On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Jerisha Grant-Hall, Founder and Executive Director of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA). A respected community leader, educator, and advocate, Jerisha has been at the forefront of fostering inclusion, representation, and empowerment across York Region and beyond. As the newly appointed Executive Director of NACCA, a role that marks an exciting new chapter for the organization, sh...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Real Estate Sales Representative Julien Laurion. 🏡✨ Born and raised in Aurora’s Orchard Heights neighbourhood, Julien has always been deeply connected to his community. After time spent working in hospitality in New York City, he returned home to Canada to put down roots and grow his family in Aurora, a dream he had always held close. Today, he balances his role as a proud new father with his passion for helping ...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak is joined by Angel Kuang, founder of Inspiration Learning. Angel’s journey began in Mainland China, where she grew up under the pressure of the Gaokao system, an education model built on memorization and a single life-defining exam. Even then, she believed learning should inspire creativity, curiosity, and confidence. After running a successful language training center, Angel set her sights on something bigger. With cou...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Ruby Lui-Lina, General Manager at NewRoads Newmarket Toyota, Vice Chair of the Central York Chamber of Commerce, and Secretary Treasurer of the Ontario Toyota Dealers Advertising Association. Ruby brings a wealth of experience in both business and community leadership. From managing one of Newmarket’s most recognized automotive dealerships to playing an active role in local and provincial organizations, sh...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak welcomes Martin Kurek, founder of Summerhill Electric Ltd. Established in December 2023, Summerhill Electric is a residential electrical service provider based in Newmarket. After starting his career in 2013, Martin gained over a decade of experience working on major projects across Toronto, including CIBC Square, Scotiabank Arena, Etobicoke General Hospital, and Toronto Hydro buildings, before deciding to bring his skil...

Eat and Drink in Your Neighbourhood is back with a brand new episode! This week, host Christopher Svab is joined by none other than local award-winning baker Marianne Svab. Marianne has long been known for her talent in the kitchen and her ability to create baked goods that bring both comfort and joy. In this episode, she shares her love of baking through one of her favourites: a moist, flavourful zucchini cake, and talks about the inspiration and stories behind it. But that’s just t...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak is joined by Andrea MacLeod, a talented local artist whose work spans fine art and forensic sketch artistry with the RCMP. From an early age, Andrea was captivated by the human face, often found sketching portraits of family and friends. That passion for capturing detail and expression led her on an incredible journey from creating forensic sketches for the RCMP to building a body of work as a painter and portrait artist...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Lanette Ware-Bushfield. Lanette is a multi-talented force in the world of media, with a career spanning digital media, film, and television. Her work connects across children’s programming, education, entertainment, and fiction, always with a focus on storytelling that inspires and empowers. As a 2025 RBC Women of Influence Nominee, TIFF Share Her Journey participant, and Donette Chin-Loy Chang Fellow, La...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Carolyn Wilkins from Flowers n’ Things. Known for offering a wide selection of fresh, beautiful flowers, Flowers n’ Things has been a trusted part of the community for years. Carolyn shares the story behind the shop, her journey into the world of floristry, and the inspiration that goes into creating arrangements that brighten homes, events, and life’s most important milestones. In this conversation, Caroly...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Nicole Doyle from Rocky Mountain Soap Company. Proudly Canadian and based in Canmore, Alberta, Rocky Mountain Soap Company has built its reputation on creating all-natural, handcrafted products for everyday wellness. From nourishing soaps and shampoos to rich body butters and bath essentials, every item is thoughtfully made using simple, natural ingredients and never anything unnecessary. In this conversati...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak is joined by Chief Ryan Schell, Chief Fire Prevention Officer for the Town of Newmarket. 🔥🚒 Chief Schell has dedicated over two decades to fire prevention and community safety. He began his career in 2001 with the former Aurora Fire Department as a Fire Prevention Inspector, continuing through the creation of Central York Fire Services. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming Captain in 2008 and Chief of Fire Preve...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak is joined by Danielle Gibson of Premiere Mortgage Centre. When it comes to financing a home in Canada, there are generally two paths: going directly through a bank or working with a licensed mortgage professional. While banks can only offer their own products, mortgage professionals have access to hundreds of options from Canada’s largest banks, credit unions, trust companies, and other lenders, giving clients more choic...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Gerrit from First Choice Roofing. For more than 33 years, First Choice Roofing has proudly served the communities of Newmarket, Aurora, and Bradford, specializing in steel roofing, asphalt roofing, and more. With decades of experience, Gerrit and his team have built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, reliability, and dedication to protecting what matters most to people’s homes. In this episode, Gerrit ...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Rick Varone, President & General Manager of the Newmarket Hurricanes (OJHL), and Head Coach Dave Demarinis. For decades, the Newmarket Hurricanes have been a cornerstone of the community, building not only competitive teams in the Ontario Junior Hockey League but also shaping young athletes both on and off the ice. In this conversation, Rick and Dave share their passion for the game, the behind-the-sce...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak welcomes Béla Peter Pfundt, a talented director, producer, and actor best known for his works Driving Me Crazy and Visitors. Béla takes us on his journey through the film industry, sharing how he first stepped into acting and eventually expanded into producing and directing. From the spark of an idea to bringing a story to life on screen, he opens up about the creative process, the challenges of independent filmmakin...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles sits down with Gillian Freeman from Newmarket and Victim Services. Gillian is a registered social worker with extensive experience supporting individuals and families through the challenges of family dynamics, trauma, and grief. With compassion and professional insight, she helps people navigate some of life’s most difficult moments and find a path toward healing. In this conversation, Gillian shares her journey into social work...

On this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong, host Kim Wheatley welcomes special guest Karen Wolcock. Karen’s journey spans continents, cultures, and careers. Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, she has carried her heritage with pride while navigating the worlds of music, media, and business. From launching an independent record label as a teenager, to working in radio at Toronto’s Flow 93.5, to creating her own concierge and event-planning company, Karen has always been driven by entrepr...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Paul LePage from Foundation BTS. Foundation BTS is all about taking the stress out of IT for growing businesses. By managing technology behind the scenes, they give owners the freedom to focus on what matters: the business itself. While their services cover many industries, Foundation BTS has built a strong reputation for delivering IT solutions tailored specifically to Trades and Construction. In this conversa...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Tricia sits down with Sarah and Emily, the inspiring duo behind A Bradford Christmas. Back in 2019, at just 14 and 15 years old, Sarah and Emily launched their not-for-profit with the goal of giving back to their community. What started as a small grassroots idea quickly grew into something much bigger: multiple successful fundraisers, countless lives touched, and in 2024, official recognition as a registered charity by the CRA. Each year...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles is joined by Debbie Fletcher, a dedicated participant in the Terry Fox Run. Debbie has been a constant runner in this Canada-wide event, which brings communities together each year to raise money for cancer research across the nation. In their conversation, Debbie shares what inspires her to keep running year after year, the personal meaning the Terry Fox Run holds for her, and the impact it continues to make in communities like Newmark...