Welcome to Gateway Colours! On this page, you'll get to know the people behind the paint—Dylan Desmarais and Jeffrey Hamilton—and discover the story, values, and vision that shape our work. From personalized colour consultations to professional painting and furniture restoration, we’re proud to bring creativity, care, and craftsmanship to every project. Learn more about how Gateway Colours came to life, what inspires us, and why we love helping clients transform their spaces.
Our Story
Gateway Colours began as a conversation between two creative minds—partners in life and business—who shared a love for colour, craftsmanship, and transforming spaces into something meaningful. Founded in North Bay, Ontario by Dylan Desmarais and Jeffrey Hamilton, Gateway Colours was created to fill a gap we noticed in our community: a need for high-quality painting services paired with personalized design guidance and an eye for detail.
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With Dylan’s background in operations, compliance, and fine finishes, and Jeffrey’s expertise in customer experience, marketing, and visual storytelling, we quickly realized that together, we had something special to offer. Painting wasn’t just a service for us—it was a way to help people express who they are through the colours and finishes that surround them every day.
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We saw so many projects where paint was treated as an afterthought—rushed, impersonal, or purely utilitarian. That didn’t sit right with us. Paint has the power to completely shift the energy of a space, and we wanted to honour that power through careful planning, thoughtful colour selection, and professional application. From this vision, Gateway Colours was born.
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We pride ourselves on offering a curated and client-focused experience. That starts with colour consultations designed to help clients discover shades that match their personality, lighting, and existing decor. Then we provide transparent, accurate quotes based on detailed site measurements and customized product selections. When it's time to paint, we deliver on quality—every line crisp, every surface smooth, every project handled with precision and care.
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As a proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated business, inclusivity and authenticity are at the heart of what we do. We believe your space should reflect who you are—and that means creating environments where all people feel welcome, seen, and supported. Whether you're updating a century home, revamping a business interior, or experimenting with a bold new look, we’re here to help you make it happen—beautifully and confidently.
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Every wall we paint, every colour we recommend, and every detail we attend to reflects our commitment to high standards, creativity, and community. We’re not just painters—we’re collaborators, colour experts, and passionate advocates for the spaces our clients call home.
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This is more than a business for us.
This is our passion. This is our craft. This is Gateway Colours.
Meet The Team
Co-Founder | Paint & Colour Expert
Jeffrey Hamilton
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Jeffrey is the friendly first point of contact at Gateway Colours, bringing warmth, energy, and creativity to every client interaction. With a strong background in customer service, design thinking, and marketing, he’s passionate about helping people express themselves through colour. Jeffrey leads all consultations and takes the time to understand each client’s vision, offering thoughtful suggestions that reflect both style and function. From first phone call to final walkthrough, Jeffrey is all about clear communication and creating a seamless, enjoyable experience.
When he’s not coordinating schedules or curating palettes, Jeffrey is often sketching ideas, connecting with the local community, or researching colour trends for inspiration.
Co-Founder | Paint & Colour Expert
Dylan Desmarais
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Dylan brings a detail-oriented, hands-on approach to every aspect of Gateway Colours. With a background in operations management, job costing, and compliance, Dylan ensures each project runs smoothly from planning to final brushstroke. Known for his steady hand and sharp eye for quality, he leads all things related to painting execution, materials management, and financial oversight. Dylan is deeply committed to doing things right—he approaches every home and business with the same care and respect he’d want in his own.
When he’s not refining a finish or reviewing estimates, you’ll find Dylan exploring colour theory, restoring furniture, or finding calm in the rhythm of a well-executed job.
