The Drive Magazine // Holidays 2020 // Issue 133

The

DRIVE ISSUE 133

& TRADITION

HISTORY

THE ROOTS OF CANADIAN WHISKY

LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | PEOPLE | TRENDS

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Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season, from your Rose City Ford family

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Your smile says it all We built our business on transparency and gained your trust. We challenged our process and won your hearts. The difference is in the Rose City Ford experience, thank you for your continued support.

Experience the difference www.rosecityford.com • 6333 Tecumseh road east, Windsor • 519.948.7800

The

THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

DRIVE

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BREANNE MCGINTY

Sales

SABINE MAIN

Editorial and creative director

SHAWNA BEECROFT

Graphic designer

CONTRIBUTORS JEN HALE

Copy editor

SYX LANGEMANN

Lead photographer

DEVON PASTORIUS

Photographer

NICOLE BESTED

Photographer

MONA ELKADRI

Stylist/writer

ALLEY L. BINIARZ

Writer

JEN BRIGNALL-STRONG

Writer

CHRIS EDWARDS

Writer

BLAINE POLLETT-DEFORGE Writer (student contest) KATRINA MANZOCCO

Writer

DEVAN MIGHTON

Writer

JESSE ZITER

Writer

YASH SHAH

Writer

The

DRIVE ISSUE 133

&

Reverie, tradition and history are the roots of Canadian whisky. Explore YQG's three giants.

TRADITION

HISTORY

THE ROOTS OF CANADIAN WHISKY

LIFESTYLE | CULTURE | PEOPLE | TRENDS

THEDRIVE#133.indd 2

On the cover:

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

happy holidays

As we come to the last issue of this year, I can honestly say that I am extremely thrilled to usher out 2020 and welcome in 2021 with a fresh start.

Covid-19 presented its challenges in several ways, and despite taking the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day issue to a digital format and foregoing printing this past summer, we felt fortunate to give you plenty to read about at thedrivemagazine.com In this holiday issue, we wanted to shift our focus to local small businesses and the people in our community doing ‘good.’ From local authors to bookstores, movies, bars, spirits, and home décor, our focus is to encourage you to buy local.

So how can you support our local economy when you’re trying to save and eliminate most luxuries? We understand that most of us are injecting a degree of caution into financial habits but, in such a volatile environment, smaller, local businesses count on your patronage in order to stay afloat—every transaction is precious. So, when deciding where to spend your hard-earned dollars on tonight’s dinner or a gift for family and friends, consider the benefits of turning to local, independently owned businesses within our community.

There are widespread advantages to deciding to “shop local.” By supporting local businesses, we are in turn supporting our local economy; significantly more money stays in a community when purchases are made at locally owned—rather than nationally owned—businesses.

Sometimes it’s easier to head to our nearest large national chain, but we all need to tag team and visit a nearby independent business.

So the next time you need to run out to do a little shopping, seek out a local business and see what they have to offer! You could discover some great products and services while helping to build a strong and successful community around you. Be sure to check with your local stores on delivery and curbside pick-up options as our restrictions ramp up and businesses limit services.

Despite the lack of gatherings during this holiday season, we wish you happy holidays from our families to yours, and we truly believe we will get through this together, even if apart.

Sabine Main, Editorial + Creative Director

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CONTENTS

32 GIFT DRIVE Our holiday gift guide is ready, full of locally curated gifts to help support local.

Look for all 24 days of Christmas online.

ISSUE 133: WINTER 2020 AROUND TOWN 9 Noteworthy mentions around town TREND DRIVE 10 Holiday recipe: Double chocolate peppermint cookies HOLIDAY DRIVE 12 Get away without going too far—’tis the season for local travel BOOK DRIVE 14 New words from Windsor-Essex writers.

Shop local books and give the gift of reading LOCAL DRIVE 18 Five ways to enjoy a socially distanced holiday season 20 How COVID-19 border restrictions are affecting local families MOVIE DRIVE 26 Boys vs. Girls, a Mike Stasko film, in our very own backyard—an award-winning camp comedy fuelled by the nostalgia of Stasko’s own childhood summer camp experiences

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SPORTS DRIVE 47 How Mehari Hagos is keeping kids off the street one set of sneakers at a time

WHISKY DRIVE We dig into Windsor’s roots to tell the stories of the top three whisky makers. Enjoy a holiday drink recipe from each distiller mixed by our local pubs and restaurants.

STUDENT DRIVE 54 Libro Financial contest: Blaine Pollett 55 Yash Shah, an Indian student in Windsor 58 The key to online learning success

THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

HOME DRIVE 60 Stylish dining for the holiday season from local designers. Ready, set, decorate!

HISTORY DRIVE 63 The Walker Power Building tells a story 66 The Windsor arena, 1924 7

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AROUND

LOCAL DRIVE

TOWN

Welcome to our custom content page meant to highlight unique news from the Windsor-Essex region

IN HONOUR OF THE ONES WE LOVE Anita Imperioli of In Honour of the Ones We Love was honoured to accept the Ontario Medical Association Community Service Award this month. This award is presented to an individual in our local community who goes above and beyond in their contributions to health and public welfare, including length of involvement and roles fulfilled in local organizations, as well as personal achievements. Anita is dedicated to our community and is constantly helping people throughout Windsor and Essex County who are fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, or individuals with special needs. The Drive would like to congratulate Anita!

METANOIA HEALTH & WELLNESS Metanoia Health & Wellness is a one-of-a-kind wellness centre located in Windsor, Ontario. There, they combine traditional with more modern methodologies to promote marked improvements in your physical and mental wellbeing. They use innovative technologies that are unique to this area to improve their clients’ well-being. Whether you have a physical or mental wellness concern, Metanoia Health & Wellness has options for you, with extended hours to accommodate your busy schedule. They have a number of services within their facility, including counselling services, massage therapy, reflexology, reiki, medical aesthetics, and consult-based psychiatric services. One of their most popular and innovative services is their BioCharger NG, which is a subtle energy revitalization platform.

Visit them for more information at Metanoiawindsor.com

ELITE PIANO STUDIOS Lisa Shurrock, owner of Elite Piano Studios, is excited to announce the opening of Windsor-Essex's first lesson facility for music production! Learn to record and produce your own songs, pursue music production as a hobby or a career, or simply come in and have their industry professionals do all the work for you! Studio rentals also available. 3315 Banwell Rd. 519.999.8903

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TREND DRIVE

10

TREND DRIVE

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES

By Mona Elkadri

Turn on the Ella Fitzgerald holiday tunes and get out your festive apron.

These double chocolate peppermint cookies are always a favourite at this time of year!

This recipe makes 3 dozen cookies

For this recipe you will need: COOKIE MIX 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda ¼ cup cocoa powder ½ tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature ¾ cup cane sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 large eggs room temperature 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup chocolate chips 1

⁄ 3 cup chopped soft peppermint

Directions • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Be sure your oven racks are placed in the middle of the oven, then line three large baking sheets with parchment paper.

• In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.

• In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine butter and sugars on medium speed. Once combined, add your eggs, then vanilla, until just combined.

• Next add your flour mixture to the stand mixer bowl and mix at low speed until ingredients are fully combined. Then add the chocolate chips and continue to mix on low speed. The mixture should form a dough and come away from the mixing bowl sides as it’s being mixed.

• Scoop roughly 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough at a time and roll into balls. Place them onto your cookie sheet about two inches apart (12 cookies per sheet).

• Flatten the cookie dough balls with your palm and place them on the centre racks in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

• Let your cookies fully cool before decorating.

DECORATING ICING ½ cup unsalted butter ½ Tbsp milk ½ tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp salt 2½ cups sifted powdered sugar

• For the icing, combine all ingredients in a stand mixer. Mix on low speed until ingredients are well combined.

• Start by drizzling decorating icing on the tops of each cookie.

• While the icing is still wet, sprinkle chopped peppermint candy on cookies.

Let the icing decorations dry and you’re ready to enjoy!

D

Mona Elkadri is a lifestyle blogger with a fondness for everyday living and entertaining, from sweet recipes to home décor and DIY, and everything in between. ohsomona.com THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

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HOLIDAY DRIVE

WINTER STAYCATION Get away without going too far—’tis the season for local travel

By Katrina Manzocco

This year has been, well, a lot.

past on its website in a quick summary—giving weekend getaway. Retro Suites is equal parts Many of us are more than ready for a would-be guests a good sense of the boutique quirky and comfortable—offering unique stays with special services, upscale amenities and 45 change of scenery after months of limited hotel’s quirky spirit: individually styled guest rooms (some of which outings—stay-at-home orders and an unfortuSamuel Rose. Two-story Commerinclude Log Cabin, Cottage, King William, nate two-week travel quarantine have largely cial Hotel. Fire. Walter Pastorius. and the Presidential Suite). put out-of-country vacations on hold this year.

Three-story Pastorius House. Fire.

It’s the perfect time to take a wander into our own backyards, and Windsor-Essex’s surrounding regions offer a wealth of things to do and places to see—an ideal setting for your next winter staycation.

Venture out this season to some of our favourite cozy local places to stay.

14TH COFFEE CO—ESSEX

The King’s Hotel. Fire. Start of Prohibition. Fire. The Moore Hotel. Fire.

End of prohibition. Fire. The Kingsville Hotel. Fire. Police and prostitutes. The Fogcutter Dining Lounge.

Drunken brawl. Police come back. Fire.

The King’s Inn & Suites. Prostitutes come back. Another drunken brawl.

SOLD. Renovations. The Grove Hotel.

Renovations. The Grove Brew House.

The boutique hotel is small in size, but big on personality. Its 18 rooms each feature different distinct styles—offering a new experience for guests every time they make their return. Next door to The Grove Hotel is The Grow Brewhouse, an award-winning craft brewery and taproom offering an inspired list of in-house brews and delicious bites.

Espresso and cold brew lovers will get a kick from a visit to 14th Coffee Co’s Coffee House.

Located 10 minutes away from Windsor, 14th Coffee Co. was founded in June 2017 with the goal to source and roast quality single-origin beans that are then artfully blended—all right in Essex, Ontario. 14th Coffee Co’s Coffee Roasting Experience allows guests to see the Shop their host of fun add-on options for entire coffee-roasting process, receive a detailed tour of the property, enjoy a seasonally inspired your stay, including a birthday bundle, hair meal, and part with a gift basket filled with of the dog kit (part of which includes a pair of sunglasses and late check-out), and sip-sip coffee-focused goodies. hooray package (where champagne flutes and 14th Coffee Co offers a host of places to a bottle of bubbly await you). stay, both on-site and within the surrounding area, each with supremely unique charms—one of which is Langford Suites, available through RETRO SUITES—CHATHAM Airbnb. Inquire within to see which of these For a stunning display of classic archiquirky properties is ready for overnight guests! tecture, pay a visit to Chatham and the Retro Suites Hotel. Retro Suites is the area’s first upscale hotel and has become quickly THE GROVE—KINGSVILLE renowned for its supremely Instagram-worthy If you’re searching for a stay that’s both design—beyond its historic exterior, the stairchic and uniquely memorable, look no farther case in the hotel’s lobby dates back to 1895, than The Grove Hotel, located in Canada’s when it was a part of the Merrill Hotel. The most southern town—Kingsville. terrazzo floors and tin ceilings, along with Built in 1854, The Grove is proud of its the contemporary art and furnishings, give history that has earned it a place as a fixture in the Retro Suites Hotel its old-meets-new feel.

During your stay, be sure to admire the area’s impressive array of historic churches, and venture the quick three-minute walk to Sons of Kent—a classic movie-theatre-turnedbrewery with cozy, string-lit ambiance, a rotating menu of seasonal snacks and an exceptional line-up of brews.

THE WALNUT GROVE BED AND BREAKFAST— HARROW For country charm and tranquility, spend the night at The Walnut Grove Bed and Breakfast. Winter is the perfect time to head into the woods for a crisp walk before cozying up by a fire with a hot beverage—an experience that The Walnut Grove is only too happy to offer guests. The spa-like B&B is a beautifully restored 120-year-old farmhouse situated on a 10-acre property that includes serene wooded trails and a firepit. The house itself is home to two spacious and well-appointed guest rooms that feature custom designer bedding, ensuites, and sitting areas. True to form, the breakfast component of this B&B also delivers—guests can expect a decadent morning spread that includes fresh farmhouse scones, fresh fruit, and a host of other hot options.

Ahead of your stay, be sure to book an aromatherapy session with the B&B’s registered massage therapists and take advantage of the in-room charcuterie and local wine offerings.

Conveniently located on a quiet country road near the Chrysler Canada Greenway, (part of the Trans Canada Trail), the B&B is within 30 kilometres of Harrow, Kingsville, Amherstberg, Point Pelee, and Windsor, making it a great central spot to explore all the town of Kingsville and shaped its identity.

