Best Side Magazine - March/April 2026

TRIUMPH IS BACK

The Rock’n’roll Machine Returns

A YEAR IN THE VINES

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Season by Season

A Sense of place

AG JEANS

AGOLDE

ALOHAS

ANTONELLI

AUTUMN CASHMERE

AVENUE MONTAIGNE

BA&SH

BARBIERI

BARBOUR

BLAZÉ MILANO

BROCHU WALKER

CAMBIO

CANADA GOOSE

CARA CARA

CIRCOLO

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

DEAN DAVIDSON

DEAR FRANCES

DÔEN

ELEVENTY

ESSENTIELS ANTWERP

FABIANA FILIPPI

LAKESHORE

FARM RIO

FRAME

FRANK & EILEEN

GRETA CONSTANTINE

GUEST IN RESIDENCE

HARRIS WHARF LONDON

HERNO

ILSE JACOBSEN

JENNY BIRD

JOSEPH

KERRI ROSENTHAL

KUJTEN

LA CANADIENNE

LINE

LISA YANG

MACKAGE

MAJESTIC FILATURES

MANSUR GAVRIEL

MARINE LAYER

MAX MARA

MEIMEIJ

MISSOMA

MOTHER

NAGHEDI

PATRICK ASSARAF

PDPAOLA

PESERICO

RAG & BONE

RAINS

REPEAT

RIXO

ROLAND MOURET

ROSIE ASSOULIN

RVN

SEDUCTIVE

SELF-PORTRAIT

SMYTHE

SOFT GOAT

STAUD

T.LINE

TAGLIATORE

TASCHEN

VERONICA BEARD

VINCE

WANDLER

live remarkably.

we start with location.

We let the land decide what our communities should look like. We create simple yet remarkable amenities to bring families together. That sense of place helps to determine the design and character of each community’s Master Plan.

Ask yourself if you’re looking for a place to live – or a place to Live Remarkably.

LIFESTYLE

LUXURY MUSKOKA LIVING

Creating Distinctive Landscapes

For Over 70 Years

Where Reliability, Quality & Workmanship Take Root

From concept to completion and ongoing care, Aldershot Landscape Contractors is the trusted name behind Ontario’s most beautiful outdoor environments. With over 70 years of experience in landscape construction, design/build, and estate maintenance, our team delivers precision, creativity, and care—on time and on budget.

Celebrity Contributors

BARTHOLOMEW Co-Founder / Sales Director LAUREN LOWE Co-Founder / Publisher

ADDISON Creative Director / Editor

Light, Landscape, Legacy

here is a quiet confidence to this time of year, a shift toward light, gathering, and imagining what’s possible. In this issue of Best Side, we celebrate the visionaries shaping how we live, from architectural intention and craftsmanship to the landscapes that ground it all.

We spotlight architect Wilmott Strickland and the team at Cresmark Design Build, alongside The Landscape Leads, a feature that reminds us great design begins with thoughtful planning and a strong sense of place.

Creativity takes centre stage with cover artist Doug Edwards, while celebrated photographer George Pimentel shares his perspective behind the lens. Music storytelling comes alive as Alan Cross

reflects on the legacy of Triumph, and We Love You Connie offers a tribute to purpose and impact.

Style and design shine with Andrews dressed for the season and Pizzale Design’s reimagining of The Apartment at Holt Renfrew. We savour pizzas from Verace Italian Restaurant, discover Buvette Restaurant, and raise a glass to Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries. From Greenland’s raw beauty to golf at Rocky Crest and Lake Joseph with ClubLink, this issue invites you to explore and celebrate the season.

The Best Side Team

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@BestSideMag

MARCH | APRIL 2026

Co-Founders

Pillow Talk

ACCENT PILLOWS THAT ADD WARMTH, DIMENSION, AND PERSONALITY TO ANY SPACE.

1) Tailored Comfort

Custom accent pillows from Joshua Creek are locally made with plush feather-blend inserts and removable covers. Available in hundreds of fabric options and a range of sizes, they offer a refined finishing touch for any space. JoshuaCreekFurniture.com

2) Sweet Detail

The Ana Cotton Gingham Printed Bow Pillow adds a playful touch to any room. Featuring a classic gingham pattern with a charming bow accent, this decorative cushion brings softness and personality to a sofa, accent chair, or cozy window alcove. Anthropologie.com

3) Sculpted Comfort

The Ball Bearing Pillow reimagines the classic accent with its playful spherical shape. Upholstered in sculptural off-white bouclé, this versatile piece doubles as an armrest or head support. AndersonsInteriors.ca

4) Patterned Poise

The April Bolster Pillow brings refined elegance to bedroom styling. Crafted in a linen-blend fabric with a classic damask pattern, this tailored bolster adds structure, softness, and a timeless decorative touch to layered bedding. For-Living.ca

5) Sunlit Statement

The Block Print Pillow in yellow brings vibrant charm to any setting. Hand block printed in India using traditional techniques, its gardeninspired florals bloom against soft organic cotton. This cheerful accent adds warmth, pattern, and artisanal character to layered styling. GrahamAndBrooks.com

6) Ruffled Revival

The Cotton Block-Print Ruffle Pillow brings vintage-inspired charm to any living or sitting room. Featuring traditional block-print patterning and a softly gathered ruffled edge, this decorative accent layers beautifully, adding texture, movement, and timeless character to your space. Anthropologie.com

7) Heritage Accent

The Archer Lumbar Pillow pairs traditional craftsmanship with relaxed comfort. Featuring a hand-spun, removable cover, this versatile accent brings texture and character to a space while remaining practical for daily living. AndersonsInteriors.ca

8) Italian Ease

The MAXIMO Toss Cushions from Nardi are crafted in Italy using exclusive Sunbrella fabric made with regenerated fibres. Water-repellent, stain-resistant, and UV durable, they’re available in multiple sizes and colours. BumOutdoor.ca

THE ROCK’N’ROLL

MACHINE RETURNS:

Triumph Is Back

By Alan Cross

ALAN CROSS

Canadian Radio

Broadcaster & Writer

G

il Moore has a lot on his plate. In addition to running Metalworks, one of Canada’s most respected recording studios, he also oversees Metalworks Institute, the country’s premier music college, both housed within the same Mississauga complex on Mavis Road. There is also Sounds Unite, a charity devoted to learning, wellness, and creativity. And now, against all expectations, the old band is getting back together.

Triumph enjoyed an extraordinary run between 1975 and 1993, releasing ten albums, all of them gold, platinum, or multiplatinum. Along the way came multiple JUNO nominations and inductions into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame, the Metal Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. There is even a Triumph Lane just off Derry Road.

By the early 1990s, however, the band felt it had reached a natural conclusion. While Triumph never officially broke up, an indefinite hiatus followed, during which Moore focused on building Metalworks. Guitarist Rik Emmett went solo, reinventing himself as a virtuoso guitarist while earning accolades as a jazz musician, educator, writer, and poet. Bassist Mike Levine relocated to Jamaica for a time, continued overseeing Triumph’s merchandise business, served on the boards of several music organizations, and even appeared on Wheel of Fortune in 1996.

The hiatus was broken only twice, once for two festival appearances in 2008, and again for a three-song performance at Metalworks during filming for the Banger Films documentary Triumph: Rock and Roll Machine. Both moments were enjoyable, but neither was considered the start of a true reunion.

That changed in 2025, following a series of unexpected events that even Moore struggles to explain.

“We do the documentary,” he says during a conversation in Studio 6 at Metalworks, “and it rekindles interest in the band. Our American label decided to release a tribute album. Around the same time, I was working on a mixed reality concept with our lighting director involving holograms and advanced visual techniques.”

The concept was pitched repeatedly, but the response was confusion. It was not a traditional hologram show, nor an avatar-style production like ABBA Voyage. Moore found himself in countless meetings trying to generate enthusiasm for the idea.

Then came the Edmonton Oilers’ 2025 playoff run.

“The NHL suddenly decides that ‘Lay It On the Line’ is their favourite song,” Moore says. “Rogers Sportsnet takes it national. I always wanted to be in the NHL, and this was as close as I ever got.”

Soon after, Live Nation called.

“Rogers wants you guys to come out and play. It looks like Edmonton might win the Cup, and they want Triumph there to support them.”

Pulling it together was not simple. Moore was ready. Emmett was on board. Levine, however, was unavailable. Guitarist Phil X, who replaced Emmett in 1993, was called and agreed to join. He also brought in Todd Kearns, formerly of Canadian indie favourites Age of Electric and a frequent collaborator with Slash, along with drummer Brent Fitz, whose resume

includes Slash, Theory of a Deadman, Alice Cooper, Econoline Crush, and more.

The Edmonton performance exceeded expectations.

“Was there going to be an afterlife to this?” Moore asks. “Probably not, but…” Triumph realized they were having a moment. There was an opportunity to

bring everything back at a meaningful scale and perhaps give Moore’s mixedreality concept new momentum.

Conversations followed. Rehearsals began.

“Why not do this and see what happens?” Moore recalls. “Then something clicked. The magic of being in a rehearsal room with these musicians. Suddenly, it was like, wow, this is really fun. As they say in hockey, the vibe in the dressing room was good.”

Live Nation called again — this time, with a tour offer. Things moved quickly.

Moore admits he hesitated. Between the studio, the school, the charity, and returning to drums after not playing seriously since 2008, the commitment was significant.

“But after a while,” he says, “I thought, why not?”

Tour dates were announced. Within three days, ticket sales had already covered costs. It was time to get serious.

Drum kits were set up across Metalworks. One kit, previously split between two

of Moore’s children, was reclaimed and moved into a rehearsal space. He began taking formal lessons again, starting from the basics.

“Treat me like I’m eight,” he told his instructor.

Moore had to relearn technique, finesse, nuance, and even how to properly hold drumsticks. He also had to retrain his voice.

At the same time, the stage show was designed and built. With Metalworks’ in-house sound and lighting division involved, expectations were high. The result is a full-scale rock production complete with lighting, lasers, pyro, and video.

A week of dress rehearsals was booked at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, followed by warm-up shows in smaller markets including Sault Ste. Marie, before a major hometown performance at Scotiabank Arena on April 24 and Hamilton’s new TD Coliseum on April 25.

Emmett, who has never stopped playing and is arguably at the peak of his abilities, is ready. Phil X is confirmed, with Kearns

and Fitz returning as well. Whether Levine joins the tour remains to be seen, dependent on his availability.

Moore, Emmett, Phil X, and Kearns will cover their traditional roles, while Fitz will handle keyboards and occasional drums. The logistics were worked out in rehearsal, resulting in a tight 100-minute set.

“We’ll start with one leg of the tour,” Moore says thoughtfully. “Then who knows. Maybe there will be a second.”

“Triumph’s legacy has always been rooted in positive, inspirational themes,” Moore adds. “Think about it. ‘Never Surrender.’ ‘Fight the Good Fight.’ ‘Follow Your Heart.’ Even after all these years, those songs still resonate. Let’s keep that going.”

Tickets for Triumph: The Rock and Roll Machine Tour Reloaded are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

STUDIO SERENO IS A FULL-SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO

We craft contemporary spaces that feel warm, refined, and undeniably livable. Our approach blends clean lines with rich texture, practicality with beauty, ensuring every space supports the way you truly live. Because your home should not only look exceptional — it should feel like you.

