📍 West Side, near the Bandshell | 4:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
FREE admission | Family-Friendly

Celebrate July 1st with local talent, food, games, art, and a spectacular drone show!

🧺 What’s Happening:
🎶 Main Stage Performances
Live music and entertainment by:

• Paper Cranes

• Waterloo Warriors Band

• Undercover

• Xperience Muzic

• Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy

• Bodywaltz

🍔 Food Trucks
Sample eats from local favourites like:
BeaverTails, Pablas Street Food of India, Kono Pizza, The Lord of the Tacos, Berlin 95, Fo’ Cheezy, and more.
💧 Bring a reusable water bottle — refills available at the Water Truck.

🎨 Art Market | 4–9 p.m.
Shop handmade goods and services from 20+ local artists.

🏡 Community Organization Fair | 4–9 p.m.
Connect with local groups and learn how to get involved.

🎲 Giant Games
Fun oversized games for all ages provided by Spiniko.

🚁 Drone Show | 10:00 p.m.
End the evening with a 100-drone light show in the sky above the Bandshell, courtesy of North Star Drone Shows.

📌 Need to Know:

• 🎟 Free event | No alcohol or personal fireworks permitted

• 🧴 Bring: picnic blankets, camping chairs, reusable bottles, sun protection, snacks

• 🚫 No on-site parking — plan ahead

• 🚑 First Aid & Security are available near the stage

📍 Closest address: 100 Westmount Rd N, Waterloo, ON
🚗 Road closure: Westmount Park entrance closed to vehicles all day.
🅿️ View the Parking Map for alternative locations.

Let’s celebrate together — see you at the park!

Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Blog Post: July 1, 2025

1. Start with a Solid Base
   Use a sturdy, insulated picnic basket or cooler bag to keep items cold and organized.

2. Pack Smart, Not Heavy
   Opt for lightweight, finger-friendly foods like wraps, fresh fruit, and salads in jars.

3. Chill Before You Pack
   Refrigerate drinks and perishable items in advance so they stay colder longer.

4. Freeze Water Bottles
   They double as ice packs and melt into refreshing drinks throughout the day.

5. Layer Your Cooler Strategically
   Cold items at the bottom, lighter snacks on top—use dish towels between layers.

6. Bring a Picnic Blanket With Waterproof Backing
   Because grass can be damp even on sunny days.

7. Don't Forget the Essentials
   Napkins, cutlery, wet wipes, trash bags, bug spray, and sunscreen are must-haves.

8. Use Reusable Containers
   Sturdy, spill-proof containers prevent mess and are better for the environment.

9. Pack a Cutting Board & Small Knife
   Perfect for slicing cheese, fruit, or bread on-site.

10. Add a Touch of Fun
    Bring a Bluetooth speaker, cards, or outdoor games to elevate the experience.

    🧺 "Buy a home with a backyard big enough for a picnic… and far enough from the neighbours to avoid sharing your snacks!" ~ Anonymous

Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Blog Post: July 1, 2025

The Waterloo Region real estate market is showing strong signs of stabilization, with more inventory, steady prices, and growing buyer activity. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s happening right now — and what it could mean for you.

Market Snapshot

- Buyer’s Market Still in Play

• Sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) in April 2025: 43%
• Up from 39% in March, but still below 50%, favouring buyers.

- Inventory Surge

• Active listings are up nearly 50% year-over-year, offering more choice and negotiating power for buyers. 

- Price Trends

- Steady Home Prices Across the Region

•  Average Sale Price – Kitchener-Waterloo (April 2025): $789,639
•  Cambridge: $756,484
•  Minimal year-over-year changes reflect market balance.

- Buyer Insights

Who’s Buying Right Now?

- First-Time Buyers

• Focus: Townhomes + Detached homes ($600K–$700K)
• Benefiting from 30-year amortizations & lower rates

- Move-Up Buyers

• Seeking larger detached homes in the $800K–$950K range

- Retirees

• Downsizing to condos/apartments priced around $600K–$700K

- Development & Sustainability

What Builders Are Focused On:

• Small detached homes
• Stacked and traditional townhomes
• Energy-efficient, eco-conscious construction is a growing trend

What's next?

Looking Ahead to Summer 2025

• Market expected to stabilize further
• Interest rates remain attractive for buyers
• Expecting an uptick in activity heading into summer

- Get in Touch

Thinking of Buying or Selling?
Let’s talk about your goals and how today’s market can work in your favour.

- Call us at 519-579-4110.

