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WALK OFF THE EARTH
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URBAN RENEWAL
SPRING
2017
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Don’t miss show features including... The Glamp Life NEW this year is ‘the glamping life’, which offers outdoor enthusiasts a glimpse into camping with all the luxuries of home. While there, check out the Lotus Belle, a luxury canvas tent that demonstrates that luxury and camping can go hand in hand. Discover new ways to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comforts…enjoy the outdoors in style!
Ask the Garden Expert Presented by Humber Nurseries If you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space, the experts from Humber Nurseries are here to help. They’ll be on site and ready answer questions through complimentary consultations on topics ranging from landscape design to water gardening.
The Unilock Celebrity Stage Get expert tips and advice from celebrity guests including Carson Arthur presented by Gladiator, Damon Bennet presented by Haven Fire Safety, Frank Ferragine, and more on stage! Not enough? Stop by the Garden Marketplace Stage presented by Rethink Tires to get tips on projects ranging from flower arrangements to planting for the spring season!
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contents
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ON THE COVER 26 URBAN RENEWAL Artists use the city as their canvas 42 INKSCAPE Industry professionals share the stories
78
about their tattoos
60 WALK OFF THE EARTH Taking time out to connect with nature
STYLE 14 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO AWARD WINNERS Dream big! 18 OUR FAVOURITE THINGS Let us share our faves with you 20 TRENDING Alfresco furnishing
DESIGN
41
30 HGTV’S CARSON ARTHUR Blending colour into your outdoor space
and your neighbourhood
34 DESIGNER PROFILES That’s right...Canada’s got talent 38 HGTV’s PAUL LAFRANCE are the colours in your landscape
guiding your emotions?
41 URBAN ROOFTOPS The sky is the limit! 46 THE QUEBEC QUONECTION Expert Glenn Curtis on adding colour
58
and texture to your hardscape
IMPROVE 53 MANNY NEVES OF HARDCORE RENOS Welcome to the new kid on the block 56 SHOWER ME...HARDCORE Incredible patios at three popular Canadian wineries
LIVING
42
64 Colour coach pierre lalande Surrounding yourself with colour based on your DNA
66 DIY Useful and visually pleasing mosquito repellent 68 TOP CHEF CANADA’S RENE RODRIGUEZ A closer look at what shaped
his career
72 PATIO FARE Three of the top restaurant patios in Canada 78 DILLON’s DISTILLERY A story of perserverance and victory in a small batch distillery
60
DISCOVER 82 CANADA’s CANDY COLOURED HOMES Jelly bean row or
Smartie box? A story to satisfy any sweet tooth
90 HOMEGROWN More Canadian talent be proud of 94 frankie flowers Create a work of art in your garden 96 COMIC RELIEF This guy always busts our guts! 96 NOT SO AVERAGE JOE Everybody is a somebody!
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B E AU T I F U L LY NEED OUTDOOR DESIGN IDEAS? VISIT OUR OUTDOOR IDEA CENTER From traditional to modern, Unilock offers an unrivaled variety of colors, styles and textures you can’t get anywhere else.
Visit our Outdoor Idea Center to learn more: SEE an expansive display of products TALK to knowledgeable staff TAKE free samples APR - JUN JULY AUG - SEP
Mon - Wed 9 - 6 Thurs - Fri 9 - 8 Sat - Sun 10 - 4 Mon - Wed 9 - 6 Thurs - Fri 9 - 8 Sat 10 - 4 Mon - Fri 9 - 6 Sat 10 - 4 OCT - NOV Mon - Fri 9 - 5
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Publisher
Dave Maciulis CLD
Editor IN CHIEF L.A. Sweezey
OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE EDITOR Carson Arthur
CUSTOM BUILD EDITOR Paul Lafrance
Creative Director+designer Susan Vogan
MANAGING DIRECTOR Michael Ellis
PRODUCTION MANAGER Susan Vogan
Sales
Brie Jarrett
Copy Editor Larry Boyd
WHAT IS ON
?
YOUR CANADIAN
BUCKET LIST What are the top ‘to do’ items on your Canadian Bucket list?
Send OL your wish list and you could win a 1 year subcription and your story may be included in an upcoming issue! Email all entries to, info@outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
Staff Writers
Lori Sweezey Frankie Ferragine Manny Neves Brie Jarrett Samantha Seon Peter Vogler Susan Mate Deborah Rent Zack Fleming Patrick Dixon Chris Westaway
Photography/video Charles-Ryan Barber - Cover Peter Michael Wilson Jeff McNeill, McNeill Photography Brilynn Ferguson
ILLUSTRATOR Jordan Rigg
For advertising opportunities please email: info@outdoorlifestylemagazine.com PUBLISHED BY Koru Creative Group President Alan Carroll Phone: 289-238-7910 Email: info@outdoorlifestylemagazine.com Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine is published three times annually: Spring, Summer and Fall Single copy price is $8.95 Subscription Rates Canada USA 1 year (3 issues) - $21.50 1 year 2 years (6 issues) - $40.25 (3 issues) - $22.95 USD
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contributors
Pierre Lalande is the best selling author of “Colour Leads the Way” and a globally recognized expert on the scientifically based, Colour Authentication System, which applies to the colours you wear and the ones you live in. What’s he tossing this spring? “As they say, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’. My wardrobe primping is key, therefore more of my clothes will be finding new homes this spring.”
Kimberley Fowler has been a writer and editor for more than a decade. Several years ago, she started a successful freelance writing business. This wife and mama now spends her days writing from the comfort of her home. “With little kids at home, I’ll be de-cluttering toys. If it hasn’t been played with in the last six months it’s going in the “to donate” pile.”
With every new issue, we love to get to know our writers a little better. You know…what makes them tick? So, we usually have a sort of random question to ask them to respond to in hopes of learning something new about them. Our question for this issue was… “what is the one thing that you are going to toss into the garbage this spring?” Intersting answers!
Bryen Dunn is a writer, editor, radio host and blogger in the Greater Toronto Area. “As for spring cleaning and purging, that’s been a continuous goal of mine for the past couple of years. I’m actually doing a big reno on my place, so I’ve been tossing quite a bit lately. Feels good to de-clutter!”
Diane Slawych This
former radio news reporter turned globetrotting, freelance writer has written for 60+ publicatons. You can usually find her in Toronto attending festivals and concerts, or watching foreign films. Her spring cleaning routine involves tossing out dated travel brochures, which accumulate in many boxes around her office!
Cedric Lizotte writes about restaurants, bars and travel. He also has a new blog thefinediningblog.com. What will I throw away when I’m spring-cleaning? “Well, not much, because I’ve been living in my suitcase for four years now!”
Laura Stanley is a Toronto
based writer and new to our lineup. Her spring clean? “Hmm! I have a pile of old books in my room that have been bothering me for months and I’m going to drop them off at the little free library that’s down the street from where I live! ...And now that I’ve said it, it must happen!”
If you would like to contribute to future issues, please submit your idea to: info@outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
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Nara Farrell is an artist in every sense of the word; acting, comedy, writing…she does it all, and does it well. “Spring cleaning...I am in an ongoing spring clean of any emotional blockages that are interrupting my natural flow. So, I’m cleaning myself!”
Kelly Beull is a novelist, screenwriter and part-time blogger. What is she going to unload this spring? “Any sock that I can’t find a match for is going straight into the garbage this spring. As a mom and writer there is not enough time in a day to look for socks that don’t match… especially with writing deadlines looming.
Renaldo Amota is a young, talented, up and coming writer from Thorold, ON. What’s he tossing? “I have many things I could purge this spring. But I love my things...and they’re mine. No touchy! I think instead, this spring I’ll be tossing out the act of complaining. Let’s call it “spiritual spring cleaning.”
Richard Beattie is a graduate of Queen’s University and a freelance writer who enjoys soccer, travel and non-fiction. “The one thing I’ll be throwing in the trash this spring… my old stereo. It has been collecting dust since I first got an iPod and it’s time to admit that CD’s and cassette tapes will never become cool again like vinyl.
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letter from the publisher
CONNECT WITH COLOUR Welcome to a new and colourful spring season. For many reasons, it’s my favourite time of year. Clearing out the cobwebs and being able to spend some quality time outdoors, while gearing up for the summer season, gets most people into a positive frame of mind and really awakens the senses. The theme of this issue, “City In Colour”, prompted me to consider colour and what roll it plays in our lives and our outdoor spaces? I think it’s safe to say that most of us are aware of the impact that colour has on our mood. So, how can it be used effectively in order to create a particular atmosphere in your personal outdoor space, be that a balcony or backyard? I think you’ll find the answers to all your “colour” questions in the pages of this issue. From colour in your garden, to colour in your hardscape and everything in between, our team of experts have all the facts to help our readers make an informed decision. What more can anyone ask for? Have a colourful season!
Dave Maciulis, CLD
Twitter @OutdoorLifeMag Facebook Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine instagram OutdoorLifeMag
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LETTERs TO the editor Every once in a while real human beings actually take the time out of their days to drop us a line. Sometimes that line is wonderful and encouraging, sometimes… not so much. But without feedback and opinions from our readers, how would we ever know what’s really going on in those pretty little heads of yours? We’d never know how we could improve on what we do. So, for the good, the bad and the ugly comments that you send in to us… thank you! It’ll keep us on our game.
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an Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine customized Muskoka chair
Lori Sweezey, Editor in Chief
I’ve been following the growth of this magazine from the very first issue you ever printed. To see it grow and change into what it is today is like watching a child grow. I also love that it is ours…. for Canadians. Makes me feel like someone is listening to us and focusing in on our needs specifically. Great job guys! Samuel S. London, on OLM: Well, thanks for those encouraging word Samuel. We do focus on Canadian content because, well, we are Canadian! It’s all about us. Our climate, our talent and our point of view. But maybe we should build a wall to keep all others from stealing our ideas. We’ll build a big wall, but we won’t pay for it… we’ll build it with the abundance of rock we have here in this country. And then we’ll add a water feature and maybe some lighting. That way we can see anyone who tries to scale our wall. It’ll be a pretty wall…a “uge” wall. And it’ll be all ours. But eventually we’ll share our secrets for building such a beautiful wall…. because we are generous and polite Canadians. And that’s just what we do!
Love your magazine! I would like to see a bit more east and west coast editorial in it though. Not all of us live in Ontario! Can you help us feel the love out here? Natalie J. Vancouver, BC OLM: Hey Nat! (Can I call you Nat?) If you read through the pages of our magazine, you will notice that we actually take great care in balancing out the content so that nobody feels left out. A little bit from the east, a little bit from the west, and a little from central Canada. See!! A nice balance. Maybe we just need to come out there for a visit and a hug!
Go to the Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine website and ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! a high grade Canadian cedar custom made Muskoka chair laser etched with the OL brand. See the website for contest details.
We welcome letters and emails from our readers. Our vision is to explore the needs and challenges of outdoor living and landscaping specific to all Canadian regions, and to captivate your imagination. Your input is important to us, so please let us know how we are doing. Snail Mail: Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine 14 Cross Street, Unit E Dundas, ON L9H 2R3
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Please be sure to include your name, address and telephone number. Letters and emails may be condensed for publication. Pictures will not be returned.
OutdoorLifestyleMagazine.com
EDITORS
LETTER from the outdoor LIFESTYLE editor
SUBSCRIBE TO
When Saint Bernard of Clair Vaux penned his version of the famous phrase “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions”… he must have been referring to spring! Now don’t get me wrong, I love spring. I just know that when it comes to over-committing myself with projects, spring is my Achilles’ heel. I am just like everyone else who looks at January as a time to hit the reset button. Whether it’s my diet plan, my New Year’s resolution, or my exercise regime, I go into spring with the best of intentions…(and you know how the rest of the story goes). So this spring, I am going to do things a little differently, especially when it comes to planning my outdoor projects. I am going to set a cap. I know from previous years that I can get one or two big projects done before July 1st, five medium projects and one small project for every Saturday that I’m not booked for something that takes me away. I now have a list of 12 blank spots that I can fill with projects and jobs that need to get done based on the size and scope of the work…and that is it! When the list is full, I know that I can’t take on any more projects (until Summer that is!) Enjoy the season… now go make your list!
