Dale Hunter is new Capitals coach, so Mark Hunter takes over behind London bench
This is the story I wrote for: The Canadian Press:
By Mark Schadenberg
LONDON -- Not often would a first-place team be required to name a new head coach.
Late Sunday, however, Dale Hunter, 51, became the new bench boss of the Washington Capitals and thereby had to call his younger brother Mark to announce he was leaving the club which he coached to 451 regular-season wins over 11 seasons, including the 2005 Memorial Cup title.
On Monday, Mark Hunter, 49, named himself as new head coach of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, elevating his responsibilities and role from that of vice president and general manager. Even though not listed in the program ever as an assistant coach, Mark Hunter all season has been a regular presence on the bench along with Dale and Dylan Hunter (Dale's son).
"It's going to be different," said Mark Hunter in a noon-hour press gathering Monday. "We have a good staff here. I feel comfortable with the group of coaches we have here -- it's a solid team."
The Knights staff includes assistant coaches Dylan, Misha Donskov (also assistant GM), defence coach Rob Ramage, development coach Dave Warren, director of scouting (former Knights head coach) Lindsay Hofford, goalie coach Bill Dark, and even a part-time sports psychologist on staff in Dr. Natasha Wesch. Donskov and Ramage were already on ice during practises and would be important eyes in the sky during games. Donskov, confirmed Mark Hunter, will now be seen on the bench more during games. It would appear the resources are in place.
One change in the club's operation that the Hunter family has not yet discussed, admitted Mark, is the position of team president which Dale held in an ownership group which also features former NHLer Basil McRae.
With the Knights completing a three-in-three weekend in Brampton on Sunday, there were no players at the John Labatt Centre Monday, giving the staff some organizational time.
"We don't plan on changing much, but we'll be watching game-by-game and if we have to tweak something, we will," said Mark Hunter.
"It's not like I'm coming in from upstairs. I've been on the bench. I have a pretty comfortable feel with how Dale was running things. Dale sometimes did a few things a little out of the box, but I think I have a good hockey mind to try things."
As for Dale Hunter, Mark says his brother is most certainly ready for the next level.
"It's anybody's dream to coach in the (NHL). It's well deserved by him. After 11 years here it's a great accomplishment for him. He's ready to go," said Mark, who added that Dale won two OHL coach of the year awards (2004 and 2005) and sent several players to the NHL, most notably Corey Perry, Dave Bolland, Patrick Kane, Sam Gagner and Steve Mason, along with Dennis Wideman and John Carlson who he will now coach in Washington.
"It's something to be very proud of to see players go on to the NHL and do as well as they've done -- like Corey Perry going up and winning the Hart Trophy. Winning is important to the organization, but developing players is even more important," said Mark Hunter.
With over four years previous as a head coach himself in the OHL with the Sarnia Sting, Mark Hunter expects a seamless transition even though his workload has changed -- possibly less time for scouting.
"I won't miss many practises. I believe that's the teaching tool," says Mark Hunter. "I'm going to put a little more pressure on Misha and Dylan. They will do a little more organizing practices. They already watch the tapes. Everybody always likes to have a little more to do and they're open for it."
Mark Hunter's resume includes head coaching roles in both the OHL and AHL as he was behind the bench for the St John's Maple Leafs in 1996-97, and wrapped around that season he had earned 155 wins in 306 contests with Sarnia, 1994-2000. It must be noted that the Sting won just one of six playoff rounds in his tenure where he coached future NHLers Trevor Letowski, Jon Sim, and Andy Delmore, among others.
The current Knights, meantime, have earned their way to its No 1 CHL ranking with 20 victories in 26 contests, leading the OHL in goals with 114, and not losing consecutive games even once this season. London has exceeded expectations with a generally younger lineup including rookies Max Domi, Bo Horvat and first overall CHL Import pick Olli Maatta from Finland. The young core also includes twins Ryan and Matt Rupert, Andreas Athanasiou, and Dane Fox. A certain surprise is that Seth Griffith leads the club in goals (17) and points (33).
London's lineup has just four NHL-drafted players in captain Jarred Tinordi (Montreal), along with Jared Knight (Boston), Vladislav Namestnikov (Tampa), and Team Canada world junior hopeful Scott Harrington (Pittsburgh).
The Mark Hunter era debut is Friday with a visit by the under-achieving Saginaw Spirit, which has won two straight, but have just 10 wins in 27 starts.
Although confirming he is the head coach going forward, the one commitment Mark Hunter was unable to confirm obviously is the long term picture.
"I think every year we look back and see if anything needs to be adjusted and analyze how we've done -- the coaches and the players. That is something we've always done and will continue to do with this hockey club."
One area where Mark admits he will have less time is scouting. More emphasis will have to be put on the legwork of Hofford and his staff.
Mark Hunter's NHL career included 628 games with Montreal, St. Louis, Calgary, Hartford and Washington, winning a Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989. In 19 years, Dale Hunter became the only NHL player to record over 1,000 points and 3,000 penalty minutes, playing 1,407 games plus 186 more in the playoffs.
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Saturday 26 November 2011
Maple Leafs Gardens now a supermarket
Sittler and Palmateer era long over; now it's soup and pomegranates at Maple Leaf Gardens
When growing up as a Maple Leafs fan, my favourites were Mike Palmateer and Darryl Sittler. The mecca of hockey, in my opinion, was Maple Leafs Gardens.
For awhile a grocery magnate named Steve Stavros owned the hockey club; now MLG is a grocery store as it opens on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in this change-of-use.
Rock concerts, pro wrestling and boxing, and many other entertainment events were hosted by the Gardens. The Air Canada Centre opened in 1999.
Here's a story from The Toronto Star about the Gardens' transformation.
-----------
When growing up as a Maple Leafs fan, my favourites were Mike Palmateer and Darryl Sittler. The mecca of hockey, in my opinion, was Maple Leafs Gardens.
For awhile a grocery magnate named Steve Stavros owned the hockey club; now MLG is a grocery store as it opens on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in this change-of-use.
Rock concerts, pro wrestling and boxing, and many other entertainment events were hosted by the Gardens. The Air Canada Centre opened in 1999.
Here's a story from The Toronto Star about the Gardens' transformation.
-----------
Dana Flavelle Toronto Star, Business Reporter
What would the late Harold Ballard think?
His beloved Maple Leaf Gardens may look the same from the outside more than a decade after the Toronto Maple Leafs National Hockey League team abandoned its home of 68 years.
But inside the iconic arena that hosted eight Stanley Cup championships, Depression-era dance marathons, Beatles concerts and Trudeau-mania, the curmudgeonly former owner might be startled by its dramatic transformation.
On Wednesday, the iconic hockey shrine will reopen its doors for the first time since 1999, but as a supermarket, clothing store and LCBO outlet.
Not just any supermarket, an urbane food emporium worthy of the sophisticated tastes of Toronto’s booming downtown condo-dwellers.
From the few crumbs of information Loblaw Cos. Ltd. has dropped so far, the store will house a sushi bar, stone bread-baking oven, 100 pound wheel of Stilton cheese, handcrafted chocolate and open kitchen. The Gardens will be unlike any other store in Loblaw’s 1,200-store empire.
“You have to have the right product mix. You can’t sell suburban products in the downtown core. People aren’t going to do their week’s worth of shopping. They’re shopping daily, or two or three times a week. They’re buying fresh. Looking for organic,” said John Archer, a retail consultant with J.C. Williams Group Inc. in Toronto.