🧾 Ingredients for the Sun-dried Tomato Quiche Filling

• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ▢ 1 cup diced yellow onion (about ½ an onion) 

• ▢ ½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes from jar, in olive oil

• ▢ 1 cup roughly chopped baby spinach

• ▢ ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ▢ ¼ teaspoon dried basil

• ▢ ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ▢ 3 large eggs

• ▢ 1 egg yolk

• ▢ ¾ cup whole milk

• ▢ ½ cup heavy cream

• ▢ ½ cup crumbled feta

🍳 Preparing the Filling

1. Sauté the Onion
   Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

2. Add Veggies & Seasoning
   Stir in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat.

3. Mix the Eggs & Dairy
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, whole milk, and heavy cream.

4. Combine Everything
   Fold in the sautéed spinach mixture and add feta cheese. Stir to combine.

5. Fill the Crust
   Scoop the mixture into the pre-baked pie crust (see below).

6. Bake
   Bake at 375°F for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden. Insert a toothpick into the centre—if it comes out clean, it’s done.

🥧 Preparing the Crust

1. Use President’s Choice Homestyle Butter Pie Crusts.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F.

3. Place the crust in a pie dish and blind bake for 10 minutes (without filling).

4. If bubbles form, gently poke them with a fork.

5. Remove from the oven and proceed with filling as outlined above.

“Brunch: Because breakfast is too early and lunch is too late.” 🕒

Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Blog Post: June 1, 2025

Keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay this summer in Waterloo Region! 

🏞️ Whether you’re biking the Iron Horse Trail, hiking the Walter Bean Trail, playing Pickleball at Montgomery Park, or enjoying a backyard BBQ, protect yourself from the biting pests! 

Natural DIY Mosquito Repellent (without Vinegar)  

🌿 Ingredients:

¼ cup witch hazel (or distilled water if preferred)  

¼ cup carrier oil (such as coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil)  

15 drops citronella essential oil  

10 drops lavender essential oil  

10 drops eucalyptus or tea tree oil  

Optional: 5 drops peppermint oil (for extra potency and a fresh scent)  

Spray bottle (preferably dark glass, 4 oz or larger)  

🧪 Instructions:

Pour the witch hazel (or distilled water) into the spray bottle.  

Add the carrier oil.  

Drop in all the essential oils.  

Shake well before each use (as oil and water separate).  

Spray on exposed skin and clothing. Avoid the eyes and mouth. 

✅ Why This Works:

• Citronella is a well-known mosquito deterrent.  

• Lavender and eucalyptus are also repellent and soothing to the skin.  

• Peppermint adds a cooling effect and repels insects.  

• Witch hazel acts as a light base and is soothing to the skin without the strong scent of vinegar. (No one wants to smell like a French fry on the Pickleball Court!).

“If you think you are too small to make a difference,

 try sleeping with a mosquito”. ~ Dalai Lama

Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Blog Post: June 1, 2025

It’s time for that dirty word again......spring-cleaning!

Say cheerio to harsh chemicals and hello to a healthier, greener home with these three easy-to-make natural cleaners. Perfect for allergy sufferers (achoo!), families with children and pets (woof! woof!), and anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact (hooray!).

These non-toxic cleaners are free of harmful fumes and toxic residues, making them safe for children and pets, while their biodegradable nature reduces plastic waste and is better for the environment. 

Let’s get rockin’! Here are three easy-to-make, natural home cleaners that will leave your home sparkling.

Citrus-Infused Cleaner

1. Fill a quart-size glass jar with 8-12 clean citrus peels of your choice (grapefruit, lemon, lime, and/or orange peels). Weck Jars are a good choice.

2. Add 1 cinnamon stick (optional) and 10 cloves (optional).

3. Cover the peels and spices with white vinegar.

4. Place the jar in a sunlit area or window for 2 weeks.

5. Give the mixture a gentle shake every few days.

6. Let the solution sit for 2 weeks.

7. Strain the liquid and pour the infused vinegar into a glass bottle. 

8. Dilute it by combining equal parts of the citrus-vinegar mixture and water into a glass spray bottle.

Use on bathroom showers and sinks, counter-tops, cutting boards, fridge, garbage cans, kitchen sinks and the tub. Heads up! Do not use this solution (which is acidic) on granite or marble surfaces.

“We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.” -Alfred E. Newman 

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

1. Sprinkle a quarter cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. The baking soda has scouring and deodorizing power – but doesn’t have anti-bacterial benefits.

2. Combine 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and ½ teaspoon tea tree essential oil (for additional anti-bacterial punch) in a spray glass bottle.

3. Spray the vinegar/tea tree oil mixture on toilet surfaces (handle, lid, toilet seat) and inside the toilet bowl.

4. Wipe the exposed surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.

5. Let the mixture fizz for several minutes. 

6. Brush and flush!

“What did one toilet say to the other? You look flushed!” ~ Anonymous

Glass and Mirror Cleaner

1. Combine 1 cup of distilled water (tap water can leave streaks) and 1/3 cup of white vinegar (antibacterial ingredient) in a 16-ounce glass spray bottle. 

2. Optional: Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a natural scent.

3. Optional: Add ½ cup rubbing alcohol. Yes, it’s a bit toxic, but it is low on the toxicity totem pole. Rubbing alcohol quickly evaporates and gives a streak-free shine.

“I look in the mirror and think, ‘Wow, I really need to clean my bathroom.” ~ Anonymous

Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Blog Post: April 1, 2025

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