Dunpar Homes believes that building communities goes beyond the construction of houses. It’s about investing in young people, supporting families, and fostering opportunities for the next generation to succeed. That commitment took on a unique form—through the challenge and excitement of climbing.
This summer, Dunpar President John Zanini brought his love of rock climbing to local youth. Sponsored by the John Zanini Foundation, children aged 8 to 11 from single-parent households at LAMP Community Health Centre had the opportunity to learn climbing at Boulderz Climbing Centre in Etobicoke. The program ran every Monday afternoon throughout July and August, welcoming over 30 children. More than just a fun activity, the program emphasized teamwork, confidence, and leadership—skills that will help these young participants grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
And to extend the sense of community beyond the climbing wall, each session concluded with a healthy dinner catered by Il Fornello of Sherwood Village Mall and sponsored by Dunpar Homes, providing a complete experience of activity, nourishment, and connection.
The climbing wall is more than a recreational outlet. For many children, it’s a metaphor for life: challenging, at times daunting, but always rewarding when persistence pays off. Through the support of Dunpar Homes and the John Zanini Foundation, these young participants are learning to push past fear, trust themselves, and rely on teamwork.
“On behalf of the LAMP Community Health Centre Youth programs, I would like to thank Dunpar Homes and the John Zanini Foundation for providing this opportunity for our youth participants to learn and participate in rock climbing at Boulderz Etobicoke climbing centre,” said Linda Frempong, youth programs manager, LAMP CHC. “Our youth truly enjoyed this new experience where they were able to build their physical skills while also supporting their peers to meet the challenge of climbing.”
Founder John Zanini, being an avid climber himself, envisioned this initiative as a way to share his passion for the sport with children in the neighbourhood.
“Having lived and worked in this community throughout my life, I wanted to share something that has played an important role over the years,” said Zanini. “Rock climbing has taught me so much about character development and collaboration, that I wanted to share it with young people who might not otherwise have an opportunity to climb. It teaches them that obstacles can be overcome one step at a time, and I am delighted to see so many children trying it and learning to climb mountains!”
Direct ownership of real estate has long served as a dependable strategy for building wealth. However, as markets become more complex, operating costs rise, and regulatory pressures increase, a growing number of landlords are reconsidering their approach. Some are seeking to reduce the time and effort involved in active management, or to step away from it entirely, while others are exploring more efficient and strategic ways to remain invested in real estate, given the current shifting landscape.
For those looking to maintain real estate exposure without the day-to-day responsibilities and some of the liabilities of property management, the answer increasingly lies in real estate investment funds. These pooled investment vehicles offer a professionally managed, scalable alternative that preserves the core benefits of real estate investing while minimizing the burdens and risks that come with direct ownership.
Funds like those offered by McGillivray Capital Partners (MCP) offer a distinct alternative to income-focused real estate strategies and REITs. By providing access to development-stage projects in some of Canada’s fastest-growing urban corridors, these funds allow passive investors to participate in early-stage value creation aligned with municipal growth plans and infrastructure investments. According to Andrew McGillivray of MCP, “This model takes real estate investing in a new direction—investors share in the value created at every stage, all the way through to the final profit.”
Income-generating real estate continues to offer long-term potential, but, for some real estate investors, the challenges of evolving markets are prompting a closer look at alternative strategies with similar benefits.
Regulatory frameworks around rent control, evictions, and landlord licensing have evolved in many jurisdictions, introducing new layers of compliance that some owners may find burdensome or unfamiliar. Rising municipal taxes, higher insurance premiums, and the escalating costs of maintaining older buildings, especially when considering aging infrastructure and stricter energy-efficiency standards, are also leading some investors to reconsider their strategies.
The cumulative burden of tenant turnover, arrears, maintenance, and dispute resolution can further discourage those managing their own properties. Even with third-party management, oversight and decision-making are still required.
For investors seeking reduced responsibility and greater lifestyle flexibility, the ongoing demands of direct ownership can begin to outweigh its advantages. The need for income, inflation protection, and capital preservation remains, but the appeal of being a hands-on landlord might not.
Real estate funds allow investors to retain exposure to real estate while shifting responsibility for asset selection, construction, operations, financing, compliance and other activities within the scope of the fund to professional managers. Depending on the mandate, a fund may focus on stabilized income-producing assets, value-add redevelopment, or new developments from the ground up.
