ROAM Ontario Magazine: Winter 2011-12

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35(6,'(17 $1' &(2 EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Geoff Hogarth (Pioneer) ASSISTANT EDITOR: Kim Hoang (Pioneer) ART DIRECTOR: Corinne Nyffenegger WRITERS:

Victoria M. Ford Laura Byrne Paquet Chris Waters Brian Jackson Karen Cumming Alisha Arnold Katherine Low

PUBLISHER:

Gordon Green JAG Communications Inc. publisher@roammagazine.ca 905.745.1385

PIONEER ENERGY

1122 International Blvd, Ste 700 Burlington, Ontario L7L 6Z8 pioneer.ca ADVERTISING SALES:

Mark Tharme Business Development Sales Manager, ROAM Magazine mtharme@albanesebranding.com W: 905.526.0067 x 19 C: 905.962.2207

Pioneer is celebrating 55 years of serving Canadian motorists this year, and I want to thank you for your loyalty. The basis of our successful growth across Ontario is simple – we provide our customers with the best value by being the low-price leaders, and by delivering service excellence that the major oil companies can’t match. Our goal is to earn your loyalty each time you visit a Pioneer station. But we also understand that success in business, as in life, is about quality partnerships. Our retailers are the best in the industry, and I applaud them for their commitment to making your Pioneer experience the best it can be. The communities we serve are strong and vibrant, and at Pioneer we feel honoured to partner with so many worthwhile organizations that make each community a better place to live. I am especially proud of our partnership with Ontario’s five Children’s Hospitals in London, Hamilton, Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa. Together with our Retailers, you have enabled Pioneer to raise $1.3 million to support the vital work of these institutions. I am also proud of our long-time partnership with Ontario University Athletics. As the sponsor of Athletes of the Week, Pioneer has had the privilege of highlighting the accomplishments of many talented young people across Ontario. And on a very local level we partner with our customers to help schools across the province through our School Bucks Community Bucks Program. Visit us at www.pioneer.ca to learn more about this initiative. Whether it is supporting our Canadian Forces soldiers and their families or wildlife habitat initiatives with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, it is partnerships like these, and many others too numerous to mention, that make Pioneer much more than just a business. I hope you enjoy this edition of ROAM, and I am looking forward to seeing your photos as you roam Ontario this winter and enter your ‘best shots’ in our photo contest, enabled through our partnership with Henry’s (see contest details on page 16). Thank you for making our first 55 years so fulfilling – we look forward to partnering with you for many decades to come. Happy Roaming! Sincerely,

Cert no. SW-COC-002478

Tim Hogarth President & CEO, Pioneer Energy

Roam Magazine™ is published by JAG Communications Inc, for and on behalf of Pioneer Energy LP (“Pioneer”). Opinions expressed in the articles appearing in this magazine are those of the authors and Pioneer does not necessarily share those opinions. Pioneer does not endorse third parties who advertise in this magazine or their products and services. Pioneer has not undertaken any independent confirmation that data and facts appearing in the magazine (including, for example, dates and places for any events) are accurate and the reader should independently confirm all such information. The publisher and/or Pioneer Energy and their respective affiliates shall not be liable for any damages or losses, however sustained, as a result of the reliance on or use by a reader or any other person of any information, opinions or products expressed, advertised or otherwise contained in this magazine. All of the information contained in this magazine is subject to change without notice, including, for example, product specifications and prices, and event dates and locations. All Pioneer trademarks appearing in this magazine (including the trademarks “Roam Magazine”, the word “Pioneer” and “Pioneer Bonus Bucks”) are owned by Pioneer Energy LP and when used by a third party are used under license from Pioneer Energy LP.

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© 2011 No part of Roam Magazine may be reproduced in any format, for whatever use, without the express written approval of Pioneer Energy LP.

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/,*+7 83WK H6($621 By Victoria M. Ford

Photo courtesy of CAA Festival of Lights

$ JXLGH WR GD]]OLQJ KROLGD\ VLJKWV DURXQG WKH SURYLQFH Ontario towns and cities light up for the holidays, highlighting all that is good about the season – family time, car trips, great meals and more. Each festival of lights has its own bragging rights, and all are just a drive away to both put and keep you in the holiday spirit. So get your gang bundled and into your own personal sleigh – be it a sedan or van – and spend a night or even a weekend enjoying the lights of the season.

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shows take your breath away,� explains Dino Fazio, General Manager of the CAA Winter Festival of Lights. “Of course, there is also the Bird Kingdom and IMAX Theatre which offer fantastic indoor options.� TD’s Rink on the Brink is another must while in town. “It offers the quintessential Canadian wintertime activity, outdoor ice skating, with an iconic twist: by putting you just a snowball’s throw from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls,� Fazio explains. “We consider it Canada’s version of the infamous Rockefeller Center.�

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With more than three million twinkling lights surrounding one of the wonders of the world, Lights of Niagara is a seasonal must-see. The city of Niagara takes the holiday season seriously, casting changing colours across both the Canadian and American falls, and lighting up Niagara parkway with spectacular animated displays.

The Niagara Parks Commission adds holiday shine in the Floral Showhouse’s Festival of Colours, a free event featuring “a glorious Chrysanthemum show in November and a special Christmas show throughout December. Both of these

Being Niagara there’s always lots to see and do – so why not spend a night or two and take in a seasonal show at one of the many theatres? Not sure what to see? Fazio suggests the OH Canada EH Christmas dinner show, or catching International Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin, making Santa disappear on stage before your very eyes. “Let’s not forget the New Year’s Eve Party in the Park!� Fazio adds. “Held in Queen Victoria Park beginning at 7 p.m., come celebrate Canada’s largest free New Year’s Eve event. The concert draws approximately 30,000 people each year, with two spectacular fireworks displays that take place at 9 p.m. and midnight.� Make the Winter Festival of Lights part of your own holiday tradition! Lots to see and do from November 5 until January 31, visit www.wfol.com to plan your trip.

&KULVWPDV /LJKWV $ FURVV &DQDGD Check out the Parliament Buildings as you’ve never seen them before, as the nation’s capital invites its citizens to celebrate the gifts of the season! Featuring more than 300,000 lights, the National Capital Commission illuminates more than 30 locations across the city, concentrating around Confederation Blvd.

