Transitions-Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Real Estate Blog

The Stillness of a Snowy Day in Oakville and Burlington Area, Ontario.

It's collecting on the garden door and turning the Burlington and Oakville regions of Ontario, Canada into a cosy, muffled world of whiteness again. Snow, glorious snow. 

I've been home this week recovering from a nasty bug that I picked up well before Christmas. The past 4 weeks have seen a seemingly never ending cycle of thinking I am finally getting over it just to have it rear it's vicious head once more.
Monday I went to see the Doc as I was feeling worse than ever and I knew I needed help.
After  4 days of antibiotics, I'm feeling like myself once more and can make plans to return to those winter activities that I love.

The Burlington and Oakville area is home to many beautiful, groomed cross-country ski trails for those adventurous souls who love to take winter's hand and dance wildly in it's arms, taking in all that it has to offer.

I like to get out and hike on the many trails that meander through the Halton Conservation Area parks and in winter I can be found gliding along on skis enjoying the peacefulness of the wintery landscapes.

Having grown up a northerner, I don't let winter get me down.

In my family we learned to skate before we had even mastered walking.  There are many beautiful areas to skate in the Burlington and Oakville areas.

My brother and his family have a penchant for skating on the outdoor skating rink at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, the breathtaking natural area that divides Oakville and Burlington. No matter how cold it is, he and Shanine and the kids don their skates and wooly hats and head out as often as they can and always come home rosy cheeked, singing and laughing.

No matter what your favourite winter activity might be, the Burlington and Oakville area has you covered.

Winter, glorious winter. I say, bring it on!

©2012JoSmith

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. It is a day set aside for all of us to remember and honour all of our soldiers who have risked, and often lost, their lives to protect not only us, but also the citizens of many countries around the world.

Today in Oakville we will honour those brave men and women at 10:15 am, at the Cenotaph at George's Square, corner of Church and Navy Streets. The Oakville Legion Branch 114 will be hosting the ceremony.


I wrote the following in honour of my Great-great Uncle, Tom Smith, who sacrificed his life in 1917 when he was only 27 years old so that we could all enjoy the freedoms we have today.

The thousands of miles that separated Thomas Smith from his family and home in the North Bay area of Ontario, Canada, disappeared in his final hours as he recalled his rocky Canadian shield home and the barren landscape of felled forests and clear lakes.
What he would give for one more day to be back home cutting trees as a lumberman rather than dying here in the waste deep mud and wet cold in the battle for Passchendaele, Belgium. The end was so close, on Tom's last day, so close and yet so far.

Tom, my Grannyda's Uncle, died in that mud, better known as the 'slough of despond', on October 26th, 1917. Barely 11 days later the battle was won. 'If only he could have hung on a bit longer', we voice our thoughts as we shake our heads sadly.

He left behind no children; only the families of his siblings and his closest brother, Blakeney Smith, my Great-Grandfather. Today, as we remember, our hearts are sad for you and the thousands of your compatriots who died for the same cause, Tom.

We keep your memory safe with us and have not forgotten you, nor the sacrifice you made so that we, your descendants, might live in peace and security.

If you are able to look down upon us now and hear the conversations of the family who still feels a heavy heart over your death, you will have seen the narrowing of my Father's and my eyes this morning, as we sat remembering in a quiet kitchen while drinking tea and gazing upon all that we have left of you.

You would have seen our heads downcast in sorrow as we talked of your height of 5'11 1/2" and how you were tall and strong and had the blue eyes of your family who came before you.

You would have heard my Father exclaim once more, while holding old documents in hand, 'such a tragedy and loss of so many young men and all so far from home.' You would have heard us discuss your grave in Flander's Fields and the memorial there with your name on it. Still so far from home.

You will know, that we who hold your memory strong, hold your medals up to the light and read your name finely engraved on the outside edges, as a feeling of sorrowful pride envelops our hearts and we remember once more, that these were earned , by you.

British War Medal

Victory Medal

We know so little about you.
Of course, we have all of your particulars in government issued, official looking documents, duly stamped and signed, that describe your appearance down to the finest detail and where you were stationed and when you arrived and when of course, you died.

The 'human' element is missing though. What made you, you.
What made you smile, what songs you enjoyed on Sunday evenings after dinner with the rest of the Smith clan in those northern woods you called home.

We know not of your dreams that you held close to your heart or if there was someone back home that you held a candle for in the depths of your being.
Those stories were not recorded by government issued documents. It was only your body and mind they wanted, and this was evidenced in the line of one document where you were 'taken for strength' to fight the next mission as your military history moved forward in fine penmanship on a frail, old paper that we keep safe.

We sit in kitchens and surmise as we gaze upon the seriousness and determination of your handsome young face, and in our hearts we know, that not only did you do good, you did good for all of us. We will remember you Thomas Smith, always.

