Иммиграция в Канаду. Первое знакомство

Давайте знакомится! 


Добро пожаловать! 


Мы, Серёжа и Ната - обычная семья, которая выбрала Канаду своим домом немного больше восьми лет назад. Здесь родились наши девочки Эмма (7,5 лет) и Джессика (5,5 лет). Мы по праву считаем, что мы очень успешно оканадились и адаптировались, чем с удовольствием делимся с вами и показываем нашу повседневную жизнь. Мы вначале хотели остаться в Америке, но, пожив здесь, мы поняли, что ни за что не променяем Канаду. С удовольствием поживём какое-то время где-то, но наш дом здесь.

В Украине Ната была юристом, Серёжа - дизайнером. Здесь мы оба работаем в сфере недвижимости. А сейчас даже в одном офисе. Ната работает с документами, проводит и закрывает сделки, а Серёжа - все так же дизайнит.

Мы живём в Онтарио, в 80 км на север от Торонто, и обожаем жизнь в небольшом городке.

Ровно три года назад мы начали снимать видео, благодаря тому, что начали вместе ездить на работу в Ричмонд хилл, где прожили первые три года нашей жизни в Канаде. Мы стали проводить много времени вместе и решили использовать это время с пользой и делится нашим опытом и самыми простыми бытовыми моментами.

Мы хотели сделать канал таким, как сейчас этот Инстаграмм, но так уж получилось, что съемка и обработка видео занимает много времени, а здесь наша жизнь всего one button away, одно нажатие на кнопку сторис и вы все видите! Куда бы мы не шли, что бы не делали -мы всегда берём вас с собой! Это невероятно! Поэтому ценность этой странички именно в сторис, которые мы снимаем для вас каждый день. Часто на темы, которые Вы просите затронуть! У нас всегда двухсторонний контакт!

В постах мы стараемся суммировать важную информацию после многих сторис, чтоб всегда можно было найти и почитать.

Со многими из вас мы сдружились, чему несказанно рады и очень ждём вашего приезда сюда или когда доедем в другие провинции!

Напишите, кто вы, как вы нас знаете, почему заглянули сюда и где живёте и что вам было бы интересно узнать.

#ЖизньвКанаде #Торонто #Канада #Иммиграция #ИммиграциявКанаду #Онтарио #Америка

Immigration to Canada: How to build your network in new country

When we came to Canada six years ago we didn't know many people here. In fact we knew only one family who lived here already and whom were kind enough to meet us at the airport after landing along with our friend from New York who came to Toronto to meet us and our realtor who was helping us to find a place to live. The family we knew introduced us to another family and we became a good friends but that was it. That was the only network we had in Toronto at that time.

We can describe ourself as very friendly people so with no plan and I would say subconsciously we've started to build our network here. After a year or so we already knew quite a few people by then we were starting slowly realize how important the connections and the network are, here in Canada. No matter what your business or occupation is it would help you to succeed.

So here are the 6 steps how to grow your network.

1. Be friendly with people. Don't be shy to do small talks with people everywhere. With your neighbors, your bank, welcome centres, at activities, organizations and institutions.

2. Promote yourself. Always (if appropriate) talk about what do you do for living and how good you are. If you do a web-design for example let people know and there is the chance that they will remember you when them or their friends would need a website.

3. Your kids could be a great source for networking. Attend events and birthdays on which your kids would be invited. Make birthday parties for your kids and invite their school's friends. Talk to parents at kids' activities: hokey, skating, skiing, dancing and so on.

4. Create database. Set up and organize the database with all people you know in Canada with their names, phones, emails and birthdays if you have all that information of course.

5. Be in touch with people in your network. Don't let them forget about you and once in a while reminding campaign. Congratulate them with their birthdays, invite them (if you know them well enough) to your home for coffee or BBQ and so on.

6. Use social media. Social media is one of the best ways to be connected with people in our network. Do don't have to be a close friend to be connected on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Be active (but not annoying) in their social media activity. Like and comment their social media activity. Make sure that your social media profile filled with important informations like your job position or occupation, your education. Make sure to post something related to field in which your work frequently.

Do not underestimate the importance of networking in Canada. It would help you not only with job searching or growing your business but also might help to find a new friends in new country.

Please let me know your thoughts on the subject and if you have any questions let me know in comment.  

Life in Canada: How To Buy A Home in Toronto, Ontario

What you should know if you want to buy a home in Canada. 

