Welcome to the Fall issue of The Power to Move You! As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, we’ve packed this edition with everything you need to embrace the season—and maybe even inspire a new move!
We kick things off with a must-read guide on Getting Ready to Sell, a key resource whether you’re thinking of listing your home soon or just curious about the process. You’ll also find an informative piece on Understanding Tenant Rights for Real Estate Investors, and another gem, Inheriting a Home with Your Siblings—a topic that’s sure to strike a chord for many.
For our September 2024 real estate update, we’ve crunched the numbers and shared insights into the market trends. Plus, don’t miss our calendar of Upcoming Events for October and November. Whether you’re looking for local fun or planning ahead for holiday festivities, we’ve got you covered.
Lindsay and I had a fantastic time exploring Niagara on the Lake and Kleinburg, and we’ve shared our 5-star reviews for your reading pleasure. These spots offer so much more than just great wine and quaint streets—they’re brimming with charm and history.
Speaking of charm, our Transformation of a Lakeside Condo in Port Credit highlights just how important first impressions are when it comes to real estate. We’ve worked wonders on this space, and you’ll see why it’s more important than ever to present your home in its best light. And don’t miss our feature on 90 Stadium, an absolute show-stopper in Toronto’s Harbourfront. With a full renovation and a 1000-square-foot terrace overlooking the lake, this is a must-see.
If you’re thinking of buying south of the border, we’ve got some great insights for you! Whether you’re interested in fractional ownership or a full purchase, I can help you navigate the process smoothly. We also have some new books ready to guide you through Buying Your First Home, How to Sell a Vacant Home, or Selling During a Divorce—and they’re all available for free in print or digital formats.
Mental health is a conversation we all need to be having, and I’m proud to say that for every referral you send our way, we make a donation to CAMH. Your support means the world to us and helps us contribute to this important cause.
And because fall just isn’t complete without something sweet, we’ve included a fantastic dessert recipe and a Pumpkin Spice Colada drink for you to try. It’s a cozy twist on a tropical favourite—perfect for these cooler days.
Thank you for being part of our community. We love what we do because of you, and we’re excited to help you navigate your next move—whether that’s buying, selling, or just getting inspired!
Here’s to a fabulous fall, Cheers,
Theresa Baird Broker
Getting Ready to Buy or Sell?
Getting Ready to Buy or Sell?
Buyers Start Here
Buyers
Start Here
Buyers Start Here
Work with a buyer’s agent to help you navigate the transaction.
Sellers Start Here
Meet with a listing agent to come up with a plan.
Work with a buyer’s agent to help you navigate the transaction.
Determine how much you can afford.
Work with a buyer’s agent to help you navigate the transaction.
Determine how much you can afford.
Review your credit score and make corrections if needed.
Determine how much you can afford.
Lower your debt-to-income ratio.
Review your credit score and make corrections if needed.
Review your credit score and make corrections if needed.
Lower your debt-to-income ratio.
Meet with a mortgage lender and get pre-approved.
Lower your debt-to-income ratio.
Meet with a mortgage lender and get pre-approved.
Meet with a mortgage lender and get pre-approved.
Meet with a listing agent to come up with a plan.
Start decluttering.
Start decluttering.
Make any necessary repairs inside and outside your home.
Meet with a listing agent to come up with a plan.
Start decluttering.
Make any necessary repairs inside and outside your home.
Make any necessary repairs inside and outside your home.
Compile all necessary paperwork (mortgage statements, home maintenance documents, etc.)
Compile all necessary paperwork (mortgage statements, home maintenance documents, etc.)
Compile all necessary paperwork (mortgage statements, home maintenance documents, etc.)
If you or someone you know is considering a move, feel free to contact me with any questions. I’m here to offer clear, concise information you can trust.
If you or someone you know is considering a move, feel free to contact me with any questions. I’m here to offer clear, concise information you can trust.
If you or someone you know is considering a move, feel free to contact me with any questions. I’m here to offer clear, concise information you can trust.
About our team
At the TB Realty Group, we take great pride in being a dedicated group of professional realtors who strive to deliver the best possible service to our clients. Our team is passionate about inspiring and sharing the lifestyle that comes along with buying or selling a property, regardless of price point. With decades of combined real estate experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to provide exceptional representation and expert negotiation, all while building the long-lasting relationships and trusted partnerships that set us apart.
As members of the Keller Williams Luxury Brand, we have access to a global network allowing us to reach buyers not only locally but also internationally through our affiliation with Who’s Who in Luxury Marketing. This gives our clients a distinct advantage in the competitive world of real estate.
Our team is there through every step of the real estate process, holding ourselves accountable to the highest standard of integrity and always placing our client’s interests above all else. We ensure that the experience of buying, selling, or investing in real estate is as easy as possible. By prioritizing our client’s needs we work hard to exceed expectations and are committed to going above and beyond to provide an unmatched level of customer service. We are developing relationships that last a lifetime and invite you to take this journey with us!
Understanding Ontario Tenant Rights for Real Estate Investors
As a landlord or real estate investor, it is essential to know the legal rights of tenants, as well as the obligations landlords must adhere to. Ontario is known for having more complex and strict tenant rights and requirements compared to some other provinces in Canada. Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs the relationship between tenants and landlords, ensuring fair practices and offering protections for both parties, but other relevant regulations and requirements also apply.
Rent Control and Increases: Ontario enforces some of the most regulated rent control policies in Canada, making it a significant aspect for real estate investors to understand. The annual rent increase is capped by the provincial government based on inflation, which limits how much landlords can raise rent each year. For 2024, the rent increase guideline is set at 2.5%. Landlords must provide tenants with at least 90 days’
written notice before implementing any increase, and they can only raise the rent once every 12 months.
Rent control, however, does not apply to newer properties first occupied on or after November 15, 2018. This exemption offers flexibility to investors managing newer units, allowing them to set rental rates that better reflect market conditions.
Eviction Rules: Ontario’s eviction regulations are among the most stringent in the country, ensuring tenants are not unfairly removed from their homes. Landlords can only evict tenants for specific reasons, such as:
• Non-payment of rent
• Property damage
• Illegal activities within the rental unit
• The landlord’s personal use of the property (e.g., moving in or housing a family member)
Even in these situations, landlords must adhere to strict notice requirements before proceeding with an eviction. Landlords must give written notice using the proper form provided by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), giving the reason for the eviction. Landlords must also apply for and receive an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board. Selfeviction or forcible removal is illegal.
Moreover, landlords wishing to evict a tenant for personal use must compensate the tenant with the equivalent of one month’s rent or offer a comparable rental unit. This differs from other provinces like Alberta, where eviction regulations are generally less administratively complex and provide landlords with more flexibility.
