The Molly & Claude Team

The Molly & Claude Team Realtors Ottawa, Royal LePageTeam Realty

Condos in Playfair Park, Ottawa

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Condos and the Area in Playfair Park, Ottawa 1705 Playfair Drive (Vista on the Park):

    Building Overview:
    • Construction: Built in 1989 by Greatwise / Fuller, the building is known as “Vista on the Park.”
    • Structure: This is a 15-storey building housing 190 units.
    • Accessibility: The building has no stairs at the entrance and includes elevators.

    Unit Features:
    • Sizes and Layouts: The units typically come in two or three-bedroom configurations.
    • Interior: Most units have modern finishes including tiled or hardwood foyers, spacious closets, and updated kitchens.
    • Amenities: Residents enjoy access to a fitness center, sauna, party room, workshop, and underground parking. Additional amenities include storage lockers and a multi-use room.

    Condo Fees:
    • Inclusions: Fees generally cover water, sewer, building insurance, common element maintenance, amenities, and air conditioning.
Recent Market Activity:

  • Prices: Recent listings at 1705 Playfair Drive show prices ranging from around $365,000 to $450,000 depending on the specific unit and its condition. For example, a unit listed at $379,900 features two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
  • Sales History: The average sale price of units has been increasing over the years, with recent years showing an average sold price of around $375,543 in 2023, and units typically spending about 40 days on the market.
The Area – Playfair Park:

  • Location: Playfair Park is situated in the Alta Vista neighborhood, which is known for its greenery and residential feel.
  • Nearby Amenities: The area includes several parks such as Grasshopper Hill Park and Playfair Park, providing ample green space for outdoor activities. It’s a family-friendly area with easy access to schools, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities.
  • Transportation:** The neighborhood is well-connected by public transit, and there are several bike paths for cyclists. Major roads and highways are easily accessible, making commuting convenient.
Overall, Playfair Park offers a peaceful residential environment with modern condo living at 1705 Playfair Drive, complemented by a range of amenities and convenient access to Ottawa’s urban and suburban attractions.

New home construction rose while home sales came down in May

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In May, new home construction in Canada saw a significant rise, with housing starts increasing by 10% compared to the previous month. This growth was primarily driven by multi-unit projects, such as condominiums, which surged by 13%, while single-unit starts saw a modest increase of 2%. Major contributions came from cities like Montreal and Toronto, which experienced substantial increases in construction activity, whereas Vancouver saw a decrease in new housing starts by 32%.

However, home sales during the same period slightly declined by 0.6%, despite a small increase in newly listed properties. This drop in sales has been attributed to various factors, including higher borrowing costs, economic uncertainties, and policy interventions.

The Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut by 25 basis points is anticipated to influence the housing market. Some economists predict that this reduction could encourage more buyers to enter the market, potentially leading to a rebound in home sale.

For further details, you can check the full reports on the CBC and Yahoo Finances.

Royal LePage 2024 Canadian Renters Report

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Royal LePage recently released the results of the Canadian Renters Report.

Key highlights from the national release include:

  • 27% of renters plan to buy a property in the next two years; 40% among renters aged 18-34
  • Of those who do not plan to buy a home in the next two years, 54% say they do not feel their income will be sufficient to afford a property they desire; 61% among those aged 18-34
  • 29% of Canadian renters say they considered buying a property before signing or renewing their lease; 41% of them lacked a sufficient down payment
  • In British Columbia, 25% of renters spend more than half of their net income on monthly rental costs, well above the national average of 16%
  • Of renters who say they plan to buy within the next two years, half (50%) say they will have a down payment of less than 20%
  • 44% of renters planning to purchase in the next two years believe they will be able to afford a home in their current city of residence, while 37% do not
Details Here.

