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Grouse and Cypress set to open this weekend
The two ski areas open on the heels of Whistler’s Blackcomb Mountain, which opened on Thursday Published Nov 21, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 1 minute read Whistler Blackcomb opened Blackcomb Mountain on Nov. 21, a day earlier than scheduled, due to plentiful snow. Photo by Whistler Blackcomb/Handout Get ready for ski and snowboard season. Two North Shore ski resorts are set to open this weekend, joining Whistler Blackcomb, which kicked off the season with the opening of Blackcomb Mountain on Thursday, a day earlier than expected. Cypress will open on Friday with two ski lifts, Eagle Chair and Easy Rider “with more to come soon after,” said the resort on its website. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content Five runs will be open, including PGS, Panorama, Windjammer, Fork and Runway. The resort tempered expectations, advising visitors coming this weekend to be ready for early season snow conditions. Grouse Mountain is scheduled to open Saturday, although its annual Peak of Christmas event, which includes Christmas movies, a light walk, and outdoor skating pond, opens on Friday. Grouse’s Paradise and Paradise Jib park will be open on Saturday via the Greenway Chair and Heaven’s Sake and Peak via the Peak Chair. Its new state-of-the-art gondola is set to open this season, but an opening date has not yet been announced. Cypress has received 125 centimetres of snow so far, while Grouse has accumulated 106 cm — a hopeful sign for winter sports enthusiasts after a disappointing season last year marked by warm temperatures and lack of snow. Environment Canada is predicting a La Nina later this year, which favours a colder than normal winter for the B.C. South Coast. Both resorts are opening about two weeks earlier than in 2023, when Cypress opened on Dec. 7 and Grouse on Dec. 8. Mount Seymour, which opened Dec. 2 last season, has not announced an opening day. Its website lists an estimated date as Dec. 13. Seymour’s tobogganing and tubing area opens for the season on Saturday. In Whistler, Whistler Mountain will open as scheduled on Friday. chchan@postmedia.com Recommended from Editorial PSA: Metro Vancouver ski hills just received the first snow of the season Whistler Blackcomb set to open one ski hill a day early Article content
Metro Vancouver eyes standardized six-storey wood apartments
The idea is to streamline design and draft common regulations to cut construction time by at least a third Published Nov 18, 2024 • 3 minute read Rendering of six storey design found in Metro Vancouver report on rental apartments made of wood. Credit: Iredale Architecture. Photo by Iredale Architecture When you think of new construction in Metro Vancouver, you think of concrete towers with glass facades. A Metro Vancouver report on rental housing is considering a different approach: Making it easier to build six-storey apartment buildings out of wood. The report’s name is a mouthful, “Streamlining the Delivery of Rental Housing Through Pre-Approved Plans and Off-Site Construction.” THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content But it has a simple goal: making rental housing cheaper to build. Concrete buildings typically cost 20 to 24 per cent more to build than wooden ones. So the report, which will probably go to Metro in January, calls for low-rise wood frame buildings. The report also wants to make it easier to build. “We’re collaborating with B.C. Housing on (ways) to essentially speed up the delivery of six-story rental wood frame apartments,” said Michael Epp, director of housing, planning and development at Metro Vancouver. “One of the key ones is trying to harmonize some of the regulatory approaches for that type of building.” Building regulations vary from city to city. Going through the bureaucratic process can be time consuming — Epp said it usually takes five years from “conception to occupancy” to build a wood-frame apartment building in Metro Vancouver. “Our short-term goal is to try to bring that time down by at least 30 per cent,” he said. “But I think it’s possible, in an ideal state, to cut 50 per cent of that delivery time. So going from five years from start to finish to a 2½-year start to finish.” By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Article content The idea is to draft regulations for these buildings that essentially pre-approve them, cutting out the need for time-consuming rezoning applications, and to also allow for some prefabrication of the buildings in factories. “Time is a really substantial component of (building) cost, whether or not you’ve got land carrying costs during that entirety of that time,” Epp said. “You’re paying your professional consultants, you’ve got insurance costs, you’ve got (construction) escalation (costs). So the shorter you can make that time, the more you’re saving. “On some projects, this could be hundreds of thousands of dollars a month that can be saved when you’re shaving time off.” Only one rendering of what the six-storey buildings might look like has been released so far. The illustration by Iredale Architecture looks like something you’d see in Vancouver’s West End, a basic apartment block with balconies. The goal is to make regulations that can be adapted to different designs. “The idea here is we’ve got a hybrid approach to building,” said Epp. “This is not a modular building where you ship a shipping container to the site and assemble them on site. It’s more like an Ikea approach to a building, where there would be many components that are flat packed. Article content “Now you’re not only shrinking the time on the approval side, which is huge, but you’re also cutting the time to actually get the project built on site, because you’re able to just bring these components in and assemble them on site.” Eleven municipalities in Metro have signed on as “interested partners” in the study, including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, the District of North Vancouver and New Westminster. The study is aimed at non-market rental buildings, but Epp said new regulations could be applied to market-rent buildings as well. Many low-rise market condo buildings are already built with a concrete base and foundation, with wood
