The latest new business openings as well as business transformations including new owners, moves and major renovations. More great reasons to shop local!
Buff-It Detailing
This new Collingwood car detailing shop is dedicated to making your vehicle as clean and shiny as the day you drove it off the lot. Buff-It Detailing offers full professional exterior and interior automotive detailing, paint correction, paint protection wax, sealants and Ceramic Pro Nano Coatings, paintless dent removal and paint protection films.
“The Buff-It team offers a great combination of business and industry experience coupled with strong passion for quality and customer excellence,” says Peter Jamieson, founder, president, and a partner in the business along with Ryan Shantz and Joel Prior. “We have a state-of-the-art facility especially designed for detailing, and we will be the first in the area to offer high-end ceramic coatings for long-term shine and durability.”
Customers can drop by the new Buff-It facility on Raglan Street in Collingwood meet the team and receive a free detailing assessment and consultation.
“We have a variety of vehicle care products and services to better protect your auto investment or enhance your premium auto, truck and vintage car experience and enjoyment,” says Jamieson.
Ceramic Pro is a global leader in ceramic coatings based on nano-technology, with formulas molecularly designed for surfaces such as paint, vinyl, polymers, glass and more. Ceramic Pro coatings bond to surfaces at a molecular level, filling in any nano-pores and creating a hydrophobic surface that is impervious to contamination. It protects paint and metal from coming into contact with water and oxygen, preventing oxidation and corrosion, keeping the vehicle looking shiny and new, and helping preserve its value.
Hours: Mon. – Fri 8-5, Sat 9-3
360 Raglan St, Unit B, Collingwood
705-888-3050
buffitdetailing.ca
Collingwood Vitality Laser Clinic
There’s a new medical laser clinic in town, specializing in the Mona Lisa Touch vaginal laser therapy. “We are the only physicians in the Southern Georgian Bay region to offer this unique vaginal laser therapy,” says Dr. Jennifer Tomas, who owns the clinic with Dr. Susan O’Toole. “This treatment is not available in Owen Sound or Orillia, and many women would have to travel to the GTA for this treatment.”
Tomas says the treatment is designed to treat vaginal dryness, irritation and painful intercourse, which often occur in women after menopause. “We provide a thorough gynecologic health assessment and review of all available treatment options for postmenopausal health changes,” she adds.
The treatments are quick (less than five minutes), relatively painless and minimally invasive, says Tomas. “Women notice a significant improvement in their quality of life and sexuality following an initial series of
three treatments.”
Tomas and O’Toole are both local OB-GYNs who provide obstetric and gynecologic care in Southern Georgian Bay. They are founding members of Collingwood Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates, and work at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. “Our special areas of interest include mature women’s health, minimally invasive surgery, contraception and colposcopy care for precancer conditions of the genital tract,” says Tomas, adding both she and O’Toole have received specialized training in vaginal laser therapy.
“We seek to empower women to make positive changes in their health by giving them choice. Many women suffer in silence with long-term changes in their health and sexuality after menopause. We want women to be able to make their own choices to feel young, vibrant and healthy.”
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 – 4:30
460 Hume Street, Suite 2, Collingwood
705-293-0655
collingwoodvitality.ca
Method Contracting
Jason McLean has been building custom homes since 2003. “What started out as our first home quickly turned into a growing business,” he says. His forays into home building have progressed since then, and now McLean has incorporated his own contracting business under the name Method Contracting.
“I have a keen eye for detail and treat every build as if it were my own,” he says. “Over the years I’ve developed a way to guide the client through many tough decisions with ease, so they feel comfortable and confident with the process. Creating a strong working relationship with local trades has streamlined the building process from beginning to end.”
From custom builds to design, handcrafted cabinetry, interiors, redesign and planning, Method Contracting works closely with clients to create a home that fits their taste, needs and lifestyle.
“The relationship with our clients is very close and begins from the first concepts of the house design and often doesn’t end when the keys are handed over,” says McLean. He adds reclaimed materials are “very popular right now,” and some of Method’s projects utilize reclaimed barn board, reclaimed barn timbers and reclaimed steel.
McLean has a background in business and adventure tourism. He started his first business at age 20 and most recently he and his father, Gord McLean, built Georgian Sprinklers into a successful local business before selling it this past spring. Jason says he sees an equally bright future with his new venture. “I’m always striving to learn something new every day that can be applied to the trade to make it thrive.”
4559 County Rd. 124, Collingwood
705-888-1238
methodcontracting.ca
Seed.
Karen Lang has opened a new holistic spa and retail shop on Pine Street in Collingwood called Seed. “Our aim is to bring forth healing practices that serve as medicine for the soul,” says Lang. “Every ingredient and detail is considered and put in place to ensure your experience is revitalizing and nurturing.”
An evolution of Karen 4 Your Skin, which Lang launched in 2017, Seed. offers holistic facials, non-surgical facelift with micro-current, reflexology, threading, holistic skincare, natural make-up, artisan gifts, Turkish towels, tonic herbs and organic teas.
