3 family-friendly Ontario winter adventures to make the most of the long weekend

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4:24 pm

A photo of Alabaster Acres for a lon weekend family getaway in Ontario — @corderowingerter/Instagram

Be it winter surfing, downhill skiing or festivals, our province remains ripe with exciting winter activities. The first long weekend of the year is upon us and what better way to celebrate the season of snow and Family Day than with a family-focused long weekend away, exploring and enjoying the wonderful winter escapes Ontario has to offer.

Winter glamping at Alabaster Acres

Just north of the city is a tranquil forest retreat waiting for you and your family this Family Day long weekend. It is truly a hidden gem. Alabaster Acres is a working farm owned and run by ex-Torontonians that were in search of some peace, serenity and a sky full of stars. Guests are hosted in large, luxurious glamping tents with heated king beds, a private firepit, and an inviting overstuffed armchair – the perfect setting for watching the sunset. Imagine lounging in a hot bath while the snow falls softly around you, before eating a farm fresh meal, and sharing a bottle of red wine (and marshmallows) around a roaring fire.

During the day, families are invited to take part in Pygmy Goat Playtime and yes, it is as adorable as it sounds. A small group of pygmy goats are excited to jump, cuddle and play with farm guests. Here you can learn some fun goat facts, feed the little rascals and of course, take a few selfies with this loveable bunch.

Guests can also experience a Farm Fresh Adventure, private interactive moments with the animals on the farm. Groups will learn about farm life while they hand feed alpacas, pet ducks, spend time with chickens, snuggle bunnies and yes – play with those cute goats!

What makes an Alabaster Acres getaway so unique is their ability to both pamper guests while simultaneously making them feel like one of the family. They are genuine, warm and will go out of their way to ensure that you and your family have an experience that you will never forget. There are even more wonderful winter activities in the works on Alabaster Acres so watch this space.

Tubing adventure at Chicopee Tube Park

If you’ve never been a skier, Chicopee Tube Park in Kitchener is the perfect way to hit the slopes this Family Day for some non-ski downhill fun. Located about an hour from Toronto, Chicopee Tube Park has the inner tubes, the snow and the warm lodge needed to create the ultimate outdoor experience. Passes are sold in 90-minute increments to ensure that the hill is never too crowded. Six 900 ft. tubing runs, on the 250 ft. high hill, mean that you will never have to wait too long for a ride. A carpet conveyor belt carries seated riders up the hill to enjoy another snowy adrenaline rush.

If you’re looking for some ‘après tube’ refreshments, the on-site Pine Valley Chalet has both an indoor and outdoor restaurant that overlooks the hill. The lodge itself is 9,500 square feet with 2,500 square feet of sweeping outdoor decking. These restaurants offer a BBQ menu, snacks, hot drinks and a fully licensed bar. There is even a Chic-o-Peek webcam with live footage of snow conditions and riders flying down all six runs. At Chicopee Tube Park, your whole family can enjoy some safe, simple yet thrilling, outdoor winter fun.

Winterfest at Hello Winter ’22 in Barrie

Named one of the Top 100 festivals in Ontario, Barrie’s Winterfest is an annual celebration that includes food, art, music and more. This year, the city is opting for more COVID-friendly outdoor-only festivities throughout February and March.

From Feb. 18 until March 20, anyone is invited to enter the community ice sculpture challenge, and artists are invited to submit their projection-based art installations for display in downtown Barrie. Simultaneously, Chimes, an interactive art installation, will fill Meridian Place with a symphony of sound and light that results from the movement of the chimes – whether by wind or human interaction. Parks around the city will be holding Nature in Winter Pop Ups, and on Sundays, visitors can take a tour of the Barrie City centre with Barrie’s Town Crier, walk the delicious Hot Cocoa Trail or watch the Mariposa Skating Showcase.

In addition to all this action, on Family Day, Barrie’s Community Sports Complex will feature several exciting and classic Winterfest activities such as a polar bear dip, axe throwing, tubing, horse-drawn wagon rides, thrilling lumberjack shows, snow sliding and a challenging ice maze.