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Carson Arthur, HGTV PERSONALITY
LETTER from the QUEBEC QUONNECTION With the smell of spring in the air, our senses seem to suddenly awaken and the proverbial “to do” (wish list?) list for our personal outdoor space begins to take shape. Quebecer’s have a true passion for the outdoors, or as we like to call it “joie de vivre” and combined with our condensed summer season, we instinctively like to ensure that each moment of every day is nothing less than a truly enjoyable experience. Each issue of Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine offers readers articles and features that will inform, entertain and inspire. I am delighted to be a part of the OL team of specialists and to have the opportunity to connect with outdoor living enthusiasts across our great country while providing some fantastic landscape design/build tips and trends, reviews and even some insider secrets that hopefully encourage you to create or care for, your very own inspired outdoor escape. Well… it’s finally time to work on that list again. In the meantime, I am eager to share with you the projects and landscape lifestyles that help make Quebec “La belle province”. Passez un beau printemps. Glenn Curtis, Plantenance Landscape Group
O u t d o o r L i f e s t y l e M a g a z i n e. c o m
OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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• AWARDS OF • EXCELLENCE
Toronto, Ont. (January 11, 2017) Landscape Ontario Salutes Green Industry Excellence Ontario’s green professions celebrate the best projects of 2016 at the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence More than 600 landscape professionals gathered Jan. 10, 2017 at Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel to celebrate the best construction, maintenance and design projects in the province at a gala event hosted by Breakfast Television personality Frankie “Flowers” Ferragine. “I am thrilled once again to be here tonight to recognize the amazing work being done in the landscape professions across this province,” Ferragine said. “Each year, I am amazed by the the incredible passion and talent our profession has to offer, and the commitment to making our communities and landscapes greener and healthier spaces is inspiring.” Gardening guru Mark Cullen received an honorary lifetime membership to Landscape Ontario for his dedication for promoting the green professions. “Mark is a gifted communicator who has inspired thousands with his heartfelt and trusted advice,” said Tony DiGiovanni, Landscape Ontario’s executive director. “What really sets Mark apart is his integrity and his eagerness to contribute. He is on numerous committees and boards, and has given thousands of volunteer hours towards making Landscape Ontario, Canada Blooms and the landscape professions better.” Awards are judged by industry experts according to specific criteria. If no project qualifies in an area, no award is given.
Construction PROGRAM Abloom Landscape Contractor Inc., Metcalfe Aqua Spa Pools & Landscape Design, Woodbridge Balsam Creek Landscaping, Lynden Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, Dundas Blue Diamond Pools and Landscaping, Barrie Boffo Landscaping Inc., Maple BonaVista Pools Ltd., Markham Bouwmeister Inc., Stouffville Calibre Concrete Inc., Rockton Cedar Springs Landscape Group, Oakville Cedarcroft Landscape & Design, Orangeville CSL Group, Ancaster DA Gracey & Associates, Vaughan David Gaze Landscaping, Oakville Dr. Landscape Inc., Scarborough Dusty Miller Landscaping, Queensville Earthscape Ontario, Wallenstein Edengrove Landscape Ltd., Mississauga Elite Designed Concrete Inc., Thornhill Exact Interlock Ltd., Ottawa Garden City Groundskeeping Services, Mississauga Garlatti Landscaping Inc., LaSalle GBC Design & Build Gelderman Landscape Services, Waterdown Golden Mean Landscapes, Burlington Green Scene Landscaping, Toronto Greentario Landscaping (2006) Inc., Hamilton Griffith Property Services Ltd., Richmond Hill Hackstone Landscapes, Maxwell Hill n’ Dale Landscaping, Mulmur Ian McGregor Pools & Landscaping Ideal Landscape Services, Barrie, MIlton Kim Price Landscape Design, Toronto Kreative Woodworking, Woodbridge Land Effects Outdoor Living Spaces Ltd., Toronto Land-Con Ltd., Concord Landscape Plus Ltd., Etobicoke M.E. Contracting, Toronto Maple Ridge Landscapes Ltd., Lynden Muskoka Landscapers, Bracebridge Natural Landscape Group Inc., Dundas New Nature Landscaping, Hamilton Oakridge landscape Contractors Ltd., Hannon Par-Bro Design Build Ltd., King City Paradisaic Building Group, Bowmanville Plantenance Landscape Group, Pointe Claire Pool Craft, Richmond Hill Premier Landscaping & Design Ltd., Richmond Hill Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc., Brampton Roger Willis Contracting Ltd., Kars, Royal Stone Landscaping & Design Ltd., Woodbridge Rutherford Contracting Ltd., Aurora Seferian Design Group, Burlington Shades of Summer Landscaping & Maintenance, Waterdown Springbank Landscapes, London Stonehenge Design Build, Concord Stonelife Landscaping Inc., Concord The Beaudry Group The Landmark Group, Thornbury Tidy Gardens Landscaping Inc., Mississauga Tyler Speirs Design Build, Collingwood Wentworth Landscapes, Picton Whispering Pines Landscaping, Orangeville Yards Unlimited Landscaping Inc., Ottawa
Maintenance PROGRAM Aden Earthworks Inc., Toronto Boffo Landscaping Inc., Maple Boot’s Landscaping & Maintenance Ltd., Richmond Hill Cypress Gardeners Inc., Port Carling Dusty Miller Landscaping, Queensville Landscape Plus Ltd., Etobicoke Shades of Summer Landscaping & Maintenance, Waterdown Snider Turf & Landscape Care Ltd., Kitchener Strathmore Landscape Contractors, Pointe-Claire Wentworth Landscapes, Picton LANDSCAPE Design PROGRAM AquaSpa Pools & Landscape Design, Woodbridge Earthscape Ontario, Wallenstein Jennifer Hayman Design Group Inc., Toronto Living Rooms Landscape Design, Hamilton Natural Landscape Group Inc., Dundas Stonehenge Design Build, Toronto Welwyn Wong Landscape Design, Manotick Irrigation PROGRAM DJ Rain & Co Ltd., North York Yates Custom Lawn Sprinklers, Manotick LANDSCAPE LIGHTING PROGRAM DiMarco Landscape Lighting, Mount Albert Edengrove Landscapes Ltd., Mississauga Hill n’ Dale Landscaping, Mulmur Kim Price Landscape Design, Toronto Nutri-Lawn, Burlington Rain Gods, Milton Royal Stone Landscaping & Design Ltd., Woodbridge Stonelife Landscaping Inc., Concord INTERIOR LANDSCAPING PROGRAM Stems Interior Landscaping Inc., Washago Urban Garden Supply Co., Toronto Special Awards PROGRAM DUNINGTON GRUBB Award 2017 The Landmark Group CASEY van MARIS Award 2017 Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc. DON SALIVAN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT Award Wentworth Landscapes Community Leadership Award Scott Wentworth HONOURARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP Award Mark Cullen HORTICULTURAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY Award Jean Huard LEGACY Award NVK Holdings Inc. PAST PRESIDENTS AWARD John Moons PROSPERITY PARTNERS LEADERSHIP AWARD John Larson, Janet Mott, Christine Moffit, Sherri Hornsey
Congratulations to all the winners of Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence for 2016. For more information about the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence programs, please visit www.LOawards.com
AWARD WINNERs
Landscape Ontario is pleased to recognize the winners
award winners Photos by McNeill Photography
• 2017 WINNER •
The Landmark Group DUNINGTON GRUBB AWARD
ON THE ROCKS Using water and air access, a quintessential Muskoka room was designed and built on this remote private island. Looking like it’s always been there, this timberframe addition enables access from the home’s kitchen and great room interiors – now allowing guests to fully experience the western sunsets and summer breeze in a protected outdoor space. The luxurious room features automated bugscreens, nano-wall doors, builtin lounging beds and integrated heating – all underpinned on reinforced stone walls crafted into the natural granite terrain.
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IT’S A DOGS LIFE
Wellies Protect the paws! canadapooch.com
Whimsical Dog House For the funky four legged! wayfair.ca
Nutty Bacon Dog Treats Ingredients 3 slices of bacon, diced 1 egg 1/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter (or Sunbutter) 1 tablespoon maple syrup 3 tablespoons water 1/2 cup soy flour 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup wheat germ
Dog Teepee Hipster puppy! wayfair.ca
Directions Leather Pet Carrier All the cool dogs have one! hartmanandrose.com
1. Preheat oven to 300 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. Cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the crispy bacon but save the fat. Allow the fat to cool slightly. 3. Add the egg, peanut butter, maple syrup and water to the bacon fat and mix thoroughly. 4. Add in the flours and wheat germ and mix until combined. Stir in the bacon pieces. 5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4” thick. Cut into desired shapes. 6. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes (for 1” diameter shapes) until lightly browned.
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Pret a Porter leather collar Distinguished! hartmanandrose.com
7. Cool and make them beg for it. Recipe provided by doghillkitchen.blogspot.ca
• 2017 WINNER •
Wentworth Landscapes DON SALIVAN AWARD
BAY OF QUINTE
Photos by McNeill Photography
This project sits on the edge of the Bay of Quinte. The client wanted to create an extension of her indoor living space with a sense of order and strong linear characteristics. A virtual smorgasbord of intrigue and drama with fire and water features strategically placed to play to all human senses. The descending staircases lead to the lakeside Serenity Garden. The client’s love of sailing, yoga and meditation is highlighted with a Nest Rest swaying over a bed of lavender. Small details… big impact!
inspiration
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• 2017 WINNER •
Pro-Land Landscape CASEY VAN MARIS AWARD
MODERN MASTERPIECE
Photos by Effie Edits Inc. Design by Eden Tree Design Inc.
This very functional design provides this small space with a “larger than life” feel. Featuring an outdoor kitchen, a bar, a spa, an outdoor shower, a bathroom inside of a cabana, and the two most important focal points for any outdoor space…a gas fireplace and a water feature. Beauty at its best.
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URBAN RENEWAL Public Art Takes The Stage By SUSAN MATE – CALGARY, AB
I
f beauty is in the eye of the beholder, no more is it so than with public art. Few aspects of urban life are capable of engaging the adulation or ire of a citizen more than the city-funded murals, sculptures, light displays and other art rising up across Canada. Over the past three decades, civic art collections have become an engaging and at times controversial mainstay in major metropolitan hubs. Critics assail publicly funded art as a frivolous and an unnecessary tax grab, while proponents praise its ability to revitalize tired city cores. Chances are you see public art every day on your transit commute, or as you zip in your car along freeways, past bridge decks and through underpasses. It takes shape as brightly painted utility boxes, gravity-defying light fixtures or an unexpected splash of colour stenciled on the pavement in the middle of your street. It brightens the faded grunge of old buildings in shipyards, railway lines and warehouse districts, and embosses the glass of transit shelters through a city core. It’s the towering sculpture you walk past on a bike path, or the curved edge of a staircase that winds unexpectedly up the flank of a downtown office tower. “Essentially, public art is your story,” says Julie Dupont, portfolio manager for the City of Ottawa’s Public Art Program. “It’s about you as a community, who you are and where you have been.” You see public art each week on CBC during the The Mercer Report, as he rages colourfully about topics of the day along Graffiti Alley in downtown Toronto. Canada’s largest city promotes its popular public art through the StreetARToronto or StART program. Ottawa’s public art program, which was founded in 1987 and is Canada’s oldest, is best known for its rich presence at city hall. It includes quiet areas indoors and throughout the grounds outside to offer city staff and the public a place to rest and reflect. There are similar programs in Quebec. Montreal’s collection includes more than 600 pieces by nearly 400 artists – as well as Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon. Edmonton and Calgary’s collections are a varied mix. In downtown Calgary, the glow of Luminous Crossings – an unusual, shape-shifting display that signals LRT traffic at night, illuminates the free-fare C-Train zone along Seventh Avenue. Calgary’s best-known piece is still the contentious Giant Blue Ring, hanging in solitude above a north Calgary industrial corridor. Built in 2014, it sparked an immediate outcry due to its Spartan form and $470,000 price tag. 26 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
Public art programs are credited for curbing vandalism, reviving tired historic areas and adding splashes of colour and form to everything from transit stations to abandoned buildings or even bridge decks. An unanticipated bonus: public art taps into the well-known fact that street artists loath any damage to work done by their peers, and it saves municipalities countless dollars in costly graffiti re-moval. “We don’t often see graffiti defacing public art,” says Sarah Iley, manager of culture for the City of Calgary. “There seems to be a hesitation to do that by vandals.” She says Calgary works closely with community organizers, citizens, interest groups and building partners when identifying art opportunities during the planning of new projects. The widespread interest in public art has led to the formation of a national non-profit umbrella group, the Creative City Network (www.creativecity.ca), to help member cities to share ideas, lessons, best practices and common hurdles. The organization also has a working relationship with Americans For the Arts, a U.S. interest group founded half a century ago. In both countries, public art programs have grown from the domain of major metropolitan areas, to embrace significantly smaller cities and towns. About two-thirds of municipalities across North America have some form of public art program, with most estab-
lishing funding guidelines at a rate of one-half to two per cent of the cost of new capital projects. “Here in Calgary it’s an opportunity, (when we are building a lot of infrastructure), to be able to look at ways to infuse it with colour and light,” notes Iley, who researched public art three years ago when Calgary was reviewing its arts program and master plan. “Community engagement is extremely important in every single new project we do. And it’s important to the people who live here.” On new projects, the city will occasionally accommodate concession requests from a builder/developer such as extra space for parking, by trading green space, a playground or additional art, in the design. Iley says there is widespread support by Calgarians for taxpayer funded artistic pursuits. “People want public art. They want it in their LRT stations, in their plazas and on their streets. It’s an important part of a community.” Pieces are generally commissioned through the posting of bids when a new capital project is being planned. Art schools are also a resource for municipalities – the prospect of earning a few hundred dollars or having
Toronto - Grafitti Alley
Edmonton - Alex Janvier’s Tsa tsa ke k’e (Iron Foot Place) - Photography by Dwayne Martineau
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“ I’ll treat your project as if it were my own backyard.“ Trevor KuBiaK, all Mechanical
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From east to west, here is a guide to help you navigate Canada’s municipal public art online. Halifax halifax.ca/culture/PublicArt Montréal artpublicmontreal.ca/en Toronto seetorontonow.com/my-toronto/torontos-street-art/ Ottawa ottawa.ca/en/residents/arts-heritage-and-culture/public-art Winnipeg winnipegarts.ca/pubart-gal Saskatoon citysaskatoon.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/ Calgary maps.calgary.ca/PublicArt/ Edmonton edmontonpublicart.ca/ Vancouver covapp.vancouver.ca/PublicArtRegistry
their work showcased on a utility box, for example, has huge appeal with emerging artists such as students or recent graduates. Mentorship programs have also been developed to match young artists with more established counterparts to collaborate on projects. Public art can also generate dollars for local merchants. Tour operators in Toronto, Ottawa and Edmonton, for example, offer guided tours of top art sites (such as Mercer’s Graffiti Wall). They shuttle visitors on foot or by bus around the city’s most photogenic or storied sites. “We’re also seeing that public art has other benefits, too, like improving the user experience on public transit, giving people a place of refuge or safety,” says Ottawa’s Dupont. “It can also become an oasis or haven for people, as it has at our city hall. It’s part of their daily life.” In Edmonton, which boasts an extensive collection of vibrant paintings by First Nations artist Alex Janvier, the arts have long been a major part of the festival city’s urban identity. But it can also make a social statement. Mayor Don Iveson says public arts give a needed voice to artists such as Janvier, a well-known social justice advocate and survivor of Canada’s failed residential school system. His work, on display in the new Rogers Place convention center/stadium, also hangs in the National Gallery of Canada. “Working with such a prominent, internationally recognized, indigenous artist sends a signal (not just to our unwavering one-percent policy in public art commitment), but also to using those investments in art to spark conversation,” says Iveson, a strong proponent of public art funding. “To have this symbol of convergence, vibrancy, diversity, celebration and beauty right at the center of it all, is an appropriate symbol.”