Photo courtesy of National Capital Commission

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“This is the 27th edition of the event,� offers Charles Cardinal, Media Relations Advisor at the NCC. “The NCC is responsible for lighting up the capital during the Christmas season and we invite other Canadian capital cities to do the same.� Launching December 1, Canada’s capital region glows, inside and out, in holiday splendour. While in town, be sure to pack your skates and spend some time on the Rideau Canal – an Ontario winter tradition. The whole city celebrates the season, with performances and special events at a large number of theatres and museums. For a month of holiday events, be sure to visit www.canadascapital.gc.ca, Christmas Lights Across Canada, to make the most of your trip. Runs nightly December 1, 2011 to January 7, 2012. Photo courtesy of National Capital Commission

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A five-week spectacle, Simcoe knows how to entertain guests over the holidays. “Volunteers have restored or reproduced many of the original displays that were floats from the Santa Claus Parade of years gone by,” Robertson adds. “Over time, new exhibits have been created by local artists and craftsmen, lovingly built and designed to fit into the following three categories: Traditional, Religious and Fantasy.” Listen, and even join in, to one of the Carol songs as you enjoy this display strolling parkland or by horse-drawn trolley. “Motorcoach tourists enjoy the small town hospitality when they visit Norfolk County,” Robertson continues. “Our step-on guides provide a 45

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minute narrative tour and then return to our Welcome Centre for complimentary hot chocolate or hot apple cider and last minute shopping from local artisans and food producers.” And there’s something for everyone on weekends. “It begins with the Official Opening Night Ceremony followed by the Downtown Simcoe Moonlight Madness Sale and finishes with a Family New Years Eve skating party,” says Robertson. “A new event we are all excited about this year will take place on Saturday December 3rd. In the afternoon children are invited to our Dress Up and Makeover Party to prepare for the arrival of the beautiful Snow Princess at the Panorama that evening. This is the first time that royalty

has visited and it is sure to be a magical evening.” When you are done with the lights and sounds of the holidays, swing by Llama Bean Café & Eatery or Cinnamons Coffee Lounge and indulge in specialty coffee, teas and treats! A sweet ending to a perfect Christmas day! River of Lights runs from November 26 until January 1. Visit www. simcoepanorama.ca for complete event listings.

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With over a half a million lights adorning Upper Canada Village, a magical experience awaits all who visit Morrisburg over the holidays. When you arrive, you can’t help but sing Walking in a Winter Wonderland as you skate under the stars, board a life-sized toy train, and are entertained by holiday music and festive dining. The Canadian Gingerbread Championships are sure to inspire aspiring chefs in any home, and horse-drawn wagon and romantic carriage rides or skating under the stars are all sure to bring the magic of the season to life. Event runs November-January, visit www.uppercanadavillage.com for further information.

6DUQLD &HOHEUDWLRQ RI /LJKWV With an entire town excited to participate, Sarnia’s Celebration of Lights puts on a great holiday show. From the grand lighting ceremony to the memorial tree, there are lots of things that make this celebration spectacular.

While in Sarnia, check out a show at the Imperial Theatre or plan your trip around a Sarnia Sting hockey game. Known for its vast array of trail systems, Sarnia is an ideal trip for outdoor enthusiasts, just be sure to pack your snowshoes, skis or other equipment! Events run from November through to January, so be sure to visit www.celebrationoflights.com to book your perfect getaway. :,17(5 _

3LRQHHU (QHUJ\ DQG +HQU\·V SKRWR YLGHR GLJLWDO DUH WHDPLQJ XS WR SXW \RX LQ WKH SLFWXUH WKLV ZLQWHU Send us your best winter photos in one of the three categories below. Each entry will be automatically entered for monthly prize awards. Selected monthly prize winning images will be posted at roamontario.ca so that our readers can vote on their favourites. The image with the most votes in each category will be the winner of the Grand Prize for that category. Contest closes Feb. 28, 2012. :LQWHUVFDSHV Submit your favourite winterscape photo along with a brief description of where and when you shot it.

:LQWHU(6FDSHV Send us the best image of your favourite winter activity along with a brief description of where and when you shot it.

6KRZ 8V <RXU %RQXV %XFNV Put your Bonus Bucks card in the picture for a chance to win! We’re looking for imaginative placement of your Bonus Bucks card in a winter scene.

Full contest details, rules and regulations are available online at www.roammagazine.ca Submit your entries (high resolution .jpg) to publisher@roammagazine.ca

0RQWKO\ 3UL]HV Pioneer will select monthly winners and their winning images will be posted online. The winners will receive a $25 Pioneer Gift Card.

*5$1' 35,=(6 Winterscapes and WinterEScapes Categories: One Grand Prize as voted by ROAM readers, per category consists of a Nikon Coolpix P500 Digital Camera, 8GB memory card, camera bag, and $150 Henry’s School of Imaging Gift Card for professional photography instruction (Total Retail Value of approx. $650.00 each) Show us Your Bonus Bucks Category: One Grand Prize of One year FREE gas from Pioneer Energy in the form of $1,300 in Bonus Bucks.

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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest starts on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 (12:01 a.m. EST) and ends on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 (11:59 p.m. EST). To enter, visit www.roamontario.ca during the contest period, fully complete and submit the online entry form and successfully upload your original photo (collectively, the “Entry”). All entries become the property of Pioneer. Entry constitutes permission to edit, modify, publish and otherwise use the photo in any way without compensation. Photo must be original. Contest open to Ontario residents who are the age of majority or older with a valid Ontario driver’s license. Limit of one (1) Entry per category per entrant. Three (3) Grand Prizes available to be won; one per photo category and consists of one (1) of two (2) Nikon camera package (ARV of $650) for the Winterscapes and WinterEScapes categories and one (1) free gas in the form of $1,300 in Pioneer Bonus Bucks (ARV of $1,300) for the Show Us Your Bonus Bucks category. Four (4) monthly prizes available to be won and consists of a $25 Pioneer Gift Card (ARV of $25). Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received during the Contest period. Skill-testing question must be correctly answered to win. For full contest rules and regulations, visit www.roamontario.ca.

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By Laura Byrne Paquet

Ǩ Skate, sculpt, slide, eat, drink – winter should always be this fun!

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t’s Ontario’s biggest celebration of everything winter – ice sculpting, skating, Beaver Tails and more – transforming our nation’s Capital into an outdoor mecca throughout the month of February. Be sure to consider these ‘must-sees’ as well as ‘insider’ secrets to getting the most out of Ottawa’s Winterlude.

On crisp afternoons during Winterlude, the frozen Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa is a rainbow-coloured sea of movement. Parents push bundled-up toddlers in red rental sleighs. Older kids play tag. Teenagers flirt. And crowds cluster at wooden huts to buy hot chocolate, apple cider and Beaver Tails – flat, deep-fried pastries topped with cinnamon and sugar, cream cheese, or other diet-busting fixings.

