April 2017 | Urbanicity Hamilton

t h e r e a l e s tat e i s s u e

the royal connaught buying into history

millenials & the market

feeling the burn of rising real estate prices

#UrbanicityEats

Just a Hamilton foodie, eating her way through Locke St.

What's the Brouhaha?!

A guide to local events and live experiences in Hamilton

april 2 0 1 7 | C O M P L I M E N TA R Y

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THE GAME Is it getting easier or harder?

Were you born between 1982 and 1997?

Tell us about your work experience. Participate in our survey from April 1-30.

www.HamiltonMillennialSurvey.ca fb.com/HamiltonMillennialSurvey/

You can enter our draw for tickets to:

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Toronto Argos, Cirque du Soleil, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Theatre Aquarius Mamma Mia, dinners at The Other Bird Hamilton restaurants, and iTunes gift cards.

• OUR GOAL: To learn how work in today’s economy is affecting your career development, personal and family health and well-being, and your social and community life.

• SURVEY: For any millennial working full time, part-time, contract, freelance, temp or self-employed.

• OUTCOMES: Identify solutions that could help reduce uncertainty and insecurity of work, and improve career opportunities and the overall quality of life for the millennial generation.

Research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

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PUBLISHER + EDITOR ANDREA FERNADES andrea@urbanicity.ca LAYOUT & DESIGN Tafari Anthony DISTRIBUTION urbanicity Magazine

urbanicity Magazine is wholly owned and published by urbanicity Magazine.

All content copyright © 2017 and all rights to distribution are reserved by urbanicity Magazine.

As a forum for ideas, issues, and experiences, the views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Editor, other contributors, advertisers or distributors unless otherwise stated.

DISTRIBUTION 40,000+ readers per month.

Distributed throughout Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Aldershot, and Burlington.

12 issues per year.

(289) 796.0931 ADVERTISING IN Q UIRES andrea@urbanicity.ca www.urbanicity.ca

a letter From

THE Editor + PUBLISHER

I have been warned against disclosing too much information about where I am from, but what good journalist does not share both sides of the story? The truth is, I am from Toronto, the #6ix, the land of Drake. I was told that might not resonate well with the people of Hamilton, but that is not what I have experienced over the past month of being here. I ventured out to Hamilton because I fell in love with the city, the energy and the commitment this community has to rebuilding its image. I am surrounded by young entrepreneurs who are not afraid to unleash their dreams and pursue their goals because they are aware of this city’s endless potential. In Hamilton, you can really be whatever you want! The energy in this city is undeniable and a Toronto girl cannot be blamed for wanting to become a Hamiltonian. I came here to pursue my career goals but also to be a part of the movement. Hamilton is bursting with energy and opportunity, so it is no surprise that everyone is starting to make their way over here.

I am excited to meet the people of Hamilton, listen to their stories and continue to share them through urbanicity. As a

collective voice, I really want to push the limits of what this magazine can do. I want to keep people informed, engaged and excited by their community. I have hit the streets and begun exploring with our social media platforms in hand. I have made pierogis at the Kitchen Collective with Chacha’s Pierogi, I have spoken with Mayor Fred Eisenberger while playing ping pong at Serve, I have found my favourite taco restaurant, and I have had countless Hamiltonians offer to take me on a tour of the city. This city is bursting with stories and I cannot wait to share them.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to Martinus Geleynse, who during this transition has dealt with my endless e-mails, texts and frantic phone calls about urbancity. Martinus, as everyone knows, has a passion for this city and it is undeniable. I plan to continue to share the ideas, issues and experiences of Hamiltonians through urbanicity Magazine.

I look forward to hearing from the community!

A nd r e a Fe rn a n d e s

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APRIL 2017

T he R eal E state I ss u e

Buying into History at The Royal Connaught Ambition and momentum ramp up with the launch of Phase Two

The revived heartbeat of downtown Hamilton just got even stronger. The recent launch of phase two of The Residences of Royal Connaught is both a symbolic and actual sign of progress in our city. This phase consists of an additional 76 units being made available to go along with the 122 long sold-out units of phase one. And wow, is this place ever gorgeous.

T

he real story here is the fanfare and demand. Seeing the activity surrounding the building, it’s almost hard to believe this historic gem was shuttered for more than a decade.

Returning The Royal Connaught to its rightful standing as a renowned attraction is making a dramatic impact on the visual appeal of the neighbourhood and the appeal of living in downtown Hamilton. And after barely two weeks on the market, the phase two units are 55% sold out.

“The support and the feedback has been overwhelming,” says Valeri. “I’ve seen the city lose some heritage buildings to neglect. Preserving the historic character of the city has quickly become a top priority for the community and city.”

