OEV Villager July:Aug 2025

Old East Villager

July-August 2025 Issue 12

Take Up Space Community spaces are such an important part of urban culture. You can take in a public garden, skateboard park, walking path, swimming pool or playground and connect with people in an area close to home. London has some incredible community spaces. Yet it seems they are often under-utilized. Why? Mostly because in a city like London you don’t need them. Many people have big backyards, swimming pools or basketball nets enough that they don’t need to use outside spaces. However, in more densely populated parts of a city, this is not often possible. You have no choice but to find alternative outdoor options when you live in small quarters. So you are inclined to engage with other neighbours in passing, or families at the park. Sound terrible? Perhaps this luxury of not needing to use community spaces is something unique to Canada or London. But is it good? Statistics would suggest that even as one of the richest countries in the world, we are also the saddest. (I can be as introverted as the best of them). Is it possible that we have developed a false sense of true prosperity? If we choose to use public spaces, more might we experience the feeling of that richness? Maybe our kids would be safer on the streets if more people were using them. Maybe facilities would be cleaned more often by getting more use. Maybe gardens and parks would flourish with colour when there are people there to admire them. You can’t help but wonder, if we prefer some kinds of progress are we also choosing to lose our sense of connection? Community doesn’t exist anymore without deliberate attention, and as one of the oldest neighbourhoods in London, we can be grateful that Old East Village still has access to some great public spaces. Summer is finally here and we are looking forward to the activities it brings out in the neighbourhood. Happy summer everyone. See you out there!

Page 2 Old East Villager July-August 2025

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artist instructors, tour the studio spaces, learn about classes/ workshops/offerings, and, of course, try clay! Between wheel throwing and hand building, there’s so much to do and so much to learn! Happening on July 19, check out clayworx.ca for details.

by Nicole Borland Hot Tips

Summers here in OEV! The days are hot and so are the tips so read on to see how you can make the most of your neighbourhood for FREE in July and August 2025. Movie Nights in Boyle and Lorne Ave Parks (530 Charlotte Street / 723 Lorne Ave.) Outdoor Movie Nights are back! You know them, you love them, and you can thank the City of London for bringing your favourite flicks to your favourite parks around the city in July and August 2025. Grab some snacks, drinks, chairs, or blankets and settle in for a fun, free, family-friendly evening. Mark your calendars for OEV showings on July 19 in Lorne Ave. Park (Footloose), and on August 23 in Boyle Park (Moana 2). Movies start around dusk (between 8 pm to 9 pm) and are subject to weather. Check the City of London’s socials for updates!

Enjoy the Splash Pad in Queens Park (900 King Street) Now that summer is in full swing, we’re all looking for some relaxing ways to wind down and cool down and there certainly aren’t many ways simpler than hitting the splash pad at Queens Park. This little number is one of London’s best-kept summer secrets with plenty of space, plenty of waterworks, and the quaint greenery of Queens Park complete with public art and pathways to immerse yourself in. Plus, hit the splash pad on a Saturday or Sunday and be sure to check out all the tasty treats and artisanal finds the Market has to offer! Aeolian Hall Tunes @ Noon (795 Dundas Street) On Tuesdays from 12 to 1 pm throughout July and August, get your live music fix in Aeolian Hall’s south lounge with a new concert series, Tunes @ Noon! The first show takes place on July 8 and features local favourite, Marty Kolls, and you can stay tuned to Aeolian’s socials for more announcements moving forward! Drinks will be available for purchase and attendees are encouraged to bring their own food - what better way to spend your lunch hour? This event series has been made possible by The Paul Seed Fund, LCF, London City of Music, and LMO.

OEV Pride Weekend Community Yard Sale (Various Locations) This yard sale has become a neighbourhood favourite featuring many streets, many locations, and many, many treasures to be had. Happening on July 19, be sure to check out the Facebook event for details and to see what and where will be featured. While this isn’t a free event per se, we all know that meandering around, garage sale-ing on the weekend is one of the best ways to spend your time in the summer months! 2025 Pride London Parade From July 11 to 20, London will be bright with colour and full of events to celebrate all things Pride! Be sure to check out what will be happening throughout on their website at pridelondon.ca. The parade itself (July 20) starts at noon through OEV and ends at 3 pm in Victoria Park – it’s something you certainly do not want to miss!

