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Cooking Up Gratitude: Thanksgiving Favourites
Tis the season for warm, tasty dishes! Just in time for Thanksgiving, we have a delicious appetizer, side dish and dessert to accompany your Thanksgiving meal!
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon
- 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lb. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
Delish: Ethan Calabrese
Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop.
Step 2: In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, and paprika and season with salt and pepper. Fold in chopped spinach, bacon, Parmesan, and 3/4 cup of mozzarella.
Step 3: Transfer dip to a baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella. Bake until golden and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Serve with crostini.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. mild ground pork sausage
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 12 cups assorted bread cubes
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Country Living: Marian Cooper Cairns & Mary Allen Perry
Directions
Step 1: Heat oven to 350°F. Sauté sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium heat for 6 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink. Add apples and next 2 ingredients; sauté 5 more minutes or until apples are tender. Stir in walnuts and the next 5 ingredients. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Fold in bread and broth until well blended. Spoon into a well-greased 3-quart or 13- x 9-inch baking pan. Brush top generously with butter. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is crusty and brown. Garnish, if desired.
Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Butter
Ingredients
- 3 medium overly ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup mashed, see notes)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup melted coconut oil (see notes)
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
Salted Maple Butter
- 4 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Half-Baked Harvest: Teighan Gerard
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 2 (9×5 inch) bread pans.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, pumpkin, coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared bread pans.
Step 3: Place the cream cheese in a gallon size zip-top bag. Snip a small opening off of the corner of the bag. Squeeze out teaspoon size amounts directly into the pumpkin batter, using 4 ounces of cream cheese per bread pan. Gently swirl the cream cheese. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over top of the batter.
Step 4: Transfer to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until center is just set.
Step 5: Meanwhile, make the maple butter. In a small bowl, combine the butter and maple syrup.
Step 6: Remove the bread and let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting…or just eat it warm with a smear of maple butter (you should do this!). Enjoy!
Notes
To Replace the Banana: use an additional 3/4 cup pumpkin or unsweetened applesauce. But again, I like the bread best with bananas. You do not taste them.
To replace the Coconut Oil: use an equal amount of melted butter.
To Freeze: Bake as directed, cool each loaf completely, then tightly wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze in a freezer bag or freezer safe container for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or on the counter for a few hours.
To Make Gluten Free: Use an equal amount of your favorite gluten free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. I recommend Cup4Cup gluten free flour.
Storing: this bread keeps well for 3-4 days at room temperature.
Which one of these delicious recipes will you add to your Thanksgiving meal?
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: 2023 Events Happening in Canada
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is happening this weekend, on September 30. This day is about honouring the survivors of the residential school system, their families and communities.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission announced that they had 94 Calls to Action. Call to Action 80 was a federal statutory day of commemoration, and as a result the National day for Truth and Reconciliation was born.
If you are unable to attend any of the events below, search for other ways that you can support Indigenous communities. Purchase an orange shirt from a company that donates the profits to Indigenous communities. All London Drugs locations carry the official shirt of Orange Shirt Day and 100% of the profits are donated to the Orange Shirt Society. Register for a free online class at the University of Alberta or the University of British Columbia. Watch a documentary about residential schools, read books about Indigenous history or listen to a podcast. Donate to assistance programs, or support local Indigenous businesses and volunteer at Indigenous non-profits.
If you are able to attend an event in your city, here is a list of some of the Truth and Reconciliation events that are happening across Canada.
Victoria, BC
Come together to listen, learn and share on at the UVic quad. Get more info on the pre-Orange Shirt Day commemorative gathering, which happens Friday, September 29.
The annual South Island Powwow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Through song and dance, traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency will be celebrated. The event happens Saturday, September 30.
Vancouver and area, BC
There will be drumming, teachings and story sharing, Bannock and warm beverage at Skookum Surrey on Friday, September 29. More details here.
Members of the University of British Columbia community, families, and those in solidarity are welcome to participate in an Intergenerational March. The march, on Saturday, September 30, aims to be educational and supportive to the Indigenous community on campus and beyond.
Activities and talks in the Arts Umbrella Day of Learning Workshops and Presentations will be age-appropriate and led by Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers. The events are scheduled for Saturday, September 30. More info here.
Join Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society for Orange T-Shirt Day to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools on Saturday, September 30.
In Maple Ridge, the family-friendly Memorial Peace Park Event includes Indigenous performers, Orange Shirt painting, drum circles, a variety of vendors and a community art project. The event happens on Saturday, September 30. A rundown of the activities here.
In New Westminster, witness dancing by Wild Moccasin Dancers and drumming by Host Drum StarChild at this family-friendly event. Indigenous vendors and food trucks will be available. Get more info on Voices of Our Children. The event happens on Saturday, September 30.
In Coquitlam, join First Nations artist and facilitator Christine Mackenzie for a free, public community event on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Saturday, September 30. More info here.
Edmonton, AB
Several organizations will be hosting National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in and around Edmonton in the days leading up to and including Saturday, September 30. Get the timeline of and more information on activities and events, including the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park, here.
Calgary, AB
Join the community to commemorate Indian residential schools victims, honour survivors and their families and commit to acting on reconciliation at the Remembering the Children event on Saturday, September 30.
The Four Winds Indigenous Showcase and Market will celebrate Indigenous art and culture and feature the creations of Indigenous artists and artisans from Treaty 7 and beyond. The market opens on Saturday, September 30.
Indigenous Elders Story Project will demonstrate the strength and power of their traditional practices as they share their personal experiences living in residential schools, an essential part of their journey toward healing. More info here on the free-ticketed event on Saturday, September 30.