KITCHENAID COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2026

Fresh and invigorating, Spearmint is a crisp mint-green designed to awaken the senses. Clean yet soft, this refreshing hue brings a subtle pop of calm energy to your kitchen—an everyday reminder to pause, reset, and create. KitchenAid.ca

ONE OF A KIND SPRING MARKET

The One of a Kind Show returns to Toronto’s Enercare Centre from April 9–12, 2026. Discover fresh designs from talented Canadian artisans, support small businesses, and shop thoughtfully made pieces you won’t find anywhere else—perfect for welcoming spring with intention and style. OneOfAKindShow.com

MADE FOR MILO CUSTOM PET PORTRAITS

Made for Milo creates premium custom pet portraits designed as elevated home décor. Clean, art-forward, and timeless, each piece is thoughtfully curated to complement your space while capturing the unique personality of your pet—because they deserve more than just “cute.” MadeForMilo.com

STUDIO SERENO CELEBRATES 5 YEARS

Interior design studio Studio Sereno marks five years of creating inspired, timeless spaces. Founded by Tannis D’Orazio, the firm celebrates meaningful client relationships and expresses heartfelt gratitude to those who’ve trusted them to bring their vision to life. StudioSereno.ca

BRIGHTSTONE’S KERR VILLAGE TOWNS

Brightstone’s Kerr Village Towns bring elevated townhome living to coveted South Oakville, with 48 executive residences from $1,589,900. Set in a highly walkable lakeside neighbourhood near shops, trails, and transit, the community pairs elevated architecture with modern urban convenience. Brightstone.ca

DESIGNED FOR REAL LIFE

In a well-established pocket of South Etobicoke, just steps from the shops, schools, and transit along Bloor Street, this main floor renovation tells the story of a family determined to stay rooted in a neighbourhood they love—while reshaping a home to finally support the pace and reality of their everyday life.

The homeowners, a self-employed couple with two children, were no strangers to hard work or full calendars. Their days were split between running businesses, managing family life, and everything in between. What they lacked wasn’t motivation or vision—it was time.

Their previous home no longer met their needs, and while moving farther from the city was an option, it wasn’t the right one. They wanted walkability, community, and a long-term place where their family could grow. When they found this house, they saw potential immediately. The location checked every box, but the interior told a different story. The main floor was closed off, dated, and inefficient—made up of disconnected rooms that felt tight and restrictive for a busy family of four. To make the home truly livable, it would require a complete transformation.

THAT’S WHERE CRESMARK DESIGN BUILD CAME IN.

A CLEAR VISION, LED WITH CONFIDENCE

From the outset, the clients knew they needed a team they could trust to lead the process. With limited time to manage decisions, they were looking for clarity, structure, and accountability. Led by siblings Nick and Lisa Maida, Cresmark’s design-build approach delivered exactly that—one team, one process, and one point of responsibility from start to finish.

“From the very beginning, we felt like we were in good hands,” the homeowners share. “Nick and Lisa understood our lifestyle right away—they just got it.”

Lisa led the design, translating the family’s needs into a functional, timeless layout, while Nick oversaw construction to ensure every detail was executed as planned. Together, they created a seamless process that kept decisions efficient and the build moving smoothly.

REIMAGINING THE MAIN FLOOR

The renovation focused entirely on transforming the main floor into a space that could support real family life—mornings, evenings, weekends, and everything in between. Walls were removed to open up the layout, creating stronger sightlines and a

sense of connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

The kitchen became the true heart of the home. Designed as a central gathering space, it balances beauty with durability— an essential consideration for a family with young children. Custom cabinetry provides ample storage, while a large island anchors the room, offering space for homework, quick breakfasts, and casual entertaining.

“We’re always in the kitchen now,” the clients note. “Whether it’s cooking, helping the kids, or just catching up at the end of the day—it’s where everything happens.”

Material selections were intentionally timeless. Soft neutrals, layered textures, and warm wood tones create a calm, welcoming atmosphere, while thoughtful lighting adds warmth and depth throughout the space. Every finish was chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal, but for its ability to stand up to daily use.

DESIGNED FOR HOW THE FAMILY LIVES

Beyond the kitchen, the adjacent living and dining areas were designed with flexibility in mind. Instead of formal spaces reserved for special occasions, these rooms were tailored for everyday living. Built-in millwork adds character while discreetly addressing storage needs— keeping clutter at bay and allowing the space to feel calm and organized, even on the busiest days.

The entry experience was also carefully reconsidered. Practical storage solutions were incorporated to accommodate coats, shoes, backpacks, and sports gear—small but impactful changes that have made daily routines far more manageable.

“It’s the little things that make the biggest difference,” the homeowners say. “Coming home feels easy now. Everything has a place.”

One team, one process, and one point of responsibility from start to finish.

ABOVE: This bathroom balances quiet luxury with everyday ease. Warm wood cabinetry grounds the space, while soft veining in the marble wraps the room in a sense of calm continuity. Sculptural lighting and brass accents add a subtle glow—proof that restraint, when done well, can feel effortlessly indulgent.

Natural light plays a key role throughout the main floor, enhanced by the open layout and carefully planned window placements. The result is a bright, airy environment that feels connected and comfortable, without sacrificing warmth or intimacy.

A PROCESS BUILT ON TRUST

For this family, the renovation experience was just as important as the final result. With their demanding schedules, they needed confidence that the project was being handled with care and professionalism.

Cresmark’s structured design-build process allowed for clear timelines, upfront planning, and proactive communication—eliminating surprises and minimizing stress.

“This renovation changed how we live day to day. It’s not just beautiful; it fits us.”

“Knowing Nick and Lisa were personally involved every step of the way gave us so much peace of mind,” the clients share. “We didn’t feel like just another project. They genuinely cared about getting it right.”

That hands-on approach is at the core of Cresmark’s philosophy. With over 30 years of experience, Nick and Lisa personally lead

each project—from the first conversation through to the final walkthrough—ensuring every home is thoughtfully designed, expertly built, and delivered with integrity.

A HOME BUILT FOR THE LONG TERM

Today, the main floor feels completely transformed. What were once closed-off rooms are now a cohesive, functional space that truly supports the family’s lifestyle. The home finally works—both visually and practically.

Most importantly, the renovation allowed them to stay in the neighbourhood they love, with a home that can grow alongside their family.

“This renovation changed how we live day to day,” the homeowners say. “It’s not just beautiful; it fits us.”

Projects like this reflect the impact of thoughtful planning and a dedicated design-build team. At Cresmark Design Build, it’s about creating homes that support real life.

For more info, visit Cresmark.ca

Intentional Interiors: Thoughtful

Details That Bring Lasting Beauty to Real Homes

MEET THE DESIGNER

KATE DAVIDSON Owner, Principal Designer

Abeautifully designed home is rarely the result of a single design element. More often, it is the accumulation of thoughtful choices, architectural features, tactile materials, and the foundational elements that shape how a space looks, feels, and functions over time. Intentional interiors are rooted in this, and we prioritize longevity over trends and craftsmanship over imitation.

Designing with intention means looking beyond what is currently popular, and focusing instead on what will endure. In our projects, we focus not only on how a space will photograph today, but how it will look eight, ten or even twenty years from now. When done well, intentional design creates homes that feel layered, distinctive, and deeply personal.

At the heart of this approach is a simple principle: invest where permanence matters, and allow flexibility where change is inevitable, e.g., trending items such as lighting and home accents.

Architectural Details

Before furnishings, textiles, or décor enter the conversation, the architectural envelope of a home – including the staircase, skylights, exposed beams and ceiling details – are the fundamental elements that define the atmosphere of your space. Then, layering with trim, mouldings, ceiling treatments, and flooring act as the framework that gives a home its identity.

The staircase is often centrally located and naturally becomes a focal point within the home. Treat it as a sculptural feature, an architectural moment that sets the tone for the spaces around it. We strongly recommend investing in thoughtful customization rather than relying on off-the-shelf spindles and railings.

An enclosed curved plaster staircase offers a particularly elegant expression. Soft in form yet striking

Designing with intention means looking

beyond what is currently popular, and focusing instead on what will endure.

in presence, this style is gaining popularity for its ability to introduce fluidity and refinement while creating a sense of understated luxury.

Trim and mouldings serve as the finishing lines that bring cohesion to a space. They guide the eye, establish proportion, and quietly elevate the overall design language, creating an environment that feels both intentional and refined. Whether minimalist or traditional, intentional millwork should feel integrated with the architecture, rather than applied as an afterthought. Taller baseboards,

substantial casings, and thoughtfully scaled crown mouldings create a sense of permanence. These details add quality without needing to announce it.

Wainscotting is a powerful way to introduce dimension and character, bringing a quiet elegance to traditional interiors while still feeling relevant in contemporary homes. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, wainscotting softens expansive walls, adds refinement, and delivers a subtle sophistication that effortlessly bridges classic and modern styles.

The most enduring interiors are those designed with enough restraint to welcome evolution.

When executed with proper proportion, wall panelling creates depth and rhythm, transforming otherwise flat surfaces into architectural features. Foyers, hallways, and stairwells are our favourite places to incorporate panelling, as these transitional spaces benefit greatly from added visual interest. In open concept areas, consistency is key: if you introduce wall panelling in one section, it should carry throughout, up stairwells and hallways.

Flooring

From the ground up, flooring is what sets the tone for your home. Dark, light, patterned or neutral, the flooring you choose influences the colour palate you will work with and how formal or casual the space will be. Investing in quality hardwood flooring is one of the most impactful choices a homeowner can make. Engineered is most commonly used now, due to its ability to withstand change of temperatures as seasons change, and prevents cupping that can occur with solid hardwood.

Wide planks with wire-brushed subtle grain patterns are our go-to. The matte finish

conceals imperfections and has a softer look than the dated glossy hardwood of years ago. We like hardwood to flow throughout the main area of a home, including the kitchen, to create continuity between spaces.

When selecting tile for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, mudrooms, foyers, and laundry rooms, it’s important to choose with longevity in mind. Tile is one of the most permanent surfaces in a home, and overly trend-driven selections can quickly feel dated. Instead, lean toward materials that balance timeless appeal with lasting performance.

Whether considering natural stone, porcelain or concrete, be mindful of each material’s durability and maintenance requirements. Flooring endures some of the greatest daily wear, making practicality just as important as aesthetics. While we love incorporating natural stone for its depth and organic beauty, just as with countertops, it requires regular care to maintain its appearance.

If durability is your top priority, porcelain tile is often the safest choice. Advances in manufacturing have made it

exceptionally resilient while allowing it to convincingly mimic the look of natural materials, delivering both function and sophistication.

Cabinetry

Cabinetry has elements of both architecture and furniture. It must perform tirelessly while contributing visually to the overall tone of the home. A mix of colours and wood species can prevent a room from feeling overly uniform. Pairing painted cabinetry with warm wood or adding furniture-style details creates a layered effect that feels curated rather than builder-basic.

I always say cabinet hardware is the “jewellery” of your kitchen; together with lighting, it can personalize a space. Beautiful cabinet hardware and lighting do not necessary require a significant investment, yet they can make a strong statement. We especially love substantial pulls and knobs: since these are an element that you touch most often, that tactile, substantial feeling is a real pleasure. Don’t forget, true luxury frequently reveals itself through touch.

Where to Splurge — and Where to Save

Intentional interiors are not about a big budget; they are about spending wisely. Splurge on elements that are difficult to change: hardwood flooring, millwork, stone surfaces, quality cabinetry. But you can afford to be more flexible with décor items – furnishings, window treatments, wallpaper and paint – as well as lighting and accents.

While beautiful fixtures can certainly enhance a space, many fall victim to changing tastes over time. Flexibility here ensures a home never feels frozen in a particular era.

Perhaps the greatest misconception about timeless homes is that they never change. In reality, the most enduring interiors are those designed with enough restraint to welcome evolution.

Intentional interiors remind us that lasting beauty is rarely loud. It lives in proportion, materiality, craftsmanship, and care. When homeowners invest in the elements that endure and remain flexible where change is natural, they create spaces that feel authentic – not simply designed for today, but prepared for a lifetime.

Designing Live Way You for the

Inside the quiet craft of Willmott & Strickland’s whole-home philosophy.

In a small, century-old home on a quiet street, a twelve-foot farmhouse table takes centre stage. It's too big for the space by most standards, but just right for the family who lived there. They didn’t want a bigger house. They wanted a home that brought people together. One that felt true to the original character of the neighbourhood, but reflected their more modern style. One that made the most of every square foot without feeling squeezed. So they started with the table, the heart of how they gather, and Willmott & Strickland designed everything around it.

One family wanted space to gather. Another wanted quiet corners for reading and rest. Some come with a deep connection to the land. Others with a love of colour, or a piece of art that inspired the whole palette. Some want room for guests. Some want a mudroom that works harder than the rest of the house.

