Saturday Feb. 5, 7- 9.30pm
Papermill Gallery Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Road, $55 plus HST
Tickets available by phone: 416-396-2819
At the site of the original brewery built in 1821, participants will enjoy an evening of sampling artisanal brews with traditional 19th century and contemporary food pairings. Each guest's admission ticket entitles them to a complimentary souvenir tasting glass and their choice of any six pairings of food and beer.
Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with representatives from local craft breweries and learn about the wide variety of brews produced in Ontario. Seasonal brews from Granite Brewery, Mill Street Brewery, Black Oak Brewery, Denison's Brewing Company and Wellington Brewery will be available for sampling.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The New Real Estate Marketing: QR Codes
You have likely started to see the little squares in magazines ads, etc. They are a QR (Quick Response) code. Some real estate companies will be putting them on their for sale signs. Royal LePage will be testing them with some of our offices before full implementation. Anyone with a smart phone (Blackberry, IPhone, etc.) with a built-in camera and internet browser can obtain all the information associated with a QR code (though I find that with the quality of the camera in my Blackberry Bold that they don’t always work).
You need to install a mobile app (application) on your Smartphone to read these codes. I got mine (free) at http://gettag.mobi. Another source is http://scanlife.com or http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore. Some newer Blackberrys have scanning software bundled with Blackberry Messenger and so you may not need to install a program such as Scanlife.
Below is an article from Realtor Newsletter January 2011 by Micheal Russer on the subject.
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a crop of young, willing, and able future buyers who seem to have their heads buried in their smartphones. Their phone is their world, but they prefer texting to talking. How can you get their interest — and their business?
QR Codes to the Rescue
QR codes were invented in Japan by a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp. to help identify car parts. Once people recognized their flexibility of encoding links to the Web, they took off in Japan and other East Asian countries. (This is perhaps unsurprising, as mobile Web access is much more common in that part of the world than in the United States.) In fact, you will find QR codes plastered on billboards, signs, storefronts, and just about any place you look in all the major Japanese cities.
Think of the QR code as a two-dimensional barcode that can contain many different kinds of information and present that information in many different ways. QR codes can be read instantly from any number of free smartphone apps. The opportunities for real estate marketing are nearly endless since one of the main uses of QR Codes is to embed URLs that when scanned will take the phone user to wherever the URL was pointing (i.e. your Web site, listing detail information, etc.) They effectively turn anything they are printed on into an active and track-able hyperlink.
You can start your search for free QR code reader apps for your smartphone (by smartphone type) at these places:
• iPhone QR reader app search
• BlackBerry QR reader app search
• Droid QR reader app search
• iTunes
• BlackBerry App World
• Android Market
There really are only two issues to consider when incorporating QR codes into your marketing:
1. How to create them
2. Where to place them for maximum exposure and impact.
Create QR Codes Instantly, for Free
If you do a Google search on “QR code generators,” you’ll find dozens of sites that will create them for you at no cost. My favorite is a site called BeeTagg QR Generator, which allows you to create any number of QR codes in different formats for free.
When you first land on this page, you can enter the URL of the page you want your code to go to and choose the type of code it generates. (Make sure you have the QR Code icon selected and uncheck “Optimize size.”) Then just hit the “Go” button, and you will instantly see your code with download options.
Now, this next part is very important. Of the six different download options shown, there are only two you will typically work with. Select Gif if you plan on placing the code on a Web page or e-mail, and Eps if you plan on using it in print.
GIF images are the smallest file sizes for this kind of image and are ideal for placement in Web pages. However, they are not good for print or other media because they don’t scale well. That is, they get blurry or pixelated if you try to blow them up beyond their original size and will become unreadable by the smartphone apps. The EPS file format is ideal for print media because it can scale to any size (including 16-foot billboards) without any loss of fidelity.
Where to Use QR Codes for Maximum Impact
In addition to placing a page-specific QR code on every page of your Web site, you can incorporate them into your marketing in many innovative ways. Here are just some ideas that came out of a recent brainstorming exercise for QR code use:
Put them on your sign riders pointing to your Web site with the details for that listing. (Note: Make sure the QR code on the sign rider is at least 10” x 10” so it can be scanned from the comfort of a prospect’s car.)
• Publish a print ad with a QR code pointing to a YouTube video of you walking through your latest listing.
• Put a QR code decal on your car that points to your Web site, or better yet, an irresistible offer on your Web site. (Again, make sure it is at least 10” x 10” so it can be scanned easily by other drivers.)
• If it is winter, develop a QR code on the sign rider and link it to photos or a video of the house when the landscaping is in full bloom during spring or summer.
