The latest new business openings and business transformations including new owners, moves and major renovations. More great reasons to shop local!
ArtBank Collective
Clarksburg, the little village lovingly known as Artsburg, has a new gallery in the former bank building on the corner of Marsh and Clark streets. “This historic and beautiful building offers an ideal setting for viewing art, well lit with a relaxing, uncluttered atmosphere,” said Don Kilby, a local painter who is co-owner and resident artist along with metal creator Jeff Gillmor.
In addition to works by Kilby and Gillmor, the collective also displays work by other artists and artisans.
“The goal with the ArtBank Collective was to offer a showcase for skilled artists and artisans with a unique and exceptional product,” said Kilby. “A limited selection of works by each artist is on display. Interested customers are encouraged to reach out to the creators directly following their introduction via the collective.”
Previous to the ArtBank, Kilby had a successful art gallery featuring his paintings just down the street in Clarksburg. Gillmor is known for his creative and high-quality metal work creations, featured in many homes in the area.
“The ArtBank was designed to offer a welcoming and stimulating place to visit and view the extraordinary items featured inside,” said Kilby. “Comfy chairs, friendly staff, big windows, and an uncluttered feel encourage visitors to relax, take their time and get acquainted with the art on display. It is our goal to make the ArtBank Collective a destination worthy of repeat visits, always offering something special to be seen and experienced.”
Hours: Tues. – Fri. 12-5, Sat. 11-5, Sun. 12-4
175 Marsh St., Clarksburg
519-372-7971
artbankcollective.ca
IFY – Infrared Fitness and Yoga
This new Collingwood fitness studio offers general fitness and yoga classes in an infrared heated environment.
“Traditional hot studios over-heat the air you breathe and make it a challenge to exercise,” explained owner Lynn Beauregard. “Infrared heat penetrates the outer skin to trigger a sweat and warm our soft connective tissues, instead of overheating our lungs and our core temperature. The benefits are significant and include high caloric burn, detoxification, reduced pain and inflammation, increased mobility, circulation and cell renewal, muscle recovery and more.”
Classes include Pilates, Barre, TRX, Kickboxing, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Chair Yoga, Functional Movement, Stretch, Glute and Abs, and more.
“IFY offers a revolution in hot-fitness [with] comfortable, breathable, invigorating studios, said Beauregard. “You can breathe easily without feeling overly stressed by the heat and get the real benefits of working out in a ‘hot’ environment.”
Hot rooms are popular among yoga enthusiasts, but IFY offers a wide selection of classes from Pilates to total body conditioning and other forms of fitness in addition to yoga, she added.
“Hot fitness should not be just for yoga and this is why we are offering a great variety of classes for all levels, fitness types and at different heat intensities,” said Beauregard. “This is a whole new concept for those who want to get in the best shape, want to access the benefits of infrared heat and hot fitness, and want to get some variety in from the traditional gym or yoga studio.”
Hours: 7 days a week (see website for times)
2 Mountain Road, Collingwood
705-293-1991
ifyfitness.ca
Kelly Gale Creative
Artist Kelly Gale has opened a three-level boutique studio space in Thornbury to show her original artwork along with unique gifts and seasonal accents. She also offers workshops, music and voice coaching classes.
“You can book floral or art workshops for a group of friends as well as music and voice coaching classes,” said Gale. “The vocal coaching classes have been fun, working with people who want to find their voice to sing or gain confidence to speak in public.”
Gale has more than 20 years’ experience in the arts industry as a professional artist, singer/songwriter, radio/TV personality and floral designer.
“I believe I was created to create,” she said. “I am hands-on engaging with people through my artwork, classes, workshops and coaching. My wish is that I am able to inspire children and adults through my passion for the arts and evoke that passion in them.
“Customers are invited to stop by, say hello to Sophie the Bernadoodle, see the baby grand piano and browse the shop.
“It fills me with such joy to be able to bring something into the world that was not there the day before. It is exciting to see people’s reaction to the studio, the artwork, workshops, classes and creative gifts. It is a very special space. The sign on the door as you enter says, ‘Come In And Smile.’ “
Hours: Thurs. – Sun. 11-5
Classes can be booked outside of these hours.
16 Bruce St N. Unit #4, Thornbury (Just up from the Harbour)
705-994-2505
kellygalecreative.com
Today’s Natural Solutions Collingwood
Collingwood has a new health store offering a large selection of professional and consumer product lines. The new shop carries vitamin and mineral supplements, products to help with sleep and stress, homeopathy, specialty foods, weight loss support, probiotics, sports nutrition (pre/intra/post workout support), hormone support, body care, beauty products, essential oils, diffusers, rock lamps and more.
“We are a family-run retail health store originating out of Uxbridge, Ontario, providing outstanding service to that community for the last 15 years,” said co-owner and holistic nutritionist Ken Seerattan. “We’re looking forward to providing great service to Collingwood and surrounding areas.”