Real estate funds provide investors with professional oversight across every stage of the investment. Experienced managers make strategic decisions, often backed by institutional-grade due diligence and execution teams.
Some funds, like income-focused REITs, rely on professional teams to manage stabilized, revenue-generating properties, overseeing leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations to support consistent cash flow. Development-focused funds, such as MCP’s funds, apply that same level of oversight to the full lifecycle of a development project, including acquiring land, managing construction, navigating approvals, and executing sales.
Both models remove operational pressure from the investor. Development funds, however, can offer the potential for higher targeted returns by providing an ownership stake, allowing investors to benefit from early-stage value creation as well as the profits realized when the project is exited.
MCP offers a fully managed investment model designed for passive investors, handling everything “from acquisition and development to the final sale,” according to Andrew McGillivray, with returns realized at project completion. This structure offers investors a genuinely passive experience while targeting returns of 20% or more through comprehensive oversight of the entire project lifecycle.
Funds offer investors a streamlined way to diversify their portfolio by providing access to markets and property types that might otherwise be out of reach. Investors can gain exposure to geographic areas they don’t live near, where owning and managing property directly would be more difficult, and expand into sectors where they have less expertise, allowing them to participate in opportunities they might not be able to access on their own.
A single landlord may own a handful of units in one city. A well-structured fund, by contrast, may hold dozens of properties across multiple regions and asset classes, reducing exposure to localized market shocks. Some funds are national in scope, while others may specialize in high-growth secondary markets or underserved sub-sectors like medical offices or industrial logistics.
For example, MCP’s focus on mid- to high-rise, transit-oriented projects in growth-designated urban centers offers exposure to dense, residential developments that benefit from long-term demographic and infrastructure tailwinds, allowing investors who could not participate in a project of this size on their own to access the potential upside.
Real estate funds are not necessarily a departure from property investing—they can serve as a natural extension or evolution of an existing portfolio. For current landlords, funds offer a way to diversify holdings and increase exposure without taking on the added operational demands of acquiring and managing additional properties. At the same time, they offer a path to reduce hands-on involvement while maintaining access to real estate’s long-term growth and inflation-hedging benefits. Whether used to complement active ownership or as a stepping stone away from it, funds provide flexibility and scalability.
However, there are certain situations where this strategy may be especially beneficial.
Following the sale of one or more rental properties, many investors face the challenge of how to reinvest large amounts of capital effectively. Real estate funds provide a turnkey solution, offering immediate diversification and professional oversight without the need to re-enter the active ownership cycle. This approach can preserve real estate exposure while avoiding the time pressure, transaction costs, and risks of sourcing and managing new properties directly.
For those nearing retirement, simplifying portfolio management becomes increasingly important. Real estate funds eliminate the burden of tenant issues, repairs, and compliance obligations, freeing up time and reducing stress. Investors can remain in the real estate market, but with a hands-off approach.
High-net-worth investors often look to expand real estate exposure beyond local markets or property types they’re familiar with. Funds enable access to professionally underwritten projects that may be difficult to pursue independently or without significantly expanding workload.
Landlords who are considering stepping away from active management often want to retain a real estate component in their portfolios without the liability or unpredictability of ownership. Funds provide a clean transition by offloading responsibilities such as maintenance, legal compliance, and tenant relations to professional managers.
As with any investment, thorough due diligence is essential. Investors should evaluate a fund’s management expertise, investment strategy, and alignment of interests, along with key structural elements like fees, governance, and exit timelines. MCP’s funds, for example, are built around a transparent framework, with regular reporting and co-investment from the fund’s Partners to ensure alignment. While capital is committed for the duration of the fund, this long-term structure allows access to return potential not usually available in more liquid real estate vehicles.
Real estate has historically been a foundational asset class for wealth creation, but how that exposure is achieved is now more flexible. For those who have built capital through active ownership, the next step is not necessarily outside of real estate, but a more passive, while still strategic, version of the same investment path. It can offer not just financial continuity, but greater freedom, as well.
McGillivray Capital Partners’ funds are well-positioned to serve this shift. By offering access to professionally managed, development-stage projects in high-growth urban corridors, MCP provides a differentiated alternative to traditional rental-based models or income-focused REITs. The firm’s fully managed structure, co-investment alignment, and targeted return profile make it an appealing option for investors seeking real estate exposure without the operational burden. For those ready to evolve their real estate strategy, MCP offers a new way to remain invested while adapting to new goals, constraints, and opportunities.
