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Bonavista on the Lake
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Florida Apartments – 239 Colony Street Off Osborne
floors. Security Building. Rents $687 – $859, includes heat and water.
Newcastle Apartments – 303 Assiniboine Avenue
ST. VITAL
BETWEEN TWO RIVERS
St. Vital is a sprawling suburban area in Winnipeg wading far and wide between two rivers. The Red River marks the west boundary and the Seine River marks the east. Carriere Avenue is the northern boundary and the rural municipality of Ritchot is the southern boundary.
Newer, amenity-oriented neighbourhoods dominate the landscape in clusters in smiling St. Vital. The suburban style of family living close to the country gets richer in the south, but all homes and residents seem fairly prosperous and settled. Old St. Vital has some francophone history, yet it’s largely overshadowed by modern cosmopolitan consumers who want to shop and live in luxury by the river.
As the middle child in a French family of three sisters, St. Vital starts out as gregariously urban with long rows of strip malls braided alongside a huge shopping mall and cosy middle-class lots near the river. Furthest south, the landscape suddenly becomes rural, running past shops into pastures of prairie grass and corn mazes. Professional residents know how to maneouvre around roadblocks from busy Bishop Grandin Boulevard to the farmers’ markets. Starting out traditionally Francophone, St. Vital has grown and significantly changed over the years. Decades ago, she became
overwhelmingly Anglophone, but now there is a lot of variation between neighbourhoods and more ethnic diversity among new residents. More seniors typically reside along the northwest and residents with higher incomes and education are located further south.
St. Vital offers a lot for middleincome families. A smaller budget might find North St. Vital more central and affordable. Big budgets build in the south.
The growing trend toward diversity and demand for new housing has made St. Vital homeownership-competitive. With Baby Boomers retiring, there is also a growing need for multi-family homes and services. Apartments, condos and townhouses situated close to the malls and main bus
routes have much to offer with balconies, granite counters, large suites with lofts and some with a highrise view.
Traffic is constant east to west and on main cross streets, covering large expanses of land by high-speed roads. Buses are frequent, especially at the northern intersections. Pedestrians and cyclists congregate closer to the south by the mall or on residential streets. A trip to the airport could be half an hour.
Major parks and centres include St. Vital Park near the Red River, Maple Grove at the southern tip, plus Jonathan Toews Community Centre and St. Vital Centennial Arena.
St. Vital is loved by residents and visitors. The shopping is stupendous, but a car is a must.
Dawn Peter is an author and freelance writer in Manitoba.
Watching the sunset in St. Vital Park.
DAWN PETER
Bonavista on the Lake
We invite you to discover spacious suites with truly luxurious finishes. A short drive from the Sage Creek townsite for some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment in South Winnipeg.
SUITE AMENITIES
9’ high smooth painted drywall ceilings
All kitchen and sink counter tops are solid thick quartz
All light fixtures are modern
Balconies with glass railings
City Views, Park views and country Views depending on your unit
Contemporary modern style cabinets with a European look as well as a deluxe double compartment sink and tile back splash
Corner suites have panoramic wrap around living room windows
Ensuite bathrooms have a 5 foot walk in shower with built in seat, grab bar and glass sliding shower doors
BUILDING AMENITIES
Heated underground Parking
24 hour Emergency service coordinator onsite
Storage lockers on each floor
Bicycle storage
Pet wash station
Extensive sound proofing through complex
Parks and walking trails nearby
Dining
TABLE + CHAIRS
by SARA DUCK
Selecting the perfect dining chairs and table is not just about style; it’s also about creating a harmonious balance between form and function. Transform your dining area into a space where you’ll love to entertain.
Cline bistro dining CHAIR in antique white. potterybarn.ca
Denmark beechwood and paper cord dining CHAIR in black. structube.com
Reno solid acacia wood DINING TABLE structube.com
Ellington round DINING TABLE. westelm.ca
Jack metal-frame dining CHAIR in green spruce distressed velvet. westelm.ca
Ingatorp extendable TABLE in gray. ikea.ca
FIRST MONTH’S RENT FREE!
AVAILABLE FOR RENT IMMEDIATELY
Welcome to Windsor Luxury Estates – the perfect place to call home in Windsor Park! You’ll love our modern and roomy 3-bedroom apartments, complete with convenient in-suite laundry, private balconies, walk-in closets, premium finishes, and all the comforts to turn your new space into your dream home. At Windsor Luxury Estates, we’re delighted to be a pet-friendly community, because we know your furry friends are family too!
