Winnipeg Renters Guide – October 21, 2022

TO CALL

LIVING

Welcome to Arizona Plaza, a classic WRE Development property featuring: Bachelor, 1 BR, 2 BR and 3 BR suites – found in the heart of Fort Garry/Fort Richmond. Located on Pembina Highway there is easy access to Downtown, University of Manitoba or St. Vital Mall via the excellent transportation routes and convenient bus service right out your front door! Arizona Plaza has been known for its beautiful park like setting with grassy play areas, incredible river views and spacious suites.

Sturgeon Park House is set on the banks of Sturgeon Creek and Portage Avenue. Featuring 1BR and 2BR units with balconies, this beautiful 14 storey concrete tower o ers spacious floor plans, renovated suites and great storage in an incredible location. Steps o Portage Avenue means you are in the heart of St. James with easy access transportation routes to get out and enjoy the first-class amenities and everything west Winnipeg has to o er. Or you could stay home and curl up with a book in the park like space along the creek. There is convenient onsite Smart Card laundry, and you will feel safe and sound with our controlled security access and professional on-site management.

FRIENDLY

SELECT PROPERTIES

Holiday Towers - Our twin 25 fl oor high-rises at Hargrave and York feature: Bachelor, Studio, 1 BR, 2BR and Penthouse units with large balconies. We are located in the heart of Downtown Winnipeg- near MTS Center, Portage Place, Eaton Center, the Forks and Exchange! Holiday Towers is part of the indoor Skywalk system and joins the Delta Hotel. Choose from a variety of fl oor plans- as well as fully furnished hotel suites (with maid service) which may be rented on a short or long-term stay. Relax by our beautiful rooftop pool. Take advantage of available phone, cable and high-speed internet- as well as available indoor heated parking! Feel safe and secure with our controlled access and on-site professional management. Located at 160/170 Hargrave which means we are steps away from excellent shopping, dining, library, theatre and nightlife, with a wonderful convenience/grocery store and hair salon located on-site. Call 204-957-1200 ext. 200 today for your personal tour!

are subject to change without notice

CHIEF REVENUE

Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Susan Legge susan.legge@nexthome.ca

EDITOR/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Merlyn Minty 204.782.8692

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATORS

Gary Chilvers

Vi Nguyen

DISTRIBUTION distributionteam@nexthome.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@nexthome.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mike Terentiev

CONTRIBUTORS

Jennifer Braun, Hellen Buttigieg, Sara Duck, Salina Yara Halabi, Jane Herman, Kathryn Kusyszyn, Jackie Marchildon, Anne Marshall, Dawn Peter, Chuck Resnick, Gail Vaz-Oxlade

Published by nexthome.ca

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING?

Please direct all sales or distribution inquiries to Merlyn Minty at 204.782.8692 or via e-mail at: Merlyn.Minty@nexthome.ca

Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution system aimed at prospective renters using street level boxes and racking. Call 1.866.532.2588 to discuss distribution opportunities.

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Notre Dame

PROFILE

Your

PROFILE

great place to live,

and play

your

on a

Advice

Pro

versus owning

renting is

Tips

Money Matters

Insurance:

ahead means

pocket

INSPIRATION

later

Corner

optimism

with

Finds

CheCk r E f E r E n CE s on a prospeC tive room IE

why they left their last place and how long they lived there.

kathryn kusyszyn

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

Have a rental application form that’s appropriate for your province. It will cover all the bases.

Discuss how they feel about overnight visitors, smoking, pets, sharing household chores and other mutual responsibilities. Ask

The application should ask for references from a current employer, a previous landlord and at least one previous roommate. By providing contact info, the prospective roommate is giving you permission to contact them.

When calling an employer, state that you are verifying the potential roommate’s employment status and character, not doing an employment check. Ask previous landlords how long the person lived there, whether they paid their rent on time and why they left.

Past roommates can be revealing. Ask how long they have known the person and how long they lived together. Ask what they liked and disliked

about living with them and why they went separate ways.