Some of Toronto’s most popular summer music festivals back in 2022

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Ron Johnson

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4:04 pm

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Allison Russell at Mariposa music festival — Grammy-nominated Canadian artist Allison Russell (photo: Francesca Cepero)

Summer in Toronto means music, and this year’s music festivals are back, in-person, and already delivering some early promises to be better than ever. We have missed the crowds, camaraderie, ethereal glow of lighters leading to port-a-potty lines (okay, we haven’t missed the port-a-potties that much) and headliners that make up the sights and sounds of summer music festivals. If you’ve been avoiding people like the, ahem, plague, it’s time to purchase tickets to some of the summer’s best music shows, starting with one or all of the below.

VELD Music Festival (July 29-31)

Back and bigger than ever, this year’s VELD festival at Downsview Park will span three days and include artists such as Alesso, the Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Armin Van Burren, and several other artists. After a two-year break, VELD boasts three solid days of hip-hop and EDM beneath the summer sun. If hip-hop and EDM are your jam, VELD is a must-go. Tickets on sale beginning Feb. 10 at 10 am or beat the crowd and purchase pre-sale tickets beginning February 8 by signing up for the VELD newsletter (a must to buy pre-sale).

Mariposa Folk Festival (July 8-10)

Ok, not exactly Toronto, but we claim it as our own since it was held here for many of its early formative years. Mariposa, now in Orillia, joins the list of music festivals returning to real-life this summer with a lineup that includes Mavis Staples, Kathleen Edwards, Serena Ryder, Allison Russell, and more. Mariposa regularly adds to its already packed lineup, so watch the site for new additions. Tickets for this summer’s Mariposa Folk Festival are on sale now.

Canadian Music Week (June 6-11)

Usually earlier in the year, Canadian Music Week pushed the festival back a bit to make sure an in-person event could happen. The conference is Canada’s longest-running music industry conference, and the festival showcases dozens of bands in venues across the city. Stay tuned for details.

Toronto Jazz Festival (June 24 – July 2)

Is it even summer in Toronto without our favourite the jazz festival? This hallmark happening, including a slew of free and paid events in and around the Yorkville neighbourhood, is what many consider the quintessential ‘must-attend’ kickoff to summer event, and it’s back this year after a short pause. The stellar lineup includes two bona fide legends in Herbie Hancock and Smokey Robinson as well as Gregory Porter, the Elena Kapeleris Quintet, and other favourites. Grab your tickets here.

NXNE Festival (June 14 – 19)

The North by North East (NXNE) Festival is an eclectic mix of gaming, music, and arts with a bit of flea market thrown in but the main focus of NXNE has always been on emerging artists. This summer’s lineup will feature showcase gigs at Toronto’s best live music venues. For more information about NXNE and to purchase tickets go here. Stay tuned for more information.

Putting mistakes behind them, Buca reopens in Yorkville

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Erica Commisso

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10:25 am

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buca cavatelli con burrata — Cavatelli con Burrata via Justin Friedlich on Instagram.

Good news for Buca fans: the outpost in Yorkville has opened its doors yet again.

Following the $30 million debacle that saw big changes and Rob Gentile heading to Los Angeles, the Italian eatery is back. Both the King Street and Yorkville locations opened with the easing of the new restrictions, announcing via Instagram that they would take reservations beginning February 1.

Now open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm, the Yorkville version is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Throughout the restriction-related closures, the restaurant offered Buca at Home, a program that offered an a la carte takeout and delivery menu from the King West location and a prix fixe menu for two from the Yorkville outpost.

Now that in-person dining is available again, though, the seasonally-changing menu is back, populated by Buca’s take on traditional Italian fare, including a new linguine alle cozze (linguine with mussels) dish, pizza, seasonal oysters, salumi di mare (a selection of cured ocean meats) and, of course, meat and seafood entrées.

As a result of the $30 million slip up, the original Buca iteration permanently closed its doors in the fall of 2021. So, for version two, there was a high staff turnover and, obviously, a new chef at the helm. It’s now fully owned by King Street Food Company, and chef de cuisine Justin Friedlich has taken over the Yorkville kitchen. Chef Jorge Fernando Fiestas is the executive chef of both Buca locations. Both were promoted from their previous roles as sous chef and chef de cuisine, respectively, after some pandemic-related delays and obstacles.

Justin Friedlich Buca — Justin Friedlich at Buca Yorkville via Instagram.

Buca’s front entrance is located at 53 Scollard Street, but Buca is also accessible through the Four Seasons Courtyard on Yorkville Avenue.