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ǯ ǡ Ǥ When Toronto travel blogger Evelyn Hannon took her granddaughter Lotus to the festival several years ago, the seven-yearold was so captivated by BeaverTails that “we had to bring one home for her mom!” Hannon remembers with a chuckle. (And, no, the pastries don’t travel terribly well—they’re best eaten when they’re fresh and hot.)

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The festival’s costumed mascots, the Ice Hogs, happily pose for pictures. Families can stop to watch entertainment ranging from bed races to Aboriginal dancing. The festival has grown substantially from its modest roots. Founded in 1979 to entertain locals and draw tourists to the capital during a slow time of year, it has definitely succeeded: about 600,000 people participate every year, including about 700 volunteers. In 2012, it takes place from February 3 to 20. Much of the action centres on the first 7.8 kilometres of the Rideau Canal, a 202-kilometre route built between 1826 and 1832 to link Ottawa and Kingston. Families who have tackled the World Heritage Site on blades have a few tips for newbies.

“Make sure the skates fit,” warns Catherine Dawson March, deputy travel editor at The Globe and Mail. She brought her two children, 10-year-old Bethany and six year-old Jack, to Ottawa for Winterlude in 2011. She advises against buying new skates and using them for the first time on the canal, as distances are longer than most people usually skate at their local rink, and the surface can be bumpy.

While skating on the canal is a highlight, it’s far from the only Winterlude fun for families. Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, just across the Ottawa River from downtown Ottawa, becomes the world’s biggest snow playground at “Snowflake Kingdom”, featuring snow slides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowboarding shows and other activities, many of which are free.

Young children and new skaters seeking the smoothest ice should head to Patterson Creek, a little-known, quiet offshoot of the canal in the Glebe neighbourhood.

“There’s so many child-friendly things to do,” says Toronto communications manager Mi Mi Tsui, whose nine-year-old son Cameron tried his hand at ice fishing at the Snowflake Kingdom on a recent visit.

Another tip: try to hit the canal before 11 a.m. The ice is groomed late each evening, so the surface early in the morning is the smoothest it will be all day.

Just west of the site, the Canadian Children’s Museum (inside the Canadian Museum of Civilization) is popular on blustery days. :,17(5 _

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Favourites, particularly among kids under 10, include replicas of a cargo ship, an Egyptian pyramid and an Indonesian stilt house. Back on the Ottawa side of the river, the ice sculptors in Confederation Park, across the street from Ottawa City Hall, attract enthusiastic spectators. Using picks, knives and even chainsaws, they transform

stops if rising temperatures are in the forecast. Finally, avoid driving from venue to venue. Ottawa’s downtown street grid is a

major sites on weekends for $3.50 a day, and children 11 and under travel free.

The first rule of Winterlude: dress in layers. Conditions can change quickly, so be prepared for anything from -40C wind-chill to rain. Beyond that, make sure everyone has a windresistant jacket, hat, scarf, water-resistant mittens and boots, and warm socks. Ski pants, snowsuits and thermal underwear can be handy if it’s very cold. And don’t forget to bring a small knapsack for your shoes, wallet and water bottle when skating on the canal.

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enormous chunks of ice into glittering monuments. In recent years, warm weather has sometimes melted the sculptures prematurely, so make this one of your first

morass of one-way streets, and traffic can be heavy during Winterlude. “We always take the Sno-Bus,� says Tsui. These special city buses shuttle visitors between the :,17(5 _

Delta Ottawa Hotel & Suites: Children 17 and under stay free in their parents’ room. A children’s centre for kids aged 2 to 7 offers games, Nintendo and craft tables, and the hotel can provide playpens, high chairs and childcare. The indoor Family Fun Zone includes a pool and a 115-foot waterslide (361 Queen Street, 613-238-6000, www.deltahotels.com/en/hotels/ontario/deltaottawa). HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel: Kids might get a kick out of this budget spot in a former 19th-century jail, since some of the guest rooms are in old cells. However, it’s geared to backpackers, so it can be loud and parking is a bit limited. If you want to see it but don’t want to stay, “ghost tours” take place regularly (75 Nicholas Street, 613-235-2595, www.hihostels.ca). Les Suites Hotel: Just east of the Rideau Centre, this pet-friendly property offers one- and two-bedroom suites, each with a kitchen, laundry facilities and free Internet. Perks include an indoor pool and childcare services on request (130 Besserer Street, 613-232-2000, www.les-suites.com).

ZAK’S DINER: The shakes and burgers at this ’50s-style diner in the Byward Market, near the north end of the canal, are classic comfort foods after a long day of skating (14 Byward Market Square, 613-241-2401, www.zaksdiner.com). BARLEY MOW PUB: About a five-minute walk from the canal, just south of Lansdowne Park, this lively spot has crayons, toys and high-chairs for the kids, along with a wide selection of British beers for the adults (1060 Bank Street, 613-730-1279, www.barleymow.com). COLONNADE PIZZA: In Centretown, about a 15-minute walk from the canal, this casual Italian joint is famed for its extremely cheesy pizza. Arrive before 6 p.m. to avoid a wait (280 Metcalfe Street, 613-237-3179, www.colonnadepizza. com).

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“If canoeing is the quintessential summer activity in Algonquin Park, then dog sledding is the must-try activity in the winter,� says Ingersoll

Expeditions in South River (www.chocpaw.com). “Coupled with the hum of the runners on the snow and the panting of the dogs, it renews the rhythms of life.�

native Bill Mates, a dog-sled enthusiast who has enjoyed the sport for over 14 years. “It’s the ultimate Northern winter experience.�

Reid says it’s a hands-on experience that is challenging physically and mentally, yet suited for all ages and abilities. “Previous experience or athletic prowess is not necessarily an advantage,� he says. “People who can relate to the dogs are the best mushers.�

Explore quiet trails from a unique perspective while a team of Alaskan or Siberian huskies pull you across serene winter landscapes at exhilarating speeds. Watch for winter wildlife including moose, deer, beaver, foxes, otters, birds and wolves. “With white, fresh snow on the ground, and the snow clinging to the boughs of the evergreens, bending them to form a canopy over the trail, it becomes very surreal,� says Paul Reid, owner of Chocpaw

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Reid notes the real magic happens at night. Heated tents and wood-burning stoves provide cozy accommodations on lakeside sites. Everyone participates in chores such as gathering firewood, heating water, caring for the dogs and food preparation, adding to the team experience and making the well-deserved

St. John’s, Newfoundland native Justine CottinghamLeblanc jumped into dog sledding with both feet – she took a job as a dog-sledding guide, without ever having tried the sport! “I spent every day in the great outdoors, falling in love with my team and the sport again each day,� she says. “I can’t think of a greater joy than hitting the trail with my team hearing nothing but the snow crunching under the runners and the trees sweeping by, and knowing that the dogs are loving every minute of it.�

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While experience isn’t necessary, she does have a warning for first-timers: “Dog sledding is addictive,� she says. “Beware – you might get hooked, have to move to

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storytelling. “At the end of the day, in the stillness of the forest, we gather around a crackling fire or lie on our pads studying the stars,� Reid says. “It’s magical.�

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the country, spend all of your disposable income and then some on dogs, kiss your social life goodbye, and be happier than you’ve ever been!�

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*21( ,&( ),6+,1* Ice fishing offers a unique opportunity to get out on the lake in the middle of winter, and it’s a perfect bonding activity for parents and kids. Joe Sarmany, owner of Ravenscroft Lodge in Temagami (www.temagamiicefishing.com), has been operating for over 20 years. He runs six huts from January through March and says many of his clients return every year. “It’s a bonding activity,” he says. “We get a lot of groups coming through, especially fathers and sons.” Toronto native Andy Brooks recently tried ice fishing for the first time at the Rideau Lakes Country Condo (www.rideaucondo.com).

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“Our guide promised us some bites and he wasn’t kidding,” says Brooks. “We all went home with a huge bag of fillets.” The friends also enjoyed ice skating and pick-up hockey to stretch their legs when they needed a break from the hut. “The hut was actually very comfortable and amenable to some good guy time - we had nothing to do but chat,” says Brooks. Sarmany says ice fishing is easy for a first-timer. Holes are predrilled in the ice and the only real difference between summer fishing and ice fishing is shorter poles – and, of course, colder weather. “But you will catch almost the same number of fish on the ice as you will in the summer,” he says, including pickerel, trout, whitefish and pike. And service on the lake

is top notch! Hot lunches are delivered right to the huts while breakfasts and dinners are provided at the lodge, just a 10-minute walk away. Sarmany says the large hot tub, pool table, sauna, arcade video games and big-screen TV make it a complete winter weekend getaway. Kathryn Leblanc agrees – she has been ice fishing for over 20 years. The Sudbury native has fished everywhere from Lake Nipissing to the Muskoka region. “It’s like a little cottage on the ice,” she says. “There is a stove, books and cards, so it’s really cozy and fun. It’s a great way to stave off the winter blues.” And the added bonus of a great catch doesn’t :,17(5 _

6/,3 6/,',1¡ $:$< FRQWLQXHG hurt. “It’s very satisfying to pull something living out of a frozen lake,â€? she says. “It’s also just really nice to get out in the winter and spend time outdoors in such a beautiful setting.â€? Packages start at around $200. If you’d like a free family day,

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consider the 3rd Annual Bridgenorth Winter Panfish Festival on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012. Organizers supply all the tackle so you and your family can catch fish and win prizes! It’s at BEL Rotary Park, James Gifford Causeway, Ennismore, ON 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.bridgenorthpanfishfestival.com/ Find locations and information for ice fishing at: www.fishinontario.com/icefish.shtml

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participate.� One of the fastest growing winter activities in Ontario is Boler Mountain offers three winter tubing. It’s almost always tubing runs that are 10 storeys located close to a lodge or ski hill, so a cup of hot chocolate and a chance to warm up your toes is never far away. Costs range from $10-$20, making it an affordable and fun day for the whole family. “Tubing is a fun way to spend time outdoors in the winter with family and friends,� says Jessika Gunton, Programs Director at Boler Mountain in London. “It is a great family activity because there isn’t any skill required, so it makes is easy for everyone to

high and tubers can reach speeds of 70 kilometres an hour! “Snow tubing makes for a really fun winter day outdoors,� says Ottawa native Rebecca Macpherson. “It’s not as physical as skiing or snowboarding, so you can spend more time on the hills. It’s also really social. My friends and I go in a big group every year and have a blast.� “Everyone can do it,� says John Ball, General Manager of Snow

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Valley Resort in Barrie. “There’s no need for special and expensive equipment, no special skills needed. Just sit on the tube and go!� Snow Valley offers two snow tube rope tows and nine chutes with large lanes so you can go down with a large group. The season runs from December to March and there are locations dotted all over Ontario. Ski hills are a great place to look for tubing, but you can find more locations at: http://www.ontariotravel.net/ TCISSegmentsWeb/info/ont2/ WinterAdv/Tubing/?language=en

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Learning to cook is IN. Amateur chefs across Ontario are taking private cooking classes and loving them. Eating out is IN too because some of Ontario’s best-known cooking schools also run restaurants open to the public! From Stratford to Toronto to Ottawa, fabulous food at affordable prices is on the menu. And chefs-in-training are getting some real-life experience in the process. Karen Cumming checks out the delicious details.

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(;3(5,(1&( 675$7)25' 6,==/( ),567 +$1' Barrie homemaker Joan Gilroy wanted to learn how to cook, and to do it right. It didn’t take her long to find Chef Neil Baxter and his weekend cooking classes at Rundles Restaurant in Stratford.

Offering private classes to amateur cooks seemed like a natural extension. Word spread. People signed up. “I think it’s exciting for them to be in a real kitchen,� he says. “I try to make it fun ... I try to inspire people to be creative.�

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Gilroy has signed up every spring for the last 24 years. It’s a love affair with learning that she simply adores. “There’s a great cross-section of people who go,� she says. “Food stylists, food editors, and then people like me who just enjoy it so much. It’s my annual fix!�

never stop.� Students like Joan Gilroy couldn’t agree more. “When I first started going 24 years ago, I just realized, this is really special... It’s just marvelous.�

“It’s satisfying to see people learn a new recipe, to become excited,� Baxter says. “So if You can register for a Rundles they’re excited, I’m excited. The cooking class at whole learning curve should www.rundlesrestaurant.com

7+( 6+2: *2(6 21 $7 675$7)25' &+() 6&+22/¡6 ',11(5 &/8% No doubt about it. Stratford is a special corner of Ontario. Theatre. The Avon River. And of course, fine dining. Restaurants are packed during the busy summer theatre season, but business typically slows in fall and winter. Many establishments close for the season.

Scott Mckowen knows the feeling. The Stratford graphic designer has been a regular at Rundles’ Tuesday night classes for the last 15 years. “(Chef Baxter) pushes all the flavours

to their maximum,� says Mckowen. “It’s really useful to see how somebody works at this level of cooking.� Little wonder the classes are a hit. Neil Baxter is one of this country’s most celebrated chefs. A native Scot, he trained

in England before coming to Canada and Rundles in 1981. He has an impressive following, and a reputation for simple flavours and presentation. Baxter added “Teacher� to his resume when the Stratford Chefs School opened in 1984.