Maintenance Obligations: Ontario also imposes maintenance responsibilities on landlords, requiring them to ensure that rental units meet the requi red standards for health, safety, and maintenance. Tenants have the right to a habitable living environment, and landlords are required to promptly address any necessary repairs. If a landlord fails to maintain the property, tenants can file a complaint with the LTB, which may result in penalties for the landlord.
This level of detailed maintenance obligation is stricter than in some other provinces, where maintenance regulations may be less prescriptive, although landlords are still required to provide a habitable property.
Security Deposits and Rent Payments: Ontario is unique in that it prohibits landlords from collecting
security deposits for potential damages. The only deposit landlords can collect is a ‘last month’s rent’ deposit at the beginning of the tenancy. This deposit cannot be used for any other purposes, such as covering damages or additional fees.
In contrast, provinces like British Columbia allow landlords to collect both a damage deposit and a pet deposit, providing them with more financial security if damages occur during the tenancy.
Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) : The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) plays a central role in resolving disputes between landlords and tenants in Ontario. It provides a legal avenue for tenants to challenge rent increases, file maintenance complaints, or dispute eviction orders. For landlords, the LTB is a resource for addressing non-compliance from tenants, such as unpaid rent or damage to the property.
Tenant Protection During Sales: When a property is sold in Ontario, tenants have the right to continue living in the unit under the same lease terms. The new owner must honor the existing lease unless they wish to evict the tenant for personal use, in which case compensation is required. This protection ensures tenants have security even when a property changes ownership.
While other provinces may have similar regulations, Ontario’s requirement for compensation during eviction for personal use makes it more tenant-protective in this regard.
Ontario’s tenant rights and landlord obligations are more comprehensive and regulated compared to many other provinces. From strict rent control measures to rigorous eviction processes, the province’s laws ensure that tenants are protected and landlords are held accountable for maintaining rental units. For real estate investors, understanding these regulations is essential to ensure legal compliance and foster positive relationships with tenants. Familiarizing yourself with key areas such as rent control, maintenance obligations, and eviction rules can help prevent legal disputes and create a successful rental business in Ontario.
Lakeside Luxury Meets City Convenience - Step into a world of refined living with this exquisite waterfront condo, perfectly positioned near Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Spanning over 2000 square feet, this 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and comfort. Imagine mornings spent sipping coffee on your expansive 1000 sq ft terrace, virtually staged to help you envision the perfect setup for hosting friends or simply enjoying a peaceful retreat. Whether you love the buzz of downtown or the serenity of the waterfront, this property gives you the best of both worlds.
The open-concept living area seamlessly combines sophistication and functionality. With top-of-the-line gourmet appliances, a stunning oversized island, and a built-in beverage bar, the kitchen is truly the heart of this home—perfect for both the inspired home chef and those who love to entertain. Picture evenings spent with loved ones in this spacious living room, flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, or enjoying a quiet glass of wine on the balcony off the dining room or third bedroom. The thoughtful layout ensures each bedroom has its own unique view, allowing everyone to enjoy the charm of lakeside living.
Beyond the condo’s beautiful interiors lies an incredible outdoor lifestyle. Imagine stepping out to a network of cycling and walking trails or taking your dog to nearby parks—all just outside your front door. A true highlight is the view of Billy Bishop Airport, where you can watch planes take off and land against the backdrop of Lake Ontario. For those who love to travel, convenience is unmatched—you’re just minutes from boarding a flight to your next favourite destination.
This condo isn’t just a place to live; it’s a space that embraces both elegance and adventure. From entertaining on your terrace with breathtaking views to embracing the vibrant outdoor activities surrounding your home, this Toronto waterfront gem has it all. Make every day feel like a vacation, right in the heart of the city.
Canadian Thanksgiving Traditions
When we think of Thanksgiving of course our minds immediately go to turkey. But, it’s so much more than simply a big, festive bird!
We have been celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving as an official annual holiday since November, 1879. Thanksgiving Day has been a holiday on the second Monday of October since 1957.
Canadian Thanksgiving Origins
While perhaps not as long and storied a history as our neighbours’ holiday of thanks to the south, it has been no less revered since its inception almost 140 years ago. Our Holiday was first organized by leaders of the Protestant clergy, who appropriated the American Holiday, which was first observed in 1777 and established as a national day of “public thanksgiving and prayer” in 1789.
Canadian Thanksgiving
While the late 19th century marks the official beginning, Canadians do enjoy a first Thanksgiving story analogous to that of our American cousins feast at Plymouth in 1621. Perhaps not nearly as thoroughly
mythologized, ours is a story of gratitude featuring the pirate/explorer Martin Frobisher giving thanks in 1578, having survived the long journey in his quest to find a northern passage from Europe to Asia.
Like the American celebration, it is, and has always been, an opportunity to take time to give thanks for good harvest and fortunes of the past year. Giving thanks is the defining sentiment of the Thanksgiving holiday and it involves some distinct traditions to help celebrate our gratitude: for loved ones, for health, and for the abundance we enjoy with the tremendous good fortune of making our lives in this wealthy, tolerant, and endlessly diverse nation. It is, first and foremost, a celebration of abundance. Finding its roots in the European tradition of harvest festivals, a common symbol is the cornucopia, or horn, filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables.
The cornucopia, which means “Horn of Plenty” in Latin, was considered a symbol of bounty and plenty to the ancient Greeks. Turkeys, pumpkins, ears of corn, and stalks of wheat along with large displays of food are still used today to symbolize Thanksgiving Day.
A Very Canadian Weekend of Thanks
In typical Canadian fashion, we tend to be a little more relaxed about the holiday than the typically more exuberant Americans. The official Holiday is the Monday, but the festive meal can occur on either the Saturday or Sunday.
This more casual approach is more evident in Quebec. Given the holiday’s Protestant origins and the majority of French Canadians aligned more with Catholicism,
Thanksgiving or action de grâce, as it is known, is
celebrated to an even lesser extent than in the rest of the country,
Football, while not as big as the Football extravaganza in the United States on their Thanksgiving Thursday, is still somewhat associated with Thanksgiving. The Canadian Football League (CFL) does hold the Thanksgiving Day Classic, a sports tradition dating back as early as 1958. It is a doubleheader, with two games played that afternoon.
Canadian Thanksgiving tradition does boast uniquely Canadian culinary traditions. The staples, of course – turkey and gravy, cranberry sauce – but there are variations on how they’re prepared. For example, we prefer our vegetables mashed, love our bread and rice stuffing and typically include dinner rolls rather than the southern favourite, cornbread. We also have a particular penchant for specific late-season items such as squashes and Brussels sprouts. Interestingly, Canadian pumpkin pie is typically spicier, often made with a flavourful punch of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
Family dining
While perhaps not abundant in a variety of official traditions that are unique, our Thanksgiving celebration is still uniquely Canadian. With such ethnic and cultural diversity, Canadians will give thanks in a myriad of different ways, incorporating the traditional with their own individual cultural and familial practices.
