Where to Watch Victoria Day Fireworks in Toronto 2012

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ashbridges bay park, public holidays in canada, travel, vacation, victoria day fireworks, victoria day fireworks in toronto

Victoria Day fireworks in Toronto 2012
Where to watch Victoria Day fireworks in Toronto 2012

For those not overly eager to risk setting off their own fireworks, there are two places in the GTA to witness some fireworks this weekend.

In Toronto City, Ashbridges Bay Park hosts the only (confirmed) Toronto fireworks display to light up the sky on the holiday Monday, and this year’s show will be a 14-minute whopper, rain or shine. The crowd promises to be immense, with more than 80,000 people expected for the 9:45 p.m. show.

Canada’s Wonderland routinely puts on a good show, and this year’s fireworks display will take place on Sunday, May 20 at 10 p.m. You can opt for a day pass at the gate for the steep cost of $56.99 — if you’d like to be close-up for the 15-20 minute fireworks display, and/or properly nauseated after a long day of loops and dives — but many choose to enjoy the show from outside the proper confines of the park.

Public holidays in Canada are set at the national level countrywide as well as by each of the 10 provinces and three territories. Be sure to check both the national and the provincial listing of holidays.

The Canadian public holidays listed on the chart below comprise all annual national holidays where banks, government offices, schools and businesses are closed, unless otherwise indicated.

See table below for a listing all the national public holidays in Canada until 2015.

Public Holidays in Canada 2012-2015

Public Holiday	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
New Year’s Day	Fri, Jan 1	Sat, Jan 1	Sun, Jan 1	Tues, Jan 1	Wed, Jan 1	Thurs, Jan 1
Family Day (3rd Mon of Feb. in ALTA, SASK, MAN* & ON)	Feb 15	Feb 21	Feb 20	Feb 18	Feb 17	Feb 16
Good Friday	April 2	April 22	April 6	March 29	April 18	April 3
Easter Monday Schools and gov. offices closed, many businesses and banks open.	April 5	April 25	April 9	April 1	April 21	April 6
Victoria Day (the Monday before May 25)	May 24	May 23	May 21	May 20	May 19	May 18
Canada Day	Thurs, July 1	Fri, July 1	Mon, July 2	Mon, July 1	Tues, July 1	Wed, July 1
First Monday of August Civic Holiday: celebrated by most provinces.	Aug 2	Aug 1	Aug 6	Aug 5	Aug 4	Aug 3
Labour Day (first Mon. of Sept.)	Sept 6	Sept 5	Sept 3	Sept 2	Sept 1	Sept 7
Thanksgiving Day (2nd Mon of Oct)	Oct 11	Oct 10	Oct 8	Oct 14	Oct 13	Oct 12
Remembrance Day (banks and gov. offices closed, but most business & schools open)	Thurs, Nov 11	Fri, Nov 11	Sun, Nov 11	Mon, Nov 11	Tues, Nov 11	Wed, Nov 11
Christmas Day	Sat, Dec 25	Sun, Dec 25	Tues, Dec 25	Wed, Dec 25	Thurs, Dec 25	Fri, Dec 25
Boxing Day (most stores open)	Sun, Dec 26	Mon, Dec 26	Wed, Dec 26	Thurs, Dec 26	Fri, Dec 26	Sat, Dec 26

*Manitoba actually officially celebrates Louis Riel Day, but many people call it Family Day.

Note: Above info. is believe to be true but not warranties for anything. Use this all above information on your risk. Please verify with right authorities. Info. and time subject to change.

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pdfs/airducts.pdf

What is Air Duct Cleaning?
Most people are now aware that indoor air pollution is an issue of growing concern
and increased visibility. Many companies are marketing products and services intended to improve the quality of your indoor air. You have probably seen an advertisement, received a coupon in the mail, or been approached directly by a
company offering to clean your air ducts as a means of improving your home’s
indoor air quality. These services typically — but not always — range in cost from
$450 to $1000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region, and level of contamination.

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling
system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts
and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils,
condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing .

If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components may become
contaminated with particles of dust, pollen, or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased, and spores from such growth may be released into the home’s living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them. If you decide to have your heating and cooling system cleaned, it is important to make sure the service provider agrees to clean all components
of the system and is qualified to do so. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re contamination of the entire system, thus
negating any potential benefits. Methods of duct cleaning vary, although standards
have been established by industry associations concerned with air duct cleaning.

