Toronto’s New Land Transfer Tax Starts Today, Chris Bosh Makes the All Stars: TorontoIAM

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New Land Transfer Tax Kicks in Today

Real Estate Intelligence reminds us that Toronto’s new home buyer tax starts today. Von Palmer, spokesperson for the Toronto Real Estate Board calls it a “back-breaking tax,” and says, “We hope it does not affect the market in a negative way.” The board led “a bitter fight last year to block the municipal land transfer tax.” Palmer notes that sales increased after the tax was approved. “In the first two weeks of January, Toronto sales were up 21 per cent over the same period in 2007, while in the 905 area – where the tax does not exist – sales were up by only 5 per cent.”

“We're not suggesting it's because of the land transfer tax. That would be speculation,” said Von Palmer he said. Although he did say people were wondering how to avoid the tax, which affects both residential and commercial properties and is “in addition to the existing provincial tax.” If you signed a deal to buy before December 31, you are exempt, “even if the deal closes after today. Also, first-time home buyers receive a rebate on purchases up to $400,000,” states the post. The tax “will be paid as part of the up front closing costs.”

Chris Bosh to Play in All Stars

Michael Montgomery, with a new post on Raptor’s Den, announces that Chris Bosh was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the second consecutive season. “It’s absolutely well-deserved, as Bosh has really come on strong over the past month and carried this Toronto team on his back.” Jose Calderon got some positive press about his good season, too, even though he wasn’t selected. Calderon “is really underrated… and easily one of the top 10 point guards in the league.”

Bosh joins Jamario Moon and Andrea Bargnani, “as Bargnani and Moon will battle against each other on Friday night in the Rookie Challenge.” The Three-Point Shooting contestants haven’t been announced, so yet another Toronto player may have a chance to participate in All-Star weekend, “possibly giving defending champion Jason Kapono a chance to defend his throne.” In other Raptors’ news, writes Montgomery in his post, T.J. Ford is said to be “close to returning to practice with the Raptors, even though no timetable has been set for his return.”  The Raptors will face the Lakers tonight at the ACC.

Black History Month Events around Toronto

Toronto City Councillor Gord Perks announces some of the City’s activities around Black History Month, which started today. Recognition of the month includes “exhibits, theatrical performances, concerts, walking tours and readings at various locations.” One featured event is the “free public lecture moderated by CBC host Garvia Bailey” on February 5 at Toronto Archives. Dr. Karolyn Smardz-Frost’s book “I’ve Got a Home in Gloryland: A Lost Tale of the Underground Railroad” tells the story of fugitive slaves Lucie and Thornton Blackburn. Smardz-Frost was “winner of the 2007 Governor General’s Award for non-fiction” and will speak about “researching and writing Black History.” 

Students from 10 Toronto District School Board schools “will attend a special Black History Month Celebration at City Hall on the afternoon of February 5.” In addition, the Toronto Public Library will launch a month-long “series of events across the city on February 7 at the Toronto Reference Library.  Details and links to events can be found in Perk’s post.

Gamache Stays in Europe, Leaves Leafs

Tim Wharnsby, for Globe on Hockey, reports that although the Maple Leafs haven’t made an official announcement, 27-year-old forward Simon Gamache has left the organization and “returned to Switzerland to play for SC Bern, a club he competed for last season.” Gamache had been loaned to Hockey Canada “to compete at the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland between Christmas and New Year’s and was part of the Canadian gold-medal winning team.” However, he chose to stay in Europe rather than return to the Marlies in the AHL.

Gamache played 11 games for the Leafs, “scoring twice and assisting on two others before being demoted to the Marlies.” With the farm club, he had four goals and seven points in 17 games. On SC Bern, he’s already “scored four goals and six points in his first seven games.” According to the post, three of his teammates with Bern, Christian Dube, Mark Mowers and Nathan Dempsey, are former NHLers.

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