KidsPlay & YouthOutlook present Youth Day 2008

July 26 - 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. - FREE

Celebrate over 40 non-stop music and dance performances on 2 outdoor stages at the FREE concert. Youth ranging from 14 to 24 years old, plus mentor bands and Canadian recordings artists will rock City Hall for a full 9 hours!

Enjoy the incredible talent at the "Youth Gallery", where artists and photographers will display their works around the fountain.

There will be delicious food booths, retail vendors and a Fan Station too.
With a capacity audience of 25,000, join us this year!
Come out and support our next generation!

For more information contact:
Phone: 416-813-0909

Toronto City Hall -
Nathan Phillips Square at Queen Street and Bay Street,
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario

We are surrounded by ecologically conscious ideas, Earth-safe cleaning products, recycled this and that, and I’m all for it! I truly am! I was raised in the country where 30 years ago we collected newspapers, and glass bottles and deposited them to special depots. Then we would get a coupon valid for a purchase of… toilet paper.

Those lessons stayed with me, and I happily embraced the whole recycling and composting ideas and implement them into the daily routines of my family’s life.

All my lights are outfitted with energy saving light bulbs, there is a compost bin under my sink and two big compost containers in the back of my yard. Like most other people I separate my paper, glass and plastic from my garbage and remember to turn off the lights when I don’t need them.

But let’s look at the bigger picture…

This morning around 10am, there was a man walking up my long driveway. Great! I thought, last thing I need is someone who wants to sell me something… Reluctantly I opened the door to have a Toronto Star newspaper shoved in my face!

It was huge bundle of disgusting-smudge-producing paper that was… complimentary!

When I politely declined, he was shocked! YOU DON’T READ THE PAPER?!!! It’s FREE!!!

He was actually quite angry when he left my doorstep… he took the paper with him…

Did I tell you that I live 150km North of Toronto? I don’t want to sound ignorant, but why the heck would I read Toronto Star? I’m well informed about everything that happens there through other, more environmentally conscious media, thank you very much!

Now this is the information about daily circulation of Toronto Star and other newspapers.

Isn’t all the NEWS already available online, on the radio and on television? Do we still need this paper waste, clogging our recycle boxes? Yes, newspapers were needed way-back-when… the Internet was not accessible to everyone, but now, to me it’s a HUGE waste of resources! Do we still remember where all this paper is coming from?!

I know, that there are still those who need their paper as much as they need a coffee in the morning, but I’m sure there is not as many of them as there used to be, pre-Internet times!

Wouldn’t it be proper, right thing to do, for Publishers of daily papers to rethink their circulation and adjusted it to the true needs of their readers… before out Grand kids ask us to tell them stories about beautiful forests, trees and animals that used to live there...

Environmentally speaking…

Joanna Gerber

Sales Representative
HomeLife
Kempenfelt-Kelly
Realty Ltd. Brokerage*
284 Dunlop St. W.
Barrie, Ontario
L4N 1B9

(705)794-6482

O:705-722-8191
F:705-725-8232
TF: 1-877-722-8191

*Independently Owned and Operated

www.Selling-Barrie-Homes.com
joanna@selling-barrie-homes.com
MOWIE PO POLSKU

Mulching is nature’s way of protecting the soil while reducing erosion and providing winter protection. By adopting this natural process in your garden, you can enhance its health tremendously.

Mulching is very simple really as all it involves is spreading a protective layer of some material over the soil. They can be made from organic material like grass clippings or bark chips. Alternatively they can be inorganic, consisting of brick chips or stones.

It is advisable to consider where, when and why the mulch is going to be used before deciding which one you want. For example, organic mulches improve soil quality while inorganic mulches are more suited to long term use.

Broadly there are three groups you can choose from:

Summer mulches are used mainly for flowers and vegetables. These are best applied during the growing season as they conserve soil moisture and prevent weeds. They can be left in place through winter as they lessen soil erosion.

Winter mulches are suited to the cold weather. They protect plants from extreme temperatures and frost and act as insulation. Used for shrubs and flowers, these mulches are applied in late fall.

Permanent mulches are used around the year. They are useful for trees and pathways where it is desirable that the mulch remains in place undisturbed all the time.

In the hurly burly of moving houses, a handy checklist can ensure that at least the most important, if not all, the required tasks get done!

Checklists can be made weeks before the move. Begin by short listing moving or trucking companies, depending on whether you want professional help or plan to handle the move yourself. Then initiate the long process of sorting out clutter and disposing of unwanted stuff. Paperwork like moving permits, etc. can be filed in one place so that they are easy to access.

