WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE

o n theroad

TOM WHITAKERHARNESS SOFTWAREWhat is Harness?TOM: Harness is an application for the web and mobile devices that makes it easy for construction companies to deploy and manage a strong health & safety program.

Why would a company buy Harness? TOM: Construction companies need to meet certain obligations under the law and they want their workers to be safe but they don’t want to spend tons of time on administration. That’s where Harness comes in.

How does Harness work?TOM: We focus on replacing paper forms for things like inspections or checklists, storing documents like safety data sheets, and tracking worker training. Our customers

are better able to meet regulations, have lower liability, and safer more productive workers.

Where are your customers? TOM: All across North America, but mostly in the United States.

Where do you work?TOM: Harness is run out of my home office on East Main. I am also a frequent visitor to Tim Horton’s. I can live and work from anywhere.

Why do you live and work from here?TOM: Because my family and I love Stouffville. It has all the amenities but still feels like a small town.

How do you work best?TOM: I have a pretty neat desk setup at home and I love to listen to music while I code or work on projects. Pop or motown in the morning. 90’s

Grunge when I need an energy boost.

Tom Whitaker is the CEO of Harness Software. He previously worked in the wireless industry as a sales & marketing executive for companies such as WIND Mobile, Bell, and Rogers. Tom is also a web developer. He lives in Stouffville, ON with his wife and two boys. For more information, visit www.harnessup.com.

CHRISTOPHER WAYESMOKERY KITCHEN & BARWhen describing the Smokery people often use terms, like vibe, scale, philosophy – as if this were an academic experience. Is the Smokery a restaurant or a university?CHRISTOPHER: We are undoubtedly a restaurant. If there is a philosophy in what we do, then it’s simply to represent quality food and a great dining experience in Stouffville.

ICONS & INNOVATORS

special issue

Continued, Page 2

these are INNOVATORS

christomOn the Road to Whitchurch-Stouffville is a business and tourism-oriented community newspaper, plus official town news. It is published monthly by the Economic Development Office for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.

On the Road is distributed by mail to all W-S addresses, and is available in limited quantities at:

• GO Train Station • Main Street Bakehouse • W-S Leisure Centre • W-S Town Hall • Velvet Sunrise (Ringwood) • Country Stop Burgers (Ballantrae) • Hanson’s Restaurant • W-S Museum & Community Ctr • King Cole Ducks

Contact David Tuley with questions or concerns at ecdev@townofws.ca.

FEBRUARY 2017Circulation 19,000

HOW IS YOUR INTERNET SERVICE?We need to know. We want to help.

Do you have internet service? If no leave us a phone message with your postal code: 1-855-642-8697, Ext 2262, David Tuley. If yes, (1) Who is your provider?(2) What is your download/upload speed? go to Speedtest.net, click on “Start Scan”.(3) What is your postal code?Email answers to ecdev@townofws.ca

EDITOR'S NOTEIn the February edition of On the Road we delve into “Icons & Innovators”, or rather - newer enterprises and established businesses. The cross-section of these businesses tell a story about where we have been and where we may be headed.

Many of those featured in this issue represent small business. This is an important segment, because small businesses account for 70% of private sector jobs, and 88% of these jobs are filled by local residents.

You have probably heard of the places we’ll go, but you may not have visited them yet. Let this be your primer. DT.

bizZone is a web technology company located in Gormley in the original post of-fice and general store building. Originally

starting out as a web design firm, bizZone has morphed and evolved into a highly sophisticated company that has a software platform focus.

bizZone has enjoyed a steady growth rate from 5 to 12 employees and continues to grow. Their offices and board-room now occupy two floors of the historic site that backs on to Stouffville Road near Woodbine Avenue.

They have developed two main products - an association management software system and a content manage-ment solution. bizZone’s aim is to transition customer relationship management (CRM) and back-of-office oper-ations to an efficient, online platform, with accompanying content management and membership forms, an auto-mated system to comply with anti-spam legislation and an e-commerce platform.

bizZone has helped organizations develop bilingual and cross-platform websites, noting that the website today is like a phone, a medium to provide access to many differ-ent apps.

The greatest challenge for bizZone involves their location, which, although directly next door to Highway 404, lacks adequate transit service and broadband connectivity. “It is strange that being a borough of one of the largest cities in the world, with a brand new GO Station a stone’s throw away, that there are no viable transit options for our staff to commute to work,” says Julie King, bizZone President & CEO. “Infrastructure and access are critical for attracting the talent we need and impact decisions on where to locate,” she adds.

