The Power To Move You February Issue

THE TO POWER MOVE YOU

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2023 SPRING MARKET

Wow, we are already into the 8th week of 2023. This month, I am sharing some helpful tips to keep in mind if you are planning on simultaneously buying a home while selling your current home. The market in 2023 will look quite different than it did in 2021 and 2022. Working with a trusted, experienced real estate group like ours is key. We will help guide you along the way and ensure both transactions go smoothly so you don’t end up with double mortgage payments or worse, be without a place to live while you wait for your new home to close.

I am also sharing some basic information about home appraisals, which are often necessary anytime you apply for a mortgage, refinance a property or sell a property. An appraisal is different from a home inspection. An appraisal relates to a home’s value while a home inspection assesses the actual physical condition of a home. If you have any questions on either process, please let us know and we will be happy to walk you through the details.

Remember, our team is always here to answer any other questions you may have about real estate, such as the current state of the market and recent mortgage trends. Please feel free to reach out to me or any member of our group any time!

FOR SALE 210 - 80 PORT STREET MISSISSAUGA

Located in the heart of Port Credit, this waterfront community offers exceptional lakeside living and a truly walkable lifestyle. Our newest listing is one not to be missed. Located on the 2nd floor this exceptional suite has direct lake views. Just picture yourself in your living room, den or kitchen and being able to watch the boats go by. Whether it’s a bright sun-filled day, it’s raining or snowing, the views over Lake Ontario are breathtaking.

Start each day with an incredible sunrise. With 1,925 square foot of space, 2 bedrooms plus a den, 2 bathrooms, 2 balconies, and 2 underground parking spaces this open concept floor plan is ideal for today’s modern living.

What can we expect going into 2023?

CIBC recently released an interview with Benjamin Tal. Mr. Tal is well-known for his ground-breaking published research on topics such as labour market dynamics, real estate, credit markets, international trade and business economic conditions. Benjamin not only contributes to the conversation but also frequently sets the agenda. We recommend that you CLICK HERE to view the complete interview.

FOR SALE 9 WEBB AVENUE BRANTFORD

This elegant Terra Model home was built by Empire Homes and received a complete renovation to the main and upper level 5 years ago.

The renovations were meticulously detailed and have significantly elevated the home, allowing it to be turn-key ready for the next happy homeowner.

This ideal family home is both bright and spacious, with generous room sizes allowing for plenty of space to entertain family and friends.

On the second level, the luxurious primary suite features hardwood flooring, a large walk-in closet, an additional double wide closet, and exquisite primary ensuite. The extensive feature list for this spectacular 4 bedroom home is too impressive to fully capture here. So please take a moment to check out our virtual tour or book your own private showing to see it for yourself!

PLANTING A DIVERSE, POLLINATORFRIENDLY GARDEN

Even those of us without green thumbs may have gotten wind of a major issue facing the planet right now. Pollinators - otherwise known as the hard-working bees, butterflies, birds, and other critters that help fertilize the world’s flowers and food supply by carrying necessary pollen from plant to plant - are on the decline. In fact, approximately 40 percent of all insect species have declined dramatically across the globe, due to everything from habitat loss to pollution. Given that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators, says the nonprofit Pollinator Partnership, that’s a pretty major problem . . . as anyone who has ever been hangry can attest.

But it’s not as doom and gloom as it sounds. “It’s not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now and act at every level, from local to global,” Sir Robert Watson, then-chair of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, said in a 2019 report. And if you’re willing to get your hands a little dirty in your own gardens, you—yes, you!—can help. “Nature starts right outside your back door and one way to help nature is to make sure our yards support our very-important pollinators,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation (www. turfmutt.com). His organization works with partners like the Wildlife Habitat Council and the Center for Green

Schools to teach sustainable stewardship of our green spaces and living landscapes.

