What is your business called and what does it do?

Matt & Steve’s is proudly the only 100% Canadian made and Canadian-owned Caesar brand on the market. We craft premium Caesars, Ready to drink and Caesar mix. We also have a full line of pickled products, including our signature product, The Extreme Bean, along with The Asparagoos, Extreme Pickle Spears and Matt & Steve’s Baby Dills.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

It all started with one simple idea: replace the celery stick with an Extreme Bean. We began pickling beans in our condo in Mississauga, and that was the start of our journey. That one idea has led us to where we are today—with a full lineup of pickled products, ready-to-drink Caesars, and Caesar mix, now available from coast to coast across Canada and in
several U.S. states.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

From coast to coast, Matt & Steve’s is proudly available at major retailers, including LCBO, Walmart, Sobeys, Metro, and Loblaws, along with restaurants, bars, and independent stores that champion local brands. We are also proud to be the Official Caesar Partner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, now available inside Scotiabank Arena, Coca-Cola Coliseum, and BMO Field. We have grown from a simple idea to a coast-to-coast presence with over 12 000 distribution points and listings in every major grocery chain.

What made you want to do this work?

Honestly, it started with curiosity. We were bartending, experimenting, and asking ourselves how we could make a great Caesar even better. Once we saw how people reacted, we knew we were onto something. From there, we took that idea on the road—traveling across Canada, meeting restaurants, bartenders, retailers, and Caesar lovers, and hearing their stories. That excitement and support from people coast to coast is what pushed us to keep going and turn a small idea into a brand.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

We do not chase demographics—we chase good times. If you love Caesars, pickled garnishes, and a little fun, you are our demographic. Pickled products and Caesars are loved across generations, cultures, and lifestyles, and our brand reflects that inclusivity. If you enjoy good times, good company, and a great Caesar, you are our people.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We do not overcomplicate it. We make products we are proud to serve, that taste great, and that make people smile. When consumers connect with the brand and the moments around it, the business takes care of itself.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

“Would you proudly serve this to your friends and family?”

Absolutely. Every product we make is something we are proud to serve and share ourselves. We obsess over quality and flavour, but we never forget to have fun with it. What we make is not about the product—it is about personality, good vibes, and the moments you remember long after you have enjoyed it.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

I absolutely love what I do every day. Travelling across the country, showing up, sharing our story, and creating moments where people experience the brand firsthand is incredibly rewarding. Building emotional connections through fun, shared experiences is what drives me. There can be long days, but when the brand is part of who you are and the connections you make matter, it is always worth pushing through.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

The pickle and bean puns. We have heard them all… and yes, we’ve bean waiting for every single one.

Where can we follow you?

Website | Instagram

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

Another local business we love: Sandbagger Hard Seltzer

The post Homegrown Business: Steve McVicker of Matt & Steve’s appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

After facing firsthand the challenges of finding the right care for his grandmother, Daniel set out to simplify a process that can feel confusing, stressful, and time-consuming. Today, Elderado empowers families—particularly those in the “sandwich generation”—to easily compare options like retirement homes, long-term care, and home care services. By making information more accessible and transparent, the platform helps families spend less time searching and more time where it matters most: with their loved ones.

What is your business called and what does it do?

My business is called Elderado. We’re a free website for families that makes it ease to navigate and compare elder care options for aging loved ones.

What made you want to do this work?

I have personal experience with this problem when I was a family caregiver to my Grandma, and we were looking for long-term care or assisted living. We were paired with a social worker who wanted to help, but in a lot of ways, her hands were tied. I couldn’t believe how hard it was for us to find and compare our options to figure out which home is the best option. It was frustrating, overwhelming, and kept us from being at my Grandma’s bedside.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

How do we make it easier for every family to find the elder care information they’re looking for – whether you’re interested in long-term care homes, retirement homes, or home care? Families need to learn how elder care works, what public and private resources exist, determine their budget, assess their loved ones’ care needs, and more. Plus, there’s a whole new language filled with lots of acronyms to learn – what’s the difference between long-term care and retirement homes, what are ADLs, and more. Our goal is to help families spend less time searching for information and more time with their loved ones.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Our primary demographic is ‘Sandwich Generation’ adult children. This is typically a female (often the eldest daughter) who is helping to support their aging parents, while having kids of their own. We also find that a lot of social workers, discharge planners, and nurse navigators use Elderado to support their patients.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

Elderado is free for families to use; we don’t accept any sort of referral fee or commission. Instead, we offer advertising opportunities to retirement homes and home care operators. For example, a retirement home hosting an open house can promote their open house on their company page on Elderado and the pages of all the other similar nearby retirement homes.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

Elderado is a free web platform that can be accessed anywhere from your phone or computer at elderado.ca.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is getting to spend time with residents in retirement homes and long-term care. I toured 77 retirement homes in 2025, and I got to hear hundreds of residents share their stories.

