4Rent – Calgary – March 3, 2023

Heritage Place

Family living with nearby parks and trails

See page 3

820 5 AVE SW.

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780.984.4902

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Fireside Property Group

If you are looking for an experienced property management company that exceeds your expectations in Calgary, Alberta –look no further than Fireside Property Group. With a focus on providing superior, client-focused management services and a commitment to foster win/ win relationships between property owners and their residents, Fireside Property Group embraces and deploys the best practices and highest business standards in the property management industry.

Fireside Property Group has rentals available that offer the perfect combination of accessibility and convenience, in conjunction with local amenities and services that you depend on. As a leader in the property management industry in Calgary, they create an unparalleled renting experience that places a focus on the needs of their tenants and creates a community that provides an excellent experience. Although headquartered in Calgary, Alberta – Fireside Property Group also has available rentals in Edmonton and Sudbury, Ontario.

The properties available to rent under their management team offer nothing but quality residential accommodations and a rental price point you will love. Well maintained and regularly updated, residents can be confident that will they will be renting with a company that knows and understands what they want and need most out of a rental property.

As a licensed Real Estate Broker, a former president of the Calgary Residential Rental Association, and with over 20 years of experience, Fireside Property Group is lead by the president, Keith McMullen, BA. President McMullen has created a company that identifies the needs of renters

and provides an exception high-quality rental experience.

President McMullen was formerly responsible for managing Prestigious Properties growing portfolio of multifamily assets in Western Canada. Before working at Prestigious Properties, Mr McMullen worked and managed for Gateway Property Management, Canada’s largest property management firm. As well as TransGlobe, Canada’s 3rd largest apartment building owner, and Realstar Management Limited, President McMullen carries an impressive level of understanding and knowledge surrounding the property management industry.

Renting an apartment is not just about a place to live – it is about your lifestyle. When you rent from Fireside Property Group in Calgary, you can feel confident that you have picked a company that keeps your needs in mind. With a focus on responsibility and reliability, their business is not just about providing apartments for rent – it is about the people who live in them and providing them with a premium rental experience unlike any other.

Are you on the hunt for your next perfect rental apartment? Choose a property management company that has built their business with you in mind – pick Fireside Property Group. ■

Keith McMullen, BA, President

4 things to look for when choosing

Abig move is always exciting, but we can sometimes get so caught up in finding the perfect home that we forget about choosing the right neighbourhood. Your community can have a big impact on your lifestyle and quality of life, so here are some features to consider when scoping out locations:

getting around

Do you like being able to walk or bike everywhere you go? Do you rely on

public transportation to get to work? Or do you have mobility issues and prefer driving? Make sure potential neighbourhoods are suited to your favourite method of transportation – that means plenty of bike paths for cycling or lots of lanes to avoid car congestion. Census data can give you a good idea of which Canadian communities are most accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Plenty of useful and interesting data about transportation and other aspects of your community can be found on Statistics Canada’s website.

demographics

Many of us like to live with people who are in a similar life stage. A quick scan of the census data for a specific community can tell you useful things about its inhabitants, like the age of local kids and even what kind of work people do. Factor this in when making your decision and keep in mind what schools, daycare facilities, retirement homes and jobs are available, depending on your family’s needs and career paths.

a new neighbourhood

environmental factors

Make sure your surroundings are suited to your lifestyle. For example, an area full of bars and nightlife might not work if you have small children. If you love nature, you might want to pick somewhere with a nice park nearby. Or, if you have a dog, proximity to dog parks and walking trails might be a top priority.

affordability

An affordable neighbourhood is just as important as an affordable home. Is

the main street filled with pricey restaurants you’ll only be able to afford on special occasions? Are there opportunities for fun, free things to do, like libraries or a skating rink? Before committing to a neighbourhood, make sure you can afford to have fun and experience what the community has to offer.

