NEWS & EVENTS FROM THE LIVING COMMUNITIES

OF MINTO

TORONTO

look inside:look inside:

summer tips!respectrespect your neighbour

keeping toronto green

letter from the vice president.Spring is offi cially upon us and with that comes plenty of excitement. At Minto, we are especially excited and focused on mak-ing your experience with us as favourable as possible. We are appreciative of your business and are very pleased that you have chosen us as your home provider.

Over the past few years, we have invested time and resources into improving our properties for your benefi t. Further, our plan is to continue to invest in our proper-ties in the future to continue to improve your home. Our properties have seen ad-vancements and upgrades in building sys-tems, garages, balconies, roofs, elevators, in suite upgrades, and windows. Along with this, a plan is in place that will ensure our properties stay up to Minto’s high standards over the coming years. From a customer service standpoint, we continue to invest in staff training, namely health, safety, and technical skills such as plumbing, electrical, and small appliance repairs. All of the above has been done to ensure your experience with Minto is the best it possibly can be.

It is no secret that we are very committed to the environment here at Minto. Our com-pany has implemented initiatives including conversion to environmentally preferable cleaning products, energy conservation (e.g. electrical, water, gas consumption), recycling eff orts, and new developments that are leading the industry in environ-mental design for both LEED® and ENERGY STAR® ratings. We at Minto have imple-mented environmental standards to help you live a healthier, more meaningful life

and to contribute to the wellbeing of our planet for future generations.

One of the greatest assets here at Minto is you – our residents. Without your feedback, we would never know what improvements to make. Every time you request work in your home, we leave a comment card let-ting you know we were in your home. This card gives you an opportunity to let us know how we met your expectations. We also have move-in and move-out surveys to gain a better understanding of your expec-tations. Finally, we use JD Power and Asso-ciates to complete an independent annual customer satisfaction survey. Every one of your comments, positive and constructive, helps us to serve you better. I urge you to take the opportunity to communicate your thoughts to us.

If any work is required at your home, please contact us through our Resident Service Centres. We always welcome the opportu-nity to make your experience with Minto a positive one.

Be sure to have a safe and happy spring and summer!

Until next time,

Doug BrunsdonVice President

At Minto, we value the communication we share with our residents. We are also very conscious of the impact we leave on the environment. If you prefer to receive a copy of this newsletter via e-mail, please contact 416-614-7368 and register your e-mail address.

summer tips!Air Conditioners Before installing a window air conditioning unit, you must fi rst receive permission from your Resident Services Centre. When installing your air conditioner, ensure that the balance of the window in which the air conditioner is installed is covered with Plexiglas, Lexan, or another transparent, rigid material similar in appearance to glass. Also ensure that a drip tray is in place at all times to collect condensation and that it is frequently emptied to avoid standing water, spills, and to prevent water damage to the building and grounds. All of these steps are taken to ensure your air conditioner is secured for everyone’s safety

PetsPlease ensure that pets are leashed at all times in any common area. Also, please stoop and scoop – here’s why:

1. Dog waste adds up – Dogs in the GTA produce thousands of pounds of waste per day!

2. It is a health hazard – leaving your dog’s waste in areas where children play exposes kids to parasites such as ringworms as well as bacterial infections. Further, it is a health hazard to your pet and other animals.

3. It is an environmental hazard – dog waste contributes to the bacterial content in riv-ers, polluting beaches and waterways, and degrading the natural environment for fi sh, wildlife and people.

4. Toronto Animal Services (TAS) require that dog waste be removed from public property. If you happen to see an incident of this or other pet related activities, you can report it during normal business hours to 416-338-PAWS (7297)

YardsPlease ensure yards are kept neat and clear to ensure adequate access for lawn cutting and maintenance. Cutting of grass in rear yards will be carried out on a weekly schedule (weather permitting). Any yards left cluttered or having any visible signs of pet waste will not be entered. If you do not wish to have your lawn cut, please place a lock on your gate. Also note that lawn and garage sales are not permitted within Minto communities.

