, there are many entrepreneurs who are creating amazing food products right here in our own backyard – many of them with food products they have grown themselves!

Find some of these delicious picks in our list below. Your mouth will water just reading about the delicious food products being created and served locally. One of these delightful gifts would be a perfect addition to a stocking, tree or holiday table near you. B y H E AT H E R P E T E R Beach Road Meats & Deli KIELBASA Beach Road Kielbasa is well-known within the community and for good reason. During the years following its inception more than 40 years ago, customers would line up around the block to get their hands on this yummy smoked meat. These days it is not as difficult to get since the Hamilton-famous product is available at most large grocers within the area. Beach Road Kielbasa makes a great addition to holiday charcuterie boards!

Winterhill Forest Farm MAPLE SYRUP Located in the Dundas Valley, the husband-and-wife duo at Winterhill Forest Farm really offers it all. Many of their agricultural additions seem to work in harmony with each other: their potager-style garden provides sustenance for their bees, their animals are used to tidy up the farm and provide manure for the garden, and their beekeeping bees are working as pollinators for all of their products. A must-try is the pure maple syrup because Winterhill prides itself on the simplicity of its syrups; letting the true Canadian flavour shine.

Interested in corporate gifts? They offer that too!

Marty’s Pickles PICKLES Marty, of Marty’s Pickles, knows a thing or two about these briny delicacies. Since the age of 12, Marty Strub has been creating pickles with his family, who are well-known pickle-makers in the area. The family’s company began on Mulberry Street in Hamilton, brining pickles in wooden barrels in the basement of their family home.

Nowadays, Marty Strub keeps the recipes relatively simple, sticking to the tried-and-true favourites that his family created. There is still a good variety within his offerings, from the traditional brined-in-small-batches pickles and sweet bread and butter pickles to marinated mushrooms and pickled beans.

Twisted Tomato

FLAVOURED KETCHUP Twisted Tomato, based out of Stoney Creek, has taken the classic beloved condiment and added its own special twist. Creating unique blends of its own ketchup in a variety of flavours, Twisted has been able to create a new specialty that is perfect for adding to all of your ketchup-required dishes. The line includes flavours such as dill pickle, maple bacon, Canadian whiskey and bourbon caramel.

Morden’s Organic Farm JAMS AND PRESERVES Located in Dundas, Morden’s Organic Farm store has many of the homemade farm-store essentials that you may be searching for, from cookies and baked goods to bone broth and pastured meats. The sixth-generation-run sustainable farm is also notable for its variety of preserves and jams, perfect for enjoying warm-weather produce throughout the colder weather seasons. From the corn relish to the peach and pepper chutney or the green tomato blend, there is something for everyone to enjoy. /continued on next page WINTER 2023 HCM

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/FOOD & DRINK GIFT GUIDE Drummond Farms APPLE CIDER Drummond Farms in Waterdown grows farm-fresh apples and apple products straight from the farm to the customer. This fifth-generationowned farm grows more than 20 types of apples, never waxed, and produces its famous sweet apple cider – a big hit at all those holiday parties.

Dutchman’s Gold HONEY Starting up in 1981 in the Carlisle community, Dutchman’s Gold is another local producer that has been doing the same thing for many years – and doing it very, very well. Dutchman’s is known for its unpasteurized honey products, including classic jarred honey, flavoured honey and honeycomb, beeswax candles, skincare and more. For a taste of the season – try the holiday spice honey!

Nuttyhero NUT & SEED BUTTERS Nuttyhero is all about incorporating superfoods into people’s lifestyles in a simple and delicious way. Partners Courtney and Arjun, both lifelong athletes, perfected their recipe for nut and seed butters in their home kitchen and then expanded the business to create a full product line in their commercial kitchen in Burlington while still staying small-batch.

Choose from butters called Maple Cinnamon, Chocolate Bliss, Coconut Crunch, Honey Vanilla and Original.