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four-course menus, pair their creations with wine, eat to their heart’s delight and take home a complete collection of recipes.

It’s a partnership between The Stratford Chefs School and three local restaurants: The Prune, Pazzo Ristorante and Rundles. At the end of October each year, the school leases these restaurants for 16 to 18 weeks. Second-year students prepare dinner for the general public at The Prune from Monday to

Friday under the watchful eye of an executive chef. Prix fixe luncheons are on the menu Fridays at Pazzo Ristorante. Meanwhile, Rundles morphs from a restaurant into a classroom from October to February. Dining tables make way for desks, and students take over the kitchen as part of their studies.

their skills; customers enjoy fine cuisine – often at half the price (or less) of what they might pay at the same restaurant during the summer.

The Dinner Club also gives patrons who wish the chance to make a donation to scholarships and school programming. Grads like Mark Cutrara (The Cowbell, Toronto) It’s a unique operation, and one and Paddy Whelan (Murray that attracts students from all Street, Ottawa) now own over Canada. and operate their own restaurants. Celebrated “The reason it’s such a great grad Ruth Klahsen experience for them is that runs the hugely they actually have real ‘onpopular Monforte Dairy. the-ground’ experience when they leave us,� says the school’s For reservations, call Executive Director, Kimberley 519-271-1414, or Payne. Call it a win-win for check out the website: everyone. Students develop www.stratfordchef.com :,17(5 _

72 &22. 25 127 72 &22. FRQWLQXHG /(7 7202552:¡6 67$5 &+()6 :+(7 <285 $33(7,7( 72'$< Walk into The Chef’s House, and you’re in for a behindthe-scenes treat. The first of its kind in Canada, it’s an independent restaurant designed as a training ground for culinary students at George Brown College. Call it cooking, baking and serving in the real world. Chef John Higgins is the Director, and he’s justifiably proud. “My mantra is: ‘Learning is the main ingredient’,â€? he says. “It’s all about the learning.â€? It’s also about a great fine dining experience for the customers. The restaurant is architecturally stunning. Nestled inside a refurbished warehouse, it features massive windows at street level allowing passersby to watch students at work. The open-concept design gives staff a bird’s eye view of both the kitchen and the front of the house. Perhaps most intriguing of all are the cameras installed in the kitchen. “(The images) are projected onto screens around the

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restaurant,� Chef Higgins explains. “Wherever you are, you can actually see how the kitchen is coming along with the food.�

prepared by the next Oliver or Ramsey. Reservations online at www.thechefshouse.com

There’s great opportunity for interaction, too. Feel free to ask questions of these budding pros. Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have both visited and loved it. Star grads include Fraser Macfarlane of the celebrated Quatrefoil in Dundas. A three-course lunch will set you back a very reasonable $25. A three-course dinner is $40. Maybe one day you can tell people you sampled a meal :,17(5 _

72 &22. 25 127 72 &22. FRQWLQXHG $ &25'21 %/(8 (;3(5,(1&( :,7+287 7+( 67,&.(5 6+2&. When people talk about great cooking, Cordon Bleu is a phrase that often pops to mind. Now anyone can experience this world-class French cooking at prices that are affordable, even for those of us more accustomed to burgers and beer. The Cordon Bleu Bistro@ Signatures, which is housed in an historic mansion just steps from the Ottawa River, is an elegant French-style bistro that provides a training ground for

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students from the renowned Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute. Under the guidance of dedicated professionals, aspiring chefs hone their skills in the Bistro kitchen. “It’s a fantastic platform for students to experience work in a real restaurant as part of their classes,â€? says Philippe Kopcsan, General Manager of Cordon Bleu Ottawa. “Fantasticâ€? pretty much describes the price, too. A three-course lunch menu is available from Wednesday to Friday for $26 plus tax. Lunch at Cordon Bleu means courses like lamb navarin and juniper bison sirloin and desserts like raspberry crème brulĂŠe and Belle Helene pear. Dinner is served from an affordable “a la carteâ€? menu Wednesday through Saturday. Enjoy ambiance? You’re in the right place. Specially themed dining salons offer different moods for different occasions.

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Winding staircases and crystal chandeliers provide the finishing touch. “The restaurant is designed to help the students,� says Kopcscan, “but also to share a bit of the Cordon Bleu experience with the public – people who don’t necessarily have the time to study for months or years at our schools.� You can make a reservation online at www.bistroatsignatures.com, or by calling 613-236-2499.

Ingredients 500 g thick cut beef short ribs 3 slices ginger 2 star anise 2 bay leaves 1 cup coconut milk 8 cups water 1 cup coconut milk 1 cup coconut cream 1 cup cooking liquid

1 ½ tbsp 2 tbsp 6 lime 3 1 cup 2 tbsp

palm sugar fish sauce leaves green chilis, seeds removed and cut in quarters Thai basil leaves, cut coarsely just before serving tamarind paste or to taste

Cooking the Beef

Making the Curry Paste

Place the beef into a 4-quart saucepan and cover with cold water; bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Pour off the water and add the 4 cups of water and 2 cups of coconut milk, ginger, star anise and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook the beef for 1 ½ - 2 hours, or until tender. Allow to cool in the liquid, then cut into ½ inch pieces; reserve the cooking liquid.

Place the peanuts in a small saucepan and cover with cold water, bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes, until very soft; drain and cool. Place all the ingredients for the paste, except the peanuts, into a blender and blend to a paste. Add the peanuts last and purÊe. Heat a casserole over medium high heat, and add ½ cup of coconut cream. Cook

Curry paste 4 tbsp peanuts 3 tbsp peanut oil 10 dried red chilis, seeds removed, soaked and drained 2 tbsp chopped coriander root 2 tbsp toasted coriander seeds 4 tbsp chopped lemongrass Âź cup chopped shallots 2 tbsp chopped garlic Âź tsp grated nutmeg the cream, stirring until the fat cracks. Fry the paste for 5 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching. Add the palm sugar, lime leaves, green chilis and beef pieces; turn the meat over and cook for 5 minutes. Add the remaining coconut milk, cooking liquid and bring the curry to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, then finish the sauce with tamarind paste, fish sauce and Thai basil. Balance the flavors between salty and sweet. Serves 6. :,17(5 _

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Butter Apple, Granny Smith, peeled, chopped 1 Onion, peeled, chopped 200 g Potatoes, peeled, chopped 600 g Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded & chopped 200 g Carrot, peeled, chopped 1.25 lt Chicken stock, white 30 mL Maple syrup 250 mL 35% cream To taste Salt & white pepper powder Directions: Heat the steam kettle, melt the butter, and sautĂŠ the onion and apple for about 5 minutes until the onion and apple are tender. Add the chicken stock, potatoes, carrot and squash. Bring the soup to a quick boil and then let simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are very tender. Puree the soup and strain through china cap. Return pureed soup into the kettle, add the maple syrup and season with salt and pepper. Add the cream just before service.

