Having the right advisory team matters.
Chapman Private Wealth Group of RBC Dominion Securities
Having spent 20 years on Bay Street working closely with many of the world’s leading fund managers, we knew that the next 20 years wouldn’t look like the last 20 – which has certainly proven to be the case so far. Your portfolio should adapt accordingly. I was born and raised in the Collingwood area, and I have put my decades of expertise to work in the community that I love, serving clients locally, throughout the GTA and across the country. Leading one of the fastest-growing wealth management teams in Canada, I draw on a vast pool of resources, wide network of specialists and extensive knowledge of alternative investments to help you secure the financial future you’ve envisioned.
Put my extensive experience and unparalleled commitment to work for you. With an institutional process and approach, I’ll serve as your personal CFO and CIO.
Paul Chapman, CIM, MBA, B.Sc. (Eng)
Investment & Wealth Advisor Office: 705-444-1800 | Mobile: 705-441-0482 | paul.chapman@rbc.com
1 First St., Suite 230, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1A1 www.paul-chapman.ca
Bay Street experience. Small town values. Truly differentiated advice.
• Portfolio Management
• Retirement & Financial Planning
• Will & Estate Planning
• Alternative Investments
• Business Owner Planning
• Insurance-Based Solutions
• Tax Mitigation Strategies
Landscapes for Conversation and Comfort
Spaces that draw you in and bring people together. Where the seating is easy, the atmosphere is warm, and conversations flow as naturally as the setting. A landscape designed for shared moments, quiet laughs, and lasting connection.
$750,000
$671,000
of cardiac arrests happen at home.
PROTECT THE
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Every minute matters when Sudden Cardiac Arrest strikes. An AED is needed within 4 minutes for the best chance of survival. Quick access to an AED can be the difference to save a life. Protect your family, invest in an AED today!
EASY TO USE PORTABLE AFFORDABLE
your Backyard Enjoy
Living in the Georgian Bay area, we’re privileged to have nature’s playground right outside our doors.
Whether you’re out exploring or just enjoying the views, you can rely on Darryn, Andrew, and the team at Stroud & Scott Wealth Management to keep your wealth plan on track so you can make the most of the outdoors all year long.
Stroud & Scott Wealth Management is a proud member of the Collingwood, Thornbury, and Blue Mountain communities. We provide custom wealth solutions for families and business owners to help you build your net worth, be tax efficient, protect what matters, and build your legacy.
Darryn Stroud, CIM®
705-444-1904
darryn.stroud@td.com
Jeanine Rayner
Client Relationship Associate T: 705-444-5828
jeanine.rayner@td.com
Pryce Client Service Associate T: 705-444-6902
sarah.pryce@td.com
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN LIGHTHOUSE POINT
MLS® S12151737 | $1,895,000
A rare available condominium – 2 units combined to 1 large unit is being offered for sale in this active waterfront community. Walls of windows look out to the sparkling Georgian Bay waterfront, the historic Lighthouse and the environmentally protected area shoreline. Featuring 2950 sq. ft. of finished living space with 2 spacious primary bedrooms with fireplaces and ensuites, 2 more guest bedrooms, an office (could be 5th bedroom), 2 - 2pc bathrooms and 2 powder rooms, there is plenty of space for growing families and visiting guests. In a process that took a couple years to complete for authorization, Unit 849 and Unit 851 are connected on the main floor through a wide opening and a hallway connecting the two units on the second floor. 4 wood burning fireplaces add ambiance to the units on cold winter nights. Maintaining the 2 kitchens, one can be used as a bar and serving area in the Family Room when entertaining family and friends. Separate sitting areas provide great reading nooks for quiet time. The Lighthouse Point development is attractive to the active on the go individuals/families – with a recreation centre with indoor pool, meeting/party room, gym and play area with pool table, ping pong and video games. A large marina, storage for kayaks and paddleboards, several tennis courts, pickleball courts, 2 outdoor pools, a beach and several walking trails meander throughout the property. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Come and make this your home or fabulous family weekend retreat.
Invisible Fence® Brand’s Boundary Plus® Containment provides your pet the most security from leaving your property, while allowing them to enjoy more of it. Boundary Plus® patented correction-free return ensures that your pets are never kept outside of the fence, which gives you peace of mind to enjoy the outdoors this spring!
Our GPS Wireless Containment let’s your dog have the most freedom to roam. With no wires or digging required, our GPS Wireless System is the perfect solution for any terrain including water. Have a property over 5 acres? Give your pets
Kayla Cres,Collingwood
Dr, Collingwood
Bed 3 Bath Condo Town - $599,000
Upcoming community events and festivals
Stomp the Bruce
Collingwood Jazz
Georgian Triangle Humane Society Golf for Pets
Collingwood Music Festival
Collingwood Pride Festival
Boots and Hearts Music Festival
Rockin the River
Festival of the Sound
Georgian Bay Garden Tour
Georgian Bay Regatta
Kempenfest
Sidelaunch Days
Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival
Grey Highlands Gran Fondo
Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival
SweetWater Music Festival
My Friend’s House HeART of Red Gala
49 Denmark Street - Meaford
Experience the best of Meaford in this meticulously restored red-brick century home, perfectly located beside the harbour with Georgian Bay views. Walk to shops, dining, and Meaford Hall, with boating, trails, skiing, and golf nearby.