For many Canadian homeowners, the house they live in holds more potential than just a place to live. As property values rise, a growing number of homeowners now hold substantial equity, even if they may not realize it. That built-up equity is a financial resource that can be strategically deployed to accelerate wealth-building, reduce debt, or expand into real estate investing.
If you are looking to renovate a basement suite, fund the down payment on a second property, or otherwise need capital, tapping into home equity could be a cost-effective option to move forward without having to sell your home or dip into long-term savings.
Home equity is the portion of your property’s value that you own outright, calculated as the difference between your home’s market value and any outstanding mortgage balance. As your mortgage gets paid down, or as property values increase, your equity grows. Rather than sitting idle, that equity can be unlocked and repurposed to support a variety of financial goals.
A homeowner could potentially access tens of thousands of dollars in funds through a home equity loan or a line of credit, often at interest rates far lower than unsecured borrowing options. Amounts depend on the value of the home and the amount paid down on it.
Using that equity productively for strategic investments can potentially improve your financial position over time.
One of the most popular ways Canadian homeowners are leveraging equity is by creating secondary suites such as basement apartments, laneway homes, or separate units within an existing structure. With the rise in housing demand and new municipal bylaws allowing more flexible zoning in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton, these income-producing units can significantly increase both monthly cash flow and long-term property value.
Renovating a basement into a legal rental suite typically requires an upfront investment in construction, permits, and upgrades. By using a home equity loan or HELOC-mortgage combo through Spring Financial, homeowners can access the capital they need without relying on expensive personal lines of credit or delaying the project.
Unlike traditional bank processes that can be slow, Spring Financial offers an online application with personalized guidance, fast approvals, and flexible repayment options.
Spring Financial specializes in equity-based lending, helping homeowners restructure their debts into a single, manageable payment. Depending on your profile, you may even qualify for payment deferrals, giving you space to stabilize cash flow and plan your next financial step without pressure. Their mortgage professionals work with over 40 lenders, including major banks and alternative lenders, to match you with the right solution based on your goals—not just your credit score.
For homeowners looking to expand their footprint in the real estate market, equity can also serve as the launchpad for a second property. Whether it is a vacation rental, a student housing unit, or a small multi-family building, pulling equity from your current home can help with financing a new asset.
A HELOC-mortgage combo is particularly useful here, providing ongoing, low-interest access to capital that can be used when the right opportunity comes along. Because Spring Financial operates entirely online or by phone, the process will not interfere with your schedule or require multiple branch visits. The application can be completed in minutes online. After a short consultation with a licensed mortgage specialist, your file is sent out for quotes. If the terms work for you, everything is finalized digitally.
Your home can provide the foundation for long-term financial growth. By using tools like Spring Financial’s home equity loan or HELOC-mortgage combo, you can tap into your home’s equity.
Quebec’s housing market continued to show resilience through Q2 2025, with sales and prices holding firm. While some other Canadian markets are contending with slower sales and softening prices, Quebec remains one of the provinces where sellers still hold a meaningful advantage, along with prairie and Atlantic provinces; data from Edge Realty Analytics highlights that Quebec has so far avoided the deeper corrections seen in other markets like British Columbia’s and Ontario’s.
Home sales in Quebec slipped only slightly on a quarter-over-quarter (q/q) basis, down 0.4% in Q2 2025. Compared to a year earlier, however, activity remained robust with an 11.9% year-over-year (y/y) increase. This stands in sharp contrast to British Columbia, where sales fell 7.1% q/q and 8.9% y/y in Q2, and Ontario, which posted a modest q/q increase of 2.1% but still saw sales down 7.1% y/y. Quebec’s ability to sustain stronger year-over-year growth suggests a relative stability of demand in its housing market.
Quebec also saw continued growth in supply. New listings rose 2.3% q/q and 11.3% y/y in Q2, extending the upward trend from earlier in the year. Active listings increased 4.6% q/q and 0.6% y/y, reflecting an increased flow of properties without appearing to oversaturate the market. By comparison, Ontario’s active listings rose much more sharply, up 17.4% y/y.
Quebec’s market conditions remain supportive of sellers. Months of inventory held steady at 4.5 in both Q1 and Q2, a much tighter balance than British Columbia’s 7.1 months or Ontario’s 5.0 months. The sales-to-new listings ratio, though edging down to 66.0% in Q2, continued to reflect more of a seller’s market, in contrast to Ontario and British Columbia.
