Tuesday 31 March 2015

Summer Activities 2015 brochure now available

Four-page pamphlet inserted into this week's Oxford Shopping News
Summer camps -- indoor and outdoor -- so much fun and racquets

By Mark Schadenberg
It's snowing outside as I sit by my keyboard, but it's also the last day of March, so kids everywhere are starting to think about the last day of school in just about three months.
Parents, therefore, are beginning to look around for summer fun for their children.
Be sure to watch the Oxford Shopping News in your mailbox this week (actually now) as it includes the City of Woodstock guide brochure – Summer Activities 2015.
Even though it's just four pages, grab a sturdy fridge magnet as this 8.5' x 11' pamphlet has a ton of info, including the City's operated summer camps and their various themes.
The Aug. 4-7 adventure at Goff Hall at the community complex, for example, is called Under The Sea and the splashing fun includes a trip to Earl Haig Waterpark in nearby Brantford.
A popular theme with children's cartoons and video games is knights and princesses, so the Medieval Madness week will be popular in late August. Future scientists will want to attend the Silly Science week from Aug 17-21. This program series begins as soon as school ends as the first week is June 29 – July 3 and is the self-explanatory Animal Kingdom week.
The city has traditionally run camps in neighbourhood parks – 9 a.m. - noon and 1 – 4 p.m. This year's parks in the rotation include: Richardson (James St where there are tennis courts), Brompton Park (also has tennis courts and a terrific ball diamond), Ferncrest Park, Eastdale School (Alice Street), Hunting Estate (Actually that's Springbank School), Armstrong Park (Fifth Ave), Les McKerral Park (Between Sprucedale and Devonshire), and Victoria Park which is surrounded by Graham, Drew, Light and Buller streets. Eligible children are between the ages of 4 and 9. Be sure to check the Summer Activities 2015 guide for the dates in your neighbourhood.


The City of Woodstock summer programs are run by Patrick King, who is also the director of aquatics for the city as he is the boss of both the Southside Aquatics Centre (in Southside Park) and its water park with a big bucket and a slide, plus the 68-year-old Lions Pool on VanSittart Avenue.
With the installation of a brand new fully-accessible front door system and a more opened-up foyer the Southside Aquatic Centre continues to improve to serve swimmers, divers, adults in exercise programs, and newborns.
The 'spray and play' wading pool behind the Southside pool will be open when warmer temperatures arrive.
Besides cooling off in the water, Woodstock also features other sports-related recreation camps. There are eight weeks in the Sports FUNdamental Camp series this coming summer, which will be based at the Civic Centre Arena. It's hard to believe hockey season is already over at the city facility at the Nellis Street fairgrounds as the ice has been melted to get prepared for other activities, including a giant Easter party this Sunday (See posters below. Sponsored by city, Calvary Church, YMCA, and Erb Signs)
As for the summer months, many specific sports will be featured in different weeks as program names vary from world sports to court sports, and field sports to racquet sports. The registration fee is $150 for each week.
For more details, call the Southside pool at 421-7665 or visit the pool at 315 Finkle Street.

MANY MANY CAMPS
There are certainly many other summer camps possibilities – some held at local churches, while others are sports or fitness related, and others focus on signing and acting. Check out some of these sites:

www.kicknfx.com (Karate camp)
www.woodstocksoccer.com (See the poster)
www.stemcamp.ca (science, math and engineering)



Easter Egg Links:





Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas St, Woodstock
www.wesellwoodstock.com
(519) 537-1553, cell or text
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter: markroyallepage
Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination
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Monday 30 March 2015

Oxford County Council had 12 applications for grants / funding

Update on 2 affordable housing projects in Woodstock
Old factory on VanSittart & previous church on Riddell
By Mark Schadenberg
When the complex multi-layered process called government funding or grants is considered, it's often the “shovel-ready projects” which receive the go-ahead.
The County of Oxford is the administrator of affordable housing in the county, and Queen's Park had announced a deadline of Jan. 31, 2015 (from Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing) to utilize the cash allocated to Oxford, so last autumn county council essentially announced a contest (request for proposals) for the best project to receive funding. I know it's not really a contest and certainly not a lottery as there were a dozen applications from across Oxford in the tender system – each presenting a thorough report on their ideas.