To advertise here, please contact Marty@villagerpublications.com Try Clay Day at Clayworx (664 Dundas Street) Back by popular demand, Try Clay Day is a free, open-house style event where you can explore the state-of-the-art facility, meet the

Old East Villager July-August 2025 • Page 3

Porch Portraits You may have noticed some initiatives popping up in Old East Village as of late and the Porch Portraits Fundraiser was very well received. Many folks took part in the event to pose for a picture on their front porch or lawn. Photographer Natasha Roberts charges no fee for herself but rather offers her skills to help raise funds for a good cause, and this year chose to raise money to help send some kids to camp. If you happened to be out on the day she toured around on her bicycle it was a lovely sight as many were out in their yards playing and enjoying themselves awaiting her arrival. Stay tuned for next year’s event!

Old East Villager Issue #12 July-August 2025 Your local community connector The 100% locally owned and produced OEV Villager is published five times a year with thousands delivered free to area residences, set out at local venues, and posted online at www.villagerpublications.com Publisher: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Barb@villagerpublications.com 519-282-7262 Managing Editor: Marty Kolls Marty@villagerpublications.com All articles by Marty Kolls unless noted otherwise. Advertising : Marty Kolls Marty@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist: Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Do you have an Old East Village Neighbour of Note? Do you do cultural cooking? We’d love to hear from you. Contact Marty at Marty@villagerpublications.com Cover photo and article suggestions welcome! www.villagerpublications.com OEV kids splashing around at the Queens Park fountains

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My Shared Driveway by Sarah Cave Some people may not like it To share a driveway lane, If you ask me, I love it! My neighbours keep me sane We live next to a triplex With a flat on every floor, And we share a single path From the street to the back door It comes in handy when it snows And our backs hurt to shovel, Luckily they have a plow That gets us out of trouble We walk across the laneway To give them a parcel left astray, Or to hand off our cat, Sookie To take care of while we’re away They make the trip to our side With gluten-free treats in hand When they come over for a BBQ

Or when they play in our basement band We meet in the middle to take out trash Or to chat about our day, Sometimes we block each other’s cars But it always ends up okay Visitors come to the in-between, Often a skunk or bunny, We share their pics on our WhatsApp group If we think they’re cute or funny So if you have a driveway like mine And you think it is unfair, I’d say there’s a good reason why We teach our kids to share

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Old East Villager July-August 2025 • Page 5

Under the Bridge If you have ever taken a stroll across the Quebec Street bridge heading north towards Oxford St, you will have noticed several large industrial spaces on the east side under the bridge. What might look like a desolate and dismissed area is actually home to one of the liveliest and most animated practice spaces in the city. It’s the headquarters for the Power Cheer Gym and the Western Mustang Cheer Team’s training facility. Upon walking in you’ll notice that amidst the springy floors and gym mats there are also comfortable spaces to hang out and make yourself at home since many of the athletes spend so much time there. As I sat and watched them arrive, they chatted, connected and pumped each other up for their practice session. One athlete even sat down at an old upright piano in the corner and set a great tone for what is some of the most risky and intense kind of practice I’ve ever seen. Prior to it becoming the gym it was known as the Stark Warehouses. Owner Bob Stark was a huge supporter of minor hockey and baseball and when Coach Trace was looking for a new space to train the Western Cheer Team, Bob was happy to have kids coming into the space to train. The building has been the exclusive space for the 35 + time national champions since 2000 and in that time the doors have also been opened to martial arts, acrobatic and cirque groups. If you’re looking for this kind of space you can always reach out to Coach Trace at 519-902-1270. He and the athletes are drawn to this location for its uniqueness in the city and the accessibility for the kids using transit. Coach Trace has been both an athlete and coach since the 1970s and has been a leader in the world of cheer in London, having also coached for the title-holding cheer teams at Catholic Central High School. Watching the Western Cheer Team, the athletes are very aware of his passion and carry out the same energy, many of whom have gone on to open their own cheer gyms across Canada. A training session runs itself as the athletes know and run drills in a timely way independent of the coach’s need to facilitate the whole time.

