Archives for Lifestyle

Readying Your Family for an Emergency

Readying Your Family for an Emergency September 21st, 2018 is a day our community won’t soon forget. The stories we’ve heard from those affected by the tornadoes that touched down in the City of Ottawa-Gatineau were nothing short from terrifying; the photos we’ve seen from the storm’s aftermath have been undeniably bone-chilling. It has been a devastating reality that the residents of our nation’s capital weren’t quite ready to face as thousands upon thousands of families were left without power – and, worse – homes. Yet, in the same breath, we have witnessed some incredible acts of heroism and unity
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Reverse Mortgages: What to consider when considering a reverse mortgage

Reverse Mortgages What to consider when considering a reverse mortgage… Reverse mortgages allow homeowners to use the equity in their home as a loan, it’s a financial strategy that is getting more common. This may be in part because a large segment of Canadian Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1964) “is on strong financial footing and on a clear path to being mortgage-free, if not already.” But what exactly is a reverse mortgage, and how does it work? Let’s examine the concept of a reverse mortgage, and some of the benefits and downfalls. What is a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a
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Turn your Vacation into a Staycation: Activities for families in Ottawa

Turn your Vacation into a Staycation: Activities for families in Ottawa Summer is a wonderful time to spend a little quality time with friends and family; things are more relaxed, the kids are out of school and you won’t have to worry about a last minute snow storm interfering with travel plans (well here’s hoping!) . But organizing a family vacation, especially when you have young children, can be stressful (just think of the Griswalds). The packing, planning, stopping, driving, – the list could go on and on. Have you ever arrived at your destination tired, wishing you’d just stayed home?
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What Home Buyers Should be Looking for When Viewing a Property

You’ve done your research, found the perfect Realtor, crunched the numbers, created your list of must-haves and now it’s time to start the exciting process of HOUSE HUNTING! When you’re looking at homes for sale it isn’t always easy to look beyond the cosmetics. Not to worry, we’ve created this handy graphic to help home buyers to stay focused.
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Landlords and Legalization: What budding weed laws may mean for Landlord

Landlords and Legalization: What budding weed laws may mean for Landlords With the legalization of marijuana on the horizon, property owners of rental units are wondering what that will mean for them. As all the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis use have yet to be ironed out, it’s only natural that landlords are beginning express concern, or in some cases excitement surrounding the opportunities legalization will present. The legalization of medical cannabis passed in 2001, but as Canada moves forward to legalize the use of cannabis across the country, there are many different views surrounding the changes. With multiple angles to
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Christmas in the Capital

December has arrived! And with it, for many, comes the anticipation of holiday activities, traditions and celebrating with family and friends. We’ve been lucky to have had some truly incredible events in the Ottawa area this year, but it’s not over yet! As Canada 150 comes to a close, there are a multitude of Christmas events that are taking place all over our City, allowing us to commemorate the end of one year, and the start of something new with our family and our friends. Here’s a taste of what’s happening in Ottawa this holiday season: Alight at Night at
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Reflections on Canada 150

Canada Day is usually a big event in Ottawa; it is the nation’s capital after all, but this year was an even bigger celebration owing to 2017 being the 150th anniversary of Canada’s founding. In order to celebrate this momentous event, Ottawa pulled out all the stops to throw a Canada Day celebration that people won’t soon forget. The public turned out in record numbers to celebrate Canada Day in Ottawa this year, and the celebrations were also awash in celebrities. Justin Trudeau was in attendance, as were Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and Governor General David Johnston
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Summer Fun in Ottawa

After a long and rainy spring, summer is finally upon us in the nation’s capital. Now that the sun has actually come out, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the weather. Whether you live in Ottawa or are just visiting, there are a lot of fun and unique activities to enjoy all throughout the city, and there’s no better time than a warm summer day. The changing of the guard You can watch the changing of the guard any morning between late June or early July, and August 25. The ceremony takes place at Parliament Hill and starts at
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