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But rather than consult the country’s energy regulator or the national newspapers, perhaps Eby and Sharma were taking their lead from Steven Guilbeault.
Poorly sealed windows allow heat to enter your home during the summer and cool drafts during the winter. As a result, your HVAC unit works overtime to maintain your desired temperature, leading to high energy bills. Here, we explain how to seal windows with various materials and methods including caulk, weather stripping, plastic shrink-wrap, and draft stoppers. While replacing your windows with new energy-efficient ones is the most effective way to stop the draft and lower your utility bill, it’s not always an option. Luckily, there are several ways to seal your existing windows to help prevent air transfer between the interior and exterior. Caulk Around the Windows Caulking around windows is sometimes all it takes to reduce their draftiness. It’s also one of the most cost-effective ways to seal a window, as caulk is relatively inexpensive. Caulk is ideal for filling small cracks around various window components. It can create a watertight and airtight seal that remains flexible for years after application. This flexibility ensures the caulk’s seal won’t crack due to natural expansion and contraction. If your window has gaps larger than 1/2 inch, caulk may not work well. If these gaps are deep, expanding foam insulation designed for window and door use may be necessary to fill the cavity. Once the foam is fully expanded, you can trim it flush using a sharp knife and cover it using a wood trim piece or a bead of caulk, whichever is more appropriate for your window. Install Weather Stripping Weather stripping is useful for sealing around the moving components of a window, such as beneath a moving sash. Whereas caulk will seal the joint, weather stripping allows you to open and close the window, sealing the gap tightly once the window is closed. Most foam weather stripping has one sticky side so it can be adhered to the fixed portion of the window without sticking to the moving one. To promote a strong bond between the foam weather stripping and the window sash, remove dust or debris, thoroughly clean the window with a degreaser, and dry the surface. Seal with Plastic Shrink-Wrap To create a temporary airtight seal around your window, look for plastic shrink-wrap window insulating kits, which include double-stick tape and sheets of plastic shrink-wrap. To seal a window using plastic shrink-wrap, follow these steps: Clean the window. Apply strips of double-stick tape on all four sides of the window frame. Cut the plastic sheeting slightly larger than the window pane. Place it on the pane, pressing it against the double-stick tape to secure it. Use a hairdryer or a heat gun on low to shrink the plastic, starting on the perimeter and moving across the shrink-wrap until it’s perfectly taut. Clean up the excess plastic using a utility knife. If you’re planning to shrink-wrap all of your windows, leave at least one window in each room uncovered for a potential fire escape. Insert Draft Stoppers Store-bought draft stoppers can be great for stopping drafts with minimal effort and without altering the window. There are various styles of draft stoppers tailored for different types of windows and doors. Many draft stoppers include two tubes that can be cut to the window’s width and then slid inside a piece of fabric. The fabric is then slid beneath the window sash. Once the window is closed, the two tubes are tightly held on each side of the window. While this style of draft stopper can be effective for windows, they are often used on doors. A more effective style of a window draft stopper is designed to stick along the bottom edge of the window sash. Once the sash is closed, the overhanging rubber material compresses against the window frame to prevent airflow. The most effortless style of draft stopper that can be used to reduce a window draft looks like a long pillow. You simply lay it at the bottom of the window to block the draft. How to Identify a Drafty Window If the source of your window draft isn’t obvious (such as a visible crack), it can be hard to pinpoint where the issue lies. Here are some useful ways to identify a window draft. Turn off any fans and other air movers. You may have difficulty identifying your draft because air is moving from sources like fans, dehumidifiers, HVAC systems, and more. Light a candle and place it next to the window. Blow the candle out and watch the smoke. The candle smoke will blow if it’s positioned near the draft. This method may take a few tries and it can be helpful to trace the window’s border with the candle. Some lightweight curtains will move when blown by a window draft. Drafty windows are prone to condensation buildup. If you have just one window with condensation on it, there’s a good chance it’s the source of the draft.
