Fun Events in Kitchener - Waterloo and Area on Canada Day, 2014

Canada Day Brunch

New Hamburg Community Centre Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 1 and features a buffet breakfast.

http://www.newhamburgindependent.ca/community/canada-day-brunch-is-back-on/

 

New Hamburg Canada Day Celebration

The  Riverfront festivities run all day and into the evening, including games, sports, entertainment, concerts, demonstrations, our popular Rubber Duck Race, a Cruise Night featuring classic cars, a beer tent, lots of food and, finally, a giant fireworks display. Admission to the afternoon activities is free.

http://www.nhbot.ca/about-us-new-hamburg.shtml

Canada Day Celebrations at University Of Waterloo
All day events and fireworks
http://uwaterloo.ca/canada-day/about-canada-day-celebrations

 

Canada Day Celebrations at Kitchener City Hall

Dave FM and 91.5 the Beat present

The Downtown Kitchener Canada Day Celebrations

headlined by Dave FM Canadian favorites and past Beat Rocks the Block headliners - Sloan

FREE Event with Fireworks and more!

 

Tuesday July 1st - 6pm-11pm - Kitchener City Hall

http://www.915thebeat.com/events/10388

Canada Day Celebrations in Cambridge
All day events and fireworks
http://www.cambridgecanadaday.ca/home.html

Canada Day Celebrations in Guelph
All day events and fireworks
http://www.canadadayinthepark.ca/

Canada Day @ Waterloo Region Museum (DOON)

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. FREE Admission!

Waterloo Region Museum is throwing a party to celebrate Canada Day and everyone is invited! Admission is FREE to the museum and Doon Heritage Village for this fun family event including musical entertainment, fun games like croquet and horseshoes. Guests bring your own picnic lunch or purchase a tasty BBQ lunch.

http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.com/upcoming-events/2014-july/canada-day-.aspx

 

Canada Day @ Woodside

The historic house will be open 10 to 5pm. The Citizenship ceremony will begin at 2 pm. Lemonade and cake will be available after

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/woodside/visit/visit3.aspx

 

Canada Day In Brantford

All day events

http://www.brantford.ca/discover/EventsActivities/canadaday/Pages/default.aspx

BUT what about sometimes you need to get some last minute things! Here's a list of places open on Canada Day July 1 2014

• Herrles Market There you will find a great marketplace with a local food flare. Their Pick Your Own Strawberry patch will also be open July 1st and there is an outdoor play area for the kids! For more info visit the Herrles Market website
• St. Jacobs The Village of St. Jacobs shops will be open. Take a look at the St Jacobs website for more info
• St Jacobs Outlet Mall The St Jacobs Outlet mall is open from 10am-5pm. You can see all their Holiday Hours listed on their information page
• Shoppers Drug Mart Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations are open on Canada Day. The ones that offer grocery items can be very helpful in a pinch
• M&M Meats Many locations of M&M Meats will be open July 1st. Check out their listings to find out if there's one near you open on Canada Day.

Also most Movie Theatres, variety stores, coffee shops, restaurants, GRCA parks, public splash pads  and public OUTDOOR pools are open Canada Day. Same with most amusement centres like Bingemans, Bowling Alleys, Chuck E Cheese and LaserQuest. Check their websites for hours and pricing.

How to Ensure an Even Floor When Finishing Your Basement

An uneven basement floor can prevent the completion of a basement upgrade, or can undo your hard work when tiles crack or water collects where you don't want it. Concrete basement floors tend to settle out easily because of their proximity to the foundation of the house and the natural tendency of the materials. Before you can add tile or carpeting to you basement floor, you must level the surface. This task is relatively easy and can be done with inexpensive materials.

Step 1 - Clean the Floor

Remove all boxes, furniture and other objects from the floor of your basement. Having done that, sweep all debris out of the area and collect it in a dustpan for removal.

Step 2 - Fill Holes

If your concrete floor has cracks or chips, use a caulking gun with concrete caulk to repair any abnormalities. Follow the instructions according to the caulk manufacturer for application, and be careful to properly trowel off any excess caulk that protrudes from the surface of the concrete. Allow for plenty of time for the caulk to dry.

Step 3 - Seal the Perimeter with Expansion Tape

Use expansion tape to lay out a perimeter around the basement floor. The tape should lie at the edges of the concrete floor, where the ground meets the wall at a right angle. This tape is helpful both in leveling out the compound in the next step and in strengthening the new surface of the floor.

Step 4 - Mix and Pour the Self-Leveling Material

Using a wheelbarrow or large bucket, mix the self-leveling material according to the instructions. In most cases, manufacturers advise mixing the material with water and stirring it carefully. Having mixed the compound to the appropriate consistency, carefully pour it as evenly as possible in straight lines along the entire surface of the concrete floor.

