Mississauga Living Arts Centre
In the heart of Mississauga, Ontario, stands a beacon of culture, creativity, and community engagement—the Mississauga Living Arts Centre. This remarkable institution has been at the forefront of the city’s cultural scene for over two decades, offering a diverse range of arts and entertainment experiences that have enriched the lives of countless residents and visitors. Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of the Living Arts Centre and discover why it continues to be a beloved landmark in Mississauga.
Goals for the Living Arts Centre
The Living Arts Centre opened its doors in 1997 with a plan to foster artistic expression, education, and engagement in a state-of-the-art facility that would serve as a cultural hub for Mississauga and beyond.
The centre was designed as a multi-disciplinary arts complex that would showcase a wide spectrum of performing and visual arts, providing a space for both established artists and emerging talents to showcase their work.
A World of Entertainment Under One Roof
One of the Living Arts Centre’s most distinctive features is its versatility. The complex is home to several performance spaces, including Hammerson Hall, a 1,325-seat theater designed for top-tier productions, and the smaller RBC Theatre, which provides an intimate setting for smaller-scale events. From classical concerts to contemporary dance, Broadway shows to comedy acts, the Living Arts Centre has hosted an impressive array of performances, offering something for every artistic palate.
The centre is also home to a stunning art gallery that hosts a rotating selection of visual art exhibitions. These exhibitions often feature works from local and international artists, providing an opportunity for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a world of creativity.
Education Facility
The Living Arts Centre is not just a destination for entertainment; it is also a thriving center for education and community engagement. Their education programs cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels, offering a broad range of arts classes, workshops, and camps. Whether you’re interested in music, dance, visual arts, or drama, there’s a program for you.
The Centre’s outreach initiatives extend into the community, promoting arts education in schools, offering workshops and performances for young people, and supporting emerging artists through residencies and mentorship programs. By actively engaging with the community, the Living Arts Centre ensures that the arts remain accessible to all, nurturing the next generation of artists and art appreciators.
Diverse Cultures
Mississauga is a melting pot of cultures, and the Living Arts Centre proudly reflects this diversity in its programming. The centre’s commitment to inclusivity is evident through its celebration of various cultural festivals and events. It’s not uncommon to witness a Diwali celebration one day, a Chinese New Year event the next, and a Caribbean carnival shortly after. These cultural celebrations are a testament to the Living Arts Centre’s dedication to embracing and showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Mississauga.
A Source of Inspiration
The Living Arts Centre has played an essential role in fostering artistic talent and inspiration within the community. Local artists, musicians, and performers frequently grace its stages, using the centre as a platform to showcase their skills and creativity. This exposure has led to numerous success stories, with many local talents going on to make their mark on the national and international stage.
Impact of the Living Arts Centre
The Living Arts Centre is not just a cultural gem; it also plays a significant role in the economic development of Mississauga. It draws visitors from near and far, who often explore the city’s dining and shopping options, contributing to the local economy. Additionally, the centre generates employment opportunities and serves as a catalyst for tourism in the region.
Conclusion
The Living Arts Centre is more than just a cultural institution; it’s a thriving, dynamic part of the Mississauga community. It has enriched the lives of countless individuals through its diverse array of performances, educational programs, and community engagement efforts. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a budding artist, or simply looking for a fun night out, the Living Arts Centre is a testament to the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and unite a community. In Mississauga, this beacon of culture and creativity continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path to a more vibrant and inclusive future.
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Celebrating Community and Culture at Mississauga Celebration Square
Mississauga, a vibrant and diverse city in the heart of Ontario, has a hidden gem that brings the community together in a celebration of culture, arts, and togetherness – Celebration Square. This iconic public space has become a symbol of unity and vibrancy in Mississauga, hosting a plethora of events and activities that cater to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Heart of Mississauga
Located in the heart of downtown Mississauga, Celebration Square serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. It’s not just a square; it’s a dynamic hub that pulsates with life throughout the year. The square is situated adjacent to the Mississauga Civic Centre, making it easily accessible to everyone.
Year-Round Fun
One of the remarkable aspects of Mississauga Celebration Square is that it offers something for everyone, regardless of the season. During the summer months, the square transforms into a bustling cultural hotspot, hosting a wide range of outdoor events. From concerts by local and international artists to food festivals that tantalize your taste buds, there’s always something exciting happening here. Families often flock to the square for movie nights under the stars, bringing blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the cinematic experience in a communal setting.
