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The Gas Tax Holiday Ends in 24 Days — Here's the Real Math on What You'll Save

  Published August 14, 2026 Ottawa's fuel excise tax suspension shuts off September 7. Here's what it's actually been worth at the pump, what changes the next morning, and who should plan a fill-up before Labour Day. The Countdown The federal fuel excise tax returns to full rate on September 8, 2026 — that's 24 days from today. Prices reset to their pre-April 20 rate the moment the clock hits midnight. If you've noticed gas feeling a little less painful since spring, that wasn't your imagination. On April 20, 2026, Ottawa suspended the federal fuel excise tax — 10 cents a litre off gasoline, 4 cents off diesel — as Middle East oil-supply disruptions pushed pump prices toward $2 a litre in some cities. The suspension, passed as part of Bill C-30, has been running for nearly four months. It ends September 7, inclusive. On September 8, the tax comes right back. What the holiday actually saved you The headline number — 10 cents a litre on gas — undersells it sligh...
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From Safe Bet to Risky Business: Rethinking Condos in Retirement

 

            The view southwest along Front Street from the new St. Lawrence market north building in downtown Toronto.


Is the Condo Still a Smart Retirement Investment?

Once hailed as a reliable stepping stone to retirement security, condominiums are now facing a wave of skepticism. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, condo sales have plummeted, inventories have surged, and investor confidence is wavering. What happened to the dream?

The Market Reality

  • Oversupply: A flood of new units—over 31,000 expected in 2025 alone—has saturated the market, driving prices down and leaving many units unsold.
  • Weak Rental Yields: With rents sliding and vacancies rising, many condo owners are struggling to break even, let alone generate retirement income.
  • Investor Sentiment: A recent survey found that 30% of Canadians believe condos are no longer a good investment, and over half wouldn’t buy one at all.

Still a Place for Condos?

While the short-term outlook is grim, condos may still hold value for retirees who:

  • Plan to live in the unit long-term
  • Can afford to ride out market volatility
  • Prefer low-maintenance living in urban centers

However, for those banking on rental income or resale profits, the risks are mounting. Alternatives like apartment-focused REITs offer more stable returns and fewer headaches—no leaky pipes or midnight tenant calls.

Bottom Line

Condos aren’t the retirement golden ticket they once were. For today’s retirees, it’s time to rethink the strategy and consider more resilient, income-generating options. 


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