20 stunning Christmas lights events to see around Vancouver
The days are getting shorter, which means there’s so much more time to see all the bright and colourful Christmas lights around Vancouver! Pull on your warmest toque and grab the hot chocolate because there are a bunch of holiday light displays and stunning festivals that you won’t want to miss this year. The good news is that many are running throughout December, and some even last into January! So you’ll have plenty of time to catch as many of these magical events as possible. VanDusen Festival of Lights VanDusen Festival of Lights/Submitted What: Get ready for a walk in a winter wonderland because one of Vancouver’s largest holiday light displays is officially returning for the season. VanDusen Festival of Lights will be delighting visitors at the botanical garden from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 5, 2025. Discover over one million lights across 15 acres, with new displays and returning favourites for all ages. When: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day) Time: 4 to 10 pm (last entry time 8:30 to 9 pm) Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden — 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver Admission : $11-$28, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market What: A new holiday festival is coming to Metro Vancouver, and it promises to be an enchanting time for the whole family. Noel Surrey will feature Santa’s castle, a Holly Jolly Hub with food trucks and beverages, bumper cars, and more. There will also be plenty of interactive light displays and photo ops, including a 1 km accessible outdoor holiday light walk filled with illuminated see-saws, a frosty forest, a 150-foot light tunnel, and more. When: November 28 to December 1, December 5 to 8, and December 12 to 23, 2024 Time: 4 to 10:30 pm Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for youth and seniors, and free for children ages 6 and under. Pre-sale online Bright Nights at Stanley Park What: The Christmas Train tickets may be sold out for the season, but there is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout December. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund. When: November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 4 to 10 pm Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance Admission: Train tickets are sold out. Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park What: Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure. Finally, walk along the sparkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk. Don’t forget to snap an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes, and get in on all the festive fun of the many kid’s activities around the Park. Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance online. There are limited tickets available during peak event times, and visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments. When: November 22, 2024, until January 19, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily. Guests are allowed to stay in the park up to an hour after closing. Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. Purchase online St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display. St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998. More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Wednesday, November 27. And fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night. When: November 27, 2024 (lights will be on display until January 3, 2025) Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver Squamish at Dusk What: Explore a winter wonderland of lights, art, magic, and stories. Squamish at Dusk is a stunning light experience at Rose Park with immersive installations for all ages to enjoy this holiday season. Bring the whole family and enjoy the mesmerizing tunnel of lights, a sparkling grotto, an enchanted forest, and more. When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from November 28 until December 14, 2024 Time: 4:30 to 9:30 pm Where: Rose Park – 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish Cost: $10-$15, plus fees; free for children four and under. Purchase online Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration Amacon What: One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, the free outdoor celebration will take place at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on Friday, November 29. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, colourful photo opportunities, and free cocoa at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. Santa Claus is even rumoured to be making an appearance. When: November 29, 2024 Time: 6 pm Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver Cost: Free PNE Winter Fair
Canadian spots rank among top 100 best cities in the world