Bennett’s Apples & Cider CIDER DONUTS An amazing aroma lingers in the air at Bennett’s Apples & Cider and it could be any one of their plethora of baked goods, ciders, or apples and produce. But we think it’s likely to be the sweet smell of fried cinnamon from their famous apple cider donuts. You can watch these delicious morsels being made daily in the shop, which are fried to perfection and covered in a hearty sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. It’s the ultimate treat on a cool day!

JC’s Hot PEPPER SAUCE JC’s Hot not only produces its popular hot sauce and hot pepper jelly line, it also grows all the peppers for its product. From the spiciest scovilles to the lower end of the heat scale, if you are a pepper fiend, JC’s Hot surely has something for you. At its pepper sale – only open seasonally, but available through order – you will find pepper plants for sale, along with the hot sauce line. Flavours include mixed scorpion, mixed ghost, and mixed pepper. These pepper sauces are not for the faint of heart but, boy, are they delicious!

Hotti Biscotti You can’t have a holiday party in Hamilton without the addition of Hotti Biscotti! A community favourite since that first shop opened in 2011, owner Debby Stroud prides herself on creating deliciously soft biscotti from scratch. If the texture is not enough to draw you in, the toppings will, with all sorts of divine flavours like Skor, toasted coconut almond, vegan banana pecan, vanilla birthday cake and more.

Casa Piñata DRINKS New to the Hamilton food scene is Casa Pinata. These makers of zero per cent alcohol beverages make it even easier to be inclusive of everyone at your holiday parties – taking the stress out of planning the drinks menu.

Enjoy Mexican-inspired mocktails such as tepache (a fermented beverage made from the peel and the rind of pineapples), paloma (traditionally made with tequila), and shrubs (concentrated syrups made from raw fruits, sugar and vinegar). Stay tuned to their social media as they often come out with seasonal specialties!

Venetian Meats DRY-CURED MEATS A staple in Hamilton since 1954, Venetian Meats is almost synonymous with the Hamilton food-producer scene. Venetian Meats creates Italian dry-cured meats using traditional methods and recipes passed down through the generations. Expanding from a small garage in the early years into a large facility servicing Canada and the United States, Venetian does not take shortcuts on its original recipes. Popular items include the pepperettes, lonza and soppressatta.

Singers Caesar Mix DRINKS Caesars and Canada go together and they are considered our country’s national cocktail. Singers, made locally, helps make your Caesar-making at home extra simple with its flavoured Caesar drink mixes. You can choose from four flavours of Singers: mildly spiced, vegan, smokin’ or spicy, plus they have no gluten and are lower in sodium than the competitors. These mixes are a perfect gift for the Caesar lover in your life!

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DOWNTOWN DUNDAS: ALL BUT FOOD PERFECT

PHOTO: MIKE SCHYMKIW FOR HCM

H A MI LTO N I S A C IT Y B L E S S ED WITH G REAT F OOD AND D INING D I ST RI CTS . H E RE W E F EATURE D OWNTOWN D UNDAS.

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f you’re a certain age you may recall people being referred to as an “old coot,” implying that they were silly, an oddball. The Oxford Dictionary suggests that the expression is linked to the sometimes odd behaviour of certain birds. Given the preponderance of birds around the Desjardin Canal, the area was at one time named Cootes Paradise. In 1814 John Graves Simcoe, lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, renamed the area as Dundas after his

By DIANE GALAMBOS friend Henry Dundas – who in fact never set foot in Canada.

Founded as a manufacturing village, it became a centre of culture known for its natural beauty. Study it on a map and you may be surprised that it includes areas that you assumed were part of Westdale or Burlington or Ancaster. Despite some referring to it as “Valley Town,” sections are on the escarpment.

Dundas is old in terms of history, but hardly an old coot. For food enthusiasts, it may well be perfect. An expansive range of eateries and food services – some old and some new – will have you coming back often. What follows highlights only places in the core of the “downtown,” a charming streetscape that has never lost its historic village-like charm. /continued on next page WINTER 2023 HCM

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/FOOD & DRINK Collins Brewhouse is the oldest establishment in town with roots back to the Collins family from Ireland who opened a saloon in 1833, followed by a hotel in 1841. In 1913, ownership transferred from the Collins family and operation as a hotel ceased in 1968. Its striking architecture makes it a visual focal point and its casual food menu remains popular.

