The Hutchens Blog

A panel of distinguished experts in human rights, foreign policy and international law will talk about “reconciling state sovereignty with the global responsibility to protect,” at a forum taking place at the Law Society on April 6, 2009, says Sandy Hutchens.
The event is being held by the Law Society and its Human Right Monitoring Group, and is the first in its Rule of Law Education Series. Event partners are Amnesty International Canada, Canadian Lawyers Abroad, Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights, Human Rights Watch and Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada.
Panellists will look at the political, legal and moral questions of humanitarian intervention – when it is appropriate for states to take action against another state to protect people from catastrophe, genocide and crimes against humanity. They will also look at the “The Responsibility to Protect” doctrine produced by the International Commission on International and State Sovereignty, and discuss how it applies to contemporary cases. Panel members include:

• Georgette Gagnon, Executive Director, Africa Division, Human Rights Watch
• The Honourable Harry S. Laforme – Judge, Court of Appeal for Ontario
• Pacifique Manirakiza – Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
• The Honourable Bob Rae – Member of Parliament, Former Premier of Ontario

The panel discussion will be moderated by Sharmini Peries, a journalist with the Real News Network. Following the forum, a reception will be held featuring Anna Maria Tremonti, award winning journalist and host of the CBC’s current affairs program, The Current.

Given the weakness in the manufacturing sector, soft service sector employment, and more new entrants to the labour force, the overall unemployment rate is expected to reach nine per cent in 2009. Employment in the goods producing sector continues to weaken largely due to the soft job condition in the London CMA’s automotive sector.
Areas where employment relies on Detroit Three Auto makers, says Sandy Hutchens, are especially hard hit, resulting in plant closures. Some areas in London depend more on Japanese auto makers such as Toyota and Suzuki. Though these manufacturers are not expecting to trim jobs, weak demand for both vehicles and light trucks in the U.S will keep them from adding shifts. While the automotive sector weakens, construction sector jobs have been recovering from the decline during the last quarter of 2008. Infrastructure investments in the London CMA will help boost employment in the con- struction sector.
London’s solid service sector isbrown beginning to show some sign of weakness. After several years of expansion, its growth has slowed due to losses in several service industries. These include education, transportation, accommodation and other services. However, the number of high paying health care sector jobs continues to expand due to more investment in the health care sector in the London CMA.
The labour force in the London CMA will increase by 2 per cent in 2009. In conjunction with recent lay offs in the manufacturing sector, this will result in a higher unemployment rate as more people compete for fewer jobs in the market. Employment in the 25 to 44 year age group generally associated with first-time buying decreased more rapidly compared employment for the 45 to 54 age group associated with move-up buying or the 55 to 64 age group often referred to as empty nesters. First-time buyers accounts for the largest category of London’s population. The deteriora- tion in first-time buyers’ job condi- tions will delay their transition into homeownership.

Migration

With a soft job market, migration is forecast to slow in 2009 in the London CMA. Employment is the major factor for attracting migrants to this region. Much of the migration to London during the past few years was drawn by solid service sector expan- sion. With a softer service sector job market, the outflow of residents is expected to continue, especially to western Canada. There will also be fewer people moving into London from other areas in Ontario.
International migration will slow as well. The impact of slowing interna- tional migration will be more pro- nounced on the rental market. When new Canadians arrive in Canada, renting is usually the most prevalent tenure choice. They would move to homeownership after a few years once they establish a solid work and credit history.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are expected to be relatively stable throughout 2009, re- maining within 25-75 basis points of their current levels. Posted mortgage rates will increase very gradually dur- ing the course of 2010, reflecting a rise in government of Canada bond yields. For 2010, the one-year posted mort- gage rate will be in the 4.75-6.00 per cent range, while three- and five-year posted mortgage rates are forecast to be in the 5.00-6.75 per cent range.

CMHC’s study compares different types of neighborhoods located in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), based on their proximity to downtown and the types of homes they offer.