Not everyone knows exactly what they want. But most people know what they like, how they want a space to feel, and how they want to live in it. A stone porch they remember from a trip. A fireplace they always wanted. A floor plan that makes room for real life.

That’s where Willmott & Strickland begin. They look for those sparks and then design from there. Through kitchens, across thresholds, into shared meals and daily rituals, they shape homes that fit the people living in them. Style follows life. Always.

This is the craft of translating someone’s aspirations and way of living into a space that balances beauty, intention, and its place in the world.

The story of Willmott & Strickland is a story of expansion — not just in size, but in perspective. When John Willmott and Alison Strickland decided to join forces, they brought together two practices rooted in deep experience, shared values, and a desire to build something that would outlast either one alone.

Both teams already brought full-spectrum expertise. Coming together allowed architecture, interiors, and décor to live under one roof, supported by trusted consultant collaborators. Ideas align early and carry through every detail.

Today, Willmott & Strickland operates as one integrated studio, with more perspectives and disciplines collaborating across every part of a project. That means more creatives in the room, shared thinking, technical alignment, and efficiencies throughout the process.

For homeowners, it shows clarity, continuity, and the confidence that every part of their home is designed with creativity and precision — all working

together to bring your complete vision to life, from the first conversation to the final detail.

(Intro) They love cars. They love a healthy lifestyle. And they love the lake, in every season. So when it came time to build, they worked with John to imagine a space that reflected it all. A garage that puts their vehicles on display through an interior window. A second-floor fitness studio and balcony facing the water, built for daily rituals with a view. And a lower

level made for entertaining that is open, functional, and always in use. A home designed around what mattered most, bringing this couple’s passions to the centre of their everyday life.

(Above) A labour of love for a pair of empty-nest professionals looking to downsize without giving anything up.

A modest, modern home within walking distance to town, perched above the creek they loved. The site came with complex zoning and conservation challenges,

but the vision never wavered. Working closely with the clients, John and the team designed something simple, sleek, and fully their own, with dormers that brought in light, a front door carved with care, and a rear glass wall that frames the forest beyond.

(Top Left): They shared a love of shingle-style houses and a fondness for surprise. The design leans into that tension, balancing classical proportions with playful touches of personality. Inside, timeless details hold the structure while deliberate quirks give it character. The outcome was made possible by clients who trusted the design process.

(Bottom Right): Their vision began with a sculptural staircase, one that could be impressive from the street, admired from within, and experienced every day. Open to a tall south-facing window, it became the central gesture for all three floors, drawing natural light deep into the heart of the home and shaping the symmetrical front facade. Every layout decision

radiated from this form, anchoring the architecture with clarity and intention. It all started with their idea.

(Top Right): A project that began with an attachment. The clients were clear they didn’t want to lose their original woodburning fireplace, fully functional and rich with meaning. Preserving it mattered. Alison focused on how to honour it while making it a modern focal point within the space. A custom porcelain surround— designed to resemble metal—was selected to give the fireplace greater scale and presence. A small knob, used to operate the damper, quietly nods to the client’s love of golf. The result: a detail-driven solution reflecting a clear understanding of the clients’ priorities, expressed through thoughtful, well-considered detail.

(Bottom Left): Walk through this house and you feel the soft transitions, flowing sightlines, and sense of calm—all stemming from a wallpaper Alison had sourced during her travels, which the clients fell in love with. That wallpaper became the reference point for the rest of the home. Decorative arches, a panelled stair, and a long banquette carry its influence through the rest of the space, balancing function, warmth, and a bit of flair for a busy family.

Willmott & Strickland approach each project by understanding the vision and dreams of the people who will live there. Architecture, interiors, and décor come together with precision and imagination, forming one complete story. From the first sketch to the finishing touches, everything is designed with intention. Each space becomes a reflection of the people who live there and the experiences lived inside them.

Leads The Landscape

DESIGNING OUTDOOR SPACES FOR THE SEASON AHEAD

By Ken Dixon

As the light lingers and the ground begins to warm, outdoor living returns. The most memorable spaces aren’t assembled in spring; they’re revealed by it.

There is a moment every March when the season quietly shifts.

The air softens. The sun stretches later into the evening. Patio doors open just slightly, not fully, but enough to suggest what’s coming.

And in that moment, we begin to look outward again.

But while outdoor furniture may still be stored and gardens are only beginning to wake, the most important work has already been done. Because great outdoor entertaining doesn’t begin with décor. It begins beneath your feet, in stone, structure, elevation, and flow.

The landscape leads.

Where it Begins:

ALDERSHOT LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS

Exceptional outdoor environments start with vision grounded in structure. Aldershot Landscape approaches outdoor space not as surface, but as architecture.

Multi-level patios define gathering zones. Subtle grading controls water and directs movement. Thoughtfully positioned steps create transitions that feel intuitive rather than imposed. The result is a space that guides people effortlessly — from dining to lounging, from sun to shade — without ever needing explanation.

In early spring, when the light is crisp and the greenery just beginning to return, strong structure becomes especially visible. Clean lines of interlocking stone. Defined edges. The permanence of a wellbuilt patio.

This is not decoration. This is foundation.

AldershotLandscape.com

FLow & Form:

PROSCAPE LAND DESIGN

If structure establishes the backbone, flow gives the landscape its rhythm.

ProScape understands that people move instinctively. They gravitate toward warmth, toward water, toward spaces that feel intimate but open. Through thoughtful layout and elevation, ProScape designs outdoor rooms without walls, creating distinct yet connected zones for gathering.

Spring highlights this flow beautifully. As evergreen plantings frame stone terraces and pathways guide guests through emerging greenery, the backyard feels intentional even before summer fullness arrives.

Movement through a landscape should feel natural. When it does, entertaining becomes effortless.

Proscape.net

Layered living:

CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPES

Cedar Springs Landscapes brings balance to every outdoor environment, blending structure, function, and lifestyle. Water and stone create rhythm and definition, establishing gathering zones that feel intuitive and welcoming.

Elevation changes and pathways guide movement, while versatile elements — from recreational spaces to terraces — are seamlessly integrated into the overall layout. Thoughtful planting enhances privacy, softens hard edges, and adds texture and seasonal interest.

The result is a backyard that supports activity, relaxation, and connection, where every element, from stone to greenery, works in harmony to create a cohesive, livable outdoor experience.

CedarSprings.net

Design Intelligence:

Great landscapes are not accidental.

McClelland Landscape Design approaches outdoor design with a deep understanding of scale, proportion, and spatial balance. Every patio width, step rise, and sightline is taken into account. The result is harmony, spaces that feel expansive without being exposed, intimate without feeling confined.

In spring, when natural light sharpens edges and reveals detail, design precision becomes evident. Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels added on.

The space simply works.

That seamlessness is the hallmark of thoughtful design — and the reason certain outdoor environments feel timeless.

Outdoor Firepits & Hot tubs:

OAKVILLE HOME LEISURE

As spring evenings remain cool, warmth becomes part of the gathering. Integrated outdoor firepits create natural focal points — drawing guests closer and extending time outdoors.

When framed by stone patios and layered planting, fire features feel architectural rather than added. They anchor lounge zones and create intimacy within open spaces.

Oakville Home & Leisure offers firepit solutions designed to complement structured landscapes, ensuring warmth feels intentional — not temporary.

Few features extend the outdoor season like a thoughtfully placed hot tub. Integrated within stone terraces or sheltered by planting, spas provide both relaxation and social connection.

Steam rising into crisp spring air signals a shift — outdoor spaces are ready to be used again.

Placement and design integration are key, allowing wellness features to enhance the landscape rather than dominate it.

OakvilleHomeLeisure.ca

Grounded In Performance

ENVIRO-LOC INTERLOCKING

Behind every enduring outdoor space lies technical precision.

Enviro-Loc Interlocking provides the interlocking and structural groundwork that ensures patios and walkways withstand Canadian freeze-thaw cycles without compromise. Proper base preparation, grading, and drainage allow the landscape to perform as beautifully in April as it does in August.

Spring often reveals structural integrity. Surfaces remain level. Edges remain clean. Transitions remain seamless.

Durability creates confidence, and confidence allows homeowners to fully embrace the season ahead.

Enviro-Loc.com

Furnishing the Framework:

Once structure and flow are established, furniture completes the experience. Outdoor seating must complement the scale and layout of the landscape, aligning with sightlines, pathways, and defined zones. Durable materials and performance fabrics ensure longevity through fluctuating Canadian conditions.

BUM Outdoor Furniture offers curated pieces that layer comfort onto strong architectural foundations, enhancing rather than competing with the landscape design.

BumOutdoor.ca

Water as a Focal Point:

Few elements shift the emotional atmosphere of a landscape more profoundly than water.

Niagara Waterscapes integrates natural recreational ponds and waterfalls, along with architectural water features that feel discovered rather than installed. Unlike traditional pools that stand apart from their surroundings, these water environments blend into planting and stone, becoming part of the overall composition.

Water reflects brightening skies all year round, (not just in the summer months), and reawakens the senses. The subtle sound of movement softens the space. Reflections create depth. Calm settles in.

Water becomes both a visual anchor and an experiential centrepiece, elevating the entire landscape.

NiagaraWaterscapes.com

The Season Opens

As March gives way to April, outdoor living begins again.

Chairs return to patios. Evenings stretch longer. Conversations drift outdoors. Fire features flicker in cool twilight air. The first gatherings of the year feel hopeful — anticipatory.

But the ease of those moments is not accidental.

It is the result of landscapes designed from the ground up by professionals who understand that entertaining is supported by structure. That beauty requires backbone. That flow, planting, water, and stone must work in harmony.

Spring does not build great outdoor spaces. It reveals them. And when the landscape leads, everything else follows.

IDS 2026: STYLE DESIGN BY

Now in its 27th year, the Toronto Interior Design Show showed a new confidence and sense of adventure, while serving up the best of Canadian and international design.

By Martha Uniacke Breen

At the ripe old age of 27, the Toronto Interior Design Show has matured from a style-conscious (and in some ways, over-ambitious) upstart to the smartest and most adventurous of the Toronto design shows.

This year, despite taking place during some of the ugliest winter weather in decades and the absence of a number of former marquee exhibitors (IKEA was a notable exception, returning after a tenyear hiatus), IDS managed to pull off one of its best shows to date. Presentations included a full roster of talks aimed at both trade and consumer attendees. Designers Brian Gluckstein and Tommy Smythe, perennial fan favourites, were back, along

with distinguished figures like Eames Demetrios, grandson of Charles and Ray Eames, inventors of the iconic Eames chair. What sets IDS apart from other design and home shows, however, is that it’s not just about individual exhibitors or design “stars.” It’s the show’s curated displays that focus on an idea or theme rather than a single exhibitor, and make observations about where the art of design is heading.

One example presented itself right at the top of the Metro Convention Centre North escalators just as attendees arrived at the show. Entitled “Select,” the display offered a variety of Canadian and international pieces that straddle the line between art and design. We were struck by one piece, a mirror framed in carved wood by the Canadian company Ourse – actually, a

consortium of five Canadian design studios that, in the company’s words, “reflect a trend away from single-designer brands towards collective studio-based design.”

“Illuminate” presented innovative works from a curated group of lighting companies, while in “How We Work,” a trio of office design companies presented imaginary workspaces, suggesting how work habits have changed today since the days of cubicle farms and puttycoloured computers.

Out on the show floor, IKEA’s “immersive” exhibit was a call back to vintage IDS shows, where exhibitors would create an entire experience by inviting you in to explore a semi-enclosed exhibit. In this case, it was a full 600-sq.ft. kitchen kitted out in a newly revamped version of SEKTION, one of the brand’s most versatile and enduring styles.

Despite the kitchen’s relatively compact dimensions – perhaps recognizing that many modern-day kitchens (or homes in general) are not gargantuan, but still require high functionality, ample storage and intelligent organization –the space featured a main kitchen; a second prep kitchen well-enough equipped to accommodate a sous-chef; a walk-in pantry; and an adjoining dining space that can seat six without anyone elbowing each other.

