Author: Stan S.

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    5 Mistakes Youre Making in Your Backyard That Could Be Raising Your Energy Bill This Summer

    ByStan S.

    Between watering the lawn, grilling, and spending more time outside overall, the backyard uses a lot of energy during the hot summer months. While much of the energy consumption is necessary, there are five major pitfalls experts say you can avoid to keep energy bills down. Actions as simple as unplugging string lights when you go in for the night or turning off the grill as soon as you’re done cooking decrease energy use and leave more money in your wallet. Read on to discover five hidden backyard issues that could be driving up your utility bills and expert-approved ways to fix them. Tim Heneveld is the country director for PERGOLUX North America, a pergola and other outdoor products company. Mark Feygin is the founder and CEO of PowerSetter, a digital energy comparison platform. Lou Manfredini is the resident home expert at Ace Hardware. Andy Fox is the filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M. 1. Lack of Shaded Areas in the Backyard A pretty pergola is a great way to upgrade your outdoor space, but thanks to the shade it provides, the structure can also lower your energy bills if placed near your home. “When your backyard lacks shade, the sun will beat down on your home’s exterior, and this will raise indoor temperatures, especially through South and West-facing windows,” says Tim Heneveld, country director for PERGOLUX North America. This forces your air conditioning unit to work overtime, which causes spikes in your energy bills. Heneveld recommends strategically incorporating shaded areas, including structures and landscaping, into your backyard for one of the smartest and most underrated ways to cut cooling costs. “If you install structures like a pergola or a retractable awning, you can block intense afternoon sun while still letting in airflow,” he says. 2. Plugged-In and Wired Outdoor Lights Whether it’s wall sconces or string lights, plugged-in and wired outdoor lights can kill your energy bills. “With longer daylight hours and more time spent outdoors, many homeowners run these lights more than they realize, which adds up quickly on the electric bill,” says Mark Feygin, founder and CEO of PowerSetter. He explains this is especially true if the lights use older, inefficient light bulbs or stay on for long periods of time every night. To reduce your energy costs, Feygin recommends switching to solar-powered outdoor lights. “They charge throughout the day using sunlight and require no electricity from your home, meaning they provide ambient lighting at night without increasing your utility bill,” he says. The switch is a simple upgrade that can lead to noticeable savings in the summer. 3. Leaving a Grill Plugged In for Too Long If you fire up the grill regularly over the summer, there’s a good chance it’s making your energy bills higher. Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, says that if you are using a gas or electric grill, it should generally take 15 to 20 minutes to get it to the right temperature, after which you should do your grilling, then turn the appliance off. “Allowing too much time for warm-ups and forgetting to shut things down can add to your energy bills,” Manfredini warns. 4. Dirty HVAC Unit Cranking up the air conditioning unit is inevitable during the hot summer months, but a dirty HVAC unit could be contributing to excessively high energy bills. “If the small metal fins on the outdoor unit get clogged with dust, grass clippings, or airborne seeds, the overall cooling efficiency of the HVAC system will deteriorate, and the system will consume more energy to provide the same cooling effect,” says Andy Fox, filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M. For this reason, Fox stresses the importance of regularly cleaning your outdoor unit. “Consider using a shop vac to remove large debris (if you have access) and then use a hose to wash the remaining debris away after first turning off the electrical power,” Fox says. Additionally, he advises that you change your HVAC filters at least every 90 days for best performance. 5. Overwatering Your Lawn A lush green lawn is the ultimate way to boost your home’s summer curb appeal, but regulating how much water you use is key to preventing high energy bills. Overwatering your grass can lead to a huge water bill, and forgetting to turn off the irrigation system can waste large amounts of water. To avoid using too much water and seeing your utility bills skyrocket, Manfredini recommends adding a water timer that helps get the right amount of water on the lawn and turns off by itself.

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    PreSale Pitfalls: What to Know Before Buying a Condo OffPlan

    ByStan S.