Calgary Cliff Garten, 2013 Luminous Crossings Photo credit Jeremy Green © Cliff Garten Studio
Toronto - Grafitti Alley
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design district
By
hgtv star carson arthuR
FINDING FLARE IN THE COLOURS YOU SHARE
I
had a great conversation recently with a distraught homeowner complaining about their neighbour’s yard. They were desperately seeking some advice as to how to handle a next-door neighbour who has painted their home in bright and vibrant colours because they were certain that the home was hurting their property value. This is such a tricky subject. Your neighbour’s home definitely impacts the value of your own space. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much you can do about it when it comes to their choice of colours or materials. Just remember that your neighbour may have a different opinion or sense of style when it comes to curb appeal. There is some good news however. Real estate agents agree, that while the homes directly beside you are very important to buyers, they will also take into account the appearance of the rest of the neighbourhood. If you are that neighbour and are craving a little colour and creativity for your own home, here a few things to try before you take the plunge and paint everything. Add Art to the space. There is something completely satisfying about juxtaposing a brightly coloured art piece among traditional plants and flowers. There are three ways to insert art into your space.
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The first is to design the space around a piece, making the statue the focal point and having all of the rest of the elements all point towards it. The second method is to do the complete opposite and place the statue in a space that is devoid of any thing that might distract the eye. This is a stark way of playing with outdoor space, but for the minimalist, there is no better option. Finally, and probably my personal favourite, is to create a garden and then choose a spot that you feel needs a little something more. This option takes a lot more patience because you are trying to pair the perfect piece into a space that already exists, but done properly, you can create perfect harmony between manmade and natural elements. If adding the art is not going to be enough and you really have to paint, then start with the front door. I think I have seen every colour imaginable used on the front door of a home…even hot pink! There are no rules when it comes to picking a colour for the front door. That said, I always like to add some of the corresponding colour to the plants or décor pieces near by so that the door is visually anchored in the space. Having a blast of colour with no reference points can be very jarring. Also, consider that adding a splash of colour to the front is easy with all of the new paint technologies and you can easily change your mind without a lot of extra work. Painting a front door is a perfect weekend project. If these two options aren’t enough and you HAVE to paint the house, try my simple method of choosing the right colours for you. Start with picking several paint chips that appeal to you at the paint store. Next, take those chips to the front of the house and try and find elements in the neighbourhood that are the same shade. If you can find the colour outside of your home, in the trees, the rocks, or even in your neighbours yard, you’ll always know that your home blends with the neighbourhood instead of standing out in an obtrusive way. Be cautious of choosing colours from your favourite flowering perennials or deciduous trees. Those great shades from your irises or Japanese maples may look amazing in the summer, but they are short-lived. Also make sure to look at your final colour selections in various levels of light. Check them out in the morning and at dusk… in full sun and in the rain. There are so many shades and hues out there that something as simple as light levels can really change the way a colour looks. Finally, keep in mind that what we like in our homes is completely subjective. What may work for you may not work for you neighbour. Compromise is key. I am a strong advocate of making homes look like they belong together and yet still have their own personalities. Add colour if you need to, it’s your home. Just remember that you do impact everyone with your choices. 32 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
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profiles
MICHAEL BJORGE By CHRIS WESTAWAY – VANCOUVER, BC
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Speaking to Michael Bjorge of Pacifica Landscape Works, I get a sense that I am speaking to a man of uncommon vision, not just in terms of his ability to plan and execute a landscape design project, but in the most literal sense; he is an acutely visual person. Starting from sketches in his notebook, trying to draw out the possibilities from the unaltered landscape around him, then building a concept through design, constructing it, and finally capturing it through the lens of his camera… from beginning to end, Bjorge’s design process is guided by vision. Growing up in Port Hardy on the northwestern end of Vancouver Island, “it seemed like a natural progression to go into landscaping,” he says. He was deeply influenced by the natural beauty of the north coast of British Columbia. Viewing the natural features inspired and influenced him to go on to recreate what he had seen in nature.
Photography by Michael Bjorge Photography
“I was doing photography well before I was doing landscaping. I just remember always having a camera in my hands from a young age,” he says, “seeing beautiful places and just wanting to capture and remember them.” Recreating nature on a small scale in his photography then gave way to working on a much larger scale, creating the landscapes themselves. He emphasizes the value of the visual aspects of his process. “The most important aspect is bringing it all out on paper. People say ‘we don’t need a design,’ and that’s just a recipe for disaster.” Bjorge places a great deal of importance on being able to present clients with a clear vision through his sketches as they proceed through the design process. “People have a greater appreciation when an image is presented to them.” This vision doesn’t end at the purely aesthetic, however,
as Bjorge tells me about his ideal of water-wise landscaping. “I think it’s quite crazy that we use potable drinking water to wash cars when we could easily be harvesting rainwater instead. It’s the most important resource on our planet and it’s literally evaporating away.” Troubled by the persistent drought conditions in California, he champions the use of synthetic turf as a more environmentally sound choice and emphasizes the importance of the “right plant for the right place,” choosing flora that is native and adaptable. “You don’t want to be taking things from opposite ends of the spectrum,” he says, as exotic plants demand much more watering. It’s evident that Bjorge has an eye to the future. With such attention to detail and an eye for beauty, it’s no wonder that Bjorge’s work is appreciated on both sides of the Pacific. OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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profiles
ELIZABETH HALLEY By DEBORAH RENT – HALIFAX, NS
It seems apropos to be meeting with a landscape designer at Lion & Bright in the funky north-end of Halifax. It’s an urban hipster cafe with long slabs of communal natural slab wood tables. The place itself was named after the oxen that traditionally helped clear land. In this industrial/urban setting, Elizabeth Halley appears almost ethereal. As we look through pictures of her work, it’s easy for me to imagine myself being transported to faraway lands and time. Loreena McKennitt’s hauntingly beautiful music is the backdrop of my imagination as I see in my mind’s eye, the mystical tour of properties touched by Halley’s artistic interpretations of the rolling hills, of her much loved meadows and gardens. Much like McKennitt’s lyrics, I viscerally feel Halley’s designs. ‘Passing through the lights and shadows, the soul dances.’ With her woodland borders, it’s easy to imagine that this talented landscape designer sees places where trees can communicate and forest spirits hide. Stone walls circle fire pits where I can imagine stories being woven and secrets shared. A blood red bench whispers your name as it appears at the end of path under a pergola made with the trunks of locust trees... a sanctuary that looks as if it’s been there since times long forgotten. I liken great landscape designers to choreographers. It’s a delicate dance to be able to successfully manipulate the science behind gardening while still being artistic, all the while looking effortless. Halley does this brilliantly. Her designs have a tangible old world charm. “I like antiques. I like to borrow ideas from the French and Italian and rework them. British designers also inspire me,” she says. “I’m drawn to classic traditional designs that fit into the surroundings. I like to make a statement seamlessly, whatever the setting. You want your design to have movement that makes you want to go into every corner and space.” She comes by her aesthetic sense naturally. Her father is an architect who regularly took his young daughter on tours of the beautiful homes he designed and built in Northwest Connecticut and throughout the wealthier areas of New England…homes with spectacular gardens that stirred her imagination and motivated a career. She spent summers working on a family owned nursery in Ontario. A love and passion was born. After learning about horticulture at the University of Massachusetts, Halley moved to London, England to study garden design at the Inchbald School of Design. She worked at a firm in New York City before finally moving to Nova Scotia where she is establishing her practice, Elizabeth Halley Landscape Design, in the seaside community of Chester. “It’s so romantic here. I love everything about it from the low growth heather to the bayberry that smells delicious,” she laughs. “I love grasses and greens...lots of greens with hints of more green.” Her work is a labour of love. “After I design and install a garden I’m emotionally invested and I want people to fall in love.” And, as we cue the mystical Irish music, they do.
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VANESSA & LORINDA ITALIANO BY PATRICK DIXON – TORONTO, ON
Vanessa and Lorinda Italiano are the visionaries behind Torontario Landscaping. These sisters know that it takes more than just assembling the right aesthetic to breathe life into their outdoor creations. Each environment these ladies create, big or small, can become a setting where family bonds are strengthened and memories are forged. Every outdoor living space is a blank canvas waiting to be splashed with colourful moments. Born and raised in Vaughan, Ontario, Vanessa and Lorinda have been at the helm of Torontario Landscaping for the past 8 years. The company, which was was founded by their father Filippo Italiano more than 30 years ago, services clients in the GTA and other parts of southern Ontario. The Italiano sisters have a deeply rooted love for landscaping that began long before they took the reigns of the family business. “We were raised on site,” Vanessa explains. “We used to follow our father around as kids. He used to take us on the Bobcats - we would go to go to all the job sites. We practically grew up on construction sites.” Growing up in the industry has taught the Italiano sisters the importance of facilitating quality family time. Their aim is to create beautiful and functional living spaces for families to connect. For
that to happen, the needs of the client must be married with the needs of the environment. Classic designs and quality materials ensure that their creations will stand the test of time. Nowhere is the bond of family stronger than in their relationship, where these talented sisters see every project through from start to finish, side by side. Once they get going, these ladies can scarcely contain their creative energies. They’re excited by the prospect of problem solving on a job site, and relish the opportunity to discover new solutions for their clients. Even when they’re not working on projects, they’re still designing. After all, the next challenge is always on the horizon, and the diverse nature of the business is what ignites their passion to create. “Landscaping excites us because there’s something different every day. It’s never the same thing. There’s always a challenge. It’s always interesting creating a new space for a client. Working those hard hours and seeing it come to life is very rewarding for us. At the end of the day, they’re more than a client. They’re a friend,” says Lorinda. Every project brought to life by Vanessa and Lorinda is done so with great care and dedication. The end result is a dynamic living space that brings people closer together.
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THE EMOTION OF COLOUR
I
By
hgtv star PAUL LAFRANCE
am a musician first and foremost. I started transforming backyards because I had this pesky thing called a mortgage, and “gigging” wasn’t really bringing home the bacon. That being said, the musician in me did not fade gently into the night, but rather plays a major role in how I create “pieces” out of wood, glass and steel. Music is about emotion, but not everyone can easily articulate why a particular song makes you feel like you can win the girl or defeat Donald Trump in an immigration debate, while another makes you feel melancholy. I see music in colour. If I’m listening to the Tragically Hip, I see fire engine red and copper tones. If it’s Radiohead or Coldplay, I see deep turquoise blue and magenta. Our Lady Peace or U2… rusted metallic hues with brushed gold and sunset orange. Colour and emotion go hand in hand. Your outdoor haven should reflect that. When it comes to the incorporation of colour, you want to approach your day look and night look very differently.
