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NRG Haus Social Wellness Space Opens in Liberty Village

Sonya Davidson — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:28:37 +0000

It was two years ago that Ivan Ho had the a-ha moment to open NRG HAUS. After becoming sober and successfully launching several fitness studios in Toronto—including Fit Factory, Refined Reformer, and Core 924 Club—he realized there was something more he wanted in this city. His latest passion? Creating a social wellness space, a place where people can truly be themselves, gather with intention, and connect with clear minds and open hearts. NRG HAUS functions on a different level. It’s where conversations feel more caring, meaningful and deeply fulfilling.

Even though he’s been in the fitness industry his whole life, Ho recognized the need for more accessible wellness spaces. “There’s a shift for more wellness, mental health, meditative states, being in an awakened state and real connections,” said Ho. “Consumers are also shifting from spending on alcohol to taking care of their bodies. Longevity and biohacking are terms people are learning more about, and that’s the long term vision of what NRG is about.”

Located in Liberty Village, NRG HAUS (which stands for Nourish, Recharge, and Gather) features a spacious, stunning design anchored by its hot sauna and cold plunge tubs (also known as contrast therapy). The space feels grounding, almost spiritual, with a natural flow that engages all the senses.

It doesn’t feel performative or culty here. Guests are encouraged to do what feels right in the moment, but staff are there to support your journey if needed—whether it’s your first time or your hundredth experience with contrast therapy.

NRG Haus Flows With Three Distinct Areas:

The space feels light and optimistic. Don’t let the unassuming front door fool you—once inside. The airy layout flows seamlessly, with elements that inspire and fuel the soul.

The Mocktail Lounge

A zero-proof bar offers an inspiring menu of functional drinks that could impress even the most seasoned cocktail aficionado. After becoming sober himself, he struggled to find a mocktail place in Toronto. What if he could merge the two together? So, guests can enjoy without going elsewhere?

The drinks and ingredients were well thought out. We discovered a menu that was filled with super healthy ingredients like adaptogens, including Ashwagandha (a natural herb known for reducing stress, lowering cortisol levels, improving sleep), Lion’s Mane (medicinal mushroom known to help with anxiety and support nervous system repair), as well as vitamins. All with benefits to help the body manage and recover from everyday stresses.

“Part of my experience was that there wasn’t a place for people who are sober curious,” said Ho. “There were also a lot of mocktails out there but often it’s just overpriced juices.” So, he researched alcohol alternatives and discovered many incredible brands that also tasted amazing.

From there, the mixology team, including a nutritionist, set out to craft “functional” drinks that helped to support recovery, hydration, and to replenish vital nutrients in the body.

The Mocktail bar is a thoughtfully tiered seated resting area, with curved seating that invites conversation.

Hot Sauna & Cold Plunge

The warm, welcoming sauna is a large, glowing room with four levels designed for rest and reset. While 15 minutes may sound long, it passes quickly. Timers are available on the walls if needed. Throughout the day, staff members enter to place “snowballs” onto the hot rocks, releasing their signature scents made from all-natural essential oils. These aromatic moments are truly uplifting. During my visit, midday notes of citrus, cinnabar, and vetiver brought a sense of calm and focus. Much better than my usual go-to espresso shot.

Wellness tools are also available to support gentle lymphatic massage and circulation, which can be used in the sauna.

Nervous about cold plunging? For first-timers, know that the cold plunges are all temperature-controlled for optimum benefits. There’s a soaker tub set between 8ºC and 10ºC to help ease in newbies. The other tubs range from 2ºC to 4ºC. It’s recommended to be in the cold plunge for up to two minutes. There are four cold plunge tubs in total. Trained staff are there to help guide if needed. There’s truly no pressure, and yes, speaking from experience, it does get easier each time you visit.

By the way, for women, they recommend 8ºC to 10ºC if you’re three days into your menstrual cycle. Science shows that for fertility in women, this is the ideal temperature to plunge in.

Ho also tells us cold plunging is amazing for reducing inflammation, improving circulation, helps to regulate cortisol levels and is great for mental clarity. Saunas are great for your nervous system, detoxing and getting rid of toxins. Studies show that 11 minutes of cold plunging plus four 20-minute sauna sessions per week is most optimal.

The contrast therapy circuit is pretty straightforward. First sauna, then a rinse off before heading into the cold plunge. Rest. Repeat. But also be open to the flow. “Move at your own pace. We want you to listen to your body and really decide how you want to feel today. But also be very intentional,” said Ho.

