Monday 24 February 2014

Spring Break 2014 - Camps & Activities for Kids on the North Shore

All schools will be closed from Monday, March 17 through Friday, March 28, 2014.  So what will your kids be doing? Need a camp to send them to, or are you looking for some family fun? We have a complete list of links for both. Enjoy!

Artists for Kids' Day Camps.  We offer full-day art-based camps during Spring Break and the Summer Break for early elementary school-aged students, Kindergarten to Grade 2, and Grade 2 to 4.



Norgate's Spring Break Camp.  Looking for something to keep the kids busy, happy, engaged, and active during Spring Break?  Norgate's Spring Break Camp is just the thing!  For kids aged 5 to 12 (children are placed in age-appropriate groups).

More Spring Break Camps and Activities



Build Your Own Spring Break Camp

Friday 7 February 2014

How Efficient Are Your Windows?

The awnings on this home shade the windows and generate electricity. | Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto/jhorrocks

Windows provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation, but they can also negatively impact a home's energy efficiency. You can reduce energy costs by installing energy-efficient windows in your home. If your budget is tight, energy efficiency improvements to existing windows can also help.

Heating and cooling costs can be affected just based on the type of windows you have. If you have an older home and new windows were never an upgrade, it may make more sense to get new windows instead of just trying to improve upon the existing windows. New windows will lower heating and cooling costs, eventually covering the initial cost.

Storm windows can reduce the amount of air leaking out and remove drafts. Weather-stripping and caulking around windows and doors can assist in this as well.  Weather-stripping is designed for things that move such as doors and windows that open. Use caulk where gaps exist.
Another way to improve the efficiency of your windows is to select different options with regards to curtains and blinds. Window treatments can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

What's Your Score?
Often Energy Star approved windows can eve be zoned for your area you know they can withstand the climate you may regularly endure. When properly selected and installed, energy-efficient windows can help minimize your heating and cooling costs.

Energy efficient windows not only reduce home energy costs and drafts but can reduce noise and help increase light in the home.  Don’t forget about skylights and doors as well. Window replacement in skylights can help reduce condensation that builds up in older models.

If you would like to have a home audit done to see if your windows are energy efficient, or letting your money leak out the door, give us a call! 604-984-4527


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Sunday 2 February 2014

Family Day Fun on the North Shore


BC Family Day - February 10th 2014 

What is happening on the North Shore:

Want to make the most of what your local rec centre has to offer? Check out the listing of family friendly events planned just for Family Day here at our local North-Shore Recreation centres:


Hit the slopes! Grab your skis or snow board and get out there. Find all the BC ski-deals here: http://www.cwsaa.org/marketing/bc-family-day.html or check out what's happening on our local hills below:

Maplewood Farm will be open to celebrate BC’s first Family Day. The popluar pony rides will be back for the day! For pony will take children on trips around the farm (Cost $5). The pony rides are are first-come, first served. The farm will be open on Monday, February 10th from 10am to 4pm.

What is happening Across the Bridge:


Robson Square is hosting a free skate for Family Day: http://www.robsonsquare.com/


The Vancouver Art Gallery is offering free admissions for children 12 and under, it’s a great way to experience art in BC: http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/calendar_of_events.html