South Western Ontario Renters Guide - Dec 9, 2017

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO EDITION

DEC 9 - 23, 2017 | rentersguide.ca

Happy Holidays from Effort Trust

www.effortrentals.com | 1-844-582-2064 CORKTOWN: A COMMUNITY ON THE MOVE

VACANCY RATES DECLINE: CMHC

HAMILTON

Our Effort Is For You Call or email to book a viewing today.

RESIDENCES ON AUGUSTA

AYNSLEY APARTMENTS 95 Barlake Avenue, East Hamilton

644 Main Street West, West Hamilton

Independent Living Centre for Seniors in Downtown Hamilton.

Beautiful suites starting as low as $990.00 per month, depending on the service plan that you desire.

Located near Barton St. & Lake Ave. Close to many amenities including Eastgate Square, restaurants, major bus routes, access to highways and the Red Hill Parkway.

Located in the west end of Hamilton, near Macklin St. & Hwy. 403. Tenants can enjoy the seasonal outdoor amenity area with green space and pool.

1-844-831-3709

1-800-822-1958

1-844-333-6532

BROCKTON APARTMENTS

BURTON GARDENS TOWNHOUSES

SUSSEX COURT APARTMENTS

Centrally located in downtown Hamilton, close to many amenities including St. Joseph’s Hospital, Jackson Square Shopping Centre, grocery stores, restaurants and major bus routes.

Located in a family oriented North East community in Hamilton. Newer 24 unit townhouse complex, close to all amenities.

Just a 20 minute walk to downtown Hamilton.

3 bedroom unit is currently available.

Located near Upper Sherman on the east mountain. This building has made recent changes such as the elevator systems, upgrading of units, newly renovated balconies and building facade.

Conveniently situated across from No Frills, Wal-Mart & just minutes from Limeridge Mall. Major bus route just steps away.

1-844-335-0675

1-844-822-4233

1-844-529-2730

(Seniors' Residence) 155 James Street South

175 Catharine Street South, Central Hamilton

BEVERLY HILLS

111 Burton Street, East Hamilton

518 Mohawk Road East, East Mountain

Over 100 buildings located in Hamilton, Burlington, Cobourg, Dundas, Grimsby, Jarvis, Kitchener, Waterloo, St. Catharines, Stoney Creek and Welland. As well as a Senior’s Residence in Ancaster and one close to St. Joe’s Hamilton.

Availability online at 1-844-582-2064 2

www.effortrentals.com |

rentals@efforttrust.ca

LONDON

DOWNTOWN LOCATION

Welcome to the neighbourhood Walking distance to Jackson Square

905-523-6556 Hamilton@medallioncorp.com

Jr. 1 Bedrooms from $

*plus hydro

Ferguson Ave. N.

Wilson St.

Rebecca St.

Wellington St. N.

900* 1 Bedrooms from $950* 2 Bedrooms from $1200* 3 Bedrooms from $1500*

REBECCA & WELLINGTON

Cathcart St.

• On bus route • Underground parking • Friendly staff • Secure building • Laundry on Smart Cards

King William St.

medallioncorp.com 3

LONDON - CENTRAL

City Place I & II

310 Dundas Street 877.503.2752 405 Waterloo Street 877.220.4258

Luxury Suites

Condo-Like Amenities

Resort Style Living

OPEN HOUSE DAILY 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites • PRIVATE BALCONIES • AAA LOCATION • 5 Appliances Including Ensuite Laundry • Sauna, Whirlpool & Exercise Room • Indoor Saltwater Pool • Individual A/C & Heating Controls • 2 Baths in 2 Bdrm Models • Controlled Entry/Cameras • Oversized Balconies • Indoor Parking, Bicycle Storage • On Bus Routes, Close to Shopping • Bell phone, internet and satellite available in unit

www.drewloholdings.com or call our London Rental Agent at 877-607-6917

Family Built, Owned & Managed 4

Fantastic Downtown Views

Great Location

LONDON

MOVE UP Why settle for run-of-the-mill apartment living when you can come live with Old Oak Properties?

Our properties are the result of many individuals understanding that each plays a role in creating something more than just an apartment building.

That’s why we don’t just design and build our properties, we manage them too.

We strive to ensure that each and every space we create sets a new standard of design, comfort, quality and amenities that exceeds not only your standards, but our own.

Welcome to the new standard of apartment living.

519 641-1505

oldoak.ca 5

LONDON

COME HOME

TO

UTILITIES INCLUDED

WALK DOWNTOWN...