Closer to moving day arrange for storage and start informing the relevant authorities about your change in address. If you have security deposits which need to be refunded or connections (like the telephone or gas) that need to be transferred, then this is the time to do it.

You will also need to transfer your bank accounts and collect important family records like medical records and financial papers. Be sure to settle all your local bills….you do not want angry tradesmen demanding payment to turn up on your new doorstep!

Just before the move disconnect and pack major appliances. Defrost your fridge and freezer well in advance and remember to note down all utility meter readings.

And through it all don’t forget to hang onto your sanity …and of course, your checklist!

I wrote this blog for the CSP stagingweblog.com, however I truly felt it was important to post on activerain as well for one simple reason. Those who are looking to add staging to their portfolio, add value by increasing additional accreditations or those who simply want more from a training provider need to be aware that no two programs are the same. Find out what works for you!

As owner of dk design studio – Niagara ON, I pride myself on being resourceful, creative, and educated. In June of 2008 I launched a new e-commerce division of dk design studio; dk home. This St. Catharines based division meets the decor needs of the staging industry and further provides home owners with a unique, premium source for home decor products from around the globe .

During the initial development stages of dk home, I focused more on the design and product development of the line rather than the shipping and handling. When it came time to arrange for shipping, I discovered the need for liability insurance, especially when shipping to the USA. With mass amounts of class action law suits against manufactures in regards to tainted products, shipping companies are now strongly recommending liability insurance coverage. Taking the advice of seasoned entrepreneurs and wholesalers alike, I invested in additional business coverage.

The first company I approached was of course, Jones Des Lauriers; a CSP™ preferred pricing partner. Jones Des Lauriers offers a wide range of personal and business insurance coverage, not to mention their excellent customer service. As my situation was a little unique, a proposal would have to be drafted over the next few days.

During the time it took to prepare a quote, I did my research, calling several other companies. The first challenge I ran into of course was the same one I had almost three years ago when I tried to get business insurance for my first home staging company. Most insurance carriers do not understand our industry , therefore the insurance providers would either over charge, or simply decline a quote.

I was able to narrow my search down to two larger insurance firms (other than Jones Des Lauriers) who “said they understood my needs”. They too required time to prepare a quote. By this time Jones Des Lauriers had contacted me, not with a quote but for a courtesy call to say please bare with us, your situation is unique and we are still working on a proposal.

Back to the competitors; one had not got back to me at all; the other was still working on the full proposal. However they did at this time offer, an initial quote for coverage on my staging business; $1200.00 compared to Jones Des Lauriers preferred CSP rate of $500.00.

After receiving the initial quote of $1200 just for the staging business from the third insurance provider, I was also informed that before liability coverage for dk home- decor line could take effect; I must transfer all my personal insurance coverage to them. This is the only way they would secure my business premium. When questioned as to why, the only reason was his company didn’t fully understand my industry and didn’t want to be held accountable for not ensuring my business properly. I opted to follow through with a full quote from his company as Jones Des Lauriers had not completed my proposal as of yet.

The final outcome, Jones Des Lauriers understood my needs and would assist me adjust my coverage as my company expands and develops. Full coverage for both my staging business and dk home turned out to be $775 per year. The only other company who offered a quote, wanted $1200 per year for staging insurance, $2700 per year minimum liability insurance for dk home, with the condition, that I must transfer all my personal insurance, property insurance to them to receive their “wonderful package”.

I have always been proud to say I am a CSP™. Having the added benefits of National Preferred Partners such as Jones Des Laurier, ICI, the Brick. To name a few, just add value to becoming/remaining a member.

You do the math- $1200 a year for insurance or $500. You would save $700 the first year alone. Not to mention all the other trade discounts we receive. In three years you would have paid for the CSP™ program and then some.

I encourage new stagers, or even seasoned stagers to research the benefits of membership with CSP™. The program itself is far advanced from the competitors. Just ask anyone of us who belong to other associations. Once you review the course content and the benefits your company receive, I think you’ll agree CSP™ membership has its advantages!

Devin Khuu

dk design studio

revitalize rejuvenate reveal - staging niagara and beyond

Massive Real Estate Expansion for Orillia, Barrie and Midland Triangle.