One thing will be certain on Canadian Thanksgiving: the October weekend will be joyful and vibrant with displays of love and gratitude for family, friends, and our great good fortune to live in Canada.
We are excited to announce that the beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo at 80 Port Street has officially sold! This stunning unit, complete with a recently renovated kitchen and spacious laundry room, caught the eye of just the right buyer. The sellers are thrilled with how quickly everything came together and are delighted with the smooth and speedy closing process.
This sale is a reminder of how crucial it is to have the right team on your side when buying or selling. If you’re thinking about making a move, whether upsizing, downsizing, or investing in a new property, our team is here to help every step of the way. Reach out today to see how we can assist you in achieving your real estate goals!
Inheriting a Home With Your Siblings?
Here’s All That Can Go Wrong
If you and your siblings are on track to one day inherit your parents’ home, take heed of this cautionary tale.
In a Reddit thread, a poster recounts how when his mom died in 2018, she left him and his two siblings her house.
“My siblings wanted to sell the house and split the money,” the anonymous poster says. “I wanted to keep the house. I asked them if I could buy them out.”
They agreed. So the siblings got the property appraised, and he paid them both a third of the home’s current value. His brother spent his share on sports cars, nights out, and exotic vacations; his sister splurged on a boat.
In 2023, the man and his wife decided to move to be closer to her family, and they sold the house. By
then, the price of the home had tripled.
“Now, both of my siblings think that I owe it to them to split the profit I made,” he writes. “This has become really toxic and most of my family is on their side. My mom’s sister says it would have broken her heart to see her kids fight like this and I should split the money with my siblings. My dad’s sister thinks I should buy them off so they shut up.”
Does this man owe his siblings anything more? We asked the experts for their take on the situation.
What the attorneys say “The brother is not obligated to give them anything,”
says Jessa Gary, an attorney in the estate planning, trust, and probate practice at Isaac Wiles in Columbus, OH. “His siblings are not the property ownersand are not legally entitled to anything - because he already bought them out.”
When their brother bought the house, he also took on all the risk, notes Jonathan Ross, managing attorney at Texas Probate Pros in San Antonio, TX.
“This house became his investment,” Ross explains. “His siblings, if they were smart, should have invested the money he paid them to buy them out. Unfortunately, they went and immediately spent that money. The bottom line is that they had every opportunity to do wise things with the money and invest.”
Long story short: They didn’t.
“If the value went down, I don’t think the siblings would be offering to pay him for the loss. He just did better, and legally, I don’t see any basis for complaint,” says Robert Steele, a partner at Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas in Manhattan, where he heads the trusts and estates department.
It’s a matter of perspective. “It is no different than selling the property to a stranger and then wanting part of the profit later when the stranger sells the property for more than he or she paid them for the property,” says attorney Don Worley, of McDonald Worley in Houston. “The siblings were more than happy to take the money when their brother offered to buy them out, but then their greed took over when he actually did something with the property and sold it for a profit later.”
Dividing or selling contents
House sales aren’t the only inheritance-related issue families fight about.
“I often work with properties where siblings are selling after a death—and over the course of my career, I have seen a variety of squabbles,” says Nikki Beauchamp, associate broker at Sotheby’s International Realty in Manhattan. “Some of the largest issues come from arguments over contents.”
To keep the peace, Ross recommends siblings flip a coin or take turns selecting one item they want to keep when dividing things up.
“But if the siblings do not get along,” he adds, “I’d rec-
ommend hiring an estate sale company to sell everything in the house and distribute the money evenly.”
Missing
contents
Another frequent bone of contention among siblings is items that go missing.
“Many times, Mom and Dad had a house full of stuff, and over the years, things break or go missing without anyone being at fault,” says Brian Haran, senior associate attorney at Cona Elder Law in Melville, NY. “But in some cases, items are taken by an opportunistic child or family member.”
In these situations, Haran says it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced elder law estate administration attorney.
“However, it’s crucial to consider whether the money spent chasing down those items is worth the potential return,” Haran warns. “Knowing that someone took some of Mom and Dad’s property and proving they took something are unfortunately two very different matters.”
When a sibling wants to live in an inherited house for free
Another common issue is a sibling who wants to move in—or won’t move out.
“One of the problem scenarios I’ve run into in the past with clients is one of the siblings was living in the house with the parent and didn’t want to move out,” says Raul Gastesi, an attorney at Gastesi Lopez and Mestre in Miami Lakes, Florida. “They felt entitled to remain living there and wanted to do so for free.”
In other cases, one sibling wants to move into the house after the death of the parents.
“The issue then becomes whether this sibling will pay rent, if this sibling will buy the house from the other siblings, and if so, at what price?” Gastesi says. “This always becomes an issue, and they also need to consider the fair market value of the house.”
And if the sibling has financial problems, that just compounds the issue.
“That sibling doesn’t have the ability to buy the house because they don’t have the financial wherewithal, or they don’t have the credit,” Gastesi explains. “That leaves the other siblings disappointed, because they either must finance the house or come to another arrangement.”
That’s something that needs to be discussed among the siblings, Gastesi says. Questions to consider include the following: Are we going to sell the house? Are we going to rent the house out? And if one of us moves in, what happens to the interest of the other siblings? Do we let them live there for free and eat the cost?
Steps
you can take now to avoid future
issues
Parents can help their children in advance by drawing up a will and addressing this issue within their estate-planning documents.
“That can look like ‘the house goes to my kids in equal shares,’ ‘the house needs to be sold,’ or whatever other arrangement the parents wish to make,” Gastesi says.
They can even state in their will that if one of their children buys another out at fair market value, that transaction is final and the other siblings cannot go after future gains after the fact.
But Isaac Wiles’ Gary warns parents not to leave the property to one child with the idea the child will split the money with the siblings.
“They are not required to [split the proceeds] legally, and so it comes down to whether they want to give something to their siblings out of goodwill,” she says. “Unfortunately, this type of dispute is not uncommon.”
Why buying a sibling out can spell trouble
Buying out a sibling might seem fine and fair in theory, but experts warn that this can lead to a surprising number of hurt feelings or conflict.
“My recommendation to siblings who inherit a house is to sell it and distribute the sale amount evenly among them, in most cases,” Ross explains. “That way, everyone knows they were treated fairly and nobody got a better deal.”
If one of the siblings wants to use that money to buy real estate, they can do it with another house.
“This will eliminate potential jealousy from the siblings years later thinking they didn’t get as good of a deal as one sibling who bought the others out,” Ross says.
Advice for buying out a home inheritance
If you do inherit property and decide to buy out your siblings, Gary recommends first getting an appraisal on the property to see what the current value is as of the date of death—that last part is key.
“This will help reduce capital gains taxes on a future sale,” she says. “And if one sibling decides to buy others out, it will help them come to an agreed-upon price.”