If, in your final hours, the old phrase of your Irish ancestors, 'my hope is strong in thee', crossed your mind while you lay in the cold and mud so far from home, know that your final thoughts sent on a trajectory of time, were received by us and they will live on.
What you fought and gave your life for, your hope for peace and the security of future generations that was etched upon your soul, is strong in us, Tom Smith.
Your unspoken thoughts in your final hours, your hope, will live on through us and the successes you died for, will always remain.
We will remember you , Thomas Smith, we will always remember.

In Memory of Private T SMITH

648824, 58th Bn., Canadian Infantry
(Central Ontario Regiment)
Who died age 27
on 26 October 1917
Son of William Smith, of Teeswater, Ontario.
Remembered with honour

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

©JoSmith

Autumn in.......

Oakville!

As I Drive along tree-lined streets in Oakville and area this time of year I find myself singing 'Autumn in New York'; especially on sunny days when the bright oranges and crimsons of the maple and oak leaves stand out even brighter against the vivid blue sky.

The Oakville and Mississauga regions have been experiencing one of their most colourful fall seasons in a long time with the cold nights and warm sunny days resulting in very colourful trees.

Here in the Oakville area of southern Ontario, many of the trees have yet to lose their leaves.

I've hiked quite a bit over the past month at many of our local conservation areas and have seen some absolutely beautiful sights.

Here are a few of them:

This was taken from the Niagara Escarpment in Kelso Conservation Area and overlooks a beautiful fall scene along the Trans-Canada highway near Oakville and Mississauga, Ontario.

A view of the Niagara Escarpment near Oakville, Ontario.



Many celebrations have been held across our beautiful province to herald in the colourful, crisp fall days. Pumpkin creatures have made their appearances at local gatherings and on many a verandah. These festive creations were seen at one of Kelso Conservation Area's 'Fall Into Fall' weekend events.

With the abundance of trees and natural areas, Oakville and surrounding regions are a destination of choice for visitors with an appreciation of the beautiful province we are blessed to call home.

Local residents show great appreciation by visiting the many conservation areas and provincial parks as well as taking regular walks along Oakville's many beautiful trails.

Just a few more reasons to consider the Oakville region when considering a move to a new area or country!

Sometimes we lose our way in life and in so doing, we lose the ones that we belong with. Not knowing what to do, we try to fit in with the closest thing we can find to our way of life and the individuals we are most familiar with.

This works out fine, sometimes. Often we find it too hard to try and be something we're not and eventually, after misplacing integral parts of ourselves, we decide we miss our tribe and our old way of life.
Then we pack up and go back to the place and people that feel like 'home'.

Humans are lucky that way. They're able to remember where they belong and who they belong with. Birds aren't always so lucky.

Such is the case with this lone Snow Goose who, for reasons we're not privy to, found himself living with a flock of Canada Geese.
Being lonely and wanting a mate, he chose one of the Canada Goose females.

The pair seem happy enough; however a closer look reveals some marital discord.
It's always him following her.
She seems totally oblivious to his amour and more intent on doing her own thing wandering around Erchless Estate in Old Oakville.

I felt kind of sad for this Snow Goose. He seemed so out of place.

Perhaps one day, maybe when the flock he's chosen to be with is stopped somewhere along their migration route in the fall, he'll spot a band of Snow Geese and will recognize them as his own.

Until then, he's happy to just follow along and pretend he's a Canada Goose with a lovely Canada Goose mate.

Canadian students 19 and Under are invited to celebrate biodiversity in Oakville and across the globe by entering a contest!

Canadian artist Robert Bateman started a program called 'Get to Know' to help promote environmental awareness amongst young people.

The theme for this year's 'Get to Know' program is 'Celebrate Biodiversity' and at no time more than the present is this theme more important with thousands of plant and animal species becoming endangered or extinct on a daily basis.

If you know a student who is 19 years or under, encourage them to enter this year's 'Get to Know' contest.

Not only will they have the opportunity to learn more about the beautiful planet we live on and display their creative talents, they will also have the opportunity to win some great prizes and perhaps have their work published in the 2011 Get to Know contest calendar or be used for the 2011 Youth Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp!

To enter the contest, students are invited to get outside and get creative. Paint, draw or photograph nature in it's glory and submit your work of art.
Students who prefer to write are encouraged to submit a work of art using the written word that talks about wildlife or biodiversity.

