Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team

Whether you own your home or rent, there is an important safety update coming into effect in Ontario. Beginning January 1, 2026, changes to the Ontario Fire Code will expand where carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are required in residential properties.

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the silent killer because it is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. Without a working alarm, it can be impossible to detect. These Fire Code updates are designed to improve early detection and help keep people safe in their homes.

What Is Changing in the New Year?
Under the updated Ontario Fire Code, any residential property that has:

A fuel burning appliance such as a furnace, water heater, gas stove, wood stove, or fireplace
An attached garage
Or heating supplied by a fuel burning appliance located outside the main living space

will be required to have CO alarms installed in more locations than before.

These regulations apply to single family homes, rental properties, condominiums, apartments, and other multi unit residential buildings.

CO Alarms on Every Storey of the Home
Previously, CO alarms were required near sleeping areas in homes with fuel burning appliances or attached garages. As of 2026, a working CO alarm will also be required on every level of the home, even if there are no bedrooms on that floor.

For example, if a home has a basement, main floor, and second floor, each level must be equipped with a CO alarm.

CO Alarms Near Sleeping Areas
This requirement remains in place. CO alarms must continue to be installed adjacent to every sleeping area within a residential unit.

Additional Requirements for Multi Unit Residential Buildings
The updated Fire Code also expands requirements for condominiums, apartments, and other multi unit residential buildings. This includes units located near service rooms, parking garages, or shared fuel burning equipment.

What This Means for Renters and Property Owners
For renters, this update reinforces the importance of having properly installed and functioning CO alarms in their unit.

For property owners and landlords, it is their responsibility to ensure residential properties comply with Fire Code requirements, including the installation and maintenance of CO alarms.

If you rent and have questions about CO alarms in your unit, starting a conversation with your landlord can help clarify what is already in place.

Why These Changes Matter
Carbon monoxide can build up quickly when fuel burning appliances do not operate properly. Early symptoms of exposure can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.

By expanding where alarms are required, these updates add another layer of protection and improve the chances of detecting an issue early.

What You Can Do Now
While the regulation comes into effect in the new year, there are steps you can take now:

Confirm CO alarms are installed near sleeping areas and on every level of the home
Replace alarms that are no longer working or have reached the end of their lifespan
Test alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed
Renters should notify their landlord if alarms are missing or not functioning

Final Thought
These Fire Code changes apply to everyone, whether you own or rent. Carbon monoxide alarms play a critical role in home safety, and the updated requirements help ensure more comprehensive protection in residential properties across Ontario.

Understanding the changes now can help you feel confident and prepared as the new regulations come into effect in 2026.

The Tricar Group is giving qualified first-time home buyers a head start — guaranteeing the amount of the government housing rebates now, before official approval, plus reduced deposits, move-in-ready suites, and large, liveable, high-quality suites with pricing that cannot be beat.

Home ownership at Tricar’s Gordon Square III Condominiums in south Guelph is now more attainable for first-time buyers. With a flat $20,000 deposit, significant savings based on government tax rebates, seven model suites to explore, and move-in-ready homes available, the development offers a rare opportunity to enter the market with confidence and ease.

In response to the federal government’s proposed Bill C-4 – which aims to eliminate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million, as well as Provincial government tax reductions — Tricar has gone a step further. They’re guaranteeing the amount of these government tax breaks for first-time buyers, rather than waiting for legislation to pass.

The Tricar Difference

“We’re guaranteeing the amount of the government tax savings for first-time home buyers for a limited time,” says Tricar President Adam Carapella. “Buyers can purchase and move in today with confidence without having to wait for the official approval of the future rebates. We want to make things as easy as possible for all of our homeowners, and this is just another example of the Tricar Difference.”

This means substantial savings for first time home buyers: for example, a one-bedroom priced at $540,000 would see a reduction of just over $40,000 with a net price of $499,000 and a premium two-bedroom plus den priced at $984,000 would see savings of over $90,000 with a net price of $892,000.

To qualify, buyers must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada

• Not have owned or lived in a residential property whether in or outside Canada that they have owned or that their spouse or common-law partner owned in the calendar year or in the four preceding calendar years.

