Toronto Renovation Stories & Expert Advice
Free Home Solar Panel Tour tomorrow in Cedarvale
As people become more conscious of the electricity they use and their ever rising hydro and gas bills, alternative forms of electricity and heat generation are being explored not just by treehuggers but also by regular Torontonians. Naturally, many people have concerns about the expense and effectiveness of solar panels, particularly in our dark and snowy climate.
In an effort to convince Torontonians that Solar panels -- the kind that generate electricity (photovoltaic) and hotwater (solar thermal) -- really work, The Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative (TREC) is offering a tour tomorrow (Saturday June 14th) of four homes in Cedarvale with solar panels in action.
This year at the Strawberries and Asparagus Festival, the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative is launching the first ever free and guided residential solar tour. This exciting new initiative will commence at 11am on the grounds of the festival where participants will proceed by Hydrogen Bus to visit four residential
destinations. Participants will have the chance to view the featured
photovoltaic or solar thermal installations and an opportunity to speak with
homeowners about their solar experience. The bus trips in between also
offer a chance for an ongoing solar power question/answer period.
Refreshments will be provided at the Pinewood stop of the tour. (TREC)
It promises to be very informative and gives interested homeowners the opportunity to ask questions about the effectiveness, expense, practicality, etc. of solar panels already in use. If you're interested in finding out more about the tour, or the use of renewable energy in general, contact
TREC.
::
The Globe and Mailhttp://www.cedarvalepark.com/2008/04/11/strawberries-and-asparagus-june-14th-2008/http://trec.on.ca/Labels: Solar Panels, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Toronto Hydro's Peaksaver Program
When the weather decides to turn hot and humid, it really decides to turn! Thursday I was wearing a jacket and jeans and thinking Environment Canada's forecasting equipment was broken when they predicted 32 Celsius plus humidity for Friday. Sure enough they were right and we sweltered our way through three days of heat and humidity.
We've turned our air conditioning on for the first time this year, still early in the year, but in comparison to the last 5 years, not too bad. We will still get a shock though, when we get our hydro bill. In order to keep costs down, do our part to contribute less smog to the GTA and generally lighten our family's carbon footprint, I signed us up for the
Peaksaver program this year. The way it works is when Toronto Hydro needs your electricity during peak hours, it sends a signal to your central air conditioner, pool pump or electric water heater to cycle off for 15 of every 30 minutes. Houses and townhouses are eligible at this time, but not apartments or condos. While you may not see any direct benefit from participating, you are helping to reduce the cost of electricity and pollution over all. Toronto Hydro needs to import less, future generators can be smaller, and less smog will be produced than without the program.
For more information on the peaksaver program, reducing your electricity consumption, and rebates and refunds on energy efficient appliances, etc., click on the links below:
https://www.peaksaver.com/peaksaver_THESL.htmlhttp://www.everykilowattcounts.com/residential/http://www.toronto.ca/livegreen/home_energy_rebates.htmlLabels: energy efficiency, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Noisy neighbours? Here's a solution...
Toronto has one of the highest denisty of condo developments in North America. There are a variety of positive features to condo living from easy access to public transportation or walking distance to work, access to ammenities such as movie theatres and restaurants and simply the luxury of not sitting in your car for hours on end on the 401.
One of the drawbacks of condo or townhome living however, is the chance that you might be listening to your neighbours' lives -- and they might be listening to yours. Perhaps you can hear high heels clacking on the floors above you, or your next door neighbour's parties or that brand new sound system they've recently installed.
There is, however, a solution to the noise problem. A product called "
QuietRock" is a sound-proofing drywall that can be used during construction of your new home or added as a retrofit right on top of your home's original drywall. It can also be used under a variety of floorings from marble to hardwood as well as for ceilings.
One layer of QuietRock is the equivalent sound barrier as eight sheets of drywall.
Quietrock is distributed in Canada by Soundivide. Visit their
website to find a dealer near you.
Labels: condos, soundproofing, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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More great finds at IDS
Way back in February, 2008, I went to the Interior Design Show. There were so many inspiring exhibits that I've been featuring a few of the exhibitors every now and then. Below are a few of the retailers and manufacturers that I particularly liked.