If the sibling buying out the others is also the executor or trustee, be sure to consult a lawyer first, because that means the sibling is held to a “fiduciary standard of care” and must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
No matter what, be sure to put everything in writing with an attorney.
“Families often think they don’t need to go through the legalities because they are family,” Gary says. “But it can avoid a lot of issues and ensure everything is aboveboard.”
Twice-Baked Sweet Potato
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
3 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed (12 to 14 ounces each)
5½ tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
½ cup minced shallots (2 shallots)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves, plus 6 sprigs for garnish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
4 ounces Taleggio cheese, small-diced (6 ounces with the rind)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1. Place the potatoes on the prepared sheet pan and cut a few slits in each potato to allow steam to escape. Bake the potatoes for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until very tender when tested with a skewer. Set aside for 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle.
STEP 2. Meanwhile, heat 1½ tablespoons of the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until tender. Add the thyme and cook for 1 minute. Set aside.
STEP 3. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out some of the warm potato into a medium bowl with a teaspoon, leaving a ½-inch-thick shell of sweet potato. The potatoes should look like little canoes. Sprinkle the potato shells generously with salt and pepper. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the scooped-out potato flesh and mash it with a fork. Add the egg, shallots, Taleggio, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and stir until combined. Spoon the mixture into the sweet potato shells and top each with a sprig of fresh thyme. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until puffed and lightly browned. Serve hot.
By Ina Garten from her cookbook Make It Ahead. Photo by Quentin Bacon
Welcome to an extraordinary opportunity in the heart of downtown Hamilton! This prime corner retail space is perfectly situatedinthecity’sbustlingrestaurantandretaildistrict,offering unparalleled visibility and endless potential for your business to flourish. Whether you’re envisioning a trendy eatery, a cozy bar, a neighbourhood ice cream shop, or a charming bakery, this high-traffic location sets the stage for success.
Downtown Hamilton is known for its vibrant energy, attracting a diverse mix of residents, students, and visitors who flock to its eclectic blend of restaurants, cafés, boutique shops, and cultural attractions. The area is alive with foot traffic, particularly in this section of the city, making it the ideal spot for businesses looking to engage with a dynamic and ever-growing community.
This spacious ground-floor corner unit spans a generous 2,700 square feet, providing a blank canvas for your entrepreneurial vision. With D2 zoning, you’ll have the flexibility to bring a variety of business ideas to life. The surrounding area is on the cusp of a development boom, with a new mixed-use project directly across the street that once built, will include towering residential and retail spaces. This exciting development promises to bring even more activity and opportunity to the neighbourhood, placing your business at the center of growth and innovation.
Additionally, you’ll be located next to the prestigious William Thomas Building, a luxury student residence that ensures steady foot traffic from the student population - a vital demographic in downtown Hamilton. The area also offers convenient access to public transportation and major highways, making it easy for customers from across the city and beyond to visit your establishment.
Seize this chance to become a part of a thriving community in one of Hamilton’s most sought-after districts! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be at the heart of downtown Hamilton’s growth and vibrancy.
Canada Ranks as One of the World’s Most Transparent Real Estate Markets
Canada has been recognized as one of the most transparent real estate markets in the world, according to a new report by JLL. The country ranked fifth in the JLL Global Real Estate Transparency Index 2024, which assesses openness, integrity, and credibility in real estate markets.
Canada received an overall score of 1.49, with the highest possible score being 1. The report noted that higher transparency fosters trust among buyers and sellers, ensuring fairness in transactions.
The United Kingdom took the top spot on the list with a score of 1.24, followed by France (1.26), the United States (1.34), and Australia (1.37). Canada’s fifth-place ranking tied with the Netherlands, both receiving a score of 1.49.
JLL said the goal of the index is not to dissuade clients from operating in less transparent markets but to highlight the importance of managing transparency risks through local expertise.
The rankings are based on a combination of data from JLL’s global survey across 89 countries and 151 city markets, focusing on areas like market fundamentals, transaction processes, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
Canada ranked second in market fundamentals, tying with Australia and just behind the United States. In terms of regulatory and legal transparency, Canada secured fifth place, with the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Ireland leading the category.
Canada ranked tenth in the transaction process and tied with the Netherlands again in the sustainability subcategory, coming in sixth.
Since JLL’s previous report two years ago, Canada has made legislative advancements that have contributed to its high ranking. These include new rules on the disclosure of beneficial ownership and upcoming regulations on climate-related disclosures.
Cities like Montreal and Vancouver are set to implement stricter rules on greenhouse gas emissions disclosures, which further support Canada’s position in the transparency rankings.
The Complete Edge in Real Estate The Power of Staging
The real estate market is more competitive than ever. With buyers exploring countless properties online, creating a standout first impression is essential. Our home staging expertise transforms your property into a captivating space that not only turns heads but also leaves a lasting emotional impact on potential buyers. Home staging blends interior design with strategic decor to elevate a property’s appeal, creating an inviting atmosphere that resonates with buyers. In today’s market, trends emphasize lifestyle experiences, favouring open layouts, minimalist aesthetics, and sustainable features. Staging goes far beyond tidying up - it’s about crafting a story that potential buyers can see themselves living in.
Cutting corners on staging is a risk no seller should take. By highlighting a property’s best features and minimizing its flaws, we create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to a broad range of buyers. The return on investment is clear - staging boosts property value and leads to better outcomes for all involved.
First Impressions Matter More Than Ever
The unveiling of a luxurious condominium transformation in the lakeside community of Port Credit, Mississauga.
We’re excited to introduce the first property in our condo staging series! This beautifully transformed condominium exemplifies how strategic design can completely elevate a space. Working closely with our clients, we took a modern, minimalist approach to highlight the condo’s best features - spacious rooms, ample natural light, and sleek finishes. The result is a captivating, move-in-ready property that instantly feels like home. Our goal was not just to style a space, but to create a warm, inviting atmosphere where buyers can imagine their future. This condo sets the stage for what’s possible when staging meets vision.
This elegant lakeside suite in Port Credit has strong architectural appeal with upgraded flooring, crown moulding, and built-in cabinetry, but the existing furnishings didn’t fully highlight its potential. Recognizing that not all buyers can look past what’s currently in place, we introduced complementary pieces that harmonized with the natural backdrop. This transformed the space into a more visually cohesive and inviting environment to attract a larger audience.
Simple fixes, big impact
The kitchen has been beautifully renovated to maximize the space, featuring elegant floor-to-ceiling white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a stone tile backsplash. With the addition of carefully chosen artwork and accessories, the space now truly shines.
BEFORE The primary bedroom already featured a neutral palette with its wall and flooring choices. By adding soft white bedding, black accent pieces, and selecting fewer but larger artworks to fill the walls, we were able to create a classic, contemporary, and minimalist ambiance in the space.
