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The post Tips for Keeping Your Apartment Warm & Cozy This Winter appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.
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Love Your Layers
Consider placing area rugs on hardwood or tile floors to add warmth and coziness to your apartment. Not only do they provide insulation, but they also create a comfortable atmosphere underfoot. Decorating your space with soft, warm throws and plush cushions for your sofa and chairs can make a significant difference. Hanging heavy curtains or drapes adds a touch of style and helps keep the cold out and the warmth in during the evenings. Picture luxe fabrics in deep gem tones or bold patterns for some extra flair that’ll complement your cozy vibe.
Dramatize Your Decor
Transform your apartment's decor to reflect the season. Warm lighting with candles, string lights, and table lamps can help set the right mood. Incorporate cozy textiles like flannel or fleece blankets and knit pillow covers for an extra touch of comfort. Invite the season’s spirit into your home with winter-themed decorations such as snowflake bulbs hung from your curtain rod, pinecone candles adorning your end tables, and evergreen branches gathered neatly in a decorative vase. Display your favourite winter artwork or photographs to add a personal touch to your space. The Rideau Canal in Ottawa or MacKinnon Ravine Park in Edmonton offer beautiful settings to snag some winter photos.
Cozy Up with a Warm Drink
Consider creating a dedicated space in your apartment for a hot beverage station. Set up a small table with a kettle, various teas, hot chocolate, and coffee supplies for a comforting treat on chilly days. For a little extra fun, stock up on marshmallows, sprinkles, and whipped cream to garnish your warm drinks. Find a perfect spot to curl up with a good book and escape the winter cold—maybe a relaxing reading area by a window with a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and a bookshelf.
Creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in your apartment during the winter is about attention to detail and an inviting ambiance. Osgoode Properties is dedicated to your comfort, and we hope these tips help you embrace the winter season with open arms. Stay cozy, stay warm, and make the most of this beautiful time of the year.
Consider ways to create a more relaxing atmosphere in your home this winter. Check out 6 Ways to Create a Relaxing Oasis in your Osgoode Properties Apartment.
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]]>The post 7 Outdoor Activities to Warm Up Your Winter appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.
]]>Whether you’re an avid outdoorsperson or a novice looking to try something new, here are some outdoor winter activities to check out in your area.
Sledding
Sledding is great exercise for kids and adults alike. Walking up and down the toboggan hill repeatedly will increase your heart rate, helping to strengthen your cardiovascular health while giving your leg muscles a good workout. All that fresh winter air can help you reset mentally, reduce stress, and offer a break from stagnant indoor air. It’s also affordable, easy, and fun! Be sure to check the conditions and avoid areas that have a lot of trees, roadways, or creeks.
Bundle up and check out a hill in an Osgoode Properties neighbourhood near you:
Ottawa Gatineau Calgary Edmonton Kingston
Fort Henry Toboggan Run, Kingston. Photo courtesy of Iris Van Loon Photography
Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is a fantastic winter activity that allows you to explore the great outdoors while getting in a great workout! It is a low impact form of cardio that helps build strength and endurance in the legs, core, and upper body. Hit the trails and explore while improving your balance, flexibility, and coordination!
If you are resident in one of our Ottawa neighborhoods check out Kichi Sibi Winter Trail! Sponsored by Osgoode Properties, this free-to-explore trail stretches along the Ottawa River Capital Pathway, from the LeBreton Flats just west of Parliament Hill to Dominion Station. The trail is groomed and features two sets of tracks dedicated to cross country skiers.
Find more trails near you at one of the links below:
Ottawa Gatineau Kingston Calgary Edmonton
Kichi Sibi Winter Trail in Ottawa
Skating
Canadians are no stranger to skating! A staple Canadian winter activity, there are many outdoor rinks available to the public. Skating is a great aerobic exercise that targets your legs, core, and strengthens endurance. It can also be a fun outing with friends; grab a hot chocolate to keep warm and hit the ice!
Check out some skating rinks in an Osgoode Properties community near you:
Ottawa Gatineau Edmonton Kingston Calgary
Snowshoeing
Spice up a brisk walk and strap on a pair of snowshoes! Walking in snowshoes is hard work; you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour all while exploring beautiful trails. It’s a fun activity for the whole family, and a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature to boost your mental wellbeing in the midst of winter! Many trails are free or low-cost to access, and snowshoe rentals are widely available if you’re not equipped with a pair of your own.