The sport itself is worthy of appreciation, even if glitz is not your thing, as these folks endure not only intense training but have to build trust in each other that unites them like family. To have someone hold you or throw you in the air knowing that they will also be there to catch you creates a unique relationship in a team. It’s no wonder they spend the kind of time they do with each other before they get to the drills. Coach Trace has had a great deal of experience working with and training high-level athletes but also understands the importance of “having a life”. Competitive sports can take a lot out of young folks so he is looking forward to developing some more recreation programs for kids who want to explore the world of cheer without the need to give up on “being a kid”.

So it stands to reason that the area of Old East Village is never without its surprises. You don’t really know what’s be- hind some of these old fa- cades and it’s always a pleasure to find these animated, eccentric and quite frankly interesting things going on. Learn more about Power Cheer Gym at powercheergym.com

Your Perfect Match awaits you at The London Animal Care Centre and The Catty Shack!

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To advertise here, please contact Marty@villagerpublications.com London Animal Care Centre – Licensing, Bylaw Enforcement, Adoption and Lost/Found Services: 121 Pine Valley Blvd., (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack: 756 Windermere Rd., (519) 432-4572

Page 6 Old East Villager July-August 2025

IT'S FESTIVAL SEASON IN OLD EAST VILLAGE IT'S FESTIVAL SEASON IN OLD EAST VILLAGE IT'S FESTIVAL SEASON IN OLD EAST VILLAGE

FRINGE FESTIVAL AUGUST 12 - 16 FRINGE FESTIVAL AUGUST 12 - 16

THE AEOLIAN THE AEOLIAN

JAZZ & MUSICAL ARTS FESTIVAL AUGUST 14 - 17 JAZZ & MUSICAL ARTS FESTIVAL AUGUST 14 - 17

Good Deeds on Dundas I recently wandered into the back of 630 Dundas, home to many entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, when I came across some folks who were packing up food boxes by the dozens to be delivered to homes around town. After introducing myself to the woman in charge, Mystery Furtado, who was working away with her team, she explained what was happening. From here I got the details about an amazing program called Type Diabeat It which helps educate and support folks manage with diabetes. They provide culturally conscious programming and resources for minority groups here in London. Recently they collaborated with the London Food Bank to create London’s first Black Community Garden. Along with some incredible programming and events Type Diabeat It has made some big moves. Here is what I discovered: How long have you been running or a part of the program Type Diabeat It? Type Diabeat It officially started in 2018. The journey began out of a deep concern for my home country, Belize, where type 2 diabetes is one of the top three causes of death. At the time, I was working as a clinical educator and didn’t expect Canada to need the same type of culturally rooted support—but it quickly became clear that there was a major gap in programs that reflect the lived experiences and cultural realities of people who look like me. What prompted you to start the project? The program was inspired by both personal and professional experiences. I lost both my maternal and paternal grandparents to complications from type 2 diabetes. I vividly remember when my grandmother would come visit me in Canada—she would have me drive all over town, and even to Toronto, just to find the foods she was used to. At the time, I thought she was just being picky, but as I began working more closely with patients and saw firsthand how food, culture, and health intersect within the

chronic care model, it all clicked. The connection between type 2 diabetes and food insecurity became undeniable. That “light bulb” moment solidified my commitment to starting this work. How long has the food box program been running? The food box program began in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It started with just four rows of produce grown at the London Food Bank and a mission to support 30 families. Since then, the need has grown exponentially. Why did you want to start the food box program? It was born out of necessity. The pandemic exposed deep- rooted food insecurity in our communities, particularly among Black, Caribbean, and African populations. I wanted to offer more than just food—I wanted to provide culturally appropriate nourishment that reflects the diets of our community. Food is not just sustenance; it’s culture, healing, and connection. How many boxes are you able to supply? We currently have over 500 families registered in our food box program. What started as 30 families quickly grew to 50, then 80, then 100—and it hasn’t stopped. Our goal is to support each family at least once a month, but the demand continues to grow.

