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Transmission Unit Failures Affecting Some Toronto Homes

Recently, many Toronto homeowners have experienced failures with water meter transmission units which has resulted in water bills with estimated amounts.

A simple check and reporting of your water meter can ensure that your utility bill reflects your actual usage. In some cases, reported accurate numbers have even resulted in refunds to customers!

How Water Billing Works in Toronto

In Toronto, residential water bills are typically based on readings transmitted automatically from your home’s water meter. Recently, many transmission units have not been working properly.  

Many homeowners may not realize their bill is estimated unless they review it carefully or receive a notice from the city requesting a manual meter reading.

Customers who receive a notice asking that they submit an actual water meter reading can provide this information online through a new feature in the Utility Account Lookup. This is specifically for customers whose Meter Transmission Unit (MTU) has stopped sending water usage data.

The City is notifying affected customers on a billing-period-by-billing-period basis. If your MTU is affected, you will receive a scheduled notification letter that includes a deadline date to submit your actual meter reading.You can also submit your reading by phone or in-person. Here’s how:

  1. Submit a Water Meter Reading Online

The online submission feature will remain available until the deadline specified in your notification letter or email. Be sure to submit your reading before this date to ensure your next bill is based on an actual reading. CLICK HERE to find out more. 

Subscribe to email notification for meter readings
You may subscribe to email notifications to receive future meter reading notifications. CLICK HERE

  1. Submit a water meter reading by phone

A customer service representative will take your contact, account and water meter reading information.

  1. Submit a water meter reading in-person ​
  • Visit an Inquiry & Payment Counter. ​
  • Be sure to record or photograph your water meter before your visit. ​
  • Customer service representatives will take your contact, account and water meter reading information.

A Proactive Habit for Responsible Homeownership

Checking your water meter every three months is an easy way to stay informed and to ensure that your billing is accurate. With recent transmission unit failures affecting some Toronto homes, this small step is more important than ever.

Proactive maintenance and regular checks help avoid surprises and support responsible homeownership.If you ever have questions about homeownership costs, city notices, or how to stay ahead as a Toronto homeowner, we’re always happy to help. Reach out at clientcare@lomeirwin.com

Planning a Move in 2026? Don’t Let Deferred Maintenance be your Biggest Regret! 

If selling your home in 2026 is on your radar, now is the time to think about maintenance. One of the most common regrets sellers share after a sale is waiting too long to address repairs and updates.

Deferred maintenance often feels more manageable while you are living at home. Then, just before listing, many sellers rush to complete improvements. While these updates usually help sell your home, sellers rarely get to enjoy them while they are living there and often wish they had acted sooner.

Buyer Expectations

Today’s buyers are careful and detail-focused! 

In a market where buyers have choices, condition matters. Homes showing signs of deferred maintenance attract more scrutiny.

When buyers see unfinished repairs or aging systems, they feel justified asking for a price adjustment. Addressing maintenance early is more cost-effective than negotiating it later.

Last Minute Updates

Many sellers spend money shortly before listing by painting, updating fixtures, replacing flooring, or refreshing kitchens and bathrooms. These improvements are worthwhile but enjoyed only briefly, often just during the closing period.

Planning ahead allows you to spread out costs, reduce stress, and enjoy the updates while you still live in the home.

Looking Ahead

If a 2026 sale is your goal, early preparation puts you in a stronger position. Ongoing maintenance helps protect your home’s value and makes the selling process smoother.

2026 Home Preparation Checklist:

12 to 18 Months Before Selling

  • Walk through the home and note needed repairs
  • Service heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
  • Inspect the roof, gutters, and attic and clean accordingly
  • Review plumbing and electrical components

3 to 6 Months Before Selling 

  • Paint interior walls in light, neutral colours
  • Update lighting and hardware
  • Replace outdated window coverings
  • Improve landscaping and curb appeal
  • Power wash exterior surfaces

6 to 12 Months Before Selling

  • Update kitchen and bathroom fixtures
  • Regrout or repair tile
  • Fix doors, windows, and trim
  • Repair or replace worn flooring

Final Preparation

  • Declutter and depersonalize
  • Deep clean the home
  • Complete minor touch ups
  • Prepare for professional photography

Final Thoughts

Well maintained homes sell more smoothly and with fewer surprises for both sellers and buyers. 

