3 local activities you need to try this summer

Late summer weather and changing seasonal colours create the perfect atmosphere for exploring your city or town. But pleasant local outings can be daunting for women with sensitive bladders. From finding the nearest bathroom to worrying about sudden leaks, bladder leaks can hamper even the best plans – even if you're only a few neighbourhoods away from home.

“Urinary incontinence affects one in three women between ages 18 and 75, but it doesn't have to hold you back from the activities you enjoy,” says Barbara Hannah Grufferman, positive aging expert and best-selling author of The Best of Everything After 50. “Keep doing the things you love, and with a few tips to help manage your sensitive bladder, those little leaks can feel like no big deal!”

This fall, don't let bladder leaks stop you from enjoying life. Have fun with these local activities and keep in mind that although managing urinary incontinence on the go can be frustrating, the right products and tips will let you tackle anything and everything.

1. Farmers' markets. Farmers' markets are a great place to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables for the coming week. Look online or ask around to find one in your area. A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of bladder leaks, making your afternoon outings even more enjoyable.

2. Sporting events. Grab tickets to check out a local game — baseball, soccer, and football all guarantee an entertaining and action-filled day. And don't worry about long lines for the ladies' room, with Always Discreet pads' dual LeakGuards that offer the protection you need to stop leaks where they happen most often.

3. Get active outdoors. A sensitive bladder can make you hesitant to participate in healthy physical activities, especially if you'll be outdoors where bathrooms can be few and far between. Whether you want to play a round of gold, go for a hike or hit the batting cages, get in on the action by using products designed to support women with light bladder leaks that'll let you enjoy your favourite activities without worry.

www.newscanada.com

3 eco-friendly ways to love the outdoors with your family

Wonderful weather is still in full swing all across the country, even as kids gear up to go school. While it lasts, get friends and family together and enjoy the great outdoors with these three fun eco-friendly ideas.

1. Go for a picnic. All of our provinces and territories have scenic spots where we can unroll a blanket, set out a spread and dine al fresco. It's a delicious way to make the most of our short warm weather season and to catch up with loved ones in the fresh air. Keep the love for your location going by using reusable dishes, cups and utensils. They're easy to wash once you're back at home and you won't risk ruining your pretty picnic spot by leaving anything behind to threaten wildlife or damage the ecosystem.

2. Go for a stroll, a hike or a bike ride. Spectacular scenery is our national calling card — from coast to coast to coast, we've got wild places and pretty panoramas that'll take your breath away. Choose one near you, load essentials in your backpack and make a day of it. Bring a local nature book to identify interesting trees or birds you spot along the way. Stay safe by letting someone know your plans and always pack out what you pack in. Don't leave your litter behind.

3. Clean a shoreline. No matter where in Canada you live, there's a shoreline in your community. That's anywhere that land meets water, whether it's a river, coastline, pond or stream — even a storm drain counts. Shoreline litter is a threat to aquatic life and ecosystems because it can leach harmful chemicals into the water, be eaten accidentally by wildlife, and entangle aquatic animals such as turtles, birds, fish and marine mammals.

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup is the country's largest direct-action conservation initiative, organized by the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada and presented by Loblaw Companies Limited. Across the country, people are doing their part to remove litter from shorelines before it can harm our freshwater and marine ecosystems. Join them any time of year to reconnect with nature and make a real difference in the health of your local waters.

Learn more or register to clean your local shoreline online at shorelinecleanup.ca.

www.newscanada.com

3 must-see Canadian summer music festivals

If you're in England, one of the hottest summer music festival tickets is Glastonbury; if you're in the United States, it's likely Lollapalooza. For concertgoers in Canada, must-see music festivals take place across the country all summer long.

Between June and September there are hundreds of music festivals in Canada. Whether your favourite is jazz, blues, folk, country, rock, indie or classical — during the summer months there's sure to be a festival catering to your musical tastes somewhere in our home and native land. Check out these top contenders for great music, both internationally and locally renowned.