“Our mantra is health from within, helping you plant the seeds to live beautifully inside and out,” says Lang. “We offer pure and nourishing services that support your mind and body in good health. Looking beyond pretty packaging, we analyze every ingredient and curate only the best of the best, delivering results you can see and feel.”
Seed. uses and sells Living Libations’ collection of serums, elixirs and essential oils “to nurture your innate beauty, enhance the immune system and banish stress with each blissful drop.”
Seed.’s micro-current facials involve a low level of electricity that mirrors the body’s own natural electrical currents, triggering chemical reactions at a cellular level to enhance the production of natural collagen and elastin, provide circulatory benefits, and re-educate the muscles of the face. “The result is immediate firming, smoothing, and re-hydration of the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Lang. “Micro-current lifts, sculpts and tightens, provides immediate results, and has no downtime.”
Hours: Mon. 11-6, Tues. & Thurs. 10-7,
Wed. & Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-4
38 Pine St., Collingwood
705-445-1454
seedcollingwood.com
Shea Organics
This new Collingwood business is an eco-friendly beauty shop that sells natural skincare, cosmetics, nail products and accessories.
“Everything in the store is organic, eco-friendly, sustainable, fair trade, small batch and cruelty free,” says owner Shay Riordan. “We have something for everyone and the knowledge of how and when to use each item in the store.”
In addition to the retail side of the business, Shea Organics also does makeup applications for events such as proms, weddings, etc. Shay Riordan is a makeup artist and has worked in and managed retail for more than 10 years. Shay and wife Katie Riordan, her partner in the business, both have degrees in horticulture.
“We believe that using healthy products doesn’t have to break the bank,” says Shay. “We offer all price ranges with something for everyone. In addition, we carry makeup that contains skin-loving ingredients that you can feel good about putting on your body.”
Among the brands available at the new store are Graydon Skincare, Elate Cosmetics, Lines of Elan, Pure Anada and Saltspring Soapworks. Shea Organics also carries a collection of ethically sourced Turkish towels from Stray & Wander.
“We want you to know that everything in our shop has been carefully selected, tested, and loved way before it ended up in our store,” says Shay.
Hours: Tues. – Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-4
11 Ontario Street, Collingwood
705-351-1824
sheaorganicscanada.com
TRANSFORMATIONS
Beaver Valley Outreach (BVO)
After 35 years of “making good things happen in our community,” Beaver Valley Outreach (BVO) is moving from the space it has occupied for the past 17 years to a larger, more accessible, multi-purpose building on King Street (Hwy. 26) in Thornbury.
“Despite renovations to our current Bruce Street location, we have struggled for many years to make the space work,” says BVO chair Cathy Innes. “The new location has been renovated to meet our specific needs, giving us a clean, accessible and efficient building in which we can do what we do, better.”
A community-based charitable organization, BVO offers 18 programs and services to local people of all ages – children, individuals, families and seniors. In addition to BVO’s “funding engine,” the Treasure Shop, BVO also provides nutritious school breakfasts for children, plans information sessions for seniors, and packs Christmas hampers during the holidays.
The new location provides an efficient, accessible single-level area for offices, volunteer spaces, recycling/sorting space and the Treasure Shop, with plenty of paved parking, while an addition will feature a freight lift, providing access to much-needed storage on the basement level.
“BVO does not typically fundraise, but now we need help from the community that we have served for 35 years to ensure that BVO will always be there for everyone,” says Innes. “Our Heart of the Community campaign is a once-in-a-generation call for support. Funds raised will go towards the cost of renovations and the building of the addition for the accessible lift. Our new home will strengthen our organization and allow BVO to better serve our community for decades to come.”
Monetary donations can be mailed to, or dropped off at, BVO’s office. Online gifts can be made directly at www.bvo.ca/donate. For donations of meaningful personal gifts, marketable securities or other special gifts, please email fundraising@bvo.ca or call 705-441-3346.
54 King Street, Thornbury
519-599-2577
bvo.ca
Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts
Southern Georgian Bay’s volunteer-run charitable visual arts foundation, The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA), is moving to Collingwood’s “arts hub” at 65 Simcoe Street as of June 30. The new location will include a dedicated gift shop and separate gallery space, and BMFA exhibits will welcome visitors from the front door through to the Press Room Gallery.
“We are excited to announce that Imaginarium After School Arts Club and Summer Camp, Magic of Children in the Arts, Saturday Children’s Art Classes and the Bay School of Art Teen and Children’s Art Classes have come together under one roof to offer the community a wide range of art opportunities through the BMFA,” says Dave Saunders, BMFA board chair. “Our new location will enhance the visitors’ experience, with so much to enjoy, just a step or two away.”
The BMFA supports and celebrates the cultural community with shows, awards, bursaries and juried show prizes throughout the year, and provides opportunities for local and regional artists and artisans to display fine art and craft in both the gallery and gift shop. The BMFA also partners with youth arts organizations to deliver extensive youth
arts programming.