If a move in 2026 is part of your plan, preparing now helps avoid last-minute decisions and allows you to enjoy the improvements along the way.

If you would like help prioritizing updates or creating a clear preparation plan, reach out to the Lome Irwin Team at clientcare@lomeirwin.com

Year-End Market Review: 2025

For buyers, sellers, and industry professionals alike, the past twelve months have required patience, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt as market conditions continued to evolve.

While the headlines were often loud, the real story of 2025 played out quietly with thoughtful conversations about timing, expectations, and long-term goals.

A Shifting Market

This year brought impactful political and economic change on both sides of the border. New leadership at the federal level, shifting trade dynamics, and ongoing global uncertainty all influenced confidence closer to home. Meanwhile, multiple interest rate cuts from the Bank of Canada offered some relief – but not without hesitation from buyers who were still navigating affordability concerns.

These overlapping forces created a market that felt unpredictable at times, even for experienced homeowners and investors. The pace of change often exceeded expectations, reinforcing the importance of having a clear strategy rather than relying on past patterns.

Early Momentum, Followed by a Market Reset

The year began with encouraging energy. Limited inventory in the first quarter sparked renewed buyer confidence, driving early activity. As spring unfolded, a surge of new listings reshaped the landscape, easing competition and recalibrating momentum.

By summer, buyers became more deliberate, and sellers were forced to reassess pricing strategies. As we moved into the fall, activity steadied. Transactions began to increase modestly because expectations became more realistic.

Condo Market: Subtle Signs of Balance

The condominium segment showed early signs of stabilization toward the end of the year. Inventory levels declined modestly, helping relieve some of the pressure that had built up over previous cycles. With several development projects paused or delayed, resale supply began to feel more manageable.

Sales volumes remain below historical norms, and prices have softened slightly year over year. That said, the pace of adjustment has also slowed, suggesting the market may be finding its footing. Some transactions are now aligning with values last seen in the late 2010s – a notable recalibration after years of rapid appreciation.

Freehold Homes

Traditionally more insulated from volatility, the freehold market experienced a more noticeable shift in 2025. Inventory rose significantly, while buyer activity declined, placing downward pressure on pricing.

For many homeowners, this adjustment felt unfamiliar. Yet it also marked an important rebalancing – one that reflects broader economic realities rather than short-term market sentiment. While challenging, this phase has helped reset expectations and reintroduce thoughtful decision-making into the process.

Looking Towards 2026 

As we look ahead, cautious optimism feels appropriate. Lower inventory levels may support stability in the early part of 2026, particularly as some sellers choose to wait on the sidelines. At the same time, transactions across the GTA remain historically low, reminding us that recovery will likely be gradual. 

Progress will depend on steady improvements across employment, infrastructure, and economic confidence. While pricing may continue to adjust in the short term, a more balanced market appears increasingly achievable in the year ahead.

Gratitude in a Year That Asked More of Everyone

What stood out most this year wasn’t just the market itself, but the people navigating it. Transactions often took longer and required more collaboration than in years past. Along the way, relationships deepened – conversations extended beyond real estate, and trust became the foundation of every decision.

There were moments of shared relief, quiet wins, and genuine encouragement between clients who had never met but understood the journey each was on. That sense of connection has been one of the most meaningful aspects of 2025.

We are deeply grateful to the clients who placed their trust in our team this past year. Navigating today’s market requires clarity, patience, and partnership, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside our clients through such meaningful decisions. 

As we look ahead, we do so with optimism, grounded in experience, and encouraged by resilience. We are thankful for the community we continue to build together.

If you’re considering a move in 2026 or simply want to better understand how the current market may impact your plans, we’re always here as a resource. Whether it’s a quick conversation or a longer-term strategy, our team is ready to help you move forward with confidence.

Wishing you a healthy, fulfilling, and successful year ahead.

What Ontario’s New Bill 60 Means for Realtors in 2025: Opportunities, Risks, and How to Stay Ahead

With the recent passage of Bill 60 the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, Ontario has launched one of its most significant housing reforms in years! 

Designed to accelerate development, simplify planning processes, and overhaul key rental-housing rules, the legislation is set to reshape the province’s real estate landscape.