Snob Is a newly opened store importing furniture and accessories from South Africa. Owner Denise Zidel works with women's groups in South Africa creating new designs, often out of old material
http://www.snobstuff.com/.
I also like the console table made from acacia wood harvested by a "Women's only group" from Kwazulu, Natal, pictured at the right.
Denise designs pillows made from factory scraps of copper wire and buttons or beans. They're crafted by a group of women in South Africa who live under difficult circumstances such as poverty, family violence and families with AIDS. The copper wire is crocheted and the buttons are atta
ched. Each pillow is a unique design and size.
Propellor Design in Vancouver, Nik Rust, Pamela Goddard and Toby Barratt create custom lighting and furniture with an eco sensibility. The firm uses materials such as reclaimed fir, bamboo and
ecoresin to give their lighting fixtures an original look.
Their latest design is a new fixture called Pomegranate (pictured at the right). It is a three foot in diameter sphere made from ecoresin. It is available in different colours and sizes and distributed in Toronto through
Made.
Hutj: Toronto designer Stuart McQuarrie has designed the
ultra cool stackable chair. So smart looking, you'll never actually think about stacking it. Made from a variety of hardwoods, it doesn't require any cross bracing because the joints are mortised in tight. The seat is made from nylon strips and can be woven in different colours presenting some really fun seating options. Distributed through
Hollace Cluny in Toronto or buy direct from website.
http://www.hutj.ca/ Eauterre Studios: Contemporary eco-friendly furniture from tables to bedframes to chairs, made from locally harvested FSC wood and salvaged wood. Scraps are turned into accessories like small bowls, so there is minimal waste in production.
http://www.eauterre.com/ Labels: interior design, lighting, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Toronto's Energy Efficiency Initiatives
I had heard a rumour that Toronto increases your property taxes if you add a solar panel or other renewable energy feature to your home (such as a geothermal furnace or mini-wind turbine) because it's considered a capital improvement. So, I checked with Cindy Bromley, the Communications Manager for the Finances and Administration Department at the city. She wrote to me and said:
"There are no Toronto tax incentives or penalties for home power generation."I have to admit, I was kind of disappointed to discover this if only because I thought it would have made a great story. Cindy did, however, send me some useful links on what's happening on the city and taxpayer level regarding some energy efficiency initiatives.
Below is a list of the links she sent me. In the first link, there is a section called the "home energy clinic." I've used it and it's kind of neat. You add your utility bills and it will calculate your overall energy use and what steps your could take to decrease your greenhouse gas footprint.
http://www.toronto.ca/environment/energy.htmhttp://www.toronto.ca/environment/energy.htm#solar_hotwaterhttp://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur/Taking_Action/Participation_Initiatives_and_Resources/Energy_Efficiency-WS7BDAE643-1_En.htmLabels: Solar Panels, Toronto, Useful links
Posted by Cathy
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Federal and Provincial Renewable Energy Grants and Rebates
With gas at $1.20/litre, I have become very conscious of how much I drive, and in this incredibly great weather, it's been easy to leave the car at home to do some of my errands. The price of gas and diesel have increased so rapidly in the last few months that it can be difficult for us to adapt to them. Rising prices affect the cost of the food as well as heating and cooling our homes. If gas prices continue to rise -- and they're supposed to -- certain kinds of renewable energy sources will become more cost effective than they are now.
The federal and provincial government offer
grants and
rebates of varying degrees for your alternative energy equipment. At the municipal level, the city is supporting a Solar Thermal Project in South Riverdale scheduled for next month called the
Toronto Solar Neighbourhood Initiative.
If you're looking for a supplier and installer of solar panels, wind turbines or geo-thermal equipment,
the Green Living Show runs from April 25-27th at Exhibition Place.