Learn about Indigenous history, culture and traditions through film at Arts Commons’ film screening in partnership with the National Film Board on Saturday, September 30. Screenings happen at the Engineered Air Theatre.
Regina, SK
Join the RCMP Heritage Centre on Saturday, September 30, in honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as honouring the survivors and their families and communities. More information here on the range of free activities for the whole family.
Saskatoon, SK
The Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation is an acknowledgment of the multi-generational impacts of residential schools. It’s one way to demonstrate a commitment to Reconciliation and to equal opportunities for every member of our community. The walk happens Saturday, September 30.
Winnipeg, MB
Free admission to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on Saturday, September 30, is one of a host of events, exhibits and talks in and near Winnipeg to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On Friday, Sept. 29, the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts will wear orange jerseys during the pre-game warmup. The jerseys will be auctioned online after the game. The funds will be donated to Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement (WASAC). Here is a list of other events to mark the day.
Midland, ON
In Midland, a day of reflection will be hosted at the historic Sainte-Marie, on September 30 from 10:00am to 5:00pm. There will be an opening ceremony, film screenings, personal reflection activities, Bannock, tea and so much more.
Guelph, ON
Orange Shirt Day Sacred Fire will take place at the Royal City Park on September 30 from 10:30am to 1:00pm. All community members are invited to attend and offer prayers to the Sacred Fire.
At the Guelph Civic Museum, a film screening of The Nature of Healing will play on Saturday, September 30, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. In this film, the seven surviviors of Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest running residential school, will speak their truth with a story of resilience and a path to healing. Registration is required.
On Friday, September 29, the Guelph Public Library will be hosting a reading of Indigenous stories, starting at 10:30am.
Richmond, ON
The Central Library in Richmond will be hosting their Truth and Reconciliation event on Saturday, September 30 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm. Here you can learn from guest speakers, enjoy drumming, sacred fire and medicine teachings. Reserve your spot here.
Brockville, ON
The Brockville Public Library will be hosting their Truth and Reconciliation event on Saturday, September 30 from 10:00am to 4:00pm to reflect on the 94 calls to action and the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. At the event, they will have a fire keeper, drumming, medicine wheel teaching, traditional foods and more.
Aurora, ON
The Aurora Public Library will be hosting a film screening of the Inconvinent Indian happening all day Saturday, September 30. The film discussion is taking place on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00pm. You can register for the event here.
Ottawa, ON
Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023 will be a 90-minute commemorative gathering that will be broadcasted from Parliament Hill at 12:30pm EST on September 30.
On Saturday, September 30, the Ottawa Public Library will be hosting a fil festival at all seven of their locations, and online via Zoom. There are seven films ranging from 3 minutes to more than 2 hours. Each film will be played in English with French subtitles. Find more information about each film and its respected time here.
In Ottawa’s University Square, a ceremony followed by a community feast will be held from 9:30am to 12:30pm on Friday, September 29. You can find more information about the event here.
Brampton, ON
Brampton is hosting a Truth and Reconciliation event at the Medicine Wheel Garden in Heart Lake Conservation Park on September 30 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. You can register for the event here.
Brantford, ON
Brantford will be hosting their Truth and Reconciliation Event on September 30 at Mohawk Park from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. This free event is being led by Brantford Native Housing and will feature drumming, singing and dancing, with food options available. Find more information here.
Toronto, ON
Aaniin Retail Inc.’s Truth and Reconciliation Event: Celebrating Indigenous Excellence, will be held at the Stackt Market in Toronto, on September 30 from 12:00pm until 9:00pm. Tickets are $45 and include an orange shirt or you can purchase an orange shirt online and receive your entry ticket free of charge. At the event, you’ll find plenty of activities including an Indigenous marketplace, performances and a fashion showcase. For more information and to buy your ticket click here.
The Toronto Public Library will be doing a film screening of The Road Forward on September 30 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. This film is a musical documentary that explains the history of civil rights within the Indigenous communities and how their protest and activism has impacted their path moving forward.
Montréal, QC
Innu poet Maya Cousineau Mollen drew inspiration from a work in the permanent collection of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to craft a literary text then set to music by Anishinaabe composer Barbara Assiginaak. The event on Saturday, September 30, is free, as is admission to the museum that day.
Québec, QC
On Saturday, September 30, The Plains of Abraham will host the Musée ambulant’s Échos / de awehskwahk event. Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate in this event, which is an opportunity to meet and share around the art.
Halifax, NS
On Friday, September 29, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a special film screening. More info here.
On Saturday, September 30, a free Orange Shirt Day family event will honour the Indigenous community, featuring traditional music, crafts, vendors, and a kids craft corner.
Fredericton, NB
On Saturday, September 30, the flags of the Wabanaki Confederacy and Wolastoqey Nation will raise followed by a ceremony. The event takes place on the University of New Brunswick campus. More info here. The event will be livestreamed.
Saint John, NB
After the above ceremony, there will be a healing walk with the City of Saint John in Rockwood Park. More info is available here.
Moncton, NB
On Saturday, September 30, the City of Moncton will hold a commemorative ceremony to remember the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools on First Nations communities in Canada.
Charlottetown, PEI
The Native Council of PEI has partnered with UPEI and the IKERAS faculty to provide a Mass Blanket Exercise. Join us on Saturday, September 30. The event is open to the public.
St. John’s, NL
Confederation Building will be lit in orange on the evening of Saturday, September 30, to commemorate all those affected by residential schools. Flags at all provincial buildings will be flown at half-mast in memory of the children who never returned home. The Survivor’s Flag for the Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be flown on the courtesy pole at Confederation Building. Read the provincial statement here.