We asked Kiser for his top advice to create a pollinator-friendly garden of your very own. The upshot? You’ll want to get busy as a bee by stopping by your local nursery or garden center. Professional experts there will likely be happy to lend recommendations that will take your local soil types, climate zone, and average rainfall into account. What the birds and bees are attracted to and can digest in, say, South Carolina—where azaleas and sunflowers are a hit - is different from what takes their fancy in Vancouver, BC, where they’re often on the

Written by Kathryn O’Shea-Evans. Photography provided by UrsaHoogle/iStock/Getty Images Plus.

Source: https://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_FEB_23_03/275454/index.html#

hunt for lavender, rhododendron, and forget-me-nots. “Choose flowering plants for pollinators—butterflies, bees, bats, and hummingbirds,” says Kiser. And don’t limit yourself to one floral species, no matter how pretty it is. You’ll want to “plant a healthy balance of grasses, flowering plants, shrubs, and trees,” he says.

Creating pollinator gardens has become an on-trend approach to alfresco living spaces and is being embraced by local governments and luminaries alike. Case in point: to celebrate the late Queen of England during her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, pollinator plants such as blue cornflower and pink cosmos were arranged in a Superbloom garden within the moat of the Tower of London, to dazzling effect. In Washington, DC at the Smithsonian, an 11,000-square-foot pollinator garden lures hum-

mingbirds and butterflies with native plants year round. (Caretakers are careful to leave seemingly “dead” plants in place during the winter, because even then, they provide crucial habitat for insects).

You may spend a few hundred dollars and a full weekend working on a pollinator garden project, but the juice is worth the squeeze. Kiser notes that 75 percent of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce (via Pollinator Partnership), and that some 3,500 species of native bees are vital for increasing our crop yields, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Plus, think of the rewards . . . such as dotting your landscape with eye-catching flora and helping ensure there are plentiful strawberries, apples, and even coffee. Talk about priceless.

Located in Gray’s Crossing, owners enjoy all community amenities, including the private fitness facility, community pool and restaurant, all just a short walk away.

This home’s great room is a grand gathering space with walls of windows and a double height ceiling finished in wood.

This unique home is just waiting for the right person to properly appreciate it in all its glory.

spring survival guide TIPS FOR MANAGING SEASONAL ALLERGIES

The warmer temperatures of spring bring a breath of fresh air for many. But for the roughly 60 million Americans living with seasonal allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever,” that breath carries an unwelcome visitor: pollen.

From trees to grass to weeds, the growing season means a sharp increase in airborne pollen - the culprit behind that stuffy nose and sneezing you might experience every year. And while there is no cure for seasonal allergies, there are many ways to manage your symptoms and mitigate discomfort.

PLAN AHEAD

Maximize the data that’s available at your fingertips thanks to websites like the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (www.aafa.org) and apps like WebMD Allergy. Pollen counts are updated regularly to help determine which days are your best bets for outdoor activities. And when you do head outside, keep in mind that pollen counts tend to rise in the morning and peak around noon.

Weather plays an important role in pollen production, so don’t forget to check your local forecast. While pollen counts usually drop immediately after rain showers, they rise quickly if subsequent days are sunny.

TRAVEL SMART

Warmer temperatures also bring more opportunities for travel. Keeping your allergies in mind when crafting that vacation itinerary could make for a much more comfortable trip. The AAFA releases a list of US cities with the worst pollen counts during the spring and fall. Densely populated urban areas often rank higher due to increased temperatures; an abundance of heat-absorbent surfaces and reduced vegetation increases air pollution, which can in turn aggravate allergy symptoms.

Written by Victoria Hittner. Photography by Allison Elefante Source: https://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_FEB_23_02/275454/index.html

KEEP IT CLEAN

Frequently cleaning your house - and its inhabitants! - is one of the best ways to combat allergens. Whenever possible, use a dryer instead of air drying your linens and clothes. Taking your shoes off before coming inside, and hopping in the shower before bed can reduce the amount of pollen you’re tracking inside, too. And don’t forget about the furry members of your family. Pets who spend time outside can pick up plenty of allergens. Try brushing them outside and wiping down their paws before they get too far in the house. If you groom them yourself, consider wearing a mask during peak allergy season.