The Adamson Barbecue guy may be plotting a comeback

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Erica Commisso

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4:27 pm

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Adam Skelly and his restaurant, Adamson Barbecue, made waves over the pandemic when the controversial Skelly protested the restaurant closures, keeping the eatery open against provincial regulations. He was arrested, hit with over $180,000 in fees, filed a constitutional challenge against the city, and chaos ensued well into the summer of 2021 before the constitutional challenge was dismissed. He’s still making his voice heard, taking part in the trucker convoy for weeks and uploading anti-lockdown posts on Adamson Barbecue’s Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZVpaDBBMUP/

The eatery’s bio, though, holds an interesting tidbit of information. “No more BBQ,” reads the first line. “V2 coming soon.”

All three Adamson Barbecue locations have been closed since fall 2021, but it seems that Skelly has a new plan in the works. No information or details have been posted yet but, using history as an indication, Skelly doesn’t have a tendency to not deliver on his words.

Skelly was arrested at the Etobicoke Adamson Barbecue after he kept the restaurant open in late November 2020 and violated provincial mandates. The city eventually took over the building and locked the front door with a padlock. It was later revealed that the Aurora location was forced to close, owing roughly $50,000 in unpaid rent to the landlord. The Leaside location, on Wicksteed Avenue, also operated without a business license for four years.

In the debacle, Skelly was charged a total of nine times for bylaw violations and operating without a business license. The Court restricted his social media access, but the ban was partially lifted in January. Because of his legal history, it seems unlikely that Skelly will return to any of his former locations.

Adamson Barbecue’s kitchen equipment was auctioned off after all the closures, so Skelly will have to start virtually from scratch for his version two plans. As for the infamous Etobicoke location at 7 Queen Elizabeth Boulevard–the home of many protests–it is currently a vacant storefront, stripped of all the Adamson Barbecue trimmings. Tucked in the corner of a side street at Royal York and The Queensway, the fence is entirely removed, and the inside restaurant is completely empty.

Adamson Barbecue Vacant — The former Adamson Barbecue space in Etobicoke, vacant in February 2022.

For now, Torontonians will have to wait for Skelly’s next move–which, considering vaccine passport mandates are lifting March 1, could come sooner rather than later.

How They Met: The Cashman Russell Oliver’s golden romance

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Julia Mastroianni

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10:43 am

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Russell Oliver and Barbara Oliver in front of their new store — Russell and Barbara Oliver in front of their new Yorkville location. (Photo Courtesy: Fatima Kooshesh)

The Cashman, Russell Oliver is a true Toronto icon. Growing up in the city, it was almost an everyday occurrence to hear that catchy, trademark commercial jingle playing in the background. Running Oliver Jewellery for over 50 years, Oliver has experienced a “full circle” moment after opening up his latest shop at 88 Yorkville Ave., years after opening one of his first shops just across the street in the ’70s. We spoke with Oliver and his wife Barbara about their whirlwind romance and the secret to their 49-year marriage.

How they met

RO: When Barb moved to Toronto, she went to an employment agency to find a job. And it turns out the employment agency was owned by my sister. Of course, I didn’t need anybody. I was alone in the jewelry business for a couple of years. I did the cleaning. I did the selling. I did everything myself. But I was single, and my sister always wanted to fix me up. I would always be resistant, but she said, “You need help, you need an employee, so I’m going to send you this girl for an interview.” So Barbara came for an interview, and of course, I immediately hired her — mainly because she was so good looking. And so Barbara and I became friends. It was more than an employee-employer relationship. It was a friendship.

The courtship

RO: This was in September, and we obviously worked together every day, and we spent all that time together, but there wasn’t any relationship except that we were friends and she worked for me.

BO: At the time, I was still going out with other people, but somehow, around Christmas time, we fell for each other. And you’re not going to believe this, but we got engaged on New Year’s and then married on Valentine’s Day, six weeks later.

RO: I got her a heart-shaped diamond, for Valentine’s.

The wedding and honeymoon

BO: We got married in Hamilton in the small sanctuary of the Adas Israel Synagogue, and we went to my parents’ house afterward because they lived across the street from the synagogue. It was a very small wedding, just our families, aunts and uncles, first cousins — 50 people altogether. And then we went to St. Lucia and Barbados on our honeymoon.

The kids

BO: We have four sons: Justin, Jordan, Jared and Jonas. It took some time, and now they’re part of the business. We used to just sell, but we went out of that business pre-recession and decided to buy from the public. We started with strictly gold, gemstones, watches like Cartier, but then we started buying silver. It then got extremely busy. People were selling all over the place. So I went out, because I only like the creative part of the business, and Russell was the business part of the business. He got much bigger and eventually my sons got involved.

