An Ontario law came into effect Monday making it illegal for drivers to use hand-held cellphones, BlackBerrys and other electronic devices while behind the wheel.
Drivers are forbidden to use hand-held devices to talk, text or email while behind the wheel, or to use portable video games or DVD players.
Police will be warning motorists for the first three months to stay off the phone instead of handing out tickets. But drivers can still be charged under existing dangerous or careless driving laws, which have fines of up to $1,000, six demerit points, a driver's licence suspension and possible jail time.
The only exception to the ban is a 911 call.
"This law is about keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel," Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said at a news conference in Toronto Monday. "We need to prevent these unnecessary road accidents and I believe this law will do just that."
Hands-free cellphones remain legal, and global positioning systems are allowed if they're secured to the dashboard.
The Ministry of Transport said the ban is needed because driver distraction is a factor in 20 per cent of all road accidents. Bradley said one U.S. study found texting boosted the risk of a collision 23 times.
Starting Feb. 1, drivers could face fines of up to $500 if they're caught violating the ban. There are no demerit points attached to the law.

Professional Representation for Professional Results

Listing your house yourself might seem like an easy way to save money. After all, how hard could it be to place a sign on your front lawn and wait for offers to come in? Judging from the number of property owners who end up switching to a real estate agent after trying the self-sell route, it’s not as easy as it looks!
Potential real estate do-it-yourselfers are urged to consider these points:

1. Am I well versed in the legal requirements involved in selling my house? Am I capable of handling legal contract, agreements and any disputes with potential purchasers either before or after the offer is presented?
2. Do I know all the necessary steps involved in listing the property? Am I familiar with inspection and closing procedures, and all the paperwork involved?
3. Do I have a reputable lawyer who specialized in real estate laws and regulation? Do I have access to qualified inspectors and other professionals?
4. Am I confident that the price I’m listing the house for is fair? Am I comfortable trying to negotiate pricing, and dealing with financing?
5. Is my time flexible for showings, and do I know how to screen unqualified prospects before they take up my time?
Remember that a qualified real estate agent will take care of these details and more, in addition to ensuring that your property is advertised to as many potential buyers as possible through several advertising means.
Call me if you are thinking of selling your house – it’s my job to make it as easy and profitable for you as possible!

Proposed Home Renovation Tax Credit

Keep those receipts organized and ready for tax time! Enhance your home while increasing value!
Here are some examples of eligble expenses:

• Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement
• Windows and door
• New carpet or hardwood floors
• New furnace, boiler, woodstove, fireplace, water softener, water heater, or oil tank
• Permanent Home ventilation systems
• Central air conditioner
• Permanent reverse osmosis systems
• Septic systems
• Wells
• Electrical wiring in the home (e.g., changing from 100 amp to 200 amp service)
• Home Security System (monthly fees do not qualify)
• Solar panels and solar panel trackers
• Painting the interior or exterior of a house
• Building an addition, garage, deck, garden/storage shed, or fence
• Re-shingling a roof
• A new driveway or resurfacing a driveway
• Exterior shutters and awnings
• Permanent swimming pools (in ground and above ground)
• Permanent hot tub and installation costs
• Pool liners
• Solar heaters and heat pumps for pools (does not include solar blankets)
• Landscaping: new sod, perennial shrubs and flowers, trees, large rocks, permanent gardenlighting, permanent water fountain, permanent ponds, large permanent garden ornaments.
• Retaining wall
• Associated costs such as installation, permits, professional services, equipment rentals, and incidental expense
• Fixtures - blinds, shades, shutters, lights, ceiling fans, etc.