“The market is skewed a little bit younger. It’s also the attitude. Eating healthy. Looking after yourself. It’s not age-related. It can be the funky 50-year-old who still dresses like they’re 25 and wants to buy Joe Fresh,” Archer added.
Like other food retailers, Loblaw was looking for a way to get into the downtown core when the Gardens came on the market.
A condo boom was fuelling a population explosion. Having shrunk to 40,000 residents by the 1970s during the flight to the suburbs, the city’s inner core has soared to 100,000 people, says Tony Hernandez, chair of Ryerson University’s Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity.
And more are coming.
“The density has gone crazy in the last five years,” says Anthony Stokan, retail consultant with Anthony Russell Inc. in Toronto.
Unlike Manhattan, where there’s a small Korean grocer on every corner, Canada’s food distribution business is controlled by a handful of large players, Stokan noted. Every one of them — Metro, Sobey’s and regional player Longo’s — has opened downtown stores in recent years, he said.
Finding a suitable urban site is more challenging than in the suburbs. The Gardens presented even more than the usual number of headaches for prospective developers.
At one point, the arena appeared destined to become a white elephant.
Vacated in 1999 by the hockey team for more modern quarters in the Air Canada Centre, its owner Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment seemed to have few options.
Condo developers were stymied by the city’s decision to declare the Gardens’ domed roof a heritage feature. And a rival hockey club owner, Eugene Melnyk, was rejected as a potential competitor to MLSE’s Air Canada Centre.
Loblaw walked away from a proposed deal in 2003, declaring the price too rich for its appetite. Home Depot withdrew a rival offer around the same time.
Loblaw and MLSE were able to strike a deal the following year that would see the Gardens turned into a giant superstore that carried both groceries and general merchandise. The Gardens’ legions of fans were heartbroken that the plan wouldn’t include a skating rink.
Then Loblaw’s plans stalled.
The company became distracted by a market share war with Wal-Mart, which had begun adding full supermarkets to its general merchandise stores. Loblaw had gone on the offensive introducing its Real Canadian SuperStore format to Ontario. The stores, which carried both food and general merchandise, had done well in Western Canada. But they failed to meet expectations in Ontario.
The company stopped building them.
There were other problems as well, including rumours the cost of restoring the Gardens to its former glory was running far higher than Loblaw had anticipated.
Then in 2009, Loblaw struck an innovative deal with nearby Ryerson University that would see the Gardens house a new NHL-sized arena above the supermarket.
Partnering with Ryerson, which badly needed a new student athletic centre and arena for its hockey team, silenced the critics and brought in government agencies to help finance the Gardens reconstruction.
The deal qualified for a federal infrastructure grant. Ottawa committed to provide up to $20 million of the $60 million Ryerson would need to build its share of the facilities.
Loblaw agreed to help raise another $20 million for the school, seeding the pot with a $5 million donation. Ryerson students would raise the other $20 million through a special $126 a year student fee.
Loblaw would build a smaller 70,000 square foot store, with a Joe Fresh outlet and LCBO.
The compromise won kudos.
Tim Morawetz, who documented the Gardens’ architectural features in his book Art Deco Architecture in Toronto, was a member of Friends of the Gardens, a group that fought valiantly to preserve it as a working arena.
“It would have been so special for all Canadians to be able to continue to experience the magic of the ice surface,” Morawetz said. Recognizing that wasn’t possible, he said, this is the next best thing. Loblaw has preserved its soaring art deco features and modern style, he said, while Ryerson has reintroduced a skating surface.
Loblaw says it has taken care to “celebrate the heritage of the building” inside the store as well. What that means remains to be seen when the building is opened to the public for the first time in more than a decade.
Former Toronto mayor John Sewell was also a Friend of the Gardens. Last month, he was invited by Ryerson to tour its share of the facilities.
Sewell says he stood on the future ice rink under the iconic dome at Maple Leaf Gardens last month and felt “tingly.”
But the Gardens isn’t out of the woods yet. MLSE is in litigation with Ryerson over the school’s apparent plans to use the rink for more than student hockey games.
That case is before the courts.
Friday 25 November 2011
Rick Hansen relay in Woodstock on Nov 29
Local volunteerism hero Bill Gillespie to play significant role in Rick Hansen medal-bearer relay through Woodstock
The 25th anniversary of the Rick Hansen Man In Motion World Tour will arrive in Woodstock on Tuesday, Nov 29 with a civic reception at Goff Hall at the community complex, 4 - 6 p.m.
The relay began on Aug 24 in Cape Spear – in the Atlantic Ocean and will continue all the way to the Pacific with over 7,000 participants.
This is another opportunity to show admiration for our nation, our city, and of course a national hero in Rick Hansen. A video about the life of Hansen will be played as part of the ceremony Tuesday at the Woodstock District Community Complex.
Recognized locally for his efforts in volunteerism and sports will be Bill Gillespie as the honourable medal bearer. More on his biography is listed below.
On the Rick Hansen Foundation website (rickhansenrelay.com) it is noted that this new coast-to-coast awareness and fundraiser is all about Hansen saying: “My Journey Becomes Our Journey.” Adding: “The funding is to assist people living with spinal cord injuries and creating accessible and inclusive communities.”
The area convoy on Nov 29 is to transport the medal (runners, cyclists, and of course by wheelchair) in its leg from London to Thamesford to Ingersoll to Woodstock.
Brad Janssen from the Woodstock community services department calls the Tuesday Woodstock event both a community celebration and a pep rally. He has organized many participants, including the St Mary’s High School cheerleaders.
I will be present as both the current chair of the Woodstock Recreation Advisory Committee and as member of the Lions Club of Woodstock.
BILL GILLESPIE
Gold Medal at World Masters Games in basketball
2002 in 60-64 age group
1989 in 45-50 age group
Silver Medal at World Masters Games in basketball
2002 in 55-60 (Played on 2 teams)
1994 in 50-55 age group
Played university basketball at what was then Waterloo Lutheran (WLaurier).
Played competitive basketball for Woodstock Kings of the Central Ontario Intermediate League.
Organized the Terry Fox Run at the elementary and secondary school levels for both school boards in Oxford County for about 20 years
Currently is chair of the city-wide Terry Fox Run in early September.
Long-time member of Lions Club of Woodstock
At Huron Park Secondary School, coached basketball and track & field for many years.
Was convener of the annual boys’ Captains-Veterans high school basketball benefit showcase games.
Sunday 20 November 2011
Brand new hospital swings its doors open
A new era in healthcare begins today (Nov. 20, 2011) in Woodstock -- the opening of a brand new hospital.
The grand olde facility on Riddell Street closes its doors forever. According to the website www.wgh.on.ca, parts of the current medical facility date back to 1895. There have been many additions, renovations and facelifts over the years, but the era of a hospital fronting on Riddell and calling the block of Brant, Wellington and Vincent streets home is now over.
Under the 'Media Centre' headline on the wgh.on.ca homepage you can find a direct link to a terrific informative 46-page insert produced recently by the Woodstock Sentinel-Review (S-R), which did a very effective job introducing the various departments and amenities to be provided at the new Woodstock Hospital, which swings its doors open today for the first time with its first patient transfer scheduled at 6.am.
The new hospital has the capacity for 178 beds plus the dozens of out-patient services available. According to a Sentinel (S-R) story on Friday, approximately 80 patients will be part of the move today.