8302
Poplar Sideroad - Clearview
Tucked on a private lot minutes from Osler Bluff & Collingwood, this 4-season retreat blends post-andbeam charm with luxe modern updates, a chef’s kitchen, and 3,600+ sq ft of stylish living space.
Over half an acre of prime Georgian Bay waterfront in Thornbury with 110 ft of private sandy shoreline. A rare chance to build your dream home or cottage in one of Southern Ontario’s most coveted locations.
106
Dorothy Drive - The Blue Mountains
This Jane Lockhart-designed chalet is a four-season retreat off Camperdown Road, just three minutes from Georgian Peaks and Georgian Bay Golf Club. Enjoy world-class skiing, golf, and year-round outdoor living.
Montclair Mews - Collingwood
Stunning end-unit townhome in Collingwood’s Shipyards! Features 3 beds, 3 baths, main-floor office, and an unbeatable location just steps to waterfront, trails, shops, dining, and downtown amenities.
One of Thornbury’s original farmhouses, fully renovated in 2021 with high-end finishes, a detached studio, and stunning outdoor spaces—just steps from downtown, trails, and the shores of Georgian Bay.
Discover a private haven in the heart of Meaford— a charming 3-bed, 2.5-bath home on an oversized, landscaped lot with a creek, pond, and saltwater pool. Enjoy the South of France feel with stone walls, lavender gardens, and mature trees.
This 25-acre estate blends luxury, sustainability, and natural beauty with panoramic views of Beaver Valley, Blue Mountains & Georgian Bay. A net-zero-ready home with 4 beds, trails, a loft, and farmed land.
807035 25th Sideroad - Grey Highlands 186 Third Street - Collingwood
Step into the timeless elegance of this one-of-akind century home, nestled in the heart of Collingwood on just under 1/2 an acre of lush, manicured grounds. This lovingly restored masterpiece blends historic charm with modern luxury.
181 Marshall - Meaford
No two days on the trail are the same, and each member of this close-knit team brings their own strengths to the table.
Handiness is the best defence against irrelevance.
The irony that we sell beautiful spaces so people can spend more time outdoors is not lost on us.
Homes are chosen for rural solitude, small town ease, après ski entertaining, waterfront living on Georgian Bay, and proximity to golf, skiing, hiking, and quiet roads for biking. Homes that make you happy to be home after a perfect day playing in our naturally spectacular playground. One thing we know to be true – get the life you want and your tail will wag naturally. Begin by giving us a call or dropping by our shops in Collingwood or Owen Sound. Learn more at: maxhahne.evrealestate.com or scan the QR code below.
Beyond Sunscreen Beyond Sunscreen
Effective sun protection is about more than what you slather on your skin.
Expert skin care: What specialists are saying now
“Sunshine is a critical ingredient to life. Be proactive, make healthy decisions when it comes to sun protection and get out there. We absolutely need the sun, exercise and time spent outdoors.”
Dr. Patrice Butterfield, Naturopathic Doctor
The holistic approach: Naturopathic recommendations
Style that shields: The evolution of UPF clothing
Nicole Hilton is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle content. When she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her exploring a local main street or chasing down a good pun. Nicole holds an HBA from the University of Toronto and a postgrad in Journalism–New Media from Sheridan College.
A free above-ground pool became the gateway to this.
The choice to add a pool to their Meaford country home launched this couple on a multi-year landscaping extravaganza—with idyllic results.
The large patio is perfect for seating all the guests they host. “It’s large enough for about 30 people,” Victoria says. And, of course, their kids, grandkids and grand nephews and nieces love it!
Van Andel wasn’t phased in the slightest at how the plans expanded over the past few years. He has been working in landscaping since he was in high school, and by his 20s had already launched a landscaping business with his brother in southern Ontario. About eight years ago, he and his wife decided to move to Southern Georgian Bay with their children. He started out working with another landscaping business and then launched Outdoor Reflections six years ago.
What all that experience has given him is vision. Indeed, Van Andel is used to arriving for a consultation and seeing the potential of each property. For example, when he consulted with the Alcocks about the pool, he noticed the old barn. “I said, ‘Well, if you ever decide to take the barn down, you can make a nice little sitting area,’ and that’s what we’re doing.”
And then there’s the expertise that more than 20 years’ experience in the field brings.
The Alcocks were worried about the location of the pool because they weren’t exactly sure where their septic field was. But Van Andel says that as soon as he saw the wellhead near the planned location of the pool, he was even more worried about drainage and ensuring such a large patio would stay level.
The solution? Make the massive patio permeable. “Any water that falls on there goes straight through, and there’s a drainage system underneath that carries it out of the landscaped area,” says Van Andel.
