AQUAVISTA

Community Master plan

Located on Toronto’s inner harbour alongside the water’s edge, AQUAVISTA is the second phase of the Bayside Toronto community, a fully integrated mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood where people will come to live, work, learn and play.

This vibrant LEED® Gold neighbourhood, led by master developer Hines has been purposefully created in small-scale, people-friendly elements with short streets for a sense of intimacy and community. Buildings will be oriented to the lake with a focus on sunlight and views. Civic uses will include Aitken Place Park, a library, educational facilities, day-care, community services and a grand continuous water’s edge boardwalk and tree lined promenade.

Waterfront

Waterfront revitalization destined to make AQUAVISTA the prime water’s edge address

Watch this video!

 

OVERVIEW

Live At The Water’s Edge

Overlooking Lush Parkland And Blue Vistas

Experience the best of both worlds from an east-facing suite in Aquavista at Bayside. Live alongside the gorgeous blue vistas of Lake Ontario, while overlooking Bayside’s lush central Aitken Place Park. Stellar views, sumptuous suite finishes and indulgent building amenities are what make Aquavista Toronto’s most desirable new waterfront address.

Eat, Play, Love

There’s so much to love about this idyllic location. Walk to Sherbourne Common’s art-infused playground, Aitken Place Park’s green spaces, Sugar Beach, Harbourfront’s myriad cultural offerings and the bustling retail, restaurants and shops along Merchants’ Wharf and the Via Velo.

Suite Features

Details No Less Than Divine

Each 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Aquavista residence is beautifully finished with distinctively modern styling and premium features and finishes. From 9′ and 10′ ceiling heights to quality engineered plank laminate floors throughout and expansive window walls that fill the suites with natural light and offer spectacular views of the lake, city, park and beyond.

On The Menu: Gourmet Kitchens

Open concept gourmet kitchens flow seamlessly into the adjacent dining space and feature large granite or quartz work surfaces and sleek, premium built-in European appliances and contemporary linear cabinetry.

Downtime Done Right

European-inspired bathrooms and master ensuites take their cue from the spa, with gorgeous quartz countertops, 5′ soaker tubs, frameless glass showers and custom designed vanities.

Details, Details

It’s the little details that make the biggest difference. Which is why all suites at AQUAVISTA are finished with smooth white ceilings, 7” baseboards, and frameless mirrored and frosted glass sliding closet doors.

Connectivity Is King

What does it mean to live in the community offering Canada’s fastest internet speeds? It means the ability to easily handle bandwidth-intensive applications like HD video, gaming, large media files and high-resolution teleconferencing. This new wireless network will also link to an innovative community web portal, where residences and businesses can connect. Beanfield Metroconnect makes it all possible; living at Bayside Toronto puts you in one of the seven most sophisticated “intelligent community” enterprises in the world.

Neighbourhood

Aquavista: Bayside Toronto’s Next Luxe Condo Residence

Living by the water’s edge overlooking gorgeous views of the lake has huge drawing power. But pair magnificent vistas with exceptional residences and a wide array of vibrant neighbourhood offerings, and an address becomes that much more exceptional. This is AQUAVISTA, Tridel Hines’ second condominium residence located in the Bayside Toronto community– a fully integrated, mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood where people will come to live, work, learn and play year round.

Located on a 13 acre site right along the water’s edge between Lower Sherbourne and Parliament Streets, this $1.1 billion master planned Bayside Toronto community will contain more than 2,000,000 square feet of residential, office, retail and cultural space, creating a bustling neighbourhood unlike anything Toronto has ever seen before.

Street Meets

Bayside Toronto will feature small-scale, people friendly elements for a sense of intimacy and community.

Short streets will encourage foot traffic; the community’s main waterfront street will be pedestrian, transit and cyclist-friendly. Come holidays, the main street will be closed to cars, allowing for a wider promenade. Bustling retail, restaurants and pubs will line Merchants’ Wharf, the Via Velo (which intersects AQUALINA) and the water’s edge, making the area a vibrant destination all year round.