Day Composite decking has evolved over the years. Trex, for instance, has a huge colour selection that will compliment the colour of your home and will play well off of other deck colours. Railings are one of the most visible daytime elements of your deck, so consider incorporating a contrast like steel or glass. Your furnishings and accessories should also have a pop of colour. Be sure that all the colours are complimentary to each other by picking one particular hue. Lastly, don’t forget to incorporate flowering plants around the deck perimeter, as well as planter boxes on the deck. Don’t worry about trying to coordinate colours with your perennials or potted plants. Mother Nature seems to get away with everything.
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Night When that big orange ball of hydrogen and helium falls below the horizon, colours can really come out to play and completely change the feel of your outdoor retreat. Everybody loves the look of a roaring fire. What other element can hypnotize us as instantly, whether adult “bevies” have been consumed or not. From orange, to yellow, to hints of blue, a fire feature is a must for that nighttime burst of colour. Outdoor lighting for post-sundown enjoyment can be tricky when it comes to experimenting with colour. Just be sure that if you go with a particular colour choice, it compliments your other lighting. For instance, if you install the new Crystal Rail from Regal Ideas where the entire outer edge of the tempered glass glows with a cool blue light, you do not want to have soft yellow incandescent patio lanterns nearby. Major clash!! My favourite way to incorporate an evening colour splash is through the illumination of water. Take a simple water feature, (waterfall, garden pond, or fountain), and cast either white or coloured light on it. You’ll be amazed at how much later you’ll want to stay outside, and how much less your hangover bothers you the next day. I know…spoken like a true musician.
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n a b r urooftops THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
By RICHARD BEATTIE – CAMPBELLVILLE, ON
Living in the city means outdoor space is at a premium, but it shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice enjoying the great outdoors altogether. Building a rooftop patio is the perfect way to turn wasted outdoor space into your own personal oasis. Combine creativity and functionality A rooftop space offers a creative way to enjoy the outdoors, but it also has a functional purpose – extending your home’s living space. First, think outside the box and explore design options: Have a dog? Consider planting real grass so that you can let your pooch enjoy the great outdoors (and answer nature’s call) Want to add a green space without the upkeep? A synthetic grass patio mimics the natural feel of grass, without the headache of watering A garden is a healthy and functional use for your roof. Grow veggies and herbs to bring some colour into your concrete jungle Want to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather? Consider a covered rooftop space Love to workout? You can create an outdoor athletic space with room to do yoga, stretch or workout while enjoying a view of the city
Keep it simple Simplicity and creativity are not mutually exclusive. Not all of us are designers or carpenters, but you don’t have to be in order to create a beautiful rooftop space. You do, however, need a flat roof. It’s a good idea to consult with an expert to make sure the roof is structurally sound and your designs are within code. You will need to waterproof the roof, and make sure that you don’t interfere with the natural drainage (all ‘flat’ roofs should actually be slightly sloped) or your patio will turn into a pond. Start with a vinyl membrane, then lay down your materials of choice: rubber flooring for a workout space, soil for a garden or natural grass, rocks for a Zen meditation area or artificial turf for a faux lawn. For safety, you should install a railing. You can do this yourself, or hire a contractor. Use what you’ve got, but don’t be afraid to go pro Experienced DIYer’s and tradespeople know that, at a certain point, you need to bring in some extra help. If you want to build a rooftop patio on a slanted roof, then you’ll want to consult with professionals. Start by hiring an architect familiar with the local building codes. An experienced architect will save you a lot of time running back and forth from city hall making revisions to your blueprints. Other professionals to consult might include a designer, contractor and a landscaper. These experts can help you turn an unusable rooftop space into a beautiful, functional, outdoor haven. OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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Peter These are the names of my kids, the maple leaf is because I am a proud Canadian, and the waves represent surfing. I love to surf. Colin It’s sanskit for breathe, focus and attain. The dragon represents living life to its fullest and at the same time dying… where the phoenix picks up and rises out of the ashes to live the next moment. John I had a son named Brayden who passed away. I wrote this poem for him.
Lisa A large part of this tattoo is a memorial to my husband who passed away from cancer. Gary The Koi fish and the dragon symbolized overcoming adversity and the owl contains my kid’s initials.
Kevin The koi fish is all about overcoming adversity.
Photography by Brilynn Ferguson
Chloe This symbolizes learning to fly, or flying away. They remind me to go out into the world and find what it is I want. The three birds represent my family.
Mike The birthdates of my son and daughter are imbedded into my tattoo. Alicia They’re the co-ordinates of my cottage. Justin I had all these done just because I like the way they look.
INKSCAPE By LORI SWEEZEY – DUNDAS, ON
Tattoo – noun – [ta-too]: the act or practice of marking the skin with indelible patterns, pictures, legends, etc., by making punctures in it and inserting pigments. When my 18-year-old son told me he wanted to get a tattoo, I almost lost my mind, despite the fact that I, myself, have several. Had I just become the hypocritical, un-hip Mom? And where was this reaction coming from? I mean, even Otzi the Iceman had a mom…and she let him get one! And that was way back in the day…like 3100BC! Historically, tattoos were typically used in ritual and ceremony and held significant meaning in the traditions of the people who walked the earth long before anyone could put a name to the act. The “tattoo renaissance” is a term that was coined in the western world, in the late 1950s, a time that saw remarkable change in technology, the arts, and social consciousness. People began to proudly display their body art as a sign of resistance to the values of the white, heterosexual, middle-class. Over the years, it would appear that tattooing has crossed social and economical boundaries…from gang members to suburban moms, there seems to be a shift occurring. Gone are the days of judgment and stigma. Not every tattooed body belongs to a biker gang. But every tattoo has a story. Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine recognizes this shift and wants to become a part of the change. So, at a recent industry event, we asked landscape related professionals to share their ink with us, and now we’d like to share it with you. OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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Chris I really just love trees! Reece I drew this myself then had it done out in Alberta. Andrew The prayer hands and the rosary are for my grandfather. He left me his rosary when he died. The guardian angel is to watch over me.
Victor I lived in Capetown for four years. Amandla Awethu was often shouted at anti-apartheid rallies. It means “power to the people”. Rebecca There are a lot of meanings for the pink gerbera daisy. It’s one of the symbols for breast cancer survivors. My mom is a survivor. She’s been cancer free for two years now!
OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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A WORK OF ART WITHOUT MUCH WORK
Unilock EnduraColor
Permacon Provence Slab with Satura
The importance of Texture, Colour, Contrast and Balance in low-maintenance landscapes By GLENN CURTIS – MONTREAL, QC
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hough properties come in all shapes and sizes, most landscape investors today share a common desire for low-maintenance spaces. It’s understandable: you want to spend your time enjoying your backyard paradise, not working on it. Fortunately, effortless beauty is attainable - and it now comes with a variety of options. The thought of a simple, low-maintenance space shouldn’t conjure up visions of a massive stone patio surrounding a concrete-framed pool in a virtually plantfree yard. In fact, that approach will probably get you stuck between a rock and an expensive hard place. Most municipal-
ities today promote cooler, greener cities through landscaping by-laws that govern hard-to-soft (stone to plant) ratio, as well as, surface standards for solar and heat reflectiveness. In addition to being unattractive and literally devoid of value, a backyard covered entirely in pavers or hardscapes would likely be prohibited. A lack of diversity or creativity is not a prerequisite for a simply elegant, low-maintenance landscape. Widely regarded as the greatest colorist of the twentieth century, Henri Matisse once said that he did not paint things; he only painted the difference between things. In landscapes, as in fine art, con-
trast is good. That’s not to say it can’t be overdone. Amateur landscapers have certainly delivered many a “landscape pizza”, adorned with a riot of diverse, disjointed toppings. Creating different contrasts and textures is easy: doing it right is more challenging. Even with limited palettes that ensure repetition and simplicity, expert landscape designers can create veritable masterpiece spaces by playing with different materials, textures, colours, finishes and elevations. In landscaping, diversity and contrasts are critical to synergy: the interaction of elements that produce a total effect greater than the sum of the parts. For example, deliberate contrasts are used to define spaces, create focal points and delineate intuitive transitions between functional areas. Different textures and colours complement each other and promote visual interest. Plants and carpentry offset masonry work, soften stone areas and add warmth. Accents of different stone products are integrated into popular paver patterns such as quilting or herringbone to break up visual bulk and the heaviness inherent in large stone areas. Products containing vibrant colours like Unilock EnduraColor can create bold patterns, while the use of contrasting solid colours can create an impressive result. For a natural look, try Permacon’s Provence Slab enhanced by Satura colour and texturing technology. Nobody will guess that it’s a paver! Contrasting elevations take landscapes to whole new levels while maximizing outdoor space, optimizing sight lines, and solving grading and other issues. Decorative accent lighting can create stunning visual effects that are as dramatic as… well, night and day. And a tasteful repetition of contrasting themes within a landscape can tie diverse areas together into one cohesive, artfully balanced space. Desirable contrast also influences plant selections. The small or narrow leaves of fine textured plants let you see what’s behind them, make gardens seem larger and help to create formal, elegant atmospheres. With larger dense leaves, coarse-textured plants are more visually dominant and are great for enclosing spaces, creating visual barriers and promoting a more informal feel. Even the flowering cycles and foliage colours of plants are considered to create ongoing contrasts throughout the seasons. Possibly the best way to illustrate the true value of contrasts in landscaping is to view an award-winning project in black and white. Ultimately, the combination of diverse shapes, textures, colours and patterns will significantly define and enhance the character of your outdoor living space. You will feel, experience, value and enjoy it every time you use it. Accordingly, keep an open mind and don’t limit yourself in your pursuit of a “work of art that requires little work.” There is an abundance of highly resilient plants, quality stone products, creative carpentry solutions, robust water features and durable materials that a professional landscaper can use to create an inspired, low-maintenance landscape. “Put light against light - you have nothing. Put dark against dark - you have nothing. It’s the contrast of light and dark that each gives the other one meaning”. -Bob Ross OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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create
design district
OUT OF THIS WORLD
Alica Dusil of Dusil Design is passionate about working with metal. She started as a blacksmith, hammering metal when it was red hot using a forge. She came across a company that molds flat metal into hemispheres and became intrigued. Inspired by statues in the landscape, she began thinking about how she could make a metal sphere more interesting. Using a welder and plasma cutter, she sketched the globe onto the sphere and completed it by grinding it to a shine. This globe is 32 inches in diameter and 100 pounds in weight. Perfect for a focal point in the garden.
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Rendered concept sketches and photography by dusildesign.com
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WALLNER RESIDENCE
Contemporary Ambiance This award winning project by Abloom Landscape Contractor was a complete backyard transformation. The client’s wish list was achieved by including a 14’x16’ solarium with a dramatic roof overhang to allow for a covered barbecuing area, a 12’x32’ pool with a natural stone surround and a custom pool house with a large roof overhang to create a covered lounging area. A deck was also built to give access to the solarium, the house and the hot tub. Pyramidal cedars and large ornamental grasses were planted to create privacy from the neighbouring park. Finally, a lighting system was implemented in order to create a lively night ambiance.
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Rendered concept sketches by Abloom Landscape Photography by Linda Roy Photographie
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WELCOME TO THE
RENOLUTION
Hi, I’m Manny Neves, you know…that guy! You may have seen my work and ideas online via social media and possibly saved a few pins or liked a few posts. I am very excited to be part of the amazing team at Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine as the new Reno Expert. As a seasoned custom residential contractor, I am looking forward to taking construction to new heights, taking what I learn on site, behind closed doors, at trade events and even the rare mistake and sharing everything with the OL readers. My excitement for new products, new techniques discovered locally and during my travels, often leads to people expressing… “That’s a little overkill Manny”… but who has time to hear that same old tired phrase over and over? Not me… I’m too busy building. I hope to introduce and walk the OL readers through the many innovative, user friendly, functional ideas applicable to your home while staying committed to my Hardcore ideals. I am driven to challenge comfort levels when it comes to using colour and space, both inside and out, while encouraging people to step outside of their own comfort zone and getting them involved in projects in a more detailed manner. So… buckle up your tool belt, because construction is about to get a lot more interesting!
THE FINISH LINE
THE FINEST THINGS TO COMPLETE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
Maibec Wood Siding Available in an impressive variety of colours, Maibec genuine wood siding and shingles make for an organic and timeless appearance. Durable, environmentally responsible, with a high-quality finish‌this product has transcended the ever-changing styles and trends over the years. Let your home reflect your preference for authenticity.
