Toronto Real Estate and Neighbourhoods Blog | Move Smartly

Toronto Neighbourhoods Increasingly Defined by Schools

Urmi in Urban Issues, Lifestyle

Yesterday, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) approved a controversial proposal to open an alternative "Africentric" curriculum-focussed school in an attempt to combat an alarming 40% dropout rate amongst students of English-speaking Caribbean descent.  The win could be seen as a citizen victory, as a mother, Angela Wilson, and a community worker, Donna Harrow, originally brought the proposal forward.  Opening day will be September 2009; details as to curriculum, results-based targets and location are forthcoming.

Opinions were mixed amongst the trustees who ultimately approved the proposal.  Some unimaginatively took exception to the money - who will cover the estimated $850,000 required for the new facility?  Others were more forthcoming about policy concerns - is self-selected segregation really less harmful?  The debate picks up where a particularly volatile provincial election, largely defined by one candidate's positive stance towards publicly-funded alternative religious schooling, left off.

The school, when formally opened, will join 30 alternative schools already in existence in Toronto.  These schools have come to define their respective neighbourhoods, and there can be no doubt that this latest addition will do the same.  But it's not just religious and community schools that have become ultra-focussed. 

Recently, my chat with the mother of a soon-to-be teenager underscored the fact that a home buyer's search is often tethered to school quality and specialization - goals which are not restricted to the private domain.  Toronto's public high schools have increasingly taken the business of career prep seriously.  And serious means more specialized.  In a 2008-09 TDSB course selection guide for parents and students, aptly titled "Choices," familiar names - Georges Vanier SS and Albert Campbell CI - sit under the rather reticent banner of "Transportation Technologies."  With more pinpoint precision, Social Studies period has morphed into "Genocide: Historical and Contemporary Implications" and "World Geography: Urban Patterns and Interactions."

Whether public, private or alternative, Toronto's schools are increasingly distinct.  They offer diversity but along sharply drawn lines.  As schools define their own boundaries, the pressure to be in the "right" neighbourhood can only increase - can Toronto handle the momentum? 

For more on schools in the GTA area, visit Realosophy for local school and housing stats by neighbourhood.

Urmi Desai is an economic analyst and a freelance writer specializing in urban issues.  She is editor of the Move Smartly blog. Email Urmi

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Photo: Jarvis Collegiate Institute, Toronto

Is Now the Right Time to Buy Real Estate in Toronto (Part 2)

John in Home Buying, Toronto Real Estate News

In a previous post I addressed the one question that’s on most first time buyers minds; is now the right time to buy my first home? I reminded readers that the answer to this question lies in understanding both the current state of the real the estate market and their own personal circumstances.

I received a couple of emails from readers asking me if the approach I discussed in my last post can be applied to repeat buyers as well.

This approach to deciding whether or not it's the right time to buy real estate applies to all buyers, not just first time buyers. I decided to focus my last post on first time buyers because I find the level of anxiety with first time buyers to be much higher than with repeat buyers. Repeat buyers have already made that first leap and have probably realized some appreciation in their home's value, so the risks aren’t as great.

Having said that, the personal circumstances that influence a repeat buyer’s decision are going to be different than those influencing the first time buyer. Let’s look at one potential scenario.

Lifting the Clothesline Ban: Let it all Hang Out

Jesse in Urban Issues, Lifestyle

Clothes are one step closer to flapping in the wind. The Ontario Government's Ministry of Energy is proceeding to end a ban on clotheslines for freehold detached, semi-detached and row-houses; echoing the delay of the green-bin program, condominiums and high rise buildings will be considered at a later date.

Frowned upon for conjuring images contrary to the 'ideal neighbourhood', communities of new developments had prohibited the use of clotheslines decades ago. Our twenty-first century of environmental awareness has drawn attention to this issue once again with the hopes of giving Ontario residents freedom to dry outside.

Citing an average hydro savings of $30 annually if 25% of household laundry is dried on a clothesline, Energy Minister Gerry Phillips hopes that this will encourage Ontario residents to take their clothes off the grid, at least during the warmest months (June to August); opting to line-dry for a longer period (mid-April to mid-October) would further increase monetary and environmental savings.  Installing and using a clothesline is a cost effective way to becoming environmentally conscious while saving money – not just in utility bills, but prolonging the life of your dryer as well. 

A 60-day consultation period has been established appealing to the public on ways to end these restrictions. I will be keeping watch on the outcome which, in my opinion, should be obvious.  An interesting article from All About Cities mentions the debate between home owners who are for clotheslines vs. those who are not: property value vs. a sustainable environment.  Is real estate finally trumping climate change? Maybe the outcome is not an obvious one.

Jesse Fleming is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Email Jesse

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photo credits: www.art.com

Toronto's Land Transfer Tax - The Official Word

Rachel in HomeBuying, Money, Legal

On October 22, 2007, Toronto City Council approved a Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT), the "Toronto Tax," and we have now received more detailed information as to how this will be implemented.  Although this information is primarily directed at assisting lawyers, it is still relevant to anyone who is considering purchasing property in Toronto.