Bill and Victoria love the pattern of Unilock patio stones that Outdoor Reflections came up with. For the main part, the patio is decked up with light-grey stones. Then there is a perimeter of dark grey stone around the pool, and it is echoed in two semicircles with a slightly different grey stone inside them. The semicircles are then echoed in a garden of that shape at the outside of the pool fence.
Coincidentally, the Alcocks’ preexisting woven
patio furniture also has a semicircle design that meshes perfectly into the one on the patio.
The Alcocks’ choice of a pool, too, is interesting. Instead of a concrete or liner pool, they chose a beautiful fibreglass pool that came in one piece on the back of an oversized flatbed. It had to be lifted from the driveway up and over a massive black walnut tree by a crane to land in the right spot.
Since the pool is in the countryside, away from streetlights, Van Andel also advised the Alcocks to install underground wiring. There are now small, round flush-fitting lights wired right into the patio stones. And there are lights around the outside of the patio that light up the perimeter gardens at night.
The effect is magical—and it’s safer for any of the guests coming and going to the pool, Victoria and Bill point out.
The large patio is perfect for seating all the guests they host, including an annual family event in July.
“It’s large enough for about 30 people,” Victoria says. And, of course, their kids, grandkids and grand nephews and nieces love it!
For Van Andel, the goal is to deliver quality outdoor living spaces and prioritize communication and friendly service with transparency. In other words, as he promises on his website, “You won’t encounter any surprises.”
Promise kept. No surprises, just lots of good ideas—and joy.
Stones of different hues delineate the pool and sitting area on the 3,000-square-foot patio.
$1,695,000 MLS # 12138154
Choose this idyllically located 1866 Farmhouse, set on +100 acres, to be your endearing rural home. Just a short drive to Meaford and Thornbury - it’s the best of all worlds. Sympathetically preserved floors, wainscotting and the deep-set windows are perfectly blended with new custom-made features. The Main Floor offers a Family Room as well as a Formal Room - which could become a Primary Bedroom with Ensuite. Add a Gorgeous Country Kitchen, Dining Room, and Sun Room boasting three walls of windows overlooking a green paradise. Perfect! Upper Level offers 2 Bedrooms and a charming Bathroom with Clawfoot Tub. Exterior includes: A Large Deck. Two Driveways. Garage with rooms above. Quonset Shed for the toys. Come see for yourself!
Lynne McBride, Realtor® Accredited Senior Agent 705-443-7247 (c) 519-507-2121 (o)
lynne.mcbride@century21.ca lynne-mcbride.c21.ca
Estate is not just my job – It’s My Passion!
Photo credit - Erin Mann
Photo credit - Pam Yoannou
Purple
For the love of their family farm, two sisters planted fields of lavender and threw open their doors. A decade on, Purple Hill is one of Creemore’s top summer attractions.
It’s in the fields of purple blooms that sprawl now beyond what your eyes can take in at a glance, and the rolling hills that touch the horizon.
What started as a few humble rows of lavender has become 50 acres of eight different varieties, with wildflowers and zinnias now added to the magic.
“It’s a great little plant, hates water and loves sunlight lasts for ages.”
Brian
Greasley
Bring the Heat
From sun to surf and style, goods for whatever summer throws your way.
BY DIANNE RINEHART // PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Seeking a change of pace, Diana Olsen and Tom Paterson weren’t expecting to move into a new build. But a perfectly proportioned, lovely home near Creemore literally stopped them in their tracks.
The exterior of the home is clad in gorgeous, black wood board-and-batten from Cape Cod Siding. The ground-level front porch is as expansive and welcoming as the surrounding fields.
SOMETIMES it takes a knock on the head for people to realize how desperately they want to slow down and change their lifestyle. For Diana Olsen, the knock came after she was hit by a pickup truck while jogging last September and fell hard, injuring her hip and smacking her head on the pavement. It was the last straw, she says. She had earlier broken her ankle while walking her dog, and the pandemic lockdowns had turned her and her partner Tom Paterson’s working worlds upside down.
When COVID hit, Olsen was the president and founder of Balzac’s Coffee Roasters in Ancaster, Ontario. She had started the Balzac’s roastery in 1993, then opened a café, in Stratford, in 1996, and eventually expanded to 17 locations around Ontario. And Paterson, a musician and former restaurateur, was the president and founder of Junction Craft Brewing Inc.
About that time, the couple started feeling the itch to do something else. “We wanted to keep doing new projects,” after exiting their roles as a coffee chain owner and craft brewer, says Olsen. So, they began driving up to the Collingwood area.
The home is surrounded by sweeping views, whether from the sprawling front porch or the rear spa sauna.
The garden your garden dreams about is around the corner.
local \\ knowledgeable @grey.heron.gardens greyheron.ca
At first, they became interested in buying the Mariner Motor Hotel in Collingwood, because of its location and the “cool factor” of the building’s design. When that didn’t pan out, the couple continued to come up and hike in the area with their blue heeler, Banjo, while they were looking at old homes to buy and renovate, as they had with their last home on the waterfront in Toronto’s Mimico district.