Originally built at the turn of the century, there is to see locally. It’s a short drive to The hotel takes an unexpectedly funny and it’s been since transformed into a modern, Essex County’s incredible 14 wineries, craft irreverent approach to sharing its colourful luxury boutique hotel that’s perfect for a breweries, and distilleries. D 12

HOLIDAY DRIVE

THE WALNUT GROVE BED AND BREAKFAST

RETRO SUITES LOBBY THE GROVE Kerry Trepanier Photography

14TH COFFEE CO Josh Wilson Photography

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BOOK DRIVE

READ LOCAL New Words from Windsor-Essex Writers

By Jesse Ziter

The Drive reached out to four prominent Windsor-Essex booksellers to unwrap a short stack of new reads from authors with local ties. If you’re looking to stuff a couple stockings or meet a new quarantine cuddle buddy of your own, keep reading to, well, keep reading.

RIVER BOOKSHOP River Bookshop, a highly visible, intentionally designed space in downtown Amherstburg, represents the most significant investment in area bookselling in several years. More a community endowment and passion project than capitalist concern, River belongs to Richard Peddie, former president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Born and educated in Windsor, Peddie now splits his time between Amherstburg and Toronto.

We reached out to lead bookseller Lori Wightman, who was happy to recommend two very different but similarly compelling 2020 releases.

According to Wightman, the young hockey player in your life will surely love Bobby Orr and the Hand-Me-Down Skates by Tecumseh native Kara Kootstra and NHL legend Bobby Orr. Published in September by Tundra Books, a Penguin Random House Canada imprint, the accessible 40-page picture book tells the true story of the relationship between Orr and a once-in-a-lifetime pair of hand-me-down skates he wore a child. Pitched at children between four and eight years of age, the sentimental, inspirational story is illustrated by Jennifer Phelan, a Canadian illustrator who calls both Montreal and Toronto home.

better part of three decades as a professor in the in The Globe & Mail and The Walrus and has University of Windsor’s Faculty of Education. otherwise worked in television, video games, Kootstra’s fruitful working relation- and the not-for-profit sector. ship with Orr began with 2014’s The Boy in Number 4, a semi-fictionalized retelling in rhyme of Bobby Orr’s personal story. She released the middle-grade illustrated children’s novel Jay Versus the Saxophone of Doom, which also focuses on a young hockey player, in 2017.

Bobby Orr and the Hand-Me-Down Skates is arguably Kootstra’s highest-profile work yet. “It’s the most adorable book ever,” says Wightman.

For the adults, Wightman recommends Hench, the debut novel from Natalie Zina Walschots. Published in September by William Morrow (Harper Collins Canada), this novel’s furiously witty interrogation of henchpeople—the precariously employed underlings of supervillains—has the literary world abuzz. Wightman suggests it as a perfect choice “for fans of superheroes, little guys, number crunchers and underdogs.”

A zeitgeisty reimagining of contemporary Western myths, Hench tells the story of Anna, a relatable heroine navigating the quintessential millennial experience of unsteady employment under ethically questionable overlords.

A young spreadsheet wizard, Anna discovers, after being injured by a superhero, that the societal impact of caped crusaders is more complicated than we’ve been led to believe.

A University of Windsor graduate, Kootstra is a lifelong hockey fan, mother of two, and classically trained singer and pianist. Koostra was introduced to Orr after her father, the well-connected coach, author, and educator Zina Walschots was born in Essex Vern Stenlund, ghostwrote his autobiography. County and graduated from the University Stenlund had a cup of coffee in the NHL of Windsor. She currently lives in Toronto. A himself in the 1970s before spending the prolific writer and journalist, she has bylines 14

BIBLIOASIS BOOKSHOP Walkerville’s Biblioasis is, frankly, the finest bookstore in Windsor, and the only bookseller in Essex County with substantial selections of both used and first-run new books. While the store is associated with Biblioasis Press, a genuinely important literary concern that publishes internationally recognized poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, it maintains a diverse, thoughtfully curated inventory of popular, scholarly, and antiquarian book from around the world.

We spoke with assistant bookkeeper Scarlet Kennedy, who surveyed the Biblioasis staff for recommendations.

The shop’s first selection is Stoop City, an excellent collection of new literary fiction by Kristyn Dunnion. Published by Biblioasis in September, Stoop City is a series of short stories exploring broad themes of belonging and identity while unpacking our modern relationships to community—in every sense of the word. Dunnion’s inventive, often tenacious stories—some of which are set in Essex County—deal with topics like religious guilt, gentrification, romantic relationships, and the politics of urban living. The work has attracted adjectives like “merciful,” “naked,” and “tender” in the literary press, and Kennedy calls it “gritty, and a bit sad, but funny and hopeful.”

BOOK DRIVE Stoop City is the sixth book of fiction from Dunnion, who grew up in Essex County but currently lives in the Davenport-Perth neighbourhood in Toronto. Away from her writing, Dunnion is a powerful public speaker, educator, and activist. She particularly advocates for access to healthy food, works to amplify the voices of at-risk and queer youth, and supports homeless or marginally housed adults with serious mental illness. A selfdescribed “queer punk performance artist,” she played bass in the Toronto-based bands Heavy Filth and Bone Donor.

Kennedy and her colleagues are also excited about the true crime history Watching the Devil Dance by William Toffan. Subtitled How a Spree Killer Slipped Through the Cracks of the Criminal Justice System, the book tells the harrowing, often bizarre true story of Matthew Charles Lamb, Canada’s first known spree killer, who became responsible for one of the bloodiest nights in Windsor’s history in June 1966. Also published by Biblioasis, Watching the Devil Dance is a local-interest piece with far-reaching national implications. An agonizing, often illuminating read, Toffan’s tale is essentially a tragedy, which unfolds in locations as near as Ford Boulevard and as far away as Rhodesia. Over 224 taut, tense pages, Watching the Devil Dance foregrounds the historic failings of the 1960s criminal justice system, many of which still reverberate today.

shop on downtown Windsor’s cutest street.

Focusing on Canadian-made gifts, souvenirs, stationary, and home goods and cared for in the style of something you might find on Detroit’s Canfield Street or, yes, in Toronto, Whiskeyjack stocks a limited selection of Canadian fiction and non-fiction, including titles from local publishers like Biblioasis and Palimpsest Press.

Co-owner Allison Mistakidis introduced us to Lone Jack Trail by Owen Laukkanen, a criminal/political thriller published by Mulholland Books, an imprint of Little, Brown. (Full disclosure: Allison is a personal friend of mine, and a lovely person in general.)

Significantly, the neighbourhood shop has become something of a safe haven for self-promoting local authors whose work exists outside the conventional North American publishing system. Ward claims to stock books from upwards of 100 local writers at her store on a consignment-free basis.

Ward was happy to provide The Drive with many recommendations, one of which is The Moon Mask by Edmond Gagnon, the first book in a new crime fiction series centred on a detective named Abigail Brown. Self-published by Gagnon this October, the novel branches off from the popular Norm Strom Crime Series, a five-book collection based on characters and narratives Gagnon encountered during his career in law enforcement.

According to Mistakidis, Laukkanen’s latest, released in August, is perfect for readers who enjoy propulsive, high-quality crime Set in present-day Detroit, The Moon fiction and dog lovers alike.

Mask follows a grisly series of events sparked Lone Jack Trail tells the story of trainee when municipal demolition crews discover sheriff’s deputy and former U.S. Marine Jess the mummified remains of women’s bodies Winslow, a traumatized Afghanistan veteran in abandoned derelict homes. Now-retired bound to her devoted service dog, Lucy. Windsor Police Detective Norm Strom— After the body of a hometown faded celebrity Gagnon’s familiar, semi-autobiographical literally washes up outside Deception Cove, protagonist—becomes involved in a crossWashington, Winslow’s life is upended when border search for two missing women when her own boyfriend, Mason, emerges as the local law enforcement realizes a serial killer may still be loose in the Motor City. prime suspect.

Born in Vancouver, Laukkanen moved to Windsor as a toddler and spent his childhood and high school years in Walkerville. Today, he and his rescue pitbull divide their time between Vancouver and Prince Edward Island.

Now a young master of suspense, Laukkanen is a former professional poker journalist and commercial fisherman.

Gagnon grew up in Windsor, where he spent 31 years in a variety of roles within the police department, eventually retiring as a detective. Now an avid world-traveller and motorcycle enthusiast, he continues to live and write in Windsor. D

STORYTELLERS BOOK STORE

At Ottawa Street’s Storytellers, owner Linda Toffan, a retired history teacher and Ward has built a five-years-strong independent veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted business on inclusivity and value. Perhaps Essex Police, lives in Windsor with his wife and four County’s most-easily-overlooked bookseller, children. This is his first book.

Storytellers makes a point of offering its wares WHISKEYJACK BOUTIQUE below manufacturers’ suggested retail prices Maiden Lane’s Whiskeyjack Boutique is a and provides community-focused services like carefully stocked and staged one-year-old gift complimentary personal shopping and home delivery for seniors.

Essentially a one-woman operation, Storytellers stocks a wide variety of titles for adults and children of all ages, including first-run bestsellers, genre fiction, and a variety of non-fiction. Ward’s deceptively large, fully accessible uptown space also offers book-adjacent items like board games, educational aids, any number of Harry Potter–branded products, and what must be one of Essex County’s largest selections of puzzles.

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RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

Thank you, front-line and essential workers We are so grateful for everything you do to keep us safe – you have our utmost respect and admiration.

Sechopoulos Valente Group of RBC Dominion Securities Panos Sechopoulos Vice-President, Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor 519-252-3645 | panos.sechopoulos@rbc.com

Lou Valente Vice President, Portfolio Manager 519-252-4011 | louis.valente@rbc.com

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2020 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 20_90621_MT6_019

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GIVE

Smile

THE GIFT

OF A

In the spirit of the holidays, we would like to share with you one patient we’re proud to have in our TDC family, Timmie D. Timmie D. believes in giving back, and wants to share his smile in the community of Amherstburg. For years, Timmie D. has sponsored a family for Christmas delivering gifts and dinner dressed as Santa.

A fun way to community outreach and share a contagious smile!

This year Timmie D. and his wife have decided to do even more.

They will be delivering Christmas dinner to more families in need!

“Knowing some people in the community have fallen on hard times we couldn’t sit back, we wanted to do more to help,” said Timmie D. When we met Timmie D. he suffered with terrible headaches and dental pain, he was referred to The Denture Centerby his dentist. After a complimentary consultation, Timmie D. was scheduled with an oral surgeon to have his teeth removed and his denture inserted immediately.

“I went to the hospital with my natural teeth and dental pain and came home with a new smile,” said Timmie D. He never stops smiling, and his spirit is contagious!

Timmie D. highly recommends family and friends in similar circumstances to visit The Denture Center and start smiling!

He chose the digital dentures option, he was impressed by the technology. “I’m 100% satisfied with my treatment and the wonderful staff I call friends!”

The Denture Center would like to challenge you to give your best smile this holiday season!

We’re proud to give our patients the smile and confidence they deserve and would like to encourage everyone to be a little more like Timmie D. this year!

ys a d i l o H y p p a H ture Center from The Den

Tim before

Tim after

Patient at The Denture Center

If you’re suffering with missing or loose natural teeth and are afraid to smile, book a complimentary consultation.

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LOCAL DRIVE

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BUSINESS LOCAL DRIVE

APART TOGETHER Five ways to enjoy a socially distanced holiday season

By Jen Brignall-Strong

With Covid-19 cases on the rise in Canada as we head into winter, holiday gatherings across the country are being scaled back to ensure safe social distancing.

These unprecedented times have highlighted the resilience of the human connection.

While many people are coming together in small social bubbles, others are choosing to get creative—modifying traditional activities and even coming up with new ideas on how to celebrate together.

For those unable to be with their loved ones in the traditional sense, here are five ways to enjoy some much-needed family time this holiday season.

WALKIN’ IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

porch, breezeway, or garage. On Christmas With our area’s relatively mild winters, Day (or another day of your choosing), there are many options for gathering safely organize a group video chat where everyone (and comfortably) outside to spread some takes turns opening their gifts and guessing who their Secret Santa is. festive cheer.

At two local Christmas tree farms, some beloved outdoor holiday activities will continue with safety measures in place.

Sloan’s Christmas Village in Bothwell and Bastien Tree Farm in McGregor will allow patrons to cut their own Christmas trees, choose from pre-cut trees, and enjoy campfires and nature trails. Photo areas, concessions, and some modified festive activities will also be available; be sure to check their hours and safety protocols before you venture out.

