Richard Silver

Energy Rebates Should Be A Priority

September 23, 2011-- Unfortunately, summer is quickly coming to an end and before we know it, the cooler weather will be here.   While we can't do anything to stop the cold weather from arriving, we can make sure that our homes are ready for it by making them as energy efficient as possible, but, as many homebuyers and owners know, doing so can be costly.  That's why, during the current provincial election campaign, REALTORS® are calling on all provincial parties...Continue Reading...

Earth Day and The Green Energy Act: When the Best of Good Intentions Go Wrong.

"Be careful what you wish for..." Over the past years, organized Real Estate in Ontario has been lobbying the Government to support energy audits and grant programs that would encourage Canadians to voluntarily increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Now along comes Bill 150: the Green Energy Act, and instead of the REALTOR Community jumping up and down and supporting the ACT, The Ontario Real Estate Association is bringing up some serious concerns. The Bill, as written, requires MANDATORY Energy Audits at...Continue Reading...

Province of Ontario’s Bill 150: the Green Energy Act

Years ago both the Toronto Real Estate Board and the Ontario Real Estate Association started lobbying the Government of Ontario to institute Green policies throughout the Province. However, what the Provincial Government has proposed in its' Green Energy Act has some very fundamental flaws which should be looked at: At present, in Bill 150, the Province is moving ahead with mandating energy audits on Residential Real Estate, making it part of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Condominiums, Commercial and Industrial properties however...Continue Reading...

Ontario’s Green Energy Act to Mandate Energy Audits!!

The Ontario Government has recently had first reading of Bill 150, The Green Energy Act. Although, I applaud the decision to bring forward GREEN Issues at this time but I have some concerns: 1) At present, the dust has not settled on who will be the group to set levels of energy efficiency. There are a number of groups fighting to make their "seal of approval" the acceptable level. I think that will be easier said than done but this should not...Continue Reading...