Recent legal developments could put the world’s tallest Passive House, planned for Vancouver, in doubt. Daily Hive Urbanized first reported on the development in 2020, when the Vancouver City Council approved a rezoning application by Henson Developments for 1059-1075 Nelson Ave. The project was given the name “Curv” and was planned to be a 60-storey mixed-use green building. The developer behind it is the Brivia Group, based in Montreal. The developer is also referred to as Brivia Family Investments in court documents. Information found in those court documents available on the province’s court registry offers more details behind the recent legal developments that could impact the future of Curv. The BC Supreme Court filings include a petition to the court and notice of application from the Royal Bank of Canada. According to the Notice of Application, the debtors are controlled by the Brivia Group, with RBC serving as the administrative agent, syndication agent, and lead arranger. RBC is now demanding payment of $90 million thanks to a loan that matured on April 30, 2025. The debtors were required to pay an extension fee of $225,000 to the lenders to extend the payment deadline to July 31, 2025; however, the lenders never received the extension fee, leading to an event of default. As of July 10 of this year, the total amount that the debtors owe is just over $91 million. The receivership application will be heard by the BC Supreme Court on July 25, 2025. The Vancouver Passive House was to be built on the same city block as the newly completed Butterfly tower. It would’ve become the fourth-tallest building in Vancouver at 586 feet, slightly taller than the Butterfly, which Revery Architecture says is 556 feet. When City Council initially approved Curv’s rezoning in June 2020, the 60-storey tower was to include 102 social housing units within the lower levels, 50 secured purpose-built market rental units within the middle levels, and 328 strata market ownership condominium homes within the upper levels. City Council later approved proposed revisions, including a cash payment by the developer of $55 million to the City to remove the on-site obligation of 102 social housing units in the tower’s lower floors. Despite all the planning, prior to the legal proceedings, the developer hadn’t yet broken ground on the project. We’ve contacted the Brivia Group for comment.
With summer approaching, it’s time to consider your outdoor spaces, including your deck. You could go the traditional route of staining and sealing it for a fresh look, or take advice from the experts on the top 2025 trends for decks. “Needing to maximize their outdoor retreat, homeowners are sketching out new deck designs that combine multi-purpose spaces, environmentally friendly materials, integrated outdoor kitchens and fire features, smart technology, and biophilic design features that bring nature closer into the living area,” says Mark Lumpkin of short-term rental renovation company STR Cribs. Discover the best deck trends for 2025 that will help you host summer gatherings in your own backyard. 1. Wider Boards If you’re looking to build a new deck or replace your home’s decking, opt for a wider board for a more updated and modern look. “Standard 5.5-inch boards are stepping aside as homeowners increasingly choose wide-width boards for their decks in 2025,” says Amanda Cimaglia, VP of TimberTech. “These wider 7.25-inch boards not only offer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic but also create seamless, uncluttered surfaces that mimic high-end indoor flooring trends, resulting in a design-forward, polished appearance that feels expansive and upscale.” While you’re at it, consider laying your boards in a pattern for a cool effect. “Design-savvy homeowners are borrowing from indoor flooring innovations, bringing rich bespoke layouts like chevron, herringbone, and pinstripes to their outdoor spaces,” Cimaglia adds. “These artistic patterns elevate a simple deck into a statement piece that blends functionality with personality.” 2. Multi-Level Decks Have an existing deck, but want to level up? Consider building a second story. “Multi-level deck designs will continue gaining momentum as homeowners seek to create zones tailored to specific activities,” Cimaglia says. “For example, an upper dining area might transition to a mid-level lounging deck before stepping down into a firepit space or garden. These layers provide a sense of flow and dimension, giving outdoor spaces a dynamic, purpose-driven layout.” As you design your deck, designate a function for each level. Cimaglia suggests making the upper area a dining space and the lower level a cozy lounge, for example. “Additions like connecting staircases with integrated lighting or plant borders can enhance flow and unify the space. Using consistent materials and complementary finishes across levels can help maintain visual harmony,” Cimaglia adds. You can also opt for different materials to establish different zones. “Multi-level decks are in, as they help homeowners define areas for separate activities, like dining, lounging, and socializing,” Lumpkin says. “A common way to do this is to use different flooring materials or introduce slight elevation changes to define each zone without breaking the overall flow.” These new multi-level and tiered decks aren’t just functional, they’re beautiful too. “They can also provide better views of the property and surrounding landscape,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing for Cabot. 3. Sustainable Features In 2025, deck designs are increasingly incorporating sustainable features. “Eco-conscious homeowners are gravitating toward decking options that include high percentages of recycled materials,” Cimaglia says. TimberTech offers boards made with up to 85% recycled content, including reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastic. “These materials deliver long-lasting performance while minimizing environmental impact,” she adds. Cimaglia says that composite and PVC decking remain frontrunners even in 2025 because they’re long-lasting and low-maintenance options that look like real wood. 4. Comfortable Outdoor Furniture “Stiff, uncomfortable outdoor chairs are a thing of the past,” says Sergey Mashkov, designer and sales manager at Sheds Unlimited. “This year, plush sectionals, weather-resistant lounge chairs, and modular furniture sets are on the rise. Homeowners seek spaces that feel just as cozy as their indoor living rooms, complete with outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and