Step 5 - Trowel and Dry

Use a concrete trowel or rake to clear out any inconsistencies in the self-leveling material and to spread it around. As the name suggests, this material will create a level surface with the help of gravity. Be sure to allow several days for the compound to dry completely, and ensure that no pets or children have access to the basement during this time.

6 Unique Ways to Light Up Your Backyard

Some bright ideas for your backyard.

                     

When the sun goes down, turn your lights up!  Here are six fun and affordable ways to brighten up your backyard.

DIY Grapvine Lighting Balls

Learn How Here

Solar Lights Aren’t Just for the Ground

Instructions Here

$3 Glowing Orbs

Find Out More Here

Hanging Mason Jars

Buy It Here

Solar Chandelier

Learn How Here

Light the Way with Sun Bricks

Learn More Here

10 Unique Backyard Party Ideas

 Summer entertaining beyond the BBQ

                

Some of the best parties are the ones that never require leaving home.  Here are 10 unique backyard party ideas guaranteed to make any house party a hit:

10. Low Country Boil – This is the ultimate summertime feast: shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn-on-the-cob smothered in Old Bay. Served family style on a plastic tablecloth, friends and family forget their manners and dig in with their hands. Have some summer beers on tap for the adults and fresh lemonade for the kiddos. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

9. An Old-Fashioned Family Picnic – Think a three-legged race, a water balloon toss, and a build-your-own sandwich bar. No one can resist a game of family feud!  Set out a bucket of sidewalk chalk for the kids to keep score on the driveway. So much fun your neighbors will be calling “Red rover, red rover, can we come over?”


Image Source: Kara’s Party Ideas

8. A Craft-beer Tasting – Ask each guest to bring a few bottles of his favorite craft beer. Pour one-ounce tastes into small cups labeled by number. Guests rate their favorites based on pre-set criteria like flavor, body and aroma. At the end of the party announce the winners and call out the guest with the best palate. Serve beer-friendly foods like pretzels, pigs in a blanket and chicken wings.

7. Backyard Movie Showing – How about a feature film under the stars? Set up a screen (a white sheet and projector do the trick!), pick your favorite flick, and serve up cinema snacks like popcorn and Junior mints. Ask friends to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to make themselves comfortable, of it you’re party is kid-friendly, set up this adorable “drive-in.”

6. Gather ‘Round the Campfire – Step 1: Build an awesome fire pit in your backyard.  Step 2: Invite friends (especially those that play guitar or tell great ghost stories!) Step 3: S’mores. Don’t have room for a fire pit? Try this ingenious s’mores bar idea.

5. An Ice Cream Social – Nothing says summer like ‘scream! Doll up waffle cones with sprinkles or place scoops in small Ball jars. Set up a toppings bar with diced fruit, candy and sauces. Don’t forget a wet wipe station to clean up sticky fingers before letting the kids back into the house.


Image Source: Baked Bree

4. Backyard Brunch – Invite your friends over (and ask them to make a best-served-cold dish) to enjoy iced tea and dainty finger sandwiches in the garden. You’ll feel straight out of Downton Abbey when you host this elegant afternoon tea party.  Use fresh flowers and mismatched place settings for a chic garden party feel.

3. Let’s Luau – A Hawaiian-inspired party will make any backyard feel like paradise. Decorate the lawn with tiki torches and don guests with leis. Not ready to bury a hog for dinner? How about Hawaiian pizza and frozen pina coladas?

2. Dog Days of Summer – Invite your best friends and their best friends: their pups! Set out water bowls and treats to keep the dogs happy as well as refreshments for the humans. What’s on the menu? Hot dogs, of course!

1. Backyard BBQ – No backyard entertaining list would be complete without a recipe for the best backyard BBQ. Really, there’s only one rule: grill it. Whether you’re going fancy with flank steak or casual with burgers, there’s something to please even the pickiest eaters. To keep it simple, invite guests to bring a side dish or dessert. Have sunscreen and bug spray at the ready and keep decor casual with bright colors and fun table settings.

Some Tools (New and Old) to Help Make Painting a Breeze!

The right tools can make a painting project much easier and help save you time and money. Some of these unsuspecting tools have been in the painter's bag of tricks for years — others are fresh on the scene and can help you DIY like a pro.

Folding Bench

In order to apply paint in high locations you need to get up off the ground. A step ladder will help, but you have to constantly move it. Borrow a tool from the professional's kit and get a sturdy folding bench. You can cover a greater area, easily walking back and forth across the surface, before you have to move it, and usually made out of light aluminum, these benches are easy to move when you need to. There are several reliable benches available for under $30. When your project is finished, you can fold up the bench and put it away for future use.