INNOVATORSbizZone

Your Honey Fried Chicken is reported to be the “best ever with terrifically crunchy skin”. What dish is the best, or are we missing something? CHRISTOPHER: Yes, the chicken is a popular menu item and has been since we opened 2.5 years ago.

We are also very proud of our coffee beef brisket and there’s always something interesting to try on our seasonal menu.

You are repeatedly described as “knowing your stuff”, what’s your background? CHRISTOPHER: I’m a chef by trade and have been in the industry for over a decade now. I’ve always been interested in cuisine and cooking. I guess it’s easier to convey more about the things you’re passionate about.

Reviewers often mention your selection of drinks and your uncanny ability to suggest good pairings. One patron even called you a “huge cocktail nerd”- is this true?CHRISTOPHER: It’s true that I think entirely too much about cocktails. I’ve always had an interest in bartending, and in a lot of ways, it’s similar to cooking so it was a natural fit. We try to offer the best of Ontario whether it be beer, wine, or cocktails. What’s great food without great drinks?

Some kids have said that you have “the best Mac & Cheese ever”. Another reviewer says that you “love kids and cater to their every complaint”. Why do you cater to children? CHRISTOPHER: I have a young family of my own so I guess I can relate. One of the things I enjoy most is watching

Continued, Innovators from Page 1

my kids finish their plate, so when we recipe tested the Mac & Cheese, we knew it would be a hit when it was unanimously kid approved.

Would it be fair to say that The Smokery is more of a foodie place than it is a smoke house?CHRISTOPHER: We will always be a smoke house first but the foodies do seem to appreciate our non-processed ingredients and made in-house approach to our menu. Our seasonal dishes allow us to be a bit more creative but it’s our classic bbq recipes that have become the signature of our menu.

Christopher Waye is owner and head chef of the Smokery Kitchen & Bar located in Downtown Stouffville at 6140 Main St. He and his family live locally.

Above: Julie King, President & CEO; Ruhail Sumbli, Managing Director; and Kevin Jackson, Senior Partner

2

Busy at his well-worn back work benches, sur-rounded by minuscule tools and his jewel crafting microscope, David Barthau is focused on placing a large Canadian diamond upon a ring that was jointly designed by him and his customer.

Watching David in action is a flashback to the old days when the precision of human touch mat-tered most. Wearing a tie and buttoned-up vest, he is dressed for the task at-hand.

When David animatedly explains the details involved in crafting custom jewellery, you can tell that this is his happy place – a place where barely visible bits of precious stones are bonded to cov-eted metals. But, as he explains, the action begins with design. Barthau Jewellers are one of the few jewellers in Ontario that have the latest digital and crafting technology available in-house. He begins by creating a 3-D digital design, followed by the creation of an actual 3-D model to enable you to see what the finished piece will look like before it is made. Finally, he mills or grows the design in wax and casts it in the selected precious metal.

David brought out his iPad, which is filled with photo after photo of one-off jewellery made to a customer’s spec. There is a story behind every photograph – some show a new combination of two or more sentimental family heirlooms, while others are dreams being realized. Barthau Jewel-lers is a third generation family-run, independent jewellery store. The Stouffville store was opened by Janet and David Barthau in 1978. Darren, the eldest of David and Janet’s three kids, is involved in the business as well.

Beyond retail sales, the store at 5758 Main Street offers watchmaking, engraving, jewellery servic-ing & cleaning, Gemologist-level appraisals, and trade-in services.

ICONSbarthau

5 | on the road

Local restaurants offering an exclusive three-course dinner for one fixed price

March 1-31

DOWNTOWNAdore II Italian Eatery

The Cornerhouse on Main Fickle Pickle Restaurant & DeliPastaggio Italian EateryThe Smokery Kitchen & BarThe Tipsy Cow Sports Bar & Grill

WEST END India 360The Lion Pub RestaurantSenjy Japanese Fusion Stakeout Dining Room & LoungeStouffville Fish and Chips Tipperary Taphouse

THE COUNTRYSIDECoach House Pub Hanson’s Restaurant

Stay tuned tofacebook.com/DTStouffville

for more information

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STOUFFVILLICIOUS 2017

ICONS

diamantisCountry Stop Burgers

brian Ballantrae Geek

BALLANTRAE COMMUNITYAs neighbours and fellow Ballantrae business owners, Brian Freedman and Diamantis Apolonatos know each other well. They exchange a warm welcome. I ask Brian what he likes best about the renowned Country Stop Burgers, he says “this guy, he makes the place.”

