The post International Women’s Day 2024: #InspireInclusion appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>International Women's Day (IWD) is a globally recognized occasion that celebrates the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It's a day to acknowledge the progress made towards gender equality while also highlighting the challenges that still exist. Each year, on March 8th, people around the world come together to honour women's rights, advocate for gender parity, and promote women's empowerment.

Did you know?
The roots of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century when women started demanding better working conditions, suffrage, and equal rights. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States in 1909, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. The idea quickly gained traction, and in 1911, International Women's Day was established, with the first gathering held in several European countries.
How can you support International Women's Day?
- Raise Awareness: Share information about International Women's Day on social media platforms, blogs, or in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Support Women-Owned Businesses: Choose to patronize women-owned businesses or support organizations that promote economic opportunities for women.
- Promote Inclusivity: Foster inclusivity and diversity in your personal and professional life by advocating for equal opportunities and representation for women from diverse backgrounds, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to educate yourself about issues affecting women and girls, including gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and intersectional feminism.
International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made in advancing gender equality and the work that remains to be done. It's a day to celebrate the achievements of women, acknowledge their resilience, and renew our commitment to building a more just and inclusive world for all. As we commemorate International Women's Day, let us stand together in solidarity, amplify women's voices, and strive towards a future where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and oppression.
#InspireInclusion #IWD2024 #InternationalWomensDay
The post International Women’s Day 2024: #InspireInclusion appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post Join Us for International E-Waste Day on October 14th! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>We are excited to announce that October 14th marks International E-Waste Day, a global initiative dedicated to responsible disposal of electronic waste (e-waste). As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, we invite you to join us in this important worldwide event.

Did you know?
According to the UN, 8 kg of e-waste per person will be produced worldwide in 2023. This means 61.3 million tonnes of electronic waste is discarded within a year – more than the weight of the Great Wall of China!
What we are doing:
In 2022, Realstar launched a formal e-waste collection and recycling program across our properties, to minimize our environmental impact. Together, we diverted 1,267 pounds of e-waste from landfills, minimizing the harmful effects of e-waste on our planet. Going forward, we aim to continue this positive trend and achieve even greater results.
Here's how you can participate in E-Waste Day on October 14th:
- Gather Your E-Waste: Start by identifying any old or unused electronic devices and accessories you no longer need. This can include old computers, laptops, cell phones, chargers, cables, and other electronic gadgets. Drop off any items at the designated e-waste bin at your building.
- Be Mindful of Your Electronic Consumption: As you declutter your electronic devices, take a moment to reflect on your electronic consumption habits. Consider ways to reduce unnecessary electronic purchases and prolong the lifespan of your devices through proper care and maintenance.
- Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, neighbours, and family members to participate in E-Waste Day as well.
We appreciate your continued support for our e-waste program, and together, we can make a significant difference on October 14th. Let's come together as a community to protect our environment and create a cleaner, greener future.
The post Join Us for International E-Waste Day on October 14th! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post Dive into World Oceans Day: Make a Splash for Change! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>
Image by Freepik
Get ready to make a big splash on June 8th as we celebrate World Oceans Day. World Oceans Day raises awareness about the crucial role oceans play in our lives. They give us oxygen, food, and regulate our climate. Sadly, they're facing threats like pollution and overfishing. Let's stand up for sustainable ocean management and preserve these amazing resources.
Did you know:
World Oceans Day was born in Canada! It started as an idea during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and was recognized by the United Nations in 2008. As Canadians, let's embrace this holiday's spirit and lead the way in ocean conservation.
What we are doing:
At Realstar, water conservation is important to us, and we are actively investing in water conservation initiatives across our properties such as installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads. As a result of our water conservation efforts, we saved 63,500 m3 of water in 2022 – the equivalent of 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
How you can help:
- Reduce Plastic: Say no to single-use plastics like bags and bottles. Opt for reusable alternatives and recycle properly.
- Save Water: Conserve water at home by reporting leaks to your building management, taking shorter showers, and turning the tap off when not in use.
- Choose Sustainable Seafood: Support responsible fishing by choosing sustainably sourced seafood with eco-certifications.
- Spread the Word: Educate others about ocean importance and inspire them to take action. Use social media and community events to make waves.
Together we can create a wave of change for our oceans. Remember, even small steps can have a big impact. Dive in and let's protect our oceans for generations to come!
The post Dive into World Oceans Day: Make a Splash for Change! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post Ensuring the Future of Rental Housing in Canada appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>Building a healthy rental housing system is crucial to ensuring Canadians have access to a safe, dignified, and secure place to call home. That’s why we’re proud to be a member of the Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC) and work together with the industry to support a vision that includes:
Better Housing: Repair, maintain and upgrade the existing purpose-built rental stock across Canada.
More Housing: Accelerate new purpose-built rental supply in all market segments to meet the needs of existing and future residents.
Your Housing: Work together, with everyone, to find solutions that will benefit existing and future Canadians.
Read on to learn more about REALPAC’s Better Housing, More Housing, Your Housing campaign at https://realpac.ca/morehousing/

