Pie Digest Part 10

THE iX

THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC.

Introducing the BMW iX. All-electric, awe-inspiring, emissions-free. It combines trailblazing design and modern luxury with the latest innovations in automated driving, battery technology, connectivity and digital services. Released 2021.

Reserve your iX today with Georgian BMW.

Georgian BMW

220 Essa Road, Barrie Ontario • (705) 797-4200 www.georgianbmw.ca

TOO FUN TO PARK.

The all-electric MINI Cooper SE combines sustainable mobility with the riding fun, expressive design and premium quality that defines the MINI brand.

Learn more about MINI Electric at www.minigeorgian.ca/electric and book your test drive online.

220 Essa Road, Barrie Ontario • (705) 797-4200 www.minigeorgian.ca

MINI GEORGIAN

Flexibility, from design to supply to installation – this is our promise.

One speed only for life at a calmer pace

Adjustable seats for S, M, and Business Class

Turning stability for no spilled refreshments

Laps quietly for a ride that won’t tell the fish you’re there

Smooth pedal system for a lazy afternoon workout

Polished Sapele wood for vintage glamour

Its greatest feature is time.

Introducing The Saint Tropez. The world’s first and only luxury pedalo. Inspired by the French Riviera. Designed for modern performance and durability in Canada. Limited edition of 25 watercraft. Now is the time to claim yours. Contact us to learn more: info@beaulake.ca

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford

72 High Street, Barrie

72 High Street, Barrie

Amanda Chapman - achapman@chapmanlaw.ca Samantha Brown - sbrown@chapmanlaw.ca chapmanlaw.ca chapmanlawstyle

Amanda Chapman - achapman@chapmanlaw.ca Samantha Brown - sbrown@chapmanlaw.ca chapmanlaw.ca chapmanlawstyle

Relaxed luxury.

I have been on a unique journey as a publisher since 2005, bringing you relaxed luxury content and good vibes. This has been a strange time in our lives – I want to frame that time with gratitude. I want to thank you for patience, I want to thank you for kindness, for keeping it together and just keeping on. I’m grateful to be living in a city where

I can absorb nature in abundance, since water is my medicine and this year it’s been especially comforting and nourishing to my soul. Many Canadians learned the same thing, heading to nature for comfort and revitalization. I’m also grateful for realizing that there are things that I don’t want or need any longer; I’m sure many of you have made similar discoveries. I feel proud to be a Canadian publisher and to continue to build this printed matter.

It is always my goal to design each issue with a certain sensitivity to our readers. It’s a philosophy that doesn’t just apply to this edition, but this whole life and how we live it. I’ve been taking more time to appreciate people, wholesome cuisine, and heart-to-heart moments as we transform our world. For the cover, I celebrate images within images, the rawness of Pietro Adamo’s innovative visions and the comfort of relaxed luxury in all things.

When I reached out to friends in the community and asked for similar support to showcase charities and businesses that may need a little added exposure, there was a wonderful sense of caring. A special thank you to Forest Hill Barrie/Orillia/Innisfil, Barrie Metro Glass, 400 Chrysler, Lifestyle Matters and Georgian BMW.

We are in full swing at Pie Media Group as we collaborate with our local, national, and international community. We are devoted to an intimate basis of content creation more than ever as we continue to explore especial relaxed luxury marketing objectives. We are totally revisiting what true style, craftsmanship and ultra modern design mean in Canada.

Enjoy this issue, holding it in your hands, collecting it or passing it on to others who can enjoy it… or keep it forever! It is yours – a sweet slice, or the entire Pie. It’s all yours.

Cheers! Here’s to the next one!

With love from our home to yours.

publisher publisher@piemediagroup.com

Sandra Roberts

APRIL BARBER Design Director

When you are passionate about something, I feel it is important for your passion to be a refection of who you are. What I love about graphic design is the ability to craft imagery and type together to create designs that strike the viewer, right from the first glance. Something you can see with your eyes yet feel with your heart.

As the Design Director at Pie Media Group, I have an intimate relationship with every step of the creative process. I love being a part of reinventing the way Canadian publications approach the medium of print and I am proud to be a part of the continued tradition of crafting beautiful content while reimagining what it means to stimulate readers.

TENNEIL HOLLENBECK

Sales Representative Cell 416-678-7625 tenneil@theTHgroup.ca

www.theTHgroup.ca

TENNEIL HOLLENBECK

54 Cedar Pointe Drive, Unit 1207 Office 705-721-1852 www.theTHgroup.ca

Real Estate Sales Professional Cell 416-678-7625 tenneil@theTHgroup.ca

“It’s your move...let me help you make the right one”

The Senior Wish Association

KINDNESS IS ALIVE AND WELL

Please consider donating.

Your gifts go directly into programs and back into the community. Families move, partners pass on, and some of our seniors are truly alone; we want them to feel cared for and included. Aging is a lifelong process that unites us all.

aseniorwish.com

"There is something beautiful about everyone and it is my privilege to help them find it"

- Dr. Stacie Weber

TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOOD.

Our friends over at Common Good Café & Social House, (CG, affectionately), have really developed a name for themselves as purveyors of quality food and beverages. For breakfast with a book, lunch meetings, tea with friends, dinner dates or intimate gatherings, CG is the destination; everything is made with a side of pride and joy.

From the moment you walk in, you get the vibe. The space is one of a kind; every detail has been carefully considered, from the wallpaper to the decorated glass shelves and windows that open to a beautiful summer garden. Visiting Common Good is an experience.

As creators of fine food and beverage, it is important to continue to develop menus

that not only fuel the body, but also feel indulgent like decadent sandwiches, fueling smoothies, complex bowls, and entrees meant to awaken the senses. Beverages include handmade coffee, inventive cocktails, local craft beers, international wines, and a delightful mocktail and alcohol free wine list. All of their menus have been created with the intention to satisfy anyone and everyone that you choose to be social with.

The welcoming team at CG will ensure that you have the best experience. While their downtown location is convenient, take out and catering for your intimate gatherings is available to the surrounding area.

Whatever you do, and however you do it… be good

Visit our website for takeout & delivery information... commongoodcafé.ca

A STORY OF OUR LANDSCAPES

The Pine has been a long journey into our own creative process.

All our food and drink have been thought about, the ingredients carefully curated, and everything handpicked. We are directly linked with our family's farm which grows most of the produce we serve. We change the menu often to allow us to reserve some things for the winter months.

Our meat and fish are sourced within Canada and as locally as possible with an emphasis on sustainability.

Our recipes have been adapted to what is available here and now.

The Pine was created on a dream to create a Canadian cuisine. Telling stories that come from far away translated by our local landscapes.

THEPINECOLLINGWOOD.CA

3A King Street South, Cookstown ON | Cafe & Shop | madhatterstable.ca

Teetotaler

DEFINITELY NOT GRAPE JUICE!

