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Posted by Tanya Hutchens

Of course, the first status residence is in Manhattan, and bankers are already starting to check out the goods in advance of their windfall. They’re putting up huge down payments, which has helped the $3 million to $5 million sector of the city’s housing market to rebound, said Pamela Liebman, CEO of New York-based brokerage firm Corcoran.

At the low end, they can score a three-bedroom, two bath condo right on Central Park or a tony address on Fifth Avenue. The more adventurous poet-at-heart bankers can tap out buying a five-story Queen Anne on the Upper West Side or head to the once-bohemian East Village for two joined buildings that boast an owner’s triplex with a stunning terrace — and income-generating apartments and businesses below.

Of course, many Wall Streeters already own their Manhattan dream homes, so they’ll spend their extra money revamping their primary residences, Pedraza said.

A makeover by a well-respected interior decorator can run at least $150,000 — but usually is more like 30% to 40% of the bonus. Think: Charlie Sheen hiring Daryl Hannah to give his new condo — and life — a high-rent makeover in the 1987 flick “Wall Street.”

The outlook for the economy, notes Tanya Hutchens, has weakened since the last forecast. Consumer spending and exports will continue to contract in 2009. Ontario will face the slowest economic growth rate since the early 1990s. Kitchener CMA consumer bankruptcies are up in the last three months. Housing demand will decline due to the economic uncertainty and less household disposable income.

Employment

Due to economic conditions that continue to deteriorate, employment in Kitchener-Guelph is expected to decrease in 2009. Employment in the Kitchener and Guelph CMAs will decline by two per cent. As the labour force will continue to increase, the unemployment rate is expected to reach nine per cent in the Kitchener CMA and eight per cent in the Guelph CMA in 2009. Participation rates in the Kitchener CMA are the highest in the province, resulting in an unexpectedly high unemployment rate as more people compete for the few jobs available.
Full-time jobs will be most affected by the downturn in employment and, it is full-time employment that drives housing demand. On a more positive note in the Kitchener CMA, RIM is expected to hire 3,000 more employees in 2009, while OpenText has job openings for more than 200.
The goods sector will continue to contract because of the manufacturing sector and an export market which will see negative growth this year. The manufacturing sector has been contracting for the last four years and with turmoil in the automotive sector, the job shedding will continue. Guelph has sustained a harder hit from the downturn in the automotive sector than has Kitchener. Guelph manufacturing, as a percentage of total employment, has dropped from 26 per cent in the first quarter of 2008, to 20 per cent in the same period of 2009. In both CMAs, while the services sector has been supporting employment growth, lower consumer spending will weaken growth in this sector through 2009.
Older employees will be hard hit by the downturn in the economy, impacting move-up buyer demand. Some older employees will be forced into early retirement as companies downsize to trim overhead costs and to remain viable. Many of these employees will remain in the labour force. On the other hand, youth employment will fluctuate near current levels, benefiting the rental market.

Average Weekly Earnings

A rising jobless rate, less inflationary pressures and the decline in some higher paying jobs will dampen wage growth this year. Wage growth in the Kitchener CMA is expected to be near two per cent in 2009, while Guelph CMA earnings are forecast to increase by one per cent. The lower level of wage growth in 2009 will be a small contributing factor to the decline in housing demand. A plus for the rental market is the increase in the minimum wage in Ontario by eight per cent in March, enabling some people to form households.

Migration

Net migration is forecast to be 2,500 in 2009 in the Kitchener CMA and 900 in the Guelph CMA. Although slowing, inter-provincial migration to the west continues, resulting in lower net migration. Employment is a strong driver of migration to the Kitchener CMA. Kitchener has the second highest employment rate in Ontario and continues to attract households to the area. International migration is the driving force behind any migration growth in the CMAs, but does little to increase immediate ownership demand, as renting is the most prevalent tenure choice among those new to Canada.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are expected to be relatively stable throughout 2009, remaining within 25-75 basis points of their current levels. Posted mortgage rates will increase very gradually during the course of 2010, reflecting a rise in government of Canada bond yields. For 2010, the one year posted mortgage rate will be in the 4.75-6.00 per cent range, while three and five year posted mortgage rates are forecast to be in the 5.00-6.75 per cent range.

