📊 Daily Mortgage & Housing Market Briefing: October 2, 2026 🏠

📊  🏡 Keeping an eye on the market is the best way to make smart real estate decisions! Whether you are shopping for a new home, planning a Q4 mortgage renewal, or just keeping tabs on property values across Peterborough and the Kawarthas, here is what you need to know heading into the weekend. 👇

📉 Bank of Canada & Bond Yields

• 5-Year Bond Yield Moderation (~3.60%–3.65%): Government of Canada 5-year benchmark bond yields dipped slightly to ~3.60% (down ~9–10 bps from the mid-week peak of 3.70%). While yields pulled back slightly, they remain well above late-August floors (~3.25%), keeping wholesale fixed funding costs elevated for lenders.

• Policy Rate Outlook: The Bank of Canada maintains its key policy rate at 2.25% (Prime at 4.45%). Institutional money markets are watching closely ahead of the October 28 announcement. Lingering trade friction and energy prices continue to anchor market expectations against near-term rate cuts for the remainder of 2026.

💳 Major Lender Rate Sheet Summary

Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
3-Year Fixed	3.99% – 4.14%	4.39% – 4.64%	Sub-3.90% promotional offers remain fully pulled across major sheets.
5-Year Fixed	4.19% – 4.29%	4.49% – 4.74%	Flat demand; yields hovering near 3.60%+ prevent margin buydowns.
5-Year Variable	3.30% – 3.35% (Prime - 1.10% to 1.15%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Holds steady; continues to offer the lowest initial rate entry point.

⚠️ Broker Channel Alert: Monolines and broker desks are maintaining tight margin discipline. While the minor pullback in yields to 3.60% offers brief breathing room, rate-buydown budgets remain tight. If you have a rate hold locked in below 4.00%, make sure it doesn't expire unutilized!

🌲 Peterborough & Kawarthas Regional Pulse

• Price Benchmarks: In-city Peterborough median sold prices hold steady between $545,750 – $560,000 (average $573,919). Peterborough County overall (including rural residential and waterfront inventory) averages $708,800.

• Inventory & Absorption: Active listings across the region sit balanced at ~329 to 385 active listings, with average time on market holding steady at 33 days.

• Buyer Footing: Slower regional sales velocity continues to favour non-rushed buyers over aggressive multi-offer scenarios. Standard detached properties are closing a median $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price, allowing buyers to keep essential conditional protections in place.

💡 Key Advice for Buyers & Sellers

1. Audit Your Pre-Approval Expiry: If you are shopping this weekend or facing a Q4 renewal, check the exact expiration date on your 120-day rate hold. Preserving pre-approvals locked in under 4.00% is critical—re-qualifying under today's rate sheets means paying 10 to 20 bps higher!

2. Protect Yourself with Conditions: With average market time exceeding a month (~33 days), local sellers are accepting conditional offers. You do not need to waive financing, appraisal, or home inspection clauses to secure a property in Peterborough or the Kawarthas.

👇Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help you get to the path of YOUR success….

📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it.

🌧️ Embracing the Unexpected & Finding the Clear Path Ahead 🌲✨

Sometimes, the best days start with a shift in perspective.

Yesterday morning kicked off with a wet, rainy start across the Kawarthas and Highlands 🌧️. I had originally planned to get out and cut the lawn, but with the rain coming down, I pivoted to wrapping up indoor projects and organizing my day. I’ll be honest—sitting there early in the morning, I had a big list of things I wanted to accomplish, but I just couldn't see the full plan in my head right away. Instead of forcing it, I let it marinate, took a deep breath, and focused on putting people first.

Earlier in the week, I had a consultation with a client where I advised what was truly best for their long-term financial health, even though it meant no immediate business for me. Reflecting on that yesterday reminded me of my core motivation: always doing the right thing for others over myself. That thought set the tone for the rest of my day.

I took a moment to clean up my digital space, dropping unnecessary monthly expenses and organizing my community updates 📉💻. Then, Susan and I laced up our shoes and went for a walk in the rain 🌧️👟. I’ll admit, I didn't really feel like stepping out into the damp air beforehand, but by the time we finished, I was so glad we did! It completely cleared my head.

Right after our walk, I faced a situation I had been psyching myself up for all morning—a tough phone call regarding a financial refund for a family sports trip. I went in expecting a total battle 🥊. To my absolute shock, the person on the other end simply said, "No problem, we can do that right away for you." 🤯 A few minutes later, the full refund hit the inbox! It was a great reminder that sometimes the hurdles we stress over in our minds turn out to be far easier to clear than we expect.