• Must be the primary resident and first occupier of the home

Combined with the reduced deposit program, these incentives make owning a home easier than ever for first-time home buyers. In addition to these savings, Tricar’s condominium homes are both designed and priced for end users.

“Our condominium homes are designed to be lived in,” says Craig Taylor, Tricar’s VP of Design & Marketing. “We take great pride in being able to offer our homeowners suites that are up to twice as large and half as expensive as compared to most of the other offerings in the marketplace. They’re spacious, high-quality, and built without compromise. Most of our purchasers are retirees and established professionals, but we do see demand from younger professionals who have been busy building their careers and now want to build equity in a home as a first-time home buyer.”

With nearly 40 years in the industry, the London- and Guelph-based builder continues to earn Tarion’s top honours, including High-Rise Builder of the Year and Top Performer awards for exceptional customer service.

Pricing

Pricing for Gordon Square III is competitive and accessible. One-bedroom suites start in the $400s (approximately 760 sq. ft.), and two-bedroom suites begin in the $500s (approximately 1,145 sq. ft.). The deposit structure is equally appealing, requiring only $20,000 down for first-time home buyers — far less than the industry standard 20% deposit, which would typically mean $100,000 on a $500,000 condominium.

“Buying your first home can be stressful,” says Nick FitzGibbon, Guelph Realtor and Gordon Square III sales representative. “Tricar has made the process simple — transparent pricing, model suites you can walk through, and guaranteed savings. It’s a great option for first-time buyers and we invite you to come in and see a sales representative for program information.”

Located in Guelph’s amenity-rich south end, Gordon Square III is an 8-storey mid-rise featuring 181 spacious suites and premium amenities, including a fitness room, golf simulator, guest suite, library, and luxury lounge. The surrounding neighbourhood offers trails, parks, restaurants, and easy access to Highways 6 and 401.

Tricar’s commitment to thoughtful design, flexible purchase programs, and long-term quality continues to set a new standard for condominium living in Guelph.

Visit Gordon Square III at 1882 Gordon Street in Guelph or go to tricar.com.

The sales team will be happy to give you a tour of the building and model suites and is there Wednesday-Thursday from 3pm-6pm and Saturday from 12pm-4pm. You can also schedule a private appointment at your convenience. Contact Nick FitzGibbon at 519-830-4823 or at gordon3sales@tricar.com.

Gordon3sales@tricar.com
519-830-4823
Tricar.com/gordon3

Tis the season to be busy, as families across Guelph rush to get ready for the holidays. There’s never a shortage of things to cross off your list this time of year, and one local business is uniquely positioned to help.

Market Fresh is an independent, family-run grocer where the focus is on food and community. They take pride in bringing customers wholesome fresh and local gourmet food—the best of the region for the season. They’ve been providing catering services for over 25 years.

John Clark recently sat down with Dylan Toscan, Managing Director. The pair discussed the benefits of using a catering service when hosting, how to find the highest quality local products, and a few easy ways to spruce up your home with fresh greenery and a bit of festive decor.

John Clark: What is Market Fresh’s philosophy towards food?

Dylan Toscan: Fresh, local, and high-quality first. Market Fresh prioritizes local producers, small farms, and artisan suppliers. Our whole identity is built around offering food that’s fresher, carefully sourced, and higher quality. This ranges from fresh produce, quality meats (including our in-house butchery), in-house scratch bakery, prepared foods made in-house, and so much more.

JC: What would you say are some of the biggest benefits of catering a holiday meal?

DT: One of the biggest benefits of catering a holiday meal with Market Fresh is that it lets people truly enjoy the day. The holidays should be about spending time with family and friends — not being stuck in the kitchen for hours. When we handle the cooking, our customers get to relax, be present, and focus on the moments that matter.

Another big advantage is the quality and consistency. Everything we prepare is made in-house using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. You’re not just getting convenience, you’re getting a holiday meal that tastes homemade, crafted by our culinary team with the same care you’d put into your own table.