In the winter, Celebration Square transforms into a winter wonderland. The highlight of the season is undoubtedly the ice skating rink. Skating under the glistening lights and towering skyscrapers of downtown Mississauga is a magical experience. Rental skates are available for those who may not have their own. The square is also beautifully adorned with festive decorations during the holiday season, creating a picturesque backdrop for seasonal celebrations.
A Showcase of Culture
Mississauga is known for its diverse population, and Celebration Square celebrates this diversity through various cultural events. Throughout the year, you can experience the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the city. The annual Canada Day celebrations, for instance, are a testament to the city’s multiculturalism. The square comes alive with a colorful array of performances, international cuisines, and activities that showcase the cultural heritage of Mississauga’s residents.
Furthermore, cultural festivals from around the world find a home at Celebration Square. Whether it’s Diwali, Chinese New Year, or Caribbean Carnival, the square becomes a stage for cultural performances, music, dance, and delicious food from various corners of the globe. It’s a beautiful opportunity for residents to learn about and appreciate the cultures that make up their community.
Community Engagement
Celebration Square isn’t just about passive entertainment; it’s a platform for community engagement. The square hosts events that encourage residents to get involved, from fitness classes to art exhibitions. It’s not uncommon to see yoga sessions taking place on a sunny morning or local artists displaying their work for all to see.
Accessibility and Sustainability
Celebration Square is designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind. It’s easily accessible by public transportation, making it an eco-friendly choice for event-goers. The square’s design incorporates green spaces, providing a breath of fresh air in the bustling downtown core. It’s a place where you can relax on the grass, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
Conclusion
Celebration Square in Mississauga is more than just a physical space; it’s a reflection of the city’s spirit. It’s a place where people come together to celebrate, learn, and create memories. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, a music lover or a foodie, there’s something for everyone at Celebration Square. So, the next time you find yourself in Mississauga, make sure to pay a visit to this remarkable square and join in the celebration of community and culture.
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Brightwater Development: A Sustainable and Walkable Community in Mississauga
Sustainable Development
One of the key features of the Brightwater Development is its emphasis on sustainability. The development is designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Gold certification, which means that it will be built to the highest environmental standards. The development will feature green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and a variety of other sustainable features that will reduce the environmental impact of the project.
Walkability
Another important aspect of the Brightwater Development is its focus on walkability. The development will be designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and plenty of green spaces. The goal is to create a community where residents can walk or bike to work, shops, and other amenities, rather than having to rely on cars.
Mixed-Use Development
The Brightwater Development will include a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces, which will help to create a vibrant and dynamic community. The development will feature a range of housing options, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. There will also be plenty of green spaces and parks, as well as a waterfront promenade that will provide stunning views of Lake Ontario.
Inclusivity and Diversity
One of the key features of the Brightwater Development is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The development will include a mix of affordable and market-rate housing options, ensuring that a wide range of people can afford to live in the community. The development will also be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, with features like wide sidewalks and accessible housing units.
Amenities and Services
In addition to its focus on sustainability and walkability, the Brightwater Development will also feature a range of amenities and services that will make it a great place to live. The development will include a community center, a library, and a public square, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. There will also be a marina and a waterfront park, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Ontario.
Economic Benefits
The Brightwater Development is a major investment in the future of Mississauga, and it promises to bring significant economic benefits to the area. The development is expected to create thousands of new jobs during the construction phase, and it will provide ongoing economic benefits through increased property values and tax revenues.
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Mississauga School Profiles
High School Rankings and Profiles
Over the last several months, we’ve been creating high school profiles for public, catholic, and private schools in Mississauga. Check out the links to our main website below to see the results. It’s a work in progress, and we still have several school profiles to go. We have used the Fraser Institute’s grading system to assign a numeric score for academic excellence. In addition, each school has a detailed review, including academics, facilities, sports, extra-curricular activities, rankings, and boundary map.
Go ahead and check out the reports:
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My Office Has a New Address – 33 Pearl St!
My Sutton Group – Summit Realty Inc. office recently moved to a new location. My updated information is now:
Randy Selzer
33 Pearl St
Mississauga, ON L5M 1X1
416-433-3556
It’s been an interesting move for sure. The new office is located in Streetsville, which has a small town ambience, and which was one of the original towns which amalgamated into the City of Mississauga back in the 1970’s. If you are planning on visiting us in person, you can find us here:
The new location is in a lovely treed setting, and is a great location for a real estate office.