Longtime IDS exhibitor Weavers Art once again showed off its ravishing handmade rugs, with new designs by the artists Pietro Adama – currently putting the finishing touches on a new spring collection for the company – and Wanki An, with two rugs on display: one depicting cranes rising in flight, and a swirling abstract called Vapour.

Benjamin Moore, another longtime exhibitor, created a suite of stylized room settings featuring their 2025 Colour of the Year, Silhouette: a complex, sensual slate with chocolate and plum undertones. By placing it in both casual and elegant vignettes, the exhibit demonstrated that the colour is at home in a variety of contexts.

Though perhaps slightly smaller than in some other years, IDS 2026 was notable for its creativity, accessibility and design inspiration, and offered a welcome breath of optimism for the future of Canadian design.

GREEN, ANCASTER

Set amongst a 5.2-acre paradise estate with 1/3-acre pond is a sprawling contemporary bungalow with lofted nanny’s quarters and over 32,000 square feet of spectacular luxury living including a 5,210-square-foot detached garage with a lounge, wash bay and private gas pump. This state-of-the-art home features the latest technologies including whole-home automation with Control4 and a masterpiece 24-seat Dolby Atmos theater with a 24-foot ceiling, 254-inch screen, and a Kaleidescape movie server. Sensational outdoor amenities are surrounded by peaceful countryside, yet only 5 minutes from the heart of Ancaster including the Hamilton Golf & Country Club, as well as the Hamilton International Airport.

LISTED AT $19,888,000 | 6 BEDS | 13 BATHS | 22,387 SQFT | 5.2 ACRES

IHO SKIN RELAUNCH

IHO Skin has relaunched its single hero product, The Solution — a multi-purpose bi-phase serum designed to simplify skincare into one step. The water phase hydrates while the oil phase nourishes, working together to hydrate, clarify, brighten, and smooth skin. IhoSkin.com

RUNWAY TO RESILIENCE

A fashion show with purpose comes to downtown Burlington on April 2, 2026. Held at The Pearle Hotel, the show features community members walking the runway in looks from local retailers, raising funds and awareness for Halton Women’s Place. @Runway_to_Resilience

STEMARGSCOT: COLOURFUL, SUSTAINABLE CANADIAN OUTERWEAR

The world’s first gender-inclusive outerwear brand with a plastic-free, metal-free ethos, handcrafted in Canada. Founded by Sasha Jardine, SteMargScot creates bold, vintage-inspired heritage coats that celebrate colour, craftsmanship, and sustainable farm-to-closet fashion—brightening winter, beautifully and responsibly. SteMargScot.com

ANDREWS OPENS AT FIRST CANADIAN PLACE

In celebration of its 35th anniversary, Andrews unveils its newest boutique at First Canadian Place. This serene, gallery-inspired space offers a refined selection of luxury womenswear and the personalized service that has defined Andrews for more than three decades. AndrewsCo.com

OURA RING: WELLNESS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

The Oura Ring is a sleek smart ring that tracks sleep, fitness, stress, and overall health 24/7. Worn day and night, it captures 50+ biometrics from your finger to deliver powerful, personalized insights that help you feel and perform your best. OuraRing.com

PRIVATE ADDRESS

AT

Holt Renfrew’s Yorkdale flagship, there exists a space few experience casually and none forget. Tucked within Yorkdale Shopping Centre, “The Apartment” has long served as a discreet enclave for the store’s most discerning clients. Now, under the thoughtful direction of Oakvillebased Pizzale Design, it has been quietly transformed into something far more compelling than a private shopping suite. It feels like a residence.

The opportunity to reimagine the space grew from a relationship decades in the making. Nearly thirty years ago, Scott Kyle began his career at Cadillac Fairview alongside Holt Renfrew Yorkdale’s Marketing Manager, Lisa Resnic. When conversations turned to revitalizing The Apartment, the alignment felt natural. What followed was not simply a renovation, but a recalibration of what luxury retail can be.

Today’s client does not seek spectacle. They seek atmosphere.

Rather than leaning into grandeur, Pizzale approached the redesign with restraint and emotional intelligence. The guiding principle was comfort elevated by refinement. From the moment one steps inside, the space offers release rather than reverence. It invites clients to sit, to linger, to feel at home.

This is luxury without intimidation.

“The Apartment” has long served as a discreet enclave for the store’s most discerning clients. Now, under the thoughtful direction of Oakville-based Pizzale Design, it has been quietly transformed into something far more compelling

A layered palette of rich yet softened tones establishes depth without weight. Sculptural seating anchors the room, its curved silhouettes deliberately chosen to create dialogue between each piece. Upholstery is plush, tactile, and grounded. Materials are nuanced rather than flashy. There is rhythm to the composition, a cadence of proportion and texture that reads as residential rather than retail.

The effect is intentional. Nothing feels placed for display alone. Everything serves experience.

At the heart of the redesign is a subtle but powerful philosophy: beauty should be lived with, not observed from afar. Pizzale rejects the outdated notion that luxury must remain untouched. In The Apartment, elegance and functionality coexist effortlessly. Clients are encouraged to settle in, converse, and engage organically with the Holt Renfrew brand.

The project also reflects a broader evolution unfolding across global retail. High-end environments are shifting from curated showcases to immersive interiors that mirror how clients truly live. Many are internationally minded, often maintaining multiple residences. They are accustomed to thoughtful design across

cities and seasons. What resonates now is sophistication balanced with ease.

Designing within Holt Renfrew’s national platform carries both honour and responsibility. Its clientele is discerning and exceptionally well-travelled. Delivering a space that feels current within that context requires cultural awareness, precision, and a refined understanding of how luxury functions beyond aesthetics.

For Pizzale, the commission marks a defining chapter. Under the leadership of Sharon Allen and Scott Kyle, the 25-yearold firm is entering a poised new era. Sharon’s instinct for market nuance and layered interiors shapes the creative direction, while Scott’s background in project management and commercial operations ensures disciplined execution. Together, they are guiding the firm toward thoughtful expansion while preserving its design integrity.

“The Apartment” ultimately stands as both a statement and a signal. It demonstrates that retail can feel personal. That refinement can embrace comfort. And that when design is intentional, it does more than elevate a space — it reshapes the experience within it.

PizzaleDesignInc.com

DRESSED FOR THE SEASON

Discover a curated capsule of perfect summer dresses, exclusively at Andrews. From the vibrant, natureinfused prints of FARM RIO to the effortless tailoring of APIECE APART, the sculptural femininity of SMYTHE, and the architectural romance of ROSIE ASSOULIN, this edit captures the ease, polish, and bold spirit of summer style. Each piece is designed to move seamlessly from sunlit afternoons to warm evening gatherings.

ANTHURIUM LEAVES

GREEN SHORT SLEEVE MIDI DRESS | FARM RIO | $355

A nod to horticulture, focusing on Anthurium leaves in a bold jade shade.

HALTER IN THE NAME OF LOVE

MIDI DRESS | ROSIE ASSOULIN | $895

Cut in crisp navy check seersucker, it balances playful charm with architectural ease, gathered at the neckline, sculpted through the bodice, then released into a full, swingy skirt that catches every breeze and every compliment.

ASYMMETRICAL MIDI DRESS | SMYTHE | $695

V-neck dress with ruched empire waistline, asymmetric hem and fluted sleeves.

VOLTA TWIST MIDI

DRESS | APIECE

APART | $425

Crew neckline, long sleeves, rib collar, twist details at front and back, midi length.

SEA MULTICOLOUR MIDI

DRESS | FARM RIO | $495

The draped midi dress embraces the charm of the sea with a classic collar, draped tie detailing and beautiful sea print.

GREEN MONSTERA LEAF SLEEVELESS

MAXI DRESS | FARM RIO | $515

This bold style is anchored by a tone on tone 3D palm appliqué, grounded in a raw natural linen fabrication and popped by a strong green tone.

CAMI MAXI DRESS | ROSIE ASSOULIN | $695

Cut in classic menswear shirting, the slim straps and softly contoured bodice feel light and feminine against the bold vertical lines.

BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY MAXI DRESS | ROSIE ASSOULIN | $795

Crafted from crisp cotton poplin, this shirtdress features a collared neckline, button-down front, and a cinched waist with a peplum detail for a flattering silhouette. The flowy A-line skirt adds effortless charm, making it perfect for any occasion.

Full-size luxury meets bold capability. With seating for eight, a twin-turbo V6, and advanced safety features, the Armada delivers confident performance with uncompromising comfort.

FORD F-150

Built on a legacy of strength and performance, this truck delivers up to 13,500 lbs of available towing and 2,440 lbs of payload capacity—ready for the job site, the campsite, and every road in between.

LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

Thoughtfully designed around you. With meticulously crafted materials, intuitive technology, and commanding performance, the Navigator delivers a composed, confident drive with exceptional attention to detail.

THE NEST AT FRIDAY HARBOUR REOPENS

Reopening May 2nd for the 2026 season, The Nest is an award-winning, semi-private 18-hole course at Friday Harbour. Designed by Doug Carrick, it pairs sculpted terrain with playability, plus a newly renovated clubhouse and elevated dining. FridayHarbour.com

ELORA’S WINTER OF WELLNESS

Elora Mill Hotel & Spa unveils a new winter wellness experience, available until March 31, 2026. Discover bespoke spa rituals, contrast circuits, and daily wellness workshops, paired with seasonally inspired cuisine designed to restore balance, calm the mind, and awaken the senses. EloraMill.ca

NORDSTROM VACATION SHOP

Nordstrom’s new Vacation Shop is your one-stop edit for getaway-ready style. Discover resort wear, flattering swim, easy dresses, supportive sandals, and chic travel accessories—perfect for building a capsule wardrobe that moves effortlessly from poolside to dinner, wherever your next escape takes you. Nordstrom.com

TREASURE BEACH VILLAGE TURKS & CAICOS

Opening March 1, 2026, Treasure Beach Village is the newest addition to Beaches Turks & Caicos. Designed for families, it features spacious, all-new suites with bunk beds and separate living areas, plus new dining, amenities, and ocean views— perfect for unforgettable island adventures together. Beaches.com

NOBU DEBUTS TORONTO

Nobu Hotel Toronto marks the brand’s Canadian debut with a private 36-room luxury retreat high above the Entertainment District. Blending Japanese minimalism with local design by Studio Munge, the hotel pairs iconic Nobu dining, bespoke service, and artful details inspired by Canada’s landscape. NobuHotels.com/Toronto

Fairways & Muskoka Memories

By Mackenzie Best

As winter begins to loosen its grip on Muskoka,

the return of golf signals something much bigger than the start of a new season. Spring brings longer days, brighter light, and that familiar sense of anticipation shared by golfers eager to get back on the course. Our two-day golf escape — starting at Rocky Crest Golf Club, followed by an overnight stay at the resort and a second round at The Lake Joseph Club — offers a glimpse into how rewarding a Muskoka golf getaway can be as the season gets underway.

It was a trip defined by strong course design, comfortable pacing, and thoughtful amenities that enhanced the golf without distracting from it.

DAY ONE:

ROCKY CREST GOLF CLUB

Our first day began at Rocky Crest Golf Club, a Thomas McBroom design that has become a Muskoka favourite. Routed naturally through granite outcroppings, wetlands, and forested corridors, the course feels intentional and well-balanced, rewarding strategic play rather than brute force. From the opening tee, it’s clear the layout was designed to work with the land.

Rocky Crest offers a confident, well-balanced start to the golf season, blending strategy with Muskoka scenery.”

Before heading out, we stopped at On The Green Bistro, located within the clubhouse and overlooking the 18th green. The clubhouse reflects classic Muskoka style — warm wood finishes, high ceilings, and large windows that invite the outdoors in. It’s a welcoming space that sets the tone for the day.

Lunch was fresh, well-prepared, and ideal before a round. Lighter options such as salads and sandwiches were complemented by heartier favourites, all served efficiently without feeling rushed. Even early in the season, the views across the course offer a reminder of what’s ahead as fairways fully green up.

Once on the course, Rocky Crest delivered a confident start to the season. Wide landing areas off the tee allow players to find rhythm early, while approach shots demand accuracy and thoughtful club selection. The layout moves comfortably through varied terrain, with several holes standing out for their natural setting — particularly the par-3s framed by wetlands and open sightlines.