DIAMANTIS APOLONATOSCOUNTRY STOP BURGERSFew know Diamantis by his real name, but most everyone knows the anglicized version - “Diamond”. Diamond has lived in the area for 30 years and has owned Country Stop Burgers (est. 1976) since 1988.

Diamond moved to Canada from

Greece in 1974, where he had been a trained watchmaker, but no one would recognize his educational credentials here. He instead became a cook.

Country Stop Burgers produces some of the best burgers around, yet souvlaki is one of the best sellers. Word-of-mouth praise for their homemade tzatziki sauce drives new business into the store.

Diamond refers to the restaurant as his second home. He and his wife Angeliki are here 7 days a week. His kids, now grown up, were seemingly raised in the store as well.

Diamond says that he only uses the best food: “I eat here too. If I don’t like it, it’s no good for customers.” Nearly everything is homemade at Country

Stop Burgers. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. in winter, and 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. in summer. It is located on Highway 48, just south of Aurora Rd and Lakeshore Rd.

BRIAN FREEDMANBALLANTRAE GEEKA typical day for the Ballantrae Geek involves spending time in the home of clients to install, set up, troubleshoot, and provide general assistance with their computers, mobile devices and other technology based equipment like TV and A/V systems. His clients are principally located in Stouffville, Uxbridge, Aurora and Newmarket. It will be coming up to 5 years since Brian and his wife Mary relocated from Mississauga to Ballantrae. They

were looking for a quieter place to live with a community feel, yet still reasonably close to amenities. When asked about golf Brian says: “I do enjoy getting out for a round of golf, if you can call it that, but unfortunately I don’t really think golf likes me so much. So I stick to tennis for the most part,” says Brian. Brian feels that it is important to get involved, give back and to make a contribution to improving the community where one lives, even if it is in small ways. He is the Photography Coordinator for the community’s quarterly magazine called Home on the Green, and is involved with the Stouffville Food Bank, coordinating a

see Ballantrae, continued on Page 64

PLANYOUR VISIT

PKG is located at 6276 Main St. in Downtown Stouffvillle, two doors east of Mill St. Park in front of The Latcham Gallery for free.Super-Size your weekday visit by including these other closeby destinations:

10:00 a.m.Start at the Main Street Bakehouse. Enjoy a scone or giant home-made cinnamon bun and a latte.10:30 a.m. Proceed to PKG and shop for the perfect urban carry bag.

11:00 a.m.Visit the Latcham Gallery. This public art gallery hosts exhibitions focusing on a range of artistic media and cultural diversity from Ontario. Admission is free, donations accepted, open Tuesday-Saturday.

12:00 p.m.Have lunch at Adore II; consider the gourmet Pesto Perfecto Pizza or Beet Caprese Salad.1:00 p.m. Finish up with a visit to the Meat Merchant; buy some heat-and-serve fresh meals to simplify your evening.

PKG designs and distributes a sophisticated range of carrying solutions that are weather-proof, lightweight, functional and versatile.

PKG [short for Package]

THIS IS PKGSome of the PKG family

appear below: Roopesh, Gail,

Sheelagh, Mike, Barb and Bob

EXPORTThese bags are sold in

14 countries, including Japan,

Phillipines, Spain, Dubai and

Germany

DOMESTICPKG’s products are sold in both

the lifestyle and consumer

electronics channels through both

independent and mass retailers across Canada

SUPPORTPKG has

support troops on the ground in Montreal, Shenzhen,

Chicago and Vancouver

DETAILSPKG’s bags are

designed to perfectly marry

fashion and technology for

an excellent user experience

EXPERIENCE IT PKG has seasonal pop-ups to sell off

past season samples and other items in a retail nook at the

front of their offices in Downtown Stouffville

5

innovators

Located in the former IGA building in Downtown Stouffville at 6327 Main Street, Stouffville Fine Furniture will soon celebrate its 25 year anniversary. At 10,000 square feet, it is the largest furniture showroom in Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Stouffville Fine Furniture only sells furniture that is made in Canada. Ville Papas is the owner of this family-run business; her husband and one of their sons are also involved. Ville says that “we made a conscious decision years ago to stand

behind the Canadian furniture industry.” The Papas family has long-standing relationships with manufacturers. “We go direct and obtain volume pricing,” says Ville, “we know what we are getting and how it is built from the inside out.”

Ville explains that when one buys Canadian furniture, they are paying for the weight of product - a product that is regulated by the government and adheres to health & safety guidelines. “As for offshore products,” states Ville, “the cost is more about international freight & tax.”