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Podcasts now syndicated to Spotify
On the heels of last month’s announcement, we have added a link to Spotify for our podcast distribution. You can find them here:
So now our podcasts are available at podbean.com, Apple iTunes, and Spotify!
Our latest broadcast is an interview with Robin Singh, President of Sandler Training Mississauga, during which we talk about sales training techniques. Hope this will be of interest to anyone who is involved with sales. Robin is also offering a free e-book, and a special draw for advanced training. Check it out here:
https://randyselzer.podbean.com/e/why-salespeople-fail-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/
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New! Randy Selzer Podcasts
I’ve been dabbling a bit with podcasts, as a way to reach more people in an innovative way. So far we’ve been covering various real estate topics, including updates on the state of the market, both in Mississauga, and in the Greater Toronto Area. You can find my channel here:
We are also appearing at iTunes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/randy-selzers-real-estate-podcast/id1223795971?mt=2
The latest broadcast had a special guest – Marie Beckles of LegalShield. She has an interesting offering for people who may be interested in legal services. Here is our discussion.
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xy5kr-aeea0c
Hope you enjoy the podcasts, we certainly enjoy creating them!
P.S. You can also find them on my main site here: https://www.randyselzer.com/podcasts/
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Top 4 Renovations to do before you sell your House
Fixing Up your home before putting it up for sale is always a good idea. Here are the Top 4 renovations that can help you to sell your house faster, and for more money.
These renos have a proven track record of Return on Investment (ROI).
Doing a few minor bathroom renovations is the number one thing that you can do to help you sell faster, and for more money.
Minor kitchen renovations the second most important interior area where, done properly, you can maximize your selling changes and rate of return.
Upgrading your landscaping or outdoor curb appeal of the house helps get buyers in the door. These upgrades rank as the 2nd and 4th best renovations for returns on investment.
Randy Selzer 33 Pearl St Mississauga, ON L5M 1X1 416-433-3556
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How Long will the Toronto Real Estate Slump Last?
My latest video takes a look at the slump that Vancouver B.C. endured, when they brought in their “Foreign Buyer Speculation Tax”, and we check for what parallels may exist between their experience, and what we are currently experiencing here in the Greater Toronto Area. While it’s not precise science, we can see what lessons our sister city on the west coast may have for us.
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Ontario Foreign Buyer Tax 2017
On April 20th, the Ontario government announced a sweeping series of 16 different initiatives, all designed to slow the real estate market. Perhaps the most contentious proposal is to add a 15% tax for non-resident foreign buyers of residential real estate in southern Ontario. Here is my take on the new tax:
And here is a complete transcript of the video:
Hey there everybody. It’s Randy Selzer here. Welcome back to my real estate channel.
Today is kind of a red letter day. It’s actually April the 20th, 2017, and today our provincial government here in the province of Ontario rolled out a major initiative on real estate in trying to cool off the real estate market. They rolled out a plan with 16 different components that they’re going to be implementing, which is going to, I think, drastically affect the real estate market here locally.
Anyways, today we’re only going to talk about one thing, the first item out of the 16. That is the imposition of a foreign buyer’s speculation tax, is what they’re calling it, a non-resident speculation tax, which they’re going to be rolling out in the very near future, and, which will consist of a 15% tax to pay on closing when a foreigner, or a non-resident of Canada, purchases residential real estate in the province of Ontario.
Before we get into the details, this is going to apply for a large area of southern Ontario, basically going from Niagara Falls up to Hamilton, out to the west towards Kitchener-Waterloo, all throughout the GTA, north to Orillia and Barrie, over eastwards to the Kawarthas and Peterborough, so it’s a large chunk of southern Ontario where this tax will apply. Although it hasn’t been put into law yet, they have to put it through the legislature to make it into law, it will be retroactive to tomorrow, April the 21st. Anyone entering into an agreement of purchase and sale, if that purchaser does not live in Canada, and they’re a non-resident, non-Canadian, they will be obliged to pay a 15% tax on their purchase of residential property going forward. That’s going to be a major effect, I think, on the local market.
There are a number of different details, which they’ve released. I think some of the stuff is probably still being worked out. There’s going to be certain exemptions. For example, if a foreigner, non-resident, is married to a Canadian citizen, there will be no tax to pay. That’s interesting. I can foresee perhaps there will be a lot of marriages coming up to Canadians in the near future, because that will make them exempt from the tax. There’s also going to be some provisions where people can get their … If they pay the tax, they’ll be able to get that money back if they immigrate to Canada within four years of purchasing the property and paying the tax. They can get that money back, apparently, with interest. That’s in the press release that the government put out.