OTTAWA, May 19, 2009 - Housing starts are expected to decline to 141,900 for 2009, but increase to 150,300 for 2010, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) second quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition* report.

“The decline in housing starts in 2009 can be attributed to several factors, including the current economic climate, increased competition from the existing home market, and the impact of strong house price growth between 2002 and 2007” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC. “However, housing market activity will begin to strengthen in 2010 as the Canadian economy recovers, bringing housing starts more in line with demographic fundamentals over the forecast period”.

Existing home sales, as measured by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), are expected to decline to 357,800 units in 2009 from 433,990 in 2008, but increase to 386,100 units in 2010. The average MLS price is also expected to decrease to $283,100 in 2009 and to stabilize in 2010.

As Canada’s national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

The construction of 50 new apartments for non-elderly singles and disabled persons was announced today by the provincial and federal governments. The new Moncton-based units will be funded under Phase III of the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement.

Social Development Minister Mary Schryer, who is also minister responsible for housing, and Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.

“We are pleased to join our partners in these projects to help increase the availability of high-quality and affordable homes for low-income seniors in the Moncton area,” said Schryer. “The creation of more affordable housing is part of this government’s efforts to help seniors be active and healthy members of local communities.”

The $4.9 million project at 430 High St. is expected to be completed by January 2010.

The units are being developed by Tannery Court Cooperative Ltd. The project will receive funding of $1.4 million under the Federal Affordable Housing Trust Fund to offset construction costs, as well as $2.1 million in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick for 49 of the 50 units.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in New Brunswick and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP O’Neill-Gordon. “Here in Moncton, the creation of these units will help individuals and persons with disabilities access suitable, affordable housing that meets their specific needs.”

Funding is available to private non-profit organizations, co-operatives, and community or private developers interested in developing projects for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, non-elderly singles, disabled persons and persons with special needs.

This project will be built to high energy-efficiency standards, and it will involve consultation with Efficiency NB. Builders of affordable housing projects for low-income individuals may receive an incentive of $2,000 per apartment unit if the building is heated by low greenhouse gas emission technologies as approved by Efficiency NB.

VAUGHAN, April 30, 2009 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Region of York celebrated the start of construction of the Reena Community Residence, a development of 60 new affordable housing units in the City of Vaughan. This project received $4.2 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing attended the official groundbreaking ceremony. Also participating in today’s announcement were York Regional Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch and officials from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Reena.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for CMHC. “The creation of these new units here in Vaughan will provide low-income seniors and people with special needs access to quality, affordable housing and the services that meet their specific needs, while remaining close to their families and friends in the community.”

“Access to safe, affordable housing is vitally important to the economic and social well-being of Ontario’s communities,” said Tanya Hutchens. “This investment will make a significant difference in the lives of people, especially those with disabilities, who will call Reena Community Residence home.”

Today’s announcement was made at the future site of the Reena Community Residence, at 9600 Bathurst Avenue in the City of Vaughan. The $23-million project, which includes $4.2 million from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program and $2.6 million from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, is sponsored by Reena, an organization committed to investing in a better quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.

Federal and provincial allocations to the project are to be complemented by more than $3.6 million in municipal financial incentives.

“When completed, this residence will offer a full spectrum of needed supports that will enhance the lives of the people who live here, their families and our community,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “The Regional Municipality of York is proud to be a partner in this project.”

The Reena Community Residence is situated on the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus. The campus is a project of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Tomorrow campaign, which is building three centers of Jewish life in the GTA. In addition to educational facilities, the campus will be home to social services and recreational centers for all GTA residents.