The shape of the building is interesting with an almost 5-prong design with the largest area for administration and emergency (ER), while the four arms also have specific uses. In the middle is a courtyard.
The location is important as it is in Woodstock's south for quick access on 401 for transportation purposes. The Juliana Drive / Athlone Avenue area has changed significantly in recent years when you also factor in the new Woodingford Lodge retirement home and residential subdivisions.
The list of people making the new hospital possible is extremely long from management to politicians, donors to fundraisers, doctors to nurses, construction crews to logistical planners.
The Woodstock Hospital Foundation board, and Building The Vision campaign (wghfoundation.ca; 519-421-4226) raised millions -- more than $25 million.
Hospital CEO and president Natasa Veljovic has been tying together all the loose strings throughout the process. Among those from the current hospital with a significant role in the entire transition has been vice president of services Perry Lang.
Since I write here, I can certainly do some name dropping (Not a thorough list). I think of Glen McDonald, the late David Lowes, Carole Wilson, Ed Down, Bill Carrothers, John McDougall, Harvey Hunt, Vicki Davey, Bill Mackesy, Paul LeRoy, Terry Thompson, Ann Ash, Sheri Knott, Diane Werby, Brent VanParys, Wilma Boughtflower, Ken Whiteford, Don Reeder, Brad Janssen, and many many more people who have sat on committees or balanced the books to organize the raising of dollars (Isabelle Baird, Jan Matwey, Donna Harcourt, Evelyn Barnett, Barbara Blott, Louise Tuffnail, Jean Caskey, . . . ) and keeping the idea of a brand new hospital alive for many years until the reality of this day.
Even though I'm a proud Royal LePage Realtor, I recognize the efforts of Century 21 locally and its annual Golden Gala benefit which set a goal, reached it and surpassed it. Funds have been earmarked to this project from the remarkable volunteer efforts of the hospital auxiliary, along with a tip-of-the-iceberg partial list of quilt sales, auctions, and walk-a-thons/races (Dairy Capital Run).
The hospital is also 'home' for more than 150 volunteers, who assist in various capacities.
Substantial donations arrived from many families -- Rogers (Communications), Wettlaufer, Jasinski, Lockwood, and others.
Initial provincial approval for a new hospital in Woodstock was granted way back in 2000, I believe.
The frustration of the process going forward from there must have been tremendous at times as the plan was to construct a brand new location, but government changes at the provincial level and many other factors resulted in delays. At the same time, how many bandaids and braces could be put on the old hospital to keep it operating.
I enjoyed one quote in particular in the S-R insert by Ed Down, chair of the current board of trust: "We have the building, the equipment and the room to adjust and evolve in an ever-changing environment. We are ready and able to chart the course for first class health care in Oxford County."
With London-based EllisDon as the main builder, the new hospital, which I toured on a Doors Open Oxford day, is a stunning jump into the future for our area. The consortium also includes Honeywell with a 30-year management contract as part of Integrated Team Solutions.
Construction teams included Stantec Engineering for grading, roads and parking, plus Parkin Architects, unique financing through Fengate, and of course Infrastructure Ontario.
Veljovic said it this way in the S-R: "It took a talented team of professionals and construction trades people to deliver what we consider the best designed and best built hospital in Ontario."
For the first time ever, Woodstock has its own MRI (diagnostic imaging) equipment. This is wonderful news for Oxford, but also good news for the district as it will lower the ever-increasing demand on London and other neighbouring community hospitals. The Siemen's developed and manufactured MRI machine will eventually be used by more than 3,000 patients per year.
The previous Woodstock hospital had a CT scanner. A brand new CT scanner was installed in the new hospital which is the new generation of technology -- 256 slices of information gathered per rotation. Wow!
The S-R report stated that the final building cost will amount to approximately $160 million for the 350,000 sq ft facility. Overall, there will be up to 178 inpatient beds, 23 ER rooms, an adjoining but separate out-patient department, five larger operating rooms (previous hospital had four), as many as 12 dialysis chairs (up from six), state-of-the-art obstetrics, expanded mental health department, a larger pharmacy and lab services, and 600 new computers.
A statement by Dr Pongrac Kocsis -- president of the medical staff -- said it best, noting this facility will attract more health-care professionals to Woodstock.
Also important news is that some services offered off-site in the past, will now be housed at the hospital, including speech therapy (impediments and other delays), which was several city blocks away at the medical office at the renovated old Princess St School. Nutrition and diabetes education will now be in the hospital and not elsewhere, such as the Vance building.
While I was steeping tea, I sifted through the S-R section quite a bit and must congratulate Heather Rivers on her department-by-department analysis.
Finally, naturally the cafeteria services include Tim Hortons, and with regular fare from Morrison On The Go.
Mark Schadenberg
Sales Representative
Royal LePage Triland
(519) 537-1553
Thinking of a move? New construction or re-sale? Call me about real estate in Oxford County.
The grand olde facility on Riddell Street closes its doors forever. According to the website www.wgh.on.ca, parts of the current medical facility date back to 1895. There have been many additions, renovations and facelifts over the years, but the era of a hospital fronting on Riddell and calling the block of Brant, Wellington and Vincent streets home is now over.
Under the 'Media Centre' headline on the wgh.on.ca homepage you can find a direct link to a terrific informative 46-page insert produced recently by the Woodstock Sentinel-Review (S-R), which did a very effective job introducing the various departments and amenities to be provided at the new Woodstock Hospital, which swings its doors open today for the first time with its first patient transfer scheduled at 6.am.
The new hospital has the capacity for 178 beds plus the dozens of out-patient services available. According to a Sentinel (S-R) story on Friday, approximately 80 patients will be part of the move today.
The shape of the building is interesting with an almost 5-prong design with the largest area for administration and emergency (ER), while the four arms also have specific uses. In the middle is a courtyard.
The location is important as it is in Woodstock's south for quick access on 401 for transportation purposes. The Juliana Drive / Athlone Avenue area has changed significantly in recent years when you also factor in the new Woodingford Lodge retirement home and residential subdivisions.
The list of people making the new hospital possible is extremely long from management to politicians, donors to fundraisers, doctors to nurses, construction crews to logistical planners.
The Woodstock Hospital Foundation board, and Building The Vision campaign (wghfoundation.ca; 519-421-4226) raised millions -- more than $25 million.
Hospital CEO and president Natasa Veljovic has been tying together all the loose strings throughout the process. Among those from the current hospital with a significant role in the entire transition has been vice president of services Perry Lang.
Since I write here, I can certainly do some name dropping (Not a thorough list). I think of Glen McDonald, the late David Lowes, Carole Wilson, Ed Down, Bill Carrothers, John McDougall, Harvey Hunt, Vicki Davey, Bill Mackesy, Paul LeRoy, Terry Thompson, Ann Ash, Sheri Knott, Diane Werby, Brent VanParys, Wilma Boughtflower, Ken Whiteford, Don Reeder, Brad Janssen, and many many more people who have sat on committees or balanced the books to organize the raising of dollars (Isabelle Baird, Jan Matwey, Donna Harcourt, Evelyn Barnett, Barbara Blott, Louise Tuffnail, Jean Caskey, . . . ) and keeping the idea of a brand new hospital alive for many years until the reality of this day.
Even though I'm a proud Royal LePage Realtor, I recognize the efforts of Century 21 locally and its annual Golden Gala benefit which set a goal, reached it and surpassed it. Funds have been earmarked to this project from the remarkable volunteer efforts of the hospital auxiliary, along with a tip-of-the-iceberg partial list of quilt sales, auctions, and walk-a-thons/races (Dairy Capital Run).