Take a stroll a couple blocks west and you see a different story. Old architecture that predates the city itself has been allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair that, apparently, a demolition permit is the only solution. To be fair, these buildings are significantly older than The Royal Connaught. But, to the average Hamiltonian or prospective resident, wouldn’t that make it more precious? While it’s difficult to see what hides behind the walls of another building, Spallacci and Valeri see the strength of preservation.

“It’s always sad to lose a historic building”, states Spallacci, “but ultimately we trust that the city is working hard to make the best possible decisions for the health of Hamilton. We saw an amazing opportunity with The Royal Connaught and are fortunate to have the resources and knowledge to restore and retrofit such a massive project.”

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And make no mistake – this was a daunting restoration project. The structure was sound, but the historic interior required an incredible effort to be brought back to life.

Phase two marks the last chance for buyers to live in The Royal Connaught’s original building.

While being guided through the site by Project Manager, Rudi Spallacci Jr., the discussion often shifted to the allure of Hamilton’s architectural gems and the desire to see them shine into the future. “The old buildings and architecture we have here are a unique part our city’s identity that people treasure – they are an important part of the Hamilton experience.”

Valeri added that he hopes this will spur other developers to take an adaptive reuse approach to downtown buildings. “We’re excited to be leading a project setting a high standard for this transformation – one that preserves Hamilton’s historic character while also keep the building relevant and occupied.”

Walking through the lobby, listening to the developers talk about the project, hearing the chatter on the street – this is all more than Hamilton’s scorching hot housing market at work. Setting aside history, aesthetics and on-site amenities, The Residences of Royal Connaught boasts walkability to just about everything. Situated in close proximity to arts and culture hotbeds, an array of fantastic restaurants, entertainment venues and public transportation, this is a location that nails the checklist of most prospective urban buyers. But there’s the intangible element of living within a historical landmark. When given the chance, people

Image Courtesy of The Royal Connaught

want to be a part of that. And let’s face it, history cannot be manufactured – so the investment opportunity is a lucrative proposition.

“The Royal Connaught is bridging two worlds: Hamilton’s glamorous past and the city’s progressive, contemporary culture,” says Spallacci. “Buyers are getting more than just a great home; they’re getting a piece of history.”

Hopefully this rubs off on fellow developers.

And if it doesn’t, as a city, we need to step up our vigilance to protect our connection to

the past. Hamilton boasts some beautiful, historic buildings that we’ve been lucky enough to inherit. Issuing demolition permits marks a significant failure in our stewardship. As The Royal Connaught is continuing to prove, when our history is showcased well, the buyers will be waiting.

By Chris Sanislo

Chris Sanislo is a freelance copywriter with a passion for Hamilton. He has over 15 years of experience in the Canadian Advertising industry. Chris crafts his copy from downtown Hamilton's CoMotion on King, where he serves as the in-house blogger. @ chrissanislo

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APRIL 2017

the real estate iss u e

Shedding Possesions The process of letting go and downsizing

I

n 2013 after an eighteen month battle with an aggressive form of cancer, my father passed away at the age of 61.

Part of what makes the death of a loved one so horrible is that it’s not completely over when they are gone. You must deal with the remains.

In the case of my father, it wasn’t just his clothes, eyeglasses, or collection of books. My father was a gifted woodworker and in a short time he accumulated an enviable collection of tools and machinery. I say a short time because my father was also an immigrant and for the first decade of our twenty years plus in Canada he had neither the funds nor the means to build a collection. Once he was able to do so, he began purchasing the exact things he needed to become a master craftsman.

Although I believe he was a true craftsman – the quintessential Lee Valley guy – I dare say he would shake his head and tell me that he had a few more things to learn. He was the type of person who believed that a person never stops learning and, in fact, he could teach me, a digital marketer, a thing or two about online research.

When they took semi-retirement my parents moved into a home twenty minutes outside Perth, ON, a fourand-a-half hour trip from my own home in Toronto. Being a freelancer, I had already been up there for three months prior to dad’s passing, helping with the other mundane tasks of hospice care. After the funeral, after my sister and our family friends had gone home, I stayed with my mother for some time, despite the protestations of my own boyfriend who wanted everything to go back to normal as soon as possible. I stayed because I sensed that it wasn’t quite over yet.

How could I leave mom alone in a three bedroom house with nothing but the echoes of memories and a pile of work to be done?

One of the first things I did was itemize the machines in my father’s workshop.

I diligently wrote down the name, make and model of each machine and Googled each one to find a price. I barely knew what any of them did, but I certainly remember some of the trips my father and I took down to small

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Auction set-up at a Century Estate Services auction in February, 2017 at Ryerson United Church, Hamilton, Ontario.

towns in the United States where these machines are still built by American hands in American factories.

Those memories don’t have a price tag, though.

