Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!

Falling mortgage rates are improving affordability and encouraging more Canadians to resume postponed home-buying plans.
Household formation remains resilient despite slower national population growth this year.
More first-time buyers are expected to support activity across the broader resale market.
Market confidence is forecast to improve gradually through late 2026.

Montreal’s long heating season, deep freezes, and older housing stock make windows a common weak spot, affecting comfort and monthly energy costs year after year.
Key warning signs include drafts near frames, frost inside glass, trapped pane moisture, sticking sashes, damaged wood, colder rooms, and street noise.
One or two minor problems may be repairable, but several issues at once, or windows older than 20 to 25 yr, usually favor replacement.
Frame choice matters: vinyl stays affordable and low-maintenance, fibreglass handles big temperature swings, and wood or wood-clad frames suit heritage-minded facades well.
Plan replacements before winter when possible, prioritize strong installation and sealing, and check current Quebec incentives and any required energy evaluation before signing.

As we navigate a shifting real estate landscape in Quebec, many borrowers are experiencing the ongoing challenge of higher mortgage rates and the resulting impact on affordability. While the prospect of lower rates could bring some relief, it's clear that any real improvement will depend on how inflation unfolds, the broader economic environment, and the direction set by the Bank of Canada. For buyers, this means a more cautious approach, with elevated financing costs shaping both purchasing power and refinancing strategies. In my work, I’ve seen how these conditions influence every aspect of a transaction—whether you’re considering a residential move or a commercial investment. Careful planning around today’s financing realities is essential, rather than counting on rate drops to solve tomorrow’s challenges.

We’re seeing a subtle shift in Canada’s housing market as the 6-month trend for housing starts dipped about 1% in mid-Q3, settling near 244,000 annualized units. The monthly annualized pace held steady at approximately 229,000. In larger Canadian centres, actual starts reached 17,700 in the same period—a 2% decline from last year—and the first eight months of this year saw 149,500 starts, down 4%. The volume of homes under construction in cities with more than 50,000 residents slipped by less than 1% month-over-month to 371,700, indicating a robust pipeline even as activity cools. Meanwhile, completions dropped 11% month-over-month to 17,600 units, and permits granted but not yet started nudged up just under 1% to 142,400, suggesting a steady stream of upcoming projects. While housing starts remain higher than in recent years, the overall trend points to continued moderation as we approach year-end. As someone who closely monitors both commercial and residential real estate activity in Quebec, I see these numbers as a helpful barometer for planning ahead and navigating negotiations with greater insight.