If someone cannot provide any references or if none of their references are forthcoming, beware. You will be living with this person in close quarters and relying on them to fulfil their responsibilities. You need to have a reasonable comfort level with them.

Be selective, and with some searching, you will find the right match.

Kathryn Kusyszyn is a health and lifestyle consultant in Victoria BC. and is a long-time freelance writer. yogakat.ca

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Find

rental

the HEIGHT OF LOFt LiViNG

Located in the heart of downtown, find your new apartment at Smith Street Lofts, opening in Spring 2022.

For the eco-conscious urbanite, Smith Street Lofts offers contemporary style offset by an edgy industrial feel featuring exposed elements such as conduit, steel beams and sealed concrete finishings.

All suites feature floor to ceiling windows bringing in natural light and stunning vistas. Residents will also enjoy access to posh common spaces and concierge services that redefine community living. Enjoy all-inclusive amenities, opulent finishes and gorgeous downtown views— all just steps away from Winnipeg’s vibrant arts and culture venues.

Studio lofts, one- and two-bedroom suites, as well as penthouses are available for lease. A select number of adaptable suites with low barrier accommodations are also available. Adjacent to the building, residents have access to a multi-level open-air parkade (with EV chargers).

LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE

NOTRE DAME APARTMENTS

835 Notre Dame is an upscale apartment building located beside the Health Sciences Centre Campus. Its location will be suited for those who are studying or working at HSC/Bannatyne Campus and looking for premium, stylish, lifestyle residences. This project is located across the street in front of Tecumseh parkade.

This upscale apartment is conveniently located within walking distance to major bus routes, restaurants and grocery stores. It is also a short distance from the Exchange District, The Forks, University of Winnipeg and everything else offered in downtown Winnipeg.

There are 45-suites at 835 Notre Dame which are comprised of one and two-bedrooms ranging in size from 614 to 772 square feet. The building’s main level includes three commercial units ranging from 1356 to 1494 square feet with main access from Notre Dame Avenue.

All units have access to private juliet balconies, as well as a high level of finish and detailing including 9-foot ceilings, contemporary countertops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and in-suite laundry. Bike parking is also available to residents.

Join the waitlist on our website to be among the very first ones invited to see the elegant suites at 835 Notre Dame Avenue.

INCLUDE:

Presence, optimism & joy:

home décor

by SALINA YARA HALABI

The world of fashion and interior design have always influenced one another. Whether it’s trends off the runway, or a style aesthetic that’s gaining popularity on social platforms, we often see themes and colour palettes seamlessly transition from the fashion industry over to home interior finishings and decor. 2022 is no exception. After two years of global-wide disruptions, the need to break free from feelings of gloom and escape a stagnant lifestyle have reached a peak. The result? An appetite for adventure and an optimistic outlook for brighter days ahead. If you’ve recently picked up a fashion magazine, or scrolled through Instagram, you’ll see fashion that not only demands attention, but also inspires. Now, it’s time to bring that sentiment into our personal spaces. Enter maximalism.

with fashion flair

SMEG DOLCE & GABBANA TOASTER neimanmarcus.com

At its root, maximalism is a reaction against minimalism (think: more is more!). It’s a call for vibrant colour on walls and furniture, décor with eclectic patterns, and details that have an underlying ode to the places we miss or have been longing to visit. It’s a welcomed design shift that’s focused on establishing presence and encouraging personal expression. And, ultimately, it helps ensure that the environments we spend the most time within are igniting our imagination and providing a sense of joy. Because, after all, home should always be our happiest escape.

always be our happiest escape.

GG JACQUARD RECTANGLE CUSHION gucci.com

HOUSE OF HACKNEY LIMERENCE WALLPAPER anthropologie.com

MACKENZIE-CHILDS COURTLY CHECK CANISTER SET williams-sonoma.ca

BRIONI 80’’ VELVET ROLLED ARM SOFA Wayfair.ca

Weatherstone

Just starting out?