AN EVENING AT ROCKY CREST RESORT

Staying on property at Rocky Crest Resort makes the experience seamless. Located directly on Lake Joseph, the resort offers comfortable, well-appointed accommodations that balance upscale amenities with a relaxed, cottage-style feel.

After a day on the course, the resort provides an easy transition from golf to downtime. Dinner options allow guests to stay on site and unwind, with menus focused on quality ingredients and relaxed service. As daylight stretches later into the evening in early spring, sitting by the lake offers a quiet reminder that another Muskoka season has begun.

DAY TWO: THE LAKE JOSEPH CLUB

The following morning, we headed to The Lake Joseph Club, another Thomas McBroom design and a long-standing favourite among Muskoka golfers. Where Rocky Crest feels open and flowing, Lake Joseph introduces more elevation changes and dramatic visuals, with exposed rock faces and elevated tees providing glimpses of Lake Joseph throughout the round.

The course is known for its strong par3s and emphasis on shot placement. Fairways are generous, but thoughtful positioning matters, particularly on approach shots where elevation and green contours influence play. Convenient snack stations and lunch offerings along the course make it easy to stay fuelled without interrupting the pace.

Early in the season, Lake Joseph feels especially rewarding. Cooler temperatures make for a comfortable experience, and the contrast between granite, water, and

There’s no better way to welcome the season than a spring golf escape in Muskoka.”

evergreen forest gives the course a clean, refreshed look as spring unfolds. Several elevated tee boxes offer long views across the property, reinforcing why the course continues to stand out year after year.

A THOUGHTFUL MUSKOKA GOLF ITINERARY

Playing Rocky Crest followed by The Lake Joseph Club offers a well-rounded Muskoka golf experience. Each course has its own personality, yet both share a commitment to strong design, natural beauty, and a pace that allows golfers to settle into the season.

For a spring getaway, this two-day itinerary feels particularly fitting. The courses provide a polished, playable introduction to the year ahead, while the surrounding resort and clubhouse experiences make it easy to turn an early-season round into a short escape. For golfers looking to ease back into the game while enjoying some of Muskoka’s most respected courses, this pairing delivers on every front.

RockyCrest.ca | LakeJosephClub.ca

Arctic adventure where icebergs

are born

Breathtaking landscapes and Inuit culture in a land of wonder.

By Linda Barnard

is an award-winning journalist based in Victoria, British Columbia. She's a former Toronto Star staff writer, National Newspaper Awards recipient and a passionate traveller who hopes her stories inspire your next trip. Follow Linda on Instagram @BarnardWrites

Iwalked to the black sand beach on Disko Island, Greenland to see a cluster of icebergs, their angled sides shining in the sun, on a 10°C August day. The ice formations ranged from towering to tiny, a scene almost too much for my brain to process.

Greenland is a country of superlatives. Everything seems bigger, wilder and more vibrant here on the largest island on earth. The townsites bring a smile, with buildings painted deep red, green, blue and yellow. It’s a holdover from the 18th century, a time before addresses, when the colours signalled a building’s purpose.

While more than 80% of Greenland’s landmass is covered by a two-kilometrethick ice sheet, I was surprised to find a landscape rich with summer growth. I hiked up hills covered in spongy summerthawed tundra, a miniature rainforest of flowers and plants beneath my feet.

Greenland’s small coastal communities aren’t linked by roads. The only way to travel here is by air, dogsled – or the way I got around, by water on the Adventure Canada expedition ship Ocean Endeavour. The 174 passengers, most of them Canadian, were drawn here by the chance to explore this remote and beautiful part of the world above the Arctic Circle.

The 17-day Into the Northwest Passage voyage began with five days in Western Greenland. Later, we crossed Davis Strait and headed to Nunavut and the Northwest Passage.

Colourful Sisimiut

I had my first glimpse of colourful Greenland from one of the nimble Zodiacs that ferried passengers from the ship to shore. Sisimiut is the second-largest city in Greenland, home to 5,000 people and about 1,000 purebred Greenlandic sled dogs. The animals are crucial for winter hunting on the ice; Greenland doesn’t allow hunting from snow machines. In the summer months, the muscular canines are on summer holiday, relaxing at a noisy Dog City compound.

Our ship had nine Inuit expedition crew, to help us learn about the Indigenous people who have lived in this vast region for thousands of years. There were more than two dozen scientific, cultural and social sciences experts on board as well. We learned about geology, archeology, birds and mammals and history. It’s no surprise writer Margaret Atwood likened these Adventure Canada trips to a “floating university.”

Former Greenland prime minister Aleqa Hammond, the first woman to hold the post, was also part of the expedition crew. “People want to know how we live here. That’s something you can’t Google,” she said.

In Sisimiut, a local teen was our guide for a walking tour. He had what I soon learned was a typical Greenlandic trait: a dry sense of humour.

We walked past the harbour, which was filled with fishing boats, apartment blocks, stores and brightly painted houses. As we walked uphill to the Taseralik Culture Centre, locals greeted us in Greenlandic fashion, with a raised eyebrow.

The modern community hub hosted a Taste of Place meal, a chance to try the Inuit “country foods” that are the cornerstones of the local diet. I liked the muskox meatballs and soup and fresh-caught shrimp. Pungent squares of purple-red raw seal meat, valued as a belly-warming source of protein and minerals, and chewy muktuk (beluga whale skin and blubber) were a challenge.

At the Sisimiut Museum, a group of heritage buildings tell the community’s story from the past century. I was fascinated by the display of heavy dogsleds. Inside Bethelkirken, built in 1775 and Greenland’s oldest church, there was a display of colourful traditional dress, including glass-bead collars and sealskin leggings.

Iceberg Alley

The next morning, we woke to find the ship was well into Western Greenland’s Iceberg Alley. One passenger was so excited by the spectacle, she raced on deck in her pajamas, her sleeping mask pushed up on her forehead.

I never felt unsafe. The captain and bridge crew were experts at sea ice navigation, and the Ocean Endeavour has a double hull.

It was thrilling to be in the area where icebergs are born. They crash from

glaciers to float through the North Atlantic. The most prolific iceberg nursery is at the Ilulissat Icefjord on Disko Bay, about 300 km north of Sisimiut.

The UNESCO World Heritage area includes the popular Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, which explains all about Greenland’s iceberg factory. Ironically, the captain decided the ice around Ilulissat was too unpredictable that day. (Being adaptable and ready for change is a hallmark of expedition cruises, where nature and weather dictate the route.) That’s how we made our unscheduled stop at Qeqertarsuaq. But it was no hardship. The town welcomed us, opening the small history museum, and we hiked to a spectacular waterfall.

Long Arctic days are a bonus. We went out in the Zodiacs after dinner to get a close-up look at the face of the Eqip Sermia glacier, watching chunks calve and tumble into the water with huge splashes.

“People want to know how we live here. That’s something you can’t Google.”

Everything seems bigger, wilder and more vibrant here on the largest island on earth.

Greenlanders hold ice in such high esteem, their flag depicts the sunrise over the ice.

“Ice is lovely,” said Hammond. “It brings sea ice krill, food for sea mammals, fish, whales, polar bears.”

Armed bear guards were with us on all onshore activities outside of community visits. Unfortunately, we didn’t see polar bears until we got to Nunavut. The Arctic’s apex predators need sea ice to hunt their favoured prey of seals.

Green Travel & Greenland

With cruise ship traffic up substantially in 2025, Greenland is focusing on better tourism, not more of it. That means double-hulled ships and lower C2 emissions, something Adventure Canada is addressing with two newer, more fuel-

efficient ships that will sail in the Arctic in the 2026 season.

It will be easier to get there. A new international airport opened in the capital of Nuuk in 2024. New airports open this year in Ilulissat and southern Greenland at Qaqortoq.

If You Go

Adventure Canada runs all-inclusive expedition cruises to Greenland and the Arctic during summer months. Starting this summer, it will operate two ships on Arctic, Greenland and north Atlantic expeditions: 144-passenger Exploris One and 78-passenger Ocean Nova.

Linda Barnard was a guest of Adventure Canada, which did not preview this story. For more info, visit AdventureCanada.com

TASTE AND DESIGN AWARDS, FINE WATER ACADEMY / 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2016

SUPERBRANDS / 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

SUPERIOR TASTE AWARDS, INTL. TASTE INSTITUTE / 2021, 2019, 2016, 2010

PREMIUM BRAND / 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

LUXURY BRAND OF THE YEAR / 2011

EUROPEAN TRUSTED BRANDS / 2013

GOLD TASTE AWARDS, CHINA / 2016

GOLD METAL SINGAPORE TASTE AWARD / 2021, 2020, 2019

LUXURY LIFESTYLE AWARD / 2024, 2020

1ST PLACE ALU BOTTLE 500ML, GOLDEN INNOVATION FMCG & RETAIL (POLAND) / 2023

ALINE NASSEH HANDCRAFTED CHOCOLATES

Toronto-based chocolatier Aline Nasseh creates artisanal, hand-painted bonbons that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Available year-round with seasonal limited editions, each small-batch chocolate is crafted with exceptional ingredients and ships Canada-wide. AlineNasseh.com

MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL BURLINGTON

The Maple Syrup Festival by Street Eats Market takes over 1016 Waterdown Road on March 21–22 and March 28–29. With free admission and parking, enjoy maple taffy on snow, pancakes, sweet treats, family activities, and plenty of maple-inspired delights. StreetEatsMarket.com

THE GRAND HAMILTON RESTAURANT

Now open at 69 Augusta Street in Corktown, The Grand Hamilton pairs elevated sandwiches, share plates, and mains with craft cocktails in a stunning, hotel-inspired setting. Explore three distinct spaces—The Palm, The Lounge, and The Tangiers—each offering its own unique atmosphere. TheGrandHamilton.ca

UPRISING BAKEHOUSE COMING SOON TO DT BURLINGTON

Uprising Bakehouse, a woman-owned, gluten-free, plant-based bakery specializing in sprouted organic sourdough, is opening a new storefront at 393 John St, Burlington this Spring. Founded by Jen Mifsud in 2018, the bakery delivers delicious, healthy treats for all to enjoy. UprisingBakehouse.ca

BURLINGTON’S NEWEST SUSHI SPOT: SPOON & FORK

Spoon & Fork has opened a new Burlington location at 1200 Brant Street, bringing its family-founded Japanese and Thai dining to the city. Enjoy fresh, flavourful dishes with All You Can Taste, à la carte, takeout, and catering options. SpoonAndFork.ca

COUNTLESS FLAVOURS FOUR YEARS,

BUVETTE IN THE HEART OF BURLINGTON

For four years,

Buvette has quietly cemented itself as a standout in Burlington’s dining scene, offering an upscale yet approachable experience that draws both locals and visitors. Just steps from the downtown core, the restaurant pairs a polished, inviting atmosphere with a menu that emphasizes quality ingredients and thoughtful execution.

A SOCIAL BAR EXPERIENCE

“The bar at Buvette is a natural meeting point,” says a regular patron. Designed as an extension of the dining room rather than a separate lounge, it balances energy with approachability. Guests gather for pre-dinner drinks, casual conversations, or a full dining experience, all while enjoying attentive bartenders, a strong cocktail program, and an extensive wine list. Shared tables and a welcoming layout make it ideal for solo guests, couples, or small groups, reinforcing Buvette’s reputation as a place to connect as much as to eat.

DINING ROOM & PATIO

Inside, the dining room is bright and modern, with a solarium-style space that accommodates intimate dinners, group gatherings, and special occasions alike. The design is understated and functional, creating a refined environment that never feels formal.

Buvette’s patio has become a downtown Burlington highlight. The stylish outdoor space offers a relaxed al fresco dining experience, perfect for lively conversation and people-watching. Thoughtfully designed with overhead coverage and heating, it invites guests to enjoy a fullservice bar experience comfortably in every season. It complements the interior dining space, adding a social, yet sophisticated, energy to Burlington’s Village Square.

