Invidiata Collection Spring 2016

SPRING 2016

EXPERIENCE PURA VIDA IN

INTRODUCING THE NEW

OAKVILLE

BALLET

COSTA RICA

ENDLESS RELAXATION & ADVENTURE

18-HOLE

$7.99 U.S./$9.99 Canada

Escapism GOLFING IN ONTARIO

happy SpORT

321 Cornwall Rd. Oakville - www.knar.com

SIMPLY EXQUISITE CUSTOM CRAFTED CABINETRY

2012 speers rd, oakville, ontario | p. 905.842.3095 | f. 905.842.6407 www.topnotchcabinets.com

COMING SOON Experience The Ultimate

Canada’s First Private Automobile Lounge twenty7.ca

Invest in a new healthy lifestyle

Living well is the best reward As you enter you’ll realize the location is unique. The view of the Bay is breathtaking, the proximity to outdoor amenities sublime. Five minutes to the Georgian Trail, seven minutes to the beach, a five minute drive to skiing, and all around you, the award winning Georgian Bay Club with its Health Fitness Centre coming soon.

The Private Residences are a tribute to custom built craftsmanship with hundreds of choices to allow the ultimate in personal expression. As for the quality, it will be obvious the moment you walk in.

The Private Residences represent more than just luxury living, they demonstrate our commitment to supporting a healthful lifestyle, both for our residents, and for the community around us. Over the last twelve years the Georgian Bay Club Foundation has proudly donated over one million dollars to local hospitals.

In further support, we will donate five dollars for every person who visits our model home. It’s our way of thanking you for your visit and investing in our healthy lifestyle for the future.

Model Home Open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 1pm - 5 pm

Or by Appointment: 705.444.3597

PrivateResAtGBC.com

(located off 7th Line beyond Club entrance gatehouse)

relliott@georgianbayclub.com

(see website for map & details)

“Papro Consulting turns ordinary spaces into extraordinary wine cellars.�

1131A Leslie Street, Suite 404, Toronto, ON M3C 3L8

(416) 264-2229 1-866-651-9229

www.paproconsulting.com

BA L L ET AMANDA PATERSON | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

I’M ON POINTE

Donovan Bailey Two-time Olympic Champion, two-time World Record holder and three-time World Champion.

OB

OAKVILLE

BALLET

LET

Donovan is a proud supporter of Oakville Ballet’s new fall production, featuring students from the Oakville School of Classical Ballet. Made possible by the participation and support of the Bytzek Family of Oakville.

Join Donovan and marvel at the grace, the charm, the joyous determination of our young dancers.

B A L LE T FolloW oUR JoURney Join OB’s dancers as they travel on the road to September’s production. Sign up to our oB updates to access pics, interviews, rehearsal and audition footage and more. www.oakvilleballet.com

B A L LE T

Words From The Editor

2016 is the

Year to Sell

2015 was a bright and prosperous year for the Real Estate market and the Invidiata Team, but 2016 looks to bring even more success in the Greater Toronto Areas. The market is strong right now, and interest rates will remain low while immigration numbers are high. This is the opportune moment to sell your home if it is something you have been considering.

The Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington communities remain attractive locations for prospective buyers. According to the Toronto Real Estate Board, the average price of a detached home in Mississauga rose 12.5% in January 2016 year-over-year from January 2015. Oakville saw a healthy 16.9% increase from 2015, while Toronto detached home prices rose 18.5% over January 2015. Burlington saw the greatest overall increase at 18.9% over 2015.

We are looking forward to this exciting year in both Canadian and International Real Estate.

Sincerely,

Christopher G. Invidiata

8 | SPRING 2016

THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

For over 29 years we’ve been providing high-quality products and unparalleled service to home owners, architects and contractors.

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table of contents 19

The Home Collection

Homes From $200,000 – $2,000,000

34

The Prestige Collection

Homes From $2,000,000 – $5,000,000

48

Built to Last

Canadian Company Enviroshake Gives Homeowners a Lifetime Guarantee

54

Luxe Local

What’s Hot in Your Town

68

18-Hole-Escapism

Get Away on Great Local Golf Courses

78

Costa Rica

86

The Waterfront Collection

Gorgeous Waterfront Homes & Vacation Properties

97

Estate Residential Collection

Finest Homes Available Starting at $5,000,000

48

68

Photo: Credit Valley Golf and Country Club

Experience Pura Vida

78

110 The Oakville Ballet

Oakville’s First Professional Ballet Company

110 12 | SPRING 2016

THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

TM

Oakville 286 Lakeshore Rd.E (at Trafalgar Rd.) 905.339.2227

Uptown Yonge 2501 Yonge St. (at CastleďŹ eld Rd.) 416.489.3937

Bayview Village 2901 Bayview Ave. 416.225.2020

68

18-Hole-Escapism Photo: Crosswinds Golf and Country Club

ISSUE 020 SPRING 2016

The Invidiata Magazine Inc. PUBLISHER Preferred Publishing SENIOR EDITORS Christopher Invidiata Caleb Invidiata Shae Invidiata Chris Lowe Lauren Lowe Erica Nelson EDITORS Rimsha Ali Elizabeth Deanovic Tammy Leigh Laura Papple CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cathryn Haynes ART DIRECTORS Caleb Invidiata Chris Lowe PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Bacik Caleb Invidiata Lauren Leies Sam Michaud Lisa Murzin Neddy Nyce Tina Picard ADVERTISING SALES Lauren Lowe Katie Taylor GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jennifer Douglas Gary Macdonald Katie Taylor CONTRIBUTORS Erica Nelson Ashvin Sharma Mike Spry FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES please contact Lauren Lowe at 905.510.2344 or email lauren@preferredpublishing.ca www.preferredpublishing.ca

On The Cover: Costa Rica Experience Pura Vida

View The Magazine Online At www.thei nvi di atamagazi ne.com All square footages are approximate. Some square footages include living space in the lower level.

Information is subject to errors and omissions. E. & O.E. Not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.

SEM has created a culture of achievement, scholarship, and leadership for girls since 1851.

No uniforms and nonsectarian, trust is intrinsic; and creative, independent thinking is valued. Our humanities, arts, and unique STEAM curricula, clubs and athletics, which include skiing, squash, golf, ďŹ eld hockey, crew, and sailing are available to all girls with our 5- and 7-day boarding.

No International Fees

bualoseminary.org/Canadians

Independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls

An opportunity to invest in a better future for your community, friends and family.

Your legacy starts today.

The Oakville Community Foundation offers a simple and enduring means to support your community and charitable organizations. We understand what’s important to you and your family - the ability to give back and make a difference - today, tomorrow and for the future. Whether you make a single gift contribution or a planned gift, your legacy starts today.

theocf.org

PR E SE N T I N G HOMES F R O M $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 T O $ 2 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 For Sale In Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga And Surrounding Areas.

"Everyone Has A Dream Of Home Ownership And That First Home Is A Magical Experience Of Being Safe, Secure And Feeling The Joy Of Love And Family."

