*Article courtesy of the Bank of Canada

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%.

The war in the Middle East has increased volatility in global energy prices and financial markets, and heightened the risks to the global economy. The breadth and duration of the conflict, and hence its economic impacts, are highly uncertain.

Prior to the war, the global economy was on pace to grow at around 3%, as expected in the January Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Economic growth in the United States has moderated but remains solid, driven by consumption and strong AI-related investment. US inflation remains above target and has evolved largely as expected. In the euro area, domestic demand is supporting growth while exports have contracted. China’s economy continues to be boosted by strength in exports, but domestic demand remains weak.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, global oil and natural gas prices have risen sharply, and this will boost global inflation in the near-term. In addition to energy supply disruptions, transportation bottlenecks stemming from the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz could impact the supply of other commodities, such as fertilizer. Financial conditions have tightened from accommodative levels. Global bond yields have risen, equity market prices have declined, and credit spreads have widened. The Canada-US dollar exchange rate has remained relatively stable.

After expanding by 2.4% in the third quarter of last year, GDP in Canada contracted 0.6% in the fourth quarter. This was weaker than expected at the time of the January MPR, but mainly because of a larger-than-expected drawdown in inventories. Domestic demand grew by more than 2% due to strength in consumer and government spending, even as housing markets remained weak.

We continue to expect the Canadian economy to grow modestly as it adjusts to US tariffs and trade policy uncertainty, but recent data suggest that near-term economic growth will be weaker than anticipated in January. The labour market remains soft. Employment gains in the fourth quarter of 2025 were largely reversed in the first two months of 2026, and the unemployment rate rose to 6.7% in February. Looking through the volatility, recent data also suggest ongoing weakness in exports. It’s too early to assess the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on growth in Canada.

CPI inflation eased further to 1.8% in February, down from 2.3% in January. CPI inflation excluding changes in indirect taxes as well as core inflation measures have also come down and are all close to 2%. Food inflation slowed in February but remains elevated. The sharp increase in global energy prices has led to increases in gasoline prices, and this will push up total inflation in the coming months.

Against this overall backdrop, Governing Council decided to maintain the policy rate at 2.25%. With recent data pointing to weaker economic activity and uncertainty elevated, risks to growth look tilted to the downside. At the same time, inflation risks have gone up due to higher energy prices. We will continue to assess the impact of US tariffs and trade policy uncertainty, and how the Canadian economy is adjusting. We are also monitoring the unfolding conflict in the Middle East closely and assessing its impact on growth and inflation. As the outlook evolves, we stand ready to respond as needed. The Bank is committed to ensuring that Canadians continue to have confidence in price stability through this period of global upheaval.

Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is April 29, 2026. The Bank’s next MPR will be released at the same time.

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Huge West Facing Patio

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Exceptional Downtown Living with Rare Private Yard and Titled Underground Parking! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ground-level condo located in the heart of Calgary’s vibrant Beltline district. Offering an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and lifestyle, this unique unit stands out with one of the most desirable features you’ll find in downtown living — a large private west-facing yard and patio, perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying sunny afternoons outdoors. Step inside to discover a bright, open-concept layout that seamlessly blends the kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating an expansive and inviting space that feels both functional and welcoming. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry, and a convenient pantry, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining alike. Laminate flooring flows throughout the home, enhancing the modern feel while providing durability and easy maintenance. The spacious living room is anchored by a cozy gas fireplace, creating the perfect spot to unwind. The primary bedroom offers a walk-in closet, private access to the yard and patio, and a 4-piece ensuite bathroom. The second bedroom is generously sized and located near the 3-piece main bathroom, making it ideal for guests, roommates, or a home office. Highlights include: In-suite laundry room, titled underground parking, ground-level access for exceptional convenience, large private outdoor space rarely found in downtown condos. Living here places you steps away from everything that makes downtown Calgary living so desirable. Just outside your door you’ll find: The popular 17th Avenue SW “Red Mile” with its incredible selection of restaurants, cafés, and nightlife,. Grocery stores including Safeway, Save On Foods, Urban Fare etc! Local favourites like Analog Coffee, The Ship & Anchor Pub, National on 17th, and Ten Foot Henry. Boutique shopping, fitness studios, and everyday amenities. Easy access to downtown offices, parks, and river pathways. Quick connections to transit and major routes