Prefer to stay closer to home? Instead of a traditional indoor tree trimming, opt for an outdoor decorating party. String the lights, break out the inflatables, and spruce up your front yard with friends and family. Don’t forget to turn up the holiday music! facebook.com/SloansChristmasVillage SECRET SANTA—PORCH-STYLE Take your gift-giving on the road with Secret Santa–style porch deliveries.

other public light displays open for safe outdoor viewing. Amherstburg’s River Lights Winter Festival will continue throughout the holiday season, with hundreds of beautiful light displays at King’s Navy Yard, Toddy Jones Have family out of town? Ship your gifts Park, and surrounding businesses every night until January 4. early to avoid any mail delays.

Many local organizations have also adapted GAME ON(LINE) their normal holiday events to fit current Take your holiday video chats to the next safety measures, with outdoor activities, winter markets, and “reverse” Santa Claus parades level with fun games and activities. happening across the area.

The video chatting app Houseparty Another great way to enjoy the colours features a number of games you can play of the season together? Bundle up, pack a together as a group including a trivia challenge, thermos of hot chocolate, and meet loved Head’s Up, and Apples to Apples. ones in a different neighbourhood for a fun Have a gaming console? Quiz-based video walking tour of residential light displays across games like Jackbox can be played remotely. the city.

Just hop on your favourite videoconferencing service (like Zoom or Google Hangouts) and HOST A DRIVE-BY COOKIE SWAP share your screen so everyone can see. Players Worried about missing out on Grandma’s can login on their mobile devices to play along. famous shortbread this Christmas? Share all You could also kick it old school with your family favourites in a driveway cookie swap. classic games like Charades and Pictionary, First, decide who’s baking what—each with free online idea generators to help you household chooses one or two different get started. recipes to tackle. Then, bake and package a Want to support local? A number of dozen for each family involved. Set a date, and Windsor-area businesses can create and host meet in someone’s driveway to safely exchange private online parties, like a painting class your goodies. from Julie’s Paint Party or custom trivia from You could even expand on the idea and host Mack Flash Entertainment. a driveway potluck swap, with everyone in charge @juliespaintparty @mackflash of bringing one individually packaged savoury

First, use an online name generator to pick your gift recipients. Drawnames.ca, elfster.com, or sneakysanta.com are all great options and allow you to input exceptions (for example, your dad couldn’t end up pulling LIGHT IT UP your mom’s name, etc.)

dish to reheat so you can all share the same meal together, even if you’re apart. Pandemic or While Bright Lights Windsor is taking a not, there’s no way you should have to forego Choose a day for drop-offs, with everyone leaving the gifts somewhere secure, like a back hiatus for the 2020 season, there are several enjoying your mom’s mashed potatoes. D THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

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LOCAL DRIVE

A BRIDGE TOO FAR How COVID-19 border restrictions are affecting local families

By Jen Brignall-Strong

“We’re in a grey area,” says Knowlton.

With COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, many Windsorites with cross-border “If she were a permanent resident, we could connections have been cut off from their loved have our relationship notarized and she could ones since mid-March. come here. We applied for her Canadian Although exceptions in early October visitor’s visa, but the IRCC isn’t processing made it slightly easier for some committed those right now.” After five and a half months, couples and immediate family to see each the couple were finally able to reunite when other, there are still many roadblocks on the a friend informed Knowlton he could travel to the U.S. by air. He immediately booked journey to reunification. a plane ticket, driving to Toronto to fly to Chicago, then Detroit. Packed in his bag was A GREY AREA an engagement ring.

For Justin Knowlton and his now-fiancée, Coordinating a secret plan with her family, Blerina Beleshi, relaxed restrictions do little to Knowlton met with Beleshi’s parents to ask for help their particular situation. As an Albanian their blessing, then whisked her away for the currently in the U.S. on a visitor’s visa, Beleshi weekend and proposed under the stars. is unable to travel to Canada, despite the fact “I couldn’t see myself spending my life with that she and Knowlton have been together for anyone else,” says Knowlton. more than a year.

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LOCAL DRIVE Knowlton returned home shortly after to us everything’s been put on hold,” says Roy, a “I was very surprised!” recalls Penney. begin his 14-day quarantine, but is planning Canadian healthcare worker. “We don’t even After the whirlwind proposal and some to travel back for the holidays. have a file number yet.” time with friends and family, Penney once again “Luckily I can work from home; otherwise In pre-pandemic times, the couple took returned to Canada for a 14-day quarantine.

I wouldn’t be able to do this.” turns alternating between Roy’s home in “It’s going from such a high to such a low, Windsor and Schultz’s home in Troy, Michigan. coming home and not being able to go anywhere When rumours of a border closure started or see anyone for two weeks,” says Penney. in mid-March, Schultz used up all her vacation For those unable to work remotely, visita- time at work to stay with Roy in Canada.

RAPID TESTING AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS tion remains out of the question.

“When she left three weeks later, we had The travel restrictions have also been Kyle Prestanski, a Chatham-area business no idea when we’d be seeing each other again,” tough on many cross-border grandparents. owner, hasn’t seen his father since Christmas. says Roy. “It was heartbreaking.”

Meghan Wolf, an American citizen living “It’s tough to see each other as it is The couple went seven weeks without in Canada, hasn’t seen her parents since sometimes,” says Kyle. “My wife and I run a seeing each other. When travel restrictions February. Her seven-year-old son Matthew business and my dad and his wife both work were lifted for spouses in June, Schultz was misses his grandparents dearly. full time. We had plans to see each other, then able to cross into Canada by showing her “We usually see each other quite often— the border closed.” marriage license. She crossed again in October birthdays, holidays, weekend visits,” says Wolf.

Prestanski’s father lives in Michigan about for Canadian Thanksgiving, each time abiding “It’s been tough.” an hour outside of Detroit. They normally by the 14-day quarantine regulations.

The new exceptions mean Wolf’s parents crossed as often as their schedules allowed, “Thankfully her work allows her to switch could potentially cross and quarantine. getting together on weekends and special shifts, but a lot of planning goes into it,” says However, with their advanced age, being away occasions. Now, they communicate mainly Roy. “She is a first responder; it’s not easy for from home for 14 days just isn’t feasible. via phone. her to get 15 days off at a time.”

“My parents are in their late seventies, early “We check in once a week, but a 15-minute For now, the family will continue to juggle eighties.

They would be okay over here for a call is just not the same as sitting down their schedules, anxiously awaiting a return to few days, but they just don’t feel comfortable together,” says Prestanski. normalcy. “My children love Lisa and they just being away from home for that long,” explains The restrictions have also made family want her to be here,” says Roy. Wolf. Until restrictions are eased further, the emergencies all the more difficult to deal family will continue to stay in touch by email with. When Prestanski’s stepbrother passed and FaceTime.

HIGHS & LOWS away suddenly in late summer, he was unable “I completely agree with the rules they have Meticulously rearranging work schedto be there to comfort his family in their time in place,” says Wolf. “But the 14-day quaranules has also allowed Canadian nurse Alecia of grief. tine is hard for a lot of people. Maybe if rapid Penney to see her now-fiancé, Brett Stowell.

“Your first instinct when something like testing was available it would be easier?”

Utilizing his ability to work remotely, that happens is to drop everything and go,” As an American citizen voting in the 2020 says Prestanski. “It’s weird to not be able to do Stowell spent a month with Penney when the anything about it. How do you convey sorrow? initial closures were implemented. After that, presidential election, Wolf was also concerned Penney was able to juggle her schedule and fly about mail delays preventing her absentee How do you give someone a virtual hug?” ballot from reaching its destination in time. to the U.S. in July.

Throughout this difficult period, “I paid almost $30 so I could track it and “My coworkers have been my saving grace,” Prestanski has tried to focus on the light at says Penney. “Trading shifts to help make this ensure it got there on time,” says Wolf. “It’s a the end of the tunnel. possible.” Penney was able to visit again in small price to pay for the state of democracy.”

“One way we’re trying to get through it is October for her birthday. Unbeknownst to to make plans for once things are over; to have her, the celebration would be extra special. something to look forward to,” says Prestanski.

THE HUMAN CONNECTION Enlisting the help of mutual friends, While living in a time of video chats and Stowell had planned an elaborate proposal. texting has made it easier to stay connected, JUGGLING SCHEDULES Convincing Penney he was running late at the families all point out that a screen is no For Lisa Roy and her wife Lisa Schultz, work, he had a friend bring her to a secret substitute for a hug. planning is all they’ve been doing for the last destination.

“It just doesn’t replace the physical nine months.

“Her friend had a blindfold in the car and contact,” says Knowlton.

Married for just over eight months when said, ‘we planned something special for your “You don’t realize how important that COVID-19 hit, the cross-border couple was birthday so put this on and act surprised,’” actual human connection to your family is in the midst of filing for Schultz’s Canadian laughs Stowell. residency. “We applied months before the When they arrived, Stowell was waiting in until you don’t have it,” echoes Prestanski.

“We’re all just trying to adapt.” D pandemic, but our immigration specialist told a hot air balloon, down on one knee.

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MOVIE DRIVE

IN OUR CAMP Mike Stasko’s film, Boys vs. Girls, hits close to home for campers and the community alike

By Katrina Manzocco Photography by Syx Langemann

“

Camp is a great place for a lot of ‘firsts’ and comingof-age experiences

”

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MOVIE DRIVE According to Mike Stasko, the world is the war between girls and boys lasted for only divided into two groups: camp people and about four days. everybody else.

Boys vs. Girls was shot over the course The University of Windsor film professor of 16 days in June and July 2018 at the is the writer and director of 2018’s Boys vs. Kiwanis Sunshine Point Camp in Kingsville, Girls—an award-winning camp comedy fuelled Ontario. The Sunshine Point Camp served by the nostalgia of Stasko’s own childhood many purposes for the production, not only as a film set, but in providing accommodasummer camp experiences.

I met with both Stasko and producer, tions for the actors playing the film’s primary Theodore Bezaire, to discuss the film’s origins, camp counsellors. highlight reels, and what it means for these Windsorites to pursue cinematic projects so close to home.

CAMP PEOPLE AND NON-CAMP PEOPLE Early in the conversation Bezaire admits that he falls into the category of ‘non-camp person,’ claiming the title of ‘camp-person by association’ in light of his closeness to Stasko, his long-time friend.

“It was really nice to be able be part of a project so close to home and to be able to show off my hometown to the cast and crew!”

Dagenais recalls the first movie she auditioned for at age 13 was one of Stasko’s films; years later, during casting for Boys vs.

Girls, he recalled that she was a local and invited her to audition for a leading role of “The film was super low-budget, even as a Amber. Dagenais got the part.

Canadian film, and we figured that by using “The whole experience was unforgettable the camp we could save on hotel costs,” laughs and filled with so many firsts for me. Even Stasko. “It ended up being a great bonding though we were filming, it really did feel like experience for our lead actors who stayed camp—at the end of shooting days we had on-site—within a week they became the best bonfires, long talks, and camp games. There of friends. From what we heard it sounds like were bugs and the WiFi was bad. Honestly, it they had a pretty good time—their own camp was really great!” experience of sorts, I guess!”

Dagenais says the film’s cast members have Interestingly enough, lead actress become the best of friends, likely a result of Rachel Dagenais’s grandfather ran summer the dynamics built from living together on-set. programs at the Sunshine Point Camp in the According to her, this made things on camera 1970s—something she didn’t find out until all the more real. filming began.

Stasko’s own camp experience came in the form of summers spent at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana in Northern Ontario.

Stasko shares that it was these memories that “It was such a funny coincidence: my provided the inspiration for Boys vs. Girls. family came to visit me on set and that’s when “Camp is a great place for a lot of ‘firsts’ and my parents pointed out that my grandfather, coming-of-age experiences,” says Stasko. “It’s a who ran a judo studio, would lead martial good incubator for letting a personality cone arts activities for the campers,” says Dagenais. out without judgment. Kids are raised differ- “They told me just after he had passed away— and in some small way it made me feel like I ently these days with more ‘side bumpers.’ was paying him tribute.”

“Without parents around to monitor or The Windsor native was thrilled to have judge you, you could try on more personalities been selected to play her role in Boys vs. Girls— to see what worked.”

Stasko says the film—and its characters— are an amalgamation of about 13 years of his summer-camp experiences, with some inspiration taken from classic camp comedies such as Wet Hot American Summer.

she got the part as soon as she’d moved to Toronto to pursue a career in film.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HOMEGROWN FILMS Out of Boys vs. Girls’ 50-person crew, at least half were students from University of Windsor—some of which were hired, whereas others gained course credit, according to Stasko.

“It was amazing to be able to involve so many people from our local community—the talent present here is truly impressive,” says Stasko. “For example, our production designer,

Dany (Michala Brasseur) teaches Carla (Isis Moore).

