Looking to trim your utility bills now that it’s warming up? A quick win is turning off the pilot light on your gas fireplace when you’re not using it. Just one extra step—be sure to close the gas valve too. It’s an easy way to save a bit more and keep things safe.
While we’re on the topic, it’s also a good idea to have your fireplace professionally cleaned and serviced every couple of years. These are gas appliances, just like your furnace or water heater, and regular maintenance keeps them running safely and efficiently.
One important note: fireplace upkeep is up to each unit owner—it’s not something the condo association covers. So if it’s been a while since your last service, now’s a great time to book a check-up with an HVAC or fireplace specialist.
A little attention goes a long way when it comes to safety and savings!
Hey neighbours!
Living in a condo means we all share the costs of keeping our buildings safe, comfortable, and well-maintained. The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference in reducing our collective expenses while also improving our quality of life. Here are four easy ways we can all pitch in:
1. Turn Off Your Fireplace Pilot Light in Spring
As the weather warms up, it’s time to switch off those fireplace pilot lights! If everyone did this, we could cut down on our natural gas costs for three to four months each year. Plus, your living room will stay a degree or two cooler in the summer, helping you save on fan and air conditioning costs. A little effort now means more savings for all of us!
2. Recycle Right – It Saves Us All Money
Did you know that our garbage and recycling bins are monitored? When non-recyclable items end up in the wrong bin, we get fined between $65 and $80 per incident. That adds up fast! Please take a moment to sort your trash properly—it’s a simple way to keep our condo fees from going up. Let’s all do our part!
3. Let the Garage Door Close Fully
Nobody wants unexpected security risks—or costly repairs. If the garage door doesn’t close properly, it can get stuck open, creating an opportunity for theft. Unfortunately, we've already had an expensive bike stolen because of this. Plus, emergency garage door repairs can cost upwards of $600! So, if the door is already closing, please don’t interrupt it—let it close fully to keep our community safe.
4. Be Mindful of Water Use
Despite city-wide water restrictions this past summer, our building’s water usage stayed the same. Yikes! Water rates will only go up in the future, so let’s get ahead by making small adjustments now:
💧 Flush a little less when possible
💧 Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
💧 Cut showers shorter by just a minute
Every drop counts—and every dollar saved helps keep our condo fees in check!
Together, We Make a Difference!
When we all do our part, we keep our community safe, comfortable, and affordable. Thanks for being such great neighbours!