Canada Day has a rich history, dating to July 1, 1868, when Canadians were called upon by the Governor General to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North American provinces (aka Canada). In 1879, the Canadian holiday called “Dominion Day” was established to commemorate this great event—with a name change to “Canada Day” in 1982. Today, Canada Day is celebrated throughout Canada with fireworks display. York Region will celebrate Canada's birthday with a dazzling display of light, colour and sound:

Vaughan

Shocking Truth: 2 out of 3 Listings Do Not Sell in the GTA!

Most owners think that their homes are special, will bring a good price and will sell quickly. The sad truth is that selling your home in Toronto Area can be frustrating.  A lot of all new listings that go on the market eventually expire with the home still unsold. Toronto Real Estate Board stats reveal that even in the Sellers Market only 1 in 3 Real Estate listings actually sells:

How to Avoid Becoming an Expired Listing?

If you are one of the buyers who was waiting for home prices to come down more, than you have missed the housing market bottom in the GTA. But don't worry, you can still find great deals in the areas & home types that depreciated more during this downturn.

Toronto neighbourhoods to look at

Announcement: Canada’s Number One Royal LePage brokerage is expanding again.

Royal LePage Your Community Realty has acquired Royal LePage Timeless Realty a three year old brokerage with offices in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Keswick.

Already ranked as the country’s top brokerage (based on sales of independently owned RLP franchises in 2007), The Richmond Hill-based Royal LePage – Your Community Realty now boasts more than 600 Real Estate Agents in nine locations covering a sales area stretching from the shores of Lake Simcoe to the waterfront of Lake Ontario.

“By acquiring these ideal locations in two of the fastest-growing communities in the GTA, we can offer our clients a much larger inventory that stretches, literally, from shore to shore,” said Vivian Risi, Broker of Record and founder of Royal LePage - Your Community. “With offices in downtown Toronto and throughout York Region right up to cottage country, we can maximize our network and do an even better job servicing our listing and client needs.”

A healthy lawn will out-compete weeds, be less susceptible to insect problems and shouldn’t need pesticides. To help you get started, York Region Environmental Alliance and Town of Richmond Hill Pesticide Reduction Strategy Initiatives organize a workshop called “Organic Lawn Care for the Cheap & Lazy” at Elgin West Community Centre. Please call (905) 771-5509 to register as space is limited.

Tips for Growing Healthy Lawns without Pesticides

Waste Collection Schedule Changes

There will be a change to the Blue Box, Green Bin and garbage collection schedule due to the upcoming holidays. During the week of December 24 and the week of December 31, pick up will be one day later than your regularly scheduled collection day.

Christmas Tree Collection

In order for your tree to be collected please remember to:

Attend Learn to Conserve Energy Workshop and learn about Energy Saving Programs and Home Conservation strategies, as well as how to save energy by using a microwave instead of your oven and enjoy a cooking demonstration.

• All participants receive a FREE conservation gift bag that can save you energy.
• Watt reader loan program NOW offered at the Richmond Hill Public Library.
• Admission is FREE, but space is limited!

Please pre-register at the Richmond Hill Central Library's Full Service Desk or by calling 905-884-9288 x231.

Watt Reader Loan Program offered at The York Region Public Libraries

Royal LePage Historical Database - Average House Price in Markham:

Royal LePage Historical Database - Average House Price in Woodbridge:

Royal LePage Historical Database - Average House Price in Unionville:

Royal LePage Historical Database - Average House Price in Thornhill:

Yorkregion.com - Regional News Story: A provincial or national registry of marijuana grow operations would offer a false sense of security to those who rely on it, York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge said. A major problem with that kind of warning system, is grow-ops that have not been discovered by police would not be part of the registry, Chief La Barge said. Instead, Chief La Barge supports Provincial Bill 128, which allows police to inform municipalities a grow-op has been discovered and requires city administrators to ensure an inspection is done to make sure a home used as grow-op falls under the building code before it is resold.

A recent phenomenon is people purchasing known grow-op homes at reduced prices and refurbishing them to make substantial profits in a resale. That could lead to criminals showing up at the address believing it's still a grow-op, which could be dangerous for the new homeowners, Chief La Barge said. York's top cop suggests a thorough home inspection before buying goes a long way to expose past criminal uses.

Santa seems to be everywhere this time of year. His busy schedule shows that Santa will be riding the York-Durham Heritage Railway, Greater Toronto Region's only tourist train, on trains out of Uxbridge and Stouffville.

There is entertainment on board and of course Santa will be visiting each child at their seat. Great photo opportunity - bring your camera!

Come one, come all to welcome Santa to Markham and experience the Wonders of Christmas. Enjoy the parade of colourful floats and over 1000 participants including bands, mascots... Santa Claus Parade in Markham is one of the biggest parades in York Region! The parade will begin at the Markham Village Community Centre, corner of Hwy 7 & Main Street Markham and travels north on Main Street Markham to end at the Markham Museum. For more information visit www.markhamsantaclausparade.com and check out Road Closure Notice.

This is your chance to vote for the persons who will represent you at a local government level. It is important to cast your vote, because local Councillors have a strong impact on the future of your community. They decide how your property taxes are spent and what services the municipality will provide to you and your family. You will also be voting for school board trustees who are responsible for authorizing the construction and maintenance of schools, hiring teachers and staff and authorizing spending on educational programmes.

Here is “official” list of candidates by office. For more information go to Town of Richmond Hill Elections 2006 page...