FILTREC SCREENS
The winner was an owner of a former church on Riddell Street – across from Woodstock Collegiate Institute. A company called Filtrec Screens Inc is renovating the former house of worship into 27 apartments (20 affordable and seven at market rents), says Paul Beeton of the county. Filtrec receives more than $980,000 after being successful in this application (screening, pun intended) process.
If you have ever seen interior pictures of Central United Church (They were posted for anyone to see on mls.ca when the building was for sale, but I will still likely add one to the very end of this blog. Shhhhh!), one would have hoped for a conversion to a theatre for plays as it was almost a theatre-of-the-round. As a Realtor, I had seen many photos of the former church, but its new owner is ready to go on a conversion to (mostly) subsidized dwellings. It is truly always said that Woodstock lacks affordable residences.
Ingersoll, Embro, Tillsonburg, Thamesford and Innerkip projects were all vying for the available dollars.
The winning project was announced / approved at county council back on Jan. 28.
The good news for other developers / large-scale builders is that there will be four more deadlines in this 5-year funding exercise.



INDWELL
The reason I write about affordable housing now is that Indwell was among the 12 attempting to secure money in the county tender, and Indwell is currently in the local news as its transformation of 18 VanSittart (Old Harvey Woods plant) is almost complete. This was an energetic renovation as the former clothing factory had been vacant for about 20 years in a very visible location within the Friendly City.

Indwell is already well known in Woodstock as the administrator of the Blossom Park Road housing. Indwell, which had previously been known as Homestead Christian Care, has a projection of operating 54 units at the VanSittart site now and as many as 80 long term. The rejuvenation of the building was estimated to be around $6.5 million, as noted in previous published stories in The Sentinel-Review.
The Indwell website notes demand exists as they estimate 400 people in Oxford are waiting for affordable housing.
I certainly look forward to attending the grand opening of this good news addition to the city.
Graham Cubitt of Indwell says the Harvey Woods lofts project will assist physically challenged people and those on a fixed income, according to a 2013 statement in The Sentinel-Review:
“We are committed to serving people who are living with disability,” Cubitt said.
“Typically our tenants are living with a low income, ODSP is our tenants’ typical source of income and we made that clear.”
ABOUT INDWELL
The other truly terrific part about the Indwell construction process is the number of local contractors I have seen on site. Sierra Construction leads the list of Oxford County builders who are a part of the expertise there.
Residents may be moving in as early as May. Congratulations to the folks at Indwell, along with former Woodstock mayor Michael Harding who has been assisting in various areas on this revitalization of a 'brownfield' manufacturing building – everything from pushing a broom to acting as a delegation at Woodstock city council on zoning and site plan approvals.


LINKS:
http://www.1047.ca/news/local-news/affordable-housing-approved/
http://www.1047.ca/news/local-news/harvey-woods-building-nears-completion/
www.indwell.ca
file:///C:/Users/Dell/Downloads/Indwell-Strategic-Plan-Reader-Spreads-1e.pdf
http://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/upload/wiki.asp?entry=1122
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/4576370-new-name-new-project-for-affordable-housing-provider/
Story from before council meeting of Jan 28:
http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2015/01/26/oxford-county-council-considers-affordable-housing-development-proposal
Story from 2013 announcing VanSitart project:
http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2013/10/16/all-80-units-to-be-built-at-former-harvey-woods-building
Council Preview Story:
http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2015/01/26/oxford-county-council-considers-affordable-housing-development-proposal



Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas St, Woodstock
www.wesellwoodstock.com
(519) 537-1553, cell or text
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter: markroyallepage
Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination



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Thursday 26 March 2015

Safety is top priority for Moms looking at a car purchase

Toronto Star story lists top 10 amenities wanted in a family vehicle

By Mark Schadenberg
As a Realtor, I always point out the importance of creating your prioritized top 10 list of amenities you seek in a home purchase – ingredients for number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, size of lot, garage or not, location (neighbourhood), older or newer, big eat-in kitchen or formal dining room or both, bungalow or back split or traditional two-storey, and your top dollar you can spend based on your income and your comfort level (and what you have been pre-qualified for).