- Christopher Invidiata*

homes from $200,000 – $2,000,000

4115 UPPER MIDDLE ROAD $419,900 UNIT 12 WebID: 2857 Millcroft | Burlington *Christopher Invidiata & *David Bakowsky

982 LASALLE PARK ROAD Aldershot South | Burlington *Christopher Invidiata & *David Bakowsky

2067 FORESTVIEW TRAIL West Oak Trails | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Patsy Gauer

$1,059,000 WebID: 2956

186 CHARNWOOD DRIVE Morrison | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

$1,088,000 WebID: 2924

20 | SPRING 2016

$599,900 WebID: 2857

350 QUEEN MARY DRIVE $1,259,900 Central Oakville WebID: 2923 *Christopher Invidiata, *Mike Howarth & *Mera Sobeih

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

invidiata.com

2175 CUNNINGHAM COURT Moffat | Milton *Christopher Invidiata & *David Bakowsky

$1,385,000 WebID: 2933

117 TAVISTOCK SQUARE South West Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Mike Howarth

$1,398,000 WebID: 2894

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

SPRING 2016 | 21

homes from $200,000 – $2,000,000

2033 JOSHUAS CREEK DRIVE Joshua Creek | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Patsy Gauer

$1,599,000 WebID: 2918

521 TRILLIUM DRIVE West Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Aimee Kain & *Kirsten Leggat

22 | SPRING 2016

3 DEMPSEY COURT Palgrave | Caledon *Christopher Invidiata & *David Bakowsky

$1,799,000 WebID: 2935

$1,848,000 WebID: 2879

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

invidiata.com

1182 TECUMSEH PARK DRIVE Lorne Park | Mississauga *Christopher Invidiata, *Mariola Broder & *Marija Kolesar

1517 WATERSEDGE ROAD Clarkson | Mississauga *Christopher Invidiata & *Claudia Chopik

$1,898,000 WebID: 2647

$1,898,000 WebID: 2960

37 BIRKBANK DRIVE $1,995,000 LOT SIZE 150 X 150 WebID: 2931 Ford | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Kirsten Leggat & *Aimee Kain

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

SPRING 2016 | 23

real estate MINUTE

By Christopher Invidiata

I

nvesting in Real Estate is one of the strongest moves Canadians can make, and not just nationally, but internationally as well.

In 2014, Costa Rica

EXCEEDED

Costa Rica is one of the most economically and politically stable countries in Latin America making it a prime location for Canadians looking to expand their Real Estate portfolios.

Economically, Costa Rica has been thriving for the past decade. The country has strong export numbers, and their tourism numbers are rising every year to record high levels. This country has one of the highest levels of foreign investment per capita in all of Latin America. In 2014, Costa Rica exceeded its annual goal for foreign investment by an estimated $300 million.

The recent opening of the new Costa Rica airport has strengthened the country’s accessibility and lead to a long list of new development projects. The average price of property in Costa Rica has also started to level off in the past few years, making it more attractive to investors. With more

24 | SPRING 2016

Canadians investing in the country, the demand for high-end property has only risen in popular areas such as San JosĂŠ.

It is also relatively easy to buy and own property in Costa Rica, easier than a number of other tropical destinations.

Most foreign investors purchase Real Estate through the use of a simple tourist visa. Others set up a private business or corporation providing them with more commercial freedom. Investors are able to establish a business in Costa Rica without legal citizenship.

Ecotourism is one of the prime attractions in Costa Rica. By 1990, Costa Rica became known as the poster child for ecotourism

its goal for FOREIGN INVESTMENT by an estimated

$300 MILLION. and is one of many developing nations that has embraced ecotourism as a way of capitalizing on the growing popularity of this travel trend.

For these reasons, and many more, Costa Rica has become an ideal location for Canadians to invest.

Christopher G. Invidiata

THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

HUMAN TRAFFICKING WAS ADDED TO THE CRIMINAL CODE OF CANADA IN 2005

T H E F I R S T CO N V I C T I O N ? 2 0 1 4

1

By: Ashvin Sharma

The end of 2015 brought forward an investigative committee report that shone the spotlight on Ontario dubbing it the “major hub” of human trafficking in Canada. At the same time, the Toronto Star released an intrusive investigative series that brought to light details of all aspects of the fastest growing crime in the province.1 The Toronto Star’s investigation consisted of information from a broad spectrum of resources ranging from federal government documents to interviews with victims, parents, social workers, police officers and an accused trafficker.1 Meanwhile, a Select Committee on Sexual Violence and Harassment consisting of all-party MPPs sought out data on human trafficking throughout Ontario and heard from 147 witnesses.3 The message was the same: that human trafficking continues to be on the rise in Ontario and that victims tend to be the young Canadian-born “girl next door”.1 However, these past few years, there has been an increase in intervention by enforcement authorities. Toronto Police have arrested 114 “pimps” since 2013.1 Local police in both Durham and Halton regions in Ontario have been amongst the most active with

arrests made already in 2016. On a national level, Operation Northern Spotlight led by the OPP and RCMP led to 47 arrests for traffickers involved in Canada-wide and cross-country trafficking in October 2015.7 In May 2015, MPP Laurie Scott made a motion to create a Human Trafficking Task Force in Ontario. The motion received unanimous support.

However, nothing has been assembled as of yet. When the Select Committee on Sexual Violence completed their year long investigation in December 2015, they reached the same conclusion: a task force dedicated to fight human trafficking, similar to the one created to target gangs and guns following the shooting of Jane Creba in Toronto.6 A Human Trafficking Task Force: police officers, Crown prosecutors, social workers and Victim Services. Ontario currently does not have a standardized

1Carville, Olivia. “Beaten, Branded, Bought and Sold.” Thestar.com. The Toronto Star, 14 Dec. 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.

2Leslie, Kieth. “Report Calls Ontario ‘Major Hub’ for Human Trafficking, Sexual Violence.” CTVNews. 13 Dec. 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.

3Kalbfleisch, Catherine. “Sex Trafficking Investigation Reveals One of Ontario’s Biggest Secrets.” CBCNews. 21 Dec. 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.

4Ferguson, Rob. “Human Trafficking of Young Girls in Ontario Must Be Tackled by Police Crime Force, Say MPPs.” Thestar.com. The Toronto Star, 10 Dec. 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.

5Artuso, Antonella. “Ontario Liberals Weak on Human Trafficking, PCs Say.” Toronto Sun, 07 Jan. 2016. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.

6”Progressive Conservatives Advocate For Dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts.” NorthumberlandView.ca , 08 Jan. 2016. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.

7 Mangione, Kendra. “Cross-border Human Trafficking Investigation Leads to 197 Arrests.” CTVNews. 22 Oct. 2015. Web. 28 Jan. 2016.

system monitoring human trafficking cases.2 The ability to share and track information would likely be highly valuable in a coordinated effort.

Furthermore, the fight has to include increasing education and awareness so that identification can lead to earlier intervention. This not only includes frontline police officers and health workers but also hotel and motel owners, and adolescents and teenagers.

In response to the Select Committee’s report, Premier Kathleen Wynne admitted that the province had fallen behind in the fight but vowed to be “part of the solution” going forward.3 Meanwhile, Children and Youth Services Minister Tracy MacCharles stated that the Liberal government has taken human trafficking seriously and will continue to do so. She highlighted the increased funding for victims since 2003 and the formation of the Human Trafficking Advisory Committee.5 The need for action on all fronts continues in Ontario: education and awareness; enforcement and prosecution; and support and rehabilitation. The formation of a coordinated task force and the creation of a standardized system seem to be the next step.

CONDO LIVING

150 SUDBURY STREET | UNIT 1211 Liberty Village | Toronto *Christopher Invidiata & *Shae Invidiata

11 BRONTE ROAD | PENTHOUSE 5 Bronte | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

26 | SPRING 2016

$499,000 WebID: 2832

3500 LAKESHORE ROAD | UNIT 713B Bronte | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

$669,000 WebID: 2945

$2,395,000 WebID: 2763

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

SheridanNurseries

Pemberton Collection

Newport Deep Seating Collection

Chateau Dining Collection

“Inspiring outdoor living...”