Paint Edger

You won't typically find a pro using one of these, but a quality paint edging tool enables you to cut along trim and edging without the frustration of having to tape the areas first. Load the paint edging pad with the paint you are using then allow the rollers on the tool to guide you as you smoothly apply the paint in a crisp line.

Extension Pole

Another tool pros use to avoid going up and down a ladder is the extension pole. Obviously, by attaching an adjustable pole to your roller, you can make reaching difficult areas like the ceiling much easier. But you can also use it on the walls. It allows you to roll a continuous pattern from floor to ceiling, making your work go faster and the finished job more seamless. Simply screw your paint roller handle onto the threads of the pole and you’ll be able to cover more space in less time.

Pouring Attachment

A simple pour attachment tool can be easily connected to the rim of any paint can. These inexpensive products make pouring a breeze and prevent the chance of making a mess when you refill your paint tray. They range from simple, snap-on spouts to sealable covers akin to syrup pitchers that mix, pour and preserve your paint.

Surface Guard

For a small painting job, use a surface guard to prevent paint from ending up where you don’t want it. Most professional painters can cut a really good line without one, but when they're moving fast, even a pro will go to this tool. Press the edge of the guard against the connecting wall, ceiling or floor and then apply the paint next to the exposed side of the tool. With this time saving tool your protected surface will be safe and your painted area will look smooth and crisp, without taking the time to apply and remove masking tape. Works with spray paint too.

Aluminum Foil

Good old aluminum foil may seem like an odd addition to this list but it is an effective and versitile material. Use it to protect door hinges and window latches so you can leave them in place while you paint. Wrap up your brushes in it when you’re not quite finished with a job, but you are completely finished working for the day. Wrap the foil around your brush and the bristles will remain soft and pliable. If you’re going to put off continuing your painting project for several days, place the wrapped brushes in the refrigerator and they’ll last longer.

Remodelling a Bathroom Without Breaking the Bank.....

It’s not always practical, or affordable, to spend a lot of money on a big bathroom remodel. With these DIY tips and simple remodeling ideas, you can save on costs to make the project much more affordable.

Remodeling You Can Do Yourself

Many homeowners don’t have extensive knowledge of electricity or plumbing, but there are still lots of ways you can change the look of the bathroom. The best way to save money on a remodeling job is to do as much of the work yourself as possible.

Wall Revamp - Consult with an expert if you want to move walls in the room. It’s dangerous to remove load-bearing walls. However, you can create in-wall storage by knocking out the drywall and exposing the studs. It’s a doable DIY. Use a hammer and a keyhole saw to remove a section of drywall in a square; do not cut into the wooden supports that create the frame of the wall. Fill the square with shelves and block the gaps at the top and bottom with a 2x4 across the stud bay. Paint it to match or compliment the rest of the room.

Color Change - Since you have the paint out, a fresh coat will do wonders for any room. Choose a bright, light color to make the room appear larger. Paint the trim and walls to freshen up the entire room. Lay drop cloths all over the floor and fixtures before painting, and apply painter’s tape along all wall and tile borders.

The Little Touches - Get new switch plates, vent covers and towel rods. These items are easy to remove and reinstall. With a power drill, the work will go quickly. Remove the old stuff prior to painting, and replace with the new material once the paint has dried.

Other Tips That Reduce Remodeling Costs

Research - You can’t do all the work yourself, but even if you only do the legwork you will save money. If you plan to replace fixtures in the bathroom, such as the toilet and the faucets, shop around and price these items out yourself. A contractor may charge you more for these items. Compare the prices you find to the prices they quote, and buy the materials yourself if that will save money.

Scale Back- Cut back on costs by replacing only small items. A new faucet for the sink and a new toilet seat will cost much less than an entire new sink and toilet. Instead of replacing the entire bathtub, get a new look by installing glass doors. The doors look very modern and they make a big impact on any bathroom.

Go Pro - Have tile installed by a professional unless you have experience with laying tile. Save money on the tile by choosing more affordable materials. Porcelain tile, for example, is less expensive than stone and available in many designs that resemble stone. Shop around to find tile you can afford, and pay a little bit to have it installed by someone who will make it look beautiful. Small bathrooms can be completely tiled in a day or two.
Reduce remodeling costs in many little ways to enjoy a big savings, and still get all those dramatic changes you want. A remodeled bathroom can look like a million bucks…without you actually spending that much on it.