A newer restaurant is Pinbones. Rebecca deWildt opened a fish market in 2021 and has now moved down the street and added a restaurant. PEI summers with her grandparents spawned her keen interest in seafood and propelled her toward chef training. She has experience at some of Toronto’s best seafood eateries. The fresh fish is tantalizing and the freezer is well stocked with seafood. The restaurant? So far everything I’ve eaten there has been delicious, Also somewhat new is Hanma Japanese Foods. For over a decade, Takayoshi Li worked in award-winning kitchens. With this Dundas enterprise, he’s returned to his cultural cooking roots – all things Japanese from sushi, onigiri, and bowls and sandwiches made from iconic milk bread. His Instagram feed announces specials and he always has grab-and-go, including Japanese ice creams and snacks.

Sometimes “new” meets “old.” In what for decades was The Schwaben Inn, Betula opened as a casual restaurant with the philosophy that “good food builds good communities.” The seasonal, contemporary and creative menu retains one item as a tribute to the past – pork schnitzel with Bavarian spaetzle, sauerkraut, and pickled apples.

2019 “newcomers” to the Dundas scene had been long-time fixtures in Hamilton. Sensational Samosas is run by Lorelei Charles and husband Kevin Gamble. She’s the daughter of Reuben Charles, who founded the family enterprise in the 1980s. He opened a stall in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market in 1987 selling, at first, poultry. His eventual expansion into samosas made him an early adopter of selling ethnic foods. The abundance of not only samosas but foods from around the world must be experienced to be appreciated.

Family is a recurring theme in many Dundas eateries, including chef Ken LeFebour’s Nellie James Gourmet Food to Go. In the past two decades, he’s acquired faithful fans who enjoy food that reflects his experience with cuisines ranging from Creole to French. Honouring family influences, his business is named after his maternal grandmother. Nellie James, born in India to an Irish father and an Anglo-Indian mother, raised 13 children. She was a “fiercely 60

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FRENCH REVOLUTION HAS MUCH TO TANTALIZE PATRONS. PHOTO: DIANE GALAMBOS

QUATREFOIL IS STYLISH AND WELCOMING. PHOTO: COURTESY OF QUATREFOIL

THIRSTY CACTUS IS A MAINSTAY IN DOWNTOWN DUNDAS. PHOTO: MIKE SCHYMKIW FOR HCM

COLLINS BREWHOUSE HAS ROOTS BACK TO 1833 IN DUNDAS. PHOTO: MIKE SCHYMKIW FOR HCM

strong redhead” and “an exceptional cook,” LeFebour shares on his website.

Quatrefoil is at the elegant end of Dundas food options. Owners Georgina Mitropoulos and Fraser Macfarlane both have careers that include work in prestigious restaurants overseas. It’s no surprise that Quatrefoil quickly garnered accolades and awards. Contemporary French cuisine is on offer made from the finest ingredients, prepared creatively and presented artfully. While it could be described as “upscale,” it is not pretentious. Be prepared for a warm welcome and a memorable meal.

The town’s main street – King Street – is where you’ll find most Dundas eateries. Red Door Cucina is a hidden treasure off the main road. Dave Maciulis combines a full-time job with creating award-winning pizzas and other Italian food.

No “detour” is required to arrive at Detour Café where terrific coffee and pastries await, along with breakfast/lunch offerings and Dear Grain breads. Coffee fans can also be found at Café Domestiique. When your preferred beverage is a beer, visit Shawn and Ed Brewing Co. a few steps away from King Street.