Visit census.gc.ca to find useful demographic information for planning your move. Contribute to your neighbourhood’s future by completing the 2021 Census in May 2021. ■

— News Canada

Make sure your surroundings are suited to your lifestyle. For example, an area full of bars and nightlife might not work if you have small children. If you love nature, you might want to pick somewhere with a nice park nearby.

it’s essential check references on a prospective roomie:

Employers check references, landlords check references, and if you’re considering someone as a roommate, you should check their references, too. A person can seem charming initially, then later on turn into a nightmare. Do your homework and avoid such situations.

Have a rental application form that’s appropriate for your province. It will cover all the bases. Discuss how your potential roommate feels about overnight visitors, smoking, pets, sharing household chores, etc. Asking why they left their last place and how long they lived there is important.

The application form will have a spot for references. Ask for references from their current employer, a previous landlord and at least one previous roommate. Tell them that you will call these people to verify em-

ployment status and their previous housing history. By providing contact information for these references, the prospective roommate is giving you permission to contact them. Check your province’s privacy and human rights laws for what you are allowed to ask and what isn’t okay.

When calling an employer, state that you are verifying the potential roommate’s employment status and character, not doing an employment check for another job. When calling a previous landlord, find out how long the person lived there, whether they paid their rent on time or if there were any other pertinent issues, and why they left. If this information doesn’t match what the person told you, you may need to clarify.

Previous roommates can be revealing. Ask how long they have known

the person and how long they lived together. Then ask, “What did you like about living with __?” and “What didn’t you like about living with __?” Ask why they are no longer living together.

If someone cannot provide any references or if none of their references are forthcoming, beware. You will be living with this person in close quarters, sharing a space and relying on them to fulfil their responsibilities. You need to have a reasonable comfort level with them – they will have access to all of your personal possessions and be privy to much of your private life. Your health, safety and peace of mind are at stake. Be selective. Communicate clearly and you will find the right match. ■

— Kathryn Kusyszyn

finding balance in a tech-driven world

It is impossible to dispute the many ways technology has positively affected the world. Tech has made interacting and collaborating with people from all corners of the planet as convenient as conversing with a next door neighbor.

Technology also has changed the face of education, making it possible for students from all walks of life to easily access a wealth of information at the click of a button.

For all of its many attributes, technology has its drawbacks as well. One of the notable detriments is the “always on” reality of tech, as well as the ability to become addicted to such instant gratification. Few adults and children can spend more than a few minutes without checking their devices.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, on average people are online 24 hours a week, twice as long as 10 years ago. One in five adults

spends as much as 40 hours a week online. According to Common Sense Media, teens spend an average of nine hours a day online, compared to about six hours for kids between the ages of eight and 12 and 50 minutes for children eight years old and younger.

Technology also has blurred the lines that distinguish work and personal time. Gone are the days of leaving the office behind when the workday ends in early evening. Today’s workers can take work home, work remotely and even check work emails or put in some hours while on vacation. Children, too, can pay a price as a result of engaging with technology. For example, various

studies indicate more than half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online.

These tips may help adults and children regain control and find balance in a tech-driven world.

• Set strict usage times. According to Net Nanny, a technology and internet watchdog site, being plugged into devices, on an almost continual basis, directly affects the brain by keeping it in a state of constant stimulation. This can make it difficult for the brain to get the downtime it needs to recharge.

Limit hours of screen time, and wind down at least an hour or so before bed.

• Put devices on silent. If you or your children cannot resist the lure of devices, set them on silent or put them out of sight and out of reach at key times during the day.

• Beef up in-person socialization. Instead of texting or emailing, speak with friends, family and coworkers in person.

• Increase exercise. Time spent outdoors away from computers or oth-

er devices can be beneficial to the mind and body.

• Find alternative solutions. Rather than running an internet search every time you have a question, look up answers in a book, travel to learn about new things, experience new hobbies, and immerse yourself in the physical world with renewed vigor.

Tech has changed the world, but it doesn’t have to consume people’s daily lives. With some mindfulness, individuals can find the right balance. ■

According to Net Nanny, a technology and internet watchdog site, being plugged into devices, on an almost continual basis, directly affects the brain by keeping it in a state of constant stimulation.