So, imagine their surprise when, on a drive back to Toronto, they passed a lovely, newly built house in the tiny community of Avening, near Creemore, and were stopped in their tracks. They looked at it and loved it! One more walk-through convinced them it was perfect, so they bought it. And no wonder! It has a welcoming eightby-30-foot front porch with inviting chairs for watching the world go by, and an eight-by-18 rear
The airy, sun-filled home boasts 10-foot ceilings and woodsy tones throughout.
Olsen says the feel of the home reminds her of the farmhouse she grew up in on Hornby Island off the coast of B.C. And to accentuate that feeling, she has a large, antique oak set of drawers on the main wall of their living room that came from that childhood home.
deck that looks out on their half-acre lot and an endless view of rolling farmland, forests and— bonus!—nearby trails in Glencairn Conservation Area to hike with Banjo.
The home was built by Ed Leimgardt Contracting, a homebuilder located just a stone’s throw up Airport Road. The gorgeous setting was the inspiration for the Leimgardt’s collaborative team for both the exterior and interior of the
Smartly, too, the kitchen cupboards under the island are made of the same white ash as the living room bookshelves, while the perimeter cabinetry matches the built-in nooks.
home, says Ashley Leimgardt, Ed’s daughter and the company’s project manager. Concordance with the landscape is what they try to achieve in their stock and custom-built homes, and, of course, their renovations.
“It’s situated in the woods, so there are woodsy tones throughout the house,” she points out. And of course, it was the view that inspired the placement of the home and the framing of it.
And, unbelievably, part of the inspiration for the home is that Ed Leimgardt himself, plus the mill worker, the plumber, the drywaller and the fabricator, all live nearby.
“At the end of the day, the overall vision of the company is doing what is best for the
neighbourhood and property and stepping away from cookie-cutter designs,” says Ashley. “Each home is designed specifically for the setting and the end user.”
Olsen says the feel of the home reminds her of the farmhouse she grew up in on Hornby Island off the coast of B.C. And to accentuate that feeling, she has a large, antique oak set of drawers on the main wall of their living room that came from that childhood home.
But the biggest bonus is that they don’t have to renovate. Olsen, sitting in her brand-spanking-new, wide-open, beautifully appointed living area, laughs that they owned their last home for seven years and it was probably under renovation for about five.
This time the home is already perfect. The only change they requested was for the builder to wall off the back half of the enormous, 975-square-foot attached garage so they could create a spa with a sauna and cold plunge. The space already had windowed roll-up doors at the front and back. So, while they can access the spa through a standard door Leimgardt is adding from their living room, they can also just open up the rear garage door, which affords them an unobstructed view out over the farmlands while they sauna and plunge.
The garage is fully finished with a heated floor, so it was ready for any use a prospective buyer
The recessed shelves are the perfect staging ground for the couple’s carefully curated collection of vintage objects.
Unique, high-quality, Canadian-made, custom wood products, born from time-honoured practices, for beautiful additions to adorn and enhance your home for years to come. We can cover engineered posts and beams to add a design element to the structural elements.
farmlands.
might envision, says Ashley. “We wanted to ensure there was enough space to store lawn equipment, ATVs, ski gear, and golf gear, plus we thought this could be flexible space for a future rec room, gym, or spa—which is what Diana and Tom opted for.” Perfect.
The exterior of the home is clad in gorgeous, black wood board-and-batten from Cape Cod Siding. The ground-level front porch is as expansive and welcoming as the surrounding fields. Walk in the front door and there are five things that hit you right away.
One is the soothing view of the rolling farmlands behind the home from the large windows on the back of the kitchen, dining and living areas.
The headboard on the queen bed is a ‘50s teak mid-century modern find, and Olsen found the still-life print of jugs above it at Value Village. She then sourced a real jug that is the double of the one in the painting, and placed it on the dresser.
The second is the light pouring in through those windows, and the 10-foot ceilings, which add to that feeling of airiness.
The third is how silent it is inside the home, which is a surprise because it is on Airport Road. “It is really well-built,” says Olsen.
The fourth is the cool furnishings and art that Olsen and Paterson have curated, some from second-hand finds, others just from smart shopping, such as a gorgeous, low-slung leather sofa and chaise from Ikea that faces the fireplace in their living room.
And the fifth is the fine workmanship and design flare that Ed Leimgardt and his tradespeople and interior designer have brought to the construction.
It’s impossible, for example, not to notice and appreciate the impressive eight-foot-tall, Shakerstyle white doors with their unique, black eggshaped Sienna doorknobs from Schlage.
One of the most brilliant design features is the twin recessed floor-to-ceiling shelves and cupboards in white ash that bookend the gas fireplace in the living room. As well, there are two narrow built-in nooks on each side of the entranceway between the dining and living areas.