The hospital is also 'home' for more than 150 volunteers, who assist in various capacities.
Substantial donations arrived from many families -- Rogers (Communications), Wettlaufer, Jasinski, Lockwood, and others.
Initial provincial approval for a new hospital in Woodstock was granted way back in 2000, I believe.
The frustration of the process going forward from there must have been tremendous at times as the plan was to construct a brand new location, but government changes at the provincial level and many other factors resulted in delays. At the same time, how many bandaids and braces could be put on the old hospital to keep it operating.
I enjoyed one quote in particular in the S-R insert by Ed Down, chair of the current board of trust: "We have the building, the equipment and the room to adjust and evolve in an ever-changing environment. We are ready and able to chart the course for first class health care in Oxford County."
With London-based EllisDon as the main builder, the new hospital, which I toured on a Doors Open Oxford day, is a stunning jump into the future for our area. The consortium also includes Honeywell with a 30-year management contract as part of Integrated Team Solutions.
Construction teams included Stantec Engineering for grading, roads and parking, plus Parkin Architects, unique financing through Fengate, and of course Infrastructure Ontario.
Veljovic said it this way in the S-R: "It took a talented team of professionals and construction trades people to deliver what we consider the best designed and best built hospital in Ontario."
For the first time ever, Woodstock has its own MRI (diagnostic imaging) equipment. This is wonderful news for Oxford, but also good news for the district as it will lower the ever-increasing demand on London and other neighbouring community hospitals. The Siemen's developed and manufactured MRI machine will eventually be used by more than 3,000 patients per year.
The previous Woodstock hospital had a CT scanner. A brand new CT scanner was installed in the new hospital which is the new generation of technology -- 256 slices of information gathered per rotation. Wow!
The S-R report stated that the final building cost will amount to approximately $160 million for the 350,000 sq ft facility. Overall, there will be up to 178 inpatient beds, 23 ER rooms, an adjoining but separate out-patient department, five larger operating rooms (previous hospital had four), as many as 12 dialysis chairs (up from six), state-of-the-art obstetrics, expanded mental health department, a larger pharmacy and lab services, and 600 new computers.
A statement by Dr Pongrac Kocsis -- president of the medical staff -- said it best, noting this facility will attract more health-care professionals to Woodstock.
Also important news is that some services offered off-site in the past, will now be housed at the hospital, including speech therapy (impediments and other delays), which was several city blocks away at the medical office at the renovated old Princess St School. Nutrition and diabetes education will now be in the hospital and not elsewhere, such as the Vance building.
While I was steeping tea, I sifted through the S-R section quite a bit and must congratulate Heather Rivers on her department-by-department analysis.
Finally, naturally the cafeteria services include Tim Hortons, and with regular fare from Morrison On The Go.
Mark Schadenberg
Sales Representative
Royal LePage Triland
(519) 537-1553
Thinking of a move? New construction or re-sale? Call me about real estate in Oxford County.
Wednesday 16 November 2011
I might need winter tires
The tires on my car are about 3 years old, and by all reports I have seen or even heard on talk radio about winter driving safety, I believe I may need winter tires. What to do?
The biggest news to me is that once it gets below 7C regular year-round tires become less effective. Therefore, a decision to install winter tires is based as much on temperature as it is snowfall.
Here's a story I borrowed from Yahoo!
()()()()()
The biggest news to me is that once it gets below 7C regular year-round tires become less effective. Therefore, a decision to install winter tires is based as much on temperature as it is snowfall.
Here's a story I borrowed from Yahoo!
()()()()()
Do you need winter tires?
- Jeff Voth
“Tis the season to be jolly”, or so claims the famous Christmas song we know and enjoy at this time of year. But does this hold true when it comes to driving our vehicles as temperatures drop, snow starts to fall and winter shovels replace garden rakes at the side of the shed?
With each change of season comes the need to adjust our driving habits and the equipment found on our vehicles. Although all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles offer greater traction and all-weather drivability in general, they can be just as hazardous as any other vehicle when equipped with all-season or "M + S" tires in the winter.
All-season tires are designed to perform best when the temperature exceeds 7°C. Below this, they become hard and begin to lose grip. Winter tires are specifically designed to remain flexible in cold weather. Plus, their deeper tread pattern acts as a shovel to clear away snow and water from the tire as it rotates. With more rubber exposed to the road surface, traction improves dramatically when compared to all-season tires.
The hard part is, however, investing in winter tires can be very expensive. In fact, a full set of four “snow” tires (it is never recommended to use only 2 winter tires even on a front-wheel drive vehicle), will easily cost upwards of $600.00, plus fees for mounting and a set of seasonal steel rims. Should you spend the extra money? In general, yes.
Let’s say, for example, you drive back and forth from the country or suburban areas to the city each day for work, plus spend time taking the kids to the arena and running a few errands. If this is your typical winter day of driving, snow tires are definitely worth the investment.
On the other hand, should you live in a major city with easy access to mass transit once the snow starts to fly, the added expense of winter tires may not be worth the investment. Traction will certainly improve on your vehicle, but your money may be better spent taking the bus or subway and letting someone else do the winter driving instead of you.
To better test the theory of winter tires, we contacted Continental Tires of Canada this past winter and asked them to supply two different sets of winter tires for long term evaluation. The late model test mules used in our evaluation represented everyday vehicles, typical of what many Canadians drive.
The first was a set of 215/55R16 Altimax Arctic tires from General Tire. Designed to aid in cold weather driving, key features and benefits included the following:
Features:
- Multi-Angle Sipe System
- Directional Pattern with Center Stability Rib
- Reactive Contour Technology (RCT)
- All-Weather Dual Tread Compound
- Multi-Angle Sipe System
- Directional Pattern with Center Stability Rib
- Reactive Contour Technology (RCT)
- All-Weather Dual Tread Compound
Benefits:
- 270 degrees of sipes with biting edges that enhance traction in any direction of travel.
- Water evacuation is amplified and straight-line stability is improved.
- Contour reacts to different road conditions to maintain optimum contact with road surface throughout the life of the tire.
- Exceptional cold-weather flexibility and excellent wet traction.
The second set we tested over the winter of 2010-2011 was the top-of-the-line 195/65R15 ExtremeWinterContact Continental Tires. Designed to look and perform at the highest level, features and benefits included the following:
- 270 degrees of sipes with biting edges that enhance traction in any direction of travel.
- Water evacuation is amplified and straight-line stability is improved.
- Contour reacts to different road conditions to maintain optimum contact with road surface throughout the life of the tire.
- Exceptional cold-weather flexibility and excellent wet traction.
The second set we tested over the winter of 2010-2011 was the top-of-the-line 195/65R15 ExtremeWinterContact Continental Tires. Designed to look and perform at the highest level, features and benefits included the following:
Features:
- Compact outside tread with elevated lateral grooves
- Inclined longitudinal grooves
- Maximum void and grip edges in center contact patch with traction ridges in grooves
- High sipe density. Highly flexible compound
- Compact outside tread with elevated lateral grooves
- Inclined longitudinal grooves
- Maximum void and grip edges in center contact patch with traction ridges in grooves
- High sipe density. Highly flexible compound
Benefits:
- Improved dry handling
- Swift removal of water
- Excellent traction and braking on snow
- Reduced braking distance
- Improved dry handling
- Swift removal of water
- Excellent traction and braking on snow
- Reduced braking distance
Over the course of a five month period, we drove both sets of tires on city and country roads, in blinding snowstorms and on clear days when it was simply too cold for mere mortal man to enjoy. We also spent time driving when the weather was clear, above freezing and, for the most part, favourable.