The list of cuisines serving every taste is long – and this list may be incomplete. Namu (Asian fusion), Bangkok Spoon (Thai), Little Asia (vegetarian and vegan Asian food), India Village, Dundas Shawarma, Emilio’s, Winchester Arms (British pub food) and the Thirsty Cactus (Tex Mex). The flavours of various cuisines can all be found in the creative soups at Burnt Tongue.

The Dundas food scene offers more than restaurants and many of these shops can lay claim to a longstanding, family-operated presence. Picone Fine Foods was founded in 1915, operating today in the exact location, welcoming you with fresh, local and organic produce, in-house prepared foods, specialty imported products and the produces of local culinary artisans.

Other top-quality food services can be had at Cumbrae’s (meat, charcuteries, prepared foods); the French Revolution Bakery & Crêperie (croissants, crepes, quiche, patisserie, baguettes); the Horn of Plenty urban market selling gourmet and health foods since 1980 is next to sweet treats from The Cookie DOH Factory; check out Mickey McGuire’s Cheese and every kitchen supply you can think of at The Keeping Room. It’s regrettable that the beloved Taylor’s Tea Room and Beanermunky Chocolate closed.

They added to the perfection of Dundas as a dining district. n WINTER 2023 HCM

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/CITY VIEW ASTRID HEPNER was born in England and grew up near Cologne, Germany. It was the sax solo on the Supertramp record Breakfast in America that made her fall in love with the tenor sax. Then she discovered jazz and never looked back. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in jazz performance and composition from the Folkwang Conservatory of Music in Essen. She also holds a degree in cultural management (arts administration) from the University of Cologne. She is founder and CEO of the Hamilton Music Collective. She is married to saxophonist, conductor, composer and arranger Darcy Hepner. They have a daughter Camilla.

Interviewed by MEREDITH MACLEOD

A LIFE OF MUSIC

PHOTO: BRENT PERNIAC FOR HCM 62

HCM WINTER 2023

What is the mandate and history of the Hamilton Music Collective?

Our mandate can be summed up in three sentences: To make high-quality music education and performances available to all; to create barrier-free programs that are inclusive and accessible, especially to those who otherwise would not have the means to afford them; to create equal opportunities for creative expression for all.

When we moved to Hamilton in 2005, I soon became involved in a group that raised funds for the Mohawk College music program.

The group presented jazz concerts and with the proceeds of these concerts we organized master classes for Mohawk College music students. Around the same time, I started playing second tenor in my husband’s big band, the Darcy Hepner Jazz Orchestra, which was performing at the Corktown, a place mainly known for its reputation as a former punk dive.

Jazz at the Corktown became a real phenomenon … we always performed in front of a full house, Lincoln Alexander was a regular, and the buzz was incredible. We had well-known jazz artists from NYC and prominent local musicians sit in regularly and every Wednesday night the Corktown was transformed into what felt like a NYC jazz club. This led to the idea to invite NYC-based photographer and friend Jimmy Katz, whom I knew from my time at Blue Note Records, to Hamilton to take portraits of Hamilton Musicians and present these portraits alongside his iconic images of artists like B.B. King, Tony Bennett and Ray Charles in an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

There was a lot of creative energy in the air during that time, which eventually became the catalyst for launching the Hamilton Music Collective. In April 2008, I incorporated the HMC as non-profit with the mandate to “to invigorate the music scene in Hamilton through professional live performances, education, events, workshops and exhibits and to make high-quality music education available to all...”

In 2009, we received two Hamilton Tourism Awards for Rookie (Organization) of the Year and Best Event for Jazz at the Corktown.

HMC is 15 years old. Can you reflect on reaching that milestone and how you celebrated it?

It’s been truly and extraordinary journey that – in reflecting upon those years – gives me a great sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. It wasn’t always easy, but it was

most definitely worth it! The support and generosity that we’ve experienced in building and growing this organization leaves me with a sense of complete awe, and I am grateful for the incredibly talented team that I get to work with every day and who execute HMC’s vision with such passion and professionalism.