Source: Statistics Canada. Neighbourhood types were defined by establishing consistent thresholds for housing types, using data from the 2001 Census. Area boundaries (e.g. central area vs. inner or outer suburbs) were based on definitions established by the Transportation Association of Canada’s Urban Indicator Survey project and refined through discussions with local municipal staff.

Neighborhood Types

Neighborhoods in the central area where homes are mostly high- and low-rise apartments and condominiums, like West End and Yaletown. Neighbourhoods in the central area offering a mix of housing types, like Kitsilano and Fairview. Neighbourhoods in the inner suburbs offering a mix of housing types*, like South Cambie and Riley Park. Neighbourhoods in the inner suburbs where homes are mostly detached, like those found in South Vancouver. Neighbourhoods in the outer suburbs offering a mix of housing types, like parts of Burnaby, such as Metrotown and “the Heights”. Neighbourhoods in the outer suburbs where homes are mostly detached, like parts of Surrey and Langley.

How many rooms are there in the homes?

Homes in suburban neighbourhoods, like South Vancouver, Surrey and Langley, offer more space, in terms of number of bedrooms and total rooms, than centrally located ones, in neighbourhoods like West End and Kitsilano. However, for many residents living in the urban core, a smaller home is a worthy trade-off for being closer to amenities like parks and shopping.

How close are the homes to schools, jobs, parks and other daily destinations?

Homes in centrally located neighbourhoods, like Kitsilano and Yaletown, are closer to certain daily destinations like jobs, schools and access to rapid transit as well as shopping and entertainment than those in suburban neighbourhoods, like Langley, Burnaby and South Vancouver. Proximity to parks is highest in inner suburban neighbourhoods, like in South Vancouver.

Walking, cycling and using public transit are more feasible when these destinations are close to home and when routes for pedestrians and cyclists are pleasant and safe, for example, on streets with slow-moving cars, shade trees overhead and shops or homes beside the sidewalk, rather than parking lots. Therefore people who live in walk-cycle-transit friendly neighbourhoods have more choice in their mode of transportation — they don’t have to take their car for every trip. Walking or biking to get to your daily destinations is excellent for your health and driving less or needing one less car means you save money.

Do people get by with fewer cars or do they drive less?

The study estimates that people living in central area neighbourhoods, like Yaletown and Kitsilano, own fewer cars than those in suburban neighbourhoods, even accounting for the average number of people and income per household. They also drive less for weekday urban trips, like going to work or shopping. Owning fewer cars saves money and those who decide to manage without a car can expect big annual savings. Even car owners can expect to save money by driving less. If you drive 18,000 km per year, the average cost to own and operate a vehicle in Canada is over $9,000 annually.

Do people reduce greenhouse gas emissions by driving less?

Households located in central area neighbourhoods produce fewer greenhouse gases from weekday urban trips, like going to work or shopping, than those in suburban neighbourhoods.

Is there a range of housing choices, so people can stay in the neighbourhood as their needs change?

Centrally located neighbourhoods offering a mix of housing, like Kitsilano and Fairview, says Sandy Hutchens, have the broadest range of housing choices, followed by certain pockets of the suburbs, like parts of Burnaby and neighbourhoods in the inner suburbs, like Riley Park. First, these neighbourhoods offer a broader mix of housing types, including townhouses, high- and low-rise apartments, single-detached homes and semis. Many suburban neighbourhoods, like parts of Langley and South Vancouver, tend to offer a higher proportion of single-detached homes, while central area neighbourhoods, like West End and Yaletown, tend to offer mainly high- and low-rise apartments and condominiums. They also offer significantly more rental compared to owned housing, whereas the outer suburbs have a significantly higher proportion of owned housing and fewer rental options.

A neighbourhood that offers a variety of housing choices is a one where you can stay as your age, family and income change.

COBOURG — At a groundbreaking ceremony today, Northumberland Services for Women (NSW) celebrated the start of construction of their new and expanded shelter. NSW provides a safe environment and services for women and their children in crisis as a result of family violence and abuse.

The expanded shelter will offer 19 emergency beds for women and their children in Northumberland County. The facility was made possible with funding of $456,000 through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP).