• Sponsor a local team and put the QR code pointing to your Web site on their uniforms.
• Give away T-shirts with QR codes on them that point to your site.
• If you send out calendars each year, put a QR code pointing to your Web site on every page.
• Conduct a QR code open-house “scavenger hunt.” Put a code in print or Web ad for a series of open houses where the code on each home maps you to the next one. Participants have to read them all to get to the prize at the final house — a great idea for a broker open tour.
• Put a QR code pointing to your Web site on the back of your business card.
QR Code Best Practices
Now before you go all-out with QR codes and start plastering them on every available surface (digital or otherwise), here are some best practices that will help you get the most out of these little boxes:
• Tell them what it is: Since QR codes are still very leading-edge in this country, it may be a good idea to provide additional info that explains to less technology-capable consumers just what they are.
• Point to something worthwhile: Make sure that whatever your QR code points to provides real value to the consumer. Ideally, the landing page has a specific call to action and lead-capture mechanism.
• Make sure your QR codes are readable: Make them big enough for the context they will be used. This means about 175 pixels x 175 pixels for Web pages and e-mail, 10” x 10” for outdoor use (sign riders and car decals), and huge for billboards. Test them on your own to ensure they work correctly.
• Track your QR code traffic: You can easily track site traffic generated by visitors scanning QR codes. If you are using a basic Web analytics program, such as Google Analytics, it’s easy to track QR code traffic by adding a bit of text after the URL you’re pointing to before generating the code. Here’s an example:
http://www.myrealestatewebsite.com/?source=QR_printad
The highlighted part of the URL was added before generating the code, and will separate the traffic coming in from that source. Your analytics package will show any traffic specifically coming from people scanning the QR codes in your print ads. There is nothing magic or special about the text that comes after “/?source=”; you can make it anything you want — just make sure there are no spaces and that it effectively describes where the code was embedded.
At this point, you might be thinking, “Is this thing really necessary for my business?” If you want to be a leader in your market and really catch the attention and business of up-and-coming buyers, then yes, it is.
Implementing QR codes is not about being a geek. It’s about staying up on things that matter to your customers and serving them in the way they expect. That’s more than a good technology or marketing strategy — it’s good business.
Mr. Internet is the alter-ego of Michael J. Russer, a former real estate practitioner and a "serial entrepreneur" who has gained national recognition as an expert on doing business on the Web. Today he is a speaker, trainer, consultant, and author of several books, including "The Obsolete Employee: How Businesses Succeed Without Employees and Love It," and "The Real Estate Website Accelerator." His Web site is www.onlinedominance.com
You need to install a mobile app (application) on your Smartphone to read these codes. I got mine (free) at http://gettag.mobi. Another source is http://scanlife.com or http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore. Some newer Blackberrys have scanning software bundled with Blackberry Messenger and so you may not need to install a program such as Scanlife.
Below is an article from Realtor Newsletter January 2011 by Micheal Russer on the subject.
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a crop of young, willing, and able future buyers who seem to have their heads buried in their smartphones. Their phone is their world, but they prefer texting to talking. How can you get their interest — and their business?
QR Codes to the Rescue
QR codes were invented in Japan by a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp. to help identify car parts. Once people recognized their flexibility of encoding links to the Web, they took off in Japan and other East Asian countries. (This is perhaps unsurprising, as mobile Web access is much more common in that part of the world than in the United States.) In fact, you will find QR codes plastered on billboards, signs, storefronts, and just about any place you look in all the major Japanese cities.
Think of the QR code as a two-dimensional barcode that can contain many different kinds of information and present that information in many different ways. QR codes can be read instantly from any number of free smartphone apps. The opportunities for real estate marketing are nearly endless since one of the main uses of QR Codes is to embed URLs that when scanned will take the phone user to wherever the URL was pointing (i.e. your Web site, listing detail information, etc.) They effectively turn anything they are printed on into an active and track-able hyperlink.
You can start your search for free QR code reader apps for your smartphone (by smartphone type) at these places:
• iPhone QR reader app search
• BlackBerry QR reader app search
• Droid QR reader app search
• iTunes
• BlackBerry App World
• Android Market
There really are only two issues to consider when incorporating QR codes into your marketing:
1. How to create them
2. Where to place them for maximum exposure and impact.
Create QR Codes Instantly, for Free
If you do a Google search on “QR code generators,” you’ll find dozens of sites that will create them for you at no cost. My favorite is a site called BeeTagg QR Generator, which allows you to create any number of QR codes in different formats for free.