Close to shopping, night life, downtown & UWO

• Ensuite Storage • Laundry Facilities • 3 Appliances • Fully equipped fitness centre

• Controlled Entry • On bus route • Individual Climate Control • Balconies • 1 Parking included

SPACIOUS 1 & 2 BEDROOM SUITES Utilities included

699 Talbot Street London

Call Marg

NICEST TOWNHOMES IN NORTH EAST LONDON

519-434-6774

GREAT NEIGHBOURHOOD Near Schools, Shopping & Bus

• Some newly renovated • 4 Appliances • Finished Rec. Room • Quiet surroundings

• Attractive, well maintained grounds • On-site Complex Managers

LARGE SPACIOUS 2 & 3 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES Some with Carport or Garage

295 & 305 Briarhill Avenue London

BRIARHILLS

Call Erna

519.675.1581

GREAT LOCATION Close to shopping, schools and Victoria Hospital • 1½ bathrooms • 4 Appliances • Finished Rec. room • Quiet surroundings

• On-site Complex Manager • On bus route

LARGE SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM TOWNHOMES Some with Carport or Garage

CHERRY TREE MEWS Professionally managed by 6

310 Westminster Avenue London

Call Carla

NORQUAY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD.

519.438.5411 www.ndev.ca

DEC 9 - 23, 2017 | VOLUME 25 ISSUE 24

CONTENTS

VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF PUBLISHING OFFICER

Caroline Andrews PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER

Shawn Woodford ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Anne-Marie Breen DIRECTOR, CONTENT & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jennifer Reynolds DIRECTOR, MULTIMEDIA SOLUTIONS

Nora Wallace MANAGING EDITOR

Wayne Karl SENIOR EDITOR

Elisa Krovblit Keay ART DIRECTOR

Megan Pike CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sonia Bell Marlene Eisner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Braun Joanne Keenan Chuck Resnick

3 ON THE COVER:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM EFFORT TRUST IN EVERY ISSUE

ADVICE

8 Editor's Note

20 Moving Make future holidays merrier by packing up the holidays properly

16 Index 12, 22 & 24 What's Online 34 Movers, Services & Classifieds INSPIRATION

26 Apartmentality New CMHC Report shows Vacancy Rates in decline

30 Rental Rantings

32 Style File Let's mesh around

Five costly mistakes renters make

MEDIA CONSULTANT

Daniela Francia daniela.francia@nexthome.ca SALES CO-ORDINATOR/ MEDIA CONSULTANT

Gary Chilvers SENIOR MANAGER, DISTRIBUTION

Dwayne Rutherford NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Jenkins MANAGER OF PRODUCTION

Anthony Majetic GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Swinder Jodhka Mike Terentiev

#500-401 The West Mall Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5 T 416.626.4200 F 416.784.5867 nexthome.ca ADVERTISING Call 416.626.4200 for advertising

rates and information.

CIRCULATION Highly targeted, free distribution

system aimed at real estate buyers using street level boxes and racking, plus door-to-door insertions in key audience segments. Call 1-855826-4200 to discuss distribution opportunities.

COPYRIGHT 2017 All rights reserved by Yellow

Pages Homes Limited. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Contents of this publication are covered by copyright and offenders will be prosecuted under the law.

TERMS Advertisers, editorial content and Renters Guide are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints.

All prices are correct as of press time and are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E.

14 CORKTOWN

NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE:

EDITORIAL Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Email to elisa.krovblit@nexthome.ca.

DISCLAIMER The views and data expressed by

columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication.

NOV 25 - DEC 9, 2017  7

EDITOR’S NOTE

CELEBRATE A MOVE A GREAT TIME OF YEAR TO MAKE A CHANGE

ELISA KROVBLIT KEAY SENIOR EDITOR NextHome EMAIL: elisa.krovblit@nexthome.ca TWITTER: @ElisaKrovblit

While the world around you is getting into holiday mode, you’re busy searching rental ads and making plans to view apartments.

You may be in the throes of packing, sorting, streamlining and boxing it all up. Not a very festive activity.

It’s a tough time of year to move, but it’s also a great opportunity for change. Where will you be in 2018? Will you start the year with the same housing issues you currently face, or will you be settling into your brand new apartment, getting comfortable in a space that really suits your needs?

Moving is disruptive. But it doesn’t have to overtake your life.

That can be easier said than done when you’re moving over the holidays, because, let’s face it, the holidays present a lot of work and consume a lot of our free time, regardless of if, what or how we celebrate.

If you celebrate, you know the demands of shopping, cooking, and seeing family and friends. Even if you don’t celebrate, you know that stores are busy – or closed – causing inconvenience. School lets out, and this means two weeks of children at home needing your attention. It means planning your supplies and movers well ahead of time.

Plan ahead and break down your tasks. Have a schedule for packing, book movers early and try to book multiple viewings at a time to maximize your hunt for that new apartment.

Ah yes, the holidays mean more than snowflakes, skating and school concerts when you’re moving. But think about how nice it will be to start 2018 in that perfect home!