Unlike many provinces where home prices have come under pressure, Quebec’s Home Price Index (HPI) recorded notable gains. Prices increased 2.6% q/q in Q2 2025 and were up 9.1% y/y. This performance contrasts with Ontario, where prices fell 2.8% q/q and 6.9% y/y, and British Columbia, where values also declined, although more modestly, by 0.2% q/q and 2.0% y/y. Quebec’s ability to maintain steady appreciation may suggests that affordability, when compared to the country’s two most expensive markets, is helping sustain demand.
Overall, sales and prices remain strong, inventory levels are balanced, and construction activity is rising, providing a steadier performance that reflects both relative affordability and more balanced supply-demand conditions.
Canada’s housing market appears to be entering a phase of measured adjustment, impacted by regional supply-demand balances, interest rate shifts, and broader economic momentum. According to RBC’s August 2025 housing market forecast update, while challenges persist, there are signs of stabilization and potential recovery on the horizon.
Certain indicators point to an environment where conditions could gradually normalize through 2026. However, there is likely to be regional variability, as some areas face persistent price pressure, while others are showing signs of steadier demand and firmer values.
RBC’s latest national forecast suggests 2025 will end with roughly 467,000 home resales, a decline from last year and still below the pre-pandemic average of just over half a million transactions annually. The early months of the year were marked by hesitant buyers and slower deal flow, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia, where high prices and elevated inventory made for more competitive selling conditions.
However, the report also noted that as the Bank of Canada’s rate cuts began to take effect in mid-2024 and into 2025, demand in some areas improved modestly. In RBC’s outlook, the expectation is for demand to gradually recover starting in the latter half of 2025. Looking ahead, it projects a rebound in activity to roughly 504,000 transactions in 2026, although this would not be a return to pre-2020 norms.
National benchmark prices are forecast to edge higher by about 0.7% this year, although this improvement is not expected to be consistent across all markets. Those with persistent supply surpluses, such as Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe and parts of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, face the likelihood of additional price softening over the coming months, as sellers in these areas are contending with longer listing times and more frequent price adjustments.
In contrast, the Prairie provinces, Quebec, and much of Atlantic Canada are seeing more balanced conditions, where steady demand is keeping prices from slipping and, in some cases, allowing for modest gains. These regions also benefit from comparatively lower entry costs, which have made them less sensitive to the affordability pressures affecting higher-priced markets.
The Bank of Canada’s interest rate reductions have begun to filter through to mortgage costs, offering some relief after years of tightening. The broader economy is also expected to pick up pace in late 2025, with unemployment anticipated to peak at about 7.1% before trending down in 2026.
However, affordability remains strained in many major urban centres. Even with lower borrowing costs, elevated price levels and household debt burdens are keeping a cap on how quickly demand can recover. RBC also notes that government policy, from housing supply initiatives to population growth targets, continues to be a wildcard that could either accelerate or temper market adjustment.
The forecast into 2026 points toward gradual improvement in national transaction volumes and a more stable price environment in many regions. Gains are expected to be uneven, with smaller, more affordable markets potentially outpacing the country’s largest urban hubs in both sales growth and price resilience.
While no rapid upswing appears likely, the alignment of lower interest rates, steadier employment prospects, and more balanced supply conditions in parts of the country could create a foundation for modest growth. Conversely, areas where inventory remains elevated will continue to see slower recoveries and more pressure on pricing.
Canada’s housing market is navigating a reset that prioritizes stability over rapid expansion. This period of adjustment is reshaping regional dynamics, with splitting directions for high-priced, inventory-heavy centres compared to more moderately priced, balanced markets. The pace of recovery will depend on how quickly affordability improves and whether economic gains take hold as projected. For those watching the market closely, the coming year will be less about chasing momentum and more about observing where sustainable demand begins to re-emerge.
The full report can be found in RBC’s Special Housing Reports.
Many landlords investing in high-quality rental properties assume they know what will appeal to the best tenants: oversized units, designer kitchens, expensive finishes. But tenant expectations do not always align with investor instincts. How well a unit functions on a practical level is critical; tenants are placing greater value on usability, thoughtful details, and whether a space supports the realities of daily life. To attract and keep renters, properties need to combine visual appeal with practicality.
