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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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Hot Tea, High Stakes: California Man Wins $50 Million Lawsuit Against Starbucks

A California delivery driver, Michael Garcia, has been awarded $50 million in a lawsuit against Starbucks after suffering severe burns from a spilled tea. The incident occurred in February 2020 at a drive-through, where a venti-sized tea fell onto Garcia's lap, causing permanent and life-altering injuries.

Garcia's legal team argued that the scalding-hot tea was not securely placed in a takeout tray by a Starbucks employee, leading to the accident. The Los Angeles County jury sided with Garcia, holding Starbucks accountable for negligence. Garcia underwent multiple medical procedures, including skin grafts, due to the burns.

Starbucks has expressed sympathy for Garcia but plans to appeal the decision, calling the damages excessive. This case echoes past high-profile lawsuits involving hot beverages, such as the famous McDonald's coffee case in the 1990s.

The verdict serves as a reminder of the importance of safety standards in handling hot drinks, both for businesses and consumers.

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