Later in the afternoon, I shifted gears to help out another client who was navigating a massive, stressful property dilemma involving complex legal title details and strict timelines. Being able to step in, calm the waters, and outline a clear strategy to protect their investment is why I love what I do 🛡️🏡.

By the late afternoon, I headed out to the garage to clear out some clutter and tackle a few hands-on projects 🛠️. The pull cord on my leaf blower snapped—twice!—so I've got to grab a new cord, but even with small setbacks, getting hands-on and organizing my workspace felt productive.

Life throws unexpected curveballs, complex hurdles, and sudden rainy days at all of us 🌧️. But when you have a clear guide and an honest partner in your corner, navigating those challenges becomes simple.

🏡 Navigating Real Estate Stress? You Don't Have to Do It Alone.

Buying or selling a home or cottage in the Kawarthas and Highlands should be an exciting adventure, not a source of sleepless nights 🌲✨.

Too often, buyers and sellers run into hidden roadblocks—unclear property values, unexpected title issues, seasonal limitations, or overwhelming paperwork. Trying to tackle these complex problems without local expertise can lead to costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress.

You deserve a smooth, successful experience.

With over 20 years of hands-on local experience, I guide you step-by-step through every phase of the market. I bring deep regional knowledge, honest advice, and a commitment to putting your family's best interests first—ensuring you avoid hidden pitfalls and reach your goals with total confidence.

Imagine handing off the stress, having every detail protected, and focusing entirely on enjoying life in Ontario's beautiful cottage country 🍃☀️.

Ready to take the next step toward your real estate goals? Contact me today—I'll come directly to you! 🚗💨

📲 Let's Chat!

• Brad Sinclair, your Kawartha and Highlands Realtor® 🌲

• 📍 Re/Max Professionals North — Your Inside Source to the Highlands/Kawartha Real Estate Market

• Call or Text Today: 📞 705-927-6236

• Direct Message: DM or text me to get started. Questions? Let’s chat!

Families love the Kawarthas. Let’s find your place in it. ❤️🏡

#KawarthaLakes #HaliburtonHighlands #BancroftRealEstate #KawarthaRealEstate #CottageLife #StoryBrand #BradSinclair #ReMaxProfessionalsNorth #LocalExpertise #RealEstateAdvisor

🏛️ Township of Carlow/Mayo Council Deep Dive: Key Decisions & Local Impacts 🌲

Welcome to your essential municipal breakdown for the Township of Carlow/Mayo! Keeping up with council decisions shouldn't feel like a full-time job. As a local expert serving our area, I break down local government decisions so you know exactly how new policies, infrastructure updates, and budget decisions impact your property, wallet, and lifestyle! 🏡✨

Here is everything you need to know from the September 8, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.

📋 Deep Dive: Summary of Impactful Decisions & Agenda Topics

🚮 1. Waste Site ECA Amendments & Re-Use Opportunities

• What Was Discussed: Deputy Clerk Sabrina Anderson provided a comprehensive staff report regarding the updated Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) for both the Mayo (35844 Hwy 28 E) and Carlow (7 Pinecrest Road) waste sites.

• Key Updates:

  • Operational hours can now be flexible during daylight hours as long as they are properly posted at the gate.

  • Cover material application is required weekly at Carlow and bi-weekly at Mayo.

  • Routine explosive gas monitoring in enclosed occupied structures is now mandated.

  • Carlow has received approval to open a Re-Use Centre if desired.

• The Catch & Decision: Cambium noted an oversight during the recent ECA process—groundwater/surface water monitoring changes were missed, requiring another amendment application. Council voted to receive the report as information, deferring the unbudgeted secondary application costs to the 2027 budget planning process.

📑 2. Formalized Municipal Complaint Policy

• What Was Discussed: Staff introduced a draft Complaint Policy to standardize how public concerns regarding staff, municipal services, facilities, or by-law infractions are documented, investigated, and resolved.

• Key Guidelines:

  • All complaints must be submitted in writing with full contact details; anonymous complaints will NOT be investigated.

  • Council members cannot resolve complaints directly and must refer residents to the official written process.

  • Department heads must acknowledge complaints within 3 business days and deliver a formal resolution letter within 30 calendar days.

