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Odin Says Articles

Your Guide on how to Survive the City of Montreal


How Much Money Can You Spend on a Home?

May 25, 2010

Most home purchases involve borrowing money in the form of a mortgage.  As a rule thumb, the buyer shouldn't take out a mortgage requiring him or her to spend more than a third of his or her gross income on overall housing costs, which include taxes, ... Read More

New Studio by RONA Outlet Stores

Feb 08, 2010

Canada's largest home renovation products retailer, RONA, has launched a new concept store brand that specializes in interior decoration and design.  Geared towards amateurs, do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike, three new Studio by RONA stores ... Read More

Those Notorious Waiting Lists

Dec 10, 2009

Daycares around Montreal started their year a few months ago, and the scene, for some centers, was quite the circus, as usual.  In general, this goes for the government-subsidized $7-a-day CPEs (Centres de la Petite Enfance).  It is common ... Read More

Brief Home Renovation Figures

Nov 04, 2009

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation statistics for 2008 are out.  The following are the highlights concerning home renovations for the year: (1) Total money spent on all home renovations throughout the country: $21 billion. (2) Average cost ... Read More

Driving School Enrolment to Become Mandatory

Oct 19, 2009

The Quebec government is requiring all new driver license applicants to enroll in driving school classes.  The current rules do not require new drivers seeking a first license to attend driving school.  However, many applicants do enroll, since ... Read More

Pierrefonds Sewage Woes

Sep 10, 2009

A number of Pierrefonds residents have already or will soon receive letters from the city informing them of major plumbing work required at their homes.  Around one hundred homes (lying on nine streets) will need those repairs because they are sending ... Read More

Boom in Retirement Homes

Aug 25, 2009

The Montreal area has recently witnessed a tremendous construction increase in retirement apartment buildings.  Since 2003, nearly half of all new apartment complexes built in the city and its surroundings cater to seniors.  This trend reflects ... Read More

DDO Daycare Operator Charged with Assault

Feb 27, 2009

Back in May of 2008, William Parsons, 68, from Dollard-des-Ormeaux, was charged with sexually assaulting three children, aged between four and five.  The alleged assaults would have taken place between September of 2007 and April of 2008, at Parsons’ ... Read More

Clash of the (Eye) Titans

Feb 16, 2009

Quebec's order of opticians is at it again. For the second time since 2008, the Ordre des opticiens d'ordonnances du Québec has filed a series of complaints against their rivals, the Ordre des optometristes du Québec.First, a little background. Just ... Read More

Daycare Benefits & Headaches

Jan 20, 2009

So the summer is here, and everything is all right with the world, right?  For some, summer is the time when crucial decisions need to be made.  For working couples with a child nearing a couple years of age, summer may bring about a period ... Read More

How do You Pick a Contractor?

Aug 27, 2008

When you are a homeowner, and you need something done around your home, what do you do? Many Canadians follow the do-it-yourself approach, whether it is out of genuine interest, or to save money. Sadly, many of us do not have the slightest bit of inclination ... Read More

About Home Insurance

Mar 06, 2008

Every once in a while, you should address your needs for home insurance, especially after a change of address. A move is perfect timing to reevaluate your risk factors and your current policy. Your needs are bound to change, more so when you move across ... Read More

On the Privatization of Elderly Assistance

Feb 04, 2008

What was once considered a social responsibility is now going private.  In Quebec, traditionally, social services were relied on to provide care and assistance for our elderly.  However, with the aging population and the expected wave of baby ... Read More

How to Keep Your Car Out of the Garage

Nov 13, 2007

The following is a compilation of helpful tips and suggestions that will help you keep your car in good shape, out of trouble, and most importantly, far from your mechanic’s grip.  Drive safe and enjoy!  Make sure you adhere to the maintenance ... Read More

Canal Real Estate Boom

Sep 18, 2007

The once industrial sector along the western part of the Lachine Canal is now becoming a real estate haven, as condo projects have recently been moving westward.  The newest addition is Le Portail du Canal, a 120-unit project situated at the intersection ... Read More

Université de Montreal’s new Outremont Campus

Sep 06, 2007

Last month, U de M’s new campus proposal received an OK from a key city hall advisory body.  The project is destined to impact all Montreal taxpayers significantly, if it gets the go-ahead from the provincial government, as it is supposed to cost ... Read More

On Montreal’s IT Labor Market

Jun 28, 2007

The difficult days are over.  Montreal’s technology sector is back, alive and kicking.  IT, e-business and internet services have replaced the previous telecom blitz.  If you hold a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or MIS, ... Read More

On the New Downtown 'Trash' Fines

Jun 21, 2007

Next time you're smoking or eating on the go, think twice before throwing your cigarette butt or sandwich wrapper on the street. Starting June 1st, as a result of a new bylaw, a team of 13 full-time 'trash' inspectors has been assigned to inspect and ... Read More

On Renting in the Plateau

Jun 19, 2007

With the recent boom in the condo market, paying exorbitant rents to live in a central location in Montreal does not seem to make much sense anymore. However, many of us still choose to rent a place, for a variety of reasons: Not enough savings for ... Read More

On Managing Your Own Investments

Jun 10, 2007

Many knowledgeable investors say that it is possible for one to learn a great deal about investing from articles, books and one’s own mistakes. In fact, Canada is currently witnessing a growing number of do-it-yourself retirement investors, who have ... Read More

About 'Odin Says' Articles

These articles are written by Seek Odin staff.  We invite our members to make what they want of them.  In no way do they express any official's or professional's views.  Rather, they are a product of our lifetime experiences as long-time Montreal citizens.

MTLRants Blog

For a more opinionated point of view, read our latest blog entries:

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