The post Ensuring the Future of Rental Housing in Canada appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post A Healthy Planet Starts At Home appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post A Healthy Planet Starts At Home appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post Realstar Wins: FRPO MAC Award for Resident Manager(s) of the Year 2021! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>
Please join us in congratulating Realstar’s Darlene & Michael Scott, the dedicated on-site management team at Kensington Apartments in Brockville, ON – who were recently awarded a 2021 FRPO MAC Award for Resident Managers of the Year!

The Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) virtually hosted its 2021 MAC Awards gala on Friday, December 3rd, to recognize excellence in Ontario’s vibrant rental housing industry. The awards highlight the important role that the industry members play in providing safe and secure housing across the province. The “MAC” awards showcase a commitment to high standards of service and those recognized for the award are seen as setting the bar high within their community. The MAC Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate well-deserved successes and recognize the hard work and dedication that individuals such as Darlene and Michael, make to the rental housing industry in Ontario.

Darlene and Michael Scott have a combined 24 years of experience within the rental housing industry. They started with Realstar as Assistant Resident Managers in 2009 in Peterborough and earned their way to the roles of Resident Managers within 2 years.
This dedicated and dynamic duo have always been passionate about creating a sense of community for their residents. Darlene and Michael consistently go above and beyond as Resident Managers and take pride in everything that they do. From personalized cards to handpicked seasonal gifts, the team continues to ensure residents feel appreciated throughout the year.
Thank you, Darlene and Michael for making Kensington Apartments an exceptional place to call home. Realstar’s values and commitment to providing safe and clean homes for our residents could not be done without you and we are grateful for all your dedication and hard work!
We would also like to extend a heart felt congratulations to fellow winner, Rose S., Resident Manager at 80 Cosburn Ave. managed by Greenwin.
The post Realstar Wins: FRPO MAC Award for Resident Manager(s) of the Year 2021! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post In the Mood to Move? Port Moody Is The Place For You! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>
Why Port Moody?
If the outdoors and tranquility of suburb living pique your interest but also long for the convenience of city living, Port Moody should definitely be on your list of potential places to call home! At only 35-minutes from downtown Vancouver, this picturesque and lively city boasts a variety of trendy shops, cafes, restaurants and breweries and is steps to the waterfront. Perfect for young families, working professionals and mature active adults, Port Moody has something for everyone!
The city’s newest premium rental communities, Realstar’s Inlet Glen Apartments, is nestled half way between downtown Port Moody and Coquitlam, only a 6 minute drive or 15 minute bicycle ride to either. Weather you are looking to inch closer to Vancouver or looking to relocate somewhere quieter within the Metro Vancouver Area, this brand-new rental community is sure to impress.

Details You’ll Love!
Comfort and convenience are of the utmost importance at Inlet Glen Apartments. This newly built, 100% smoke-free rental community offers elevated one, two and three-bedroom suites featuring soft close, contemporary cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances – including enviable full-sized dishwasher and in-suite laundry!
If green living is a top priority, Inlet Glen Apartments delivers several environmentally beneficial features – including: LED lighting, low flush toilets, Energy Star appliances, electrical vehicle charging stations and on-site Modo carshare program. As an added benefit, all suites offer a private outdoor space in the form of usable decks, patios and/or balconies.

A Neighbourhood to Call Home
The city of the arts, Port Moody offers an urban appeal with a friendly small-town charm. The area offers a variety of attractions, most notably a lively art scene coupled with trendy cafes and restaurants. With a steady stream of free concerts, gallery openings and festivals, you can be sure there is always something fun and exciting to do! Art infused and intertwined with nature, Port Moody boasts a plethora of art features scattered throughout. Start your own adventure by grabbing the city’s heritage and public art map and discover the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, heritage properties and public art displays.
Take in a performance or film screening at Inlet Theatre, enjoy an event at Port Moody Public Library, Port Moody Art Centre, or revel in history at Port Moody Station Museum. A must see and spanning an impressive three blocks; Brewers Row, offers an exceptional array of local craft brewers.
Whatever the adventure, Inlet Glen Apartments is only steps to Inlet Centre SkyTrain Station, connecting East Vancouver through Burnaby, Port Moody and Coquitlam.
Be sure to check out Port Moody’s events calendar and stay current on neighbourhood events.