Opportunities for a successful real estate property investment just improved dramatically this week in the Barrie, Orillia and Midland Ontario areas. With the Skyline purchase of Horse Shoe Valley Ski and Golf resort, the "trifecta" is complete. All the local papers, the Barrie Examiner and Orillia Packet and Times recently reported that the property purchase would increase all aspects of the economy in the Oro-medonte Township area (where Horseshoe Valley exists). As well, it mentioned that Skyline Investments also owns a massive waterfront project on Georgian Bay in the sleepy town of Port McNicoll, just minutes from Horseshoe Valley. They are projecting 900 new homes will be built in the coming years there. It should be noted that Skyline Investments has experience in design build projects in Quebec's Mont Tremblant, and BC's Whistler resorts so they have the design and construction muscle to see this project through.

Now I would put the two together and what we have is an incredible real estate opportunity shaping up in the area ( once again), where demand for investment properties will remain strong for years to come. In fact the headline on the front page of the Barrie Examiner read "It's time to Buy". As investors, we should take advantage of the fundamental "ripple" effect in real estate. There are many small surrounding towns that have very low priced rental stock up for grabs ( Warminster for example) that will provide sold cash returns on your investment. With a real estate development project of this size coming, and on top of all the other changes happening ( new GO train, Lakehead University to mention a few), it would be foolish for educated investors not to take a close look at the Simcoe shores and Georgian Bay area for real estate property investments.

Mark Vosylius

(705)-812-1033

Email: mark(at) manainvestments.com

Mana Investments - www.manainvestments.com - We work with real estate professionals, joint venture partners and RRSP holders achieve wealth through real estate investing. We specialize in using RRSP as for real estate investing in Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Midland and the Muskoka's

The Six Steps to Success - www.sixstepstosuccess.com - Helping you achieve success in goal planning.

So when you have time you should block some time for building your biz. Reading good books on this is a great way to start. The ones that I read and enjoyed are The EMyth Revisited by Michael Gerber, and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, starting The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield,Mark Victor Hansen and les Hewitt. You can get them in paper back cheap. Worth every $. Hope this helps, Chuck.

I have sent this letter to many, it is not meant to bust anyone's ballon, just a wake up note. Hope it helps. Chuck.

I think this is a very frustrating and difficult career to get into. Wonder they the colleges are not cranking out more inspectors?

Let me see if I can sum up the ideal requirements:
You need to have years of experience in the construction business or in one of the trades, which would take, well..... years! Hard to get that coming out of a college!

You need to complete a ton of specialized courses that will cost you $ 4,000 to $ 6,000 or more, and take about 2 years of a lot of night school, while, presumably, you try to hold down a day job to pay for all this.

You need some equipment, ie: truck or van, ladders, and as many tools as you are foolish enough to use.

You need a reporting system - either computerized ( more bucks) or check off with comments, or..... written. I forgot, most folks coming out of the school system would have to take a course on writing... and spelling .... and maths....

Then once you have survived all of this cash outflow, you need to get some on the job training - lets say about 50 ride alongs with an experienced HI. Thats a trick, most are one man shops in an area where they do not want further competition, and live in fear of you stealing their contacts and future business, so that should really make this step a challenge, and take .....well, years to complete 50 ride alongs!

You can join an association - preferably a professional one that will put you through a lot of hoops and steps and take months before you are allowed to practice inspections. Or, I suppose you could join some mail order group and have instant certification, which will likely be as recognizable to clients and Real Estate agents as any other "certification".

Then you need insurance ... if you can find a company that will insure a "newbie" and have still some money saved up to pay for the first year = lets say $ 5,000 to $ 6,000. Of course, you can decide to go without since by now, you probably will not have any assets left, and are highly unlikely to be able to afford any assets for the next several years if you survive in business as a home inspector.

Now, at last, 3 or 4 years later, you are ready to do inspections. Except that expensive cell phone and business line, are not ringing. So, you have to pound on doors, try to get by the pit bull at the front desk of most real estate firms, actually find an agent in the office, and willing to meet with you. You live in hope, that, once they recognize your lack of experience at inspections, but admire your young eagerness(?!) they will actually put you on their referral list - with all of the other inspectors they have used for years. Of course you will not see instances of agents pushing their "preferred" inspector since they are not allowed to do that!

So, once you are in business doing inspections, then the fall and winter arrive, and you are shocked to find out there is next to no inspection business due to the "slow" season in the Real Estate world. So, you have to face several months of no or negligible income with ongoing steady cash drains to support being in business. Opps, forgot all that money you have to find in order to advertize.

By now you have had to undercut all of the competition with the lowest rates in town in hopes that you will pull some business away from the more experienced inspectors out there, who, mysteriously are no longer talking to you. Suddenly you realize that you still do not have enough coming in to cover the costs. Should you have the misfortune of having to pay for an unhappy client, or worse yet, litigation - then you are really up the creek.