If you’re ready to move, let us help. We have extensive listings and rental advice. Check us out online at NextHome.ca, and get ready to rent your new home!

GET ED! PIR INS

Meshing around with decor 32

+ get social 8 RentersGuide.ca

+

ONLINE: You may not have the option to renovate, but it doesn’t mean you can’t decorate to make your new apartment feel just like home! nexthome.ca/like-home

Interact with us on social media: nexthome

LONDON

Model suites open Saturday & Sunday 12 – 5 PM or by appointment SUITE DETAILS

BUILDING FEATURES

• In-suite laundry • Stainless steel appliances • Quartz countertops • LED lighting • Balconies

• Fitness and social room • Future indoor pool facility • Farm Boy across the street • Covered parking

790 Capulet Lane, London, ON

II DrewloHoldings.com or call our London Rental Agent at 1-855-639-9170 Family Built, Owned & Managed

LONDON

If you’re looking for “just the right place” we’ve got the right place to start.

Visit our Residential Rental Information Centre in Forest Hill and find everything you need to choose your “right place”. Old Oak’s friendly advisors will help you find the location, floor plans and amenities that are just right for you.

HYDE PARK PLACE 1595 & 1605 Dyer Drive Studio, 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom suites *Smoke free property

hydeparkplace.ca SUGARCREEK TRAIL 405-445 Sugarcreek Trail 1 & 2 Bedroom suites

PROUDFOOT PLACE 535 & 565 Proudfoot Lane 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom suites

PINERIDGE PLACE 740 & 744 Proudfoot Lane 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom suites

FOREST HILL 575-605 Proudfoot Lane Bachelor, 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom suites

HORIZON DRIVE 700 Horizon Drive 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom suites

POMEROY PLACE 885 & 905 Southdale Road West Studio, 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom suites *Smoke free buildings

pomeroyplace.ca MOSAIK AT PARC CENTRE 365 & 385 Sugarcreek Trail Studio, 1 & 2 Bedroom flats and soft lofts

mosaiklondon.com

Residential Rental Information Centre Open Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30am-5:00pm.

Tues/Thurs 8:30am-7:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am-5:00pm.

Phone: 519-641-1505 22391

*Smoke free buildings

www.oldoak.ca

10 10-22391 Old Oak 12-23-17.indd 1

12/4/17 3:24 PM

LONDON

Occupancy begins January 15, 2018 Ideally located in popular Sunningdale neighbourhood, close to Masonville Mall, Loblaws & walking distance to YMCA gym/pool. 1&2 bedroom suites

SUITE DETAILS

BUILDING FEATURES

• Stainless steel appliances and OTR microwave • Quartz countertops • Individual thermostats • Soaring 9 foot ceilings • Tall kitchen cabinets • Oversized windows • Abundance of natural light • Great views of city • Backsplashes • Bell Fibe HD TV, internet, and home phone available

• Outdoor parking • Elevators • Barrier-free access to entrance • Onsite staff • Hydro paid to Wyse Meter Solutions • Shopping nearby: Masonville, Loblaws, Sobeys

670 Garibaldi Avenue, London, ON MODELS OPEN SAT&SUN 12-5PM

DrewloHoldings.com or call our London Rental Agent at 519-472-8200 Family Built, Owned & Managed 11

LONDON

WHAT’S ONLINE

TRENDING NOW THE LATEST RENTAL INSIGHTS FROM ACROSS CANADA

HOW TO RENT YOUR WAY TO RICHES

10 LESSONS THAT RENTERS LEARN

nexthome.ca/renting-riches

nexthome.ca/10-lessons

Twitter @nexthome_ca

Facebook nexthomeca

Instagram nexthome_ca

Pinterest nexthome_ca

Visit our website: Colonial Court

Oxford Square East

Fairview Terrace

Canterbury Court

WESTMOUNT

ACROSS FROM FANSHAWE COLLEGE

CLOSE TO VICTORIA HOSPITAL

SARNIA

• Great Neighbourhood in West London • Close to Schools and Shopping • Excellent Bus Service • Seasonal Pool

• Quiet Family Orientated Complex • Walk to Schools and Shopping • Great Bus Service • Seasonal Pool • Free Parking • Large 1 & 2 Bedroom Renovated Suites

• Walk to L.H.S.C. Westminster Campus • Schools and Shopping Nearby • Great Bus Service • 1 & 2 Bedroom Renovated Suites

• Shopping and Schools Nearby • Quiet Area, Private Grounds • Recently Renovated Units

750-780 Viscount Road 519-649-4159

727-769 Second Street 519-951-7169 519-453-2985

297 Westminster Avenue 519-435-0326

160-190 Canterbury Court 519-344-5560

Another Quality Project Managed By

www.viscountproperties.com 12 12-03898 Viscount Half BW.indd 1

12/4/17 3:24 PM

Fanshawe Park Rd. E.