Several Canadian cities have been named among the best in the world, according to a new ranking. Resonance Consultancy and Ipsos Research’s list of the World’s Best Cities in 2025 has been released, ranking the top 100 global cities “shaping tomorrow.” The report looked at cities with over a million people, combining stats and user-generated data from platforms like Google, Tripadvisor, and Instagram. The ranking considers various factors, including affordability, education, and overall quality of life. Three Canadian cities cracked the top 50, with Toronto ranking the highest in 15th place. Ontario’s capital placed high for its tree cover, or the measure of an urban area’s land that’s covered with vegetation that’s at least 16 feet in height, and educational attainment. “The construction boom has reshaped downtown, from revitalized cultural landmarks like Massey Hall to the new Renzo Piano-designed Ontario Court of Justice,” reads the report. “The addition of Love Park, with its heart-shaped pond, adds greenery to the city’s core.” It also highlighted the upcoming Rogers Stadium, which will be the city’s largest outdoor concert venue, and the construction of Villiers Island, which is part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project. Following closely behind is Vancouver in 22nd place. It also stood out for its tree cover and educational attainment. The reason for Vancouver’s ranking is based on a few factors. According to the list, “a panorama of ancient forests, totem poles, pan-Asian diaspora, and hockey-loving hipsters makes Vancouver a coveted destination.” The cons include an apparent lack of space in hotels and the ongoing ban on short-term rentals. “In the midst of rising real estate prices, the city is facing another challenge: fewer hotel rooms — a direct result of the government converting hundreds of rooms into social housing during the pandemic and cracking down on Airbnb-only rentals (ostensibly to free up rental housing).” The validity of that statement is highly debatable. City officials have been concerned about the hotel crunch for a long time, well before the pandemic. Rounding out the top 50 is Montreal in 35th place, getting accolades for its educational attainment and its low poverty rate. Resonance described it as Canada’s “laid-back second city (and North America’s most European).” Canada’s capital city Ottawa just missed the top 50, placing 52nd for its tree cover and educational attainment. “The cosmopolitan capital of Canada has a reputation for brainpower that’s attracting the world,” reads the report. Other major Canadian cities that made the list are Calgary in 54th place and Edmonton in 65th place. Do you agree with these rankings? Let us know in the comments. With files from Claire Fenton and Allison Stephen
Become the Ultimate Holidays Host with These 3 Tips from an Event Planner
An important part of the holidays is who you share them with, and friends and family members from near and far typically travel to gather to celebrate the holidays. If it’s your year to host Christmas dinner or the New Year’s Eve party, chances are you’ll also be a host for overnight guests from out of town. Holiday hosting is unique because you get to experience this magical time of the year with your loved ones. But, in reality, hosting guests—even those you love dearly—can be stressful and overwhelming. To keep the holidays stress-free (and your guests happy), follow these three tips from an expert on how to be a courteous and welcoming host. 1. Give a Warm Welcome Schumacher says guests appreciate intentional touches that show the host prepared for their visit. This may include a small welcome basket for guests from out of town or a small, local gift to welcome them into your home. “A welcome basket placed in the guest’s room is always a gracious and lovely touch,” Schumacher says. “One of my favorite spins on a welcome basket is to include local items. This could be locally-sourced soaps, candles, snacks, or even a book about the area in which your guests are visiting.” If your guests are flying in to visit, Schumacher says to make sure your gift items align with the FAA security guidelines. “You don’t want them to have to leave them at the security line,” she says. 2. Wake Up Before Your Guests While the holidays are a time to rest and relax, if you’re hosting guests, Schumacher suggests it might be a good idea to skip sleeping in past your normal wake-up time. Even though getting out of bed can be difficult—especially during the cold, winter months—waking up before your house guests has many benefits. “[Waking up before guests] allows you to have coffee brewed for them, as well as guide them around your kitchen,” Schumacher says. “They won’t be fumbling through your cupboards to find a mug or a glass to have a drink of water or juice.” Not only does it give time to prep coffee and breakfast, but waking up before your guests allows time for tidying and prepping the house for the day’s holiday festivities. Plus, taking a quiet moment to yourself before the rest of the house wakes up is a great way to set yourself up for the day ahead. 3. Schedule Meals If you’re hosting guests for the holidays, it’s important to determine which meals you will be responsible for making. While dinners are often the host’s responsibility, who’s making breakfasts, lunches, and snacks can be more unclear. “While I don’t think it is necessary to prepare every meal for your guests, I do believe you should have a meal plan in place, ideally discussing this with your guests, prior to their arrival,” Schumacher says. Once you’ve communicated with your guests on which meals they will be eating with you, create a meal schedule and hang it in a common place where everyone can see what’s on the menu. That way, if guests would rather eat out or have other plans, they can let you know ahead of time. Even if you’re in charge of providing most meals, that doesn’t mean you need to cook every meal. Schumacher suggests bringing your guests to local restaurants so they can see more of your town. “Part of the fun of traveling is often dining at that area’s restaurants,” she says. “But there is also a joy in dining at home, lingering over the dinner table with good company and good conversation” When planning out your menu, make sure to ask guests if they have any food-related allergies and intolerances.