Typically, a service provider will use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and
other debris in ducts, and then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum
cleaner. In addition, the service provider may propose applying chemical biocides,
designed to kill microbiological contaminants, to the inside of the duct work and to other system components.

Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or
other encapsulants) to seal or cover the inside surfaces of the air ducts and  equipment housings because they believe the sealant will control mold growth or
prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from ducts. These practices have
yet to be fully researched and you should be fully informed before deciding to permit the use of biocides or sealants in your air ducts. They should only be applied, if at all, after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or debris.

If you decide to have your heating and cooling system cleaned, it is important to make sure the service provider agrees to clean all components of the system and is qualified to do so.

for more info article found here:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pdfs/airducts.pdf

Programs and Financial Assistance from CMHC

Investment in Affordable Housing 2011 – 2014

On July 4, 2011, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for housing announced a combined $1.4 billion investment toward reducing the number of Canadians in housing need under a new Affordable Housing Framework 2011 – 2014. The Framework is the basis for bilateral agreements between the federal government, represented by CMHC, and each Province and Territory.
Read more >>

 

CMHC-Delivered Renovation Programs

CMHC delivers the following renovation programs in Prince Edward Island, where the province cost-shares on a 75% federal / 25% provincial basis and in Yukon Territory.

In other jurisdictions, Provinces and Territories may choose to design and deliver renovation programs that are cost-shared with the federal government. Information on Provincially/Territorially designed and delivered housing programs are provided under Provincial and Territorial Housing Links.

For Homeowners:

For Multi-Unit Projects:

Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Homeowner RRAP Financial assistance to low-income homeowners for mandatory home repairs that will preserve the quality of affordable housing. Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — RRAP for Persons with Disabilities Financial assistance to allow homeowners and landlords to pay for modifications to make their property more accessible to persons with disabilities. Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence (HASI) Financial assistance for minor home adaptations that will help low-income seniors to continue to perform daily activities in their home independently and safely. Emergency Repair Program (ERP) Financial assistance to help low-income households in rural areas, for emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their home. Renovation Programs Pre-Application Tool Use this tool to obtain information specific to your geographic area and find out if you would be eligible to apply for financial assistance through CMHC’s renovation programs for low-income households.

Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Rental RRAP Financial assistance to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by low-income tenants. Rooming House Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Rooming House RRAP Financial assistance to pay for mandatory repairs to rooming houses occupied by low-income tenants. This program is available in both rural and urban areas. Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — Secondary/Garden Suite Financial assistance for the creation of a Secondary or Garden Suite for a low-income senior or adult with a disability — making it possible for them to live independently in their community, close to family and friends. Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — RRAP for Conversions Financial assistance for the creation of affordable housing for low-income households by the conversion of nonresidential properties into affordable, self-contained rental housing units or bed-units. Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP) Financial assistance to assist in the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters, and to assist in the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing for victims of family violence.

GTA : Commercial Realty Watch – 1st Quarter 2012

The Commercial Realty Watch is now published on a quarterly basis.

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Over Three Million Square Feet of Leased Space in Q1

April 4, 2012 — Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Commercial Division Members leased almost 3.1 million square feet of commercial space through the TorontoMLS system in the first quarter of 2012. This result represented a ten per cent decline compared to the first quarter of 2011. Industrial leasing generally accounts for the great majority of commercial lease transactions through the TorontoMLS system. This remained the case in the first quarter with leased industrial square footage accounting for 77 per cent of total leased space. The average lease rate for industrial transactions completed on a per square foot net basis and for which pricing was disclosed was $4.90 – up three per cent compared to the first quarter of 2011.

“While the past year has been marked by economic uncertainty, we continued to see growth in the Canadian economy. Over the past few months, we have also heard more good economic news than bad, both in the Canadian context and in relation to major trading partners like the United States. The result has been a respectable level of leasing activity and a moderate gain in the average lease rate on a per square foot net basis,” said Commercial Division Chair person.

There were 233 total commercial sales in the first quarter of this year – down by almost seven per cent compared to the first three months of 2011. Broken out by type, sales of industrial and other commercial types were down by 4.5 and 9.5 per cent respectively compared to 2011. Average sale prices per square foot for transactions with pricing disclosed were down for both the industrial and other commercial categories.

“The dip in average sale prices was due to a change in the composition of sales in both the industrial and other commercial categories this year compared to last. In both cases, a much higher share of first quarter 2012 deals were for larger sized properties, which generally sell for a lower price per square foot,”.