“Once you make your staff number one, your clients will be number one.” – Alex Lassos, Owner

THE MENU

Buvette’s menu is a thoughtful mix of steakhouse classics, premium Black Angus cuts, fresh seafood, and elevated comfort dishes. Creative touches like Korean-fried cauliflower, truffle-infused salads, and seasonal pasta options

provide variety alongside signature dishes such as whole grilled branzino and lobster gnocchi. Shareable starters — including tuna tartare, beef carpaccio, oysters, and calamari — make it easy to explore, while mains deliver consistent quality and flavour.

“It’s work, but it’s a passion. You have to be all in to make real success.”

– The Buvette Team & Alex Lassos, Owner

DRINKS & SERVICE

The wine list is extensive and carefully curated, blending international selections with familiar favourites. Cocktails favour classic profiles, executed with consistency to complement the food rather than compete with it.

Service at Buvette is polished yet unpretentious. Staff are knowledgeable about both menu and wine pairings, offering guidance whether the evening calls for a business dinner or a celebratory night out. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends or during peak hours.

A PROVEN DINING EXPERIENCE

Buvette’s success lies in its consistency. After four years, it remains a reliable destination where atmosphere, food, and drinks come together seamlessly. It is a place to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals, share conversation, and return to time and time again — proof that refined dining in Burlington can be both approachable and memorable.

For more info, visit BuvetteResto.com

Enjoy a dining experience unlike any other in our indoor glass solarium dining room or cozy outdoor patio. Buvette Restaurant is a perfect night out. Featuring an extensive menu of fresh and locally sourced fare, paired with a curated array of wines and spirits that will feature something for any palate and preference including indulgences like oysters and caviar. Call or visit our website to make your reservation.

VINES: A YEAR IN THE

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Season by Season

An Invitation to Experience Niagara-on-the-Lake Through Wine, Food and the Rhythm of the Seasons

There is a reason wine lovers return to Niagara-on-the-Lake again and again.

It isn’t simply the vineyards or the lake views. It is the rhythm of the seasons, and the way this remarkable region celebrates each one through food, wine, and thoughtful hospitality.

Niagara-on-the-Lake has attracted connoisseurs from across the world for decades, and there’s no better way to discover this treasure perched on the shores of Lake Ontario than through touring its world-class wineries. Through every season – be it winter’s sparkle, late-winter indulgence, spring’s return to patio season, or autumn’s golden glow –there is a tasting experience designed to meet you there.

If you’d like to experience several of the region’s great wineries with one ticket, consider purchasing a special Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Signature Tasting Passport. With this program, the region’s top wineries have transformed the concept of the tasting pass into something far more meaningful: each passport is an invitation, offering eight curated winery experiences to sip, savour, and discover the craftsmanship that defines this cool-climate region.

From the long-awaited pour of the new Icewines in January to the golden glow of harvest-inspired food and wine pairings in late fall, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a wealth of culinary delights all through the seasons. Salut!

Winter’s Glow

Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village January 2026 | Queen Street

Each January, Queen Street becomes something out of a storybook.

Snow settles softly along heritage rooftops. Firepits flicker. Glasses glint under strands of warm white lights. The Niagaraon-the-Lake Icewine Village transforms the historic downtown into a winter wonderland devoted to one of Canada’s most celebrated wine achievements — Icewine.

More than 20 wineries gather to pour premium Icewines, each bottle the result of patience, precision, and the unique conditions only a Canadian winter can provide. Guests move between tasting stations wrapped in scarves and laughter, discovering notes of apricot, honey, citrus, and candied pear.

The IceHaus Cocktail Competition adds a dynamic edge, as bartenders reinterpret Icewine with frozen flair. VIP domes offer intimate lounge-style experiences, while curated culinary pairings from local chefs provide warmth and balance to every sweet pour.

Admission to the village is free, with food and beverage tokens available onsite. Family-friendly touches — including whimsical snow globe photo moments — ensure that the celebration remains as welcoming as it is refined.

It is winter, reimagined through the lens of wine.

Indulgence in Every Sip

Wine, Chocolate & Cheese

Weekends (Friday–Sunday)

February 13 – March 8, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

As February unfolds, Niagara-on-the-Lake leans into indulgence.

Wine, Chocolate & Cheese invites guests on a self-guided tasting journey through participating wineries, where each stop presents a VQA wine paired with a bite-sized culinary creation inspired by decadent chocolate and artisanal cheese.

This is where balance becomes art. A structured red alongside dark chocolate’s depth. A crisp white cutting through creamy brie. Unexpected pairings that surprise and delight.

Guests enjoy eight tasting experiences across the region.

TICKET OPTIONS:

Tasting Pass (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available):

$65.95 (includes HST & fees) — 8 winery pairings

Individual Day-Of Tastings:

$15 (limited availability until 4:30 p.m.)

The experience is intimate yet social — ideal for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a winter weekend wrapped in warmth and flavour.

Fire Meets Vine

Sip & Sizzle

Weekends (Friday–Sunday)

May 1 – May 31, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

By May, wine country begins to exhale.

Vineyards shift from dormant stillness to vibrant green. Patio doors open. The scent of smoke and spice drifts through the air.

Sip & Sizzle celebrates the bold flavours of barbecue and grilled cuisine — thoughtfully paired with Niagara VQA wines. Each participating winery crafts a grill-inspired tasting designed to complement the structure, fruit, and character of their selections.

Expect smoky ribs alongside robust reds. Charred vegetables with crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Sweet heat balanced by refreshing Rosé.

Guests receive eight curated tasting experiences, allowing them to explore the region at their own pace.

TICKET OPTIONS:

Tasting Pass (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available):

$65.95 (includes HST & fees)

Individual Day-Of Tastings:

$15 (limited availability until 4:30 p.m.)

Sip & Sizzle feels celebratory — a return to outdoor living, shared tables, and wine enjoyed beneath open skies.

Golden Hour in Wine Country

Taste the Season Weekends (Friday–Sunday) October 30 – November 29, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Autumn in Niagara-on-the-Lake carries a quiet magic.

The vineyards glow amber and gold. Harvest lingers in the air. There is a sense of reflection — and celebration.

Taste the Season invites guests to experience eight holidayinspired food and wine pairings crafted to echo the comfort of late-fall gatherings. Think savoury seasonal dishes paired with expressive reds, crisp whites, and elegant sparkling wines.

It is the perfect prelude to the holidays — a way to savour the year’s final harvest before winter returns.

TICKET

OPTIONS:

Tasting Pass (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available):

$65.95 (includes HST & fees)

Individual Day-Of Tastings:

$15 (limited availability until 4:30 p.m.)

The Insider’s Experience

Winemakers’ Selection Tasting Pass

Available Year Round | Monday–Friday | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For those who prefer a quieter exploration, the Winemakers’ Selection Tasting Pass offers access to a total of 25 participating wineries throughout the year.

Each winery offers guests one glass of a specially selected VQA wine that reflects its signature style — a pour chosen not for trend, but for authenticity. It is a conversation between guest and winemaker, guided by craftsmanship and terroir.

PRICE: $59.62 (includes HST & fees)

Valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Flexible, thoughtful, and refined, this pass transforms Niagara-on-the-Lake from a seasonal destination into a year-round ritual.

For more information visit wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com or scan the QR code to learn more

Another World Next Door

MEMBER WINERIES:

● Bella Terra Vineyards

● Between the Lines Winery

● Byland Estate Winery

● Château des Charmes

● De Simone Vineyards

● Dandor Estate Winery

● Ferox by Fabian Reis

● Inniskillin Wines

● Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery

● Konzelmann Estate Winery

● The Hare Wine Co.

● The Lakeview Wine Co.

● Marynissen Estates Winery

● Niagara College Teaching Winery

● Palatine Hills Estate Winery

● Peller Estates Winery

● Pillitteri Estates Winery

● Queenston Mile Vineyard

● Ravine

● Reif Estate Winery

● Riverview Cellars Estate Winery

● Shiny Apple Cider — Home of Fresh Wines

● Strewn Winery

● Trius Winery

● Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery

A Taste of NOTL

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE'S MOST DELICIOUS DISCOVERIES

1) Berry Classic

Greaves Jams & Marmalades Classic Strawberry Jam is a Canadian favourite for good reason. Crafted in Niagara-on-the-Lake with ripe strawberries and natural cane sugar, it offers vibrant colour, fragrant sweetness, and bright flavour—perfect for breakfast and far beyond. GreavesJams.com

2) Golden Celebration

Peller Estates Winery Signature Series Ice Cuvée VQA shimmers with a brilliant straw hue and a stream of fine bubbles. Aromas of apricot, yeast, ripe apple, and honey lead to tropical fruit on the palate, finishing with a lively hint of pink grapefruit. Peller.com

3) A World of Flavour

At OLiV Tasting Room, premium extra virgin olive oils and authentic balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy are thoughtfully sourced and expertly finished in Niagara. Each batch is tasted before bottling to ensure exceptional quality, offering a diverse range of infused flavours perfect for cooking, dipping, and entertaining.

@OlivTastingRoom

4) Brunch, Elevated

At Treadwell Cuisine, the Lobster Eggs Benedict is a refined take on a classic. Poached eggs and hollandaise crown a toasted English muffin layered with buttered lobster and a hint of togarashi. Rooted in a farm-to-table philosophy, every element reflects the best of the region’s seasonal ingredients. TreadwellCuisine.com

5) Crimson Indulgence

The 2023 Stratus Icewine Red from Stratus Vineyards pours a luminous partridge-eye pink with ruby highlights. Aromas of strawberry and cranberry unfold into red currant and subtle spice. Lush and sweet on the palate, it finishes with vibrant berry notes and a delicate herbal lift—perfect alongside pavlova, cobbler, or iced shortbread. StratusWines.com

6) Decadence in Every Twirl

At Peller Estates Winery, the Signature Lobster Linguini is pure indulgence. Fresh pasta is layered with Icewine-poached lobster, black truffle, smoked bacon, and a rich Chardonnay cream sauce. For the ultimate experience, pair it with their Signature Series Chardonnay Sur Lie. Peller.com

7) Botanical Bubbles

neob Niagara’s Lavender Sparkling Water is lightly carbonated and naturally flavoured, offering a crisp sip infused with delicate botanical notes. Refreshing and subtly calming, this canned sparkle is a must for lavender lovers seeking something beautifully different. neobNiagara.com

Visit our Designer Showroom 1800 Ironstone Dr, Burlington Event Tenting, Fabulous Furnishings, Designer Tablewares and more

Find out more at www.specialevents.ca @special_event_rentals

Spring

Soirée A

A HOST ’ S SEASON OPENER

By Gregory Fast, At-Home Entertaining Expert

Spring is the season that invites us back to the table. After months of cocooning, there’s a collective craving for light, colour, and connection.

Meals that feel celebratory without being heavy, and gatherings that feel intentional but effortless.

For this spring dinner party, I leaned fully into that feeling, building the evening around a green and white palette inspired by the home itself. We hosted at my friend Matthew’s newly renovated space, a beautiful blend of classic architecture and modern restraint. Painted green accents, doors, trim, and cabinetry set a quiet but confident tone throughout the home. We complemented the space with branchy green arrangements, potted hyacinth bulbs and whimsical crawling vines. It's that perfect time of year that allows you to still have a fire going while possibly cracking a window for that crisp spring air.

Every great dinner party begins with a clear theme. For spring, green may seem like an obvious choice, but it’s also one of the most versatile. Green feels fresh and grounded at the same time. It connects us to nature, pairs beautifully with food, and flatters nearly every material ― it’s a great backdrop to almost all your senses.

The tablescape was designed to feel abundant without being overworked. We opted for a collection of low white florals in clear glass vases, to show off their bright green stems. Green stoneware dishes anchored each place setting, paired with relaxed white linen napkins, tied with long green grasses for a DIY moment.

Kicking off the evening: hospitality at the door. A signature cocktail sets the tone for what’s ahead: the Spring Garden Gimlet, light, citrusy, and herbaceous, an easy batch-made sip for any host. This paired beautifully with light hors d’oeuvres, elevated crudités and dips.

Kicking off the evening: hospitality at the door. A signature cocktail sets the tone for what’s ahead.