8 locations to serve you

Dreux Chat Collection

BUILDING LOTS & VACANT LAND

Builder rendering.

414 CHARTWELL ROAD Old Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Mike Howarth

WITH HOUSE $2,799,000 | VACANT LOT PRICE $1,195,000 WebID: 2844

site plan 11 LOTS SOLD SITE PLAN SOLD

SOLD

16

1

2425 DOULTON DRIVE $2,695,000 BUILDING LOT | 212.67’ X 162.23’ X 135.86’ IRRG .75 ACRES Sheridan | Mississauga WebID: 2710 *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

SOLD

15

14

12

13

11 11

10 SOLD

2 3 SOLD

4 SOLD

5 SOLD

7

6

SOLD

9

8 SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

EDGEWATER ESTATE LOTS FROM $1,398,000 | HOMES FROM $2,699,000 Lot 10 | Lakefront | South West Exposure | 100’ x 240’ $2,995,000* Lot 11 | Lakefront | South East Exposure | 131’ x 155’ $2,895,000* Lot 13 | East Exposure | 131’ x 141’ | With Custom Home $2,998,000** Lot 16 | East Exposure | 129.8’ x 115’ | With Custom Home $2,699,000** South West Oakville | 394 Lakeshore Road West *Christopher Invidiata, *Aimee Kain, *Mike Howarth & *Kirsten Leggat

2438 DOULTON PLACE $4,998,000 BUILDING LOT | 118.5’ X 377’ IRRG | 1.02 ACRES WebID: 2800 Sheridan | Mississauga *Christopher Invidiata, *Mike Howarth & *Pamela Gottschalk

*Plus HST. **Price includes house.

28 | SPRING 2016

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

HELP US END THE WAIT ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids has been providing mental health services since 1974. In 2014, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services chose ROCK to be the lead agency for the child and youth mental health sector in the Region of Halton. Our mission is to work together to promote and achieve optimal mental health in kids and families.

DID YOU KNOW… 1. In Canada, only 1 in 5 children who require mental health care services actually receives them?

2. It is estimated that 10-20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder?

3. Canada’s youth suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world?

4. A total of 3.2 million children between the ages of 12-19 in Canada are at risk for developing depression?

The current wait time for mental health care services in Canada is well over a year and there are over 800 children in the Halton Region right now waiting for help from ROCK. These very real statistics will never change if we are not able to help children and families in need. Help us end the wait.

“WE CANNOT ESCAPE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TOMORROW BY EVADING IT TODAY.” If you would like to donate to our cause and help us end the wait, please visit rockonline.ca

HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS. PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION.

Overhead Door (Hamilton – Burlington) Ltd. 5450 Harvester Road, Burlington, Ontario L7L 5N5 905-333-1772 • Fax 905-333-8996 WE DON’T JUST STOP AT SELLING, INSTEAD...

WE SAY YES WITH EXPERTISE AND INGENUITY!

Overhead Door Hamilton-Burlington offers the following services: • Residential, Commercial and Industrial garage door installations & electric operators • Repairs & service • Custom painting • Custom door designs

www.overheaddoorburlington.ca

oom ons r w ho llecti S r u r Co O t i Vis ew Ou i To V

Stunning Design Locally Made Furniture

Quality Sofas and Sectionals, Complete Design Services Our designs were born from a passion for bringing the natural beauty of reclaimed wood back to life.

Every piece of our tables tells a story that we are proud to pass on to the story of your family.

Local History Reclaimed The Studebaker Collection Reclaimed from the actual Studebaker factory floor.

UNIQUE FURNITURE DESIGN ONE OF A KIND TABLES QUALITY WORKMANSHIP LOCALLY MADE

FURNITURE & FURNITURE &DESIGN DESIGN 4087 Harvester Road, Unit #11, Burlington (Between Walkers and Appleby) 905 319 2333 www.pattersonsfurniture.ca

Hours: Tuesday to Friday noon to 5 • Saturday 10 to 5

E RY E R E

F LIV

DE

100% Certified

Organic Fruits & Vegetables FREE delivery to homes & businesses for less than the cost of shopping retail

ORGANICSLIVE.COM oakvilleburlington@organicslive.com 1-855-674-5483 *Use Promo Code: Invidiata10 to receive 10% o the purchase of your 1st box.

Valid in Oakville, Burlington, and Mississauga

The Authentic Look of Cedar and Slate with Lifetime Performance.

YOU DESERVE THE BEST. YOU DESERVE THE LONG LASTING BEAUTY OF

Enviroshake Inc. premium roofing products provide the finishing touch for your home; offering timeless beauty you can count on for years to come. Authentically replicating the look of natural cedar shakes and natural slate, all while offering discerning homeowners the maintenance free, lifetime performance they expect from their roofing and siding products.

Enviroshake Inc. products not only offer the most authentic cedar shake & slate look, they are designed to offer superior performance in the Canadian climate.

All Enviroshake Inc. products can withstand wind speeds up to 290 km/h, are impact and hail resistant, fire retardant, not damaged by freeze/thaw, and are mould, mildew and insect resistant.

Contact us today for a complimentary sample or for the address of an Enviroshake Inc. project near you.

1-519-380-9265 or 1-866-423-3302 www.enviroshake.com/invidiata

PRES E N T I N G E X CE PT I ON A L H O M E S F R O M $ 2 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 T O $ 5 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 For Sale In Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga And Surrounding Areas.

“When Life Gives You The Blessing Of Success, Home Ownership Blossoms To The Next Level Of Comfort, Quality And Architectural Beauty.”

- Christopher Invidiata*

invidiata.com

817 GLENWOOD AVENUE Aldershot | Burlington *Christopher Invidiata, *Aimee Kain & *Kelly Rowe

$2,398,000 WebID: 2863

540 LAKESHORE ROAD EAST Old Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & **Ping Shu

$2,449,000 WebID: 2929

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

SPRING 2016 | 35

burlington

482 ELIZABETH ST. 905.633.7724

oakville

156 CHURCH ST. 905.338.7724

Spa Packages

Registered Massage Therapy

Body Treatments

Manicures & Pedicures

High Performance Facials Jane Iredale Make-Up

www.rosewaterspa.com

invidiata.com

1426 CRESCENT ROAD Lorne Park | Mississauga *Christopher Invidiata & **Donna Gray

$2,695,000 WebID: 2797

410 DRUMMOND ROAD South East Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Marija Kolesar

LEASE FOR $9,800 WebID: 171

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

SPRING 2016 | 37

homes from $2,000,000 – $5,000,000

Proposed 3D rendering.

1226 ECHO DRIVE Lorne Park | Mississauga *Christopher Invidiata, *Mariola Broder & *Marija Kolesar

$2,998,000 WebID: 2897

2025 MISSISSAUGA ROAD Sheridan | Mississauga *Christopher Invidiata & **Donna Gray

$3,150,000 WebID: 2865

38 | SPRING 2016

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

invidiata.com

13 LAMBERT COMMON South West Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Mike Howarth, *Aimee Kain & *Kirsten Leggat

Proposed 3D rendering.

259 DUNWOODY DRIVE Morrison | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Aimee Kain & Co-Listed with **Maggie Newlove

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

$3,195,000 WebID: 2921

SOLD $3,495,000 WebID: 2461

SPRING 2016 | 39

Specializing in design, supply and installation of mid to high-end residential kitchens and bathrooms.

