All submitted reviews are appreciated. If one person has a suggestion for improvement, 10 others may have as well, but did not want to share is with us. We want to keep improving. Volunteers like to hear how they are doing.
Pamela Lebioda
Walk Date and Time: Wednesday Oct. 12, 6:30 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
The group size was quite small but it felt more intimate that way. "Tilly" was a delight! She explained everything so well and stayed in character the entire time, even after we had gotten back and were having refreshments! Our kids absolutely loved the timing of the other characters, how they materialized around the corner out of nowhere, and they found the dialogue entertaining.
The refreshments (cider and cookies) were delicious, and we had a fantastic time marveling over the old pictures of the residents we had just learned about.
The absolute BEST moment of the entire walk was when we were in front of one of the houses [....]. It was PERFECT, adding to the atmosphere of the tour. Thank you all so much, again, for the hospitality and the education!
Website Response: We are so glad you and your family had a great time! Great food for the mind and tummy.
Walk Date and Time: Wednesday Oct. 12, 6:30 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
The group size was quite small but it felt more intimate that way. "Tilly" was a delight! She explained everything so well and stayed in character the entire time, even after we had gotten back and were having refreshments! Our kids absolutely loved the timing of the other characters, how they materialized around the corner out of nowhere, and they found the dialogue entertaining.
The refreshments (cider and cookies) were delicious, and we had a fantastic time marveling over the old pictures of the residents we had just learned about.
The absolute BEST moment of the entire walk was when we were in front of one of the houses [....]. It was PERFECT, adding to the atmosphere of the tour. Thank you all so much, again, for the hospitality and the education!
Website Response: We are so glad you and your family had a great time! Great food for the mind and tummy.
Kristi Williams
Walk Date and Time: Wednesday Oct. 12, 6:30 pm
Overall Rating 5 / 5
1. Website - Nice and clear
2. Reservation - Quick and succinct [clear and short]
3. Arrival - Facility Nice atmosphere
4. Ghost Walk - Excellent guide who was very informative and relaxed. I like that younger people volunteered as ghosts along the way. It was a good refresher for me about Oakville history. I live in the neighbourhood but am still fairly new to Oakville
5. Post Walk - I didn't attend. Had become chilled and walked home instead.
6. Other thoughts - I would love an underground railway tour to learn more about Oakville involvement.
Website Response: Your comments about the website and reservation systems are greatly appreciated. Countless hours went into setting up and maintaining the systems.
Glad you enjoyed Matilda Tillie Chisholm's, presentation. Each Ghost Walk Leader, tells the stories from their own perspective. The young volunteers a indeed a hit. Hopefully there will be even more of them next year.
Between our Cottages, offices and The Oakville Museum, a self-guided walking tour of the Erchless Estate might be of interest.
The Oakville Museum has a permanent Underground Railway exhibit. Admission is free. There is a donation box.
During Black History Month and for Emancipation Day, the CCAH has run tours based on the Black History of Oakville.
Walk Date and Time: Wednesday Oct. 12, 6:30 pm
Overall Rating 5 / 5
1. Website - Nice and clear
2. Reservation - Quick and succinct [clear and short]
3. Arrival - Facility Nice atmosphere
4. Ghost Walk - Excellent guide who was very informative and relaxed. I like that younger people volunteered as ghosts along the way. It was a good refresher for me about Oakville history. I live in the neighbourhood but am still fairly new to Oakville
5. Post Walk - I didn't attend. Had become chilled and walked home instead.
6. Other thoughts - I would love an underground railway tour to learn more about Oakville involvement.
Website Response: Your comments about the website and reservation systems are greatly appreciated. Countless hours went into setting up and maintaining the systems.
Glad you enjoyed Matilda Tillie Chisholm's, presentation. Each Ghost Walk Leader, tells the stories from their own perspective. The young volunteers a indeed a hit. Hopefully there will be even more of them next year.
Between our Cottages, offices and The Oakville Museum, a self-guided walking tour of the Erchless Estate might be of interest.
The Oakville Museum has a permanent Underground Railway exhibit. Admission is free. There is a donation box.
During Black History Month and for Emancipation Day, the CCAH has run tours based on the Black History of Oakville.
Lisa Brown
Walk Date and Time: Wednesday Oct. 12, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
Website Response: Thank you for your five star review.
Walk Date and Time: Wednesday Oct. 12, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
Website Response: Thank you for your five star review.
Kelly Partington
Thursday Oct. 13, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating 4 / 5
1. Website - While the web page wasn't the most up to date and cohesive experience, it was easy enough to follow, just required to really read and understand the process (with choosing an alternate date, even though you are choosing a timeslot based on availability).
Website Response: "page wasn't the most up to date" One guess is the daily update of remaining tickets on the main Ghost Walks page. This is maintained to help people looking for more than one "ticket".
We could go with an official commercial ticketing system, but this would dramatically increase costs and ticket prices. We wish to keep ticket prices low. We looked at reasonable free ticketing systems. They all require a service fee or payment from the ticket buyer. The net result is a higher cost to enjoy our Ghost Walks.
Even some paid commercial systems looked at, could not handle the inventory limit of 15 tickets per Ghost Walk, that can be purchased at two different prices. This is $12 Adult(s) and $6 Child(ren).
- "required to really read and understand the process" If this is referring to access to the tickets page, an orange graphic of a ticket was added to the Ghost Walks page.