The worst part is when I speak to a family who needs support but can’t get it. Our public elder care resources (long-term care, home care, etc) are falling well short of demand, and there is a tremendous amount of stress and responsibility that falls on the family. It’s a terrible situation when I speak to a family who is doing all the right things, but cannot get the support that they need.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

Not a joke, but something a resident of Scarborough Retirement Residence said to me that I loved was, “A lot of people worry that moving into a retirement home means losing independence. But when you think about it, having someone else cook, clean, and shovel the snow doesn’t sound like losing independence to me.”

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

Viive Planning

The post Homegrown Business: Daniel Clarke of Elderado appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The CN Tower began as a solution to a very modern problem in a rapidly growing city. During the 1960s, Toronto experienced a surge in high rise construction, and these new buildings began interfering with radio and television signals. Broadcasters struggled with inconsistent transmission quality, and it became clear that a much taller structure was needed to restore reliable communication across the region.

The project was initiated by Canadian National Railway, which envisioned a structure that would serve both functional and symbolic purposes. It would not only carry communications signals but also stand as a national landmark, representing Canadian innovation and engineering capability.

Construction began in 1973 and was completed in 1975, with the tower opening to the public in 1976. At 553 metres in height, it immediately became the tallest freestanding structure in the world, a title it held for more than 30 years. From the outset, it captured global attention and quickly became one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks.

CN Tower Construction and Engineering

Building the CN Tower required a level of precision and innovation that had rarely been attempted before. More than 1,500 workers contributed to the project over approximately 40 months, working under demanding conditions to bring the structure to life.

The process began with a deep foundation, excavated into bedrock to ensure long term stability. From there, engineers used a technique known as slipform construction. This method involved continuously pouring concrete into a moving form that gradually rose upward, allowing the tower’s distinctive tapered shape to emerge seamlessly. The process ran around the clock and required constant monitoring to maintain alignment and structural integrity.

The tower’s core is a hollow hexagonal shaft with three curved support pillars. This design provides both strength and flexibility, allowing the structure to withstand strong winds and temperature fluctuations. Despite its massive size, the tower is engineered to sway slightly in high winds, reducing stress on the structure rather than resisting it rigidly.

One of the most remarkable stages of construction came when the antenna was installed. A specially outfitted helicopter was used to lift and place the antenna sections at the top of the tower. This operation required extreme precision and marked the final step in reaching the tower’s full height.

CN Tower Construction Challenges and Issues

Constructing the CN Tower came with a range of technical and logistical challenges. At the time, no structure of its height had been built using similar methods, so engineers had to develop new solutions as the project progressed.

The continuous nature of slipform construction meant that there was little room for error. Any issue with the concrete mix, curing time, or alignment could have had serious consequences. Workers operated in shifts to ensure that the process continued uninterrupted, often in difficult weather conditions.

Wind and weather were also constant concerns. At such extreme heights, even moderate winds could affect construction activities. Engineers needed to ensure that the tower would not only withstand these forces during construction but remain stable for decades afterward.

Transporting materials to higher levels became increasingly complex as the tower rose. Equipment and components had to be carefully lifted and secured, culminating in the delicate installation of the antenna.

Over the years, maintenance and renovation have presented additional challenges. Updating observation decks and installing modern features at heights of more than 300 metres requires specialized crews and careful planning to avoid disrupting daily operations.

CN Tower Attractions and Ride Experiences Over the Years

Although the CN Tower was initially built for communications, it quickly developed into a major tourist attraction with a range of entertainment offerings. In its early years, the primary draw was the observation levels, along with the revolving restaurant that provided panoramic views of the city as it slowly rotated.

As tourism trends evolved, the tower experimented with more interactive attractions. During the late twentieth century and into the early 2000s, visitors could experience motion simulator rides that combined moving seats with large screen visuals. These attractions were designed to simulate roller coaster style movement or aerial journeys, creating an immersive experience that blended physical motion with projected imagery.

There were also interactive entertainment features introduced at various points, including arcade style installations and laser tag style attractions aimed at families and younger visitors. These were often temporary or periodically replaced as technology and visitor expectations changed.

Seasonal exhibits and special events added another layer of variety. The tower hosted themed installations, promotional experiences, and occasional stunt performances that drew public attention and reinforced its role as more than just a viewing platform.

While many of these rides and attractions have since been retired or updated, they reflect an important phase in the tower’s evolution as it sought to remain engaging in an increasingly competitive tourism landscape.

CN Tower Modern Day Attractions and Experiences

Today, the CN Tower offers a mix of classic views and contemporary attractions that appeal to a wide range of visitors. The observation levels remain central to the experience, providing sweeping views of Toronto and, on clear days, as far as Lake Ontario and beyond.

One of the most popular features is the glass floor, which allows visitors to look straight down from more than 300 metres above the ground. This experience has been enhanced over time with improved materials and expanded viewing areas.

For those seeking something more adventurous, the EdgeWalk offers a hands free walk along the exterior of the tower’s main pod. Participants are secured with safety harnesses as they circle the structure, making it one of the most distinctive urban thrill experiences in the world.

The tower has also embraced digital and interactive elements. Updated observation areas include immersive displays, visual storytelling features, and modern design elements that enhance the visitor experience without overshadowing the tower’s original purpose.