The following is an excerpt from information provided on the Teranet website, an e-service that assists professionals by providing a database of real property information as well as registration services that were formerly available only at Land Registry Offices.   

When will the City start charging the MLTT?

The MLTT will be charged on the registration of all conveyances of land in Toronto commencing February 1, 2008 and on the disposition of all beneficial interests commencing on February 1, 2008

Are Toronto Condos a Better Investment than Detached Homes?

John in Toronto Real Estate News

According to figures released this week, condominiums in Toronto’s central core and west end appreciated more than detached homes in 2007. A first for Toronto’s changing real estate market.

Condominiums in the central core appreciated by 12.2% in 2007 compared to 11.5% for single detached homes. West end condominiums appreciated by 7.3% compared to 6.6% for single detached homes.  These stats generally capture activity in the resale market.

Last month, we heard that 2007 was the first year in Toronto’s history that saw new condominiums outsell new low rise homes.

This is very big news for Toronto home buyers. Traditionally, the detached home has been the ‘smarter investment’ for home buyers who are more concerned about the appreciation of their home's value than the many lifestyle benefits that condos offer.

But have the tides finally turned? Are condominiums now becoming the smarter investment for Toronto home buyers?  Buyers are advised to keep an eye on this emerging trend.

John Pasalis is a sales associate at Prudential Properties Plus in Toronto and a founder of Realosophy. Email John

Photo: Trump Tower, Toronto
 

Media Roundup - January 25th 2007

In the News

It's been a big week for big headlines:

Investors faced a turbulent week in both Canadian and US stock markets. 

In a surprising move, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by three quarters of a percent. 

The Bank of Canada cut interest rates by one quarter of a percent.

The spread between Canadian and US interest rates could hurt Canadian businesses.

Royal Bank is forecasting that housing affordability will improve in 2008, particularly in the western provinces, where it's been an acute problem.

The good news may be offset in Ontario where home owners are likely to see an increase in property tax - this time due to the province reassessing home values.

Buyer Beware: a major con job rocks would-be Toronto condo investors.

Too Good to be True? Protecting Yourself Against Real Estate Scams

Rachel in Legal, HomeBuying

A recent article highlights one of the most valuable and often glossed over part of your real estate transaction - relationships.  Reported in the Globe and Mail, a sad story of how investors were allegedly duped into signing documents that granted ownership in some condos - but they were really purchasing parking spots or mall kiosks.

How does something like this happen – and how can you protect yourself?

Unstoppable Drive: More Canadians Relying on Cars Today

Urmi in Urban Issues, Lifestyle

Stats Can's recent release, Dependence on Cars in Urban Neighbourhoods, reveals that car culture is alive and well in Canada - understandable to those that live the morning rush hour, daunting for those who wish to see this trend reversed.  The report, part of the Agency's Canadian Social Trends series, notes that overall levels of car dependency grew from 1992 to 2005 across Canada.

In this snapshot, 'dependency' generally means using the car for all trips in a single day.  Looking at the urban/suburban divide, the report confirms that there is a strong correlation between car dependency and living in low-density neighbourhoods (defined as areas in which 66.6% of dwellings are traditionally suburban - e.g., single, semi-detached or mobile homes).  Ditto for living further out from city centres.

Given that current growth plans put a high premium on high-density growth that promotes the use of public transit, you would think that we are only correcting mistakes of old.  Instead, rapidly sprawling cities of today such as Edmonton and Calgary are most car dependent - with 77% and 75% residents making all trips in a single day by car. In older, once bounded-by-water Montreal (see left), only 65% of residents indicate such usage.

 And it appears that it is hard to escape the destiny of that initial housing footprint.

Finding Sanctuary: Church turned Condo at College and Palmerston?

John in Toronto Condos and Lofts, Toronto Real Estate News 

The church at College and Palmerston in Toronto's Little Italy neighbourhood was sold last Fall and it's rumored that the new owners will be converting it to a condominium.  Previous church conversions in the city include The Glebe,The Abbey Lofts, and most recently, The Church Lofts at Dovercourt and Bloor.

We don't have any details about the church at Palmerston and College yet.  If you have any tips or info about this development, send me an email.

John Pasalis is a sales associate at Prudential Properties Plus in Toronto and a founder of Realosophy. Email John

Toronto's 'Target 70' - Part 2: Green Bin Roll-Out in Multi-Unit Dwellings

Jesse in Lifestyle, Urban Issues

I received this email from greenbin@toronto.ca in response to my inquiry about how the green bin program is to be implemented in multi-unit buildings:

“Our pilot project that has taken place in numerous multi-unit buildings across the City has been a huge success. The City has received approval to roll out the program City wide in 2008. I am waiting for more information as to when and how the program will be implemented.

Please visit our website at www.toronto.ca/garbage/multi/aptsgreen.htm to view the three types of collection systems that are being examined. If you were to purchase a green bin and place it out in front of the building it will not be collected. Once we are closer to rolling out the program, the property management team will be notified by the City.”

After reviewing the methods of collection provided on the City of Toronto website, I am of the opinion that the bulk bin system will be the easiest to install in most buildings and town homes.