The Riz Team Blog

Posts Tagged ‘real estate’

Petition opposes changes to Waterloo sign bylaw

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

City of Waterloo is considering controls on mobile signs like these, pictured in 2009 along Hespeler Road in Cambridge.  At that time, Cambridge wrestled with new rules for mobile signs like Waterloo is now.

   Rick Koza

WATERLOO — Those portable, neon-letter signs may be criticized by some as roadside eyesores and have prompted proposed changes to Waterloo’s sign bylaw, but sign company operators told council Monday night that those signs can attract up to 30 per cent of the sales for the businesses that use them.

“Many business owners will tell you that portable sign advertising keeps them in business,” Mike Gaudreau told council.

Gaudreau, of React Mobile Signs, was one of several people who appeared before Waterloo city councillors Monday to weigh in a proposed new sign bylaw that would limit or eliminate their ability to use mobile signs. He brought to council a petition signed by 87 businesses that oppose some of the changes.

Several worried business owners also sent letters and emails to councillors. Those businesses range from tanning spas and restaurants to credit unions and flower shops. Many have been in the community for decades.

Under a Freedom of Information request, Gaudreau learned there were 18 complaints about mobile signs this year. Five came from the public, the rest were generated internally, likely from staff, according to the city’s director of bylaw.

He said his information request showed that mobile sign permits brought in about $84,000 in revenue for the city at the same time.

Dave Lamka of A to Z Signs, said Kitchener businesses can use mobile signs six months out of the year, giving them a competitive advantage.

“Business owners in Kitchener will use their six months of mobile sign time to take badly needed sales from Waterloo’s local business owners,” he said. “Many badly needed jobs will be lost in Waterloo.”

Portable or mobile signs — the ones with neon letters — wouldn’t be allowed anymore in commercial plazas under a proposed citywide sign bylaw. They could be used in other areas, including those zoned “corridor commercial.”

They would be allowed to use accessory signs such as A-frame, T-frame or sandwich board signs, instead.

No decision was made at the meeting.

“I’m a little concerned that depending on where you are, your sign options are a little limited,” Coun. Scott Witmer said.

A number of changes are proposed to Waterloo’s sign bylaw that will impact everyone from business owners and landlords to real estate agents and neighbourhood associations. The proposed changes include:

  Grandfathering existing roof and billboard signs, but not allowing new ones;

  Allowing the city’s sign variance committee to approve applications, instead of requiring council approval;

  Limiting neighbourhood association signs to 12 per year, with other rules;

  Allowing landlords to post temporary signs advertising vacancies but disallowing signs to advertise property management companies on the facade of any residential building; and

  Real estate signs can’t sit on lawns longer than the property is available for sale, rent or lease. Sold signs can be posted for a maximum of two weeks.

Mayor Brenda Halloran does not support handing sign approval authority to staff.

“I think all applications should still come to council because we’re the voice of the community,” she said. “That concerns me a lot.”

City staff have been working on the new policy for more than a year. According to a report, they consulted with stakeholders and held a public open house July 31.

Staff are making changes based on council and public input and will bring a revised bylaw to council for approval later this year.

Local Events Happening in the Area

Friday, May 25th, 2012

New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale

May 26, 2012– 12:00 AM
Fun for the whole family. Enjoy one of Canada’s largest handmade quilt auctions, scrumptious food of Mennonite traditions: fleisch piroschki, verenki, rollkuchen, teaballs, apple fritters, pupusas, spring rolls, pork-on-a-bun, homemade ice-cream, fruit pies. Enjoy our famous strawberry pie. Purchase heritage plants and shrubs. Build a Toonie Tower! Children enjoy the inflatable equipment, mini auction and entertainment. Wheelchair accessible.   All merchandise and services are donated. Over 2000 volunteers donate time, expertise and resources.  All proceeds go to Mennonite Central Committee for world relief. A dollar spent is a dollar sent! Nearly $15 million has been raised since 1967. Admission and parking free.  Buses welcome. www.nhmrs.com   519-745-8458

Event Details:

Location:
Fairgrounds, 251 Jacob Street, New Hamburg, ON

Telephone: (519) 745-8458
Website: www.nhmrs.com

Waterloo Air Show 2012

June 2, 2012      to June 3, 2012– 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Bring the family out to one of the Region’s best summer events where aviation is showcased both in the air and on the ground. Highlighting the weekend will be a spectacular air show featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team, the Canadian Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team (Sat only), aerobatics, historical aircraft and more. On the ground will be additional aircrafts to explore, displays, vendors, activities, performer autographs, food and much more. Bring your chairs and cameras out to the Region of Waterloo International Airport and let your wings soar!