SHOWROOM 1515 North Service Rd., Unit A, Burlington, Ontario PHONE WEB 905.335.0808 www.conceptkandb.com

homes from $2,000,000 – $5,000,000

495 MACDONALD ROAD Old Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Kirsten Leggat & *Aimee Kain

42 | SPRING 2016

$3,998,000 WebID: 104

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

invidiata.com

555 MEADOW WOOD ROAD Clarkson | Mississauga *Christopher Invidiata & **Donna Gray

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

$4,400,000 WebID: 2944

SPRING 2016 | 43

A World Class Private Club Experience in the Heart of Mississauga For Membership Inquiries, please contact Ian Webb, Chief Operating Officer iwebb@creditvalleygolf.com 905-275-2505 x222

The Credit Valley Golf and Country Club | 2500 Old Carriage Road, Mississauga Ontario L5C 1Y7 | www.creditvalleygolf.com

INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPING INC. LANDSCAPE DESIGN | CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE

2016

DON SALIVAN AWARD WINNER

FOR EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OVER 15,000sq.ft

WWW.INTERNATIONALLANDSCAPING.COM

2016

DUNINGTON-GRUBB AWARD WINNER FOR EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPING INC. & THE STUNNING

LAKE ROSSEAU Retreat PROJECT

International Landscaping Inc. is a company built and rooted in the foundation that extraordinary service is not a goal but a necessary requirement. Through this mandate, they ensure long-lasting relationships through unrivaled performance and customer satisfaction.

46 | SPRING 2016

This year, at the 43rd Annual Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association Awards of Excellence Ceremony, International Landscaping was recognized for its outstanding performance in landscape design, construction, maintenance and management.

International Landscaping was honoured with 15 awards in total, including the Dunington-Grubb and the Don Salivan, which are two of the most prestigious awards in the province.

The Dunington-Grubb award is given to the company that achieves the highest and most outstanding overall score for a project in the construction categories. International Landscaping was honoured with this award for their extensive Lake Rosseau Retreat project in the Muskoka region. Muskoka is known all over Canada for its naturally beautiful landscapes. With a project such as this, the goal was to blend modern sophistication into the natural setting.

This award-winning project began as a new build for both the residence and the landscape. The site was initially prepared by blasting a ledge into the exquisite granite bedrock slope to allow for the residence to be constructed centrally on the site. The blast rock was then salvaged and used to create planting pockets on the steep slopes of the site allowing for nearly 700 mature trees to be gently craned onto the property.

The site is nestled in between the pristine lake and a lush natural forest. A great deal of care was taken to ensure the protection of these delicate and sensitive environments.

International Landscaping Inc. partnered with local arborists to incorporate native species of tress and understory planting THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

to ensure the pre-existing ecosystems were not negatively impacted. With the addition of non-pervious surfaces to the site, an extensive storm-water management system was developed by highly-skilled environmental engineers to direct the altered water flow.

On the Eastern side of the residence, Poolscape Inc. constructed a cast-in-place, vanishing edge pool that was formed to sit above a 1,200 square foot underground concrete bunker.

The bunker is used to house the pool equipment, boiler and the on-site utility controllers for site irrigation and lighting systems. Encasing the pool and wrapping around the remarkable estate, extensive concrete slabs were poured and granite tiles were laid to create multi-level patios and walkways perfect for entertaining friends and family. Patio areas were created overlooking the lake, cantilevered out over the edge of the rugged rock face. Installation of this required custom iron and glass railings between stone pillars to ensure safety due to the severity of the slope.

This project is truly a one-of-a-kind Muskoka oasis. On the Western side of the property, a penetration asphalt sport court surface was developed with tennis nets and basketball hoops.

The “sky-court” provides the ultimate setting for recreational play.

Tucked away underneath this leisure area is a four-car concrete garage sitting more that 45 ft. above grade level.

Atop the calm waters of Lake Rosseau, a waterfront lounge area was created. Working with a local contractor, an existing dock was removed, and a new steel frame was constructed during the THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

winter months while the lake remained frozen. This off-season preparation helped International Landscaping ensure a seamless continuation of work in the spring. As the lake began to thaw, the new, state-of-the-art Ipe dock surface was installed. A three-boat dock, designed and shaped to create the perfect, protected swimming area, along with barbecue, built-in umbrella and flush mounted light fixtures produce a quiet hideaway in the serene setting. To allow for easy access between the residence and the dock, natural Muskoka granite steps were craned in to create a safe pathway down the steep slope.

International Landscaping is dedicated to creating luxurious and functional spaces just like the Lake Rosseau Retreat for each of its clients. Whether your home is on a busy street in downtown Toronto overlooking the cityscape, nestled away in the quiet woods of Muskoka, or overlooking the breathtaking lakeshore of Oakville, International Landscaping can provide exceptional consultation, design, construction and management services.

Every space can be transformed into a private retreat; let International Landscaping’s experienced team consult with you on your next project.

INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPING INC. LANDSCAPE DESIGN | CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE

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These days, it seems like every product has a shelf life. Nowhere is this truer than with our homes where paint seems to chip just weeks after the drop cloths have been folded up, the deck always needs re-staining, and the driveway has to be paved yet again. And is there a job more tasking than re-roofing, especially when its signalled by an unexpected (and expensive) leak?

Enviroshake defies the norms of property maintenance, offering “composite roofing products that are designed to authentically replicate the look of natural weathered cedar roofing materials.” And it’s guaranteed for life from an environmentally-responsible and community-oriented Ontario company.

ENVIROSHAKE:

BUILT TO LAST

BY MIKE SPRY

About a decade ago, during a tumultuous August storm, part of our roof peeled away.

When the clouds finally cleared it became apparent that we needed new shingling.

Following a shocking round of estimates, we had no choice but to commit to the expense or live with a permanent open skylight. Unfortunately, the roof has never been to our satisfaction.

The shakes and shingles quickly aged, their aesthetic left us wanting, and with each passing year of unpredictable weather, we fear another expensive and unsatisfying roofing indulgence. And once you’ve done work on your roof, you’d be amazed how many conversations with friends and family veer tangentially into shake and shingle nightmares. Stories of mold, animal and insect infestation, and endless expenses permeate any discussion of cedar and other materials.

Finally, after a lot of headaches and research, we’ve found our next roof.

Enviroshake is an award-winning Chatham, Ontario-based company that has been making composite roofing and siding designed to match the aesthetic of cedar and slate for nearly two decades. Enviroshake products offer the appeal of natural materials without the frustrating fallibility, and they’re 100% maintenance free and come with a lifetime warranty, which may be transferred if you sell or will your property, immediately adding aesthetic and financial value to your home.

Enviroshake’s global reputation is second to none. If you’re looking to invest or have already invested in international property, Enviroshake is available in Canada, the United States, South East Asia, and the Caribbean—one of their fastest growing markets.

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SPRING 2016 | 49

Of course, extreme weather is not unique to any part of the world. When we researched further we found testimonials from all over preaching the virtues of this environmentally-friendly product. A customer in Calgary, Alberta who invested in Enviroshake witnessed a violent July storm that resulted in 60,000 insurance claims totaling over $400 million; a record amount for a hailstorm in Canada according to the National Insurance Bureau. Judi Lee celebrated the fact her family had “replaced our roof with Enviroshake and a few weeks later there was a massive hailstorm that caused almost every other house to have hail damage on their roof and required insurance claims. Our Enviroshake withstood that and looks great still.”

Enviroshake had zero warranty claims.

Stories like this were everywhere. Lorenz Lasco, a property manager in the Philippines, said, “We didn’t need to touch… the installation after the typhoon.” Gilles Parisot, owner of Expert Roof in St. Martin claims, “The jobs we did in Anguilla with Enviroshake didn’t move with hurricane Gonzalo, where wind speeds exceeded 200 km/h (124 mph).” But customers don’t just preach about the product’s durability, they love its aesthetic and environmental consciousness. Kathy Heller of Colleyville, Texas says, “People driving by have stopped and asked me the name of the material.”