GTA REALTORS® Release Monthly Resale Market Figures for April 2012

GTA REALTORS® Release Monthly Resale Market Figures

TORONTO, May 3, 2012 — Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,350 transactions through the TorontoMLS System in April 2012.  This level of sales was 18 per cent higher than the 8,778 firm deals reported in April 2011.  The strongest sales growth was reported in the single-detached market segment, with transactions of this home type up by 22 per cent compared to a year ago.

“Interest in single-detached homes has been very high, both in the City of Toronto and surrounding regions.  Growth in single-detached listings has not kept up with demand, which means competition between buyers in this market segment increased.  With this in mind, it was no surprise that the strongest annual price increase was also experienced in the single-detached segment,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President, Richard Silver.

The average price for April 2012 transactions was $517,556 – up 8.5 per cent compared to April 2011.  While price growth was strongest for single-detached homes, the better-supplied condominium apartment segment experienced a more moderate annual rate of price growth, at four per cent.

“Monthly mortgage payments remain affordable for home buyers in the Greater Toronto Area.  While interest rates are generally expected to increase over the next two years, the extent and timing of rate hikes has been thrown into question by slower than expected economic growth in the first quarter of this year.  On net, borrowing costs are expected to remain a positive factor influencing home sales through 2012,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

	Summary of TorontoMLS Sales and Average Price
			April 1 – 30
			2012				2011
			Sales		Average Price		Sales		Average Price
	City of Toronto (“416″)		3,925		$568,436		3,426		$527,242
	Rest of GTA (“905″)		6,425		$486,473		5,352		$444,515
	GTA		10,350		$517,556		8,778		$476,802
TorontoMLS Sales & Average Price  By Home Type
		Sales						Average Price
		416		905		Total		416		905		Total
Detached		1,465		3,743		5,208		831,214		579,278		650,147
Yr./Yr. % Change		22%		22%		22%		9%		9%		9%
Semi-Detached		451		691		1,142		581,034		393,889		467,796
Yr./Yr. % Change		15%		13%		14%		3%		7%		5%
Townhouse		423		1,184		1,607		423,062		364,099		379,619
Yr./Yr. % Change		6%		25%		19%		1%		8%		5%
Condo Apartment		1,534		637		2,171		360,807		289,819		339,978
Yr./Yr. % Change		9%		9%		9%		3%		7%		4%

5 Key Issues to a Successful Commercial Real Estate Acquisition

Tags

business, costly undertaking, environmental lawsuits, investment perspective, professional realtor, Real Estate

Investment Perspective:
5 Key Issues to a Successful Commercial Real Estate Acquisition

Buying real estate is a costly undertaking, and business owners need to exercise due diligence every step of the way. Without proper planning, entrepreneurs can face a host of problems and lots of painful financial future, including inadequate financing, unexpected construction costs, inefficient layout and environmental lawsuits. Smart Investor need to be vigilant on every level and avoid errors that will cost you down the road, it just makes good sense to take the time you need before you decide on that location. Although real estate costs have shot up in recent decades, entrepreneurs are still usually better off buying properties than renting them. Benefits are like you won’t be faced with rental increases and your property may appreciate in value, Plus a buyer can deduct the value of a loan, mortgage interest or depreciation in the value of a building from company taxes – this is something that can’t be done when renting. This is a best factor not to miss.

So what makes a successful acquisition?
There are 5 key issues to be put in your attention.

Understand the local real estate market

Before making that important decision on what to buy, entrepreneurs should pay definite attention to where they’re buying. Each local market has its own tax rates, land inventory and environmental issues. The supply of skilled labour in the area also needs to be considered. Municipalities can often provide helpful information on future industrial developments and environmental considerations, it is also recommended to take professional realtor’s help who work in the specific subject.

Get your financing in order

Affordability is a big issue in commercial real estate today, so before you go to a bank, you should work with an accountant to determine your budget. Bankers will want to see high-quality financial statements and evidence that the profits you generate are being retained by your company. All of this will play a big role in determining whether you get the loan you want. It’s also worth considering alternatives to conventional banks. A bank may be willing to finance 65% of the capital needed but ask you to put up the remaining 35% — a substantial personal burden if a $1 million property is involved. Financing for purchasing land or building offers more flexible terms than banks, based on each client’s case; it also provides financing for a broad range of needs, including land purchases and bridge financing. Smart Investor also considers side by side help from right mortgage broker.