— Metro Creative Graphics

factors to consider before buying your next gadget

Gadgets are everywhere. Whether they’re devices like e-readers and smartphones or wearable fitness devices that help athletes track their performance, gadgets can be found anywhere and are used by people from all walks of life.

The number of gadgets the average person has might surprise even the most devoted techie. According to Cisco’s annual visual networking index survey, the average person across the globe will own four connected devices by 2021. Projections are even higher in North America, where Cisco predicts the average person will own a whopping 13 connected devices in 2021.

Consumers, clearly, are flocking to gadgets. But even the most well-connected consumer might want to consider various factors before shopping online or visiting their local electronics retailer.

• Compatibility: Many consumers crave connectivity with their gadgets. When all of your gadgets

are compatible with one another, transferring and sharing files is seamless. While it’s not impossible to link devices that are not compatible, consumers who go that route may need to put in a little more effort, which takes more time. In addition, such consumers may end up spending more money on a device like a smart home hub to ensure all of their devices can be connected to one another.

• Security: Security also must be a high priority for consumers as they shop for new gadgets. Any device that connects to the internet is vulnerable to hackers. When buying gadgets, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by a device’s capabilities and ignore its potential vulnerabilities altogether. Even manufacturers facing pressure to keep up in the rapidly evolving tech industry may overlook security as they rush a product to market. As a result, it’s the responsibility of the consumer to investigate security features

before buying a product. Contact the manufacturer, read product reviews online and determine what happens if or when there’s a security breach. Only after vetting a product’s security features and comparing those features to competitors’ offerings should consumers make a purchase decision.

• Model year: While some techies might be excited to be an early adopter and purchase the first iteration of a given product, many consumers prefer to wait and buy second, third or fourth generation products. By avoiding first generation products, consumers can give manufacturers time to iron out those kinks that are often only discovered once a product hits the market.

Considering a few factors before purchasing a new gadget can help consumers find exactly what they’re looking for with their next tech buy. ■

— Metro Creative

organize and declutter

room-by-room

Getting organized is a popular resolution.

Clutter can be a major source of stress that affects how individuals feel about their spaces.

Psychology Today indicates messy

homes and work spaces can contribute to feelings of helplessness, anxiety and overwhelming stress.

Clutter bombards the mind with excessive stimuli, makes it more diffi-

cult to relax and can constantly signal to the brain that work is never done.

Tackling messes no matter where they are lurking is not a one-time project.

Much like losing weight and getting healthy, clearing a home of clutter requires dedication and lifestyle changes. With these organizational tips and tricks, anyone can work

through their home room-by-room and conquer clutter.

find a place for everything

Clutter creeps up as people accumulate possessions over the years. Over time, failure to regularly go through belongings and thin the herd can lead to the accumulation of clutter. But clutter also can accumulate if people fail to find a place to put items. Racks for garages, organizational systems for closets and furniture with storage capacity, such as storage ottomans, are some storage solutions that can help people find a place for their possessions.

utilize vertical space when possible

Getting items up and off the floor can maximize square footage in a home. Bookshelves, hanging wall shelves, hooks, cabinetry, built-ins, and other storage solutions that rely on walls and ceilings are simple and effective storage solutions. Unused space behind cabinet or closet doors are some additional places to store belongings. Hang razors or toothbrushes on medicine cabinet walls and curling irons and other hair tools on the interior of cabinet doors in bathrooms.

create a coding system

Home offices can be some of the more disorganized rooms in a house simply due to the volume of electronics and paperwork within them. HGTV suggests using a color-coded system for important files to keep them organized. Label important items, whether they’re paper or digital files, in accordance with your system.

put it away

When you finish using an item, return it to its storage location. This eliminates piles of belongings strewn around the house – and hunting and pecking for missing things. If you can’t put it away immediately, have a few baskets on hand labeled for the different rooms in the house. Pop the items in the requisite baskets and then routinely take each basket around the house to return the items.

