October is a time of change – changing temperatures, wardrobes (hello sweater weather!), activities as kids go back to school, and menus. With pumpkin spice in everything from your daily latte to specials at the donut shop, it’s also a time when a whole new host of fruits and vegetables are in season. With a little help from the Foodland Availability Guide, and a peek at farmers markets around town, we’ve picked four nutritious and delicious recipes that highlight the best of this season. Bon appetit!

Long live the sweet potato!

While it technically may be seasonal all-year long, nothing says fall quite like the sweet potato. This starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable is high in fibre and rich in antioxidants, promoting a healthy gut and brain. Plus, it’s delightfully satisfying, like a warm hug in every bite. With a little weekend prep, you’ll have everything you need in the fridge, ready to toss together for an easy meal. Consider this recipe for farro, kale, apple & sweet potato salad. Whether you’re taking it to the office or making it on a quick break from coworking, it will power you through the afternoon. You can even swap out sweet potato for butternut squash for a slightly different twist with the same great nutritional content.

Rediscover brussel sprouts.

The secret to brussel sprouts is to keep it super simple (they require nothing more than salt, pepper, and EVOO), and to – and we can’t stress this enough – roast, never boil. Get your fill of vitamin K and vitamin C with this easy recipe. It’s great for a weeknight dinner, or, better yet, gather a group of friends, family, and loved ones, book the dining or party room, and set up for a Thanksgiving feast. Your guests will be floored by this amazing side dish!

An apple a day!

Think apples in the fall and the first thing that comes to mind is usually apple pie (or apple crumble, equally yum!), and while those are definitely two scrumptious desserts that send our tastebuds into overdrive, there are other ways to incorporate an apple a day into your diet. Invite friends over and try this easy recipe for one pan pork chops with apples and onions. Not only will the one-pan approach give you more time to relax and entertain while dinner cooks to perfection, but your guests will also enjoy the benefit of fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants which support a healthy gut and healthy brain. It’s a win-win.

Share a pear with your fur baby.

While in the summertime, peaches, cherries, and strawberries steal the show, come autumn, the pear takes centre stage. Bartlett, Bosc, Green Anjou - there are many different varieties, each with their own unique flavour profile and consistency that run the gamut from soft and tender, to firm and crisp.
According to the American Kennel Club, pears are a great snack to share with your dog because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fibre(they’re also equally fine for felines.) So, when your four-legged friends come in from the snow-free pet run (all of our KG Group communities are pet-friendly, naturally), fix them a treat like these homemade pear oatmeal bites from MyPetcipe.

Now you know what you’re cooking, but how about where to find the ingredients? You can certainly head to the supermarket, but there’s something extra special about visiting a local farmers’ market and seeing what’s in store. Toronto has a great selection of markets, many of which, like the Davisville Farmers’ Market and North York Farmers’ Market, So pick up a pumpkin spice latte, grab your reusable tote, throw on a sweater, and hit the market. Fall is finally here.

If Toronto has a midtown hub - a second heart of the city that acts as a nexus for transit, entertainment, residences, business, and retail - it is undeniably Yonge & Eglinton. Today, the area is a vibrant and affluent neighbourhood, offering the perfect bend of urban convenience and outdoor space, but how did it evolve from cattle fields to Castlefield? Let’s take a look back at the history of Yonge and Eglinton to see how the uptown downtown came to be.

Early 19th century
The neighbourhood is settled by Europeans who establish the farming village of Eglinton. The village becomes part of the largest cattle grazing region in Upper Canada. source

1874

In 1874, a Masonic Hall is built on the northwest corner of Yonge and Montgomery. The first floor is rented to the Township of York for Council meetings. In 1881, a new Town Hall is built on the site, and from 1909 to 1912, the area’s first high school is housed on the second floor. source

1885
On January 26, 1885 The Metropolitan Street Railway begins operating a horse-drawn streetcar route that runs along Yonge Street between the crosstown CPR rail line (near Summerhill Station) and Eglinton Avenue. Rapid housing development soon follows. source
 

1890
As the population grows, the area incorporates and becomes the town of North Toronto. source

1912
North Toronto is annexed to the city of Toronto. source

1913

Oulcott’s Hotel (the former site of Montgomery’s Tavern, famous for being the starting point of the 1837 Rebellion) is purchased by the government and refurbished for use as Postal Station K. Today, Postal Station K is home to Stock T.C., a gourmet grocer and neighbourhood hot spot. source
 

1920s to 1940s

Construction on new houses continues to accommodate the growing population. Architecture consists of Tudor and Craftsman bungalows, and semi-detached Victorian, Georgian and Colonial styles. source