    Buying a condo before it’s built—often called buying “off-plan” or “pre-sale”—can seem like a smart move. Early access, lower prices, and VIP incentives are all part of the allure. But for many buyers, what starts as an exciting opportunity ends in costly frustration. Before you sign on the dotted line, here’s what you need to know. 1. Construction Delays Are the Rule—Not the Exception That “anticipated completion date” on the brochure? Treat it as a guess, not a guarantee. Developers often face delays due to labor shortages, permitting issues, supply chain bottlenecks, or weather disruptions. Contracts usually allow for extensions, sometimes for years. If your life plans hinge on that closing date—renting out your home, relocating, or locking in financing—you could be in trouble. Protect yourself by negotiating a firm outside completion date and understanding your rights if the project is delayed beyond that window. 2. Financing Isn’t Guaranteed You won’t get a mortgage today for a home that doesn’t exist yet. Most lenders issue final approvals within 90–120 days of completion, not years in advance. Between now and then, your financial situation, credit score, or interest rates could change—affecting your ability to qualify. In a declining market, even the appraised value could come in lower than your contract price, leaving you short on funding. Smart buyers stress-test their finances, secure long rate holds if possible, and build in a financing condition if the developer allows it. 3. Your Deposit May Be at Risk Pre-construction deposits are typically 5%–20% of the purchase price and can be tied up for years. If your financing falls through or you can’t close, you could lose that money. Even worse, if the developer cancels the project, you might face delays getting your deposit back—or lose interest income on those funds. Always ensure your deposit is held in trust or protected by deposit insurance. And be crystal clear on the terms under which it’s refundable. 4. The Market May Shift Beneath You Pre-sales lock you into today’s pricing. But the real estate market—and your personal finances—can change dramatically before you ever take possession. If prices fall or interest rates spike, you may regret locking in that number. Worse, if you planned to flip the unit, shrinking demand or oversupply could derail your exit strategy. This isn’t a problem if you’re buying to live. But if you’re banking on appreciation, understand the gamble you’re taking. 5. Not All Developers Are Created Equal A glossy presentation doesn’t guarantee execution. Some developers have a history of late completions, poor workmanship, or walking away from projects entirely. If your builder cuts corners or fails to deliver on what was promised, your options may be limited—and expensive. Research their track record. Visit past projects. Ask about their warranty coverage. And avoid builders without a long, successful completion history. 6. What You See Isn’t Always What You Get Floorplans can change. Windows get smaller. Ceilings get lower. The high-end appliances in the showroom suite might be swapped for cheaper models by move-in. Unless your contract includes specific specs, you could end up with something very different than what you thought you bought. Push for detailed finish schedules and insist on the right to inspect your unit before final closing. 7. The Contract Isn’t on Your Side Pre-sale agreements are written by the developer’s legal team—and they’re not there to protect you. These contracts often include “sunset clauses” that allow the builder to cancel the deal if construction isn’t completed by a certain date, without penalty. Other clauses allow design changes, material substitutions, and possession delays. Hire an experienced real estate lawyer to review every word. It’s not just about what’s in the contract—it’s about what’s missing. Final Thoughts Buying a pre-sale condo isn’t wrong—it’s just risky. If you understand those risks and structure the deal carefully, it can still be a smart move. But go in eyes open. Don’t let the showroom dazzle distract you from the fine print. The more you prepare, the better your chances of turning that empty blueprint into a solid financial win.

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    Vancouvers installing a car tower near Granville Bridge and people are pissed

    ByStan S.

