A contribution from every sale I makes goes towards the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and I am proud to be on the top 10% donor list for 2011. It is amazing to see that so many names comprise the donors list showing how many people contributed to set the new record.
April 5, 2012 – The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is thrilled to announce its fundraising results for 2011: a record-setting $2 million was raised to support women’s shelters and to help stop family violence in Canada. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charity, empowering sales representatives to make a tangible difference in their local community and across the country. Now in its 14th year, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation supports 200 shelters across Canada, helping more than 30,000 women and children every year. It's also committed to funding violence prevention and education programs for youth.
Since its inception, the Shelter Foundation has raised more than $14 million with the support of generous Royal LePage agents, brokers, managers and staff, along with members of the communities in which they live and work and local and national sponsors. Since Royal LePage covers the administrative costs of the Shelter Foundation, 100% of the funds raised goes toward the cause.
2011 is the first year that that over 400,000 baby boomers a year turn 65. The impact of this shift will be far reaching. Although Calgary is a young city in comparison to others we will also see an impact.
I am already working with a few folks reaching retirement that are looking to downsize from large family homes to something that suits their future needs. The hard part is defining what that looks like. Not everyone is ready to go from 2400+ sq feet in a private residence to a 900 sq ft condo. In fact, many are actively looking to keep a private residence, but maybe one where the snow is cleared or there is a greater sense of community and access to amenities. Commute to work is no longer a priority, but a short trip to visit grandchildren is now high on the list. Homes need to be of quality construction as that is what these folks are used to and would accept nothing less. Homes also have to be designed for being home all day and provide the light, appropriate layout and access to make day to day living comfortable. This package in the right price point is not something that is in vast numbers on market.
The other side of the coin is that I am seeing more families looking for homes that can accommodate both their children as well as their own parent(s). Whether due to health reasons, childcare or economics, more families are looking at options as they begin to care both for their children and their parents. The sandwich generation is growing too.
While some folks are looking to specialize in working with an older demographic, I don't see it all too different. It is still providing exceptional service to help folks figure out what they need and introduce them to what is available on market. It is being honest about the current value of their home so they can make productive decisions and working with them to prepare in a way that makes the transition easier. Whether it is taking the time to downsize belongings first, identifying required upgrades, finding just the right new home or even working with family to connect folks with the right experts to manage family affairs, it is all part of the process.
A thought to builders and designers: If you are building beautiful bungalows and villas, consider parking and stairs. I have had a number of folks turn their backs on new construction because access wasn't well considered. This is Calgary after all. And don't forget that these folks may have downsized, but they now have their family and grandchildren to host for dinner. While many folks no longer prize a large dining room, many baby boomers focus on family and hosting those they love. They want to enjoy a meal without seeing the dishes. :)
If you or your family are looking for your new home, give me a call. I am happy to help.
The Snow Route Parking Ban is in effect this year throughout the city so it is a great idea to check out the maps and rules so you can be prepared. It will kick in once a 'snow event' is triggered when over 5 cm of snow has fallen.
If you are looking to purchase a home, it is worth a look to see if a prospective home is on the route. The routes may change, but some folks may see the routes as a big positive or negative. You do have to move your vehicle off the road, but you will be on a cleared road and able to get out of your street after a snow event.
The best direct resource is the City of Calgary website which will have all of the latest info, link to an online map of all routes which I can't link to directly. Also check out the Road Conditions Map (SNIC) which shows up to date info across the city. Should mobility be an issue, Handicap snow route exceptions can be requested with the city.
In letters sent to parents today from the Calgary Board of Education, two local schools have announced opening dates.
Tuscany Middle School (not yet officially named) will open to Tuscany Grade 4-8 students in September 2012.
As well, the attendance area for the new NW High School opening in 2013 has been announced. Located at 8777 Nose Hill Drive N.W., the new school will accommodate students from Arbour Lake, Citadel, Scenic Acres, Hawkwood, Ranchlands, Rocky Ridge and Royal Oak.
Northwest session: Thursday, September 15 @ 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Silver Springs Community Centre (5720 Silver Ridge Drive N.W.)
Public engagement sessions in the SE on Sept 13 and the NW on Sept 15. For more information on the proposed rec centres and the upcoming planning visit the City of Calgary website.
Construction has started on the pedestrian bridge between Tuscany and Scenic Acres. Throughout June to September the area may be closed at times in the off-leash area to keep everyone safe as the work continues. For hours of construction, the project plans and renderings visting the City of Caglary site.
Great to see this project moving forward to allow easier access for folks walking and biking to the Crowfoot LRT or to the general pathway system.
Local students and the community are invited to the Sobey's parking lot to paint colorful canvas prints to be displayed on the construction fencing of Tuscany Middle School.
The City of Calgary announced a new public and internal engagement program for the combined facilitated review of core services the The City's business planning and budget process.
From the announcement:
The project is being called - Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. It is the first of its size and scope for Calgary. The process includes plans to involve citizens, employees and Council in three phases over the next four months.
We need to hear from as many Calgarians as possible. What City services do they value? What are their priorities? What is the best way to allocate the money available? What would they put in The City's budget? What trade-offs are they prepared to make to create the future we all want?