In addition to events happening all over the country, many buildings across Canada will be illuminated in orange from September 30 until October 1 to honor those who were impacted by the residential school system. Please take the opportunity to learn, listen and remember those impacted by the residential school system as we continue to work towards reconciliation.
Things to Do in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg, also known as the ‘Gateway to the West’ is a unique and diverse Canadian city. Filled with history, culture and nature, Winnipeg is an exciting city that we wanted to shine a light on! Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or have a passion for history and architecture, you’ll be sure to enjoy the city of Winnipeg. Let’s take a look!
Must Sees
Assiniboine Park
Assiniboine Park truly does have it all. Assiniboine Zoo, The Pavilion, The Leaf building, and so much more! Whether you’re looking to experience the park during the winter or summer, there is something for everyone. Visit the Polar Bears at the zoo, attend a concert in the Pavilion, and cycle or cross-country ski around the park. Find more information about Assiniboine Park here.
Royal Canadian Mint
Did you know that the Royal Canadian Mint is where all of Canada’s coins are made? Along with another 80 countries around the world? Not to mention it is considered one of the most stunning buildings in Winnipeg! They offer 45-minute tours where you can explore the facility and learn the process of how coins are made.
Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq
Winnipeg’s new Inuit art centre is home to the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art, along with plenty of exhibitions from across the globe. You can attend one of their educational programs, visit the gallery shop, or check out the sculpture garden on the roof.
The Manitoba Museum
The Manitoba Museum is an award-winning museum with something for all ages. From history and dinosaurs to space and the laws of science, you’ll be amazed by the stories of the past and present. Find more information about the Manitoba Museum here.
The Forks
The Forks is a popular destination for both locals and tourists during every season! Whether you’re wanting to enjoy a nice meal on the largest patio in Western Canada, explore The Forks Market, or cross-country ski and ice skate on the Nestaweya River Trail, The Forks is sure to impress. Filled with restaurants, cafes, shopping and more, The Forks Market is the place to be!
Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature
Thermëa, Winnipeg’s newest outdoor spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Just 8 km outside of the city, this outdoor oasis features thermal pools, saunas, exfoliation room, and massage treatments. Once you’re done soaking, you can enjoy a delicious meal at their restaurant, complete with a terrace offering amazing views of the spa.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Architecturally stunning and filled with interactive exhibits for all ages, the CMHR is something you need to experience in Winnipeg. With exhibits and events from a variety of human rights themes, you’re guaranteed to learn something at this incredible museum. You can even climb to the Tower of Hope, a 100 metre vantage point to catch incredible views of the city.
Must Dos
Sports
If you’re a sports fan, Winnipeg is home to a number of professional sports teams! Not to mention the University of Manitoba has sports teams as well!
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Canadian Football League (CFL) team
- Winnipeg Jets, National Hockey League (NHL) team
- Manitoba Moose, American Hockey League (AHL) team
- Winnipeg Goldeyes, American Baseball League (ABL) team
- Winnipeg Sea Bears, Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) team
Cheer on the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose all winter long, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Winnipeg Goldeyes and the Winnipeg Sea Bears throughout the summer and fall.
Birds Hill Provincial Park
Birds Hill Provincial Park is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is 35 km2 and is home to plenty of trails, including some paved trails. The paved trail system, also known as Lakeview Trail, is 7.2 km long and takes you through the trees and around Kingfisher Lake. The unpaved trail system is 30 km and perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
If you would like to spend a few days exploring this beautiful park, you can stay and enjoy the campground from May to October. This campground happens to be right next to the folk festival site and if you’re a music fan, you can stay and attend the Winnipeg Folk Festival that happens every summer. This festival is one of the largest folk music events in all of North America.
Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge
Walk along the ‘people path’ on the Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge as you make your way to The Forks. This bridge is a Winnipeg icon and a is a must see if you’re walking or biking around the city!
FortWhyte Alive
If you’re looking to explore the outdoors and immerse yourself in nature, just a few minutes from downtown Winnipeg, FortWhyte Alive is the place to visit! Here you can enjoy hiking, biking, exploring, bison and bird-watching, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. They even provide rentals, including walking poles, binoculars, snowshoes, cruiser bikes, and more!
After reading all of this, do you want to be a Winnipegger?!
Information referenced from:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/parks/park-maps-and-locations/central/birds.html
Things to Do in Vernon, British Columbia
Vernon is a year-round destination that has something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid skier, golfer or just looking to relax on the lake, you’ll be surrounded by endless amounts of fun! Let’s dive in!
Vernon Lakes & Beaches
Vernon is nestled between the beautiful Okanagan Lake and Kalamalka Lake. Whether you’re looking for some fun for the whole family (including your furry friends) or just looking for a sandy spot to relax, Vernon has a beach for it. Find more information about beaches in Vernon here.
Wine Tours & Orchards
Wine lovers are in for a treat! The Okanagan region is known for its wineries and orchards, which is why they created the Scenic Sip Trail between Vernon and Kelowna. This wine tour will take you to some of the most unique wineries in the Okanagan including 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Ancient Hills Estate Winery, Gray Monk Estate Winery, & Ex Nihilo Winery. Explore other wineries near Vernon here.
Close to downtown Vernon, you’ll find Davison Orchards. They have plenty of seasonal produce to choose from, but you’ll want to make sure you pick some apples and a take home a few pies since that’s what they’re best known for!
Planet Bee Honey Farm has over 20 flavours of honey for you to sample along with a variety of other bee products. At Planet Bee Honey Farm, they “believe the relationship between humans and honey bees can and must be mutually beneficial, continually and sustainably elevating the health & wellness of both us and the bees.” Be sure to support this family business and help save the bees!