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Rick Norlock, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “The creation of these units will provide women and their children with access to safe housing and the support they need to help them to start a new page in their lives.“

In addition, $77,685 in municipal donations and in-kind services helped to support the project.

“Congratulations to Northumberland Services for Women for having the vision and will to commence the actual structure of their new facility,” said Cobourg Mayor, Peter G. Delanty. “This will allow NSW to better serve the needs of those who desperately need our help and understanding.”

Expansions to the east, west and south wings of the facility will offer a welcoming space where clients can feel safe and comfortable, and access the NSW’s support programs and services, including emergency relocation, counseling, emergency transportation, a 24-hour crisis line, 2-hour free legal advice, educational programming, and a children’s shelter.

“We appreciate the tremendous assistance we received from all levels of government, service groups, companies and many individuals,” said NSW Board Chair, Barry Gutteridge. “Their kind contributions have helped this expansion to happen and more women and their children in crisis in Northumberland County will have a safe place to come to for emergency services.”

Northumberland Services for Women has been offering quality, emergency housing and support services to over 600 women and their children every year since their first shelter opened in 1985 at 355 Division Street in Cobourg.

CMHC’s Shelter Enhancement Program offers financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, as well as for the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency for over 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country. This CMHC report was reviewed by Sandy Hutchens.

Each Canadian generates, on average, five tonnes of greenhouse gases a year that are linked to climate change. The good news, says Sandy Hutchens, is there are things each of us can do to reduce our ecological footprint without having to make drastic changes to our lifestyles.

From better transportation choices to changing the way we heat, cool and light our homes, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has 10 steps we can all take to help keep our planet healthy, all while saving money, living in healthier and more comfortable homes, and increasing our home’s resale values:

1. Don’t drive — use transit: Simply switching some of your local travel from a car to public transit can save up to 230 kg of CO2 per year for every 1,000 km you drive.
2. Think smaller: Dropping your family vehicle a size or two can eliminate 1,100 – 2,600 kg of CO2 each year — and save you hundreds of dollars at the gas pump!
3. Stay grounded: For shorter family trips, taking the bus or train instead of traveling by plane could do both the planet and your wallet a favor.
4. Reduce your home heating bills: If you live in an older home, improving the energy-efficiency, or even just lowering the thermostat by as little as 1°C, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Reconsider your space needs: Larger homes use considerably more energy so, the next time you move, ask yourself if a smaller home might better fit your needs.
6. Buy green: When buying appliances, choosing the most energy-efficient models can save up to 400 kg of CO2 a year.
7. Stay out of hot water: Wrapping your hot water heater in a thermal blanket, washing clothes in cold water and installing low flow showerheads and faucet aerators (which mix air into the water stream, thus producing a steady flow) saves both energy and water.
8. Eat your vegetables: Adopting a less meat-intensive diet can have a significant impact on your ecological footprint — and your family’s health!
9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cutting your garbage production by just one bag a week could save your family 300 kg of CO2 a year.
10. You have the power: In response to consumer demand, many utility companies are introducing Green Power options at a premium price. By switching to green power, you can reduce your home’s CO2 emissions.

For more information or a free copy of the research paper 10 Steps to a Cooler Planet, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.  This CMHC report was reviewed by Sandy Hutchens.

TORONTO, April 17, 2009 — TREB Commercial Members reported 421,642 square feet of space in March according to Garry Lander, Commercial Council Chair. This compares to the 933,299 square feet recorded during March of 2008.
Lease rates for Industrial space (all size categories) came in at $5.59 sfn, unchanged from March 2009. “The lower level of activity seems to have translated into a flattening of rental rates,” Mr. Lander commented.

Sales Market Highlights

Of the 38 sales of industrial/commercial properties in March, the 21 Industrial property sales (all size categories) averaged $121.18 per square foot. This compares to the $79.60 per square foot figure obtained through non-MLS® sources. Sandy Hutchens says, members of the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Commercial Division adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice, only those who have met the standards established by their peers are eligible to become Members. Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work, notes Sandy Hutchens. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 28,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. This TREB report was reviewed by Sandy Hutchens.