RENtiNg is you R best choice

JANE HERMAN

If you’re a young single, a fresh-at-work professional, or a recently married couple and you’re wondering what to do about housing, there are many good reasons why you should choose to rent instead of buying your first residence.

At this stage of your life, you may be finishing up your education, paying off student loans, or just beginning your first job(s). It’s not likely that you will have even accumulated enough cash to use as a down payment.

One of the many advantages renting has over home ownership is that there is no large down payment to be paid up front. You only have to come up with your first and last month’s rent.

And despite people who try to convince you that you can own a condominium or home for the same price as renting, here’s the truth: Renting is always substantially less than owning. While it is possible that monthly mortgage payments might be comparable to what you’d pay to rent, as an owner, you will also have to pay property taxes, all maintenance expenses (either monthly maintenance payments in a condo, or all costs of repairs and maintenance in a house). Many apartments include utilities or hydro in the rent, and when owning, you would also have to pay an additional amount for these

services. What about insurance?

Tenants’ insurance is always less expensive than the cost of insuring your own home.

At this stage of your life, flexibility is important because you are very likely to move again within the next three to five years, either to take another job, go back to school, or because your family is growing and your needs are changing. It’s much easier to make a move when your only obligation is a one-year lease.

Some people will also try to convince you that with renting, you’re not building equity. But when you factor in all the hidden costs of buying and selling real estate, from commissions, to legal fees to land transfer taxes, etc., the reality is that no condo or house is going to appreciate that much in the short term to offset those hidden costs. If you are lucky enough to actually have enough cash accumulated to use as a down payment on a house, keep it in a secure two- or three-year term investment with a good return. When you run the numbers, you will be much further ahead three

years down the road than if you had invested it in a condo.

The other good reason for renting at this stage of your life is that renting can offer all of the benefits of living in a prime neighbourhood – one that you likely couldn’t afford to buy in – such as convenience to transportation, shopping, recreation facilities, etc., along with condo-quality amenities at a price that won’t leave you cashstrapped. With renting, you’ll be able to save a little every month for emergencies, travel, retirement, or have a little more disposable income for furniture, a car, clothing and entertainment, which is also important to you.

When you consider all the advantages that renting affords, you’ll see that your dream home is really an apartment!

Jane Herman is a communications consultant who has worked in the rental property industry.

+MoRE adVice oNliNE nexthome.ca/news/advice

insider

Notre Terrace is located in St. Boniface at 173 Notre Dame St and is just a short walk over the Riel Bridge to downtown. Shopping, restaurants, and parks are close by whether you choose to walk, drive, or use the transit system. The suites feature in-suite laundry, central air with private balconies. The apartments are pet-friendly and has modern finishes such as quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile back splashes, and oversize tubs.

Helping friends move

even after the move. Getting personal belongings organized and neatly packed into boxes is actually half the work.

keep your friends close and the friends you help move even closer – they totally owe you – including with your own next big move!

The year’s most popular moving dates are coming up. I want to suggest you actually consider helping a friend move. Why?

Because it won’t be as bad as you think, and your fellow renter would really appreciate it.

If a friend asks you to help them move, it does not mean you will be facilitating the entire move. In fact, I really do not suggest relying on friends for a complete move, but rather for a pair of helping hands.

There are many ways you can help with a move, including before the move, during the move and

Moving also involves a lot of cleaning – be it the old place or the new place that still needs to be vacuumed and dusted before bringing in furniture. Then, after all that work, there’s unpacking and getting organized.

So, before you say no to helping with a move, consider asking your friend what they need help with. Your strength at some point may be needed, but just being there to help pack, clean and organize can also be a big help. All that being said, helping friends move still isn’t the most enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. That’s why I say

Jennifer Braun is a freelance lifestyle writer from Montreal.

