durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | | 8 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 70 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@durhamregion.com facebook.com/newsdurham @newsdurham WHO WE ARE Publisher and Chief Executive Officer Neil Oliver Vice President, Content, Community and Operations Dana Robbins Director of Content Lee Ann Waterman Managing Editor Mike Lacey Director of Advertising Tanya Pacheco Director Distribution Jason Christie Director Creative Services Paul Gostlin Durham Advisory Council Dan Carter; Esther Enyolu; Jake Farr; Dr. Vidal Chavannes; Cynthia Davis; Elaine Popp/Don Lovisa; John Henry; Sue McGovern; Kerri King; Steve Yamada; Kelly LaRocca; Peter Bethlenfalvy; Dr. Steven Murphy; Norah Marsh; Tracy Paterson; Chris Darling; Christina Curry CONTACT US This Week Phone: 905- 579-4407 Newsroom: 905-215-0462 Sales: 905-215-0424 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Fax: 905-579-2238 Web: www.durhamregion.com Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at durhamregion.com Delivery For all delivery inquiries, call 905- 579-4407 or visit the Contact Us page on durhamregion.com. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT DURHAMREGION.COM I recently spoke with a landscaper about the work he has been doing this fall. One of his comments reminded me of the importance of using companies with not only a proven track record, but also with safety protocols in place. We discussed the basics, such as showing up on time and cleaning the property prior to leaving for the day. Some of the things he shared I knew about and others I didn't. It prompted me to think about a checklist to use when hiring a contractor. Here is a short list of thoughts to help ensure a smooth renovation: • Insurance. Make sure that the contractor has insurance and that his employees are covered under workmen's compensation. In the event a contractor does not carry insurance, an on-site injury may become the responsibility of the homeowner. • Licensed. Many companies use licensed trades and are unionized. Using companies that have workers that are not licensed can result in issues. Having employees that are licensed is a good indication the contractor is experienced. • Deposits. The landscaper I spoke with mentioned these can be risky. Typically, a deposit is required when material is being ordered to cover the cost of having, in this case, stone and gravel delivered as the job begins. I have several clients who have lost deposits when a contractor does not deliver what has been agreed to. • Referrals. A current list of clients the contractor has worked with over the past 60 days helps the homeowner to have confidence in the work being completed. I have found many contractors who are happy to offer names and contact information. • Google reviews. I have found that Google reviews are the best review site when you are doing research on a contractor. They can be telling on how a business operates. The reviewer needs a Google email address and can only make one review, unlike other review sites that can be less accurate. • Experience in dealing with municipalities and obtaining building permits. Many homeowners are unaware when a building permit is required, and a work stoppage can happen if the contractor begins work without the required approvals. There is a certain amount of risk taken on whenever a homeowner hires a company to work in their home. I have spoken with clients who made assumptions on the expertise of a contractor and ended up with work that was delayed, over budget and in some cases stopped by the city. The landscaper I chatted with was heading to Ajax to remove the stonework another company had installed, reinstalling it for the homeowner. He felt bad for the client as it was an easy job and, now, they were paying twice. Lindsay Smith is with Keller Williams Energy and has been a Durham Real Estate Broker for 36 years. He can be reached at lindsay@buyselllove.ca. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR LINDSAY SMITH WITH SOME VALUABLE TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS What makes an intelligent community? It's a place where data and technology improve municipal service delivery and infrastructure. Where collaboration and innovation are a part of every plan. Where digital transformation is encouraged and welcomed. Durham's innovative network of government programs, academics and community partners are working together to create a better place for residents to live, work and play. Durham Region is an intelligent community -- in fact, we were recently named, by the Intelligent Communities Forum, one of the top seven intelligent communities in the world. The forum's prestigious top seven list recognizes communities which exemplify best practices in broadband deployment, workforce development, innovation, digital inclusion and engagement. As an organization, the Region of Durham is undergoing digital transformation and leading the way in innovation, with initiatives such as the Regional Broadband Project, CityStudio Durham and the Canada Learning Bond outreach project. Durham also offers a strong network of digital support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, with collaborative initiatives to connect businesses directly to customers, like the Shop in Durham online marketplace. Durham's thriving innovation community is made up of top talent and innovative partners that translate research and development assets into jobs and investment. Durham Region's top intelligent community recognition is thanks to local success stories from the Durham Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum, the Durham Economic Task Force, Access IO, Durham College, Ontario Tech University. Check out the #IntelligentDurham hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to see Durham's innovation community in action. We're not just innovating; we're innovating to solve big problems. We are proud to be recognized alongside other worldclass municipalities and we're confident our innovative community will continue to shine on the world stage. Elaine Baxter-Trahair is Durham Region's CAO. DURHAM NAMED ONE OF WORLD'S SMARTEST COMMUNITIES ELAINE BAXTER-TRAHAIR Column A good crowd came out on Nov. 19 to take in the Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade. Jason Liebregts/Metroland WELCOMING THE HOLIDAY SEASON LINDSAY SMITH Column