Kelly Partington: The comment about the website not being as up to date is exactly how you interpreted it - and it makes sense that you had to come up with a solution that didn't involve incorporating a payment system (I know it can be very expensive). And we definitely appreciate the low price over convenience. The explanation you gave provides more clarity (and no other suggestions there).
Website Response: "choosing an alternate date" The remaining quantity seen, stays the same until after submission. There is a chance two different customers are selecting the exact same limited number of tickets at about the same time. Being oversold is a possibility and not appreciated by anyone. That is why a 2nd Choice is requested. Having an alternate date, made things easier for one customer this season. To reduce the challenge of being oversold, just one Ghost Walk Time is shown at a time. There is also a 20 minute time limit to fill in the form. Air
2. Reservation - The communications were informative and it was nice to know that a human was looking after you on the other end of the email, but the confirmation email (or first email received after payment) wasn't really a confirmation and could cause confusion.
Website Response - "but the confirmation email (or first email received after payment) wasn't really a confirmation and could cause confusion." The wording was: "Thank you for your ticket request.
An email confirmation will be sent out within the next few days.
If First Choice is sold out and Second Choice is available, this will be in the email confirmation. Other situations including a full refund if over sold will be in the email."
This has been changed to:
"Thank you for your ticket request.
Below is just an autoresponder copy of the request.
A confirmation email will be sent to you from the Reservation Volunteer, within 24 hours.
There is a slight chance two customers ordered the exact limited number of tickets within the 20 minutes allowed. If First Choice is sold out and Second Choice is available, this will be in the email confirmation.
Other situations including a full refund if oversold will be in the confirmation email."
Kelly Partington - As for the new messaging on the auto reply, I think it's much clearer and people will have (hopefully) seen the alternate choice messaging twice (once on the website explaining the process, and again in the reply).
I looked at the updates on the website and think the messaging is clearer (I hope your future reviews tell you the same). I have no other suggestions for the website or process. I had a great time and wish your team all the success!
Website Response - Thank you very much Kelly, for all of the great information given. Having an "outsider" review the information presented on this website, is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
One of our aims is to bring history alive. Glad you had a great time with Ghost Walks this year.
Thank you Kelly, for your wishes for our volunteer team's success.
3. Arrival - Signage and lighting, Check-in, Facility Arrival was very smooth, lighting felt appropriate (the lanterns were fun!), signage was clear, the check-in was easy and the facility was very clean and welcoming. The people were very pleasant as well.
4. Ghost Walk - Group size, Ghost Walk Leader (Character), Presented material, Interaction with other Ghosts Can't say enough good things about the experience. Our guide, Father Ryan (Oct 13 8pm) was the perfect balance of knowledgeable, informative and funny. It was clever how he would comment about things from his character's perspective. The group size was intimate enough but allowed for space between us. I was impressed by the "formula" of the presentation: history lesson, paranormal activity, joke - kept things interesting. The [...] were a nice touch (it would be nice if all featured houses played into the fun, although a lot to ask of them, no doubt).
Website Response - Glad the walk was enjoyed. Surprises to be experienced were edited out, "[...]".
Each Ghost Walk Leader relates to 1800s life from their perspective. That is why some Ghost Walkers will go on more than one walk a year.
5. Post Walk - This part is a nice touch as well. My partner and I had to run, but the drink and cookie, surrounded by maps and more history, were appreciated. We live nearby so it was cool to see our neighbourhood in the photographs and the vast farmlands directly north of us.
Website Response - Glad it was enjoyed. Come back during open hours to explore more of the resources in The Cottages.
6. Other thoughts - A really cool experience, thank you to the volunteers! The sign up (online portion) is the only area that could use improvement, but overall a great experience. Sending my parents next week!
Website Response - As in the response in section 1. Website - Glad the revised messaging is clearer now. Help in improving the website and forms is always greatly appreciated!
Thursday Oct. 13, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating 4 / 5
1. Website - While the web page wasn't the most up to date and cohesive experience, it was easy enough to follow, just required to really read and understand the process (with choosing an alternate date, even though you are choosing a timeslot based on availability).
Website Response: "page wasn't the most up to date" One guess is the daily update of remaining tickets on the main Ghost Walks page. This is maintained to help people looking for more than one "ticket".
We could go with an official commercial ticketing system, but this would dramatically increase costs and ticket prices. We wish to keep ticket prices low. We looked at reasonable free ticketing systems. They all require a service fee or payment from the ticket buyer. The net result is a higher cost to enjoy our Ghost Walks.
Even some paid commercial systems looked at, could not handle the inventory limit of 15 tickets per Ghost Walk, that can be purchased at two different prices. This is $12 Adult(s) and $6 Child(ren).
- "required to really read and understand the process" If this is referring to access to the tickets page, an orange graphic of a ticket was added to the Ghost Walks page.
Kelly Partington: The comment about the website not being as up to date is exactly how you interpreted it - and it makes sense that you had to come up with a solution that didn't involve incorporating a payment system (I know it can be very expensive). And we definitely appreciate the low price over convenience. The explanation you gave provides more clarity (and no other suggestions there).