Most of the attention so far has been on what this means for tenants and landlords, but anyone involved in the housing market will feel the impact. Bill 60 could influence where new homes get built, how quickly projects move forward, and how the rental market functions in the years ahead.

Here’s a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of what Bill 60 means for the Toronto real estate market. 

1. Faster Development Approvals 

One of the main goals of Bill 60 is to speed up how quickly new housing projects get approved. By reducing delays, giving the province more authority, and simplifying some zoning rules, the process becomes much more efficient.

What this means for the market:

  • More mid-rise and high-rise buildings, especially near major transit lines
  • Developers moving from planning to construction more quickly
  • More predictable rules across municipalities, making it clearer where future growth will happen

As a result, more homes and condos will enter the market sooner, giving buyers more options and creating new opportunities in emerging neighbourhoods.

2. Faster Oversight for Investment Properties 

Bill 60 also brings significant changes to the rules that govern renting and evictions. These updates aim to speed up the process at the Landlord and Tenant Board and create more certainty for landlords.

Key changes include:

  • Faster eviction processes for non-payment of rent
  • Shorter notice periods
  • Quicker, more structured Landlord and Tenant Board hearings
  • Fewer requirements for landlords when they need a unit back for their own use

Whether viewed positively or negatively, these changes lower the perceived risk of owning a rental property.

How this may affect the market:

  • Smaller investors who stepped away during years of delays and uncertainty may return to the condo market
  • Larger investors may see Ontario as a more predictable, stable place to invest
  • More rental units may be renovated, repositioned, or upgraded

Overall, the investment landscape becomes more appealing, which could lead to increased activity in Toronto’s condo and rental markets.

3. Emerging Hotspots Around Transit and Growth Corridors

Bill 60 prioritizes faster development in areas that the province has identified for growth, especially neighbourhoods connected to major transit lines. 

Areas to watch include:

  • TTC and GO Transit expansion zones
  • Future Ontario Line stations
  • Municipalities within designated provincial growth areas
  • Neighbourhoods where zoning rules previously slowed development

These locations are likely to experience:

  • Rapid population and housing growth
  • New condo and mid-rise launches
  • More competitive pricing in early stages
  • Increased interest from investors looking for long-term value

For buyers, this opens the door to promising up-and-coming neighbourhoods. For anyone tracking market trends, staying informed about transit plans and municipal updates will offer a meaningful advantage.

4. A Revitalized Market for Buyers and Sellers

Even though more housing is expected in the coming years, it won’t instantly balance the market, but it will shape how people make decisions.

For buyers, this may mean:

  • More options in certain segments, especially condos and new builds
  • Less pressure to rush, with more units becoming available
  • Growing interest in pre-construction and emerging neighbourhoods tied to transit

For sellers, this may mean:

  • Increased competition, particularly in the condo and new-development space
  • The need for strategic pricing and strong marketing to stand out

What does it mean for established segments?

Overall, these changes mean buyers and sellers may need to look for more guidance. Understanding how Bill 60 affects future supply and neighbourhood growth becomes essential for making confident decisions.

5. More Data and Regulation

As more legislation impacts planning, zoning, and tenancy, clients expect their realtor to:

  • Understand the regulatory landscape
  • Interpret development timelines
  • Explain risks and benefits for investors
  • Provide neighbourhood growth projections
  • Anticipate how supply will shift over 3-10 years

Final Thoughts: Bill 60 Marks a New Chapter for Ontario Real Estate

Bill 60 introduces changes that will shape the housing market for years to come – from how quickly new homes are built to how investors, buyers, and sellers make decisions. 

It will bring new opportunities, new neighbourhood growth, and a shifting landscape that will influence pricing, supply, and the overall feel of communities across the province.

For anyone navigating the market, understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions. 

Our role is to stay on top of these developments, watch how they unfold across Toronto, and guide you through the decision-making as they impact your plans. 

As the market evolves, having clear advice and up-to-date insights becomes more valuable than ever. If you have questions about how Bill 60 may affect your neighbourhood, your home value, or your next move, we’re here to help.

Reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com

Toronto Holiday Magic: The Best Local Events, Markets and Lights in December

Toronto in December feels like a city made for the holidays. Streets glow with twinkling lights, neighbourhoods come alive with festive markets, and beloved annual events draw families from across the city. Whether you’re looking for charming local experiences or the big holiday classics, Toronto offers something for everyone.