Osheaga. Montreal's late-July Osheaga Music and Arts Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Routinely attracting 120,000 fans over the course of several days, the festival showcases local and national talent alongside acclaimed international headliners. The main event takes place at parc Jean-Drapeau with concerts and art exhibitions held throughout the city in the week leading up to the big show.

TD Jazz festivals. Celebrates music across Canada by welcoming world-class musicians, critically acclaimed jazz artists and rising stars, the TD jazz festivals top the list. From mid-June to mid-July, the world's top jazz musicians play in nine cities including Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.

TD Echo Beach. While fabulous music is the heart of summer festivals, many are adding food, art, comedy and other elements to enhance the experience and make it more accessible for all ages and personalities. Located in downtown Toronto, TD Echo Beach features spectacular views of the city skyline and a real sand beach where families and friends can listen to great tunes while kids happily build sandcastles at their feet. Check local listings for upcoming shows through August.

Honourable mentions: Scattered between the big cities from coast-to-coast are hundreds of music festivals that also attract top talent and big crowds. Check out the events like Roots & Blues Festival in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Find a list of some of the hottest summer music festivals across the country online at tdmusic.com.

www.newscanada.com

Listen to some of the world's best jazz right here in Canada

While New Orleans is considered the birthplace of jazz, the genre is flourishing in Canada. Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and many other greats shaped and developed early jazz, and Canadians like Oscar Peterson and Moe Koffman helped secure the nation's position on the international stage. Following in their footsteps are contemporary national treasures Diana Krall, Molly Johnson, Kellylee Evans and countless others, each adding their own distinctive style.

An ever-evolving genre, jazz is influenced by rhythm and blues, gospel and popular music and expands to welcome new artists and sounds into the mix. The result is a fusion of sounds from many cultures, making a country as diverse as Canada the perfect platform for this eclectic musical form.

And what better way to embrace this spirit than by experiencing live jazz at one of Canada's many festivals dedicated to the genre? Most are outdoors, family-friendly and stretch over multiple days, making it an ideal opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather with loved ones. While jazz festivals offer opportunities to discover local talent, many also feature internationally-renowned artists.

This summer, Sarah McLachlan performed at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Joe Jackson at the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Brian Wilson at the TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival. In addition to these cities, Halifax, Montreal, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Calgary and Victoria are also hosting festivals. Hundreds of acclaimed musicians from around the world are performing in cities and communities across Canada this summer.

www.newscanada.com

5 secrets for the perfect summer road trip

With the solstice behind us, summer is now officially here. For many of us that means it's time to hit the road with family and friends to take advantage of the warm weather and long weekends. Just remember that summer is also construction season and that road work is a temporary but necessary inconvenience. As such, it's every driver's responsibility to ensure road worker safety. As you plan your road trip, keep in mind these five tricks for maximizing your fun while staying safe.

1. Plan ahead. Planning ahead will help you avoid delays. Use a GPS to plan out your route and to check for traffic updates. If you're going far, plan a pit stop for gas and to stretch your legs. Fuel up more than your gas tank — make sure to stock a cooler with snacks and water to stay hydrated and energized. Check the local traffic report for construction zones and other delays so they're expected. Ontario511 is an excellent tool to help plan your drive.

2. Follow the rules of the road. Ensure your safety and that of your passengers by following the rules of the road. Speed limits change in construction zones for important reasons — one of which is road worker safety. Make sure you follow posted signage and exercise extra caution in construction zones.

3. Avoid distractions. Avoiding distractions while driving is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, including road workers. Plan your route before departing and only use your cell phone when parked. Make sure to set your climate control, mirrors and GPS in advance. Create the perfect playlist before hitting the road so you're not flipping through the radio or your phone. Once you're in the car hand over your devices to a passenger or tuck them away out of sight so you're not tempted to pick them up at a brief stop.

4. Stay off the major routes. Maximize the fun by taking a detour. Summer construction tends to focus on the major routes, roads and highways. Avoid the traffic by switching it up and detouring through Ontario's beautiful country roads.