Suddenly, by year two or three, if you have made it that far, you wonder why did you even bother to spend all that time and money to get into a business, that, for many, is very stressful with constant concerns of litigation ... and bankruptcy, especially when you realize that many experienced inspectors seem to last less than 7 years in this business, before burn out ...or bankruptcy beats them down.

I forgot a couple of other ideal prerequisites, 1) independently wealthy - opps that probably means your assets are at risk
2) very understanding spouse who has a great career and is willing to support you, pay all the bills, watch the savings erode, while you struggle to make a go of this business.
3) a healthy retirement income, so you can enjoy this advocation without worry about making ends meet.

Since 1) and 2) are very hard to find these days, then, many inspectors likely fit into category 3)!

Gee, I wonder why so many are in the 50 to 60 age group?

Fear not, many baby boomers will be retiring so our ranks should continue to grow = with 50 to 60 year olds!


A very interesting statistic. Almost half of us are in the 50-60 age group with none under 30. Do you think this is because colleges aren't promoting home inspection enough to entry level students.

Chuck Crooker CROOKERHANCOX HOME INSPECTIONS INC.

Accessory Dwelling Units and the Ontario Fire Code

What You Need to Know About Retrofit Section 9.8

Accessory Dwelling Units can contain some dire pitfalls for a new owner and anyone involved in the sale of such a unit. It's one more thing to be concerned about, because the consequences of having an apartment declared illegal or closed down can be disastrous.

Any separate unit with its own cooking, eating, sleeping, and sanitary facilities in a detached or semi-detached house or row house is classified as an "accessory dwelling unit". It doesn't matter whether it's a basement apartment for rent or a unit to accommodate a family member or a nanny.

In Ontario it's been a roller coaster ride for homeowners in recent years. In 1994 the New Democratic government changed the law so that municipalities could no longer ban basement apartments. In May of 2001 the Conservative government reversed the rules and it's expected that many cities will once again use zoning controls to block new accessory dwellings in the years ahead.

Strict fire regulations are now in effect, and any existing apartments that were occupied in November of 1995 are permitted - as long as they meet the new fire code. There's also a new registry system, so officials can monitor compliance - and new penalties that are stiff enough to take seriously (fines of $25,000 or a year in the slammer!).

Before closing deals involving a basement apartment or duplex, triplex, or any other multiple dwelling, purchasers should ensure that they have obtained written confirmation of whether or not apartments are registered, and have been inspected and found to conform to the fire code.

To get an accessory dwelling unit certified in Ontario requires inspections by the local Fire Department and by the Electrical Safety Authority and possibly another by a local Ontario Building Code Official. In most cases, at least some renovations or repairs are required. Even if no renovations are needed to meet the fire code, fees alone can be a few hundred dollars.

Some areas of the Ontario Fire Code Retrofit Section 9.8 can be difficult to address, especially if the apartment was added as an afterthought in a typical home. For example, ceiling tiles and wood paneling in a basement apartment may be combustible and not meet with current requirements. These items may have to be removed or covered and owners are sometimes ordered to install a sprinkler system.

Fines and other legal consequences of not meeting the law are just the most obvious problems facing an owner of a unit that is not certified. Having to toss the tenant out is also obvious. But consider that insurance coverage or insurance claims may be denied, mortgages may be denied or nullified, and a tenant that is injured may have grounds for a civil suit.

A professional home inspection cannot certify a self-contained appartment Save and use as you please as this info was given to me and I do like to share.Hope this helps, Chuck

The WFCU Centre will offer community sports, tournaments, concerts, and leisure programming for all ages and abilities. The WFCU Centre, currently under construction on a 40-acre property adjacent to a naturalized park in a developing area of Windsor. The Province of Ontario provided $4 million for the new facility in 2007, the WFCU Centre is scheduled to open in December 2008, and it will be fully paid for by 2010. $980,000 of the $1.6 million goal has been achieved toward the fundraising campaign for Windsor's new recreation facility!

With donations, individuals and organizations are able to earn premier naming opportunities: the Riverside Optimist Club donated $350,000 to name the community centre; CHUM Radio, The Windsor Star and Green Shield Canada each donated $170,000 to name one NHL-size community rink; and Jamieson Laboratories Ltd. donated $100,000 for the senior centre naming rights. In addition, The Riverside Community Ladies Club for Youth donated $20,000 to upgrade the kitchen for special event banquets for tournaments. Many other naming opportunities are available, including a sports gymnasium, a leisure gym, a reception hall and various dressing rooms. Interested parties should contact Susan Stockwell Andrews at 519-974-3100. For more information on the WFCU Centre please visit www.wfcu-centre.ca.