Celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday with dazzling fireworks across the Durham Region! Here’s your complete guide to the best shows happening on Tuesday, July  1, 2025:

1. Whitby – Victoria Fields

Highlights: The region’s largest and most spectacular fireworks display with food trucks, picnic zones, and family fun.

  • Time: Fireworks at dusk (~10 p.m.)

  • Info & Details: Whitby Canada Day Event 

2. Oshawa – Lakeview Park (55 Lakeview Park Ave)

Highlights: A festive afternoon (2–10 p.m.) with live music, vendors, a family zone, and a waterfront fireworks finale.

  • Time: Fireworks at ~10 p.m.

  • Info & Details: Oshawa Canada Day Celebration

3. Ajax – Ajax Downs (50 Alexander’s Crossing)

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May delivered improved affordability across the GTA, giving buyers more opportunity and leverage. Sales rose month-over-month but remained lower than this time last year, reflecting a market still tempered by economic uncertainty. Inventory continues to build, creating more choice for buyers and encouraging measured optimism among sellers.

GTA Market Insights
GTA REALTORS® reported 6,244 home sales in May 2025, a 13.3% decline from May 2024. However, inventory surged with 21,819 new listings—up 14% year-over-year. The average selling price in the GTA was $1,120,879, down 4% annually, while the MLS® HPI benchmark dipped 4.5%.

Despite the year-over-year slowdown, sales increased for the second month in a row, indicating that some buyers are stepping…

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Your 2025 Guide to Farmers’ Markets in Durham Region
Support Local | Eat Fresh | Explore More

There’s something special about strolling through a farmers’ market—the scent of fresh produce, the buzz of community, and the satisfaction of supporting local growers and artisans. If you live in or around Durham Region, you’re in luck. The 2025 farmers’ market season is officially underway, and there’s no shortage of incredible markets to explore!

Whether you're hunting for just-picked strawberries, handcrafted bread, or local honey, here’s your go-to guide to farmers’ markets in Durham:

Pickering

  • Pickering City Centre Farmers’ Market
    Tuesdays, June 10 – October 7 | 9 AM – 2 PM
    Located at the Chestnut Hill Developments Rec Complex.
    More…

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April followed seasonal trends with a rise in sales compared to March. However, year-over-year numbers show continued buyer hesitation as many wait for further rate cuts and economic clarity following the federal election. With improved selection and signs of affordability returning, both buyers and sellers are weighing their next moves carefully.

GTA Market Insights
TRREB reported 5,601 home sales in April 2025—a 23.3% drop from April 2024. However, the number of new listings reached 18,836, up 8.1% year-over-year, providing buyers with more options. The average selling price in the GTA was $1,107,463, down 4.1% annually, and lower month-over-month as well. The MLS® HPI benchmark was also down by 5.4% year-over-year.

Buyers continued to benefit from…

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Deciding between a condo and a house is a big step in your home-buying journey. In Durham Region, both options offer unique advantages. Here’s how to decide which one fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals best.

 

1. Lifestyle and Maintenance
Condos are ideal for low-maintenance living—perfect for professionals, retirees, or those who travel often. Maintenance, landscaping, and even some utilities are taken care of through condo fees. Houses, while offering more autonomy and space, require more hands-on upkeep—think snow shoveling, lawn care, and repairs. If you're busy or prefer simplicity, the condo lifestyle might be more suitable.

2. Location and Amenities
Condos in areas like downtown Whitby, Pickering, and parts of Oshawa offer…

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Buying and selling a home at the same time is no small task, especially in a fast-moving market like Durham Region. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, timing both transactions can feel overwhelming. But with the right plan and expert guidance, it's absolutely doable—and even stress-free.

 

 1. Know Your Market Conditions

Understanding whether it's a buyer's or seller's market is the first step. In Durham Region, this can vary by neighbourhood—Whitby may be hot while Bowmanville remains more balanced. A strong seller's market gives you more leverage when listing your home, while a buyer's market might offer better deals but require patience and negotiation skills. Partnering with a realtor who knows these micro-markets can give…

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Should I Stage My Home When I Want to Sell It?

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably wondering: Is staging really worth it?
Here’s the honest answer: If you want to sell faster and for more money, staging isn’t optional anymore—it’s a smart investment.

Why Staging Matters

Staging isn’t about decorating—it’s about marketing.
You’re not just selling walls and windows. You’re selling a vision of what life could look like inside that home. When buyers emotionally connect, they act faster—and they’re often willing to pay more.

The numbers back it up:

  • Staged homes sell up to 73% faster than unstaged homes, according to the Real Estate Staging Association (source).

  • In Canada, staged homes are reported to sell…

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As spring approaches, signs of improving affordability and increased inventory are shaping the real estate market in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. While sales volume is still lower than last year, more listings and stabilized pricing are creating new opportunities for buyers. Let’s explore the latest insights and key statistics from March 2025.

GTA Market Insights
The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reports 5,011 home sales in March 2025 — a 23.1% decline from the same time last year. However, the number of new listings climbed by 28.6% year-over-year, giving buyers more selection than we’ve seen in recent months. The average selling price across the GTA was $1,093,254, down 2.5% from March 2024, and relatively flat…

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As the snow melts and the days get longer, spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home’s exterior. Whether you’re thinking about selling or just want to be proud when you pull into the driveway, these outdoor upgrades can make a big impact.

1. Refresh Your Landscaping

A well-kept lawn and clean garden beds instantly boost curb appeal. Add fresh mulch, trim overgrown shrubs, and plant vibrant spring flowers like tulips, pansies, or daffodils to make your front yard pop.

2. Upgrade Your Front Door

Your front door is a focal point—make it stand out. A fresh coat of paint (bold colours like navy, forest green, or even cherry red) can modernize your entrance. Add a seasonal wreath or new hardware for an extra touch.

3. …

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Home renovations in Canada have always been a significant investment, but in recent years, rising material costs and supply chain disruptions have made them even more challenging. One of the biggest culprits? Tariffs.

From lumber and steel to appliances and fixtures, ongoing trade disputes and tariff wars have driven up costs and created uncertainty in the renovation market. If you’re planning a remodel, understanding how these economic factors impact your budget—and knowing how to navigate them—can help you make smarter decisions.

Why Are Renovation Costs Rising?

Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed on imported goods, and when they affect key building materials, those costs eventually get passed down to homeowners. Here’s how tariffs are…

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