Whichever route you choose, resist the temptation to sway credit institutions in your favour with overly optimistic forecasts; payment problems later on can boost costs and reduce your maneuvering room.

Get expert help with tax issues

Tax implications can be complex in real estate transactions. It is advisable is to see your accountant who will know the ins and outs. Entrepreneurs will need to know, for instance, whether their purchase should be considered a corporate or personal transaction. Other issues include succession planning, Transition financing and decisions about how assets will be broken up when the business is sold. This makes proper & smart plan to go ahead with the project.

Plan your Layout or Business well

Whether it’s an existing building or one that you’ll be renovating, you’ll need a layout plan that gives you a competitive advantage. The right layout can lower operating costs and improve your capacity to move to new productive level as well as your ability to generate higher rate of return. A good layout has a major impact on its operational efficiency optimize processes and reduce waste.

Choose the right builders

Less construction time, less money and more value should be your guiding principles when choosing a builder. Investor should be looking for quality builders who have a good reputation and are responsive to their needs. Key point to note here for good builders is including experience, timeliness and knowledge of your industry. For example, if your building must meet accommodation or food-industry standards, your builder should have

expertise in that sector. A builder’s financial history should also be noted. Investor doesn’t want a situation where contractors are taking their deposit to fund a previous job where they ran out of money. In any doubts, do a credit check with their permission or due diligence. Ultimately, there are no sure recipes for making a successful building or land acquisition. However, if you pay attention to these five areas, you’re more likely to make the most of your investment.

It is always advisable to get the professional help of respective subject in real estate investment like Realtor, Mortgage broker, inspection team, lawyers and financial advisory team of your own.

Happy Family Day (Canada) to all clients and B2B friends

Reblogged from gtarealtyagent's Blog:

Happy Family Day (Canada) to all clients and B2B friends

from www.vijaygandhi.com

This publication contains general information only and should not be construed as legal or professional advice. For legal or professional advice specific to your real estate transaction or situation, you should seek the services of a competent professional.

This blog communication is for public awareness and public responsibility, for client and customer benefit and best intrest in mind.

Read more… 249 more words

so fortunate to wish you again to all clients, friends, B2B partners " Happy Family Day Long Weekend " - Take your time and celebrate with your family................

Commercial Market Holds Up Well in Q4 of 2011

Tags

canadian economy, commercial property transactions, consensus outlook, division members, steady economic growth, toronto real estate board

Commercial Market Holds Up Well in Q4 of 2011 January 5, 2012 — Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Commercial Division Members leased over 3.6 million square feet of commercial space through the TorontoMLS® system in the fourth quarter of 2011, representing a small 3.5 per cent decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. However, the amount of industrial space leased was up by eight per cent compared to 2010. Industrial transactions accounted for 79 per cent of total leased space in the fourth quarter. The average lease rate for industrial transactions completed on a per square foot net basis and for which pricing was disclosed was $4.92 – down 3.4 per cent compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. “After a dip in economic output in the second quarter of 2011, the Canadian economy rebounded in the third quarter. This rebound was in line with the consensus outlook for steady economic growth through 2012. In keeping with this outlook, it would seem that a number of industrial firms made the decision to take on additional space in the fourth quarter,” said TREB Commercial Division Chair Larry Purchase. In the fourth quarter, 209 commercial properties were sold through the TorontoMLS® system. This result was 13.6 per cent lower compared to the same period in 2010. Industrial property types accounted for 47 per cent of total sales. The average selling price for industrial transactions completed on a per square foot net basis and for which pricing was disclosed was $70.25 – almost a five per cent increase compared to fourth quarter of 2010. Other commercial property types sold for an average $149.68 – up 50 per cent in comparison to the last three months of 2010. It is important to note that the nature of commercial property transactions can vary substantially from year to year. This means that while market forces play a role in the rate of price growth, large swings in the average selling price are often indicative of changes in the types of properties sold in a given reporting period. “The economic outlook for Canada remains positive, but it is important to note that the risks to this outlook are substantial. How the story will unfold in Europe and south of the border is far from certain. As a result, business confidence arguably remains fragile. This suggests that while we could be headed for a strong year in the commercial market, we should also be prepared for some volatility in the number of transactions and prices along the way,” Purchase added. Click here for complete Commercial Realty Watch [pdf] The Commercial Realty Watch is now published on a quarterly basis. visit us for new edition again at www.gtarealtyagent.wordpress.com the data is brought to you by www.vijaygandhi.com

GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

Tags

jason mercer, resale home, richard silver, toronto real estate, toronto real estate board, toronto realtors

GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

 

Toronto, February 16, 2012

Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,206 sales through the TorontoMLS® system through the first 14 days of February 2012 – up by more than nine per cent compared to the 2,933 sales reported during the same period in 2011. New listings were up by 13 per cent over the same period.

