The patio at Little Victories on Elgin Street. Photo by Jordan Pizzuti

Patio season is nearly upon us and, contrary to popular belief, it is not just about beers and lambrusco. No, as wonderful as those things are, it is just as lovely to open your laptop with an iced oat latte at your side and work the day away while catching rays and reapplying sunscreen during breaks. The work week is long and the winter is longer, but thankfully there are a number of gorgeous coffee shops in the city that provide the patio space and wi-fi you need to make that work 

Planet Coffee

The Planet Coffee patio at 24 York St. in the ByWard Market. Photo by Jordan Pizzuti

In the heart of the ByWard Market is a courtyard. In that courtyard is a coffee shop. And that coffee shop has a patio that feels like you’ve been separated from Ottawa’s downtown core and allows you to escape for your workday.

Planet Coffee has to be one of the most well-known coffee shops in the core of Ottawa. It’s been around for years and its European back-alley vibes make it the perfect place to execute a coffee shop workday or business meeting. The iconic old-school metal patio furniture is charming and recognizable in its own right.

This is where people come to gather and work in a calm atmosphere. Planet Coffee offers coffee shop patrons a place to escape with their thoughts and execute effectively when they need that quiet space to work.

Happy Goat (Elgin Street)

The patio at Happy Goat at 326 Elgin St. Photo by Jordan Pizzuti

This Ottawa street’s liveliness certainly doesn’t die during the work week. Like many patios on the Elgin Street strip, Happy Goat’s is small but effective. It manages to include a great amount of sunshine, comfortable seating and is, of course, situated right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of one of Ottawa’s premier hospitality streets. That style of work-from-home might not be for everyone, but for those of us who need the extra motivation of a busy neighbourhood to get us through the work week, Happy Goat is ideal.

This Ottawa classic should be looked at not as a patio with limited seating, but as an exclusive space where amazing work can be done. Get there early for the best seats in the sun, because who doesn’t want to people-watch during the workday?

Casa Di Moni

The patio at Casa di Moni Cafe and Gelato at 51 York St in the ByWard Market. Photo by Jordan Pizzuti

Another beautiful space in the downtown core, Casa Di Moni is a haven for those seeking to work outdoors at a coffee shop. Its outdoor space is in the heart of the ByWard Market, allowing workers from all over the area to gather and get their creative juices flowing. The offerings include classic coffees and teas, but the gelato as a late-week treat for meeting all of your deadlines is what we’re really here for.

It’s a hot summer day, you’ve busted your behind at work all week, you deserve a treat. So get set up on the corner patio with an iced latte, a gelato and your laptop so that you can end the week off right.

Arlington Five

A coffee from Arlington Five at 5 Arlington Ave. Photo by Jordan Pizzuti

Arlington Five provides the product, the excellent service and the atmosphere that everyone looks for in a local hang, but we’re here for the back patio!

With a variety of spots in and out of the sun, Arlington Five’s patio gives you a “dealers choice” experience for your workday. Cracking open your laptop to perform any number of mundane work tasks feels infinitely better with an Arlington Five beverage, snack and patio seat. The fact that it’s located in the heart of Centretown makes this outdoor office spot a no-brainer.

Drip House

A coffee from Arlington Five at 5 Arlington Ave. Photo by Jordan Pizzuti

Where do we start with Drip House? Its four locations make it an easy choice for people from all across the city’s core, but if you’re looking for vibes I would suggest the Parkdale or Glebe locations. 

I work at Drip House regularly and the idea of a banana matcha latte and hashbrowns helping me get through my next article makes me more excited than it probably should. Drip House is a representation of community, creativity and productivity. It is seldom that you will walk into any of its locations and not see a professional, a creative or a professional creative working away on their next deadline. This only gets better with the warmer weather, as sitting outside on any of the patios creates an atmosphere you will thrive in. There is no workday that cannot be improved by a Drip House patio.

Art House

Art House Cafe at 555 Somerset St W will have a patio again this summer. Photo by Jordan Pizzuti

If you’ve ever walked down Somerset Street in the warmer months, you’ve likely seen the buzz of the Art House parking-lot-patio. This is the place for those who like the hustle and bustle of the outside world to keep them motivated on their workday (like me). Art House is all about the vibes. From the music to the space to the location, this is a place to complete your workday when you need a little extra motivation to get things done.

Picture this: it’s a Friday afternoon, so you pop out and grab a seat on the deck at Art House. All of a sudden, your worries are replaced by sunshine and motivation and those weekend deadlines don’t seem so daunting. Romantic, isn’t it?