The most sought-after rentals are not necessarily the most expensive or most ornate. They’re the ones where everything works, nothing feels neglected or overdone, and the setup reflects how tenants actually live.
A common misstep among landlords is mistaking visual upgrades for substance. While polished countertops and high-end fixtures enhance a unit’s desirability, functional shortcomings such as poor lighting, inadequate sound insulation, a lack of usable storage, insufficient outlets, uncomfortable or impractical furnishings and poor layouts will outweigh the aesthetic appeal. Practical features, such as in-unit laundry, reliable temperature control, and layouts that allow for separation between work and sleep areas, are prioritized.
A unit that is clean, quiet, easy to maintain, and thoughtfully laid out will outperform a larger or flashier one with design-forward features but basic functional gaps. When aiming for a higher-end, furnished, or executive rental, be sure to have these essentials in place before adding the luxury finishes and upscale amenities.
This is not to say that the appearance of a property, and how it feels, does not matter. Although many property owners believe they need to incorporate all of the latest trends to ensure a space looks modern, a classic, timeless look is preferable. Tenants are attracted to spaces that feel bright, calm, and cohesive, without being overly styled or impersonal. Natural light, neutral or warm-toned palettes, soft textures, and streamlined furnishings all contribute to a sense of comfort that photographs well for listings and provides ongoing appeal for living in.
Create spaces that feel livable and intentional. A clutter-free environment, tasteful artwork, layered lighting, and practical but comfortable furnishings show tenants that the unit has been thoughtfully designed with their experience in mind.
Investors often assume bigger is better, which is true to a point. However, smaller units can compete well with larger ones if they have better design. A well-proportioned 600-square-foot apartment with a defined bedroom, separate workspace, and enclosed kitchen will rent faster than a larger open-concept space that feels chaotic or awkward. This has become especially clear in mid- and long-stay furnished rentals, where tenants expect to be able to live comfortably for more than a week or two.
A good layout adds value, and it does not always require costly structural changes. Simple improvements, such as repositioning furniture to define zones, replacing oversized or mismatched pieces with right-scaled, functional alternatives, and adding dividers or shelving to visually break up open areas, can dramatically improve how a space feels and functions. Even small changes like installing blackout curtains in sleep areas or ensuring workspaces have proper lighting and outlet access can create a layout that feels intentional, balanced, and livable.
Tenants today expect fast, reliable, and private internet. For high-end rentals, this expectation extends beyond speed. Tenants look for secure, independent networks, as opposed to shared building Wi-Fi, coverage in every room, and the ability to plug into work instantly without hassle. Landlords who overlook digital infrastructure in favour of physical upgrades risk missing one of the most basic, non-negotiable tenant needs in 2025.
While offering pet-friendly units is not always possible or feasible, and many property owners have valid concerns about the potential damages, especially when the rental is higher-end or furnished, allowing animals may be advantageous. Listings that allow pets see higher tenant engagement and shorter time on market, as this opens up properties to a larger audience.
Clear size restrictions, additional deposits, and cleaning clauses give landlords the control they need, while opening access to this broader market.
Even in units that show well, poor follow-through in operations can unravel tenant trust. Renters in the upper end of the market expect clean, properly maintained buildings, quick response times, respectful communication, and a lease process that feels transparent and professional.
Properties with strong management practices, including digital lease systems, fast repairs, and clarity around expectations, had far higher lease renewal rates than similar units with less consistent follow-up. Quality renters are willing to pay for a better experience, and are quick to walk away from situations where that experience is disjointed or poorly managed.
Landlords who invest in details that matter, offering quiet units, strong layouts, professional internet setup, and responsive management, can outperform competitors.
The most desirable rental properties are not necessarily the most luxurious, but the ones that offer a complete package. Marco Property Management can help with this, providing targeted support. Their services include consulting, interior design, and full furnishing, helping owners create units that are not only visually appealing but also practical, well-equipped, and market-responsive.
From advising on functional layouts to sourcing right-sized furniture and more, Marco’s team focuses on the details that drive tenant satisfaction and retention. Their experience in furnished and executive rentals ensures properties are livable and competitive, without wasting money on upgrades that miss the mark.
Manitoba’s housing market showed resilience in Q2 2025, with sales and prices continuing to rise despite softer conditions seen in several other provinces. Data from Edge Realty Analytics indicates a balanced environment supported by low inventory, strong absorption rates, and improving labour market conditions.
