Caledon says goodbye to smoking in public spaces

Peel residents, Caledon included, can now breathe a deep breath of fresh air in light of a new by-law that came into effect just yesterday. The new Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law now makes it illegal to smoke within nine metres of any municipally-owned building or public area.

We all know that smoking is bad for our health, but the effects of second-hand smoke from tobacco products can be equally detrimental, especially for children whose lungs are immature, often leading to asthma, ear infections and bronchitis.

Now residents will be able to enjoy outdoor activities, community centres, libraries and playgrounds without having to worry about the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

This is one positive step towards a healthier and environmentally friendly Caledon, and something that residents (smokers and non-smokers alike) should be proud of.

In the past 10 years, the rate of smoking has declined with advanced awareness of the negative health impact as well as several other by-laws that have eliminated smoking in restaurants, covered patios, and other public places, and the hope is that this new legislation will also help Peel residents finally butt-out! It is estimated that approximately 15% of Peel residents are smokers.

The strain smoking puts on the healthcare system in our communities is also significant, with nearly 700 deaths and over 3000 smoking-related hospitalizations annually.

In addition to the bylaw’s aim of limiting residents’ exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and relieving some of that strain, it also hopes to reduce litter and encourage smokers to kick the habit.

The by-law is being enforced in full effect with the potential for fines of up to $5000 for those who choose not to comply.

This is a fantastic step towards a healthier and more environmentally conscious Caledon. Here at the StuartSinclair Team, we are proud to be residents of this closely-knit, socially responsible and now smoke-free community!

All the best for a healthy week!

The Stuart Sinclair Team

http://www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Back to school the perfect time for fall home maintenance

As the Staples commercial suggests, for many households this is the most wonderful time of the year… back to school! With the summer months winding down and the smell of cool fresh September air mixed with pencils and papers lingering in the not-so-distant future, comes a renewed sense of responsibility for many Caledon and GTA families.

And it’s not just your kids you should be concerned with preparing for the upcoming season change. With fall setting in, now is a great time to make your to-do-list for items that you should be taking care of before the cold weather arrives.

Some things you may want to include are geared towards home maintenance and the changing temperatures? Hope to save some money on energy costs this fall and winter? Now is a great time to add weather stripping to doors and windows, caulk any cracks or holes to the exterior of your home, and inspect chimneys and your roof for any damage. It’s also a good idea to inspect gutters and eavestroughs to ensure they are in good condition. After all, pretty soon they will be doing double duty collecting rainwater and leaves. Also be aware that at this time of year all the little critters will try to find any possible entrance into your house. Keep mice and rats at bay by ensuring all vent openings are screened, no gaps exist between garage doors, and try to be conscious of keeping doors ajar for any length of time.

Now is also a great time to do a security check of your home, given that pretty soon there will be decreased traffic once the kids are back at school. Adjust any home alarm systems, replace burnt out lights on the exterior of your property, and replace smoke alarm batteries.

If you own a home with a pool, you’ll be thinking of closing that up in the next few weeks too, but not before enjoying at least a few more swims and afternoons in the sun.

Looking for more information on preparing your home (and family) for the back-to-school season? Feel free to contact us. We’re happy to provide advice on all things homeownership whenever you need us.


The Stuart Sinclair Team
www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Adjala Tosorontio offers unique and historic properties with modern flare!

Ideally situated at the border of the Greater Toronto Area and the southern end of one of Canada's greatest recreational areas, Adjala-Tosorontio has a wonderful balance for any lifestyle.

It's a wonderful place to relax and also explore. Enjoy the many beautiful natural attributes of a rural municipality reflective of its agricultural heritage. Forests, hills and valleys together make a beautiful co-existence with a natural flair. Beautiful scenery waits along quaint country roads, changing in character as the seasons progress.

People are coming to Adjala-Tosorontio to realize a richness of life not easily achieved elsewhere. The town strives to protect and nourish what they have known all along; that Adjala-Tosorontio is not only a great place to live, but a thriving location.

This absolutely showstopping mixed-use property at 1103 Ballycroy Road is one that over the years has drawn attention from residents and visitors alike...

 

A truly unique Ontario property with a Circa history dating back to 1835. This home with a general store is located merely 45 minutes north of Toronto.

The home sits on 1.67 Acres with a frontage of 177 ft and has a depth of 414 ft. Nestled amongst mature trees on a great rural road, the property also has a small rustic two-storey barn with stone foundation which is perfect for storage or workshop. Enjoy cooking and baking in the updated kitchen boasting a large farm house sink and an "Elegant period" style gas stove.

The general store has retained its magnificent original character yet the house has undergone many upgrades since 2008 including; aluminum tile roof, soffit, facia & eaves, Geo-thermal heating and cooling for year round comfort, new electric water heater and 19 new double-hung windows plus many more. View the property video for a closer look at this historic masterpiece, or click here to view the listing on our website.

If you are looking for more information about the beautiful community of Adjala Tosorontio, are interested in viewing this charming property, or are just looking for updates on the real estate market in all areas of the GTA, Caledon, Bolton or Brampton, don't hesitate to contact us. We've always got the latest information about unique properties like this one, and are happy to answer your questions at any time.

The Stuart Sinclair Team
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage
Independently owned and operated
Office: (905) 857-7653
Toll Free: (866) 219-7770www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com
info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com