Probably every immigrant who is coming to Canada have a dream of ownership of the house and if not, eventually you would have that dream at some point. And the good news, the dream can come true one day. Yes we have really crazy housing market today in Toronto and Greater Toronto Area but it can be real. For us, as young family, it came true on third year of our living in Canada. We bough a house in which we still happily live today and today our home is worth almost double from the price we bought it but this is another story.

So what are the steps to buying a home in Greater Toronto Area?

1. You should determine if homeownership is right for you or not. It is not a secret that some people feel more comfortable living in rent for long period of time and they don't want to be committed to certain obligations connected to ownership of the home. But if you want to buy anyway there something you should consider before. Property taxes. Every owner of the house or condominium must pay property taxes. They are depends on your type of home, cost of it, size of the lot and in which city, town, or community your home is. In average it could cost you anything from $3,000 to $5,000 per year. Also you have to pay insurance, utility bills and condominium fees (if you are buying a condo).

2. Meet with mortgage broker and find out for how much you can be approved. That would be your starting point. Make some research on mortgage brokers ask your friends for good professionals and interview them to find the best person who will be helping you with the mortgage.

Aside from mortgage broker you can go directly to bank it might be a good option too especially if you have a good credit score and you stand financially very well. But you should understand that mortgage broker is works for you to get you the best mortgage rate or if your current financial situation not easy to find the way to get the mortgage with best possible rate and options.

3. Figure out the all upfront costs. Downpayment, the closing costs, moving costs and so on.

4. House or condo. You have to decide which type of property you want to buy. It is good to remember that your first home doesn’t have to be your dream home. Sometimes it is better to buy something than buy nothing. Thus you will put yourself in the "game".

5. Learn about the areas you want to live. It is better if it will be as close to your work as possible. Look for good schools if you have kids or planning to have them soon. But again if you can't afford anything within the places you want to live don't be afraid to look around. It could be better to buy a home and have a longer commute to work than stay in rent closer to work.

6. Educate yourself about current housing market situation in Greater Toronto Area and particular cities and towns you are looking to buy in. You should understand why some areas are more expensive and some less. Learn about upgrades, renovations and remodeling and its cost.

7. Find a good realtor who will be helping you with house hunting. Again try to find the best one who can deliver the best results for you. But look around by yourself too. Use realtor.ca to see the prices, compare homes and areas and see what is on the market at the moment.

Please let me know in comment if you have any questions about homebyuing process in Canada, Ontario. 

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

MEGANEWS. Guns N' Roses coming to Toronto this summer

For the first time in 23 years Guns N' Roses re-united for a Big North America Tour. Including Toronto, Ontario. For the first time in 23 years Guns N' Roses reunion in 2016 is including Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKaganwith - the original members of the band.

"Following months of intense rumor, speculation and feverish excitement from rock music fans around the world, Guns N' Roses confirmed today they will embark on a massive North American summer stadium tour as founder Axl Rose and former members, Slash and Duff McKagan regroup for what will be one of the century's most anticipated musical events", states on bands official website.

Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
Sat, Jul 16, 2016 08:30 PM

For tickets www.ticketmaster.ca

Spring in Algonquin Park. Moose Watching Season.

If you never been to Algonquin Park in spring time you may want to give it a shot in May. We've been to Algonquin several times in May and every time we've spotted moose.

Spring offers the year's best Moose viewing and you typically don't have to search very hard to see Moose. The application of salt to Highway 60 during winter road maintenance operations, attracts Moose to roadside ditches. Moose with salt deficient winter diets, capitalize upon this unnatural source of salt and chances are you'll see a half dozen or more of these magnificent animals during a leisurely drive along Highway 60 on a May morning or evening.

Moose (and other wildlife) pose a serious danger to drivers. Stay alert as Moose can be on the road or standing in roadside ditches and are often surprisingly hard to see. Each year Moose and other wildlife are killed in vehicle collisions. Reduce your speed (especially at night) and help save the lives of Algonquin Park's Moose and possibly even your own.

If you see a Moose, pull onto the shoulder and off the traveled portion of the road and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If drivers flash their vehicle headlights at you in Algonquin Park, there's a good chance a Moose is ahead or maybe even a "Moose Jam" (a traffic jam caused by Moose watchers).

If you exit the vehicle, watch for traffic and ensure you keep a safe distance from wildlife. If you are watching a Moose and it flattens its ears the length of its body (rather than ears pointing to the sky), you are too close and you should back up.