When you first land on this page, you can enter the URL of the page you want your code to go to and choose the type of code it generates. (Make sure you have the QR Code icon selected and uncheck “Optimize size.”) Then just hit the “Go” button, and you will instantly see your code with download options.
Now, this next part is very important. Of the six different download options shown, there are only two you will typically work with. Select Gif if you plan on placing the code on a Web page or e-mail, and Eps if you plan on using it in print.
GIF images are the smallest file sizes for this kind of image and are ideal for placement in Web pages. However, they are not good for print or other media because they don’t scale well. That is, they get blurry or pixelated if you try to blow them up beyond their original size and will become unreadable by the smartphone apps. The EPS file format is ideal for print media because it can scale to any size (including 16-foot billboards) without any loss of fidelity.
Where to Use QR Codes for Maximum Impact
In addition to placing a page-specific QR code on every page of your Web site, you can incorporate them into your marketing in many innovative ways. Here are just some ideas that came out of a recent brainstorming exercise for QR code use:
Put them on your sign riders pointing to your Web site with the details for that listing. (Note: Make sure the QR code on the sign rider is at least 10” x 10” so it can be scanned from the comfort of a prospect’s car.)
• Publish a print ad with a QR code pointing to a YouTube video of you walking through your latest listing.
• Put a QR code decal on your car that points to your Web site, or better yet, an irresistible offer on your Web site. (Again, make sure it is at least 10” x 10” so it can be scanned easily by other drivers.)
• If it is winter, develop a QR code on the sign rider and link it to photos or a video of the house when the landscaping is in full bloom during spring or summer.
• Sponsor a local team and put the QR code pointing to your Web site on their uniforms.
• Give away T-shirts with QR codes on them that point to your site.
• If you send out calendars each year, put a QR code pointing to your Web site on every page.
• Conduct a QR code open-house “scavenger hunt.” Put a code in print or Web ad for a series of open houses where the code on each home maps you to the next one. Participants have to read them all to get to the prize at the final house — a great idea for a broker open tour.
• Put a QR code pointing to your Web site on the back of your business card.
QR Code Best Practices
Now before you go all-out with QR codes and start plastering them on every available surface (digital or otherwise), here are some best practices that will help you get the most out of these little boxes:
• Tell them what it is: Since QR codes are still very leading-edge in this country, it may be a good idea to provide additional info that explains to less technology-capable consumers just what they are.
• Point to something worthwhile: Make sure that whatever your QR code points to provides real value to the consumer. Ideally, the landing page has a specific call to action and lead-capture mechanism.
• Make sure your QR codes are readable: Make them big enough for the context they will be used. This means about 175 pixels x 175 pixels for Web pages and e-mail, 10” x 10” for outdoor use (sign riders and car decals), and huge for billboards. Test them on your own to ensure they work correctly.
• Track your QR code traffic: You can easily track site traffic generated by visitors scanning QR codes. If you are using a basic Web analytics program, such as Google Analytics, it’s easy to track QR code traffic by adding a bit of text after the URL you’re pointing to before generating the code. Here’s an example:
http://www.myrealestatewebsite.com/?source=QR_printad
The highlighted part of the URL was added before generating the code, and will separate the traffic coming in from that source. Your analytics package will show any traffic specifically coming from people scanning the QR codes in your print ads. There is nothing magic or special about the text that comes after “/?source=”; you can make it anything you want — just make sure there are no spaces and that it effectively describes where the code was embedded.
At this point, you might be thinking, “Is this thing really necessary for my business?” If you want to be a leader in your market and really catch the attention and business of up-and-coming buyers, then yes, it is.
Implementing QR codes is not about being a geek. It’s about staying up on things that matter to your customers and serving them in the way they expect. That’s more than a good technology or marketing strategy — it’s good business.
Mr. Internet is the alter-ego of Michael J. Russer, a former real estate practitioner and a "serial entrepreneur" who has gained national recognition as an expert on doing business on the Web. Today he is a speaker, trainer, consultant, and author of several books, including "The Obsolete Employee: How Businesses Succeed Without Employees and Love It," and "The Real Estate Website Accelerator." His Web site is www.onlinedominance.com
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Rumble/Brennan Car Dealership Site Demolished
A landmark building in the Leaside/North Toronto area has been demolished. At the corner of Bayview and Broadway, it was for years the home of Rumble Pontiac("ramble into Rumble, you'll see"), later Brennan Pontiac.
A developer is hoping to develop the site for a grocery store with parking underneath. The developer's application for a minor variance was denied. The applicant appealed the decision by the Committee of Adjustment to the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board). No date for the OMB hearing has yet been set.