A great time was had by all volunteers at the 2010 Annual Spring Hope Food Drive. Plenty of food was donated to a wonderful cause.

2010 annual spring hope food drive

respect respect your neighbour • Welcome new neighbours with an introduc-

tory note or a friendly chat.

• Maintain the area around your home so that it’s neat and attractive.

• Be conscientious about noises that might disturb your neighbours, such as loud music, raised voices, and barking dogs.

• Return anything that you borrow from your neighbour, such as tools or appliances, as soon as possible. Express your gratitude when you do so.

• Replace anything that belongs to your neighbour that you, your children, or your pets break or soil.

• Respect your neighbour’s privacy.

• Off er to collect mail, water plants and watch the pets while your neighbours are away on a trip.

• Learn from neighbours with cultural back-grounds diff erent from your own.

• End parties at a reasonable hour. While you’re at it, invite your neighbours to come, too.

• Invite your neighbour over for a leisurely cup of coff ee to discuss any problems you may have, or to share good news.

• Throw a house party once a year on a weekend or holiday to socialize with your neighbours.

• Restrain from throwing cigarette butts off of balconies because it is a neighbour safety issue and more importantly a fi re hazard.

If you have approached your neighbours about any problems you have with them and they do not respond to your polite requests to respect those around them, please contact your Minto Resident Service Centre.

we want to hear from you!we want to hear from you!Please fi ll out your Resident Feedback Work Order Surveys and send them in the mail. Filling out this survey is at no cost to you. The postage is pre-paid by Minto.

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TMRogers, the Mobius Design are trademarks of or used under license from rogers communications Inc. or an affi liate. All other brand names & logos are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2010 Rogers Cable Communications Inc.

safety precautions for stove and bbq useElectric stovesElectric stoves are the staple of most kitchens. They heat evenly with coils and electricity tends to be more stable than gas as far as safety goes. However, there are still some precautions specifi c to electrical stoves.

• Clean under the burners regularly to prevent fi res. Extra bits of food that fall under the burner into the tray can catch fi re if the burner is hot enough.

• Since pots are placed directly onto the burner, it´s pretty easy to accidentally touch the hot element. Be careful when reaching across the stove, even if it´s turned off , since the element can store heat for a while afterwards.

• Take care and use protective equipment to put things in the oven. Electric stoves usually have elements at the top of the oven and this can really be a danger when you reach far into the preheated oven.

Barbeques Balconies Provincial legislation prohibits the use or storage of propane inside a building; therefore, barbeques are not permitted on balconies. Those who use barbeques on balconies may be subject to fi nes by the Toronto Fire Department.

Backyards Provincial legislation prohibits barbeques from being stored or operated less than 10’ from the exterior wall or 3’ away from any combustibles (wood railings, siding, etc.). Please note they are not to be secured to the gas regulator in the backyard.

new minto.comWe have launched a new website that is continually being enhanced to easier serve you. Please provide your e-mail address to a Minto staff member at your local Resident Services Centre for enhanced correspondence.

4 reasons renters insurance is criticalrenters insurance is criticalIf you’re renting for the fi rst time, or have been renting for years without insurance, please be reminded that renters insurance is a mandatory condition of your tenancy agreement. Here are some points to consider when purchasing renters insurance.

1. My landlord’s coveredIn most cases, a landlord’s insurance covers only structural damage to the building itself - and many landlord policies don’t even go that far if the damage is caused by a tenant. If you leave the tub running and it turns your fl oor into card-board and dribbles downstairs, damaging your neighbor’s couch, you may be liable for the whole drippy mess.

2. It’s out of my price rangeIs $10 to $20 per month too much? For lower rates, you can raise the deductible. For more protection, you can pay more for replacement-cost coverage where the reimbursement is based on today’s replacement cost rather than original value.

3. I’m in a great building and I’m not worried about securityRenters insurance extends beyond on-premise theft and hazards. If your suitcase is stolen while you’re on vacation, you’ll likely be covered, same with property stolen from your car.