Sports and Activities
Watersports
If you’re a water enthusiast, Vernon has a boat with your name on it! Rent a boat and spend the day on Okanagan Lake or Kalamalka Lake and test out your watersport skills. There are plenty of rental shops in town with equipment for water skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even snorkelling! Or make a splash at the Splashdown Vernon Family Waterpark which is open from June to September!
Hiking
Vernon has some of the best hiking trails in all of British Columbia! Surrounded by lakes, hills and mountains, you’ll be constantly immersed in the incredible scenery. Some of the best hiking trails in Vernon include BX Creek & Falls Trail, Coldstream Valley Estates and Turtle Mountain. Check out more amazing trails in Vernon here.
Biking
If hiking isn’t really your thing, Vernon is a great city for biking! They have plenty of trails to enjoy including the Okanagan Rail Trail if you’re looking for a leisurely trail, or SilverStar Bike Park for some of Canada’s best mountain biking! Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and Ellison Provincial Park have single track trails for riders of all skills and ages or feel free to bike around downtown Vernon. Get more information about biking in Vernon here.
Golf
If golf is your game of choice, you might want to explore the several golf courses in the area including Predator Ridge Resort, Hillview Golf Course, or Vernon Golf & Country Club.
Winter Activities
The winter magic in Vernon is real! Especially at SilverStar Mountain Resort. Here you can ski, snowboard, fat bike, or snowshoe once the snow arrives! They also have a large outdoor skating rink on Brewer’s Pond, which even has cozy outdoor fires if you need to warm up. If you’re into cross country skiing, you will find some trails at the SilverStar Mountain Resort, or you can visit the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club for some groomed trails and rentals if you need.
The Vernon Winter Carnival happens every February which includes a snow sculpture competition and a hot air balloon festival!
Food and Beverage Scene
After you’ve stopped at Davison Orchards and Planet Honey Bee Farm, you’ll just need some meats and cheeses to build your very own charcuterie board! The area is so well known for these specialty goods, they have started the Charcuterie Trail with a list of places where you can stop and shop.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you’ll have to explore the Hot Sips Trail, where you can visit eight unique and funky coffee shops around Vernon. However, if tea is more your style, you can visit Wildcraft Forest for some wild, organic tea blends!
Outside of wineries, Vernon is home to a variety of craft breweries and distilleries. Be sure to stop at Marten Brew Pub, Okanagan Spring Brewery, Cambium Cider Co and Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery for a taste of local craftsmanship!
Would you move to this beautiful, fun-filled city? We know we sure would!
Information referenced from:
https://www.tourismvernon.com/en/index.aspx
How to Support Black-Owned Businesses
Did you know that August is Black Business Month?
In honour of Black Business Month; we want to highlight the ways in which we can all support Black businesses year-round and why it’s so important. When supporting businesses that are Black-owned, Black communities receive support, which helps to create a healthier economy- so everyone wins.
This support helps to create more jobs, while building a stronger economy and helps to fill the gaps in wealth inequality. Here are some ways that you can support Black-owned businesses this month and every other month.
1. Be intentional about shopping at Black businesses
2. Write reviews and share your feedback with family and friends
3. Recommend and share their businesses on social media
4. Build relationships with Black-owned businesses
Curious how to find Black-owned businesses in your area?
- Use Google to search for businesses in your area or across the country. Use keywords like ‘Black-owned’ and be specific about the area or type of business you are searching for.
- Sites like Yelp have badges that indicate if a business is Black-owned, and you can add this to your search whenever you’re using Yelp.
- Black Business Direct is a national directory of Black-owned businesses in Canada. You can choose from different categories ranging from Beauty to Technology to help you find Black businesses in your area.
- AfroBiz.ca is another website that helps you find Black-owned businesses all over Canada. There are currently over 4,500 businesses to choose from and you can filter by city or choose a specific industry to find what you are looking for!
- Search hashtags on social media. It’s important to note that you should first follow members of the Canadian Black community in order to determine which hashtags are the most effective and helpful and then search accordingly.
Looking for a place to start?
Here are 12 Black-owned businesses from all over Canada.
- Cup of Te in Ontario
- Hill’s Jamaican Jerk Sauce in Halifax
- Ahinke’s Kitchen in Calgary
- The Curl Lounge in Toronto
- Taurean Sun Co. in Victoria
- Island Flava Caribbean Restaurant in Ottawa
- Soft and Butter in Ontario
- Monday May Jewelry in British Columbia
- Roofs of Lloyd in Nova Scotia
- Art Today by Alyssa Rae in Montreal
- Q&A Dog Training in Vancouver
- Chirah Fitness in Winnipeg
How will you support Black businesses this month?
Information referenced from:
https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/support-black-owned-businesses/
https://www.chase.ca/en/resources/articles/how-to-support-black-businesses
Why Women Are Natural Realtors
Women everywhere are influencing the real estate industry! In fact, in most countries throughout the world, more than 50% of Realtors are women and here in Canada, that number climbs to nearly 60%.
Real estate careers for women have been growing in popularity as women are searching for more meaning in their careers and seeking opportunities that promote a work-life balance. Workplace culture has become a top priority, especially among younger women. Some are leaving jobs where they feel undervalued or are experiencing a lack of culture, and are choosing careers in real estate or becoming entrepreneurs to have more flexibility or even work part time.
What It Takes to Be a Successful Realtor
Realtors benefit from having certain soft skills including communication, active listening, negotiation, high attention to detail, and patience. Every client is different, therefore the skills you need to work with each client need to be different.
What skills do successful Realtor’s have?
- Communication skills
- Understanding of real estate
- Knowledge of your local market
- Time management skills
- Negotiation skills
- Marketing skills
Why Do Women Make Great Realtors?