• The Decision: Council formally approved the staff recommendation and directed staff to bring forward the official By-law for passing at the October meeting.

🚧 3. Public Works Operations & Road Upgrades

• What Was Discussed: Public Works Manager Jacob Weichenthal presented the August 2026 monthly operations report.

• Key Highlights:

  • Heavy culvert replacements were executed along Hwy 517, New Carlow Road, and Hass Road.

  • Active ditching was completed on Boulter Road, New Carlow Road, and Hwy 517.

  • Road grading took place across Ramsbottom, Stringer, Old Hermon, Bessemer, Mayo Lake, White Birch, Remnant, Telford, Chatterton, McPherson, Mallard Lake, and Haryett roads.

  • Annual safety inspections were successfully completed for key fleet vehicles, including Truck #6 and Truck #12.

• The Decision: Council received the monthly report as information. Furthermore, By-law 56-2026 was officially passed to adopt the updated Public Works Manager Job Description.

💰 4. Financial & Donation Requests

• North Hastings Community Cupboard Request: The food bank requested a $5,000 donation to assist with operating costs. The 2026 operating budget only had $100 allocated for donations. Council voted to receive the request and defer consideration to 2027 budget deliberations to evaluate it alongside other municipal priorities.

• Expense Report: Council approved the August expense report as submitted by the Treasurer.

• Recreation Vouchers: Council approved Carlow Community Centre Voucher 07-26 and Mayo Community Centre Voucher 07-26 as amended, directing staff to confirm operating account balances with the Treasurer.

💼 5. Internal Staffing & Job Descriptions

• Council officially enacted By-law 56-2026 (Public Works Manager Job Description) and By-law 57-2026(Administrative Assistant Job Description) to modernize operational roles and maintain administrative efficiency.

⚡ The Big News & Local Controversy: Dormant Building Permits & The 15-Year Rule 🏗️

The single most impactful discussion for property owners was Chief Building Official Allen Musclow’s report on Dormant Building Permits and the Ultimate Limitation Period Policy.

Why It Matters to Local Residents:

Across rural Ontario, property owners frequently start builds, move in, or pause work without booking a final inspection. Years later—often during a property sale or refinancing—an open permit surface, causing major stress.

Council directed staff to bring the formal policy forward for passage at the next meeting and approved key operational shifts:

1. 0 to 5 Years Inactive: Staff will proactively reach out. If inactive for over 12 months, the Township may send notice to revoke the permit. To inspect, owners may be required to open up finished walls/ceilings to expose construction or provide third-party engineering reports.

2. 5 to 15 Years Inactive: Proactive letters stop. If an owner or buyer requests an inspection, extensive file reviews, wall exposure, or professional certification will be required at the owner's expense.

3. 15+ Years Inactive (Ultimate Limitation Period): Under the Limitations Act, 2002, the municipality will NO LONGER conduct inspections or take enforcement action on open permits where the last activity occurred 15+ years ago. Owners will be directed to hire private engineering consultants to verify building safety.

4. Reinstatement of Fees: Council voted to reinstate the $100 bi-annual dormant permit renewal fee (which was suspended during COVID-19) so taxpayers don't shoulder administrative costs.

• For Sellers: If you built an addition, garage, or deck years ago and never called for a final inspection, check your file now! If your permit is under 15 years old, resolving it before listing prevents closing delays.

• For Buyers: A title search showing an open permit over 15 years old means the municipality will not inspect it. You'll need independent professional advice to confirm structural safety before waiving conditions.

🌲 The Local Perspective: Preserving the Kawarthas & Highlands Lifestyle

Our rural and waterfront lifestyle relies heavily on reliable roads, clean lakes, and efficient waste management.

• Lake & Road Health: Heavy culvert replacements on Hwy 517, New Carlow Rd, and Hass Rd, alongside extensive ditching on Boulter Rd, ensure stormwater drains safely without washing out local cottage access roads or washing debris into nearby lakes.

• Waste & Re-Use: Flexible operating hours at waste sites make cottage drop-offs more convenient. The potential addition of a Re-Use Centre at the Carlow site provides a sustainable way to keep usable household goods out of landfills.

• Emergency & Safety Preparedness: The Community Fire Safety Officer confirmed active public education efforts, including Test Your Smoke Alarm Day (Sept 28), Fire Prevention Week (Oct 4-10), and Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (Nov 1-7).