It’s like no space goes wasted in this 1,640-squarefoot house. “We wanted to ensure there was lots of storage space,” says Ashley of the design.
Smartly, too, the kitchen cupboards under the island are made of the same white ash as the living
Vintage art finds adorn the guest bedroom and bathroom. The primary bedroom looks out at the rolling
room bookshelves, while the perimeter cabinetry matches the built-in nooks in Benjamin Moore’s Grant Beige HC 83. The dark countertops are solid quartz.
“Since the kitchen, dining, and living room are open to each other, we wanted to bring balance and flow between the spaces by using common elements in each,” explains Ashley.
All the custom cabinetry is by Creemore’s Wood by Whit, another very local builder.
Light pours into the kitchen/dining and living areas from the east from a windowed front door and a window over the kitchen counter. Two large hanging oxidized-brass pendants from Capital Lighting Fixture Company sleekly illuminate the kitchen island. The hanging lamps over the dining area and in the middle of the living room, from Light House Co. in Lindsay, Ontario, seem somehow modern and “farmhousey” at the same time. And the home is brightly lit throughout with recessed lights.
Warmth comes from the eight-inch-plank white oak BiYork flooring from the Georgian Design Centre, which extends everywhere except the bathrooms and laundry room.
A guest bathroom off the hallway leading from the kitchen to the bedrooms makes the most of a small space with the cutest built-in tub imaginable, while the bath area is tiled with taupe textured tiles from Georgian Design, while the big-tile flooring echoes that colour choice in a softer taupe.
The east-facing front guest bedroom, for visits from Paterson’s three adult children and Olsen’s adult daughter, is cozy, and again bright. The headboard on the queen bed is a ‘50s teak midcentury modern find, and Olsen found the still-life print of jugs above it at Value Village. She then sourced a real jug that is the double of the one in the painting, and placed it on the dresser.
Next, also facing east—and also filled with their precious finds—is the couple’s office.
At the back of the house, the primary bedroom looks out at the rolling farmlands. In here, a massive walk-in closet holds some of Olsen’s vintage treasures. A beautiful ensuite bathroom has the same white ash cabinetry as the living room, with cubbies for towels and a glass-enclosed shower edged in black trim with bright white tiles.
Another lovely feature is the well-designed laundry room tiled in a taupe and creamy yellow brick pattern, with a small sink and large washer and dryer units.
And Olsen says that, believe it or not, one of the big selling features was the utility room. It’s tiny, perfect, and so beautifully organized!
The home serves as a staging ground for the couple’s two new businesses, lnner Beach Vintage and Modern Uncle Vintage—a tranquil rural base to find, display and enjoy the unique items which may eventually be sold at markets or via the businesses’ respective Instagram accounts.
The couple are nothing if not artsy and entrepreneurial. Paterson was working as a musician with the band Cottage Industry when he decided to buy his first Toronto restaurant, La Hacienda, which became a groovy spot for musicians, artists and writers. He later owned the city’s hip and happening The Paddock Tavern.
Meanwhile, Olsen, who spent two years abroad studying art history and French at the Sorbonne, while working as an au pair to hone her love of all things French, wanted to bring the café culture back with her to Canada. So, on top of her degree from UBC with a major in French literature, she trained in the craft of coffee roasting and bean selection at the West Coast Specialty Coffee Training Institute in San Francisco, then went on to found Balzac’s.
Many of the furnishings and collectibles in their home, like Olsen’s circa-1930s collection of turquoise-bound bird books from the Peterson Field Guide series, will be for sale at the four booths they operate: two at the Thornbury Antique Market, one at Bazaar Toronto and the other at Arts Market in Toronto, as well as online—but never Olsen’s farmhouse sideboard!
So not only is the home perfect, but so is the location for their antique and vintage businesses.
“The fact you are outside of the city is better for picking up items,” says Olsen.
Life, it seems, has a way of rebalancing after trying times. For Olsen, Paterson and Banjo, it was finding a dream in an unexpected place on a routine drive.
TOP The spa includes a cold plunge and sauna. ABOVE A collection of vintage Dala horses nods to Olsen’s Scandinavian ancestry.
“Our work speaks for itself.”
That’s MC McLean Contracting, based in Collingwood, specialists in Modular and Custom built homes, experts in home additions and renovations.
MC McLean Contracting is the exclusive Ontario dealer/installer of modular Honomobo homes which are factory-built and constructed with steel in Edmonton, Alberta and then shipped to Ontario and around North America. MC McLean Contracting excels at erecting modern, beautiful modular homes and cottages on hard-to-get-to lots and other challenging locations, especially on islands where expertise with cranes, barges and waterways come into play. In whatever hideaway neck of the woods a client wants to establish a dream home, MC McLean Contracting has the fired-up team with the experience to make it happen and exceed expectations. Modular homes are presented as turnkey, fully landscaped and move-in ready.