Both sets of tires performed flawlessly, providing superior contact with the road in every case when compared to equally new, all-season tires. This should hold true for any competitive tire of equal value and age to the Continental tires we tested. Why? Simply put, winter tires are specifically designed to work best when the weather turns cold and all-season tires are optimized for warm weather driving.
Winter driving is a fact of life in Canada. That doesn’t mean we always have to enjoy it when the weather outside turns frightful. But, with the right set of winter tires, it may be somewhat less intimidating and potentially a little fun. Spring is still a long ways off. Put on some “snows” and have a safe driving winter.
Both sets of tires performed flawlessly, providing superior contact with the road in every case when compared to equally new, all-season tires. This should hold true for any competitive tire of equal value and age to the Continental tires we tested. Why? Simply put, winter tires are specifically designed to work best when the weather turns cold and all-season tires are optimized for warm weather driving.
Winter driving is a fact of life in Canada. That doesn’t mean we always have to enjoy it when the weather outside turns frightful. But, with the right set of winter tires, it may be somewhat less intimidating and potentially a little fun. Spring is still a long ways off. Put on some “snows” and have a safe driving winter.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Time Management Time With Fellow Realtors
Thursdays With Melanie & Company
In the real estate world -- just like any sales and marketing career -- there are seminars to attend, referral networks to maintain, and countless personal planning sessions offered.
At last week's Trilanders think-tank, a group of Royal LePage Realtors gathered to remind ourselves of what we already know, but need to keep top-of-mind. Time management skills can be nurtured and then ignored, perfected and then not always relied upon.
At the end of the day, a Realtor must be structured, but then the phone rings and I run.
Name dropping all those in attendance last week: Melanie Pearce, Peggy Stewart, Dianne Hanbidge, Kelley McIntyre, Nicole McKenzie, and Hazel Sinclair, we all realized that agents need a game plan and these defined -- but individual -- guidelines should be adhered to. In other words, what works for me, might not be a successful playbook item for someone else.
The common thread, however, surrounds being organized and structured. One person said they actually turn off their computer (email and social media access) and cell phone for about four hours midweek to literally break down everything on their schedule and set priorities. They 'block' this time.
One of the main reasons to have effective systems in place is that when you're busy, you're in theory still finding time to find new business -- prospecting.
I have a program called Top Producer, which I use extensively, and it's more than just a database of names, addresses and phone numbers. This so-called alphabetical 'sphere of influence' includes contacts from my years as sports editor of The Sentinel-Review, friends from the Lions Club and Cancer Society's Relay For Life, the city's recreation advisory committee, my past involvement with the local sports celebrity dinner, past clients, and hopeful future clients. It sounds cliche that it's a fluid list, but right now when I'm preparing to deliver or mail 2012 client calendars, I spend a lot of time with address labels.
Back on topic here, when the job description of a Realtor is looked at, it includes many roles: marketing expert, statistician, internet analyst, writer and researcher, desktop publisher, amateur inspector (hire a pro when you sign a conditional offer), communicator, negotiator and photographer. The interesting connection with a camera is usually the agents who can take the best pictures themselves therefore know the importance of depicting a property, especially online, so they usually also go the extra mile to hire a pro with a tri-pod and software to create a virtual tour. If you're thinking of hiring your 'friend' the Realtor to sell your house, look at their listings on www.Realtor.ca to determine if that person should be interviewed for the job.
Getting back to Thursdays With Melanie (You've heard of Tuesdays With Morrie), one rep discussed how she colour-coded her lists of email connections -- clients, lawyers, inspectors, mortgage reps, other agents, etc. Another good idea was to set the time of day that your emails are sent out, and what type of drip marketing materials are available through the company's local and national internal websites.
The bottom line, when you're self employed or an independent contractor -- and I am (I get paid solely on my own sales) -- it's easy to convince yourself that you're busy. As I type this, the Leafs are playing on the tube, but I hardly realize they have scored a pair to even up the score by late in the third period. I will, however, take a break and watch the overtime.
By the way, if you would like to receive a 2012 desk calendar from me, simply email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
If you're thinking of selling or buying in the near future, call me today at (519) 537-1553. If you want to explore another city for a possible move, call me first as I have many 'network' Realtors.
Since I haven't perfected my time management, I will now finish spell-checking, then walk away from my keyboard and get back to those address stickers.
In the real estate world -- just like any sales and marketing career -- there are seminars to attend, referral networks to maintain, and countless personal planning sessions offered.
At last week's Trilanders think-tank, a group of Royal LePage Realtors gathered to remind ourselves of what we already know, but need to keep top-of-mind. Time management skills can be nurtured and then ignored, perfected and then not always relied upon.
At the end of the day, a Realtor must be structured, but then the phone rings and I run.
Name dropping all those in attendance last week: Melanie Pearce, Peggy Stewart, Dianne Hanbidge, Kelley McIntyre, Nicole McKenzie, and Hazel Sinclair, we all realized that agents need a game plan and these defined -- but individual -- guidelines should be adhered to. In other words, what works for me, might not be a successful playbook item for someone else.
The common thread, however, surrounds being organized and structured. One person said they actually turn off their computer (email and social media access) and cell phone for about four hours midweek to literally break down everything on their schedule and set priorities. They 'block' this time.
One of the main reasons to have effective systems in place is that when you're busy, you're in theory still finding time to find new business -- prospecting.
I have a program called Top Producer, which I use extensively, and it's more than just a database of names, addresses and phone numbers. This so-called alphabetical 'sphere of influence' includes contacts from my years as sports editor of The Sentinel-Review, friends from the Lions Club and Cancer Society's Relay For Life, the city's recreation advisory committee, my past involvement with the local sports celebrity dinner, past clients, and hopeful future clients. It sounds cliche that it's a fluid list, but right now when I'm preparing to deliver or mail 2012 client calendars, I spend a lot of time with address labels.
Back on topic here, when the job description of a Realtor is looked at, it includes many roles: marketing expert, statistician, internet analyst, writer and researcher, desktop publisher, amateur inspector (hire a pro when you sign a conditional offer), communicator, negotiator and photographer. The interesting connection with a camera is usually the agents who can take the best pictures themselves therefore know the importance of depicting a property, especially online, so they usually also go the extra mile to hire a pro with a tri-pod and software to create a virtual tour. If you're thinking of hiring your 'friend' the Realtor to sell your house, look at their listings on www.Realtor.ca to determine if that person should be interviewed for the job.
Getting back to Thursdays With Melanie (You've heard of Tuesdays With Morrie), one rep discussed how she colour-coded her lists of email connections -- clients, lawyers, inspectors, mortgage reps, other agents, etc. Another good idea was to set the time of day that your emails are sent out, and what type of drip marketing materials are available through the company's local and national internal websites.
The bottom line, when you're self employed or an independent contractor -- and I am (I get paid solely on my own sales) -- it's easy to convince yourself that you're busy. As I type this, the Leafs are playing on the tube, but I hardly realize they have scored a pair to even up the score by late in the third period. I will, however, take a break and watch the overtime.