Windermere Rd.

on hm

Huron St.

dS t.

Thames River

Adelaide St. N.

655, 665 & 675 Windermere Rd.

Ric

Enjoy a wonderful park-like setting along the Thames River

WINDERMERE PLACE 655 & 665 Windermere Road

Fanshawe Park Rd. E.

Windermere Rd. 655

665

St.

Thames River

nd

mo

ch

Ri

1 & 2 Bedroom Suites and 3 Bedroom Penthouses 877-294-1461

675

Huron St.

Adelaide St. N.

3 or 5 appliances • Eat-in kitchen • Exercise room • Sauna, whirlpool, • Indoor saltwater pool • Contolled underground parking • Lobby/parking cameras • Minutes to shopping, banks, theatres & restaurants at Masonville • Minutes to University Hospital & University of Western Ontario

Along the Upper Banks of the Thames River

WINDERMERE BY THE RIVER 675 Windermere Road

5 appliances • Ensuite laundry • Individual central air & heating controls • 2 baths in 2 or 3 bedroom models • Controlled entry/cameras • Oversized balconies • Sauna, whirlpool • Indoor saltwater pool • Indoor parking • Bicycle storage • On bus route • Close to shopping • Exercise room • Bell phone, internet and satellite available in unit

1, 2 & 3+Den Bedroom Suites 877-612-9315

Ask About Our Move-In Bonus

www.drewloholdings.com or call our London Rental Agent at 877-607-6917

Family Built, Owned & Managed 13

LONDON - NORTHWEST

Massive Units in Great Locations with River & Park-Like Views

NEIGHBOURHOOD PROFILE

CORKTOWN A COMMUNITY ON THE MOVE

+MORE PHOTOS AND STATS ONLINE: nexthome.ca/corktown-hamilton

JOANNE KEENAN Corktown is one of the last areas of the city to be transformed into a community on the move. With a prestigious location at the foot of the escarpment, it’s taken a while to draw newcomers, but now it’s as in-demand as any other hot spot. Growing developer presence adds new to the old to create a viable community.

People live here, really live here.

There are schools, trails and there is a sense of safety due in large part to neighbourhood associations

taking back their community with events and activities that draw in positive influences and visitors.

It’s a brief walk to take the kids to school or one of many parks, hit the rail trail, hop on the GO or walk to downtown.

Work, play and dine is the essence in the air of today’s Corktown. No longer a tired collection of streets that have seen better days, it’s been picked up and dusted off by those seeking city living and creating it themselves.

When the work’s done at home, there are dozens of options for dining or grabbing a bite and a beer. Bikable and walkable, it ranks high on walkability scales.

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

FAST FACTS

14 RentersGuide.ca

$44,143

Because of its affordability in past years, families settled here as reflected by the parks and schools within its boundaries.

Not exactly downtown, but close enough, Corktown offers the best of both worlds: nightlife plus a place to live in an area following the trends and tastes of city living.

The Art Deco-styled Hamilton GO Station is ideal for those commuting to the GTA. You’ll find St. Joseph’s Hospital, several schools and a rec centre. There are also plenty of pubs and some of the city’s best dining.

Joanne Keenan is a freelance writer based in Hamilton.

ON TAP

OWN VS. RENT

83%

FAMILY STRUCTURE

FAMILIES

COUPLES

SINGLES

15%

29%

56%

20%

19%

19%

CORONA

COORS LIGHT

ALEXANDER KEITH’S

RENTERS

17% OWNERS

GUELPH WATERLOO

BURLINGTON

KITCHENER CAMBRIDGE

WATERLOOWELLINGTON

HAMILTON

NIAGARA FALLS ST. CATHARINES

HAMILTON-NIAGARA BRANTFORD

WELLAND

STRATFORD WOODSTOCK INGERSOLL LONDON

LONDON

SARNIALAMBTON

ST THOMAS

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO

SARNIA

CHATHAM

WINDSORCHATHAM WINDSOR

SERVING: WINDSOR, SARNIA, CHATHAM, LONDON, ST. THOMAS, WOODSTOCK, STRATFORD, KITCHENER, WATERLOO, CAMBRIDGE & GUELPH, HAMILTON, BURLINGTON-WATERDOWN, BRANTFORD, NIAGARA AND ST. CATHARINES

HAMILTON/ NIAGARA Hamilton NIagara Falls St. Catherines Welland

SARNIA/ LAMBTON

Burlington Guelph Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge Brantford

Sarnia

PAGE 2, 27

WATERLOO/ WELLINGTON

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

LONDON Stratford Woodstock Ingersol St Thomas London

PLACE YOUR DISPLAY AD GARY CHILVERS

MEDIA CONSULTANT 416.626.4268 daniela.francia@nexthome.ca

MEDIA CONSULTANT 416.626.4890 gary.chilvers@nexthome.ca

Chatham Windsor

PAGE 3

HOW TO ADVERTISE DANIELA FRANCIA

WINDSOR/ CHATHAM

NOW AVAILABLE IN OVER

1595

LOCATIONS!

+ TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

BY PHONE: 1-866-234-9879 Call 416-784-3311 and charge your ad to your credit card. An experienced Renters Guide Advertising Consultant will assist you. Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am -5:00pm

NOV 25 - DEC 9, 2017  15

RENTAL DIRECTORY

ADVERTISERS RENTERS GUIDE MAKES EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF OUR INDEX, HOWEVER AVAILABILITY AND PRICES CHANGE DAILY. PLEASE REFER TO THE SPECIFIC AD AND CALL THE ADVERTISER FOR MORE DETAILS.

t

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1

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INTERSECTION & ADDRESS

PRICE FROM

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Norquay - Various Locations

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Viscount Properties - Various Locations

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Drewlo - 810 Capulet Lane

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Drewlo - 790 Capulet Lane

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Drewlo - 670 Garibaldi Avenue

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Old Oak Properties - Various Locations

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5&10

Panoramic Properties - Various Locations

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Sifton - West Five

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Medallion - 235 Rebecca St

$900

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Drewlo - Wonderland & Oxford - 50, 60, 70 & 80 Capulet Lane

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Drewlo - Windermere by the River

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LONDON - NW

LONDON - SE Bonaventure Meadows - 2228 & 2230 Trafalgar

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LONDON - SW Norquay - 80 & 90 Highview Ave./ 9 Commissioners Rd.

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LONDON - CENTRAL Medallion - REVO - 700 King St. - King St. & Adelaide St. N.

16 RentersGuide.ca

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RENTAL DIRECTORY

ADVERTISERS RENTERS GUIDE MAKES EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF OUR INDEX, HOWEVER AVAILABILITY AND PRICES CHANGE DAILY. PLEASE REFER TO THE SPECIFIC AD AND CALL THE ADVERTISER FOR MORE DETAILS.

Po ol Fi tn e La ss un d St ry or ag Fu e rn i N she ea d r Tr an si

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tio Pa y/ g on in lc on Ba iti g d n ki on C Par d ir e A ud cl m In o s ie dro lit e m ti B U oo r 3+ ed m B o 2 ro ed lor he ac 1

B

/B io ud St

INTERSECTION & ADDRESS

PRICE FROM

Drewlo - City Place - Waterloo & Dundas - 405 Waterloo St.

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Drewlo - Ridout Place / Kingswell

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SARNIA Panoramic Properties - Various Locations

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KITCHENER Homer Watson & Pioneer - 55 Green Valley

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MetCap - Various Locations

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HAMILTON Effort Trust - Various Locations

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Wellington Street S. & Main Street E. - 140 Wellington Street S.

$699

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70 Glenburn Court - Queenston Road & Centennial Parkway

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IBC

BURLINGTON Cumberland Avenue & Prospect Street - 3270 Prospect Street

$1500

Ontario Street & Maple Avenue - 1285 Ontario Street

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ST. CATHARINES Panoramic Properties - Various Locations

17

LONDON - NORTHWEST

CAPULET TOWERS I, II, III & IV 50 Capulet Lane • 877-620-1734

60 Capulet Lane • 877-290-3205

Great Views of City

New Unit Style Available: 1 Bedroom + Den

70 Capulet Lane • 877-715-7852

80 Capulet Lane • 877-439-0677

London's First Non-Smoking Building: 1 & 2 Bdrms

Granite Countertops and Stainless Steel Appliances Available

The New Art of Fine Living!

GRANITE & STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES NOW AVAILABLE! • Ideally located in Northwest London-in Oakridge Crossing (Beaverbrook & Capulet Near Oxford & Wonderland) • Granite Kitchen Countertops & Stainless Steel Appliances are available on upper floors (70 & 80 Capulet) • 1, 1 Bedroom + Den or 2 Bedroom Suites • 2 Bedroom suites have 2 Bathrooms • 5 Appliances Including En-suite Laundry • Individual Air Conditioning & Heating Controls • Oversized Balconies • Exercise Room • Indoor Saltwater Pool, Whirlpool and Sauna • Controlled Entry/Cameras • Covered Parking Available • On Bus Routes, Close to Shopping • Bell phone, internet and satellite available in unit MODEL AT 50 CAPULET OPEN DAILY 10AM-6PM OR CALL OUR LONDON RENTAL AGENT AT 877-607-6917

www.drewloholdings.com Family Built, Owned & Managed

LONDON - SOUTHWEST

apartment living at its finest Highview GLEN

80 & 90 Highview Ave. E. Wharncliffe & Commissioners

1 & 2 Bedrooms from $

942

Utilities Included Call

• • • • •

laundry facilities air conditioner on-site staff controlled entry balconies

Rd

Commissioners Rd E

LHSC

n Wellingto

• fully equipped fitness centre & sauna • individual climate control • ensuite storage • 3 appliances