Architecture – Cathedrals & Great Churches – Part 6

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Cathedral of Notre-Dame d’Amiens
Amiens, France

Today we reach the end of the exploration of the architecture of cathedrals and great churches. In today’s final post we explore revivals, modern, and post modern styles. Interesting timing that yesterday I purchased an antique engraving. That of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame d’Amiens. Perhaps next week’s exploration. The previous posts can be read here. Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

Cathedrals and great churches have continued to evolve in architectural styles, reflecting the cultural and technological changes of their times. Here’s an overview of the architectural styles during the Revival periods, Modernism, and Postmodernism:

Revivals (19th-20th centuries)
  • Characteristics:
    • Gothic Revival: Inspired by Gothic architecture, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Emphasis on verticality and ornate decoration.
    • Neoclassical Revival: Inspired by classical Greek and Roman architecture, featuring columns, pediments, and symmetry.
    • Romanesque Revival: Features round arches, heavy masonry, and robust structure, inspired by Romanesque architecture.
  • Examples:
    • Gothic Revival: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City – Known for its pointed arches, intricate tracery, and towering spires.
    • Neoclassical Revival: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C. – Incorporates classical elements like domes and porticoes.
    • Romanesque Revival: Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto – Displays round arches and a fortress-like appearance.
Modern Architecture (20th century)
  • Characteristics:
    • Emphasis on minimalism, functionality, and the use of new materials like steel, glass, and concrete.
    • Simplified forms and lack of ornamentation.
    • Open floor plans and large windows for natural light.
  • Examples:
    • Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, UK – Known for its strikingly modern design, with a circular plan and radial chapels.
    • Notre Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France – Designed by Le Corbusier, featuring sculptural forms and an innovative use of concrete.
    • Cathedral of Brasília, Brazil – Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, characterized by its hyperboloid structure and modernist aesthetics.
Postmodern Architecture (late 20th century to present)
  • Characteristics:
    • Reaction against the austerity of modernism, reintroducing ornamentation, color, and historical references.
    • Use of eclectic styles and playful forms.
    • Incorporation of cultural and contextual elements.
  • Examples:
    • Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles – Designed by Rafael Moneo, it blends modernist elements with symbolic and cultural references.
    • Jubilee Church, Rome – Designed by Richard Meier, it features a combination of modernist and postmodernist elements, with its curving walls and white concrete construction.
    • Santuario de la Virgen de las Lajas, Colombia – A dramatic church that blends traditional and modern elements, built into a canyon.
  • Differences and Evolution
    • Revivals: Sought to bring back historic styles, often with a romanticized view of the past.
    • Modern: Focused on simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials and construction techniques.
    • Postmodern: Reacted against the strictness of modernism, embracing a more eclectic and expressive approach.
    These architectural styles demonstrate how the design of cathedrals and great churches has continually adapted to reflect changing tastes, technological advancements, and cultural shifts over time.



    Kronstadt Naval Cathedral
    Saint Petersburg, Russia




    St Michael’s Cathedral
    Qingdao, China




    St Patrick’s Cathedral
    Melbourne, Australia




    Sacred Heart Cathedral
    Delhi, India




    In the Romanesque Style
    Church St Pankraz at Anhold
    Germany




    Early English Gothic
    Truro Cathedral
    England




    Perpendicular Gothic Style
    St Andrews Cathedral
    Sydney, Australia




    Italian Baroque Style
    Notre Dame de Québec Cathedral
    Québec City




    The Basilica of our Lady of Altagracia
    Dominican Republic




    Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
    By Sir Frederick Gibberd




    Tokyo Cathedral
    Japan




    Cathedral of Brasilia
    Brazil




    Interior of the Cathedral of Chillan
    Chile




    Interior of the Cathedral of Brasilia
    Brazil




    Interior of the Cathedral of Christ the Light
    Oakland, California




    Interior of the Christ Cathedral in Garden
    Grove, California




    Cathedral of Saint Sava
    Belgrave Serbia
    Modeled on the Ancient Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia




    The interior of the Basilica of our Lady of Lichen
    Draws from Classical Forms of Western European Church




    The Basilica of our Lady of Peace in
    Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast



    • What to do in a heat wave

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    During a heat wave, it’s crucial to take precautions to stay safe and healthy. Here are some tips:

      • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
      • Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.
    1. Stay Cool:
      2.
      • Spend time in air-conditioned places, such as shopping malls, libraries, or community centers.
      • Use fans or take cool showers to lower your body temperature.
      • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
    2. Avoid Strenuous Activities:
      3.
      • Limit physical exertion, especially during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
    3. Protect Yourself Outdoors:
      4.
      • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
      • Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.
      • Seek shade whenever possible.
    4. Check on Vulnerable People:
      5.
      • Look in on elderly neighbors, young children, and those with health conditions, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
    5. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses:
      6.
      • Be aware of symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps.
      • If you or someone else shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.
    6. Keep Your Living Space Cool:
      7.
      • Close curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight.
      • Use light-colored bed linens and avoid using heat-generating appliances.
    7. Use Cooling Products:
      8.
      • Apply wet towels or use cooling gel packs on your skin.
      • Take advantage of personal cooling devices, such as portable fans or cooling vests.
    Taking these steps can help you stay safe and comfortable during a heat wave.