“Art is at the heart of what we do. In this capacity, we are pleased to be working with Rick and Anke Lex and the Town of Collingwood,” says Saunders. “There’s no doubt in my mind that arts and culture in South Georgian Bay is gaining momentum and is eagerly sought after by visitors to the region.”
Hours: Wed. to Sat. 11 – 5, Sundays noon to 3
(summer hours to be determined)
65 Simcoe St., Studio 4, Collingwood (as of June 30)
705-445-3430
bmfa.on.ca
Butter Gallery
After opening Butter Gallery in 2016, owners Suzanne Steeves and Andrea Rinaldo are already moving to a larger space up the street in downtown Collingwood, offering an eclectic mix of art and gifts featuring the work of local artists and artisans.
“We’ve had a wonderful first 18 months at our first location, but have quickly outgrown the space,” explains Steeves. “Our new location will allow us to showcase a larger selection of artists, and some stunning new large-scale paintings.”
Specializing in contemporary art, Butter represents over 60 artists working in a variety of media, including a number of local artists, whose work can be found in both local and international collections. “From paintings and sculpture to pottery, glass, jewelry and mixed media art, we love to work with our clients to find the perfect piece,” says Steeves. “Artwork can always go out on approval and we also provide in-home consultations.
If you are within 50 kilometres, we provide free delivery, and we ship worldwide.”
In addition to a larger selection of art in a space that “allows the art to shine,” the new Butter Gallery will host artists painting live as well as solo and group shows.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-4
126 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
705-444-9228
buttergallery.ca
Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc.
Parkbridge, the developer behind 75 residential communities from B.C. to Nova Scotia, including several around Georgian Bay, is relocating its head office to Collingwood, taking up temporary quarters until a new head office building is completed in 2020.
“This new head office will bring together approximately 150 corporate staff members from our Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Calgary offices,” said Katherine Gyles, senior vice president, Organizational Effectiveness & Corporate Communications. “Parkbridge has a long-standing history in this region, and we wanted to build headquarters in the Southern Georgian Bay area, close to where many of our head office functions already reside and where Parkbridge’s newest communities are going to be developed (The Blue Mountains, Meaford and Innisfil). As a company known for its community spirit, Parkbridge is looking forward to helping support the local economy and being an active contributor to local philanthropic and community organizations and activities.”
Since 1998, the company has expanded from just two properties with a few employees to more than 115 operating and development properties and 1,100 employees across Canada, said Gyles, adding Parkbridge is Canada’s leading owner, operator and developer of residential and resort land lease communities, with a home ownership model that allows people to own a home without buying the land – known as ‘land lease.’
Parkbridge is currently in the approvals stage for Craigleith Ridge – a new family community in The Blue Mountains. The community will include approximately 200 single-family homes and townhomes designed to fit the landscape of the surrounding area, with 30 per cent green space and walking trails, said Gyles.
“Coming together in one location will allow us to better serve and engage our team, homeowners and guests across the country, as well as focus on new developments in the area that will provide a much-needed and unique affordable home ownership solution for many local residents.”
Hours: 8:30 – 5
1 First Street, Collingwood
705-429-6142
parkbridge.com
Thornbury Bakery Café
A landmark on Thornbury’s main street for over 100 years, Thornbury Bakery Café has undergone some exciting changes and improvements, doubling the space to offer more seating for large groups, comfortable chairs near a fireplace, window seating and charging stations.
There’s also a new and improved menu, soft-serve ice cream, dairy-free (vegan) soft-serve, and an early morning coffee cart starting at 6 a.m. every morning for honour-system self-serve coffee and day-old pastries. All coffee is fair trade and organic.
“Our town and our business are growing, so it is time that we grow with it,” says Trish Smith, who owns the business with husband Dave (their kids, Doug, Jordyn and Jocelyn, also work at the bakery). “We are a high-traffic bakery, and in recent years our space has been limited for both our customers and our staff. This year, for our 10-year anniversary as owners, we decided to give ourselves a makeover that will allow us to provide a more comfortable work environment for our staff and a more spacious seating area for our customers. These changes, including our new retail area and offerings, will allow us to continue to grow as a business for the years to come.”
The newly expanded bakery is wheelchair accessible (entrance and bathrooms), and will be open later – until 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday for ice cream, coffee, desserts, and grab-and-go food.
“We pride ourselves on the quality and freshness of our products,” says Smith. “All bread and pastries are made daily, along with custom cakes and tasteful desserts. Serving full breakfast and lunch, the bakery is the perfect place for groups, families or individuals to get a delicious meal, along with many treats to take home.”
Hours (June 30-Sept. 3): Mon. – Wed. 8-5,
Thurs. – Sat. 8-9, Sun. 8-5
12 Bruce St. South, Thornbury
519-599-3311
thornburybakerycafe.com