Base Line Rd E

Wharncli

Country Living – 5 Minutes from Downtown & LHSC!

ffe Rd

519.851.1537

Highview Ave E

Highland RIDGE 9 Commissioners Rd. E. Wharncliffe & Commissioners

1 & 2 Bedrooms from $

950

Utilities Included Call

519.668.0902

spectacular city views Professionally managed by

Norquay Property Management Ltd.

www.ndev.ca 19

ADVICE | MOVING

MAKING FUTURE HOLIDAYS MERRIER BY

PACKING SEASONAL DECORATIONS PROPERLY CHUCK RESNICK

20  RentersGuide.ca

Holiday preparations such as tree trimming, gift wrapping and hanging lights help get us in the holiday spirit and are lots of fun.

But thoughtful packing of seasonal decorations and materials at the

end of the holidays for the next year, can keep the fun in what is, for some, a stressful time.

In other words, it pays to plan, even 12 months ahead.

Careful packing and

away used paper or junk mail, run it through a paper shredder, it makes great packing filler.

• Decorations that contain photographs or food should be sealed in an air tight bag to keep them safe. Sealing photos preserves them and the scent from any food item will attract insects or mice wherever they are stored.

• Boxes with dividers are best to pack ornaments in. There are cardboard boxes made especially for fragile items. They come with adjustable inserts that forms individual cells for delicate items.

• Keep extra hangers, hooks and ornament parts in a labeled bag or box.

LIGHTS

• To prevent tangles, wrap lights around empty gift wrapping paper tubes.

• Leave the plug accessible by taping the ends of the light strands to the end of the tube.

Next year, you can quickly test the lights before unwinding them.

• Store colored lights in a dark place to prevent fading – especially blues, greens and purples.

WRAPPING PAPER

organization prevents damage and breakage, and ensures you can find everything next year.

It is worth taking the extra time to organize and preserve your decorations for next year.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while packing away holiday decorations:

• Hanging garment bags provides good storage for wrapping paper rolls. Use outside pockets for gift tags, cards and tissue paper.

• To protect used rolls of paper, cut an empty wrapping paper tube from end to end and slide it over the roll.

• Ribbons and bows can be saved and reused, pack loosely so they keep their shape.

DELICATE ITEMS

• Wrap breakables in paper or bubble wrap. Do not use newspaper – the print may wear off on ornaments. Use tissue or packing paper. Instead of throwing

• Pack an “open first” box. Place the decorations you use first in here with essentials such as extension cords.

• Use a “wardrobe box” to hang and store seasonal clothing that you only wear twice a year such as that special snowman sweater from your mother-in-law or that flashing Christmas tie. This way you can find it, wear it and store it away on a hanger easily.

• If you haven’t used a decoration in a few years, donate it. If it’s damaged, get rid of it.

• Take special care if you are storing your items in a damp area like your basement. Don’t store boxes near sources of heat and moisture.

• The most important tip is to label every box. The more detailed the description, the easier it will be to find things. Use different colors to distinguish different holidays.

For example, use orange for Halloween, brown for Thanksgiving and red or green for Christmas.

• Take a digital photo of special care items like snow globes or wreaths, print them off on regular paper and tape the photo to the outside of the box as an easy description of what’s inside.

All Two Men and a Truck branches in Canada offer a variety of storage boxes and packing supplies suitable to store all your decorative treasures. Visit twomen. ca to find a location near you.

Chuck Resnick is vice-president Marketing and Operations for Two Men And a Truck - Canada, a division of Heron Capital Corporation. Visit twomen.ca

SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Wrap holiday candles individually in cellophane and store in a cool place so they do not melt together.

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

NOV 25 - DEC 9, 2017 21

LONDON - SOUTHEAST

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KITCHENER

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YOU’RE IN A CONTRACT THE LEASE

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DEC 9 - 23, 2017 25 12/4/17 3:24 PM

ADVICE | APARTMENTALITY

CMHC REPORT SHOWS

VACANCY RATES IN DECLINE ELISA KROVBLIT KEAY Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) has released its annual report – The Rental Market Survey – and it’s a pretty bleak picture for renters in Canada. After two years of easing, 2017 has slid back into declining vacancy rates.