All the input will be given to Council and Administration in June and will be considered in the development of the business plans and budgets for the next three years. Setting priorities for the 2012-2014 budget is the first step in shaping a sustainable future for Calgary.
Community Workshops will kick off the project beginning February 23 and EVERYONE is welcome. These sessions will be asking participants to provide input on the engagement process, identify values and interests related to engagement and help identify measures for success. Choose a time and location that works for you.
I wasn't sure if I would post this one. I've been brewing on it for days.
It started a few weeks ago, I was driving into Tuscany and noticed way too many vehicles parked along Tusslewood Blvd. A few of them had city logos on the side. A few days later a crew was out digging out and working on the electrical box on the block. They were there for a few days. There are often lots of crews around doing maintenance, basement development or renovations on homes, etc but this was all a bit out of place.
A week or two later I was on the City of Calgary website and there was 2A Tusslewood Drive on the grow op list, recently added for 2011. The home was listed for sale just months before with photos and presentation that showed what kind of home it was. Stark difference to the Executive Officer's Order posted on the City website.
I have no idea what happened to this home, or who the owners were or who was involved. I do know there are loads and loads of small children in these outlying suburban communities, particularly in Tuscany. To know that this scale of grow op was amongst them angers many, and sent a couple locals parents I was talking to into quite the tirade.
There have been others in the past. There is a former grow-op up for sale in Tuscany right now that has a public notice.
The worry for most folks are all the ones that don't get caught, the homes that are covered up with a paint job and some new carpet and sold as any other home. How do you find those? There are some things to look for specifically in electrical, repaired holes in foundation walls or basement ceilings (if unfinished) as well as evidence of mould. A good home inspector knows what to look for. A parent I was talking to also had another concern. What if you buy a home like this and some 'not so nice' folks come knocking at 2 am a few weeks/months later not realizing the sale.
How do we stop this? Talk to your neighbours. If you think something is going on call the Police. Review the info below for information on what to look for and the risks involved.
It will be March and you will be itching to play some golf, tell some tales and earn some bragging rights.
No better option than the evening of Thursday, March 10th, 2011. The 4th annual Royal LePage Foothills Shelter Foundation Charity Golf Skills Challenge is your change to challenge for longest drive and closest to the pin contests in Par 3, chipping and putting.
At just $65 per ticket you can challenge your friends and get out for a fun evening in support of a great cause.
$65 Includes: • complimentary beverage and snacks • unlimited warm-up on driving range • 6 attempts at any of the skill challenges • door prizes (must be in attendance to win)
Package of 5 mulligans available for $20!
For tickets contact: Monika Furtado Royal LePage Foothills Office: 403 288 1554 Cell: 403 850 2446
And if you have to plan a trip to Palm Springs or Pheonix or any other such place to practice up a bit....
The three brand new ice rinks at Canada Olympic Park (COP) are now Open!
These great new facilities will host events, games and ice times to inspire many community kids to get active, to engage in sport and dream big. Canada Minor hockey, ringette, hockey and figure skating as well as sledge hockey will use this facility.
Movember, the days of folks growing a funky moustache to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer Canada, are almost over. You have to wonder if everyone knows about Movember or are just perplexed why so many moustaches have suddenly appeared.
My husband and his team have been wearing their moustaches proudly all month and the team photo will definetly be worth a chuckle. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the team to date. So far they have raised over $1450!
If you haven't had a chance to donate yet, but want to contribute, please go to http://ca.movember.com/ and click 'Donate' and then search for Glen Furtado or team 'TI-LRT Division'.
All funds raised go directly to Prostate Cancer Canada.
Are you going to bid on the Flames tickets, overnight in Banff, rounds at Lynx ridge or the other items at the fundraiser for the Tuscany Community Garden on Nov 27th?
Many of my clients have children. The baby boom in Calgary in recent years has resulted in many little munchkins and those munchkins will soon be or are just starting school.
With some schools at capacity, parents are working hard to choose homes in catchment for the schools they prefer. When consulting with buyers as they search for a new home one of the items on their list is often 'close to a good school'. The difficulty for me is what does 'good school' mean to you? With many different options regarding schools including public, catholic, charter, francophone and private and with the Calgary School Board working hard to provide options to parents, I find this one just plain hard to answer for folks.
Instead, what I can do is provide buyers with the information to make the best choice for them. Below are a few resource to help you decide the best school for your little munchkins.
Driving down Tuscany Way the other day I was excited to see the start of work on the new Tuscany Middle School. The fencing had been up for a couple of weeks so we all knew it was going to start soon, but it was great to finally see work begin.
Tuscany Middle School is slated to open September 2012 for grades 5 to 9. The school capacity is listed as 900.
The Tuscany Fall Program Guide for programs and events organized by the Tuscany Club (Tuscany Residents Association) is now available on Tuscany-Connect. Login is not required. Check out the listings from all the fall/winter community events to fitness classes, children's programs and more.
The Tuscany Community Association is also organizing the Tuscany Race and Chase to be held on Sept 12th. Register today and be part of the fun!
Interested in what is happening in your neighbourhood or one that may soon be home? Check out some of the community newsletters published by Suburban Journal.