1922

The Capitol Theatre opens on the northwest corner of Yonge and Castlefield. Built for Ronald McClelland, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, the theatre features vaudeville shows and silent films. What it doesn’t include is a candy bar, a concession to the neighbouring Laura Secord shop, just outside the entrance. A refreshment stand won’t be added until 1954. source and source

1932

Fire Station 134 (formerly TFD 28) is built at 16 Montgomery Avenue. The architecture is designed to match the surrounding homes, and today, remains largely unchanged. source

1933

Plans are submitted for a theatre on Yonge, near Manor Road. The simple, unadorned architecture by Kirk Hyslop reflects the overall feeling of the recent Great Depression. Originally named the Oriole Theatre, it is later renamed the somewhat redundant, Cinema Theatre, and eventually, the International Cinema. In 1947, Shakespeare’s “Henry V” plays for a record-breaking nineteen weeks. The theatre is decorated in the colours of the French flag to mark the occasion. source

1954
The Yonge subway line opens its first twelve stations. It is Canada’s first subway and runs 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometres) from Union to Eglinton. The project costs $50.5 million and uses 420 tons of cast iron pipe, 1.4 million bags of cement, 15 million b. feet of lumber, and 10,000 tons of structural steel. source

1961

The first set of plans is drawn up for the Yonge Subway northern extension. The plans are modified several times before being approved by the city in 1967 with new stations at Lawrence, York Mills, and Sheppard. Two years later, a decision is made to further extend the line to Finch. It will be another few years before the line is operational, with the first section opening in March 1973, and the second, one year later, in 1974. source

1960s/70s
The area continues to grow. New office buildings, condominiums, stores, and cinemas bring a large population influx. source

1974
Construction of the Yonge Eglinton Centre finishes. The complex includes a 23-storey rental apartment building at 411 Duplex Avenue, followed by 20 Eglinton West, an apartment building at 33 Orchardview, an office tower at 2300 Yonge Street, and an entire block of retail at the base. source

1980s

50s-inspired diner, Lime Rickey’s, becomes an iconic establishment on Eglinton. Patrons flock to the venue for classic plates, jukebox tunes, and deluxe desserts like “the kitchen sink” – a gargantuan ice cream sundae where 16 scoops of ice cream disappear under a thick layer of crushed up Kit Kat, Smarties, and other assorted candy bars. source  

1998
Metropolitan Toronto and the six municipalities amalgamate into the City of Toronto. Yonge & Eglinton becomes the new "midtown" of the city (a role previously held by Bloor Street). source

2006

Yonge and Eglinton is designated an "urban growth centre" by the provincial government, with the goal of creating a complete, inclusive, livable community with a variety of housing options, community services, building types, public spaces, shopping and economic opportunities, parks, and green spaces. People are already flocking to the neighbourhood, lured by the cheeky moniker, “Young & Eligible,” named for its large demographic of young, urban, stylish professionals. source

2008

Metro announces plans to consolidate the company’s variety of food brands under the Metro banner. This applies to all the Dominion stores in the Toronto area, including the one at the Yonge Eglinton Centre, which has been part of the site for more than three decades. Another long-time tenant? Tamblyn Drugs, one of the original businesses on the northwest corner. They will eventually be sold to Loblaws, then UK pharmacy chain Boots, and finally, Pharma Plus, which still has a location on site today. source

2014

The TTC celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Yonge subway line. Riders note the marked difference between the original cost of a token (10 cents) and the cost today ($2.70). source

2016

Work is complete on the massive renovation of Yonge Eglinton Centre. The project is an impressive example of urban renewal, revitalizing the public realm at the northwest corner with a 46,000-square-foot retail expansion, a 51,000-square-foot interior retail renovation, a 209,000-square-foot office tower expansion and renovation, a publicly accessible green rooftop patio, open year-round, and a 4-storey glass atrium that now functions as a neighbourhood mini-hub. source
 

2024
The new light rail line, Line 5 Eglinton, is scheduled to open, with 25 stops between Kennedy in the east and Mount Dennis in the west. The route will link to 54 bus routes, three TTC subway stations and GO lines. source

What's better than finding the perfect apartment – beautifully appointed, filled with natural light, and located in a prime, transit-friendly area. Picture upgraded finishes and eco-friendly features like green roofs, EV charging stations, individual in-suite climate controls, and ENERGY STAR appliances. How about discovering that this same apartment comes with an enticing lineup of amenities, designed to create a lifestyle that is so much more than just a place to live. This is not just an apartment; it is your dream home come true.
 