No one helped us through this process. In the end, I did go home and my mother carried on with shedding my father’s possessions alone. Some she donated to the Scout camp my father worked at prior to falling ill. Some she sold to the local carpenters who rebuilt her front deck that collapsed the day after my father passed away, as if the house too could no longer hold itself together now that he was gone.

Some things went to the “shop” at the local transfer station in Perth, a unique space that gives neighbours an opportunity to pick over items that are still useful but not to the original owner.

One man’s trash, and all that.

Mom found homes for everything. In the meantime, she decided she didn’t want to live alone on a desolate stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway any more. The winter after dad’s passing was harsh and, although mom’s a strong, independent woman, there are limitations to even her strength, if not her courage.

She sold the home in July 2014 and once again I volunteered to help her move back to Hamilton. Now we needed to squeeze a three bedroom house into a one bedroom condo.

My sister and I got first choice. We found an auction house in Hamilton to help us sell mom’s catering business supplies. We donated more.

We threw some things out. It was not an easy process.

My story is not atypical, but there are businesses that can help you go through it. For some families, the possessions may be highly sensitive or valuable, or both. Finding the right type of appraiser and estate evaluator who can handle this process for you can be advantageous, especially if you believe there is a monetary value to your loved one’s possessions. Or maybe you just need the extra hand, a skilled one that knows how to handle such a sensitive situation, so that you can let go and move on with your life.

By OLGA KWAK

OLGA KWAK is a Hamilton-based writer and marketer. Her work has appeared in She Does the City, Torontoist, Toronto Star, The Genteel, and PRODUCT Magazine. She builds websites and writes from her office on Barton Street East. Visit www.olgakwak.com for more advice on doing the right thing online.

@ olgakwak

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the real estate iss u e

Managing The Market The State of Real Estate

The reality is, demand for houses & condominiums in Hamilton & Burlington is high & the market is at a premium.

Are you thinking about selling but holding off because of those terrifying tales of increasing real estate values?

Well, unless someone can predict the future, this mindset is a little like playing poker with potentially your most valuable asset. Yes, you might enjoy an increase in value in the future, but you could also lose the best opportunity that has presented itself to home owners in years.

The reality is, demand for houses and condominiums in Hamilton and Burlington is high and the market is at a premium. February statistics provided by the Hamilton-Burlington Real Estate Board identified that the End of Month Listing Inventory comparing 2016 with 2017 saw a reduction of 42.06% (Hamilton) and 45.2% (Burlington). Based on this information, plus historic low interest rates, the market is identifying

as one of the best times to sell. However, it is key to remain well informed to ensure that you are maximizing your opportunities. Work with professional sales representatives who can provide guidance and strategy for optimizing value. It is important to understand a clear process for marketing, advertising and the possibility of multiple offers.

The other side of this real estate equation is when and how to buy a home in this market.

We have all heard the term “bidding wars�. What does that mean? When should you engage in this process? When do you walk away?

There are many considerations, but again don’t gamble with your

hard earned money. Review your financial position with a trusted advisor, meet with home inspectors to understand the process and talk to your lawyer to ensure that you are well advised.

Call our office and we will provide the support, knowledge, and the guidance you need to manage all the current real estate challenges.

By judy marsales

Judy Marsales is the owner and broker at Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage.

www.JudyMarsales.com

opening soon

#eathonest 182 OTTAWA ST. | HONESTMEATCO.CA

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APRIL 2017

T he real estate iss u e

Millennials & The Market Feeling the burn of rising real estate prices

PHOTO BY: Thomas Allen

In 2011 the average price of a house in Hamilton was $315,769.

Now, as of early this year, it’s $535,520, up 25% from 2016. How did it get like this and how do we plan ahead?

There are many reasons for this crazy, overheated market: Toronto buyers priced out of their city, investors, speculation, bullish buying, low interest rates, demand outweighing supply, amongst others. Hamilton, with the help of a reviving downtown, has finally made it on the map for Torontonians looking to find “affordable” housing outside of their core. As things continue to look up for Hamilton (like LRT and all day GO train service on James Street North) we can only expect prices to rise. But where does that leave our emerging arts scene and culture, our most vulnerable, and our huge injection of young professionals staying in the city? What does the future hold?

How can first time buyers break into the market without having to move to a different city? Like the rising prices in Toronto pushing locals out, the rising prices of Hamilton are pushing people out to Brantford, Grimsby, and St. Catharines. Many millennials are feeling the burn. They are some of

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Ironically, we need to learn from Toronto when it comes to density. There are many examples, like City Place, where they’ve managed to create a city within a city, with mixed-incomes and all the necessary amenities. the city’s brightest and most vocal advocates of urbanism who saw Hamilton’s potential and decided to stay and make a life here; yet they can’t unless they rent.

