About Halton District, ON

Today the Government of Ontario formally launched its latest assault on homeowners, purchasers and sellers with the introduction of Bill 218, the Ontario Tax Plan for More Jobs and Growth Act, 2009, says the Ontario Real Estate Association.

Effective July 1, 2010, home buyers and sellers will pay 8 per cent more on legal fees, appraisals, real estate commissions, home inspection fees, and moving costs, adding about $1,500 in new taxes to the average residential real estate transaction in Ontario.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND CALL TO ACTION: click here

$2,000 to The Halton Lighthouse Emergency Shelter

$5,000 to Milton Community Resource Centre, Infant Food Bank Program

The REALTORS Care^TM Foundation work is made possible through the generous support of REALTORS® andlocal Real Estate Boards from across Ontario. Since its inception the Foundation has granted more than $2-million dollars on behalf of Ontario REALTORS® to shelter-based organizations across the province.

OMDREB and its' members are very proud to support the REALTORS Care^TM Foundation through on-going donations. In 2008, OMDREB also participated in the REALTORS Care^TM Foundation, Every REALTOR® Campaign. On behalf of all OMDREB Members, a donation of 1 dollar per Member per month for 12 months was donated. This was a significant donation on the Board's behalf and we are so pleased that our community will be reaping the benefit of our support.

The REALTORS® of The Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board are committed to making a real difference in the community and in the lives of those who do not have the comfort, warmth or safety of their own homes. As well -- those who rely on the shelters, foods banks or live in sub-standard housing. Our Members will continue to work towards making a difference in the communities we work in.

There's no need for the Ontario government to hold public hearings on its plan to harmonize the provincial sales tax with the GST next July, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday, adding that voters can pass judgment on the issue in the 2011 provincial election.

Basically, McGuinty is telling the public he plans to ram this tax down your throat whether you like it or not and it doesn't matter what you think about it either because he's not interested in listening. He goes on to belittle the public by stating that the topic can be discussed at election time in 2011. The interesting piece of that comment is the new tax is slated to take effect in July 2010. Once again, we can talk all we want, but McGuinty won't listen to your concerns until after he has pushed the new tax through.

"There has been, and there will continue to be, all kinds of opportunities for people to have conversations on this, whether you're talking about talk radio, letters to the editor, blogs, water cooler conversations (or) kitchen table conversations," said McGuinty. "I would be very surprised if this was not an issue up for consideration at the time of the next election. People will have an opportunity to pass judgment on us in connection with the HST."

"It's going to be a long November and December for Mr. McGuinty and his Liberals if they think they're going to ram the HST legislation through without public consultations," warned Progressive Conservative critic Lisa MacLeod.

McGuinty should agree to hold public hearings on the largest tax changes in Ontario history, and hear the concerns people have about paying eight per cent more for goods and services currently exempt from the provincial sales tax, said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. "He needs to be talking to the people and hearing what they have to say about the fear they have about the impact of this tax," said Horwath.

This tax is likely to pass, but what should be concerning to the Ontario public is that your elected official plans on pushing through the largest tax change in Ontario's history, yet he isn't even interested in what you have to say about it. For more information on this topic, please follow my blog posts at www.seankavanagh.ca

Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

It's a healthy way of life: No bags and filters means no dust or odors. Just plug the hose into the nearest inlet, and you're on your way to a cleaner home. Dirt is swept through a network of tubing and deposited into the removable dirt canister. Fine dust particles and exhaust odors are vented outdoors.

It's Powerful: Sustained Cleaning Power is the ability to maintain Maximum Cleaning Power over time. The very first time you vacuum with a traditional system that has a bag or filter, there will be a measurable decrease in suction power and airflow as dirt and dust begin to accumulate. Central Vac Units typically provide Sustained Cleaning Power by separating the dirt from the airflow--without bags or filters. In fact, 96-98% of all dirt swept into the system is deposited into the dirt canister. The remaining fine dust particles are exhausted outside. The powerful performance of a central vac system does not decrease as dirt accumulates in the dirt canister.

It's Convenient: No big, heavy equipment to lug around. A lightweight flexible hose, the wands, and the attachments are all you need. Just plug the hose into the nearest inlet for easy and convenient cleaning.

It's Cost efficient: For about the same price as a premium upright or canister, you can have all the conveniences and advantages of a central cleaning system in your home! Plus, an installed central vac system adds to the resale value of your home. Built-In Central Vacuum: It's cleaner, more powerful and easier to use.

Protect Investments While Adding Value to Your Home: Don't waste time and money on other vacuum cleaners when you can have a central vacuum system easily installed in your new or existing home with no heavy construction or remodeling. Not only does a central vacuum system add value, but it's your first line of defense in protecting your investment in your home's floor covering: rugs, carpet, stone, tile, wood, etc. A central vacuum system is a surprisingly economical investment that adds permanent value to your home. It is built to last, making it an excellent selling feature when reselling your home.

Large Dirt Collection: The large dimensions of the dirt canisters allow the vacuum to pick up a lot of debris before it needs to be emptied. The dirt canisters hold gallons of debris. With all of this space for dirt collection it could be months before your dirt canister needs emptying. Depending on how often you clean and how much you vacuum up with your central vac system will determine the length of time before you need to empty the canister.

If you or anyone you know is thinking of making a move in the near future feel free to let me know. I'd be more than happy to help!

Canadian Tire is a well known retail institution in Canada. In business since 1925 and with close to 500 stores, it has been said that 85 percent of Canadians live within 15 minutes of a Canadian Tire store. How many of you have scads of Canadian Tire money laying around the house? How many of you buy gas at Canadian Tire, use the Canadian Tire Mastercard or buy at Mark's Work Warehouse, all Canadian Tire subsiduaries.

The ingenious Canadian Tire money loyalty program began over 50 years ago and is still going strong. Here in Oakville, the old, cramped Canadian Tire in the plaza on Kerr Street at Speers Road has closed their doors forever.

Just up the road, on the property that once housed the Country Squire Restaurant, an Oakville legend, a brand spanking new and enormous Canadian Tire store has just opened. Their grand opening celebration was held over the past four days. There are now 3 Canadian Tire stores within a ten minute drive from my home.

Situated on the north side of the Queen Elizabeth highway, right at the Kerr Street exit, you couldn't ask for better exposure. If you stand at the front of the parking lot and look across the highway you can probably see the Home Depot. Whereas Home Depot caters to contractors and handymen and women, Canadian Tire offers a huge automotive section, as well as housewares, sporting goods, and electronics.

There are 3 Home Depots located within a fifteen minute drive from my home. Everytime a new Canadian Tire or Home Depot goes up, it seems to be bigger and brighter than the last. Wider aisles, more consumer friendly. All well planned, I'm sure to pull at the consumer's pocketbook strings.

I must admit the new Canadian Tire couldn't have timed their opening better. By the looks of the crowded parking lot the past few days and the Police there to direct traffic, I'd say they are bound to capture their share of the Christmas shopping market.