From plush private theatres and snow-free outdoor pet runs, to 24-hour maintenance response guarantees, the thoughtful amenity programming offered by KG Group makes modern urban living more attractive than ever. Take a look at just some of the incredible social spaces sprinkled throughout our communities.

Pet-Friendly Spaces for Four-Legged Friends

From 18 Erskine to Harrison, North Toronto to North York, every KG Group community is pet-friendly, welcoming all family members, including the ones with four paws. Whether it’s a friendly greeting (and maybe even a delicious treat) at the front desk, an outdoor snow-free dog run to keep you and your pooch happy and dry during the winter months, or a pet “spaw” for a thorough clean, we’ve got spaces that will keep tails wagging.

Break a Sweat Without Ever Leaving Home

There was a time when a building gym conjured images of a dark space in the basement, with a rusty weight bench, a stationary bike, and some decades-old dumbbells. Those days are long gone. Today, all KG Group communities offer state-of-the-art fitness studios that make it easier than ever to incorporate fitness and wellness into your daily routine.

Enjoy complimentary fitness classes at several of our buildings including Harrison, Roehampton, and 18 Erskine, live-streaming top trainers from the around the world on a 100-inch screen. At 18 Erskine you’ll also find a YOU! Fitness Centre, equipped with a motion cage, boxing simulator, treadmills, ellipticals, weights, spin bikes, and a Yoga/TRX Studio. After your workout, relieve sore muscles in the steam room, or gliding through the waters of one of our indoor pools. For those seeking relaxation and wellness, the options are endless.

Experience the Urban Backyard

Apartment living doesn’t mean giving up outdoor space. Quite the opposite. Grill masters will find a place to fire up the barbeque at Harrison and 18 Erskine on the outdoor terraces. At The Oaks, residents enjoy a stunning 1-acre park and water feature. Roehampton and Canyon offer a private sundeck to soak up some rays. Canyon even has an outdoor pool, complete with a lifeguard, because safety comes first. There are so many ways to enjoy alfresco activity, all year round. Welcome to the even greater outdoors.

Connect, Socialize & Entertain with Ease

As humans, we thrive on connection. That is why every KG Group community has a Resident Service Coordinator dedicated to organizing fun events, educational programs, and helpful services that turn neighbours into friends and build a true sense of community. Plus, every building features a variety of inviting amenity spaces where you can connect, socialize, and entertain with ease. Come join us and experience the warmth of community living!
 

Discover fireside lounges and comfy theatres, where you can binge watch your favourite series thanks to complimentary Netflix and a deluxe A/V system. There are Chef’s Kitchens and private dining rooms. There are business centres, conference rooms, and coworking studios for those times when duty calls. And, for the youngest residents, a Kidz Zone where little kids can dream big in a colourful environment, designed to stimulate young minds. Best of all, every KG Group property offers free visitor parking, so you can invite your nearest and dearest to share the fun.

Exceptional Service and Peace of Mind

Beyond the amazing lounges, flowering gardens, swimming pools, studios, and more, perhaps the most enticing amenity offered by KG Group isn’t a physical space at all, but the peace of mind that comes with exceptional service and 50 years of experience. 24/7/365, our team is working to provide security, maintenance, and the white-glove concierge service that makes every resident feel like a valued member of an exclusive club.

In the end, the perfect apartment is more than just a place to live, it’s a place that fosters a sense of community, wellbeing, and convenience, and elevates your quality of life. When you choose to rent with KG Group, you are unlocking a lifestyle that goes beyond your front door, enriching your everyday experiences. With us, better living makes every moment feel like home. When you move in to a KG Group community, you become a part of the KG Group family.

The clocks have changed, the days are getting longer, Spring has officially sprung! While it may be tempting to head outside and enjoy the warmer weather, a little cleaning now will go a long way to keeping your rental apartment clean and comfortable all season long. We’ve rounded up 5 simple maintenance tasks to check off your list. Open up the windows, let in some fresh air, and let’s get to it.

Deep clean the dishwasher.
A good cleaning will not only remove buildup and help keep your dishwasher running smoothly, it will also eliminate any unpleasant odours or those annoying spots that can sometimes appear on your glassware. The process is simple.

Step one: fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with one cup of distilled white vinegar, place it on the top rack and run a cycle (without detergent or dishes).

Step two: for an extra clean, after running the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the empty dishwasher and run a short or quick cycle.

Clean the lint trap in your dryer.
A full lint trap can increase drying time and is also a serious fire hazard. In addition to a quick cleaning with every load, now is a good time to give it a deep clean.