5. Set expectations. You're not the only one hitting the road this summer. Ontario's roads will be busy with traffic and construction. Set expectations early that regular routes and trips may take longer than usual. Prepare in advance with snacks, scheduled breaks and the perfect playlist to make delays fly by.

Source: www.newscanada.com

3 worry-free travel tips for travellers in Canada

You don't need to book time off work to satisfy your wanderlust and hit the road — a few hours or a weekend are all it takes to get out there and explore. But for one in three women who may be looking to take a day trip or embark on a full-fledged adventure, the possibility of experiencing bladder leaks has a way of putting the brakes on travel plans. For those living with adult incontinence, travel can be a stressful part of vacationing.

If you're planning on travelling by plane, train or automobile, use these helpful tips to travel with confidence:

1. Speak up and plan. There's no need to feel anxious about bladder leaks when you travel. If you need to make extra stops en route, let your companions know ahead of time. This will help them plan for longer travel times (and create a longer playlist!) so no one feels rushed or stressed.

2. Wear the right clothing. Travelling is more enjoyable when you're dressed for your environment. Choose fabrics that breathe and allow air and moisture to pass through, keeping you comfortable all day long. For added peace of mind, pack a change of clothes and a few extra layers in the bag you keep with you for a quick change if necessary.

3. Bring the right protection. For women who experience bladder leaks, there are many product options so you're sure to find one that fits your unique needs. Stay dry and comfortable all day long by looking for products that offer odour protection and high absorption, like Always Discreet pads, liners and underwear. Their unique OdorLock technology neutralizes odours instantly and features a DualLock core that absorbs two times more than you may need.

Find more information, tips and a free sample at www.alwaysdiscreet.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com

How to keep your kitchen reno headache-free

The thought of a kitchen renovation may cause your eye to twitch and your sweat to trickle. You've heard the horror stories — work costing more than expected, lasting too long, or not ending up the way you expected. While you can't predict everything, there are ways to keep the road to a shiny new kitchen relatively stress-free.

Robin Saxberg, principal designer at Hamilton, Ontario's DESZA Design, advises that leaving the project to a professional may save you headaches in the long-run. “Occasionally, the client will want to do the demolition themselves either for cost-savings or for fun, which it is. However, there may be a risk of accidently damaging something important,” she reveals. “Most demos require the rental or purchase of tools, safety equipment and waste bin rental which could eliminate much of the potential savings.”

If you're thinking of taking on the demolition yourself in hopes of saving a few bucks, look at other options. Contact your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore to see if they are able to remove your old kitchen for you. Also keep in mind that the contractor you hire usually includes this in their quote.

If you feel like you're drowning in sawdust, Saxberg says to keep in mind that your kitchen won't always be gutted. “Though your renovation may seem overwhelming at times, it is temporary. Any stress and chaos will pass and when the dust settles, you'll have a beautiful, perfectly unique space that functions the way you need it to.”

In the meantime, follow her five tips for a smooth and successful kitchen reno.

1. Get everything in writing: Read and understand all contracts with designers, contractors and anyone else you hire.

2. Keep an emergency fund: Set aside around 10 per cent of your renovation budget as a contingency fund. If a pipe bursts or the electrical needs to be rewired, you won't panic knowing you have enough to cover it.

3. Plan as much as possible: Lay out your renovation roadmap before the project begins, and don't be afraid to ask your contractor or designer lots of questions. Placing orders before work starts will also cut down on wait time for deliveries.

4. Invest in key pieces: Putting money into a quality stone surface countertop and Canadian-made solid wood flooring will ensure your kitchen will stand the test of time.

5. Reduce, reuse, recycle: Do some good by donating your old kitchen items to a local charitable organization, like Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Many contractors also work with them. This will keep your old kitchen out of the landfill and help others in the process.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Great tips for night sky photography

One of the best parts about camping at one of our parks is the breathtakingly clear night sky. These clear skies provide the perfect backdrop to see the wonders of our solar system sprawled out above you.