BUILDING AMENITIES:
• 100% Handicap Accessible Building
• Pet Friendly with a wash station available on the main floor
• Gym On-site
• Storage Lockers available on each floor
• Bike Storage and repair area on the main floor
• Card Access “FOB” entrance to the building
• Elevator Service from the underground parkade to the top floor
• Indoor and Outdoor parking options
• Extensive Soundproofing throughout
• High-end Finishes
• 16 Different Suite Options
SUITE AMENITIES:
• Tile flooring in the entryway, bathroom, and laundry facility
• Modern vinyl plank flooring
• White/modern cabinets
• Quartz countertops
• Modern European-style stainless steel sinks, taps, and faucets
• Stainless steel full-size appliance package
• LED pot lights throughout each unit
• 8ft high smooth painted drywall ceilings
• In-suite side-by-side washer and dryer
• City and suburban view
• CCTV (closed circuit) security cameras
• Forced air heating and cooling system
• Balcony with glass railing
ADVICE | MONEY MATTERS
TAX-FILING SEASON TOP TIPS
The deadline for filing your 2024 income tax and benefit return is April 30, 2025. Are you ready? It’s important to file on time. By doing so, you can avoid delays or interruptions to any refund, or benefit and credit payments you’re eligible for. If you have a balance owing, you’ll avoid penalties and interest by filing and paying on time.
Here are some tips to help you this tax-filing season.
ASSISTANCE FOR LOWERINCOME HOUSEHOLDS
You could get free tax help if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, such as if your income comes from employment, a pension, social assistance or scholarships.
Across Canada, community organizations and volunteers can provide free tax clinics through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. In Quebec, it’s called the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program. You may be able to find a clinic at your local library, shelter, senior’s centre, band office, or place of worship.
Also, this year, two million letters are being sent to lowerincome individuals for a free, secure, invitation-only filing method that can be done over the phone or digitally.
MANAGE YOUR TAX AFFAIRS ONLINE
Earlier this year, the Canada Revenue Agency simplified the process for registering for an online account, allowing you to manage your personal tax and benefit and credit information online.
Now, instead of having to wait for a security code in the mail, you can verify your identity immediately with the document verification service. In your account, you can also quickly and easily update your personal information, like your address, phone number and marital status.
FILE ONLINE
Last year, 93 per cent of Canadians filed their tax return online. Filing online using a certified software program is easy and, in some cases, free. There’s also an option to autofill your return that makes the process even easier if you’re already registered for an online account with the agency.
Plus, if you register for direct deposit and are owed a refund, you could get your payment within eight business days.
CHANGES AND NEW BENEFITS
Every year, there are changes that could impact your income tax and benefit return, so it’s important to stay on top of things. This year’s changes include:
• Eligible first-time homebuyers can now withdraw up to $60,000 from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (up from $35,000) to buy or build a qualifying home.
• If you operate a non-compliant short-term rental property, you can’t deduct any related expenses incurred during the portion of the tax year where it is non-compliant. For 2024, there is an exception that as long as your property became compliant with the applicable laws of the municipality or province where it is located by December 31, 2024, you are considered compliant for all of 2024.
• If you’re a volunteer firefighter or a search-and-rescue volunteer and completed at least 200 hours of service last year, the amount your credit is based on has increased from $3,000 to $6,000.
Learn more about tax-filing changes at canada.ca/taxes-whats-new
by SARA DUCK
2735 PEMBINA HWY.
Located just steps from the University of Manitoba, this pet-friendly community offers unparalleled convenience with everything you need within walking distance. Whether you're shopping at local boutiques or big-box stores, enjoying a meal at nearby restaurants, or catching a game at Investors Group Field, your ideal lifestyle is just moments away.
Apartment Amenities
Modern interior and exterior finishes
In-suite washer and dryer
Stainless steel fridge, stove, and dishwasher
OTR microwave
Water included Walk-out balcony Silent concrete walls Quartz countertops
Walk-in closet
Community Amenities
ROOMMATE LIVING
HOW TO DEAL WITH REPLENISHABLES
JACKIE MARCHILDON
Living with roommates has many benefits but it can get a little tricky if you don’t decide how to deal with the usual living costs that go along with rent. I’m talking about replenishables such as toilet paper, food, dish soap, light bulbs, paper towels, etc. The sooner you choose the best way for you and your roomies to buy this stuff, the better. It will help you avoid fighting over who uses the most toilet paper.
TAKE TURNS BUYING: This works if – and only if – everyone agrees to it. If not, it’s chaos. You probably don’t want to buy toilet paper and just assume your roommate will grab it next time, because that roommate might never buy any. Be clear — I’ll buy this pack; you buy the next.
