“March in Toronto is a wildcard—layer up, because Mother Nature is still figuring things out.”


Spring is in the Horizon: Time to Inspect and Maintain Your Property!

As the weather warms, it's a good time to inspect your property for issues that may have arisen during the colder months. Our team at Shelterly - Professional Property Management Services in Toronto will send out inspections via your portal in the next 4-6 weeks to assess your property’s status. This is an opportunity to report any maintenance items you've overlooked.

If you have a maintenance request, please log in to your portal or mobile app (Android or iOS) to submit it. Our team is committed to providing efficient service to ensure your property is well-maintained for the warmer weather. Addressing any issues now can prevent larger problems later. Let’s work together to keep your property in top shape for spring.

A man in a trench coat and bow tie wearing a plaid fedora hat looks through a magnifying glass, with smoke coming from a pipe in his hand, promoting home safety with the message 'Let's keep your home safe.' in bold white letters, and the shelterly logo.

Safety Starts with You: Be Proactive in Your Home

Tenant safety is a top priority, and it starts with you. Always keep an eye out for potential hazards and take precautions to stay safe. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month - if they do not work, please get in touch with us immediately. If you notice any safety concerns—like faulty locks, broken stairs, or fire risks—report them to the Support Team immediately. Together, we can maintain a secure and comfortable living environment!

Spring Tips:

  • Purple and white crocus flowers blooming in the snow at sunrise or sunset.

    Prep for Spring Thaw

    Melting snow can sometimes lead to leaks or dampness. Check areas like your basement or window wells for signs of water and notify Shelterly immediately if you spot anything unusual.

  • A handwritten cleaning checklist on a notepad with colored highlighting and labels for different rooms, including kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, with a hand holding the notepad.

    Start a Spring Cleaning Routine

    Use the changing season to declutter and deep clean your space. Focus on often-overlooked areas like baseboards, vents, and behind appliances to keep your rental fresh and inviting.

  • A wooden outdoor table covered in snow, with a matching wooden chair beside it, on a balcony with a white metal railing, overlooking a snowy urban scene.

    Plan Ahead for Balcony or Patio Use

    If your rental has outdoor space, start thinking about its upkeep. Remove any leftover snow, check for loose railings, and report any needed repairs to the Shelterly team.

  • Red fire extinguisher mounted on a light blue wall.

    Inspect Outdoor Areas for Damage

    Winter can take a toll on outdoor spaces. If you notice loose steps, damaged walkways, or anything hazardous, let Shelterly know so it can be addressed before spring fully arrives.

  • Sunlight shining through a window with curtains and a view of snow-covered trees outside.

    Maximize Natural Light During Winter

    Brighten your home by opening curtains during the day to let in natural light and reduce energy use. Clean window panes to make the most of shorter daylight hours.

  • Close-up of a corner with exposed concrete and a patch of wet concrete or cement on the floor.

    Check the basement for leaks during thaws

    As temperatures rise and snow begins to melt, it’s essential to inspect your basement for leaks or signs of water damage. Look for damp spots, water stains, or unusual odors. Catching issues early can prevent costly repairs and protect your belongings. Report any concerns to your property manager immediately!

Spring is also inspection season.

Follow the 6 steps below to prepare your property for inspection.

  • A woman with long wavy hair, wearing a black shirt, standing in a modern kitchen with open wooden shelves, a marble countertop, a faucet, bowls of fruits, bottles of oil or vinegar, and decorative plants.

    1. Tidy Up the Space

    Ensure your home is clean and presentable by tidying up common areas, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces. A neat space makes the inspection process quicker and smoother for everyone involved.

  • A sign with a red background and white symbols, featuring a medical cross on the left and a heart on the right.

    2. Check Safety Features

    Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries if needed and let our support team know of any concerns.

  • Close-up of hands using a Makita cordless drill to connect a plug to an electrical outlet.

    3. Address Minor Repairs

    Fix any small issues, such as replacing burnt-out light bulbs or tightening loose screws. For larger maintenance concerns, submit a request through the tenant portal in advance.

  • A stack of cardboard pizza boxes leaning against a purple door with decorative paneling.

    4. Clear Access to Utilities

    Ensure that areas like the furnace, water heater, and electrical panel are easily accessible for our support team to inspect. Remove any clutter that might block access.

  • A cute French Bulldog puppy lying on a yellow background, looking up with large ears and expressive eyes.

    5. Secure Pets

    If you have pets, make arrangements to secure them during the inspection. This keeps both your pets and our support team comfortable and safe.

  • Two men in business attire sitting on a black leather couch in a modern high-rise office, looking at a laptop and smiling, with city buildings visible through large windows behind them.

    6. Communicate Any Issues

    Use the inspection as an opportunity to report any maintenance needs or concerns. Our support team is here to help keep your rental in great condition for you.

Download our spring inspection checklist.

Click Here

Now the fun stuff!

Easy, Homemade, Nutella Hot Chocolate!

A glass mug filled with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup, with more whipped cream and chocolate pieces in the background.

Nutella Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups low fat/skim milk/Substitute

  • 2 tablespoons Nutella

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Optional Toppings:

  • Marshmallows

  • Crushed hazelnuts

  • Chocolate chips/syrup.

  • Extra Nutella

Instructions

  • Heat milk in a medium sized saucepan on medium-high heat until beginning to warm and steam. Add the spread, cocoa powder and sugar, and whisk until dissolved and combined. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring, and take off heat.

  • Serve with your desired toppings.

Online art exhibitions webpage with colorful abstract art in a gallery setting, featuring large white text and pink and blue buttons for exploration.

Online art exhibitions.

Unlimited by reality. Accessible for everyone - Art Lovers & Art Collectors.

Visit 3D art exhibitions from the comfort of your browser. Acquire art directly from the artist.

https://discover.virtualartgallery.com/

Luxurious bar with illuminated bottles on glass shelves, dark leather seating, floral decor on tables, and a glossy ceiling with abstract art.

Louix Louis

Ensconced on the 31st floor of the St. Regis Toronto , Louix Louis makes an immediate impression with its bar display of over 500 dark spirits (it’s one of the largest collections in North America). 

Overhead, Toronto artist Madison van Rijn’s stunning, 60-foot ceiling mural—inspired by a glass of Canadian whisky—pays tribute to Toronto’s heritage as one of the largest distillery districts in the world at the turn of the 19th century. 

Louix Louis
325 Bay Street.
Toronto, Ontario, M5H 4G3

visit their website
Two white square bowls filled with chili topped with green onions and purple cabbage on a wooden surface with a spoon and beige cloth.

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add olive oil to the pot if needed. Sauté the chopped onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

  3. Brown the Beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

  4. Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.

  5. Deglaze with Beer: Pour in the beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

  6. Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans: Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, black beans, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and the cooked bacon. Stir to combine.

  7. Secret Ingredients: Stir in the dark chocolate, soy sauce, and maple syrup. These additions will deepen the flavor and add complexity to the chili.

  8. Simmer: Add bay leaves. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For best results, simmer for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld.

  9. Adjust Seasoning: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

  10. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve with cornbread or over rice if desired.

THE BEST GOSH-DARN CHILLI, EVER!

Seriously. When’s the last time you made chili on a cold afternoon in March?

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of bacon, diced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80% lean)

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer (preferably a lager or ale)

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste