Hamilton was overcome with shock and disbelief as the stories of shattered windows and egged storefronts unfolded after the vandalism incident in the Locke Street neighbourhood on the evening of March 3.
Hamilton police responded to a “mischief in progress” call when thirty masked individuals gathered in Durand Park on Park Street South. The group, clad in all black, marched with a painted banner that read “We Are The Ungovernable”.
As police called for backup, the group began making their way towards Locke Street South near Aberdeen Avenue. It is unclear whether the group originally intended to cause damage to the small businesses in the community or if the acts of vandalism were not planned.
The first business to be egged was Earth to Table: Bread Bar, a large stone was smashed into a Pippa & Prue window, while two windows were smashed at the Beverly on Locke. The momentum of damage increased as the group marched west along the street, pelleting stones and setting off fireworks.
Donut Monster appeared to sustain the most damage. Eight windows and the front door were shattered before the group caused damage to Bitten on Locke, Condo Culture, Neo, Locke Street Meats and Cima Enoteca. My Dog’s Café Bar and Mattson Co. were also egged.
Police have not made any arrests in connection to the incident and are currently investigating evidence that they have received linking the incident to the anarchist book fair that took place at Westdale Secondary School the same weekend.
The Tower, an anarchist social centre in Hamilton, which organized the book fair, released a statement claiming that they did not organize the rally, but are in support of the incident.
“[Small businesses] aren’t the ones redeveloping whole blocks or carrying out mass evictions. What they have done, though, is to put themselves on the side of the speculators and landlords, positioning themselves to profit off forces that harm most of their neighbours,” read the statement.
The Tower made an additional post on Facebook following a break-in to their premises. Their same statement alleges that alt-right groups have sent threats to the community library in the days before the break-in.
Following the aftermath of the attack, Locke Street business owners and community members took to social media with emotionally charged messages of love and support. Countless comments were left by people sending their well wishes and offering to help clean up stores.
By the afternoon of the next day, it became nearly impossible to walk, let alone drive through Locke Street, as hundreds of people, children and pets took to the streets for a day of local shopping and supporting small businesses.
In an effort to move past the incident, Hamiltonians came out to embrace Locke Street, and in turn, businesses showed their gratification for their community while also encouraging positive conversation.
“Please stop in if you would like to say ‘Hi’, you will be welcome to start a conversation with your neighbours on keeping peace and promoting good connections here in #HamOnt,” read a post published on Donut Monster’s social media.
“To those who took part in the destruction on the street last night: the damage you caused has impacted the lives and wellbeing of fellow Hamiltonians that work and reside in your city. While your actions were confusing and hurtful and your intentions unclear, you are also welcome at the shop today — minus the masks and rocks — to add your voice to a peaceful discussion on reconciliation and moving past violence.”
Donut Monster’s call to conversation was heard as people stopped by for coffee and took the time to chat with owner Reuben Vanderkwaak and his wife. The boarded-up doughnut shop quickly became a canvas for visitors’ positive affirmations and doodles of doughnuts, hearts and sunshine.
Conversation transcended on social media, amalgamating around the question on everyone’s mind: why did this happen?
Some drew a connection between last summer’s vandalism on businesses on Barton Street and in Westdale, which have been linked to a campaign against gentrification in the city by anarchist groups.
Others claim Locke Street, a relatively wealthy neighbourhood, has been undergoing changes for years, making its small businesses a target of anti-gentrification groups.
However, in an anonymous article written by an attendee of the rally on Anarchistnews.org, the author explains that small businesses are not exempt from contributing to the city’s gentrification.
“The problem isn’t the size of the business, it’s that the relationship is exploitative. When someone decides to be a capitalist, making money through their investments rather than through their labour, their position relative to changes in the city becomes fundamentally different,” read the article.
Pippa & Prue owner, Prudy Allison, claims that urbanization may have played a motivating factor for the rally, but they do not justify the attacks on businesses.
“This isn’t a community that’s been urbanized so that all the old buildings are gone. [My] store looks exactly the same way it did, we’re going back 60 to 70 years, the front of this store is almost the same,” explained Allison.
“All the buildings are trying to preserved, as much as they can, and they’re all small businesses here… we’re holding on to our roots here, we’re just not letting it decay.”
If the purpose of the rally was to deter people away from Locke Street, then the efforts weren’t fruitful. According to Allison and other business owners in the area, new faces have been coming out to shop at their stores and the community received extensive media exposure.
“It was surreal. What’s going on. The outpouring of support was immediate. This is Locke Street, the community loves it, a bunch of punks aren’t going to change that. That’s all they were because if they had a statement, they weren’t smart enough to put it out there very well,” said Allison.
The community is planning on holding a #LoveLocke Day on Saturday, March 10. Hamiltonians are encouraged to visit and shop at local small businesses.
Donut Monster also released a new “Make Lemonade” flavour for this week, complete with glass-like shards of lemon candy made by Sweet Simple Co., a nod towards the weekend’s events. All proceeds from the “Make Lemonade” donut will be donated to Indwell, a non-profit organization that creates affordable housing communities in Hamilton.
Locke Street is a strong community built on support and collaboration between businesses and community members. Last weekend’s events were a testament of that.
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Many Hamiltonians swear by Lulu’s Shawarma.
As an avid lover of the popular Middle Eastern sandwich, I make a point of trying it in every city I visit. After I heard about Lulu’s I had to give the mom-and-pop restaurant a try.
I visited Lulu’s for the first time on a Friday night. The small restaurant was packed with a line up of hungry people waiting for their chicken shawarmas and falafel pitas. The smell of fresh grilled chicken wafted through the warm shop.
I watched on as Tammy Barnes recited orders to her husband, Rizgar Rada, as he stood over juicy and tender chicken shavings.
They seamlessly worked on dozens of orders together, a technique they’ve perfected the past 10 years.
Few people stayed to eat in the cafeteria-style cluster seating surrounded by lilac walls, which were decorated in View Readers’ Choice award placards.
Most visitors, like myself, grabbed their food to go before retreating back into the busy downtown core or in my case, the Silhouette’s basement office.
I indulged in a loaded chicken shawarma, while my co-worker ate away at the chicken and rice combo.
The food was packed with the familiar flavour of shawarma that I love and we found ourselves surprisingly satiated half-way through our meals.
Take the 1 or 5 bus from Sterling at University to Main at MacNab.
Head east on Main Street towards John Street and turn left onto John Street for a quick five-minute walk.
You’ll find the distinctive orange brick building with a purple Lulu’s Shawarma banner at 32 John Street North, on the corner of King William.
A chicken shawarma in a pita sandwich or on a bed of rice with a pita on the side are $7.08.
For $3 you can upsize the chicken and rice to a large, while also getting a salad and extra pita bread.
For $5.31 you can get a falafel pita, or you can go for a bigger meal that includes rice, salad and pita for $9.73.
Chicken shawarma and falafel salads also go for a little over $7.
Lulu’s has eight side orders that fall under $5, ranging from onion rings, French fries and fattoush salad, a Middle Eastern mixed vegetable salad with fried pieces of pita bread.
The chicken shawarma is the showstopper here.
The loaded pita comes with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, tahini and hot sauce.
It’s both savoury and filling. If you are looking for a dinner-like meal, go for the falafel or chicken shawarma platter with rice, garden salad and pita bread.
You can save $2 if you want to opt out of the garden salad and bread, just order the extra chicken side and side rice for $4.42 each.
Lulu’s Shawarma reminds me of my parents’ take on the shawarma dish since it’s both homey and comforting.
The chicken is fresh and flavourful and the sauces are mild enough as to not take away from the well-seasoned chicken.
The rice is soft and pigmented thanks to the added yellow turmeric, just the way my mother makes it.
Lulu’s Shawarma has a convenient location that’s easy to get to, especially if you are looking to grab a quick, affordable and filling meal. Just make sure to bring cash.
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Over the last decade alone, the world has produced more plastic than during the whole of the last century. Nearly half of that plastic is only produced for a single use.
It can be overwhelming to think of all the ways we can change our habits to be a little bit greener and it can be difficult to believe that just one person can make a difference. As easy as it may be to get discouraged when reading about the effects of climate change, Hamilton businesses are making it easier to make the first step into a more sustainable lifestyle.
You can find just about everything at some Hamilton businesses looking to make an eco-friendly impact, from vintage and antique furniture, Canadian-made clothing and even plastic-free alternatives to everyday hygiene products. Not only do these stores specialize in sustainable practices, but they also make an ongoing effort to become educational sources for those within the community.
The Pale Blue Dot is one of the newest additions to James Street North, supplying safe, high-quality, ethically sourced and earth-friendly alternatives to plastic or single-use products in addition to vintage and antique furniture.