ICONS

Continued, Ballantrae from Page 4team of four that generously donates their time for the weekly food pick-ups from participating Stouffville based merchants. Brian has been referred to as part of the “dynamic duo” with Al Moldon, the PC Doctor, who was the pioneer in bringing affordable computer and technology support to Ballantrae over

10 years ago. “Al and I complementeach other and often partner to teach and solve more complex problems that come up from time to time. We also back each other up to ensure there is continuity of service to our clients during periods of vacation,” says Brian. Teaching is one of his passions and he has taught courses at the

Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library, the 55+ Club and the Ballantrae Golf & Country Club. He is in the process of launching a series of small group workshops (4-6 participants) to be held in his home-based conference room. For Brian, all of this really started as a hobby after retiring from a corporate banking career. His greatest source

of satisfaction is helping people, “seniors in particular, to embrace and master technology. It can help them stay connected with friends and family, keep current, stay mentally active and expand their scope of leisure activities.”

For more information, see ballantraegeek.ca.

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stouffville fine furniture

Stouffville Fine Furniture has a nice ambiance. The store display is laid out in a series of rooms, grouped by theme, such as bedroom, dining room and office. When visiting, bring your room measurements - the Papas family has a lot of experience designing rooms to fit your lifestyle and all their products are fully customizable. The store is open 7 days a week.

See stouffvillefinefurniture.com for more information.

March Break Art Camp Days!

March 13,14,15,16,17

$50/day. Each day is different!www.latchamgallery.ca

events@townofws.ca Skating dependent on weather. Please bring your own skates.

Presenting Sponsor

A magical evening of skating under the moonlight, music, BeaverTails,

Hot Chocolate, Anna and Elsa, Face Painting, Fire Dancing, Ice Sculptures, Lantern Making with the W-S Museum,

and a spectacular fireworks display!

Solo Mio Photography

NO OVERNIGHT PARKING

Parking is prohibited on Town streetsbetween the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am.The Town is also beginning strict 3-hr. parking enforcement effective immediately during the day.

We’re moving while your Library expands! The Library is moving to a temporary location at 175 Mostar St. during construction of the Leisure Centre and Library Expansion.

February 13 – March 19: The library will be temporarily closed.

February 26: Last day to return items at 2 Park Dr.

March 20: The library reopens at 175 Mostar St.

Find more details at wsplibrary.ca

COMMUNITY NEWSFebruary 15, 2017 - March 14, 2017

Community groups that are interested in receiving funding for their cause are encouraged to apply to the Town for grants. As of January 2017 the Town is implementing a new procedure to process grant applications. Council will have two intake periods for community grant applications, which are as follows: • 1st Deadline: Friday, April 7, 2017 (for events from May to September) • 2nd Deadline: Friday, September 8, 2017 (for events from October to April) Visit townofws.ca/grants for more information and an application form.

Feel free to contact Mr. Brian Parrott, Acting Treasurer at brian.parrott@townofws.ca or at 905-640-1910 x2243 with any questions.

GRANT APPLICATIONS

LEISURE GUIDE IS OUT

The 2017 Spring-Summer Leisure Guide is now out. Download your copy at townofws.ca or pick up a copy at the Leisure Centre, Park Drive South.

Be a part of Town events

such as Ribfest, Movies in the

Park and More!

events@townofws.ca

MUSEUM EVENTS

Family Fun Day Monday February 20

12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Spend some quality family time sampling fresh local maple syrup and other treats. Enjoy snowshoeing in the park (weather permitting) and check out the activities in our heritage buildings. All included in general admission.

March Break Camp: Amazing Race March 13 – 17 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Let’s “travel” the world through a series of fun challenges, games, activities and crafts. Our planned itinerary includes Mexico, Italy, France, China and more! Recommended ages: 5-12Pre-registration is required. Full week camp: $160 per childBefore care: $26, after care: $26

townofws.ca

LIBRARY CLOSURE

Customer Service:(905) 640-1900 or (855) 642-TOWN (8696)

Whitchurch-Stouffville Town Hall111 Sandiford Dr., Stouffville ON L4A 0Z8

Enjoy readings from Johnny Wideman of Theatre of the Beat, craft beer

tastings from Muskoka Brewery and a delicious menu. Expertly paired for a

one-of-a-kind experience.

$29 1 9 o n t h e p a r k . c a9 0 5 - 6 4 0 - 2 3 2 2

March 48pm

The agenda for the Council meetings will be available for review at the Municipal Offices, Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library and on our website 12:00 p.m. (noon) the Thursday prior to the meeting. To listen to the Council meetings live, visit townofws.ca/cmlivestream. Also follow our Twitter account @ws_townhall for live updates during council meetings.