Website Response: "choosing an alternate date" The remaining quantity seen, stays the same until after submission. There is a chance two different customers are selecting the exact same limited number of tickets at about the same time. Being oversold is a possibility and not appreciated by anyone. That is why a 2nd Choice is requested. Having an alternate date, made things easier for one customer this season. To reduce the challenge of being oversold, just one Ghost Walk Time is shown at a time. There is also a 20 minute time limit to fill in the form. Air
2. Reservation - The communications were informative and it was nice to know that a human was looking after you on the other end of the email, but the confirmation email (or first email received after payment) wasn't really a confirmation and could cause confusion.
Website Response - "but the confirmation email (or first email received after payment) wasn't really a confirmation and could cause confusion." The wording was: "Thank you for your ticket request.
An email confirmation will be sent out within the next few days.
If First Choice is sold out and Second Choice is available, this will be in the email confirmation. Other situations including a full refund if over sold will be in the email."
This has been changed to:
"Thank you for your ticket request.
Below is just an autoresponder copy of the request.
A confirmation email will be sent to you from the Reservation Volunteer, within 24 hours.
There is a slight chance two customers ordered the exact limited number of tickets within the 20 minutes allowed. If First Choice is sold out and Second Choice is available, this will be in the email confirmation.
Other situations including a full refund if oversold will be in the confirmation email."
Kelly Partington - As for the new messaging on the auto reply, I think it's much clearer and people will have (hopefully) seen the alternate choice messaging twice (once on the website explaining the process, and again in the reply).
I looked at the updates on the website and think the messaging is clearer (I hope your future reviews tell you the same). I have no other suggestions for the website or process. I had a great time and wish your team all the success!
Website Response - Thank you very much Kelly, for all of the great information given. Having an "outsider" review the information presented on this website, is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
One of our aims is to bring history alive. Glad you had a great time with Ghost Walks this year.
Thank you Kelly, for your wishes for our volunteer team's success.
3. Arrival - Signage and lighting, Check-in, Facility Arrival was very smooth, lighting felt appropriate (the lanterns were fun!), signage was clear, the check-in was easy and the facility was very clean and welcoming. The people were very pleasant as well.
4. Ghost Walk - Group size, Ghost Walk Leader (Character), Presented material, Interaction with other Ghosts Can't say enough good things about the experience. Our guide, Father Ryan (Oct 13 8pm) was the perfect balance of knowledgeable, informative and funny. It was clever how he would comment about things from his character's perspective. The group size was intimate enough but allowed for space between us. I was impressed by the "formula" of the presentation: history lesson, paranormal activity, joke - kept things interesting. The [...] were a nice touch (it would be nice if all featured houses played into the fun, although a lot to ask of them, no doubt).
Website Response - Glad the walk was enjoyed. Surprises to be experienced were edited out, "[...]".
Each Ghost Walk Leader relates to 1800s life from their perspective. That is why some Ghost Walkers will go on more than one walk a year.
5. Post Walk - This part is a nice touch as well. My partner and I had to run, but the drink and cookie, surrounded by maps and more history, were appreciated. We live nearby so it was cool to see our neighbourhood in the photographs and the vast farmlands directly north of us.
Website Response - Glad it was enjoyed. Come back during open hours to explore more of the resources in The Cottages.
6. Other thoughts - A really cool experience, thank you to the volunteers! The sign up (online portion) is the only area that could use improvement, but overall a great experience. Sending my parents next week!
Website Response - As in the response in section 1. Website - Glad the revised messaging is clearer now. Help in improving the website and forms is always greatly appreciated!
Karine Briere
Thursday Oct. 13, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating 5 / 5
2. Reservation - Reminders were good!
3. Arrival - Appreciated that there was a sign because I'm not from the area and it made it really easy to find :)
4. Ghost Walk - It was nice and informative! I learned a lot about Oakville and the spooky content was cute and fun
Website Response: So glad things went smoothly and you enjoyed learning about Oakville's spooky's past.
Thursday Oct. 13, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating 5 / 5
2. Reservation - Reminders were good!
3. Arrival - Appreciated that there was a sign because I'm not from the area and it made it really easy to find :)
4. Ghost Walk - It was nice and informative! I learned a lot about Oakville and the spooky content was cute and fun
Website Response: So glad things went smoothly and you enjoyed learning about Oakville's spooky's past.
Marg McTrash
Thursday Oct. 13, 8:00 pm.
4.8/5
I would rate this ghost walk at 4.8. knowledge was good, the few surprises, like [...]. Characters in costume. It was set up good, on time, no waiting for people. The only fault was it made me want to be more surprises.
I was in the back at first of the walk then I moved to the front. We were very fortunate with the people on the walk. Even thou we came with others, everyone was respectful and not talking while our leader was talking.
Thank u for the ghost walk. Each having a lantern was a nice touch. Our leader [Father Ryan] to be dressed in character was great. I enjoyed it as my first time going.
To the volunteer workers who commit their time, thank you.
I really liked how some of the houses worked with the ghost walk and would be great if more homeowners were involved. Even if it's a person who goes from the front to the back of their house in their yard. No speaking, just as a ghost .
Every guided tour I have been on, seems to have the guide in the front, talking and all cannot hear if u are in the back. To use a louder microphone when talking and maybe walk among us, eg in the middle of the group. I realize its time limited, weather and we are in a neighborhood.
I did make sure I was at the front of the pack, after being in the back. Our leader [Father Ryan] was good in the knowledge he gave out and I found out a few things I didn't know. I really enjoyed the leader, and the 3 young people who were in character [we met] twice in the walk.