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salt pepper thin slices prosciutto (enough to line mini loaf pan) 8 thin slices pancetta ½ pound ground pork 1 egg 1 tbsp heavy cream

Cherries - Ingredients: 1 lb cherries, unpitted 1Ÿ cup red wine vinegar ž cup sugar 4 cardamom seeds ½ cup Marquis de Villard VSOP French Brandy Directions: Prepare 2 one-quart canning jars, cleaned and sterilized, then set aside. Thoroughly wash and de-stem one pound cherries. In large pot, bring vinegar and sugar to boil, add cardamom and reduce to simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Strain liquid to remove cardamom seeds and add brandy. Spoon cherries into sterilized jars and pour liquid over cherries to cover them by 1 inch. Tightly close canning jars and let cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate, preferably at least 2 weeks before using.

Chop four slices of pancetta finely, and mix in large bowl with ground pork. Pour in cooled herb and brandy mixture, egg, and cream and mix thoroughly. Line miniature loaf pan mold with prosciutto so bottom is completely covered, and prosciutto is overlapping all sides, so can be wrapped around the finished pate. Add pork mixture to fill pan halfway, then place remaining 4 slices pancetta on top

of pork mixture and press down. Add remaining pork mixture and press down and fold prosciutto over top to cover pate. Cover with plastic wrap and leave pate in fridge to marinate overnight. The next day, cook in bain marie in oven set at 300°F, and cook pate until temperature reaches 145°F, approximately 45 minutes. Let cool and then press pate in fridge by placing heavy stone on top for 1 day.

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Dough: 250 gr 5 gr 125 gr 1

Goat Cheese Cream: 250 gr Goat cheese 10 cL Cream 35% 3 Eggs 1 pinch Nutmeg Mix all ingredients in a robot coupe or mixer. Season as desired.

Flour Salt Butter Egg Yolk Water Mix the flour with softened butter. Add the yolks, water and salt. Take a tort mold (suitable for 8 person serving), brush with Dried Tomato: butter. Roll the dough and layer nicely in 10 Roma Tomato the mold. Pre-cook at 350 F for 15 minutes. 3 gr Salt 2 gr Sugar Caramelized Onions: 2 sprigs Thyme (chopped) 400 gr Onions 10 cL Olive Oil 10 cL Olive oil Bring some water to a boil. Cook tomatoes 1 sprig Thyme (chopped) for 30 seconds. Put them in an ice bath. Salt Peel the tomatoes, cut them into quarters, Pepper and remove the centres. Toast the Slice the onions finely. SautĂŠ the onions tomatoes with salt, sugar, chopped thyme slowly with olive oil and seasonings until and olive oil. Lay them down on a sheet golden brown, then add the chopped pan and cover with parchment paper. thyme. Cook for 1 hr 30 minutes at 200 F. Directions: Evenly spread the caramelized onions on the bottom of the tort shell. Add the goat cheese cream. Cook at 300 F for 15 minutes. Cover with tomatoes. Cook for additional 5 minutes.

Pork PatÊ - Ingredients: 5 tbsp Marquis de Villard VSOP French Brandy Ÿ cup fine brunoised shallot 1 clove garlic 1½ tbsp butter ½ tsp allspice 1 tsp finely chopped thyme

Pork PatĂŠ Directions: Melt butter in pan over low heat, and slowly sweat shallots and garlic until fully cooked through and translucent, but without colour. Add allspice, thyme, salt and pepper to shallots and garlic mixture. Add brandy to deglaze pan and reduce the liquid slightly. Remove pan from heat and let liquid cool to room temperature.

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1 , $ * $ 5 $ : , 1 ( 6 $ / / 7 + ( 6 : ( ( 7 ( 5 $ 6 7 + ( 7 ( 0 3 ( 5 $ 7 8 5 ( ' 5 2 3 6 Visiting wine country at harvest time presents countless advantages, not least of all seeing expensive equipment in action and the intoxicating smell of fermenting grape juice in the air. Savvy wine lovers quickly discover, however, that winter is actually the ideal time to tour Ontario’s wine route.

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Instead of fighting through crowds for a place at the bar, visitors can take control of the tasting room. Tasting experiences are more leisurely and attentive because staff members aren’t dealing with relentless waves of grape nuts vying for attention. That one-onone focus gives you greater insight into the style of wines you enjoy and, just might, get you a sneak peek at some pre-release wine

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or rare vintages that aren’t typically poured for tourists. Plus, the season of snow and cold provides the ultimate backdrop for experiencing the superstar of Ontario’s vineyards: Icewine. Visitors to Inniskillin, the Niagara-on-the-Lake estate winery that’s synonymous

with Icewine, can experience what’s often called “liquid gold� in numerous ways. An outdoor icebar nestled in the vineyard offers an opportunity to sample a Vidal grape right off of the vine before tasting the stunningly flavourful nectarlike wine that they become. “We used to close during winter,� says Debi Pratt, Inniskillin’s public relations manager who has been working at the winery since its inception in 1974. “Now we host a steady stream of visitors all season. Who wouldn’t enjoy warding off of the cold with smores and Cabernet Franc Icewine?�

Inniskillin is considered the pioneer of Canadian Icewine, thanks to the all-embracing effort of founders Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser. They were so dedicated to raising the profile of the honeyed dessert wine that they worked with venerable Austrian crystal producer Riedel to develop the signature Vinum Extreme Icewine glass. A specialty of the winery is an interactive tasting that reveals how the shape and design of a glass can enhance the distinctive characteristics of wine. There’s also an option of taking the Icewine Experience tour that starts with a glass of Sparking Vidal Icewine before a vine-towine walking tour of the facility. A food and wine pairing session completes the hour-plus session, featuring the Oaked Aged Vidal Icewine with parmesan cheese, and Cabernet Franc with dark chocolate.