Seeing these magnificent skies is one thing, but being able to capture them adds a whole other level to the experience.

Here are our top tips for night sky photography: 

Watch the weather

Perhaps the most important part of getting a perfect night sky shot is having a clear night sky. One really big obstacle is a bright moon. While a bright moon may save some battery power on your flashlights, it can really overpower the  stars. (Although, if you’re looking to take some pictures of the moon, this is your time to shine!)

Many smartphones are equipped with apps that can check sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset times. You can also try taking some night sky photos on your smartphone.

Park staff may be able to provide you with weather information if you’d prefer to drop off the social media grid. Weather forecasts are also often posted on bulletin boards near main park offices.

Wait for the right season

Every photographer longs to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights, but did you know the best time to shoot the Aurora Borealis is winter?

Ontario Parks does offer winter camping at several parks. Some even have heated accommodations which would provide the perfect basefor your photography expedition.

In cold weather, make sure to give your lens about 30 minutes to adapt to the outside air. You might need this time for your body to adapt as well. You’ll also want a battery backup, as the cold will suck the life out of your battery.

Pack the right equipment

In order to take great photos of the night sky, you’ll need a digital camera that can produce an exposure time of at least 30 seconds.To get a better quality image, your camera should have a “BULB” mode to allow shutter speeds that are longer – maybe even up to an hour.

A Mirror Lock function will reduce camera slap, which happens when the mirror moves up at the beginning of the exposure. This will allow for a sharper image through the reduction of any kind of motion blur that may happen. Another step that you can take to sharpen your image is using a higher ISO.

In terms of lenses, a wide angle lens (16 mm or 28 mm) would work best if you have one. For less-pixelated images and faster shutter speeds, lenses with an aperture of f2.8 are recommended.

Of course, one of the best parts about photography is experimentation, so feel free to try a variety of equipment, or make the best out of what you have.

The most important piece of equipment for night sky photography is a tripod. A heavy tripod is a major key to great night sky photos because of the stability they offer.

Location, location, location

The further away from the city, the better. The darkest skies are found in the northern sky, away from the horizon.

Explore our parks to find a perfect location, perhaps somewhere with interesting features to place in the foreground like rock formations or tree tops.

If you happen to be in Bon Echo Provincial Park, stargazing on South Beach is one of the park’s “Top Ten” activities to do during your visit.

Collaborate with other stargazers

We’ve got lots of astronomy-themed events coming up this summer, including:

Stargazing Weekend at Rushing River Provincial Park

From July 22-23, 2016, Peter from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be at Rushing River! Join him for programs at the amphitheatre on Friday night. Enjoy the sunshine on Saturday afternoon, then join Peter’s Guided Tour of the Night Sky followed by telescopes to view planets, constellations and stars!

Astronomy Weekend at Quetico Provincial Park

From August 11-14, 2016, join the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as they guide visitors through the night sky. Presentations are followed by viewing the skies with amazing telescopes, kindly brought to Quetico by members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Thunder Bay Chapter. The Annual Perseid Meteor Shower is always a highlight of this weekend!

Star Party at Charleston Lake Provincial Park

On August 27, 2016, come see a million stars with internationally acclaimed astronomer & author Terence Dickinson as your expert guide. Explore the world of backyard astronomy, and then gaze through large telescopes at the majestic night sky.

Source: www.ontarioparks.com

5 questions with an Ontario park clerk

Welcome to our “5 Questions” series! We chat with park staff around the province to give you an inside look at what it’s like to work at Ontario Parks.

Laurie Dulmage is now in her 16th season as the Park Clerk at Rideau River Provincial Park. She answered five questions from Marketing and Communications summer student Mitch Jackson about her career with Ontario Parks.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

I enjoy the finance and accounting part of it (things like expenses, revenue and payroll). The financial side is my favourite as I have an accounting degree. Other components of my job include completing contracts and all hiring documents for all staff. I also supervise, hire and train the Gate Attendants.