I didn't stay for cookies but they looked great .
I might be interested next year to just walk around the blocks in a cloak and hat and be a ghost. When would be a good time to contact u next year to volunteer for this?
Website Response: You are very welcome, for the Ghost Walks. The volunteers want to bring history alive in a way that more people will appreciate it.
We have tried many ways to get more homeowners involved. We are open to suggestions.
Years ago I went to a much larger city that had a much bigger historical society than ours. They had lots more volunteers "come out of houses". One lady came out with a basket of fresh bake goods for the local church bazar. She offered some to people in the Ghost Walk group.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Roaming Ghost. One of our Ghost Leaders will contact you after this season has passed.
Thursday Oct. 13, 8:00 pm.
4.8/5
I would rate this ghost walk at 4.8. knowledge was good, the few surprises, like [...]. Characters in costume. It was set up good, on time, no waiting for people. The only fault was it made me want to be more surprises.
I was in the back at first of the walk then I moved to the front. We were very fortunate with the people on the walk. Even thou we came with others, everyone was respectful and not talking while our leader was talking.
Thank u for the ghost walk. Each having a lantern was a nice touch. Our leader [Father Ryan] to be dressed in character was great. I enjoyed it as my first time going.
To the volunteer workers who commit their time, thank you.
I really liked how some of the houses worked with the ghost walk and would be great if more homeowners were involved. Even if it's a person who goes from the front to the back of their house in their yard. No speaking, just as a ghost .
Every guided tour I have been on, seems to have the guide in the front, talking and all cannot hear if u are in the back. To use a louder microphone when talking and maybe walk among us, eg in the middle of the group. I realize its time limited, weather and we are in a neighborhood.
I did make sure I was at the front of the pack, after being in the back. Our leader [Father Ryan] was good in the knowledge he gave out and I found out a few things I didn't know. I really enjoyed the leader, and the 3 young people who were in character [we met] twice in the walk.
I didn't stay for cookies but they looked great .
I might be interested next year to just walk around the blocks in a cloak and hat and be a ghost. When would be a good time to contact u next year to volunteer for this?
Website Response: You are very welcome, for the Ghost Walks. The volunteers want to bring history alive in a way that more people will appreciate it.
We have tried many ways to get more homeowners involved. We are open to suggestions.
Years ago I went to a much larger city that had a much bigger historical society than ours. They had lots more volunteers "come out of houses". One lady came out with a basket of fresh bake goods for the local church bazar. She offered some to people in the Ghost Walk group.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Roaming Ghost. One of our Ghost Leaders will contact you after this season has passed.
Reviewer chose to remain anonymous
Walk Date and Time: Friday Oct. 14, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - Very easy to navigate and purchase tickets, good and good correspondence by email after purchase.
2. Reservation - Very good - sent initial email with details about the ghost walk and a reminder email. Directions were easy to follow.
3. Arrival - Great parking on site, easy to find the white gates, lit pathway was perfect. The check in person was amazing with the kids - so pleasant and welcoming.
4. Ghost Walk - This was a wonderful experience for both the adults and many kids in our group. The size of the group was not too large and allowed for discussion. We loved the material presented - it was awesome to hear the history. Our leader was wonderful.
5. Post Walk - The setting was perfect and kids really enjoyed sitting by the "fire" eating cookies and drinking cider. I loved walking around looking at the displays and books. The leaders were very knowledgeable about Oakville history, and even went through the school displays with the kids.
6. Other thoughts - Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. If there was one thing I would suggest it would be to include more information about the black history and their contribution (I was very impressed by the inclusion of Underground Railroad lore, and of the former slave who invented the stone hook). Also, maybe an acknowledgment of the indigenous lands. Our leader did have the discussion about the First Nations with us by the fire after the walk, which was nice, but more of an emphasis may be better from a historical perspective.
[Website volunteer asked about the confidential request with this submission. As a result, the name is Confidential. What is shared is fine. The survey form was updated to indicate sections included email and phone will be kept confidential. As part of the response, the following message was included.]
Thank you so much for all your work and the work of all those who helped out these walks together. They are truly a wonderful learning experience for all ages (although my 6 year old son had to duck out 10 mins early with my husband, but that’s only because we chose a walk time later than his bed time;).
Website Response: Thank you you very much for such a great and thoughtful review.
Displaying more information about Black History and First Nations is a good idea. It will be discussed.
Walk Date and Time: Friday Oct. 14, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - Very easy to navigate and purchase tickets, good and good correspondence by email after purchase.
2. Reservation - Very good - sent initial email with details about the ghost walk and a reminder email. Directions were easy to follow.
3. Arrival - Great parking on site, easy to find the white gates, lit pathway was perfect. The check in person was amazing with the kids - so pleasant and welcoming.
4. Ghost Walk - This was a wonderful experience for both the adults and many kids in our group. The size of the group was not too large and allowed for discussion. We loved the material presented - it was awesome to hear the history. Our leader was wonderful.
5. Post Walk - The setting was perfect and kids really enjoyed sitting by the "fire" eating cookies and drinking cider. I loved walking around looking at the displays and books. The leaders were very knowledgeable about Oakville history, and even went through the school displays with the kids.