Little Victories

The Little Victories patio at 44 Elgin St overlooks the National War Memorial. Photo by Jordan Pizzuti

Little Victories is a favourite on the Ottawa coffee scene and any of its locations can be classified as a winner. However, the Elgin Street patio is the space that really speaks to me and many others when it comes time to work outdoors. 

The mid-century modern building offers an outdoor haven for chatter and business dealings during the warmer months and being just around the corner from Sparks Street makes it a prime location to get out of the office. It’s no secret that it has wonderful coffee, some of the city’s best, but the atmosphere on the sidewalk-adjacent patio makes it one of the more special places to get work done. The view is the truest representation of the Ottawa business world and is exactly what this article is about: finding a way to enjoy what the capital city has to offer in the middle of a busy work week.

-article by Jordan Pizzuti, The Ottawa Business Journal

Things to do this spring in the Greenbelt

Spring has truly arrived in the Greenbelt! Nature is slowly waking up and invites you to explore it along the hiking trails. Spring wildflowers carpet the forest floor, and migratory birds are singing to attract a mate. 

Some trails are still wet or muddy. To help prevent erosion and trail widening, stay on the trail and walk through the mud, or turn back. Practicing good habits in nature helps protect it for future generations.

Read more…

Urban Nature Challenge: Starts April 25 

Taking inventory of local biodiversity is a fun and friendly opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and connect with nature. Submit your observations to iNaturalist and contribute to this international initiative. 

Participate in the Challenge.

Making Nature More Inclusive

You will soon have more information about the accessibility of four Greenbelt trails through a new web application. The 360-degree photos, dimensions, obstacles, and services at trail entrances will allow everyone to find a trail suited to their abilities. This project is being carried out in collaboration with users with reduced mobility, CanDO, and our Universal Accessibility Advisory Committee. The application will be available by summer. Stay tuned!

Canadian products are in high demand!

Several Greenbelt farms are getting ready to open their stores for the summer season or taking CSA basket reservations. Visit them and discover the freshness of local produce.

Find a farm near you.

How to coexist with coyotes 

Coyotes are an integral part of our ecosystem in the National Capital Region. While they usually avoid humans, it is not uncommon to see them out during the day. Do you know how to prevent an encounter and, most importantly, what to do in case you encounter a coyote? 

Read our tips.

Remarkable trees in the capital 

Regular visitors to the Mer Bleue Bog Trail will surely recognize this iconic tree! But do you know why this tamarack tree looks like a witch’s broom? Learn more about its story and over 160 other remarkable trees in the capital, including about a dozen located in the Greenbelt.

LAUNCH INTERACTIVE MAPS

All articles are from NCCCCN.

HAVE A LOVELY SPRING!

First impressions matter in real estate—80% of buyers decide on a home within moments of stepping inside. Home staging helps showcase a property’s best features, making it feel inviting and move-in ready.

Why Home Staging Matters

Home staging strategically arranges furniture and décor to appeal to buyers, allowing them to envision themselves in the space. Professional staging can be more effective, potentially increasing a home’s value by 1% to 5%, and reducing listing time on the market.

Cost of Home Staging

Staging costs vary based on home size, luxury level, and whether you DIY or hire a professional. Luxury staging ranges from $600 to $6,000, while typical vacant home staging can fall between $200 and $12,500. Investing in staging often results in quicker sales and higher offers.

Bedrooms: Consider investing in fresh bedding, remove clutter from the closets, and keep the decor simple. Mirrors can help create the illusion of more space and light.

DIY vs. Professional Staging

DIY staging can save money but may lack the impact of professional services. Stagers understand buyer psychology and can objectively enhance your home’s appeal. If opting for DIY, focus on decluttering and highlighting key features.

Room-by-Room Tips

Living Room: Declutter, optimize furniture arrangement, and use soft lighting.

Kitchen: Keep surfaces clear, update small fixtures, and opt for neutral decor.

Bedrooms: Fresh bedding, minimal decor, and mirrors can enhance space.

Bathroom: Declutter, add fresh towels, and incorporate calming elements.

Common Staging Mistakes

Avoid over-personalization, neglecting curb appeal, and poor lighting. Buyers should feel welcomed by the space.

Over-personalization: A frequent common staging error is leaving too many personal items around. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your home, so removing family photos and personal decor is key.

Ignoring Curb Appeal: Neglecting the exterior is a big mistake. Curb appeal is the first thing buyers see, and if it’s lacking, they may not even enter. Tidy up the yard, add a few potted plants, or paint the front door to make a strong first impression.