Also, there’s going to be some special provisions for students. I believe what they said was that if a student has been going to school here for at least two years, that student may be able to purchase some property without paying the tax. That’s a good thing, because I know for a fact that there are a lot of parents who send their kids here for university, and they like to buy a condo for them to live in during the course of their studies, rather than pay rent. Hopefully that’s going to mitigate things a little bit.
Let’s talk a little bit about the history of the tax. This 15% tax was originally rolled out in British Columbia last year, in 2016, in the greater Vancouver area. The people there, the politicians there, were trying to do the same thing to slow down the booming Vancouver real estate market. Vancouver’s a little different, in that they determined that about 10^% of all the purchasers in Vancouver were foreign buyers, people from other countries who are buying property in the Vancouver area.
Toronto’s numbers are a little bit lower. We had to complete a survey last year conducted by Ipsos Reid, was mandatory for all of the realtors to do, and they were able to determine that in Toronto, it’s about half that amount. Somewhere between 4% and 5% of all the purchases, all the buyers in the Toronto area, are foreign buyers.
When Vancouver rolled out the tax last summer, there was an immediate effect. Basically, all the foreign buyers dried up. They stopped … Very few people are going to pay on a $1 million purchase of a home, very few people want to pay $150,000 in tax, in addition to the basic land transfer tax on the day they get their keys. I think very few people, no matter how wealthy you are, are willing to spend that kind of money just to pay a tax. That dried up right away. But an interesting thing happened in B.C., where the local buyers, Canadian buyers, also decided to step back, because they wanted to wait and see where the prices would fall. It became a self-fulfilling prophecy, and prices and activity did fall rather dramatically in the Vancouver area over the course of last summer and fall.
What we see now is that the Vancouver market seems to have picked up again, and even without foreign buyers, and it seems to be headed upwards once again. Whether or not this drop will happen here in the Toronto area, we’re not sure yet. Again, this was just announced this morning, and we’ll have to be watching the market very carefully going forward to see where it’s headed.
There’s something I’d like to mention. This was rolled out, again, this morning. They’re calling it a non-resident speculation tax. I have a problem with this, the way they’ve packaged this, because think about it. If a Canadian buys a house in Florida, does that automatically make them a speculator? Or if a wealthy Canadian buys a condo in New York City, does that automatically make them a speculator? Or could it just possibly be that they want to invest in that property in Florida, or in New York, just for their own benefit, or to rent out, or just simply as an investment?
The fact that they rolled it out as a speculation tax, I think is a little bit disingenuous. Let’s not make these people into the bogey man. This 5% of the buyers out there, they’re not the ones that are driving the market. The fact that they’re calling it a speculation tax is really not at all the situation. You can’t call anybody who buys a house, a foreigner who buys a property in Canada, automatically a speculator. I just wanted to mention that.
Anyway, so anyway you look at it though, this is going to take effect once they pass it into law. It will take effect, and the lawyers are going to be busy if there’s anybody, foreign countries, who decides to purchase property.
It’s just for residential properties. It is only for units up to six residential units. It’s going to apply for houses, and semis, and townhouses, and condos, up to six units, so duplexes, and triplexes, up to six-plexes. Anything over that, like a large apartment building, for example, if an investor wants to buy that, and they happen to live overseas, there’s no tax to pay on it, so only up to six units.
Anyways, that’s the first of the 16. That’s all we’re going to talk about today. I’m not sure this is the best thing for our government to be doing. It’s not addressing the primary problem that we have in the real estate market here, which is so simple. We have an imbalance of supply and demand. There’s more demand than there is supply. For every house that comes on the market, every house or condo, there’s 10, or 15, or 20 buyers that want to buy it. That’s an imbalance. By imposing this tax, I think it’s too superficial. That’s not really the problem we have, but we’ll talk about that another time.
Anyways, thank you for joining me again today. It’s always a pleasure to talk to you. If you have any comments, if you’re on YouTube, I welcome them. If you’re on any other social media, I always like to talk to you guys. If you want to call me or text me, 416-433-3556, and I’d be happy to talk to you.
Thanks a lot, and have a great day. Bye.
Randy Selzer's Real Estate Blog 