By nature, women tend to possess the skills that are required to be a successful agent. They are often good communicators, active listeners, and masters at managing their time. Women tend to have a passion for architecture and design, along with creating a space that feels warm and inviting. They also have the ability to empathize and listen intently, which are highly valuable skills when it comes to buying and selling homes. These skills allow for a relationship of trust which helps buyers to feel they are in good hands and that their needs are taken care of.
Why Do Women Choose Real Estate Careers?
We asked some of the women of Coldwell Banker Canada what motivated them to choose a career in real estate. The majority of responses were focused on the freedom and flexibility of business, income potential, and the ability to help people buy the home of their dreams.
A career in real estate allows women the freedom to work around their commitments and obligations, while building a career they are passionate about. With virtual showings, virtual tour features and everchanging technologies, being a Realtor brings a much more flexible work schedule than it has in the past.
Advice from other women in the industry?
- Build your own personal brand as a Realtor.
- Decide on the type of Realtor that you want to be and build it into your identity.
- Find mentors and allies.
- Utilize technology and adapt.
- Be authentic and be yourself.
Areas for Improvement
Even though women in real estate have come a long way, there are still areas that need improvement. While approximately 60% of Realtors in Canada are women, there is still a lack of women in leadership roles. Especially in the Commercial space, as Commercial real estate has a much lower ratio of women in the industry. Unfortunately, gender pay gaps still exist for women in the industry, so it is important to negotiate commission percentages or salaries.
What else can you do?
- Determine how your brokerage promotes inclusivity
- Are there equal opportunities for training and mentoring?
- Are reward and recognition given fairly and equally?
- Talk to other females at the brokerage
- Read reviews!
To all woman in real estate, we celebrate you and support you! Let’s all do our best to close the gender gap and promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Information referenced from:
https://www.realtrends.com/articles/opinion-she-sells-more-real-estate-than-he-sells/
https://www.repmag.ca/news/what-is-the-average-age-of-a-realtor-334931.aspx
https://ottawamommyclub.ca/women-in-real-estate-dominating-canada/
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-encyclopedia/women-in-real-estate
https://storeys.com/real-estate-careers-women-work-life-balance/
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-encyclopedia/real-estate-skills
Positive Space Kit Fundraiser Aims to Boost Safety for Queer Students in Schools
Daniela Tofano of Coldwell Banker Community Professionals and Matt Brownlow of Mission 35 Mortgages are on a mission to raise funds and awareness for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community this month.
“As a supporter of the queer community, I want to recognize and advocate for their rights, equality, and accept them for exactly who they are. All people who are under the umbrella term of ‘queer’ should be celebrated. They, like all humans, have worth and value in this world. They should NOT be judged, bullied, or hurt for who they are,” Daniela said.
Daniela and Matt are partnering with The Get REAL Movement to raise funds for Positive Space Kits to help educate and make kids in the queer community feel safe and comfortable in their schools. Their goal is to raise $6,000 by June 30th and both Matt and Daniela will match donations up to $1,000. This sum will allow them to support the queer community in the Greater Hamilton Area and beyond if possible!
The Get Real Movement
The Get REAL movement began back in 2011 as a student project aimed at ‘combatting homophobic, transphobic and racist language and attitudes’ by talking with students one on one. The success of these conversations led to a broader approach- workshops. Their team now hosts workshops within schools and the workplace to help educate and promote diversity and inclusivity.
Positive Space Groups
The Get REAL Movement has also initiated Positive Space Groups or a “GSA” (Gender-Sexuality Alliance / Gay-Straight Alliance) which are groups led by students to help promote a safe and inclusive environment for students. Positive Space Kits are used to help support Positive Space Groups within schools and act as a resource to help empower students and encourage conversation!
Image from The Get Real Movement
Positive Space Kits
Positive Space Kits include: 16 magnets, 16 stickers, and 4 small flags that can be displayed across classrooms and bulletin boards throughout the school.
Image from The Get Real Movement
Positive Space Kits have received overwhelming support and positive feedback across Canada!
Anonymous: “Representation, inclusivity, and community have become a large part of our conversations (some sparks from our stickers!).”
Anonymous: “The Positive Space Kit has had a huge impact on the students in my classroom as well as those who enter it. The carefully curated items ensures that minority groups of students feel better represented (people of colour as well as those part of the LGBTQ2S+ community) and have generated thoughtful discussion.”
How You Can Help
“For the remainder of June/Pride Month we will be fundraising to provide Positive Space Kits for local schools. We want to take the financial burden of teachers and caregivers so that they can focus on providing those safe spaces for kids in their community.”- Daniela Tofano
To donate, please visit this link
Gen Blue Canada 2023 Recap
Inspiring sessions from fantastic speakers. Unparalleled networking opportunities. Unforgettable social mixers.
On May 30 – June 1, 2023, Coldwell Banker Canada brought their blue pride to beautiful Vancouver, a bustling city surrounded by natural beauty for a gathering unlike any other: Gen Blue Canada 2023.
This one-of-a-kind in-person conference exclusive to the Coldwell Banker network is a time for us to come together to expand our knowledge, celebrate our many achievements, have fun, and get fired up to be the best!
This year, we had over 250 Coldwell Banker agents, brokers, owners, and administrative staff from across Canada and abroad join us for a wide range of learning opportunities from 20+ inspiring speakers, including keynote speakers Drew Dudley, Daniel Lewis, Gerald Clerx, and Cheryl Bernard. Our network left Vancouver with plenty of new ideas and practices on how to conquer their marketing plan, increase their sales, grow their business, and master their technology.
Business aside, when our network gets together, you’re guaranteed to have a good time! Where there is a Coldwell Banker Canada event, there is mingling, laughing, connecting, and sometimes even a little dancing. The social mixers at Gen Blue Canada created some unforgettable memories for all!