High quality and environmental sustainability with minimal impact are core principles that guide MC McLean Contracting. Another is efficient project management with detailed client consultations and careful planning, design, budgeting, scheduling and delivery. For full disclosure and transparency throughout the process, clients have access to online project management portals and can follow all aspects of the enterprise in real time.
A dream home or cottage, Custom built or Modular, in the forest or on a rocky island. MC McLean Contracting makes it real.
& Assembled on site!
Two natural building materials, dirt and straw, are opening doors to a new kind of home—one that blends sustainability with stunning design.
Straw Bale Construction
“These homes perform just as well as modern builds— sometimes better.”
Andrew Hogue, Old Time Builders
Featured Sustainable Home Builders
Aerecura Sustainable Builders aerecura.ca
Old Time Builders oldtimebuilder@yahoo.com 519-477-1913 instagram.com/oldtimebuilder
more—which means they’re excellent at keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer.
“We’ve got to wrap our houses in insulation now anyway, that’s code,” Hogue says. “But with straw bale, there’s no thermal bridging—it’s basically one big insulated wall.” That translates to lower energy bills and more comfort year-round. Plus, those dense straw walls also block out noise, creating a peaceful indoor environment.
The environmental benefits of straw bale begin even before construction, however. “Because it is a natural renewable resource, straw reduces the amount of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases required to initially manufacture compared to conventional insulation. You can get your local farmer to grow your insulation for you!” says Chris Vander Hout, a senior project manager at Evolve Builders, a Guelph-based company specializing in climate-conscious construction that is working on a straw bale house project in Grey County, near Durham.
In Southern Georgian Bay, Hogue says wheat straw is the most common type, but you can use straw from other grain crops too—just not grasses.
“If you reach out to a local farmer early in the season and ask to have a crop set aside, you’ll get better prices and better quality,” he says. “A lot of this stuff just goes to waste because people don’t know it can be used to build homes.”
Straw is also a carbon sink, locking away carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. When plastered with clay or lime, straw bale walls can “breathe,” helping regulate moisture and keeping air fresh without relying on synthetic barriers. You’ll need an architect’s stamp for the plans, since straw bale walls don’t use conventional vapor barriers, but Hogue insists that shouldn’t scare anyone off.
Evolve Builders evolvebuilders.ca
“These homes perform just as well as modern builds—sometimes better,” Hogue says.
Vander Hout is quick to counter any misconceptions about potential downsides. “With the one-inch plaster skins on the interior and exterior, the wall system performs better in fire resistance than conventional wood-framed structures,” he says. “Another common question is about rodents, and again the thick plaster skins help and prevent access.”
And let’s not forget the charm factor. Straw bale homes have a warm, organic look thanks to their thick, sculptable walls and natural plaster finishes. You can shape them into soft curves, bold modern lines, or anything in between.
Of course, like any building method, it needs proper planning. Moisture management is key, but with good roof design and solid plaster work, straw bale homes can stand the test of time.
“Straw bale houses can last hundreds of years,” Hogue says. “You see them all over Europe. As long as you keep them dry, you’re golden.”
To maintain straw bale, explains Vander Hout, simply “ensure there are no changes in the integrity of the plaster skins and reapply paint if needed.”
Other natural building materials such as light straw clay, cob, and hempcrete offer similar benefits, but straw bale stands out for its accessibility and affordability in this region. Hogue encourages builders to give it a try.
Straw bale walls, to be encased in plaster, have exceptional thermal and noiseinsulating properties. BELOW Builders Chris Vander Hout and Andrew Hogue.
Photos: Anya Shor
“It’s a super-local building material, and it’ll last for centuries.”
Sylvia Cook, Aerecura Sustainable Builders
Rammed Earth
The ancient building method of rammed earth—used for everything from the Great Wall of China to homes in Europe and Africa—is enjoying a major resurgence. Builders and architects love it for its durability, low environmental impact and striking appearance.
Rammed earth walls are made by compacting layers of subsoil (a mix of sand, clay and gravel) into formwork, creating solid, stone-like walls. Sylvia Cook from Ontario-based Aerecura Sustainable Builders has worked with the technique for years and swears by it.
“It’s fireproof, floodproof, waterproof, stormproof, termite-proof—it can take just about anything the climate throws at it,” Cook says.
Because rammed earth construction uses mostly local soil, it drastically reduces the need to transport materials, cutting down on emissions. Cook estimates that 94 percent of the mix is just earth, with a bit of cement, rebar and a waterproofing agent making up the rest.
“There’s almost no waste. Nothing goes to landfill,” she says. “It’s a super-local building material, and it’ll last for centuries.”
Beyond being green to produce, rammed earth performs beautifully when it comes to temperature control. The thick walls (about 20 inches, like straw bale) offer exceptional thermal mass. They store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, keeping your home comfortable without needing to crank the HVAC. This natural thermal regulation also means more savings and fewer emissions.
The walls aren’t just smart—they’re gorgeous. The compacted layers create natural lines and tones that give each wall its own personality. And during the design phase, architects and builders can plan different looks by changing layer thickness or adding pigments.