So what do we do? How do we correct this? How do we manage? All these questions are hard to answer. When it comes to this crazy housing market, there are certainly more questions than answers. From a municipal level, there is much to look at when it comes to policies and planning ahead.

The Places To Grow Act, a strategic plan for growth that includes stakeholders at all levels, is a good start. Curbing sprawl through more density and intensification can help build a better base for people looking to afford property within city limits, but we need to plan for it.

Finally, after years of studies, the city is looking at the possibility of laneway housing. This would be a huge boost and add to the supply of houses in the city. Something we are clearly lacking.

As for condominiums, we need to continue to build up. Although there are many cranes gracing our skies, there still aren’t enough. We need to find ways to create more infill in areas of our core blighted with parking lots. We need to

implement bylaws, like inclusionary zoning to provide housing for those who need assistance. We also need to look at how to build livable towers for young families who are trying to climb upwards in social mobility. We need more common spaces, green spaces, and condos with layouts suitable to raise children.

Ironically, we need to learn from Toronto when it comes to density.

There are many examples, like City Place, where they’ve managed to create a city within a city, with mixed-incomes and all the necessary amenities. A place where it’s affordable enough to buy a condo and still raise a family, because we have to face the facts that we all aren’t going to be able to fulfill our dream of the white picket fence.

Those days are now numbered and we face a new reality.

on tenants who are feeling the squeeze of property managers wanting to evict to retrofit their apartments for more profit. These are real issues that cannot be ignored.

Hope has been something ingrained in this city, along with passion and hard work. We need to raise hope by raising our city to another level. To encourage and inspire those who are discouraged by our current economic climate of dizzying growth to stay and see this through. There is light at the end of the tunnel for those who want to plant roots in Hamilton. We need to nurture our creative and artist talents, our young entrepreneurs, those in need, and our growing commercial sector through encouraging acts of urbanism. Defining acts, which will contribute to our future growth and create a dynamic city available to all. Inclusivity is an important facet that needs to be addressed and planned for.

Affordable housing continues to be one of the hottest topics in this city and we’re lucky to have Indwell and Invizij creating thoughtful and stylish developments around the city. And it’s something we still

By Thomas Allen need more of.

Thomas Allen is a proud Hamiltonian, an arSomething we chitectural journalist, and creator of the site need to nurRebuild Hamilton – a blog about architecture ture. We also and development in Hamilton. need to better protect the rights @ rebuildhamilton

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ROBERT SCALES CO M M E R C I A L L E AS I N G AG E N T: E : L E AS I N G @ F O R G E A N D F O ST E R .C A T: 1 - 8 8 8 - 6 0 0 -75 4 4

THE IRONWOOD 370 Main St E Available Available B1 - 1,900 SF Units: Units: B2 - 1,900 SF M2 - 1,555 SF

100 - 570 SF 102 - 670 SF

Affordable office space in proximity to the downtown core. Drive to work with plenty of parking located on site. Open concept units with option to build to suit. Exterior facade renovations and interior lobby renovations to come soon.

www.theironwood.ca

CORKTOWN PLAZA

225 John St S

Available 1257 SF Units: $24 PSF

69 JOHN ST S

Suite 450

Available 1,120 SF $18 PSF + TMI Units:

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New Exterior Facade

Suite 440

Prime downtown location, near J.S. Courthouse and City Hall, allows walking to downtown meetings! Great mix of high-end tenants; work with lawyers, engineering firms and more.

Last penthouse is available containing great view from corner unit. Superior employee comfort, with individual thermostats in offices and a private office kitchenette.

GREENHILL PLAZA

www.greenhillplaza.ca

New Exterior Facade

Prime location in Hamilton’s downtown core with fantastic signage exposure. Easy access to clients from the Hamilton Mountain. The plaza is newly renovated, containing fresh branding with new restaurants coming Spring 2017. Open concept unit with available tenant incentive.

www.corktownplaza.ca

Available Suite 3 - 2,043 SF Units: Suite 4 - 1,102 SF

Interior Render

635 Greenhill Ave

Suite 7 - 3,280 SF Suite 15 - 979 SF

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Exterior Render

Affordable retail space for new businesses located in a dense residential community.

Minutes away from Redhill Expressway access. Rebranding and exterior facade renovations to come Spring and Summer 2017. Ample parking for staff and customers. 4 suites left with tenant incentive available!