Perhaps you’ve been a teetotaler for quite some time. Maybe you’ve tried a bottle of non-alcoholic wine from a local grocery store - perhaps not the best one out there, but it can certainly be a game changer. Finally, there's a mature, sophisticated, not-so-sweet beverage to enjoy with dinner or while socializing with family and friends.

Non-alcoholic wines, particularly wines which have been dealcoholized, have a right to be in their own category. The time and effort taken to create this beverage deserves respect! A wine that has been dealcoholized is made in exactly the same way as ordinary wine, with all of the wonderful aromatics and nuances you would expect.

It is the fermentation of grape juice, essentially, but in this case, it then goes through a complex dealcoholization process to give you a delicious finished wine product!

It isn’t going to taste like wine with alcohol because the alcohol has been removed, which in turn, reduces the weight and slight bite on the tastebuds that we have become so accustomed to. What remains is a lighter, slightly sweeter and smoother finish. With the wide variety of non-alcoholic wines, made from grapes such Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Chardonnay or Moscato, the options are endless! Take your time to find the right dealcoholized wine for you. Experiment with different pairings/cuisine. We suggest that you begin your journey with local winemakers… it’s definitely not grape juice!

KEEPING THE FAMILY AFLOAT

BY_KERRY JOHNSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY_BIREN BHALLA

In movies and on television, it’s a familiar portrait that verges on stereotype: the glamorous chef chatting up well-heeled customers and ordering staff around. While that may be part of the life, it’s often backed by hard work and years of experience. Marco Ormonde, owner and executive chef at The North Restaurant has had a lifelong journey with the culinary arts. Fortunately, even as the pandemic hit the restaurant industry quite hard, Marco has been able to soldier on and found creative ways to navigate the crisis. He started his training at the age of 8, helping his grandmother catering in Portugal. While cooking was always a vocation, family continues to be his foundation. He moved to Canada when he was 10 and by age 12, had a paid job as a dishwasher in the corporate kitchens at Toronot's Pearson Airport, where his mother worked. By 16, he was training at Humber College. He dove into Toronto's restaurant scene working his way to executive chef at the high-end restaurants at the Delta Chelsea, Metropolitan and Hilton Hotels. This included managing the food and beverage service for major events. The large scale experience helped in The Distillery District, where Marco was responsible for overseeing 3 restaurants and patios handling thousands of patrons. After that, he went back to the high-end Monsoon restaurant. All that work earned him a four-star chef’s rating in Toronto Life magazine but the city left him longing for something quieter. He moved to Barrie, creating the upscale North restaurant, steps from the waterfront. Marco quickly got involved in local charities, and developed a big crowd of customers and friends. He moved North to a bigger building, opened Maple Canadian Pub in Midland, then saw another opportunity: the chance to run restaurants at two busy marinas nearby. He signed on and got to work….just as covid hit.

Others might have backed out immediately. Marco just worked harder. He and his girlfriend, Marlene Silva, took advantage of the pause and started renovating the new restaurants. The marina owners graciously granted a break on the rent during the lockdown but rent wasn’t the only financial concern. The next months would see a dance of bank loans, government loans and remortgaging properties. Marco also joined his girlfriend in her office cleaning business so that she wouldn’t have to hire outside staff. He did much of the restaurant renovation work himself and when the lockdown was lifted slightly, he set up a takeout program at The North. He offered family size pasta deals and other specials with his mother helping in the kitchen and his sister working in the restaurant; he even had his kids come in to help out. To generate more income, Marco rented out half of his own home in the country on Airbnb and built a glamping cabin on the property, putting that up for rent as well. He and his girlfriend made a trip to Portugal, where they turned shipping containers into a cottage by the sea, (on family property) and managed to rent that out too. Once restrictions were lifted, he faced a new set of problems: getting enough staff, (some of them had found other industries), rising prices for food and wages, and looking for new suppliers to replace some that had gone out of business.

Marco says it’ll take years before he recovers financially, but he’s grateful to stay afloat, thanks in part to his own frugality. He knows others haven’t been so lucky. When asked why he didn’t cancel the contracts for the two new restaurants at the start of the pandemic, he said he was still very much in growth mode. He relies on his inner strength, faith and optimism to push him through the worst times, knowing that eventually things will go back to normal. In the meantime, he discovered how family helps him, and how he helps family, and focus on the more important things in life. Yes, it’s about feeding the soul, as much as feeding the hunger.

AN AMAZING CULINARY EXPERIENCE

THENORTHRESTAURANT.CA

"Yes, its about feeding the soul, as much as feeding the hunger."

- Chef Marco Ormonde

CakesnCrafts

BY RONDA GRAY

SHELTER ME

When a woman arrives at the shelter, a warm hand reaches out to her: extending welcome, a fresh new pair of pajamas, and a sanctuary. In time, it’s a chance to rebuild her life, free from violence, in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

The Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie is a registered charity that provides a safe refuge and emergency support services for abused women and their dependents in its commitment to end the cycle of violence. They are a 27 bed facility that offers a 24 hour crisis line, residential service, one-on-one counselling, group counselling, court and legal support, and housing transition support; all free of charge. Every year the agency must raise over $350,000 to bridge the gap left by the lack of government funding. They rely heavily on community minded corporations, businesses and individuals to help. They are hoping you consider the Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie and to support the Shelter Me campaign.

The mission of the Shelter Me campaign is to secure reliable, sustainable funds to ensure that the women and children who arrive at their door receive the best support and safety that can be provided. We live in a very generous community; many of us want to encourage, support and help those people who need a hand. Your generosity provides a destination for a mother and her children who otherwise may have nowhere else to go.

You can support the Shelter Me campaign by adding this charitable organization to your list of employee charitable deduction options or by partnering with WCS to become your charity of choice!

If you have any questions or comments, Katie Taylor Development Manager. katie@barrieshelter.com

PHOTOGRAPHY_KENESHA LEWIS

When someone has faith in you, it builds your confidence. When someone firmly believes that you have the potential to build the life of your dreams, no matter where you are right now - that is empowering. Essentially, that is Laura Brailsford's philosophy… but it wasn’t always her practice. As a young person, she got into the habit of spending whatever money she had, with no long-term vision and often lived paycheque to paycheque. Sound familiar? She was afraid to ask questions and just plodded along. In time, she decided she was worth more than that. Laura was ready to change her story; it was the beginning of a journey toward financial freedom. She now shares all the valuable lessons she learned with her clients. Laura feels that "if you believe in your own worthiness and become educated about your money and investments, you can grow your wealth abundantly and realize your dreams!" Laura's approach as a financial advisor is different.

When she discusses your goals and how to reach them, she wants to ensure that you feel in control of your money and secure in your future. When she recommends an investment, she always explains why it is the best one for you in order to meet your goals.