“You can really play with the aesthetic,” Cook says. “It works in the city, on shield rock, wherever you want to build. It’s super-versatile.”
Like straw bale, rammed earth requires a bit of know-how and care, especially when it comes to moisture. But with experienced builders like Aerecura at the helm, these homes can easily last hundreds of years.
“Don’t be intimidated,” Sylvia encourages. “If you’re a builder and haven’t worked with it yet, once you do, you’ll see the value in offering it to clients.”
In With the Old
Both straw bale and rammed earth are traditional, proven building methods that are opening doors to a new kind of home—one that blends sustainability with stunning design. And yes, you can still have all the modern conveniences: wiring, plumbing, internet—you name it. These methods aren’t about going backward. They’re about building smarter, with materials that support the planet and enhance our lives.
As more people around Georgian Bay and beyond seek out greener living, these natural building techniques are ready for their moment. They’re not just beautiful and practical—they’re part of a bigger movement toward creating spaces that reflect our values, respect the earth, and feel like home.
Kaegan Walsh is an architect and owner of Kaegan Walsh Architect Ltd., specializing in custom home design and commercial projects. With international experience in Japan, Europe and the United States, Kaegan brings a diverse architectural perspective to each project (kaeganwalsh.com).
A rammed earth home by Aerecura Sustainable Builders. LEFT Aerecura founder and CEO Sylvia Cook.
Photos: Aerecura Sustainable Builders
KAEGAN WALSH
Conveniently located and very private. Easy access from 3 major highways. 123 acres. Includes 4 separate residences, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis court, stables and trails throughout grounds and buildings very well maintained. Carries for $3500 a month. Income potential $800k to $1.2M per month. Note uses are specific. Serious enquiries only. OFFERED AT $6.9M
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Surfing’s latest evolution, wing foiling, is a rising trend in water sports on Georgian Bay and beyond. IT COULD BE SAID
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Wing foiling is growing fast. There is now a world tour with multiple disciplines from racing to freestyle, wave riding and downwinding. Our local community is vibrant and welcoming.
Paul Dollemont, General Manager 519-538-1250 pdollemont@jerrypfeil.com baysidecdjr.com
Original Swiss Meadows chalet nestled on a 100FT X 200FT lot, attached garage, work shed all walking distance to Blue Mountain. 3 Bdrm, 2 bath, perfect home reno for someone with the right eye. New heating system, spray foamed basement, newly painted outside. Priced to sell for a property within walking distance to the ski hills.
7 bdrm, 7 bth 5000sqft chalet all within a 10 min walk to Blue Mtn village. 4 separate decking areas, open concept living/ dining & kitchen area, loft w/ ping pong and TV area, Gas f/p, Hot tub w/private deck, STA (Short Term Accommodation) fully licensed by the Town of the Blue Mountains use for your own personal use or as an income producer which comes full turn key.
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Customers have praised Salnek’s for their quality products and customer service. One client noted, “I am in love with my new window coverings, fit perfect and amazing quality. The team working with me were awesome, friendly and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”
A REVERSE MORTGAGE DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE GIVING AWAY YOUR HOME AND THE EQUITY IN IT
Tracy Green, a 25-year plus veteran in the industry, Level 2 Mortgage Broker and Owner of Ontario-Wide Financial in Orillia, has received numerous enquiries over the years from older homeowners who have been rejected by a bank for a mortgage.
AGE AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Obtaining a mortgage as a senior can be a daunting challenge in two ways: firstly, with the reduction of the amortization period based on age with some lenders, and secondly, the extra 2% qualifying rate the bank of Canada set out in June 2021. Green says, This often leaves seniors turning to private mortgages which come with higher interest rates. But Tracy Green says there are alternative solutions.
THE BENEFITS OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE
Reverse mortgages offer a unique flexibility that many may not be aware of. Green says, “Many people think that a reverse mortgage means that they’re giving their house away. They don’t realize that they can make mortgage payments on a reverse mortgage to maintain the equity in their home.”
By making regular payments, homeowners can cover the interest or a portion of the interest and even reduce the principal by up to 10% annually, maintaining or growing their equity stake in the property as values rise over time. Green says, “This approach allows older homeowners to enjoy the liquidity of a reverse mortgage while safeguarding the value of their home. A reverse mortgage does not have to mean that the homeowner is taking equity out while the interest is accumulating, and they’ll eventually have nothing left. A homeowner can make full payment which over the full term will not take any equity out of the property or they can
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make partial payments to slow the erosion of equity.”
Homeowners can also take advantage of the “no payment at all” option and take lump sums as needed rather than all at once. It works like a line of credit, with some restrictions.
As property values increase, a home’s equity will appreciate. A reverse mortgage with the option of making monthly mortgage payments slows or eliminates equity erosion, capitalizes on rising property values, and gives older homeowners peace of mind.