For those with more severe allergies, investing in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system may be necessary. Consult with a heating and cooling professional before installing a HEPA filter in your existing unit, however. (The high level of filtration can actually reduce the output of air, making your system less efficient.) For those without a centralized heating and cooling system, stand-alone air purifiers work well in individual rooms. You can even find vacuum cleaners that utilize HEPA filters.

LOOK INTO IMMUNOTHERAPY

In addition to nasal sprays and antihistamines, an allergist may prescribe some form of immunotherapy. Using shots or pills, immunotherapy reduces allergic reactions by gradually increasing exposure to particular allergens. Over time, this process increases the body’s natural tolerance. It’s important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for immunotherapy, nor can it treat every allergy.

TREAT NATURALLY

Although you should talk with your doctor before trying any alternative treatments, natural remedies may provide symptom relief. Acupuncture is a popular alternative route, as are home remedies like saline solutions. When mixing the solution at home, make sure to use distilled or bottled water to reduce the possibility of infection. Plants like stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and butterbur (Petasites hybridus) may also be effective at reducing inflammation and treating allergy symptoms. Cook the stinging nettle leaves into stews or soups or use it dried to make a tea. Butterbur extract should be taken as a pill or used as an oil.

A rare opportunity calls to you on this large irregularly shaped lot filled with mature trees and perennial gardens. A charming bungalow with space to entertain and relax.

Near Forster Park, great schools and a short drive to all that downtown Oakville has to offer.

This could be your new home! Just reach out to book a showing or click here to visit our website to find out more.

BURLINGTON WINS “FIRST-STEP VICTORY” IN WATERFRONT HOTEL DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

The City of Burlington has won a “first-step victory” after the Ontario Land Tribunal recently released an update regarding an appeal on a proposed development application in downtown Burlington. On Jan. 3, 2023, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) released an update related to the appeal of a development application for the site of the Waterfront Hotel.

The proposed application aims to demolish the existing six-storey hotel and develop two mixed-use tall buildings of 35 storeys and 30 storeys with five-storey podiums. The proposed development includes 4,445 square metres of commercial space, 4,348 square metres of office space, 557 residential apartment units, and a hotel with 122 guest suites. The application also proposes an outdoor mid-block connection from Lakeshore Rd. to Spencer Smith Park, in line with John Street. The recent update from the OLT concluded that the application was “made” on the day a complete application was accepted by the city.

A joint statement from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns indicated that this date was after the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing “shifted the Urban Growth Centre (UGC) and Major Transit Station Area (MTSA) designations from the downtown towards the Burlington GO station area.” According to the statement, this means that the applicant can no longer rely on the UGC or MTSA designations to justify their proposal that Burlington City Council unanimously rejected last year.

“The OLT’s determination is a significant victory in our city’s priority to control overdevelopment in our downtown, particularly along our waterfront,” reads the joint statement. “We worked hard with staff, our Council colleagues, and the Province of Ontario to shift the UGC and MTSA designations to better direct major developments to where they are more suited, namely around our Burlington GO station. This gives us better tools to combat overdevelopment and this finding by the OLT reflects Council’s efforts.” The statement proceeds to state that there is still “a long way to go” on this file and that a final decision will ultimately be made by the OLT.

“The City is committed to ensuring that the development of this unique property is in line with the best planning outcome and the community’s needs primarily in mind. We will continue to work with our City staff to advocate for the best interests of our residents for a more appropriate project on this key piece of land in our downtown,” concluded the statement.

Written by Lucy mazzucco. Photo: Mayor Marianne Meed Ward’s website Source: insauga.com

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION PART OF THE SOLUTION TO THE HOUSING SUPPLY CRISIS

Modular construction is being used with great success in countries such as Sweden, Japan and Singapore. Poland and the U.S. are now testing the waters with prefabricated and manufactured residential development.

The City of Toronto has used modular for a few projects, but for the most part in Ontario it is a relatively new development. This must change.

To reach the target of building 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years, developers and builders will need to double production and find more efficient ways of building. Off-site construction would be a good start.

