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Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton couple out $8,000 deposit after wedding venue closes
Thomas Coleman and Alina Raposo have been counting down the days until their wedding reception at The Grand Olympia for more than a year. The Hamilton couple paid their $8,253 deposit, had a food tasting in March and hosted Raposo's bridal shower at the Stoney Creek venue in late April. Nothing seemed amiss. 'Everything just seemed so normal,' said Coleman in an interview, adding that they chatted with the venue about plans for the reception. 'No one seemed concerned.' Until last Friday, when Coleman and Raposo saw a post on Facebook about Orchard Park Secondary School students needing to book a new venue for their prom that night, as the parent company of The Grand Olympia, along with Michelangelo Banquet Centre, had gone into receivership . Both of the banquet centres shut down late last week , after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay debt. Michelangelo Banquet Centre and The Grand Olympia were shuttered indefinitely after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay the debt. According to court records, the two banquet halls and their related companies are owned by a Mississauga-based family that owes more than $14 million to the Bank of Montreal, including around $8.2 million tied to Michelangelo and $6 million for Grand Olympia. Aftab Elahi, listed as the sole officer and director of Mario's Catering Service and Grand Olympia Realco, the parent companies of the banquet halls, did not respond to an email from The Spectator on Thursday requesting comment. Calls to both venues also went unanswered Thursday afternoon. The ripple effect has been considerable, with the indefinite closures affecting events booked by non-profits, industry groups, high school students and soon-to-be married couples, like Coleman and Raposo, whose reception was booked for June 21. Coleman told The Spectator he reached out to the venue on May 16, and the couple later received an email from management describing the situation as 'a period of operational transition,' adding that the venue was 'not in bankruptcy.' The email, shared with The Spectator, noted that the company was working to 'stabilize and strengthen' its services and to restore operations, with the 'goal of resuming all events at full capacity as soon as possible.' The couple also reached out to their event co-ordinator, and she repeated similar talking points. Coleman said they didn't hear from the venue again until Tuesday evening, when they got an email claiming the business was 'headed in the right direction' and 'on track to be back in operations soon.' But Coleman said that message contradicted what he'd heard from others about the situation with the venues, including when he reached out to MSI Spergel — who has been appointed as the receiver over both banquet halls. In an email, also shared with The Spectator, MSI Spergel told Coleman on Wednesday that all events at both venues 'are cancelled' — the first notification of such, not even from the venues. With their wedding reception just a month away, Coleman said the couple spent last weekend calling venues across Hamilton and as far away as Mississauga to try and rebook their event — and they weren't alone. Locks were placed on the gates of Michelangelo Banquet Hall last week after its parent company was put in receivership. 'Dates for June were booking up very quickly for people who were left scrambling,' Coleman said. 'It was a lot of pressure for people not wanting to hold out too long waiting, which could have meant potentially losing out on our date that we had.' Luckily, the couple was able to rebook their reception at Carmen's on Stone Church Road East, not far from their original venue, but still at a significant cost. Carmen's Group CEO PJ Mercanti told The Spectator their sales and operations team was working to accommodate events, including some planned for the weekend the venues shut down. Coleman explained that they will likely lose their $8,253 deposit paid for The Grand Olympia, and with some extra costs associated with Carmen's, the venue debacle will end up setting them back roughly $19,000. MSI Spergel also told Coleman in an email that 'currently there is no claims process,' noting that returns of deposits will be 'dependent on the net realizations under the Receivership and subject to evaluation of all claims, including claims of secured creditors and priorities at law.' 'That's a tough thing to swallow, especially four weeks before our wedding day,' said Coleman. But with their reception rebooked and only some administrative work to do with notifying guests and vendors, Coleman is hopeful the couple is back on the right track and can enjoy their day, despite the unexpected hurdles. 'Getting the new venue was the first kind of sigh of relief,' said Coleman. 'Obviously, there is still the financial thing, but we just have to keep pushing forward.'
Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton couple will likely lose $8,000 deposit after wedding venue closes
Thomas Coleman and Alina Raposo have been counting down the days until their wedding reception at The Grand Olympia for more than a year. The Hamilton couple paid their $8,253 deposit, had a food tasting in March and hosted Raposo's bridal shower at the Stoney Creek venue in late April. Nothing seemed amiss. 'Everything just seemed so normal,' said Coleman in an interview, adding that they chatted with the venue about plans for the reception. 'No one seemed concerned.' Until last Friday, when Coleman and Raposo saw a post on Facebook about Orchard Park Secondary School students needing to book a new venue for their prom that night, as the parent company of The Grand Olympia, along with Michelangelo Banquet Centre, had gone into receivership . Both of the banquet centres shut down late last week , after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay debt. Michelangelo Banquet Centre and The Grand Olympia were shuttered indefinitely after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay the debt. According to court records, the two banquet halls and their related companies are owned by a Mississauga-based family that owes more than $14 million to the Bank of Montreal, including around $8.2 million tied to Michelangelo and $6 million for Grand Olympia. Aftab Elahi, listed as the sole officer and director of Mario's Catering Service and Grand Olympia Realco, the parent companies of the banquet halls, did not respond to an email from The Spectator on Thursday requesting comment. Calls to both venues also went unanswered Thursday afternoon. The ripple effect has been considerable, with the indefinite closures affecting events booked by non-profits, industry groups, high school students and soon-to-be married couples, like Coleman and Raposo, whose reception was booked for June 21. Coleman told The Spectator he reached out to the venue on May 16, and the couple later received an email from management describing the situation as 'a period of operational transition,' adding that the venue was 'not in bankruptcy.' The email, shared with The Spectator, noted that the company was working to 'stabilize and strengthen' its services and to restore operations, with the 'goal of resuming all events at full capacity as soon as possible.' The couple also reached out to their event co-ordinator, and she repeated similar talking points. Coleman said they didn't hear from the venue again until Tuesday evening, when they got an email claiming the business was 'headed in the right direction' and 'on track to be back in operations soon.' But Coleman said that message contradicted what he'd heard from others about the situation with the venues, including when he reached out to MSI Spergel — who has been appointed as the receiver over both banquet halls. In an email, also shared with The Spectator, MSI Spergel told Coleman on Wednesday that all events at both venues 'are cancelled' — the first notification of such, not even from the venues. With their wedding reception just a month away, Coleman said the couple spent last weekend calling venues across Hamilton and as far away as Mississauga to try and rebook their event — and they weren't alone. Locks were placed on the gates of Michelangelo Banquet Hall last week after its parent company was put in receivership. 'Dates for June were booking up very quickly for people who were left scrambling,' Coleman said. 'It was a lot of pressure for people not wanting to hold out too long waiting, which could have meant potentially losing out on our date that we had.' Luckily, the couple was able to rebook their reception at Carmen's on Stone Church Road East, not far from their original venue, but still at a significant cost. Carmen's Group CEO PJ Mercanti told The Spectator their sales and operations team was working to accommodate events, including some planned for the weekend the venues shut down. Coleman explained that they will likely lose their $8,253 deposit paid for The Grand Olympia, and with some extra costs associated with Carmen's, the venue debacle will end up setting them back roughly $19,000. MSI Spergel also told Coleman in an email that 'currently there is no claims process,' noting that returns of deposits will be 'dependent on the net realizations under the Receivership and subject to evaluation of all claims, including claims of secured creditors and priorities at law.' 'That's a tough thing to swallow, especially four weeks before our wedding day,' said Coleman. But with their reception rebooked and only some administrative work to do with notifying guests and vendors, Coleman is hopeful the couple is back on the right track and can enjoy their day, despite the unexpected hurdles. 'Getting the new venue was the first kind of sigh of relief,' said Coleman. 'Obviously, there is still the financial thing, but we just have to keep pushing forward.'