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APRIL 2017

AT THE ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON

CE

EB

R AT

I G

APRIL 27-30

L

N

2017 AGH ART SALE

PAINTING ILLUSTRATION PRINTMAKING PHOTOGRAPHY CERAMICS TEXTILES Opening Reception Thursday, April 27 5 pm to 9 pm Art Sale Hours Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm Friday, 11 am to 9 pm Saturday & Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm

FREE ADMISSION Featuring works by Christine Break-Lee, Stephan Brookbank, Libby Lennie, Louise Richardson, Charleen Serdan, Robert E. Ross, Meredith Bingham, Mike Smalley, Doug MacBean, Paul Elia, among others.

Doug MacBean, Full Blast of Steam from the Steel Mills, Hamilton, oil on canvas, 40” x 60”

ALSO ON VIEW Expanding the Circle: Robert Davidson and the Ancient Language of Haida Art | Last Folio: Yuri Dojc The Living Room: Subject. Object. Verb. | Collection Classics | Evolution of Form: 150 Years of Sculpture from the Collection Staging Abstraction: Paintings from the Collection | Kim Adams: Bruegel-Bosch Bus ART AT THE AGH ANNEX | 118 James Street North

EVENTS AT THE AGH ANNEX | 118 James Street North Friday, April 14 from 5 pm to 10 pm | ART CRAWL | Art Crawl Artistry Wednesday, April 19 at 7 pm | ilovefilmseries My Winnipeg | Directed by Guy Maddin | Rated 14A FREE admission in celebration of National Canadian Film Day

Paul Elia, Gore Park

Wednesday, April 19 at 7 pm | AGH ANNEX READS Canada Reads Winner

THE SHIFTING CITY On view until April 29 Featuring works by Paul Elia, Stephen Brookbank, Gord Leverton and David Trautrimas, The Shifting City presents a range of perspectives on our city’s urban spaces, and the delicate, beautiful balance that often exists between its industrial vestiges, heritage architecture, and civic renewal. Presented by AGH Art Rental and Sales.

Friday, April 21 at 7 pm | ilovefilmseries Saint Monica Rated PG Post-screening Q&A with director Terrance Odette AGH Members $8 | Non-Members $10 Saturday, April 22 from 12 pm to 2:30 pm | KICKSTART YOUR CREATIVITY This workshop, led by artist and creativity coach Lisa Pijuan-Nomura, is designed for those who are in the midst of a creative block, and for those who yearn to be creative but don’t know how to get the ball rolling. Through a series of creative exercises blending collage, writing, drawing and painting, participants produce works loaded with exciting new potential. All material supplied.

AGH Members $35 | General Admission $40 Friday, April 28 at 7 pm | PAINTING UNCORKED All materials provided and fee includes one drink. Doors open at 6:30 pm AGH Members $45 | Non-Members $55

123 King Street West, downtown Hamilton L8P 4S8 905.527.6610 www.artgalleryofhamilton.com

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the real estate iss u e

Real Visual State

The total volume of all transactions - A 13.2% increase from last year.

AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS ON RESIDENTIAL MARKET IN HAMILTON & BURLINGTON,RESPECTIVELY.

*Stats provided by REALATORS ASSOCIATION OF HAMILTON-BURLINGTON

The Vintage Marketplace

April 22 & 23 , 2017 Hamilton convention centre

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APRIL 2017

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the real estate iss u e

Hamilton, the Talk of the Province Investing, transforming and growing

Photo of GLEN NORTON

O

ver the past several years, there has been an everincreasing interest in Hamilton. From the arts and culture scene, to the growing culinary community, to the stock of trendy office spaces, and of course to the major industrial spaces.

Hamilton has become the talk of the province.

In 2009, Hamilton reached the key $1 billion mark in building permit valuesa first in the history of the city. Since then, Hamilton has averaged over $1 billion for the last six years. There is something happening here. But why are so many investing in Hamilton?

Why are so many starting a business here and leaving the GTA for something different?

“In many instances, the answer comes down to savings,” says Glen Norton, Director of Hamilton’s Economic Development Office.

“Simply, an investment in Hamilton saves money and saves time.”

Hamilton boasts a number of historic pre-World War II buildings in the downtown core. With a leasing rate of

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$10-25 net on average, investors from the GTA can save 30-50% of their monthly costs. In addition, the city offers one of the richest suites of financial incentive programs in Canada.

Many of these incentives can be found in the amalgamated communities and 13 Business Improvement Areas.

From an industrial standpoint, with easy access to transportation and hundreds of hectares of available land for development, it is no surprise that Hamilton is drawing in large scale developments. Plus, the city is perfectly situated between the GTA and the US/Niagara border giving this area access to over 100,000,000 people. In particular, the Red Hill Business Park has earned nearly $750 Million in new investments since 2009, and the Airport Employment Growth District has over 1,000 new acres of developable greenfield lands.

With so much happening across the community, Norton has his eye on up and coming areas.