The luxurious primary ensuite was already a standout, featuring upgraded cabinetry, a stunning oversized shower with a rain shower head, and spa-inspired tile and lighting that created a true sanctuary for the future homeowners. To complete the space, we added plush towels, thoughtfully considered artwork, and accessories to enhance the atmosphere of relaxation.
Building on the sophistication of the primary ensuite, the second bathroom has also undergone a complete renovation. With the addition of luxurious towels, artwork, and accessories, we were able to elevate the space and help it truly shine as intended.
To maintain cohesion with the interior elements, we extended the staging outdoors by adjusting the furniture placement to improve the flow of the space. A softer area rug and thoughtfully selected accessories were added to enhance the tranquil, relaxing atmosphere.
Contrary to old-school thinking, staging is no longer only reserved for luxury listings - it’s a game-changer at every price point. The benefits of staging are clear: it not only speeds up the sales process but often results in higher final selling prices. Buyers are looking for more than just a house or condo; they want a home that feels cared for. Clean linens, plush towels in the bathroom, and an organized, clutter-free kitchen all help buyers connect with the home on a personal level, adding warmth and livability to the space.
Thoughtful staging encourages buyers to envision their future in the home, sparking excitement and generating positive discussions. As Realtors, we believe in staging so strongly that we often include it as part of our service, knowing it’s an investment that pays off. Investing in staging attracts more buyers, speeds up the selling process, and often leads to better offers. Think of it not as an expense, but as a strategic investment in maximizing your home’s potential.
Pumpkin Spice Colada
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Serves 1
Instead of decadent coconut cream, skim the rich solids off a can of coconut milk (use the rest to cook coconut rice, or in smoothies). “Secret ingredient” carrot juice has an earthy, vegetable flavour similar to pumpkin, and amps up the orange colour. Graham cracker crumbs on the rim give this creamy drink a pumpkin pie vibe.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 oz lime juice, plus lime wedge from rimming glass
Graham cracker crumbs for rimming glass
1 1/2 oz aged rum, such as Appleton Estate V/X Signature Blend
1 oz coconut cream
1 oz Creamy Pumpkin Spice Syrup
3 oz pineapple juice
1 1/2 carrot juice
Spritz Angostura bitters
Fresh pineapple wedge and pumpkin spice for garnish (optimal)
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1: Prepare a glass by running lime wedge around rim and dipping into graham crackers crumbs.
STEP 2: In a blender, add 6 oz ice plus rum, coconut cream, syrup, plus pineapple, carrot and lime juices. Blend until creamy and smooth.
STEP 3: Pour into rimmed glass and spritz top of drink with bitters. If desired, dip pineapple wedge in pumpkin spice and garnish drink.
TIP An inexpensive dollar store atomizer elevates presentation: fill it with Angostura bitters and create a red ombré effect on creamy cocktails and sours topped with egg whites. Here, the spicy bitters perfectly complement pumpkin spices.
October 3rd, 2024 - Greater Toronto Area (GTA) home sales increased year-over-year in September. Buyers were starting to take advantage of more affordable market conditions brought about by interest rate cuts and lower home prices. “As buyers take advantage of changes to mortgage lending guidelines and borrowing costs trend lower, home sales will steadily increase in relation to population growth. With every cut, a growing number of GTA households will afford a long-term investment in home ownership, including first-time buyers,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Jennifer Pearce.
The MLS® reported 4,996 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in September 2024 - up by 8.5 per cent compared to 4,606 sales reported in September 2023. New listings entered the MLS® System amounted to 18,089 - up by an even greater 10.5 per cent year-over-year. On a seasonal adjusted basis, September sales increased on a monthly basis compared to August, along with new listings.
The ML® Home Price Index Composite benchmark was down by 4.6 per cent year-over-year in September. The average selling price, at $1,107,291 was down by a lessor one per cent compared to the September 2023 average of $1,118,215. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average selling price edged up slightly compared to August.
“The annual improvement in September home sales was more that matched by the increase in new listings over the same period. This resulted in a better-supplied market and increased negotiating power for buyer re-entering the market. The ability to negotiate on price, led to moderate year-over-year price declines, particularly in the more affordable condo apartment and townhouse segments, which are popular with first time buyers,” said TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.
“We are please with the positive changes to mortgages lending guidelines announced over the past month. The ability for existing mortgage holders to shop around for the best rate without facing the stress test will result in more affordable renewals. Longer amortization periods and the ability to insure mortgages for purchase over $1 million dollars will give home buyers more options as the GTA housing market recovers. TRREB has long been callling for these changes to give buyers more flexibility as they navigate their home buying journey,” siad TRREB CEO John DiMichele.
101 years, 5 months, and 2 days ago Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae sat down and wrote the timeless remembrance poem “In Flanders Field”. After presiding over the funeral of friend and fellow serviceman Alexis Helmer, Lieutenant-Colonel McCrae penned the 15 line poem while noticing red poppies grew uninhibited around the graves of fallen servicemen. The story goes that at first, McCrae wrote the poem while sitting at the back of an ambulance and immediately dissatisfied with his efforts, he discarded the paper it was written on. It was retrieved by a fellow serviceman, and the poem was published in the London based Magazine “Punch”. Due to its immediate success it was turned into propaganda, it was used as a recruiting call and it was even used as a pitch for war bonds. Although immensely popular at the time, no know knew the extent to which a simple poem, written by a war-tired Canadian would have on the world at large.
In 1918 World War l was coming to an end. There was a light at the end of the tunnel of death and destruction that took up the better part of five years. A middle-aged school teacher named Moina Michaels from Athens, Georgia, inspired by the classic poppy-centred poem “In Flander’s Field”, wrote “We Shall Keep the Faith”. She wrote the response poem
while on a leave from teaching at the University of Georgia. She relocated to New York to volunteer at the headquarters of the YWCA and was deeply moved by the McCrae poem:
“We cherish too the poppy red That grows on fields where valour led. It seems to signal to the skies, The blood of heroes never dies.”
So inspired by the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldiers embroiled in the battle, Michaels returned to the University of Georgia and taught a class for disabled servicemen from the war. It was during this time that she realized these military personnel deserved the utmost respect and should be remembered and celebrated. These servicemen were now unable to provide for themselves due to their disabilities, so Michaels took it upon herself to do something about it. She began crafting and selling crude silk poppy replicas to raise funds for her “students”. Due to the overwhelming success of her endeavour, the American Legion took notice and in 1921 they adopted the Poppy as the official symbol of remembrance for war veterans.