Overhead, a massive screen projects beautiful scenery throughout the day, filling the space with a calming glow. It’s a welcome visual escape if you need grounding during your session. On Friday and Saturday nights, expect a more lively atmosphere with DJ sets during their “Haus Parties”.

IV Therapy

Is also available as an add-on service, administered onsite by registered professionals, and NRG Haus works with a medical director. With an extensive menu of nutrient and vitamin rich blends, treatments are designed to boost energy, aid recovery, support detoxification, and even enhance immunity and longevity. Everything is Health Canada approved.

Come to NRG Haus solo, sure—but it’s also the kind of place where you bring friends, plan a date night, or meet new, like-minded people. It’s all about connection here, whether that means reconnecting with yourself or with others. No judgment. No intimidation. No alcohol.

What else might you want to know?

Bring your swimsuit. Towels are provided; however, robes and sandals are available for rent. Otherwise, it’s a shoe-free zone. No outdoor footwear permitted inside the space beyond the change areas.

Lockers are available on site to store your personal items.

The sauna fits up to 55 people at one time.

Open Showers are available to rinse off after saunas and before heading into the cold plunge zone. And a resting area with tea lounge offered up as well.

The average time people will spend here is up to 90 minutes. Unless you’re there for one of their weekend parties. Watch for special themed events!

NRG HAUS is located at 171 Liberty Street, Unit 113 in Toronto.

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Where to take your pets for Santa photos in Toronto

Sonya Davidson — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 21:03:17 +0000

Santa always knows who’s naughty or nice..and of course when it comes to our pets, they all make the nice list! And visits with the jolly guy in red isn’t just for kids! Here are places in the city that have made Santa visits pet-friendly this year! Happy Howlidays!

A Mikulással készült képek már régóta kedvelt ünnepi hagyományok, de az online kaszinójátékosok számára ez a hagyomány különleges fordulatot vesz. Ezek a játékosok, akik az izgalmak és a szórakozás szeretetéről ismertek az olyan kaszinókban, mint a https://kaszinoworld.com/, gyakran találnak örömöt abban, hogy a hagyományos ünnepi szezonon kívül is megörökíthetik a Mikulással töltött pillanatokat. Az online kaszinójátékosokat vonzza a játék izgalma és a váratlan dolgok. A Mikulással való találkozás a meglepetés és a szeszély elemét adja életükhöz. Nagyra értékelik a lehetőséget, hogy kapcsolatba kerülhetnek a jolly figurával, aki az adakozás és az ünneplés szellemét testesíti meg.

Sok online kaszinójátékos számára a Mikulással való fényképezkedés a nyereményeik és élményeik megörökítésének egyik módja. Emlékeztetőül szolgál a szórakozásra és az izgalmakra, amelyeket kedvenc kaszinójátékaik során átéltek. Ezek a fotók örömteli feljegyzésként szolgálnak játékkalandjaikról.

Pet Photo Studio at Yorkdale: Furry friends are invited to have their photos taken with Santa from December 1 to December 24. All pets with paws and their families are welcome! Pre-registration and pre-paid packages required. They will also be accepting cash donations for Team Dog Rescue – a foster based registered Canadian charity is dedicated to helping homeless dogs find their forever homes. A separate outdoor entrance located on the north side of the mall for convenience. Photos are printed while you wait. And while you wait, there are several photo worthy set ups within the space so you can take even more photos! A doggy bathroom area and water station is also on site. They think of everything! Link here to reserve.

Yorkdale Pet Photo Studio with Santa

Kimpton Saint George Hotel: December 4, 11 am to 1 pm in The Living Room. Get in the spirit of the season at this luxe hotel and have your photos taken with Santa (Free). The event benefits Sunshine Therapy Dogs.

Howliday Market hosted by Ontario Doggo: Heritage Court, Exhibition Place. December 10/11. This festive market is created for pet lovers and their furry pals. Complimentary Santa photos (but ticketed entry to the event). Shop for all your holiday pet needs with over 50 vendors.

Juno Vet: 1073 Yonge Street. Your dog is invited to have a visit and free photos with Santa on Sunday, November 20 (11 am to 5 pm) at the newly opened Juno Vet clinic. Juno Vet is Toronto’s first members-only vet practice that guarantees same day or next day appointments and 24/7 access located in the Summerhill area of the city.