But the customer whose opinion sold us was Rollie Lusis from Calgary, who celebrated everything we were missing in our other testimonials:

ENVIROSHAKE IS 100% MAINTENANCE FREE AND COMES WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTY. 50 | SPRING 2016

“We chose Enviroshake based on the architect’s recommendation and its appeal to us. We also considered cedar again, slate tiles, concrete tiles, metal and some other synthetic types. It gave us a clean, light look as opposed to concrete. Cedar was ruled out for durability, warranty and issues with moss growing on the shakes due to the

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ENVIROSHAKE

humidity we live with at the lake… we are very happy, the Enviroshake is graying nicely, and I think it looks great with the copper flashing we put with it.

Having just undergone some hail damage here in Calgary, I am planning on replacing my 30-year-old cedar shake roof with Enviroshake, hopefully this fall.”

THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

IS AN AWARD-WINNING CHATHAM, ONTARIO-BASED COMPANY.

Simply put, Enviroshake is everything my family wants in its investments: a community-oriented and environmentally -conscious company who stand behind beautifully designed products for life.

As soon as Enviroshake products are installed, we will encourage bad weather, and know that our home and our family are forever protected.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT Enviroshake.com or contact us at 1-(866)-423-3302

SPRING 2016 | 51

GALA

2016

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR THE APPLEBY COLLEGE GALA! FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST MATT DUSK

Celebrated Canadian singer Matt Dusk has forged an international career highlighted by eight critically-acclaimed studio albums, countless TV and DVD specials, and unforgettable live performances world-wide.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2016 J.S. GAIRDNER ARENA, APPLEBY COLLEGE 540 LAKESHORE ROAD WEST, OAKVILLE An exciting evening of spectacular entertainment, delicious food and live and silent auctions featuring a variety of extraordinary items awaits!

TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS, VISIT APPLEBY.ON.CA/GALA

TM

Oakville 286 Lakeshore Rd.E (at Trafalgar Rd.) 905.339.2227

Uptown Yonge 2501 Yonge St. (at CastleďŹ eld Rd.) 416.489.3937

Bayview Village 2901 Bayview Ave. 416.225.2020

LUXE LOCAL What’s Hot In Your Town

Squint Interesting patterns, flattering lines and SHOES on the temples make Face Ă Face unique. Available at Squint Eyewear. squinteyewear.com

Faema

The Jura Z6 moves into completely new territory, taking the automatic speciality coffee machine to the next level.

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ROSEWATER SPA

The St. Geneve collection has timeless pieces that will be a staple in your sleep wardrobe. Available at Rosewater Spa. rosewaterspa.com

OAKLEY FLIGHT DECK GOGGLE

PAPRO WINE These glass wine storage bins add a wow factor to your wine collection.

Contact paproconsulting.com for more information.

With its incredible field of view and wide range of helmet compatibility, the Oakley Flight Deck Prizm Goggles are made for the skier or snowboarder who wants to see it all. Available at Corbetts Ski and Snowboards. corbetts.com

Hearts On Fire

A truly dazzling design, this illusion of marquee Aerial Diamond bracelet by Hearts on Fire creates a unique, bold and sure to please look. Available at Knar Jewellery. knar.com

54 | SPRING 2016

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Write Impressions The Secrid Wallet is the perfect balance of style and security. Designed and made in Holland, available at Write Impressions. write-impressions.ca

HEARTS ON FIRE

Inspired by European architecture, the 20ctw Copley Tassel diamond necklace

by Hearts on Fire is sure to be a show stopper.

Available at Knar Jewellery. knar.com

SHERIDAN NURSERIES Our elegantly styled cruise wear from Italy will leave you feeling beautiful, comfortable and fashionable on your next vacation. Available at Sheridan Nurseries. sheridannurseries.com

CONCEPT KITCHEN & BATH

Unik Stone’s vanity delivers a modern and avant-guard look that combines nature with industrial design. Available at Concept Kitchen & Bath. conceptkandb.com

PATTERSON’S FINE FURNITURE & DESIGN

This Canadian made Patterson’s sofa was an inspired design and is available in a wide range of fabrics and leathers. Available at Patterson’s Fine Furniture & Design. pattersonsfurniture.ca

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SPRING 2016 | 55

D OWN TOW N OAKVILLE:

DISCOVER LUXURY Downtown Oakville is brimming with unique and upscale businesses that compliment its beauty and history.

HOME

PARAND Kitchens Bespoke. Quality. Luxury.

Specializing in all aspects of kitchen, bath, cabinetry and design, PARAND Design Kitchens is your one-stop shop to build your dream home the way you want it. We are dedicated to offering you quality products and the highest level of customer service. Expand your imagination by visiting PARAND Design Kitchens’ showroom in Oakville.

ADDRESS: 10 Lakeshore Road West PHONE: 289.837.0177 | 1.844.272.7263 EMAIL: info@paranddesign.com WEBSITE: paranddesign.com

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Downtown Oakville: Discover Luxury

HOME

la strada Since 1993, la strada has offered the highest quality espresso machines paired with high-quality, low-acid coffee beans and unparalleled manufacturer-authorized service. Come to la strada to experience the best in super automatic espresso machines like Saeco’s newest bluetooth enabled GranBaristo Avanti – the perfect gift. With the Saeco app you can make customized specialty coffee using your tablet or smart phone. With locations in Toronto and Oakville, la strada carries premier espresso machine brands from around the world and unique accessories.

La strada is the exclusive Canadian importer of Chicco D’Oro, the finest quality, espresso coffee beans from Switzerland.

ADDRESS: PHONE: 125 Lakeshore Rd. W. (Oakville) 905-257-1260 (Oakville) 5176 Dundas St. W. (Toronto) 416-792-6967 (Toronto) EMAIL: WEBSITE: lastrada@bellnet.ca lastradaespressomachines.com

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SPRING 2016 | 59

Downtown Oakville: Discover Luxury

HOME

Swiss Interiors Swiss Interiors, well known for their emphasis on Canadian-made furnishings, has been a staple in Downtown Oakville since 1953. The store also offers great home decor items such as lamps, pictures and tabletop accessories.

With 10,000 sq ft of showroom spread over four floors, it is well worth a visit.

ADDRESS: 217 Lakeshore Road East PHONE: 905-844-3530 EMAIL: info@swissinteriors.com WEBSITE: swissinteriors.com

FOOD

Paradiso Paradiso offers innovative entertaining concepts for corporate team building, entertaining clients, family and friends.

Paradiso designs interactive cooking classes and entertaining experiences that let you relax, take care of your guests, have fun and be a guest at your own party!

ADDRESS: 125 Lakeshore Road East PHONE: 905-338-1594 EMAIL: oakville@paradisorestaurant.com WEBSITE: www.paradisorestaurant.com

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Downtown Oakville: Discover Luxury

FOOD

Seasons

Maluca

Brü

Corks

Seasons Restaurant In Oakville R E S T A U R A N T

Seasons Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Oakville. In the 1950s it became the Town Clerks Office and local Police Station. The original cells are still located in its private dining cellar which seats up to 20 for functions.

R E S T A U R A N T

After 18 years of operation, Seasons has created its own history as one of Oakville’s finest dining establishments. Seasons features an elegant yet warm atmosphere and a constantly changing menu of creative contemporary Canadian delight.

