Richard Silver

Archive for February, 2009

Cabbagetown: Darrell Kent Remembered

This is my favorite photo of Darrell Kent. It was taken only minutes before he died, 20 years ago. He was on holiday in Brazil, had a drink in one hand, a cigarette in the other and minutes later had a massive aneurysm that took his life. He had been living with a Brain tumour for the preceding two years and knew that an unpleasant time was awaiting him as the tumour grew. It was so appropriate of Darrell who loved a good...Continue Reading...

CMHC: The Toronto Real Estate Scene

This morning at the Toronto Condo Network meeting our guest was Dana Senagama, Senior Market Analyst for Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation who presented a report on the GTA  Housing Market 2009/10 . Please pardon the point form but here are some of the notes that I took on issues discussed: Resale Market: CMHC is predicting a 20% decline from last year to 60,000 Units. However, the historical average is 62,000. Fewer full time jobs in 2009. Forecast of unemployment in the 8% range however...Continue Reading...

Cabbagetown: The Latest News From Regent Park

There is a recently updated site by Toronto Community Housing with all the information you would like to know and are asking about Regent Park . There is a lot of information so enjoy spending some time getting the scoop. Here is the link to the Condominium project by Daniels at Dundas and Parliament called One Cole. Related Posts: Cabbagetown: Darrell Kent Remembered Cabbagetown: Laurier Avenue Goes Green Cabbagetown: Dog Stolen From In Front Of The Cabbagetown Butcher Shop.Continue Reading...

Toronto: The Scoop on Termites

Toronto is a great City and over the years we have had lots of groups come here to enjoy our diversity. One group that appeared in the 1930's is growing by millions as we speak;  Termites. These subterranean visitors cost millions and have been studied extensively. As a Downtown Realtor, I view them as ubiquitous as cavities and candy with no end in sight for eradication. You can move them away from your home but they are a continuous issue that need...Continue Reading...

Cabbagetown Clips: Steve Brearton Discusses Winchester School

This is a Cabbagetown Clip of area father Steve Brearton discussing Winchester School and why he and his partner Liz have chosen to school their children in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood.[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqQm5QDghWw[/youtube] (more...)Continue Reading...

The Canadian Economy: An Outsider’s Viewpoint

Fareed Zacharia of CNN has written an article for February's Newsweek that is a must read for all Canadians, especially our "naysayers". It is in the US Edition and is called a Worthwhile Canadian Initiative. It is an outsider's view of the Canadian Banking system and the Canadian Economy in general.  I suggest you have a read and make sure that it gets around. It is time we were less insecure about our position in the World. (more...)Continue Reading...

Cabbagetown Clips: Steve Brearton Speaks about Living in Cabbagetown

This is the first in a series of clips that focus on the ups and downs of living in a diverse urban community. Steve Brearton, husband, and father of three great boys chats about his experiences living in the Cabbagetown Area. Steve has also being involved in the area schools and in the next few clips will be sharing his thoughts on schooling in the Downtown setting. Any comments you would like to add are appreciated. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYCkR5dBvo4[/youtube] (more...)Continue Reading...

Toronto Real Estate: The News is Getting Better!

On Thursday of this week the Toronto Real Estate Board posted its first figures in 2009 not affected by last year's rush to avoid the Municipal Land Transfer Tax implemented on January 31st , 2008. The first two weeks of this February reflect less of a shift in the market since the implementation of the tax and the change in the Real Estate Market.     GTA Housing Resales at 2,044 in Mid February.   TORONTO, February 19, 2009 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 2,044...Continue Reading...

Cabbagetown: Laurier Avenue Goes Green

Here is an article from the Ryerson Free Press about the "Green-Goings-on" on Laurier Avenue. Looks like this will not just be a pretty street but a green one. Good going residents!! Cabbagetown may soon feature geothermal heated-streets February 17, 2009 by webeditor   Amanda Connon-Unda A small part of Toronto may be going geothermal and getting off the grid for its heating needs, revealing a possible future trend, as resources become less available. Laurier Avenue, a street in Cabbagetown, may soon become the first...Continue Reading...

Greater Toronto REALTORS® Offer Scholarships

Every year the Toronto Real Estate Board gives two scholarships to deserving students in the GTA. If you know of anyone who might be interested in submitting an essay, let them know that they can get more information at www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com and need to submit before April 17th. The press release is below.   TORONTO, February 18, 2009 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® will help alleviate the costs of a post secondary education for two graduating high school students this spring.   The Toronto Real Estate...Continue Reading...