8 Friday, December 18, 2020 brooklintowncrier.com Re/MAX is forecasting Ontario markets outside Toronto will likely see prices rise 7 to 12 percent next year after what one of its executives called a "wild ride" in 2020. "People are really looking at their living situations. They are forced to buy and make decisions out of necessity," said Christopher Alexander, Re/MAX executive vice-president for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. "Wants are out the window. It's all about what I need to live comfortably, to be able to work and be with the children. "Next year we're in for more of the same," he said. A Leger survey for Re/MAX Canada found that only six percent of Canadians were motivated directly by the pandemic to sell their home. But 40 percent said COVID-19 prompted them to consider needed reno- vations and 29 percent found they needed more space. Those under 35 were more likely to be among the space seekers. 'Home buyers continued to take advantage of very low borrowing costs in November, especially those looking to buy some form of single-family home. Competition between buyers for groundoriented homes has been extremely strong in many neighbourhoods throughout the GTA, which has continued to support double-digit annual rates of price growth," said Lisa Patel, TRREB President Market conditions tightened in many single-family market segments in November, resulting in double -digit year-over-year increases in average selling prices for detached houses, semi-detached houses and townhouses despite the pandemic. For an update on the market and how it effects the value of your home when you sell! Call us at 905.409.6730 Prices Will Surge Again! In 1974, a newly formed service club of women, passionate about bringing Christmas spirit to the Village, set out to make an Olde Tyme Christmas part of a tradition residents would be happy to embrace. Group 74, as they called themselves, organized a Christmas singsong in Grass Park, where about 200 people turned up, this when Brooklin's population was approximately 1,800. They sang carols led by the Brooklin United Church choir leader and a six-piece band, three of whom were trumpeters. Naturally, jolly old St. Nick arrived when the program ended and gave candy canes to the children. The following year, the group invited Old Tyme Christmas carollers to continue the festivities at the Brooklin Community Centre on Cassels Rd. where they heard a Christmas story, were entertained by the Bells of Bowmanville, met Santa, and made merry over hot apple cider and homemade cookies. The Kinsmen Club provided wagon rides and asked homeowners to turn on their Christmas lights early so riders would have something to marvel at. Faced with the challenge of keeping the occasion inclusive as the community grew, Group 74 reached out to the Town of Whitby, which came up with the plan to incorporate Olde Tyme Christmas with other seasonal events. They formed a partnership with downtown businesses and the festival became Christmas in the Village. Today, it's co-ordinated with Group 74's assistance while costs associated are covered by the Town. In normal times, residents discover the magic of small-town Christmas traditions and fun activities in Grass Park that include a countdown to the lighting of a 40 foot tree, hot chocolate and cookies, the Salvation Army toy and food drive, and old fashioned horse & wagon rides. There have been demonstrations of waltzing and how to make magic reindeer food. This in addition to local entertainment, community vendors, free skating at the Luther Vipond arena and most importantly, photos with Santa. Thanks to the vision of Group 74, what started as simple carolling has become a fun event that keeps the spirit of Christmas alive and well. Brooklin Heritage Society Group 74 Brought Xmas To Grass Park By Jennifer Hudgins