    What due diligence to do before buying a condo in Ottawa

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    Before buying a condo in Ottawa, it’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process:

    1. Review the Condo Corporation Documents

      • Status Certificate: Obtain and review this document to understand the financial health of the condo corporation.
      • Reserve Fund Study: Check the reserve fund to ensure it has enough funds for major repairs and replacements.
      • Meeting Minutes: Look for any recurring issues or upcoming major projects discussed in recent board meeting minutes.
      • Bylaws and Rules: Understand the condo’s bylaws, rules, and regulations to ensure they align with your lifestyle.

    2. Financial Health

      • Budget: Review the condo corporation’s budget to ensure it’s well-managed.
      • Special Assessments: Check if there are any upcoming special assessments, which could result in unexpected costs.

    3. Building Condition

      • Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to assess the condition of the unit and common areas.
      • Maintenance History: Review the maintenance history of the building to identify any potential issues.

    4. Location and Neighborhood

      • Amenities: Check the proximity to amenities like public transportation, grocery stores, schools, parks, etc.
      • Future Developments: Investigate any planned developments in the area that might affect property values.

    5. Legal Considerations

      • Title Search: Ensure there are no legal issues with the property’s title.
      • Insurance: Check the insurance coverage provided by the condo corporation and what additional insurance you might need.

    6. Condo Fees

      • Fee Breakdown: Understand what is covered by the monthly condo fees (e.g., utilities, maintenance, amenities).
      • Fee History: Check the history of condo fee increases to anticipate future costs.

    7. Lifestyle Fit

      • Community: Assess the community to see if it matches your lifestyle preferences.
      • Pet and Rental Policies: Ensure the condo’s policies on pets and rentals align with your plans.

    8. Resale Value

      • Market Trends: Research recent sales in the building and neighborhood to understand market trends.
      • Unit Layout and Features: Consider the layout, view, and features of the unit, as these can impact resale value.

    9. Legal Review

      • Lawyer Consultation: Have a real estate lawyer review all documents and agreements to protect your interests.
    By carefully examining these aspects, you can make a well-informed decision when purchasing a condo in Ottawa.

    Ottawa Night Mayor

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    The Night Mayor in Ottawa is a position focused on enhancing and managing the city’s nightlife. This role typically involves several key responsibilities:

    1. Facilitating Dialogue: The Night Mayor acts as a mediator between city officials, local businesses, residents, and other stakeholders to address concerns and promote the benefits of a vibrant nightlife.

    2. Supporting Nighttime Economy: They work to boost the nighttime economy by supporting bars, clubs, restaurants, and cultural venues. This can involve advocating for policies that help these businesses thrive and attract more visitors.

    3. Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of the nighttime environment is a priority. The Night Mayor collaborates with law enforcement, emergency services, and community groups to implement measures that protect both patrons and residents.

    4. Promoting Culture and Events: Organizing and promoting events that enhance the cultural appeal of the city during the evening and night hours. This can include festivals, concerts, and other activities that draw people into the city center.

    5. Noise and Nuisance Management: Addressing noise complaints and other nuisances associated with nightlife to maintain a balance between a lively nightlife scene and the quality of life for residents.

    6. Innovating Nightlife: Exploring new ideas and initiatives to innovate and improve the nightlife experience, potentially incorporating technology, sustainability practices, and inclusive policies.
    Overall, the Night Mayor’s role is to create a vibrant, safe, and economically thriving nightlife that benefits the entire community.

    About Us

    Molly Hoyle Sales Representative
    Claude Jobin Représentant des ventes

    E-Mail

    claude@claudejobin.com




    Phone / Address

    Phone: 613.804.7979
    1723 Carling Avenue
    Ottawa, Ontario