1. The Distillery Winter Village 

November 16 – January 4, 2025 

The historic Distillery District transforms into a cozy, European-style holiday market each December. Expect artisan vendors, festive food huts, carolers, and a massive Christmas tree at the centre of it all.

(free before 4:00 PM)

Why it’s a favourite:
Cobbled streets, local craftsmanship, and perfect holiday photo backdrops.

2. Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square

November 29 – January 7

A long-running Toronto tradition, Cavalcade of Lights marks the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree.

What to enjoy:
• Live music and entertainment
• Ice skating under the lights + DJ Skate Nights
• Spectacular illuminated installations

3. Evergreen Brick Works Winter Village

Sundays Nov 30 – Dec 21 11am – 5pm

Evergreen Brick Works offers a relaxed, nature-oriented approach to the holidays. Expect local food vendors, outdoor activities, and wintery trails perfect for a weekend stroll.

Great for:
Families, dog-walkers, and anyone wanting a slower-paced festive outing.

4. Casa Loma’s Christmas at the Castle

December 5 – January 3

Toronto’s castle becomes a holiday dreamscape with themed rooms, grand décor, costumed characters and twinkling lights.

Don’t miss:
 • The decorated Great Hall
• Outdoor light tunnel
• Seasonal performances

5. The Holiday Fair in the Square

December 11 – 21

Held in Nathan Phillips Square, this market blends a classic European holiday feel with local vendors and food stalls.

Perfect for:
Last-minute gift shopping and festive bites.

6. Yorkville Holiday Lights

November 22 – December 31

Yorkville’s streets shine with elegant displays and upscale holiday décor. Enjoy an evening walk, browse boutiques, or stop for a cozy drink at a nearby café.

Best time to go:
Early evening when the lights first come on.

7. Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Light Experience

December 7 – January 4

The zoo’s walk-through light festival highlights larger-than-life animal lanterns and themed zones.

Ideal for:
Families with younger kids or anyone who appreciates creative, interactive displays.

8. Local Neighbourhood Light Displays

Many Toronto neighbourhoods take their décor seriously. Some highlights include:

• The Beaches Boardwalk Christmas lights
• Old Cabbagetown’s heritage home displays
• Forest Hill and Moore Park’s elegantly lit streets

These walks make for beautiful, low-key December evenings.

9. Holiday Pop Up Bars

If you’re looking to add a little warmth and atmosphere to the season, consider a festive, holiday-inspired cocktail from some of Toronto’s most popular spots:

Miracle: Known for its immersive seasonal décor and playful, festive cocktails

Papi Chulo’s: Lively atmosphere with bold, winter-ready drinks

Compton Ave: Creative cocktails in a stylish, neighbourhood setting

Little Sister: Thoughtfully crafted cocktails with global inspiration

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto: Refined seasonal cocktails in an elegant lounge setting

Aleria: Sophisticated, European-inspired cocktails perfect for winter evenings

Enjoy the Best of Toronto’s Holiday Season

December is one of the most joyful times to explore Toronto. Whether you’re searching for gift ideas, planning outings with family, or simply soaking in the festive energy, the city offers endless ways to celebrate.

If you’re interested in local holiday ideas or want to explore ways to get your home ready for the season, reach out to the Lome Irwin Team at clientcare@lomeirwin.com. 

Private Toronto Home Sells Over Asking After Short Market Stint

SYDNIA YU

TORONTO

SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 10, 2025

Recent renovations to the 40-year-old house helped boost the asking price, says agent Brayden Irwin. JAGGED LENS

198 Glenview Ave., Toronto 

Asking price: $3,195,000 (October, 2025)

Selling price: $3,275,000 (October, 2025)

Previous selling prices: $1,175,000 (November, 2013); $925,000 (July, 2003) 

Taxes: $15,443 (2025) 

Days on the market: Three 

Listing agents: Carol Lome and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.,Johnston and Daniel Division

Eat-in kitchen has direct access to the home’s deck.JAGGED LENS
THE ACTION 

This four-bedroom house on a 31- by 204-foot lot backs onto Havergal College, a private girl’s school at Avenue Road and Lawrence Avenue. It was painted, staged and listed for under $3.2-million. No deadline was set for buyers to make an offer for the property, but there were three bidders competing for the property within 72 hours of it hitting the market.