🤝 Public Service & Community Advocacy

Keeping our local governance transparent protects property values and preserves our high quality of life. Whether you're navigating new building permit rules, understanding municipal complaint procedures, or assessing rural property access, accurate information helps you make confident decisions.

📞 Call today

Questions about how these municipal updates affect your current home or future real estate plans? As a local expert with Re/Max Professionals North, I am here to help you navigate these changes when buying or selling.

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it.

👇 Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨

📊 Daily Mortgage & Housing Market Briefing: October 1, 2026 🏠

As we enter October, the real estate and mortgage landscapes are shifting! Whether you’re planning to buy in the Peterborough and Kawartha region, facing an upcoming mortgage renewal, or simply keeping an eye on local housing trends, here is everything you need to know today. 💡

📉 Bank of Canada & Bond Yield Highlights

• 5-Year Bond Yield Pressure (~3.68%–3.70%): 📈 Canada’s 5-year benchmark bond yields remain elevated between 3.68% and 3.70%. With yields hovering at their highest levels in months, fixed-rate lenders face higher wholesale funding costs.

• Q4 Rate Hike Risk Heightens: 🚨 Following the Bank of Canada’s September 2 decision to hold the policy rate at 2.25% (Prime at 4.45%), money markets are pricing in potential rate changes ahead. Driven by stubborn core inflation and lingering trade friction, rate swap markets enter October with a 60%+ probability of a 25 bps rate hike at the upcoming October 28 BoC announcement.

🏦 Major Lender Rate Sheet Summary

Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
3-Year Fixed	3.99% – 4.14%	4.39% – 4.64%	Sub-3.90% promotional holds are gone; upward sheet revisions holding steady 📊
5-Year Fixed	4.19% – 4.29%	4.49% – 4.74%	Yields holding ~3.70% prevent lenders from restoring buydown discounts 🔒
5-Year Variable	3.30% – 3.35% (Prime - 1.10% to 1.15%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Holds steady; lowest entry point before the BoC’s October 28 meeting 🎯

⚠️ Broker Channel Alert: Monoline lenders and broker desks are operating with zero yield buffer. Lenders are advising clients to check pre-approval rate holds immediately so sub-4.00% 3-year fixed rate holds do not expire as Q4 begins!

🌲 Peterborough & Kawarthas Regional Pulse

• Price Benchmarks: 🏷️ In-city Peterborough median sold prices remain balanced between $545,750 – $560,000(average $573,919). Peterborough County overall—capturing our rural residential and waterfront inventory—averages $708,800.

• Inventory & Absorption: 📋 Active inventory across the region sits at a balanced ~329 to 385 active listings, with average time on market holding steady at 33 days.

• October Buyer Footing: 🤝 Balanced regional inventory (~33 DOM) keeps buyer leverage intact. Detached homes continue closing a median $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price, allowing buyers to keep essential conditional protections in place!

🔑 Key Takeaways & Client Advice

1. Immediate Rate Lock Audit: 🔐 Active buyers and anyone facing a Q4 or winter renewal should verify their 120-day rate hold expiry dates today. Securing rates under 4.00% or low-4% fixed tiers avoids forced re-qualification if lenders raise rate sheets before October 28.

2. Conditional Bidding Strategy: 📝 Local supply levels allow buyers to maintain leverage. You do not need to waive essential financing, appraisal, or home inspection clauses to land a property.

👇 Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours! 🏫✨

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help get you on the path to YOUR success….

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it. 🌲 Lakefront, acreage, or town home—I'm here to help!

Kawarthas & Regional Community Round-Up: Local News, Sports & Key Updates

Welcome to your comprehensive community update bringing you the latest local headlines, regional sports, and upcoming events across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Central Ontario! 🌲✨

📰 Regional News & Headlines

🧡 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Recognized

Community members gathered across Peterborough to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with solemn remembrance. At the Peterborough County Courthouse flag-raising, Hiawatha First Nation Chief Laurie Carr emphasized honouring the 150,000 Indigenous children forced into residential schools and called for active allyship. Events hosted by the Nogojiwanong Urban Indigenous Working Group at Healthy Planet Arena featured drumming, jingle dress dancing, and elder wisdom. Local leaders, including Mayor Jeff Leal, County Warden Bonnie Clark, and OPP Insp. Chris Galeazza, spoke on shared municipal and policing responsibilities in rebuilding community trust.

