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Colin and Justin at chamber event

Justin Ryan and Colin McAllister spoke of their love of NOTL and said how much they had enjoyed the production of A Christmas Carol at the Shaw Festival Theatre.

Justin Ryan and Colin McAllister spoke of their love of NOTL and said how much they had enjoyed the production of A Christmas Carol at the Shaw Festival Theatre.

Colin and Justin, the designing duo from Toronto and regulars on CityTV and Cottage Life, were in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a brief visit Tuesday, Dec. 18, and attended a social evening organized by the chamber of commerce.

They have written and spoken often publicly of their love of NOTL, the architecture, the beautiful historic homes, including the B&Bs where they have stayed, the wineries — which they’ve toured on scooters from eSkoot Niagara — and the food scene. They also praise the Shaw Festival, about which Justin tells a funny story of being asked to leave for making too much noise while eating candies “in a crinkly bag.”

The mixer was held at Peninsula Flooring, courtesy of gracious owners Carol and Art Hubert, and organized by chamber board member Nancy Bailey of Engel and Volkers.

Janice Thomson, NOTL Chamber of Commerce president, has met Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan several times on their visits to town, and had no difficulty persuading them to spend some time at The Lakewinds Country Manor and drop in on the social event.

The Huberts took over the flooring business, located on Henegan Road in the business park off Niagara Stone Road, about two years ago, and Art said he was delighted to host the event, which seemed like a perfect occasion to showcase the store and products with the two home designers in attendance.

Talking of the work they do, McAllister said “It’s not about outdoing your neighbours or being fashionable, it’s about being the best and happiest you can be. There are certain places on this planet that bring out the best in people,” he said, and NOTL residents “are incredibly lucky to live here. The houses here are unbelievable.”
The town has “great spirit,” he said, adding it’s great place to congregate and "share the message of this wonderful area.”

Ryan talked of walking the high street (they are both Scottish) and meeting people, and attending the Shaw Festival Theatre to see A Christmas Carol, “a really lovely thing.”

“You are in an amazing part of the country,” he said to about 100 chamber members.

He complimented the owners of Peninsula Flooring, saying ‘It’s great to come to a creative business like this. Colin and I love anything that gives us an opportunity to make our clients' homes better. You guys have done an amazing job — better than some in the city.”

He wished the business community “a fantastic 2019.”

He also had a message for NOTL: “There’s a lot of stuff in the world that we don’t enjoy. Let’s focus on all that’s good, the kind of good we find when we come to this town."

Lord Mayor Betty Disero, NOTL Chamber of Commerce president Janice Thomson and Regional Coun. Gary Zalepa Jr. all thanked organizers and hosts Carol and Art Hubert for a great evening.
About 100 members of the NOTL Chamber of Commerce attended a social event at Peninsula Flooring in Virgil, featuring design duo Colin and Justin.



About the Author: Penny Coles

Penny Coles is editor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
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