Before joining Edward Jones, Laura co-owned a restaurant, worked in food distribution, hospitality and sales, and was a dance and yoga teacher. She merges these interests in order to connect with her clients and make a difference in their lives. Her business sense, entrepreneurial spirit, and philosophy of mind/body/life all inform her practices. Outside of work, Laura relishes quality time with her family, a busy household with two daughters. Her passion for dance and yoga continue to be an important part of her life, as well. A vote of confidence from Laura might be just what you need! In her words: "I believe you are worth creating a legacy of your own. You are worth the journey and the outcome. Now it's your turn. Let's talk about the road to reaching your dreams."

GRATITUDE IN GIVING

We’ve been feeling grateful; we’ve been feeling a sense of interconnection and we’re not the only ones. A thriving group of like-minded women have gathered together to recognize the many needs in our community. They learn together, laugh together; they grow, dream and rise together. They lead from their hearts and a place of love. They are a community of 100+ inspiring women on a mission to make a difference. They are Gals That Give, an entertaining, engaging, inclusive group who share a passion for positive change and are inspired and dedicated to making a difference. Their strategy is simple mathematics! Each member donates $100, four times per year. This amounts to a total donation of $400 annually, per member, which is gifted to local charities, non-profits, and any organization in need serving Simcoe County.

That’s a total contribution of up to $40,000 annually, generously donated by members of Gals That Give to improve our community. Our local resources and charities can profoundly impact lives; with this understanding, each member made the decision to take action. One person CAN make a difference and they feel that it’s time to give back. Each day they take the opportunity to create positive change doing what they love, while continually growing, learning, and paying it forward, on a small scale. Gals That Give is an incredible collective which provides dynamic, practical support on a grassroots level and contributes to a massive shift toward a community of caring. Doesn’t that sound like a great place to live?

PHOTOGRAPHY_LAURA JOY FOR NINETEEN MARKETING

KATE WINSLET

Unfiltered

BY_KERRY JOHNSTON

She’s instantly recognizable, gaining international attention and an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film Titanic. People Magazine declared her one of the most beautiful women in the world. Kate Winslet could have easily cherry-picked film projects with glamorous, beautiful characters, but audiences everywhere are being rewarded for her aspiration to play more challenging parts. She didn’t take the easy route. The actress used her fame from the breakout role to launch a career of vivid portrayals of women in turmoil, trouble and angst. She’s starred in lowbudget pieces that got critical acclaim, but no box office success. She’s worked with some of the biggest directors in Hollywood, along with up-and-comers that she believed in. She’s also gained admiration from a wide range of fellow actors for her hard work and commitment to her craft.

Despite a closet full of BAFTA film awards, Golden Globes, Academy Awards and appearances on the cover of numerous fashion magazines, Winslet is also unusually realistic about her appearance, especially by Hollywood standards. As a young girl, she was bullied at school over her weight, including being nicknamed “Blubber”. She also had to fight stereotypes at acting school, where she was told she’d do okay if she stuck to ‘fat girl roles”. It took a stint at Weight Watchers to get her body down to more acceptable on-screen standards, but she gives the impression it’s a regular battle. The press has been less than charitable, making regular snide comments about her body and her weight. She’s even sued some media outlets over their jibes, and won.

Winslet’s known for her acceptance of nude scenes, and says she does it, in part, to let women know that their bodies are acceptable and not to be hidden away.

In the film Ammonite, she and actress Saoirse Ronan even choreographed their sex scenes together, to make them more realistic, rather than have a man do it. Winslet made headlines when her director in the hit series Mare of Easttown offered to edit out a shot of her stomach during a sex scene. She flat-out refused the removal of “her bulgy bit of belly” and also nixed the airbrushing of her wrinkles in promotional posters. All this makes her an interesting choice as Global Ambassador for L’Oreal Paris, with their tag line “Because I’m Worth It.” Kate Winslet grew up in relative poverty, was bullied for her weight, has been through 3 marriages, birthed 3 children, been praised and criticized in the press, and spent years working on the tougher parts of her craft when she could have chosen an easier path. She says, “It’s taken work to get to a place where I make no apology for who I am, where I accept my flaws.” She makes it clear that this campaign is about more than buying into a makeup line. She encourages others to embrace everything they are and recognize what they have done, saying “... it takes courage and strength to believe that you are worth it.”

The actress is also using her platform to bring awareness and financial support to a variety of charitable causes, including: research for leukaemia and ovarian cancer, the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, PETA, a UN domestic violence program, the Ambassador for Cardboard Citizens, (a theatre program for people who have been, or are at risk, of being homeless), the Elton John Aids Foundation, and the Small Steps Project (bringing shoes and other goods to children living in garbage dumps around the world). She even established her own charity, The Golden Hat Foundation, to help end the stigma surrounding autism, after narrating a documentary on a mother’s journey to find a way to communicate with her non-verbal son. She often recruits fellow celebrities to promote and fund her causes, and she’s gone from being recognized for her looks, to being lauded for her clout. People Magazine declared her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2009, and she was awarded the SAG-AFTRA Actors Inspiration Award for both her career achievements and her charitable work.

As she approaches her fifties, she shows no sign of slowing down. She offers a special message of selfcare to everyone else working hard to just get through the day:

“Sometimes you may not feel worth it at all. We all have moments like that and that is what makes us all human… but the more you say these words and believe in everything that you truly are, and however you identify, then with time and belief in yourself, you too will feel worth it.”

A Man of Many Comedic Hats HOWIE MANDEL

BY_DAVE GORDON | PHOTOGRAPHY_KOVERT CREATIVE

Actor, comedian, game show host, voice-over artist, talent judge, and podcaster – is there anything that Howie Mandel can’t do?

Most people might know Mandel as one of the judges on TV’s America's Got Talent. Whereas he has seen hundreds of unknown performers become famous, he too took a chance on the stage, in 1977, trying his hand at comedy on a dare.

His early shtick included placing a latex glove over his head, and inflating it by blowing through his nose.

In just a few years, he was already on the big screen, and since 1981, he has averaged both a film and television role for each year. One of his first breakout roles was from 1982 to 1988, playing Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the highly-rated medical drama St. Elsewhere (also starring Denzel Washington). He’d lend his voice talents to the Gremlins film’s most famous Mogwai Gizmo, Muppet Babies characters, as well as creating and voicing the children’s cartoon Bobby's World.

In recent years, he hosted the game show Deal or No Deal, and throughout the decades, no matter how busy, still always found time to grab a stand-up audience whenever he could.

Pie caught up with the busy showman, to ask him all about his comedic mindset and what is his secret to success…

Tell me about your early exposure to comedy?

My dad would buy comedy albums. I remember being a toddler, and I'd hear my mom and dad laughing hysterically in the living room. I'd walk in and I’d listen to the album, and I didn't get it. They’d be watching the Tonight Show and the guy would be doing jokes about his mother in law. I don't know what the hell a mother in law is, so why is that even funny. So, what happened was I got engaged in the joy of laughter. I'll never forget; it's like a switch went on. One day Sunday night, I'm sitting there with my parents and they're watching Candid Camera. Allen Funt - the host of Candid Camera - was explaining that he's going to pretend he's a boss in an office, and he's going to hire these receptionists, and their job is just to answer the phone and not miss a phone call.

