2011 garden show Annual Calgary Horticultural Society event a can’t miss for backyard enthusiasts
habitat for humanity
land use
Committee calls for 101 homes and counting better planning
garden A8
at home A8
Essington
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FREE apr 1 to apr 7 2011 issue 01-11 www.creb.com
Home retrofit program amongst budget casualties
Vote leaves reno
dollars in Doubt
cody stuart managing editor
C
anadians eager for a tax break on home renovations will have to wait awhile longer. The nonconfidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government also felled funding that would have seen the $400 million ecoENERGY Retrofit program extended for another two years. The program, which provides financial assistance to homeowners who make smart energy retrofit decisions, had expired on March 31, and was one of several budget inclusions that will now be re-examined before another budget is tabled. Amongst those on board with Federal finance minister Jim Flaherty’s move to restart the program was Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) president Vince Laberge. As a supporter of the program, Laberge said it will be up to whoever ends up power to pick up the torch for homeowners hoping for some help on renovations. “We’re disappointed, because it will delay a very good program, but we encourage all the parties to ensure that it sees the light of day at the end of the next parliamentary session.” The program, which had granted homeowners as much as $5,000 to offset the cost of energy-saving renovations, had been immensely popular with Canadians, generating an estimated $5 billion in total spending since it was first implemented in 2007. During that time, more than 700,000 Canadian homeowners participated in the program, with the average federal grant paid to each household amounting to $1,371. The program also produced energy savings of 21 per cent and reduced 3.14 tonnes of greenhouse gases per household.
tax credit A3
cody stuart, CREB® Staff
SINGLE FAMILY
4352 FEB09 4369 MAR09 4130 APR09 3861 MAY09 3395 JUN09 3314 JUL09 3296 AUG09 3148 SEP09 3003 OCT09 2658 NOV09 DEC09 2054 2513 JAN10 3106 FEB10 4014 MAR10 4986 APR10 5649 MAY10 5991 JUN10 5525 JUL10 5046 AUG10 4880 SEP10 4528 OCT10 3869 NOV10 2712 DEC10 3073 JAN11 3504 FEB11
MLS® MONTH END INVENTORY* FEB ‘09 – FEB ’11
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
1131 dorchester Avenue sw
Absolutely luxurious. 4 car garage, 2010 built, stunning outdoor spaces. C3450995
$3,500,000
1222 prospect Avenue sw
Fabulous and flat, prime and private 13,500 sq. ft. lot in the heart of Mount Royal. Renovate the existing house or build your dream! C3449733
$2,400,000
BMO Survey: One in five Canadians Interested in purchasing U.S. Property CREB Staff ®
The nonconfidence vote means the continuation of the ecoENERGY Retrofit could be in question.
contents news briefs
A3
pop the question
A6
Adam Legge
mortgage rates
A10
business directory A10
A
s many Canadians return from south of the border after the March Break, a new survey from BMO Bank of Montreal shows they may have been doing more than visiting theme parks and beaches. The survey conducted by Leger Marketing reveals that one in five Canadians would now consider purchasing property in the United States.
market A3
A12
commercial Businesses optimistic
b20
municipal Calgary amongst world’s best
map
B1
open houses
B19
Award-winning Garrison Woods Perfectly located in the heart of award-winning Garrison Woods, this beautifully maintained home has lots to offer. Just a short walk to the eclectic shops and cafes of Garrison Woods/Marda Loop, and a short jaunt into the core makes this property ideal. The main floor features an open living room with gas corner fi replace, large formal dining room, and a functional kitchen with dinette. Hardwood floors run throughout the home, including the second level with a cozy master suite and second bedroom. Renovation just completed on 3 pc bathroom with brand new glass-wall shower and fixtures. The landscaped yard provides a great retreat for warm summer days, and the unfinished basement awaits completion with your special touch. MLS®C3459881 4550 Passchendaele Rd SW $445,000
www.sanostante.com
RE AL ESTATE ( CENTR AL )
403.289.3435