New Sports Field Project on Westmount Road Set to Begin Construction

Construction is set to start this month on a massive sports field project on Westmount Road in Waterloo, but not everyone is thrilled about the build.
                           

It will cost about $2.1 million to build three fields and amenities on leased University of Waterloo land at 440 Westmount Rd.

                           

The property is bordered by Laurel Creek and adjacent to Columbia Lake on land originally expected to be restored to field meadow.

                           

Some in the community were worried about ecological impacts.

                           

"The signs on the land say environmental reserve," Coun. Angela Vieth said.

Vieth voted against the project in past years due to neighbourhood concerns for the Laurel Creek area.

                           

She voted in favour of awarding the construction contract last week at a Waterloo council meeting.

"I'm confident that our staff and the citizens that use the fields will respect the natural areas there when they start using the fields," she said. "It was pretty much a done deal from the get-go, but I think we came a long way to make it better."

                           

Coun. Jeff Henry said the project features more than four hectares of natural area to help address the environmental concerns, while also adding much-needed fields.

                           

"This was a really great win, win, win," Henry said.

                            

Waterloo is leasing 9.3 hectares (23 acres) of land for the project, which includes a 4.8-hectare (12-acre) vegetative restoration area, three natural turf sports fields, washrooms, parking and a viewing area to the reserve.

                           

The original design called for only 3.3-hectares of vegetated buffer area, but Henry said there was a push toward "squeezing every little ounce out of that design to maximize that because it really was a community interest."

                           

In recent years, residents and politicians have called for better sport infrastructure on the city's west side and in the north. A 2012 city study backed up the concerns.

                            

It found the west was disadvantaged with 18 fields, compared to 37 in central Waterloo and 37 in the city's east. The study said they were of lower quality than in other areas of the city.

"It's just right and just to kind of balance out the fields between east and west because the west has really not had too many options in terms of fields," Coun. Diane Freeman said.

She added the site is also convenient to get to on public transit.

                           

Two fields will be lit to allow for later play, but the field closest to Laurel Creek will not be lit up.

About half the planting for the vegetative barrier is done. The fields and amenities should be finished in the fall and the fields are expected to open next year.

                           

"I'm sure I'll be informed if there's any concerns from the citizens," Vieth said.

The total project cost is about $2.9 million, including construction, planting, design and other costs, according to a staff report. Planning for the project has been ongoing since about 2008.

To help with anticipated traffic from the fields and other west side development, a roundabout will be built by the Region of Waterloo.

                           

The Laurelwood Drive extension will meet Westmount between Bearinger Road and Columbia Street. That's where the roundabout will be installed by the Region of Waterloo.

Kitchener - Waterloo Avergage Home Values Increases in May

The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 3.5 percent last month to $345,323 compared with May 2013. Single detached homes sold for an average price of $386,474 an increase of 2.1 per cent compared to last year. The average sale price for a condominium was $226,157, an increase of 6.4 percent compared to May 2013.

A total of 725 residential properties were sold in the month of May compared to 768 the same time last year. This was only the second time since 2007 that residential sales in May have exceeded 700 total sales. Comparing the 5-year average for the month of May shows a 5.7 percent jump in residential sales.

"The spring home buying season was in full swing this May" says Lynn Bebenek, President of KWAR. "Strong sales and price gains reflect the confidence homebuyers have in regional housing market as a great place to live and invest."

May’s sales included 514 single detached homes (down 3.4 % from last year) 101 condominium units (down 17.9 %), 60 semi-detached (up 3.4 %) and 43 freehold townhouses (down 2.3 %).

Contact me today to find out what your home could sell for!

Things to Consider When Buying a Condo

In many ways, buying a resale condo is similar to buying a house. In either scenario, the size, layout, location and condition of the condo, plus your available budget, will all play important factors in your search and decision. However, there are additional considerations you need to be aware of when you’re looking to switch to the condominium lifestyle.


To make sure you’re comfortable with your planned purchase, one of the most important questions you’ll need to ask yourself is whether condo living is appropriate for you. There are certainly advantages to living in a condo – owning a condo is generally more convenient (no more cutting the grass, cleaning the eaves troughs or cleaning up after a flooded basement), it generally offers more affordable access to home ownership, and even the opportunity to own in a highly desirable location that otherwise might be priced out of your reach.


However, if you’re downsizing from a home, it’s important to understand that condo living requires more “give and take” than what you’re probably used to. Condos often have rules regarding noise, pets, balcony furniture, barbecues, decorations, drapes, and even hardwood floors. These rules will vary from one condominium to another. It’s important to take that into consideration before embarking on your hunt for a condo.


When you do find a condo that you’re interested in, make sure any offer you submit is conditional on a review of the status certificate. It’s a document that the condominium corporation is required to provide on request, which includes a lot of critical information about the condo corporation that you will be buying into.