🏫 IB Program Review at Kenner Collegiate

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board trustees have asked staff to explore specialized programming options for Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute, including possibly reinstating the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Cancelled in late 2023 over equity and financial concerns, teachers presented data demonstrating enrolment loss to local Catholic schools. Enrolling just 25 IB students generates $362,500 annually in provincial funding, helping offset operational costs and revitalizing school culture.

🏛️ Federal "Building Canada Strong Act" Scrutiny

Peterborough MP Emma Harrison defended Bill C-39 (Building Canada Strong Act), emphasizing it will face rigorous parliamentary scrutiny and committee review. Environmental groups, including Ecojustice and the David Suzuki Foundation, warned the proposed legislation could fast-track fossil fuel projects and weaken nature protections via one-year assessment limits. MP Harrison assured the public that committee stages will welcome testimony and amendments from Indigenous partners and experts.

🏗️ Historic 1845 Stone Schoolhouse Demolished

The historic stone schoolhouse at 297 Hunter St. W. in Peterborough has been demolished by Drain Bros. Excavating Ltd. after city council voted against heritage designation. Built in 1845 with stone quarried from Jackson Park, the structure suffered severe arson damage in 2015. The Roman Catholic Diocese requested removal from the heritage register to make way for a proposed fourplex apartment building to help address local housing supply.

💊 Safe Medication Take-Back Campaign

Rexall Pharmacy in Peterborough partnered with Substance Canada, the Health Products Stewardship Association, and local law enforcement to launch the "Together for Safer Homes" initiative. The campaign highlights the hazards of unmonitored household prescription storage. With student non-prescribed drug use rising, residents are reminded that local pharmacies offer free, year-round medication return programs.

☕ Dreams of Beans Café Fuels Living-Wage Model

Downtown Peterborough's Dreams of Beans Café (141 Charlotte St.) continues to thrive as a social enterprise using a living-wage, no-tipping business model. Menu prices incorporate fair wages, and a "pay it forward" fund helps provide meals for those in need. The venue displays local art commission-free and inspired the creation of the "PTBO Friends" social group connecting newcomers.

🐕 Active Together Program Supports Inclusive Community

The Council for Persons with Disabilities Peterborough hosted its bi-weekly "Active Together" event at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52. The free program offered adults with visible and invisible disabilities lunch, interactive art, and a dog trick demonstration by One Paw at a Time K9.

🍂 "Super El Niño" to Extend Ontario Fall Foliage

Climatologists report that a powerful "Super El Niño" climate pattern will deliver warmer-than-average fall temperatures across Ontario. While warmer weather may slightly temper bright red pigments, healthy summer rainfall ensures a vibrant, extended leaf-peeping season across Central Ontario, Algonquin Park, and the Muskokas.

🏛️ MP Scott Aitchison Announces Resignation

Parry Sound-Muskoka Conservative MP Scott Aitchison announced he will step down from federal politics at the end of the fall parliamentary session after 30 years of public service. Aitchison previously served as opposition housing critic and ran for party leadership in 2022.

⚙️ Canadian Steel Sector Shifts Domestic Strategy

Amid 50% U.S. steel tariffs and international oversupply leading to layoffs at Stelco’s Hamilton cold mill, industry analysts emphasize pivoting Canadian steel toward domestic infrastructure. Experts urge updates to federal procurement guidelines to support local production.

🤖 Social Media AI Support Glitches

A Toronto user experienced a permanent, automated shutdown of her 20-year-old Facebook and Instagram accounts without human review—despite paying for a verified account. The incident underscores growing concerns over user data access and reliance on automated customer service algorithms.

🏒 Regional Sports Updates

• 🏒 Lucas Karmiris Petes Debut: Peterborough Petes forward Lucas Karmiris is set to make his game debut after recovering from dual knee surgeries. He will line up alongside Braydon McCallum and Aiden Young as the Petes host Erie, while newly acquired defenceman Camron Hankai makes his team debut.

• 🏎️ Autumn Colours Classic Finale: The GEN3 Electrical SportsMods season concludes on Friday, Oct. 9, at Peterborough Speedway. Defending champion John Baker Jr. holds a narrow two-point lead over Chad Strawn heading into the championship round.

• ⚾ Blue Jays Season Recap: Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins addressed the team's 79-83 finish, citing power dips and rotation injuries, while expressing confidence in a roster reset for the upcoming season.

🗓️ Community Notices & Events

• 🗳️ Municipal Candidate Forum: "Electionfest" takes place Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Healthy Planet Arena (911 Monaghan Rd.). Free admission to meet local candidates.