Where’s your favourite paddling spot in the park?

Out on the Rideau River, along the shores of the park. There is the main channel for boaters, but along the shores of the park it’s shallower. Campers can rent canoes and kayaks here at the park. The Rideau River itself is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the park is located on the longest stretch between the Rideau Canal lock systems. We always recommend visitors head upstream first, so that if they aren’t strong paddlers, the current can assist them on the way back.

What’s your favourite time of year in the park?

September! The colours of the leaves are beautiful, and it’s quiet. Things are winding down for the season at this time.

What was one of the most exciting days in your job?

The Rideau River’s 50th Anniversary Day! The park opened in 1963. It was reforested farmland, initially planted with mostly white pine trees. The day of the anniversary, we had MNRF Conservation Officers, the OPP Marine Unit, Parks Canada staff with their beaver mascot, children’s games, fishing for kids, and musical entertainment in the evening (not to mention Smokey Bear!).

Source: www.ontarioparks.com

Greater Toronto Area Housing Problem: Here's Where You Can Buy A House Near The GTA On A Condo Budget

If you're looking to buy a home in Greater Toronto Area here is something for you to consider. You can find a decent houses on the edge of GTA or even within for the price of Toronto's condos. 

If you had the choice between buying a downtown condo or a house far off in the suburbs for the same price -- which would you choose?

Millennials considering their first foray into homeownership are often placed into a box -- or more aptly put, a box in the sky. 

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Regularly depicted as through-and-through urbanites who, in the tug-of-war between square footage and location, will always choose the latter, 20-to-30 somethings are seen as open embracers of the condo lifestyle.

But not all millennials are swept up in the high-rise boom. For some, a minute's drive to the GO Train is a worthy enough replacement for steps to the TTC if that means owning a spacious yard and two-car garage. 

In fact, of the Greater Toronto Area's 1.4 million millennials, about 54 per cent don't live within the bounds of the city but in the suburbs of the 905. 

And of those who live outside of Canada's largest metropolis, an Angus-Reid survey found 73 per cent voiced it was the search for a larger abode at a lower price-point that led them beyond city limits.

It's not necessarily groundbreaking news; the pros (and cons) of moving to the suburbs are a no brainer to many. However, it does counter the popular image of millennials as a generation who no longer covet detached homes and would rather squeeze into tight fitted condo apartments than abandon urban life.

For buyers in search of more space and other perks a condo can't offer, finding an affordable place to call home is a tough proposition, even in the burbs. In 2016 so far, the average detached home in the suburban GTA sits at around $855,000, up almost 20 per cent from a year earlier.

On the other end of the spectrum, condominium apartments in Toronto averaged $430,000 -- up seven per cent.

It's no wonder almost 84 per cent of people believe "it's unrealistic for young people to expect to own a house and yard in the GTA." 

For millennials who are on a condo budget but want to skip the starter-apartment to move straight into a house, we've highlighted the suburbs in and around the GTA worth eyeing below. It's worth noting, everything listed comes under the $500,000 mark, so you won't be impacted by new rules that mandate a minimum down payment above five per cent.

Oshawa 
Home Type: Detached
Avg. Price: $459,534
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $28,262 More

London
Home Type: Detached
Avg. Price: $319,441
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $111,831 Less

Brock
Home Type: Detached
Avg. Price: $368,878 
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $62,394 Less

Essa
Home Type: Detached
Avg. Price: $454,899
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $23,627 More

Innisfil
Home Type: Detached
Avg. Price: $480,076
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $48,804 More

Whitby
Home Type: Semi-Detached
Avg. Price: $443,013
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $11,741 

Hamilton
Home Type: Semi Detached
Avg. Price: $372,081
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $59,191 Less

Brampton
Home Type: Townhouse
Avg. Price: $469,639
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $38,367 More

Halton Hills
Home Type: Townhouse
Avg. Price: $467,276
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $36,004 More

Ajax
Home Type: Townhouse
Avg. Price: $472,000
Compared to Avg. TO Condo: $40,733 More

Young buyers willing to circumvent an affordable starter condo for a more spacious family abode with room for future kids will see some strong benefits. For one, houses appreciate at a far faster rate than their high-rise counterparts, meaning they're a more solid investment. Plus, by going with the "forever home" first, you'll avoid the added costs of buying, selling and moving again within a short amount of time. 