Photography by Jesse Hebert

Set in the summer of 1990, Boys vs. Girls tells the story of Camp Kindlewood—a camp that hosts boys every July and girls every August, which is forced to go co-ed for the first time in its 70-year existence. During this transition, the camp’s director, Roger (Colin Mochrie, Whose Line Is It Anyway?), desperately tries to convince both sides that this is a great idea in an effort to keep the camp off the corporate chopping block. The change leads to a battle of the sexes over reclaiming their own space—fuelled by a series of pranks and camper mischief.

In reality, Stasko’s own Camp Kitchikewana had to go co-ed in the summer of 1989 to make things more viable, but in his case THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

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MOVIE DRIVE

Roger (Colin Mochrie).

Photography by Jesse Hebert

Camp meeting with Roger (Colin Mochrie).

Photography by Jesse Hebert

The Boys getting ready for prank.

Photography by Jesse Hebert

The Girls lineup.

Photography by Jesse Hebert

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MOVIE DRIVE Emily, is a recent grad of the Canada Media Fund program, and she did an unbelievably good job of stretching our small budget and really captured the aesthetic and feel of the early ’90s beautifully.”

Traditionally, Canada’s film hubs have been Toronto and Vancouver, but independent filmmaking has opened up the possibilities for filmmakers.

“Whether it’s food, parking, or space rentals, things are so affordable in Windsor and people are so enthusiastic about new projects. I wanted to show my students that there are a ton of creative opportunities to be had by making a film in the area—at this point, four of the films we’ve shot in Windsor have gone on to win awards,” says Stasko.

Stasko wants aspiring filmmakers to know they don’t necessarily need to head to the big city to create something great.

“If you can learn how to pull together the resources and get people excited here, your resources go much further. Find out how to excite the city and your community will become your biggest advocates.”

And that hard work paid off: the film has been an official selection in almost a dozen film festivals, and has won eight awards, including Best Feature Film and the Audience Choice award at the Chicago Comedy Festival, Best Canadian Feature at the Canadian International Comedy Film Festival, and acting awards for Colin Mochrie (Florida Comedy Film Festival) and Kevin McDonald (Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival).

For those seriously interested in a film For Stasko, camp people represent a career, Stasko is an advocate for the value number of things—namely openness, resourceof attending film school. fulness, and eternal optimism.

“A big advantage of going to film school is it allows you to try to fail at 500 things in an environment where you receive feedback. You’re given a golden opportunity to try new things in the safety of that school and then when you go professional, you have all kinds of skills in your toolbelt.”

“I remember when I was completing my Master of Fine Arts at Columbia, and I couldn’t get past the second date with anyone there—it just wasn’t clicking. The day I finished my degree, I went to work at a camp and that is where I met my wife,” says Stasko.

“If you want to talk about camp having a big influence on my life, there you go.”

Whether you’re a camp person or not, Boys vs. Girls promises to entertain—stay tuned for Through Boys vs. Girls, Stasko has its December 22 DVD and VOD release. attempted to capture the irresistible Stasko is excited to give locals a chance to nostalgia of attending camp, even for see the film after its run on the festival circuit— those who haven’t been. the community’s support of homegrown films “Camp people will love the memories is important in promoting an environment for that the film brings back to the surface, future projects. whereas non-camp people might pay closer “The more enthusiasm the response, the attention to the story being told,” says Stasko. “Eighty minutes is a short time to better the people involved in this film will try to tell the story; it’s just a glimpse into do. This is the first major film for so many the experience and a quick look back to of these filmmakers—this is validating their small moment in time that held a lot of work and will help propel them into their magic for me and other camp people.” further careers.” D CAPTURING CAMP

WORDS FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS Stasko and Bezaire recognize that the success of Boys vs. Girls didn’t come overnight— it’s the product of 20 years of hard work.

Bezaire emphasizes that perseverance is essential for any aspiring filmmaker and reiterates just how important it is to remain focused and stay the course, even though the path to success is not always linear.

“Focus on the basics and tell the story you’re able to tell. Lots of people want to write a World War II epic, but my advice would be to start small. Tell a five-minute short you know how to tell well, and then build from there.”

THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

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GIFT DRIVE

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BREANNE’S PICK

The art of gifting… locally

Browse our 24 days of Christmas online at thedrivemagazine. com/giftguide

KEN’S PICK

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The spirit of giving, eating treats, and spending time with loved ones—even if it’s via Zoom or telephone—is here. It’s time to focus on choosing the perfect gift for your favourite people on your list.

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We’ve curated a locally made holiday gift guide guaranteed to delight and leave you feeling accomplished for supporting local YQG businesses.

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9 10 12 SHAWNA’S PICK

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GIFT DRIVE #1: BREANNE’S PICK—ROCKING VIBE JEWELLERY AT RAIN FITNESS, TECUMSEH “ My favourite idea of a gift is when it’s a personal one. Give healing guidance with Rocking Vibe’s energetic crystal ‘compass’ necklace and make it a mindful holiday.” Rainfitness.ca/collections/ accessories/products, 519.735.7667 #2: GOURMET KITS AT ANI & FABI Ready. Set. Bake! Ani & Fabi’s kid-friendly and fun gourmet kits make the perfect gift for the mini bakers and bakers-in-training on your list.

The pre-measured ingredients take the guesswork out of baking, leaving everyone with a fun family experience and delicious treats they will absolutely love! Aniandfabi.com, @aniandfabi #3: FEARFULLY MADE JEWELLERY Give the gift of cherished moments. Fearfully Made jewellery is unique and custom, handembroidered by local women with love and prayers. Portion of proceeds donated to various local charities each month.

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TAL’S PICK

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#4: SABINE’S PICK—BREW-CITY GIFT SET AT LOCAL PROVISIONS “ For the beer lover, what a better way to show some love with a ‘Local Provisions’ Holiday Collection Gift Box locally curated from small businesses across YQG. This set will cater to his taste buds, although I know a few ladies who would love the Brew-City box all for themselves.

They feature local products from Wolfhead Distillery, Kingsville Brewery, and Sandwich Brewing Co.” Localprovisions.ca/collections/all, @localprovisions.ca #5: KEN’S PICK—SHINOLA JOURNALS AT RIVER BOOKSHOP “ Give a gift that gives back. Sketching can do wonders for our mental health. Beyond keeping our creative juices flowing, regular sketching can give us an emotional release outlet for the stresses of our daily life. The River Bookshop offers a variety of journal options—and who doesn’t love anything Shinola?” Riverbookshop. com/collections/journals, 226.906.8311 #6: AFTERSHAVE AT LOMBARDI’S BARBERSHOP A shave a day keeps the stubble away, and a touch of product keeps him looking sharp, well groomed, and feeling good. This aftershave contains moisturizing, anti-bacterial, and soothing ingredients. @lombardibarbershop, 519.739.2887 #7: TAL’S PICK—MIYABI KNIVES AT WILLIAM’S FOOD EQUIPMENT “ Add quality, tradition, and innovation to

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someone’s kitchen this holiday season with a gift that will sharpen their cooking skills. This three-piece knife set from Miyabi is a practical addition to any kitchen. @Williamsfoodequipment.com/miyabi-kaizen-ii-5000-fc-d-3-pieceknife-set-34690-005, 1.888.334.3233 #8: SPA GIFT PACKAGE AT SALON UTOPIA Introducing the hello Utopia Holiday Box! The team at Salon Utopia curated this gift with you in mind and we loved every bit of it. This is a gift sure to pamper her with all her favourite things. @salonutopiamedspa, 519.727.0507 #9: GIFT CERTIFICATE AT INTEGRATIVE HEALING & YOGA This holiday season give the gift of health and wellness. Integrative Healing & Yoga can offer you a variety of healing services for all ages and mobilities. Treat that special person on your list to self-care and ring in 2021 with peace of mind!

Integrativehealing.ca, 519.567.8841 #10: CHOCOLATES AT SWEETNESS CHOCOLATE For the chocoholic on your list, these are not the average chocolate bar. If you want to give the gift of true gourmet love, wrap these beauties with care and attention as each bar takes two months to create, from cocoa bean selection to pouring into the mold…yum! Who else is craving Sweetness Chocolate?

Sweetnesschocolate.ca, @sweetnesschocolates #11: CHEMEX CARAFE AT ANCHOR COFFEE HOUSE For the morning person on your list who cannot function without great coffee, we’ve got you covered. Anchor Coffee House takes coffee making to a new level with the Chemex pour-over method of brewing coffee. Rustic yet scientific, we promise this will appeal to any coffee aficionado.

Anchorcoffeehouse.com, 519.915.0626 #12: SHAWNA’S PICK—BOOKS AND PUZZLES AT BIBLIOASIS “ This holiday season, getting comfy-cozy with family is what I’m looking forward to. So why not give the gift of ‘time spent together’? It’s about the simpler things, and a puzzle or a book from Biblioasis is the perfect gift for anyone on your list.” Biblioasisbookshop.com, 519.968.2206 #13: WOOD CARVINGS AT UNIQUE IMPRESSIONS For the creative someone on your list, treat them to a personalized gift that will create a lasting impression. Unique Impressions’ wood-carved letters will leave a thoughtful memory on any wall and can be customized with the words that matter most to you. A picture may speak a thousand words, but words say it best.

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Canadian Club celebrates breaking the Canadian whisky mould with their 40-year-old Chronicles Series

By Devan Mighton Photographs by Syx Langemann

As you spy the amber tides swirling around the base of your tumbler and inhale its complex bouquet, it’s easy to get lost in the reverie, history, and tradition of this magnificent liquid. You tilt back a dram of this long-aged whisky and think of where it’s been and the life it’s lived. It washes across your palate, exposing sweet notes of satisfaction—as you watch the golden droplets slide down the sides of your cup and back to their receding ocean below.

The roots of Canadian whisky are older than Canada itself. In 1858, Hiram Walker moved to Windsor to open a flour mill and distillery. His contemporary, J.P. Wiser, had moved to Prescott a year earlier to work at his uncle’s whisky distillery. Both American-born entrepreneurs brought to British Canada the tradition of flavouring whisky by adding rye.

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WHISKY DRIVE Walker’s whisky, Canadian Club, would become the most distributed Canadian whisky in the world. Canadian Club Premium Whisky would become a staple around the planet—even winning the acclaim of the British Royal Family. During the American Prohibition, gangs fought wars to control the illegal import of Canadian Club to the United States and counterfeit rip-offs of the brand were prominent in those days when bootlegging couldn’t meet demand.

Over the years, not much changed with the Canadian Club brand and by the 1980s, international competition and a lack of diversity in their product portfolio—a common problem with Canadian whiskies at the time—led their fortunes to take a turn.

extra coin smuggling its barrels to the United The mash fill contained all the usual States during the later American Prohibition. suspects—corn, rye, rye malt, and a lot of Canadian Club even had a place in the barley malt—but this time, it was aged for infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Four 12 years. Harcus says the 12-year whisky put unknown perpetrators, thought to be at the them back on the map. They followed up direction of Chicago gangster Al Capone their success with Canadian Club 10-Yearhimself, machine-gunned seven members of Old Reserve and Canadian Club Sherry Cask the infamous North Side Gang, freeing up in 1992. She adds that they even marketed a their bootlegging connections in the area. Japan-only brand called Canadian Club Black Walkerville’s Canadian Club became a drink that was an instant success. of choice among illegal importers, brought through Detroit by the Purple Gang and widely distributed, by affiliates of Capone, across the United States.

Whisk(e)y is characterized as a distilled alcoholic beverage derived from fermented grain mash. Typically, the grains used are Inspiration from Canadian Club’s compet- barley, corn, wheat, and rye, followed by aging itors in the bourbon and scotch markets in wooden barrels. allowed for massive growth in the company Although the act of distillation dates back and a revolution within the Canadian whisky to the first-century Greeks in Alexandria, the industry that has raised the beverage to new earliest records of alcoholic distillation are award-winning heights. The culmination of dated to Italy in the 13th century.

Canadian Club’s success can be seen in their No later than the 15th century did the Chronicles Series of whiskies. First released practice make it to Scotland and Ireland, as in 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th year of well as the popularization of distilling “aqua Confederation, Canadian Club has annually vitae” or the “water of life”—a name widely released a unique 40-year-old whisky that has attributed to the production of distilled become the toast of the whisky industry. alcohol. At this time, Scotch whiskies and In 1858, whisky wasn’t new to the Common- Irish whiskeys (they each spell the word differwealth of Canada, although it was mostly ently) started appearing by name in letters and unaged wheat whiskies in the beginning. John literature—and a movement was born.

Molson began selling whisky commercially in Over the years, Canadian whisky has been 1801, taking advantage of the supply shortage of popularized across the globe and is still in French wine and brandies exported to England high demand.