Century Scenic Glass Railing No nasty railings to cut your view in half! Easy, two step installation and awkward angles become a non-issue with the Scenic Series. This system can easily be transitioned between our picket or standard glass railings. Visit Fairway Building Supply and see for yourself.
Stonerox Thin Stone Veneer A superior, high quality product from Architectural Accents Inc. This Canadian-made veneer is lightweight, durable and easy to install. StoneRox promises to offer the best in product and service. Designs are indigenous to the Canadian landscape in both colour and style. We proudly promote sustainable products and offer options to redefine both traditional and contemporary building facades. available at Fairway Building Supply 55 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
Thermory is chemical free, thermally modified lumber. A real wood product that goes through a heat and steam process, which allows for full control of moisture content in the lumber and makes it incredibly stable and rot resistant
improve district
By
MANNY NEVES - HARDCORE RENOS
SHOWER ME...HARDCORE
I
didn’t participate much in elementary or secondary school. I kept to myself; I didn’t want to stand out, but that all changed with post education when my passion for storytelling and filmmaking developed. Once I found my environment I was able to contribute, partake in discussions and change things with my ideas. From filmmaking, I shifted gears to construction. Most would wonder how, exactly, that works?! The two careers are more similar than you might imagine. Although I didn’t have any formal construction education, was never a labourer nor had I apprenticed, I did have a childlike curiosity about everything and anything to do with construction. I simply asked a lot of questions and the questions never stopped. What I express here and online, via my social media pages, is my version of construction. Trade events are a great place to ask questions and discover new products like Thermory. This chemical free, thermally modified lumber is a real wood product that goes through a heat and steam process, which allows for full control of moisture content in the lumber and makes the wood incredibly stable and rot resistant; that’s the sales and technical pitch… now for the Hardcore Renos point of view.
As the sales reps discuss the pros and cons and more pros of wood… and their wood particularly, key words are sticking in my head. Words like, stable, rot, heat, cold and then I interrupt to ask my first question. “Can I use this in a shower renovation project?” …Silence… except for the buzz of the attendees. With a little hesitation they tell me…”I suppose.” Followed quickly by, “who are you?” Go figure, my inaugural project with this product wasn’t a deck or a fence or a bench… but a shower. I wanted to install real wood inside a shower, as a functional accent wall. I was fascinated by the prospect, but I still needed to do a bit more homework with a mock up test board. As everyone knows, I always work with Schluter products for waterproofing, and Mapei products for adhering any tile or stone material, (for both interior and exterior). Now, wood doesn’t like to play well with tile and stone. Products that adhere to tile and stone don’t necessarily adhere to wood. This was my dilemma! Test after test, the wood always separated from the adhering material. My testing consisted of submerging the Thermory wood, adhered to a piece of Schluter KerdiBoard (wall board for showers), into a tank of water
for hours, air drying and repeating. With each failure I became more frustrated and then I had a thought; stop thinking about securing the wood as if it’s tile…start thinking about securing the wood as if it’s wood; treat this as if I were installing wood siding. I began with 2” wide furring strips made from KerdiBoard, made to measure for the area. I secured each Thermory board with a stainless steel screw. Schluter has a self-sealing, flexible, crack resistant caulking (KerdiFix). As each screw penetrated the KediBoard it would be sealed with the KerdiFix and avoid nulling the waterproof warranty of the product. Over a one-month time frame, a mock-up test board was repeatedly submerged in water (for 3 hours at a time) then air-dried. It showed no signs of failure. This shower and bathroom are over 2 years old now and nothing has failed. I have built decks, barn doors and fireplace surrounds with Thermory products, but this shower really stood out. I am currently working on exterior home theatre applications and coffered ceilings with this product. The ideas continue to get drawn up and tested. Sometimes you have to look outside and bring those renovating ideas inside… Or vice versa. OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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CRAFT BREW
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QUIDI VIDI BREWING CO. Iceberg The appearance is clear and golden, a gently hopped, light-bodied brew offering a clean, sparkling finish, crisp with no aftertaste. quidividibrewery.ca
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MILL ST. CALGARY BREW PUB Honest Bucker Pale Ale
Showcases the mosaic hop with its mango, pineapple, and tropical aromas. Dry finish makes this a very approachable beer.. millstreetbrewery.com/calgary-brew-pub/
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Photography by Erin Blackwood
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wote WALK OFF THE EARTH
By LAURA STANLEY – TORONTO, ON
B
alance is essential for Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Nicassio, members of the Juno Award winning band Walk Off The Earth. Whether it’s releasing imaginative cover songs, WOTE found sudden stardom in early 2012 when they released a video of their five band members using one guitar to perform Goyte’s “Somebody That I Used To Know.” Whether recording their infectious original tracks or playing energetic live shows around the world, the band is always on the go. Amongst this chaos, Blackwood and Nicassio are raising their two sons, three-year-old Giorgio and one and a half year old Luigi. “There’s possibility for balance in everything. Including raising a family and continuing to work,” says Blackwood. “We also involve our kids in our work, and encourage them to be creative and free. That is something we’re grateful for every single day.” “Gianni and I have an incredible understanding of each other’s capabilities and are quite good at recognizing when a certain area needs more balance then others,” she adds. “We’re a team, as parents, as coworkers, and we make things easier for each other in areas where we know our strengths are.”
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WOTE began in 2006 in Burlington, Ontario as a project between Nicassio and Ryan Marshall. By 2011, fellow Burlington locals Blackwood, Mike Taylor, and Joel Cassady solidified the line-up. Together the band has released two collections of cover songs (Vol I. and Vol II.) and two full-length records, R.E.V.O. and Sing It All Away. Both Blackwood and Nicassio had positive experiences growing up in Burlington, Ontario and credit the city’s lengthy, and often uneventful, winter for helping to foster their creativity at a young age. “In the long winter season there isn’t much to do, so playing ice hockey or learning your favourite instrument were pretty much my two choices,” says Nicassio. “I figured out at an early age that my skating abilities were not as superior as some of my buddies.” When not out on the road together, Nicassio, Blackwood, and their children live in nearby Dundas, Ontario - “the hidden jewel of Southern Ontario,” as Nicassio describes it. “It has some of the most spectacular views of the escarpment,” he says. “It’s filled with beautiful trails through the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Bruce Trail. The waterfalls are some of the highest in the country! You feel like you’re in cottage country, but you are conveniently nestled between 2 major cities - Hamilton and Burlington.” With another busy year ahead, WOTE have plans to release several new singles, more covers and original videos, a short film, and a world tour. Blackwood and Nicassio’s schedule remains hectic but they are not complaining. The couple is fuelled by the love they have for making and sharing music and also look to each other to keep motivated. Their passion for music and determination to think outside the box illuminates everything that WOTE touches with a positivity that is infectious - something the world is in need of right now. “We get to do what we love and hopefully inspire positivity in people with our art,” says Blackwood. “A lot can be projected through music, art and creativity and we are just so happy to be on that boat! It’s important to us to help people see that we can find happiness. It’s not easy for a lot of people to be grateful for what they have and see how wonderful life is...we hope our music can help change that point of view.” 50 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
YOUR COLOUR DNA
The Return of the Itsy Bitsy, Teenie Weenie, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini BY PIERRE LALANDE – TORONTO, ON
T
he dilemma of the “Itsy bitsy, teenie weenie, yellow polka dot bikini” from Paul Vance’s hit 1960’s tune actually has more relevance today (in 2017) than people realize. Few people experience anxiety from bikinis or polka dots…however, yellow can still make a person “afraid to come out of the water”, as the song goes. Research tells us that people subconsciously judge us within 15 seconds of seeing us, based on their first impressions of our presence - including the colours we wear and the colours we surround ourselves with. In fact, in most cases, colour is the first thing that people see – even before taking note of your fashion style. Colour acts much in the same way as a magnet does with our individual DNA. When a person wears colours aligned with their DNA, observers are drawn towards them as if by magnetic pull. Alternately, if you wear colours that conflict with your DNA, the colours tend to “fight” with you and people become distracted and lose focus. Most people feel that yellow has one redeeming quality, which is mainly optimism
and sunshine. However, people intuitively stay away from this colour and their intuition is well grounded. For many skin tones, the wrong yellow will send a message of anxiousness and emotional fragility. In fact, colours in general possess both positive and negative qualities depending on who wears them and may send an enhancing or a distracting message. We have all seen those bright yellow Hawaiian shirts that often make observers want to turn away. I think we can all relate to that one! On the other hand, throughout our lives we see people who seem to consistently project a very positive, upbeat visual image because they are “well put together”. Colour emits such a strong impact on observers… far more powerful than we can imagine. Those people…be it a classmate, actor or someone you admire, know the true secret; which is to wear colour with purpose and to send subconscious messages. It all starts with your unique DNA, based on your skin tone and eye pigmentation. Everyday, we all send out subconscious messages to others by using colour. Whatever colour our skin absorbs or reflects in relation
to our eyes, affects others. Certain colours will be repelled and not reflected on our skin. Wearing or using these colours in our living space could potentially send out the opposite message of what we actually intended. Using authenticated colours allows you to wear and enjoy colours that are guaranteed to enhance your look and/or living space. In fact, to accomplish the right affect, you may be required to combine colours that you’ve never considered before and this could be the beginning of an entirely new direction for your life. When you understand and express yourself with the language of colour, you will open the door to a deeper understanding of yourself and how others react to you. Using colour intentionally can reveal your personality or set the tone for any situation – for example wearing certain yellows can reflect your sunny disposition. So, returning to our yellow bikini dilemma, here’s the good news. There’s a yellow out there for every skin tone! Whether you were made for lemon yellow, golden yellow, or pastel yellow, this bold vibrant colour can enhance your wardrobe, your home and your outdoor living space. So, instead of being “afraid to come out of the water” this summer, claim your yellow and impress the world with your confidence, optimism, and personal creativity. If you would like to understand more about how color affects your world, go to lalandecolordna.com and use the promo code “Outdoor” to get your own free personalized DNA preview. This preview will show the best yellow for you…so you can chose the perfect bikini or the cushions for your patio!
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Do it Yourself? ALL NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT By LORI SWEEZEY – DUNDAS, ON
WHY NOT!
You’re a capable and crafty human being. You can do anything you want! Pinterest is your bible and you’ve nailed every project you’ve tried. Or not! For this issues DIY project, we thought we’d include something useful for the upcoming season. Something that will help you enjoy your amazing outdoor space, pest free, all summer.
What you will need: Large mason jar(s), Distilled water, Fresh rosemary, Lemons, Limes, Lemon & Eucalyptus essential oil, Floating candle. We love it when we find little projects that are quick, easy and useful…as well as being oh so natural and pretty. Here’s a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to keep those nasty mosquitoes out of your space.
Make several and place them throughout your patio area!
1
2 3
STEPS: 1
Slice up the lemons & limes and place them in the mason jar, along with 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary.
2
Fill the mason jar to ¾ full with distilled water.
3 4
Add 7-10 drops each, of eucalyptus and lemon essential oil. Top off with a floating candle.
4
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Photography by Top Chef Canada
CHEF RENE RODRIGUEZ
OLM: Where does the name Navarra come from? RR: The name Navarra, I got on a trip to Spain. It is a
LIFE FOOD FUN
&
BY KELLY BUELL – OTTAWA, ON
T
here is no greater gift than discovering your passion in life. We all aspire to do something great with the time we’ve been given, but how many of us actually reach that summit? And if not, what’s holding us back? For Ottawa’s Rene Rodriguez, Owner and Chef of Navarra Restaurant, this passion was discovered early in his childhood, and a life long love affair with food was the result. Watching his Mother and Aunt in the kitchen inspired him, and Rodriguez quickly learned how to duplicate a lot of the dishes they created with ease. This would be the beginning of a food obsession, and with this foundation in place, he began to take things a step further. From these traditional dishes he experimented with different ingredients, techniques, and presentations… his creativity growing and expanding with each new trip to the kitchen. A day in the life of Rene Rodriguez looks very much like an organized tornado. Rodriguez, the calm in the storm, manages family and business time seamlessly… his schedule running like a well-oiled machine. Family is always first, and he sets aside time to start his day with them every morning, before moving on to answering business calls and managing restaurant business duties. At the end of the night, when the restaurant is quiet and the last burner has been turned off, he finishes off right where he started… spending quality family time with his supportive wife and young son. For personal pleasure, Rodriguez and his family enjoy taking daytrips or hiking and walking in the woods around Gatineau. He also tries to squeeze in workouts and ride his motorcycle, just to let loose a little. Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine wanted to take a closer look at the culinary world through Rodriguez’s eyes, so we sat down with him to ask some spicy (pun intended) questions about his life and career.
beautiful region that a lot of people don’t know about and so I should do something about that. So I called it Navarra. My cuisine is a blend of Mexican with a Spanish flair. I bring both to the table by combining ingredients but also making the dish my own.