built-in firepits.” As you shop, look for sectionals and chairs that are easy to move and rearrange. “The outdoor furniture trends lean toward modular, reconfigurable furniture that provides comfort as well as flexibility, and the decor trends include sustainable materials, bright textiles, and ambient lighting all working together to create an inviting, cohesive space,” Lumpkin says. “In one example, a client interspersed weatherproof cushions accented with reclaimed wood and set LED fixtures to create a cohesive theme that elevated the personality of the deck—an unconventional approach that dramatically upgraded the total vibe.” Another trend for deck furniture this year is built-in seating. “Homeowners are choosing decks with integrated benches for additional seating, planters for natural touches, and even discreet storage compartments to keep spaces tidy,” Cimaglia says. “Features like these add structure and organization while giving back valuable square footage, perfect for entertaining or everyday relaxation.” 5. Smart Technology Smart tech makes outdoor entertaining easy. “Smart technology has made its way to decks, too, in the form of discreet, energy-efficient options,” Lumpkin says. “Think app-controlled LED lighting, wireless outdoor sound systems, and integrated heating elements all working to ensure your comfort without sabotaging the aesthetics.” You can kill two birds with one stone by choosing moody lighting options that enhance safety around your deck and sync easily with your home’s smart systems. “Homeowners can install smart LED fixtures that can be controlled via smartphone apps or voice assistants. This allows for customizable brightness, color, and scheduling,” says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen. Lenhart also suggests smart heating features that allow homeowners to use their outdoor spaces even in the chillier months. Whatever you choose, smart home technology makes it easy. “If you’re going to dabble in smart tech features, I advise going all the
If decluttering the garage is one of your house projects to tackle this season, there are a few things you should think twice about tossing. The garage often becomes a dumping ground for leftover building materials, old paint, and items that no longer work, but you don’t necessarily want to get rid of. These things can take up valuable storage room, so a seasonal garage declutter is always a good idea. As you take inventory of the space, consider this list of items you shouldn’t throw away. It includes items that need to be disposed of in a specific way because they are considered hazardous waste, as well as things you could need down the road and would regret getting rid of. 1. Leftover Paint If there are half-empty cans of leftover paint sitting on your garage shelves, avoid throwing them in the trash. Oil-based paints are flammable and can pose a serious environmental risk and fire hazard. Any cans of leftover oil-based paint, solvents, and thinners are considered hazardous waste and need to be disposed of safely. Check your town’s guidelines for hazardous waste disposal—some municipalities have a designated drop-off location for these items while others collect them periodically throughout the year. 2. Materials from Home Improvement Projects It’s tempting to throw out leftover materials once you’re done with a home improvement project, especially if they are cluttering your garage. Whether it’s extra quarter-rounds or leftover floorboards, avoid throwing building materials away as you may need them down the road if something needs to be replaced or repaired. This is especially important if the materials are not standard size and can’t easily be repurchased, if they have been discontinued, or if you had them custom made. 3. Gasoline Cans For maximum safety, gasoline cans should not be stored in a garage that is attached to your home given their flammability. If you have extra containers of gasoline in a detached garage that are old and taking up valuable storage space, don’t just throw them in the garbage can. Because gasoline can easily catch on fire inside your trash can or once it’s in the garbage truck, safe disposal is essential. Drop gasoline cans off at your local hazardous waste collection site, at a recycling center if they accept them, or your local fire station. x 4. Infrequently Used Tools The best solution for a cluttered garage isn’t always to toss everything that’s not used frequently, sometimes it’s just implementing a better organizational system. You may want to throw away tools and garden equipment you don’t use frequently, however chances are you will need to repurchase the tool once you need it again. Instead of throwing these items away, store them on a high shelf or other out-of-the-way location in the garage so they are not taking up prime real estate but remain accessible when needed. 5. Sentimental Items If you have boxes of sentimental items in the garage, don’t throw them out because you may regret it later. Instead, figure out the best way to store the meaningful items so they don’t take up excessive room and are safe from weather-related damage. If your garage is not temperature regulated, transfer sentimental things like photos, old letters, and textiles into plastic tubs or airtight storage bags instead of keeping them in cardboard boxes. This will help prevent moisture-related damage as well as keep pests and odors away. 6. Old Electronics The garage often becomes a dumping ground for old electronics that no longer work. Whether it’s a VCR you haven’t used in decades or a bag of old remote controls, these items waste valuable storage space, but shouldn’t be thrown in the garbage can. Because of their internal mechanisms and batteries that they use, electronics can be flammable and should be disposed of safely. Do a walkthrough of your garage and collect all unused electronics that need to be discarded, then check your local guidelines for safely getting rid of them at a recycling site or other collection center. 7.Light Bulbs Old and extra light bulbs seem to always end up in a box on a garage shelf, wasting storage space that could be used for other items. Before you go ahead and throw them away however, check to see what type of light bulbs they are. If they are fluorescent bulbs or any type of light bulb that contains mercury, they should not be thrown in the garbage can. Not only can they break and the shattered glass cause damage, the mercury content, however small, can be harmful to humans and the environment.