Now, if you were going to purchase a family car, would you not want the same idea?
The website www.wheels.ca, which is part of the Toronto Star family of publications (printed or on the internet or both) has determined its list of leading features which includes storage space, the ease of installing children's seats, safety air bags, built-in entertainment features such as TV and DVD, and some true convenience abilities such as keyless starting and automatic sliding doors.
The featured Toronto Star article is by mom Miriam Porter and she says:

“Your days of reckless sport cars and sexy convertibles are over. As a parent you seek safety, security, easy access and lots and lots of room. . .
In search of other criteria that parents look for in a family car I polled numerous friends, acquaintances and parents in baby groups, many with two or three kids, some with four.
With this information I compiled a list of the top ten things many parents consider before purchasing a new family car.”
The extensive lists on the Toronto Star site include comparisons of fuel efficiency, car styles, luxury sedans, best green car, best off-road, best pick-up truck and certainly top overall car by the various contributing pundits / reviewers / test drivers.
Also easily discovered on their website is a story which recognizes Toyota (including TMMC in Woodstock which builds the RAV4) for its 'green' initiatives. The link is also below and notes other successes of Toyota including the landmark day in September of 2014 when the company rolled out its 6,000,000 car manufactured in Canada.


With highlights noted on the recent international car show in Toronto, the www.wheels.ca site also navigates car buffs and buyers to trends, modifications, and improvements in the countless makes and models, but also includes hundreds of car reviews by dozens of writers. The reviews are important as the site also assists car buyers by looking at previous model years and their re-sale positives and negatives.
I didn't want to complete this writing by simply mentioning Toyota locally, so there are links below to Equinox (pictured below) updates as well, including the massive investment GM is making in the Ingersoll CAMI facility.

LINKS:
www.wheels.ca
www.thestar.com
http://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/top-ten-things-consider-purchasing-family-car/
http://www.wheels.ca/news/toyota-manufacturing-in-canada-supports-green-initiatives/
http://www.wheels.ca/news/toyota-vehicles-are-built-to-perform-and-impress/
http://www.wheels.ca/news/toyota-chosen-readers-digest-trusted-brand-gold-winner-2015/
http://www.thestar.com/autos/toronto_auto_show/2015/02/20/auto-show-from-humble-clay-a-vehicle-emerges.html
http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/vehicles/chevrolet/equinox/overview
http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/chevrolet_equinox_2015
http://markroyallepage.blogspot.com/2015/02/fabulous-news-for-ingersolls-cami-from.html?spref=tw

RAV4


Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas St, Woodstock
www.wesellwoodstock.com
(519) 537-1553, cell or text
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter: markroyallepage
Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination
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Tuesday 24 March 2015

Perry Street semi is terrific choice for first-time buyer

New listing features hardwood flooring and 'perfect' pocket doors with bevelled glass
Central Woodstock location offers versatile zoning and convenience 

By Mark Schadenberg
Older homes have terrific character – my new listing at 40 Perry Street in Woodstock has charm and character, and it's ideal for first-time buyers and/or a single person.
Traditional homes usually feature large formal dining rooms with hardwood flooring and an adjoining (but separate) living room with hardwood. The 2-bedroom semi I just listed at 40 Perry definitely has this exact idea, but is also highlighted by working double pocket doors with bevelled glass (See the photos). It's odd that today's new homes often lack pocket doors as they were so convenient for not having a swing door which could/would collide with furniture. Another factor might be that today's building code includes a requirement for electrical outlets just about everywhere, which then translates into wiring and switches in walls where a pocket door could slide through instead.



The Perry semi also features original chestnut trim and tall ceilings.
There are two bedrooms (both with hardwood) and next to the eat-in kitchen is a den, which could be a third bedroom. A professional painter has also created a bright move-in condition appearance to most of the interior.
The front sunroom is heated and includes ceramic tile, so it's much more than a foyer or a destination for your kids' snow pants. You could use this space as an office.
The side door sunroom is freshly painted and includes enough area for golf clubs, bicycle and camping gear, but not a trampoline (pictured below).
The eat-in kitchen is actually not connected to the neighbouring semi, and includes an abundance of solid wood (freshly painted) cabinets and 3 appliances (fridge and stove are quite new). 


