Nearly 350 rental units may be built in Clayton after council approved bylaw amendments for three six-storey rental buildings on land east of the Clayton Community Centre. The development will include two mixed-use buildings and one residential building, totaling 342 rental units and 1,717 square meters of commercial space. The land use will change from commercial to multiple residential.
In some families, it’s a day to spend time playing in the snow, building snowmen, or having snowball fights.
Some families take advantage of the long weekend to have a "staycation" and enjoy the activities in their own city or town.
Take advantage of this wonderful time of year to reinforce your family bonds.
Wishing you wonderful and peaceful moments with your loved ones on this family day.
The average rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment in Metro Vancouver dropped by $9 to $2,111, continuing a year-long decline of $182. West Vancouver remains the most expensive, with one-bedrooms at $2,487, followed by North Vancouver and Vancouver. Burnaby and Richmond complete the top five. Surrey offers more affordable rents, with one-bedrooms averaging $1,724. Furnished unit prices also generally decreased, with Vancouver being the priciest and Surrey the cheapest.
Mortgage rates in 2026 are lower than in early 2025, but securing the best rate requires strategy. Key tips include boosting your credit score, lowering your debt-to-income ratio to 25% or less, making a larger down payment, and buying discount points to reduce interest rates. Consider temporary rate buydowns, adjustable-rate mortgages, shorter loan terms, or assumable mortgages. Refinancing may be beneficial if rates drop 1-2% below your current rate.
Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14 around the world, and candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.
By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes.
Many people celebrate their love for their partner by sending cards or letters, giving gifts or flowers and arranging meals.
May this Valentine’s Day get you some time to spend with your loved ones.
Wishing you loads of love and happiness on this day. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Home buyers finally get certainty: rates likely won’t swing wildly now.
Stable rates mean no surprise hikes, letting buyers plan confidently for 2026.
Canada’s housing market won’t explode in 2026, growth barely nudging 1.5% nationwide.
If BoC surprises, cuts are likelier than rate hikes.
First-time homebuyers in Canada should determine their budget, get pre-approved for a mortgage, and estimate upfront costs including down payment (5-20%), closing costs (2-4%), CMHC insurance if under 20% down, legal fees, land transfer tax, property tax, home insurance, and moving expenses. Building a real estate team and understanding the local market are crucial. Various federal and provincial programs offer financial assistance, such as tax credits, rebates, and down payment loans.
Mortgage rates are expected to decline in 2026, prompting a surge in refinancing applications. To prepare, review and correct your credit reports, calculate your refinance break-even point, and ensure you have at least 20% home equity to avoid PMI. Pay down consumer debt to improve your debt-to-income ratio, shop multiple lenders for the best rates, scrutinize no-cost refinance offers, and organize financial documents for quick application. Act promptly when rates reach your target.
Experts believe excessive federal mortgage regulation is worsening affordability in Canada.
Provincial oversight is considered sufficient, while federal rules create barriers for buyers.
The stress test and strict underwriting limit access for young and middle-income households.
Experts note that current models ignore real-world affordability factors like rent and utility payments.
Loosening federal rules could boost mobility, increase housing supply, and stabilize the market.
Set a clear savings goal using a mortgage calculator or broker; aim for at least 5-10% deposit.
Compare savings accounts—challenger banks and building societies may offer higher rates than high street banks.
Consider account types: easy access, fixed-rate bonds, regular savers, notice accounts, and Lifetime ISAs with 25% bonus.
Review income and spending; set up a standing order to make saving automatic and manageable.
Boost savings with hacks: cancel unused subscriptions, try 'no spend' challenges, switch accounts for up to £250, use round-up apps.