Labels: alternative energy, grants and rebates, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Spring Cleaning the great outdoors in the GTA
Sun glorious sun! I don't know about you, but I have no problem saying 'adios' to winter this year! We can finally get outside again and do the things we love...and the things we don't love quite so much but need to do anyway. Like cleaning up around the house and our community. The snow is
almost gone from our street....I'm not kidding: we have one snow bank remaining, as black and crusty and disgusting as it looks, it's still there. I'm sure underneath we'll find many treasures like old juice boxes, tin cans and other residue from the blue box that didn't quite make it into the truck. This time of year, before the grass and after the snow, is, I have to admit, not the most attractive around Toronto.
So, having said that, it's time to get rid of that debris and make our neighbourhoods clean again.
Friday April 18th and
Saturday April 19th are two days in
Toronto and surrounding communities you can mark on your calendar for doing some outdoor work. So far the
forecast is sunny and warm for Friday and so-so for Saturday. Toronto is encouraging everyone to participate in the
"20 minute make over" on Friday and
"Community Clean up" on Saturday to help get our city back in shape. The city will provide anyone participating with a garbage bag and a glove for clean up, available at participating
Pizza Pizza locations and
community centers until supplies last. You can sign up as a group or an individual and take an outdoor break at 2pm on Friday for 20 minutes to help clean up. You could also do it without signing up, after all every little bit helps.
Labels: 20 minute make over, community clean up, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Useful websites for Spring Cleaning
I used to be a packrat, but not for the usual reasons. I don't have a particular sentimental attachment to most items…. Okay, so I still have a few sweaters hanging around from the '80s, but hey, I knit them myself! No, the reason I still hang on to things is because I'm "landfill averse," or "LFA" as I like to say. I really hate throwing things out, especially if they still have life left in them. I used to let things pile up until we couldn’t move in the storage area or the garage because I didn't know where they should go. Things like a broken ironing board, a broken vacuum cleaner, a 12 foot long metal pole that used to be a bird feeder, an old working but too- musty-to-use freezer, etc. In effect we had our very own landfill - only cleaner.
Last week Rick Scully guest blogged on garage organization. Part of the process he discussed was getting rid of things you no longer use. It took moving houses for me to finally make the effort to find ways of getting rid of things I no longer needed, but I did it. Below I’ve listed some links to great websites that will help you avoid landfill and clean out that garage at the same time. Oh, and all those metal items I mentioned above went to a scrap metal dealer I found on
Craigslist. He even took the old freezer off my hands!
http://www.toronto.ca/reuseit/nonprofit.htmThis site has a list of places that will take your furniture, books, computers, clothing, small housewares. Some organizations will even pick up.
Another great resource is
freecycle.org. You have to have a Yahoo! Account, but if you want to get rid of things – no selling allowed, it’s all about reusing and recycling, post a request here – it’s great. Chances are good you’ll get a response, no matter what you’re trying to get rid of.
Finally,
craigslist.org is one of my personal favourites. Here you can both give away items and sell items you no longer need. The beauty of this site is that the listing are free, you can add photos and the purchaser will usually come and pick up whatever you’re selling. There’s even a category to advertise a garage sale.
Labels: spring cleaning websites, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Garage organization 101
Today we have a "Guest Blogger," Rick Scully from NuvoGarage. In the spirit of spring cleaning, Rick is going to talk to us about a topic near and dear to my heart: garage organization. Take it away Rick!
"
My garage is a mess. I’d like to tidy it up but I just don’t know where or how to get started"
Rick Scully, President,
NuvoGarage Inc.
- Ah …this is a problem that faces many home owners as they begin to think about the annual spring cleanup. It’s a perfect time then, for a brief discussion about how to take control of your garage space and make it a safe, practical, tidy and clean environment in which to store and organize the many things required to maintain your home and garden.
The most difficult task is one that actually requires no “physical” effort. It’s a “mental” exercise, because you need to decide what you longer need or use. Be ruthless here and avoid the trap that “I may use or need this someday”. Try following these rules:
If it can’t be used, or has no value, toss it.
If you no longer need it, or plan to use it, give it away or sell it.
If you need it and use it, keep it.
- Try and get everything off of the floor and on to the walls or ceiling;
- Organize by season, purpose and occasion;
- Think about how frequently, or when, you use things.