Owners George and Tammy have established a focal point on Oakville’s prestigious “restaurant row” along with their other restaurants, including Corks, Maluca and Brü.

SEASONS: CORKS: seasonsrestaurant.ca corksrestaurant.ca MALUCA: BRÜ: malucarestaurant.ca brurestaurant.ca

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SPRING 2016 | 61

FASHION

Downtown Oakville: Discover Luxury

Luxury Is Ordinary For Us Burrows Clothiers are located right in the heart of Oakville’s heritage core and is the top consultant when it comes to assisting men towards choosing clothing that defines them. They have true talent and an exceptional eye for personal fashion that’s second nature to them as revealed throughout their three floors.

The brands bespeak fashion ranges from, classic, European and urban chic pieces that display a timeless excellence. Their passion ensures each client will develop their own personal style and wardrobe allowing them the confidence they need to properly dress for any event or occasion.

ADDRESS: 200 Lakeshore Road East PHONE: 905-842-0232 EMAIL: blake@burrowsclothiers.com WEBSITE: burrowsclothiers.com G I O R G I O A R M A N I • B R U N E L LO C U C I N E L L I • H U G O B O S S • B E L S TA F F • E T R O • B O G L I O L I

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For Life’s Details...

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18HOLE

Escapism I

BY MIKE SPRY

don’t love Toronto. It has nothing to do with the fact that I’m a Montreal Canadiens fan, or a Montreal Expos loyalist, or that I grew up in Ottawa. Perhaps it’s because there’s no good bagels, or the condos block the view of the lake, or I can’t justify the inflated real estate prices just to fight commuter traffic. More likely it’s simply the claustrophobia of a metropolis — my angst could be born of any conurbation. A few summers ago I recall being up in The Big Smoke for some meetings, and stayed a little longer than I had hoped. The urbanity was getting to me. My cellphone wouldn’t stop ringing. My inbox grew like a festering weed.

A migraine set in. In a blind panic, I reached for the phone and speed dialled a friend. I didn’t even bother with pleasantries.

“GOLF?!” I half-yelled, half-begged.

“GIVE ME TEN MINUTES,” my saviour replied.

Within moments we were in his car, golf bags and briefcases thrown carelessly in the back seat. I closed my eyes as we weaved through traffic, desperately trying to make our escape from the clutches of the municipality. The slowly dissipating cityscape eased my tension, and gradually my journey to leisure therapy mitigated my dread.

Truthfully, I’m not even quite sure where we went. Maybe it was up to Collingwood and The Georgian Bay Club. Or The Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga. Or Alton’s Osprey Valley Golf Course.

All terrific courses in wonderful communities that revel in harmony and stark opposition to a city’s discordance. What was important is that we were free, free from being tethered to our desks, our screens, and, yes, maybe even our families.

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SPRING 2016 | 69

“THE INTERESTING THING ABOUT

golf IS THAT EVEN

THOUGH I’M NOT

VERY GOOD AT IT,

Photo: Osprey Valley Golf

IT

70 | SPRING 2016

relaxes ME

LIKE A FULL-DAY MASSAGE.” THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

A strange quality to golf’s estimable serenity is that I don’t love golf. I don’t hate golf, but I have no natural skills, little confidence, and deeply-flawed form. I’m a blade of grass shy of a birdie on one hole, and double-quintuple bogey on the next.

If I never golfed again, it wouldn’t rob me of sleep—I would soldier on unaffected.

But I enjoy the day. I like the time with old friends—and new—out for an afternoon with nothing to better do than chase a dimpled white ball around a lush pitch of well-manicured nature.

But what is it about golf that provides respite like no other activity, no other I’ve found anyway? On a day like my frantic escape from the city (now that I think about it, it may have been Credit Valley; I recall finding the Credit River off the tee on 11) it was about the fraternal or sororal, not just sanctuary. Friends catch up. How’s the new house? How’s business? How are the kids?

How’s your dad? How’s your mum? It’s the

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Photo: Credit Valley Golf and Country Club

The interesting thing about golf is that even though I’m not very good at it, it relaxes me like a full-day massage. Golf, as frustrating and addictive a sport as any endurance, is more than just an athletic challenge. A day at a golf course like The Georgian Bay Club (I really think that may have been it, as I think I remember that dog leg right on the 7th) allows for an expanse of reverie, a distance from the urban chaos and stress of the day. It provides peace and serenity, the healing of nature combined with the vitality of sport.

minutiae that can only be enjoyed with friends, minutiae that in the city can seem like torture, but on the fairways, under the shade of epic pine, revelling in the bucolic, it is bliss.

With our feet up on the cart’s dash, we talk about work, politics, exercise, and getting old. As we order lunch and a few cold drinks, we talk about how the economy drives you to madness, about breakfast meetings, and our favourite TV shows.

As we replace our divots we talk about mortgages, and love, and nine irons.

We pause briefly in the contentedness of quiet. We mark the occasion of our continuing friendship in silence, as we line up puts, or just rest in the majesty of the course’s inherent beauty.

That day, there was nothing much I remember about the chaos of the city or the therapeutic paradise of the course.

The memory lacks detail. All I can recall is the vacuum that relieved me of my worry and my partner trying to convince me to play 36, so maybe it was Osprey Valley with its three course options: Heathland, Hoot, and Toot; or perhaps he simply wanted to enjoy a second round at the beautiful Crosswinds Golf & Country Club, set against the backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment.

Golf was never something we thought we’d do when we were young. It was not something we aspired to. Before the mid-nineties’ rise of Tiger Woods and golf’s expansion into cross-cultural,

“I’M A BLADE OF GRASS

birdie

SHY OF A ON ONE HOLE, AND A DOUBLE-QUINTUPLE

bogey ON THE NEXT.”

SPRING 2016 | 71

Photo: Crosswinds Golf and Country Club

“THE RELAXATION ISN’T SIMPLY RESERVED FOR THE COURSE. THE OF THE ENTIRE .”

SPORT PROMOTES

environment escapism

Consider the courses mentioned above: Credit Valley, Crosswinds, Osprey Valley, and Georgian Bay. They’re not simply strolls through the pastoral. They’re destinations, synthesized vacations only a short drive from the home or the office. It’s an exotic getaway right in your backyard. It’s a cottage without the mortgage. They offer world-class dining, event planning and hosting, amenities and activities catering to children, and a community of like-minded souls who also need escape. Golf provides an oasis, a refuge from our lives which have become seven-day-a-week, twenty-four-hour-a-day endless cycles.

The friend who picked me up and saved me from a metropolitan breakdown is a more avid golfer than I. He gets out three to five times a week, and vacations where—and only where—great golf is readily available. He knows these courses, this lifestyle, and the sanctum they provide him and his family. What surprises me most about his experiences are the stories of the people he has met at the various clubs he frequents,

72 | SPRING 2016

and not the cliché of networking and business connections (though they certainly exist) that are a trope of golf’s cultural dissemination. He spoke intimately and affectionately about good people, about people like him, who just needed some place to go, someplace to luxuriate in an adjournment from reality.

Back on that day, during that liberation from metropolitan angst, we got caught up in the fairway traffic of an afternoon of golf. Play was slow. Everyone was there not to rush through a round, but to savour 18 holes of arcadian relaxation. Because,

out there, away from that which burdens us, there’s time to wait. To reflect. To stand in a circle of golf shirts and cold drinks to share anecdotes, parables, euphemisms, and stories. But these moments aren’t long enough. Somehow, the clocks are our enemies, and responsibility is overwhelming. There are children to care for.