To advertise here, please contact Marty@villagerpublications.com Working out of 630 Dundas Street in OEV has been a blessing. There’s a real sense of community among the local businesses, and people look out for one another. I feel the love and support here. That said, like many areas, OEV has its challenges. Issues like discarded needles, feces, and general cleanliness need to be addressed at the root cause. We need to speak up to ensure that the community remains not just vibrant and welcoming—but also safe and healthy for everyone. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about this great organization, be sure to check out more at www.diabeat-it.ca How have you enjoyed working out of the location in Old East Village?

Page 8 Old East Villager July-August 2025

Palace Theatre Arts Commons: More Than a Meeting Place — A Being Place in Old East Village by Melissa Parker If you’ve ever wandered down Dundas Street in London’s Old East Village and passed the big marquee at 710, you’ve seen it: the historic Palace Theatre. Maybe you’ve stepped inside to catch a show, or maybe it’s still on your list. Either way, what you’ll find behind our front doors is more than just a stage and some seats. It’s something deeper — a Being Place. A Being Place doesn’t just welcome you in for a night. It invites you to stay, to connect, to contribute, to be — your full, authentic self.

A Place to Learn and Grow The Palace is home to the London Youth Theatre Education (LYTE) program, where kids and teens learn more than just lines and choreography — they learn teamwork, empathy and the joy of expression. But the learning doesn’t stop there. Adults grow too — through workshops, talkbacks, volunteering and the quiet confidence that comes from being part of something meaningful. A Place to Feel Moved Live theatre has the power to stir something inside you. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re crying and before you know it, you’re clapping so hard your hands hurt. That’s the magic of the Palace. It reminds us what it means to connect. To feel. ºSo yes, the Palace is a theatre. But it’s also more than that. It’s where history and creativity collide. Where friendships blossom and stories come alive. Where you’re not just welcome to attend — you’re welcome to belong. At Palace Theatre Arts Commons, we’re not just a meeting place. We’re a Being Place.

A Place Where Stories Live On The Palace Theatre has been standing for nearly a hundred years, starting as a movie house in 1929. Generations of families, artists and audiences have walked through these doors. It’s seen silent films, local productions, youth theatre, fundraisers and standing ovations that echoed down the aisles. And the best part? It’s still going. You can feel that history when you walk in — the past lingering in the main theatre, the lobby and our converted black box theatre. So many stories have taken place here, and there are so many more to come. A Place to Find Your People There’s something about the Palace that brings people together. Volunteers who’ve never stepped in a theatre find themselves part of the heartbeat of a s production. Friends meet here, families gather, strangers become castmates and neighbours become collaborators. It’s not just a theatre. It’s a hub. A place for anyone who believes in creativity and community. A Place to Be Yourself No one’s asking you to be perfect — only to be real. This is a place where expression is celebrated, not judged. Where your voice matters, your story counts and your quirks are part of the charm. Here, people discover sides of themselves they didn’t know were there. A shy teen becomes a confident stage manager. A first-time playwright sees their words come to life.

And there’s a spot here for you. Learn more at palacetheatre.ca

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Old East Villager July-August 2025 • Page 9

Fraser Teeple – OEV Villager Spotlight by Farrell Rafferty Spend some time in London’s Old East Village and you’ll quickly meet some interesting people. Spend a little more time and you may start to notice the ways those people are connected. I visited local musician and arborist Fraser Teeple on the porch of his Lorne Avenue home to talk about the neighbourhood, and how living in OEV both inspires and supports his creativity. Fraser released his fourth album, We Built A Fire, this January with a memorable concert at the Aeolian Hall. Though it’s not his first time playing the landmark venue. He released his debut album there nearly 20 years ago, but this release marked a full-circle moment, shaped by the thousands of kilometres travelled across the country as an arborist and the years of building relationships with fellow artists. Fraser trained as an arborist in British Columbia, a region whose timeless scenic beauty, he says, almost dissuaded creativity. Now in Old East, he finds inspiration in the personality of the houses with their layers of DIY renovations, each one reflecting the generations that have lived there. As he lists the artists who contributed their craft to We Built A Fire —producer Matthew Johnston, cellist Evan Wiebe, illustrator Robin Henry, and t-shirt printer Adam Sturgeon of Rezonance Printing, to name a few, the old adage comes to mind: It takes a village. In this case, an Old East Village. Collaboration has been at the heart of Fraser’s musical journey. He recalls playing a workshop at the 2016 Home County Music and Art Festival alongside Elliott Brood and Danny Michel: “I was like, man, this is so cool! It feels like, for that day, you’re a part of that community,” he says. “It’s a pretty special thing. Then you go back and trim trees on Monday.” He chuckles at the contrast but it’s exactly this aspect of Fraser that makes his music so relatable. Folk music is an elastic genre. It can sound like many things, but its roots in telling the stories of working-class people are what allow it to resonate across cultures and communities. Those stories—the early mornings of a tradesperson’s career, the spark of connection at a neighbourhood bar, doing your best to raise a family—are vividly captured on We Built A Fire . And the diverse crowd of friends, family, and neighbours who gathered to hear Fraser tell those stories from the stage of the Aeolian in January would surely agree. You can listen to Fraser Teeple on Spotify, or catch him live at the Home County Music and Art Festival this summer at