East Kildonan, North Kildonan, Elmwood, Transcona

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Jennifer Braun

ADVICE | MAKE YOUR MOVE

PACKING MISTAKES

CHUCK RESNICK

Here are a few tips to help you avoid finding damaged items at your destination:

1. CONSIDER PURCHASING BOXES FROM YOUR MOVER. The most common packing mistake people make is getting free boxes at the grocery or liquor store and then putting too many things in them. Using a large box to pack books and magazines may make it too heavy and the box might break during the move.

Use this rule of thumb: The heavier the item, the smaller the box. Be choosy about your boxes; free boxes from a grocery store used to ship produce could contain insect larvae that may transfer to your belongings.

2. BE REALISTIC ABOUT THE NUMBER OF BOXES YOU NEED. You will most likely underestimate your box requirement. Often, people think 50 or 60 boxes will be enough, and then two days before moving day, they realize they need 250.

3. START PACKING EARLY AND BE COMPLETELY PACKED WHEN THE MOVERS ARRIVE. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to move a customer’s belongings while they are attempting to shove items into boxes.

This also interferes with the optimal loading of the moving truck. There is a loading system where the first things placed in the truck are light items such as chairs, lampshades, cushions, etc; these items are placed in the ‘attic’ (the area over the cab) of the truck.

Next, a ‘box wall’ is stacked to the ceiling to hold the items in the attic in place. Plastic wrapped mattresses are then put against the box wall and everything is secured with tie-off straps to keep belongings from getting jostled during the move. If you’re not completely packed and ready on moving day, movers can’t create that box wall early on. This decreases the capacity of the items that can be moved at one time. It also eats up precious time, and therefore, money!

4. THINK AHEAD. Begin packing items you don’t use daily. As you pack your boxes, move them to the front of your apartment and

stack them along a wall near the front door. Say it takes 2.5 minutes, on average, to move a box from an upper bedroom to the truck. Having it on the main floor can shave 45 seconds off the time for each box. Saving 45 seconds multiplied by 200 boxes can save lots of time and money.

5. HAVE YOUR MOVING COMPANY PACK FOR YOU. Moving companies are skilled, have more experience packing and have the correct sized boxes.

So, when it comes to moving, forethought goes a long way.

Chuck Resnick is vice-president Marketing and Operations for Two Men And a Truck - Canada, a division of Heron Capital Corporation. Visit twomen.ca

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Ave. in

to shopping,

site

management

friendly (small

&

Birchwood Terrace in

RENTING VERSUS OWNING

FIVE REASONS RENTING IS BETTER

3. ACCESS TO AMENITIES.

Here are five good reasons why renting is preferable to owning.

1. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE. Shovelling snow, raking autumn leaves, mowing the lawn –outdoor tasks are your landlord, superintendent or management company’s responsibility, unless your lease dictates otherwise.

2. FIXTURE REPAIR. If your shower stops running properly, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to call and pay for a plumber.

Pools, gyms, party rooms and libraries are all fairly common features of upscale modern apartment buildings. In addition, high-density housing is often situated in the heart of the city, close to entertainment and shopping.

4. CHEAPER INSURANCE.

Unlike homeowners, renters do not have to insure the property – only the contents. When you get your renters’ insurance, expect to be paying approximately half of what you would if you owned your home.

5. LOWER UTILITY COSTS. Heating (or cooling) a larger space than that which you actually occupy is one of the downsides of home ownership. Rental units have more compact floorplans, and in the winter you may even benefit from ambient heat from the apartments around you.

Anne Marshall has lived in New York City, Glasgow (Scotland), Greensboro (NC), Toronto, and somehow ended up back in the fabulous small city of Guelph, where she grew up.

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ANNE MARSHALL

Professionally managed by

finds

by SARA DUCK

An unexpected way to infuse colour into your bedroom is by choosing a bedframe in a shade you love. These days, upholstered beds come in all sorts of colours, styles and prices – there is something for everyone!

DENICE UPHOLSTERED BED in pink. $500. structube.com

| Pair with this sheet set: LAPPNYCKLAR duvet cover and pillowcases. $50. ikea.ca

Colour confidential Inspiration!