While renters struggle and complain about affordability and availability in most urban centres, the numbers are in, and renters’ concerns are definitely founded in fact. CMHC reports vacancy rates are down across the country. In October 2016, CMHC reported the national vacancy rate at 3.7 per cent. For 2017, it is forecast to decline to 3.0 per cent.

CMHC examined the vacancy rates of purpose-built rentals in Canadian centres with populations over 10,000. “Demand for purpose-built rental apartments outpaced growth in supply in 2017, leading to a decline in the vacancy rate,” says Senior Economist Gustavo Durango. There were about 23,000 new units combined in Canadian markets in 2017, compared to approximately 40,000 in 2016, showing a significant lack of new supply to keep up with population growth.

A combination of immigration, an aging population and young adults entering the workforce and becoming independent of their parents, the supply has been strained and new stock has grown too slowly to support demand.

The CMHC Rental Market Survey notes that the largest increase

“

26 RentersGuide.ca

Rising costs of homeownership and lack of new rental supply kept vacancy rates at historic lows.

”

in purpose-built rental supply occurred in Ontario and Quebec.

But the increase still wasn’t significant enough to stave of vacancy decline. “Rising costs of homeownership and lack of new rental supply kept vacancy rates at historic lows,” says principal market analyst Dana Senagama.

While the new stock of condominium apartments – the secondary rental market – is a

significant support to urban rental supply, the Rental Market Survey found that this secondary rental market also experienced a decline in vacancy. The national average vacancy rate for condominium apartments in 2016 was 1.9 per cent, which fell to 1.6 per cent in 2017. In the GTA, condominium vacancy rates dropped to a nine-year low, in spite of the fact that the supply grew by approximately five per cent. This gain was minimal, as 2016 saw an increase to rental condominium supply of 14 per cent. The hot housing market encouraged many investor-owners to sell their units, resulting in lower gains in supply, year-over-year. …continued on page 28

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…continued from page 26

“

The same holds true for the Vancouver market, where there was intense demand for condo apartments but not enough new stock to meet it, keeping the vacancy rate in Vancouver’s secondary rental market at less than one per cent. More condominium units were added to the rental supply – 1,841 in 2017 vs 1,516 in 2016, which helped the vacancy rate marginally increase to 0.6 per cent in 2017, up from 0.3 per cent in 2016.

This minimal vacancy rate is critical in Vancouver, where the secondary rental market is larger than the primary, purpose-built stock, providing residency to approximately 60 per cent of Vancouver’s total supply of rental units.

Price followed suit in markets where the vacancy rates tightened.

Supply and demand supports that increase – the demand has created a very competitive environment for rentals in major cities, making it a landlord’s market and seeing rents increase significantly. This is developing a disparity in pricing among rentals.

Current market conditions and soaring rents may dissuade people from moving from their homes in order to avoid a dramatic rent increase.

”

Current market conditions and soaring rents may dissuade people from moving from their homes in order to avoid a dramatic rent increase. While existing renters who remain in their homes in provinces such as BC and Ontario have rent control and won’t see their rents increase beyond the provincially legislated maximum, new renters are facing the big hikes, since landlords are able to raise the rents for new tenants as apartments are vacated and newly rented out. In Vancouver,

THE LOWEST VACANCY RATES IN CANADA ARE: Kelowna: Abbotsford-Mission: Victoria: Vancouver: Kingston: Toronto: St. Catharines-Niagara: Ottawa: London: Hamilton: Winnipeg: 28 RentersGuide.ca

0.2 0.2 0.2 0.9 0.7 1.0 1.5 1.7 1.8 2.4 2.8

per per per per per per per per per per per

cent cent cent cent cent cent cent cent cent cent cent

the average rent for a vacated apartment was 11 per cent higher than an long-term tenanted unit.

The GTA’s average rent is also higher in recently vacated units than in long-term tenanted units – above the 1.5 per cent annual guideline increase for 2017.

Ultimately, people have to live somewhere. In urban centres with minimal vacancy, a larger problem is that affordable rentals are virtually non-existent. Renting has ceased being a budgetaccommodating option.

In markets that have higher vacancy rates, there is still visible tightening. Calgary saw more new units than the city has seen since 1994, yet the vacancy rate went from 7.0 per cent in 2016 to 6.3 per cent in 2017. Edmonton remained at 7.0 per cent vacancy.

The city experienced a significant increase in condo apartment supply, which had essentially no effect on vacancy rates, though rents did decrease as the higher vacancy rate puts the city in a position of competing for good tenants and lowering rents to entice their interest.

In addition to Edmonton, Regina is also at 7.0 per cent vacancy rate, St. John’s is at 7.2 per cent and Saskatoon tops the country at 9.6 per cent. Even at their nation-topping rates, Saskatoon experienced an overall decrease in vacancy rates from 2016.