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, a war widow from France named Anne Guerin took up the poppies’ cause for the same reasons. France had lost a whole
generation of men to the war and Madame Guerin felt they deserved a symbol of remembrance like the Americans. She, like Michaels, began selling small hand crafted replicas of the poppy in order to raise funds to rebuild her war torn country. After a successful campaign in France, she made the trip to Canada to continue her crusade. The Royal Canadian Legion adopted the poppy as the official symbol of remembrance in 1921 (along with Britain and Australia). In the beginning, the Canadian Legion bought its poppies from Madame Guerin’s organization. This continued until 1966 when the Legion began enlisting Canadian companies to create the replicas.
Millions of poppies are sold worldwide each year throughout the commonwealth to support veterans and their families and to remember those who have fallen to fight in the name of freedom. In 2014 a record of 19 million poppies were sold in Canada alone. The combination of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, and November 11th as Remembrance Day we stand together, poppies pinned close to our hearts on our left lapels. We remember those who fought and died for our country and hence, for us. The joys and freedoms we now enjoy are because of their sacrifices; sacrifices made in the hopes we as a people would never have to endure the horrors of war again.
Swaying palms and a gracious front entry leave no doubt that relaxation awaits in this new construction Florida Keys home. The 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home is along a canal in sought-after White Marlin Beach. The open concept main floor has soaring ceilings, oversized windows and glass doors connecting the living space to the pool and waterway beyond. The bright gourmet kitchen features JennAir appliances, two sinks and spacious cabinets. A bay window in the dining area serves up a pool view.
The main floor primary bedroom includes a custom closet and opens to the pool and patio. The main bedroom upstairs has a large closet and a Jack & Jill bath leading to another guest bedroom. With two additional bedrooms, the home easily accommodates family and friends. The home comes fully furnished and professionally decorated.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS LISTING
Pumpkin Pie Brûlée with Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Cream
STEP 2: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
STEP 3: Pour the mixture into ramekins or custard cups.
STEP 4: Place ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
STEP 5: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
STEP 6: Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
STEP 7: Before serving, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over each custard. Use a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar until caramelized.
STEP 8: For the whipped cream, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with bourbon, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Serve alongside the brûlée.
FOR SALE 28643 VIA D AREZZO DRIVE BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA
Welcome to this exquisitely remodeled home in Vasari Country Club and Golf Course Community, situated on the border of Naples and Bonita Springs. Enjoy the exclusive advantage of a golf course community available only to residents—no membership waitlist required! This property offers a standout open pool area with its own putting green, an outdoor kitchen, a TV sitting area, and spectacular sunset views over the golf course and lake. Featuring over $600k in upgrades, this former model home is the crown jewel of the neighbourhood. It boasts 3 bedroom plus large den, 3 bathrooms, and a 2 car garage. Vasari Country Club is a private, gated golf community located in Bonita Springs, Florida. Known for its beautifully landscaped grounds and luxurious amenities, Vasari offers an upscale lifestyle centered around an 18hole championship golf course designed by Gordon Lewis. The club also features tennis courts, a fitness center, and various dining options, as well as social events and activities for members. The community includes a range of residences, from coach homes and condos to villas and single-family homes, many of which offer stunning views of the golf course, lakes, and preserves.
OUR AGENTS FAVOURITES
Lindsay recommends Niagara-on-the Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway or a refined weekend retreat. Every visit feels like a new adventure, whether it’s wandering through the beautiful neighbourhoods, admiring the stunning historic homes, enjoying the unique shops and restaurants along the main strip, or visiting one of their many breathtaking vineyards. To celebrate our most recent anniversary we decided to visit the Two Sisters Vineyards and had a fantastic lunch outside at Kitchen 76. It was a perfect setting for a special occasion, with a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The food and wine were as spectacular as the vineyard views. Dining outdoors with the lush backdrop of the vines was the perfect way to celebrate! For our stay, we chose 124 on Queen, conveniently located right on the main strip, which offered a cozy and luxurious retreat. Over the years we’ve stayed at several beautiful hotels in the area, including the Prince of Wales and the Pillar and Post, both of which have their own unique charm and elegance. No matter how many times we visit, Niagara-on-the-Lake never fails to enchant us. It’s the perfect getaway for enjoying great food, fine wines, and the beauty of a historic town. We always look forward to our next trip!
Are Your Seasonal Allergies Worse as We Head
into Fall? You’re Not Alone
Edmonton physician Dr. Stephanie Liu, known on the internet as Dr. Mom, had never felt any seasonal allergies until suddenly they kicked in a few years ago. Now, she begins sneezing and feeling itchy when she’s outdoors after the grass has been cut or if it’s a windy day.
Many patients are reporting that their allergies are lasting longer and that symptoms are getting worse, she said.
“A lot of people have found over recent years that their seasonal allergies might be getting worse and that’s because pollen counts have been rising, in general, in recent years, which makes symptoms of seasonal allergies get worse,” she said in a phone call with Metroland Media.
A number of media reports suggest pollen counts are rising with rising temperatures, which results in a longer growing season. In the fall, the main culprit of seasonal allergies is ragweed pollen, Liu said.
Places that have seen a lot of rain, such as Ontario, have the added allergy contributor of fungi spores, as fungi thrive in a damp environment. The Weather Network has a helpful allergy outlook with a pollen forecast that is updated daily.
Written by Dominik Kurek. Photo by Pexels
Source: https://www.insidehalton.com/life/
How to mitigate symptoms
There are things people can do to mitigate seasonal allergies.
Firstly, try to minimize your exposure to pollen, Liu said. You can start by closing doors and windows when you’re indoors. You should also clean and vacuum regularly to reduce the amount of pollen and dust in your home.
Also, the moment you or your kids come inside, wash your hands and face to rinse away pollen. “Even better, if possible, hop in the shower to rinse off the pollen from your body,” she said.
After that, if allergies are still a problem, she recommends medications. She says nasal saline sprays are useful in flushing out allergens and relieving nasal congestion. There are also prescription steroid sprays available. There are also antihistamines for both adults and children that can help stop sneezing, itching and runny nose symptoms.
In some situations, allergen immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, may be recommended for children with severe seasonal allergies to help build tolerance to specific allergens over time.
Liu recommends you check with your doctor to make sure what you are experiencing is seasonal allergies before you start taking medications.
Seasonal allergies or common cold
Symptoms of seasonal allergies may include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, sore or itchy throat and coughing. While there is symptom overlap with the common cold, there are some key differences, Liu said.
For starters, the duration of symptoms for seasonal allergies is longer, as these can last weeks or months, while a common cold will typically resolve itself within two weeks. At the onset of symptoms, people with seasonal allergies will start sneezing and become itchy immediately after they’ve been
exposed to allergens, whereas a common cold will often start with a tickle in the throat and tiredness, and that progresses to a stuffy nose, fever, chills and more.
With allergies, nasal discharge is usually clear and watery, while with a common cold, nasal discharge can be clear or thicker and discoloured. Common colds sometimes include fever, whereas allergies do not.