Find some great trails to hit in your area:
Ottawa Gatineau Calgary Edmonton Kingston
Snowshoeing in Elk Island National Park, Alberta
Hiking
Hiking is not just a summer and fall activity! In fact, hiking in cold air has been proven to increase energy levels and alertness, while the fresh air can help clear your lungs and improve your breathing. Surrounding yourself in beautiful winter landscapes is peaceful and can help de-stress your mind. Take in the sights and bring your furry friends along for the walk. There are sure to be many opportunities to snap a couple pictures!
Check out these gorgeous hiking spots in your region:
Ottawa Gatineau Edmonton Calgary Kingston
Winter trail in Gatineau Park, NCC
Snow Cycling
Cycling in the winter sounds odd, but it is a popular activity! Fat bikes, also known as snow bikes, are an off-road hybrid of the mountain bike. The bikes are equipped with oversized tires and a wider handlebar that allows you to ride on soft and snowy terrain. Snow cycling trails often range in level of difficulty from, beginner to advanced, and can be found close to any number of Osgoode Properties’ rental buildings! Always wear a helmet, stay on designated trails, and follow the rules of conduct on multi-use trails that are also used for other winter sports.
Check out a cycling trail in your neighbourhood:
Ottawa Gatineau Kingston Edmonton Calgary
Fat biking, photo courtesy of the City of Edmonton
Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding
Downhill skiing or snowboarding is so much fun for those who enjoy speed and adrenaline rushes! New to the sport? Lessons are available for those wanting a thrill. But remember – you’ll be feeling the aftereffects of this workout! Skiing and snowboarding can be strenuous, both requiring balance, coordination, and a lot of cardio. They’re great activities for those looking to have fun all while improving your overall fitness level.
Make a day trip out of this activity with family and friends and create some fun memories at one of these spots near your home:
Ottawa Gatineau Calgary Edmonton Kingston
Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff, Alberta
This winter don’t let the weather keep you from staying active. Enjoy the outdoors and embrace all the fun this season has to offer – regardless of where you live!
Check out our blog to find more fun activities in your area, just filter by your location!
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]]>The post Getting Your Apartment Winter Ready appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.
]]>Here are our top tips to help you get your apartment winter ready.
Keep Your Pipes Warm
Water in pipes can freeze and expand in the winter, causing pressure that could result in them bursting. If you are planning on escaping the winter season for a warm getaway, you can help stop pipes from freezing by keeping your heat set to a warm temperature and by opening cabinet doors to help circulate warm air around the plumbing. You can also let your building management team know so they can keep an eye on your unit when temperatures dip below zero. Always check that your drains are clog-free and emptying correctly. Here are some warning signs that may spell trouble in the winter:
- Water is not coming out of your faucets, or the pressure has lowered
- There is frost forming on the pipes in your kitchen/bathroom
- There is an odd smell coming from the drain
If you notice any of these warning signs, please contact building management. Remember, don’t use antifreeze to try and resolve this issue on your own! It’s hazardous to your health and the environment.
Dust Off Your Air Vents
With the transition to cooler weather, check the radiators throughout your apartment to ensure furniture, drapes, and rugs aren’t blocking air flow and preventing the heat from circulating. Open air vents to check for dust and debris, which can be vacuumed or wiped with a damp cloth – and don’t forget the air registers on the ceiling! When you place your hand near your windows, do you feel a small draft? If so, you can apply a window film, add a homemade window stopper, or ask your building management to update the window’s weather stripping. If you experience any issues with heating in your apartment, despite completing your winter checklist, please contact your building manager for help.
Living Room at
Create a Cozy Interior
Investing in warm flannel sheets for your bedroom is a great way to keep cozy in winter, so is updating your living space with new throw blankets. Candles are always a nice way to add warmth to a room and save energy but be mindful when lighting them in your home. Never leave an open flame unattended and keep it away from children and pets. If your apartment has hardwood or tile floors, add an area rug to help keep your feet warm. Rugs in entryways are also a great way to avoid slips and wipe off snow-covered boots. They can also protect flooring from harsh road salt being tracked inside.
Add Some Foliage
Greenspace is hard to find in Ottawa and Edmonton’s cold winter months. Adding house plants to your space can brighten it during the dark of winter. Choose low-maintenance plants with lots of foliage, but make sure to place them away from drafts and in a spot where they get proper sunlight. If you have pets, research your plants ahead of time as some can be toxic to animals when ingested.