A 5-YEAR MORTGAGE PAYMENT PAUSE
A program that offers a 5-year pause on monthly mortgage payments may sound like a financial fantasy, but Tracy Green says it’s a viable option for many, regardless of their age. “Up to 70% of the home’s value can be put on a 5-year, no payment program. While the interest accumulates over the 5 years, if the homeowner wants to sell or refinance early, they can do that with no penalties.”
The program is designed for homeowners who need a break from making full mortgage payments because they are returning to school, or they may be struggling financially and want to wait to see if interest rates decline. As home values rise and they age, they may then qualify for a reverse mortgage that can be held as long as they want. The program is open to homeowners of any age who can’t afford their mortgage payments and are considering selling. There are alternative options that can provide significant financial relief. Tracy Green and her team at Ontario-Wide Financial can access a wide range of mortgage options and tailor solutions to the clients’ specific needs. Tracy Green - Mortgage Broker/Owner Level 2 FSRA License # 12456 416-573-7669/1-888-307-7799 | www.ontario-widefinancial.com
CRESCENDO Community
The Georgian Bay Symphony enters a new era.
For more than 50 years, this primarily volunteer-based orchestra has enchanted audiences young and old with live performances.
they may never have had before will complement what they might know.”
Burak agrees, “With the world being the way it is, it’s an oasis for me, personally, to sit and play in this orchestra and challenge myself—because it is challenging.”
Earlier this year, I was invited to attend a GBS rehearsal and meet their new music director. I listened as the violins practiced a particularly difficult section again and again, the faint sounds of smaller groupings of brass players and percussionists echoing faintly through the halls. They may have practiced their craft all their lives, but each performance is prepared through meticulous individual and group rehearsals.
The most striking thing was seeing everyone in their street clothes. Here, in sneakers and T-shirts, the musicians smoothly transitioned from rehearsing achingly beautiful soundscapes to devouring a box of donuts during the break, filling the room with friendly banter and peals of laughter.
“Music you love played by people you know” is the orchestra’s tagline. Having lived away from the area for more than a decade, I had no expectations. And yet, as I looked around the room, I saw a woman I’d met at a mutual friend’s potluck, a former math teacher, and a long-time family friend I had not seen in years.
I joined Pollock in the stands to ask how his work on the upcoming season’s programming was coming along.
“It’s probably the hardest work I have to do,” Pollock explains. “I choose music that will appeal to the community, hopefully. Maybe things that they know, maybe things that they don’t know, but ultimately that they will enjoy. I feel like I’m a chef and I’m having people to dinner—I’m making sure that the vegetable dish that
At the past season’s final performance on May 24, “Last Night at the Proms, eh?” Pollock announced his new program to audible gasps of delight—just before launching into an enthusiastic rendition of the Hockey Night in Canada theme.
Balancing ambition and charm, the 20252026 season promises delightful pairings and notable guest appearances:
On October 25, the orchestra will be joined by CBC Radio 2 host Tom Allen for an evening of musical storytelling.
In December, a new partnership with the Shoreline Chorus—a 45-member community choir—will spread the season’s tidings.
A Valentine’s Day matinee entertains listeners with the greatest love songs performed by acclaimed singers from across Ontario.
The April 11 performance, aptly titled “Double, Double,” includes four soloists playing two duets: Bottesini’s Gran Duo and Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp
Finally, on May 23, there is “Bravery and Brilliance,” featuring Juno Award-winning pianist Philip Chiu and Stravinsky’s Firebird in its entirety.
One of the best ways to support the orchestra is buying a season subscription, which includes tickets to all five regular performances.
For Pollock, the musicians are his most important stakeholders. “I love working with this group,” Pollock says. “People are here because they really want to be here. It is not something they take for granted. It’s not something I take for granted. We can do all kinds of things with our time, [but] when we choose to come together like this to experience something communally, it’s really special.”
Sustaining the arts is itself a communal effort, including patrons, board members and volunteers. Community contributions add to the lore of the GBS, most notably in the form of “Miss Agnes,” the Yamaha concert piano bought with the generous support of Agnes Nairn Brown in 1989. And the orchestra gives back to the community too, particularly in the form of scholarships for young musicians.
From the ache of our deepest sorrows to the transcendence of our greatest joys, experiencing the orchestra live, as a community, felt deeply meaningful. This music is embedded in our celebrations, our traditions, our moments of grief—times when we need to feel less alone—and it is a full-body experience to feel the goosebumps rise on your skin as the crescendo of sound fades into silence, that moment of collective appreciation just before the applause.
“It’s important. We crave connection,” Pollock explains, before we say goodbye. “We connect in this way, in this space, and we share what we love.”
be found on Reactor, Write magazine, and various obscure fanzines, and she is also the author of the indie steampunk series Tales of the Captain Duke. She is currently working on a postpartum poetry collection inspired by beach walks with a sleeping baby.
A GBS rehearsal. “Music you love played by people you know,” is the orchestra’s motto.
REBECCA DIEM
Rebecca Diem is the Owen Sound Poet Laureate for 2024–2025. Her work can
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