Balancing career and marriage

BO: We got on so well, and we work together so well, so when we come home, we talk shop a lot. We have a lot in common, and work is so big in our lives because we did business together. But aside from that, we each have our own hobbies. I used to make flower arrangements and outdoor urns for friends and neighbours, and Russell was always such a swimmer.

The secret to success

BO: A good sense of humour. And loyalty.

RO: We don’t take each other too seriously. We laugh and joke all the time. We’re the loyal types, the types that will be married for life. We don’t go to bed angry or fighting with each other. Even if there are problems, we solve them that day. But come by our new location at Yorkville. We work there every day, and we’ll tell you the secret to success.

6 inspiring Black artists in Toronto you need to know

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Julia Mastroianni

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5:11 pm

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We’re lucky to live in a city that, even through the hardships of the past two years, has produced some of the greatest talent and inspiring art out there. From music to visual art to acting, Toronto has been the birthplace of all kinds of wonderful artists. This month, we’re highlighting a few of the amazing Black artists in the city.

Making a living and achieving success as an artist is no easy task, but the job is even more challenging for Black artists in Canada. A 2020 study from Hill Strategies found that racialized artists in Canada make a median income of $18,200 a year, compared to $25,400 for non-racialized artists, a difference of 72 cents for every $1. Many Black artists have called out the institutionalized anti-Black racism within Canada’s art institutions, pointing to toxic workplaces and the lack of support for Black employees and artists in organizations across the country.

We’re highlighting six Black artists in Toronto who are making changes within their own industries, from a barrier-breaking conductor to a muralist adding colour across the city.

Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser

Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser has been making headlines as the first openly gay Black conductor in Canada, and in 2021, he was chosen to host CBC Radio’s classical music program, Centre Stage. That’s on top of being appointed the resident conductor of engagement and education by the San Francisco Symphony, being the current artist in residence and community ambassador at Symphony Nova Scotia and the principal education conductor and community ambassador of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Follow him here.

Curtia Wright

Artist Curtia Wright has been turning heads with her breathtaking mural work across Toronto, and her most recent murals this year have brought joy to neighbourhoods all over the city. She took part in the Baldwin Street mural in Kensington Market, celebrating Black women artists and Black non-binary artists. Her Oakwood Village mural celebrated Black queer lives during Pride Month, and she was the visionary behind the beautiful Love Park interactive audio-visual installation along the waterfront. Wright’s talent and contributions to public art in the city have been a bright spot through the darker moments of the pandemic. You can see more of Wright’s artwork at the Riverdale Hub, where a few of her art pieces are currently on display. Follow her here.

DijahSB

Toronto-based rapper DijahSB received the Kid Cudi stamp of approval last year for their CBC performance. They’ve been making their mark in the music industry for over 10 years now, but it was their second album, Head Above Water, that put them on the map as a rapper that stands out above the crowd. Exploring dark topics with an openness that pairs well with the versatility of their music, DijahSB will likely gain even more of a following with their recent song, Green Line (a tribute to the TTC’s line two). Follow them here.

Esie Mensah

Dancer and choreographer Esie Mensah has left her creative mark on almost every industry out there, dancing on the sets of Rihanna and Drake music videos, choreographing and directing her own productions that she’s taken international and even speaking at TEDxToronto. Mensah’s recent short film TESSEL, which premiered in 2021 in collaboration with Harbourfront Centre and Fall For Dance North, broke barriers featuring 14 Black performers from across Canada. Follow her here.

Jorian Charlton

Toronto portrait-based photographer Jorian Charlton’s AGO exhibit Out Of Many received high praise in 2021, but it was the 70 ft. high photograph that was unveiled in the heart of the Financial District in November as part of a public art initiative that really turned heads and solidified her position as an up-and-coming artist in the city. Her exhibition at the AGO will be on display until Aug. 7, 2022. Follow her here.

Stephan James

Actor Stephan James has earned international recognition for his roles in If Beale Street Could Talk, Selma, Race, National Champions and more in the short time he’s been in the film industry so far. He has also made real changes in the industry with his work with brother and co-founder Shamier Anderson. The pair founded The Black Academy and Insight Productions, an organization with the goal of highlighting and celebrating emerging Black talent in Canada. James and Anderson recently partnered with CBC through The Black Academy to bring the first award show honouring Black talent to Canada, currently planned for fall of 2022. The pair also partnered with brother Sheldon James to raise Canada’s largest venture fund for Black, Indigenous and other racialized founders. Follow him here.