“The Reena Community Residence at the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Campus will give Reena an opportunity to create a model of support which is unique,” said Sandy Keshen, President and CEO of Reena. “In partnership with a number of other service providers, it will set a bench mark for the future — demonstrating that services can be provided in an integrated setting to a population with diverse needs.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, says Tanya Hutchens, comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

With up to 40,000 reported cases in Canada each year, says Tanya Hutchens, basement flooding is a serious problem in many parts of the country. Damages resulting from a flooded basement average between $3,000 to $5,000. These costs will likely be higher for basements with extensive finishings. Plus, in addition to the mess and inconvenience, flooding can cause health hazards, and lead to structural damage.

To help you protect your basement, the health of your family and your pocketbook, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a number of practical steps you can take to avoid basement flooding in your home, including:

• Clean debris from your eaves troughs on a regular basis, and make sure your downspouts extend at least 1.8 meters (six feet) away from your basement wall, and drains away from your house toward the street, rear yard or back lane. If your downspouts are connected to your home’s sewer system or weeping tile, disconnect them.
• If the land around your home slopes inward, fill in and grade the ground so that it slopes away from your house for at least 1.8 metres (six feet) out from the foundation. Also, examine sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways to be sure they aren’t causing water to drain back towards your basement walls.
• If your drainage system tends to overload, consider installing one or more flood proofing devices, such as a sump pump or back flow valve. Some devices may require a plumbing permit, so check with your municipal office or a qualified plumber before carrying out any installation. Plus, keep all flood proofing devices and plumbing fixtures clean and well maintained, and have a qualified plumber inspect them regularly to ensure that they’re operating properly.
• For severe storms or power blackouts, you may want to invest in a battery-powered backup sump pump, or a water-powered pump that runs by city water flowing through the pump impeller.
• Install impermeable floor finishes such as ceramic tile to lessen the potential damage from flooding in your basement, and to make clean-up easier and less expensive. Use wall finishes that can be easily removed or are not susceptible to mold growth. In addition, make sure any furniture in the basement has legs to keep the fabric off the floor, and consider using area rugs as an alternative to broadloom for easier removal and cleaning.
• Finally, check with your insurance agent or broker to ensure that you have adequate coverage against flood damage. Keep your insurance policies and related records in a safe location that is easily accessible after an emergency, and maintain a detailed inventory of everything in your residence for use in the event of a loss.

For more information or a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet Avoiding Basement Flooding or other fact sheets on virtually every facet of owning, maintaining or renovating your home, ask CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 CMHC is Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.

Every three minutes, says Tanya Hutchens, a home in Canada is burglarized. Many of those break-ins occur while the homeowners are away. But burglaries can also take place when you are at home, at any time of the night or day.

To help lock crime out of your home and keep your house and your family safe and sound, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following tips:

• Make sure your lighting and landscaping offer a clear view of your house from the street. Keep your windows and doors free of trees, bushes or other obstructions that could provide a hiding place for someone trying to break in. Entrances with good visibility and good lighting let thieves know that your home is not an easy target.
• Secure all doors at all times with good quality deadbolt locks. While horizontal deadbolts are generally more popular, vertical deadbolt locks are actually the most effective option available.
• When choosing a deadbolt, make sure that part of the bolt remains in the lock when in the locked position. The body of the lock should be made of solid steel, brass or bronze and it should have a solid or hardened ring or bevelled housing to protect the cylinder from being twisted off with a wrench. This cylinder should have at least five pins and you must be able to unlock it without keys from the inside.
• To further secure the entrances to your home, protect the hinge pins on all doors so they can’t be removed from the outside. To secure patio doors, consider installing an anti-Jimmy plate or adding safety bars and auxiliary locks.
• Use the viewer in your front door to see who is there before you open it.
• To keep would-be intruders from using your garage to enter your home, make sure everyone in your family knows to keep your garage door closed and locked at all times. Never leave the remote control for the garage on your car’s visor and don’t keep maintenance receipts or anything else with your address on it in your car.
• If you live in a remote area or spend prolonged periods of time away from home, consider investing in a burglar alarm system. A carefully selected and properly installed alarm can provide you and your loved ones with some welcome peace of mind.