It also removes the stress that can take the fun out of hosting. No last-minute grocery runs and no timing the execution of multiple dishes. We handle all of that. Customers can customize their order, choose exactly what suits their gathering, and trust that it will be done right.

So really, the benefit is peace of mind — knowing the meal is taken care of, so you can celebrate the way you want to.

JC: What are some of your most popular dishes for the season?

DT: Our most popular dishes/items for the holiday season include our hearty holiday Turkey Dinner, gourmet sandwich platters, charcuterie / antipasto / meat and cheese boards, fresh salads, vegetable and fruit trays, and our dessert/sweet trays.

JC: Are there any new items or treats available this year?

DT: Our new and improved, holiday favourite, Festive Turkey & Brie sandwich! Available at our Gourmet to Go counter, this sandwich has become a staple at Market Fresh over the years. We take locally sourced turkey, roast it to perfection, then stack it between two slices of in-house baked stuffing-seasoned bro ok ead, and then top it with sage aioli, brie cheese, house-made stuffing, and cranberry sauce. If you haven’t had one before, it’s an absolute must-try!

What we are really excited about is that we completely revamped our entire catering menu back in September. It was a full refresh, with updated recipes and a lot of fun new options that customers have really embraced. One of the standouts has been our continental breakfast package — it has been incredibly popular for morning meetings and early-day gatherings.

And while it’s not technically new, our Holiday Turkey Meals are definitely something special. They’re only available three times a year, which makes them one of our most sought-after offerings.

JC: Do you or your family have any favourites that must appear on your holiday table every year?

DT: We absolutely love putting together a really good spread of our meats and cheeses. Gunns Hill Reserve is a MUST on any charcuterie board! It has become a bit of a tradition in our house to start the festivities off with a board full of local cheeses, charcuterie, and some of our store-made dips and appetizers. Highly recommend our house made Artichoke Caponata! And of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without something from our bakery. Our family tends to always gravitate towards our Holiday Yule Log, it’s delicious! Whether it’s one of our cakes or a festive dessert tray, having something sweet from our team is always part of our celebration.

JC: How else can Market Fresh help out over the holidays?

DT: Beyond catering, there are so many ways Market Fresh can help make the holidays easier, more delicious, and more joyful. Our bakery is always a huge hit this time of year — from store-made cakes to festive baked goods, pastries, and holiday treats. We also have an amazing selection of meats, cheeses, dips and appetizers that make entertaining effortless, whether you’re hosting a big party or just putting together a cozy evening spread.

Our Garden Centre is another favourite during the season. We bring in beautiful winter wreaths, planters, greenery, and décor that help customers create that perfect festive atmosphere at home. Inside the store, our giftware department is stocked with some of the best curated ornaments, holiday décor, holiday cards, and thoughtful seasonal items — it’s a great spot for finding something unique.

And of course, gift giving is a major part of how we help over the holidays. We offer a wide variety of holiday gift baskets, available both in-store and for pre-order, which makes them perfect for businesses, families, or anyone needing multiple gifts. There truly is a basket for everyone, and we can customize them as well to make them even more personal.

So whether you’re hosting, decorating, gifting, or just looking to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season, Market Fresh has something to help!

JC: Are there any deadlines or cut-offs for ordering that customers should be aware of?

DT: Our deadline to pre-order your family Holiday Turkey meal is December 18th or while quantities last! Pick up on December 23rd and 24th. Packed “Family Style” for easy reheating and service. Minimum of 6 people per order.

For all other catering inquiries, we ask for 72 hours notice.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, picking up dinner for the family, or treating yourself to something comforting, we’re grateful to be part of your season. Thank you for supporting local and choosing Market Fresh!

guelph grocery store holiday ideas market fresh

Property Details

Welcome to 27 Miller Street, a beautifully maintained bungalow in Guelph’s desirable South End. This 2+2 bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers over 2,000 sq ft of finished living space and is fully wheelchair accessible. It has been thoughtfully updated throughout to provide comfort, functionality, and long-term ease of living. The main floor features open-concept living with 34-inch doorways, pull-out drawers in all lower kitchen cabinets, and under-sink access to accommodate mobility needs. Recent upgrades include full interior painting (all rooms, front and back doors, and garage door), a new natural gas BBQ, updated kitchen faucet, replaced countertop in the primary ensuite, and refreshed landscaping with new mulch and a full fall cleanup.