    A 33-foot-tall car sculpture is rising in one of Vancouver’s busiest neighbourhoods, and residents are not too thrilled. The Trans Am Rapture sculpture is being permanently installed in a green space near the southwest loop of the Granville Bridge, and people living nearby say they weren’t warned or asked. The City of Vancouver has confirmed that the sculpture, formerly known as Trans Am Totem, will remain in its new location for at least 10 years. Construction is already underway, with a massive concrete foundation poured in mid-June. Construction progress on the foundation for Trans Am Rapture at Granville Street Bridge’s southwest loop, as seen on June 19, 2025. (Kenneth Chan) But Fairview residents say the city never asked them. An online petition on change.org opposing the car sculpture has already drawn over 100 signatures. “We found out through online stories that this installation has already started. There was no notification in the neighbourhood at all by the City. There was no consultation,” Darlene Forst, a Fairview resident, artist, and television producer, told Daily Hive Urbanized. “The fact that there was no thought or consideration given to the residents of the neighbourhood… is unacceptable.” Another petition signer online commented, “As a concerned resident of the area, I am deeply disappointed that this decision appears to have been made without meaningful public consultation. It’s troubling that the City is proceeding… without transparent engagement, public access to site plans, maintenance schedules, or the budget.” The petition has received 127 signatures as of July 9. “This is not a suitable place for this installation,” added another petition signer. “It belongs in an industrial zone, not Fairview.” Originally installed in 2015 at Quebec Street and Pacific Boulevard, the car sculpture was removed in August 2021 due to excessive bird droppings and structural damage. “It became a lovely home for a lot of birds, which then pooped all over the place,” Forst recalled. “The entire location needed to be cleaned up and decontaminated, and the piece itself needed to be decontaminated.” Despite being decontaminated, repainted, and refitted with a new internal support system, residents say the risks haven’t been addressed. “There’s nothing in place… to guarantee that the site will be cleaned regularly and will not become as contaminated,” she said. “This very large sculpture… is going to remove a large portion of our green space. People walk through it to get their groceries. You used to see the sky and the mountains. Now you’ll be walking under cars, which feels uncomfortable.” “It’s going to profoundly change the feel of the neighbourhood.” It was decontaminated, repainted, and fitted with a new internal support system. Despite this, many in Fairview say it shouldn’t be returning at all, especially not outside their homes. “This belongs in an industrial area, not the south Granville Fairview area,” commented another petition signer. The new site is technically not a designated park, but serves as an open public green space used by pedestrians and cyclists on the Granville Connector and Arbutus Greenway. New permanent location of Trans Am Rapture at the southwest loop of the Granville Street Bridge. (Google Maps) The City sees the installation as a “gateway feature” aligned with its public art goals under the Broadway Plan. Residents, however, see it differently. Forst, who launched both the online and paper petitions against the sculpture, says opposition has grown rapidly. “The number of signatures has tripled over the last three days,” she said. “We’re trying to, first and foremost, let people know that this installation is happening, because there’s been so very little notification about it.” They’re urging others to sign the petition and write to Mayor Ken Sim and Vancouver City Council to stop the installation before it’s completed later this summer. What do you think of the sculpture? Comment below. Daily Hive has contacted the City for comment and will update this story if a response is received. With files from Kenneth Chan Want to stay on top of all things Vancouver? Follow us on X

  • CPP Might Be the Most Underrated Retirement Lever in Canada

    ByStan S.