The coming months are expected to mark one of the largest mortgage renewal waves Canada has seen in decades, and for many homeowners, the outcome will depend on how early they start planning. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, about 1.15 million mortgages are set to renew this year, representing roughly 60% of all outstanding mortgages. 

Many of those mortgages were originally set up when interest rates were much lower. As a result, renewal is top of mind for a lot of homeowners right now, especially those trying to understand what their next payment might look like.

That’s why timing matters. Renewal is one of the few moments when you can make changes to your mortgage without penalty, and starting early can make the process far less stressful than waiting until the last minute.

Most lenders now send renewal notices several months before maturity, and in some cases up to six months in advance. While that may seem early, it creates an opportunity. The more time you have, the more flexibility you may have to review your options carefully rather than feeling rushed into a decision. Even if nothing changes, having a plan in place early removes uncertainty and puts you back in control.

Understanding payment shock and your options

One of the biggest concerns at renewal right now is payment shock, the increase in monthly payments that comes with higher interest rates. Before making any decisions, it helps to see the numbers clearly. What would your payment look like at today’s rates, and how does that fit into your budget?

If the new payment feels tight, there may be ways to help ease the transition. Extending your amortization can lower your monthly payment by spreading it over a longer period. While this can increase interest costs over time, it can provide short-term breathing room.

For homeowners with sufficient equity, refinancing at renewal may also be worth exploring. In some cases, refinancing can help consolidate higher-interest debt, improve cash flow, or restructure your mortgage so it better fits your current situation. These options aren’t right for everyone, but they’re worth reviewing before locking into a new term.

Why renewal is more than just the rate

At renewal, it’s natural to focus on the rate. But mortgage features such as prepayment options, penalties and portability can all affect how well your mortgage works over the next few years. In some situations, a slightly higher rate with better flexibility can offer more peace of mind.

Renewal is also a chance to reset and make sure your mortgage still fits your goals. Starting early gives you time to ask questions, explore options, and move forward with confidence.

*Article courtesy of
Sean Rampersaud - Mortgage Associate
(780) 278-4847
sean.rampersaud@mortgagegroup.com

Mortgage renewals don’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, they can be a great opportunity to reassess your financial picture and make sure your mortgage is still working for you.

Taking some time to review your numbers, current rates, and available options can bring clarity and help you make the best decision moving forward.

If your mortgage is coming up for renewal this year, we’d be happy to walk through everything with you and provide a personalized review so you can move forward with confidence.

One important thing to keep in mind is not to leave it until the last minute or allow your mortgage to automatically renew with your current lender, as that can sometimes mean missing out on better options.

If you'd like guidance or simply want to understand what your renewal could look like, feel free to reach out anytime and we’d be happy to connect you with some great lender options.

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This charming 3 bedroom bi level in Airdrie’s desirable Morningside community has been beautifully updated and is truly move in ready. Luxury, durable vinyl plank flooring and fresh paint span the main level, setting the tone for the bright living room with vaulted ceiling & cozy gas fireplace, a spacious dining area perfect for hosting family and friends, and a refreshed kitchen featuring quartz countertops, abundant storage, and brand new stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom offers a walk in closet and a nicely updated 4 piece ensuite complete with new tile, faucets, shower kit, and a built in medicine cabinet. Two additional bedrooms and an updated 4 piece main bath provide comfortable space for kids, guests, or a home office. Thoughtful upgrades continue throughout the home, including new blinds, custom closet organizers, solid interior doors, updated baseboards and casings, black hardware, new electrical outlets and switches, and modern lighting throughout—including recessed lighting. The walk up basement is an excellent blank canvas, ready for your future development plans to add even more living space. Outside, enjoy a sunny south facing backyard that has been newly landscaped with a stone patio, rock beds, trees, and fresh sod. A double detached garage adds convenience and easy parking year round. Ideally located close to shopping, schools, parks, and with quick access to QE II, this home offers comfort, style, and convenience. Immediate possession is available.

