Why I Live Here: Fenwick

Mike Crisolago | December 15th, 2012

There’s magic in the air in Fenwick, thanks to local resident, world -renowned magician – and Zoomer – Greg Frewin. Though he’s lived and toured across the globe –he’s even done a command performance for Monaco’s Prince Rainier – the illusionist tells us why he settled in the southern Ontario town with his family and a remarkable assortment of four-legged companions.

BY: MIKE CRISOLAGO

Tell us a little bit about how you came to live in Fenwick.

I have travelled to six continents and more than 70 countries and lived in the Bahamas, Malaysia and Vegas. I moved to Fenwick 10 years ago. We moved here to open a theatre in Niagara Falls and be closer to our families. My wife and I live here with our two kids, Benjamin and Megan, and my animals: four dogs, four tigers and one black Jaguar.

What are some of the advantages to purchasing a home in Fenwick?

The biggest advantage would be the price of land. We could never afford the land we have or find that size of a property in a larger city like Niagara Falls or Toronto.

We have 10 acres. Our home is built by a small pond with a creek that runs through our property. We are in a very wooded area with lots of farming around us. It is a small town with a friendly feel. I have a large 1,000 square-foot shop that allows me to build all of my illusions. I find (it) very tranquil to open the garage door and work. It gives me time to think and reflect on life.

Give us an idea of what the surrounding community is like.

It’s a safe and beautiful countryside. It is nice that the schools are, for the most part, not overcrowded and have that rural feel with friendly teachers, bus drivers and workers in all of the restaurants and stores. People know each other and make you feel like part of the community. It still maintains the old-style town-shopping experience as opposed to a large mall with crowded spaces. It also is easy to get around in the country with open roads and no traffic to worry about.

What do you do to relax and enjoy yourself in Fenwick?

I play golf and hockey regularly and recently got into photography. I have a favourite restaurant in Fenwick, the Lazy Loon. It is set in the rural countryside and is built in the old log-cabin style. My family loves it because of the menu, which is not too fancy but definitely down-home cooking. And the ice cream is good too.

We also have another favourite place when at the theatre in Niagara Falls called Antica Pizza. Antica is an Italian restaurant specializing in wood-oven pizza. You can order many Italian dishes, but it’s their pizza and friendly service that keeps me coming back.  

Learn more about Greg Frewin and his show at the Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls at www.gregfrewintheatre.com.

EXPERT        

Larry Bilkszto of RE/Max Garden City Reality Inc. has sold real estate in the Niagara region for 22 years. Locals know him as Bilko, and he gave Zoomer an inside look at life in Fenwick.

“Lower taxes … the quaintness, away from the hustle and bustle (but) still close to Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Toronto. Also, everybody’s friendly. When a newcomer comes into town, the neighbours will be knocking on their door (with) the Mayberry traditional apple pie.”

 

AT A GLANCE

Average home price

$283,085 (Town of Pelham)

Population

16,155 (Town of Pelham in 2006 census)

Health care

Welland Hospital Site of the Niagara Health System (eight kilometres). All emergency services are available.

Distance to

St. Catharines:16 km; Niagara Falls: 24 km; Hamilton: 47 km; Toronto: 70 km

Need to know

Easy access to everything from grocery stores to doctors to provincial parks and golf courses. As well, The Fabulous Fenwick Lions and Lioness Club, organizes a variety of community events throughout the year.

Events

Comfort Maple Tree: 500-year-old sugar maple tree, thought to be Canada’s oldest

February Ribfest

May carnival and parade

Biketoberfest motorcycle festival

Santa Claus Parade

(March 2012)