Now that we’re fully into spring and Daylight Saving Time, our minds and moods naturally move toward lighter things and brighter days.

In real estate, spring has typically meant busy season. While there are signs that market conditions are looking a little brighter, challenges remain.

Progress on policy

There is some progress on housing policy as it relates to action of federal and provincial governments (see our news pages), but more needs to be done (also see news pages and various other pieces of content in this issue).

Indeed, Kirby Heckford, principal at Tillsonburg Developments in Tillsonburg, Ont., has some rather pointed words for those in power: Do more. It’s a sentiment repeated by some of our other columnists, and by those in the industry who understand the implications of inaction better than our governments, apparently, do.

At time of writing, we awaited two key dates: The latest rate announcement from the Bank of Canada on March 18; and the 2026 Ontario budget, to be tabled on March 26. While most experts expect BoC likely to hold rates, we’re hopeful that Premier Doug Ford unveils meaningful measures in the budget, not just hyperbole about convention centres and highway tunnels.

Heckford is even more direct. “We need to get the market going. The province is putting all this money into roads and other infrastructure, yet potential homebuyers are stagnant. Some of them don’t feel good about buying right now. Nothing’s promoting them to buy. There’s no incentive.”

Springing into form

In the meantime, whatever homebuying demographic you might be in, there is lots of other content in this issue to educate, inform and even enlighten you. In addition to our regular contributors in the condo, finance and marketing sectors, for example, we have an expanded roster of experts in active adult living (a growing category, let’s be honest). Everything from exercise to diet to room design to financial retirement planning, there’s plenty here to enjoy.

More informed, better rested, improved lifestyle… everything is here to help you spring into form, whatever awaits.