Being a part of the Coldwell Banker brand means being part of something truly special. Nationwide, we are united by our passion, by our joy, and by our desire to do great things in real estate.
Recap of Events
May 30 – Broker/Owner Pre-Con Sessions
May 30 was a day exclusive to the broker/owners of Coldwell Banker Canada. Leadership Expert & Author Drew Dudley started the day off with his presentation This is Day One: Creating Cultures of Leadership, where he walked us through the discovery of our personal leadership values, and demonstrated how those values can be translated into daily behaviors.
Following Drew, we had the opportunity to hear from Real Estate Master Bob Cella on Weather Proofing Your Business. Bob flew in all the way from Hawaii to share some tips on building a brokerage that can survive during the down cycles and thrive when the market is up.
Lastly, VP of Sales for Guiding Star Mortgage Group Shaun Westlake dove into how Guiding Star’s partnership with Coldwell Banker Canada can benefit the business of broker/owners nationwide.
May 30: Broker/Owner Mixer
Following the pre-con sessions on May 30, we hosted a broker/owner mixer on a two-level yacht! This unique experience provided the perfect opportunity for our broker/owners to mingle while taking in everything Vancouver has to offer. Our evening consisted of cold drinks, delicious food, and stunning waterfront views. What more could you ask for?
May 31 – Full Network Day 1
May 31 is when we started to welcome all our other attendees from across Canada and abroad! The day started off with some opening remarks from the CEO of Coldwell Banker Canada, Karim Kennedy, who gave an invigorating recap of the past year and had us all eagerly anticipating the upcoming months. Following that, Rob Goodings took the stage to present some very special milestones to our longest servicing broker/owners who have spent decades building trust and protecting the integrity of the brand. To finish off the opening ceremony, we had the absolute pleasure of hearing from Liz Gehringer, Acting President of Coldwell Banker Affiliate Business, COO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate & President and CEO of Anywhere Franchise Brands.
Entrepreneur & Customer Service Expert Daniel Lewis closed out the day with his animated session Success by Design: Entrepreneurship & Success Mindset. Through this high energy and very inspirational presentation, Daniel taught us to reinstitute the mental and physical effort back into our jobs, become a real CEO (Catching Every Opportunity), and take responsibility for our attitudes and infuse passion, personality, and purpose into our work!
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Morning Concurrent Sessions:
Tara Clark – Conquering Social Media
Ashli Komaryk – How Mastering the Art of Listening Grows Sales
Brendon Ogmundson – The Path to Recovery in the Housing Market
Dawn McLellan – Adding Yourself to Your Business: 3 ways to add you into CB Ignite
Midday Concurrent Sessions:
Tara Clark: Organic Social Media Content and Engagement
Dan Wood: How to Get More Listings
Ashley McClure: Harnessing the Power of an International Brand
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions:
Dan Wood: Artificial Intelligence & Real Estate
Sharon Gowling: Building Relationships for Longterm Success
Dan Richards: Direct Mail is Alive & Well
Dan Spiegel: So you Want to be a Commercial Broker?
June 1 – Full Network Day 2
The networked reconvened bright and early on June 1 for the final day of Gen Blue Canada 2023 which is when Author & Client Engagement Expert Gerald Clerx took the stage to present The Engagement Style Matrix: The Science of Connecting with Your Clients. Gerald explained why it’s important to offer a property or service to clients in a way that aligns with the unique decision-making needs of that client using the principles of DISC, and how mastery of this skill enhances your ability to connect with your clients and increases your listing and selling success rate!
To close out the conference, we had the immense opportunity to hear from Two-Time Olympian and Motivational Speaker Cheryl Bernard! Cheryl inspired everyone in the audience as she elaborated on some of the lessons she wishes she could have shared with her younger self: ignore the outside noise and the opinions of others because, at the end of the day, it all comes down to whether or not you believe in yourself.
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Morning Concurrent Breakout Sessions:
Helen Stepchuk: Think Fresh. Keep it Cool. Grow.
Angela Rossi: How to Rock Your Listing
Katie Matthewman: The Home Staging Advantage
Ish Ahmed: Managing Change with Balance
Midday Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Gerald Clerx: Mastering Client Negotiations
Carla Kidd & Kaitlin McMurdo: Globalize Your Business: How to leverage the Coldwell Banker network to increase your income
Dr. Cluny South: I feel it, I want it, I need it, I love it!
Shaun Westlake: The Mortgage Talk: Guiding you Through Today’s Market
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions
Gerald Clerx: Mastering Client Presentations
Bob Cella: A Winning Strategy
Mike Catherall: How to Save a Fortune by Advertising with Your Brain
Trevor Koot: Leading a Proactive Real Estate Industry
June 1: VIP Mixer
On the evening of June 1, we hosted a VIP Mixer for all our Gen Blue Canada attendees to close out the conference! The night was filled with fun & laughs as everyone came together to reconnect with fellow agents and make new connections over a wide selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres and much deserved drinks. Those who stayed until the end even got to witness the corporate team busting up some moves on the dance floor!
All in all, Gen Blue Canada 2023 was a huge success, and it couldn’t have happened without our wonderful network. Thank you to everyone who attended, and for those who couldn’t, we hope to see you at Gen Blue Canada 2024!
Coldwell Banker Canada’s Canadian Ambassador Award Winner Honoured for Long-Lasting Service to Community
For decades, Coldwell Banker Canada broker-owner William Nelson has used his second chance at life to help build a stronger community. For his service, Nelson has received the company’s prestigious Canadian Ambassador Award.
“To be chosen over people who are equally qualified, and, I would suggest to you, more qualified to receive this award, is humbling,” said Nelson, 68, broker-owner of Coldwell Banker Canada WIN Realty in Mount Forest, Ont.