Pastries to puzzles: A full list of items included in Trudeau’s GST holiday
Csaba Peterdi/Shutterstock As a busy, and costly, holiday season approaches in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has introduced temporary cuts to GST and HST. The two-month cut applies to essential items, prepared foods and snacks, restaurant meals (dine-in, takeout, or delivery), children’s clothing and footwear, diapers, toys, Christmas trees, and several other items. If you’re curious about exactly which items are covered, we have a rundown of all of them here. Food and beverages Alcoholic beverages (excluding spirits but including wine, beer, ciders, and spirit coolers up to 7% ABV) Carbonated beverages, non-carbonated fruit juice or fruit-flavoured beverages or products that, when added to water, produce one of these beverages Candies; confectionery classed as candy or goods sold as candies (candy floss, chewing gum, and chocolate); fruits, seeds, nuts or popcorn coated or treated with candy, chocolate, honey, molasses, sugar, syrup, or artificial sweeteners. Chips, crisps, puffs, curls, or sticks (potato chips, corn chips, cheese puffs, potato sticks, bacon crisps, and cheese curls), popcorn, brittle pretzels, and salted nuts or seeds Granola products and snack mixtures that contain cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or other edible products Ice lollies, juice bars, ice waters, ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, frozen yogurt or frozen pudding, including non-dairy substitutes Fruit bars, rolls or drops or similar fruit-based snack foods Cakes, muffins, pies, pastries, tarts, cookies, doughnuts, brownies, croissants with sweetened filling or coating (note that many bread products, such as bagels, English muffins, croissants, and bread rolls, are already zero-rated) Pudding, including flavoured gelatine, mousse, flavoured whipped dessert product, or any other products similar to pudding Prepared salads, sandwiches, platters of cheese, cold cuts, fruit or vegetables, and other arrangements of prepared food Food or beverages heated for consumption Beverages dispensed at the place where they are sold Food or beverages sold in conjunction with catering services Food or beverages sold at an establishment where all or substantially all of the food or beverages sold are currently excluded from zero-rating (a restaurant, coffee shop, takeout outlet, pub, mobile canteen, lunch counter, or concession stand) Bottled water or unbottled water that is dispensed at a permanent establishment of the supplier. Games and puzzles Jigsaw puzzles, for all ages Video game consoles, controllers or physical game media (a video game cartridge or disc) Children’s toys a product that is designed for use by children under 14 years of age in learning or play and that is: a board game or card game (a strategy board game, playing cards, or a matching/memory card game); a toy that imitates another item (a doll house, a toy car or truck, a toy farm set, or an action figure); a doll, plush toy or soft toy (a teddy bear) a construction toy (building blocks, such as Lego, STEM assembly kits, or plasticine) Children’s clothing, footwear, car seats Children’s clothing: meaning garments (other than garments of a class that are used exclusively in sports or recreational activities, costumes, children’s diapers, or children’s footwear) that are: Designed for babies, including baby bibs, bunting blankets and receiving blankets; Children’s garments up to girls size 16 or boys size 20, according to the national standard applicable to the garments, and if no national standard applies to the children’s garments, girls or boys sizes extra small, small, medium, or large; or, Hosiery or stretchy socks, hats, ties, scarves, belts, suspenders, or mittens and gloves in sizes and styles designed for children or babies. Children’s footwear: meaning footwear (other than stockings, socks or similar footwear or footwear of a class that is used exclusively in sports or recreational activities) that is designed for babies or children and has an insole length of 24.25 centimetres or less. Children’s diapers: meaning a product designed for babies or children, and that is a diaper, a diaper insert or liner, a training pant, or a rubber pant designed for use in conjunction with any of those items. Children’s car seats: meaning a restraint system or booster seat that conforms to the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Other items on the list Christmas trees or similar decorative trees: natural or artificial Print newspapers: meaning print newspapers containing news, editorials, feature stories, or other information of interest to the general public that are published at regular intervals. They would not include electronic or digital publications. They would also exclude most fliers, inserts, magazines, periodicals, or shoppers Printed books: including a printed book or an update of such a book, an audio recording where 90% or more of it is a spoken reading of a printed book or a bound or unbound printed version of scripture of any religion However, there are restrictions on things like magazines, agendas, blueprints and other items, and you can find those details here.