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Wishing everyone a wonderful Family Day weekend!

Whether you're spending time with loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, or simply taking a well-deserved moment to slow down — we hope your weekend is filled with connection, laughter, and making memories that feel like home.

Family looks different for everyone, but the moments we share together are what truly matter. Enjoy every minute!

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What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odourless, and tasteless, which means the only way to know how much is in your home is to test.

Radon is widely recognized as a major health risk indoors. According to Health Canada and other leading health authorities like the EPA and the WHO, long-term exposure to elevated radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and a leading cause overall.

Radon gas breaks down into radioactive particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. Over time, this exposure can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of lung cancer. The risk is much higher for people who smoke because radon and smoking together amplify risk.

How Radon Gets Into Your Home

Radon originates in the ground. Homes can draw in “soil gas” when indoor air pressure is lower than the pressure in the soil around and beneath the foundation. That pressure difference pulls gases upward into the building through openings where the home contacts the ground.

A helpful way to think about it is this: most radon issues are connected to what’s happening under and directly around the foundation. Radon often enters through pathways on the lowest level, including slab openings and below-grade joints.

Common Entry Points

It’s true that homeowners often focus on visible wall cracks, but radon entry is mainly about any opening connected to the soil. In many homes, radon pathways are most significant at the basement floor/slab level, joints, sump areas, and utility penetrations.

Health Canada lists typical entry routes as:
Cracks or flaws in floor slabs and foundation walls, floor/wall joints, exposed soil in crawlspaces, gaps around utility penetrations and support posts, floor drains, and sumps.

A practical note on sealing: sealing cracks can be a worthwhile step for general air leakage and moisture control, but on its own it rarely solves a radon problem because there are often multiple entry pathways. If radon levels are high, the most reliable fix is usually a mitigation system that gives soil gas a better path to the outdoors (instead of into the home).

Does My Home Require Testing?

Health Canada recommends that every homeowner test because radon can be present in any home, regardless of age, style, or how well it’s maintained and because you can’t detect it without a test.

Local context matters too. A large Canadian dataset (including Prairie regions) has found a meaningful portion of homes testing above Health Canada’s guideline, and many more above the World Health Organization’s suggested reference level.
You can explore Canadian results (including Calgary-area context) via the Cross Canada Radon Survey.

How Radon Testing Is Conducted

The best overall approach is long-term testing because radon fluctuates from day to day and season to season. Since radon is a long-term health risk, what matters most is the long-term average.

Step 1: Choose the right type of test
Long-term test (recommended): 91 days to 12 months. This is Health Canada’s preferred method for an accurate home average.
Short-term test: 2 to 7 days. This can be useful for screening, but it’s less reliable and can sometimes create false reassurance or unnecessary worry if interpreted as “the final answer.”

Step 2: Use an accurate, recognized device
Whether you use a lab-based long-term kit or a consumer-grade digital monitor, accuracy matters. Health Canada and the Canadian radon community have warned that some consumer radon detectors sold online have been recalled due to inaccurate readings.
A practical consumer resource is the C-NRPP list of consumer-grade electronic radon monitors (including guidance on device performance).

Step 3: Place it correctly
In general, place the test on the lowest lived-in level of the home (often the basement), away from windows, exterior doors, floor drains, and heat sources. Follow the device instructions carefully so results aren’t skewed.

Understanding Radon Test Results

Health Canada’s guideline is 200 Bq/m³. If your long-term average is above that, Health Canada recommends taking action to lower radon levels within 1 year, and sooner if levels are higher.