Civic Places & Spaces

Following the “if you build it, they will come” philosophy, Bayside Toronto was designed to accommodate a variety of civic offerings to be enjoyed by residents, workers, commuters and leisure-seeking Torontonians alike. Sherbourne Common’s art-infused playground, Aitken Place Park’s green spaces and the ever-popular Sugar Beach all provide places to gather and relax. A grand promenade and tree-lined boardwalk will run 1 km along the water’s edge, offering vibrant retail on the north side, and water views to the south. And a library, educational facilities and daycare and community service facilities are also in the works.

Business Matters

The easily accessible Toronto waterfront area has already attracted several high profile businesses; Corus Entertainment moved its headquarters to the water’s edge, and George Brown has opened its Centre for Health Sciences campus just to the East. Bayside Toronto’s future plans include Queens Quay Place I and II – 9 storey office buildings able to provide an estimated 8000 jobs.

A Highly Intelligent Community

Home to Canada’s first open-access, ultra-high-speed broadband community network, Toronto’s new waterfront communities will be among the most connected in the world. Supported by state-of-the-art technological infrastructure, residents and businesses with have access to internet speeds up to 100 times faster than those generally available.

Artists In Residence

Adding to AQUAVISTA’S cachet will be its unique designation as an Artscape hub. 80 rental live/work apartments with their own distinctive entrance, elevators and beautifully landscaped rooftop amenity space have been thoughtfully designed for residency by artists and creative practitioners. This will advance and infuse the Bayside Toronto community with a distinctive air of art, culture and creativity.

Leading with LEED®

Bayside Toronto is a vital part of Waterfront Toronto’s LEED® Gold Neighbourhood (Stage 1) and as such, AQUALINA and AQUAVISTA, both highly energy efficient and environmentally focused condominiums, will pursue LEED® Platinum Certification – the highest rating possible. Homeowners will benefit from less energy use, superior comfort and lower energy costs.

Aquavista: Bayside Toronto’s Next Luxe Condo Residence

Waterfront Neighbourhood Ripples with Vibrant Offerings

Living by the water’s edge overlooking gorgeous views of the lake has huge drawing power. But pair magnificent vistas with exceptional residences and a wide array of vibrant neighbourhood offerings, and an address becomes that much more exceptional. This is AQUAVISTA, Tridel Hines’ second condominium residence located in the Bayside Toronto community– a fully integrated, mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood where people will come to live, work, learn and play year round.

Located on a 13 acre site right along the water’s edge between Lower Sherbourne and Parliament Streets, this $1.1 billion master planned Bayside Toronto community will contain more than 2,000,000 square feet of residential, office, retail and cultural space, creating a bustling neighbourhood unlike anything Toronto has ever seen before.

Street Meets

Bayside Toronto will feature small-scale, people friendly elements for a sense of intimacy and community.

Short streets will encourage foot traffic; the community’s main waterfront street will be pedestrian, transit and cyclist-friendly. Come holidays, the main street will be closed to cars, allowing for a wider promenade. Bustling retail, restaurants and pubs will line Merchants’ Wharf, the Via Velo (which intersects AQUALINA) and the water’s edge, making the area a vibrant destination all year round.

Civic Places & Spaces

Following the “if you build it, they will come” philosophy, Bayside Toronto was designed to accommodate a variety of civic offerings to be enjoyed by residents, workers, commuters and leisure-seeking Torontonians alike. Sherbourne Common’s art-infused playground, Aitken Place Park’s green spaces and the ever-popular Sugar Beach all provide places to gather and relax. A grand promenade and tree-lined boardwalk will run 1 km along the water’s edge, offering vibrant retail on the north side, and water views to the south. And a library, educational facilities and daycare and community service facilities are also in the works.

Business Matters

The easily accessible Toronto waterfront area has already attracted several high profile businesses; Corus Entertainment moved its headquarters to the water’s edge, and George Brown has opened its Centre for Health Sciences campus just to the East. Bayside Toronto’s future plans include Queens Quay Place I and II – 9 storey office buildings able to provide an estimated 8000 jobs.

A Highly Intelligent Community

Home to Canada’s first open-access, ultra-high-speed broadband community network, Toronto’s new waterfront communities will be among the most connected in the world. Supported by state-of-the-art technological infrastructure, residents and businesses with have access to internet speeds up to 100 times faster than those generally available.