For more information on how to protect your house ask CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. For more than 60 years, notes Tanya Hutchens, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.

FERGUS, April 24, 2009 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the County of Wellington today announced the start of construction of 55 new affordable housing units for individuals with special needs. The Gordon Street Apartments, sponsored by the County of Wellington, received more than $3.8 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program towards this initiative.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Liz Sandals, Member of Provincial Parliament for Guelph, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Joanne Ross-Zuj, Warden for the County of Wellington made the announcement today.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Minister Finley. “Through this investment, we are making an important difference in the lives of seniors, families and individuals in Fergus who are working towards building a stronger and better future for themselves.”

“Our government is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said MPP Sandals. “These units are going to make a significant difference in the lives of the people who call them home.”

“The County of Wellington is pleased to partner with the federal and provincial governments to construct 55 new Affordable Housing units in Centre Wellington,” said Ross-Zuj. “Adequate shelter is the foundation upon which healthy communities are built. The County of Wellington is committed to providing safe and affordable housing for lower-income seniors, families and individuals in need of assistance.”

Tanya Hutchens says, The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will have invested at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

Last fall, notes Tanya Hutchens, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.

WATERLOO REGION, April 17, 2009 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Region of Waterloo and the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) celebrated the launch of the Sunnyside Supportive Housing and Seniors Wellness Centre project. The project will be the first of its kind, says Tanya Hutchens, in Waterloo Region — an affordable seniors housing complex, offering funded care and support services, coordinated by an on-site case manager.

The project was officially launched by Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the Honourable David Caplan, Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care; the Honourable John Milloy, Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Waterloo Regional Chair Ken Seiling; and WWLHIN Board Chair Kathy Durst.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Stephen Woodworth. “Today’s launch gives hope to Kitchener seniors who need quality, affordable housing, and support services that meet their specific needs.”

“Our government is proud to support this innovative project that will enable seniors to live independently with access to quality care close to home,” said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “The Sunnyside Supportive Housing and Seniors Wellness Centre project reflects the goal of our province’s Aging at Home Strategy.”

When complete, says Tanya Hutchens, the project will have 27 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom accessible apartments, including wheelchair accommodation and providing space for supportive services such as rehabilitation, fitness programs and educational sessions.

“This supportive housing project addresses a long-standing need in our community and I am proud of the strong support the McGuinty government has provided,” said John Milloy, MPP, Kitchener Centre. “Seniors deserve the ability to live independently for as long as possible and this project will allow them to do so.”

This $9.7 million Region of Waterloo initiative will receive capital funding of $2.1 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. An annual operating subsidy of $663,000 will be provided by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care through the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network under the Province’s Aging at Home Strategy. The K-W Seniors Day Program, which is contributing $102,300, will be expanded as part of the project. The Seniors Wellness Centre will also be funded by the Sunnyside Home Foundation, which is today launching its campaign to raise $500,000 for this initiative. The project should be ready for occupancy in early 2010.

“The Sunnyside Seniors Supportive Housing project addresses a critical need in our community,” said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. “Once complete, this housing development will enable many of our citizens to continue to live independently in our community while having easy, convenient access to the services and supports they need.”

“The combined vision of the Federal, Provincial, and Regional Governments, along with the WWLHIN, to work in partnership and create affordable supportive housing for our senior population demonstrates a willingness to address this gap in our community,” says Kathy Durst, Chair, WWLHIN Board of Directors. “Through our collective efforts, we will continue to develop high quality housing and services for our elderly LHIN residents enhancing their independence and opportunity for choice.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will have invested at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

Last fall, notes Tanya Hutchens, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to $2 billion for housing-related infrastructure. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.