Now the developer has made an application to re-zone the site. Re-zoning requires more studies to be done and the city staff will schedule a meeting where all residents will have a chance to comment on the proposed development. This meeting will be scheduled in January. The city is required to make a decision on the application within 180 days which means by early March 2011. Should the city turn down the application again the developer will have the option to appeal to the OMB.
Many of the neighbours are opposed to the proposed development.for more infomation, check the website www.broadwayrwg.ca.
A developer is hoping to develop the site for a grocery store with parking underneath. The developer's application for a minor variance was denied. The applicant appealed the decision by the Committee of Adjustment to the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board). No date for the OMB hearing has yet been set.
Now the developer has made an application to re-zone the site. Re-zoning requires more studies to be done and the city staff will schedule a meeting where all residents will have a chance to comment on the proposed development. This meeting will be scheduled in January. The city is required to make a decision on the application within 180 days which means by early March 2011. Should the city turn down the application again the developer will have the option to appeal to the OMB.
Many of the neighbours are opposed to the proposed development.for more infomation, check the website www.broadwayrwg.ca.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
RSS Feed Now Available on TREB Public Website
An RSS feed is now available on TREB's public website for Members and the public who would like access to top news stories regarding the housing market. TREB created this subscription based feed on its public website to enable easy access for Members to TREB market news stories and commentary. Members are welcome to use this information in their newsletters, blogs, websites, etc.
Visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com and click on the RSS Feed button on the left-side panel.
Visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com and click on the RSS Feed button on the left-side panel.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The second ice pad at Leaside closer to becoming a reality
The goal of opening a second ice pad at Leaside Gardens moved one big step closer this past month as the City of Toronto named the architectural firm that will oversee the design phase of the project.
It was the generous financial contribution from a community family wishing to remain anonymous that enabled the arena board to persuade the City of Toronto to move forward with tendering for an architect. Ten qualified bids were received and members of the expansion committee worked closely with city officials to review the bids. Last week it was made public that the firm of WGD Architects Inc. of Toronto has been awarded the contract. You can read more about the firm at their website www.wgdarchitects.com. The firm’s principals Richard Dabrus and Brian Gregersen have already met twice with the expansion committee’s project working group.
Public Consultation Meeting November 30th: As a follow up to the initial information meeting on May 5th, the expansion committee will host a second public consultation meeting on Tuesday, November 30th in the William Lea Room at 7 p.m. at which the architects and city officials will be present. This will be a chance for our user groups and the local Leaside and East York community to learn about the process, make suggestions, raise concerns and, generally, to have input into the new facility within the parameters of location, design and cost that have already been set.
Fundraising Campaign – Volunteer Required
The Leaside Gardens Board of Management is searching for a candidate to fill a key volunteer role on the campaign. This person will act as a part-time administrator, arranging meetings, keeping track of commitments made and donations received, and generally working closely with the campaign cabinet and fundraising team throughout the duration of the campaign. It is hoped that a person with the necessary skills and enthusiasm to fill this role in a part-time, volunteer capacity may be found among the members and friends of our three main user groups. For further information or to express your interest, please contact expansion committee chair Paul Mercer at pmercer@mercermyers.ca.
Arena Board Vacancy: Finally, there is currently one vacancy on the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Board of Management. The arena board is currently accepting applications from interested community members to fill this vacancy. Please send your letter and/or résumé to my attention at the arena office 1073 Millwood Road TORONTO, Ontario M4G 1X6 or email Brooke Biscoe, Arena Board Chair, at leasidegardens@on.aibn.com. The deadline to submit your application is 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 18th. Interviews will be held the evening of Monday November 22, 2010
from the Leaside Arena Board Chair Brooke Biscoe's newsletter, Nov. 1, 2010.
It was the generous financial contribution from a community family wishing to remain anonymous that enabled the arena board to persuade the City of Toronto to move forward with tendering for an architect. Ten qualified bids were received and members of the expansion committee worked closely with city officials to review the bids. Last week it was made public that the firm of WGD Architects Inc. of Toronto has been awarded the contract. You can read more about the firm at their website www.wgdarchitects.com. The firm’s principals Richard Dabrus and Brian Gregersen have already met twice with the expansion committee’s project working group.
Public Consultation Meeting November 30th: As a follow up to the initial information meeting on May 5th, the expansion committee will host a second public consultation meeting on Tuesday, November 30th in the William Lea Room at 7 p.m. at which the architects and city officials will be present. This will be a chance for our user groups and the local Leaside and East York community to learn about the process, make suggestions, raise concerns and, generally, to have input into the new facility within the parameters of location, design and cost that have already been set.