Despite the advantages, though, a recent study by CSA Group notes that modular construction currently makes up only around four per cent of all new building construction in Canada. So, we have a long way to go.

PART OF THE SOLUTION

Modular construction could be part of the solution to our current housing affordability and supply crisis

in Ontario. It is an innovative method that can offer many advantages over traditional stick-built building approaches.

Modular housing is manufactured off-site in a climate-controlled factory and then transported to a site where it is assembled. The factory environment is safer for workers, and the process lessens noise and dust on construction sites. Overhead craning systems and innovative computerized cutting machines are often used in the factories, which can improve quality by minimizing many manual or repetitive tasks.

I recently had the opportunity to learn about some of the latest innovations in modular construction during a tour of the NRB Modular Solutions plant in Cambridge with Jacqueline Evans, modular consultant affordable hous-

Written by Richard Lyall Source: buildingexcellence.ca

ing at the company. NRB is the largest modular building solutions provider in Canada. The company constructs buildings for different uses, including multi-family affordable and social housing.

The NRB plant was impressive and expansive. The process of constructing the modular units takes relatively short periods of time and they are fully ready for off-site installation, including plumbing and electrical. Interestingly, the plant uses only electric vehicles inside to reduce the carbon footprint. And, nearly 20 per cent of the employees working at the site are women.

LOOMING SHORTAGE

Old habits sometimes die hard in construction and modular is still a relatively new form of building. But with systemic issues, such as a looming shortage of skilled trades, modular construction makes perfect sense. The modular building industry has doubled in size in the last five years, and we are seeing signs that it is catching on.

The City of Toronto, for example, is using modular housing as part of its plan to increase the supply of affordable housing. Two modular buildings have been completed and several new ones are under development. The city also recently delivered a 57-unit modular building at 39 Dundalk Drive.

Homes such as these allow Toronto to respond rapidly to the urgent need to create more permanent affordable homes. Mayor John Tory and Councillor Brad Bradford, chair of the planning and housing committee, deserve credit for embracing initiatives such as modular housing that will support quicker builds.

CANADA NEEDS TO CATCH UP

In light of the housing crisis, we need to make use of modern manufacturing and building techniques that allow homes to be built faster and with fewer workers. Other countries have already seen the light.

In Sweden, 84 per cent of the country’s residential construction market share is prefabricated in the shop and then assembled on-site. The country is widely regarded as the global leader in off-site modular construction. A country-wide, performance-based code has been adopted in Sweden that makes it easier for factories to build

homes. The new rules mean the specs are the same for every municipality. They can choose whatever structural system makes sense for their operation, as long as it passes a code check.

In Japan, meanwhile, about 15 per cent of the country’s new homes are now manufactured off-site. Poland, a recent arrival on the scene, now builds and ships units to hotel developments in other countries.

In New York City, the citizen M Bowery, the world’s tallest modular hotel was built consisting of consists of 15 storeys on a three-storey concrete podium with cellar. The blueprint has already been drawn up by other countries. Modular construction must be part of the solution to our housing crisis.

Left to right, RESCON’s Director of Building Science and Innovation Paul De Berardis, RESCON President Richard Lyall, and Jacqueline Evans, modular consultant affordable housing at NRB Modular Solutions, at a recent tour of the company’s plant in Cambridge, Ontario.

3D illustration of a cargo container converted into an office.

LOBSTER PASTA

For a special date night, splurge on a couple of lobsters and add the meat into a silky spaghetti dish. Don’t toss those shells: Use them to infuse the cream sauce with even more lobster flavor. This recipe is no small amount of work, so be sure to make it for the people you really, really like. The pro move is to break up the process over two days - that means cooking the lobsters, picking the meat, and infusing the cream on the first day, which leaves cooking the pasta and heating everything back up to serve on the second. And no, you can’t just buy already picked lobster meat; you need the shells to infuse the sauce with tons of flavor. You can, however, ask your fishmonger to steam the lobsters for you, which many will do for free if you ask. Serves 4.