“You look back for three or four decades, and you say to yourself, did I do what I did for the right motives? If it’s self-serving, then that’s the wrong motive. But if you always put other people ahead of yourself, the road to success might not be quick, but it’s steady, and it’s sure, and it’s sustainable.”
“They thought I was dead”
On February 9, 1972, on a section of Highway 6 outside of Mount Forest, it looked like Bill Nelson’s story was over and done before his teenaged years were. The 17-year-old was hit and run over by two vehicles, leaving him with a fractured neck, a broken knee, busted ribs and an arm almost nearly torn off.
“They thought I was dead,” Nelson said.
Nelson was rushed unconscious to the local Louise Marshall Hospital before being transferred to the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital where he spent four months slowly recovering.
He helped others recover, too.
“I remember being asked by a young woman, a fellow patient across the hall who had been involved in an unrelated motor vehicle accident, why I thought I was still alive. I said that’s a good question, I don’t know. But I was given a second chance.”
Volunteer resume
Bill Nelson has used that second chance to try to answer that question. A commitment to serving others is the thread that runs through his volunteer resume, some of the highlights of which are:
- Lions Club (44 years and counting)
- Masonic Lodge (44 years and counting)
- Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce (39 years and counting)
- CFO for a political organization (35 years and counting)
- Business Improvement Area (20 years and still going)
- Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation (20 years)
- Big Brothers (6 years)
Throw in years of service in all the executive positions at the community church, and, in William Irwin Nelson, the community of Mount Forest has not only a trusted realtor, but someone who shows up and puts his own skin in the game, literally.
“Many times you’re at these meetings and it’s, maybe, the fourth meeting of the week, and the meeting was supposed to be only an hour and a half but when you look at your watch it’s already 10:30 pm, and, it’s, like, wow, do I really need this?” he said.
His answer to that question is the same as that of other Coldwell Banker Canada owners, brokers, staff and agents who give their volunteer time to causes in their neighbourhoods and communities.
“At the end of the day, you keep going because you feel you are making a positive contribution,” he said. “If we cannot make our world just a little bit better than it was when we entered it, maybe we didn’t do something right.”
Making Coldwell Banker home
Bill Nelson met Brian Padfield, the founder of the Coldwell Banker real estate brokerage, in 1976 when Nelson and his father purchased the rental building. Padfield offered him a job. Nelson turned him down, saying he wasn’t going to work for anyone else. They sat down and kept talking.
“He did agree to sell me half of his insurance brokerage on the concession that I would work for him on the real estate side,” Nelson said. “Fair enough.”
In 1978, Nelson graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics degree. He then finished his public accounting articling and went back home.
Nelson got his real estate licence in 1979, bought Padfield out of the insurance brokerage in 1996 and then purchased the real estate brokerage in 2010.
Looking for people who want to do what’s right
Nelson has put his own service-first stamp on the office. When he hires for sales or administration positions, he’s looking for proficiency, yes, but not for the person who is “so goal-driven that they’re going to be just the best whatever.” Instead, he’s looking for the person who wants to do what’s right and who wants to help others. When he coaches, it’s the same vibe, especially when a problem is on the table.
“If we’re talking about a problem, if a deal went south, say, if your client didn’t get the sale or purchase they wanted, you have to ask yourself did I do the best I could for that client?” he said.
If the answer is yes, if the challenge was in the circumstances, then Nelson’s advice is to not beat yourself up. If the answer is no, then it’s okay to beat yourself up just a bit, and resolve to not make the same mistake twice, he said.
That couple from Toronto
A valuable lesson Nelson himself has learned is to not mistake what clients actually say for what clients might be trying to say. That learning came early in his career courtesy of a couple from Toronto who said they wanted to find a nice plot of land with “a babbling brook through the trees, that kind of place,” Nelson remembered.
What happened next was borderline comedy.
Eager to please, Nelson spent a day and a half driving criss-crossing the area, getting out to inspect properties on foot, donating his own blood to grow the local mosquito population. Tired, empty and itchy, he drove back to town, eyeing by complete chance a For Sale sign nailed to the front of an old church.
“The confessional booths were still in it,” Nelson recalled. “Thirty-seven feet to the peak, sheets of paint, not wallpaper hanging from the ceiling, a little apartment at one end. It was right at the crest of a hill where truckers used their compression brakes coming down and grinded their gears going up. The steps encroached on municipal property. It had no land around it.”
In passing, he mentioned the abandoned church to the couple.
“They loved it,” he said. “They bought it that afternoon.”
Sooooo, what happened to the babbling brook?
It turned out what the couple from Toronto really wanted was something unique to enjoy on the weekends.
“Now, that’s what I hadn’t identified, and, frankly, I don’t know if I ever could have identified it. Had I not made the comment about the church, they would have driven back to Toronto and who knows what they would have bought from whom?” said Nelson.
From that episode he learned to never ignore what someone tells you but to be open to explore the boundaries a bit. Don’t head off in a direction to solve a problem before you know what the precise challenge is.
“So, if you want a three-bedroom brick bungalow, why does it have to be brick? Is it a bungalow? Is it a need or a want? Let’s dissect things. Let’s take a little bit of time, let’s sit down, do some fact finding, listen and let people tell a story and listen to what they’re saying and what they’re not saying.”
Coldwell Banker Canada WIN Realty won the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce Corporate Citizen of the Year, 2022. Nelson himself was recognized as the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year in 2015.
Still a top producer, barely
Bill Nelson is a teacher but is still very much a doer.