Artists In Residence

Adding to AQUAVISTA’S cachet will be its unique designation as an Artscape hub. 80 rental live/work apartments with their own distinctive entrance, elevators and beautifully landscaped rooftop amenity space have been thoughtfully designed for residency by artists and creative practitioners. This will advance and infuse the Bayside Toronto community with a distinctive air of art, culture and creativity.

Leading with LEED®

Bayside Toronto is a vital part of Waterfront Toronto’s LEED® Gold Neighbourhood (Stage 1) and as such, AQUALINA and AQUAVISTA, both highly energy efficient and environmentally focused condominiums, will pursue LEED® Platinum Certification – the highest rating possible. Homeowners will benefit from less energy use, superior comfort and lower energy costs.

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Pankaj Patel

Real Estate Sales Representative

Homelife Miracle Realty Ltd.

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SIXTY COLBORNE ,ONE BLOCK FROM EVERYTHING!

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ONE NIGHT ONLY SPECIAL

OWN WITH $7445*

INVESTORS EARN 15.2%* PER YEAR*

FULLY FURNISHED SUITES*

INCREDIBLE CASHBACK RETURNS*!

 Deposit Structure $5000 on signing

5% less $5000 in 30 days 

 5% in 90 days  ( Interest Free Loan From Builder )

5% in 180 days ( Interest Free Loan From Builder )

Occupancy Commencing: Fall 2017

 Locker: Wait List

INCREDIBLE CASH BACK OPTIONS

  STUDIO = $9000

  1 BEDROOM = $11,000

  1 BED + DEN under $450,000 = $11,500

  1 BED + DEN over $450,000 = $13,000

  2 BEDROOM and larger = $20,000 

 Maintenance Approximately $0.57 per square foot

 Hydro and Water Metered Separately

 Taxes Estimated at approximately 1% of purchase price

 Prices include HST

SPECTACULAR LOCATION

Sixty Colbourne is in the heart of the Church-Yongue 

Corridor with Walk score 98/100 and Transit Score 100/100 

in the most central part of the city.

FEATURES

SUITE FEATURES:

Approximately 9-ft ceilings throughout, Custom-designed kitchen cabinetry with integrated panels for fridge/freezer & dishwasher (stainless steel freestanding appliances in suites under 550 sq ft), Gas line to kitchens, balconies and terraces is an optional upgrade on select suites, Individually controlled HVAC systems

BUILDING FEATURES:

 We’ve blended fine urban living with Old Toronto Charm. The very best of both worlds. Set in one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods, where the history of Front Street meets the bustle of Bay Street. Enjoy supreme convenience and exceptional style. Merging the past with the present, culture and creativity. The very definition of contemporary character, in the center of it all. Exactly where you want to be. A block from everything.280 Luxury Condominium Residences. Terrace-level Raised Glass Swimming Pool, Outdoor Lounge Area, Fitness Facility 24-Hour Concierge, Fully-furnished Guest Suite, Building Design by Architect Peter Clewes, Interior Design by Johnson Chou, Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Registered Building

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contact me directly ​ at (C) 647-760-7061​

I look forward to seeing you at the event.

* Representations and information contained herein do not form part of any Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Re/Max Realtron Hersh Condos Inc. Brokerage, Freed (King Church) Investments Ltd., Freed Developments Ltd., do not warrant or represent any or all of the figures and statements above. No placement of mortgage is guaranteed and it is the responsibility of each purchaser to arrange suitable financing. You are advised to verify all figures and statements with your accountant and obtain independent legal advice. Price and availability are subject to change without notice June, July 2015 E.&O.E.

-- 

Decide When to Sell Your Home?

Decide When To Sell Your Home?

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In real estate, timing is the essence.It does influence your home’s selling price. Let’s see if we can make timing work for you.

Status report. Is it a buyer’s or a seller’s market?
When there are lots of people looking for homes but not many for sale, this is called a ‘seller’s market’, because the seller has something everybody wants. When there are more homes for sale and not many people buying them, this is called a “buyer’s market” because buyers have more power of choice. A REALTOR® is the best person to consult about this.