6. Other thoughts - Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. If there was one thing I would suggest it would be to include more information about the black history and their contribution (I was very impressed by the inclusion of Underground Railroad lore, and of the former slave who invented the stone hook). Also, maybe an acknowledgment of the indigenous lands. Our leader did have the discussion about the First Nations with us by the fire after the walk, which was nice, but more of an emphasis may be better from a historical perspective.
[Website volunteer asked about the confidential request with this submission. As a result, the name is Confidential. What is shared is fine. The survey form was updated to indicate sections included email and phone will be kept confidential. As part of the response, the following message was included.]
Thank you so much for all your work and the work of all those who helped out these walks together. They are truly a wonderful learning experience for all ages (although my 6 year old son had to duck out 10 mins early with my husband, but that’s only because we chose a walk time later than his bed time;).
Website Response: Thank you you very much for such a great and thoughtful review.
Displaying more information about Black History and First Nations is a good idea. It will be discussed.
Vineet Chadha
Walk Date and Time: Saturday Oct. 15, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 4/5
4. Ghost Walk - Great experience. Kids loved the ghost stories and were totally engrossed along the walk.
1 suggestion would be to probably make a little more eerie with sounds and more character appearances.
Website Response: Sound effects have been discussed. We are open to suggestions of how it can be reasonably done. Somehow the sound needs to be triggered for a short time. Also needed would be a volunteer to take care of the system.
Yes, more character appearances would be great. This requires getting more volunteers to be characters. We use many methods to find more volunteers for one or more nights. We advertise in schools, ask at theatre groups, post the position with volunteer bureaus and more. If you, or you know someone that would be interested, please let us know. Or maybe there is another source we overlooked. Please email us, oakville.historical@gmail.com.
Walk Date and Time: Saturday Oct. 15, 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 4/5
4. Ghost Walk - Great experience. Kids loved the ghost stories and were totally engrossed along the walk.
1 suggestion would be to probably make a little more eerie with sounds and more character appearances.
Website Response: Sound effects have been discussed. We are open to suggestions of how it can be reasonably done. Somehow the sound needs to be triggered for a short time. Also needed would be a volunteer to take care of the system.
Yes, more character appearances would be great. This requires getting more volunteers to be characters. We use many methods to find more volunteers for one or more nights. We advertise in schools, ask at theatre groups, post the position with volunteer bureaus and more. If you, or you know someone that would be interested, please let us know. Or maybe there is another source we overlooked. Please email us, oakville.historical@gmail.com.
Karen Henrikso
Walk Date and Time: Tuesday Oct. 18 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - I registered through a friend therefore n/a
2. Reservation - n/a
3. Arrival - Loved the candles that lit the way to where we needed to go.
4. Ghost Walk - Perfect! [Isabelle Land Chisholm] Mary-Beth did a fantastic job!
5. Post Walk - Very nice
6. Other thoughts - Although Mary-Beth had a speaker it wasn't working very well.
Website Response: Thank you very much for your review!
We are checking the speakers, portable voice speakers.
Walk Date and Time: Tuesday Oct. 18 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - I registered through a friend therefore n/a
2. Reservation - n/a
3. Arrival - Loved the candles that lit the way to where we needed to go.
4. Ghost Walk - Perfect! [Isabelle Land Chisholm] Mary-Beth did a fantastic job!
5. Post Walk - Very nice
6. Other thoughts - Although Mary-Beth had a speaker it wasn't working very well.
Website Response: Thank you very much for your review!
We are checking the speakers, portable voice speakers.
Paul Therriault
Walk Date and Time: Tuesday Oct. 18 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
6. Other thoughts - I love how enthused the staff are. The added actors are a wonderful touch. The refreshments and view of Oakville History books are fantastic. Staff are very knowledgeable. I love the relaxed feel to it all. And I like how some of the home owners participate. It`s very generous and thoughtful of them. Fun ghost stories and excellent history of Oakville.
I`ve been to this event 4 times over the years, and I`ll continue to do so.
Website Response: All of our volunteers and participating home owners are indeed enthusiastic. We bring history alive. Thank you very much for your review!
Thank you very much for your loyal participation through the years. (Paul, maybe you would consider becoming a Wandering Ghost next year.)
With several different Ghost Walk Leaders, you may have head about life from different perspectives through the years.
Walk Date and Time: Tuesday Oct. 18 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
6. Other thoughts - I love how enthused the staff are. The added actors are a wonderful touch. The refreshments and view of Oakville History books are fantastic. Staff are very knowledgeable. I love the relaxed feel to it all. And I like how some of the home owners participate. It`s very generous and thoughtful of them. Fun ghost stories and excellent history of Oakville.
I`ve been to this event 4 times over the years, and I`ll continue to do so.
Website Response: All of our volunteers and participating home owners are indeed enthusiastic. We bring history alive. Thank you very much for your review!
Thank you very much for your loyal participation through the years. (Paul, maybe you would consider becoming a Wandering Ghost next year.)
With several different Ghost Walk Leaders, you may have head about life from different perspectives through the years.
Kathy M
Walk Date and Time: Thursday Oct. 20 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - Reservation was a big hard to navigate, but finally got there.
Website asked for more details
Kathy M
I just seem to recall that when you pushed a button to “get” a ticket, you had to do another step to see it available. ( at least that is what I recall). It took me a couple of times, once walking away, to finally figure it out, and I am somewhat tech savvy. I would just suggest that its clear as I suspect many of the ticket buyers are not as technical.