First, remove any lint. Next, wash the lint trap gently using a soft brush, warm water, and a mild dish soap. While that’s drying, vacuum the slot to remove any excess lint and debris. When the lint trap is dry, put it back and voilà! A better drying experience.

Rotate & flip your mattress
Did you know that regularly rotating your mattress will help it last longer and also help you sleep better? If your mattress is single-sided, a simple 180-degree head-to-toe rotation will suffice. If it’s double-sided, you'll also need to flip it over when you rotate.

Declutter
The change of seasons is a good time to declutter and get rid of things we no longer need. Not only will it help your apartment feel fresh and clean, but it’s also a simple trick to make it feel more spacious.

Go through your closets, your cabinets, your drawers (you can even go room by room if it feels more manageable) and organize things into one of the following categories:

• Keep: Put away where it belongs.
• Toss: Throw it away.
• Donate / Giveaway: Put in a box to donate or give it away.
• Store: Package the item for storage.

Unsure about something? That’s okay. Put it aside to go through later. Just make sure it doesn’t end up in a never-ending limbo pile. Be ruthless. Be honest. Be joyful. Make Marie Kondo proud!

And a word from us at the KG Group Community Maintenance Team

You won’t be the only one cleaning up this Spring. Rest assured that our team is always working to keep every KG community running smoothly and efficiently. Our ongoing Community Maintenance program is constantly taking care of things behind the scenes across all our rental properties.
Here’s a few to look out for:

• In-suite fan coil inspection and filter changes
• Power washing of underground parking garages
• Regular Fire Drills
• Seasonal cleaning and changing of floor mats in all common areas

In addition, all of our communities are covered by our 24-hour Maintenance Response Guarantee. Peace of mind means knowing that if you have a problem, we’re there to help.

If you’ve ever flipped through a décor magazine and fallen in love with a rich aubergine bedroom, a living room in a deep bluey-grey, or a warm terra cotta entry hall, you’re not alone. Neutrals like taupe, white, and beige may have ruled the world of interior design for the last decade or two (and will never go out of style), but it seems that these days, colour is having a moment. And right now, we're swooning over Pantone's 2024 Colour of the Year: Peach Fuzz.

Subtle yet elegant, fresh yet timeless, confident yet relaxed, Peach Fuzz's true strength lies in its versatility. This delicate shade pairs seamlessly with a range of hues, from white, ivory, cream, beige, taupe, and soft shades of grey, to bolder colours like vibrant oranges and blues. Whether used as an accent, or the main act, this soft, warm hue is the perfect way to refresh your apartment. Here are four easy (and budget-friendly) ways to bring the year’s hottest colour into your home. And (bonus!) they’re all small changes that will have a big impact, making them perfect for rentals.

Start Small

Does the thought of colour bring on a cold sweat? Embark on your journey into the world of Peach Fuzz by starting small with some fresh flowers. A bouquet of blush-coloured blooms not only adds a touch of nature to your space, but also introduces the orange-pink shade in a way that’s easy, natural, and completely commitment-free. Tulips, roses, ranunculus – create a beautiful mix, totally tailored to you. 

Add an Accent

If you’re ready for something a little more permanent, but you’re still feeling commitment-shy, dip your toes into the pigment pool with some peachy keen, interchangeable décor items. Think vases, frames, pillows, throws, curtains, or a statement rug. Experimenting with these pieces will let you add a touch of this warm and welcoming shade to your rental, without committing to a major change, keeping your space flexible and full of personality.

Think Bigger

Ready to make a bolder statement? Invest in a larger piece of furniture like an armchair, a side table, or even a sofa in this pretty pastel tone. It might sound counterintuitive, but peach can actually act as a neutral, elevating your apartment and lending an element of warmth and sophistication, without overdosing on colour. Plus, with options at every price point, this is a way to play with the trend without breaking the bank.

Go All Out

For those feeling extra adventurous, consider adding a large piece of art in a bold peach tint, or, even better, turn an entire wall of your apartment into artwork with removable wallpaper – it’s quicker and simpler to install than traditional wallpaper, and comes coated with an adhesive backing, so it can be stuck onto the wall and then peeled off like it was never there. Perfect for rental life.

Peach Fuzz is the perfect hue to enrich our mind, body, and soul, and remind us that warmer days are just around the corner. It effortlessly navigates between the feminine and masculine, bringing confidence and relaxed charm to any space. Give it a try, and see how this velvety hue can awaken a sense of nurturing and belonging, creating a comforting sense of home in your condo rental.

Also, you can look for more information at the blogs:

5 Interior Design Trends That Will Define 2024

Decoring interior with peach colour. All the potencial of Panetone colour 2024