MADD about impaired driving
The latest Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) public service announcement features MADD Canada national president Jaymie-lyne Hancock, whose brother was killed by an impaired driver, urging people to “drop the ‘A’ word.”
“When an impaired driver killed my brother, DJ, some people used the ‘A’ word. They called it an accident, but it wasn’t. An accident implies no one was at fault. But when someone impaired by alcohol and/or drugs chooses to drive, they are fully responsible for the crash that can result.
So, please, for the memory of my brother and the thousands of families whose lives have been shattered by impaired drivers, let’s drop the ‘A’ word,” implores Hancock.
Here’s what I’m thinking: individuals proven guilty of causing grievous injury or death while driving impaired should face the strictest penalties allowed by law. Life imprisonment is on the books.
RCMP STATISTICS
Last month, the Nova Scotia RCMP released its 2021 provincial impaired-driving statistics.
It seems 1,398 motorists don’t comprehend the risks and consequences of driving while impaired.
By the numbers, here are some statistics: 668 charged with impaired operation of conveyance by alcohol; 102 charged with impaired operation of a conveyance by drug; 114 charged with refusal of a demand made by a peace officer; and 514 issued driving suspensions for operating a conveyance while having consumed alcohol.
This year hasn’t started off well. Eight days before the RCMP released those sobering statistics, a woman was arrested near Truro and charged with impaired driving. Her breath sample revealed she was more than four times over the legal limit. She will appear in provincial court at a later date.
The RCMP urges members of the public to call 911 if they suspect an impaired driver. Don’t consider it ratting out someone. Your prompt and responsible action might save someone’s life.
RAISING THE ROOF
I thought I’d offer a few more examples of recent mind–boggling spreads between list and selling prices in the Nova Scotia real estate market.
In Halifax, a three-bed, oneand-a-half bath, 1,900 sq. ft. detached home situated on a postage-stamp lot with no garage was listed for $839,000. It sold in 10 days for $995,000; $154,000 above list.
A 30-year-old 734 sq. ft. condo in north-end Halifax sold in 16 days for $301,050 (weird number); $92,050 above the $202,900 list price. The one-bed, one-bath condo comes with outdoor parking.
In a Halifax-area subdivision, a four-bed, three-anda-half bath, two-storey, vinyl-clad home sold in 17 days for $676,500 - a whopping $166,500 above the $510,000 list price. The boxylooking home sits on a 4,000 sq. ft. lot. There is no garage. The home sold for $385,000 in 2017.
Other recent examples of the spread between list and selling price, and the number of days on the market, include $159,100 (seven days), $150,000 (eight days) and $140,500 (nine days).
The $159,100 above-list example, located in a Halifaxarea subdivision of detached cookie-cutter homes sited close together on tiny lots, sold for $609,000. Five years ago, the home sold for $245,000. The bump of $364,000 in just five years must have put a big smile on the seller’s face.
I believe the strong interest in Nova Scotia real estate is only the tip of the iceberg and will increase when better weather arrives and the pandemic is viewed, for the most part, in the rear-view mirror.
Folks in other parts of Canada, U.S. and Europe are just itching to visit Canada’s Ocean Playground in person to see for themselves what all the fuss is about. I hope there are a few doctors among them.
BUNDLE UNBUNDLED
Lunenburg’s iconic and colourful UNESCO Fresco real-estate bundle has been unbundled.
In October, four historic residential/commercial properties on King Street and one on Lincoln Street were listed on MLS, after being an exclusive $7.8-million bundle with Viewpoint Realty since August.
Owned by the Reibling family, the five properties include a total of nine commercial spaces, eight long-term oneand two-bedroom apartments, and 14 short-term vacation rentals.
Listing agent Stephanie Devries told me in November if the properties didn’t sell as a bundle within six months, the family will likely reassess its position.
Well, it appears that reassessment has occurred, because all five properties are now offered separately. Interestingly, the individual prices still add up to the $7.8-million bundle price.
Devries said there was interest in the bundle from a number of parties, but no offers were received.
“The timing was right to offer the properties individually. There was some interest in the bundle, then when we broke it up, a few of those potential buyers who didn’t want all the properties became interested in one or two of them individually,” said Devries, during a recent update interview.
“The strongest interest in the town’s properties comes from the people who already have investments in town. They understand and appreciate Lunenburg’s rich history, appeal and lifestyle,” she added.
At the time of this writing, no offers had been received on any of the UNESCO Fresco properties.
GEEZER MUSINGS
OK, fellow geezers, this one’s for you.
Not too long ago the following observation was posted online by an individual who appears to be experiencing a somewhat difficult time reconciling the inevitable aging process.
“I see people my age out there climbing mountains and zip-lining, yet here I am feeling good about myself because I managed to get my leg through my underwear without losing my balance.”
Ain’t that the truth! C’mon, fess up, if your hair colour has been silver for some time, or you can remember when the Toronto Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup, you can likely place yourselves in that picture.
Another truth was once expressed by actor John Barrymore: “A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” Keep dreaming, folks, and be careful getting dressed in the morning.