Icewine was originally produced solely with Riesling or Vidal grapes, which are noted for having thicker skins that weather the cold better. But experimentation has led winemakers to attempt virtually every grape variety under the sun, employing oak barrels to discover exciting new flavour sensations. Styles made with white grapes tend to have tropical fruit, floral and honeyed flavours, while ones crafted from red grapes, such as Cabernet Franc, Syrah or Merlot, offer red berry and spice notes along with the honeyed sweetness. The diversity of styles will be on full display during the annual Niagara Icewine Festival, which stages a wide variety of events along the wine route from January 13 to 29. Activities include educational seminars, culinary events and mass tastings in Jordan, St. Catharines and Niagara-onthe-Lake.

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Different styles of Icewine are also on offer at two other notable Icewine producers in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Pillitteri Estates Winery has crafted expressive Icewines from exotic grapes like Sangiovese and Semillion. The cutting-edge Stratus Vineyards enjoys great success blending different varieties together for its Stratus Red Icewine and Stratus White Icewine. Another blended Icewine of note comes from Tawse Winery in Vineland. A relative newcomer to the wine route, the estate winery has made a profound impact with its dedication to fine wine production. Tawse’s Cabernets Icewine combines Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon into a flavourful sweet wine with flavours akin to strawberry rhubarb pie and a refreshing finish. Niagara’s winemakers know a well-made Icewine finishes with a cleansing sweep of acidity. Without that burst of citrusy flavour refreshing your palate, Icewine would be as cloyingly sweet as pancake syrup.

To Speck’s taste, a well-made model like Henry of Pelham’s Riesling Icewine is a great way to start a meal. He suggests serving with briestyle or blue cheeses, salted nuts and even dried cured meats or patés. Surprising for some perhaps, Speck insists it works wonders when served with spicy curries because it effectively cools the heat. Icewine is also an effective ingredient for mixology,

having inspired the Speck’s to conjure playful innovations like the Brosecco, an Icewine Julip or the Kir Catherine, which is a winning combination of Cabernet Franc Icewine with Henry of Pelham’s Cuvée Catharine Brut sparkling wine. From Speck’s vantage, the main desire of anyone who withstands the elements to produce Icewine is that the fruits of their frosty

labour be enjoyed. And part of the enjoyment of this wintry wine is experiencing firsthand the extreme winemaking necessary to coax frozen grapes into a honeyed, rewarding wine.

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The versatility of Icewine has turned Henry of Pelham’s Daniel Speck into an advocate for Icewine as an effective tool for entertaining in style. “I wish we would stop referring to Icewine as dessert wine,” says the marketing-minded member of the Speck family that owns and operates the estate winery in St. Catharines. “My brothers and I have had a lot of fun using Icewine in different ways when we gather for dinners.”

“My brothers and I have had a lot of fun using Icewine in different ways when we gather for dinners.” 'DQLHO 6SHFN

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comes is two models, the VH-2001 with a 1.2 Ghz process, six hours of battery life, and 8 GB of internal storage, and the VL-1001 with a 800 Mhz processor, three hours of battery life and 4 GB of internal storage. Cost: Model VH-2001 $479, Model Vl-1001 $389 Where to buy: Amazon.com and Vincigenius.com

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Rullingnet Corp. (Ottawa) Touchscreen tablets would be the perfect kids’ toy if they weren’t so fragile – you’d hardly want to risk junior cracking the screen on your new iPad 2 while playing in the back seat. Ottawa-based Rullingnet Corp.

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has made the perfect tablet for toddlers, complete with a shockabsorbing roll bar. Vinci is a seven-inch touchscreen, protected by a soft handle with rounded corners, and is built to take a beating. The Androidpowered software comes pre-loaded with Rullingnet’s own educational games and animated storybooks

packed with digital cuteness. Meet Baby Haha as your toddler explores realistic environments such as a baby’s room, a zoo, or an aquarium. Children are encouraged with positive feedback as they explore and solve puzzles. Vinci

If your child is begging to play video games, but you don’t want them wasting hours in the Mushroom Kingdom, then Leapfrog’s Leapster Explorer is the perfect solution. This handheld videogame player comes in pink and white, or green and white bodies, and has a library of more than 40 games and activities. Kids love the games with recognizable characters from Disney and Pixar, and learn while they play. The Leapster Explorer won best educational toy in the 2011 Toy of the Year Awards. Parents can pre-program math questions to challenge youngsters in games, making it a great tool to reinforce school lessons. Using the online LearningPath feature, you can even track learning progress. Mini-games called “Leaplets� can be downloaded directly to the device and played without need for a cartridge, with about 20 of these available. If the kids bore of the games, a device addon gives the capability to take pictures and videos. Kids can draw on top of the pictures and upload them to the family computer. Cost: $79.99 Where to buy: Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Sears, Toys R Us

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Possibly the most simple-to-use GPS device ever made, this unit sports a fun plastic casing with two large rubber buttons. Geomate Jr. is made to do one thing really well – point you to the closest geocache, a hidden treasure that another geocache hobbyist has stowed away, sharing the longitude and latitude coordinates online. The device points an arrow at your targeted geocache, and tells you how close you are. It also displays a compass, coordinates and elevation. Best of all, harried parents can program it to find a geocache near your destination, serving as a perpetual answer to that dreaded road-trip question – “Are we there yet?� Cost: $75 Where to buy: Mountain Equipment Co-Op

games. This camera’s built to take a few spills and has easy-to-grip rubber handles. It can store 500 photos or 10 minutes of video, and includes cables for hook-up to a TV or computer. Requires four AA batteries. Cost: $59.99 Where to buy: Sears

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http://www.improvelectronics.com It’s the digital equivalent of Etch-asketch, letting a child’s imagination run wild during those long trips in the car. Think of Improv Electronics’ Boogie Board 8.5-inch LCD Writing Tablet as futuristic paper, letting kids write or draw on it using the included stylus or a finger. When they’re ready for something new, they simply press the erase button to start over. There are plenty of Boogie Boards, including a protective neoprene sleeve and a wallmounted Message Center with custom engraved metallic insert. Kids who want to create larger masterpieces can buy the 10.5-inch version that has nearly 50 per cent more writing area. Cost: $39.95 to $42.95 Where to buy: As Seen On TV Guys, Improvelectronics.com, Amazon.com, eBay.com

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http://www.vtechkids.com/product.cfm/ Kidizoom_Plus/1634/ V-Tech’s Kidizoom Plus is perfect for a budding photographer with many features you’d expect on a modern consumer-grade digital camera. Not only will your back seat shutterbug be snapping photos and shooting movies along the drive, but they’ll also be able to listen to music and play built-in

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TORONTO Nov. 4 – 13 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Experience the magic of the country. It’s the largest indoor combined agricultural, horticultural, canine and equestrian event in the world! www.royalfair.org OWEN SOUND Nov. 18 – Jan. 2 Festival of Northern Lights Enjoy the beauty of Owen Sound in the Christmas Season each evening from 5 to 11 p.m. with over 18 kilometres of lights illuminating the harbour, the Syndenham riverbanks, the downtown core and Harrison Park. www.festivallights.ca