Liu said diagnosing seasonal allergies is easier with adults, as they can describe their symptoms better. With young children, she said, seasonal allergies can make it difficult for them to sleep at night, which can lead to other symptoms, such as having a harder time concentrating on school work or making them irritable.
Upcoming Events - October
Hanson - Danforth Music Hall
Spooky at Illumi Mississauga
Pumpkinville
Sept 28 - October 31
Halloween Haunt
October - November 2
Festival of Arabic Music & Art Canadian Arabic Youth Orchestra - Mississauga
Hanson - Danforth Music Hall
Cooking Classes at Paradiso Oakville
Boos & Brews - Oakville
Historic Ghost Walk - Oakville
Simply the Best - a Tina Turner
Tribute with Adrienne Warren Roy Thomon Music Hall
Cooking Classes at Paradiso Oakville
Boos & Brews - Oakville
Boos & Brews - Oakville
In conversation with Beker - Oakville
Simply the BestTribute with Adrienne Roy Thomon Music
Historic Ghost Walk In Conversation Travis - Oakville
with Jeanne Walk for World Mental Health Day - Oakville
Take back the Night 2024 Oakville
- a Tina Turner
Adrienne Warren Music Hall
Urban Pumpkin Patch - Oakville
Shades of Autumn Oakville
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Pittsburg Penguins Food Fashion Fun 2024 Oakville The Wearable Art Show Gala 2024- Oakville The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Tails & Treats - Oakville
Dog Yoga Presented by Yoga Kawa - Oakville
Celebration Scare - Mississauga
Urban Pumpkin Patch - Oakville
Halloween Spooktacular Oakville Place
Halloween in Clarkson Village
Walk - Oakville with Debbie Oakville
Chase Padgett - 6 Guitars
Sue Foley - One Guitar Woman
Theresa Sells Pacaso
What is Fractional Ownership in Real Estate Understanding Fractional Ownership
Fractional ownership in real estate is when individuals own a percentage of a property and share usage rights. Fractional ownership splits the cost of an expensive purchase among several people.
Fractional ownership is commonly used for buying vacation homes or luxury items like boats or planes, but is also used for other types of assets such as art, stock and fashion items. Owners are issued a deed representing their fraction of the property.
Fractional owners also take on the benefits and losses that come with ownership: If a vacation home grows in value over 10 years, individual shares appreciate, too. Co-owners share usage rights, income and access to their shared property proportionate to the percentage of the asset they own. Unlike a timeshare, fractional ownership means you own part of the second home itself, not just the time you can use it.
There are a few common fractional ownership structures that we’ll dive into later. One is called tenancy in common and another is via an entity, like an LLC.
Example: Sophie lives in Detroit, Michigan, and wants to buy a second home so she can winter on the West
Coast. Her budget is $110,000, so she’s able to become a 1/4 fractional owner of a beach house valued at $440,000. The home has two other owners: James, who owns 1/4 and the Jones family who own 1/2 of the property shares. A local management company facilitates their renovations and property maintenance.
Takeaways
Fractional ownership is:
• A more accessible way to buy and own than purchasing alone
• When the cost of an asset is divided into percentage shares
• Property that’s owned and shared by multiple unrelated parties
What are the pros and cons of fractional ownership?
The pros include each owner has express ownership of part of the property. Your capital goes further as a part of a collective buying power. You have
Written by Kayla Moss. Images from Pacaso
greater control over when and how you stay than a timeshare and there are typically fewer owners to share with than a timeshare. You can sell your shares in the property whenever you want and your shares can appreciate over time. The cons are that you aren’t the sole owner of the property. You pay management fees, if you choose an external manager. Your shares can depreciate over time and it can be difficult to sell shares versus a whole property.
What is tenancy in common?
With tenancy in common (TIC), each tenant holds an individual deed for a fraction or percentage of a commercial or residential property. There is one key difference between tenancy in common and fractional ownership: No one person or company is in charge. To be a TIC, individuals must own different percentages of the property while sharing the whole and managing it themselves.
What is fractional ownership through an entity?
Some properties split ownership via a structural
entity like an LLC (limited liability company) or LLP (limited liability partnership). Since a separate legal entity defines the ownership, it’s no longer a tenancy in common. It’s not necessary to have an LLC to make a fractional owner ship purchase.
Can fractional ownership apply to any purchase?
Many major purchases can be purchased via fractional ownership: luxury cars, yachts and boats, aircraft, recreational vehicles and, of course, real estate.
Theresa sells fractional properties
Don’t let your dream of owning a vacation home remain just that. Take the first step towards a life of luxury and contact Theresa at 647-2980997. With her guidance and Pacaso’s innovative co-ownership model, you can start living your best life now. For more information or to see some of the properities available for sale, visit www.theTBrealtygroup.com/fractional_ownership
FOR SALE | 1/8th ownership
RIESLING, ST. HELENA CALIFORNIA
Welcome to this fully renovated home minutes from St. Helena’s prestigious shopping area.
This fully renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is as crisp and refreshing as a chilled glass of Riesling. Savor contemporary, one-level living offering relaxed indoor and outdoor spaces. The sleek great room has a gas fireplace, wet bar and glass doors that open to the pool and private back yard for easy entertaining. The light, bright adjoining dining and kitchen space also have access to the pool and a covered outdoor dining area.
The primary bedroom has a modern vibe, with opaque glass-and-metal barn doors that open to the closet, and an en suite bathroom with soaking tub and tiled shower area and a dual vanity. The main home includes two guest bedrooms and an additional bathroom.
The ADU is connected to the house via a breezeway and includes a living room/bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchenette. The home comes fully furnished and professionally decorated.
OUR AGENTS FAVOURITES
Theresa recommends Belsito Trattoria-Vino
Kleinburg, Ontario
If you’re seeking a dining experience that feels like a warm Italian embrace, look no further than Belsito Trattoria-Vino in Kleinburg, Ontario. I recently visited this gem on a Saturday evening, and I must say, the evening was nothing short of spectacular. The food arrived hot, bursting with flavour, and the service was impeccable from start to finish. Without hesitation, I’m giving it a five-star rating!
Belsito Trattoria-Vino perfectly blends traditional Italian fare with a contemporary twist. Located in the historic Village of Kleinburg, steps from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kortright Centre, and Humber River Trails, this urban-old world trattoria offers a culinary experience that honours Italian heritage while showcasing local and imported ingredients.
Martino Stalteri and his staff has created a welcoming space with 76 seats and an al-fresco patio for 34. Whether you’re enjoying seasonal features or selecting from their exceptional wine list focused on Italian varieties, you’re in for an authentic taste of Italy.
It’s worth the drive to Kleinburg. Buon appetito!
Ready to Fall Back?
When Daylight Savings Ends in Canada
Although we’re only a few weeks into fall, it’s already time to start thinking about the winter ahead and the increased darkness we Canadians will soon have to endure.
