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(Continued from page 1) down 3.2 per cent from the previous year for the entire Southern Georgian Bay area. In the western region, which includes Clearview, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, June sales were up 53.6 per cent from 2019, while the number of units sold year-to-date was down 7.9 per cent compared to the first six months of 2019.

Dollar volume of all residential transactions in June 2020 was $302.4 million, up nearly 70 per cent from June 2019. This is the largest dollar volume of homes sold in Southern Georgian Bay for any month on record, although much of the increase can be attributed to pent up demand from a spring market which was basically put on hold due to uncertainty around COVID-19.

While there has been some increase in the number of homes offered for sale, supply remains fairly tight. Months of inventory, which is the number of months it would take to sell available homes at the current rate of sales activity, currently sit at just over two months, compared to the long-run average of 6.1 months for this time of year.

Suzanne Lawrence, of Royal LePage Town and Country Real Estate in Creemore, describes the local market as “incredibly robust.”

Lawrence says she is seeing particular interest in recreational

Staff photo: Bonnie MacPherson Suzanne Lawrence, of Royal LePage, says local market is incredibly robust.

properties and “weekender” second homes, as well as a significant number of potential buyers who are accelerating their plans for retirement or simply looking to relocate and weather the pandemic in our area.

Purchasers are relying on virtual tours and Facebook open houses to narrow their search and physically visiting roughly half the number of houses they might have seen prepandemic. While some sellers are nervous about allowing strangers into their homes, Lawrence says she is not aware of any cases where they have refused to allow visits once being assured that all reasonable precautions are being taken.

Lawrence says, in terms of real estate, Creemore is a blue chip stock with strong demand from the Toronto recreational market and a healthy full time market. After all the uncertainty of the past few months, people are more appreciative than ever of the village lifestyle.

Park amenities in Clearview are now open, including playground equipment, public tennis courts, skateboard parks, sports fields, baseball diamonds, picnic tables, benches and gazebos. Public washrooms remain closed at this time as we work towards reopening them safely. Updated signage is being installed at Clearview parks to reflect these changes.

“Clearview would like to remind residents to protect themselves and others by using Clearview parks safely. Please make safety the priority when using recently reopened park facilities. It is important that everyone follows the protocols designed to help protect the health of our community while enjoying park amenities,” said township officials. Library services expand

The Clearview Public Library is extending its curbside pick-up and drop box services to four days a week.Book an appointment Wednesdays to Saturdays by ordering by phone or online at www.clearview.library.on.ca. Rita Madill at the Creemore Branch (705-466-3011)and Elaine Hamerton at the New Lowell Branch (705-424- 6288) have been busy behind the doors of Clearview Public Library prepping the daily acquisition of new materials. Circulation staff are delighted to provide readers recommendations about the treasure trove of literary pleasures on the ‘new books’ shelf.

Church Directory

CENTENNIAL UNITED CHURCH IN STAYNER Summer Sabbath Time No Sunday Services July and August Tentative Re-Opening Date Sunday September 13th, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Follow us on Facebook @Centennial United Church-Stayner Subscribe to us on YouTube @Centennial United Stayner Minister: Jennifer Irving (705)428-3711 www.ucstayner.ca office@ucstayner.ca

CLEARVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH Online service www.c3stayner.com Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Clayton Culham • 705-428-6543

KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DUNEDIN

Minister: Rev. Chris Gray 705-466-5202

To tell us what is happening at your church, contact us at: 705-466-9906 email: info@creemore.com

ST. LUKE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH

22 Caroline St. W. • 705-466-2206

CREEMORE - NEW LOWELL UNITED PASTORAL CHARGE

Sunday service on our website at 10 am

www.newlowellunitedchurch.weebly.com www.stjohnscreemore.ca Feel free to call us at 705-466-2200 to leave a confidential message which we will return.

THE ANGLICAN PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY CLEARVIEW

Sessions available by phone.

Dial in 705-999-0092 or www.holytrinityclearview.com Rev. Ray Dobson 2 St. Clair Street, Duntroon 705-794-9140 Facebook: The Parish of Holy Trinity Clearview

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Our church is closed indefinitely. Online worship can be found on Facebook: @Good Shepherd Anglican |Church Stayner and on You Tube: @Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Stayner 102 Edward St. E, Creemore 102 Edward St. E, Creemore ...the Solution Your Vehicle Needs ...the Solution Your Vehicle Needs Local Mechanic Seeking New Clients Local Mechanic Seeking New Clients

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