Wives to love. Mortgages to pay. Lawns to cut. Vacations to plan. There is everything away from the fairways and greens. But it stays there, if but for a moment. And in the realities of contemporary life and modern day pressures, that moment happens to be just enough.

Photo: The Georgian Bay Club

cross-generational, and cross-gender appeal, golf was a sport for our fathers, for the elderly and elite. But the sport’s rapid evolution to a universally alluring recreation opened our eyes not only to just a pastime, but a lifestyle. The relaxation isn’t simply reserved for the course. The entire environment of the sport promotes escapism.

THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

Please enjoy our wines responsibly.

Meiomi Chardonnay is a limited release. Available starting April 30th, while quantities last, in VINTAGES section of LCBO stores.

Unforgettable Experience...

Discover The Crosswinds Experience...

GOLF Immaculate 18-hole championship course, extending across 200 serene acres‌ and stunning million dollar views.

WEDDINGS Intimate outdoor ceremony area, elegant Grand Hall, delicious food and outstanding service‌ one wedding at a time.

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PUB & PATIOS Enjoy tasty sharing plates, beverages with friends, and panoramic views of the golf course and the Niagara Escarpment.

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Guelph | Waterloo | Oakville | Toronto knar.com

PURA VIDA

BY ERICA NELSON

COSTA RICA.

THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

The sunlight peers from behind a sheer, white curtain. A faint breeze flows past the barrier bringing with it the fresh, salty smell of the ocean. The waves crash against the rocks eloquently in the distance creating the perfect morning soundtrack.

Imagine waking up in this moment at any time you desire. While Canada’s climate has its own value, sometimes somewhere warmer and more relaxed is good for your soul. Expanding your Real Estate portfolio is one of the strongest investment decisions Canadians can make. Internationally, Costa Rica is one of the prime destinations to do so.

Costa Rica has a fascinating history and much like the breathtaking beaches it is home to, each grain of this history is integral to the story the country has to tell. Originally discovered by Christopher Columbus, it was given its name because of the decorative gold bands the region’s inhabitants would wear in their noses and ears. Costa Rica translates into Rich Coast. They have a saying in the country, “Pura Vida,” which translates to pure life, and it is extremely reflective of the lifestyle in Costa Rica. As soon as you step foot on the warm, sandy beach or wander the labyrinth of one of its mysterious rainforests, you instantly forget the trouble and stress of everyday life and begin to embrace Pura Vida.

SPRING 2016 | 79

Photo: Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa

EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL, CULTURAL AND POLITICAL BEAUTY THAT HAS BEEN DRAWING CANADIAN INVESTORS TOWARDS

Politically, the country is the most stable in its entire region. It is known as the Switzerland of the Americas. Costa Rica has the longest standing democracy in Central America and eradicated its army in 1949. The government instead uses these funds for heath care and educational development, which is why it comes as no surprise that the citizens have one of the highest life expectancies in the Western hemisphere and a consistently growing literacy rate.

Economically, Costa Rica has been performing extremely well. Historically, the country has always been very dependent on the exporting of goods, mainly coffee, bananas and beef products; however, in the past few decades, tourism has quickly surpassed exporting as its main source of foreign exchange. The country is also becoming a leader in technological development. Well-known companies such as Intel, Amazon, HP and Proctor & Gamble have purchased space to operate out of Costa Rica.

As a vacation destination, Costa Rica is a very convenient choice. It is just hours away from North America and provides a desirable, tropical climate combined with calm, warm oceans and a whimsical, peace-loving populace. There are direct flights available from a number of major cities, including Toronto, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, LA, Denver, Charlotte, New York, New Jersey and many more. The tourism structure is based around the budget of a gallivanting backpacker, which helps to allow travellers of all budgets to experience the marvels that Costa Rica has to offer. Horseback riding, kayaking, parasailing, hiking, surfing, fishing, waterfall tours and zip lining are among the top activities to choose from while vacationing in this radiant country.

The country’s landscape is an alluring blend of natural wonders, including fierce volcanoes, magnificent rainforests and tranquil, eclectic

80 | SPRING 2016 Photo: Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa

Instantly forget the trouble and stress of everyday life.

THEINVIDIATAMAGAZINE.COM

Photo: Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa

beach communities. Costa Rica has an incredibly diverse ecological composition that includes five distinct ecosystems, namely dry forest, cloud forests, Mangroves, Paramo and coral reefs, all of which fuse together to create the mural that is Costa Rica. The adventure and exploration possibilities are so endless it can be overwhelming. Seeing everything in a short vacation would be impossible, but for those investing in property, the time constraints disappear into the sweet, salty ocean breeze.

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Photo: Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa

Eclipsed in a unique misty cover, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in North Puntarenas is truly one of the most awe-inspiring sights one can experience. Unlike all the other rainforests in Costa Rica, this one has a soft blanket of mist covering its entirety. The mist is created due to high humidity at the elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level. The moisture beads that make up this blanket latch onto the tree branches and shelter the thriving ecosystem below.

Another site that should not be missed is the fierce Arenal Volcano National Park in Alajuela. The smoky peak of this volcano kisses the rolling clouds and is known around the world as one of the most beautiful volcanoes. Pre-Columbian inhabitants considered it to be sacred.

Guanacaste is one of the most popular provinces to visit in Costa Rica, and home to the luxurious Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf and Spa. This is truly a one-of-a-kind destination for travellers

In the past few decades, tourism has quickly surpassed exporting as Costa Rica’s main source of foreign exchange. looking to escape the grasps of their monotonous everyday routine. Spanning across 2,300 acres with 1,200 five-star residences this eco-friendly resort is dedicated to showcasing all that Costa Rica has to offer while maintaining a harmony with its natural surroundings.

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Photo: 2Costa Rica Real Estate

The culture of Costa Rica is described as, “Happy, laid back, relaxed, diverse… Pura Vida. There is something for everyone here, but the overwhelmingly consistent factor for visitors and investors is how amazed they are at the quality of life and happiness,” explains Scott Cutter, a Real Estate broker with 2Costa Rica Real Estate. There is no place better to experience this than Nosara, a tranquil beach community.

It is the number one surfing destination in all of Costa Rica; Pura Vida is truly alive in Nosara. The town is defined by its worries-by-the-wayside attitude and the lack of commercialism it exudes. Affectionately known about town as “No Shirt, No Shoes Nosara,” this surfers’ haven has three beaches for visitors to enjoy.

This is truly a one-of -a-kind destination.

Scott and his partner and brother Todd Cutter fell into their lives in Costa Rica Real Estate almost by accident. They began their own love affair with this country while working in the tourism industry. They were involved in hotel management and worked with a travel agency, which brought them to Costa Rica’s rocky shores. “Through our commitment to our clients, servicing their families and helping them have memorable experiences, we began to introduce them to the idea of

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Photo: 2Costa Rica Real Estate

While these are merely a few highlights that Costa Rica has to offer, no matter where your feet land, you are bound to fall in love with the country. “Everything moves at a slower pace, which for some of the faster-paced visitors may take a little getting used to, but the heart of the people and the lifestyle in Costa Rica is all about enjoying and living life. The focus is on family, nature and sustainability in all senses of the word,” Scott explains.

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Photo: Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa

Photo: 2Costa Rica Real Estate

owning a piece of the paradise that is Costa Rica,” Scott says. The demand for international investment properties has been growing in Canada, and Scott and Todd saw an opportunity for a new adventure in their careers.

Getting their brokerage up and running has been a long, but exhilarating process.

They have a unique approach to the Real Estate industry that their clients respect. “Our deliberate approach is less about taking advantage of a booming market and moving quickly, and more about building long-term relationships and ensuring clients make the best investments possible,” Scott elaborates.