On the strength of his own book of business in 2022, he qualified for the Canadian President’s Elite and International President’s Circle designations. He is still the top producer in the brokerage, but his youngest son works with him and is gaining ground.
“He’s getting close. He was really close last year. He may get me this year. I’m still the top producer, barely.”
Coldwell Banker WIN Realty is home to key support staff, seven agents and one cube van. Nelson said that the group is highly motivated and doesn’t need to be “siss-boom-baahed” into shape. The brokerage sustains itself by what Nelson called collective knowledge.
“Everyone here has bought into collective knowledge,” he said. “We’re all competing with each other, we don’t share commissions, we don’t share clients. But we all respect each other, we listen to each other, we’re candid, we listen to what’s going on with all the transactions, we all collectively work together so we all grow. We’re not a brokerage of lone wolves.”
Bill Nelson, far right, with his brokerage staff and spouses at their 2021 Christmas party in Las Vegas.
What a leader is
Sharon Wenger joined Coldwell Banker WIN Realty in 2014 after working as an agent at another brokerage. She called it “the best decision of her life, made with no hesitation.” Wenger called Nelson the perfect example of what a leader is and does.
“He is dedicated to his clients, he is devoted to his community and as a broker he supports and trusts the agents,” said Wenger, who is also a broker. “He pushes everyone to do better and be a better version of themselves.”
Wenger said nowhere is it explicitly mentioned that working at Coldwell Banker WIN Realty means you devote time to community organizations. But everyone does. Because of Nelson’s example.
“He talks the talks, and he walks the walk, and we’re with him,” said Wenger.
Nelson also drives the cube van. Or, at least, keeps it running. Since his early days with the brand, Nelson has made available, for clients—for free—a cube van that he leaves parked in public. He asks only that it be returned to the same location, with a full tank of gas and no dents.
Bill Nelson: a man with a plan and a van.
A life of service
The Coldwell Banker Canada Canadian Ambassador Award is presented annually to an affiliated broker, owner, manager or sales representative who has best represented the Coldwell Banker brand values in Canada and who strives to make the world a better place.
When Bill Nelson saw his name on this year’s plaque, he saw other names, figuratively, on the award, too. He saw Jackie Ferrier’s name. Ferrier has been his “right-hand person” for 33 years. He saw Lee Nelson’s name, too. Lee has been his wife for 43 years and countless adventures.
“Without the support of those two, I could not have fulfilled whatever level of service people credit me with,” said Nelson. “Their names are on the plaque, too.”
Not his only recognition
The Canadian Ambassador Award is the second major award for service Nelson has received in the last 12 months. The other one came with less fanfare. Nelson was at a social event in Mount Forest when a woman came up to him, told him he didn’t know who she was—and then thanked him for saving her mother’s life.
“I don’t recall doing any heroic act,” Nelson responded.
The woman explained that her mother was the teenaged woman across the hospital hall from young Bill Nelson all those years ago in the spring of 1972. When Nelson had recovered sufficiently from his own injuries, hospital staff asked if he would go and talk to the woman, who was a couple of years older than him and struggling psychologically after surviving her own vehicle crash in which a friend had died.
Nelson recalled that “all she could picture in her mind’s eye was her friend who had died.”
Whenever the nurses got him out of bed and wheeled him over, he would talk with her. “Just two kids talking about different things, just talking, two teenagers talking,” he recalled.
In time, the woman who lost her friend would go on to tell her own daughter about the kindness of the banged-up kid across the hall who came to talk and listen.
“She told me her mother had told her all her life that whatever I said to her somehow saved her life,” Nelson said, confessing that he does not remember what he actually said, drawing a lesson from that very fact.
“Sometimes we have no idea about the consequences of our actions,” he said. “Sometimes we don’t know the profound effect we can all have on others when we try to serve.”
Editor’s note: the picture at the top of the blog post shows William Irwin Nelson, centre, receiving the Coldwell Banker Canada Canadian Ambassador Award from Paul Abbott, VP, Franchise Development, Ontario, right, with Jackie Ferrier, left. The awards keep coming. On May 31, 2023, at Coldwell Banker Canada’s Gen Blue conference in Vancouver, Bill Nelson received a 30-year service award.
Real Estate Awards Season Recap
The 2023 awards and recognition season has now come to an end, and we are so incredibly proud of our network and their accomplishments. We are thrilled to be surrounded by a group of ambitious professionals who go above and beyond to serve their clients.
Coldwell Banker Canada represents a brand that is home to some of the most talented real estate professionals across the globe. These talented experts strive for excellence, and we believe that excellence deserves to be celebrated. The International Awards and Recognition program is our method of recognizing our exceptional real estate professionals who have demonstrated the meaning of the Coldwell Banker brand-awesomeness, excellence and ingenuity. Whether it be production excellence or outstanding customer service, we want to celebrate it!
Awards and recognition help to provide agents with a sense of accomplishment and create motivation to set goals and standards as individuals, teams or offices! Part of the Coldwell Banker Canada culture and one of our core values is celebrating excellence. Our awards act as a way to celebrate the key wins, celebrate hard work and effort and highlight niche achievements. We love to see so many of our agents and offices achieving great things on a national as well as international level.
The Coldwell Banker awards have a variety of categories from Individual Agent Awards to International Nomination Awards.
Awards & Recognition Categories: 
Individual Agent Awards
Canadian Team Awards
Canadian Office Awards
Canadian Ranked Awards
Canadian Ultimate Service Awards
Canadian Nomination Awards
International Nomination Awards
We also love celebrating those who have rewarded our business with years of service and support. ‘Bleeding Blue’ is a representation of those who live and breathe the Coldwell Banker brand and our Milestone Awards are our way of showing love and appreciation to our loyal network.
Stay tuned for more on our Milestone Awards!
