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Is Now a Good Time to Rent vs. Buy in Canada?

After years of brutal rent hikes that left many Canadians feeling priced out of their own cities, something has quietly shifted: rents are finally falling. But does that mean you should lock in a lease and wait out the housing market — or is this actually the window you've been waiting for to buy? The answer, as always, depends on your city, your finances, and your plans. Here's a clear-eyed breakdown of where things stand in 2026. What's Happening With Rents Right Now The Canadian rental market has undergone a dramatic reversal. After vacancy rates hit record lows in 2023 and rents surged by as much as 8% nationally in a single year, the tide has turned. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the national vacancy rate for purpose-built rental apartments rose to 3.1% in October 2025 — up from 2.2% in 2024 and a record low of just 1.5% in 2023. That 3.1% figure now sits above the 10-year historical average , marking a meaningful shift in the bal...

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Pan-Seared Steaks



Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless steaks (NY Strip, rib eye or filet mignon)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the steaks generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a heavy pan (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat until it’s VERY hot.
  4. Add the oil to the pan and heat until it begins to shimmer and move fluidly around the pan.
  5. Carefully set the steak in the pan, releasing it away from you so the oil doesn’t splatter in your direction. It should sizzle.
  6. Leave it alone! Avoid the temptation to peek or fiddle or flip repeatedly. The steaks need a few minutes undisturbed to develop a brown crust.
  7. Flip the steaks when they release easily and the bottom is a deep-brown color (usually about 3 minutes).
  8. Continue to cook the steaks for another 3 to 4 minutes on the bottom side for rare or medium-rare.
  9. During the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of butter and a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the pan with the steaks (this is optional but delicious).


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