Brands like Crown Royal, 40 during the Napoleonic Wars.

Creek, Black Velvet, Seagram’s, and Gibson’s Walker and Wiser revolutionized the Finest have popped up over the years to join budding practice and took it to new levels. Canadian Club and J.P. Wiser’s, but foreign As bourbon and Tennessee whiskey became competition in the 1980s could have been a a staple in the United States, rye whisky soon death knell for the entire industry. became synonymous with Canadian whisky.

“The Canadian whisky industry took a Canadian Club became the drink of choice for hit back in the early ’80s,” recalls Canadian Queen Victoria and the company was issued Club brand ambassador Tish Harcus, who has Royal Warrants from the queen in 1898 and been with the brand for 32 years. “Single malt King Edward VII in 1901. scotches came on really strong and came over The history and culture of rye whisky, here to North America. The cocktail culture much like hockey and the early fur trade, is over in Japan started and Hollywood got ingrained in the fabric of Canadian culture. involved—and then flavoured vodkas came to Canada has fought to protect its whisky— town. We started to see our sales slide.” imposing regulations like a three-year aging The minds at Canadian Club came to a realirequirement in a wooden cask and, at times, zation: from 1858 to 1984, they had offered only using high tariffs to keep foreign competitors one brand of whisky: Canadian Club Premium. at bay. The Canadian whisky industry has “We started to realize, it’s not just about one Irene Moore Davis Local educator and been threatened, evenBlack prohibited—and when whisky, and that’s all we were making from 1858. president of the Essex County Historical Society CanadaResearch was through with its anti-alcohol Our master blender decided we’re going to do prudishness, its entrepreneurs made a little something different here.”

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“We always have our ears and our eyes on the market,” explains Harcus. “Canadians love Canadian Club and Australia loves Canadian Club, but, specifically, we got a lot of our influences from the U.S. back in the ’80s and we were asking, ‘What else can Canadian Club do?’ To be Canadian [whisky], you have to be aged a minimum of three years. Our master blender said, ‘To heck with that, our base is six years—we’re going to do twelve. We’re going to blow this right out of the water.’”

Throughout the rise of globalization, rye, bourbon, and scotch manufacturers have always been in competition and marketing has been key. Different agings, different finishes, sharp packaging—whatever catches the imagination of the consumer.

In 2014, Canadian Club partnered up with their sister brand, Alberta Distillers, to create Canadian Club Chairman’s Select 100% Rye— what they call their “Canadian Single Malt.”

“We make this incredible rye malt,” explains Harcus. “It’s very difficult to make 100 percent Canadian rye. Walkerville here couldn’t do it because it clogs up the lines.

When you break down rye, it’s a tiny little grain but has a very thick skin and when you break it down, it becomes very gluey.

“That’s when the renaissance, I believe, really started to come. All of a sudden, people were calling from all over the world and the awards were coming. Canadian Club, Canadian Whisky—the whisky industry in Canada really started to pick up and innovation was going crazy and that’s where we are at today.”

However, Canadian Club wasn’t done wowing the whisky community. In 2017, in honour of Canada’s sesquicentennial, Canadian Club unveiled the first edition of their Chronicles Series—a 40-year-old whisky bottling—unheard of among ryes. They did 7,000 bottles and it sold out before Harcus

WHISKY DRIVE

Canadian Club Chronicles Series 41-year-old, released in 2018, wins 2019 CWA for Connoisseur Whisky of the Year (Domestic) and a gold medal.

Home of Canadian Club is Windsor. Photograph by Dan Reaume.

could complete her coast-to-coast promotional tour of the whisky. It was popular enough that they released a 41-year old in 2018, 42 in 2019, and this fall, they released a 43-year-old whisky.

“I’ve tried it, I’ve tasted it, it’s absolutely incredible,” gushes Harcus. “Other than saying it’s incredible—it’s just incredible.”

However, it’s not like you can just let a barrel of whisky sit in a shed for 43 years and expect success. “You have to look after it, you have to make sure the conditions are right,” she explains. “It’s constantly breathing. If you think about it—every second of every minute of every hour of every day, the whisky breathes. It goes into that oak, it comes back out, and it pulls all the caramels and toffees and tannins and vanillas and everything. It’s a living thing. Although, when you think about this stuff, it’s been sitting there since 1977—it’s pretty spectacular.”

Harcus explains that the Walkerville District is a league of competitors. Canadian Club and J.P. Wiser’s have been in competition since 2005. Also, in 2017, the Canadian Club THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

Brand Heritage Centre was shuttered, much to the disdain of local whisky lovers. “It was a nice place for people to come tour, learn the history of our founding father, Hiram Walker, and Canadian Club whisky,” says Harcus. “But we’re not on a trail, we’re not on a bourbon trail or the scotch distiller trails—we don’t have that—we’re in a residential area on Riverside Dr. When it closed in 2017, it was more about restructuring—what more can we bring to it?”

Canadian Club Chronicles 42-year-old was crowned Connoisseur Whisky of the Year (Multi-Market) and was awarded a gold medal.

Canadian Club Apple Whisky also received a bronze medal.

Pike Creek 21-Year-Old Oloroso Cask Finish was named Canada’s Best Whisky for 2020 and Hiram Walker master blender Dr. Don Livermore was named Blender of the Year for his work with Hiram Walker’s Pike Creek. Crown Royal brought home a stunning six gold medals and Crown Royal Black received high praise. As well, J.P. Wiser’s and Pike Creek netted a combined five gold medals among other accolades.

The plan is to reopen the centre and embrace the concept of a ‘Walkerville Distillery District,’ something that Harcus says Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkins has been very interested in. Considering Canadian Club, J.P Wiser’s, and Gibson’s Finest are all made in “Whisky is a social thing,” states Harcus.

Walkerville—as well as Lot No. 40, Pike Creek, “Try everything but come back to what your Crown Royal, and Wolfhead craft whisky in palate likes the most—that’s what’s happening Amherstburg—there is plenty of local whisky these days. heritage to go around.

“When you think about it, [Canadian Club] The Windsor-Essex region’s influence on is 162 years old this year, still winning awards. the world of whisky was front and centre at It wouldn’t beJennifer White, family-based winning awards if therapist it wasn’t the 2020 Canadian Whisky Awards gala, something the people wanted and it wouldn’t hosted in Victoria, B.C., on January 16. be winning awards if it didn’t taste great.”

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WHISKY DRIVE

CANADIAN CLUB HOLIDAY SPICE For this recipe you will need: 1½ oz Canadian Club Premium ¾ oz fresh lemon juice ¾ oz spiced black tea syrup 1 egg white (optional but highly recommended) Garnish: cinnamon stick and nutmeg to garnish Directions • Place all ingredients into cocktail shaker with no ice and shake for 20 seconds (this is called a dry shake). Add ice to shaker and shake again for 20 seconds (this is called a wet shake).

Strain into ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a flaming cinnamon stick and a pinch of ground nutmeg.

• The egg white is optional but encouraged as it gives the drink a nice meringue kind of topping and helps hold the cinnamon stick on top.

CANADIAN CLUB

“

• Founded in 1858.

• Founded by Hiram Walker in Windsor.

• Manufactured by Beam Suntory since 2011.

I hope people make it at home and enjoy. It’s been very popular around the holidays at my bar, mainly I think because it’s an approachable whisky sour but with holiday spice flavours and the fact that it has a smoking garnish doesn’t hurt. The inspiration for this drink came from the scents in my home around the holidays: cinnamon, cloves, fireplace smoke, and whisky.

—Mark Dutka (Maiden Lane)

”

• The only North American distiller to be granted a royal warrant.

• Has received royal warrants from Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI, and Elizabeth II. • Was given the name “Club Whisky” due to its popularity in 19th-century gentlemen’s clubs.

• American distillers fought for their label to include “Canadian” to distinguish it from U.S. competitors.

• During Prohibition, sold thousands of cases of whisky to Al Capone to be smuggled.

• Canadian Club Chairman’s Select 100% Rye was introduced in 2014—winning 2014 CWA for Connoisseur Whisky of the Year (Domestic) and an Award of Excellence; the 2015 Sippin’ Whisky of the Year and gold medal; 2017 Canadian Whisky Profile Award of Excellence and a bronze medal; 2018 and 2019 silver medals.

• Canadian Club Chronicles Series 40-yearold, released in 2017, wins 2018 CWA gold medal.

• Canadian Club Chronicles Series 41-yearold, released in 2018, wins 2019 CWA for Connoisseur Whisky of the Year (Domestic) and a gold medal.

• Canadian Club Chronicles Series 43-yearold, released in 2019, wins 2020 CWA for Connoisseur Whisky of the Year (MultiMarket) and a gold medal.

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J.P. WISER’S • Founded in 1857.

• Founded by John Philip Wiser in Prescott.

• Before 1893, all J.P. Wiser’s Whisky was sold in barrel or cask.

• First glass bottle of J.P. Wiser’s Whisky was introduced at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893.

• Manufactured by Corby Spirits and Wine since the end of World War I. • In 1935, J.P. Wiser’s merged with Hiram Walker.

• Since the 1980s, J.P. Wiser’s has been distilled and bottled at Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery in Windsor and aged in the Pike Creek area.

• In 2010, Wiser’s Legacy was named CWA Connoisseur Whisky of the Year (Domestic)

CANADIAN COFFEE For this recipe you will need: 1½ oz Wiser’s Triple Barrel Rye ½ oz Cabot Trail Maple Cream 3 oz coffee ¼ oz maple syrup 1 oz whipping cream Garnish: grated cinnamon/cinnamon Powder Directions • Mix the rye, coffee, and maple syrup in a small steamed glass and stir. Whip Cabot Trail and cream separately and layer on top.

• Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon as a garnish.

“

The Canadian Coffee is a truly Canadian twist on a classic coffee cocktail. The cream is sweetened slightly with the maple cream liqueur Cabot Trail. With the Canadian rye, maple, and coffee flavours perfectly balanced, this is sure to become a holiday favourite. Feel free to enjoy with or without the cream and adjust the maple syrup depending on your sweet tooth, just as you would personalize your own coffee.

• In 2011, Wiser’s Small Batch won the CWA Sippin’ Whisky of the Year and double gold medals at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• In 2013, Wiser’s Legacy was named Canadian Whisky of the Year by The Whisky Advocate, as was Wiser’s Red Label by Jim Murray Whisky.

• In 2018, Wiser’s 35-year-old was named CWA Canadian Whisky of the Year and Connoisseur Whisky of the Year (Domestic).

—JP Wiser’s BEAT Bar Book

THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

”

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WHISKY DRIVE

CROWN ROYAL

YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT

• Introduced in 1939 by Seagram’s president Samuel Bronfman.

• Created as a tribute to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and their 1939 royal tour of Canada.

For this recipe you will need: 1½ oz Crown Royal ¾ oz roasted chestnut/cranberry syrup ½ oz fresh-squeezed orange juice ½ oz egg white

• Manufactured by Diageo since 2000.

Garnish: chocolate shavings Directions • Double shake all ingredients on ice and strain into a coupe glass.

“

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• Crown Royal is produced solely in Gimi, Manitoba, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg.

• Crown Royal is blended and bottled in Amherstburg.

• In 2015, Crown Royal’s Northern Harvest Rye wins World Whisky of the Year.

Nearly everyone has a Christmas movie they consider to be timeless. You can probably guess our pick by the cocktail’s name. To think of the holidays is to think of family, friends, and flavours we’ve enjoyed together for generations. This drink incorporates flavours that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents might have enjoyed. We put together a house-made roasted chestnut and cranberry syrup with a bit of fresh-squeezed orange juice, hinting at the age-old tradition of oranges in stockings. The finishing touch, of course, is a snowfall of delicate dark chocolate shavings to make this drink a new holiday favourite.

—Lucas Tourangeau, Blind Owl

• Introduced to United States market in the 1960s.

”

• In 2018, Crown Royal’s Northern Harvest Rye, Hand-Selected Barrel, and Vanilla all win major CWA awards.

• In 2019, Crown Royal’s Salted Caramel, Blender’s Mash, and Mash 13 all win major CWA awards and four gold medals.

• In 2020, Crown Royal’s blending team wins CWA Lifetime Achievement Award; Vanilla, Deluxe, and Black win major CWA awards; and the brand wins six gold medals.

• Crown Royal was named 2020 World Whisky Brand Champion. D

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SPORTS DRIVE

PUTTING ONE SHOE IN FRONT OF THE OTHER Mehari Hagos is keeping kids off the street one set of sneakers at a time

By Devan Mighton Photographs by Syx Langemann

Growing up in Windsor’s Glengarry neighbourhood isn’t easy. For many teens, it means growing up too soon—forgotten children with a wretched destiny. Mehari Hagos is breaking the cycle with his program—MH100.