Where to find the best chocolate boxes to wow your Valentine

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Megan Gallant

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12:47 pm

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Ambiance Chocolat Boxed Chocolates — Ambiance Chocolat on Instagram.

Toronto’s most romantic restaurants

By

Megan Gallant

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12:29 pm

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Flor de Sal romantic restaurants — Flor de Sal via Instagram.

While Toronto has plenty of options when it comes to greasy, fattening comfort food that makes you feel oh-so good and oh-so bad at the same time, sometimes it’s fun to put on your best suit or best heels, hit the town, and get dinner somewhere that makes a regular Tuesday night feel extra special. Whether your plan is to spend Valentine’s Day with a longtime partner, on a first date or somewhere in the middle, why not spoil yourself and go to one of those places that has you feeling like they don’t let just anyone in—because they don’t.

Here’s our list of some of the most romantic restaurants in the city that will have your Valentine feeling extra special this year.

Canoe

If you’re looking to really impress your date this year, take them to this restaurant with breathtaking views from 54 floors above the city. Everything about Canoe is proudly Canadian, from the name to the iconic skyline and CN Tower views, right down to the menu. With floor-to-ceiling windows around the whole dining room, Canoe offers a natural ambiance from the setting sun over Lake Ontario, while candles illuminate the space after dark. These views make Canoe so picturesque, even taking a first date here could make your relationship Instagram official.

Auberge Du Pommier

Nobody does romance better than the French, which is why Auberge Du Pommier is the place to be this Valentine’s Day. And nothing is more romantique than a bottle of wine by the fireplace. This North York restaurant can be found in the depths of an almost dreamlike fairy garden in a quaint and adorable cottage from the 1860s. Who wouldn’t want to spend Valentine’s Day in the countryside of France?

Scaramouche Restaurant

The patio might be one of the most romantic aspects of Scaramouche, but simply looking over snow-covered gardens make for a romantic evening, no matter where you’re seated. This restaurant is best enjoyed after dark, when candles adds an intimate ambiance to your table which overlooks landscapes of city lights illuminating the night sky. As history would prove, this is the perfect place for a romantic and intimate proposal (hint, hint…).

Carisma

Aptly named, this adorable family-owned dining room is illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows covered in white curtains and low-hanging chandeliers. The cozy décor is complete with tall, potted greenery and a glass wall displaying a decadent wine cellar. With an affordable Italian menu and comfortable cushioned chairs, there’s nothing keeping you from spending the whole evening here, making it one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, and a great place to get to know a first date—and impress them at the same time.

Flor de Sal Restaurant

The ambiance at Flor de Sal provides you with the privacy of a home-cooked meal without you having to do the actual cooking. Black leather benches and marble fireplaces contrast white walls for a chic and modern feel, while the mantelpieces and wall hangings give this place a truly homey feel. The menu is largely inspired by Southern Europe with a Portugese flare, meaning this place is not only elegant and romantic, but it’s also like nothing you’ve tried before.

Terrible gift givers and more Valentine’s advice from T.O.’s relationship expert

By

Erin Neilly

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3:17 pm

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Jess O’Reilly is a sought-after speaker, author and sexologist (www.SexWithDrJess.com).

In my field, February is the busiest month of the year. Across North America, couples, community groups and even businesses prepare to celebrate all things related to love, relationships and sex. But for many, the buildup to Valentine’s Day is stressful, as the pressure to perform and celebrate mounts.

I’m not here to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. You’re the ultimate expert in your own relationship, but I do have some insights and thoughts based on questions I’ve received from your neighbours in Toronto:

My partner refuses to celebrate Valentine’s Day. He says it’s a Hallmark holiday and won’t make any plans, buy any gifts or even get me (or the kids) a card. How do I get him to at least make an effort?

I’m in agreement that you don’t need to celebrate Valentine’s Day and that it is primarily a commercialized holiday. I believe you’ll gain more from investing in and celebrating your love each and every day rather than waiting for special occasions.

However, if celebrating is important to you and V-Day provides a reminder to do something thoughtful for your lover, I understand the frustration.