How quickly do you need to sell your home?
In a seller’s market, top price and a fast sale can go hand-in-hand. In a buyer’s market, more sellers are competing for your potential buyer. If you have to sell right now, you may wish to lower your asking price a bit to speed up the sale. REALTORS® are masters at figuring the price-to-listing ratio and know how to attract offers without going unnecessarily low.

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Seasonality. Do home sales get frostbite?
It’s true. Winter sales tend to be slower, and Spring sales are more brisk. Regardless, there are always people looking to buy, and seasonality is only one of many factors to consider.

If you’re also buying a home.
In this case, you don’t really have to worry about playing the market. If you sell your existing home for a ‘low’ price, you’re probably also buying at a low price. If you are upgrading to a larger home, this actually works to your advantage.  Imagine when your bigger home is on the upswing. If you’re downsizing from a bigger home to a smaller home or a condo, you need to pay a bit more attention to the market.

Buy first or sell first? The eternal question.
Many people are able to time their sale and purchase so they happen on the same “closing date.” Buyers can make their offer “conditional” on the sale of their existing home, to make sure they’re not left paying for the upkeep of two homes. When selling, you can try to extend the “closing period” to give yourself more time to find your next home. REALTORS® are very skilled at this sort of negotiation, and can make your transitional life a lot easier.

If you find your new dream home before you’ve even started to sell your old one.
Talk to your existing mortgage lender. You may be able to arrange “Bridge Financing.” This is when your lender (the bank) is confident your existing home will sell quickly, and they agree to lend you the down payment for your new dream home.

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What does your coffee say about you?

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(NC) We've all heard the saying “tell me what you eat and I'll tell you who you are.” But if you tell me what kind of coffee you drink, I'll tell you who you really are. The days when the vast majority of Canadians thought of coffee only as a cup of filtered or instant coffee are long gone. Specialized coffee shops have become very popular and recently, single-serving systems like the Keurig systems, have taken up residence on Canadians' kitchen counters. Customers are discovering a wide variety of coffee products and enjoying high-quality coffee in the comfort of their own home.

According to survey results from the book The You Code and the website time.com, your type of coffee can say a lot of things about your personality. If you want to know something about someone you just met or are wondering what that handsome gentleman who just ordered a macchiato might be into, read these matching coffee-personalities:

• Latte drinker: These people like to please others, and are often indecisive. They tend to be neurotic. Sound like anyone you know? Perhaps your best friend who can never ever decide what to order at a restaurant? Take the lead: order her a latte.

• Cappuccino drinker: Obsessive and controlling, they are also creative, honest, and motivated. They make excellent friends but get bored with unimaginative people. Sound like your boss? Or that nosy, control freak colleague of yours? Next time you buy them a coffee, make it a cappuccino, and they'll be in seventh heaven.

• Mocaccino drinker: These folks are ready to try anything. Considered to be trendsetters, they're also adventurous and courageous, and like to indulge themselves when it comes to food. Let's face it: We all dream of being this person. So bring on the mocaccinos.

• Macchiato drinker: Cerebral and refined, they linger over life's small pleasures. You can rely on them in any situation. So next time someone orders a macchiato, pay attention.

These results might not be true for everyone but with all the varieties of coffee available today, you're sure to find one you love. The new Van Houtte Specialty Collection offers these specialty coffees, designed for Keurig K-Cup systems. You can find them on Keurig.ca, in grocery stores and certain retailers.

Take this 3-minute summer party refresher

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(NC) Summer is here and along with it comes an endless stream of picnics, pool parties and barbecues where you can kick back and relax with the ones you love. While these events make for great memories, they also come with a lot of work.

As you start preparing for your parties – big or small – here are three important things to focus on:

Location: Remembering where you're going to be and what you're going to be doing is key to hosting a stress-free party. If you're outside, do you or your guests need hats, sunscreen or glasses? If there are children attending, do they need different snacks or toys? Identifying potential issues beforehand will eliminate day-of stress and will allow you to enjoy the party with all of your guests.

Music: Think about the mood you're trying to set and pick the best tunes to complement your party. If you're not a music aficionado, don't worry. There are great apps like Spotify to take the hard work out of creating the perfect playlist. Pick your favorite and hook it up to your speaker system. If you don't want the hassle of cords and wires take a look at LG's new Music Flow System. It allows users to easily stream music via Bluetooth from mobile devices to their different speakers. The Music Flow System lineup includes both portable and indoor speakers that can be synced together – this means you can have music playing in every room of your house, or you can bring the portable speakers wherever your party takes you.