Seerattan’s business model focuses on personalized service and solutions to fit customers’ individual needs. “We are a business that thrives when its customers thrive,” he said. “We also offer a unique loyalty discount program that is sure to make our customers happy.”
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-3
460 Hume St., Unit 4, Collingwood
705-242-5383
todaysnaturalsolutions.net
Vaiya
Loungewear meets street style at Vaiya, a new lifestyle brand clothing shop in downtown Collingwood. “Our clothing is casual but stylish, featuring breathable and natural fabrics such as bamboo and organic cotton,” said owner Carolina D’Andrea. “Everything is designed with comfort in mind, as well as the ethics behind the product.”
Vaiya is the evolution of D’Andrea’s previous business, OneLove: Global Local Eco, which closed in January. The new store carries casual and contemporary clothing for women and men, plus accessories, bags and some apothecary. Footwear is coming soon.
“We focus on natural fibres and ethical brands that are high quality, comfortable and stylish. Many lines are made or designed in Canada. Our versatile clothing is excellent for work, travel and everyday life,” said D’Andrea. “We are a body-positive space dedicated to offering our customers the best in stylish, comfortable and versatile clothing. We believe shopping should be relaxed and fun, and our team of enthusiastic stylists will have you looking and feeling great.”
For those who prefer to shop from home, a new website offers online shopping with free in-store pickup.
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10-5:30, Sun. 12-4
21 Hurontario St., Collingwood
705-467-0006
shopvaiya.ca
Aeon Kitchens & Design Inc.
After more than five years in business providing dream kitchens to clients in Southern Georgian Bay, Aeon Kitchens & Design has a new showroom in Collingwood.
“Our vision for creating breathtaking kitchens and having a lasting impact in our community has led us to become one of Collingwood’s fastest-growing companies,” said owner and president Ross Burley. “We’ll help you reconnect and fall in love with your home by design.”
The company offers high-end custom cabinetry, countertops, kitchen renovations and design solutions to enhance clients’ lifestyle and enjoyment in their home.
“We have created a unique design process that enables us to capture a comprehensive understanding of your needs and comfortably guide you through the creation of your new kitchen, ensuring personally tailored style, workflow and functionality,” said Burley, who has spent more than 15 years in the industry as a cabinet maker, designer and installer.
“Kitchens are the heart of today’s homes, and we can help you love yours. From inception to completion, we’ll be your partner in creating your dream kitchen. At the heart of everything we do are our core values: quality, integrity and service.”
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9-4, Sat. 11-2
1 First Street, Unit 104, Collingwood
705-607-7677
aeonkitchens.com
Collingwood Vitality Laser Clinic
Since 2018, Ob/Gyn physicians Dr. Jennifer Tomas and Dr. Susan O’Toole have provided comprehensive care for women’s menopausal health needs, including vaginal laser treatment. Now they’ve relocated their clinic to the Shipyards Medical Arts Centre together with their general obstetrics and gynecology practice, Collingwood Women’s Health Clinic.
“The new clinic space is beautiful, bright and private, and we offer a welcoming, inclusive environment to all of our patients,” said Tomas, adding, “This move has also allowed us to place greater focus on growing the Collingwood Vitality Laser Clinic and helping more women through laser technology.”
After menopause, many women suffer from distressing changes to their vaginal health that affect their quality of life, sexuality and relationships. Collingwood Vitality provides a thorough assessment and review of appropriate treatment options, including vaginal laser treatment with the MonaLisa Touch procedure. “This treatment is effective, minimally invasive and nonhormonal, and has made a huge impact in the lives of many women in our community,” said Tomas. “We are committed to offering women choice to help empower them to make positive decisions about their health and quality of life.”
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9-5
Shipyards Medical Arts Centre,
28 Huron Street, Suite 200, Collingwood
705-445-9468
collingwoodvitality.ca
Creemore 100 Mile Store
The new owners of Creemore’s charming specialty grocery store, Christian Klöckl-Greimel and Linda de Winter, purchased the business even though they’re currently living in Switzerland.
“In 2018, we decided that, by mid-2020, we would like to move to Canada (I was born and raised in Simcoe County),” said de Winter. “We wanted to invest in a business ahead of time. The 100 Mile Store was on the list of possibilities. When we drove into Creemore for the first time, we were enthralled. As soon as we walked into the store, we knew it was a perfect fit.”
She added there are no plans to make major changes to the business. “Jackie Durnford and Sandra Lackie built up a truly amazing business. We love the store the way it is,” said de Winter. “There might be a few tweaks here and there, but no big changes are planned at the moment. We have a fantastic manager, Neal Connolly, and an excellent little team. They are enthusiastic about sourcing really great products.
“We are becoming more and more aware of how important it is to know where your food is coming from. Knowing that you can trust the farmer; that the livestock is treated well and that the produce is grown naturally. Shopping at this store is stepping away from mass-produced, over-processed and imported foods and back to the local small-town grocer – but still with a really great selection.”
Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs. & Sat., 10-5,
Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4
176 Mill Street, Creemore
705-466-3514
100milestore.ca