We all agreed that this milestone deserved a proper celebration to thank our donors and sponsors. On June 8 we put up a huge tent in the parking lot of our home, the HMC Centre for Performance and Education, invited all of our friends, community partners and supporters.

Darcy put together an exceptional band and our friends from The Other Bird served exceptional food. Not only was it a very successful fundraiser, but also a fantastic party!

HMC’s flagship program An Instrument For Every Child brings music to children who otherwise would not have access. Why is that important?

There is a quote by El Sistema founder José Antonio Abreu that I like to cite as it sums up the essence of all that we aim for: “Teach children the beauty of music and music will teach them the beauty of life.” The many benefits of music and quality music education have been widely researched and documented.

Creative expression as a coping tool to deal with challenges of adolescent life was always relevant and beneficial, but rarely has there been a time of such urgency to address the immense mental health challenges that children and youth are experiencing post-pandemic and also as a result of the increasingly negative effects of social media. The countless testimonials that we’ve received from parents and students over the years about the positive impact that our programs have on these children’s lives speak for themselves.

Can you share some numbers about the impact AIFEC has made? n Since 2009 we’ve provided $2.3 million worth of free music lessons n Over 9,000 children have participated in the free AIFEC program since its launch in 2010 n Our AIFEC program is currently offered in 16 MORE ONLINE:

scan the qr code to see more photos and read an expanded interview with Astrid hepner. hamiltoncitymagazine.ca

high-need schools, and multiple community centre locations (HMC Centre for Performance & Education, City rec centres, multiple Boys and Girls Club locations) n We have provided our students with $210,000 in musical instruments on a free loan yearly n We provide more than $30,000 annually in music camp scholarships n We employ 21 musicians consistently throughout the year n We present more than 15 high-quality concerts every year n We offer older youth interested in music technology access to our state-of-the-art recording studio and programs delivery by experienced music producers.

Who are some of your favourite musical artists?

This is a tough one … there is so much music that I love. It really depends on my mood. Jazz: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny. Classical: Bach, Mahler, Wagner, Debussy. Contemporary: My daughter keeps me updated on current trends in music, so HAIM, Silk Sonic, John Mayer, Amelie Lens.

Who inspires you?

People who are kind, who have the courage to take risks, who listen, who care, who are curious, who are not afraid to speak their mind … In short, people that I can learn things from that are important to me. There are many individuals who inspire me every day.

One of them is our daughter Camilla who is a wonderful combination of all of the above.

What’s your ideal way to spend a lazy day in Hamilton?

Reading a book in my backyard, spending time with friends, going on a walk with our dog Mikey.

What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in the city?

I recently went to Le Tambour Tavern, a new restaurant located in the former This Ain’t Hollywood space. The best fish I had in Hamilton by far! Perfectly prepared on an open fire.

What is Hamilton’s best-kept secret?

The Hamilton Music Collective’s Eclectic Local free summer concert series. Being able to experience this calibre of musical talent free of admission on HMC’s downtown outdoor stage seems like a pretty cool thing to me that not a lot of people are aware of (yet!). n WINTER 2023 HCM

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POP-PUNK LEGENDS GREEN DAY WILL ROCK THE GREY CUP HALFTIME SHOW.

/continued from page 30 side of things. The game is a CFL product, while the festival is produced locally.

Fonzo is confident about the quality of the product he will help present. “I have been around the Ticats for 18 years and have been to over a decade of Grey Cups. They are all different, but after experiencing all those I’m feeling very comfortable with the unique elements and the memorable experiences we’re going to be providing. With the big acts we’re bringing in plus all the local musical talent, I’m hopeful people will remember this in years to come as their favourite Grey Cup.” A key collaborator in the Built in the Hammer Grey Cup Music Festival is Tim Potocic, the man behind Supercrawl and Sonic Unyon. His experience in organizing one of Canada’s biggest and best music street festivals means he and his team have been collaborating on Tiger-Cats events for six years.

“We were constantly programming halftime shows or feeding the Ticats contacts for halftime and plaza-level shows, and then we worked on the Grey Cup Festival in 2021.