Food: Whether you are catering, cooking or having a potluck, always plan to have extra. This is especially important if you're hosting away from home when you won't have access to your own kitchen cupboards. Having an extra veggie tray or bag of crackers on hand is always a smart move. Just as important is ensuring that you and your guests stay hydrated. It's easy to forget the effect of the heat when you're having fun, but think past alcohol and soft drinks and be sure to add water to your must-bring list.

You can find out more online at LG.com.

Proper supervision is essential for summer water safety

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(NC) Spending time in and around water is lots of fun, especially for young children. However, drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for kids under 10 years of age, and children under five are most at risk.

The backyard pool is the most common place where children under five drown. Drowning can occur in as little as 10 seconds and in just inches of water. Parents and caregivers are advised to be vigilant around all types of water – bathtubs, pools, beaches, even splash pads.

Here are some tips for effective supervision:

• Never leave children alone near water. And stay close – always within arms' reach.

• Use a tool like the On Guard card – worn around the neck to designate a specific adult who is responsible for supervising children in or around water. Give the card to another adult to take over if you need to turn away for any reason.

• Make sure to give 100% of your attention when supervising. Put cellphones, magazines and barbecue duties aside.

• Watch the face – especially the eyes. Many victims don't call, wave, or signal for help because they can't keep their head or arms above water.

• At the pool, the lake, or the beach, young children and non-swimmers should wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).

• Never rely on a single measure to prevent young children from getting into a pool. Use multiple barriers or strategies like four-sided fencing to restrict access.

In addition to supervision, swimming is a life skill that every child should learn – and the lifesaving society points out that teaching children survival swimming skills is like an immunization against drowning. They recommend taking Parent & Tot lessons at your local pool to give toddlers a positive introduction to water, and looking for swimming lessons for older children. More information about the On Guard card and additional water safety tips are available at www.lifesavingsociety.com.

New Condo Buying

                                                        www.realtorpankajpatel.com
Like all markets, real estate experiences fluctuations in activity. One constant in the Greater Toronto Area though, is the growing number of condominium transactions. Combining affordability with carefree living and the latest amenities, condominiums are attracting more buyers than ever before. 
      While many buyers retain the services of a real estate professional when buying a resale condominium, some aren’t aware that it is equally important to consult a REALTOR® when considering new construction developments as well.
 When choosing a new condominium suite there are a number of variables of which you should be aware, and your REALTOR® can guide help you steer clear of any potential pitfalls. Your purchase agreement may for example, allow your builder to substitute the gleaming stainless appliances you expect with black or white alternatives. It goes without saying that finishing features may not be the same as those displayed in the presentation office but you should also be aware that even room sizes and ceiling heights can be altered to make model suites more attractive. Even parking facilities might not be what you expect. While every agreement should of course, be reviewed by your legal counsel, your REALTOR® can help you identify features that are most important to you, so that your agreement provides for those specifics. If your priority is a spectacular view, your REALTOR® can advise on zoning in the surrounding area that could affect sightlines in future. Given that REALTORS® have many contacts in the community, they might even be able to give you insight into current owners’ experiences with your chosen developer. Using their access to RealNet, a database that includes 99 per cent of all developments greater than 15 units in size in the GTA, your REALTOR® can also help you compare a developer’s value proposition to others currently available in the market. While a provision to withdraw an offer does not apply to resale condominium transactions, the purchase of a new condo allows through legislation, for a 10-day cooling off period in which you are entitled to rescind your offer should you decide to explore other options. Given that many new condominium purchases involve buying into nothing more than a concept and that emotions are heightened when the majority of your financial resources are involved, it’s wise to have a REALTOR® on your side who is familiar with the many variables and can safeguard your interests throughout the process. For more information on how a REALTOR® can help you find a condo that is perfectly suited to your needs, talk to a REALTOR® and visit www.realtorpankajpatel.com where you will find Pre-Construction Condominiums, Greater Toronto Area Listings,Find Your Dream Home, Free Home evaluation, Free Real Estate reports, Neighborhood reports,information on government programs for homebuyers and other resources  for home buyers and sellers.