Then he showed us that he tied a rope to the leg of the desk, and it went through a wall. What was going to happen is, anytime a woman would reach for the phone, they would pull a rope and the desk would go away. Then the first girl comes in, and the phone rings. They pulled the rope, and the desk goes away and her jaw drops. It was the most guttural laugh I've ever had. I turned to tears, and my parents were in tears. I tried to recapture that every minute of life from that moment on.

What can lessons in showbiz teach entrepreneurs?

Business is a much bigger word - twice as long as show - and you realize there's show, and there's business. I think everything is show business. I think when you open up a car dealership, there's show business involved. When you open up whatever business, it is show business, because you need to show other people. The only differences are the size of the audience, and what you expect from your audience. Is your audience just coming to you to buy carpet, or is your audience coming to you to get a laugh? Is your audience coming to you to buy laptops? What are you doing to make your audience want to show up, and partake of your wares. It is ultimately all business. If you don't understand business, then you will not make it in show.

What’s your best business advice?

Diversity is a friend of everybody. It really is. I think that we end up closing our minds. Success doesn't come to you; it’s something that you decide you need. It's like the Rolling Stone song, ‘you can’t always get what you want, but you'll get what you need,’ and if you need it, you're willing to continue to do it. You look at anything that didn't make it, they just quit. They just stopped. I always say the only difference between you being you and Elon Musk, is he did it, and you didn't. These are people who had an idea had a passion, and spent years, and endless hours, in a garage with their friends saying, ‘No, like this. I think this is good,’ with that kind of passion. You just got to go for it and do it. Life is too short. We have too many opportunities and people choose to not take those opportunities. What’s most fun about being an AGT judge?

I get to sit there and watch somebody who is relatable to me - like the everyday person - who comes out with a hope and a dream, and then they stand on that star on the stage, and the crowd goes nuts, or the next day 12 million people have seen them live on TV, and their life is never the same. You're watching dreams come true.

Your favorite travel destination? Italy is stunning and beautiful. Hawaii is a favorite of ours. But if you're asking what my actual favorite place is, it’s going home. I love Italy, and I love Hawaii, outside of my house.

"It is ultimately all business. If you don't understand business, then you will not make it in show."

- Howie Mandel

And The New Canadian Theatre IAIN MOGGACH

BY_BURKE CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHY_M PHOTO

Canadian theatre, being only five decades old, has been created and sustained mostly by government money. While providing necessary funding, the grants create a theatre dependent on such funds. Overall, government money removes the stress of the marketplace and the pressure to develop normal business acumen. Artists learn how to put on a show, but not how to sell it, promote it, or take it anywhere. This lack of connectivity with the real marketplace has spread across theatre departments and the educational system. Not given priority status, few established fundraisers and theatre producers have emerged. In this country, theatre never developed the commercial savvy to sustain itself. In 2015, Iain Moggach was about to graduate from the George Brown theatre department, in Toronto. The competition for any work in theatre was intense.

“There were few jobs out there for actors,” Iain notes, “Being an artistic director was my long-range goal, and expanding my skill set was the smart way to increase my chances, so as opportunities arose, I acted decisively.”

At the time, Alex Dault was heading the Theatre by the Bay company, in Barrie, Ontario, and looking out for candidates to take a training course in producing theatre. A producer oversees every aspect of putting on a show–from the selection of works, scheduling, securing appropriate venues with enough space, to the managing of the finances. The producer essentially keeps the momentum up while orchestrating the whole event. Historically, Canadian theatre has had plenty of actors, directors, and designers, but there have been few competent producers. Realizing the opportunity to take a producing course, Iain moved to Barrie and signed on at Theatre by the Bay as an associate producer.

I see within three years, he rose from General Manager to Executive Director. He became Artistic Director in 2018, taking over from Alex Dault, who had initiated and produced several local plays and launched various theatre programs. When Alex moved on, everything was handed off to Iain.

In Barrie, Iain enjoyed one full season as Artistic Director when, suddenly, a dark shadow fell across the world. No one in Canadian theatre foresaw the coming of the global pandemic, both deadly and spreading rapidly, closing theatres everywhere. In major centres like Toronto, New York, and London, many venues were dealt a fatal blow, and thousands of actors were left unemployed. The future of the entertainment industry was now in peril. Necessity is the mother of invention and disaster often proves advantageous for one who has the tenacity, calm, and imagination for strategic thinking. Fortunately, Iain excels in these qualities, and a few more. After the initial shock of the shutdown, Iain began planning for the future.

The pandemic accelerated a major transition in Canadian theatre. In this country, the beginnings of theatre can be traced back to the 1970s.

The young people who started theatre are now seniors. The sudden closure of the theatres and the uncertainty surrounding reopening pushed many into retirement. Their exit abruptly opened the doors to a new generation of theatre artists, eager for their posts. There is some concern that, in the coming postpandemic era, the government may have less money to bolster the arts. Cutbacks in government funding may force those in theatre to broaden their view of “audience” and how to reach that audience. In short, the shows themselves will have to turn more of a profit. Few producers realize that to capitalize on successful plays, one must mount a tour: showcase it locally, nationally, or internationally. Without tours, local hits go on but are soon forgotten. It’s like tossing marketable goods into a dumpster. Moggach realizes, “Touring is integral to our future. Successful shows must have a future!” One way to ensure this is with deeper, richer community involvement. Iain believes the central question for any theatre is: “What does our community need?” and then, one must execute a plan to answer that need.

“Programs like these are the foundations for the company’s larger goals, as well as the community that supports theatre. I see festivals of new work, extensive workshop opportunities, and chances for local artists to work with the biggest names in Canadian theatre.”

In 2019, Iain decided to offer a Director Training Program, that gave emerging directors the chance to cast and stage certain local scripts. But everything was disrupted when COVID hit. With the theatre closed and artists unable to assemble, Iain secured enough funding to keep the project alive. Cleverly, he exploited common technologies to fulfill his goals. As the actors could not gather for rehearsals or performance, the directors and actors were connected online, and their work broadcast in a Zoom show. The broadcast proved surprisingly inventive and productive. Afterwards, Theatre by the Bay began to hear from artists across Canada and as far away as India, asking for details on how to go about doing the same. Now in the emerging post-pandemic Canadian theatre, distance is increasingly irrelevant and even small theatres are making their mark. Artists across the country are now connecting in new ways; even smaller theatres are achieving a higher profile. During the pandemic shutdown, some of Canada’s most well-known theatre artists had become available to participate in script readings, online, from their homes. Iain contacted them, and thereby extended Theatre by the Bay’s everexpanding network.

At Theatre by the Bay, Iain learned producing “in the trenches”; he now teaches at their Indie Producers’ Co-op. This hands-on learning is needed in every aspect of theatre. Practical, real-life initiatives such as the ones at Theatre by the Bay are influencing learning in theatres outside of Barrie.