“The GTA resale home market became better supplied during the first 14 days of February. If growth in new listings continues to outstrip growth in sales this year, competition between home buyers will ease. More balanced market conditions on a sustained basis would result in a lower annual rates of price growth later in 2012,” said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Richard Silver.

The average selling price during the first 14 days of February was $491,493 – up by nine per cent compared to the first 14 days of February 2011. On average, sellers received 99 per cent of their asking price and their homes were on the market for an average of 25 days.

“Both buyers and sellers are   aware of the substantial competition that exists for most listings in the   GTA. There is not a mismatch in expectations, so homes sell quickly at close   to the asking price,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market   Analysis. Summary of TorontoMLS® Sales and Average Price
February 1 – 14
2012												2011
			Sales			Average Price						Sales				Average Price
City ofToronto  (“416″)			1,214				$543,068					1,244			$499,489
Rest of GTA (“905″)			1,992				$460,061					1,689			$414,958
GTA			3,206				$491,493					2,933			$450,811
TorontoMLS® Sales & Average Price By Home   Type
February    1 – 14, 2012
Sales										Average Price
	416				905			Total		416				905				Total
Detached		417		1,154					1,571		776,011		553,233				612,366
Yr./Yr. % Change		8%		22%					18%		3%		11%				7%
Semi-Detached		131		209					340		595,453		382,458				464,524
Yr./Yr. % Change		-2%		12%					6%		18%		9%				12%
Townhouse		103		343					446		390,750		341,459				352,842
Yr./Yr. % Change		-12%		11%					5%		0%		10%				6%
Condo Apartment		552		247					799		388,215		269,637				351,558
Yr./Yr. % Change		-7%		15%					-1%		8%		4%				5%

Source: TorontoReal Estate Board
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Get the latest real estate news and Market Watch information including market watch summary and info at http://gtarealtyagent.wordpress.com/

Canadian Real Estate Association has launched a new system for tracking home and condo sales prices

Tags

benchmark price, consumer price index, home price index, mls home, regional breakdowns, vancouver neighbourhoods

Canadian Real Estate Association has launched a new system for tracking home and condo sales prices aimed at giving buyers and sellers a more precise picture thru REALTORS, of what’s happening right in their neighborhoods.

The new system will track Canadian and regional home sales and price escalations based on “benchmark prices.” Those benchmarks are based on quantitative factors (the number of rooms, bathrooms, age of home) and qualitative factors (proximity to schools, parks) and are intended to shine a light on highly localized factors that may be skewing prices up or down but not necessarily reflect market conditions. Its a good initiative and responsible behavioure from Canadian Real Estate Association.

CREA has also established a new MLS Home Price Index — similar to the Consumer Price Index which measures price inflation — that tracks prices relative to January, 2005 based on house type, be it single-family homes with one or two storeys, townhouses, row homes or condo apartments..and more.

As of January, the benchmark price of a single-family home in Toronto hit $606,600 — $100,000 more than the $499,800 benchmark price for a similar home in the rest of Canada. That Toronto home cost 50.3 per cent more than it would have in January, 2005.

Over time, far more localized data will become available for MLS districts that should paint a clearer picture of neighbourhood trends.

“One of the key goals is to take a little bit of volatility out of housing statistics,” says  senior analyst for the Toronto Real Estate Board. “It’s going to provide a good tool for consumers to understand where their home fits into the market.”

CREA will continue to release its traditional Canada-wide and regional breakdowns of average and median home prices, which it claims are often “misinterpreted” and can swing significantly, as national prices did last year when there was a rush of foreign investors snapping up homes in high-end Vancouver neighbourhoods.

Right now, just five major real estate boards across Canada are part of the new system — the GTA, Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Calgary, and Greater Montreal.

Eight more boards will start using the new measures this year, and another eight boards next year. stay tuned and connected to Licensed REALTORS for access to this system and plan your real estate investment and buy/sell.

contact me thru this blog if you are interested to real estate or mortgage related inquiry only.Thanks for serious inq. only…