Investing in custom cabinetry and organizational systems also can help people organize their belongings. Tackle rooms such as the garage, basements, bedroom closets, and pantries, or those areas that tend to accumulate clutter the fastest. ■

—

Metro Creative Graphics

Clutter creeps up as people accumulate possessions over the years. Over time, failure to regularly go through belongings and thin the herd can lead to the accumulation of clutter.

public alert testing: what to do if you receive an emergency

By now, most of us are familiar with the alert system that notifies us when there is an emergency, such as an amber alert, tornado or flash flood.

Understanding what steps to take when we receive an alert is important for our own and other’s safety, so here’s what you need to know:

tests are identified

If you’re not sure whether you’re being alerted to a real emergency or it’s just a test, remember that test alert messages will be identified as such. These messages are intended to test the functionality of the system, build awareness of wireless emergency alerts and do not require you take steps to secure your safety. Learn more about how emergency alerts are broadcast in your region, when a test alert will take place and other resources by visiting www.AlertReady.ca

you can’t opt out

Regulations mandated by the CRTC require all commercial, campus, community and Indigenous radio and television broadcasters, cable, satellite and IPTV providers, as well as wireless service providers to distribute emergency alerts. There is no sign-up or opt-in required. Emergency alerts will be automatically sent through these broadcast channels and to compatible wireless devices.

compatible devices

In order for your device to receive an alert, it must be a wireless public alerting (WPA) compatible device. This includes smartphones capable of connecting to an LTE network; devices equipped with the latest version of their operating software; and being connected to an LTE cellular network at the time the emergency alert is is-

alert

sued or joins the network while the alert is still active. Older cell phones that operate exclusively on non-LTE networks will not get an alert.

remain calm

Upon receiving an emergency alert, it’s important to take action safely. Stop what you’re doing when it’s safe to do so. Alerting authorities will include the information you need and guidance for any action you are required to take. This could include limiting unnecessary travel, evacuating the areas and seeking shelter. 911 should only be called if someone is in imminent danger. 911 service is a life-saving tool that should only be used for emergencies and should not be used for complaints about the national public alerting system.

Find more information at alertready.ca ■

mushroom enchiladas family fiesta with

This dish a great beginner recipe for those new to the kitchen and Mexican cuisine. More “Tex Mex” than Mexican, it’s easy to make and can be filled with a variety of ingredients.

An enchilada is a tortilla rolled around a filling, covered with a savoury sauce, sprinkled generously with cheese and baked – impossible not to love. This recipe features chicken and sliced local mushrooms that add a robust meaty flavour that to this appetizing dish.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make these mouth-watering enchiladas..■

— News Canada

Mushroom Enchiladas

Prep time: 25 minutes Total time: 40 min Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 onions, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups (500 mL) sliced crimini or white Canadian mushrooms

• 2 tbsp (25 m L) vegetable oil

• 2 tsp (10 mL) chili powder

Directions:

• ½ tsp (2 mL) each dried oregano and salt

• 2 cups (500 mL) cooked chicken, diced

• 2 cups (500 mL) shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/3 cup (75 mL) low-fat sour cream

• 2 cups (500 mL) mild or medium taco sauce

• 10 medium flour tortillas

1. In large skillet, cook onions, garlic and mushrooms in oil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until softened; about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano and salt; cook for 15 seconds. Remove from heat. Stir in chicken, ¾ cup (175 mL) of cheese and sour cream; mix well.

2. Spread ¾ cup (175 mL) of the taco sauce in 13x9-inch (3 L) baking dish. Spread about ¼ cup (50 mL) filling down centre of each tortilla; roll up, folding in ends.

3. Place seam-side down in dish. Spread remaining taco sauce over top; sprinkle with remaining cheese. (Recipe can be prepared to this point, covered and refrigerated for up to 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.)

4. Cover and bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutritional information: Protein: 22 grams | Fat: 25 grams | Carbohydrates: 45 grams | Calories: 508 | Fibre: 4 grams.