The washer and dryer in the lower level laundry area would also be included with the sale.
The entire home features updated vinyl windows. The 3-year-old roof is also an overall improvement as the shingles are a 40-year brand and style, and their warranty can be transferred to the next owner.
Vacant for your quick possession, this semi has had the same owner for about 40 years with many more updates – breaker panel box, plumbing systems, water treatment device, and both the water heater and softener are owned and would certainly stay.
As many older homes have lately been retro-fitted to include sump pumps, the back-up generator for this amenity would also remain with the home at closing. The basement is dry and a great area for storing your high school science text books and photo albums or your many trips to African Lion Safari.
Outside, the detached workshop / storage shed has hydro so it could certainly be utilized for your hobby.
The central Woodstock location results in a convenient 'Entrepreneurial' zoning. It is possible to convert this address into an office building, but could certainly also be a work-at-home destination.
It's location is important as the property is about one city block south of Dundas, so it's a short walk to the seven-plex movie theatre, Market Square theatre, the museum and art gallery, city hall, restaurants (Fritzie's is practically next door), stores and many historic buildings.


Address: 40 Perry Street, Woodstock
MLS: 75200
Asking Price: $144,900
Taxes: $1,588
Lot Size: 35' x 77'
Vacant for quick possession.


LINKS:

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas St, Woodstock
www.wesellwoodstock.com
(519) 537-1553, cell or text
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter: markroyallepage
Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland


Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination
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First-time buyers should seek an eligible tax credit

Federal and provincial rebates on taxes paid available for new home owners
Lots of good info dealing with a home purchase discovered at www.royallepage.ca 
By Mark Schadenberg
I'm the first to admit and agree, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has certainly made filing your income tax a burdening process.
You must consider deductions, percentages, allowable benefits, charitable receipts, advertising expenses, HST forms . . . the list goes on and on.
However, there is good news for first-time home buyers in the 2014 calendar year as you will be eligible to claim back some dollars on your tax form when you submit.
Watch the video and certainly fully read the link below, but two items are important – you qualify based on your income, and that both you and your partner are first-time buyers. The credit could be as high as $750 when you submit your tax return. You can qualify if you have not owned a home in the previous five years.
Credits are also available for anyone buying a home for a disabled person. The dwelling bought must be fully accessible.
Look for 'Line 369' on your tax form. If you're a first-time home buyer you should consult with your tax specialist to fully understand the federal government mathematics, and certainly study the websites below.



ANOTHER POSSIBLE REBATE
In Ontario, we also pay Land Transfer Tax on a home purchase and there is a possibility to claim some or all of that cash back as well from province's Ministry of Finance.
The maximum possible tax credit is $2,000.
I present some of these options because I realize first-time home buyers (all home buyers actually) must borrow from family just to make their dream of becoming a home owner a reality. It certainly is one reason to purchase a house in November or December as the tax return season is obviously much closer.
I believe Land Transfer Tax is a necessary expense in purchasing a house (approximately one percent of purchase price) and that all buyers must do their math and talk to their lending institution before waiving their 'condition on financing' in their offer as 'closing costs' on a house can grow quite high when you consider down payment, plus also consider the moving truck, some new appliances or furniture, high-ratio mortgage insurance, appraisal and inspection costs, immediate home improvements required, and lawyers' fees.


ROYAL LEPAGE
I have noted in previous posts that the best place to receive real estate information is through a website designed just for that – to provide unbiased complete information. In other words there is no salesmanship involved, such as a lending institution brochure or an online service.
Therefore, both the Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CHMC) and , along with unbiased newspaper and magazine articles are a good destination for searching and learning. Reading too much from Toronto newspapers, however, and the well-respected lawyer Mark Weisleder could intimidate you as you might be overwhelmed with Toronto thoughts (multiple offers, etc), prices and stats.
If all you're looking for is the basic fast facts about the house buying process before sitting down with me and creating a game plan, a good one-stop for advice and hints truly is www.royallepage.ca
Our national website has a section on introductory tips for home buyers and home sellers. For buyers looking for quite a change in lifestyle there is a section discussing specialty properties, including green living (solar panels, etc) or possibly making a purchase in the U.S. south to avoid our wonderful winters.