Tips for protecting your home while you're on vacation

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(NC) The excitement of going on holidays and getting away from the grind starts weeks in advance. With images of lazy days and cold drinks beginning to could your mind, it's important also to think about how to protect your home while you're away.

Relaxing on vacation is so much easier when you have the peace of mind that your home is safe and secure. So, before you check out from everyday life, do yourself a favour and follow these simple tips:

Find a watchful eye: Whether you plan to be away for three days or three weeks, you should arrange to have a trusted friend or neighbor collect your mail, mow your lawn and check in on your home while you're on vacation. James Hall, an insurance expert with Western Financial Group, recommends people call their insurance broker prior to leaving on a trip to make sure claims associated with theft or damage are covered if their home is left for an extended period. Some policies may stipulate the need to have a person checking on the home every two or three days for the policy to be valid in the event of a claim.

Don't share your travel plans with everyone: It can be tempting to share exciting trip plans with just about everyone you know. However, Hall recommends telling a limited number of people, so word does not spread to strangers that your house is sitting vacant. This applies to online activity as well, so you should never announce on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter that you are going away for a specific time.

Take measures around the house: Preparing your home for your absence isn't as simple as making sure all the windows and doors are locked. Hall says there are additional security measures to keep in mind. “It might be tempting to turn off all your lights in order to save on power, but having your house sit completely dark is tell-tale sign that nobody is home,” he says. As such, he advises setting up timers for both interior and exterior lights. Shutting off the water main is also a quick and easy step to take, and can prevent serious damage to your property from sudden leaks.

Information on how to protect your home and belongings through insurance can be found at www.westernfinancialgroup.ca.

Four tips for a hassle-free move

(Source: http://www.reco.on.ca/buyer-seller-news/four-tips-for-a-hassle-free-move/)

RECONNECT

April 29, 2015

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After months of house hunting, you’ve purchased a great home that you’re excited to move into. But, there’s still the big to-do of planning the actual move.

If hiring a moving company is part of your plan, consider these tips from Consumer Protection Ontario, a consumer awareness program from the government of Ontario and partners like RECO.

Ask the right questions. Here are a few questions to ask when determining if they’re the right company for the job:

• Do they have liability insurance? While many companies have insurance, their plans often do not cover things that you have packed yourself.
• Will they do an in-person assessment before providing an estimate? You may want to steer clear of a company that says they don’t need to look at your belongings before coming up with a quote.
• Who is responsible for damage or loss? Be sure that the information provided is included in your written contract, if you decide to go with that company.
• Will the moving company store your belongings at a facility for any amount of time? If so, be sure to visit the facility. Be wary if the company refuses to show you its storage space.
• Ask for references and check them!

Shop around. Before selecting a mover, get at least three written estimates from different companies. Once you select a mover, make sure the estimate is part of your contract. This way, the mover cannot charge you more than 10 per cent above the estimated cost unless you agree to a new service or price or sign a change to your contract. This is the law under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

Get it in writing. All moving contracts worth more than $50 must be in writing. Under the CPA, your contract must include:

• The mover’s name, address and contact information
• A description of the service(s) and their prices
• The total cost that you will have to pay, additional charges that may apply and taxes
• Start and end dates for the service
• The terms of payment (e.g., will you pay by credit, cash or cheque)

Prepare for moving day. Once the big day rolls around, consider being on-site to supervise the pick-up and delivery of your belongings. Also, you may want to move valuable items (e.g., jewelry) and personal documents yourself. Once your belongings arrive at your new home, consider making a note of any missing or damaged items on your contract or inventory list before the movers leave. Finally, keep in mind that a mover cannot hold your items or furnishings to demand extra payment. That’s an unfair practice under the CPA and it’s an offense to do so.

For more tips on hiring a moving company, visit the Consumer Protection Ontario website.

Think about safety first all season

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(NC) Now that the warm weather is here, many of us are cleaning up our yards, landscaping our gardens, or starting new outdoor projects. Be mindful, however, that these activities might take place above buried utilities including natural gas lines, so it's important to always call before you dig to avoid disruption of important services and to keep everyone safe. Here are some guidelines:

When should I call? – If you plan on building a deck, a fence, or doing any digging, the law requires that you contact Ontario One Call to request free locates of underground pipes and cables at least one week before you start.