There are caveats of skipping to a house however, not the least of which includes hours of arduous commuting time as well as being disconnected from young professional life in the city. Plus, with more space, comes higher energy bills and a greater risk of a stretched budget (along with increased maintenance responsibilities). Without the experience of having gone through the purchasing process before, you could also get stuck with buyer's remorse for a house you planned to live in for years on end.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.ca

What to do in Montreal if you're visiting for the first time

So you've decided to see the Cultural Capital of Canada (It is nonofficial, you don't mind me calling it that, right..) - Montreal?  Here are some things that you should do during your visit.

1. Mount Royal.

Do you remember The Whole Nine Yards movie's episode when Matthew Perry is showing his famous neighbour Bruce Willis the city? Exactly. They're having conversations at Kondiaronk Belvedere - one of the best Montreal lookout.

You can climb there, take a bus or drive. It is free. You only would need to pay for a parking or bus tickets.

2. Old Montreal.

Well it is one of the best part of Montreal. Just walk and enjoy a little bit of Paris' spirit there.


3. French Cuisine

After some good walk through Old Montreal you would be hungry for sure but no problem there are plenty of nice restaurants in Old Montreal. I would suggest to chose something with french cuisine with beautiful decor. Onion soup... Yum, yum.

4. Old Port of Montreal

And we are still here in Old Montreal in just a few steps down we will enter Old Port of Montreal which is also the iconic place to visit.




5. Saint Joseph's Oratory

Saint-Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is a unique architectural church with amazing view of Montreal from the observation deck. Climb the stairs to take a bus. Explore The Roman Catholic minor basilica with careful walks through this sacred place.

Enjoy Montreal!

How to drive safely on the road this summer

There's a saying in Canada that we only have two seasons: winter and construction. As Ontarians hit the road this summer we need to remember that road construction is a temporary but necessary inconvenience and that road safety is every driver's responsibility. This is especially true in construction zones.

Collision data from the Ministry of Transportation shows an increasing number of collisions and fatalities in construction zones. Across the province, there were 1,519 collisions in construction zones in 2011, followed by 1,592 in 2012 and 1,694 in 2013. These collisions led to three, four and eight fatalities, respectively.

It's every driver's responsibility to help prevent these tragic statistics by doing everything they can to ensure construction workers' safety. Follow these tips to keep road workers, your passengers and yourself safe this summer.

1. Plan ahead to avoid delays. Know where construction zones and other delays are beforehand so they're not unexpected. Ontario511 is an excellent resource, as are traffic apps and radio stations that update information constantly. If possible, find an alternate route to avoid construction zones and other delays altogether.

2. Adhere to posted speed limits and other signage on the road. Speed limits change in construction zones for a reason. Make sure you follow posted signage and exercise caution in construction zones.

3. Avoid driving distractions. Plan your route before departing and only use your cell phone when parked. Make sure to pre-set your climate control, mirrors, GPS and radio stations in advance.

4. Treat construction zones as if they were your own workplace. Show respect for construction workers by treating these zones as if they were your own workplace. Treat construction workers the way you'd like to be treated when you're at work.

5. Stay off the majors. Construction and traffic can be more prevalent on major routes throughout the summer. Stay off the highly travelled and popular roads and take advantage of Ontario's countryside to avoid delays and enjoy the scenic route.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Toronto Real Estate Market Update | June 2016 | Chestnut Park

June was, as have been all the months in 2016, exceptional. What we did not see however is a new monthly average sales price record, notwithstanding that June’s average sale price was almost 17 percent higher than the average sale price recorded last June. June’s average sale price came in at $746,546, about $6,000 less than the record of $752,335, established this past May.