“Despite the fact that activity is down, there’s still quite a bit of people out there looking at stuff,” said agent Brayden Irwin. 

“If a property is in a great location, checks all the boxes and is turnkey, there’s still quite strong demand for that, and they tend to sell quickly. 

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“This one falls into that category.” 

Recent renovations to the 40-year-old house helped boost the asking price. 

“The new owners can just move in,” Mr. Irwin said. 

“They don’t have to worry about renovating, which is something a lot of buyers are hesitant to take on right now.” 

This Toronto home sold just above asking at $3,275,000 after three days on the market.JAGGED LENS
WHAT THEY GOT 

The two-storey house has 2,252 square feet of living space, including formal living and dining rooms. The primary bedroom upstairs has a balcony, a walk-in closet and a four-piece bathroom. 

The eat-in kitchen was customized with herringbone backsplashes, an island and stainless-steel appliances. There’s direct access to a two-tiered deck.

Downstairs, there is an office space with a Murphy bed and a recreation area with a gas fireplace and doors to the lower deck. The basement also has one of the home’s four bathrooms and access to the garage. 

The two-storey Lawrence Park home boasts 2,252 square feet of living space.JAGGED LENS
THE AGENT’S TAKE 

“On that block in particular, both the north and south sides have extra-deep lots,” Mr. Irwin said. 

“The ones that back onto Havergal … it’s almost like you’re backing onto a park. It creates added privacy.”

Exclusive Listing Gets the Job Done for Luxury Home near Cedarvale Park

Written by Sydnia Yu | Done Deals | The Globe And Mail

63 Heathdale Rd., Toronto 

Asking price: $4.7-million (September, 2025)

Selling price: $4.7-million (September, 2025)

Previous selling price: $655,000 (November, 2003) 

Taxes: $17,087 (2025) 

Days on the market: N/A

Listing agents: Carol Lome, Grant and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

The open-concept kitchen has a 10-foot-long island.ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD., JOHNSTON AND DANIEL DIVISION

The action

Down the street from an entrance into Cedarvale Park, this four-bedroom house was listed exclusively for a few days to assess the level of interest from buyers before it formally hit the market. Agent Brayden Irwin lined up 15 appointments in September. 

“There’s so much uncertainty in the market,” Mr. Irwin said. “Some houses are selling quickly, and others are sitting. In some cases, it’s hard to understand why that’s happening.

“[Listing exclusively] was a way to get people to see it, process the house and make a decision in a timely manner without having an offer date.” 

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The sellers were pleased that one buyer matched their $4.7-million asking price for the 17-year-old house. 

“Unless they were able to get that price, they weren’t going to sell it before going on MLS,” said Mr. Irwin.

The larger of two entertaining areas has a gas fireplace.ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD., JOHNSTON AND DANIEL DIVISION

What they got

This two-storey house has 2,883 square feet of living space, including an office and dining areas on opposite ends of an open-concept kitchen with a 10-foot-long island. 

There are two entertaining areas side by side. The larger one has a gas fireplace and sliding doors to a south-facing deck on the 50- by 144-foot lot. 

Upstairs, all but one bedroom has an exit to a rear balcony with glass railings. 

The floors are heated in several areas, from the largest of four bathrooms to the finished basement. 

There is interior access to the garage. 

ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD., JOHNSTON AND DANIEL DIVISION

The agent’s take

“It was a newer-construction house with a lot of features people buying in the neighbourhood are looking for,” Mr. Irwin said. 

“There are great schools, really popular with families, it’s close to Cedarvale Park and walkable to St. Clair [Avenue] and the subway.”