Boho table LAMP. $50. | Round wicker BASKET with top handles. $30. | Mother-of-pearl SIDE TABLE. $200. | Lemon-yellow THROW. $30. | Bergamot, sea mist and woodland sage scented CANDLE. $20. homesense.ca

TESSU BED in Caspian blue. $1,049. article.com | Pair with this sheet set: PAGODTRAD in white/dark blue. $20. ikea.ca

CURRIN UPHOLSTERED LOW-PROFILE PLATFORM BED by George Oliver. $1,369. wayfair.ca | Pair with this sheet set: LYKTFIBBLA duvet cover. $25. ikea.ca

CLEAN GREEN!

While working from home with two small kids and cleaning constantly, Jackie Prince became hyper-aware of all the trash they were accumulating – especially plastics. After much research and education, she and her partner, Liz Drayton, decided to launch

Guests on Earth, sustainable cleaning products that come in refillable aluminum containers. The sleek design makes these products counter-worthy, while the allnatural formulas feel luxurious while you clean. guestsonearth.com

VADHEIM UPHOLSTERED BED FRAME in gunnared light green. $550. ikea.ca | Pair with this sheet set: NATTSLANDA duvet cover and pillowcases in floral pattern. $44. ikea.ca

NEIGHBOURHOOD

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY FORT GARRY

DAWN PETER

Fort Garry is a large area bordered by Waverly Street to the west, Jubilee Avenue to the north, Red River to the east and Dalhousie Drive to the south. Home to the University of Manitoba, Investors Group Field, and an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, Fort Garry offers a combination of residential and commercial opportunities in Winnipeg.

Fort Garry is a large and continuously growing area of Winnipeg with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, athletic activities, and entertainment options. One of the city’s oldest communities, Fort Garry is named for the historical fortification of Upper Fort Garry in downtown Winnipeg, but these days, you’re more likely to run into a university student or football fan than a fur trader.

Residential streets, popular shops, and an expansive university campus make Fort Garry as diverse as its residents. Incorporated as the Rural Municipality of Fort Garry in 1912 and amalgamated into the City of Winnipeg in 1972, it has long been a thriving community with plenty to offer. Crescent Drive Golf Course and Winnipeg Soccer Complex appeal to active residents, while friendly pubs provide opportunities to relax and socialize.

The large, ethnically diverse area of Fort Garry is home to people of all ages and backgrounds. With major draws like the University of Manitoba

and Investors Group Field in the neighbourhood, it’s no surprising that this community continues to attract newcomers. According to Statistics Canada’s recent census, Fort Garry is the fastest-growing Winnipeg area.

Shoppers have plenty of options along Pembina Highway, south Winnipeg’s main shopping district.

Sports fans can catch a Winnipeg Blue Bombers or University of Manitoba Bisons football game at Investors Group Field or check out the Fort Garry/Fort Rouge Twins on the ice at the Sam Southern Arena.

The University of Manitoba is a major presence here, with many students, staff, and faculty members calling the neighbourhood home.

Conveniently situated in the southwestern part of Winnipeg between the University of Manitoba and downtown, Fort Garry is just

10.2 kilometres from the Winnipeg International Airport. A large number of Winnipeg Transit routes service this area, providing convenient access for commuters. Pembina Highway is a major arterial road that connects Fort Garry to the neighbourhoods of North Kildonan, East Kildonan, Fort Rouge, St. Norbert, and downtown Winnipeg.

This mostly middle-class residential area offers a range of shops and services for all budgets, from locally-owned boutiques to popular big-box stores. Students living on or near the university campus can enjoy economical dining options at Best Pizza Donair while couples can savour mussels and gourmet pizza at Nicolino’s Restaurant on their next date night

Dawn Peter is an author and freelance writer in Manitoba.

Gardens

Richmond, St.