• 🥧 Thanksgiving Bake Sale: Empress Gardens Retirement Residence (131 Charlotte St.) hosts a bake sale on Wednesday, October 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proceeds support Kawartha Food Share.

• 🏥 PRHC Hybrid OR Campaign: The Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation continues its campaign to bring an advanced hybrid Operating Room to the hospital for complex local surgeries.

👇Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help you get to the path of YOUR success….

📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it.

🍁 Real Estate, Renovations & Tax Tips: A Day in the Life! 🏡✨

Happy October, everyone! 🍂 Another busy day in the books navigating local real estate, helping clients make smart property decisions, and keeping up with everything happening around our region.

Here is a quick peek behind the curtain at what went down today:

🏠 Listing Strategy & Real Advice

I travelled out to Peterborough today to meet with a client to review his property and discuss next steps. The house has had some great work done, but still needs flooring and trim work completed before it’s truly ready for the market.

After going over the numbers and evaluating his short-term ownership position, listing right now didn't make financial sense due to built-up equity versus transaction costs. Instead, we discussed hiring a professional property manager to rent the home out—a strategy that protects his investment long-term while covering costs. Sometimes the best real estate advice isn't "sell now," but finding the path that actually protects your bottom line! 💡🤝

🚜 Navigating Complex Tax Traps (HST & Farm Sales)

I’ve also been working through a complex situation involving a farm property sale where HST liabilities came into play.

Pro Tip for Sellers: Selling commercial outbuildings, shops, or workable farmland can trigger massive HST and capital gains tax liabilities if not structured correctly from day one. We are working closely with accountants and appraising specific assets (isolating personal residence vs. commercial shop/pasture land) to ensure our clients don't get hit with unexpected six-figure tax bills at closing! 📉📊

🔨 Getting Homes Market-Ready

Over in Norwood, progress is rolling on another client property! We’ve got a contractor starting this weekend on new flooring, full interior painting, and deck finishing touches. We are prepping to shoot photos right after Thanksgiving weekend to launch the listing while the autumn market is still moving fast 📸🍁.

👇Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help you get to the path of YOUR success….

📞 705-927-6236 👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North 📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it.

🌲 Limerick Township Council Insider: Big Decisions, Local Impact & What’s Next for Our Community! 🗳️✨

Welcome to your essential municipal breakdown! As a local ratepayer, staying in the loop on local governance shouldn't mean sifting through hundreds of pages of agendas. I’m here to bring you just the facts, direct from the Township of Limerick Council September 21, 2026 meeting agenda and August 17, 2026 minutes.

📋 Executive Summary of Impactful Decisions & Agenda Items

Here is an extensive deep-dive into what was presented, reported, and scheduled for decision:

• 💵 2025 Financial Audit Presentation: Independent auditor Baker Tilly KDN LLP presented the 2025 Financial Audit, giving Limerick a clean opinion. Financial highlights show cash assets of $2.45M, net financial assets of $1.73M, and a total accumulated surplus of $6.04M.

• 🗳️ Final Council Meeting of the Term: Administration confirmed the September 21 meeting is the final regular meeting of the 2022–2026 Council term, as the October meeting was cancelled due to voting period requirements.

• 🧱 Building Department Year-to-Date: CBO Frank Mills reported 41 permits being processed year-to-date with $13,600 in fees and $903,920 in future property assessments.

• 🚜 Roads & Infrastructure Progress: Public Works completed widening, ditching, and corner-straightening work on Limerick Lake Road, installed a new culvert on Tripp’s Road, and secured between 3,000–3,500 tonnes of winter sand.

• 🚒 Comprehensive Community Risk Assessment (CRA): Fire Chief Greg Maxwell and FPO Cindy Fuerth delivered a 57-page report evaluating risks across the township's 562 occupancies.

• 🚤 Shoreline Road Allowance Purchase (Doyle): Preliminary approval was requested to purchase shoreline road allowance on Limerick Lake North Shore to resolve a bunkie setback error.

• 🏎️ Tall Pines Rally By-Law (2026-20): Agreement authorizing the Maple Leaf Rally Club to use Old Hastings Road and Highway 620 on November 20–21, 2026, with a $5M liability insurance policy and mandatory road repair terms.

• 🚒 Tudor and Cashel Fire Apparatus Agreement (By-Law 2026-21): Formalizing inter-municipal ownership and operation of a fire truck stationed in Millbridge.