Prizes*
Entrants have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes:

• the winning art or writing entry will be published in the 2011 Robert Bateman Get to Know Contest Calendar
  
• One winning entry will be featured as Wildlife Habitat Canada's 2011 Youth Wildlife Habitat
  Conservation Stamp
  
• A week-long art and nature camp in one of Canada's stunning national parks, joined by outstanding mentors and the American contest winners (sponsored by Parks Canada; for age 12 and up only)
  
• Cash prizes
  
• The winning entry published on www.gettoknow.ca
  
• VIP invitations to special events, held across the country
  
• Personal written congratulations from Robert Bateman
  
• Digital cameras from Panasonic (for photography winners)
  
• Additional prize packages from Opus Framing and Art Supplies and Scholastic (for art and writing winners respectively)

General Rules

This contest is open to ALL Canadian students 19 and under and no purchase or payment is necessary in order to win.

Entrants may submit more than one entry, however all entries must be received in the mail or online by Get to Know no later than 4:00 PM Eastern (1:00 PM Pacific) on May 28, 2010.

For more information, click on the banner below.

*Prize list taken from Get to Know Contest website

Spring has arrived in full force here in Oakville, Ontario.
Fruit trees are in bloom across the city with white and the most beautiful shades of crimson and pink blossoms I've ever seen.

The fact that I think the same thoughts every spring, has no bearing on it. Every spring seems like the most beautiful spring I've ever experienced.

Along with the blossoms come new generations of life, curious and fresh and happy just to be here.

Spring fever has caught up with the birds and the bees as creatures everywhere find a warm place in the sun to relax and relish in the return of another season filled with hope and renewal.

Oakville Taste 2010 - A Culinary Delight

Enjoy a fine dining experience?

Appleby College in Oakville is the place to be on Sunday, May 30th when some of the region's finest caterers, restaurateurs and bakers will be serving up a culinary extravaganza at Oakville Taste 2010 in support of Oakville's Kerr Street Ministries food bank.

From  2-6pm, patrons will enjoy a wide sampling of signature foods from particpating chefs.

Local producers of beer and wine will join the restaurateurs, bakers and caterers in offering a fine selection of their best to pair with the delectable assortment of food styles.

Patrons will also be able to place their bids in a silent auction with proceeds going towards the Kerr Street Ministries food bank.

The following Restaurateurs, Bakers and Caterers will be providing a wonderful sampling of their fare:

Oakville Taste 2010 Exhibitors


To purchase tickets for this memorable event visit

Oakville Taste 2010

Free Comic Book Day and Workshop at Oakville Public Library

Boys and Girls between the ages of 12 and 18 are invited to celebrate Free Comic Book Day this coming Saturday, May 1st from 12-4pm.

To take part in this fun event, register with Elise, the Teen Services Librarian at the Oakville Public Library by email at ecole@oakville.ca or by phone at 905-815-2042 Ext 5037 .

On Saturday, May 1st, stop by the Comic Connection at 146 Kerr Street in Oakville and pick up your free comic. Comic Conection opens at 11 am on Saturdays.

The Free Comic Workshop will be held at the Oakville Public Library Central Branch Auditorium.
Artist Bruce Outridge will be teaching the workshop.

This event is sponsored by the Oakville Public Library, Comic Connection and Friends of the Oakville Public Library.

If you're a teenager in the Oakville region who loves to doodle and sketch, make sure to reserve your spot for the Free Comic Book Day and Workshop at the Oakville Public Library today!

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District

Designated in 1981, the Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District is a unique, living historical account of what the original village of Oakville, first surveyed in 1833, was like.

Extending along the Lake Ontario lakeshore from Allan Street in the East to Sixteen Mile Creek in the west and Robinson Street to the north, the Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District retains much of it's original charm with many of Oakville's original early homes having been preserved.

The original homes of Oakville are commemorated with a white plaque near their doorstep.
The plaque, erected by the Oakville Historical Society, indicates the year the structure was built and who the original owner was.

The original survey of Oakville, completed in 1833, consisted of the area south of Rebecca and Randall Streets, east of Brock Street and west of Allan Street.
The area was subdivided into 1 1/2 acre blocks. Each block was further broken down into 6 lots and the lots were lettered alphabetically from A to F.

In May of 1833, the most valuable town and water lots were sold publically. This was the first public sale of lots in what was to become the Town of Oakville.

Conditions were placed on the sale of the lots and each buyer had to agree to build a structure no less than 24' x 18' within 18 months of owning the lot.

You can just imagine the building activity that took place during those 18 months in 1833 and 1834.
The little harbour village would have been alive with hammers and workers as the exciting anticipation of each family's first home took hold of the community.

The years passed and Oakville prospered. In 1851 census records show a population of 916.

The town of Oakville, named after the great abundance of Oak trees in the area and after it's founding father, William 'White Oak' Chisholm, grew to a village of 130 frame homes and 4 brick homes by the mid 1800s.

Today you can take a walk through this Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District and view many of these quaint and beautiful historical homes, that have stood the test of time and are still alive today with residents, gardens and activity.

©2010JoSmith