Dining continues to be a highlight. The 360 Restaurant provides a slowly rotating view of the city, combining Canadian cuisine with a constantly rotating skyline.

Situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, the CN Tower remains a central feature of the city’s entertainment district, alongside venues like Rogers Centre. Its ability to evolve over time while maintaining its iconic identity has ensured its place as one of Canada’s most enduring and celebrated landmarks.

Check out more of our history posts and archives in our Toronto Guardian History Section.

The post The History of the CN Tower in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your business called and what does it do?

Made for Milo creates custom pet portraits that feel elevated, design-forward, and truly “home décor first.” Customers send us a photo of their dog or cat, and we turn it into a timeless, modern art piece that looks intentional in your space, not like a novelty print.

What made you want to do this work?

I’ve always loved design, and I’ve always loved animals. I started Made for Milo because I wanted to create something that blended both: meaningful artwork that celebrates pets in a beautiful, sophisticated way. For so many people, pets are family. I wanted to help people honour that bond with something they’re proud to hang on their walls.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

Most pet portraits on the market lean cartoonish or overly playful, and they don’t always match modern interiors. I wanted to solve that gap by creating portraits that are minimal, tasteful, and high-end, while still capturing the emotion and personality of each pet.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Our customers are pet owners who care deeply about aesthetics and quality. Many are homeowners, design lovers, and gift shoppers looking for something personal but still refined. We also create a lot of memorial portraits for people honouring a pet they’ve lost, which is always incredibly meaningful.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

Made for Milo is made to order. Customers choose their size and style, upload their pet’s photo, and we create their portrait from scratch. We share a proof for approval, make any requested edits, then once it’s approved the final artwork is produced and shipped. We sell primarily online through our website and marketplaces, and each piece is created as a premium custom product.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

Made for Milo is based in London, Ontario, but I am from Richmond Hill, my husband is from Vaughan, and we serve customers all over Toronto and beyond. Since everything is ordered online, Torontonians can browse, customize, and order from anywhere in the city and have their portrait shipped directly to their door.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

Question: “Will the portrait look like real art that fits my home, or will it look like a novelty gift?”

Answer: A great pet portrait should feel like true décor, not a gimmick. It should have a refined style, clean composition, and professional finishing so it elevates your space while still capturing your pet’s unique expression.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is seeing customer reactions. People cry, laugh, and genuinely light up when they open their portrait because it feels so personal.

The hardest part is that custom work is very emotional. Memorial pieces especially carry a lot of meaning, and I take that responsibility seriously, so the pressure to get every detail right can be intense, but it’s also why the work matters.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

People always assume artists are broke and, honestly, fair, until I discovered the secret investor class: emotionally attached dog owners.

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Website

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

I’d love to shout out Pawsitive Difference (Toronto) for their amazing dog walking and training community. They do such a great job supporting both dogs and their humans.

The post Homegrown Business: Caitlyn Costa of Made for Milo appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your business called and what does it do?

Tression is a Toronto-based startup launching on March 3rd – the world’s first medical-lifestyle compression category offering elevated trousers and leggings combined with medical-grade functionality, built to look and feel like modern wardrobe staples rather than medical garments.

What made you want to do this work?

For decades, compression therapy has been prescribed to 1 in every 3 women for circulation, leg fatigue, and chronic venous conditions — yet adoption remains low because solutions have been limited to traditional compression stockings.

This was, in fact, my mother’s experience due to her varicose veins diagnosis. But like so many women, she struggled to wear compression stockings consistently because the options felt uncomfortable, inconvenient, and disconnected from everyday life.

This has presented a widespread 80% therapy non-compliance, despite the proven clinical benefits of graduated compression garments.

Watching that experience firsthand is what led me to start Tression.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

Low adoption rates of compression therapy, a medical solution that is prescribed to 1-in-every 3 individual, due to the poor design of existing medical compression garments for the last several decades.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Women 30 to 70 years old who are prescribed compression or have a lifestyle with long hours of sitting or standing and experience tired, aching legs.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We are launching on March 3rd through our e-commerce website as well as partner clinics across the GTA.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

Physiotherapy, chiropody, and MedSpa clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals carry traditional compression garments.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

How do the Tression garments differ from medical compression stockings and the lifestyle compression products such as Skims and Lululemon?

Answer: Tression combines the 2 industries and categories of product, by bringing together the medical grade compression (verified 20-30 mmHg graduated compression) with lifestyle designs that look and feel like buttery-soft and polished silhouettes.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

Best part is being able to help women across the world support their wellness while feeling confident and comfortable in their fit, without any sacrifice!

Worst part is that defining a whole new category is challenging. Manufacturers and suppliers are used to accommodating either category (medical hosiery or fashion garments), and R&D takes a long time to re-invent the best of both worlds.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

I spent 12+ hours every day sitting down and inducing tired legs while building Tression, so I can help other women experience light legs without discomfort 🙂

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Website | LinkedIn

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

The Hive – a local co-coworking space that I also work from!

The post Homegrown Business: Parisa Agahi of Tression appeared first on Toronto Guardian.