Skip to main content

Featured

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...

article

Orange Chicken

 

 Ingredients:

Chicken:

  - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  - 1/2 cup cornstarch

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Vegetable oil for frying


Orange Sauce:

  - 1/2 cup orange juice

  - Zest of 1 orange

  - 1/4 cup soy sauce

  - 1/4 cup rice vinegar

  - 1/4 cup sugar

  - 2 tablespoons honey

  - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

  - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

  - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)


Instructions:

1.  Prepare the Chicken:

   - Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

   - Dredge each piece in cornstarch, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess.


2.  Fry the Chicken:

   - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 

   - Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).

   - Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.


3.   Make the Orange Sauce:

   - In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger.

   - Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

   - Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened.


4.   Combine and Serve:

   - Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until they are well coated.

   - Serve hot, garnished with orange slices, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.






Comments