By 18 years old, Hagos knew this life all too well. As he walked into Windsor Jail, the skin on the back of his neck prickled—like someone had walked over his grave. He was there to see his brother in that ancient, soul-crushing home away from home. The trip to the big house was uncomfortable and claustrophobic, and as walked down its nondescript and bleak hallways, he saw something that numbed him to his core—two sections of Windsor Jail were packed with people from his neighbourhood.

Hagos, now 32 years old, immigrated from Eritrea with his mother at the age of six.

“When I was 11 years old, one of my best friends, he used to babysit for this lady. The lady was a notorious drug dealer in Windsor— well known to the police, well known to everyTHEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

47 47

“

I started with a couple pairs and the next thing I know, I bought over 5,000 pairs of shoes since my program started.

”

body,” explains Hagos. “She would basically groom young black men into selling crack cocaine. It started with my older brothers, my friend’s older brothers, their older cousins, and it just got to be generation after generation.”

“They’re grooming you—instead of playing basketball and sports, they’re grooming you to sell drugs.”

at Windsor Water World where he met Bonnie Bailey—a person he credits with changing his life. She helped him form his program— Training with Mehari.

grass, I was so fast, and when I went into the hallway, it was like ‘click-clack’ and my buddy says, ‘Hey MH, why do you got on baseball cleats?’” he chuckles. “So, my mom bought me “Bonnie Bailey saw something in me that baseball cleats for back-to-school shoes thinking a lot of people didn’t,” states Mehari. “A lot in her head, ‘He’s never going to slip.’” of people thought I was going to follow my One day, a member of his youth program brother’s route—selling drugs and going to jail. happened to walk in wearing baseball cleats Once I got that job, we started going door-to- and he was instantly taken back. It gave him door, me and Bonnie, and got these kids. an idea—MH Kicks for Kids.

All of these kids happened to be my nieces, “When you do good in fitness or you do nephews, cousins, friends—because this is my good in school, I buy you shoes,” explains neighbourhood.”

Mehari. “I started with a couple pairs and the

The residents of Glengarry neighbourhood had a tumultuous relationship with the Windsor Police. “They would raid your neighbour’s house and put a gun to your head as an 11-year-old or 12-year-old and get roughed up a bit,” recalls Hagos. “I experienced everyHagos’s program, MH100, is now a decade thing—police brutality, wrongful accusations.” old. He teaches fitness, financial literacy, and He remembers that, as a child, he wanted to female empowerment through his “Money be a firefighter. His dreams were dashed when a Team”; helps provide employment; and pays teacher, a white man in a position of authority, for driver’s licence testing fees and posttold him he could never be a firefighter because secondary educational scholarships. The he was always late. What the teacher didn’t program has expanded across the city and has know was that the young Hagos was routinely been a footprint for other cities as well, such as awakened at night as the police raided various Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa. Hagos runs homes in the early morning. He had lost count MH100 as an afterschool program and once of how many times he had to step over police completed, he rewards his participants with a tape on his way to school, and he often went new set of shoes. to school hungry.

At 18, Hagos met former City of Windsor councillor and executive director of the Sandwich Teen Action Group, John Elliott, who encouraged him to be a helping force in his community. A year later, he took up a job 48

“When I first came to Canada, I told my mom, ‘Hey man, I’m slipping everywhere. I need back-to-school shoes,’” he recalls. “She went to the States, bought me some shoes.”

There was something not quite right about these shoes. “I was killing everybody on the

next thing I know, I bought over 5,000 pairs of shoes since my program started. This past Christmas, alone, it was my 10th anniversary and I bought over 60 pairs of shoes for all the kids in the neighbourhood.”

“All throughout the years, if you need shoes, I’ll buy you shoes—obviously, if you’re an athlete, you need basketball shoes, you need football cleats, baseball cleats—but during Christmas, I buy the whole neighbourhood shoes. In the summertime, if they complete the summer program, I also buy them shoes too.”

To the kids in his MH100 youth program, the gesture means everything. “When you’re from the ‘hood,’ a new pair of Jordans or Nikes is the world to you because your parents can’t afford that,” says Hagos.

SPORTS DRIVE MH100 has provided $1.6 million in scholarships to its kids and its student athletes are also getting noticed by the NCAA and U Sports. “Kids from my neighbourhood, they don’t go to county jail no more, they get Division I athletic scholarships,” beams Hagos.

“Just this year alone, we had nine kids get prep school and Division I scholarships.” In fact, two of the champion Carlton Raven’s starting five in U Sports basketball took part in the MH100 program.

He supports his youth group through MH100 Fitness, where he teaches boxing boot camps and one-on-one fitness training.

Half of all proceeds go back into the MH100.

Hagos fosters community connections between his kids and their benefactors and has gone to lengths to break the stigma between the Glengarry neighbourhood and the Windsor Police through outreach programs with MH100.

Hagos is also pushing his kids to explore the local post-secondary educational scene.

“When I was 17, I didn’t even know where the University of Windsor was,” he states.

“You never leave the neighbourhood because nobody in your family ever went to university.

You know who the latest rapper is, you know the latest superstar athlete, but you didn’t know where UWindsor or St. Clair College was. We take trips to those schools and we’ve become cool with the athletic director, Mike Havey, at the university.”

For years, MH100 has operated in the old Windsor Water World building. In 2015, when the City of Windsor was set to close the building, Hagos stepped in to put it to use.

Despite being a non-for-profit and currently having an application to become an official charity, according to Hagos, MH100 does not get a reduced or subsidized rental fee on the building. In 2018, then–Minister of Child and Youth Services Michael Coteau reached out to Hagos and lined him up with a substantial grant. In turn, Hagos renovated Windsor Water World.

MH100’s benefits to the City of Windsor cannot be understated and Hagos is grateful for the support he has received from Mayor Drew Dilkins and councillors Rino Bortolin and Kieran McKenzie. “This is saving the City so much money because if the kids are working, they’re less likely to go on welfare. If they’re going on a scholarship to a university, they are less likely to commit crime, they’re less likely to go do drugs— which then, in the end, it saves the City of THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

Windsor money,” he explains.

Community Centre. “A lot of people give us different accolades, the Government of Canada writing about us, and all of these things are great, but my best accolade is when ex–drug dealers and people who went through the system come to me and say to me, ‘Man, I wish you were around when I was a kid,’” says Hagos.

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the status quo for MH100. Due to restrictions, the kids lost access to their building and then the City repurposed their newly renovated site.

“The City of Windsor took my community centre and my fitness centre and made it a homeless shelter,” frets Hagos. “Now, when you go to my community… a homeless person “They thank me so much because I’m able can come in and get refreshments, food, to save their son’s life, their daughter’s life, clothes, all those things, but a six-year-old black because they’re in my program. I was able to youth that lives in that neighbourhood was break generational curses.” getting denied access.”

TO DONATE TO THE MH100 PROGRAM, EMAIL For the time being, MH100 has been THEMH100PROGRAM@GMAIL.COM moved to the John Atkinson Memorial D 49

PROFILE

One Driving Force Reintroducing Plasman

Windsor-Essex, meet Plasman. It’s a new look for a global company with a history dating back over 42 years.

Today, within 24 state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious manufacturing facilities and offices that spread across nine countries, Windsor’s Plasman manufactures parts for some of the world’s largest and most prominent automotive brands.

Specifically, right here in Essex County the company makes exterior automotive trim products, including millions of wheel flares, spoilers, body side moldings, front grills, and bumper components. You may be surprised to learn the name of this local company and may be more familiar with “Build-A-Mold,” one of Plasman’s original local manufacturing facilities.

Recently, the company completed a worldwide rebrand, which introduced a sleek new logo and a unified global brand name, bringing Build-A-Mold and four other divisions under a single, unified banner Plasman. Chief Executive Officer David Wiskel is eager to use this milestone as an opportunity to reemphasize his talented and diverse team’s connections with the local community.

“The change reflects the company’s growth from a two-person tool shop into a global automotive and manufacturing leader,” says Wiskel, now in his 16th year as CEO. “There’s power in our new brand identity in terms of building pride, showcasing our products and reach, and connecting our employees to something bigger.”

That is what it means to be “One Driving Force.”

Over the last decade and a half, the company has grown substantially with the plan to increase its global presence to ensure optimal customer satisfaction while offering a source of supply closer to its customers. The expansion was largely achieved through acquisition and organic greenfield manufacturing site expansions in Mexico, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. Today, the company employs over 4,300 worldwide, including 1,200 right here in Windsor-Essex.

Although Plasman is owned by a Dallas-based private equity firm, the operation remains headquartered in Oldcastle.

“When I started here, we were a small Canadian company, with smaller facilities only in the Windsor area,” says Wiskel.

Plasman 5245 Burke Street Oldcastle, Ontario N9G 0B9 plasman.com

“Now we operate with locations in nine different countries and have manufacturing locations in six, but our main global headquarters are here in Windsor. That will never change, no matter how much we grow.”

Importantly, Plasman spreads its success across WindsorEssex and the other communities in which it operates.

Locally, Wiskel and Plasman team members partner with community organizations that work with children, delivering hot meals, holiday gifts, and life-saving safety equipment to area youth through organizations like F.W. Begley Public School, Windsor Essex Children’s Aid Society, John McGivney Children’s Centre, Windsor Residence for Young Men, Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent, Maryvale Adolescent and Family Services, and the Safety Village. “It’s important to us,” stresses Wiskel. “We’ve been over the years a very humble and hardworking company that has grown in size. We know we’re very fortunate people.”

Ultimately, Plasman represents the right parts, the right people, and the right place.

“We want people to know who we are, what we do, and how important it is to us to be a part of the WindsorEssex Community,” stresses Wiskel. “You can take a look at just about any vehicle that’s made out there, and it is likely it has a Plasman part on it. That is something we all are extremely proud of.”

From design to delivery, Plasman provides its customers the perfect part—where and when they need it. For thousands of Windsorites and their families, the company has done a lot more than that.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW PLASMAN CREATES INNOVATIVE AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE GLOBE, CONSULT WWW.PLASMAN.COM

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STUDENT DRIVE The Drive magazine in partnership with Libro Credit Union is challenging Grade 12 students to write an essay focused on their day-to-day lives.

Once a school is selected, the top five articles chosen by the teacher are further reviewed by our editorial team and the winner receives a $500 RESP from Libro Credit Union, along with publication of the essay in our issue.

Congratulations to Blaine Pollett from Essex High School for being our December winner!

We are proud of all the participants and will continue to support our community through continued literacy and a path to higher education.

COVID-19 AGAINST SPORTS

By Blaine Pollett-Deforge

Sports fans of every kind have had a very rough year due to the coronavirus and the restrictions placed on congregating in large crowds. The COVID-19 lockdown had frozen both professional athletes and the event organizers’ flow of income for an extended period. Quarantine has prevented younger athletes from being able to participate in the sports they love inside and outside of their schools.

The lack of NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS games was a noticeable bundle of missing TV channels on avid sports fans’ screens during the early months of self-isolation.

Coronavirus has stunted a lot of young athletes’ skills from growing, halted multiple professional sport seasons from finishing, and temporarily got rid of one of the world’s favourite pastimes. COVID-19 has been the worst thing to happen to sports fans in many years.

From little league baseball as a kid to playing football in college, sports are a favourite and key part of a lot of youths’ lives. An outlet for energy, anger, frustration, and stress for children of all ages. Sports at a young age help children make and develop meaningful connections, experience loyalty from teammates, and develop teamwork skills on the field. Today’s children have been robbed of these experiences by the rules put in place by coronavirus; they instead learn to fear others for they might carry their death sentence, to run from kids their age and not with them chasing a ball, they are trapped inside their houses, and rather than understanding and controlling their emotions they are lost in them without an outlet. “Sports are more effective than verbal therapy at teaching children to regulate emotions… While verbal therapy helps children learn to control their behavior, physical activity can reduce the tendency to act out by providing an outlet for 54

WINNER OF A $500 RESP FROM LIBRO CREDIT UNIO N

having it missing was strange and upsetting to a lot of people.

When the pandemic first

negative emotions, particularly aggression.”

(Ohio University). High school students who are more athletically than academically inclined are reliant upon a sports-related scholarship to get them into college or university— this year these students will be hung out to dry due to sports teams simply not being possible currently. There is no opportunity to hone their skills in their final year of secondary school and show off for the schools paying attention to their progress and potential as a future athlete. Students who play sports are missing out on a tremendous amount of practice, emotional skills, fun experiences, and potentially the ability to pursue a post-secondary education.

