From Pumpkins to Potholes: Toronto’s Guide to Surviving October 🍁
Buttoning Up for a Toronto October
As October settles over Toronto, crisp mornings and colourful streets remind us that winter is just around the corner. Now’s the time to button up our homes—clearing gutters, checking furnaces, and keeping drafts at bay. The city buzzes with Thanksgiving gatherings, pumpkin patches, and the start of hockey season, but a little fall maintenance ensures comfort lasts well beyond the festivities. With preparation today, you’ll enjoy a warmer, stress-free season tomorrow.
🍂 6 Tips for Living in Toronto This October
Clear the Gutters, Not Just the Calendar
Falling leaves are pretty until they clog drains. A quick clean now prevents icy backups later.Check Your Furnace Before the Leafs Check the Puck
Book a service call early—technicians get busy once the real chill sets in.Draft-Proof Like a Pro
Toronto winds sneak through windows and doors. Weatherstripping and caulking keep your heating bill in check.Layer Up for TTC Waits
October mornings can be frosty while afternoons feel mild. Dress in layers so you’re ready for anything.Celebrate Local Harvests
Hit up St. Lawrence Market or a neighbourhood pumpkin patch—fresh produce now means hearty, cozy meals later.Mind the Trick-or-Treat Traffic
Halloween means extra little ghosts and superheroes crossing streets. Slow down and keep the porch light friendly.
Here is a maintenance guide to look at prior to calling Shelterly for service.
Often, we receive maintenance requests for small issues that can easily be resolved by our tenants. By sending out maintenance staff for easily addressable maintenance items, the cost to operate increases for the property and eventually your rent will increase.
Why not take minute to read our guide to see how you can take initiative, keep costs and rent increases down, and feel good about handling a task all by yourself!
If you can’t resolve the problem, we will solve it.
Click below to sign into your account and get the help you need.
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 our Support Team immediately. Together, we can maintain a secure and comfortable living environment!
🏠 6 Ways to Prep Your Toronto Home This October
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Check Heating Systems
Have your furnace or boiler inspected before the first real cold snap. In condos, check your unit’s HVAC filters and schedule any required building maintenance.
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Seal Drafts
Toronto winds can be sharp—apply weatherstripping, caulking, or window film to keep warmth in and utility bills down.
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Clear Gutters and Balconies
For houses, remove leaves from gutters to prevent ice dams. In condos, keep balconies free of debris to avoid water buildup.
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Check Smoke & CO Detectors
October is Fire Prevention Month—replace batteries and test alarms to keep your home safe.
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Prep Outdoor Spaces
Houses: shut off and drain outdoor faucets, store hoses, and cover patio furniture. Condos: secure plants and furniture against wind.
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Stock Cold-Weather Essentials
Keep salt, shovels, and snow brushes handy for houses. Condo residents should review building snow-removal policies and be ready with winter footwear for slippery sidewalks.
Now the fun stuff!
🎃 2-Minute Microwave Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients (1 serving):
1 cup milk (any kind)
2 tbsp pumpkin purée
1 tbsp sugar, maple syrup, or honey
¼ tsp pumpkin spice mix (or cinnamon + nutmeg + ginger)
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup strong coffee or 1 shot espresso
Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
In a large microwave-safe mug, whisk together milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla.
Microwave for 90 seconds until hot (watch it doesn’t boil over).
Stir in hot coffee or espresso.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
Extra tip: Make a batch of pumpkin spice mix ahead of time (as I gave earlier), so you can whip this up anytime in minutes.
🌙 Nuit Blanche: Toronto’s All-Night Art Adventure
Every October, Toronto transforms into a citywide art gallery for Nuit Blanche. From sunset to sunrise, streets, parks, and public spaces are filled with dazzling installations, performances, and interactive exhibits. It’s free, it’s creative, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture after dark. Whether you stroll through downtown or explore neighbourhood pop-ups, Nuit Blanche is a night where Toronto feels more alive than ever.
The Well
Designed by II BY IV Design, the lobby mixes quiet elegance with bold touches — think bronze accents, inlaid terrazzo floors, a tasteful color palette, and built-in seating zones and kitchenette areas. It aims for a hotel-meets-urban vibe.