Additional features include a fully finished basement complete with a full wet bar offering ample storage, built-in wine racks, and a full-size fridge, making it ideal for entertaining or extended family living. Other updates include a new air conditioner (2025), new water softener (2025), and an upgraded 60-gallon hot water tank. Accessibility is built into every detail with zero-clearance roll-in showers, grab bars in the primary bathroom, a working stair lift, automated man door, and ramps at both the front entrance and garage. The garage door opener has also been serviced and is in excellent condition.

Situated in a quiet and well-established neighbourhood close to schools, parks, shopping, and transit. The property is part of a small homeowners association with a low annual fee (approximately $90 to $110), which covers seasonal boulevard maintenance, festive Christmas lighting, and a popular summer fireworks event. This is a rare opportunity to own a fully accessible bungalow with modern updates in one of Guelph’s most sought-after communities.

Why CO deserves your attention

Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless. It comes from fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves, water heaters, vehicles in attached garages, portable generators, etc.).
Early detection saves lives. CO alarms alert you long before symptoms become severe (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion).
It’s a whole-home issue. Even newer or well-maintained homes can have CO exposure from venting problems, back-drafting, or running engines in garages.

10-minute Safety Checklist

Test every alarm.
- Press and hold the test button until you hear the full alarm sequence.
- If it doesn’t sound, replace the batteries immediately—or the entire unit if it’s hardwired with a dead backup.
Check expiry dates.
- Smoke alarms: typically replace every 10 years (check the manufacture date on the back).
- CO alarms: replace every 5–10 years depending on the model. If the label is faded or missing, replace now.
Confirm correct placement.
- Smoke alarms: on every level, inside each bedroom (or at least outside sleeping areas), and near stairwells.
- CO alarms: outside sleeping areas and on every level with a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Avoid bathrooms or very humid areas.
Swap batteries.
- Change batteries annually (or when you hear a single “chirp” every 30–60 seconds). Consider sealed 10-year alarms to reduce maintenance.
Clean and clear.
- Gently vacuum alarm vents to remove dust.
- Keep alarms at least 10 feet from kitchen appliances and away from ceiling corners where dead air collects.
Review your escape plan.
- Two ways out of every room, a meeting spot outside, and practice—especially with kids.
- Make sure windows and doors open easily in all seasons.

If an alarm sounds—what to do

Smoke alarm: Get everyone out, stay out, and call 9-1-1 from outside.
CO alarm: Move outdoors or to fresh air immediately. Call 9-1-1. Do not re-enter until emergency services say it’s safe. Have a licensed technician inspect all fuel-burning appliances and vents.

Smart upgrades worth considering

Interconnected alarms: When one sounds, they all sound—critical in larger or multi-level homes.
Combination Smoke/CO units: Fewer devices to maintain.
Hardwired with battery backup: Best reliability during power outages.
Monitored systems: Great for travellers or seniors; alerts can be sent to your phone or a monitoring centre.

Seasonal homeowner tips

Book an annual service for your furnace, fireplace, and water heater.
Keep outside vents clear of leaves, lint, and snow.
Never run vehicles or fuel-burning tools in an attached garage—even with the door open.
Place portable generators outside, far from windows and doors.

For landlords & tenants

Landlords are generally responsible for installing and maintaining compliant smoke and CO alarms; tenants must not disable them and should report issues promptly. Requirements vary by municipality and building type, so check your local bylaws and fire code.

Quick myth-busting

“I have electric heat, so I don’t need a CO alarm.”
You might still have sources like an attached garage, gas stove, or fireplace.
“My alarm chirps sometimes—must be a glitch.”
Chirps usually mean low battery or end-of-life. Don’t ignore it.
“New homes don’t need checks.”
New construction still requires testing and maintenance—safety gear ages.

Author: Christina

Ontario’s Fire Code Is Changing in 2026: What Homeowners and Renters Need to Know About New CO Alarm Requirements