Did you know we know have an Instagram account? Follow us here:

@townofws

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

facebook.com/wstownhall

NOTICE OF STAFF REPORT

SITE ALTERATION AND FILL BY-LAW Mayor and Council will be considering a new Site Alteration and Fill By-law, which will replace the current By-law (2014-101-RE). Staff have conducted a review of the Town’s current By-law, 2014-101-RE, for the purpose of ensuring that the most progressive and encompassing measures are in place to satisfy Council and residents that the appropriate safe-guards, processes, and best management practices are established to properly regulate these activities. From this review, Staff are recommend-ing Council adopt certain changes to the By-law to better regulate and monitor the clean fill and site alteration program. The new By-law will be considered at the March 7th 2017 Council meeting, which starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Town’s offices located at 111 Sandiford Drive.

Web: townofws.ca/en/calendar/council

MAIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION

Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017Location: 6240 Main Street, StouffvilleTime: 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has begun the detailed design phase for the reconstruction of Main Street between Stouffer Street and Ninth Line. 2017 construction will occur between Stouffer Street and Park Drive. This phase of the project is focusing on the renewal of underground infrastructure, including watermain and sewer upgrades, as well as the replacement of the existing sidewalk.

A second Public Information Centre will be held to present the detailed design concepts to the public and to obtain additional input and feedback from interested residents. The detailed design includes feedback received during the first Public Information Centre, held on November 23rd, 2016. Following the Public Information Centre, comments will be received until March 9th, 2017. All presentation material and the comment sheet will be made available at www.townofws.ca/pics no later than February 24th, 2017.

BURKHOLDER STREET, RUSSEL AVENUE AND BLAKE STREET Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2017Location: 6240 Main Street, StouffvilleTime: 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. & 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has begun the detailed design phase for the reconstruction of Burkholder Street, Russel Avenue and Blake Street. Construction will begin on Burkholder Street in 2017. Construction on Russel Avenue and Blake Street will follow in 2018. The detailed design reflects the comments and feedback received at the previous Public Information Centre held on November 16, 2016. The detailed design is exploring the updating of the streetscape (consistent with heritage considerations), repaving the streets once underground utilities and curbs have been installed, replacing the existing sanitary sewer on all three streets, replacing the watermain and adding a new storm sewer on Burkholder Street and Russel Avenue and construction of new sidewalks. A third Public Information Centre will be held to present the detailed design concepts to the public and to obtain additional input and feedback from interested residents. Following the Public Information Centre, comments will continue to be received for consideration until Wednesday, March 15, 2017. All presentation material and the comment sheet will be made available at www.townofws.ca/pics no later than March 2nd, 2017

MONTREAL ST., VANZANT CRT AND PORTIONS OF STOUFFER ST. AND NORTH ST.

Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Location: 6240 Main Street, Stouffville Time: 430 p.m. to 6 p.m. & 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has begun the detailed design phase for the reconstruction of Montreal Street, Vanzant Court, and portions of Stouffer Street and North Street. Construction will begin on Montreal Street, Stouffer Street and North Street in 2017. Construction on Vanzant Court will follow in 2018.

Improvements to roadways with existing gravel shoulders and drainage ditches include concrete curbs and storm sewer systems. The project also includes assessment of sidewalks, watermains, sanitary sewer mains and existing storm sewers.

A second Public Information Centre is planned to provide further information to the public regarding the detailed design and to receive additional input and comments from interested residents. New detailed design concepts will be presented having taken into account comments received during the first Public Information Centre on November 9th, 2016.

Following the Public Information Centre, comments will be received until March 8th, 2017. All presentation material and the comment sheet will be made available at www.townofws.ca/pics no later than February 23rd, 2017.

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville routinely seeks to fill various positions within our organization. Please check our website, Facebook page and our LinkedIn page for constant updates.

We currently have lots of summer opportunities at our Municipal Offices, Operations Center, Facilities, Summer Camps, Aquatics Programs and the Museum.

COMMUNITY NEWSFebruary 15, 2017 - March 14, 2017

PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRES

NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21Council Meeting at 3 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Council Meeting at 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 21 Council Meeting at 3 p.m.

NO OVERNIGHT PARKING

Customer Service:(905) 640-1900 or (855) 642-TOWN (8696) townofws.ca

Whitchurch-Stouffville Town Hall111 Sandiford Dr., Stouffville ON L4A 0Z8

Parking is prohibited on Town streetsbetween the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am.The Town is also beginning strict 3-hr. parking enforcement effective immediately during the day.