Victoria Park on Saturday, July 26. Or just call him to prune your trees. He’s in the neighbourhood, after all.

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The Dog Days of Summer by Shelley Long July and August traditionally have the hottest temperatures of the summer, and when we struggle to keep cool, so do our dogs. Hot pavement, ticks, and soaring temperatures can make your pet miserable. Here are some suggestions to help you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable summer. June and July is peak tick season in Ontario and while regular grooming and tick preventative products are important, if you find one on you or your dog, remove it as soon as possible. Tick keys remove ticks safely and effectively from people and pets and you can keep it on your pet’s collar. Humans and animals need to drink more water when it’s hot. There are plenty of collapsible water bowls and squirt bottles on the market to use on walks and provide access to fresh, cool water at home both indoors and out. I keep a bowl of fresh water on my porch for the neighbourhood dogs during the summer.

We like frozen treats in the summer and so does your dog, as long as they are made from pet friendly ingredients. Frozen fruits like blueberries or bananas, or frozen yoghurt, pumpkin, or peanut butter cubes are great. Even plain ice cubes will work, but avoid treats with added sugar, salt or Xylitol (a sugar substitute), which can be toxic for your dog. We need sunscreen and sunglasses outdoors and some dogs do too. If your dog has thin, or light-coloured fur, consider using a dog specific sunscreen. Some older dogs with cataracts or other eye conditions benefit from wearing dog sunglasses.

Cooling mats, paddling pools, cooling coats, and collars are all excellent methods of keeping your canine companion comfortable in the heat. Huskies are not big fans of water, and one in my neighbourhood has her own way of enjoying her kiddie pool.

Try to walk your dog in the early mornings or evenings when the temperatures are cooler and let them take frequent rest breaks in the shade. If the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Above all, never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the window cracked open. Know the signs of heatstroke in dogs (excessive panting/salivating), vomiting, diarrhea, dis- orientation) and if your dog displays any of these, get them somewhere cool immediately and call your vet.

Photos: Left column: Stanley and, Dahlia. Above: Finnigan and MacClean.

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Old East Villager July-August 2025 • Page 11

Join us this Summer at Clayworx by Jen Pastorius As the Clayworx Ceramic Arts Learning Centre Execu- tive Director, I am lucky to get to see each day just how powerful working with clay can be. Whether it’s a child proudly holding up their first handmade clay masterpiece or a community member discovering a new creative outlet, there’s something truly special about what happens in our studio. This summer, we’re inviting even more people into that experience. Our Kids Summer Camps are back, with half- and full-day options for ages 7 to 12 and 13 to 17. These camps aren’t just about making art—they’re about having fun, getting messy, and building confidence. We also know that access matters. That’s why we offer the Clay for Kids Bursary Program so that finances aren’t a barrier to participation. If you or someone you know could use a hand, check it out at clayworx.ca/clay-4-kids-bursary-program.

And if you’ve ever wondered what we’re up to behind the studio doors, we’d love to show you around. On Saturday, July 19, we’re hosting Try Clay Day—a free, drop-in event open to everyone. You can explore our 7,000-square-foot facility, meet our teaching artists, and even try your hand at clay. No experience needed—just curiosity. At Clayworx, we believe creativity belongs to everyone. We’d love to welcome you or your family into our space this summer. Come get your hands dirty—you might be surprised by what you create!