“I really like the possibilities of Barton Street,” he says. “The street is designed for ample pedestrian traffic,

has an amazing stock of classic properties, the prices to purchase or rent are quite affordable, and it is surrounded by a very densely developed residential community. Many commercial investors from the GTA are now starting to make the first investments in Barton, and I only see this continuing as more businesses move west from Toronto.”

In fact, Barton Street is just the latest street to see new beginnings in the lower city. Just a mere ten years ago, James Street North was an “up and coming street” with a growing arts scene. Now it is viewed by many as the epicenter of the Hamilton arts and culture scene, and is bursting with new residential and commercial activity and some fantastic restaurants and cafes.

This growth is not unique to the downtown core. There are a multitude of new investments across the community from Stoney Creek to Waterdown- featuring unique small business investments that add

to the flavor and character of each of these communities.

And to top it all off, Hamilton is also undertaking a multi-million redevelopment of its West Harbour/Waterfront area.

“The West Harbour area is one of my very favourite places in Hamilton, because for me its home,” says Norton. “Not only is it a jewel of the lower city, and where I currently reside in a new adaptive reuse condo, but it will see hundreds of millions of dollars in new residential, commercial, and recreational investments over the next decade. Truly exciting and an image builder for Hamilton.”

By michael marini

Michael Marini is the Coordinator of Marketing for the City of Hamilton's Economic Development Office. He can be reached at michael.marini@hamilton.ca

@ hamiltonecdev

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APRIL 2017

e x periences

Paddles for Saddles Come together right now, over ping-pong!

2, 3, 7, 20, 30, 40...40 Teams!?

That is how this event started, or shall I say that is how it became a hit!

In all honesty, it actually started months ago when I heard of a great organization called Bike for Mike.

Headed up by Mark Chamberlain, Bike for Mike equips the next generation of Hamiltonians, the children, with bicycles, safety gear and educational school programs.

I was very interested in their organization and decided I would volunteer to distribute bicycles to school children. What I saw was amazing! Eyes lit up, smiles ear to ear and the kids came in flocks to claim their brand new bicycles to start their daily ride to school — along with a helmet, of course!

This is exactly what I saw at Paddles for Saddles, well the adult version at least. Adults with smiles ear to ear ready to try something new - ping-pong!

All photos by FORGE & FOSTER

By Doug Lecinski

Doug is a marketing expert with Forge & Foster whose charitable background includes Canadian Tire Jumpstart, the Heart & Stroke Foundation and now Bike for Mike!

@ DougLecinski

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There were over 150 people who attended the event that occurred on Thursday March 9th, It was a fun-filled 3 hour night that started with an inspirational speech from Mr. Chamberlain, included an appearance from Mayor Eisenberger who picked up a paddle (and won quite a few games!) and was topped off by some amazing performances both in the amateur and pro leagues.

Down in the ballroom, the atmosphere was tense and the stakes were high. The pros faced off in a heated battle before coming down to the ultimate champion, the famed

"Farmers", who run a greenhouse up on Highway 6 in addition to being full-time ping-pong gurus. The amateur league was much more relaxed with casual chit-chat between teams and a few misplaced shots whizzing by! In the end, the Inspection Haus team claimed the amateur championship.

In speaking with the attendees - people drove from as far away as Simcoe and Fenwick to play and lend a helping hand, such as an older gentlemen who spent the night generously teaching people how to play while collecting balls with the sweeper!

In the end, $4,000 was raised through team donations and the silent auction. Title sponsor, Forge & Foster matched the donations, bringing the total to a whopping $8,000. All proceeds went directly to Bike for Mike and their Daily School Ride (DSR) right here in Hamilton.

This event was more than just a ping-pong tournament. It was a way for everyone to come together for a collective goal and forget their day-to-day worries. I certainly hope to bring Paddles for Saddles (now coined P4S) back to Serve next year and hopefully we can continue to fundraise for Bike for Mike. Their amazing efforts to get kids riding and making our streets a safe place for cyclists is something worth supporting!

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The Hamilton Coffee Fair Coffee, community, and conversation The first ever Hamilton Coffee Fair (#HCF2K17) marked the start of an incredible conversation around specialty coffee. The free event brought local coffee shops and roasters under the roof of the Spice Factory to demonstrate unique brewing methods, sample specialty coffee and educate guests on their coffee knowledge.

O

n March 5th, The Spice Factory, was crowded with coffee connoisseurs and interested consumers looking for the perfect cup of joe. The turnout was unbelievable! A line began almost instantly as over 1,000 coffee loving Hamiltonians eagerly braved the cold to enjoy specialty coffee.

Inside, tightly packed tables lined the perimeter of the room, stacked high with retail beans, at-home coffee brewers and samples of each vendor's chosen offerings. Most tables hosted more than one coffee shop, working shoulder-to-shoulder to provide samples of specialty blends and educational knowledge. The joint efforts of baristas from competing coffee shops conveyed a strong sense of community and left coffee entrepreneurs with an encouraging feeling.