    Most people take it early. Few question the timing. Even fewer take steps to optimize it. But when you start CPP could be the most important financial decision you make in your 60s. If you’re approaching retirement with limited savings or trying to stretch every dollar, this guide breaks down the real numbers, key tradeoffs, and strategies that can help you build a more stable future. Explore the full CPP Retirement Playbook → Read the Guide Why CPP Timing Matters More Than You Think The average Canadian starts collecting CPP at age 60. That reduces the benefit by 36 percent for life. Waiting until 70 increases payments by 42 percent. The difference between those two decisions can be nearly 80 percent over a lifetime. CPP also offers stability. It’s guaranteed income that keeps up with inflation and doesn’t depend on the market. It’s one of the few retirement tools you can count on, no matter what happens with your savings. But delaying only works if you can afford to cover your expenses in the meantime. When Savings Are Limited Many Canadians reach retirement without much set aside. The savings never built up. Life was expensive. Wages didn’t keep pace. With retirement getting closer, many people are looking at CPP, OAS, and possibly GIS as their core income. This guide includes: Actual income numbers based on current benefit rates A simplified approach to budgeting without using spreadsheets Tips for living on less without feeling like you are sacrificing everything This is financial planning for people who need every dollar to count. When the House Becomes the Plan B For those relying on CPP, the home often becomes the backup plan. In many cases, downsizing is the move that makes retirement work. Inside the guide, you’ll find: A breakdown of the real cost of staying in a paid-off home Scenarios that show how selling can free up $800 to $1,200 each month Housing alternatives including co-living, rentals, and 55 plus communities What to expect emotionally, and how many people feel relief after making the change If most of your wealth is tied up in your home, this section could be the key to unlocking financial freedom. What’s Inside the CPP Retirement Playbook Maximizing Your CPP Learn how and when to apply to get the most from your benefit Retiring on a Shoestring Discover what budgeting looks like when savings are limited Downsize to Survive See how your home could fund the retirement you thought was out of reach No fluff. Just clear explanations, real numbers, and practical guidance made for Canadians. Ready to take control of your retirement, no matter how much you’ve saved? → Get the CPP Retirement Playbook today and start making confident, informed choices for your future.

  • 5 Mortgage Myths That Could Be Holding You Back

    ByStan S.

    There’s no shortage of mortgage advice out there. From online forums to coffee shop conversations, everyone seems to have an opinion. Some of it’s helpful. A lot of it? Not so much. The truth is, the mortgage world has changed—especially in Canada. Rules, products, and opportunities evolve, but a lot of the advice being passed around hasn’t kept up. So let’s slow it down and clear up five of the most common myths heard from homeowners and buyers alike—because sometimes, knowing what’s not true can be just as powerful as knowing what is. Myth #1: You Need 20% Down to Buy a Home This one stops a lot of buyers before they even get started. Yes, putting 20% down eliminates the need for mortgage default insurance, but it’s not a requirement—especially for first-time buyers. In Canada, if the home is under $500,000, you can get in with just 5% down. For homes between $500,000 and $1,499,999, the minimum down payment is tiered: 5% on the first $500K, and 10% on the remainder. The result? You don’t need to hit that 20% mark to make homeownership a reality. And while you will pay mortgage insurance with less than 20% down, it’s often a worthwhile trade-off if it means entering the market sooner or keeping cash on hand for emergencies, renovations, or investments. Myth #2: Your Bank Is the Best Place to Get a Mortgage It might feel easier to “just go with your bank,” especially if that’s who you’ve always dealt with. But here’s the thing: your bank can only offer their rates, terms, and products. That’s it. A mortgage broker isn’t tied to one institution. They work with multiple lenders—including banks, credit unions, and independent mortgage companies—to find the product that fits your specific goals and circumstances. That matters a lot if you’re self-employed, have less-than-perfect credit, or just want a better deal. More options = more negotiating power, better structure, and a greater chance of finding a mortgage that actually aligns with your life. Myth #3: The Lowest Rate Is Always the Best Deal We’ve all seen the ads. “Lowest mortgage rate in Canada!” Sounds great—until you read the fine print. Some of the lowest-rate mortgages out there come with significant limitations: strict penalties if you break the term early, zero prepayment privileges, or clauses that make it difficult to move or refinance. And in real life, those things matter. What if you need to break your mortgage to access equity? Or sell unexpectedly? Or refinance to consolidate debt? The best mortgage isn’t just about the rate—it’s about flexibility, protection, and long-term cost. A slightly higher rate on a mortgage that fits your life could save you far more in the end than a “no-frills” option with hidden landmines. Myth #4: You Have to Wait Until Your Term Is Up to Refinance Many people think they’re locked in until their term ends. That’s not true. You can refinance a mortgage before the term is over. Yes, there may be a penalty—but in some cases, it’s more than worth it. For example, if you’re carrying high-interest debt, funding a major renovation, or need to tap into your home equity for a business or investment, the potential savings or returns may easily outweigh the cost of breaking the mortgage. The key is running the numbers. A good mortgage advisor will help you calculate whether it makes sense now—or if it’s better to wait. Myth #5: Renewing with Your Current Lender Is the Easiest—and Smartest—Move When your mortgage comes up for renewal, it’s tempting to take the path of least resistance. Your current lender sends a renewal notice, and all you have to do is sign. But here’s what many people don’t realize: lenders often reserve their best rates and promotions for new customers, not existing ones. In fact, renewing without shopping around could mean paying more than you need to—sometimes for the next five years. Renewal time is a golden opportunity to review your situation, compare options, and even adjust your mortgage strategy. You’ve got leverage, and you should use it. The Bottom Line There’s a lot of noise out there. And while mortgage advice might be well-intentioned, it’s not always accurate—or right for your situation. Getting clarity means asking better questions, exploring your options, and working with someone who looks beyond just rate. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing to unlock equity, or preparing for renewal, having the right information (and the right support) can make a huge difference in your financial future. Because in the mortgage world, the right strategy is worth more than the right guess.