Written by Amiel Stanek. Photo By Laura Murray, Food Styling By Kat Boystova, Prop Styling By Allie Wist Source: bonappetit.com

INGREDIENTS

Kosher salt

2 1½-lb. live lobsters

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

2 celery stalks, trimmed, coarsely chopped

3 garlic cloves, peeled, smashed

2 sprigs basil or tarragon

4 cups heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 lb. bucatini or spaghetti

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

3 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving

3 Tbsp. chopped chives

Freshly ground black pepper

STEP 1 Fill a large pot with a tight-fitting lid with 2” of cold water. Generously season with salt and bring to a boil. Add lobsters to pot, cover, and steam until shells are bright red, about 8 minutes. (Better to slightly undercook the lobsters since you will be reheating the meat before serving.) Transfer lobsters to a large rimmed baking sheet and let sit until cool enough to handle.

STEP 2 Break down those lobsters! (Never picked lobster meat before? That’s what YouTube is for!) Cut or tear off small legs and eat them (they make for a great snack). Remove tail meat, cut tail meat in half lengthwise, and cut each half into bite-size pieces; transfer to a medium bowl. Remove meat from knuckles and claws, doing your best to keep the meat as intact as possible (it’s nice to have a whole claw for each person); add knuckle and claw meat to bowl with tail meat and chill until ready to serve.

STEP 3 With a sturdy knife, hack carapace and shells into 1” pieces and transfer to a large Dutch oven or pot. Add onion, celery, garlic, basil, cream, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until cream is reduced by half, about 45 minutes.

STEP 4 Strain lobster cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl, pressing on solids to get as much liquid out as possible; discard solids. (If cream isn’t reduced to about 2 cups, don’t sweat it - you can always reduce it a bit more before adding the pasta.)

STEP 5 Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. (You don’t want it to be too al dente, as it’s not going to spend that much time in the sauce.) Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid.

STEP 6 Meanwhile, return lobster cream to Dutch oven or a wide deep skillet. Heat over medium and bring to a simmer; taste and season with salt. Add reserved lobster meat and butter to cream sauce and stir to combine.

STEP 7 Add pasta to Dutch oven and toss gently to combine (you don’t want to break up the lobster meat too much), adding 1 cup Parmesan a handful at a time until sauce is thick and cheese is incorporated. If sauce looks too thick, add a splash or two of reserved pasta cooking liquid to loosen it up. Remember: Cream sauces always thicken as they cool, so it’s best to err on the side of loose.

STEP 8 Transfer lobster pasta to a platter. Top with chives and a few cranks of black pepper. Serve with more grated Parmesan alongside.

STEP 9 Do Ahead: Lobster cream sauce can be made 24 hours ahead. Strain and transfer to a reasealable container and chill. Gently rewarm sauce in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Lobster meat can be picked 24 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

THE FUTURE IS FRIGHTENING AND NOT SET UP FOR CHILDREN TO THRIVE

On Family Day, families were urged to press the government to protect our children and give them the mental health care that they need.

Kids are not okay. The pandemic caused extreme stress for our children. They’re getting sicker because they can’t get mental health care when they need it. On February 20, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in partnership with BGC Canada and YMCA Canada, urged parents to tell the government that its work is not done.

In Canada, 3 in 4 children with a mental health issue can’t get the care they need. That’s because the care is either unavailable or isn’t covered by public health insurance. Further to this, more than half of young Canadians who sought mental health services said they weren’t easy to access, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

“Underfunding, patchwork services and people not knowing where to go are just some of the inequities that youth are experiencing when accessing care,” says Margaret Eaton, CMHA National CEO. “Our system forces children to get very sick before we give them mental health care. This is an irrational and cruel way to offer care.” Eaton goes on to say: “Children need upfront and ongoing care, and it must be covered by public health insurance and available at the community level, not just in hospitals and doctor offices.”