The Fresh Air You Crave
Integrated with nature, Port Moody is home to numerous parks and trails, most notably Rocky Point Park where visitors can take a stroll across the recreational pier, enjoy a meal at one of the areas many cafes and restaurants or rent a kayak or paddleboard. A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, Rocky Point Park is also home to Shoreline Trail, a paved bike and walking path along the coast of the Burrard Inlet. If you’re up for a scenic ride or stroll along this local fjord, this two hour, 6 kilometer round trip adventure starts at Rock Point Park pier and ends at Old Orchard Park.
Conveniently located, Inlet Glen Apartments is only a 10-minute bike ride from Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park and 8-minutes ride to Inlet Park. As an added benefit, this brand-new rental community is only a 10-minutes ride to Coquitlam’s impressive Mundy Park, offering over 178 hectares of park, trails and recreation within a rare urban forest.
Apply Today!
In the mood to move to Port Moody?
Visit Inlet Glen Apartments online or contact us at (604) 649-3370 and see what this exciting and welcoming rental community has to offer!
The post In the Mood to Move? Port Moody Is The Place For You! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post Earth Day 2021: How to Care, Share and Beware this April 22 and Beyond appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>
The past year has many of us thinking of ways we can be healthier and be more considerate towards others. There is no better time, than Earth Day on April 22, to explore lifestyle changes to be more environmentally conscious. From the products we use to the companies we support – below are three simple tips to help you be more eco-friendly and positively impact your own health. As the world around us changes, so should we change to help the world.

1. Omit Single Use Plastics
While convenient, single use plastics are one of the most common (and avoidable) forms of the 91% of plastics that end up unrecycled in the environment. Follow these simple steps to cut single use plastics from our daily routine:
- Use reusable water containers instead of disposable water bottles
(These often keep your water colder for longer and you can infuse or even filter the water you put inside!) - Use reusable shopping bags when shopping (keep them in your handbag, computer bag or car)
- Use a easily sanitized stainless steel straw and reusable cutlery
- Consider reusable food wraps over kitchen wrap, 100% compostable waste bags vs standard plastic bags and food safe food storage instead of disposable snack containers.
(Good brands are made from eco-friendly, BPA free, lead free materials and are often better for our health then the disposable alternatives)

2. Use Eco-friendly Household Cleaners
Ultimately, the more people who use eco-friendly cleaning products, the less harmful it is on our local environment and the plant. Roughly 80% of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated. This includes the water from our showers, sinks, laundry machines and toilets. Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products benefits both the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and in turn directly benefits our own health. Try incorporating these easy alternatives into your clean up routine today:
- Ditch the bleach and try one of these all-natural flood cleaners – some even boast being carbon neutral!
- For the more ‘go-green enthusiasts’, try these DIY eco-friendly cleaning alternatives
- Try squeezing 80+ washes out of your ordinary shampoo + conditioner containers – these sulphate-free, eco-friendly shampoo/cleansing bars replace body wash too!

3. Go Paperless
We can’t speak to the importance of an eco-friendly future without mentioning the impact of paper on the environment. Paper accounts for approximately 26% of all the waste at landfills. The production of paper alone accounts for several additional adverse environmental impacts including deforestation, C02 production, water and air pollution. Did you know that as paper disintegrates it emits methane gas which has more than 80% of the warming power of carbon dioxide? Small steps towards going paperless has the potential of making a large beneficial change towards the environment.
- Opt for digital magazine subscriptions, books or audio books. Several vendors offer free trials and it’s often less expensive and includes bonus access to added resources!
- Sign up for paperless billing – receive bills and bank online
- When baking, use reusable silicone molds and mats over one use paper liners
- Reusable, biodegradable and compostable – these reusable sponge cloths are the perfect alternative to paper towel and a zero-waste choice for the environment!

Remember, a good planet is hard to find, so let’s take care of the one we have, and each other!
The post Earth Day 2021: How to Care, Share and Beware this April 22 and Beyond appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post Moving on the Mind? appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>
Whether you’re downsizing, itching for more space, or relocating closer to your family, North East Guelph’s new addition – Watson Park Apartments – is a must-see! It’s the perfect location for mature active adults, and to prove it, we have gathered the top 4 reasons to add this promising area and BRAND NEW property to your list.