4. My stuff isn’t really worth muchYou might be surprised at how quickly all those books, CDs and kitchen appliances add up.

bed bugs and other pestsIf we have any pest problems (bed bugs, ants, squirrels, skunks, cock roaches, rats, etc.) in your unit, do not delay – call Minto Resident Services immediately. We will then get experts to assess the situation ASAP and determine the best methods to be used to treat them.

Do not over react. Although bed bugs can be annoying, they can be battled safely and successfully if we adopt a well-considered strategy. Firstly, it is important we properly identify your pest. There are many other insects that bite and have similar symptoms therefore examine and make sure it is the right one we are treating.

Before using pesticides Do not apply pes-ticides unless we fully understand what you are applying and the risks involved. Do not dispose of furniture that is useful. Infested furniture can be cleaned and treated. Placing infested furniture (particularly mattresses) into common areas or on the streets may simply help spread bed bugs to the homes of other people. Infested furniture intended for disposal should be defaced to make it less attractive to other people.

Treating properly When treating bed bug infested items, be careful not to mix them with non infested items such as clothing for they will spread fast. (For example never replace the treated bed sheeting in the basket use to transport the infest sheets in the fi rst place). Also never be too sure we have elimi-nated all bed bugs unless we go over a year without any problems. Bed bugs can survive up to a year without a food source.

Preventing Do not place furnishing so close to walls and crevices, for this helps the bed bug transportation system. Do not throw items on to the fl oor that leads to clutter. Please do not shower or bath in high temper-atures for it will irritate the skin more. Scratch-ing when bitten will spread the irritation on the skin. Instead use calamine lotion or non itch cream to treat it, as well as applying ice.

Toddlers learn early that outside is where the fun is. The sounds of the outdoor world send them running to the window to investigate. If a window is open and there’s nothing but a screen between the child and the outside, that child is in danger of falling through. Window locks and guards are a good choice to protect a child from becom-ing one of the children that are killed or seriously injured by falling out of a window or from the balcony of an apartment.

Window LocksWindow locks keep windows from opening all the way. Locks can be positioned so a window opens only a few inches. This way, fresh air can come in and children can’t fall out. It’s important to make sure the opening is small enough a child can not squeeze his head through the opening.

There are myriad locks on the market and they are easy to install. Most have child-proof mechanisms for shifting locks if it is necessary (and safe) to open a window all the way.

Window GuardsWhile locks allow windows to be partially opened, window guards allow windows to be opened all the way for maximum venti-lation. The guards are made of metal bars placed across the window to prevent falls. Like locks, guards have a release mecha-nism so the guard can be removed if a window needs to be used as an emerge-ncy exit. Guards can be purchased at most hardware stores and are easy to install.

toddler safetytoddler safety

keeping toronto greenHere are a few friendly reminders regarding garbage and recycling collection for you – our residents. Together we can help keep Toronto clean and green!

Large appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, water tanks, oil tanks, air conditioners and furnaces are not collected with your regular garbage. Please refer to the Yellow Pages under “Recycling Services” to make disposal arrangements.

Garbage should be placed in an approved size garbage can and/or plastic garbage bag. No kitchen catchers! Small grocery bags or kitchen catchers should be placed in a regular sized garbage bag or garbage can.

Take these back – used motor oil, tires, antifreeze, batteries, unused/expired medication, computers, needles and syringes are not collected with your regular garbage. For more information please click on the ‘Garbage and Recycling’ link on the City of Toronto website – Toronto.ca

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get more. rent minto.2 and 4 Hanover Road (905) 790-6022

2700 Aquitaine Avenue(905) 458-6095

1229 Marlborough Court(905) 901-0039

High Park Village65 High Park Avenue(416) 507-7708

177 Jameson Avenue (416) 539-0453

37 Lord Seaton Road (416) 644-1294

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150 Roehampton Avenue(416) 322-6210

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York Mills and Leslie740 York Mills Road(416) 444-0322

Minto Yorkville61 Yorkville Avenue(416) 596-6161

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