Otherwise, all good, and I appreciate the “cost” involved with obtaining a working site.
Website Response:
Sorry about the challenge you had in ordering tickets. There are indeed several steps to go through. If we keep the same system for next year; a flow guide with an explanation of each step will be added. Everything is in on one order form, connected to one data base that a volunteer can easily manage.
About four years, we looked at many true online ticketing systems. It would be great to simplify things.
"General admission" tickets at two different prices could not be handled by at least most of the systems. Should we eliminate Adult(s) and Child(ren) pricing? Each of the 32+ Ghost Walk times would be treated as a separate event. Each event would have its own order form and database. This could be a big challenge. There might have been technological advances to make things easier.
Fees of the systems payable by us or the ticket buyers, would raise the total cost of tickets. We want to keep prices low.
Kathy M
2. Reservation - Reminder emails and where to meet was perfect
3. Arrival - Check in facility was easy and chatting with Shona was a fun preliminary to the walk.
4. Ghost Walk - Size was nice. Ghost leader [Father Ryan] was well versed on history. Other "ghosts" made for a fun sidebar
6. Other Thoughts - What a fun and creative way to learn about the Town of Oakville and its history. Our "Ghost" [Father Ryan] was playing the part well, as did the other "ghosts"!
Website Response:
Walk Date and Time: Thursday Oct. 20 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - Reservation was a big hard to navigate, but finally got there.
Website asked for more details
Kathy M
I just seem to recall that when you pushed a button to “get” a ticket, you had to do another step to see it available. ( at least that is what I recall). It took me a couple of times, once walking away, to finally figure it out, and I am somewhat tech savvy. I would just suggest that its clear as I suspect many of the ticket buyers are not as technical.
Otherwise, all good, and I appreciate the “cost” involved with obtaining a working site.
Website Response:
Sorry about the challenge you had in ordering tickets. There are indeed several steps to go through. If we keep the same system for next year; a flow guide with an explanation of each step will be added. Everything is in on one order form, connected to one data base that a volunteer can easily manage.
About four years, we looked at many true online ticketing systems. It would be great to simplify things.
"General admission" tickets at two different prices could not be handled by at least most of the systems. Should we eliminate Adult(s) and Child(ren) pricing? Each of the 32+ Ghost Walk times would be treated as a separate event. Each event would have its own order form and database. This could be a big challenge. There might have been technological advances to make things easier.
Fees of the systems payable by us or the ticket buyers, would raise the total cost of tickets. We want to keep prices low.
Kathy M
2. Reservation - Reminder emails and where to meet was perfect
3. Arrival - Check in facility was easy and chatting with Shona was a fun preliminary to the walk.
4. Ghost Walk - Size was nice. Ghost leader [Father Ryan] was well versed on history. Other "ghosts" made for a fun sidebar
6. Other Thoughts - What a fun and creative way to learn about the Town of Oakville and its history. Our "Ghost" [Father Ryan] was playing the part well, as did the other "ghosts"!
Website Response:
Ray R
Walk Date and Time: Friday Oct. 21 6:30 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
4. Ghost Walk - Interaction with other Ghosts Walk was fun and informative. The actors were a great addition.
5. Post Walk - Everything was perfect especially enjoyed the history discussion with the staff members they are knowledgeable and friendly.
Website Response: Thank you for the kind words. All of the ghosts are volunteers. None of them may have true acting experience. We all want to bring history alive. Anne Anderson was the Ghost Walk leader. Constable Sumner was met by the lock-up and front street. There Roaming Ghosts may have met up with your group as well.
Walk Date and Time: Friday Oct. 21 6:30 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
4. Ghost Walk - Interaction with other Ghosts Walk was fun and informative. The actors were a great addition.
5. Post Walk - Everything was perfect especially enjoyed the history discussion with the staff members they are knowledgeable and friendly.
Website Response: Thank you for the kind words. All of the ghosts are volunteers. None of them may have true acting experience. We all want to bring history alive. Anne Anderson was the Ghost Walk leader. Constable Sumner was met by the lock-up and front street. There Roaming Ghosts may have met up with your group as well.
Linda Webb
Walk Date and Time: Saturday Oct. 22 6:30 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - It was great! What you would expect! Dress warmly as it's an hour long walk around the neighbourhood. Our ghost commentator [Father Jeremiah Ryan] was very knowledgeable.
2. Reservation - Lots of reminders, easy check in!
3. Arrival - Excellent!
4. Ghost Walk - Great! Very authentic!
5. Post Walk - Nice touch!
Website Response: Thank you very much for your review.
Walk Date and Time: Saturday Oct. 22 6:30 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - It was great! What you would expect! Dress warmly as it's an hour long walk around the neighbourhood. Our ghost commentator [Father Jeremiah Ryan] was very knowledgeable.
2. Reservation - Lots of reminders, easy check in!
3. Arrival - Excellent!
4. Ghost Walk - Great! Very authentic!
5. Post Walk - Nice touch!
Website Response: Thank you very much for your review.
Stephanie Gowan
Walk Date and Time: Saturday Oct. 22 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - Very well organized. Loved the waitlist option.
2. Reservation - Marie was lovely, experience was efficient yet also personal.
3. Arrival - Loved the votives up the pathway. Instruction for arrival was clear and easy to follow. Felt welcomed and excited.