What if you let your lover know that it’s not necessarily about the date, but that you simply want to celebrate your love? Why not consider celebrating earlier or later in the week? Make dinner plans or send the kids to your parents so you can enjoy some alone time on the weekend. Be clear about what you want to feel (e.g., special, loved, appreciated, celebrated) and let him know how he can ensure you experience these emotions.

My girlfriend is the worst gift giver. Every year, I come up with something thoughtful to try to knock her socks off for her birthday and Valentine’s (they’re four days apart), and she just seems to grab some random gift online. Should I just keep smiling and pretending to like it or say something?

If she’s putting some thought into the gift but missing the mark, you definitely want to show some appreciation for her efforts.

On the other hand, if she really isn’t putting any effort into selecting something you’d like and receiving gifts makes you feel loved and appreciated, you certainly have the right to speak up. Since you put a great deal of thought into your gifts, you’re already leading by example, so you may want to bolster this with an explanation.

Let her know why you selected a specific gift and why you love receiving thoughtful gifts.

Of course, if you wait until you’re frustrated to express how you feel, you’ll likely find yourself complaining rather than making a request and she’ll be more likely to respond defensively. Plan ahead so that you can clearly convey what you want and why you want it. You may also want to lead her in the right direction, saying something such as “I’ve always loved opening gifts, and I’d love if you’d surprise me with something from one of my favourite shops. I’m sure they could even recommend something.”

Remember that you might naturally express your love by showering her with thoughtful gifts, whereas she might express her love via acts of service (e.g., making dinner) or carving out quality time to spend together (e.g. making fun weekend plans). While learning to speak your partner’s love language can enhance your connection, the fact that it doesn’t come naturally to her is not an indication that she doesn’t love you just as deeply as you love her.

Since we started dating three years ago, I’ve gotten into the habit of planning a big Valentine’s Day every year, and now my girlfriend has come to expect it. But I’m getting tired of doing all the planning (I do the same over the holidays and for our vacations), so how do I get her to step up?

Manage expectations and speak up. Your girlfriend has come to expect a grand gesture on Valentine’s Day, but you don’t have to fulfill every one of her needs or expectations. And you have every right to break tradition.

It’s not uncommon for one partner to fall into the planner role, and when you inevitably tire of it, you may find yourself feeling resentful. But no one is forcing you to do all the planning. Tell her that you’d love her to make the V-Day plans this year. You can let her know what you’re into but be sure to give her enough space to work her own magic. People who complain about planning often have trouble relinquishing control, so be prepared to take a step back and approach her plans with an open mind.

Jeanne Beker on the best matching pajama sets in T.O. for couples

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Julia Mastroianni

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11:50 am

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The best matching pajama sets in Toronto

One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her new podcast Beyond Style Matters, available wherever you get your podcasts.

There’s nothing cuter than matching pajamas! Spend this season of love cuddling by the fireplace with your significant other while wearing co-ordinating sleepwear sets. Whether your couple style is classic, modern or cosy, Jeanne Beker has the best picks for your Valentine’s Day vibe.

A) For modern lovers

“This green and white really speaks to me of a great modernity; it’s almost like love in the digital age. It’s sort of a computer design. There’s something very pleasing about it. It’s not overly romantic, but I just think it’s fun. This set also comes with a matching pair of shorts, which is so great for mixing and matching.” $89.97, Frankandoak.com

B) For classic and cozy couples

“It’s wonderful to have a matching set of this nature. The fabric is so cuddly and cosy; the brushed cotton flannel is really good quality.” $178 and $188, 49thapparel.com

C) For partners with a flair for fashion

“This is the ultimate indulgence; they’re great year-round romantic wear. These silky short pajamas are absolutely classic, absolutely stylish. They’re a really great Valentine’s Day tribute.” $760 and $510, Holtrenfrew.com

D) For vintage lovers

“This is such a gorgeous, classic style. The material is very soft to the skin, and it has a little bit of stretch to it, and really hearkens back to the ’30s and ’40s.” $179 and $237, Beestunglingerie.com

A Tale of Two Investment Outlooks

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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11:34 am

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“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

The past year harks back to Dickens’s encapsulation of the coexisting contrasts of French Revolutionary times. Markets probe new heights at the same time as government, corporate and consumer debt liabilities soar; amid growing geopolitical tension and polarization, we’ve been able to avert the worst impacts of a pandemic like never before in history; decarbonization of the global economy is gathering steam even as democratic governance is hobbled by gridlock and populism.