By the way, if you would like to receive a 2012 desk calendar from me, simply email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
If you're thinking of selling or buying in the near future, call me today at (519) 537-1553. If you want to explore another city for a possible move, call me first as I have many 'network' Realtors.
Since I haven't perfected my time management, I will now finish spell-checking, then walk away from my keyboard and get back to those address stickers.
Thursday 10 November 2011
Max Domi will likely be dominate in OHL
If you read Canadian Press sports stories a lot, or maybe stumbled upon a feature about Max Domi of the London Knights on tsn.ca, Metro papers or Yahoo Sports!, what you might not realize is that as a freelancer I was the writer.
Anyway, here's the version I submitted. As per usual, CP did a good job of editing -- shifting some sentences and improving flow.
Max Domi destined for pro hockey career
Mark Schadenberg
LONDON -- Ignore the name on the back of the jersey -- simply watch and admire his game.
Max Domi is a remarkable talent -- possibly the top future-pro prospect among all 1995 players in the Ontario Hockey League. The London Knights centre leads all rookies with eight goals, including 19 points and just 16 penalty minutes in 18 games, and displays a rare combination of composure, creativity and vision.
Domi has the ability to back-check inside his own zone, start an offensive rush, stop on a dime and click with an accurate pass to a teammate. The OHL leader in plus/minus is London defenceman Scott Harrington at +18. Max Domi is +14, to simply confirm that his hockey sense is beyond his years, and depicts why NHL scouts looking at the horizon to the 2013 draft, look closely at Tie Domi's son.
Tie Domi played 16 years in the NHL and is third all-time in penalty minutes. Max's coach Dale Hunter, meanwhile, is second all-time on that same list.
While Max certainly demonstrates a tenacious effort -- his future is all about displaying a flair for offence and becoming a complete player in all three zones.
"I like to try to play in my own zone first and work from there -- play from 'D' side and then out," says Max. "I also try to play a little physical. I find that I've had my most success in the offensive zone when passing the puck."
A grad of the Don Mills Flyers AAA program, Max Domi paced Don Mills to a GTHL (Greater Toronto league) title last year and then second place at the OHL Cup season-ending tourney. Under head coach Bob Marshall, the Flyers (blueliners Darnell Nurse in Sault Ste. Marie and Adam Bateman in Windsor are also Flyers grads and first-round OHL draftees) would win 60 of 74 games.
"Max has outstanding offensive skills and instincts," says Marshall. "I think what gets lost with all his offensive abilities is how sound he is defensively and how hard he has worked to learn and continue to learn how to play in his own end and without the puck. Some kids are gifted and they just take it for granted and get by on that, but Max is one of the hardest working kids I have been around in practice and in his off ice training.
"I think that's what will seperate him from the pack," added Marshall.
When talking about his own abilities, Max Domi is quick to be modest and deflect instead to team goals.
"He is a very polite well-mannered kid," continued Marshall. "He makes everyone around him feel welcome and important."
After Don Mills, Max Domi was drafted eighth overall by the Kingston Frontenacs at last May's OHL priority selection, but opted not to report to the club operated by two of Tie's former teammates in Toronto -- general manager Doug Gilmour and coach Todd Gill. On Aug. 30 as league training camps began, Kingston would trade Max's rights to the Knights for what amounts to three future second-round picks.
Elite hockey is certainly a year-round pursuit. Working with skating coach Darryl Belfry this past summer, Max Domi feels he made a lot of progress in preparing for a 68-game OHL schedule. If a golf coach can dissect a swing, Belfry could be described as a skating analyst.
"(Darryl) works a lot with video. He'll take a look at my stride -- cross-overs and my shooting stride -- and he will break it down," described Domi. "This summer I was working on my cross-overs a lot. I had a choppy cross-over. I've had three other skating coaches in the past that couldn't crack the code in improving my cross-overs."
Listed at a somewhat generous 5'10" in the Knights program, Max Domi is a skilled forward, and not the agitating player his dad was with the original Winnipeg Jets, Rangers and Maple Leafs.
"I like to pass and make the guys around me better," said Domi. "Since I was very young, I've always liked to pass. My dad used to get mad at me for passing too much.
"It's a natural instinct for me to pass and not shoot on a two-on-one."
In his first OHL regular season game, Max Domi had no problem shooting, recording a hat trick in an 8-0 win over Saginaw on Sept. 23.
Knights first-year assistant coach Dylan Hunter knows all about the difficulty in following a famous parent. Dylan, who won a Memorial Cup with the Knights in 2005, is Dale Hunter's son and another hockey mind who is impressed with the young Domi.
"Max has exemplary skills. He is a very powerful skater with a strong stride, and for his age he's very hard to knock off the puck," said Dylan Hunter. "He's a tremendous athlete, who passes the puck hard -- he doesn't chip it forward to his teammates, he wires it."
Domi and London teammate Bo Horvat both were members of Team Ontario Under-16 at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax. Both are now hoping to have their names announced in the next week or so for the Ontario Under-17 entry at the World Hockey Challenge, set for Windsor, Dec 29 - Jan 4.
Under coach Dale Hunter's systems, Max plays mostly at centre, but is also taking a few shifts on the wing. Hunter doesn't believe in lines set in stone, and at the same time Max says he enjoys learning some different concepts.
"I'm practising a lot lately at centre and the wing," says Max. "It's fun to learn both positions."
Max maintains his high-level of activity despite a requirement to monitor a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, which is an ailment he has in common with teammate and Bruins prospect Jared Knight. While Tie wore jersey 28 and Max's hero Mats Sundin was No. 13, Tie selected 16 to recognize Bobby Clarke and the extensive NHL career compiled by the former Philadelphia captain who was a NHL star despite diabetes.
The Knights have completed more than a quarter of the schedule and not only reside in top spot in the league at 15-2-1, but have been ranked No 1 four consecutive weeks in the CHL.
London appears to be a good mix of veteran forwards like Knight, Tampa draftee Vladislav Namestnikov, plus Seth Griffith and Dane Fox, along with a tremendous trio of sophomores in twins Matt and Ryan Rupert, along with Andreas Athanasiou. The blueline is likewise formidable with Montreal-signed tower and first-rounder Jarred Tinordi, and Pittsburgh pick Harrington.
Maybe it's the surname recognition or the obvious immense potential, but Max Domi appears to have all the tools. With dad Tie now a regular at Knights home games, Max doesn't have far to look for inspiration.
"I've never seen anyone with as much heart and work ethic as my dad had in the NHL. He played many many years in the NHL and has shown me with his intensity what it takes to be a professional athlete, and he's always there for me if I have a question to ask," said Max.
The younger Domi wants to follow the likes of Corey Perry, Patrick Kane, Dave Bolland, Sam Gagner, John Carlson and Brandon Prust -- from London to the NHL.
"He's an elite player," adds Knights assistant GM Misha Donskov. "He's a great kid and a character player. He has vision on the ice and impresses everyone with the hard passes right on the tape."
Anyway, here's the version I submitted. As per usual, CP did a good job of editing -- shifting some sentences and improving flow.
Max Domi destined for pro hockey career
Mark Schadenberg
LONDON -- Ignore the name on the back of the jersey -- simply watch and admire his game.
Max Domi is a remarkable talent -- possibly the top future-pro prospect among all 1995 players in the Ontario Hockey League. The London Knights centre leads all rookies with eight goals, including 19 points and just 16 penalty minutes in 18 games, and displays a rare combination of composure, creativity and vision.
