Another year of CADS has begun, and it’s looking great! Tracey is a volunteer instructor with CADS at Snow Valley Barrie for the past 8 years, I have volunteered as an instructor too. Here is Tracey with his new student for 2010.
2009 Barrie Real Estate
January 15th, 2010
In the Barrie area, annual residential sales activity was up in 2009 from 2008 levels, bolstered by a stronger performance in the second half of the year, especially the fourth quarter. Activity was up 7% in 2009 from the previous year.
The average price for homes sold through MLS in the Barrie District was $263,959, pretty much the same as the average of $264,034 in 2008.
This strong sales momentum is predicted to continue into 2010.
Energy Rebate Deadlines are coming up fast
December 10th, 2009
The Home Renovation Tax Credit applies to work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010.
Eligible expenses for goods acquired during this period, even if they are installed after January 2010, will still qualify. If an eligible expense involves work performed by a contractor or a third party, and the work is not completed by the end of the eligible period, only the portion that is completed before February 1, 2010 will qualify, even if a payment has been made.
Solar Energy Systems Rebate Program: This rebate has been extended for qualifying systems that are purchased and installed in residential premises before January 1, 2010.
The Solar Energy Systems Rebate return the Retail Sales Tax (RST) paid on solar energy systems to homeowners or builders who install the energy systems into residential premises, including multi-residential premises, or who expand or upgrade an existing solar energy system.
ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes Program: Homeowners who previously received a grant can re-enter the program. So too can homeowners who are still within the 18 month period following their pre-retrofit assessment report and who require more time to complete their retrofits.
Homeowners must complete retrofits and receive a post-retrofit evaluation by March 31, 2011, or within 18 months from the date of the pre-retrofit evaluation report, whichever comes first and subject to available funding. go to http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/registration
Mad River lookout
November 26th, 2009
The Mad River iron bridge in Clearview is within walking distance of our farm. There is now a very nice entry to a platform where you can view the river and surrounding protected area. Makes for a good destination on a Sunday afternoon hike.
Abondoned Kitten
November 21st, 2009
I noticed this little cat about 3 weeks ago on our farm. Until yesterday, I was unable to approach him at all as he would dash away whenever I came close. Yesterday, he was sitting fairly close to the house and yard, just looking at the house. I went out and was able to pet him. He was pretty frantic. Picked him up, brought him in and put him into a small spare room. Fed him (frantic again, absolutely starving!), gave him water (very thirsty!) and a blanket. He is very thin and jumpy, but otherwise in good shape and can’t get enough of being petted. I am bringing him in to the vet on Monday for his shots and to book an appointment to have him neutered.
There have been many cats abandoned here over the years but this is the first one I have been able to approach to rescue. The others usually end up getting hit by a car, are easy prey for coyotes or starve to death in the winter time. It’s really so irresponsible and careless!
I hope he will fit in ok with our other pets eventually- not letting him out of the spare room until after he’s been to the vet! He is looking much improved after just one day. My son thinks he will turn out to be a handsome cat 
MLS homes sales forecast revised-
November 20th, 2009
With home sales activity running so strongly, setting records for July, September and October, the Canadian Real Estate Association has revised its MLS home sales forecast for 2009 and 2010.
The new sales forecast for 2009 now puts activity about equal to 2004, but still below levels for the years 2005 to 2007.
National MLS home sales activity is forecast to go up by 7% in 2010. This would make 2010 the second highest year on record for sales (the peak so far was reached in 2007).
The national MLS average home price is forecast to climb 4.2% total in 2009 (1.5% had been the previous forecast). Average prices are forecast to climb a further 4.7% in 2010.
Rainbow Trout
November 13th, 2009
Tracey has caught two beautiful rainbow trout this week from the Nottawasaga River. They are delicious, we do them up on the bbq with butter, onions, salt and pepper.
House for Sale in Angus, 85 Simcoe Street
November 13th, 2009
Nice 2 storey in town, over 1500 sq ft, with big fenced backyard and garden shed. Hardwood floors, updated kitchen, walkout to yard, 3 bedrooms. Close to school. Great opportunity for investors or first time buyers at $164,900!
Walkin’ the dog on a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon
October 21st, 2009
This past Sunday was a gorgeous day, and although I was working, I snuck in a walk with Otter around the farm (love my Blackberry…). It was wonderful!
After all of the recent rainfall, the Nottawasaga River is up pretty high and one of the ponds is quite full for this time of year. I see a pair of red-tailed hawks almost every day too, but they are always so high up that it’s impossible to get a good shot of them.