Spring Garden Gimlet

(Serves 6–8)

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup gin

½ cup fresh lime juice

¼ cup simple syrup

½ cup cucumber juice

Fresh mint or thyme

PREPARATION:

Combine all ingredients, chill, and serve over ice with herbs and a cucumber ribbon.

As cocktails shifted into wine, and conversation moved from the living room to the dining table, the evening found its

rhythm. With glasses refreshed and chairs pulled close, guests gathered around a family-style meal designed with spring in mind. Candlelight flickered across the table as the earlier energy of mingling softened into something more intimate and unhurried.

To start, a bright salad of mixed peas and beans was served, citrus-forward and finished with herbs, a fresh, seasonal opening. For the main course, pistachio and lavender crusted racks of lamb took centre stage, accompanied by classic sides of golden roast potatoes and tender asparagus. The meal felt generous and comforting, yet perfectly suited to the lightness of the season.

Main: Pistachio & Lavender Crusted Rack of Lamb

(Serves 6)

INGREDIENTS:

2 racks of lamb, frenched (about 1 ½–2 lbs each)

1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped

1 tbsp dried culinary lavender, finely crushed

• ¾ cup fresh breadcrumbs

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Starter: Lemony Garlic Green Salad

(Serves 6)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved

• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed and halved

• 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

• ½ cup finely grated Pecorino cheese

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)

Dressing

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp garlic, minced (about 4 cloves)

1 tbsp lemon zest

2 tbsp capers, finely chopped

1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

PREPARATION:

Blanch green beans, snow peas, snap peas, and frozen peas in salted boiling water for 1 minute. Transfer immediately to ice water, then drain well.

In a small pan, gently sauté garlic, lemon zest, and capers in olive oil for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Toss greens with dressing, herbs, lemon juice, and Pecorino. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear racks on all sides until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

Brush lamb evenly with Dijon mustard. In a bowl, combine pistachios, lavender, and

breadcrumbs. Press mixture firmly onto the lamb.

Transfer to a roasting pan and roast for 15–20 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130°F). Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

For dessert, a simple pavlova topped with lemon curd, fruit, and fresh mint carried the green-and-white story through to the final course. Served alongside a chilled glass of sparkling wine, it was the perfect ending — light, bright, and celebratory.

More than anything, this evening was a reminder that the most memorable gatherings aren’t built on perfection, but on intention. A thoughtful palette, seasonal ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere create space for people to slow down, connect, and truly enjoy one another. As spring continues to unfold, let it be your invitation to open the doors, set the table, and gather often, because the simplest moments, shared well, are always the most beautiful.

Happy Hosting!

A simple pavlova topped with lemon curd, fruit, and fresh mint carried the green-and-white story through to the final course.

A thoughtful palette, seasonal ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere create space for people to slow down, connect, and truly enjoy one another.

AUTHENTIC, UNMISTAKABLY VERACE.

Stracciatella e Zucchine

Fior di latte, zucchini, stracciatella, orange zest, olive oil.

Cinquemila Rose

Fior di latte, gorgonzola, baby arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto di parma.

Truffolino

Fior di latte, burrata, baby arugula, truffle honey, walnuts, fresh shaved truffles.

Prosciutto e Stracciatella

Basil pesto, fior di latte, cherry tomatoes, stracciatella, prosciutto di parma, balsamic glaze.

Ciliegia

Fior di latte, gorgonzola, stracciatella, sour cherry jam, baby arugula

Rapini, pesto, nduja sausage, burrata, basil, olive oil.

Total Home Protection For Total Peace Of Mind

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Indoor

LES FLEURS DU MAL AT OAKVILLE GALLERIES

Les Fleurs du Mal brings together works exploring flowers, gardens, and acts of mourning and remembrance. Engaging the complexities of loss and the thresholds between life and death, the exhibition reflects on memorialization, materiality, and embodiment. OakvilleGalleries.com

NRG HAUS: SOCIAL WELLNESS CLUB

Opening this winter in Liberty Village, NRG Haus blends contrast therapy, functional beverages, and community experiences in a modern wellness lounge. Recharge by day, reconnect by night, and discover a new way to socialize, recover, and nurture your well-being in Toronto. NrgHaus.com

EARTH DAY 2026: CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION

Earth Day, on April 22, 2026, spotlights conscious consumption: choosing to consume less but better to reduce environmental impact while improving quality of life. The campaign encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to adopt sustainable, mindful practices across energy, materials, and daily living. EarthDay.ca

A SILVER MEDAL FOR TEAM CANADA

Canada women’s national ice hockey team earned silver at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Burlington natives Renata Fast and Emma Maltais helped lead a determined, hard-fought effort that made Canadians proud! Olympics.com

POP-UP ROLLER RINK IN BURLINGTON

SUSO Skate Co. has transformed Mapleview Mall’s former Decathlon space into a pop-up roller rink for all ages. Since 2021, SUSO has hosted 100,000+ skaters across Canada. Grab your spot and roll into the fun! SusoSkateCo.com

Sense A of Place

Doug Edwards and the Enduring Power of Landscape | By

Mackenzie Best

FOR CANADIAN ARTIST DOUG EDWARDS, LANDSCAPE PAINTING IS NOT SIMPLY AN ACT OF OBSERVATION. It is an ongoing conversation with memory, history, and place. His oil paintings, celebrated for their depth, vitality, and emotional resonance, have earned a devoted following among collectors who recognize both the technical mastery and the quiet storytelling embedded in his work. At Harbour Gallery in Mississauga, Edwards’ paintings feel right at home, offering viewers a familiar yet elevated perspective on the land and life that shape Ontario.

“We look for art that will create a response in our collectors,” says Jenna Bryant, Associate Director at Harbour Gallery. “People living in Ontario find Doug’s art relatable, as the familiar visuals in his paintings resonate with our shared experiences. Through his personal connection to many areas within the province, he honours the landscape of the region and reminds us of our own history to the area.”

That sense of recognition is powerful. Edwards’ paintings do not rely on grand gestures or dramatic narratives. Instead, they uncover something quieter and more personal. “Places hold significance for people,” Bryant explains. “Through his art, he uncovers subconscious memories that draw viewers to connect with his paintings over time.”

forests, expansive skies, and rugged rock formations. These landscapes, familiar to many Canadians, become something more contemplative through his brush. He also explores city life, particularly Toronto street scenes, where iconic streetcars and urban rhythms offer a contrast to his pastoral works.

At Harbour Gallery, Edwards’ range is seen as one of his defining strengths. “Doug’s contemporary viewpoint as an artist, influenced by his interest in the techniques of the master painters of the Renaissance period, results in paintings that are classic yet contemporary,” Bryant says. “His work is enduring and complements any setting from traditional to modern.”

This balance between tradition and modernity has been central to Edwards’ artistic journey. After three years of classical training in figure portraiture at the Ontario College of Art, he spent his final year studying in Florence, Italy. The experience proved transformative. “That was a shock to the system,” Edwards recalls. “I felt overwhelmed by the history, the architecture, and the great works of artists like Michelangelo and Raphael.”

Painting in Florence, surrounded by Renaissance masterpieces, shifted his perspective and expanded his ambitions. While figure drawing had defined his early studies, landscape painting offered a sense of freedom. He was influenced by artists such as Monet, John Singer Sargent, Gustav Klimt, Anders Zorn, and Joaquín Sorolla, whose mastery of light, colour, and composition continues to inform his work today.

Edwards’ paintings do not rely on grand gestures or dramatic narratives. Instead, they uncover something quieter and more personal.

Born in Toronto in 1954 and raised in Creemore, Edwards developed an early intimacy with the Ontario landscape. His family farm near Dunedin, along the Niagara Escarpment, remains one of his most enduring sources of inspiration. “I knew that land very well and travelled every road in the area,” Edwards says. “The farms, ponds, and rolling hills drew my attention.”

Beyond its visual beauty, the region carried a deeper resonance. Edwards speaks of the land’s layered history, including 17th-century events tied to the Iroquois and the Huron Wendat nation, as well as early French missionary presence. “There are no historical markers,” he notes, “but locals speculate on this historical connection. I always felt a significant connection to the land in this area, and I believe it is due to these events.” That sense of unseen history quietly informs his work, adding emotional weight to scenes that might otherwise appear simple.

In addition to rural Ontario, Edwards frequently returns to Georgian Bay, from Honey Harbour to Killarney, drawn to its pine

That classical foundation is evident in Edwards’ technique, particularly in his use of underpainting, which creates

In a world where trends in art and design shift rapidly, Edwards’ paintings offer something more enduring.

depth and responsiveness to changing light. “His work conveys a sense of vitality that engages audiences across generations,” Bryant says.

In a world where trends in art and design shift rapidly, Edwards’ paintings offer something more enduring. “People recognize the value of a well-executed painting,” Bryant adds. “Genuine quality and emotional resonance can transcend trends, and Doug’s work has a timeless appeal that collectors appreciate.”

Edwards’ process reflects this balance of intention and openness. Often painting on location, he begins with sketches and colour studies, already considering composition through foreground, mid ground, and background. Yet he embraces unpredictability. “The painting never turns out the way you intend,” he says. “I always try to learn something new with every painting regarding colour and composition. I want to keep it interesting for myself and for the viewer.”

process of learning, the painting will not always be successful, and I embrace that as part of my growth.”

Recently, Edwards has been exploring interior scenes and continuing to travel as a means of discovery. He has painted extensively across Canada and abroad, participating in international art colonies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. These experiences, which often require artists to donate works back to host organizations, offer him the chance to expand both professionally and personally.

That desire for growth remains central to his practice, even at this stage of a long and accomplished career. “I can tell when an artist is going through the motions, and I want to avoid that,” Edwards says. “That means taking risks and being prepared to fail. In the

Ultimately, Edwards measures success not by accolades alone, but by connection. “When collectors tell me that they see ‘a Doug sky’ while travelling through rural Ontario, that is incredibly gratifying,” he says. It is a quiet confirmation that his work has entered their way of seeing the world.

Through his paintings, Doug Edwards invites viewers to slow down, to recognize the beauty and history embedded in familiar places, and to carry that sense of connection into their homes. At Harbour Gallery, his work stands as a testament to the lasting power of craftsmanship, memory, and a deep love of the land.

For more info, visit HarbourGallery.com

Celebrate Mom

HANDPICKED GIFTS TO ELEVATE EVERYDAY RITUALS AND SPECIAL MOMENTS THIS MOTHER’S DAY.

1) A Soak to Remember

Handcrafted in Canada, this newly relaunched Aphrodite Bath Bomb transforms an everyday soak into a skinsoftening ritual. Mineral-rich salts, nourishing oils, and real Bulgarian rose petals create a long-lasting, effervescent escape that feels indulgent and restorative. Bathorium.com

2) Artful Affection

The Suke Fool For Love Tee by Kerri Rosenthal features collector’s edition artwork that celebrates love every day. Soft and beautifully draped, it pairs effortlessly with denim or layers seamlessly under a blazer for an elevated, expressive look. AndrewsCo.com

3) Lavender Escape

Beautifully boxed and ready to gift, this French Lavender Spa Gift Set by Planted includes a hand-poured soy candle, exfoliating scrub, rich body butter, and soothing pillow mist. Designed to encourage rest and relaxation, it turns everyday routines into moments of quiet luxury. ShopPlanted.com

4) Structured Sophistication

A structured crossbody crafted in luxurious Russian leather, the Épure S balances bold lines and versatility. Its refined silhouette makes it a statement accessory, perfect for everyday life with elegance and ease. AndrewsCo.com

5) Timeless Teardrop

This Knar Signature Egg pendant pairs rich yellow gold with robin's egg blue accents with blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds. The adjustable cable chain provides options for different lengths, so the pop of colour is always on display. Knar.com

6) Bright & Balanced

This Happy essential oil aromatherapy roll-on blends lemongrass, rosemary, patchouli, geranium, and sesame oil for an uplifting, calming effect. Apply to pulse points for a natural perfume that energizes and restores balance throughout the day. BlueCitrusStudio.ca

7) Soft Essential

Crafted from premium cashmere, this elbow-sleeve sweater strikes the perfect balance of cozy and polished. A classic fit that will become your favourite go-to piece. Lemonwood.ca

8) Bamboo Beauty

By Canadian brand Milena Boo, this longsleeve bamboo pajama set is crafted from soft, breathable fabric that keeps her cool and comfortable all night. With a relaxed silhouette, feminine detailing, and a flexible waistband, it’s a refined essential for restful sleep and cozy days at home. SusansFineLingerie.com

9) Polished Precision

The Frederique Constant Highlife Ladies Automatic blends classic craftsmanship with modern versatility. Featuring a skyblue dial, stainless steel bracelet, and sapphire crystal, this 34mm watch includes an interchangeable white rubber strap for effortless everyday styling. Knar.com

10) Golden Glow

The Knar Signature 14kt yellow gold round stud earrings feature Robin's egg blue details with circlets of brilliant diamonds. Refined, fashionable and flattering.