Elisa Krovblit Keay is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in the rental industry, real estate, decor and pop culture. Keep up with her advice and insights on renting for a better rental experience. Reach her at elisa. krovblit@nexthome.ca, on Instagram at Instagram.com/ElisaKrovblit or follow on Twitter at Twitter.com/ElisaKrovblit

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ADVICE | RENTAL RANTINGS

FIVE COSTLY MISTAKES RENTERS MAKE

JENNIFER BRAUN When you think you found the perfect home and the price is right, further inspection may prove otherwise. As if the cost of renting in the city weren’t high enough, the price shown in that online ad may not be as good as it seems. The internet just has this way of getting your hopes up for nothing. Like when you’re ready to purchase your online shopping order and then you get hit with a ridiculous shipping fee. You feel my pain?

Most rental experiences have hidden – or at least start-up fees, and renters have to be ready to budget for what they bargained for. Here are five hidden fees to prepare for.

All Inclusive: Your monthly rent guarantees a roof over your head – and what else? Because I can tell you that heating is a necessity when it’s -20°outside, and having running water is always a good idea. Not all rentals are all-inclusive, and renters have to cover supplementary charges like heating, air conditioning, water, electricity as well as Internet, phone and cable services. What’s more, it’s likely there will be initial installation fees for certain services like cable, and possibly even large deposits for these utilities if you’re a new customer or your credit isn’t perfect.

It’s Getting Hot In Here: Welcome to Canada, the land of “Heating is going to cost you!” Unless your rent is inclusive of utilities, a heating bill 30 RentersGuide.ca

is unavoidable. Determining how high that bill will be is dependant on the type of heating your rental has – forced air gas, oil or electric baseboard heat. Once you figured out exactly what is and is not included in your rent, determine the cost of your secondary bills. In the long run, your rental of choice may not be as affordable as it seems.

Renters Insurance: You determined the cost of your rental and utility bills. You think you’re

in the clear, but really you’re not (sorry). If your apartment’s contents get damaged because of uncontrollable circumstances like a fire or theft, you’ll be happy you had Renters Insurance.

Generally, this is an annual fee and it’s dependant on the value of your belongings. If you think you can get away with no Renters Insurance, think again. Your landlord may deem it mandatory.

It’s not expensive, and your insurance company may take

monthly payments.

Deposits: Landlords have the right to ask for a last month’s rent deposit. This rent deposit holds the apartment for you from the time you sign on the dotted line and can only be applied to the last month’s rent. Some provinces allow for a pet and/or damage deposit too. Landlords can also ask for a deposit on keys, pass cards and more (though only to their replacement value). Deposits can come as a surprise to first time renters and are a hefty added cost when first settling in. Make sure you get a receipt for all deposits as proof of payment.

More Bills: Just when you think it’s over - there are more bills to pay – really just the cost of everyday living. Groceries, laundry, transportation (shoe addiction?) and more are all considerable added costs than can bring your spending budget to an all-time high.

Long story short, living on your own is expensive, and the price of having a roof over your head is just one of the many costs to consider. Budget thoroughly and make sure you know about all the hidden costs of renting before you sign the lease.

Jennifer Braun is a freelance lifestyle writer from Montreal. When she isn’t writing about fabulous things like her city and its fashion scene, she’s watching Sex and the City reruns and planning her next big story. Follow Jennifer on Twitter @ justbejealous and find her blog at www.justbejealous.com

+MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.ca/news/advice

BURLINGTON

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Townhouse 3 bedroom with garage + utilities

Features: Range and refrigerator In-suite washer and dryer Carpet and hardwood flooring Private backyard Full basement Children's play area On-site management

Rental Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm; Weekends and holidays by appointment

31

INSPIRATION | STYLE FILE

LET’S

MESH AROUND You can see right through this trend. Mesh, a great design accent adding style, creating dimension and texture. It’s a hot design element in decor.

The luminous effect is dazzling when used in light fixtures and the tactile effect is alluring when used in metal furnishings and finishes. We love the ultra-modern look and ambiance that mesh adds.

by ELISA KROVBLIT KEAY

1

2

3 1 | Brass and marble table lamp $60. homesense.ca 2 | Sift gunmetal 2-storey tower $129. cb2.ca 3 | Mesh tray $49. wayfair.ca

32 RentersGuide.ca

4

4 | Neatfreak! mesh front storage bin $14. walmart.ca 5 | Corbet Lighting pulse $1,527 USD. corbettlighting.com 6 | Tower chair $90. chapters.indigo.ca 7 | Lallerod coffee table $99. ikea.ca

5

6

7

NOV 25 - DEC 9, 2017  33

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34 RentersGuide.ca

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