🔥 The Big News & Local Debates

1. Water-Access Fire Response & The 2026 Community Risk Assessment 🚤🌊

Council moved into a Closed Session under solicitor-client privilege to discuss Fire Service on Water Access Properties. This follows direction from the August minutes to examine legal, insurance, training, and costing implications. Maps provided in the agenda highlight that 50% to 70% of properties on Sweets Lake, St. Ola Lake, and Limerick Lake (North End) are water-access or limited service.

Why it matters to local residents: Response times to islands and water-access cottages are inherently longer. The CRA notes that residential structure fires make up 20.69% of fire department calls, while wildland-urban interface (WUI) risks remain high. Defining clear fire protection service levels for island and shoreline properties directly impacts emergency readiness, cottage safety, and municipal liability.

2. Bunkie Encroachments & Shoreline Clearances 🏡📐

A notable CBO staff report detailed an ongoing issue on Limerick Lake North Shore, where a bunkie, woodshed, and septic were built encroaching toward a property line after builders relied on the wrong survey stake. The owner applied to purchase the Shoreline Road Allowance and will seek a minor variance to avoid cutting down mature trees. Furthermore, the CBO highlighted that Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) supersedes municipal zoning bylaws regarding septic clearances.

Why it matters to local residents: Property boundaries on rural and waterfront lots can be deceptive. Understanding building code rules and obtaining proper surveys before building prevents costly relocation efforts and legal delays.

3. The 2026 Municipal Election & In-Person Help Centre 🗳️📱

With Council entering a "lame duck" period, municipal staff are transitioning to full election operations. Voting will take place via Internet and Telephone.

Voter Help Centre Hours (89 Limerick Lake Rd.):

• 🗓️ Monday, Oct 19 – Thursday, Oct 22: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

• 🗓️ ELECTION DAY – Monday, Oct 26: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

🏞️ The Local Perspective: Preserving the Kawarthas & Highlands Lifestyle

Life in Limerick Township centers around pristine lakes, rugged trails, and close-knit community spirit.

• 🍂 ATV Trail Support: Public Works met with the Coe Hill ATV Club to assist with trail improvements between Ormsby and Highway 62.

• ♻️ Waste Management & Environmental Oversight: Ministry of the Environment (MOE) officials inspected the Limerick Landfill on Sept 3, praising new slope levels set up by Cambium. Wollaston Township has formally requested that Limerick accept construction waste for grinding at the landfill.

• 🌐 Broadband Expansion: Cyient Canada (on behalf of Bell Canada) is actively conducting field surveys and door-knocking across rural corridors to design new fiber-optic high-speed internet infrastructure.

🏡 Real Estate Integration & Property Impacts

Every municipal policy move impacts real estate value, marketability, and enjoyment:

• 📈 Assessment Value Growth: With 41 new building permits generating $903,920 in future property assessments, home additions and improvements are continuing to drive local real estate equity upward.

• 🛶 Water-Access Property Values: The ongoing municipal review of fire services to water-access properties is crucial. Clear municipal policies and fire protection agreements preserve property insurability and buyers' peace of mind.

• 🛣️ Road Upgrades Elevate Equity: Municipal widening, ditching, and brushing along Limerick Lake Road and Old Hastings Road improve year-round access—a top priority for buyers looking for rural acreage or waterfront cottages.

Property Impact: Before buying or selling rural or water-access properties in Limerick Township, verify shoreline road allowances, survey markers, and access classifications. Proactive planning protects your property's resale value and ensures smooth transactions.

📜 Summary of Last Meeting Minutes (August 17, 2026)

Here is what Council officially passed and decided in their previous meeting:

• O'Hara Rezoning (By-Law 2026-18): Approved zoning amendment for 2435 and 2445 Old Hastings Road following a presentation by Hastings County.

• Severance Lot Adjustment: Agreed to sell a small end portion of road allowance to Griff and Christina Lloyd to permit lot line adjustments.

• Shoreline Road Allowance: Approved the Shoreline Road Allowance purchase application for Hetherington and sent it to the Township Solicitor.

• Advocacy Resolutions: Supported provincial letters calling for permanently doubling OCIF funding and securing sustainable fire service funding.

• Water Access Fire Response: Directed staff to keep water and island fire response on the agenda pending legal, insurance, and costing reviews.

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Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help you get to the path of YOUR success….

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it.