Adapted from /www.algonquinpark.on.ca

8 tips for Buying a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle in Canada

The last thing you want to do while gas prices are low is sabotage your savings by driving a gas guzzler. Consider these tips from Natural Resources Canada for buying a greener, more fuel-efficient vehicle. The long-term savings will be worth it.

1. In most cases, the smaller the vehicle, the better. Don't buy a large vehicle if you do not need it. Rent a trailer or larger vehicle when needed for hauling heavier cargo or more passengers.

2. Consider a manual transmission. Manual transmissions are generally more fuel-efficient than automatics, especially combined with a tachometer or shift indicator.

3. Gear up an automatic transmission. The more gears the better. Ask about a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that uses belts and pulleys for an infinite amount of gears.

4. Simplify your drivetrain. Four-wheel and all-wheel drives are less efficient, adding up to an extra 10 percent to fuel consumption. Unless needed, two-wheel drives are your more fuel-efficient alternative. 

5. Rein in the horsepower. This can be tricky. A mid-sized car with a two-litre, four-cylinder engine burns about 2,066 litres every 20,000 kilometres. The same car with a three-litre, six-cylinder engine burns 2,244 litres - 178 litres more. 

6. Avoid unnecessary extras. Car-starters, air conditioning and roof racks can increase fuel consumption. 

7. Request fuel-efficient features. Aluminum wheels, a block heater, cruise control, navigation systems, removable roof racks, sun roof, tachometer, tinted windows and trip computers have the potential to reduce fuel use.

8. Consult an impartial, trusted source. Natural Resources Canada, The Canadian Automobile Association and others can provide unbiased tips on their websites.

Source: www.newscanada.com

7 Best Towns in Ontario You Have To Visit in 2016

This is the fist part of the list of the 7 Best Towns in Ontario that You Have To Visit in 2016. If you never been to any of these places it is time to discover them.


1. Elora, Ontario. Ontario's Most Beautiful Village

Elora is a very beautiful and cozy community in the township of Centre Wellington, Ontario. It is located close to Guelph. If you are driving from Toronto it would take about an hour and half to get there. Approximately the same driving range from Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket.

(It is well known for its 19th-century limestone architecture, its artistic community and the geographically significant Elora Gorge.)

What to do: Walk and explore the town.

What to see: The Old Mill in Elora, David St. Bridge, Elora Gorge Conservation Area and Elora Canyon.

Where to eat: Cork Restaurant, Box Social, The Cellar Pub And Grill.

2. Stratford, Ontario. One of the most romantic towns in Ontario

I remember that we’ve discovered Stratford by accident. We were going on camping to the Pinery Provincial Park and GPS led is through countryside and we found this beautiful city. Then we promised ourselves that we will return and discover this place. So we’ve been in Stratford many times since then.

City is about two hours drive from Toronto.

What to do: Visit antique shops, took a boat on the lake Victoria, Visit The Stratford Theatre Festival.

What to see: Enjoy the peace of Shakespearean Gardens

Where to eat: Pazzo Taverna and Pizzeria, Bijou Restaurant, Fellini's Italian -Mediterranean

3. Goderich, Ontario. “The prettiest town in Canada” according to Queen Elizabeth II.

Although it is very nice town I wouldn’t agree with our Queen. But of course it has its own charm and beauty. It is about three hours drive from Toronto.

What to do: Discover town, Go for camping at Point Farms Provincial Park

What to see: Courthouse Square, Goderich Main Beach, Goderich Lighthouse

Where to eat: Thyme On Twenty One Casual Dining, Goderich Harbour Restaurant, Park House Bar & Restaurant.

4. Parry Sound, Ontario - is the town of Georgian Bay's 30,000 Islands. 

If you want to get there from Toronto it would take about 3 hours drive. Could be less but to be on a safe side think about 3 hours.

Town itself nothing special as for me. But nature around is something. Many of lakes, provincial parks making this Muskoka edge place just simply splendid.

What to do: Take Island Queen Cruise

What to see: 30,000 islands

Where to eat: Lill's Place, Bay Street Cafe, Or just grab your own portable BBQ and spend a couple of hours somewhere at the lake,

5. Barrie, Ontario - City on the Lake Simcoe.

About an hour drive and you are in the Lake Simcoe Resort City. Many cities parks not just overlooking Kempenfelt Bay but give you a vacation feel. Just walk and feel Simcoe’s breeze.