The status certificate will detail a number of items including:


·         the by-laws and rules you’ll be required to follow. This is a major difference from owning a house. It’s important that you’re comfortable abiding by the rules; chances are you won’t be able to change them after you move in and they will be enforced by the condominium’s Board of Directors. For example, if pets aren’t allowed, don’t try to sneak in your kitten. Instead, find another property that is more suitable.


·         the financial records for the condo corporation, including the most recent budget and the balance of the corporation’s reserve fund.  A reserve fund is money the corporation is required to set aside for emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance. If costly repairs are required in the future, insufficient cash in the reserve fund could require a steep increase in your condo fees or result in a special assessment to address a particular capital repair (for example, new windows for each unit or repairs to the aging swimming pool).


·         the common element fees, which include building maintenance, landscaping, snow removal and other services. Find out what your monthly fees will be and what it covers.


·         the utilities you’ll be responsible for – will utilities be included in your condo fees or paid separately? Each unit could have its own hydro and water meters, or there could be one set of meters for the whole building, with everyone sharing the costs equally. Whatever the arrangement, you’ll want to know so you can budget accordingly.


·         the renter / owner mix in the building– the condo corporation keeps a tally of the number of units rented out by owners. Living amongst fellow owners can be a different experience compared to living in a place where most of your neighbours are renters. So if you plan to live in your unit, a place where most owners occupy their condo may give you the kind of community you desire.


·         the parking arrangement– while the condo you’re looking at may include a parking space, the status certificate will tell you whether you own the parking space yourself, or whether it’s a common element owned by the condo corporation. If you plan to have guests frequently, you’ll also want to look into the rules around visitor parking.


It’s a good idea to have your real estate representative, and a lawyer, review the status certificate with you before waiving the condition and making your offer firm. By including a properly drafted condition, if you aren’t happy with what you see in the status certificate (for example, if it reveals a significant deficiency in the reserve fund) you can walk away from the deal with your deposit.


It’s important to know that if you’re buying a new condo from a builder or developer, you’ll have a 10-day “cooling off” period after signing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale that allows you to change your mind and walk away from the purchase with your deposit. This is not the case with a resale condo. Be sure to ask your real estate professional and lawyer about this option before you decide to put in an offer.


While any registered real estate professional could help you purchase a condo, consider working with someone who has local knowledge and experience in the condo market. Before you decide to work with one, check their references and use the ‘Registrant Search’ tool on RECO’s website (www.reco.on.ca) to ensure they are registered to trade in the province. By working with a registered real estate professional, you’ll have access to valuable consumer protections.


The Ministry of Consumer Services offers a useful ‘Ontario’s Condo Guide’ to help you make informed decisions and know your rights and responsibilities when buying a condo. Find it at www.ontario.ca/condos.


Contact me today for a Free Home Buyer's Toolkit!

Spruce Up Your Deck!

After a winter full of snow, falling leaves, winds and other climate changes, your deck probably looks a little worn down. If you’re planning to sell your home this spring and summer, the deck definitely needs to look its best to be a selling point.

To save time and avoid spending thousands of dollars on a new deck, here are some quick and easy maintenance steps to reinvigorating your deck for prospective buyers:

1. Clean by pressure washing: During winter, the deck probably accumulated leaves, dirt and other buildup that would take hours to sweep away with a broom. So why not pressure wash the deck to get rid of it all? Pressure washing pushes enough force against the wood that dirt and grime flow off the deck without a hitch. Homeowners can purchase or rent a power washer for the weekend. Just be sure to wear goggles and gloves as safety precautions. If you’re worried about breaking glass or pieces of wood, exterior power washing by a professional costs between $290 and $390 depending on the deck’s square footage.

2. Stain the wood: When your deck was first installed, it might also have been stained. However, climate conditions and wear might have deteriorated the stain. A deck can really shine under the sunlight and last for a long time with consistent staining. Staining works best for wood like redwood, cedar and pine, but it has to be the right type of coating to accent the grain. By consulting a deck contractor, he or she can help determine the best stain to bring out its natural beauty and last against the elements.

3. Deck it out: While the deck itself should grab a prospective buyer’s attention, accent it with decorations and other attractions. You could have lighting installed for $125 or more to bring out the stain’s sheen at night. Placing furniture will illustrate how cozy the space is for grilling, parties and relaxation. Adding potted flowers and trees will help it blend into the landscape. A buyer who steps onto the deck will feel immediately immersed, increasing their desire to buy your home.

Contact me today for other home staging ideas or a complimentary Market Value Report.