Domi has the ability to back-check inside his own zone, start an offensive rush, stop on a dime and click with an accurate pass to a teammate. The OHL leader in plus/minus is London defenceman Scott Harrington at +18. Max Domi is +14, to simply confirm that his hockey sense is beyond his years, and depicts why NHL scouts looking at the horizon to the 2013 draft, look closely at Tie Domi's son.
Tie Domi played 16 years in the NHL and is third all-time in penalty minutes. Max's coach Dale Hunter, meanwhile, is second all-time on that same list.
While Max certainly demonstrates a tenacious effort -- his future is all about displaying a flair for offence and becoming a complete player in all three zones.
"I like to try to play in my own zone first and work from there -- play from 'D' side and then out," says Max. "I also try to play a little physical. I find that I've had my most success in the offensive zone when passing the puck."
A grad of the Don Mills Flyers AAA program, Max Domi paced Don Mills to a GTHL (Greater Toronto league) title last year and then second place at the OHL Cup season-ending tourney. Under head coach Bob Marshall, the Flyers (blueliners Darnell Nurse in Sault Ste. Marie and Adam Bateman in Windsor are also Flyers grads and first-round OHL draftees) would win 60 of 74 games.
"Max has outstanding offensive skills and instincts," says Marshall. "I think what gets lost with all his offensive abilities is how sound he is defensively and how hard he has worked to learn and continue to learn how to play in his own end and without the puck. Some kids are gifted and they just take it for granted and get by on that, but Max is one of the hardest working kids I have been around in practice and in his off ice training.
"I think that's what will seperate him from the pack," added Marshall.
When talking about his own abilities, Max Domi is quick to be modest and deflect instead to team goals.
"He is a very polite well-mannered kid," continued Marshall. "He makes everyone around him feel welcome and important."
After Don Mills, Max Domi was drafted eighth overall by the Kingston Frontenacs at last May's OHL priority selection, but opted not to report to the club operated by two of Tie's former teammates in Toronto -- general manager Doug Gilmour and coach Todd Gill. On Aug. 30 as league training camps began, Kingston would trade Max's rights to the Knights for what amounts to three future second-round picks.
Elite hockey is certainly a year-round pursuit. Working with skating coach Darryl Belfry this past summer, Max Domi feels he made a lot of progress in preparing for a 68-game OHL schedule. If a golf coach can dissect a swing, Belfry could be described as a skating analyst.
"(Darryl) works a lot with video. He'll take a look at my stride -- cross-overs and my shooting stride -- and he will break it down," described Domi. "This summer I was working on my cross-overs a lot. I had a choppy cross-over. I've had three other skating coaches in the past that couldn't crack the code in improving my cross-overs."
Listed at a somewhat generous 5'10" in the Knights program, Max Domi is a skilled forward, and not the agitating player his dad was with the original Winnipeg Jets, Rangers and Maple Leafs.
"I like to pass and make the guys around me better," said Domi. "Since I was very young, I've always liked to pass. My dad used to get mad at me for passing too much.
"It's a natural instinct for me to pass and not shoot on a two-on-one."
In his first OHL regular season game, Max Domi had no problem shooting, recording a hat trick in an 8-0 win over Saginaw on Sept. 23.
Knights first-year assistant coach Dylan Hunter knows all about the difficulty in following a famous parent. Dylan, who won a Memorial Cup with the Knights in 2005, is Dale Hunter's son and another hockey mind who is impressed with the young Domi.
"Max has exemplary skills. He is a very powerful skater with a strong stride, and for his age he's very hard to knock off the puck," said Dylan Hunter. "He's a tremendous athlete, who passes the puck hard -- he doesn't chip it forward to his teammates, he wires it."
Domi and London teammate Bo Horvat both were members of Team Ontario Under-16 at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax. Both are now hoping to have their names announced in the next week or so for the Ontario Under-17 entry at the World Hockey Challenge, set for Windsor, Dec 29 - Jan 4.
Under coach Dale Hunter's systems, Max plays mostly at centre, but is also taking a few shifts on the wing. Hunter doesn't believe in lines set in stone, and at the same time Max says he enjoys learning some different concepts.
"I'm practising a lot lately at centre and the wing," says Max. "It's fun to learn both positions."
Max maintains his high-level of activity despite a requirement to monitor a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, which is an ailment he has in common with teammate and Bruins prospect Jared Knight. While Tie wore jersey 28 and Max's hero Mats Sundin was No. 13, Tie selected 16 to recognize Bobby Clarke and the extensive NHL career compiled by the former Philadelphia captain who was a NHL star despite diabetes.
The Knights have completed more than a quarter of the schedule and not only reside in top spot in the league at 15-2-1, but have been ranked No 1 four consecutive weeks in the CHL.
London appears to be a good mix of veteran forwards like Knight, Tampa draftee Vladislav Namestnikov, plus Seth Griffith and Dane Fox, along with a tremendous trio of sophomores in twins Matt and Ryan Rupert, along with Andreas Athanasiou. The blueline is likewise formidable with Montreal-signed tower and first-rounder Jarred Tinordi, and Pittsburgh pick Harrington.
Maybe it's the surname recognition or the obvious immense potential, but Max Domi appears to have all the tools. With dad Tie now a regular at Knights home games, Max doesn't have far to look for inspiration.
"I've never seen anyone with as much heart and work ethic as my dad had in the NHL. He played many many years in the NHL and has shown me with his intensity what it takes to be a professional athlete, and he's always there for me if I have a question to ask," said Max.
The younger Domi wants to follow the likes of Corey Perry, Patrick Kane, Dave Bolland, Sam Gagner, John Carlson and Brandon Prust -- from London to the NHL.
"He's an elite player," adds Knights assistant GM Misha Donskov. "He's a great kid and a character player. He has vision on the ice and impresses everyone with the hard passes right on the tape."
Thursday 3 November 2011
PM Meighen's homestead doesn't sell in auction
To follow up on an item in my November Newsletter, the childhood home of former Prime Minister Arthur Meighen did not sell on auction on Oct. 28.
Arthur Meighen house fails to sell
Auction was held Oct 29.
Tristan Hopper, NATIONAL POST
Former prime minister Arthur Meighen’s statue was deemed too ugly for Parliament Hill, his portrait was nailed up in the House of Commons without a dedication ceremony and now nobody seems to want to buy his childhood home.
In a Saturday auction, the three-bedroom house in Anderson, 40 kilometres north of London, Ont., failed to attract any bid higher than $372,000 — well below the reserve.
“We had a lot of people going through the house, but when push came to shove bidders just didn’t come through,” said Brent Shackleton, the home’s auctioneer. “To be honest, it was simply a lot of curious people.”
Meighen’s old school in nearby St. Mary’s, Ont., also did not sell after going under the gavel last week.
Canada’s ninth prime minister lived in the former farmhouse for the first 12 years of his life.
“When we bought the house we didn’t even know he was the Prime Minister of Canada,” says owner Fred Lewis, who purchased the house in 1985 with his wife Joanne.
“My wife just saw it and fell in love with it.”
After she died in 2009, he decided to sell.
The 1840s-era fieldstone house, which has a library and a detached carriage house, is located on 3.3 acres of herb gardens and orchards. It was badly in need of repairs when they moved in, but Mr. Lewis carefully restored the property to his wife’s specifications.
“I can’t just give the house away,” he said.
“Money’s not the most important thing in the world, but I worked so hard and spent a fortune.”