Whether it is baseball, soccer, football, or basketball that takes up the screen, there are many sports fans who were frustrated by the three-month absence of pro sports on television. A pastime enjoyed by millions suddenly gone for months, causing self-isolation to be an even more disappointing experience. What could have been used as a desperate attempt at a community—collectively cheering on a team virtually—was made impossible by the teams’ absences. Watching sports has become a part of people’s lives, something you do on Sundays, something you do every Thanksgiving, and

became an issue to the public eye, teams got their members tested and when basketball player Rudy Gobert was diagnosed positive with COVID-19 on March 11, the NBA, NHL, and MLS all suspended their 2019-2020 season.

This suspension was only supposed to last 30 days; instead, however, it lasted nearly four months, freezing the income of the companies and the athletes that work for them for much longer than originally anticipated. Rudy Gobert was blamed by sports fans all around the world for causing the suspension, he received very little support during his time ill and absent but instead hate mail for stopping the NBA. Rudy Gobert was confused as to why people were so angry with him and said, “The media portrayed it like I caused the NBA to shut down… instead of saying that it’s a pandemic and Rudy Gobert tested positive.

For a lot of people who don’t think further than what’s put in their faces, they really thought I brought the coronavirus to the United States.”

Rudy Gobert returned with the rest of the NBA in July and the three-month hiatus of professional sports ended.

Professional sports disappeared in 2020 for three months: sports fans missed their regular programmed TV, professional athletes had an extended break and lack of their usual payment, and it robbed kids of their childhood experiences of playing sports with friends and so much more. COVID-19 devastated sports in 2020 and as lockdown rules are alleviated and sports are returning, kids can eventually get back onto their teams and people can watch their programs again. The coronavirus caused these things to disappear and has been the worst thing to happen to sports fans in many years. D

STUDENT DRIVE

AN INDIAN STUDENT IN WINDSOR Every semester, thousands of students arrive in Windsor from India, China, and all corners of the world to create a better future for themselves. I am one of those students, and this is my story so far.

By Yash Shah Photographs by Syx Langemann

THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

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STUDENT DRIVE

“

Just as I had seemed to settle into a routine, Covid posed another challenge: I and three of my roommates contracted the coronavirus

”

If you were to pick a random Indian in Windsor, it is highly plausible that he or she hailed from the western Indian state of Gujarat, which is where I am from. While growing up, an average Gujarati is constantly barraged with information about life in Canada from his or her social circle. With relatively non-restrictive immigration laws, Canada has become a very enticing option for many Indians wishing to move abroad.

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There were several factors that led me to pursue a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Windsor, despite knowing little about the school or the city beforehand. With the countless number of engineers already in India, I knew not being among the best could significantly compromise my standard of living and quality of life. I had never entertained the idea of moving abroad until I’d completed

my bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation and Control. I had cultivated a raw interest in programming during my undergraduate studies and I found myself weighing my various options. I was hesitant to commit my entire future to a newly discovered interest. A good number of international students, especially Asians in the information technology (IT) field, were faring well in the United States. But I was not ready to stake a considerable amount

STUDENT DRIVE

of money on something I was skeptical about.

After much contemplation and dithering, I applied for and later accepted an offer of admission from the University of Windsor and decided to move to a new country in December 2019.

To my dismay, I found that Canadians are more individualistic than Indians, who generally prefer to live in socially close-knit communities. This is especially true when it comes to extended families. I considered myself to be an exception and thought I could keep myself entertained solely with literature and European soccer but my notions about MY INITIAL DAYS IN WINDSOR this were obliterated in the first month itself.

It was disorienting at best and terrifying I had underestimated, or perhaps downright at worst to leave behind most of the social discounted, the importance of genuine social connections I had built during my lifetime. connections in a foreign land.

Since I had climbed into a car directly from In the first few months, I frequented the the Toronto airport, I didn’t feel the actual Leddy Library, which became an immediate extremity of Canada’s December chill until I source of comfort for me. I have always been arrived in Windsor. a voracious reader and novels came to my I was to share my one-bedroom apartment immediate aid in this foreign land. I devoured with four other Indian roommates, who were a dozen historical fiction books in my first complete strangers to me at the time. How I fifteen days here in Windsor. I had the luxury would fare in Windsor hinged on how well I of both time and options between the Leddy would get along with them. Indians typically Library’s abundance of resources and my are thick-skinned and are generally imper- trusty Amazon Kindle. vious to comments and jokes about pretty much anything; unfortunately, I did not fall into this category. So, it took time and several EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN CANADA arguments for my roommates to realize how Winter is not so kind for international sensitive I was to even mild criticisms and students—or even locals, for that matter. It was figure out what was off-limits. Our under- predictably difficult for my roommates and standing and friendships have improved a lot me. The extremity of the cold was something in the following months, but it is still a work I had never experienced before, but the lack in progress. of part-time job opportunities I encountered during my first Canadian winter bred a lot of frustration too.

WINTER’S IMPACT ON DAY-TO-DAY LIFE IN After four months of unsuccessful WINDSOR job-searching, I finally had some luck when I The unusually early sunset at five in the secured a job in one of the area big-box stores. evening and having to stay inside because of One of the most disheartening things the cold contrasted sharply with what most while working at the store was the lack of Indians are used to in their homeland. For me, friendships between locals and international the lack of interaction and activity was often students. It doesn’t evolve beyond casual a source of frustration, and as someone who acquaintance. I don’t intend to assign blame to is predisposed to feeling the blues, I found it either community since even most of the interdifficult to cope, like many other international national students find solace in the familiarity students who come here. of people from their own background. This Additionally, most Indians and particu- is obviously not to say there isn’t an underlarly Gujaratis yearn for interaction, and it is lying inherent sense of respect between our unusual for us to go without knowing their individual communities. neighbour for an extended time. So, I found Also, the quintessential Canadian politeit astonishing when I went without meeting ness is something that took me by surprise. mine for the first six to seven months.

The locals here apologize to and thank each THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

other for an almost infinite number of little things! This politeness is also something that permeates Canadian workplaces. In India, it is quite usual for the employee to have to figure out everything by themselves, with little help from anybody. In contrast, Canadians typically provide a comprehensive explanation for going about every task. This is something that most Indians find convenient and easy to adjust to.

COPING WITH THE PANDEMIC The infrastructure and resources at a student’s disposal at the University of Windsor are something that even the most elite Indian universities fail to offer. In the first semester, we had the chance to experience life at the campus, but our joy was short-lived.

The pandemic forced classes to be moved online. This transition turned out to be far from seamless despite best efforts from the university administration, faculty, and students. The assignments and exams, despite being relatively easier than India’s, often kept students on their toes through the semester.

As time went on, the harsh winter proceeded to be a little more forgiving. We were able to get out of the house a lot more and satisfy our hunger for Indian food at many local outlets. This often helped to remedy boredom, which had not been possible during the former months.

Just as I had seemed to settle into a routine, Covid posed another challenge: I and three of my roommates contracted the coronavirus. For the first four to five days, our focus was simply on recovering physically.

But soon battling boredom during the 14 days of quarantine became our primary concern. I turned to playing guitar and spending time with my pet hamster to cope up with the quarantine-induced ennui.

I hope my future is anything but boring.

The improvement in my own self is a testament to all the storms I have weathered after coming here. Hopefully, by the time I graduate in April, I will have toughened up enough to navigate through the looming uncertainty of the job market. D 57

THE KEY TO STUDENT SUCCESS DURING A PANDEMIC

By Alley L. Biniarz

The pandemic has not only flipped our lives upside-down but has now jolted the entire education system. The rollout of alternative education during COVID-19 has left our teachers and education experts with the need to get creative when delivering information, while students have had to adjust how they receive and process this new way of learning.

not only that, but students are now claiming So far, Terri is happy with the progress and autonomy over their learning experiences. says things seem to be progressing. “Each child Therese Hounsell says that her son Walter, is different, but I can say that my youngest has who is in grade five, has adapted quickly to learned more in a shorter period of time as he’s online learning. This shift allowed him the getting a lot of one-on-one undivided attention,” opportunity to map out his own learning she explains. Right now, she’s most concerned through collaborative gaming this summer for their mental health, and depending on the and improving his tech skills before the school COVID numbers, she may send the kids back These amendments to the education year started. “Of course he can trust that his to school for the added socialization. system have also left parents in tight spots, parents will always be a good resource to him, Joseph Sakr, a secondary media arts as back in August they faced the ultimatum but if knowledge is power, then now he can teacher, says that the mental health component of keeping their kids at home for online be a resource for himself,” Therese explains. has affected his high school students’ learning schooling or enrolling them back into the “He’s learning valuable skills that he’ll use for the most. Digital socialization isn’t the same classroom. Kristen McMahon, a mother of the rest of his life.” as in person, he says, and he has noticed that two, said it was the hardest parenting decision However, every student is different, and since his students are more on edge, there has she’s made. been a decrease in attention and motivation while some students are thriving in the Being a few months in now, she is thankful independent style of learning, others are to learn. “It’s also challenging to keep their the grade school online program successfully looking to a more intimate learning experience. attention when we’re already burnt out,” he adds about his own mental health. “There are mimics the days students would have had at Terri Knight Lepain wanted to arrange double the amount of sick days from teachers school. “The teacher gives them lots of breaks, because everyone is overworking themselves care for her kids that would keep them as the assignments are smooth, and even if the kids aren’t tech-savvy, they can hand-write present as possible in their education. A friend to illness or mental breakdown.” assignments and the parents can take a photo of hers had suggested they find an occasional Jessica Defoe, a music teacher at E.J. Lajeuteacher from the supply list to perform a nesse, says that for her as an instrumental of it and send that in.” “pod school” for their six children. It was a music teacher, the hybrid program, where Kristen works, so her youngest goes to win-win since the supply teacher didn’t want to high school students are online some days and her grandparents while the oldest studies bounce from school to school during COVID, in-person other days, presents its challenges. from home. The transition has been smooth because the grade four teacher has translated and this allowed the supply teacher full-time “It’s strange as a music teacher to not be his classroom to the new online model, and security with the benefit of working closely moving around and conducting, but I’m being in addition, has made the education accessible with just six students. as available as I can to them. Teachers are just to all types of learners. Where shy children typically won’t raise their hands in class, many teachers have now created a separate forum tab for students to be able to ask their questions in private.

Terri’s friend enrolls her kids in the pod school five days a week, whereas Terri’s three kids—who are three, six, and nine—stay home two days a week while Terri works from home.

She follows the “paper package” option that According to both parents and students, she received from her kids’ French Immersion teachers have been remarkable at engaging school, which tailors their learning to their students in creative learning techniques; level of reading and comprehension.

58

trying to take care of everybody.”

Jessica, like many teachers in the arts as well as physical education, has had to pivot her program completely, as they can’t use wind instruments in class but can practise their instrument at home. On top of exhausting every possible creative solution to her program, like music appreciation and listening journals,

STUDENT DRIVE with the hopes of engaging her students in writing their own music, she’s also checking her email every 20-30 minutes to see if an online student is needing assistance. These students would be in the cohort currently working from home that day, depending on the week.

have to do so much in a small amount of time The high school hybrid program has and get twice as much work in. These first two presented more challenges than the online months, there hasn’t been a day where I don’t grade school option, because these students are sitting in a single subject for up to 300 have homework or a test to be done.” minutes. With our decreased attention He’s glad that he chose the in-school spans, students are missing a great deal of the option to truly get that “high school” experi- content. Julie Fader, owner of Head of the ence, but in terms of learning he says strictly Class tutoring, says this inevitably changes online would have been easier. “I will be how accessible teachers need to be to students. continuing in the hybrid program, because I’ve “When you have kids who have missed gotten used to it and I’m going to stay with what I know. It’s all strange, but it’s doable,” one day of school, but now that means they’ve he says about his decision for next semester. missed a unit and a half of grade 11 functions, “But the students who are online… it’s a there’s a sense of urgency to get their feet back on the ground,” she explains. “And you have tough decision for them to go back in person to make sure the emotional support is there if they’re debating it.” and not just the content. For us, it means So, with the added complication to looking out for the mental wellness more than schooling with the hybrid program, where we already had.” does this leave our high school kids?

In these challenging times, we all have to

Jett Shields, a grade nine media arts student at Walkerville Collegiate, says that the mix of in-school and online learning has been complicated—not only does he have to take the time to figure out where he has to be, but teachers are also having to balance both rather than just one. If Jett’s stuck on a question in-person, he says the teacher can respond as usual, but he says, “If you’re stuck on a math question and you message your teacher, there’s a good chance they won’t get back to you for a longer amount of time. Then, Emily Richard, a high school student at you have to switch what you’re working on in General Amherst, says that her school—and the meantime.” most schools around Windsor-Essex county— Thankfully, he’s been able to keep up. “A have a Student Success team. In some schools student who has trouble with English or math, this means having specialized teachers availthey’re probably having a much harder time able for assistance, but in Emily’s case, she than I am with this form of schooling.” and other students are set up as “experts” in Though Jett doesn’t have a sense of what subjects and are made available as tutors. This “normal” grade nine would be like, he says that is a great resource for any student who may he does believe high school students are doing feel nervous to ask an adult for help and want a lot more work than in regular times. “We someone closer to their age group to relate to.