Next year at this time, or perhaps even sooner at the next typical time to clean up (Thanksgiving), think of how much time you’ll be able to dedicate to doing something else. Your garage will have been organized and you’ll have less clutter as you’ll find that once your things have a place, you’ll return them to their space after you use them. Hmmm…more time and less clutter. And, you’ll feel better about your garage, maybe even “garage proud”.
NuvoGarage Inc. is a privately owned full service firm based in Ontario that specializes in interior garage design and organization. We take care of all of the required work from removal of junk, hazardous chemicals and reusable items, to custom design and transformation of your garage.
http://www.nuvogarage.com/.
Labels: garage organization, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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What to do with a flooded basement.
If your basement floods:
Sometimes a flooded basement is unavoidable. Below are some points from the city of Toronto's document on what to do in case your basement floods.
- Call the city to make sure it’s not a city tree root issue or a blocked sewer line as this will become its responsibility (416) 338-8888.
- Call your insurance company immediately and find out what coverage you have.
- Electricity and water don’t mix! Disconnect any appliances or other electronic devices that might come in contact with the water, you may need to disconnect the power to the basement first. Be careful you’re not standing in water or on damp ground when disconnecting.
- Be careful when you clean! Where the proper clothing – rubber boots, a mask, rubber gloves, there could be waterborne bacteria and mould, especially if the sewer has backed up. Wash all affected walls and floors with a mixture of chlorine bleach and water (1 part chlorine, 10 parts water). Wash and disinfect all furniture and carpets, or have them professionally cleaned and deodorised.
- Use homestars to help you find the professionals to clean your basement for you.
Labels: basement flooding, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Basement flooding and the city's responsibility.
It’s "April showers" time! Just what we need after a record breaking snow filled winter... more water! Sure we’ll get those flowers in May, but we may also be stuck with the not so pleasant flooded basement before that happens. The city provides information on how to avoid flooding in your basement to the best degree possible. The basic points are:
- Grade your land so that water flows away from your house.
- Disconnect your downspout from city sewers and make sure the downspout drains at least six feet from your foundation -- and preferably into lawn or soil.
- Clear snow away from the edge of your house. When the ground is frozen, water will find its way into any cracks in a home's foundation.
- Clear eavestroughs and downspouts of debris.
- If your house has a sump pump, make sure it’s working.
- Have a backwater valve installed on the main drain to prevent sewage back up into your house.
The city also suggests checking your foundation for holes and cracks and making sure your weeping tiles are still working, however, let me just say that having lived in a house with chronic flooding, these steps are next to impossible without excavating. Basically you won’t know until flooding occurs.
If your basement does flood, the city is only responsible for fixing it if the problem is a blocked sewer arising from a city tree on your property. The city will pay a "life-time maximum of $2000 per house." Call the city if you’re unsure of what to do. (416) 338-8888.
For more information on the city’s tree root program, click on the link below.
http://www.toronto.ca/faq/trees.htm#q5
Need a basement waterproofer? Check out homestars.
Labels: basement flooding, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Flooring at IDS and beyond...
Flooring options in wood alone are so vast you may be overwhelmed by choice. Some of the exhibits I saw at IDS presented a few interesting options, from locally grown to exotic in a wide array of natural and stained products -- and that's just for wood! There's also bamboo (a grass), stone and new fibre flooring. Oh, did I mention ceramic tile, concrete and linoleum?
With so much choice it can be difficult deciding what product to pick, and which store or contractor to go with. Setting a budget will help, while
HomeStars can help you search for the right store and/or installer. The rest requires some web research and a little footwork.
Taproot: Taproot carries
Plyboo flooring, a high quality bamboo flooring available in a wide variety of styles. In fact the company has just released two new materials, "
Plyboo Squared 2" offering a different textured floor in natural and tortoise shell (also can be used for tables and walls), and "
Durapalm" made from palm trees no longer producing nuts. Bamboo flooring is environmentally friendly because it is actually a grass which regrows after harvesting. No pesticides or fertilizers are necessary because it is fast growing and it can be harvested every 3 to 6 years.