Nevertheless, “99.9% of people” who toured the house had no intention of buying it, he said. “It was something to do on a Saturday.”
The first prime minister born after Confederation, Meighen had only two brief stints in high office — 15 months in 1920-21 and three months in 1926. He attempted a comeback by running as a Conservative in Toronto in 1942, but was handily beaten by a Co-operative Commonwealth Federation candidate.
Although dubbed one of the greatest debaters to serve in the House of Commons, Meighen’s slim political, record has afforded him few of the usual accolades given to former prime ministers. Books and essays on him are comparatively sparse.
In 1968, federally commissioned sculptors crafted a highly stylized statue of Meighen, but it was ultimately stashed in an Ottawa warehouse out of fear its grotesque appearance would be seen as a criticism of the Conservative leader. In the 1980s, the sculpture was quietly moved to a small park in St. Mary’s.
Meighen’s official House of Commons portrait was scheduled for an official unveiling in the late 1940s, but was cancelled when then-prime Minister Louis St. Laurent called in sick.
Want to buy a House? Start a RRSP today !
My friends at Dominion Lending Services offer this information on how you could start a RRSP today and withdraw that money after 90 days to assist in purcahsing a home within the next 5 months.
Read on:
Should you use your RRSP’s to purchase a new home?
This type of question goes through the minds of many Canadians who are buying a home. The Home Buyer’s Plan allows qualified home buyers to use up to $25,000 in each of their RRSP’s to purchase a home. In order to qualify for the Home Buyers’ Plan you must be considered a First-Time Home Buyer.
An overview of the Home Buyers’ Plan
You and your spouse/partner can each borrow up to $25,000 each from your RRSPs to purchase a home, as long as the funds are accessible. For example, if you have a "locked-in" RRSP, or if your funds are in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate that does not mature for three years, you may not be able to access your funds. Furthermore, RRSP contributions must remain in the RSP for at least 90 days.
If you are withdrawing funds from your RRSP to purchase a home, you must be registered as one of the owners of the property. Once the funds are withdrawn you must complete your purchase of the home by October 1 of year following the withdrawal. The home must also be used as your principal residence within one year after buying or building it.
RSP Home Buyers Plan
If you have decided to purchase a home but don’t have a downpayment or perhaps you do have a downpayment but would like to increase your downpayment, or maybe you need to buy furniture and appliances, but you don’t have the cash, then consider using the RSP Homebuyers Plan (HBP). The HBP allows you to withdraw up to $25,000 from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP’s) to buy a home for yourself, without having to pay income tax.
But I don’t have $25,000 in my RSP!
Take out a homebuyers RRSP Loan!
How does it work?
Your financial institution will lend you $25,000, if you have the contribution room, for 90 days and deposit the $25,000 into an RSP. Under the new rules of the HBP, you can borrow your unused RSP contribution limits to obtain an income tax refund for use as a downpayment on a home. After the 90 days, the bank is repaid by your collapsing the RSP (so your cost is basically 3 months interest).
What good is that? I won’t have a loan, an RSP or money for a downpayment?
True, but you will have an Income Tax Receipt for $25,000 to deduct from your taxable income when you file your tax return this year and depending on your marginal tax rate, this should generate an income tax refund anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 which can help to purchase a home!!
That sounds too good to be true! What’s the catch?
The Government requires you to put this $25,000 back into your RSP but they give you 15 years to do it! If your minimum repayment is not made, then the payment is taxed as income for the year it is due. The repayment of 1/15th of the amount withdrawn must be made by the RRSP contribution deadline of a given year. You must contribute the minimum repayment back to your RRSP each year, but you can also repay the entire amount at any given time. Your repayment period starts the 2nd year following the year the withdrawals were made. However, the repayments are not tax deductible like the original RRSP contributions; and they do not use up the RRSP contribution room.
Deciding whether to use the Home Buyers’ Plan becomes a lifestyle choice. If you are certain that it is the right time to purchase a home, and you have the opportunity to utilize the Home Buyer’s Plan, then it’s perfect.
The good new is, at the end of 15 years, you will have increased your Net Worth and you have a home possibly for less money and at less cost than you would have had by waiting!! This is a great window of opportunity open from now until the RSP deadline for contributions in March!
Further information can be found by visiting the Revenue Canada Website at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us !
Rita Nicholson, 519-636-2946
Leanne Schonberger, 519-532-7084
Read on:
Should you use your RRSP’s to purchase a new home?
This type of question goes through the minds of many Canadians who are buying a home. The Home Buyer’s Plan allows qualified home buyers to use up to $25,000 in each of their RRSP’s to purchase a home. In order to qualify for the Home Buyers’ Plan you must be considered a First-Time Home Buyer.
An overview of the Home Buyers’ Plan
You and your spouse/partner can each borrow up to $25,000 each from your RRSPs to purchase a home, as long as the funds are accessible. For example, if you have a "locked-in" RRSP, or if your funds are in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate that does not mature for three years, you may not be able to access your funds. Furthermore, RRSP contributions must remain in the RSP for at least 90 days.
If you are withdrawing funds from your RRSP to purchase a home, you must be registered as one of the owners of the property. Once the funds are withdrawn you must complete your purchase of the home by October 1 of year following the withdrawal. The home must also be used as your principal residence within one year after buying or building it.
RSP Home Buyers Plan
If you have decided to purchase a home but don’t have a downpayment or perhaps you do have a downpayment but would like to increase your downpayment, or maybe you need to buy furniture and appliances, but you don’t have the cash, then consider using the RSP Homebuyers Plan (HBP). The HBP allows you to withdraw up to $25,000 from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP’s) to buy a home for yourself, without having to pay income tax.
But I don’t have $25,000 in my RSP!
Take out a homebuyers RRSP Loan!
How does it work?
Your financial institution will lend you $25,000, if you have the contribution room, for 90 days and deposit the $25,000 into an RSP. Under the new rules of the HBP, you can borrow your unused RSP contribution limits to obtain an income tax refund for use as a downpayment on a home. After the 90 days, the bank is repaid by your collapsing the RSP (so your cost is basically 3 months interest).
What good is that? I won’t have a loan, an RSP or money for a downpayment?
True, but you will have an Income Tax Receipt for $25,000 to deduct from your taxable income when you file your tax return this year and depending on your marginal tax rate, this should generate an income tax refund anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 which can help to purchase a home!!
That sounds too good to be true! What’s the catch?
The Government requires you to put this $25,000 back into your RSP but they give you 15 years to do it! If your minimum repayment is not made, then the payment is taxed as income for the year it is due. The repayment of 1/15th of the amount withdrawn must be made by the RRSP contribution deadline of a given year. You must contribute the minimum repayment back to your RRSP each year, but you can also repay the entire amount at any given time. Your repayment period starts the 2nd year following the year the withdrawals were made. However, the repayments are not tax deductible like the original RRSP contributions; and they do not use up the RRSP contribution room.
Deciding whether to use the Home Buyers’ Plan becomes a lifestyle choice. If you are certain that it is the right time to purchase a home, and you have the opportunity to utilize the Home Buyer’s Plan, then it’s perfect.
The good new is, at the end of 15 years, you will have increased your Net Worth and you have a home possibly for less money and at less cost than you would have had by waiting!! This is a great window of opportunity open from now until the RSP deadline for contributions in March!
Further information can be found by visiting the Revenue Canada Website at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us !
Rita Nicholson, 519-636-2946
Leanne Schonberger, 519-532-7084
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