Sick of storms? The sun is forecast to shine on Vancouver again soon
Vancouver and other parts of BC have experienced a seeming parade of storms over the past couple of weeks, but there’s good news in the forecast in the form of the autumn sun. According to the forecast from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the sun returns for three consecutive days after another wet weekend and a shower-filled start to next week on Monday. Despite the return of sunshine, temperatures will continue to drop to near freezing by Wednesday next week, with overnight lows as chilly as 1˚C. Over the past couple of weeks, it has been wet and windy across the province, including the recent bomb cyclone that left hundreds of thousands temporarily without power. There are still some gusty conditions in the forecast, as wind speeds could hit 70 km/h on Friday, lowering to highs of 50 km/h on Saturday. Beginning Tuesday, the sun returns as the forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 7˚C. It’s the same for Wednesday and Thursday, just slightly cooler. ECCC Vancouver was hit with another small storm last night, which will mostly taper off today. ECCC also warns that some areas could see flooding. “Minor coastal flooding is possible near low-lying shorelines adjacent to the Strait of Georgia near high tide in the morning. Potential impacts include seawater across low-lying roadways and trails.” You should also note that if you plan to travel on the Coquihalla highway this weekend, including today, you could see a hefty amount of snow on your drive. ECCC has issued a snowfall warning for the Coquihalla Summit between Hope and Merritt. Up to 15 cm of snow is forecast for that area, which ECCC warns could lead to hazardous driving conditions. If you’ve felt a bit cold in Vancouver over the past week without the sun, maybe seeing Calgary’s forecast will make you feel a bit better: ECCC Click here to see the full Vancouver forecast. And if you’re wondering what winter might look like in Vancouver, click here.
The second coldest place on Earth today is in Canada and it’s bone-chilling
Northern Canada is facing some extreme cold this week, and one spot just became the second coldest place on Earth this morning. A new weather report from WX-Now, which tracks the world’s most extreme weather, revealed that none other than the Albertan town of High Level reached a bone-chilling -31ºC in the early hours of the morning. Alberta is no stranger to extreme winter weather. Snowfall warnings are currently in effect for the south of the province, and up to 35 cm of snow is predicted over the weekend. WX-Now Other places in Canada also cracked the top 10 coldest spots on Earth today with some wildly cold temperatures. On the list was Fort Nelson, BC, at -28ºC; Hay River, Northwest Territories, at -25ºC; and Chetwynd Airport, BC, at -24ºC. The only spot in the world to out-cold Canada today was Antarctica, which had a jaw-dropping -37ºC overcast with ice crystals at -51ºC. The full list of the world’s chilliest spots can be found here.
9 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Firewood
There are few things better than a warm fire on a chilly evening. But your cozy night in or campfire get-together can quickly go up in flames if you haven’t stored your firewood correctly. Using proper storage techniques is vital for creating the perfect fire while also keeping insects away from the party. Here are nine common firewood storage mistakes you should avoid to prevent smoky fires and pest infestations. 1. Leaving Wood Uncovered One of the main priorities of firewood storage is making sure the wood stays dry. Since wood is typically stored outdoors, you should avoid leaving it uncovered. For effective dry storage, your wood stack needs to be in a covered area or underneath a tarp to protect it from rain and snow. Damp wood is harder to ignite, has a shorter burn time with less heat, and produces more smoke, which can dampen your cozy night by the fire. Insects also love to hang out in damp wood, which can leave you with unwanted guests if you bring your wood into the house for an indoor fire. You should only store firewood inside if it has been kiln-dried. Other wood types can contain insects or mold and require further drying outdoors. 2. Storing Near the House It can be tempting to place a wood stack near your house for easy access, but insects and termites are attracted to wood. If your woodpile is close to your house, these pests can easily travel indoors, damage siding, and be a nuisance. Wood storage near your house can also be a fire hazard, as an accidental ignition could quickly burn through your woodpile and extend to your house. Although not as convenient, firewood storage should be several feet away from your home. 3. Storing Near Trees and Other Structures Since storing your woodpile near your house is out of the picture, the next spot you set your eye on might be near a tree, shed, or another structure in your yard. However, this can still lead to issues with air circulation. Your wood stack should stay dry, which means it needs to receive proper ventilation. For this to happen, firewood needs to be out in the open rather than next to something that blocks airflow. A storage spot with airflow will also keep your woodpile out of shady areas during the day, which will give it more time in the sun to keep dry. 4. Storing Directly on the Ground When wood sits directly on the ground, it’s more likely to absorb excess moisture, which will lead to mold, mildew, and decayed wood. Your woodpile is also likely to pick up pests from the soil. Either stack your wood on a concrete surface or set up wooden beams or pallets to elevate the pile off the ground. This will promote proper airflow underneath the wood and help prevent an infestation. 