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www.roamontario.ca

129(0%(5 BARRIE Nov. 4 – 6 17th Annual Molson Centre Xmas Craft Show More than 140 crafters and artisans come together at the Barrie Molson Centre. Choose from pottery, stained glass, teddy bears, Xmas crafts, jewellery, clothing, woodcrafts, ceramics and more. www.areaproductions.com

For more winter events in Ontario please visit

HAMILTON Nov 25 – 27 Canadian Aboriginal Festival Held in Hamilton, this is the 18th year of the annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival and the 13th year of the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. www.tourismhamilton.com TORONTO Nov 26 - 27 Kidzfest This Toronto event features a weekend full of fun and entertainment for children. There will be rides throughout the Square, learn about wild animals, meet your favorite television characters and more! www.wintermagic.ca/kidzfest

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KITCHENER Dec 1 – 4 Christikindl Market Come to Kitchener for the food and stay for the bands, choirs, dancers, railway display, Christkindl, organ grinder, Kinderecke (crafts) and over 70 vendors. ‘Festival of German Christmas’ at Kitchener City Hall. www.christkindl.ca

SARNIA Dec 3 – 5 Christmas on the Farm Sarnia celebrates the Holidays country-style, featuring children’s train rides, hay rides, crafts, displays, musical entertainment, singing, roasting chestnuts and more! Accessible washrooms and lots of parking available. www.childrensanimalfarm.com/ events.htm TORONTO Dec 9 – 11 Toronto Motorcycle Show The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the one and only Ontario stop on the tour. Visitors can check out the newest bikes, ATVs, scooters, gear, accessories, entertainment, seminars and more. www.torontomotorcycleshow.com

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SAUBLE BEACH Jan 20, 21 Winterfest Winterfest is back in Sauble! The parade, tree burning and youth dance are all Friday night, with pancake breakfast Saturday morning, Diesel Dan Memorial Outdoor hockey tournament, snow golf, and sno-riders dance Saturday

night. Cross country ski trails and snowshoe trails also have events all day long! www.saublebeach.com/events/ winterfest/winterfest2011.pdf TORONTO Jan 4 – 15 Next Stage Theatre Festival This Toronto event features eight of the hottest independent theatre companies from across the Fringe Festival circuit. www.fringetoronto.com

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WIARTON Feb 1 – 5 Wiarton Willie Festival The Wiarton Willie Festival is going into its 56th year, with the festival getting bigger and better than ever. Lots to do, check out Willie’s forecast and everything’s free. www.wiartonwillie.com

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ROCKTON Mar 4 – 18 Sweet Taste of Spring Maple Syrup Festival Visit Rockton’s Westfield pioneer village to explore the making of maple syrup from the tree to the table in three different time periods: the 18th century, 19th century and modern times. www.westfieldheritage.ca LAKEFIELD Mar 17 – Apr 1, Buckhorn Maplefest Sugar bush walking tours, maple baking, toffee on snow, music, kid’s corner, pioneer displays, tree tapping, horse drawn hay rides, flapjacks with syrup. www.mcleanberryfarm.com

For more winter events in Ontario please visit

www.roamontario.ca PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY Mar 24 – 25 Maple in the Country 2012 Eastern Ontario’s Prince Edward County celebrates all things maple. Feast on delicious maple themed meals, enjoy a wagon ride, take a tour of a sugarbush, build a birdhouse, or listen to some toe-tapping fiddle music. www.mapleinthecounty.ca ELMIRA Mar 31 Elmira Maple Syrup Festival Recognized as the world’s largest one-day maple syrup festival, Elmira’s delivers fun for the whole family: pancakes, sugar bush tours, craft, antique, toy show and sale, petting zoo, food and craft vendors, and much more! www.elmiramaplesyrup.com

WASAGA BEACH Feb 17 – 20 Snowman Mania Wasaga Beach shifts into winter fun with activities that include a chili cook-off, bingo, live entertainment, pancake breakfast, skating, skiing, fireworks and more! www.wasagabeach.com

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7LPHO\ WLSV IURP VRPHRQH ZKR OHDUQHG WKH KDUG ZD\ By Alisha Arnold Allowing a craving for pasta to take me out onto the road in one of the worst blizzards of the year was my first mistake. The second, and fatal error – forgetting to gas up – had me second-guessing my critical thinking skills. The experience of sitting at the side of the highway as the blizzard raged leapt to mind as I began exploring the top do’s and don’ts of winter driving. So here’s my #1 tip – when the weather is nasty, stay off the road. If you absolutely can’t (cravings don’t count!), check your gas gauge before leaving home. Here are some additional nuggets garnered from conversations with the OPP, the Canadian Safety Council, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and a professional driving school operator. 1. The gas thing. Remember? 2. DO protect your visibility. Carry a snow scraper (use it before you leave) and a spare jug of windshield washer fluid. 3. DO install winter tires. It’s been the law in Quebec since 2008, but many still believe

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all-season tires are fine. Just so you know – it takes 25 percent longer to stop with all-seasons. DO pack an emergency kit. Include a shovel, sand or traction aid, booster cables, road flares, gas-line antifreeze, flashlight, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tool kit, warm clothing, nonperishable energy foods, a candle, small tin and matches. DO check tire pressure. You lose one psi for each fivedegree drop in temperature. That’s about 20 percent when the mercury plunges 30 degrees. DON’T tailgate. Rear-end collisions accounted for nearly three out of 10 crashes in 2008. Slow down – OPP Const. Peter Leon says too much speed is one of the most common winter driving mistakes. DO brake ahead of time. Abrupt turns and stops are the main cause of skids – you see the outcome in highway

ditches every winter. DO look ahead. Doug Annett from the Skid Control School (SCS) in Oakville, ON, stresses the importance of big-picture awareness. 9. DO learn skid control. If your car is equipped with an AntiLock Braking System (ABS) apply constant pressure on the brakes. Turning into a skid will help you regain control. Do not use cruise control in poor conditions, as it will cause your car to accelerate when going into a skid. The SCS offers a variety of quick courses for corporate, family and rehabilitative use. 10. DO allow extra time. Just to clarify, I’m not alone when it comes to gas tank amnesia. The American Auto Association reported an 18 percent increase in the number of roadside calls resulting from empty gas tanks from March through April this year. You may not mind taking a sun break at the side of the road in April, but January is a different story. Trust me. 8.

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