Page 12 Old East Villager July-August 2025

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Cody Villager magazine sent out some young inquiring minds to find out what is fun for kids to do in the neighbourhood. Here’s what our investigators, Marlowe and Willow found out! Name Lucas Collins Anthony Isabelle Maggie Lucas Collins Anthony Isabelle Maggie Cody Villager magazine sent out some young inquiring minds to find out what is fun for kids to do in the neighbourhood. Here’s what our investigators, Marlowe and Willow found out! Name

Age

11

9

10

4

12

10

Age Where do you hang? When? Fav

11

9

10

4

12

10

Boyle Boyle

The Park Lorne Ave.

Lorne Ave.

Boyle

Where do you hang? When? Fav

Boyle Boyle

The Park Lorne Ave.

Lorne Ave.

Boyle

Anytime Afternoon Afternoon

Anytime

Anytime Afternoon

Anytime Afternoon Afternoon

Anytime

Anytime Afternoon Soccer Soccer Go on the swings

Go on the swings

Hang out

Be by the soccer net

thing to do there Why?

Soccer Soccer Go on the swings

Go on the swings

Hang out

Be by the soccer net

thing to do there Why?

Hang with friends

Fun To play Hang out Be with friends Fun To play Hang out Be with friends IDK Nature

Closest

Hang with friends

Closest

What would you like to see in OEV?

Ice cream

More climbers

Fishing Nature

What would you like to see in OEV?

Ice cream

IDK

Nature

More climbers

Fishing Nature

Summer Steeped Iced Tea by Nicole Borland Over the months we’ve explored many, many ways to shop Old East Village for neighbourhood-made ingredients that make some of the best in food, drinks, and general enjoyment. In the last issue, we said ‘hello’ to summer with some patio favourite cocktails and this time around, we’ll keep embracing that summer heat but make something to be enjoyed by the whole family – freshly steeped iced tea. Since we’re talking tea in OEV, no recipe would be complete without highlighting neighbourhood mainstay, Wisdom Tea, now Mystic Wisdom Tea and Book Shop. For more than a decade, Wisdom has offered the best in loose-leaf tea and cafe menu items over the past few years, new owners have married the shop with its perfect match, the magical bookshop next door. Offering endless loose leaf-tea options, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose but can rest assured no matter what you do, will be perfect in that refreshing beverage of the season! Green, black, white, whatever you’d like – there’s nothing quite like a homemade cup of iced tea.

Recipe: 16 tsp loose-leaf tea (here, jasmine green tea) 8 cups of boiling water Honey (to taste) Lemon juice or concentrated lemonade (to taste) Ice (lots!)

Steep tea for 20 minutes (you want strong tea), sweeten to taste with honey and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice OR use concentrated lemonade to taste. Once thoroughly blended, pour over a pitcher of ice, add lemon slices if desired and enjoy!

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Page 14 Old East Villager July-August 2025

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Meet Chef Alex – The Heart Behind Our Kitchens Born and raised right here in London, Ontario, Executive Chef Alex grew up cooking alongside his mother, where his love for food first took root. By the age of 15, he was already working in local kitchens, learning the rhythm and craft of the restaurant world from the ground up. That passion led him to Fanshawe College’s culinary program, where he honed his skills and deepened his appreciation for creative, quality-driven cooking.

After several successful years leading the kitchen at Garlics of London, Alex joined the 100 Kellogg team in 2020. Since then, he’s played a key role in shaping the culinary identity of Powerhouse Brewery, The Canteen at The Factory, The Club House, Beer Kitchen, Papi’s, BK Bakery, and countless special events.

Alex is known not only for his innovative approach but also for his genuine dedication to creating memorable, meaningful dining experiences for every guest. Whether it’s a quick bite with the family or a night out with friends, Alex’s goal is to bring bold, fresh, and playful food to the table. Outside the kitchen, Alex is a proud husband and father of three. You’ll often find him with his family exploring the city, supporting local events, or dreaming up the next fun twist for your favourite dish.

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Old East Villager July-August 2025 • Page 15

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