As Iain professes, “I want to see Theatre by the Bay be the heart of the community, brimming with opportunities for artists of all levels of experience.” Theatre by the Bay’s educational programs will teach the creative skills needed to implement this vision.

Opportunities like Barrie Theatre Lab and Indie Producers' Co-op demystify the process of making theatre. Iain continues: “Programs like these are the foundations for the company’s larger goals, as well as the community that supports theatre. I see festivals of new work, extensive workshop opportunities, and chances for local artists to work with the biggest names in Canadian theatre.”

Creating opportunities for hands-on experience is making Barrie and Simcoe County into the launching pad of a new theatre, deeply rooted in its audience. While working at Theatre by the Bay, Iain has been recognized with a series of honours. Barrie Business Awards, administered by the Chamber of Commerce, named him Young Professional of the Year in 2019. That same year, Tourism Barrie singled Iain out as Tourism Champion. Five years out of school, George Brown College’s Alumni presented Iain with the 2019 Leadership Award.

For now, Iain Moggach seizes every opportunity to prepare for Theatre by the Bay’s full reopening. “We’re focused on our audience returning after the pandemic. An audience will not just come for a particular performance. It will come because theatre is an integral part of their community. And our community can now reach around the globe.”

“I want to see Theatre by the Bay be the heart of the community, brimming with opportunities for artists of all levels of experience.”

Sustainable Fashion

A MOVEMENT TOWARDS ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

BY_MANDY JOHNSON | PHOTOGRAPHY_LAURA JOY

Today, more than ever, there is a level of consumer consciousness that is looking for more than an aesthetic appeal. Our world, our planet, has reached a global awareness regarding how our choices have great impact. We are no longer accepting of naïve and mass consumerism. Brands and businesses are held to a higher accountability in the procurement, production, logistics and brand. There is a need to feel good about the “soul” of a company and not just the visual enjoyment of these goods. How did we get here? Stories of unfair labour practices, animal cruelty, deforestation and mass farming, toxic factories and dishonesty in brand representations are but a few issues that have consumed our buying decisions. It’s no longer acceptable that we have beautiful clothes if the end result was on the backs of child labour or that the factories that produce our products have created toxic streams of waste in the communities that they operate.

We find ourselves looking at our own moral compass to determine where we invest our money. The choices we make are the “ballots” of the consumer and we are prepared to hold accountable those that do not seek to improve, heal and respect the global future and our own.

The switch to buying local and asking for product transparency is a growing movement. Finding quality over quantity is key because we are not comparing apples to apples. The old view of hiring those that can not earn a living wage, that operate in dangerous and unprotected businesses, that “manufacture” living animals as if they were “parts” and harming the environment in the name of capitalism has been “outed” as savvy business practice.

The climate of consciousness requires our modern business platforms to be responsible in their operations. One such Canadian business, Eve Cork, is a shining example of a business that has sought to include these issues in all facets of their brand. Eve Cork is offering a vegan alternative to the luxury handbag market and improving the footprint they leave in this world.

The Eve Cork commitment is simple. The products themselves are harvested from the cork trees in Portugal. Not only does the removal of the outer layer of bark provide a gorgeous medium for these purses but it causes the tree to filter more carbon dioxide through its bark regeneration. The process not only improves the health of the tree but returns cleaner air to us all.

The family owned cork farms turn the beautiful cork sheets into stylish and functional accessories that are unique and cruelty free. Additionally, the on-line store offers Canada wide shipping in recyclable waste free packaging too.

As with any investment that is curated one at a time, the products reflect all the sustainable choices that have become the signature of the brand. Choosing quality over quantity, responsibility over profits and maintaining a cruelty free process is not as easy or as inexpensive as our mass produced, man made competitors. But, what you will know when you invest in Eve Cork, is that you have purchased a product that has respect for the lives of all beings, you will heal your planet, improve your footprint and leave a positive impact on our world. The alternative is “expensive”.

MACKENZIE NERVOUS BREAKTHROUGH COLLECTION BY SANDRA.

JULIE SHIRT PIE POP UP | GOLD SILKY WRAP DRESS NARCES | BAG JULIES VINTAGE LOUIS VUITTON

I HAVE AN INCREASINGLY WIDESPREAD DESIRE TO LIVE IN MY SPACE BY FULLY ENJOYING EVERY PART OF MY HOME, INCLUDING THE OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS. - JULIE WOOLSEY

HAT COUP DE TETE | PEACE ROBE DRESS NARCES | OVERCOAT NERVOUS BREAKTHROUGH | SPLIT ROUCHE DRAW DRESS NARCES | HOOP EARRINGS REMI THE LABEL

FLOWER BOX JENNIFER O'BRIEN BOXES

A series of photographs from my hometown of Barrie, Ontario. The exploration of my own city over the years has opened my eyes to finding beauty everywhere. By purchasing a print from this collection, you are giving back to the children and youth in our community who are struggling with mental health. I will donate $15 from every print to New Path Youth and family services who provide essential services to many.

Kids Just Want to be Kids

We believe every child should have the opportunity to participate in programs such as dance, music, sports - but we know that some families face financial barriers when it comes to registration fees. YouthReach is a Simcoe County based charity that helps provide kids with the opportunity to get involved in the programs they want to participate in. We give grants to kids! We try our best to help as many kids in our communities as we can.

used furniture will change a life.

BY_SHANNON AMBEAU | PORTRAITS_JENNIFER KLEMENTTI | INTERIOR DESIGN_ARNAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Sitting dockside at Friday Harbour, you’d never know that the woman zipping around on a SeaDoo is responsible for designing model homes and over 40 luxury condominiums in this lakeside community. Don’t let her easy smile and lighthearted energy fool you. Behind the sunnies is a hard-charging entrepreneur who’s built a reputation with her distinctive designs. You know it when you see it. An Andrea McMullen interior design reflects the depth of her 30 years in the architecture and design profession, the wisdom acquired through a lifetime of travel and her passion for the fine arts. She’s an original. Like many an entrepreneurial journey, Andrea’s wasn’t a straight line. She grew up in a home where art played a central role—her sister’s an artist and her mother owned galleries and hosted classes and large scale art festivals on their acreage in Tottenham, Ontario. She was taught art appreciation and expression from an early age. Her world broadened when Andrea moved to Quebec on exchange, and later France, learning the French language and travelling around Europe, exploring the culture. She returned to Canada with a broader view of the world, an appreciation for diversity in every form and a sense of wonder for the European aesthetic and way of life. When asked where her confidence comes from, she answered, “I’ve never had any fear of failure because whatever I do is still an accomplishment.”

