There is a call by some for a change to the building code in Ontario to help further protect properties against hurricanes. The call is to make it mandatory for new home construction to include hurricane straps. The clips are small pieces of metal that bind the roof truss to the top of the wall.
At the University of Western Ontario there is a Three Little Pigs project that studies among other things hurricanes and how some structural changes can reduce serious damage during a storm. Greg Kopp with Western University is encouraging the province to utilize hurricane clips or straps based on studies from the wind tunnel at the lab.
Each clip is only a few dollars and some communities in North American already have them as part of the building code.
Get more on the Insurance Lab for Better Homes here.
The Ontario government intends on giving municipalities the ability to levy a municipal land transfer tax (MLTT). This could be devastating to home ownership for many people.
Already on closing the average home purchase in Ontario faces thousands of dollars in transfer tax payments to the province. According to calculations from OREA, if the Ontario government follows through with this plan, home buyers will be forced to pay $10,000 in total land transfer taxes on the average priced home in Ontario.
Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark recently introduced a motion calling on the Ontario government to oppose the spread of the MLTT. MPP Clark’s motion will be debated on December 3rd. That leaves little time for you to voice your opposition to this planned tax and support MPP Clark's motion.
There is an easy way for your voice to be heard. You can let your local MPP know that you want to protect affordable home ownership in our province and vote YES to Mr. Clark’s motion.
It can all be done in under one minute with the easy submission form found here.
Together with your support Ontario REALTORS® are helping to protect affordable home ownership in our province for future generations.
Spend a little time now to prepare for the long winter ahead.
Seal cracks and repair damaged doors and windows. The time you put into this chore including replacing tired weather stripping is one of the most important things you can do to help lower heating costs.
Book a furnace check-up and cleaning. A properly serviced furnace can save you money and can eliminate an after hours service call during a cold winter night.
If you have a wood fireplace, have your chimney checked and cleaned. As part of the inspection, ensure the damper closes tightly to prevent winter drafts.
Don't forget that outdoor hose hanging on the wall. Disconnect, drain and store it for the winter season. If possible, shut the waterline off from inside to prevent pipes from freezing.