Whyte Ridge, Linden

A GREAT PLACE TO CALL

Welcome to Summerland Apartments featuring Bachelor, 1 BR and 2 BR suites with large indoor (or outdoor) balconies! Just o Pembina Hwy and Bishop Grandin Blvd (at University of Manitoba), Summerland is home to one of Winnipeg’s largest tropical atriums - joining two 16 story concrete towers - creating a wonderful indoor lush and green community complex! Close to Ikea, St. Vital mall, and all major transportation routes on Pembina Highway, Summerland Apartments is a perfect place for you to call home. Enjoy our indoor pool, exercise facility (seniors only), all the best conveniences right out your door, and modern spacious suites with generous storage! One fully furnished guest suite is also available and our renovated suites are available but moving fast. There is convenient on-site Smart Card laundry available and you will feel safe and sound with our controlled security access and professional on-site management. Ample indoor parking is available, as well as available phone, cable and high speed internet at tenant’s expense. Don’t miss out on this great location, call today!

ADVICE

RENTAL TIpS

what to look for in a rental

Whether it’s your first apartment or your 10th, you’re going to want to find the home that best suits your needs. While looking for a new apartment, use this handy checklist to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.

THE RENTAL UNIT

• Is there a storage place for extra belongings such as bikes, luggage, etc.? Who has access to this place?

• Where is the closest bus stop?

• Is the apartment near services that are used regularly? (groceries, bank, fitness)

• Is the rental unit clean? Who shovels the snow and cuts the grass? Who supplies the equipment (shovels, lawn mower)?

• Where can vehicles be parked? Is there good lighting outside and in the parking lot?

• How quiet or noisy is the rental unit during the evening for studying or sleeping?

• Are there laundry facilities? Is there a schedule for use? Is there a cost? Where is the closest laundromat?

• Does the building have Internet service, or can it be installed?

FINANCES

• How much is the rent?

• Is a security deposit required? What is the amount?

• Does the rent include utilities: Heat, water, electricity, cable or Internet?

• Will a utility hook-up charge be extra?

• Will parking cost extra? What is the amount?

• Who has to pay for repairs — big ones and small ones?

AVOID ROOMMATE MISUNDERSTANDINGS

• Who will sign the residential tenancy agreement (lease)? It’s best that all parties be named on it.

• What will happen if one person needs to move out before the end of the lease?

• How will costs be shared and bills paid?

• How will problems be resolved?

QUESTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

• Is the lease for a fixed amount of time or month-to-month?

• When and where will the rent be paid? What happens if it is late? Ask for receipts for any payments.

• Who do you contact if there is a problem?

• Have you arranged for tenants’ insurance?

• Are sublets okay? What about a roommate?

• Are pets allowed? Is a deposit required?

• Is smoking allowed?

• How long can guests stay?

• Are you able to decorate your unit? What is the policy about push pins and hammering nails in the walls?

• When and where are notices delivered when it’s time to move out?

• When will the inspection report be done.

It’s always a good idea to keep copies of documents related to your rental unit, including the tenancy agreement, inspection report and receipts. Asking the right questions and considering the answers before you sign on the dotted line will help you find a rental unit that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

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10

Elegant Suites with open

and 9 foot ceilings

oor plans to choose from

Suite sizes ranging from 1030 sq.ft to 1550 sq.ft

Spacious Kitchen with Large Corner Pantry & build in microwave shelve

Fridge, Range & Dishwasher

with

Wide, Wheelchair

and

Room with

Plenty of storage within the suite

Big Living Room windows with lots of natural light

Phase 2 suites have kitchen islands and all quartz counter tops throughout

All 2 BDR Suites come with 2 Bathrooms

All master bedrooms feature ensuite and walk in closets

laminate

Designer window

through out

ADVICE | MONEY MATTERS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

PLANNING AHEAD MEANS NO POCKET-ACHE LATER

GAIL VAZ-OXLADE

Thinking of travelling south this year? Time for travel insurance. You probably think you don’t need it. Don and Peg didn’t think so either. They knew their provincial health insurance would cover them if they got sick. Then Don tripped on the stairs and hauled Peg down with him. Don broke his hip and Peg her shoulder. They were in Australia. That left their daughters back home in Canada scrambling for money to help.