5. Stacking Too Tightly How you stack firewood is just as important as where you store it. A poor stacking technique can restrict airflow, which can cause it to get damp and moldy. While you might want to stack logs close together to maximize space, firewood should be stacked loosely so there are small gaps between each piece. This extra space keeps the pieces dry, which will give you longer burn times and minimize smoke. 6. Stacking Too High Your wood stack should stay within a height of four feet. Anything higher can compromise the stability of the pile, which can be a safety issue. This also ensures that the highest pieces are easy to access. If you have to stretch up to reach logs, you’re more likely to knock things out of place or lose grip on the pieces you’re grabbing. If you don’t have a manufactured wood stacker, consider placing posts on each end of your woodpile to keep it from toppling to one side. 7. Not Stacking at All Although it might make for a quick setup, leaving logs in a disorderly pile is bad for airflow, Even if your wood stack is elevated, it can become damp and grow mold without proper stacking that promotes proper air circulation. One popular method is to lay your wood in straight, horizontal rows, with each layer stacked in the opposite direction of the one below to create a crisscross pattern (think of a Jenga tower). This method is also great for extra stability. 8. Using New Wood First If you always reach for fresh wood pieces instead of fully cycling through your pile, you may be setting yourself up for a meet and greet with a colony of bugs. Infestations tend to happen in wood that’s been sitting for too long, so always use the oldest wood first. While stacking your pile, place the newest wood pieces on the bottom so the older pieces are easier to grab. If you’d like a helpful visual to separate your old and new wood, use a scrap piece of lumber to mark the difference. 9. Applying Pesticides Since bugs are one of the leading concerns of improper firewood storage, you might be tempted to apply pesticides to your wood. However, this can be dangerous and counterproductive. Burning firewood that has been treated with pesticides can release toxic fumes into the air that could be harmful to your health. Plus, you’ll miss out on that wonderfully smoky campfire smell that burning wood
14 Houseplants You Should Never Grow in Direct Sun
South-facing windows that receive lots of bright light every day are the perfect place for sun-loving houseplants like cacti and succulents, but growing plants that prefer lower light conditions in too much sun can cause sunscald, faded leaf colors, and other issues. Here are 14 houseplants that shouldn’t be grown in direct sun, plus simple workarounds you can use to grow low-light plants in a sunny home. Pothos Jacob Fox Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) are famously forgiving plants, but one thing they won’t tolerate is too much sun. If you keep these plants in a bright window, there’s a good chance they’ll develop sunburn, bleached-out leaves, and other signs of damage. However, you can keep your pothos plants safe by positioning them a few feet away from bright windows or installing sheer curtains to soften the light. African Violets Marty Baldwin African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) grow best in bright, indirect light; their fuzzy leaves can turn yellow or brown in too much sun. East- or north-facing windows are the best places for these plants, while sunny south-facing windows are likely to cause sunburn, especially in summer when the light is more intense. Peace Lily Blaine Moats Although peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) grows well in low-light homes, it can tolerate brighter spots as long as the light is filtered and indirect. Blazing hot sun can scorch tender peace lily leaves, but it can also cause these moisture-loving plants to dry out quickly. If your peace lily’s uppermost leaves are yellow or faded, it may be receiving too much light. Snake Plant Marty Baldwin Many people keep snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) in low-light homes, but these plants do best in bright, indirect light. Just be sure to protect any type of snake plant from direct sun. It can cause plant stress, yellowing or browning leaves, and leaf burn. Rubber Plant Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are prized for their big glossy leaves that come in dark green and variegated shades. However, these plants can be damaged by too much sun, so keep them away from overly bright windows. For best results, provide your rubber plants with about six to eight hours of bright, indirect light daily, and consider adding a supplemental grow light if your plants aren’t receiving enough sun. ZZ Plant Kindra Clineff When it comes to houseplants that grow well in low light, ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are always at the top of the list. However, intense sun can scorch ZZ plant leaves and cause their rich colors to fade. Sunburn is particularly problematic with these plants because they grow slowly, and it takes a while for them to recover after damage. Cast Iron Plant Named for their nearly indestructible nature, cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) were incredibly popular during the Victorian