Paint, Hardwood & Decor: This store provides some
Forest Stewardship Council certified(FSC) flooring, and is a distributor of
Torlys smart floor products, "environment conscious" flooring. Installers use glue that is 'benign' and low in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The most recent "environmentally friendly" development the company offers is a new flooring finish using natural Italian oil instead of varnish or eurythane. Because the Italian oil provides a flat sheen, marks and scuffs don't stand out.
Antiquity Flooring: A small company that uses boards from barns and other buildings being dismantled in Southwestern Ontario, the majority of which are between 80 and 100 years old. Boards are refinished and cut according to your floor's dimensions in mixed widths giving the floor a rustic look. Sanding, staining and finishing is done on site, and it can be used over radiant heated floors.
FiberFloor: A new product combining the look of natural materials such as wood, stone or tile, with the easy care of linoleum and the comfort of carpet. Great for a kitchen, mud room or basement. Fiberfloor has a low VOC content and helps maintain cleaner indoor air quality. Easy to install and maintain.
Available through Giant Carpet and other retailers.
To find a store near you go directly to the Tarkett website and type in your postal code: http://www.tarkett.com/
Labels: flooring, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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Cool stuff from IDS -- Part I
The Interior Design Show was fantastic this year. I don't know if it was just the general level of energy, or that even by Sunday, it was still teeming with people. I was particularly taken with the exhibits from the up and coming designers and craftspeople. The exhibitors I spoke with were energetic, enthusiastic and had some really great products to show.
The majority of the exhibitors were from Toronto and surrounding area, but there were some from both Canadian coasts and Europe. In fact I spoke with so many exhibitors I'd like to share with you (and I still didn't get through half the show), that I've grouped them into categories, which I will put up on this site over the next few weeks -- the first category is custom furniture and accessories, and were there ever some unique finds! The one thing I did notice about this year was that the new designers have a definite environmental awareness about them. Many were into using reclaimed or salvaged wood and other recycled materials when given the opportunity. Many of the pieces were made from local materials as well.
Custom furniture and accessories:Castor: ultra cool furnishings and accessories designed, handcrafted and installed by local Toronto trio Ryan Taylor, Brian Richer and Kei Ng. Available direct or through
Nienkamper.
The photos below are of a "Blind Stool" in cast aluminum and a hand-carved
limestone credenza. Part art, part furniture, all style.
http://castordesign.ca/
Marrs Furniture: Graeme Marrs makes unique furniture pieces from salvaged wood and "found" materials. There are some great wood accessories too.
http://marrs.ca/Green Table- Materials:Found Metal, Ash, Horse chestnut, Paint. Dimensions:Height 65 Depth 60 Length 45cm.
Lego Table- Materials:Poplar, Butternut, Ink, Paint. Dimensions:Height 40 Depth 38 Length 130cm.
AxioMetal: makes primarily custom furniture. Stainless steel is the base of their designs. It is blended with wood, glass, stone, and leather to produce individual and creative kitchen and dining tables, occasional tables and chairs.
http://www.axiometal.com/
Roseland Art and Decoration: Roseland is a combination of fine art and limited edition furniture. It carries antiques, artistic furniture and lighting. The photo of the Canton D lamp, below, is hand-blown glass in one piece including the shade. It's part of a wide collection of glass lamps. The "Riggu stool" (below right) is made by hand in Senegal using recycled metal.
http://www.roselandgallery.com/"Office in a Bag” new to Canada—an inflatable open dome which reminds me of a bouncy castle, only in reverse. If you're worried about the generator noise, according to the Canadian representative, the fans they use to keep it inflated are as quiet as regular fans and nothing like the generators used for the noisy outdoor versions we are used to. Designed in the UK, it was originally intended for commercial purposes. However, more and more consumers are using the domes to create private spaces in open areas -- it is particularly appealing to condo-loft owners. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes it had been used for offices, spare bedrooms, “teenage "hangouts” etc. Currently you can buy the "office in a bag" direct from the manufacturer.
http://www.inflate.co.uk/
More companies to come in a future post.
Labels: interior design, Toronto
Posted by Cathy
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