After a small quarter-over-quarter (q/q) decline of 2.2% in Q1 2025, home sales in Manitoba turned positive in Q2, rising 1.1% q/q and 6.3% year-over-year (y/y). This contrasted with provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario, where sales declined across multiple quarters.
New listings dipped slightly in Q2, down 0.4% q/q and 2.2% y/y, following only a marginal increase in Q1. Active listings also declined, falling 1.4% q/q and 13.9% y/y, marking a continued tightening in supply. This tightening contrasted with the elevated inventory conditions seen in British Columbia, Ontario, and some Atlantic provinces.
One of the most notable trends was the rise in prices. The Home Price Index (HPI) in Manitoba rose 2.8% q/q and 7.9% y/y in Q2, building on the 2.4% q/q and 9.3% y/y gains in Q1. Price momentum in Manitoba is among the strongest in the country, outpacing Saskatchewan’s 7.7% annual increase and running opposite to declines seen in both Ontario and British Columbia over the same period.
Months of inventory held steady at 2.2 in both Q1 and Q2, highlighting a competitive market. The sales-to-new listings ratio also rose slightly from 72.3% to 73.3%, placing Manitoba in seller’s market territory. This is in contrast to British Columbia’s low 40% range and Ontario’s mid-30% levels, both indicative of buyer’s market conditions.
After a modest 1.4% q/q increase in Q1, dwellings under construction jumped 8.9% q/q in Q2, with an 11.8% y/y rise.
With stable sales growth, tight supply, and healthy price appreciation, Manitoba entered the second half of 2025 on a stronger footing than several other provinces.
Toronto’s updated property standards bylaws place significant responsibility on landlords and property owners to provide prompt, effective responses to tenant maintenance issues, particularly those related to essential services like heat and air conditioning.
As of 2025, all rental units in Toronto must meet specific climate control requirements: heating systems must maintain an indoor temperature of at least 21°C from October 1 to May 15, regardless of the outdoor temperature. This applies even during transitional weather in early fall and late spring, and landlords are prohibited from turning off the heat during this period based on their own assessments of outside conditions. For units equipped with air conditioning, landlords must ensure systems are operational and capable of maintaining a safe indoor environment between June 1 and September 30, especially during heat events that pose health risks.
In addition to meeting these minimum climate control standards, landlords are legally required to respond to urgent service requests, such as loss of heat, air conditioning, or electricity, within 24 hours. Non-urgent repairs, including issues like minor leaks or damaged fixtures, must be addressed within seven days.
Failing to comply with these timelines may lead to enforcement actions by Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS), including inspection orders, fines, and possible prosecution. To avoid this, landlords must adopt a structured, well-documented process for receiving, responding to, and resolving tenant service requests.
Verbal requests often create ambiguity and lead to disputes. Landlords should formalize the process by requiring all non-emergency service requests to be submitted in writing. Acceptable formats include:
Each request should include the following:
For emergency repairs, including total heat or AC failures, major water leaks, or security risks, a 24/7 hotline or app-based reporting tool should be available to tenants, with clear instructions posted in each unit and building lobby.
Immediately upon receipt, a written acknowledgment should be sent to the tenant, confirming the request has been received and is being processed. Log the request into a centralized maintenance tracking system (either a spreadsheet or property management software) and assign a unique ticket number to prevent confusion.
A properly structured log should include:
This record will prove essential if a dispute arises or the City investigates after a tenant files a 311 complaint.
Toronto bylaws prioritize essential services. The following are considered urgent and require a response within 24 hours:
All other repairs, such as cosmetic damage, appliance issues, or minor plumbing problems, are non-urgent but must still be addressed within seven days of receiving the request.
Proper classification is crucial because of the response times expected. Tenants must be informed of their request’s categorization and the expected repair timeline.
For urgent requests, aim to dispatch a technician the same day. If a qualified contractor is unavailable within 24 hours, landlords must document all reasonable attempts to secure one and maintain evidence that the delay was beyond their control. This might include:
For non-urgent issues that fit within the seven-day window, provide tenants with a scheduled date and estimated time of service. If delays occur due to parts, tenant inaccessibility, or weather conditions, update the maintenance log and notify the tenant in writing.
Once the repair is complete, note the outcome and obtain tenant confirmation when possible through a digital signature, email reply, or written statement.