This mindset is one of the keys to her success. Her breakout moment came at the age of 19 when she was commissioned to paint murals for a cancer fundraiser in Toronto. A less confident teen might have declined, not up for the challenge. As usual, Andrea dove right in and delivered far above what was expected. The installation garnered the attention of the public and press; and in that moment, her reputation as an in-demand artist was born. That business evolved into interiors and then renovation and construction to what it is now—a burgeoning business that includes a 5000 sq. ft. showroom, interior design studio, warehouse, two retail boutiques and a thriving 20 person design and construction team. Andrea continues to travel the world sourcing stimulating artwork, furniture, and unexpected décor combinations to allow her team to deliver a wow factor in every ADM project. She just doesn’t stop. The business isn’t her only love. Andrea has three beautiful adult children who are her greatest joy. They’ve informed her work over the years in that she understands the value of both form and function; a home must be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Children have a way of reminding us that a house must be a home, as much a place to entertain guests as to kick back and relax.

says, she's been "an essential part of the process."

Peter says that a new build is "a blank canvas," and both he and the client need an artist like Andrea to bring it all together. “I need direction from the client and ADM," he adds.

"A home is more than a building. It’s where people live their dreams, and live our creation.”

Every interior designer has a philosophy that underpins their work. For Andrea, it’s her vision to create environments designed for living well. When you work with her, you’re getting much more than a typical interior design; she and her team bring decades of knowledge and experience to the composition and construction of your space. When asked what makes a house a home, Andrea didn’t miss a beat. “Original art. Everyone should own at least one piece of original art.”

Every project should showcase an original, regardless of the scale or scope of the project. It’s the energy and the soulfulness of the artist in your home or office.

She’s also mastered the art of the high—low living space. She knows exactly where to invest in timelessness and when to play with trends. The ADM team makes interior design approachable. Look no further than the broad range of furniture and décor carried in the boutiques.

Peter McCarthy, founder of Hard at Work, a King-City based ultra luxury builder, has worked with Andrea on his own home, and

ORIGINAL PAINTING PIETRO ADAMO ‘PORTOFINO’ | MODLOFT FURNITURE | PVE ELEVATOR

ORIGINAL FLORAL PAINTING ELENA HENDERSON |ORIGINAL SET OF THREE LANDSCAPES DARLENE WINFIELD | WHITE QUARTZ RING KLB JEWERLY | ROSARIUM ROSES | CHAIR DECO-REST

You’re just as likely to find a high end sofa or light fixture sitting next to a display of condo-warming gifts. When asked what gets her out of bed in the morning, Andrea doesn’t hesitate. “ I only have so much time on this earth. And I can only decorate so many places. I want them to be different, unique and interesting.” No project is too bold or grand in scale for her. The ADM team designs and renovates office buildings, condominiums, cottages and homes and the construction team manages large scale commercial builds and custom residential homes and cottages.

Nothing delights Andrea more than seeing the shift in her clients as she transforms their space—watching them learn and grow all the while learning and growing alongside them. It’s a very personal experience and a deeply gratifying one.

It’s in the reveal, seeing the smiles, hearing the squeals of delight and the gasps of joy that she knows she’s hit the mark. And in that moment, there’s confidence in knowing that although her work is done, the impact has just begun as her clients experience the life-changing power of a space designed for living well.

JUSTIN TAYLOR-DEAN SHAYNA INSPIRED BY THESE THREE LOVE, MOM PHOTOGRAPHY_M. PHOTO

Ripple of Kindness

A gathering of like-minded women who recognize the need for community support. Creating ripples of change in our community for the greater good.

RIPPLEOFKINDNESS.CA Barrie Orillia Muskoka London

A Spa for all Seasons VETTA SPA

Finland regularly ranks as the happiest country on earth. 90 percent of Finns spend time in a sauna every week. Coincidence? Make time to find out. Vettä Nordic Spa is in the thickly forested grounds of Horseshoe Valley. The decor includes swaths of pale wood shipped in from

Finland, with plenty of spare lines and Nordic design, courtesy of interior firm Madison Taylor. The property is a marvel of engineering, dotted with outdoor pools at a variety of temperatures, a variety of wood-burning and electric saunas and a hot stone room.

President and Founder Eric Harkonen is the son of Finnish immigrants and grew up with the sauna tradition, even building one in his backyard. He believed Canadians were missing out, so the engineer got to work with ISM Architects and built a Nordic Spa to rival those in Finland. Vettä Spa is meant to deliver the full traditional thermotherapy spa cycle: hot, cold, rest and repeat. You can cycle through once, go for a pre-booked massage, head to the coffee bar or bistro to get a meal or just rehydrate, then do it all again!

Then it’s time to dine at Koivu Restaurant, with a Finnish-inspired menu that draws on local, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and ingredients foraged from the woods on the property.

Unlike some other spas, here you have an option of soaking in the silence, or socializing in true Finnish spa style, where reconnecting with friends is part of the experience. In fact, there is a huge sauna that can hold more than 80 people. You are expected to leave your devices behind, to help quiet your mind and rejuvenate your spirit.

Oro Medonte region is a perfect adventure location and Horseshoe Resort is just minutes away.

This is a chance to disconnect from technology and be in the moment, stimulating the body, relaxing the mind, nourishing both body and soul. The owners hope to offer you the feeling of a trip to Finland where you will reclaim your time and enjoy every moment.

Hydro-Flight

HARNESSING THE POWER OF WATER

BY_KATELYN FIELD | PHOTOGRAPHY_ JUSTIN BALKOS

It's a bird! It’s a plane! Wait… no, it’s a... water jetpack? You may have seen this unique watersport known as Hydro-Flight if you’ve spent summers on the lakes in Ontario, or even on sandy island beaches down south. Hydro-Flight is an activity that harnesses the power of a jet ski to propel riders into the air by harnessing the power of water through a large hose, at times towering 60’ above the water.

Originally an extreme sport, Hydro-flight broke out into the public eye in 2013 and is now featured internationally in many live-action water stunt shows. It all started with Jetboards, (you stand on them) and Jetpacks, (strapped to your back) but the sport has evolved to include water-powered bikes, hoverboards, seats, and other variations of devices that fly above the water. Just as the machines evolved, so did the riders, pushing the limits of what’s possible; the different variations of twists and flips leave audiences in awe. Seeing these athletes flying around may have you thinking that this is a sport for thrill-seekers but it has become an activity that anyone can try, from teens to golden-agers, as rental centers pop up on many waterfronts. Gary Dorsch took the skies to surprise his family on his 75th birthday. “It was something I had seen on the lake, looked amazing, and talked to the guys to see if it's something I could try. Sure enough, I came out a few times and got comfortable with it, and on my 75th birthday, I had the whole family come and watch me fly...they couldn’t believe it.” Gary isn’t alone. More and more people are trying Flyboarding and realizing their childhood dream of harnessing the power of controlled jetpack flight.