If you have extra coverage on a premium credit card, you might think you’re immune. And if you have a health plan at work, you might think you’re insured to the eyeteeth. Maybe not, even if you’re just going from one province to another. Check with your provincial plan to see what the restrictions or omissions are.

Different plans offer different benefits and restrictions. One thing that can limit your coverage is a “pre-existing condition.” It could be a past medical condition, prescription drugs, hospitalization or treatment. Or it could be an on-going health condition. When “pre-ex conditions” are covered, there is usually a stability period.

Most travel health policies will exclude any childbirth or pregnancy complications if you travel in your last trimester. Some won’t cover anything for which you were treated for up to six months before your trip. Some

plans won’t cover a medical condition for which you’re already being medicated. Make sure you shop around since you’ll find big differences in price and in the quality of coverage offered.

There are a bunch of other types of insurance that go into a “travel insurance package.” Trip cancellation coverage protects you from losing the deposit if you have to cancel your trip because of a sickness or a death in the family, a natural disaster – the list goes on. Default insurance protects your money when a tour operator or other service supplier goes out of business. Lost baggage insurance will pay when your checked-in baggage is delayed or lost while travelling on a common carrier or from a hotel. And rental vehicle damage insurance will cover damage or loss of a rented vehicle. Your personal property insurance may cover lost or stolen luggage. Your car insurance may provide collision and liability coverage for rented automobiles.

Some credit cards offer baggage insurance. If you have a premium credit card that gives extra medical coverage automatically, make sure you read the fine print to verify what you’re covered for and under which conditions. Your employer’s health insurance coverage may extend to worldwide coverage. Again, read the fine print since a group plan may have dollar limitations that won’t cover you properly.

Travel insurance can be expensive, but the alternative is worse. Be a smart traveller and invest some time in making sure you’re covered.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU BUY

• Does the plan have a “deductible”?

• What is the amount of the policy coverage limit ($1 million? $2 million? Unlimited?)

• Is the insurance paid out in U.S. or Canadian dollars?

• Can you choose the doctor and hospital or does the insurance company choose?

• What pre-existing conditions are permitted and how long have they had to be stable?

• Does the insurance company submit the claim directly to the provincial health insurance plan or is that the insured’s responsibility?

• What is not covered in the plan?

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Gail Vaz-Oxlade is the host of Til Debt Do Us Part and author of Debt Free Forever, and she blogs daily at gailvazoxlade.com. Follow Gail on Twitter at Twitter.com/GailVazOxlade

Tudor Village

from

management

One parking stall included

Additional parking available

Balcony and/or Patio

Pet friendly (cats)

Leasing Hours:

12 p.m.–7 p.m.

Friday Sat. & Sun. 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

posted rents may not be available.

Birchwood Terrace

Weatherstone

Welcome to Park Glen Manor featuring 1 BR and 2 BR suites. We are conveniently located at Prevette St. and Munroe Ave. in North East Winnipeg just steps away from great grocery and shopping centers, dining, schools and transportation routes! Our suites are just what you need with their large generous living spaces, open kitchen plans and spacious bedrooms! Our outdoor pool is the perfect thing for those hot summer days! There is convenient Smart Card laundry on each floor, and you will feel safe and sound with our controlled security access and professional on-site management.

FREE MONTH RENT ON 1 AND 2 BR

In West Kildonan, Kildonan Villa & House features 1 BR and 2 BR units in a beautiful treed and grassy park like property on north Main St. one block from Chief Pegus Trail. For those looking for easy transportation, proximity to schools, shopping, dining, and large generous suites in north Winnipeg’s Garden City areacome to newly upgraded Kildonan Villa & House. You really need to see the incredible layouts and spaciousness we have to o er here. There is convenient Smart Card laundry on each floor and you will feel safe and sound with our controlled security access.