Toronto MLS officers may request documentation in the event of an inspection or dispute. Landlords should retain:
Keep these records for at least two years, as required under provincial and municipal landlord-tenant law.
Staying compliant with Toronto’s service request response timelines takes time, organization, and reliable access to dependable maintenance contractors, especially when emergencies occur outside regular hours. A good property management company can handle all of the requirements and communications to ensure satisfied tenants and compliance with regulations.
Marco Property Management, for example, uses a centralized app that allows tenants to submit maintenance requests instantly. The platform tracks all activity in real-time, automatically prioritizes urgent issues, and notifies landlords of pending deadlines. Marco’s internal team reviews and categorizes each submission, dispatching repairs within the required timelines.
With a network of licensed contractors available 24/7, Marco ensures heating and cooling failures, as well as other emergencies, are handled quickly and in full compliance with municipal law. Its in-house staff also documents every service interaction, providing clear records in case of audits or tenant complaints.
For Toronto property owners, Marco offers full peace of mind: all communication, tracking, repairs, and record-keeping are handled professionally, allowing them to meet legal obligations while protecting tenant comfort and satisfaction.
Wealth is not built by chance or through isolated wins. It emerges from a disciplined pattern of intentional decisions, through choices made not just in response to the market or a tax deadline, but in support of a broader personal objective. The most consistent differentiator between stagnation and progress is clarity of purpose and the willingness to act intentionally. Many investors, regardless of their stage or financial means, fall into predictable traps that undermine long-term success because of this lack of intentionality.
One of the most underestimated financial risks is simply doing nothing. While indecision often presents itself as caution or thoughtfulness, it can result in missed opportunities that can never be recovered. Every month spent hesitating while seeking a ‘perfect’ strategy or opportunity represents lost compounding that could have contributed to long-term gains. Research and due diligence are essential parts of any sound financial decision, but for some, this process becomes a trap. They get stuck in analysis, endlessly waiting for the perfect scenario that may never arrive. In doing so, they often miss out on strong opportunities that were good enough to move on, but passed them by while they waited for certainty.
Wealth is built through time in the market, not through timing it. The families who create lasting financial legacies understand this implicitly. They are not reckless and do not rush into unresearched opportunities, but they recognize that delaying action in pursuit of perfection is, in itself, a costly choice. The compounding benefits of starting today versus waiting another year can equate to a decade or more of financial advantage. Effective investors develop intentional frameworks that allow them to make informed decisions quickly, using the best available information rather than waiting indefinitely for perfect clarity. It can also involve strategically establishing tools such as life insurance to serve as a tax-efficient wealth-building vehicle, while providing flexible access to cash when needed, supporting the ability to seize investment opportunities and achieve financial goals.
On the other end of the spectrum is reactive impulsivity. In this case, financial decisions are made reactively, triggered by fear during market volatility, deadlines imposed by tax authorities, or immediate cash flow needs. This creates a pattern of financial activity without financial direction. On the surface, it may feel productive, but it rarely contributes to long-term goals.
Intentional decision-making changes this. It begins with understanding what you are actually trying to build and then evaluating every financial move through that lens. Decisions like whether to invest in a particular opportunity, refinance, hold, or sell become significantly easier when they are anchored to a clearly defined purpose.
Without this clarity, even high-performing portfolios can feel unstable or unfulfilling. With it, however, every financial choice can meaningfully contribute to a larger, strategic objective. Intentional wealth builders are not defined by perfect decision-making; they are defined by consistency and alignment between their choices and their priorities.
A critical part of this process is establishing those priorities with enough clarity to inform strategy. Many financial strategies chase returns without asking whether those returns actually support a desired outcome. It is easy to fall into the trap of optimizing for performance, focusing on growth, yield, or tax efficiency, while losing sight of whether that growth supports what matters most.
Values-driven investing starts from a different premise. It treats money as a tool, not the goal. When you begin with a clear understanding of the role wealth plays in your life, whether it is about freedom, security, opportunity, or leaving a legacy. You can then design strategies that serve those values directly. These plans tend to hold up better in volatile markets, not because they guarantee higher returns, but because they help investors stay grounded during uncertainty. When a financial strategy is rooted in personal values and long-term goals, it fosters conviction and discipline that are critical when markets become unpredictable. Rather than reacting emotionally to short-term losses or headlines, investors with clear, purpose-driven plans are more likely to stay the course, avoiding those reactive decisions that could derail long-term progress.
