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Showing posts from April, 2025

5 Alternative Living Options That Go Beyond Traditional Housing

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As housing prices continue to rise, many people are exploring simple, flexible, and affordable ways to live. Whether you’re looking to save money, embrace minimalism, or live a more mobile lifestyle, there are plenty of creative alternatives to a standard residential home. Here are five of the most popular options— tiny homes, campers, sailboats, skoolies, and van conversions —complete with pros, cons, and average costs to help you choose the right fit. 1. Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) A tiny home on wheels offers the comforts of a small house with the freedom to relocate when needed. Built on a trailer frame, they’re designed for full-time living and can handle four-season climates with proper insulation. Average Cost $40,000–$120,000 depending on size, finishes, and whether it's DIY or professionally built. Pros Feels closest to a traditional home Fully customizable layouts Four-season living possible with good insulation Low monthly costs when parked on private land Large resale m...

A Glimpse into Kingston’s Darker Past: Notable Tragedies and Events

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Kingston, Ontario, is a beautiful city with a rich history, marked by its strategic location on the shores of Lake Ontario and its historical significance. However, like many cities, its past isn't without its share of darker events that have shaped its identity. While Kingston is often celebrated for its stunning waterfront views, historical buildings, and thriving arts scene, it’s also important to reflect on the moments that have left scars on the community. Let’s take a look at some of the more tragic and unsettling episodes in Kingston’s history. 1. The Kingston Penitentiary and the Dark History of Canadian Prisons The most well-known symbol of Kingston’s darker history is undoubtedly the Kingston Penitentiary, which opened in 1835 and operated for 178 years before it was closed in 2013. This was the oldest maximum-security prison in Canada and one of the most notorious correctional facilities in the world. During its years of operation, Kingston Pen became infamous for its ha...

Aluminum Wiring in Residential Properties: What Homeowners Need to Know

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If you're considering buying or selling a home in Kingston, or even just maintaining your current property, the topic of aluminum wiring is one that might come up. While aluminum wiring was commonly used in homes built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, it has since been largely replaced by copper due to safety concerns. However, aluminum wiring is still found in many homes today, and understanding its risks and potential solutions is crucial for homeowners and buyers alike. Why Was Aluminum Wiring Used? During the 1960s and 70s, copper prices surged, leading builders to seek a more affordable alternative. Aluminum was an attractive choice because it was significantly cheaper and easier to source at the time. While aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, its long-term performance in household wiring has raised some concerns. The Risks of Aluminum Wiring Aluminum wiring poses several risks, primarily due to how it reacts to electrical currents and environmental factors: Expa...