Ontario Jetpacks is a business at the forefront of the Hydro-Flight industry. They established themselves in the Muskoka area in 2016, but have since expanded their service to cover all of Ontario. Specializing in private events, Ontario Jetpacks can bring the excitement right to your dock or water-side event. Creating an atmosphere that is comfortable for participants is part of the OJP experience. “It’s a unique activity that most people haven’t experienced, so there’s a level of uncertainty and uncomfortableness that creates a mental barrier, that we know we can help overcome.” The founder of Ontario Jetpacks, Chase, explains: “I always tell people to give me five minutes and you won’t want to stop... it’s cool when you see things start to click for someone. I may be biased but I do think it’s a feeling that everyone should experience, no matter their age or athletic ability.”  Ontario Jetpacks provides more than just Flyboard instruction; there is crossover into the entertainment industry, providing live-action Hydro-Shows that incorporate aerial acrobatics, themed theatrics, and even nighttime light shows. Juan Castro is a professional Jetpack performer and has partnered with OJP on various shows.

"You don't work a day in your life if you love what you do!"

He explains: “You get to a point where you think you’ve seen it all, then a request comes in like, ‘Do you think this is possible?’ …or you see the other riders trying these ridiculous things, those are the things that get the gears turning in your head.”

These performances demonstrate the difference between a recreational Hydro-Flight experience that anyone can do and a professional performer. For interested daredevils, Chase explains that there is more to it than meets the eye: “Hydro-Flight is like any other sport; you have to practice it, perfect it. Showing off in front of the crowds is fun - that maybe makes up 10% of the work that goes into it.” If you’re up for the other 90%, Ontario Jetpacks would be the place to start. When it comes to the different types of devices that you can fly, Chase has flown and instructed all of them.

Hydro-Flight, being a relatively new sport, is made up of a small group of enthusiasts who are a tight-knit global community. Chase Courneya, the architect behind Ontario Jetpacks, is an active member of that community, helping to promote the sport locally and internationally.

“It’s the cliche line - ‘you don’t work a day in your life if you love what you do’ and the love for this sport has given me an opportunity to travel, meet amazing people and see awesome places around the world.” With COVID-19 putting a halt to international endeavors, the focus has shifted to Ontario. “With all competitions and international opportunities off the table for the foreseeable future, I think there is plenty of potential for local events to show off the talent that is here in Ontario.”

An elite competitor himself, Chase and the Ontario Jetpacks team are bringing their passion for Hydro-Flight to the public eye, so keep your eyes peeled for these aerial artists along the waterfront of your lake. Don’t be afraid to give it a try! You might just be the next rider sharing this exhilarating sport with the world!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District has been providing mentoring experiences for over 50 years to enable life changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people. We serve young people who face adversity and are in need of an additional consistent and supportive developmental relationship.

JEFF WHITE

People need a hand at some point

BY_GREG SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY_SCOTT COOPER

This simple phrase undermines the philosophy of Jeff White, owner of the Jeff White Group based in Barrie, Ontario. Starting off as a landscaping / property maintenance business and moving to Barrie in 1992, Jeff and his wife, Barbara, have successfully expanded their business and added the “Jeff’s Junk” brand in 2015.

On his 33rd birthday, however, Jeff received a gift he did not really want. No stranger to long hours and heavy work, he had developed a few niggling aches and pains. It was at the suggestion of his chiropractor to have some further testing that saw him receive a diagnosis of a stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Driving to his first treatment, Jeff worried about everything from his family, to his business, to his own future. Landscaping and property maintenance is hands-on and, with such a young business, Jeff wondered how he would be able to manage. It was shortly after that he received the first of two very special gifts. As he commenced his treatment the nurse who greeted him told him to think of the pain and the illness as his body fighting the cancer. Her total positivity inspired Jeff to remain positive and it is a lesson he has never forgotten. The second gift he already had. Throughout treatment, Barbara showed him absolutely no fear and total support. “We’ve been together forever… her support was huge for me.” It made him feel like had had a chance.

Over two decade later the Jeff White Group / Jeff’s Junk continue to grow. Strong supporters of the community, Jeff White Group has 3 give-backs a year.

They donate year round property maintenance to the O.S.P.C.A., Hospice Simcoe and Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. Barbara is the immediate Past Chair of Gilda’s Club and co-founder of Ripple of Kindness. Jeff even stepped his giving up a notch and bared almost all as a modeled for the Gilda’s Raw & Reflective calendar. Meanwhile the junk side of the business continues to grow. The catch phrase “show us your junk” has become as well known as the green and white trucks. Understanding his market and his client base, Jeff saw a niche for a junk removal service as well as standard bin rentals. It was also a way to have his team sort and separate junk at the source for recycling and waste diversion. Always trying to keep junk out of the landfill and with their reputation of being committed to community, it was only natural that Jeff White’s name was thrown into the circle when the Toronto Furniture Bank came north to Barrie. In a partnership that includes Furniture Bank and Furniture Link in Toronto, and the Redwood Park Communities’ newly formed Furniture Bank -Barrie, Jeff’s Junk will pick up your gently used furniture and help to upcycle it back into the community. It’s a win - win for everyone. It is no surprise that the Barrie Chamber of Commerce recently recognized the significance of the work of Jeff, Barbara and their team by naming the Jeff White Group winners of their annual Pay It Forward award. Together we make a difference and the Jeff White Group is happy to lend a helping hand.

BETTER, STRONGER, HEALTHIER

Committed to the healthcare of a community

BY_ MARCY BALDRY | PHOTOGRAPHY_KEVIN HAIRE

Marco Mancini, Chairman of Toronto based Urbacon, a business that is committed to building better, stronger and healthier communities, has a deep understanding and appreciation for the healthcare of a community.

A seasonal resident who has resided in Tiny for more than 20 years, he has a desire to make a difference in the lives of others in North Simcoe for generations to come. He knew that he had found the ideal partner in Georgian Bay General Hospital.

Marco’s commitment to Georgian Bay General Hospital began in 2009 with support for an annual golf tournament.

His generosity over the years has inspired many local businesses and individuals to join him in investing in local healthcare, and this latest gift of $5 million from the Mancini Foundation is no exception.

World Champion curler and long time hospital supporter, Glenn Howard and friend of Marco’s says, "when I think of this gift and what it means to GBGH... It’s a game changer! It’s like we have won the lottery!"

Georgian Bay General Hospital is a 113 bed hospital, serves 65,000 permanent residents and 200,000 seasonal residents.

A far cry from when it was founded in 1905 with 12 beds and a cost of $0.70 per patient.

With approximately $7 million in unmet capital this year alone, the gift from the Mancini Foundation truly is making a difference. With these numbers, there is no doubt that the need is strong.

- 46,000 emergency room visits each year - 713,000 Lab tests are completed - 39,000 inpatients days - 11,000 CT scans - 29,000 Xrays - 11,000 Ultrasounds - 3,600 surgeries - 15,000 ambulatory visits

Nicole Kraftscik, Executive Director of the Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation, explains that Marco is part of the family.

“He has made a remarkable commitment to the Hospital and to his community and every time I am in his presence I learn more about him as a person, what is important to him. The fact that he is open and willing to allow us to be part of his family is an amazing honour. I hold him and all of our donors in such high regard.”

Marco wishes to support projects that are more challenging to raise funds for, but absolutely critical to, support patients and healthcare professionals.