4. Ghost Walk - Our leader, [Father Jeremiah Ryan], was knowledgeable, humorous, and loved his interactions with the other ghosts. So hard to stay in character but they did! The [...] my favorite. Group size kept it intimate and easy to hear.
5. Post Walk - Very thoughtful! Great to see the photos and put everything into perspective after with photos and artifacts.
6. Other thoughts - A big thank you to all the volunteers who make this such a special evening. Oakville may be growing each year but these events bring our community together and back to its tight knit roots.
Website Response: Thank you very much Stephanie, for your glowing words.
Glad we were able to move you from the Waitlist to an actual Ghost Walk this year. Due to limitations, others will wait until 2023.
Yes, Marie is great with her communication.
A surprise for others, is edited out [...].
Glad you appreciate the results of thousands of volunteer hours that go into presenting Ghost Walks.
Thank you for the new insight. "Oakville may be growing each year but these events bring our community together and back to its tight knit roots."
Your photographs are great. Thanks for sharing.
Walk Date and Time: Saturday Oct. 22 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - Very well organized. Loved the waitlist option.
2. Reservation - Marie was lovely, experience was efficient yet also personal.
3. Arrival - Loved the votives up the pathway. Instruction for arrival was clear and easy to follow. Felt welcomed and excited.
4. Ghost Walk - Our leader, [Father Jeremiah Ryan], was knowledgeable, humorous, and loved his interactions with the other ghosts. So hard to stay in character but they did! The [...] my favorite. Group size kept it intimate and easy to hear.
5. Post Walk - Very thoughtful! Great to see the photos and put everything into perspective after with photos and artifacts.
6. Other thoughts - A big thank you to all the volunteers who make this such a special evening. Oakville may be growing each year but these events bring our community together and back to its tight knit roots.
Website Response: Thank you very much Stephanie, for your glowing words.
Glad we were able to move you from the Waitlist to an actual Ghost Walk this year. Due to limitations, others will wait until 2023.
Yes, Marie is great with her communication.
A surprise for others, is edited out [...].
Glad you appreciate the results of thousands of volunteer hours that go into presenting Ghost Walks.
Thank you for the new insight. "Oakville may be growing each year but these events bring our community together and back to its tight knit roots."
Your photographs are great. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda Magda
Walk Date and Time: Monday Oct. 24 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - Great and easy to navigate
2. Reservation - Great
3. Arrival - Great
4. Ghost Walk - Really good.
5. Post Walk - Interesting. Maybe have some Oakville historical figures visiting with the refreshments to answer any questions.
Website Response:
Thank you Amanda, very much for your review.
After each Ghost Walk, the Ghost Walk Leader normally shares pictures, shares more information and answer questions. Everyone the Ghost Walkers meet are volunteers. It would be great if we could get even more character volunteers involved. Some volunteers are staying away due to COVID. Hopefully when you return, there will be more volunteers to interact with.
Walk Date and Time: Monday Oct. 24 8:00 pm.
Overall Rating: 5 / 5
1. Website - Great and easy to navigate
2. Reservation - Great
3. Arrival - Great
4. Ghost Walk - Really good.
5. Post Walk - Interesting. Maybe have some Oakville historical figures visiting with the refreshments to answer any questions.
Website Response:
Thank you Amanda, very much for your review.
After each Ghost Walk, the Ghost Walk Leader normally shares pictures, shares more information and answer questions. Everyone the Ghost Walkers meet are volunteers. It would be great if we could get even more character volunteers involved. Some volunteers are staying away due to COVID. Hopefully when you return, there will be more volunteers to interact with.
Reviewer chose to remain anonymous along with the comments shared.
Website Response:
Sorry you were challenged with the ticketing system. For next year, a flowchart with an explanation of the steps will be available. To keep costs low, we continue to use an in house developed ticketing system. The form was dramatically revised for this year.
1. Identification, Name, Email, plus optional Phone
2. There are over 32 Ghost Walks times or events. Pick date and time.
3. Pick the total number of tickets wanted. There is a starting inventory of 15 tickets for each walk.
4. Optional second choice of Walk time, was greatly appreciated for one customer.
5. Pricing is based on $12 Adult(s) and $6 Child(ren). Pick how many tickets at each price level.
The number of Adult tickets compared to Child tickets to be sold is unpredictable. It is very helpful to have all ticket sales reflected in one database.
6. Optional donation, which many people do. If a donation is made, for a charitable receipt, Revenue Canada wants more details.
7. Optional Questions, Comments and Suggestions; which several people have done.
8. Select payment method from Debit Card, Credit Card or PayPal.
9. Give details to allow payment to be made.
10. Press submit.
From the timer used, the average time to complete the form was 3 minutes and 52 seconds.
We are open to suggestions on how the system can be easier to use. oakville.historical@gmail.com
Marie, our Reservation Volunteer, is indeed doing a fantastic job. It would be easier for her if there were no changes in when people go on Ghost Walks. We realize people's plans do change.
Sorry you found the Ghost Walk disappointing. There are many stories to be told and a distance to be covered within one hour. This can be attributed to being rushed. Many people enjoy the stories that different Ghost Walk Leaders share. This was the first year for the current Mary Jane McDougald. Each of our Ghost Walk Leaders creates a script based on two things. Firstly, Ghost Stories relating to the buildings visited. Secondly, the story is told from the perspective of the Ghost, a character from the past. [...], would you help us develop better stories to share? Being a family event, we do not want the event to be too scary. There have been complaints in the past.