PetSmart: annual Santa Claus photos (complementary) are back at participating PetSmart locations. On these dates: December 10/11 and December 17/18. Reserve your spot at your location of choice. Sign up begins November 27^th for Treats Rewards Members and December 1^st to the general public.

The Coca Cola Caravan: Various locations starting November 25. Making hundreds of Canadian stops and spreading holiday joy to communities. Includes Santa photo opps for families and yes, dogs. First stop in our city will be on Friday, November 25 from 4 pm to 10 pm at Ripley’s Aquarium (outdoors 288 Bremner Blvd). On Saturday, November 26 from 5 pm to 9 pm it will be at Mississauga Light Up the Square at 300 City Centre Drive.

Canadian Pet Expo Toronto Christmas Pet Expo: November 19 & 20 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Rd.) The Jolly old man himself will be at the Toronto Christmas Pet Show on Saturday and Sunday to take photos with you and your pets! Be sure to put Santa’s Visit as a first item to see when attending the show and get ready to snap a ton of adorable photos!

Dufferin Mall: book your pet photos with Santa here on dates and times dedicated to our furry friends. November 27, December 4, and December 11 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Reservations are highly encouraged. Donations will be accepted in support of the St. Johns Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.

Grinch photos anyone?

Feliz Navi Claws at Ren’s Pets Liberty Village: December 9 from 3 pm to 7 pm.102.1 The Edge’s Feliz Navi Claws holiday event to support the Ontario SPCA. Stop by to meet Kolter and Meredith from The Edge, and have your picture taken with the Grinch. Plus, see iconic Canadian band the Trews in a special busking performance at the event, all to support animals this holiday season.

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A Professional’s Perspective: Ryan Coyle, Real Estate Broker

Rob Campbell — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 15:39:53 +0000

A Professional’s Perspective series probes the city’s top executives for insights into life in Toronto. On the 26th of October 2018, we sat with Ryan Coyle of CONNECT Asset Management which has offices just east of The Local restaurant in Liberty Village. On that morning we met across the road at Williams Landing.

Ryan, what is your actual job title?
I am a Real Estate Broker (Realtor) in Toronto, but not a real estate agent in the traditional sense. I take more of an Investment Advisor’s approach to selling real estate. I have a resale team and we help everyday investors build their wealth by investing in cash-flow condos. I manage the pre-construction division which is mainly our investor side. I own a property management company that manages our clients’ units when the condo buildings are complete, renting their units to the public.

What’s the best part of your job?
Creating wealth for clients. There’s no better feeling than helping people make money. And getting there is fun too; for the last four years I’ve been training top staff, inspiring them (I hope) and learning a whole lot myself as I manage the entire team.

Why do you want to do this job?
Pure passion. I am very fortunate that I knew exactly what I wanted to do at a very young age, and so today everything I do for my clients is something I figured out on my own, some time ago. That being how to minimize risk and maximize returns.

What’s your favourite joke about your own profession?
There are jokes about my profession? ? I did hear one once about the Devil promising a real estate agent that if he traded his soul, and the souls of his wife and children he would be assured success. To which the agent replied, ‘So what’s the catch?’

Where in Toronto can we find your profession?
Everywhere! There are over 50,000 realtors in the GTA, and so people often have to dig to find the right one.

What’s the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services?
Do you invest in real estate yourself? Do you own the home you live in?

What is your Toronto pet peeve?
I get annoyed at how easy it is to become a Realtor, and the fact that 99% of the deals are done by 1% of the agents. Also, the fact that most realtors don’t own any property themselves. This means they have little or no first-hand knowledge about lots of things that soon become part of the homeowner’s experience. I also get annoyed with Toronto drivers who cut in line, but what can you do? Toronto is the fifth worst city in North America for commuting, and that’s probably one reason why buying property downtown is such a good investment.

As a freelance professional, what’s your rate? or how do you get paid?
I am compensated by developers so my services are free for buyers / investors. We have a number of fee structures for property management and our lending company.

What’s the best way a member of the public can get discount service from your profession?
Look online, but be warned: you get what you pay for in life, and especially in real estate.

What’s the worst thing a prospective buyer could ever do or say to a member of your profession when shopping for service?
Try to work with multiple realtors at the same time. Realtors and clients should share the same commitment to each other to get the most out of their exclusive relationship.

Ryan Coyle – Toronto Real Estate Broker – Connect Asset Management

Ryan Coyle Toronto Real Estate Broker from Connect Asset Management on Vimeo.

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