Winter-Proof Your Car
Car maintenance is especially important in the winter months. If you park in an outdoor lot, always brush off your car and tires before venturing out. Keep extra windshield washer fluid (specific for winter) on hand and a compactible shovel in your car trunk. When the temperatures dip below zero, start your car and let it run every couple of hours to avoid a dead battery. Always allow yourself some extra time in the winter to travel and be cautious on the roads.
Be a Good Neighbour
At Osgoode Properties, we value community. We can all do our part to keep each other safe this winter. Please notify management if you see any of the following hazards:
- Shingles coming off rooftops
- Branches that are hanging low over pathways, roads, and front building entrances
- Any areas that could collect water and become ice
- Snow accumulated and blocking the front of the building and emergency exits
Now that your apartment is winter ready it’s time to enjoy the season! Need some inspiration? Check out this post for some fun ideas: Winter Activities: How We Do It In Canada.
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]]>The post Gatineau – Winter Memories & Fun! appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.
]]>- Snow Tubing – The worst part of snow tubing is the walk back up the hill, but these great options have a tow to take you back up! For a day of fun you have to try:
- Le Domaine de L’Ange-Gardien – https://domaineangegardien.com/en/snow-tubing
- Edelweiss – https://www.sommets.com/fr/glissades-tube/edelweiss/
- Skiing – Several ski hills are within a quick drive:
- Camp Fortune – https://campfortune.com/en/ – Night skiing available
- Vorlage – https://skivorlage.com/
- Mont Cascades – https://montcascades.ca/ski/
- Edelweiss – https://www.sommets.com/en/ski-mountains/sommet-edelweiss/
- Cross Country Skiing – Our top choice is Gatineau Park
- Considered some of the best x-country skiing in North America.
- Tickets are required – https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park-winter-passes#
- Accessing the Gatineaus for the first time might be intimidating – here are some tips for first time users:
- P3 – rolling hills to the base of Pink Lake is a terrific ski or really challenge yourself and ski up to the top
- P8-P9 – start at parking lot 8 and ski through the woods to parking lot 9 for a beautiful and less intense trail
- These are just the beginning of exploring this incredible region on skis
- Trail condition report
- Going at night? Don’t forget your headlamp.
- Winter Camping – Did you know that you can book a cabin for an overnight winter adventure?
No excuse Gatineau! Get out there and have some fun. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos at @osgoodeapts!
Want to live close to all Gatineau Park has to offer? Make your best move, and give us a call (613-688-2222) or email ([email protected]) today. We can help find you a home with these great trails in your own backyard!
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]]>The post Fun & Free Winter Activities in Ottawa! appeared first on Osgoode Properties Blog.
]]>- Break out the Toboggan – Ottawa has some excellent toboggan hills. Our top picks would be:
- Westboro Beach – Great location with easy parking.
- Arboritum – Beautiful for a winter walk after your day of play.
- Bruce Pitt – You can even bring the fur kids.
- Carlington – This one is steep; in fact, some use it as a ski hill. Fun Fact – the President of Osgoode Properties learned how to ski on Carlington!
- Skating at Mud Lake – A 3.5 km walk in Britannia Village, great for snowshoes or a nice winter walk, brings you to Mud Lake. Tie on your skates and hop on the lake for a beautiful winter day. Do not forget to bring your own shovel if it has just snowed. This gem is a short distance to our communities at Lincoln Park Tower, Lakeview Apartments and Parkway Towers. But it is so pretty it is worth the trip from anywhere in the city!
- City or Park Skating Rinks – Find a rink close to you by going to – https://www.ottawarinks.ca/en/rinklist
Enjoy creating winter memories and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @osgoodeapts!
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]]>SJAM Winter Tail – http://www.wintertrail.ca/
- Offers 16km along the Sir John A. Macdonald river parkway
- Entrances close to our communities at The Juliana, Riverton Park, Parkway Towers and only a few minutes away from Lincoln Park Tower and Lakeview Apartments
Britannia Winter Trail – https://www.facebook.com/BritanniaWinterTrail/
- Offers 8km of trails close to Britannia Beach
- Did you know that the Britannia Winter Trail is an official training trail for the Canadian Ski Marathon?
- Entrances close to our communities at Lakeview, Lincoln Park Tower, and Parkway Towers
Rideau River Trail – https://www.rideauwintertrail.ca/
- Offers 9 km of trails between the Ottawa Hospital Campus and downtown
- Entrances close to our communities at The Faircrest, Riverside Tower, Kingsview Apartments and only a short drive from Eastwood Apartments
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