Waterloo Region's 16 Regional Forests are an Asset to Locals

Waterloo Region isn't just all tech, financial and educational innovation. We also have some of the most beautiful forested areas in Ontario. Cyclists, Hikers and Birdwatchers are some of the people who benefit from the numerous regional forests in our area totaling more than 430 Hectares.

This article from the Record outlines what is being done with them.

Urban dwellers find nature, recreation in regional forests

080511Hovingh_A2 Regional planner Albert Hovingh oversees 16 forested areas owned by Waterloo Region.

David Bebee/Record staff

WATERLOO REGION — They are scattered throughout Waterloo Region, 16 regional forests and woodlands that connect hikers, birdwatchers and cyclists with nature.

“They are really quite rustic. They are different from city parks,” said Albert Hovingh, a forester and regional planner who oversees this network of forests that spans a total of 435 hectares.
Some are well known, while othe
s are seldom used by the public.

“The forest component of the region is a little bit under the radar but they really are some fabulous places to visit,” said Chuck Hammell of the Waterloo Cycling Club.

Hammell speaks with authority. As chair of the club’s trails committee, he oversees 24 kilometres of mountain bike trails through the Petersburg Regional Forest and the Waterloo Landfill Woodlands, two neighbouring wooded areas connected by a hydro-line corridor. The cycling club has an agreement with the region to develop and maintain the trails.

Hammell said this trail north of Waterloo has been touted as one of the best urban cross-country mountain bike facilities in North America because of its length and beauty. It attracts people both locally and from across Ontario.

Up to 200 mountain bikers, runners and hikers use it on a summer’s evening, he said.
As a competitive mountain biker race, Deputy Police Chief Brent Thomlison is one of trail’s fans.
“It is the place to go. It replicates the places that you would find” on the competitive racing circuit, Thomlison said.

Down the road in Cambridge, between 15 and 20 seniors walk every Tuesday morning “rain or shine,” often at one of three regional forests in Cambridge and North Dumfries Township.
“Personally I like the bush trails. You get out in the bushes and it is quiet … and you may meet a deer,” said group leader, Tom Boyd, 80, of Cambridge.

Since its inception in 1993, the Allan Reuter Centre Senior Walkers have raised enough money to purchase 20 benches, including three for the Sudden Regional Forest in North Dumfries. The cost of the weekly walk is $1 per person.

The 16 regional forests and woodlands vary in size from four hectares to 88 hectares. There are no picnic tables or public washrooms to protect their serenity and rustic nature.

Some date back to 1944 when the former County of Waterloo started acquiring derelict farmland and other properties for reforestation purposes. In 2003, more properties were donated to the region.

The region assumed ownership of the forests in the late 1990s from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
To increase their profile, the region is in the midst of erecting kiosks at the properties with signs depicting trail rules and uses to avoid conflicts between different users.

Hovingh, who is the region’s forestry department, said he has an annual budget of $39,000, and because of that, often relies on volunteer work and donations to maintain the forests.

For instance, in co-operation with the Waterloo Stewardship Network, a coalition of volunteers supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, a tract of dead Red Pine trees at the Drynan Forest in North Dumfries Township was cleared to allow for the development of a hardwood forest which is more conducive to the area’s soil condition, he said.

Future plans include replacing the 400-metre long boardwalk at the Sudden Forest in North Dumfries Township, which is closed because its rotting condition makes it unsafe, Hovingh said.

Variable Rate Mortages on the Rise

Just announced today, variable rate mortgages were increased by RBC from 2.25% to 2.55%.

Other lenders are expected to follow suit tomorrow.

What does that mean?.....an extra $3,000 in interest payments on a $200,000 mortgage over a 5-year term.

Contact me to keep abreast of interest rates and the real estate market.  Having an informed REALTOR representing your interests will save you time, money and stress!

Own a Blackberry? New Music Sharing on the Way...

Research In Motion, in an attempt to stay on top of what consumers want, is launching a new music service today that will allow BBM users to share music.

This service will allow a "community-based music library" to be shared among BBM "friends."

This link to an article provides more detail.

http://www.570news.com/news/local/article/270279--rim-confirms-new-bbm-music-service

Choosing a Roofing Contractor? Read this First.

As a REALTOR, I find the most common questions from buyers when looking at a home are "How old is the roof?"  and "How expensive is it to fix?".  The question I never get is "How do I choose my roofing contractor?"  The contractor will be the determining factor of both cost and quality of work.