11) Softly Styled

Cozy yet lightweight, the Gisele Sleep Shirt offers the perfect balance between a nightgown and classic pajamas. Ideal for warmer months, its temperature-regulating, breathable fabric helps maintain all-night comfort. With an easy silhouette designed for restful nights and relaxed mornings alike. BravaBoutique.com

12) Adventure Ready

Clean, portable, and thoughtfully designed, this limited-edition set pairs a cult-favourite insect repellent with a newly launched mineral sunscreen. Perfect for travel, cottage weekends, or everyday outings, it’s a practical luxury for moms on the move. StayBiteFree.com

13) Light Therapy Luxe

Professional-grade LED light therapy designed to treat acne, wrinkles, and pain, the Celluma iPRO promotes cellular health in a portable, hands-free design. Lightweight and versatile, it can be used on the face or body for targeted, restorative results. Available for treatment or purchase at The Rosewater Spa. RosewaterSpa.com

Why Pelvic Health Deserves Attention

There are certain health conversations that rarely make it to the dinner table, yet quietly shape how we live every day. Pelvic health is one of them.

Bladder leaks. Discomfort with intimacy. A persistent feeling of pressure or heaviness. These experiences are more common than most realize, affecting both women and men, yet many suffer in silence, adjusting their lives instead of seeking solutions.

WHEN CONFIDENCE IS QUIETLY COMPROMISED

Bladder urgency and leaks can influence everything from fitness routines to travel plans. Even something as simple as attending an event may require advance planning around washroom access. Interrupted sleep from nighttime urgency only compounds fatigue.

Intimacy challenges linked to pelvic floor dysfunction can affect confidence and connection. When discomfort replaces ease, relationships and self-esteem can quietly take a hit.

Pelvic organ prolapse, often described as a sensation of heaviness or pressure, can lead to physical discomfort and emotional frustration — but it does not have to be endured.

At UROSPOT, pelvic health is approached with discretion, innovation, and expertise. Their non-invasive technology, often referred to as the “Kegel Throne,” delivers the equivalent of thousands of pelvic floor contractions in a single session, simply by sitting comfortably. Paired with personalized care plans and education, the experience is designed to restore strength, confidence, and freedom.

Because living fully — travelling, exercising, laughing without hesitation — is part of building strength from within.

A complimentary consultation offers a thoughtful first step. And sometimes, that step is all it takes to begin feeling like yourself again.

For more info, visit UROSPOT.COM

UROSPOT is an innovation in health care, disrupting the industry in a powerful and positive way.

HONOURING

The Heart and Legacy of Bow Friends

By Mackenzie Best

Some stories leave an indelible mark: stories of love, resilience, and the power of turning heartbreak into purpose. For Michela Guglietti, the story of her daughter Connie is one such story, inspiring families and communities across Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, and beyond.

Through the We Love You Connie Foundation and Bow Friends, Michela has transformed unimaginable grief into a living legacy of joy, connection, and hope.

Bow Friends began with something as simple as a bow. Connie, affectionately known as the “Bow Queen,” adored her colourful accessories, wearing them proudly and inspiring smiles wherever she went. “When she was little, I could only find special bows when travelling to Florida. I remember wishing there were more options here at home,” Michela recalls.

After Connie passed from DIPG, Michela knew she wanted a legacy that reflected joy, colour, and purpose. Bow Friends was born, a tribute that became a platform spreading happiness

while supporting children and families facing the same unimaginable challenges she had known.

“Creating Bow Friends became my way of transforming grief into something beautiful,” she says.

Through the We Love You Connie Foundation, Bow Friends helps fund research that is contributing to real advancements in DIPG treatment, giving families more hope and more time. Beyond research, the foundation offers emotional and financial support to families navigating one of life’s most devastating diagnoses.

Bow Friends is more than a boutique. Michela emphasizes the importance of connection: “We are building a space where families can gather, whether through birthday parties, special events, or collaborations with other local businesses. Every purchase supports a greater purpose, as funds support hospitals, improved outcome care, and a future cure of DIPG.” By combining joy and impact, Bow Friends strengthens both families and the local community.

Leadership for Michela has been deeply shaped by her experiences. “Life is fragile, and purpose matters. Leadership, for me, is rooted in empathy. It’s about listening, showing up consistently, and leading with authenticity.” She has discovered that vulnerability is a source of strength, and sharing Connie’s story openly allows others to share theirs. Michela’s approach to leadership is guided by resilience, a quality she witnessed in Connie every day.

Moments of connection highlight the difference Bow Friends makes. Michela recalls a young girl visiting the holiday market who chose a bright pink bow, Connie’s favourite colour. Her mother explained that wearing the bow made her daughter feel part of something bigger, connected to courage, kindness, and purpose. “In that moment, I was

reminded that Bow Friends is about more than accessories. It’s about connection. It’s about children feeling seen and families feeling supported.”

Looking ahead, Michela hopes Bow Friends continues to grow in reach and impact. She envisions expanding community events, deepening collaborations with local businesses, and continuing to raise awareness for funding of DIPG research. Above all, she wants Connie’s spirit to shine through everything the initiative does. “I promised her I would honour her life in a way that reflected her joy, her strength, and her love for creativity, and that promise continues to guide me. If Bow Friends keeps spreading happiness while making a real difference, then her legacy will always live beautifully and boldly.”

Bow Friends and the We Love You Connie Foundation are testaments to the power of turning love into action. From vibrant bows to heartfelt support for families, Michela Guglietti’s work ensures Connie’s light continues to brighten the world. Even in the face of loss, love—bold, beautiful, and purposeful—endures.

Learn more at WeLoveYouConnie.com and BowFriends.ca

WHAT IS D.I.P.G.?

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive brain tumour that primarily affects children. It develops in the brainstem, a critical area that controls essential functions such as breathing, movement, and balance. DIPG is difficult to treat because of its location and rapid progression.

Currently, there is no cure, and treatment typically focuses on improving quality of life and extending survival through radiation, clinical trials, and supportive care. Foundations like the We Love You Connie Foundation play a crucial role in funding most promising research, improved quality of life extension, and a future cure of DIPG.

Ontario’s Premier Medical House Call Company

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Sculpture by the Lake:

Burlington’s Waterfront as an Open-Air Gallery

Along Burlington’s shoreline, where sailboats glide across Lake Ontario and summer festivals animate the parks, sculpture becomes part of the landscape itself: no walls, no doors, no admission.

Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail

The Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail (BWST) transforms downtown streets and lakeside paths into a curated journey of contemporary art. Each spring, more than fifty sculptures by Canadian and international artists appear along promenades, green spaces, and city streets. Some are monumental, others intimate; all are meant to be experienced in motion, on foot, by bike, or during a quiet moment by the water.

Children weave among abstract forms, couples pause to interpret meaning, and photographers chase sunlight across steel, bronze, and stone. The city itself becomes a stage, the waterfront a collaborator.

Philanthropist Dan Lawrie has been central to this vision, bringing world-class works to Burlington through the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection. His belief is simple: great art belongs in public spaces, woven into everyday life.

Today, sculpture shapes how residents experience their city. The waterfront is not just a place for recreation; it is a space for reflection, discovery, and dialogue between artist, viewer, and nature.

As installations rotate with the seasons, the trail evolves, reminding visitors that public art, like the lake beside it, is both constant and ever-changing. Burlington’s open-air gallery proves that culture can be spontaneous, accessible, and deeply woven into community life.

Trail Run: April 11, 2026 – May 31, 2026

Opening Reception: April 26, 2026

Family Day: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Sponsorship Opportunities Available Contact Dan Lawrie at 905-518-3303 or dlawrie@lawriegroup.com

GEORGE PIMENTEL:

A Life Built One Frame at a Time

George Pimentel didn’t grow up chasing celebrities. He grew up in a working studio, holding lights, watching his father learn on the job, and understanding early that photography was about people first.

Photography runs deep in his family. His grandfather was the town photographer in a small fishing village in the Azores, working with glass plates long before photography was convenient or forgiving. When George’s father and uncles immigrated to Canada, they became some of the first Portuguese photographers in Toronto. Their first studio sat above Kensington Market, before George’s father bought a building on Dundas Street West in 1975. George still remembers walking into that empty space as a child, dust, cobwebs, and his father saying, “This is ours.”

That studio became his foundation. The work was honest and hands-on: weddings, portraits, communion photos, community festivals. His father ran the business. His uncles were the artists. George, the youngest, helped wherever he could, holding flashes in church basements, standing on

ladders during Portuguese parades, taping prints to the window and selling them to neighbours. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real.

“I’m not embarrassed by where I come from,” George says. “It’s who I am.”

As a teenager, George knew he wanted more than staying inside the same four walls forever. He applied twice to Ryerson’s Photo Arts program and was rejected twice. He kept working, apprenticing, shooting weddings, saving money, and trying again. When he finally got in, it changed his life.

Ryerson gave him language for what he already felt. He immersed himself in the darkroom, studied photographers like Karsh, Avedon, Eugene Smith, and Diane Arbus, and learned how to tell stories through images. For his thesis, George travelled to his parents’ village in the Azores—somewhere he had never been, documenting daily life, labour, funerals, and celebrations. Living there helped him understand where his family came from and, in turn, who he was as an artist.

After graduating, the future wasn’t clear. George returned to Dundas Street, unsure how to turn personal work into a living. So he did what he had always done: he kept shooting.

His turning point came in 1993 at TIFF.

George read that Robert De Niro would be attending the festival for A Bronx Tale. Armed with his Hasselblad and no press badge, he waited outside the Elgin Theatre. By chance and confidence, he found himself standing with the media. When De Niro arrived, George called out, took one frame, and thought it was over. Then De Niro stepped back outside, after everyone else had left. George waited. He focused. He got the shot.

That photograph changed everything.

It sparked a personal project that lasted years. George spent nights waiting outside theatres and hotels, photographing celebrities respectfully, never chasing scandal, never crossing lines. He wasn’t paparazzi. He was a fan. He wanted his subjects to look cinematic, dignified, timeless. He printed everything by hand, often giving photos to drivers, security guards, and publicists, building trust long before access followed.

Seven years later, that growing body of work landed him his first published photo

He wasn’t paparazzi. He was a fan. He wanted his subjects to look cinematic, dignified, timeless.

essay in Flare magazine. From there, assignments followed. TIFF became a constant. George joined WireImage as their Canadian photographer, later working with Getty Images, and is now represented by Shutterstock.

Today, George Pimentel has photographed the Toronto International Film Festival for over 30 years and covered the world’s most prestigious events, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Met Gala, Cannes Film Festival, and more. His work spans Hollywood icons, cultural milestones, and political moments, including a recent portrait of the Prime Minister with Hudson Williams during a heated rivalry.

Despite the scale of his career, George’s approach hasn’t changed. He believes in preparation, respect, and relationships. He believes in knowing when to step forward, and when to step back.

“The whole business is about trust,” he says. “Do a good job, and they’ll call you back.”

From a modest family studio on Dundas Street West to the world’s most demanding red carpets, George Pimentel’s career has been built the same way it started, through patience, persistence, and waiting for the right moment to press the shutter.

GeorgePimentel.com