OLM: Where do your recipes come from? RR: The recipes for my restaurant come from my head. All of my knowledge and the travel I have done to this point, allows me to create a recipe in 10-15 minutes, just by sitting at the table with you and writing it down. It comes to me very naturally.
OLM: How do you do research for your cuisine? RR: I do my research by eating and travelling. I also do quite a bit of reading. I like to read old Spanish cookbooks from the 40s and 50s.
OLM: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done in your life? RR: I think it was competing in Top Chef Canada. Being away from everything… my family, my restaurant and my friends, felt a bit strange. We were so isolated for seven weeks… no contact with our relatives or friends, no cell phones… nothing. It was very long and stressful. We only slept like five hours a night. But it was exciting and a very cool thing to do.
OLM: How did you feel when you won Top Chef Canada 2014? RR: I felt like everything was coming together. It was almost a revelation in front of my eyes. Everything I’d ever wanted and worked so hard for (over the last twenty years) was suddenly happening. It was a reassurance of who I am and who I was and it felt really incredible. OLM:
What is the most encouraging thing anyone has ever told you? RR: Someone once told me, “don’t ever quit, because that’s the easy way out.” So, if you fail at something and you turn around and walk away, you are letting go of a dream. If you stay there and keep trying, you can make it happen. So you should never quit. Be persistent and be very determined. Rodriguez is both of these things. We have no doubt Navarra will be a great success. If you’re in the Ottawa area, drop in!
navarrarestaurant.com
CHIMICHURRI MUSHROOMS with GRATED MANCHEGO Ingredients:
1 bunch green onions, (green part only) ¼ bunch cilantro ¼ bunch flat-leaf parsley ½ cup (125 mL) chicken stock ½ cup (60 mL) extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice 2 tbsp (15 mL) HP Sauce 1 tsp (5 mL) sea salt ¼ cup (60 mL) unsalted butter 4 cups (1 L) cleaned mixed mushrooms, such as chanterelle, king, shiitake, baby blue oyster, and coffee mushrooms 2 tsp grainy Dijon mustard Finish with 1 cup grated manchego to garnish TO MAKE:
1. In blender, add green onions, cilantro, parsley, garlic, stock, olive oil, lemon juice and HP Sauce. Purée until smooth, add salt, and set aside. This is your chimichurri sauce.
Photography by Top Chef Canada
2. In large frying pan add butter and cook until almost brown. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry them in pan for 4 minutes or until all are soft. Add the chimichurri and sauté for 2 minutes. Serve immediately, while hot and sprinkle manchego on top. Serve with warm baguette slices.
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Shop Where the Professionals Shop
BEST OVERALL PROJECT 2016
PATIO FARE
discover district
ST COA WE S
WEST C
ST OA
COAST ST
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WE
URBAN OASIS
BY PETER VOGLER – WHISTLER, BC
Patios are magical places that come in all shapes, sizes and reasons for being. There’s the hot summer patio overlooking the water, and the winter patio on top of the mountain…your breath visible, blanket wrapped around you while seated by an outdoor fire. And of course, the inner city dive with a few tables and chairs standing crooked in an alley…you drinking a pint of cheap beer. But the function is always the same – to bring friends and strangers together over the comforts of food and drink, some fresh air and scenery…an oasis to rejuvenate the soul. Vancouver’s Tap & Barrel took it one step further. After the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the usual post-Olympic malaise set in, leaving large parts of the Olympic site unoccupied…a forlorn concrete acreage, devoid of life, but sitting squarely beside beautiful False Creek. It was a site crying out for some humanity to turn it into a lively and picturesque urban centre. But still… it sat empty. Enter Vancouverite Daniel Frankel, who cast his keen eye upon the forlorn post-Olympic site. He saw it, not for what it was, but for what it could become, and put forth his very best west coast vision of a restaurant and patio that could create a heartbeat for the otherwise moribund site. That vision emphasized a small environmental footprint including regionally sourced ingredients for the restaurant, a keg system called FreshTAP that negated the need for bottles and cans, and locally brewed beer. Tap & Barrel lucked-out on the locally brewed beers as Vancouver was undergoing a craft beer renaissance. In fact a major member of this new wave of brewers is CRAFT which sits about 30 meters across the plaza from Tap & Barrel. Taking full advantage of this burgeoning beer scene, Tap & Barrel proudly maintains 24 local beers, 2 ciders and 14 local wines, all kept in FreshTAP stainless steel kegs, which perfectly preserve the freshness of every beverage on the premise. The restaurant is housed on two levels. The open floor plan emphasizes the scenery. The food is fresh and imaginative with a west coast flare and the beer is served from a long central bar. Frankel’s passion for education is evident in the library found upstairs along one wall of the restaurant and surrounded by comfy reading chairs and sofas tucked in to a cozy fireplace. You are welcome to take a book without fuss and return it when you can. The patio is to die for…overlooking False Creek with a gorgeous seawall walk, which circles the inlet (yes, False Creek is actually a False Ocean inlet, go figure!). It was the perfect location to resuscitate a tired Olympic site. Locals from the neighbourhood mingle with tourists on the patio with a view of Vancouver’s hockey arena, the downtown cityscape and, of course, the mountains and the sea of English Bay with its exquisite sunsets. It has become the beating heart of a now thriving neighbourhood.
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VANCOUVER,
British Columbia TAP & BARREL
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PATIO FARE
discover district
THE VILLAGE
T COAST AS
BY CEDRIC LIZOTTE – MONTREAL, QC
MONTREAL, Quebec LE SALOON How many restaurants in Montreal can claim to have celebrated 25 years of existence? Le Saloon Bistro Bar (in the Village) can… and that’s a serious testament to their perseverance and continuous hard work. “Le Saloon isn’t just an institution in the gay community, it’s an institution in regards to the city as a whole”, says Philip Demers, who’s been the owner for 17 of these years. It’s true, owning a restaurant in Montreal is a cutthroat business. And the many changes that the Village, Montreal’s gay neighborhood, has experienced over the years has bent the will of many a restaurateur, like water erodes cliffs. But Le Saloon is still here. How would tourists go about finding Le Saloon during summer? Sainte Catherine Street is a pedestrian-only street during the summer, and Le Saloon’s patio is, in fact, right in front of the restaurant, and in the street! With large sun umbrellas, pride flags floating overhead and stylish blue lights beaming out of the storefront sign; it’s impossible to miss! “Our patio is always super busy. I think it has some kind of “South Beach” vibe, and during the beautiful days of summer, people should really come early if they want to have a chance to sit and enjoy. It’s a perfect place to sip on sangria and watch the world go by, or have a couple of appetizers with friends”, suggests Demers. Montrealers enter some sort of “patio frenzy” as soon as the sun starts to warm up the city. Better get there early! The menu is focused on North American bistro fare: Cesar salad, nachos, a nice tartare menu, a long list of burgers, vegetarian options and homemade pizzas. But being a 25-year-old institution doesn’t mean that one should rest on their laurels. To celebrate its 25th birthday, Le Saloon Bistro Bar has hired the restaurant designer, Blazys Gérard, to give the décor a little (well earned) facelift! The current décor is supercharged, eclectic, vibrant and intense, and they are excited to see what Gérard has in mind. “Our success has always been linked to the fact that we’re always reinventing ourselves. We keep the conviviality and approachability… we keep the great food, friendly service and the inviting atmosphere, and we make it exciting for our patrons to come and see what we’ve done next”, explains Demers. Stop in and see what Blazys Gérard will do for the next “reinvention”… it’s all yours to discover! 74 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
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DISTILLERY DISTRICT By PATRICK DIXON – TORONTO, ON
TORONTO, ONTARIO EL CATRIN El Catrin Destileria is an authentic Mexican experience in the heart of Toronto’s historic Distillery District. The restaurant boasts an ambitious selection of traditional and modern cuisine. The team at El Catrin spared no effort in bringing Mexico’s culture and vibrancy to Toronto when it officially opened its doors back in June of 2013. The rustic exterior is welcoming and unpretentious. The floor-to-ceiling mural that greets visitors in the front entrance was painted by three Mexican artists and took over 14 weeks to complete. The Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos, is a prevalent theme throughout the restaurant, as it is in Mexican culture. The idea is that accepting and embracing the fleeting nature of life allows us to celebrate the time we have together. The celebration really comes to life on El Catrin’s colourful 180-seat patio. Beautiful steel deco chandeliers and imported tiling surround patrons while they enjoy the wide variety of unique creations available on the tapas-style menu. The wide-open canopy of woodwork provides a sense of comfort without feeling confining. When the weather gets a little chilly, the central fire pit roars to life and the celebration keeps going well into the night. The atmosphere may be what brings people through the door, but the quality of the food is what keeps them coming back. The fried Baja fish taco is an instant crowd pleaser. The Guacamole En La Mesa, which is prepared tableside, is consistently ranked among the best in Toronto. El Catrin’s tequila bar contains over 120 labels and the cocktail options are plentiful and delicious. At El Catrin, every season is patio season. From the earliest signs of spring in 76 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
March, to the waning days of December, the patio is open for business. In the summer months, at full capacity, the patio can easily see over 1000 people a day. Even in frigid weather, the heated patio is too tempting to resist. Visitors will brave the cold and line up around the cobblestone block for a chance to revel in El Catrin’s spirited outdoor atmosphere. There aren’t too many patios in Toronto that can make the same claim. El Catrin’s patio has a distinct feel. It is very much a bustling hotspot, brimming with energy and culture. And yet, nestled in a cul-de-sac accessible only by foot, it manages to feel like a secluded urban hideaway. Many visitors have already had the pleasure of experiencing this award-winning restaurant. Yet for some, El Catrin is still a hidden gem still waiting to be discovered. Although the Distillery District is somewhat off the beaten path compared to other attractions in Toronto’s downtown core, it is a detour worth taking.
AN URBAN GARDEN By KIMBERLEY FOWLER – CAMPBELLVILLE, ON
Few things are as therapeutic and relaxing as gardening, but space
can sometimes prevent us from enjoying this wonderful hobby. For urbanites living in apartments or high-rise condos, garden space is usually limited or non-existent. At best you might be able to add some flowers to your balcony (if you’re lucky enough to have one). Finding garden space is the first step to growing your own urban garden, and it requires a little bit of imagination and innovation. Lechuza has the innovation covered. Like most innovative products, Lechuza was born out of necessity. Company owner Horst Brandstätter couldn’t find stylish indoor and outdoor planters that also offered long-term irrigation. So he and his team created Lechuza. The company’s self-watering planters are a must-have tool for any gardener trying to make the most out of a small space. These beautiful planters come in a range of high-gloss or matte colours (from peacock blue, to lime green, to scarlet red), as well as styles including wicker and woven satin. The imagination is up to you: grow a lush balcony garden, set aside wall space in your kitchen, install a planter on the outside of your windowsill, or set aside a sunny corner of your apartment for a small urban jungle.
DON’T LET LIMITED SPACE HOLD YOU BACK
If space is at a premium in your home, then try hanging planters, which add colour and depth without taking up any valuable floor space. Small planters add lush greenery to your kitchen table, and multi-plant planters allow you to mix and match different plants, perfect for a functional herb garden with lots of variety. Self-watering planters aren’t reserved for urbanites with a green thumb. On the contrary, if you don’t have a green thumb (or travel a lot) then self-watering planters will help you keep your plants alive. No more over or under-watering. With a self-watering planter you can help stop innocent plants from meeting an untimely demise. COLOUR, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
Plants add a splash of colour to your home and to your diet. Even if you live in the middle of the city you can grow your own herbs, fresh vegetables, and even fruit, which makes healthy eating easy, fun, and affordable. The health benefits of plants go far beyond what you can eat. According to healthline.com house plants: Clean and humidify air, removing CO2 and dust particles Lower your risk of illness Boost your mood Growing a garden isn’t a right held exclusively by people with expansive backyards and green thumbs. Self-watering planters make it possible to grow your own garden no matter how much (or how little) space and experience you have.