One should not read anything into this decline. It is quite normal to see prices decline as we approach the summer months and families start focusing on the end of the school term and the holidays that lie ahead. For example, last June the average sale price dropped by about $10,000 compared to the previous month. Generally, the peak months for establishing record average sale prices are May and June, so the record average sale price established in May of this year ($752,335) will probably still be a record at year end.

And that is good news for buyers. Toronto and area’s average sale prices have been reaching dangerously high levels. This is dramatically illustrated when we consider that in January the average sale price for all properties sold was $630,193, and only six months later it is $746,546, almost a 20 percent increase.

In June we also witnessed, for the first time this year, a decline in sales from the previous month. In May there were 12,838 residential properties reported sold. In June that number fell marginally to 12,794. Again I wouldn’t read much into that decline. To some extent it is seasonal. As well it is due to the inventory shortage that has been causing so many buyers sleepless nights.

25 Scrivener Sq, 412, Toronto – $799,000

In June 16,980 properties came to market, a decline of almost 4 percent compared to the 17,659 that came to market in 2015. This decline compounded the active listing shortage. At the end of June there were only 12,327 residential properties available for buyers to view and purchase. That is more than 31 percent fewer properties available to buyers compared to last year. With only 12,327 properties on the market (17,972 in 2015) it is not surprising that those properties that did sell sold in record speed.

In June it took only 15 days for all properties (on average) to sell in the greater Toronto area. This is a torrid pace. Last year, which was a record breaking year, it took 19 days for all properties to sell. This number includes condominium apartments which do not move at the same pace as detached and semi-detached properties. The pace was even faster when we look at detached and semi- detached sales in various City of Toronto trading areas. For example all detached properties sold in only 11 days, and semi-detached properties in only 8 days. Not only did they sell quickly they also sold for more than their asking price. Detached properties sold for 107 percent of their asking price, and semi-detached sold for 111 percent. It is clear that a property’s list price is only a starting point. This phenomenon is no doubt due to the inventory shortage we are experiencing, but is also being aggravated by agents listing properties (knowingly and unknowingly) lower than they should.

31 Summerhill Ave, Toronto – $2,950,000

It is noteworthy that the average sale price in Toronto’s central districts for detached properties came in at $2,072,978. A year ago the same house would only have cost a buyer $1,664,694. Semi-detached houses in Toronto are now (on average) selling for almost $1 Million ($912,724). In Toronto’s central districts a semi-detached house now sells for $1,186,443. These are not Vancouver prices, but they are becoming pricey.

Higher-priced properties are also selling in large quantities. In June 369 residential properties having a sale price of $2 Million or more were reported sold. Last June only 206 properties in this category were reported sold, an increase of almost 80 percent. It should be noted that Toronto is not Manhattan. Although there were many $2 Million plus sales in June, the sales activity for properties priced over $5 Million is considerably slower.

Condominium apartments continue to be an affordable alternative for most buyers. Although average sale prices are inching higher, they are considerably lower than detached and semi-detached properties. In June the average price for condominium apartment sales in the City of Toronto was $448,002, an increase of 6.9 percent compared to average sale prices last year. Although average sale price increases were moderate, the volume of condominium apartment sales was up by 15 percent. Condominium apartment sales now represent about 25 percent of all property sales in the greater Toronto area. That percentage is higher in the City of Toronto. In the central districts of Toronto, the average sale price for all condominium apartments sold in June was almost $500,000 ($494,578).

As indicated at the beginning of this report, the resale market, if it follows historical patterns, will “soften” during the second half of the year. This is what the market place needs, not only for affordability purposes, but to ensure that regulators and politicians do not create legislation to slow the pace of the market and rising prices. Generally, market intervention by government has had negative results – one cannot help by remember the 1974 Ontario Speculation Tax Act. It killed the market after it was introduced. It was repealed by 1978.
Prepared by:

Chris Kapches, LLB, President and CEO, Broker 

Source: Chestnutpark.com