Understanding the current moment requires wrapping our heads around the paradox of seemingly contradictory trends.

What’s ahead

One thing we can be certain of is that interest rates are likely headed higher, which may have troubling implications for investors. Inflation has jumped to levels not seen in decades. What we’re watching now is the halting progress of 10-year bond rates. Should central banks carry through on their plans to raise overnight interest rates this year, we could end up with an inverted yield curve, often a precursor to recession.

If, conversely, bond rates rise, that would negatively affect stock and bond prices as well as real estate cap rates.

The threat of asset price declines is heightened by their current valuations, which are at the high end of their historical range by most measures. As a result, most asset managers and market researchers have very low expectations for returns in most asset classes over the next ten years. Bond returns are generally not expected to keep pace with inflation at all.

Relatively speaking, private assets such as private companies and real estate are more affordable. Nonetheless, all asset classes are more expensive than they were a few years ago. This has primarily been driven by ultra-low interest rates and quantitative easing – a form of money-printing – by central banks. So, should you sell everything, go to cash – or better yet, gold – and consider digging a moat around your home? Our brain trust at Nicola Wealth says no.

How to approach 2022

Notwithstanding the very formidable challenges facing investors, we feel there will be ways to create value in 2022. We believe that this is a time when active management will prove its worth outperforming a passive approach. Value investing will come back into style; dividends and dividend growth will matter.

Likewise in real estate, it won’t be enough to simply buy and hold (let alone flip) property. Think value-added instead – renovating buildings to increase occupancy, slow tenant turnover and sustain or increase rents. Industrial and multi-family residential will be a major focus for us. With respect to development projects, we take the approach of building to own.

The same goes for companies. Not only can we buy $1 of profits in the private markets more cheaply than in the stock market, but with the right general partners, we can help improve the growth strategies of the companies we hold and brighten their long-term profitability. And in contrast to the bond market, with its mostly negative real returns, with private debt we can obtain positive inflation-adjusted outcomes.

So yes, it’s possible to continue earning strong risk- and inflation-adjusted returns even as prices for assets soar. As Dickens had the wisdom to recognize, the world is not simply made up of either/ors, but also paradoxical ands.

This material contains the current opinions of the author and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material is distributed for informational purposes only. Forecasts, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. All investments contain risk and may gain or lose value. Please speak to your Nicola Wealth advisor for advice based on your unique circumstances. Nicola Wealth is registered as a Portfolio Manager, Exempt Market Dealer and Investment Fund Manager with the required provincial securities commissions.

Snoop Dogg is bringing hot dogs to Toronto this weekend

By

Erica Commisso

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10:51 am

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Rapper Snoop Dogg has done a lot of collaborations in his career. Wiz Khalifa, Dr. Dre, Pharrell Williams, and even a TV show with Martha Stewart.

But, his latest single is extra tasty–he dropped the track with Skip The Dishes. “Did Somebody Say” is all about food, celebrating his status as an ambassador for the food delivery service. “People said it could never be done – a Skip track that you can get down to,” Snoop Dogg said in a press release. “That’s why they brought me in, to put some spice on it.”

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“Skip has always brought entertainment and great food to Canadians,” said Cheryl Radisa, SkipTheDishes’ Vice President of Marketing in the release. “This year, we have a little help from the master of entertainment himself, Snoop Dogg, who is helping us turn up the volume on our new campaign with a track that captures the joy that Skip brings to any occasion.”

To celebrate and encourage Torontonians to “get delivery like a G,” Snoop and the Skip the Dishes team are bringing hot dogs to the city. Forno Cultura will host the Pop Up Hot Dog Cart, giving out free hot dogs to consumers, on Friday, February 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As a part of the delivery app’s partnership with Snoop, Torontonians who order via Skip The Dishes’ Skip Express Lane from Friday, February 11 to Sunday, February 13 will receive a Snoop Dogg-inspired sticker sheet.

The pop-up event follows a slew of other food delivery pop-ups across the city, including In ‘N’ Out Burger’s one-day event and KD’s January delivery experience, as well as Stackt Market’s hot chocolate festival.

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As for Snoop, he’s always been a fan of food, evidenced by his cooking show with Martha Stewart. In 2018, the rapper even released From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen. The cookbook included 50 recipes from Snoop Dogg’s very own collection.

Forno Cultura is located at 1056 Queen Street West, at the corner of Queen and Fennings Street.