What to do: Relax in the parks

What to see: Heritage Park, downtown

Where to eat: The North Restaurant, Painters Hall Bistro

6. Huntsville, Ontario - One of Muskoka’s best town and the largest one.
It is located in one of the best region in Ontario - Muskoka district or Cottage Country. In 2011 National Geographic Traveler named Muskoka as the best summer destination.

Huntsville is about 2 hours drive from Toronto. The road itself is splendid and you can extend that pleasure if you turn from highway to small roads around.

What to do: Drive around, Walk through the town, Relax at Town Dock Park

What to see: Lions lookout, Dorset Lookout Tower (not quite Huntsville but worth to drive there), Canada Summit Centre

Where to eat: On The Docks Pub, La Dolce Vita Trattoria, That Little Place By The Lights

7. Niagara on the Lake - This is one of the best towns in Ontario. In my opinion of course but I think many ontarians would agree. Every time you’re going to see the greatest waterfalls Niagara Falls you should include Niagara on the Lake in your trip. That what we do.

The best route to get there is Niagara Parkway which is going from Falls right to the heart of Niagara on the Lake. In summer time it is just flooding with amazing flowers. Just an hour and half drive and you in most romantic place you can imagine.

What to do: Take a walk through the town, go for shopping, take a carriage ride from a 4 star hotel Prince of Wales, get your feet wet at Queen's Royal Park, test wines at many wineries in the area, take Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour.
 
What to see: Queen street, Queen's Royal Park, Heritage houses, Fort George, Irish Tea Room
 
Where to eat: Bistro Six One, Prince of Wales Escabèche Restaurant, The Epicurean, HOB NOB Restaurant.

So make sure to visit at least three of them during this summer.

Good Deal from Hidden Valley Resort in Muskoka

Spring is here (well at least snow is almost gone) and there is a very nice spring deal from Hidden Valley Resort again. Hidden Valley Resort is one of the best resorts in Muskoka in my opinion. The resort is hidden close to Huntsville on the Peninsula Lake. "The Hidden Valley Resort is ideally located between Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and Peninsula Lake minutes from beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park."
Mostly it is famous as a ski resort but we've been there in spring time and it is simply beautiful and peaceful. Their spring package includes room and breakfast (which is classic continental).

So if you like to spend time in Muskoka as we do, go and make a reservation as we did. I am pretty sure that you will enjoy Birches Lounge and Birches Restaurant for drinks and a nice meal.

P.S. And if you like skiing you ought to check their ski hills. That's me on the video learning ski on a black (expert) hill.

Hugo Boss Made In Ukraine

I discovered this sport jacket Hugo Boss in Hudson's Bay store today. I was quite surprised to see a label "made in Ukraine" on Hugo Boss' stuff.

Toronto From The Air

Toronto view from the air. We were flying a small Cessna plane from Oshawa Municipal Airport. It was a very beautiful flight and I was a pilot for almost half of the flight. Very Exiting!

Where to stay and eat in Syracuse New York

Where to stay and eat in Syracuse New York if you arrived from Greater Toronto Area.

I discover for myself a two nice place to stay and eat in Syracuse. I was going to attend Digital Marketing Boot Camp 2016 organized by Syracuse Media Group.

I drove from Toronto (Richmond Hill to be precise) to Syracuse for about 5 hours. It was pretty easy drive despite the fact that it was rainy all the time.

So hotel. I chose Hotel Skyler. I needed a hotel as close to Syracuse University (the event was held there) as possible, the Skyler was very close on the Google map. I know, I know there is Sheraton University Hotel which is right there but I wanted something a little bit cheaper and more cozy. I liked how Hotel Skyler looked on the pictures. It looked fairly unusual.

I booked and payed 150 CAD for one night.  Parking, breakfast and WI-FI were included.

As I learn later the Skyler hotel building was a home for a Synagogue - Temple Adath Yeshurun and was renovated and opened as a hotel in 2011. No wonder it has that kind of look.

The hotel's hall was also quite unusual and interesting.

The room was pretty nice too. My was regular king bed room.

One thing I did not liked much was squeaky floor.  Especially it wasn't pleasant when somebody was walking on the floor above.

There no restaurant in the hotel so for dinner you may have to go outside but there is plenty of nice looking places around. BTW I found a fine place about which I will tell in the next post.

The breakfast was pretty good. With variety of organic products. Since there is no restaurant in the hotel the breakfast was setted up right in the hall.

So overall it is pretty nice hotel at least to stay for one or for couple of nights.