Author: Zoe Mitchell
It is refreshing to see some municipalities beginning to walk the talk when it comes to tackling our housing supply crisis. Last May, for example, the City of Burlington passed a bylaw to reduce developers fees by 45 per cent. Several months later, in November, the City of Vaughan rolled back its rates to those in effect in 2018. Disturbingly, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca has been criticized for suggesting that York Region examine a policy similar to the one passed by his municipality. Newmarket Mayor John Taylor and Deputy Mayor Tom Vegh recently spoke against the concept during a…
A Staff Analytical Note on Monetary Policy, Interest Rates and the Canadian Dollar, which was released this February by the Bank of Canada, examined recent monetary developments and their effects on the Canadian dollar. According to this note, recent divergent monetary policies, with U.S. rates remaining high while Canadian rates drop, have contributed to the depreciation of the Canadian dollar, partly due to an added risk premium amid global uncertainty. However, while these short-term factors are influential, the currency’s long-term value will ultimately be determined by slower-moving fundamentals such as productivity, economic structure, fiscal policies, and long-run inflation trends. Diverging…
Furnished executive rentals are a specialized niche catering primarily to corporate travellers, business professionals, relocating employees, and various industry needs. This unique market offers landlords significant advantages, particularly for those targeting medium-term tenancies, where the demand for furnished rentals has grown consistently. Embracing this niche can result in higher income potential with reduced vacancy risks, especially when paired with the strategy of providing fully furnished properties tailored to tenant needs. What Are Furnished Executive Rentals? Furnished executive rentals are properties fully equipped with furniture, appliances, kitchenware, linens, and utilities, offering tenants a move-in-ready, turnkey solution. These homes are ideal for…
Weston Place, by Citimark, offers a distinctive approach to luxury living in West Vancouver. Situated in a well-established, sought-after neighbourhood, this development is designed to blend modern sophistication with the charm of the North Shore. With a focus on thoughtful design and an emphasis on both elegance and practicality, Weston Place promises an exceptional living experience. Scheduled for occupancy in December 2026, it provides a unique opportunity for those seeking a refined home within a walkable and vibrant community. Desirable Location in West Vancouver Weston Place is perfectly positioned between the vibrant communities of Ambleside and Dundarave, offering residents seamless…
A shifting Toronto real estate market saw suburban office space achieve its first annual net absorption gain since 2019, while downtown vacancy rates climbed despite stable rents, according to recent reports from the CBRE. Meanwhile, industrial properties faced increased availability due to record-high new supply, softening lease rates but sustaining strong absorption. GTA Suburban Office Market The Greater Toronto Area’s suburban office market experienced a notable milestone in 2024, recording its first full year of positive net absorption since 2019. While the overall vacancy rate remained stable at 20.7% compared to Q3 2024, the market showed signs of gradual improvement.…
The Bank of Canada’s latest decision to lower the overnight lending rate by 25 basis points from 3.25% to 3% is giving homeowners and prospective buyers plenty to consider. With two previous half-point cuts in late 2024, this latest move continues to ease pressure on borrowers with variable-rate mortgages. But does it make variable rates the smarter choice over fixed rates? Or have fixed rates bottomed out, making them the safer long-term bet? How the Rate Cut Impacts Borrowers For those with variable-rate mortgages, the immediate impact is clear—lower monthly payments. Since variable rates move in direct response to the…
Building community resilience to adapt to a changing climate is essential for protecting both housing values and the broader community. In British Columbia, the provincial government is taking proactive steps to mitigate the effects of climate change by investing in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation projects. These efforts aim to enhance the ability of communities to withstand the growing risks posed by natural disasters. Investing in Community Resilience To enhance community resilience, BC has provided funding to 46 projects across 39 communities in B.C. through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) under the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation (DRR-CA) stream.…
The federal government has decided to delay its planned increase in the capital gains tax inclusion rate, moving the date to January 1, 2026. The announcement, made by Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc on January 31, 2025, comes after an initial proposal in April 2024, which prompted a flurry of commercial real estate transactions as investors sought to divest before the tax hike took effect. The increase in the capital gains tax was initially outlined in the 2024 federal budget, with the government’s aim to raise the inclusion rate from 50% to 66.67% for individuals on capital gains above $250,000, plus…
In a series of announcements in late January, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) announced various critical funding and initiatives targeting the housing crisis across Ontario. These investments, which span several programs under the National Housing Strategy (NHS), prioritize the construction and repair of affordable homes for diverse communities, including those in urgent need. With a combined total investment of over $2.23 billion, the initiatives are set to address pressing housing challenges through innovative programs and collaborative agreements with municipalities and housing providers. National Housing Strategy (NHS) Grant: $2.1 Billion to Build and Repair 22,417 Homes On January 26,…
The start of a new year presents a unique opportunity for reflection and redirection—a clean slate to set ambitious goals and redefine your path. For many, the journey toward financial freedom and security is high on the list of aspirations. If this sounds like you, one of the best places to begin is with a mindset shift: understanding the difference between being “rich” and being “wealthy.” This subtle yet profound distinction could set the tone for all the financial decisions you make this year and beyond. The Difference Between Rich and Wealthy To many, being rich simply means having a…