When your investments align with your long-term goals and core values, every decision becomes more intuitive. You can more easily distinguish between distractions and opportunities. You can decide how aggressively to grow your capital, how much risk to take, or how to structure cash flow, without guessing; you choose based on a clear framework that reflects what truly matters to you.
Intentional investing does not require predicting and timing the market or finding the perfect financial product. It requires clarity on goals, values, and tradeoffs, as well as the courage to act consistently with that clarity, even when conditions are uncertain. The most successful financial journeys are rarely the most aggressive or technically sophisticated, but the most purposeful.
By avoiding the common traps of indecision, reactive behaviour, and value-blind strategy, individuals and families can make financial choices that build toward something meaningful.
A well-known tourist hub in the Muskoka region, popular year-round for its lakes, cottages, and access to Algonquin Provincial Park, with peak activity in summer and fall, is now implementing stricter short-term rental regulations. On August 11, 2025, the Town of Huntsville announced a series of significant changes to its Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) and Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-laws, aiming to preserve housing availability, improve affordability, and maintain high safety and operational standards in the local short-term rental market.
These changes will have implications for property investors, operators, and prospective buyers considering Huntsville for STR opportunities.
The STRA program, first introduced to ensure that all rentals of less than 30 days comply with Ontario Building Code and Fire Protection Standards, remains mandatory for anyone renting out a room, unit, or entire property on a short-term basis.
All STRA operators must obtain a license and collect the 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) on accommodation revenue (excluding incidental charges such as cleaning or deposits). MAT funds are directed toward tourism promotion and quality-of-life initiatives that benefit residents and visitors alike.
As of July 2025, the STRA By-law has been amended to include three notable changes.
Property owners must now hold title for at least one year before listing their property for short-term rental. This measure targets speculative buying solely for immediate STRA conversion. During that first year, owners may use the property personally or rent it for periods of 30 days or longer. The rule exempts existing 2025 STRA license holders who are still within their first year of ownership.
A new ceiling of 250 STRA licenses has been introduced, with approvals issued on a first-come, first-served basis. In 2024, Huntsville granted 224 licenses, but because licenses expire each December 31 and availability changes annually, the number of new approvals that are possible before reaching the cap will vary. Once the limit is hit, new applicants will have to wait until the annual renewal period, which starts on November 1.
The Town’s “three strikes and you’re out” enforcement model now tracks violations over a two-year period rather than resetting annually. This change addresses repeat offenders who historically avoided license loss by spacing out violations year to year. Now, three violations within two years will result in revocation.
The CPP By-law will soon be amended to prohibit new STRAs in the Urban Low Density Precinct (UR1). Existing licensed STRAs in UR1 will be allowed to continue operating, even if sold, so long as they maintain continuous operation. If a property ceases STRA activity for more than two years, the right lapses and cannot be reinstated.
For investors, this creates a form of “grandfathered” asset value; licensed UR1 STRAs may hold strategic resale appeal, but only if they remain active and compliant.
For 2025, the Town has set STRA licensing fees:
Licenses cannot be transferred between parties, meaning buyers must apply anew after a purchase, further emphasizing the importance of the one-year ownership rule. All licenses expire on December 31 of the year issued.
The average approval time for new applications is six weeks, and all applications are now submitted through Huntsville’s Cloudpermit platform. The system allows for document uploads, status tracking, and direct communication with Town staff.
New STRA license applications require proof of ownership, property details, insurance, safety and waste plans, and layout drawings. Approved applications undergo a compliance review followed by a site inspection to confirm safety measures, amenities, and overall property condition. If denied, applicants receive a written explanation and have 14 days to file an appeal with the Licensing Committee. Decisions from the Committee are final.
For existing license holders, renewal applications open November 1 and must be submitted by the first weekend in February. Renewals are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Huntsville’s updated STRA rules create both barriers to entry and opportunities for strategic positioning. The one-year ownership rule slows the speed at which new purchases can be monetized through STRA operations, requiring more upfront planning.
The 250-license cap means securing a license early will be critical. Meanwhile, the two-year violation tracking increases the operational risk of license loss for non-compliant hosts, making professional property management more valuable. Zoning restrictions in UR1 additionally turn licensed STRAs into potentially scarce, grandfathered assets, which could appreciate in value if maintained continuously.
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