LINKS:
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/refund/newhome/
www.markroyallepage.blogspot.com


Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas St, Woodstock
www.wesellwoodstock.com
(519) 537-1553, cell or text
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter: markroyallepage
Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland
Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination


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Monday 23 March 2015

London continues its debate over revitalizing SoHo neighbourhood

I'm talking about urban planning, not basketball
By Mark Schadenberg
Carleton University in Ottawa knows more than just basketball.
The Carleton Ravens recently won the CIS basketball championship, trouncing cross-town rival Ottawa Gee-Gees 93-46 to win their fifth consecutive national basketball title, and 11th in 13 years. Coach Dave Smart is brilliant.
Carleton also boasts smart students that can win awards at a brilliant urban design project for the City of London's SoHo district.
The so-called South Street Hospital (SoHo) neighbourhood will be revitalized over time with most of the buildings removed, and a new focus on the Thames River shoreline – likely with a promenade and paths, and a mix of commercial (office and retail, not industrial) and residential developments, along with parks on the banks of the river.


Carleton was voted to have the top ideas at a weekend symposium brain-storm session. Hometown Fanshawe College placed second among the dozen entries – all post-secondary students assigned to augment their architecture and urban planning education with this hands-on competition.
The multi-layered designs had to include all facets of a future neighbourhood's streetscape, including suggested building density, green space, transportation routes and commercial uses, plus some consideration for arts and culture.


Even though Carleton is in Ottawa – a large municipality with the significant Ottawa River, a member of the winning team had an interesting synopsis of London's possibilities.
“It is unique — you have this older community, an abandoned hospital and a riverfront. It seems so contradictory,” said Michelle Blom, part of the winning Carleton team to the London Free Press in describing their team's fabric of ideas. “We wanted to celebrate the heritage and the riverfront at the same time. We wanted to focus on the river as a key part of the neighbourhood and its relationship with heritage buildings.”
A long-term vision for SoHo is coupled with the on-going storyline which earlier this month saw London city council debate which of the remaining hospital property buildings should be salvaged and therefore renovated, and which should be earmarked for the wrecking ball.
At the weekend competition, Fanshawe teams claimed second and fourth place, while the University of Guelph was third. One Fanshawe teacher in particular could see the reality application of the competition in connecting some of this past weekend's ideas and maybe apply some to existing SoHo visions and configurations.
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There’s a chance some of the designs may make it to the South St. development site, added William Pol, a professor in Fanshawe integrated land-planning technology program. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime urban-design project,” he said.


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I do find it interesting to note that the site's proximity to the forks of the Thames proves that our collective nature conscience of today wants to protect and beautify waterways and not pollute and congest them with industry.
London city council has been debating which buildings at the site should be retained and renovated versus completely levelled to build brand new. Naturally it's council that has the final say on all such projects, certainly also where zonings and overall intensification (height of buildings) is weighed.
Developers, architects and builders will then leap in with concrete, bricks and blueprints to construct this soon-to-be emerging neighbourhood. I would anticipate the flavour of the new buildings will be close to the 'look' of the three buildings remaining. 
In a LFP story by writer Norman DeBono on March 9, an interesting deadline was discussed as a provincial-level funding timeline was approaching, which was an opportunity to secure high-tier monies for demolition and remediation.

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The goal in saving the buildings is that they be converted to residential or commercial use. The estimated cost of preserving the three buildings on South St. is about $41 million. Developers will foot the bill.
Politicians are recommending the massive Gartshore nurses residence be demolished because of the high cost to redevelop it. Its small interior rooms are not well-suited for other uses. . . .
The (planning and environment) committee was on deadline to make a decision because the London Health Sciences Centre can get $6 million in Ministry of Health funding to help pay demolition costs and deal with hazardous materials in the buildings.
The South Street hospital site consisted of 816,000 square feet of space, and the city has already taken down 536,000 sq. ft.
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It's rather intriguing to sit here in Woodstock and follow the story as our city also recently tore down an old retired hospital. Locally, Rembrandt Homes of London is already building detached homes into a condominium format on the west side of Riddell Street, while the lands the actual hospital resided on is completely vacant and sits waiting.
With 10 times the population, London has its additional concerns including building (or not building) a new entertainment (performing arts) centre to replace Centennial Hall. If the desire in London is to truly put the SoHo district on the map, why do they not include this concert theatre for that site?
The city of London owns this large parcel of prime land as the community leased it to the hospital more than 120 years ago.