THE SIPPING ROOm A VISIT AT
A CRAFT DISTILLERY
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By RENALDO AMOTO – THOROLD, ON
s far as first impressions go, the intensity and aggression of molten rock colliding with the calm strength of the ocean creates one hell of a mental image. It embodies strength, passion, creativity, beauty and energy, all traits that can be ascribed to a visit at Dillon’s Distillery. Immediately upon entering, you are enveloped in an almost palpable feeling of coziness and welcoming. The front door leads directly into the sipping room, which possesses an illustrious and rustic charm. Unlike most that I have had the pleasure of visiting, the usual youthful connotation gives way to a more mature and serene setting. Something much more compelling and powerful is at play here. Experience. My head can’t pan for more than a couple of inches without discovering a different flavor, smelling a new scent, or experiencing a new sensation. The tables and walls are peppered with a huge assortment of whiskey and spirits, from white rye to their ever-popular rose gin, and everything in between. There was something there to satisfy everyone’s palate, which really spoke to Dillon’s ability to keep up with the times. To innovate. I was snapped out of my (alcohol-induced) trance by the very Dillon himself. Geoff Dillon…the guy who runs the joint. The running theme remained ever apparent: he was calm and centered, yet ambitious; young and grounded; creative but not without a fixed vision. The conversation began almost immediately. Right off the hop, I was inundated with a frenzy of statistics he rifled off the top of his head, as if he had just plugged
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his brain into the “Canadian alcohol history” Wikipedia page. I had to interrupt him. “How do you even begin to remember all that?”, I ask. “I love what I do,” he says. His biochemistry and economics education pathway starkly reflects his love of craft distilling. Dillon’s father, a prominent member of the science community and the main influence for the creative mojo that goes into the many aromatic flavours of a Dillon’s Distillery spirit, serves as a fantastic mentor and great support in an industry that is still very hard to break into in Canada. Dillon also has the support of his father-in-law. A corporate savvy and highly experienced business man who possesses a fiery passion to break down roadblocks and barriers in Canadian craft distilling. He is a true asset to the cause. Creation and science meets business and people. Conversely, these minute observations only scratch the surface of the impact that Dillon is trying to make. Strict laws surrounding the manufacturing and distribution of alcohol in Canada make it very difficult
GEOFF DILLON THE DISTILLER
PEACH & LAVENDER AGUA FRESCA
DILLONS SMALL BATCH DISTILLERY
INGREDIENTS: 1 oz. Dillon’s Method 95 Vodka 4 oz. peach & lavender agua fresca 3 dashes Dillon’s Lemon Bitters dried lavender for garnish COCKTAIL PREPARATION: 1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine Dillon’s Method 95 Vodka, peach & lavender agua fresca and bitters. 2. Shake & strain into vintage glass with ice. 3. Garnish with lavender. PEACH & LAVENDER AGUA FRESCA 3 Niagara Peaches (removed from pit, skin on) 3 cups water pinch of lavender 1/4 cup sugar Cut peaches away from pit (with skin on) and add to blender. Add other ingredients and blend until smooth. Strain if desired. Refridgerate for up to one week. Makes approximately 5 cups.
THE FINISH LINE
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Pendleton Spa Towels These towels are great for adding a bit of character and colour to, what is usually, a very ordinary item. Eclectic, with a Navajo feel to them…believe it or not, your towels will be the talk of the pool party! Perfect for just about any setting…beach, pool or bathroom. Available in a wide variety of prints and colours. . $89
Welland Club Chairs The lines on these all-season Welland club chairs are stunning. Mix the Welland club chairs with almost any woven lounge patio set to add character and comfort to a space. Made from teak and an all-weather UV resistant weave, these chairs are sturdy and not afraid of Mother Nature! Mix textures and finishes to create a more visually stimulating look. $495 available at Casualife 80 I outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
“We Just Want To Create
SOMETHING SPECIAL. Something To Be Proud Of. This Is Who We Are.” for the young and ambitious to break into the game. One (particularly frustrating) pitfall refers to on-site liquor sales…a vital part of a viable craft distillery business plan. Any distillery with a still that is less than 5,000 liters is banned from selling it on the premises. An obstacle pertinent enough to awaken his inner-entrepreneur, Dillon began calling on a long list of engineers, hoping to find the perfect custom design that would incorporate two steps of the distilling process, into one combined 5,000-liter cylinder. Turned down by all but one, Dillon went to work, personally helping to design a state-of-the-art piece of equipment…and a first for the entire world. Now that’s impressive! With some grit, a lot of passion and a little luck, all of these little puzzle pieces came together and created one of Geoff Dillon’s proudest achievements: A Canadian rye made 100% from local ingredients, distilled locally and aged in a 100% Canadian oak barrel. Pure Canadian Whiskey through and through. That’s the big picture at Dillon’s distillery. Pure. Canadian. A thinker, a leader, a revolutionary and an outlier…Geoff Dillon is on the cusp of something great. Navigating through a tough industry with style, Dillion’s distillery is a place where fire meets water, tradition meets modernism and Canadian whiskey meets its roots. OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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here’s nothing more eye-catching on a residential street than a row of brightly painted houses. In the last few decades, jelly bean coloured homes in hues ranging from magenta and fire engine red, to chrome green and canary yellow, have been popping up with increasing frequency all around the country. The trend appears to have started in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where it’s most pronounced, and spread to other locales, particularly on the east coast, all the way up to the far north. Some say the craze began with the wider availability of vibrant coloured paints. Others claim it was an attempt to enliven streetscapes in cities where overcast days are common and the summers are short, or that it helped to make land more visible to sailors at sea in foggy conditions. Whatever the reason, they’re an eye-popping celebration of colour that have become a popular subject for shutterbugs. “Can you show me jelly bean row?” That’s a question Jerry Dick, Executive Director, Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador hears quite often when he’s outside the province. “But it’s not a real place,” he explains. People, he acknowledges, are responding to tourism brochure pictures of St. John’s and its candy coloured houses. It’s safe to say that no city in Canada has more of them… but it isn’t just one row. “Virtually everything downtown that is clapboard… is jelly bean,” he says, singling out Gower, Colonial, and Victoria Streets as prime examples. He attributes the new look to gentrification. “The process started in the 1970’s 80’s and 90’s and the oil boom helped it along”. Long before commercially-made paints became available in the early 20th century, islanders were making their own paint using a mix of dry ochre, fish oil, seal oil, or sometimes linseed oil and applying it on their stages, stores and net lofts. Needless to say the colour palette was quite limited. According to the Heritage Foundation, row houses in downtown St.
BY DIANE SLAWYCH – TORONTO, ON
Johns were often painted one solid colour, with little attention paid to trim work, while beyond the city, private homes were typically painted plain white. However, that’s been changing over the years in rural parts including out port communities where it’s not unusual to find fishing sheds and other functional buildings painted in lively colours. In Trinity Bay, says Dick, a previously nondescript building was brightened up with segments of flashy colours. “Life imitating marketing,” he observes. “That’s the current fashion.” Nova Scotia has its own version of jelly bean row. In Halifax, you’ll find it on North Park Street, Creighton Street, and Maynard Street… the latter, a formerly run down area that has recently been revitalized with new (and colorful) townhouses. The move has prompted other nearby homeowners to spiff up their houses with a new coat of paint! “Compared to St. John’s the colours here are not quite as vibrant,” says Pamela Wamback of the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency. “The shades are lighter, almost pastel-like.” On bustling Agricola Street, which is quickly becoming home to trendy restaurants and businesses, some facades are even decorated with artwork. Meanwhile, in the UNESCO town of Lunenburg, blue, orange, green and yellow painted homes can be seen leading up from the waterfront behind the bright red buildings that make up the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. On King Street, the owners of the Mariner King Inn and four other heritage structures dating back to the 1830’s, have painted their buildings in such wildly exuberant colours, they’ve been dubbed the “UNESCO Fresco.” The northern equivalent of the “UNESCO Fresco,” is called “Easter Egg Alley,” or at least that used to be the nickname for the row of government employee housing in Inuvik. Now, they’re just known as “the smartie houses” (after the multi-coloured candies). In a city located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, where winter days are all too short, a splash of colour is often a welcome sigh.
discover district
THE COLOUR OF HEALTH
Healing with Colour
BY MARY SWAINE, BA, ND, PhD, PMIAC MONTREAL, QC
Plants and flowers make us feel good, not only because they’re beautiful, but because of their colour. The colour of each plant you put in your garden has a direct healing effect on your physical body, emotions and thoughts. For example, red can give you a kick-start and energize you, while yellow helps you feel optimistic . If you want a healing outdoor space, it’s best to plant a variety of colours – everyone needs specific colours, and those you need might not be those that others in your household (or your neighbourhood) need. How do you decide which colours will be beneficial to you? Well, if you look and feel good wearing a particular colour, chances are the colours you surround yourself with outdoors, will do the same. Why do colours help us heal? Because everything is energy at different rates of vibration. Each body part, feeling, thought, and colour has a specific vibratory rate. Disease = disharmonious physical and/or psychological vibration. Healing = changing “bad vibes” to healthy ones. Colours help us retune. It works at all levels simultaneously – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Have a colourful season!
ORANGE
If you feel like a hermit or the grouch who stole Christmas, plant some orange. Orange is sociable, brings joy, acceptance, tolerance, and opens the mind. Orange is the colour of medicine; that is, it is the most generally healing colour, especially for assimilation, digestion and body fluids (hormones, digestive juices, blood, lymph etc.). The red-orange Japanese maple combines the benefits of both colours – they energize, uplift, and emanate joie de vivre.
GREEN
Let’s start with green, since that’s a given…unless you live in the Sahara and have a rock garden. Physically, green is good for the heart, circulatory system, problems in the stomach, liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Emotionally green gives hope, love, harmony, sympathy, stability, and balance. Mentally green offers peace of mind and soothes mental stress. Green is the colour of rebirth and eternity. If you’ve had an intense day and get home totally exhausted, green will soothe and relax you.
RED
If you’re exhausted and still have things to do, red will get you moving. Red gives energy, heat, courage, strength of will, and it’s sexy. No coincidence, red raises blood pressure and is good for the muscles.
PINK
When you need a little love… plant pink. It is the colour of love. Wild roses do the trick! Both the colour pink and the scent of pink roses help us to connect to true love. www.energetiqueintuitive.com
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KNOW THAT YOUR FAMILY IS SAFE, WHEN YOU’RE NOT HOME.