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    Toothpaste Is the Secret to Perfectly-Hung Picture Frames (Yes, Really!)

    ByStan S.

    If you’re always up for learning a new home improvement hack, you may have come across this viral Instagram reel that shows how to use toothpaste to hang pictures. As stunning as a gallery wall can be, the process of hanging pictures is not always quick and easy—and sometimes results in countless nail holes that need to be patched up. The toothpaste picture-hanging hack promises a foolproof method that takes out the guesswork. Best of all, it only requires a cheap item everyone already has at home: a regular ole tube of toothpaste. Keep reading to find out whether the viral hack actually works, what type of toothpaste works best, and how to make sure pictures are level. How the Toothpaste Picture Hanging Hack Works The viral toothpaste picture hanging hack is designed to take the guesswork out of hanging frames on the wall. It starts with a basic tube of white toothpaste that will serve as a the marker for where you need to hammer or drill a hole. To start, take your picture frame and lay it face-down on a flat surface. Locate the hanging hardware first—typically there will be one or two pieces of hanging hardware on the back of a frame, depending on how large and how heavy it is. The most common types of picture frame hardware are sawtooth hooks, D-rings, triangle hooks, and keyholes. Take the toothpaste a squeeze a small amount of it on the hanging hardware. If it’s a sawtooth hook, squeeze a dot of toothpaste in the middle of the sawtooth hook where the nail will go. Pick up the frame with the hanging hardware facing the wall, position it where you want the picture to hang, then gently press against the wall until the toothpaste transfers onto the wall. The toothpaste mark (or multiple marks) now serves as a guide to show you exactly where the nail holes need to be. Install nails or screws, then wipe off the excess toothpaste using a clean cloth or paper towel. Related How to Make Sure the Picture Is Level The hack seems simple enough, right? But if there is more than one piece of hanging hardware on the back of the frame or if you are hanging a pair of frames, how do you make sure the holes are level? Because there’s nothing more frustrating than realizing a picture is hanging crooked or a pair of frames doesn’t quite line up. This is where a level comes in. The viral Instagram reel doesn’t show a level being used, but it’s easy to incorporate into the hanging method. You may just need an extra set of hands to help you out, especially if the picture frame is beveled or not deep enough to prop a level on. Here’s where the tool comes in: Before you press the picture frame with the toothpaste on the wall, place a level on top of the frame. If the frame is deep enough to hold the level, you can do it by yourself. If not, have someone hold the level in place for you. Make any necessary adjustments and once the frame is level, press it against the wall to make toothpaste marks. Alternately, you can use a laser level that shoots a perfectly straight line across the wall to direct where you should position the frame. What Type of Toothpaste to Use For anyone nervous about whether or not toothpaste can hurt painted walls, you don’t have to worry about it causing any permanent damage. Sometimes toothpaste is actually used to clean scuff marks off of walls, so it is safe to use on most walls and it will not strip the paint. As for the type of toothpaste that’s best to use for the hack, a basic white toothpaste is a good choice. There’s no need for any fancy whitening or breath-freshening toothpaste, since all you need it to do is make marks on the wall. The thicker and creamier the consistency of the toothpaste the better it transfers onto the wall, so try to avoid gel-based toothpastes that may be too thin and run down the walls.

