27 | durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, December 1, 2022 | ADVERTISEMENT Brampton homeowner Rosemary explains how she qualified for free attic insulation and draft proofing from Enbridge Gas. Q: How did you hear about the program? A: I watch CTV News every day and Pat Foran mentioned an Enbridge Winterproofing Program. And I thought, well, that sounds like a good idea. Q:Why did you decide to participate? A: My house was built back in 1972, so it's nearly fifty years old. I wanted to reduce my heating costs and I knew that the roof could use more insulation after so many years. Q: After the free upgrades were installed, what difference did you notice? A: I noticed that my bills are much better. I noticed a big difference in the comfort. Q: How important is saving energy to you? A: It's very important because I'm a pensioner and so I budget very carefully. So saving energy means a lot to me. Q: What would you tell others about the program? A: I would really recommend the Enbridge Winterproofing Program. I think it's really great. You've got nothing to lose. It's free. Q: Did you have any concerns about the program? A: One of my friends said she'd heard about it, but she thought it was a scam. And so I told her no. I said, I've been in touch and they've done it for me. SavewithFREE homeenergy upgrades © 2022 Enbridge Gas Inc. All rights reserved. ENB 1196 11/2022 What happens next if you qualify? • An authorized program delivery agent will contact you with a few short questions. • They'll visit your home to check whether it's properly insulated, or if air is escaping through windows and doors. • If your home is eligible for free upgrades, professional contractors will install them at your convenience. • A delivery agent will make a follow-up visit to make sure everything's working properly and to answer any questions. TheEnbridgeGasHomeWinterproofingProgramprovides free energy-efficient upgrades, includingwall, basement and attic insulation, draft proofing and a smart thermostat, to help income- qualified customers save on homeheating and cooling. To learnmore about the programand see if you qualify, visit enbridgegas.com/winterproofingor apply by phone inminutes at 1-844-770-3148. Office: 905-852-8561 Cell: 905-852-0892 info@steelecarpentry.com www.steelecarpentry.com Wow! Thank you so much Uxbridge and Durham for voting for us! We're truly humbled by your support. Best Home Builder Best New Home Builder Best General Contracting Services Best Kitchen Design We are truly honoured and grateful. 2022 DIAMONDS WINNER BEST OF THE The average rent for a condo or apartment in Oshawa is up 19.8 per cent over last year, according to new data. The November 2022 National Rent Report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation shows Oshawa had one of the highest year-over-year rent increases among municipalities across Canada. The average rent for a condo or apartment in Oshawa was $1,916 in October 2022. That breaks down to an average rent of $1,448 for a studio, $1,782 for a one-bedroom, $2,060 for a two-bedroom and $2,484 for a three- bedroom. Year over year, average monthly rent in October in Oshawa was up 19.8 per cent overall: up 14.1 per cent for a studio, 22.1 per cent for a one-bedroom and 19 per cent for a two-bedroom. "The unprecedented growth in rents underway is broad-based across Canada, with most markets reporting double-digit annual rent inflation," says Shaun Hildebrand, president of Urbanation. "The rental market keeps getting hotter with each interest rate increase, coupled with a record-high increase in the population. The need to ramp up rental supply has never been greater." The report notes average rents in Canada rose 11.8 per cent year-over-year in October to an average of $1,976 across all property types. It says the monthly rent growth trend showed "strong momentum" in October, with rents rising 2.2 per cent from September. In the period since March, when interest rates began to rise, the average rent in Canada has increased by 9.2 per cent. On Nov. 21, Oshawa city council discussed a policy that would require one dwelling unit per floor of all new buildings in Oshawa being constructed over a 10-floor height to be made available to the Region of Durham to sublease for accessible, affordable housing. Coun. Rosemary McConkey moved the motion, saying so many highrises are coming to Oshawa, and that it makes sense for affordable units to be part of those developments. "We want to set a precedent here," she said. "The region shouldn't have to be building and spending taxpayer money on the actual building." Council voted to refer the matter to the community and operations committee. NEW DATA SHOWS RENT IN OSHAWA IS SKYROCKETING The average rent for a condo or apartment in Oshawa is up 19.8 per cent over last year, according to new data. Susie Kockerscheidt/Metroland NEWS JILLIAN FOLLERT jfoller t@durhamregion.com