Brewing demonstrations adorned the centre of the room, showcasing seemingly bizarre brewing methods, with names such as the Siphon Vacuum Brewer and the Chemex Coffeemaker.

This exhibition gave guests a glimpse at unique home-brewing methods while bringing a sense of approachability to the somewhat elusive world of specialty coffee. The brewing demonstrations allowed baristas to showcase their expertise and produce quality cups of coffee with care and finesse.

Arguably the most important aspect of the Hamilton Coffee Fair was the cultivation of conversation that occurred at each table. The organizers of the event did an incredible job of creating flow around the demonstrations. This allowed vendors the opportunity to directly speak to each guest that meandered their way through the crowd.

With the growing demand for quick coffee service, sparking meaningful conversation about specialty coffee is important to changing the way people experience and choose to buy coffee.

As the operating partner of Cafe Augusta, the event provided the perfect platform to discuss the direct trade relationships and dedication to ethically-sourced beans that Cafe Augusta is dedicated to. I was amazed by the amount of support and encouragement fellow coffee entrepreneurs expressed.

Feeling that sense of support was incredibly encouraging and brought unity to the somewhat chaotic turnout.

All photos provided by HAMILTON COFFEE FAIR

approachable manner. Local coffee shops worked together to drive home the importance of supporting ethically-sourced coffee as caffeinated guests soaked up all the coffee education they possibly could. I am thrilled to have been a part of this event and I am eager to see the response from our community.

It is important to continue to promote meaningful conversation about specialty coffee, choose local cafes over large corporate stores and show support for the Hamilton coffee community - because why not love local?

The Hamilton Coffee Fair allowed local coffee professionals to accurately curate specialty coffee in an

By alison caldwell

Alison Caldwell is the operating partner of Cafe Augusta, a local specialty coffee shop focused on providing high quality coffee service while supporting ethically sourced and sustainable coffee.

@ cafeaugusta_

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#UrbanicityEats Just a Hamilton foodie, eating her way through Locke St. Brux House:

When urbanicity asked me to eat my way through Hamilton for the sake of a monthly feature, I had no objections. The foodie scene in Hamilton is exploding and we are seriously putting ourselves on the map as a foodie destination. This month, I tackled Locke St., and it was delicious!

All photos by @TASTEHAMONT

Whether you are in the mood for casual flights of beer and cider, or a fancy evening out, Brux House has something for you. Their ever-changing menu features, and evolving craft beer and cider list, will hook you in and keep you going back for more. I personally cannot get enough of their housemade pretzel sticks with Emmental & beer fondue. Their Chef de Cuisine, Kyle Forth, was recently named in the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s 2017 Top 30 Under 30. Grab your friends, prepare your taste buds and enjoy an evening out.

Amo Gelato Caffe:

NàRoma Pizza Bar:

All of their gelato is made in-house and is absolutely scrumptious! Plus, they offer vegan and dairy-free options, so everyone can enjoy the deliciousness. Every time I visit, I find myself devouring their cookie butter and vegan chocolate gelato. Amo is a rare gem, and open until 10 p.m. to satisfy your late-night cravings. “Still too cold for gelato,’’ you say? They offer crepes and coffee-based drinks to warm you up. I can’t wait to see what they will be featuring when summer comes around.

What makes NàRoma stand out? They serve Neapolitan-style pizza where their pizza dough is actually prepared over 72 hours. You can choose from over 20 kinds of pizza, including several vegetarian and vegan options. I am a meat lover and appreciate some spice, so I love Siciliana and Calabrese.

Their breadsticks are not on the menu, but order them anyway! The pesto parmesan breadsticks are my favorite, paired with one of their housemaid sauces. They do not deliver, but you can pick-up for the perfect Netflix and pizza kind of night.

Burnt Tongue:

Earth to Table Bread Bar:

If you have never heard of Burnt Tongue, I am going to assume that you are from out of town. This is their second location, with their first location on Cannon Street. The place is well-known for their daily homemade soups and classic cheese burgers. It is cozy, warm and makes you feel like you are back at your grandmother’s house eating a bowl of soup.

No offence to Grandma, but these guys take it to another level. Do not forget about their grilled cheese -especially the French onion grilled cheese - a heavenly twist on two classics. If I were you, I would follow their Instagram (@theburnttongue).

Farm-to-table concept. Their menu is based on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. I don’t always order salads, but this is the one place I make an exception for. It makes me wonder what I am doing wrong at home - because my salads never taste this good. I would recommend trying their daily special of loaded fries or their stone baked pizzas with unique topping combinations. I like to order a large half & half pizza because I can never choose just one kind.