  • Free Vancouver and Lower Mainland Events in July

    ByStan S.

    There are lots of free events in Vancouver in July including free festivals, Outdoor Movies , Summer Concerts , street parties and markets. This is in addition to the regular free stuff in the region including all the beaches , parks and great free attractions like Stanley Park . For suggestions about other inexpensive things to do, see our article about Vancouver on a Budget . To learn about other activities happening on different days of the month, including events that aren’t free, see Vancouver’s July Calendar of Events . For a list of free and almost free things to do in the Lower Mainland in July, continue reading. Best FREE Activities in July Below is a list of some of the top free events and things to do in the Lower Mainland in July 2025. Most are completely free, although a few are by donation or just very cheap. (Note: Schedules and exact details are subject to change.) Tuesday, July 1st (2025) Canada Day Celebrations – festivities take place throughout the Lower Mainland including in the following communities: North Vancouver – live music, art displays and family-friendly activities happen at the Shipyards. Richmond  – Canada’s birthday is celebrated with a parade, salmon barbecue and family-friendly activities at the Steveston Salmon Festival. Surrey – carnival rides, fireworks, food trucks and more at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. Fort Langley – there are family-friendly Canada Day activities in town. Admission to the national historic site is also free today. Other places to celebrate Canada Day include Abbotsford , Aldergrove , Chilliwack , Coquitlam , Harrison Hot Springs , Maple Ridge , Mission , New Westminster , Port Moody , Port Coquitlam ,  Vancouver , White Rock , Whistler and other communities. Golden Spike Days – the family-friendly event happens at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. (Admission is by donation.) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer. Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage. Fleet Week – there are free tours of Canadian Navy ships today in North Vancouver. Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap). Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – if it’s sunny, informal drumming happens at Third Beach in the evening. Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture. Junction Public Market – a market at Granville Square with live music, vendors, food trucks and a bar. Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, and it’s not too hot, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be. Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle and Vancouver’s Best Beaches . Wednesday, July 2nd (2025) Downtown Farmers Market – in the plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery from 2:00 until 6:00 pm. Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer. Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer. Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Sounds of Summer Music Concert – free live music at Glades Garden in Surrey. Mission Twilight Concerts – live music happens in Mission at Fraser River Heritage Park starting at 7:00 pm. Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture. Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage. Junction Public Market – a market at Granville Square with live music, vendors, food trucks and a bar. Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be. Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are great places to visit. Thursday, July 3rd (2025) Live & Local Concert Series – free live music in North Vancouver. North Van’s Deckchair Cinema – a movie plays outside the Polygon Gallery near Lonsdale Quay. Admission is by donation. Summer Movie Nights – a movie shows outdoors on a giant screen in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery at night. New Westminster Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm. Port Coquitlam Farmers Market – a small market at Leigh Square from 3:00 until 7:00 pm. Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture. Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage. Junction Public Market – a market at Granville Square with live music, vendors, food trucks and a bar. Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer. Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer. Shipyard Pals – free walking tours happen today in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. They are hosted by MONOVA (a.k.a. the Museum of North Vancouver). Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, and it’s not too hot, many of the region’s top parks are best places to be. Other great areas to enjoy include Best

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    GST and First Time Home Buyers in 2025

    ByStan S.

    On May 27, 2025, the Federal Government issued a press release that provides for a Goods and Services Tax (“GST”) rebate for first time home buyers (FTHB) of new homes (and co-ops). The press release indicates that the Excise Tax Act will be amended to provide FTHB with a full GST rebate on homes under…