Founder and co-owner Mary Luciani launched the Pale Blue Dot with the belief that it can be easy for people to live more sustainably when given the opportunity to find products that help protect the environment from unnecessary waste. The team at the shop conducts extensive research into the products they sell, from the process in which they’re made, the people who make them and where they come from.
“We work with companies that share our core values,” said Luciani. “Our customers can feel confident that when they purchase an item from PBD, they’re supporting great businesses and lowering their environmental impact while doing so. We don’t bring in any products with plastic parts or plastic packaging, and we do our absolute best to work with our suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging during shipping.”
The Pale Blue Dot is focused on bringing people everything they need to live a more sustainable lifestyle from everyday necessities like bamboo toothbrushes and compostable silk floss to pre-loved vintage and antique furniture to furnish your home. Their selection of earth-friendly products is high quality, mindfully designed, locally and ethically sourced and fair trade.
After being open for a full month, the Pale Blue Dot is now looking to become a community hub where customers can learn different ways they can contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. Starting this month, the store plans to offer different kinds of workshops to the community with topics ranging from learning different ways of using essential oils, making natural cleaning supplies and nutrition.
“One of our main goals is to become a space where people can come and learn, from us and each other,” said Luciani. “We recognize that we are all at different stages of the path to living a sustainable lifestyle, so it’s important to us that we create a welcoming, non-judgemental space.”
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White Elephant is an independent and female-run clothing and lifestyle store co-owned by Hollie Pocsai and Jane LaBatte. Opening their brick and mortar boutique on James Street North nearly 10 years ago and since expanding to a second location in Westdale, the duo are passionate about supporting the community while providing sustainable quality goods.
With products that are independently made by artists, designers and crafters, White Elephant focuses on classic pieces that will not go out of style as seasons change. As long as a single or team of independent craftspeople makes the product, all but two of White Elephant’s clothing lines are made in Canada, reducing pollution from shipping and supporting local artists.
“Shopping local is so important. You’re supporting people in your community, and in turn, they can continue to support the local economy,” said Pocsai.
Not only are the products sold at White Elephant supporting the local economy, but each purchase makes an impact on a global scale as well. As Poscai notes, there are several things to consider when making purchasing decisions, especially in fashion.
“Thinking critically about what kind of practices are behind your purchases is a good way to start thinking on a global scale too — questioning whether people have adequate working conditions, are getting paid fair wages, or trying to contribute less to global landfills are all good things to keep in mind.”
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By making small changes within our daily routines, we can make a huge difference in our world.
“Just remember that nobody is perfect, and you don’t have to be either,” said Luciani. “Sometimes you’ll forget to ask the waiter for no straw, sometimes you’ll forget your water bottle on the kitchen counter. It’s okay, just keep trying.”
While it may take time to turn it into a consistent habit, it’s important to start small and to do what you can, where you can. Being conscious about where you are buying and who your supporting can be a great first step in living more sustainably.
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When Katherine Moore posted a picture of a vintage style Morgan & Co lace dress on her West Village Vintage page in May, she had no idea how much her little Instagram shop would turn into a thriving business.
Known as the Hammer girl who hunts and sells fun antiques, Moore’s collection is made up of over 900 unique items that she proudly displays through thousands of pictures online. Her shop is a nod towards her love for collecting vintage and desire to share it with her Westdale Village community.
Despite starting her shop a little over five months ago, Moore had been collecting vintage pieces since she was four years old.
“I loved penny sales where old ladies sold stuff, [I would] touch everything and I used to think everything was so expensive and beautiful, like obviously a four-year-old would think that, but looking back I always did enjoy it,” said Moore.
Moore is now a second year student in English and Multimedia at McMaster. She still loves to collect beautiful vintage, but now focuses more on exploring and learning about the history behind the items she comes across.
West Village Vintage came to be when Moore realized that her collection was starting to outgrew her home. The shop was the perfect solution to continue collecting vintage, without having to keep all of it.
“The main reason that I do it now is for the people. I love hearing comments like ‘my grandma had this, or my parents had this’ and [my clients] don’t know where to go and find it, so I like finding it for them and giving it to them,” explained Moore.
Finding the perfect pieces for her shop and clients can be a challenge. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. Much of her collection pieces are from spontaneous road trips with her mom.
“Sometimes we’ll drive two hours away to an auction and just go and look… My mom and I have a lot of fun at garage sales. We usually drive out, if we see a yard sale we’ll stop, or a little antique shop, pretty much whatever happens on the road,” said Moore.
Their Toyota Yaris may be small, but the vintage hunting duo never fail to take home the most amount of antique treasures.