Hamilton Spectator
24-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Couple out thousands after wedding venues close, cancelling all events
Thomas Coleman and Alina Raposo have been counting down the days until their wedding reception at The Grand Olympia for more than a year. The Hamilton couple paid their $8,253 deposit, had a food tasting in March and hosted Raposo's bridal shower at the Stoney Creek venue in late April. Nothing seemed amiss. 'Everything just seemed so normal,' said Coleman in an interview, adding that they chatted with the venue about plans for the reception. 'No one seemed concerned.' Until last Friday, when Coleman and Raposo saw a post on Facebook about Orchard Park Secondary School students needing to book a new venue for their prom that night, as the parent company of The Grand Olympia, along with Michelangelo Banquet Centre, had gone into receivership . Both of the banquet centres shut down late last week , after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay debt. Michelangelo Banquet Centre and The Grand Olympia were shuttered indefinitely after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay the debt. According to court records, the two banquet halls and their related companies are owned by a Mississauga-based family that owes more than $14 million to the Bank of Montreal, including around $8.2 million tied to Michelangelo and $6 million for Grand Olympia. Aftab Elahi, listed as the sole officer and director of Mario's Catering Service and Grand Olympia Realco, the parent companies of the banquet halls, did not respond to an email from The Spectator on Thursday requesting comment. Calls to both venues also went unanswered Thursday afternoon. The ripple effect has been considerable, with the indefinite closures affecting events booked by non-profits, industry groups, high school students and soon-to-be married couples, like Coleman and Raposo, whose reception was booked for June 21. Coleman told The Spectator he reached out to the venue on May 16, and the couple later received an email from management describing the situation as 'a period of operational transition,' adding that the venue was 'not in bankruptcy.' The email, shared with The Spectator, noted that the company was working to 'stabilize and strengthen' its services and to restore operations, with the 'goal of resuming all events at full capacity as soon as possible.' The couple also reached out to their event co-ordinator, and she repeated similar talking points. Coleman said they didn't hear from the venue again until Tuesday evening, when they got an email claiming the business was 'headed in the right direction' and 'on track to be back in operations soon.' But Coleman said that message contradicted what he'd heard from others about the situation with the venues, including when he reached out to MSI Spergel — who has been appointed as the receiver over both banquet halls. In an email, also shared with The Spectator, MSI Spergel told Coleman on Wednesday that all events at both venues 'are cancelled' — the first notification of such, not even from the venues. With their wedding reception just a month away, Coleman said the couple spent last weekend calling venues across Hamilton and as far away as Mississauga to try and rebook their event — and they weren't alone. Locks were placed on the gates of Michelangelo Banquet Hall last week after its parent company was put in receivership. 'Dates for June were booking up very quickly for people who were left scrambling,' Coleman said. 'It was a lot of pressure for people not wanting to hold out too long waiting, which could have meant potentially losing out on our date that we had.' Luckily, the couple was able to rebook their reception at Carmen's on Stone Church Road East, not far from their original venue, but still at a significant cost. Carmen's Group CEO PJ Mercanti told The Spectator their sales and operations team was working to accommodate events, including some planned for the weekend the venues shut down. Coleman explained that they will likely lose their $8,253 deposit paid for The Grand Olympia, and with some extra costs associated with Carmen's, the venue debacle will end up setting them back roughly $19,000. MSI Spergel also told Coleman in an email that 'currently there is no claims process,' noting that returns of deposits will be 'dependent on the net realizations under the Receivership and subject to evaluation of all claims, including claims of secured creditors and priorities at law.' 'That's a tough thing to swallow, especially four weeks before our wedding day,' said Coleman. But with their reception rebooked and only some administrative work to do with notifying guests and vendors, Coleman is hopeful the couple is back on the right track and can enjoy their day, despite the unexpected hurdles. 'Getting the new venue was the first kind of sigh of relief,' said Coleman. 'Obviously, there is still the financial thing, but we just have to keep pushing forward.'
Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘People are frantic right now': Emotional fallout from Hamilton banquet halls in receivership
The ripple effect has been considerable following a court-ordered receivership that has indefinitely closed the Michelangelo's and Grand Olympia banquet centres in Hamilton. Events impacted that had been booked at the popular halls range from weddings to high school proms, a steelworkers' banquet and a Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame induction luncheon. The banquet centres were shut down late last week , after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay debt. Locks were placed on the gates of Michelangelo Banquet Centre last week as its parent company was put in receivership. 'People are frantic right now, and a bit hysterical,' said Vico Rosatone, general manager at LIUNA Station, who has fielded 'a couple of hundred phone calls' in the last few days from people desperate to rebook events. He said he wants to help, but it's difficult finding open dates at his hall, adding that he has been working with a manager at Michelangelo's toward that goal. He said he just booked a wedding on seven days' notice for May 24. '(A couple) came in Saturday and we booked them … We are trying our best so if people come in crying, they leave with happy tears.' Rosatone also squeezed in an Ironworkers 736 banquet on May 31. The event has 250 guests and had been booked at Michelangelo's. Steve Pratt, Ironworkers 736 president, saluted Rosatone, adding he felt lucky to rebook for the same date, given that he had already booked hotel rooms downtown for that evening. Mizzy Asanovic, manager at Winona Vine Estates, said it's 'crazy' how many calls he's receiving, but they have few open slots. 'We have picked up a couple of events; we managed to fit in the Mountain Volleyball Club on May 27 … A fairly large event, 500-plus people.' One bride-to-be phoned him Victoria Day, asking if Winona could host her wedding June 7, but he did not have an opening. She said she had paid a $10,000 deposit with Michelangelo's. It's not clear what will happen out of the receivership process with deposits made on bookings at the two halls. The Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame had booked its member induction luncheon at Michelangelo's on Oct. 22. The hall's board members will meet to discuss options. The hall had not yet paid a deposit. 'It's our biggest event of the year, it's important to us, so we're going to have to move quickly,' said Hall of Fame president Sandy O'Reilly. According to court records , the two banquet halls and their related companies are owned by a Mississauga-based family that owes more than $14 million to the Bank of Montreal, including around $8.2 million tied to Michelangelo and $6 million for Grand Olympia. A letter taped to the front door of the Grand Olympia says 'entry or removal by unauthorized persons is prohibited.' Aftab Elahi, listed as the sole officer and director of Mario's Catering Service and Grand Olympia Realco, the parent companies of the banquet halls, did not respond to an email from The Spectator on Tuesday requesting comment. Phone calls to each banquet hall were answered, but officials did not return the calls. The receiver appointed by the bank also did not respond to a request for comment. Last Friday, Galileo Gardens in Stoney Creek made prom dreams come true for Orchard Park high school students, hosting their imperiled rite of passage on short notice that same night. The hall's general manager said Friday afternoon he received a request for help from Grand Olympia, which had booked the prom. 'We wanted to help out,' said Ab Thapar. 'We had the space available and we have worked with Orchard Park in the past.' Michelangelo Banquet Centre and The Grand Olympia were shuttered indefinitely after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay debt. Galileo Gardens staff reported for work, including the head chef from one of the hall's affiliated restaurants. Teachers pitched in, and the 'black and gold'-themed prom went off without a hitch. 'Everyone pulled together and stepped up,' said Thapar. 'Our people were happy the kids had their prom.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SGS Announces ISO 17025 Accreditation of Canadian Pharmaceutical Lab Now Offering Extractables and Leachables Testing
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection, and certification company, has gained ISO 17025 accreditation to now offer extractables and leachables (E&L) testing through its Mississauga laboratory. This facility specializes in delivering biologics, chemistry and microbiological testing to pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device manufacturers across North America, while also being in close proximity to Toronto, Ontario, where just over half of Canada's pharmaceutical companies are located. The availability of this service in Canada will increase SGS's E&L testing capacity for North American clients. In addition to the Mississauga Center of Excellence, SGS's U.S.-based laboratory in Fairfield New Jersey offers E&L testing services. "The demand for extractables and leachables testing is on the rise to validate drug safety in both new drug discovery and novel drug development processes," said Joseph Bower, Head of Health Science for SGS in North America. "We are pleased to achieve ISO 17025 accreditation of our Mississauga Center of Excellence since it reflects the high standards we uphold in our laboratory operations and reinforces our position as a trusted service provider to the pharma industry." ISO 17025 is an internationally recognized benchmark that demonstrates lab competence when it comes to quality management, documentation, and equipment management. The accreditation also aligns with SGS's Strategy 27, which sets ambitious growth targets to respond to megatrends impacting the testing, inspection and certification sector, particularly market demands for greater quality assurance. SGS's Mississauga-based laboratory provides contract testing services for the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device segments. Although many SGS labs in North America and worldwide are ISO 17025 accredited, together with E&L testing services, this accreditation strengthens the quality-control at every level. The facility is Health Canada and FDA registered, as well as GMP certified. It also carries the ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 (design and manufacture of medical devices) accreditations. With 20 laboratories across 11 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia, SGS represents the broadest, wholly owned, global network of contract analytical laboratories. As such, it is well positioned to deliver harmonized solutions to large pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, while also being able to service smaller manufacturers with bundled or stand-alone testing services. The company also provides Phase I-IV clinical trial management, and services encompassing data management and statistics such as PK/PD modeling and simulation, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory consultancy services. ABOUT SGS SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource. SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW). View original content: SOURCE SGS Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