This article below written by Shelley White of the Globe and Mail outlines the questions that need to be anwered before choosing your contractor.

The spectre of leaks and water damage is nerve-racking enough, but with costs that can start at $5,000 and rise to $20,000 or more, a new roof can be a crippling expense.

But there are ways to minimize your risk and keep the roof over your head intact.

The first step in roof maintenance is determining whether you need work done well before you spring a leak. Craig Bennett, deputy executive director of Avenue Road Roofing in Toronto, says that there are some red flags to watch for.

“Observe the appearance of your shingles,” he says. “Specifically, look for curling or clawed shingle tabs, look for areas of excessive ‘granule’ loss [on the surface of the shingles]. In terms of age, a roof that is 15 years old should be inspected.”

Homeowners can also check to see if any of the metal flashing on the roof has pulled away or the caulking has dried out. If you have attic access, look for water marks or the appearance of mould (black marks).

Once you’ve determined that your roof needs work, it’s time to find a contractor. Mark Benerowski, a Toronto building inspector for the past 10 years, says that references from friends and family are a good way to start, but it’s important to get at least three quotes – he suggests getting 10 – before deciding on a contractor.

“Sometimes the larger companies can be good to go with, but a company is only as good as its installer. Ask if they’ve expanded a lot in the last couple years. How much experience do your installers have? How many installers can I expect to be on the job?”

Because a roofing job should last 15 years or more, look for a roofer who is going to stay in business. Mr. Bennett says that although many consumers won’t require it, it’s wise to look for companies that are bonded, which demonstrates that the contractor has had to withstand stringent business scrutiny.
“Also, look for roofing contractors who have been certified by the product manufacturer to install their products,” he says. “Ask to view a job in progress and speak with several past clients, particularly those who required warranty service.”

Other essential elements to watch for are safety and insurance, Mr. Bennett says. Consumers should ask to see a company’s health and safety policy, and ensure they have adequate insurance for the job at hand.

To further protect yourself, Mr. Benerowski advises that specifications be included in any contract or quote. “Don’t let them just put down three-tab shingle installation,” he says. “You want specifications as to flashing, the brand name and warranty of your shingle, the underlayment that will be used, how much ice shield, how high the ice shield is going to be.” (If the terms and details of roofing seems daunting to a layperson, you can get consumer info on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.’s website.) “If you can specify in the contract, that’s half the battle.”

As for the cost, Mr. Bennett says his company’s statistics have shown that the average price for a complete shingle replacement within the Greater Toronto Area is about 2 per cent of the property value. But prices can vary widely depending on how complicated the job is and where it is located.
As well, your choice of materials will affect your final price. At the low end of the scale, there’s paper asphalt or fibreglass shingle (increasingly the most popular choice, according to Mr. Bennett). Metal is typically double the price, cedar triple and slate, three to four times the cost.

Once the job begins, if you’re concerned about the work being done, you can hire a building inspector to assess it, both during the project and after completion. For a one-time inspection, Mr. Benerowski charges between $200 and $300. For a more thorough, phased inspection report, it can cost between $500 and $600, based on 2,000-square-foot home.

If you do your homework before hiring your contractor, Mr. Bennett says, you should end up with a roof job that will stand the test of time.

Watch for these red flags
Building inspector Mark Benerowski identifies common mistakes to watch for.

Roofers trying to work too fast: Ensure your roofing company will be providing you with an experienced installer and enough manpower to do the job properly (at least two or three workers). “It’s a seasonal type of business, so roofers can get very busy in the summers,” Mr. Benerowski says. “If a roofer is working too fast and hasn’t set his pneumatic gun properly, that nail head could be driven too hard with too much pressure. You’ve cracked the shingle and now you have a potential for leakage.”

Laying new shingles over old: Specify the full removal of the old shingles – if you don’t, the roofers may lay new ones over the old ones, which can trap moisture and lead to premature deterioration of the new surface.

Not removing old nails from the roof: Leaving old nails is like trapping “a bunch of needles underneath the new shingles. When you strip a roof, it has to be fully stripped.”

Poor ventilation: Be sure your roofing contractor will be addressing ventilation issues and is up-to-date on current ventilation techniques and products. “If you don’t have any ventilation at all, in the summer the attic gets very hot and you end up baking your shingles and they don’t last as long.”