A gift of this magnitude is not something that the region has seen before. It sets a new tone to inspire others to give and do more. It is elevating philanthropy in our region.

The investment will be made over the next few years, starting with a physical legacy with the renovation of all inpatient rooms on 2 North, 2 East and 2 West and the building of a new café in the hospital’s main lobby.

It will help advance technology with the implementation of the electronic medical record project, eliminating countless paper-based systems and creating a truly digital healthcare environment for staff and patients.

Dr. David Bayfield, Chief Medical Information Officer, GBGH says “It’s been a really, really tough year with the pandemic and all that’s happened. It feels that a gift like this, at a time like this, is very motivational for everyone. And it makes us feel like we’re heading in the right direction as a hospital and the community is behind us 100 percent."

Gail Hunt, Georgian Bay General Hospital CEO says, “It is incredible to realize the things you know you have to do for patient care are actually going to happen now.” To get involved 705-526-4483.

Marco Mancini and The Mancini Foundation are lifting up our whole community with this extraordinary donation.

A healthy option for ordering in

“We believe that now more than ever, the convenience of being treated by a qualified therapist in the comfort of your home is the future of RMT.”

- Allan Skok, CEO and Co-Founder

RELAX.

It’s not all about the do-it-yourself meal kits. Long before COVID and the latest rush of business innovators into the at-home service market, there was Massago. The Canadian-made app for on-demand massage therapy has been growing steadily since its launch in 2016, and recently expanded into the Simcoe region.

Massago was fashioned on the premise that busy people don’t always have the time to go to a spa or clinic to get a therapeutic massage, where they may have to wait days for an appointment. By ordering an in-home massage through the app, they get treatment when they need it most – on short notice. Clients can simply relax after their massage in the comfort of their home.

Massago works exclusively with Registered Massage Therapists.

An appearance on CBC’s Dragons’ Den in late 2020 brought some welcome attention. While the entrepreneurs didn’t get a deal, the exposure drew interest from people across Canada wanting to know when Massago would be coming to their city. Co-founder and CEO Allan Skok says that they’ve had those kinds of inquiries from the Barrie area almost since the company launched. But for Massago, which operates on the “sharing economy” business model made famous by Uber, expansion depends on being able to establish a solid base of local professionals to partner with.

“Growing responsibly has always been important to us. We were confident people in The Simcoe Region would take to the Massago concept, but until we were satisfied we had enough RMTs in the local network to meet demand, we weren’t prepared to open.” Barrie has become Massago’s twentieth city. While it has aspirations of becoming a national brand, Massago is a natural fit with the growing “think local” business movement in Canada. Therapists that partner with Massago are essentially self-employed. By accepting bookings through the app, they can find more work close to home doing what they love and remain part of the local economy. RMTs choose when and how often they work. That makes achieving a healthy balance of work, family and community much easier.

Massago was also attracted to Barrie because it is home to one of the country’s top Registered Massage Therapy programs, at Georgian College. In fact, members of the program faculty have signed on to Massago’s network of RMTs.

While U.S. competitors have come on the scene in recent years, Massago has held its position as Canada’s top-rated on-demand massage therapy provider. They recently began partnering with TELUS Health eClaims, making the experience even more relaxed for clients, who no longer have to manually submit their insurance claims.

Skok says, “We believe that now more than ever, the convenience and safety of being treated by a healthy, qualified therapist in the comfort of your home is the future of RMT.”

We'll come to you

CATHY & LEN

At Forest Hill Real Estate, we strive to ensure that each and every client achieves their real estate dreams by providing exceptional service through our family of professionals. Providing expertise, quality and integrity in everything we do..

- LEN SKOK, MANAGING PARTNER

TENNEIL

I love our Forest Hill family. We are a tightknit group of hard-working realtors who support each other. With Len leading the pack and Cathy keeping us in line, we feel unstoppable.

- TENNEIL HOLLENBECK

ELEANOR

With over 33 years experience as a realtor, specializing in luxury and waterfront home sales, I value the support and friendships I have made with the Forest Hill Real Estate group. My passion is helping people find the perfect properties that suit their needs, be it commercial building, investment property, lease, or residential home. Len and Cathy are actively involved in supporting my personal mandate to revitalize Barrie’s downtown and help buyers discover investment opportunities.

- ELEANOR FAULDS

LYNNETTE

What impresses me most about Len and Cathy and the rest of the Forest Hill group is the unwavering commitment to provide services that are not only about houses and properties, but also about people. Len continually stresses that the more you understand about a client’s individual wishes and desires, the better you can serve the client’s needs with the necessary combination of creativity, integrity, and plain old honest hard work required to get the job done properly. We are a collegial group who you will find easy to talk to, willing to listen, and above all, we want to ensure that you have the best possible real estate experience.

- LYNNETTE EISEN

Owning real estate over time is the formula to impactful wealth. Along with surrounding yourself in a winning environment such as Forest Hill Real Estate is the key ingredient to consistent growth.

- NICK DOHERTY

WALTER

Forest Hill Real Estate is a highly reputable, well recognized leader in this industry with a keen focus on the ‘luxury market’. This full service brokerage which prides itself on being at the forefront of technology, fosters a family like culture and allows the Realtor the freedom to fulfill their potential is what the management of Len & Cathy provides. It’s a pleasure and an enjoyable experience working in an environment that is in your control and knowing that the support of colleagues and management is always available.

DANIELLE

I truly believe in hard work and dedication. That means being there, listening and never losing sight of the goals and dreams of each of my clients. The opportunity to be able to advise and support people as they strive to reach their real estate and financial goals is a dream I live daily. I am grateful for relationships made with my clients, past, present and future. I am proud to be working for a company that parallels my morals and values as I build my career at Forest Hill Real Estate.

THE HAMPTON'S SHANTY BAY RIDGE ROAD

W., SHANTY BAY

Situated on a breathtaking bay-side compound on the shores of Shanty Bay, this extraordinary 8-bedroom estate is truly a sight to behold! The exterior of each building is finished with stone and the roofs are finished with cedar shingles and multiple dormers. The chef of the household will surely fall in love with this custom gourmet kitchen overlooking the lake. A few of our favourite features include a full bar and billiards room, home cinema with premium theatre seating, gift-wrapping room, separate family/seating room, hockey practice hall, chipping/putting room, spa-like bathroom + sauna, and an exercise room.

The basement has an astounding temperature-controlled walk-in wine cellar, complete with a tasting table. Furthermore, this gorgeous property boasts spectacular views of the resort-style, lakeside backyard. Complete with an in-ground infinity pool, expansive gardens, an outdoor kitchen with a wood-fire oven, and a stone staircase that leads to the water’s edge.

building small town canada.

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 what you’re looking for is a place to live – or a place to Live Remarkably.

BLUE MOUNTAIN | COLLINGWOOD | CRAIGHURST | HORSESHOE VALLEY

Telling stories since 2005