Fundraising Campaign – Volunteer Required
The Leaside Gardens Board of Management is searching for a candidate to fill a key volunteer role on the campaign. This person will act as a part-time administrator, arranging meetings, keeping track of commitments made and donations received, and generally working closely with the campaign cabinet and fundraising team throughout the duration of the campaign. It is hoped that a person with the necessary skills and enthusiasm to fill this role in a part-time, volunteer capacity may be found among the members and friends of our three main user groups. For further information or to express your interest, please contact expansion committee chair Paul Mercer at pmercer@mercermyers.ca.
Arena Board Vacancy: Finally, there is currently one vacancy on the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Board of Management. The arena board is currently accepting applications from interested community members to fill this vacancy. Please send your letter and/or résumé to my attention at the arena office 1073 Millwood Road TORONTO, Ontario M4G 1X6 or email Brooke Biscoe, Arena Board Chair, at leasidegardens@on.aibn.com. The deadline to submit your application is 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 18th. Interviews will be held the evening of Monday November 22, 2010
from the Leaside Arena Board Chair Brooke Biscoe's newsletter, Nov. 1, 2010.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Facts On Home Buyers
Here’s some fresh data from CMHC’s newly-released Renovation and Home Purchase Report:
6% of Canadian households bought a home in 2009
43% were first-time buyers (up from 36% in 2008)
35% of buyers were age 18-34
66% bought a home that was more expensive than their previous residence; 22% bought a less expensive home
59% bought a larger home; 24% downsized
74% bought an existing home; 22% bought new construction
55% purchased a single-detached home; 18% bought an apartment condo
5% of households intend to buy in 2010; 53% of those are renters
42% of those intending to purchase, plan to make a down payment of 20% or more.
The report surveyed 5-10 metropolitan areas across the country.
6% of Canadian households bought a home in 2009
43% were first-time buyers (up from 36% in 2008)
35% of buyers were age 18-34
66% bought a home that was more expensive than their previous residence; 22% bought a less expensive home
59% bought a larger home; 24% downsized
74% bought an existing home; 22% bought new construction
55% purchased a single-detached home; 18% bought an apartment condo
5% of households intend to buy in 2010; 53% of those are renters
42% of those intending to purchase, plan to make a down payment of 20% or more.
The report surveyed 5-10 metropolitan areas across the country.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Support the Flemingdon Park Food Bank
Hundreds of people will join hands for the Friends of Flemingdon Food Bank Charity Walk to raise money to assist the Flemingdon Community Food Bank.
On Sunday, June 13th 2010, a coalition of community organisations, agencies, faith communities, local businesses, politicians and concerned residents will be coming together with a shared goal: to assist the Food Bank in becoming sustainable once again so that no individual, child or family is deprived of their basic right to food.
The food bank is one of the largest in the city- serving 200 families a week. The Food Bank was initially run by the Red Cross. When they left the community, the Anglican Ministry ran the Food Bank from the Don Mills Plaza. It recently moved to 10 Gateway Boulevard, located at the corner of Don Mills Road and Gateway Boulevard. A coalition of Muslim organizations and Christian churches have since formed the new corporation known as the Flemingdon Community Food Bank.
Date: Sunday, June 13, 2010
Time: 12:00 p.m. registration, 1:00 p.m. opening kickoff followed by a 2.5 kilometer walk through the Flemingdon Park Neighborhood.
Rain or Shine
Location: Flemingdon Park (western field’s hydro land)
747 Don Mills Road
On Sunday, June 13th 2010, a coalition of community organisations, agencies, faith communities, local businesses, politicians and concerned residents will be coming together with a shared goal: to assist the Food Bank in becoming sustainable once again so that no individual, child or family is deprived of their basic right to food.
The food bank is one of the largest in the city- serving 200 families a week. The Food Bank was initially run by the Red Cross. When they left the community, the Anglican Ministry ran the Food Bank from the Don Mills Plaza. It recently moved to 10 Gateway Boulevard, located at the corner of Don Mills Road and Gateway Boulevard. A coalition of Muslim organizations and Christian churches have since formed the new corporation known as the Flemingdon Community Food Bank.
Date: Sunday, June 13, 2010
Time: 12:00 p.m. registration, 1:00 p.m. opening kickoff followed by a 2.5 kilometer walk through the Flemingdon Park Neighborhood.
Rain or Shine
Location: Flemingdon Park (western field’s hydro land)
747 Don Mills Road
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