For the Apple cider, there was a plan to serve it hot. We also want it to be safe for children. The temperature might have been "the sweet spot" for most people. [...], thanks for mentioning it. The temperature of the cider will be checked.
Website Response:
Sorry you were challenged with the ticketing system. For next year, a flowchart with an explanation of the steps will be available. To keep costs low, we continue to use an in house developed ticketing system. The form was dramatically revised for this year.
1. Identification, Name, Email, plus optional Phone
2. There are over 32 Ghost Walks times or events. Pick date and time.
3. Pick the total number of tickets wanted. There is a starting inventory of 15 tickets for each walk.
4. Optional second choice of Walk time, was greatly appreciated for one customer.
5. Pricing is based on $12 Adult(s) and $6 Child(ren). Pick how many tickets at each price level.
The number of Adult tickets compared to Child tickets to be sold is unpredictable. It is very helpful to have all ticket sales reflected in one database.
6. Optional donation, which many people do. If a donation is made, for a charitable receipt, Revenue Canada wants more details.
7. Optional Questions, Comments and Suggestions; which several people have done.
8. Select payment method from Debit Card, Credit Card or PayPal.
9. Give details to allow payment to be made.
10. Press submit.
From the timer used, the average time to complete the form was 3 minutes and 52 seconds.
We are open to suggestions on how the system can be easier to use. oakville.historical@gmail.com
Marie, our Reservation Volunteer, is indeed doing a fantastic job. It would be easier for her if there were no changes in when people go on Ghost Walks. We realize people's plans do change.
Sorry you found the Ghost Walk disappointing. There are many stories to be told and a distance to be covered within one hour. This can be attributed to being rushed. Many people enjoy the stories that different Ghost Walk Leaders share. This was the first year for the current Mary Jane McDougald. Each of our Ghost Walk Leaders creates a script based on two things. Firstly, Ghost Stories relating to the buildings visited. Secondly, the story is told from the perspective of the Ghost, a character from the past. [...], would you help us develop better stories to share? Being a family event, we do not want the event to be too scary. There have been complaints in the past.
For the Apple cider, there was a plan to serve it hot. We also want it to be safe for children. The temperature might have been "the sweet spot" for most people. [...], thanks for mentioning it. The temperature of the cider will be checked.
Kimberly DeMeo
Overall Rating 5 / 5
Walk Date and Time Friday Oct. 28 8:00 pm.
1. Website - Very easy to navigate
2. Reservation - Received confirmation quickly
3. Arrival - Lighting could be a little brighter...the tea lights aren't that bright. Check in was easy and super welcoming.
4. Ghost Walk - Fantastic leader as usual!!!!!!!! I thought there would be more ghost characters along the way.....perhaps it's hard to recruit more volunteers now.
5. Post Walk - Delicious and full of more historical facts! Always love looking at the displays and the photos of possible ghost sightings.
6. Other thoughts - Let me know if there are ever any openings for ghost tour leaders next season. I'm all for a slight increase....it's worth every penny. Thanks for another fantastic evening....it has become a family tradition!
Website Response:
Kimberly, thank you very much for your very positive review.
1. Glad the website was easy to handle. Countless hours went into designing the ticket order form. To improve it, a guide will be added next year.
3. Lighting along the path is meant as a safe guide and to build atmosphere for the Ghost Walk.
4. Matilda is indeed a fantastic Ghost Walk Leader. She has played several significant roles over the years. Getting volunteers is indeed a challenge. If you were on the 6:30 walk, Chief Constable George Sumner was on duty.
For health reasons, this year he is only doing the first walk every second night. We look forward to you joining us next year.
5. Glad you enjoyed the food to eat, and food for thought. With Voortman closing their retail store, Mary found another source for this year.
6. So happy you
Overall Rating 5 / 5
Walk Date and Time Friday Oct. 28 8:00 pm.
1. Website - Very easy to navigate
2. Reservation - Received confirmation quickly
3. Arrival - Lighting could be a little brighter...the tea lights aren't that bright. Check in was easy and super welcoming.
4. Ghost Walk - Fantastic leader as usual!!!!!!!! I thought there would be more ghost characters along the way.....perhaps it's hard to recruit more volunteers now.
5. Post Walk - Delicious and full of more historical facts! Always love looking at the displays and the photos of possible ghost sightings.
6. Other thoughts - Let me know if there are ever any openings for ghost tour leaders next season. I'm all for a slight increase....it's worth every penny. Thanks for another fantastic evening....it has become a family tradition!
Website Response:
Kimberly, thank you very much for your very positive review.
1. Glad the website was easy to handle. Countless hours went into designing the ticket order form. To improve it, a guide will be added next year.
3. Lighting along the path is meant as a safe guide and to build atmosphere for the Ghost Walk.
4. Matilda is indeed a fantastic Ghost Walk Leader. She has played several significant roles over the years. Getting volunteers is indeed a challenge. If you were on the 6:30 walk, Chief Constable George Sumner was on duty.
For health reasons, this year he is only doing the first walk every second night. We look forward to you joining us next year.
5. Glad you enjoyed the food to eat, and food for thought. With Voortman closing their retail store, Mary found another source for this year.
6. So happy you