period when they were commonly kept in low-light parlors. Today, these foliage plants are still popular. They grow best in low to medium light. Bright sun can damage their lush green leaves and ruin the look of these classic plants. Nerve Plant Marty Baldwin Nerve plants (Fittonia albivenis) need lots of moisture; they droop dramatically when their soil is dry or the humidity level is low. Keeping these water-lovers in bright windows is certain to cause drooping stems, and it can also make their colorfully veined leaves turn brown and crispy. Growing nerve plants in a terrarium under a grow light or in bright indirect sunlight is the best way to protect their leaves and enhance their growth. Spider Plant Dean Schoeppner Like pothos and cast iron plants, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are prized for their easy-going nature. However, too much sun can bleach their leaves and turn them brown. Bright, indirect light is ideal for spider plants and encourages them to produce flowers and baby spider plants or “spiderettes.” Moth Orchid Matt Clark Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) is an understory plant that naturally grows in dappled light beneath a canopy of tall trees. Keeping these plants in direct sun causes leaf scorch, and it can also make orchid leaves crack along the centers from low humidity. That’s why it’s always best to keep moth orchids and most other orchid species in bright, indirect light. Calatheas and Marantas Denny Schrock These two closely related plants are famous for their colorful and uniquely patterned leaves. To preserve the look of your calatheas (Calathea spp.) and marantas (Maranta leuconeura), also known as prayer plants, keep them out of bright sun. Intense sun can cause leaf bleaching, while bright indirect light and high humidity keep these tropical plants in tip-top shape. Most Ferns Brie Passano Most ferns grow in relatively shady spots in the wild, and they love consistently moist soil. Although you can find a few indoor ferns that tolerate higher light levels, classics like Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum), and maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) grow best in bright, indirect sun. Keeping these plants near a humidifier or in a steamy, well-lit bathroom helps them grow even better. Chinese Evergreen Jacob Fox Bright indirect or low light is ideal for Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema commutatum), while higher light levels can cause leaf bleaching, browning, and discoloration. East or west exposures are usually the best choices for Chinese evergreens, but these plants can also be kept in northern exposures as long as they receive enough natural light. Waffle Plant Dean Schoeppner Like nerve plants, waffle plants (Hemigraphis alternata ‘Exotica’) are sensitive to sun
What Does It Mean to Be a Forever Renter? Benefits and Drawbacks to Consider
Today, most talks of real estate center around when and whether renters can purchase their first home. But buying and owning property isn’t the only way to find secure housing and make a smart financial decision. In fact, many renters make intentional decisions not to buy a home. “One of the most common misconceptions about ‘forever renters,’ especially among homeowners, is that they’re ‘throwing away’ their money on rent or that they’re paying their landlord’s mortgage rather than their own,” says Nick Pisano, a data writer for Clever Real Estate. “In reality, those who choose to rent have often made conscious decisions to embrace the benefits of the lifestyle, such as increased flexibility and lower upkeep requirements, trading the likely financial benefits of homeownership in the future for a more stress-free today.” In fact, sky-high mortgage rates combined with inflated home prices and low inventory make renting the smart choice in many cities. “A recent analysis by Realtor.com found that it is more affordable to rent than to buy a home in all 50 of the largest U.S. metros,” says Hannah Jones, a senior economic research analyst with Realtor.com. “This means that in today’s market, households stand to save significantly by renting.” Not only does the forever renter enjoy a certain lifestyle, but they can also make smart decisions to set themselves up for long-term savings. Here, we talk to real estate experts about the pros and cons of the lifestyle. What Is a Forever Renter? It’s common to begin renting as an adult while saving money for your first home purchase. But there’s also a trend in which renters choose to remain renters. “‘Forever renters’ are those who’ve decided, either as a matter of preference, due to financial issues, or for other reasons, to forgo the idea of ever owning real estate and instead orient their lives toward renting instead,” Pisano says. Some forever renters choose the lifestyle from the jump, while others have fallen into it after seeing how high the barrier to the housing market has become. “Someone may choose to be a ‘forever renter’ because they live in a high-priced area in which they are unlikely to ever be able to afford homeownership, or because they enjoy the flexibility renting allows,” Jones says. “Lifestyle and finances are likely the two largest considerations for ‘forever renters’.” Agent Robert E. Elson of Coldwell Banker Warburg says it’s not a bad thing to be a forever renter, even if that means you’re fundamentally opposed to homeownership. “Many people like this lifestyle because it may give them options homeowners do not have—freedom to move around whenever and wherever