New Edition of Coldwell Banker Properties for Sale

Check out this latest EBook edition of Coldwell Banker properties for sale.

http://issuu.com/kwtreb/docs/cbpbr?viewMode=magazine

5 Tips to Finding a Good Buyer Agent When Purchasing Real Estate

With Summer coming to a close (sigh), the expectations for the Fall Real Estate Market are good.  Just recently, the Canadian Real Estate Association raised its forecast for sales.  This translates into more listings and more buyers. With more than 90% of all homes sold transacted through the MLS with REALTORS, there is a great demand for buyer agents to help buyers through the buying process.

And, let's face it - in every profession there are good ones and not so good ones.  When buying real estate it is of the utmost importance that you find not only a knowledgeable, competent and dedicated professional, but also one who you connect with and trust.

Many buyers today are interviewing their REALTORs just as sellers interview their representatives - and that is the first step to finding a good representative who truly has YOUR best interests in mind.

Here are 5 tips to help you find a great REALTOR.

1. Ask around. The first place to start looking for a buyer's agent is by asking friends and family. Did they like their agent? How was their experience? Recommendations are a good place to start, but don't feel pressured to use your sister's agent or your friend's mom's cousin who happens to work in real estate. Go through the rest of the tips before deciding.

2. Check credentials. Is his or her license current or are there any complaints registered about him? Do they have advanced accreditation, such as ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) or CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)  Designations aren't everything, but they do show commitment to the profession. Don't hesitate to ask to see their sales volume or references. An agent who is active and recommended must be doing something right.

3. Have a trial period. This is the tip most people skip, but I think it's one of the most important. If he or she doesn't mention it first, ask to sign a buyer's contract for the day, so that you can see how you work together. Think of it as dating — you didn't marry the first person who asked you to dinner. Did the agent understand what you were looking for and is that represented in the day's showings? They'll get paid if you decide to purchase any of the properties they show you, and you're not stuck with them if you can't stand to be in the same car by the end of the day.

4. Trust your gut. If after your day out with your potential agent, something doesn't feel right, listen to your intuition. You should like your agent and know that they have your best interests in mind. You could be working with them for a year or more, so if there's a personality clash or a trust issue, find someone else.

5. Sign a BRA. A Buyer Representative Agreement protects both you and your a REALTOR. It outlines in writing what is expected from each party. If you don't have a contract, your REALTOR is only a facilitator of the transaction and doesn't represent your interests.  A true professional will explain everything in detail and you should leave a buyer counselling session with the feeling that you know everything about the buying process and nothing will come as a surprise.

Hopefully these tips help your real estate transaction go smoothly. I look forward to you calling me in for that interview ... Happy house hunting!

Higher Taxes for Waterloo in 2012?

With Waterloo City Council budget deliberations starting, so does the talk of higher taxes.  With nearly half of the property tax bill comprised of city taxes (the other half education taxes), this could mean a noticable increase for the average home owner in Waterloo.

This Record article outlines what was discussed at Monday's meeting.

Waterloo heading for higher taxes next year

WATERLOO — Waterloo council intends to raise city taxes again next year, but the size of the increase won’t be determined until February.

Council launched its 2012 budget deliberations Monday.

City hall forecasts a tax increase reaching almost 10 per cent over a four-year term ending in 2014. This includes an increase of 1.9 per cent approved in 2011.

City staff told councillors that Waterloo has a high debt, can’t maintain its current infrastructure and no longer enjoys the fast-growing tax base of decades past. This suggests the city, described in a recent report as having among the highest taxes in Ontario, can’t afford new projects.

“You get to that point where you have to say, ‘It’s now time to do less with less.’ And we’re there,” Coun. Mark Whaley said in an interview.

Some councillors recognize that many residents feel tapped out, even as other residents clamour for new services.

“There are so many folks that feel they are at the limit of affordability,” Coun. Diane Freeman said. “People feel totally overwhelmed.”

City taxes – at just over $1,000 for a home assessed at $254,000 - account for less than half the property tax bill. Regional taxes are roughly half the bill and education taxes make up the rest.
Council has created a volunteer committee of 12 citizens that intends to recommend budget options. Committee chair Mike Magreehan, a financial planner, said its members are grappling with “nice-to-have” spending on items including senior programs, a skateboard park, the local symphony and the downtown Clay and Glass gallery.

Citizens also hope to make recommendations around public communication, clarity of financial statements and ways to encourage savings within city hall.