226.208.7786
Piece: Sky Divers
FATHER GOOSE If Barbara Walters assigns you a nickname (Father Goose), it’s safe to say that you’re a “somebody”. William Lishman is a world-renowned artist and conservationist. His works include a best selling autobiography, several award-winning films, and his stunning public art. He is a pioneer in ultralight aviation and the first human to lead birds in formation. He also initiated the use of ultralight aircraft in establishing new migration routes for precocial birds. His work has been documented on ABC’s 20/20 and CBC’s the Nature of Things. The two hit feature films, Fly Away Home and The Winged Migration, were inspired by his work. Lishman has received numerous awards including the Odyssey of the Mind’s prestigious Creativity Award, The Canadian Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal and the US National Wildlife Federation Conservation award. He is co-founder and chair emeritus of Operation Migration, the organization that plays the key role in establishing an easterly flock of endangered Whooping Cranes in North America. Lishman’s current passion is Air First Aid, with his unique plan to use a world wide network of ultralight aviators, using purposely designed aircraft as eyes-in-the-sky for conservation issues, while training as a first response airlift for victims of natural disasters. williamlishman.com
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Piece: Trio Verne Busby and Bella Totino-Busby are artists/designers who work together in St. Albert, Alberta. In recent years they have collaborated on several public art projects including large scale works in steel sculpture and glass mosaic. The sculptural artwork “trio” celebrates the best of life and community. The new streetscape ‘plaza’ calls to the citizens to gather and these sculptural forms symbolize the joy and colour in the creation of music. Situated in the centre of the everyday lives and activities of the people residing and working in the Jasper Place neighbourhood of Edmonton, the ‘trio’ of musicians exemplifies the joyful celebration of life. It is 15 feet high by 6 feet wide. totino.com
Piece: Lion Dance Calgary Utitlty Box Art Program Born and Raised in Alberta, Canada, Wil Yee has been creating striking illustrations for more than 20 years. His repertoire is lengthy and diverse, consisting of children’s books, corporate and military illustrations, commissioned paintings, murals, tattoos and public art. The intense colour and whimsical flavour of his work has been influenced by the likes of MAD Magazine, Dr. Seuss and Leonardo DaVinci. He has taken his life experience (and his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree), and applied it to yet another unusual canvas‌.the ugly green utility box! Check out his remarkable work created for the Calgary Utility Box Public Art Program. wilyee.com
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Jew and a Palestinian walk into a bar…oh the jokes! Who is Eman el-Husseini? You could ask her wife and best friend. Together they make a very funny and mighty cultural team. El-Husseini is Palestinian and her wife Jewish-A perfect example of being one’s own template. Hers is a beautiful story of coming out, with comedy. “I have, truly, the best love story out there,” she states of her relationship with her comedian wife, Jess Soloman. When deciding to tell her parents of her inspirational new partner, their thinking was that it would be lovely if the two friends married brothers, so they could “stay close”. She had a lively, feisty upbringing in a household full of powerful personalities. When asked, “who had the most impact?”, she answers frankly, “It was me against the world. Just kidding, but I’m not impressionable. My mom always said, from day one, I looked at them suspiciously when they gave me information, like ‘Thanks, but I’ll look into this to be sure.’ El-Husseini put together comedy material with observations from her home and school life and took her show on the road, 10 years ago. “There’s an addictive element to both golf and comedy. You have a good show or a good shot and you want it to happen all over, again and again. But it really doesn’t until you are a pro.” She isn’t a fan of golf…she
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Photography by Reese Turner
home grown
EMAN el-husseini BY NARA FARRELL – PORT DOVER, ON
doesn’t believe her Middle Eastern temperament goes well with it. See? Crossing the lines of definition. The best comedy crosses it. There is an extraordinary sense of authenticity when you see el-Husseini standing there on stage. She is someone we can all identify with because we come from that place that is evolving into another routine. Her life story is mapped out in her standup, reflecting her observations and experiences. She has a knack for finding humour in conflict and hardship. An absolutely interactive performer, el-Husseini gets to know her crowd through questioning and eye contact with confidence; two very important elements. The only way to know and gauge mood, is to look one in the eyes. She has been welcomed through her travels across Canada and the U.S., appearing in numerous festivals and on CTV’s Comedy Now! and CBC’s Strombo Show. Hailing from the Montreal comedy scene and living in New York at the time of this interview, she enjoys the changing scenery. Her future endeavor is to travel the comedy scene in Australia. And of course, she will do this. Still, who is Eman el-Husseini? Well, she’s a very funny, authentic human being. Or as her wife calls her…The Gentle Giant. Keep up with Eman at emantertainment.com
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DO IT LIKE THE PROS DO WORLD LEADER IN HELICAL PILE FOUNDATIONS
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Featuring PAUL LAFRANCE, HGTV
technometalpost.com
home grown
discover district
Photography by Brian Hamilton
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BY BRIE JARRETT – DUNDAS, On
ain was in the forecast on the evening that up-andcoming filmmaker Dan Slater was set to shoot his full-length feature film, White Night. It was a special night on which to film… the night of the annual art festival. Nuit Blanche, fills the streets of Toronto from dusk to dawn with spectacular art and over one million people. A one of a kind night, with no chance for retakes, Slater had prepared for two years leading up to this night, along with his business partners Matt Purdy and Adam Booth of Multiname Productions. With only twelve hours to complete the shoot, the schedule was tight and ambitious and five different directors were required. “It didn’t go perfectly,” Slater admits. “We got really lucky though, it didn’t rain.” It was kind of an insane idea… to shoot a full-length, feature film in one night. “I think I aged a few years during that shoot,” Slater says. They had actually tried to shoot the film in 2014, getting all the way to the night before, but cancelled the entire production when a major permit fell through. Slater wrote the script based on the specific art installations of 2014 Nuit Blanche and so moving into 2015, the dialogue had to be com-
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pletely re-worked to suit the new installations. “It was the best decision we ever made. It was so much bigger than we’d expected it to be, the amount of people involved…just things we had never dealt with before as filmmakers.” Slater grew up in the industry, as a child actor with his father, a musician, and his mother in fashion. His high school had an incredible drama program, which fuelled his studies as an actor at York University. Somewhere along the way though, he fell out of love with acting and became more interested in directing. Years of being on set and learning the ropes, plus a short stint in Los Angeles, catapulted Slater into starting his own production company along with his best friends Purdy and Booth, who also act, direct and produce. In 2014, the trio’s short film Fin, about a man dealing with mental illness, won the Irving Avrich Award for Emerging Filmmakers, and in 2015 landed a CineCoup top 15 placement for Post-Apocalyptica. “My films are very personal,” Slater states. As a writer and director, Slater characteristically deals with situations that push people to the brink and the dynamics of how people affect one another. White Night, deals with the stories of six people who find themselves in the same place at the same time. Some are there for the art and some just passing through, but all are in personal transition and end up having a profound effect on one another. Nestled in the backdrop of Nuit Blanche, the film is not only about the experience of the art, but also the art within our experience. Set to release in the later part of 2017, after the festival runs, White Night promises to be a great Canadian film worth watching. To keep up with Slater, go to multinameproductions.com
Seriously Folks... Deciding what you are going to do with your outdoor living space is serious business – Just look at the serious face on this guy! Making such an investment can be confusing and overwhelming at the best of times. You want to get the most for the money you work so hard for. Hiring a Certified Landscape Designer and having a plan and budget will help you to move forward with no surprises and will certainly keep your blood pressure in check! Need some help determining what will work for your space? Just Ask Dave! He’s got this. Dave Maciulis is a certified landscape designer at Natural Landscape Group, public speaker and all ‘round landscape guru with more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the field.
For free landscaping advice
JustAskDave.ca
PLANT PICKS
Frankie Flowers loves...
Easy Colour FRANKIE FERRAGINE
Itoh Hybrid Peony “Al’s Choice” A tree peony savoured by collectors but very easy to grow and very hardy. Featuring a tall upright, bush with lush green leaves, flowers with yellow petals with red streaking. Plant in full sun.
You don’t have to have a green thumb in order to have a garden that looks like you do! Low maintenance plants, that produce vivid colour, make your gardens look like they’ve been designed and cared for by a professional. Bring your outdoor space to life with Frankies favourites.
Whopper Begonia Step aside Dragon Wings begonia, Whopper is the newest and arguably the easiest beast of begonias to grow in the garden. Mounding habit, these large plants produce a explosion of 3” blooms all growing season. Heat and drought tolerant. Works almost anywhere from mass plantings to pots. Plant in sun or shade.
Grandessa Argyranthemum “Grand Daisy” Ultimate wow factor in this new 2016 introduction! Grandessa’s flowers are more than twice the size of a standard argyranthemum spanning almost 4” in diameter. With a beyond impressive flower size Grandessa is a vigorous plant offering easy garden performance, hence more bloom for your buck! Plant in full sun.
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Serbian Bellflower “Campanula Poscharskyana Blue Waterfall” This late spring blooming, sun loving perennial is the perfect choice for rock gardens, edges, or in pots. With small green leaves, loads of starry blue flowers that bloom weeks on end and if you’re lucky may repeat blooming in early fall. Plant in full sun.
A EURO ESCAPE IN THE CITY BY SAMANTHA SEON – MANGONUI, NZ
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hile strolling the streets of Rome, Italy, it was impossible to overlook the lush balconies that lined the rustic old buildings. They were small, but full of life and beauty. Large clay pots giving life to herbs and vines that cascade downwards and overhang the restaurant below…. the famous Piazza Navona. If you were to stand on one of these balconies, you may have room for one other person…. a nice intimate setting, to be sure.
Such tiny spaces, bursting with large romance Gardens in Italy explode with such vibrant colour. Poppies, roses, lavender and geraniums mixed with snapdragons, sunflowers, daisies, basil and thyme. And why wouldn’t they? They’re Italy! If you’re living in an apartment or a condo and you’d like to bring a bit of Europe into your small space, why not try to recreate some of the balconies you’ve seen in the movies or during your travels? Grow some of the very herbs that you’ll want to use while cooking for guests. The hanging vines really do conjure up that old country feeling, however it’s something that we don’t see a lot of here in North America. There are plenty of rules around the use of balconies in the high-rise buildings around our cities. But for the smaller buildings, wouldn’t it be wonderful to create that old, romantic, Euro look? Let your imagination take you to Rome, Milan, Florence or Tuscany. A few clay pots containing sage, basil, tomatoes and rosemary are easy to manage and give the space the feeling of being in another place. You can create your vacanza Italiano. So sit back, relax and enjoy la bella vita!
comic relief
HIGH NOON ZACK FLEMING – KANATA, On
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or some time, the humble and ingenious single-use plastic bag has been on the endangered species list. But in some jurisdictions it’s making a comeback. The state of Michigan recently enacted a ban on the banning of plastic bags. It’s a breath of fresh air amidst a maelstrom of environmentalist alarmism. It’s a move that cuts through the sludge of political correctness like a hot bulldozer through a landfill. And it should embolden us Canadians to stand up to our power-mad legislators, who’ve been prosecuting a savage witch hunt on plastic bags for years. We can only hope that, going forward, our municipal decision-makers take their cues from Toronto’s city council, which bravely reversed its 2012 decision to ban plastic bags. It’s certain that years from now those councillors will find themselves on the right side of history, along with the likes of lawmakers in Michigan and Missouri, and visionary thinkers at the Ontario Convenience Stores Association and the Canadian Plastic Bag Association. Bans and restrictions on plastic bags represent an egregious infringement on our right to hassle-free grocery shopping. But that matter seems positively trivial when viewed in the larger context. Those same villains seek to limit our consumption of Canada’s most valuable resource: Oil? No. Forests? No. Our children? God no. Water. For decades, perhaps even centuries, water has been our lifeblood. It’s an essential component in many of our favourite foods, like Chinese food, hamburgers, and Rice-A-Roni. Water nourishes our bodies, our minds, our souls, and most crucially, our lawns. As the temperature rises this summer, your municipality may impose water restrictions that threaten the greenness of your lawn, and
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by extension, your dignity as a suburban homeowner. Alarmists, consumed by their hatred of our way of life, would have you believe that water is a finite resource. Their ideology aims to limit your rights and freedoms at every turn. Their shrill, hectoring voices ring out: “If you must water, do it during the cooler times of the day!” “Plant drought-tolerant species!” “Set your thermostat above 15 degrees!” “Don’t pour bleach on the ants on the patio!” Resist this propaganda. Exercise your rights. Water your lawn at high noon. Keep it cut extra short. Wash your car daily. Power-wash your deck several times each week. Run the tap while you brush your teeth, and remove the aerator for good measure. Open up a fire hydrant for the neighbourhood kids to play in, like it’s 1970s Brooklyn. Don’t fear the backlash, as public sentiment is on your side. Populist movements around the world are poised to unseat the old guard. These movements herald a new era of personal responsibility. It is your personal responsibility to use the resources that are at your disposal, and to do so without prejudice or restraint. Besides, who are we conserving all this water for? Our great-grandkids? You can bet those little assholes wouldn’t save any for us.
VISIT OL ONLINE Interactive editorial, breathtaking photography, engaging profiles and insightful outdoor design advice. Take us with you... outdoorlifestylemagazine.com
the not so average joe
discover district
SILVAN NERHATI By Lori Sweezey - Dundas, ON
There are millions of people who go to work every day. And that job is nothing more than a means to an end for most. But for Silvan Nerhati, his job is his passion. Some would say “it’s just a paint job,” but Nerhati is an artist and with every paint job he takes on, he brings with him a Picasso-like mindset and a sense of pride and professionalism rarely found in the industry. Born in Albania in 1976 to Agata and Roky, Nerhati is the youngest of four children. His childhood was spent playing soccer and he had dreams of becoming a professional. But his life took him in a completely different direction. He eventually moved to Italy for a period of time, then to the U.S. and finally he planted himself firmly here in Canada. “I loved Canada and wanted to stay here.” He worked many construction jobs when he was growing up and knew that he’d end up in this field of work. While in New York, a friend hired him to paint, and this is where he learned and perfected his craft. A craft that he is extremely good at! Nerhati loves to travel and enjoys meeting people from all walks of life. His love of soccer hasn’t changed much from the days he ran on the fields himself. He always enjoys a good tournament. Nerhati has been self-employed since 2000 and has grown his business into a very successful one. He enjoys what he does to no end, and connects with his clients, challenging them to think outside of the box and be a little more daring in their choice of colours. He has vision and he easily knows what people will like… many times before they do! Where does he see himself in 10 years from now? “I’ll still be my own boss. My business will be bigger and I’ll be flipping homes…and I already know who will handle the painting. I’ll still be working hard and I hope to be sharing my knowledge and skills with the next generation.”
FavEs
recipe
Food: Steak TV show: Sopranos Music: Old School Jazz Holiday: Christmas Beverage: Red WIne Piece of clothing: A Good Suit Time of day: Morning COLOUR: Blue Place to travel: Jerusalem Hero/Mentor: My Dad PASTIME: Reading and a glass of Hennessey
EASY PAINTERS PASTA
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Small bunch of basil, finely chopped 2-3 cloves of garlic - crushed 1 cup of virgin olive oil 2 cups of cherry tomatoes - halved Salt & Pepper to taste 1 cup of fresh mozzarella - grated
Directions:
1. Put all ingredients (minus the cheese) into an air tight container and set aside for several hours at room temperature to marinate. 2. Boil pasta to desired consistency and drain. 3. Mix the marinated sauce with the pasta. 4. Top with fresh mozzarella. 5. Enjoy!
Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience. Flamborough Hills Golf & Country Club is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play and enjoy. Our 27 hole golf course will challenge your game, while also providing you with a relaxing, picturesque backdrop for wonderful walk in our park. Featuring Live Entertainment on Sunday evenings throughout the year. Come join us for dinner. Relax and enjoy the view.
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