Poor Lighting Choices: Lighting plays a huge role in buyer perception. Why homes don’t sell after staging is sometimes linked to poor lighting. Make sure every room is well-lit with natural light, lamps, and overhead lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Virtual Staging Option

Virtual staging digitally enhances home photos, offering a cost-effective alternative, though physical staging often has a stronger and more immediate impact.

§ Related: Home Staging 101: How To Sell Your House Faster

Final Checklist Before Selling

Ensure minor repairs are completed, rooms are clean and well-lit, and add thoughtful details like fresh flowers to create an inviting atmosphere.

Staging is a powerful tool that helps homes sell faster and at better prices—whether done yourself or professionally, it’s an investment worth considering.

-adapted from from article by  Sharlene Mascarenhas published in  Zoocasa

A simple guide to fixed, variable, and adjustable-rate mortgages

With all eyes on mortgage rates the past couple years, choosing the right product can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. 

Whether you’re buying your first home or looking to refinance, understanding the differences between fixed-rate, variable-rate, and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can make a big difference in your decision-making. 

Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you understand these options.

Fixed-rate mortgages: Stability and predictability

A fixed-rate mortgage remains a popular choice among borrowers. According to a 2024 consumer survey by Mortgage Professionals Canada, 75% of borrowers opted for a fixed mortgage rate. However, interest in variable rates grew toward the end of the year as the Bank of Canada introduced several rate cuts.

Fixed-rate mortgage are not directly impacted by the Bank of Canada policy rate decisions. The interest rate stays constant throughout the term, ensuring consistent monthly payments for principal and interest, which makes budgeting easier.

Who is it for?

Fixed-rate mortgages are ideal for homeowners who prefer stability and plan to stay in their home for at least the length of the term selected. It’s also a good choice if you expect interest rates to rise in the future.

Key benefits:

• Predictable payments for the term of your mortgage

• Protection against rising interest rates
  

Considerations:

• The initial rate may be higher compared to variable or adjustable-rate mortgages

• Typically higher prepayment penalties if you break your mortgage before the end of the term

• Less flexibility if rates decrease during your term
  

Variable-rate mortgages: Savings with some risk

A variable-rate mortgage (VRM) offers an interest rate that fluctuates with the lender’s prime rate, which is influenced by the Bank of Canada’s policy rate. While your payments may remain fixed, the portion of your payment going toward interest versus principal can change over time as rates rise or fall.

Who is it for?

Variable-rate mortgages suit borrowers who are comfortable with some risk and believe rates may decrease—or stay low—over the term of the mortgage. It also suits individuals that may look at selling or refinancing before their term is up, as the penalties are more predictable than fixed rate mortgages.

Key benefits:

• Historically lower interest rates compared to fixed-rate mortgages

• Potential savings when rates drop

• Predictable pre-payment penalties
  

Considerations:

• Monthly payments may increase if rates rise

• Requires a tolerance for unpredictability
  

Adjustable-rate mortgages: A blend of flexibility and risk

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) isn’t offered by all lenders in Canada. Scotiabank and National Bank are among Canada’s Big 6 banks who do offer it, and a number of Mortgage Finance Companies do as well. With an ARM, both your interest rate and monthly payment fluctuate with changes to the lender’s prime rate. Unlike a VRM, your payment changes immediately, typically within 30 days, when prime shifts, which can lead to greater monthly cost swings.

Who is it for?

ARMs may appeal to borrowers who want lower initial rates and have the financial flexibility to manage changes in monthly payments. As with VRMs, it may suit individuals that may look at selling or refinancing before their term is up, as the penalties are more predictable than fixed rate mortgages.

Key benefits:

• Typically offers lower starting rates than fixed or variable options

• Opportunity to pay less during periods of lower interest rates

• Predictable pre-payment penalties
  

Considerations:

• Payments can increase significantly if prime rate rises quickly

• Less predictable budgeting
  

Which mortgage type is right for you?

Choosing between these options comes down to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and how long you plan to stay in your home. A fixed-rate mortgage provides peace of mind, while a variable-rate mortgage offers savings potential with some uncertainty. 

Let’s find the right fit together

I’m here to help you weigh your options and choose the mortgage that works best for your unique situation. Whether you prioritize stability or are open to taking a calculated risk for potential savings, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Reach out today to explore your options and make an informed decision about your mortgage. We work with several trusted mortgage brokers that we will be happy to introduce you.