Greater Toronto Area Market Snapshot for November 2025

The Greater Toronto Area housing market continued to show softer conditions in November, with sales activity declining and inventory levels remaining elevated. According to the latest TRREB data, sales totalled 5,010, which represented a decrease of 15.8 percent compared to November of last year. While demand eased, new listings continued to flow into the market at a steady pace, contributing to a supply environment that favoured buyers.Prices Showing Continued AdjustmentAverage selling prices and MLS Home Price Index benchmark values trended lower on a year over year basis. The combination of increased inventory and more cautious buyer behaviour continued to moderate price growth across most property segments. Many buyers have taken advantage of more choice in the market, particularly those who have waited for conditions to stabilize following the sharp rate increases of previous years.Market Forces Shaping November ActivitySeveral factors played a role in shaping the November results:Higher inventory levelsNew listings remained strong relative to sales, giving buyers more options and reducing upward pressure on prices.Improved affordability conditionsAlthough economic uncertainty continues to influence buyer sentiment, lower selling prices and easing borrowing costs have created more favourable conditions for households planning longer term moves.Buyer hesitationDespite better affordability, some prospective purchasers remain cautious. Concerns regarding the broader economic outlook and future rate movements have led many to delay decisions, contributing to the slower pace of sales.What This Means for Buyers and SellersFor buyersCurrent conditions offer a level of choice that has been uncommon in the GTA over the past decade. Negotiation opportunities are more common, and properties are spending more time on the market. Buyers with stable financing and long term plans may find conditions more accommodating than in recent years.For sellersListing strategies must be responsive to the current market. Accurate pricing is essential, and sellers may need to be more flexible when negotiating. Homes that are well prepared and competitively priced continue to attract attention, but expectations around timelines and final selling prices should reflect the broader slowdown in activity.Outlook Heading into Year EndAs the year concludes and as we head into early 2026, attention will shift toward interest rate trends, employment conditions and new listing volumes. Any improvement in economic confidence or mortgage rate reductions could encourage more buyers to re-enter the market. For now, the GTA remains in a period of adjustment, with conditions that lean in favor of buyers and a pace of activity that is more measured than in previous years.

How to Winter-Proof Your Home Before the Deep Freeze Hits

When winter settles over Toronto, the season brings both scenic beauty and harsher conditions. That charming blanket of snow can also put real strain on your home. Preparing early is the best way to protect your property, reduce energy costs, and preserve long-term value.

Below is a practical checklist to winter-proof your home before the deep freeze arrives.

1. Check Your Roof Before the First Heavy Snowfall

What to do:
• Inspect for missing or damaged shingles
• Clear gutters and downspouts so melting snow can drain properly
• Look for sagging areas or signs of pooling water

Why it matters: Roof issues are much more expensive to handle once snow and ice set in, and leaks can quickly lead to interior damage.

2. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Quick fixes:
• Add fresh caulking around windows
• Install weather stripping around exterior doors
• Use thermal curtains for older character homes

If certain rooms still feel colder than the rest of the house, consider a professional thermal scan to identify hidden drafts.

3. Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up

Checklist:
• Replace furnace filters every 1 to 3 months
• Have an HVAC technician inspect overall performance
• Test your thermostat for accuracy and consistency

Smart thermostats are a simple upgrade that can improve efficiency and add value for future resale.

4. Protect Exterior Faucets and Pipes

How to prepare:
• Turn off and drain exterior water lines
• Add insulated covers to outdoor faucets
• Insulate exposed pipes in cold areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces

Older homes in Midtown often benefit from updated plumbing in vulnerable spots.

5. Inspect Your Attic Insulation

Good insulation helps keep warm air inside and reduces your heating costs.

What to look for:
• Even insulation coverage with no gaps
• Signs of moisture or frost
• A minimum of 12 to 15 inches of insulation 

Improving attic insulation is one of the highest return-on-investment upgrades you can make.

6. Prepare Your Home’s Exterior Surfaces

Winter conditions can be tough on siding, brick, decks, and walkways.
 • Seal exterior cracks to prevent water infiltration
• Clean and store patio furniture
• Apply protective sealant to wood decks
• Ensure walkways are level and safe to reduce the risk of ice-related falls

7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Heating systems, fireplaces, and closed windows all increase the need for reliable detectors.
 • Test each alarm
• Replace batteries
• Confirm that detectors are less than 10 years old

8. Winter-Ready Your Landscaping


 • Wrap young or delicate trees
• Clear leaves from drains to prevent clogging
• Store hoses, tools, and outdoor equipment
• Keep shovels, salt, and snow-clearing supplies accessible

A Smooth, Safe Winter Starts With Good Preparation

Winter-proofing your home protects your investment and keeps your family comfortable through Toronto’s coldest months. Whether you are maintaining your current home or getting ready to sell, a well-prepared property always performs better.

To explore winter-preparation tips or learn more about smart home upgrades, reach out to the Lome Irwin Team at clientcare@lomeirwin.com