By jennifer shin

Jennifer Shin is a proud Hamilton foodie.

She has been sharing her love of the growing foods scene on her Instagram account since 2015. She always keeps a finger on the pulse and is determined to showcase the best of the Hamilton food scene.

NEXT UP: The Beverly on Locke – My dream come true! An all day brunch place, where I can satisfy my need for brunch at anytime of day. I am already drooling while reading their menu online.

Eggs benny for dinner anyone?

@ tastehamont

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What's the Brouhaha?!

A guide to local events and live experiences in Hamilton Radius After Dark Do you ever find yourself scrolling through Instagram and wondering why everyone else seems to be having more fun than you? Fear no more, Brüha is here! Hamilton is crawling with local events and live experiences and we are here to provide you with your monthly rundown.

As the weather starts to heat up, events start to spring into action (pardon the pun) and the city of Hamilton prepares to bloom. From literary festivals, to culinary experiences, to fashion launches, here are 10 of the best events happening in Hamilton this April.

THIS MONTH

Date: Every Friday & Saturday (April 7th - 29th) Location: Radius Kick off your weekend with food, friends and live music. Radius After Dark will feature DJ Adrien King with live percussion and sax. Let the snapchats and weekend vibes roll.

Harlem Globetrotters Date: April 12th Location: FirstOntario Centre This legendary group makes their return to Hamilton, showcasing their iconic talents and incredible basketball skills. The Globetrotters are known worldwide, having toured in more than 120 countries. Best known for providing one-of-a-kind family entertainment, the event is designed to be a slam dunk!

gritLIT Festival Date: April 6th – 9th Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton *Tickets available at bruha.com Hamilton’s annual literary festival, gritLIT, returns this year to showcase major Canadian authors, local Hamilton writers and up and coming talent in a series of readings and themed events. The festival allows the community to engage in Canada’s literary culture and brings exposure to deserving authors.

Photo by Brüha

Food & Drink Fest Date: April 7th – 9th Location: FirstOntario Centre Food & Drink Fest is a unique experience, connecting the community to some of the Hamilton, Halton & Niagara Regions’ top breweries, wineries and restaurants. You will have the chance to sample a variety of local and international wines, specialty beers, and culinary creations all while enjoying live entertainment and fun cooking demonstrations.

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True Hamiltonion Spring Launch party

Makeology Spring Craft Fair Date: April 15th Location: Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology Explore the creativity and prepare your Instagram feeds! Makeology has returned for its 2nd annual craft fair and will feature some of the best handmade artisans in Ontario. It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some local shopping and tasty treats. This is a fair all about enjoying the little things in life.

Hamilton Film Festival Date: April 19th Location: Staircase Theatre *Tickets available at bruha.com In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, the Hamilton Film Festival has partnered up with National Film Day Canada and will be screening two featured movies: Lucky 7 and Bed of the Dead. The best part? Both of these movies were filmed in Hamilton.

Photos provided by THE VINTAGE MARKETPLACE

Date: April 13th Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton True Hamiltonian is launching their new #Unity150 Spring Collection.

The collection is set to celebrate the diverse community of Hamilton and Canada’s 150th birthday. Head out and enjoy an evening filled with compelling art, music, food and of course fashion.

Photo by Brüha

James St. North Art Crawl Date: April 14th Location: James St. North If you haven’t attended Art Crawl, are you even from the Hammer? Hit the streets and celebrate art, culture and entertainment. Explore everything along James St. North including galleries, shops, studios, restaurants and local artists showcasing their talent.

Art Crawl never fails to unite the city and showcase its endless potential.

Photo by THE VINTAGE MARKETPLACE

The Vintage Marketplace

Photo provided by FOOD & DRINK FEST

Date: April 22 – 23 Location: Hamilton Convention Centre *Tickets available at bruha.com nd

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Back for its 5th year, the annual Vintage Marketplace (VMP) includes 2-days of vintage lifestyle shopping, music and sights. VMP features some of the best vintage vendors with everything from wedding inspirations, to vintage cars, to local eats, to home décor and so much more!

Art at the Annex Painting Uncorked Date: April 28th Location: AGH Design Annex Drinks, snacks, painting and good company. Painting Uncorked is the perfect opportunity to express yourself and discover a love of art. Enjoy the night’s atmosphere, learn the creation process and leave with your own piece to hang on the wall.

By Kristian Borghesan.

Brought to you by Brüha.

Brüha is an event discovery and ticketing platform changing the way people interact with their local community, discover events & purchase tickets. Buy and sell tickets for upcoming events using Brüha.

@ BruhaExclusive

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8. The famous hashtag of our great city

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2017-04-04 10:55 PM

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