Daylight saving time 2024 will come to an end on Nov. 3, so consider this your one-month warning. Canadians in most time zones can “fall back” on Saturday, Nov. 2 this year before they head to bed, as the clocks roll back in the wee morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 3, while most people are sleeping. (The Yukon, most of Saskatchewan and some parts of British Columbia and Quebec stay on standard time.)
Nowadays, most digital and Wi-Fi-connected devices will roll back automatically, but it never hurts to check your clocks on Nov. 3, and save yourself the embarrassment of showing up to work early on Monday. For years, Canadians tired of this twice-yearly,
time-travelling switch have argued that daylight saving time should be permanent across Canada. Peter Graefe, an associate professor of political science at McMaster University, previously told Global News it wouldn’t be an easy switch, unless all provinces - and even our neighbours to the southwere to sign on.
“It’s difficult because it’s a collective action problem,” he said.
“If all the provinces and the states move at the same time, then we’re all in the same relationship with each other. Whereas if just certain provinces were
going to move, then suddenly they would be offkilter with their neighbouring states and provinces.”
Health and Safety impacts of daylight saving time
According to some historians and archivists, DST originated around 1908 and 1909 in what is now Thunder Bay, Ontario. But the province where it likely began has indicated that it wants to end the time-change system. In 2020, the Ontario legislature unanimously passed a private member’s bill called the Time Amendment Act, which sought to make DST permanent.
While some jurisdictions in Canada, including the Yukon and Saskatchewan, are on permanent standard time, Graefe said many will look to Canada’s most populous province as a bellwether.
“I suspect other provinces would see whether the sky fell or not if Ontario was to be the first mover,” he said.
But Ontario is looking for cues south of the border. The 2020 bill had one key stipulation — Ontario would only move on DST if New York and Quebec did.
“Economic problems would be caused if you have a single mover rather than having everyone move together,” Graefe said.
British Columbia, too, took a big swing in this direction with a 2019 law that would make the change permanent, but it did not set a date for the change. The province said it wanted to align with Washington, Oregon and California. All three West Coast states have passed their own bills to remain permanently on DST. Proponents of permanent DST saw some hope in 2022, when the United States Senate voted to make the change permanent. However, Werner Antweiler, associate professor at UBC Sauder School of
Business, told Global News that the bill, dubbed the Sunshine Protection Act, has not made any further progress.
“The efforts are stalled until the U.S. Congress passes the enabling legislation,” he said. “That then triggers the existing legislation in several U.S. states, and ultimately decides the fate of our own legislation in places (such) as B.C. that are waiting to move to adopt year-round DST if/when it aligns with the U.S. states in the same time zone.”
The idea behind the clock shift is to maximize sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere, as days start to lengthen in the spring and then wane in the fall. The logic is that by springing forward and falling back, people add an hour of sunlight to the end of the workday. But the benefits of this change are controversial, and the shift can have measurable impacts on health.
Doctors from the University of Turku in Finland have suggested that the risk of strokes and heart attacks increases by seven per cent following the time change.
And earlier this year, a report published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health noted that the annual switchover in March disturbs the circadian rhythms of Canadians.
“The March switch to DST is the one that induces the most disruptions since it forces a misalignment of the photoperiod that will continue through the next 8 months,” the report read.
“The potential one hour loss of sleep can contribute to the immediate negative impact of DST on daytime functioning, physical and mental health issues, as well as reduced overall performances.”
Conversations you need to have about mental illness
Your guide on what to say and how to say it
What is mental illness?
We all feel sad, worried, scared, or suspicious at times — and that’s just a part of life. However, when these feelings start to get in the way of our daily lives, over an extended period of time, that’s when there might be more going on.
Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of their culture, age, gender, educational background, or financial situation. Even those who you’ve always known to be cheerful and untroubled, may be fighting a battle that you cannot see.
The state of our mental health can affect our feelings, our thoughts, our physical well-being, and our actions. Although the early signs of mental illness are not always visible, you may observe some changes in those struggling with their mental health.
Is it an emergency?
If someone is talking about ending their life, perhaps even describing ways they could do it, this may be a medical emergency.
Listen to them and take them seriously. Don’t judge or minimize their feelings. Be positive and hopeful, and remember that suicide can be prevented. Ask them if they are thinking about suicide or having suicidal thoughts. Don’t be afraid that you will put the idea in their head. It may be a relief for them to talk about it.
Let them know help is available and that the cause of their suicidal thoughts can be treated.
Make a safety plan with them. Who will they call if their feelings get stronger? Who can stay with them
to keep them safe? Make a list of phone numbers of people and services they can call if they feel unsafe. If you are worried that the person you are talking to might be thinking of suicide, you can call 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline any time for free, confidential support. If the person’s life is in danger, please call 9-1-1 or go with them to your nearest emergency department. Do not leave them alone and try to stay calm until help arrives.
Behaviour
• Have you witnessed any of the following behaviour?
• Withdrawing from activities or people they normally enjoy
• Using alcohol or drugs more than usual, or saying that they need them to cope
• Frequent crying, or showing uncontrollable agitation or anger
• Not sleeping well or sleeping a lot
• Giving away possessions or making plans for after their death
• Increased engagement in high risk behaviours such as reckless driving, dangerous sports or activities
Physical Signs
• Have they talked about or showed the following signs:
• Thinking about suicide or wanting to die, even if it seems like they’re joking
• Hearing voices, especially voices that tell them to harm themselves or others
• Saying that they don’t care about the future or that nothing matters
• Saying goodbye or saying that they’ll miss you
• Feeling disconnected from their body or being physically numb
• Feeling like they are not wanted or needed by others
I’m worried about someone
A conversation is a great start, and an important way to let the person know that they are not alone. However, mental illness can be just as serious as physical illnesses, and getting medical attention or professional help is just as important for both. A family doctor or primary health care provider is often a good place to start.
There are many things you can do to help:
• Stay supportive. Try to make it as easy as possible for them to get the help they need. Offer to help them find resources in their community, make their appointments, or keep them company if they are nervous about going on their own.
• Stay in touch and follow up regularly to see how they are doing. Being present can make all the difference.
• Keep the conversation going. Offer to connect them with counselling services such as Connex Ontario or Kids Help Phone for children and teens.
• Reflect on the signs in the following pages if you are worried about someone in your life.
What NOT to say
“Just relax.”
“You’ll get over it.”
“It’s all in your head.”
“Have you tried spending more time outside?”
These comments could come across as judgmental or dismissive, despite your intent. Instead, focus on how you can show your friend that you are someone they can trust.
What’s next?
If the person confirms that their experience might be mental health related, reassure them that you want to support them through their struggle. Additionally, you can ask if there is a doctor, counsellor, or community/ spiritual advisor that they could confide in and seek help from as well.
