Ontario Built

Behind every home, addition, or renovation is a skeleton that holds it all together — the framing. It’s the part most people never see, but it’s the foundation of everything that follows. For Christian Gowland, that behind-the-walls work isn’t just a trade — it’s a craft he’s built a career and a business around. As the owner of CG Carpentry and Construction, Christian leads a structural framing company known for its focus on quality, professionalism, and tackling complex builds head-on. From new construction and structural steel installations to intricate renovations, additions, and laneway suites, his team thrives on the projects that require extra thought, planning, and precision. “We gravitate toward the challenging jobs,” he says. “Working with builders, engineers, and architects to foresee problems and solve them before they happen — that’s the part we love.” Christian’s path into construction started early. Throughout high school, he worked hands-on in renovations and new builds...

In a world of chains and quick stops, Daylight Grill offers something increasingly rare — a place that feels personal. Locally owned and family run, the Burlington breakfast and lunch spot has quietly built its reputation around three simple things: great food, friendly service, and an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It’s the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name, coffee cups are topped up without asking, and the morning feels just a little brighter the moment you walk through the door. For owner Grace Tabar, that feeling isn’t accidental — it’s the heart of everything. “It’s not just about the meal,” she says. “It’s about how people feel when they’re here.” Daylight Grill isn’t a chain or a franchise. It’s one of a kind — built on family, community, and care. But the story behind it is much deeper than a restaurant opening. After a brief illness, Grace’s father — the original owner of the first Daylight Grill in Mississauga — passed away. As the oldest of three dau...

  Monday Window Cleaners is a locally owned window cleaning business proudly serving Kingston, Ontario, and the surrounding area. Specializing in seasonal residential window cleaning and year-round commercial services, the company has quickly built a reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and strong community values. Behind the business is owner and operator Devin Stewart, a full-time bus driver who turned an entrepreneurial idea into a growing local service company. Devin’s path into window cleaning was a thoughtful one. After researching different side-hustle opportunities, he saw that window cleaning offered low start-up and overhead costs compared to many other service businesses. At the same time, he noticed a growing number of retirees in the Kingston area who were no longer comfortable climbing ladders to clean windows or gutters themselves. Cleaning, however, wasn’t new territory for Devin. Growing up, he worked alongside his grandfather in a custodial business...

  In downtown Hamilton, Ontario, there’s a place where leather isn’t just sold — it’s understood, respected, and shared. For more than six decades, the storefront that now houses Tundra Leather has been a cornerstone for makers. Since 1991, under the name Tundra Leather, it has grown into a trusted supply shop, workshop, and learning space for leatherworkers at every stage. Today, Tundra Leather is led by Kristi Grove, who manages the day-to-day operations of the family business her parents built. While her mother, Sylvia Grove, is technically the owner, Kristi carries the responsibility — and the legacy — forward with care. Leatherwork has always been part of Kristi’s life. She grew up surrounded by hides, tools, and the steady rhythm of making. Her father, Peter Grove, discovered leatherworking at just nine years old during a summer skills camp, a passion that followed him throughout his life. Over the years, Peter worked on and off with Tandy Leather, refining his skills and dee...