Other commonly referenced guidelines include:
The World Health Organization suggests a national reference level of 100 Bq/m³ where possible, and that it should not exceed 300 Bq/m³.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends fixing homes at or above 4 pCi/L (about 150 Bq/m³) and also suggests considering action between 2 and 4 pCi/L (about 75–150 Bq/m³).

Don’t Panic if Your Results Are High

Radon is a long-term risk, not an emergency. A high result doesn’t mean immediate danger over weeks or a couple of months. It means it’s wise to plan mitigation so your long-term exposure is reduced.

The good news: radon is fixable. Most homes can be effectively mitigated with proven methods that redirect soil gas safely outdoors.

Optional Local Resource Note

If you’d like help with next steps, Health Canada recognizes C-NRPP certification for radon measurement and mitigation professionals in Canada. One Airdrie, Alberta based company listed through these channels is Radon Care. Their website is www.radoncare.ca 

Disclosure: We do not receive compensation for referrals. This information is shared as an educational resource and homeowners can choose any qualified provider.

For more info: Health Canada radon information and guidance: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-risks-safety/radiation/radon.html

Thinking of Buying or Selling in 2026? Start With January’s Data

Have questions about how these numbers affect your plans this year?

We’re here to help you make sense of the market.

*Article courtesy of Bank Of Canada - https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2026/01/fad-press-release-2026-01-28/

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%.

The outlook for the global and Canadian economies is little changed relative to the projection in the October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). However, the outlook is vulnerable to unpredictable US trade policies and geopolitical risks.

Economic growth in the United States continues to outpace expectations and is projected to remain solid, driven by AI-related investment and consumer spending. Tariffs are pushing up US inflation, although their effect is expected to fade gradually later this year. In the euro area, growth has been supported by activity in service sectors and will get additional support from fiscal policy. China’s GDP growth is expected to slow gradually, as weakening domestic demand offsets strength in exports. Overall, the Bank expects global growth to average about 3% over the projection horizon.

Global financial conditions have remained accommodative overall. Recent weakness in the US dollar has pushed the Canadian dollar above 72 cents, roughly where it had been since the October MPR. Oil prices have been fluctuating in response to geopolitical events and, going forward, are assumed to be slightly below the levels in the October report.

US trade restrictions and uncertainty continue to disrupt growth in Canada. After a strong third quarter, GDP growth in the fourth quarter likely stalled. Exports continue to be buffeted by US tariffs, while domestic demand appears to be picking up. Employment has risen in recent months. Still, the unemployment rate remains elevated at 6.8% and relatively few businesses say they plan to hire more workers.  

Economic growth is projected to be modest in the near term as population growth slows and Canada adjusts to US protectionism. In the projection, consumer spending holds up and business investment strengthens gradually, with fiscal policy providing some support. The Bank projects growth of 1.1% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027, broadly in line with the October projection. A key source of uncertainty is the upcoming review of the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement.

CPI inflation picked up in December to 2.4%, boosted by base-year effects linked to last winter’s GST/HST holiday. Excluding the effect of changes in taxes, inflation has been slowing since September. The Bank’s preferred measures of core inflation have eased from 3% in October to around 2½% in December. Inflation was 2.1% in 2025 and the Bank expects inflation to stay close to the 2% target over the projection period, with trade-related cost pressures offset by excess supply.

Monetary policy is focused on keeping inflation close to the 2% target while helping the economy through this period of structural adjustment. Governing Council judges the current policy rate remains appropriate, conditional on the economy evolving broadly in line with the outlook we published today. However, uncertainty is heightened and we are monitoring risks closely. If the outlook changes, we are prepared to respond. The Bank is committed to ensuring that Canadians continue to have confidence in price stability through this period of global upheaval.

 Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is March 18, 2026. The Bank’s next MPR will be released on April 29, 2026.