“do business” differently. These out-of-the-box thinking strategies like pod schools, creative teaching methods, and independent learning can only be successful if we show kindness and compassion to the kids in our lives.

Sometimes, all the student needs is for you to reach out, ask them how they’re doing, and say, “You’re doing a good job.”

Something that simple could be the difference between student success and student overwhelm. D

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HOME DRIVE

DAVID BURMAN

INTERIOR DESIGN SERIES

Setting for the Season

Holiday tablescapes for design-forward hosting By: Katrina Manzocco Photographs by Devon Pastorius

David Burman is the founder, owner, and operator of Mister Style—the answer to a well-furnished, creatively curated home, whether you’re staging to sell or styling to stay. For those uncertain as to how to attract a home’s best possible buyers, Mister Style offers partial or full home stages designed to highlight the true potential of a space.

David Burman’s holiday design is anything but ordinary.

“We wanted to create a whimsical, modern table setting.

My style is eclectic and modern, and instead of traditional Christmas colours, we chose black, pink, white, and gold,” says Burman. “It’s been an unexpected year, why shouldn’t this year’s table setting include a couple of bold design choices.”

Among his favourite items are the feather tree, which he and his team created specifically for this design.

Burman knew from the outset he wanted to incorporate his grandparents’ lucite and brass candlesticks—opting to switch things up by placing ornaments on them instead of candles.

Keeping with Burman’s non-traditional approach to design, he feels as though there are no real musts when it comes to a great holiday table setting, citing instead that creating an environment that invites conversation is more important. “We didn’t use wine glasses in our design because our parties naturally flow from a cocktail hour to the table. We also didn’t use place cards because I find parties that are not as structured tend to be more fun.”

Burman shares that his holiday traditions are usually all about family and friends. “The holiday season for me usually kicks off with our annual coat drive for the Children’s Aid Society—it’s such an important cause. For years, my friends have all done a Christmas Eve sleepover, then Christmas Day is all about family. We celebrate at my parents’ house—I love watching my niece and nephews open their presents!”

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Greenery, roses, pinecones, and candelabras from Flowers By Design; ornaments from Michaels; candles from Amazon. @misterstyleinc

HOME DRIVE

’Tis the season for dining in style.

Yuletide festivities (and feasts) provide the perfect canvas to debut an inspired holiday table design. Whether your hosting style veers toward the traditional or the contemporary, you’ll be sure to find inspiration in the tables set by three of our favourite local designers.

JODI MASON

Mason is the owner and operator of Urbanhome—a destination for inspired, luxury design services and uniquely chic décor pieces within her shoppable showroom.

With a focus on creating fashionable, functional designs, Mason’s leading inspiration for each space is the combination of personalities of the people who will occupy it.

All pieces available at Urbanhome Windsor. @urbanhomewsr.

Jodi Mason’s seasonal table setting is a celebration of the great outdoors.

Mason aimed to set a mood that was authentic and naturally influenced, one that intended to bring the outside indoors—she says she always recommends the use of real greenery for holiday décor.

“My co-designer, Philip Couinard, was a major source of inspiration for this design—the table was set using all-natural greens and elements from his yard! It includes a collection of pine branches, evergreen swags, holly, and dogwood branches... all cradling a set of deer antlers.”

Mason sought to create a space that was both warm and serene. “One of my favourite elements here are the staggered candles suspended in water-filled glass cylinders. This, along with the twinkle lights, gives it great ambiance and a festive, celebratory feel.”

A table setting is an excellent canvas to create impactful atmosphere within a space. “An elaborate tablescape is an incredible way to showcase holiday designs and act as a focal point of a space to enjoy ahead of a meal. This can always be scaled down through removing select elements before dinner to create a more functional space at the table.”

The holidays mean family and friends and the opportunity to give and to celebrate her faith. “We have a Christmas Eve open house every year—my friends and family flock over for traditional Lebanese food that I make using recipes passed down from my grandmother. It’s the only time of year I do it.” D THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

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HISTORY DRIVE

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK The Walker Power Building

By Chris Edwards Photographs by Syx Langemann

Piero Aleo, Principal Engineer at Aleo Associates Inc. Power Building interior

The Walker Power building at Devonshire and Riverside, once a virtual ruin, had nevetheless become a favoured backdrop for wedding engagement photos. When Piero Aleo and then-fiancé Laura posed at the Power building in 2015, he barely noticed it.

Returning from his honeymoon, Aleo received a phone call from friend Stephen Ducharme that would change the course of his life.

“Remember that rundown building with the ivy in Walkerville where you posed for your engagement photos?” Ducharme asked.

“It’s for sale and we should take a look at it.”

After only a brief walkthrough, Aleo was smitten: “I recognized it wasn’t a teardown despite its rough-looking exterior—broken windows and frames, missing brick, exposed THEDRIVEMAGAZINE.COM

concrete, rebar poking out, ivy-covered windows. I’m an engineer, and was impressed with its solid bones. I work with concrete structures for a living. I immediately understood what it would take to restore this building. I said, ‘Let’s buy it.’ What I didn’t know at the time was its remarkable history.”

As Aleo discovered, heritage buildings reveal themselves through their stories and connect us to our past. They exist as a tribute to a specific time in our history, representing continuity with our past, worthy of preservation for their aesthetic and historical value.

And a very few, like the Walker Power Building, are remarkable achievements designed by influential architects.

Aleo and Ducharme formed a family partnership with their fathers, engineer 63

HISTORY DRIVE engineer, Julius, began experimenting with embedding steel rods in concrete, and determined these were ideally suited for car factories: they were cheap, strong, flexible, fireproof, able to absorb equipment vibrations, and their superior strength allowed greater spans between columns, resulting in larger windows to bring in light, air, and dignity to the workplace.

In 1903, the Kahn Brothers proved the viability of their system with the construction of Henry Joy’s Detroit Packard #10 on Grand Boulevard in Detroit. This breakthrough changed the manner in which all industrial buildings were built going forward, becoming the gold standard for all factories—one of the most important, yet often overlooked architectural advances of the early 20th century.

Vincent Aleo and famed Windsor lawyer Patrick Ducharme; they purchased the property for $900,000. Discovering no one would finance a property without tenants, the group capitalized the renovation project, which was funded by the engineering team of Aleo Associates Inc. and legal firm of Patrick Ducharme.

“I oversaw 100 percent of this project,” said Aleo. “The partners provided funding and support when needed. Our company does development for a living; we were excited to take on this huge challenge.”

town (Walkerville’s benevolent dictator Hiram Walker died in 1899).

Detroit-based J.E. Kinsey designed the Walker Building’s plans (he was working nearby for Ford of Canada); the Walker Power Building officially opened September 1, 1911 with three floors encompassing 21,000 square feet. The first offices were for the Walkerville Light and Power, owned by the Walkers (like almost everything else in Walkerville); the name stuck to the building.

Conventional 19th-century brickwork mill factories were poorly suited to 20thcentury manufacturing requirements, particularly for a rapidly expanding automotive The building quickly filled with tenants; industry. Support beams and walls impeded a four-storey 32,000-square-foot addition was car assembly, limiting the number of windows added in early 1913, and featured a freight Photograph by Chris Edwards

“The first step in the renovation was to clear the debris inside the building, over 600,000 pounds of junk!” said Aleo. “We took our time early on as we had to rip out the entire main floor and remove many layers to get to its bones.”

Aleo began to look into this building’s past. “I spent a lot of time doing research to understand its story.” He learned that in 1910, Walkerville was booming, and had been the site of the birth of the Canadian automobile industry: Ford, Packard, Studebaker, Chrysler, and many others lost to the sands of time had located their start-ups in Walkerville.

Also at the time, Hiram Walker’s sons— Edward Chandler, Franklin Hiram, and James Harrington—had undertaken construction of a commercial/industrial complex directly north of the Lake Erie & Detroit Railroad Station at Devonshire and what was then Sandwich Road (now Riverside Drive); the three sons were actively expanding their father’s company 64

providing natural lighting and ventilation.

Wood floors were ill-equipped to support heavy machinery load requirements, soaked up oil and other lubricants, and were fire hazards (many auto brickwork factories were destroyed by fire).

elevator. In 1918, a fourth floor was added to the original section, bringing the structure to 60,000 square feet.

Aleo discovered the Power Building’s second phase incorporated an even more advanced construction method. In 1909, Architect Albert Kahn and his brother C.A.P. Turner developed a concrete system

HISTORY DRIVE using four-way flat-plate slabs and mushroom columns. Around each column, the slab was reinforced with capital in the shape of an inverted cone, which resulted in the requirement of fewer beams and joists, allowing simpler mechanical and electrical installations; also, thinner slabs required less concrete.

Since there was no need to erect formwork for the beams, construction was accelerated and labour reduced. This hybrid of the Kahn method became the standard for modern factories until around 1920. Remarkably, the Walker Power Building was one of the first in Canada to incorporate both pioneering methods of concrete construction.

Another complex, the Peabody Building, rose west of the Power Building. Although separate, the two structures seemed connected when a second wing was added to the Peabody Building tight against the Walker Power Building, giving the impression of one large complex. Sadly, the Peabody Building was demolished in 1985 by the City of Windsor.

When the Walker Power Building’s renovation began in 2017, the site unveiled another secret: it was built atop an abandoned railroad turntable. In that era of steam locomotives,

railways needed a way to turn the locomotives It has been a tremendous opportunity despite inherent risks. This is a project that could have around for return trips. easily bankrupted us.”

Hiram Walker’s Lake Erie & Detroit In his dealings with the city, Aleo also Railroad built the turntable, but it never discovered local development standards create functioned properly and often broke down. numerous challenges. “Mayor Dilkens helped Taken out of commission in 1895, it was us tremendously; he was able to facilitate and buried and forgotten. Remarkably, the Power find solutions to our roadblocks and problems.”

Building’s architects tied the structure’s “The project has finally come to fruition. foundation into the turntable.

The Walker Power Building is ultra-modern, “After we uncovered it, we were required meeting all modern codes without comproto hire a full-time archeologist on site to mise. We feel like we went above and beyond monitor work progress,” said Aleo. “The what we saw in other restoration projects. We suggestion was to bury the turntable but I have tremendous interest in the building and wanted to preserve and showcase it under we anticipate being fully leased very soon.” glass, to be able to walk over it. There is “Everyone who has moved into the an ongoing approval process, but we are building tells us the same thing: ‘We just love optimistic about its long-term preservation.” coming to work here. It is such a phenomenal Aleo also travelled to Chicago and space.’ Modern designers don’t construct buildNew York for inspiration. One site he ings with the integrity of these old structures. visited in Chicago motivated Aleo to add Today, decisions made regarding cost-savings. a 7,000-square-foot fifth floor in 2019, I now have a tremendous appreciation of the which includes a meeting room/lounge, quality that once went into buildings; the craftsmanship is tough to replicate.” terrace, and patio area with one of the best Aleo offers one final piece of advice for 360-degree views in the city. anyone considering a renovation project: “Don’t The partners have moved into the finished give up! There’s a solution to every problem—it’s building, “our reward for facing all challenges. inherent in the engineering profession.” D

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HISTORY DRIVE

WINDSOR ARENA (1924): WYANDOTTE E. AND MCDOUGALL ST.

1930 1960 Windsor Bulldogs 1930

Windsor Arena in 1960s

Originally called the Border Cities Arena, “The Barn” hosted the Detroit Cougars (Detroit Red Wings) for the 1926-1927 NHL season while Detroit’s Olympia Stadium was under construction. The arena, later renamed the Windsor Arena, opened in 1925 for a local junior hockey team. It was home for years to the Windsor Bulldogs (later renamed the Spitfires), and Windsor Warlocks lacrosse team. Players such as Joel Quenneville, Eddie Mio, and Don Cherry (who began his hockey career here) all laced up inside its hallowed walls. Wayne Gretzky played here in the 1978 OHL All-Star game and Grant Fuhr, Doug Gilmour, and Dale Hawerchuk battled for the 1981 Memorial Cup on its ice. The Barn was also a venue for boxing matches, live concerts, and circuses.

The arena is among the oldest and last of its type in North America. On the Windsor Heritage list, it was renovated, but then closed in 2017. Its future is uncertain. D

From Windsor Before and After: a new book from Walkerville Publishing Inc., 2019. WPI is owned by Chris Edwards and Elaine Weeks.

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