LINKS:
http://www.lfpress.com/2015/03/22/a-second-heart-for-london
http://www.lfpress.com/2015/03/20/provincewide-competition-has-students-duelling-with-their-designs-to-revive-the-south-street-hospital-lands
http://london.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=575398
http://london.ctvnews.ca/fanshawe-urban-design-contest-focuses-on-former-south-st-hospital-site-1.2291248
www.soholondon.ca
http://www.lfpress.com/2015/03/09/south-street-heritage-footprint-grows-bigger
http://www.lfpress.com/2015/03/09/city-staffs-final-draft-of-the-london-plan-is-expected-this-spring-with-pushback-from-developers-and-some-citizens-likely

ARCHIVE LINKS:
http://london.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=305320


Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas St, Woodstock
www.wesellwoodstock.com
(519) 537-1553, cell or text
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter: markroyallepage
Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination
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Tuesday 17 March 2015

Canada's walk of fame receives nominations from the public

Hadfield, Hill, Hunter & Hart could all be added
Walk Of Fame recognizes many categories and achievements
By Mark Schadenberg
Did you know you could nominate a great Canadian for the prestigious Canada's Walk Of Fame?
More than 150 individuals (and some music groups) have already received recognition since 1998 for their accomplishments in their field – writing, acting, athletics, performing, philanthropy, and a significant achievement.
The entire list of those already honoured can be found at: www.canadaswalkoffame.com.
Here's some details from the website about the online nominating process.
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The Canada's Walk of Fame Honour is bestowed annually to Canadians who have excelled in their respective fields including music, sports, film, television as well as the literary, visual and performing arts, science and innovation, social justice and philanthropy.
Criteria:
  1. Nominee must have been born in Canada or have spent their formative or creative years in Canada.
  2. Nominee must have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in their field and have an established body of work.
  3. Nominee must have had national or international impact on Canada's heritage.
  4. The Nominee should represent the essence of the Canadian identity: Peace Loving, Diverse, Harmonious, Socially Responsible, Creative, Confident, Innovative, and Successful.
Inductee Selection Process
To date 157 Canadians have been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. Each year an Executive Selection Committee (made up of CWOF Board and Executive) choose the inductees from a long list of deserving Canadians who fit the above criteria. The Canadian public is encouraged to put forward their recommendations via the CWOF website or by mail. All qualified public recommendations are then added to the list for the Executive Selection Committee.
- See more at: http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductees/nominations#sthash.UpHveKQi.dpuf
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Achievement
Roberta Bondar (pictured), Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, Alexander Graham Bell
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If you're curious why I write about this, it's two-fold.
I've been on the committee for the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame since its inception in 1996 and truly believe there is a real importance to honour those with accomplishments and to then in-turn realize young people will be inspired to make their own paths to their stardom.
Secondly, on Facebook I am a 'fan' of many Canadian performers, including Dan Hill, and his fan page is currently asking Canadians to nominate him. Hill has had a remarkable music career and is certainly comparable to many on the list below. Hill's international hit songs include Sometimes When We Touch, Never Thought, You Make Me Want To Be, Carmelia, In Your Eyes (With Woodstock's Rique Franks on the duet), and Can't We Try, plus he has recorded other memorable songs with life-thinking lyrics such as Unborn Heart, Daddy's Song and Love Of My Life.
I'm not saying there aren't others in the same category as Dan Hill who also deserve this acclaim, I'm just saying the Facebook page asked for a nomination and I think his resume 'fits the billing'.
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Music
Celine Dion (pictured), Nelly Furtado, Jeff Healey, Oscar Peterson, Burton Cummings, Sarah McLachlan, Ton Cochrane, Jann Arden, Alanis Morissette, Paul Anka, Diana Krall, Shania Twain, Gordon Lightfoot, Robbie Robertson, Guy Lombardo, Bryan Adams, Maureen Forrester, kd lang, Glenn Gould, Walter Ostanek, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young (pictured), and Anne Murray
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YOU CAN NOMINATE
The process to nominate is straight-forward, so maybe you want to suggest Chris Hatfield, Marc Garneau, Stephen Lewis, Corey Hart, Avril Lavigne, Norman Bethune, Lorne Greene, Marcel Dionne, Rita MacNeil, Sandra Schmirler, Larry Walker, Frederick Banting, Gino Vanelli, Jacques Plante, Alice Munro, Elvis Stojko, Tommy Douglas, Tommy Hunter, Mike Weir, Cassie Campbell, Ryan Gosling, Silken Laumann, Norm Foster, Percy Williams, Neve Campbell, Mike Reno, and Stompin Tom Connors. That's a list I was able to compile rather quickly, you may have your own list of next-best nominees.
To cross-reference your choices, the entire list of those already enshrined on the walk of fame can easily be seen in alphabetical order at www.canadaswalkoffame.com.
I have trouble believing that Chris Hadfield has not been honoured as of yet. . . 
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Acting
Michael J Fox (pictured), Ryan Reynolds, Rachel McAdams (pictured), Raymond Burr, Gordon Pinsent, Mary Pickford, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Martin Short, Donald Sutherland, Shirley Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, John Candy, Fay Wray, Victor Garber, Christopher Plummer, Leslie Nielsen, Sarah Polley, William Shatner, William Hutt, Veronica Tennant, Hume Cronyn, Howie Mandel
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Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield would be a logical choice to be added this November when the ceremony takes place Saturday, Nov 7 at the Sony Centre in Toronto.
There is also a Walk Of Fame Festival in September in Toronto, but details for 2015 and the sixth annual show(s) have not been announced yet. This festival coincides with a free outdoor series as well, which includes music, but also comedy, dance, and visual arts.
The walk of fame program also includes an Emerging Artists Music Mentorship program. See link below, but the program's winner will receive $25,000 and 25 hours of professional production studio time, and assistance from high-level Canadian recording stars or producers.