Decide who buys what and for where if you’re going to take turns. Same goes for groceries, cleaning supplies and anything else you might share.
THE SLUSH FUND: If you think it’s necessary, create a fund that you all contribute to that will be there when you need essentials. Placing a jar in the kitchen works as long as everyone agrees not to use the funds for take-out (it can be tempting when you get low on groceries). Decide on an amount that everyone will contribute on a weekly or monthly basis, and confirm what the funds will be
used for to buy. Will they strictly be used for household supplies or will they pay for groceries, too?
KEEP THINGS SEPARATE: If you can’t all agree on the best way to deal with replenishables, it’s best to keep it all separate. If you’re living with someone you strictly consider a roommate, and not necessarily a friend, this is often the best bet. It can get tiresome to split up toilet paper but it can also avoid awkward scenarios and fights about money. There’s nothing wrong with keeping things to yourself, plus it can make your monthly budgeting a lot easier.
EMBRACE
FAMILY LIVING: If you’re close with your roommates, you might not need an actual system. For some roommates, especially those who have lived together for a long time, these things just work themselves out. You’ll grab toilet paper when it’s on sale, and so
will your roommate. You’ll make dinner, they’ll do the dishes, and vice versa. If you like to bake, and your roommates like to eat your baking, they’ll make sure the house is always stocked with flour.
When you live like this, you have more of a family dynamic than a roommate agreement. It can be wonderful to have a relationship like this, but it’s not for everyone. Make sure you’re all on board before you start using your roomies’ shampoo or eating their cereal!
Jackie Marchildon is a bilingual writer and editor. She spends her time searching for hidden gems across the city, whether it’s new neighbourhoods and restaurants or upcoming trends in real estate and home decor.
Experience
Apartment Amenities
Private entrance
Large open living space
Modern interior and exterior finishes
In-suite washer and dryer
Laminate and carpet flooring
Stainless steel appliances
OTR microwave Window covering included
High efficiency heating and air conditioning system
ADVICE | HEALTHY LIVING
7 HEALTHY
STRESS-BUSTING TIPS
We all deal with stress at various times in our lives, from looming deadlines at work to worrying about being able to pay our bills on time. Stress is a natural reaction to challenges in life, but it can also have significant impacts on our overall health if it becomes longlasting and we aren’t able to deal with it. Here are seven tips to help you alleviate the stress in your life.
GET ENOUGH REST
A good night’s sleep is essential for taking care of both your physical and mental health. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Practising good sleep habits, like going to bed at a consistent time each night and keeping the room cool and dark can help you get a more restful sleep. If you’re a light sleeper, consider using a white noise machine or fan to block out external sounds.
EAT WELL
Eating a variety of healthy foods supports your overall nutritional health and physical and mental
well-being. A healthy eating pattern includes plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grain and protein foods, and healthy fats instead of saturated fats. Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat, it is also the where, when, why and how you eat. This can include taking time to eat without distractions, enjoying your food by creating a positive eating environment and using mealtime as a chance to connect with others.
GET YOUR EXERCISE
Regular physical activity has been shown to improve our ability to learn and problem solve, while also reducing the risk of developing dementia or other cognitive issues. If you’re not into jogging or hitting the gym, low-impact exercises like yoga or going for a walk are great ways to clear your mind and reduce your stress while getting your body moving.
UNPLUG YOUR DEVICES
The constant exposure to social media and the news can be
overwhelming and have an impact on our mental health. If you find that it is negatively affecting you or adding additional stress to your life, consider reducing the amount of time you spend “doom scrolling” or taking a break from it altogether. Shutting down your screens at least an hour before bedtime can also help with better sleep.
SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES
If you can, prioritize some time to meaningfully connect with friends or family, whether in a group or one-on-one. If you are feeling stressed out, it can help to talk things through with someone you trust.
SET A SCHEDULE
Stress can make it challenging to keep track of the things we want to get done from day to day. Setting a regular schedule for things like mealtime, chores and exercise will help you remember important tasks and feel more in control of your life.
SEEK HELP WHEN NEEDED
Sometimes we aren’t able to sort things out on our own and need more support. If feelings of stress or worry are long-lasting and are having a negative impact on your daily life, know there is help. There are a number of free mental health supports that you can access at anytime, from anywhere. Find more information about available mental health resources at canada.ca/mental-health
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Suites all over the city uites all over the city
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Available for rent this spring! Available for rent this spring!