At first, Moore relied on her natural instincts when sifting through pieces and assessing their value. She would often look into the history of an item on the spot or if she has a good feeling, she’ll take it home and do the research then.
With practice, Moore was all able to retain the information she’s learned and can now appraise items herself. Her vintage shopping superpower is the ability to easily identify the year and make of antique washboards.
Moore’s instincts tend to be spot on and West Village Vintage’s charming aesthetic has been met with positive response from eager customers and supporters.
However, her shop’s success does come with challenges. Moore spends countless hours hunting antiques, organizing them in a tote system, wrapping them like Christmas gifts, talking with customers and keeping track of orders.
She also goes out of her way to ensure pieces are affordable and conveniently delivered for students, often leaving little profit for herself. The West Village Vintage is driven by genuine passion.
“I like doing something that feels like it’s mine in a way… It’s kind of like my baby, I love seeing the growth of it. Even watching the page change, the way the images look and I like getting the positivity of the comments,” explained Moore.
“I love hearing back from people who bought something and they’ll send me pictures of where it is in their house.”
What the future holds for West Village Vintage is unknown, but Moore is working hard to continue growing her brand. She’s excited to see her antique pieces fill more homes, with exception to her brass, a secret collection the antique lover will continue to hold onto.
The West Village Vintage can be found at @westvillagevintage on Instagram and will be at the Christmas in November Market at 459 Ofield Road South in Dundas on Nov 18.
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With social media being a modern tool in helping people discover cities, it’s no surprise that Hamilton’s fast growing arts and culture scene is dominating local’s Instagram feeds. If you’re new to McMaster or maybe aren’t as involved in the #HamOnt scene as much as you’d care to admit, it can be daunting and tough to find relevant-to-you accounts to follow. Here is your go-to guide for some of Hamilton’s most interesting, most helpful and most quirky Instagram accounts!
1. @awakemcmaster - You know those little delicious chocolates infused with caffeine? Well Awake McMaster’s IG account tells you where to get them for free on campus!
2. @macssc - The Student Success Center’s account is prime for seeing various academic opportunities for students!
3. @maccampusstore - Keep up to date with all sales, giveaways and new merch!
4. @bruhaexclusive - Hamilton’s online ticket selling platform has a colourful feed that informs you of all the cool events happening in the city.
5. @mydogscafe - For all your dogs-in-coffee-shop needs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZUI3x_llGZ/?taken-by=mydogscafe
6. @HamiltonVintageCollective - An IG account that reposts exciting items from all of Hamilton’s online vintage sellers.
7. @sexdrugshamont - Not as dirty as it sounds, sexdrugshamont’s feed is full of landscapes, Hamilton architecture and photography.
8. @933cfmu - Our media sibling here at Mac, CFMU is McMaster’s local radio station!
9. @mcmasterbiogreenhouse - Find out about exciting McMaster greenhouse events, like when the rotting corpse plant is in bloom or when the plants sales are happening!
10. @hamontmarket - Peep the deliciousness and local goods of the Hamilton Farmer’s Market!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZYkzmphW6h/?taken-by=hamontmarket
11. @gwgshop - A cool local clothing brand that has a fiery IG feed.
12. @munchkinslime - Slime accounts are all the rage right now! Check out Hamilton’s only slime specific IG!
13. @cakeandloaf - This local bakery makes the most aesthetic baked goods for your Instafeed.
14. @so_beerboys - Into beer and Southern Ontario brews? This account is for you!
15. @rabit.Tiger - A weird gem of an account, Rabbit Tiger is a stuffed tiger “taking on [HamOnt] one paw at a time” (I think this is run by a child, but let’s give them some love.)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZWi0lVhHie/?taken-by=rabit.tiger
16. @redchurchcafe - Pictures from one of the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shops in the city!
17. @girlonthewing - Patches, plants and femme apparel, Girl on the Wing’s IG feed is exactly like stepping into her store on King St East.
18. @hairythelonghair - Missing your family’s fur baby? Hairy the Cat can help quell your sadness.
19. @donutmonsterhamilton - Hamilton’s fave donut shop only does limited runs! Turn on IG notifications so you can be up-to-date with which flavours are available.
20. @nolunchmoney1280 - Find out where to get free food on campus!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZZjEv-B04y/?taken-by=nolunchmoney1280
21. @hamiltontigercats - Go sports! If you like Football, go support our local CFL team!