The two have always focused on finding the right team members, slow and steady growth and a commitment to excellence.

After nearly 15 years of experience in

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The heart of the people and the lifestyle in Costa Rica is all about enjoying and living life. the industry, and 20 years spent in Costa Rica, the driven duo have established the most distinguished brokerage firm and consulting team in the country.

Scott believes, “The key to investing is matching the destination, lifestyle and investment goals with your own and your family’s vision.”

If you’re interested in expanding into tropical, international Real Estate, Scott and Todd stress the importance of working on a macro to micro level, as they do with their clients. “Oftentimes we slow down the process to ensure we first educate clients and investors about Costa Rica as a destination. They need to know the people, the culture, the government, health care system and macro economic drivers,” he explains. It is very easy to fall in love with a beautiful condo

or property, but it is important to view the country as a whole and take other things, including climate, infrastructure, lifestyle and amenities, into consideration as well.

“This country and its people represent everything which I hold and cherish as important in my life. A deep respect for the environment, amazing beauty everywhere you look and the opportunity to share memories with friends and family in one of the most magical settings on the planet,” Scott explains. Costa Rica is truly warm in both climate and genuine nature of its people.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON 2COSTA RICA, PLEASE VISIT: www.2costaricarealestate.com

SPRING 2016 | 83

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110 | SPRING 2016

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Amanda Paterson and

The Oakville

Ballet

BY ERICA NELSON

I have never been a true connoisseur of the performing arts. I have a strong appreciation for the arts, and have always been very in tune with my own creative side, but I never pursued it as a defining interest of mine. As a result, I had only been to the ballet once in my life. I was seven years old and my grandmother had taken me to see the Nutcracker.

It was a truly magical experience. I remember watching the dancers float across the stage as if suspended from the ceiling and wondering how on earth they were able to create such magnificent movements. It is a night I will forever remember.

Having said all of this, when I sat down at a quaint café in Downtown Oakville with internationally-renowned ballet dancer and instructor Amanda Paterson, to say I was intimidated would be an understatement.

This is a woman who has helped shape the world of ballet both here in Canada and overseas. She is well known in the ballet world for her efficacious instructing style and her flawless technique on the stage. I was meeting with Amanda to discuss how she recently decided to dedicate both these talents to creating Oakville’s first ever professional ballet company, the Oakville Ballet.

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Amanda’s appreciation and passion for ballet began at a young age. Her mother was a ballet dancer and teacher. She had done her training in England before moving to Canada in her mid-twenties where she made the transition into teaching.

“One memory of my mother that always makes me laugh is when she talks about the first class she ever taught. She walked into the studio and was startled to find a room full of 14-year-old boys waiting for their ballet class to begin,” Amanda fondly reminisced.

As soon as Amanda shared this intimate memory with me, my nerves were instantly calmed. I knew I was speaking with a kind and genuine individual with an incredible passion for ballet.

Amanda herself has been dancing since she was a very young girl. She was a very confident two year old who immediately turned her nose up at having to take ballet classes. “My mother corrected me rather quickly,” Amanda laughed, “’If you want to become a ballerina, you’re going to need training’ she said to me, and by age five I began my first lessons.”

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Amanda continued to tell the history of her ballet career. She progressed through her lessons until she entered high school. It was at this time in her life that Amanda felt the obligation to explore other interests.

“During my high school years I wanted to pursue other passions of mine. It was after my graduation from Canada’s National Ballet School that I realized that ballet was something that I lived and breathed. I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life,” Amanda told me.

She then travelled to New York, which was known by many as the heart of the ballet world. She danced in the big city for the following two years, after which she returned to the Greater Toronto Area. Amanda was disappointed to find that there wasn’t nearly as much happening in the world of ballet when she got back to Toronto. She did not see as much opportunity as a dancer that she had while she was in New York. It was in this moment that Amanda knew the time had come to delve into the world of teaching.

“Teaching was something I was always intrigued by, much like my mother. I always felt I had an eye for technique and a great mind for problem solving,” Amanda explained.

“I realized that ballet

She joined her mother who was the artistic director of the Oakville School of Classical Ballet at the time, and endured a great deal of training at the Royal Academy of Dance and the American Ballet Theatre to help prepare her for the transition from dancer to instructor. When her mother retired from her position nearly 20 years ago, she graciously named Amanda her successor and the new artistic director of the Oakville School of Classical Ballet.

“It was incredible to take charge of the school that I had watched my mother build over many years. I was thrilled to take on the challenging role,” Amanda said, her face beaming with the same excitement she felt years ago.

Today, in addition to being the artistic director of the school, Amanda has created and introduced the Oakville Ballet, which is Oakville’s very first professional youth ballet company.

Amanda has also become a member of the Board of Examiners for the American Ballet Theatre and their National Training Curriculum, an honour she refers to as her greatest accomplishment so far.

“It was an amazing feeling to be recognized by such a prestigious organization and to be invited by Raymond Lukens and Franco De Vita to join the Board of Examiners,” Amanda remarked.

was something that

I lived and breathed.”

Amanda Paterson Artistic Director

112 | SPRING 2016

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“Our ultimate goal with the Oakville Ballet is to give students the opportunity

to perform full-length productions.”

With her newfound role and the brand new Oakville Ballet, Amanda is looking forward to developing and defining the culture of youth ballet in Oakville and surrounding areas. Having little knowledge of ballet education, I was unsure how she was hoping to achieve this, but Amanda was quick to offer a confident explanation.

“Our ultimate goal with the new Oakville Ballet is to give students the opportunity to perform full-length productions. These performances are the same as those put on by professional ballet companies with costumes, sets and a live orchestra. We want young dancers to have the opportunity to be immersed in a theatre setting, see the process from beginning to end and to perfect their art form. It is important for them to understand how these experiences can help shape their future careers,” Amanda explained.

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The Oakville Ballet’s first production is set to take to the stage in September of this year, and Amanda is using this opportunity to show nearby communities how beautiful and athletic ballet truly is. The first half of the evening will be the Kingdom Of Shades act from the ballet La Bayadére. Amanda described this ballet as, “Very eye-catching and alluring. It is almost mesmerizing to watch the corps de ballet’s entrance in a simple sequence of arabesques repeated over and over, whilst descending in perfect precision down a ramp. This will truly show our audience the undeniable beauty of ballet.”

SPRING 2016 | 113

The second part of the evening will showcase the dancers in Paquita, which also comes from the same Russian choreographer, Marius Petipa.

Amanda was quick to explain how different this piece is from the first.

The Paquita suite, without a storyline, focuses on the technical, athletic and artistic skills of both male and female dancers.

“Paquita feels so much more like a celebration. It is very uplifting and thrilling to experience. It is all about the dancers showing off their virtuosity in a series of solo variations.

The two ballets, La Bayadére and Paquita, shown back to back, will be the perfect example of what ballet truly is: an art form that combines beauty and athleticism in a most exciting way,” Amanda told me.

For the past 30 years, Amanda Paterson and her mother, Elizabeth Paterson, have staged The Nutcracker.

It has become an Oakville tradition that should not be missed. It is performed every year at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The Oakville Ballet’s new production will also take place at the Oakville Centre for Performing Arts in September of this year.

“The perfect example of what ballet truly is: an art that combines

beauty and athleticism in a most exciting way.”

OSCB

BALLET

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE OAKVILLE BALLET AND THE OAKVILLE SCHOOL OF CLASSICAL BALLET, VISIT WWW.OAKVILLEBALLET.COM

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