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Sports
Hayley Wickenheiser (pictured), Steve Nash, Daniel Nestor, Christine Sinclair, Mario Lemieux, Russ Jackson, Gordie Howe, Clara Hughes (pictured), Chantal Petitclerc, Ferguson Jenkins, Johnny Bower, George Chuvalo, Toller Cranston, Wayne Gretzky, Jean Beliveau, Kurt Browning, Nancy Greene, Maurice Richard, Bobby Orr (pictured), Barbara Ann Scott and Jacques Villeneuve
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Among the many corporate sponsor for 2015 are RBC (Royal Bank), Cineplex, Slaight Communications and Global TV.
The walk of fame website includes a tab to click for average Canadians to be also sponsors or contributors.
The website also includes biographies on past recipients and many photo galleries of Canadian stars, and highlights from past ceremonies.

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Writing
Margaret Atwood, Farley Mowat, Timothy Findley, Pierre Burton (pictured), Mordecai Richler and Robert Munsch.
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Who in 2015?
I'm looking forward to seeing the list of deserving Canadians for 2015 – whether they be athletes, musicians, comedians, actors, singers, writers or any other famous Canadian who has added to the fabric of our great country.
Nominees from previous years always stay in contention for future years, so I hope Chris Hadfield and Dan Hill eventually receive the recognition they have most certainly earned.

LINKS:
www.canadaswalkoffame.com
http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/programs/2015-emerging-artist-music-mentorship-program
http://www.globaltv.com/canadaswalkoffame/
http://globalnews.ca/news/1566284/ryan-reynolds-rachel-mcadams-among-canadas-walk-of-fame-inductees/
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/10/18/live_coverage_canadas_walk_of_fame_induction_celebration.html
http://www.rbc.com/newsroom/news/2014/20140916-cwof-inductees.html
www.sonycentre.ca


Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative
Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)
Royal LePage Triland Realty
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www.wesellwoodstock.com
(519) 537-1553, cell or text
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
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