1. A City Within Reach
Guelph is a lot closer than you think. Highway 401 is only a short drive away, and the city is located just 100 km from Toronto’s downtown core. The convenience of Go Transit, VIA Rail, and Greyhound services are available too!
For local trips, downtown Guelph is just a 10-minute commute. Alternatively, the public transit system can safely usher you from one end of town to the other. Watson Park Apartments is easily accessible by transit routes 14, 17, and 18, which services local parks, grocery stores, the University of Guelph, and historic Northfolk Street.

2. Guelph Has It All
Watson Park Apartments boasts surprising amenities. Guelph’s five-star restaurants, including Buon Gusto and The Cornerstone, deliver to your doorstep. Bookworms and grandparents can rejoice knowing that the highly-rated Guelph Public Library is across the street.
Even better, residents are just a nine-minute drive to Guelph General Hospital. This is one of the largest hospitals in the region, and recently, Newsweek voted it among the 75 Best Hospitals in Canada. Shopping more your style? From banking to big-box retail, you can browse the stores at Stone Road Mall without the big city crowds.

3. Outdoor Living
Guelph is every outdoor enthusiast’s haven. This friendly community is renowned for its over 1,000 hectares of well-kept parks, 70 km of tree-lined trails, and seven lush golf courses.
Watson Park Apartments is a short drive to Guelph Lake. Here, residents can wind down in the tranquility of nearby trails, relax along the shores of two sandy beaches, or hit the water with sailboats, canoes, and fishing poles. Similarly, Guelph Lake’s Golf and Country Club is located nearby and maintains a 6500 yard, 18-hole Championship Public Course.

4. Safe & Serene
Guelph is consistently ranked among the safest cities in Canada. Watson Park Apartments reinforces that safe atmosphere with an on-site professional management team available 24/7 to happily assist its residents. Plus, a secured resident entry system protects the property with FOB keys and intercom/phone entry for all visitors.
With these 4 great reasons and so much more, it’s no wonder Watson Park Apartments is now over 90% leased!
Check out our spectacular suite photography, 3D Tours, floorplans and apply online today!
The post Moving on the Mind? appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post Moving Forward! | Realstar is Delighted to Announce the Opening of Amenity Spaces appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>
The sun is shining, the restrictions put in place to protect our communities from the spread of COVID-19 are slowly lessening; and we are ready for a ‘new’ normal to begin.
We are pleased to announce that Realstar is preparing to re-open property amenity spaces in accordance with our local, provincial and Federal government guidelines. Amenity spaces will be opened in phases as permitted. While we are excited and recognize the anticipation by residents, some amenities may open while others will remain closed as we work to safely open them. Your patience is appreciated.
In addition to the safety protocols we have become accustomed to, and in an effort to keep our residents and employees safe, when we open the amenity spaces we ask that you follow the protocols below:
| Gyms, pools, patios, social rooms and any other amenity space are to be used at your own risk. | |
| Guests will not be permitted in gyms, pools, patios, social rooms and any other amenity space until further notice. | |
| Residents will not use any amenity spaces if they are sick or required to self-isolate. | |
| Residents will maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet or 2 metres while using amenity spaces. | |
| Residents are encouraged to wear face masks when accessing and using amenity areas. | |
| Realstar will provide disinfectant spray and cleaning cloths in certain amenity spaces and residents are expected to clean gym equipment and barbeques after each use. | |
| Realstar will limit the number of occupants for each amenity space. The occupancy limits will be posted at the entrance to the area. |
|
| Residents are required to wash or sanitize their hands before entering any amenity space. | |
| Amenity spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis and residents are asked to limit their time in the areas to no more than 60 minutes to allow other residents to use the space. | |
| Puzzles, books, pool cues, table tennis paddles and other items have been removed from all social rooms until further notice. Furniture will be removed from the pool area. | |
| Any abuse of the rules may result in the closing of the amenity space |

It is through shared consideration for one another that we will continue to be able to enjoy community amenities.
For additional information related to the re-opening of amenity spaces, we encourage residents to check your resident portal and/or email or please connect with your on-site property management team.
We thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we phase in the re-opening of our amenity spaces.
The post Moving Forward! | Realstar is Delighted to Announce the Opening of Amenity Spaces appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>