they choose, skipping major financial obligations like bearing a mortgage, and not having to worry about home repairs and the maintenance of appliances,” he says. Benefits of Renting Forever Like any type of living arrangement, there are pros and cons. And while it’s easy to come up with the perks around homeownership, there are similar advantages for renters. Flexibility “What forever renters sacrifice in home equity, they get back in flexibility. Renting for the long term has both pros and cons,” Jones says. “It takes the pressure off of saving up for a housing purchase, it often means being able to afford to live in areas that would be out-of-budget for buying, and it allows renters to pick up and move as they wish, to some degree. Renters also often get to pawn off the maintenance and upkeep responsibilities to the owner, though likely with varying degrees of success.” Many forever renters choose this lifestyle to avoid feeling tied down. “There is a rather pervasive view that renting is ‘throwing away’ money. However, renting allows for flexibility that homeownership does not,” Jones says. “Renters are able to be nimble and adjust to changing life circumstances, such as losing a job or adding a new member to the family, without having to worry about selling/buying a new house.” That doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences to moving frequently. “Of course, lease terms vary and renters may face the financial consequences of breaking a lease, but generally this cost will be lower than costs associated with selling a home,” Jones adds. “Homeownership can offer peace of mind and stability, but it is much harder to course-correct than it is when renting.” It’s also a great arrangement if you aren’t committed to living in one particular city. “Additionally, not being the actual homeowner likely makes it easier to move and not be tied to a specific location,” says Ann Cooper, a real estate broker with RE/MAX of Boulder. Less Time Spent on Upkeep If you’re someone who travels often or despises yardwork, renting an apartment or a home which the landlord maintains can be ideal. “Even if you’re not a traveling salesperson, there are reasons to rent for the long term,” says agent Michael C. Weiner of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “Some jobs require a lot of changes—think U.S. military personnel—while some people simply like to have a variety of homes in different locations over time.” Fewer Expenses And even though homeownership is considered an easy way to build equity and wealth, it’s not always smooth sailing, and that’s where renting can be advantageous. “Financially, people typically assume that it’s better to own than rent,” Weiner says. “But, buying in a hot market can lead to much less gain over time, and expenses of ownership, including taxes
Income needed to purchase a home in Canada drops in major cities
If your home ownership dreams have been put on hold, there may be hope on the horizon as Canada’s falling interest rates are impacting how much income is needed to purchase a property. But depending on where you live, it still requires a hefty paycheque to enter the market. According to a new report from Ratehub.ca, the income needed to afford a home has fallen in 12 of 13 cities across the country. This comes after the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced a massive interest rate cut in October. The BoC dropped the rate by 50 basis points, bringing it from 4.25% to 3.75%, which many referred to as a “jumbo-sized” drop. This was the fourth announcement of 2024, and such a low rate hasn’t been seen since December 2022. According to Ratehub.ca’s Penelope Graham, “affordability conditions have been improving since June, when the Bank of Canada first started cutting its benchmark interest rate, easing mortgage costs and the pricing of other borrowing products.” RateHub Vancouver and Toronto, Canada’s most expensive cities, saw the most significant drops in the income needed to purchase a home between September and October 2024. “While both of these cities saw a robust increase in sales activity in October, they remain well supplied, which has helped keep a lid on price growth,” notes the report. Still, prospective buyers in these cities need to take home significant paycheques to get into the housing market. The income required to purchase the average home in Vancouver now stands at $214,000 annually. In Toronto, it’s slightly lower at $195,420. Moreover, Canada’s smaller cities haven’t experienced the softer prices of their larger counterparts. A drop in supply and an increase in buyer activity have resulted in prices going up, as six out of 13 markets across the country saw month-over-month price hikes. Fredericton was the only market where affordability deteriorated between September and October as home prices increased by $16,100, meaning buyers would need $1,890 more income to purchase an average property. Ratehub.ca provided an optimistic outlook for prospective buyers over the next few months as mortgage rates are expected to drop further. The overnight lending rate is predicted to drop by another 25 basis points, bringing the benchmark interest rate to 3.5%. Rates are expected to drop further in 2025. However, lower rates will likely lead to an uptick in prices as more buyers could enter the market. “The national average home price is expected to end the year largely flat at $683,200 – just a 0.9% increase – before rising 4.4% next year to $713,375,” concluded Ratehub.ca.
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