Adding to the current mental health crisis, our kids are worried about the compounding effects of climate change. A 2021 study by The Lancet revealed that more than 45% of children and youth said their feelings about

climate change negatively affected their daily life and functioning. Further to this, 75% said that they think the future is frightening while 83% said that they think adults have failed to take care of the planet.

“Canada is failing our children and youth. Our kids are in crisis and parents have nowhere to turn,” says Eaton. “It’s time we turn to the Prime Minister and demand that he Act for Mental Health to ensure community-based services and supports are properly funded and available to all Canadians free of charge, where they need them and when they need them. Our children, and everyone in Canada, deserve universal mental health care.”

“The BGC Canada National Youth Council recognizes that Canadian youth are feeling helpless and isolated. As the world continues to grapple with the psychosocial impact of the pandemic, it can be overwhelming to reach out for help. Canadian youth need help more now than ever.” – Valentina Shamoun, National Youth Council Member, BGC Canada.

“The link between mental health and overall well-being is clear. If we truly want Canada to be the healthiest country for children to grow up in, we need to approach access to mental health differently than we are today. We call on the Government to make this a priority and make it easier for families to get the mental health care they need for their children.” – Peter Dinsdale, President & CEO, YMCA Canada.

Toronto - February 17th, 2023

Source: http://cmha.ca

OUR MISSION

We are on a mission to raise $10,000 for CAMH (Centre For Addiction And Mental Health) and CADDAC (Centre For ADHD Awareness Canada). It is without a doubt that ADHD and mental health issues are common in our community and continue to be a contributing cause of death around the world.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is a psychiatric teaching hospital located in Toronto and ten community locations throughout the province of Ontario. At CAMH, it’s their goal to provide hope and a path toward recovery from mental illness and substance use for anyone in need.

There are approximately 2 million individuals affected by ADHD in Canada. Individuals, families, and parents with children are left scrambling to cope, figuring out how and where to get support for their ADHD. As well, they are trying to figure out how to pay for expensive programs.

Our families have been directly affected by ADHD and Mental Health issues so in hopes that one day no one else will have to experience the angst of dealing with ADHD or any kind of addiction or depression, we have chosen to donate a portion of our professional fees to these charities. As well, when you refer a friend or family member to our team not only will they receive award-winning service, but they will also be contributing to these extremely worthy causes. Together we can help calm minds and ensure that everyone gets the support they need.

We encourage you to visit both of their websites at www.camh.ca and www.caddac.ca and check out the incredible work they are doing in our community and beyond!

FOR SALE

102 - 10304 CAPE ROMAN ROAD ESTERO, FLORIDA

This professionally designed and reimagined furnished Villa has been completely renovated to create a lasting impression!.

Excellent space to entertain and open up all the sliding glass doors that frame your beautiful lake, fountain and garden views while relaxing poolside and enjoying grilling from your summer kitchen.

Reach out to Theresa to find out more.

CLICK

Why Is the Realty Group One of the Best in its’ Marketplace?

Just a few words to say how much Elaine and I appreciated what you did for us for the sale of our condo. We found your staging to be thoughtful, speedy and thorough and the photos and walkthrough on your website were excellent.

You were available at all times and knowledgeable about any concerns we may have had, thus taking a lot of our worries away. Having sold in a couple of days and at considerably higher than asking, we couldn't have asked for more!

Know that we shall be highly recommending you to any of our friends who require real estate services. with grateful thanks.

- Elaine and Stuart

If I had to do it again without hesitation I would choose Theresa Baird and Lindsay Meadwell as my real estate agents. Both Theresa and Lindsay demonstrated professionalism, experience, and knowledge of the market from beginning to end.

They were most attentive and always had my best interest throughout the entire process. They truly made my experience as stress-free as possible and I would choose The TB Realty Group again.

- Martin

We highly recommend Theresa, Lindsay and their team of experts! They efficiently handled both our purchase and sale. Swooping in and staging everything just right which surely contributed to our very quick sale! They were always client focused and available to answer our concerns in a timely manner. Their professionalism, market knowledge & eye for detail was superb! Thank you all for making our purchase and sale a truly satisfying experience."

- J & J