Event Details:

Location:
Region of Waterloo International Airport

Telephone: (519)-465-0317
Website: www.waterlooairshow.com

Tips for Renovating Your Basement

Thursday, May 24th, 2012

Tips for Renovating Your Basement

Want to add more space to your home without  building up or out?  Look no further than  your basement.  According to the  Appraisal Institute of Canada, renovating a basement can give you a 50-75%  return on your investment when it comes to selling your home. Here’s how to get  it done right:

Start with a plan
What type of space does your family require?  Is it an extra living space for your teenager,  a playroom for the little one, or perhaps an entertainment area for all to enjoy?  Once you decide on how you want to utilize  the space, you can layout your design.  If  budget allows, an architect or interior designer could assist you with the  layout design and make valuable suggestions.

Do it  yourself or hire a professional
Depending on your skill set, budget, and time, you  may want to enlist the services of a contractor who has the expertise required  to finish a basement.  If you do it yourself and don’t have the required time or  skill to do the job correctly, you may find yourself looking at a repair bill  far exceeding the amount you originally thought the project would cost.  Make an informed decision.  Be sure to carefully weigh all  factors when deciding which option is right for you, while considering costs, material,  labour, and equipment requirements.

Framing
Framing basement walls and ceilings is one of the  most important aspects of any basement renovation. Two popular wall framing options are wood or steel studs. Wood is the classic  choice.  It is versatile, easy to work  with, and cost-effective.  Whereas steel,  although more costly, adds a level of strength, rot resistance and won’t warp  and crack like wood might over time.  Two  popular ceiling framing options are dropped ceiling tiles or drywall. Dropped  ceiling tiles provide easy access to pipes and wires which can be a saviour if a  tub or toilet on the main level floor springs a leak.  Alternatively, dry wall ceilings offer a  smooth finish and require less vertical space – a great option if your basement  ceiling height is already low.

Flooring
There are  plenty of basement flooring choices to choose from including laminate,  linoleum, vinyl, wood and ceramic tiles.   Be sure to match your flooring choice with the intended use of the space  and your geographic location.  For  example, a game room may require more durable flooring than an office.  Do you live in an area with a tendency for  flooding or is your location dry?  Carpet  with high density under pad will offer cushion and moisture protection from the  typical condensation found in basements.  Engineered hardwood made for below grade  installation will flex and handle moisture better than traditional hardwood. Ceramic  tile is great for bathrooms and laundry rooms and is easy to install on  concrete.

Add a bathroom
Installing a bathroom in the basement is a great  way to add value to your home.  Determine  if you require a full bathroom or if a powder room will suffice.  Powder rooms are relatively simple to  install, easy to keep clean, and won’t take up too much room.  Full three or four piece bathrooms can provide  a comfortable, private, and even luxurious, space for overnight visitors to  enjoy. With either option, time and costs can be reduced if bathroom fixtures  are located near existing plumbing and are arranged in a line on one wall.  Be sure to check local codes for plumbing and  electrical aspects of your project.

Add storage
No matter what kind of plan you come up with for  your basement, remember to factor in plenty of closet or storage space.  This will enable you to de-clutter the rest  of your home to keep it tidy and inviting.   Further, if you ever decide to move, having this extra storage space  should appeal to just about any prospective buyer.

A  finished basement can not only increase your home enjoyment but it can also add  valuable square footage.  From everyday  living to financial value, finished basements provide many benefits to you as a  homeowner.

Welcome to my new Blog!!! Don’t put it on HOLD…Call Riz to get it SOLD!!!

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Welcome to my new Blog…..here I will be posting things that matter the most to all of us.  Check back often enough and subscribe for many great articles and information yet to come


© Copyright 2017, Real Estate Websites by Redman Technologies Inc. | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Sitemap

MLS®, REALTOR®, and the associated logos are trademarks of The Canadian Real Estate Association.

The data included on this website is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate by the Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.