22. @hamiltonflea - Need to furnish your student house on a budget? Check out Hamilton Flea.
23. @herecomesthebrain - Into dark, candlelit bars with craft beer? The Brain is here for all your eclectic needs. (Also they show their daily pie selection on IG.)
24. @cheapiesrecords - Stay up to date on what awesome vinyl’s are in stock at Hamilton’s favourite record store!
25. @brdtattoos - Need a sick line tattoo in Hamilton? Brett Davis Tattoo’s has your back (or literally any other part of your skin.) Tell him Susie sent ya!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwJjdaAY0Z/?taken-by=brdtattoos
26. @sugarbone - A McMaster alumni student of the Multimedia program, and Insta famous artist, Cheyanne of Sugarbones has all your kawaii patches, pins and apparel needs covered.
27. @ihearthamont - Kristen Archer is HamOnt’s biggest fan. Her Instagram shows you in the ins and outs of new and old Hamilton businesses and events.
28. @hamiltonstreetart - Hamilton is home to many artists, some of which take their art to the streets, literally! Hamilton Street Art documents the beautiful murals and graffiti around the city.
29. @awesomehamont - The Academy of All Things Awesome brings you the most unique pop-up events in Hamilton!
30. @havnode - Havn’s IG account gives you an inside look of what's happening in the gallery and event space.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZFFjhmBoKh/?taken-by=havnode
31. @rebuildhamilton - Interested in checking out unique architecture around the Hammer? Rebuild Hamilton has you covered.
32. @TasteofHamilton - Looking for HamOnt’s tastiest foods? Check out Taste of Hamilton.
33. @hamilton_tool_library - Into DIY projects but don’t want to buy expensive tools? For $29 a year, you can rent them out at the Hamilton Tool Library!
34. @hamfemprenerus - Connecting Hamilton's women identifying entrepreneurs!
35. @hamiltonburlingtonspca - Dogs, puppers, fluffers and kittens! Check out all the local animal friends that are ready to be adopted!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZaAWoUHf9D/?taken-by=hamiltonburlingtonspca
36. @cupofhamilton - Trying to find the best coffee in the city? Look no further, as Cup of Hamilton does all the work for you.
37. @meetmeinhamilton - Kind of like Humans of New York or Humans of McMaster, Meet Me in Hamilton photographs and shares stories of Hamilton locals.
38. @hauntedhamilton - Feeling spooooooky? Get in the Halloween mood with ghost tours of Hamilton!
39. @hamiltonskies - Hamilton skies are way too beautiful not to take pictures of. Submit yours to this IG account!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYtEF0YlQjT/?taken-by=mcmastersilhouette
Last year, music journalists everywhere seemed to agree that rock music had received a shot of adrenaline. “Rock Gets Loud Again, Finally” exclaimed Exclaim!, while The Atlantic declared it “The Year Punk Rock Broke Back,” in an article that celebrated the sweaty vitality of bands like Cloud Nothings, Japandroids, and Swearin’. Although each of these groups released sturdy records in 2012, New Jersey’s Titus Andronicus perhaps best channeled the visceral, life-affirming power of rock.
Local Business followed 2010’s Civil War-themed The Monitor and was criticized for lacking its predecessor’s grandiosity. In fairness, however, it’s difficult to go much bigger than an album that begins with Abraham Lincoln howling, “As a nation of free men, we will live forever, or die by suicide!” The themes of Local Business are admittedly more mundane. The dramatic catalyst of “Upon Viewing Oregon’s Landscape with the Flood of Detritus,” for instance, is a traffic jam. Yet, triumphant multi-guitar riffs and, in particular, front man Patrick Stickles’ delivery, invest such humdrum subject matter with life-or-death stakes.
This is not to suggest that Local Business is a bleak record. Titus Andronicus leavens the angst that often grates in indie rock with a vicious wit. For every cry that “Everything is inherently worthless/ And there’s nothing in the universe/ With any kind of objective purpose,” a comedic kicker is not far behind. Take, for example, a track with the dual choruses “COLD PISS!” and “HOT DEUCE!”
That song, “Still Life with Hot Deuce on Silver Platter,” contains a moment that pretty much crystallizes Local Business’ charm. In a thrilling, half-timey coda, Stickles rhymes “lesbian” and “bovine estrogen” with “mescaline” and “Mexicans.” It’s ridiculous and messy, but coming from blown speakers it sounds like a revelation. These are the ingredients of stirring rock music, in 2012 or any year.
Cooper Long