We love our working relationship. The Ticats are such an institution here, so to be able to pick up the phone anytime and talk to them is pretty great. It is not just dollars and cents for us, it is community too.”

Working with the Ticats also has a personal resonance for Potocic. “I love the Ticats. My grandfather was on a championship Wildcats team (the forerunners of the Ticats). My grandparents owned the Picton Tavern in the North End, and they’d do the postgame interviews with players there, so I grew up knowing some of the Ticats.”

As with Supercrawl, James Street North will be the centre of the action for the Grey Cup 64

HCM WINTER 2023

Festival. The street will be closed from Wilson north to Barton, and will play host to music, food trucks, a beer garden, sponsors booths, vendors, and more.

More than 40 artists from the true north will deliver free-to-attend concerts at Fan Central on James Street Nov. 16-19 as part of the Built in the Hammer Grey Cup Music Festival. Everything gets underway on Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. with the SiriusXM Grey Cup Festival Kickoff Party headlined by Hamilton’s very own, Juno Award-winning rock band The Dirty Nil. The kickoff party also features Montreal new-age punk band NOBRO and performances from Steve Strongman, Hachey the MouthPEACE, The Hot Karls and Matty Simpson Band.

“Friday night will have an Americana/ country theme, and Saturday will be a diverse lineup,” says Potocic. “For the big Sunday, Monster Truck will play an outdoor tailgate party in the plaza area, free for everybody with a ticket to the game.”

A ticketed pre-game party dubbed the Caretaker’s Gameday Warmup will feature Dwayne Gretzky and appearances by CFL players and alumni.

The free entertainment continues throughout the weekend with confirmed acts including: The Redhill Valleys, Nicolette & the Nobodies, The 99s, The Handsome Devils, Regina Pep Band, Matt Paxton & the Pintos, Born in the Eighties, Generator Party, Deseronto, High Steppin’ Daddy and Ben Somer & the Cold Winter. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 11 a.m. and run until 8 p.m. nightly.

“We’re ecstatic to be invited to be a part of the Grey Cup festivities this fall,” Monster

Truck vocalist/bassist Jon Harvey told HCM. “Always a pleasure to represent our city, and our beloved Ticats. This will be our fourth time partnering with the Ticats organization and we couldn’t be more excited to continue this relationship that holds a very special place in our hearts. We grew up with the Ticats, we’ll grow old with the Ticats!”

Potocic says Sonic Unyon is also programming all the team parties from across the country.

“Our venue Bridgeworks is involved this year, working with the Spirit of Edmonton for their team party. You’ll see lots of cover bands at the parties, with Born In The Eighties here and there, and DJs doing plenty of sets.”

He wasn’t involved in signing the major Grey Cup Festival headliners, but Potocic is full of admiration for Hamilton Sports Group and the CFL in securing these stars.

“They are putting their money where their mouth is and are really building probably the biggest Grey Cup there has been. Serious money is bringing serious talent to town and supporting talent here. Everyone is winning.”

Both Fonzo and Potocic were closely involved in running and booking the 2021 Grey Cup Festival in Hamilton, but the uncertainties around the COVID-19 pandemic situation then necessitated a scaled-back version of the initially hoped-for festivities.

For Hamilton to play host city for the Grey Cup twice in three years is unprecedented, and for 2023 it is full steam ahead.

“With COVID, we had to do the best we could, given the circumstances,” Potocic says.

“Now we have the opportunity to do the real thing.” n

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It’s time for holiday shopping at

JACKSON SQUARE

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT JACKSON SQUARE THIS WINTER Stay out of the cold and warm up inside with a delicious meal, holiday shopping, or the latest movie.

Join us in celebrating the change of seasons at one of our many shops and restaurants, designed to offer you everything you need in one convenient place.

Celebrating 51 Years IN DOWNTOWN HAMILTON Mon-Sat 9:30 AM–6 PM | Sunday 12–5 PM 2 King Street West, Hamilton L8P 1A1