What's the risk? – If you strike a natural gas line, you could create a safety risk and cut off natural gas service to your entire neighborhood for hours or even days. In a worst case scenario, you could cause a gas leak, fire, or explosion, resulting in injury or death.

What's the cost? – If you cause damage to an Enbridge natural gas line, you may be financially responsible for the repairs. If anyone is hurt or nearby property is damaged, you may also have to deal with fines and legal action.

Where do I start? – Contact Ontario One Call by calling 1-800-400-2255, or submit your request online at www.on1call.com. This service is free, and is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. A locator will visit your home to mark the location of underground utilities with paint, stakes, or flags and will give you a diagram of your property marking the pipelines to help ensure you are able to dig safely.

More information about natural gas safety is available at www.sixsecondsafety.com.

10 Most Dangerous Home Renovations to Do Yourself                      

By Spaces Contributor4 hours ago

SpacesBy Pro.com
Special to Yahoo Homes

70% of home projects are now do-it-yourself (DIY) with some help from family or friends, according to a recent survey undertaken by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. And why not? You save money, have bragging rights and know you used quality materials.

(Credit: PrinceOfLove/Shutterstock)

However, thousands of those people represented in that 70% number wind up in emergency rooms across the country because they tackled a project that should only be done by a professional. Not only can you injure yourself, but if the resulting renovation is faulty, like an insecure deck rail, you risk others getting hurt, too.

Avoid injuring yourself by calling a professional to undertake any of the following home repairs:

1. Electrical Wiring

When done incorrectly, you risk electrical shock, a fire, not having your home up to code and worse, electrocution. Electricians exist for a reason. They’ve undergone extensive training on how to install and repair wiring. You’ll need to schedule an in-person estimate to get a reliable cost range for your wiring repair needs.

(Credit: antos777/Shutterstock)

2. Gas Repairs

Properly turning gas on or off can be tricky and much can go wrong. When you make a mistake, you chance carbon monoxide poisoning which you can’t see, feel or smell and can be deadly. Gas is also highly flammable. For these types of repairs, call your local gas company.

(Credit: RCL/Shutterstock)

3. Roof Fixes

Unless you’re an aerial acrobat, working from a second or third story increases the likelihood of a fall. Experienced roofers have the right skills and the correct tools and can do the job much faster, preventing any injuries to you and saving you money in the long run.

(Credit: mehmet dinler/Shutterstock)

4. Asbestos Removal

Some older homes still contain insulation and ceilings made of asbestos. Exposure to its toxicity can result in serious respiratory issues. Do not try to remove it yourself. Instead, call a trained asbestos removal professional.

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5. Pest Elimination

When rodents, raccoons, cockroaches and other critters take up residence in your home, sometimes poison is the only way to get rid of them. In the wrong hands, this solution can adversely affect your children, pets and even you. Call an accredited exterminator instead.

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6. Mold Removal

Unnecessary amounts of mildew and mold can make you very sick. It can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing, runny eyes or a skin irritation. Hire a specialist who deals with mold remediation.

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7. Garage Door Renovations

Garage doors, operated by high-tension springs, has some powerful poundage behind it. You don’t want it falling on you or injuring you in any other way. Experts have the right tools and knowledge to make repairs or install new garage doors.

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8. Plumbing Issues

Pipes break, leaks develop and you want whatever the problem is fixed right away. Often a propane torch has to be used to complete the repair. Novices using this tool can burn themselves or even part of their home.

Other potential injuries include slips, trips, flying particles in the eyes and exposure to toxic substances. Plumbers go to school for four years or more. They know what they’re doing.

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9. Wall Demolition

Should you remove a load-bearing wall, you risk compromising the structural integrity of your home, which puts your family in grave danger. Don’t get your aggressions out using a sledgehammer. Hire a professional building expert instead.

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10. Window Replacement

What happens when you remove the old window and aren’t able to install the new one? If the weather runs cold, you risk hypothermia or the added expense of needing to stay in a hotel. You could also experience a fall and severe cuts from broken glass. Check into a window replacement company for professional service.

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Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.