Posted May 21, 2025 8:09 pm. Last Updated May 21, 2025 10:53 pm. When former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson made his comment on Canada’s housing market last week, there might have been more truth in it than many of his critics want to admit. “Finally, someone said it out loud, something we all know, but are not supposed to say,” said long-time Vancouver city councillor and urban planner, Gord Price in an interview with 1130NewsRadio. Not even 24 hours into his new role as Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Robertson was clipped saying he does not think housing prices need to be lower . But Price is coming to Gregor Robertson’s defence and thinks critics should widen their lens. “I am not sure how much people really want government to be setting the price up or down.” Price said. “Even if they could, they really can not and you would not want them to.” Price explains that it is important to remember that the housing market moves with global trends. And, if government tries to push prices down too hard, they risk setting off a chain reaction that could destabilize the economy. “If you do not like inflation, you are sure not going to like deflation,” Price argued.
Key Takeaways Running the washing machine while showering can reduce water pressure. Both the shower and washing machine draw from the same water line, creating a shortage of hot water. You can adjust your routine or upgrade your system for a better outcome. Doing laundry while showering knocks two things off your to-do list at one time, but is it a smart idea? We’ve all experienced the shocking temperature shift that happens when someone flushes the toilet during a shower—but what happens if you try to shower and do a load of laundry at the same time? We turned to experts for their insights and answers. It turns out, plumbers don’t always recommend multitasking. Here’s what they have to say. Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg Multitasking Can Cause Low Water Pressure and Temperature Drops Depending on how your plumbing system was designed, the washing machine and shower might share a water line. “When you step into the shower, and your washing machine is looking for hot water to fill its drum, you’re fighting for the same hot water at the same time,” says Chris Hunter, director of customer relations at ServiceTitan. This is particularly common in homes with 30- or 40-gallon water heaters that are drained quickly when multiple fixtures demand hot water at the same time, says Alex Atkinson, a plumber and HVAC technician at Super Brothers. If your water heater isn’t big enough, or your plumbing doesn’t regulate pressure well, you’ll feel it with cold water, pressure drops, or a totally uneven shower experience. If this happens often, consider upgrading to a larger hot water heater or a tankless hot water heater; this way, you won’t run out of hot water. You can also consider a pressure-balancing valve in your shower head so that when other hot or cold knobs are turned elsewhere in the house, the pressure of your shower does not change as it equalizes temperature and pressure across all outlets. If you need to run a load of laundry, set your machine to cycle after your shower or run a load of laundry in cold water, which won’t affect your supply of hot water. It Can Also Raise Your Energy Bill “If the washing machine is on the warm or hot cycle, there is no doubt that it is going to be pulling from the same hot water supply that the shower is. That can noticeably reduce the pressure or temperature of the shower. Most importantly, from an energy savings perspective, your water heater is now attempting to recover two draws simultaneously, so it’s less efficient. It may also reduce the lifespan of the unit over the long run,” says Brandon Young, CEO at Payless Power. Related Credit: Greg Scheidemann Pictures What the Experts Recommend Here’s what the pros advise, including one simple fix. • Install a pressure-balancing or thermostatic mixing valve in the shower. That keeps the water temperature steady even when someone flushes or the washing machine runs, says Nick Hendrix, general manager at Kingdom Plumbing. • Install a smart hot water recirculation system with a booster pump to eliminate the waiting, end the waste, and enhance comfort at home. • Check your water heater size. If it’s undersized, you might just be running out of hot water too fast. A tankless unit can solve that for good. • Simply run the laundry after the shower, not during.