Creating a home gym doesn’t require a huge footprint or a major renovation, just a bit of creativity and the right equipment. Whether you live in a condo, a townhouse or a home with limited flex space, you can still build an area that supports your fitness goals and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. With thoughtful planning, even the smallest corner can become a motivating, well-organized workout zone.

Here are some practical tips to help you create a small home gym that’s functional, affordable and perfectly tailored to your routine.

Start with portable, versatile equipment

You don’t need an elaborate setup to get a great workout. A few compact, budget-friendly essentials can go a long way:

• A yoga or exercise mat

• A stability (Swiss) ball

• Resistance bands

• A jump rope

• An equalizer bar or lightweight step

These items are easy to store, easy to move and offer endless workout options. Thousands of free online classes, from strength training to Pilates to HIIT, rely on minimal or bodyweight-only equipment – perfect for small spaces.

Choose equipment that maximizes space

Large dumbbell racks and heavy machines take up valuable room. Instead, choose smart alternatives that deliver the same benefits:

• Adjustable hand weights that replace an entire set of dumbbells

• Kettlebells of varying sizes, which are incredibly versatile and easy to tuck away

• Foldable benches or compact workout stools that slide under a bed or into a closet

The goal is to get maximum function from minimal square footage.

Create a multi-purpose workout zone

A dedicated workout area is ideal, but not always possible. If space is tight, think strategically:

• Store your equipment in a labeled bin, basket or rolling cart and keep it near your usual workout spot.

• If you follow online workout videos, use a room with a TV or enough space for your laptop to sit at eye level.

• Consider rearranging furniture temporarily during your workout, then reset the room when you’re done.

• A living room, den or bedroom can easily double as your home gym with the right setup.

Protect your floors (and your joints!)

If you do have a designated spot for exercising, investing in foam or rubber puzzle mats is a smart choice. They:

• Provide cushioning for high-impact movements

• Protect your floors from weights and equipment

• Improve traction to help prevent slips

• Are inexpensive and easy to assemble or store

Because they snap together and don’t need adhesive, you can remove them quickly if you want to repurpose the space.

Add small touches that boost motivation

Even a compact home gym can feel energizing with a few thoughtful elements:

• Good lighting (natural or artificial)

• A small shelf for a speaker or smart display

• A plant to bring in some life and colour

• A basket or tray to keep towels and accessories tidy

• These subtle upgrades make the space feel more purposeful and enjoyable to use.

Keep resale value in mind

While it might be tempting to add built-in features like wall-to-wall mirrors, consider how future buyers might see the space. Permanent fixtures can limit how the next homeowner uses the room. Instead:

• Choose mirrors that hang rather than mount permanently

• Avoid structural changes meant only for gym use

• Stick to upgrades that are easy to remove or repurpose

This ensures your home gym works for you today without affecting your home’s appeal tomorrow.

With the right approach, your small space can become a home gym that’s practical, motivating and surprisingly stylish, proving that you don’t need a large area to create a big impact.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal LePage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

If you want to make a compact room feel brighter, airier and more spacious than its square footage suggests, a few thoughtful design choices can make a big impact. These tried-and-true tips work in any room of the home and suit every budget – with no renovation required.

Lighten up the walls

Lighter paint colours instantly open up a room, helping it feel airy and expansive. White is a classic choice, but soft neutrals, gentle pastels and muted tones can create the same sense of openness. Dark, saturated colours tend to absorb light and visually shrink a room, making it feel more intimate, which can be lovely, but not ideal if your goal is to maximize space.

Use mirrors to visually double your space

Mirrors are one of the most effective tools for making a room appear larger. A full-length mirror, a statement floor-to-ceiling piece or a large framed mirror over a sofa or console will reflect light and create the illusion of added depth. Placing mirrors opposite windows is especially impactful, helping to bounce daylight throughout the room.

Streamline your window treatments

Heavy, long curtains can visually shorten walls and interrupt the flow of the room. For a cleaner, more open look, try low-profile blinds or shades that can be tucked neatly out of sight. If you prefer curtains, choose sheer fabrics or panels that closely match the wall colour to maintain continuity and avoid breaking up the room.

Clear the floor and edit your furniture

Crowded rooms feel smaller. Removing just one unused or oversized piece of furniture can dramatically improve the sense of space. When selecting new items, choose pieces scaled appropriately for the room. For example, apartment-sized sofas and slim-profile accent chairs offer comfort without overwhelming the layout.

Choose furniture that feels visually light

Open, airy furniture helps extend sightlines and keeps a small room from feeling boxed in. Great options include:

• Glass or acrylic coffee tables

• Dining tables with slim silhouettes

• Chairs with visible legs rather than skirting

• Clear resin pieces for modern spaces

These elements allow the eye to travel through the room, creating a more spacious feel.

Keep patterns and decor simple

Bold patterns and heavy textures can dominate a small room. Opt for subtle prints, minimal accessories and cohesive colour palettes to maintain a sense of harmony and openness. One or two statement pieces can shine more effectively when the rest of the room feels balanced.

Maximizing a small space doesn’t mean compromising on style. With the right combination of colour, light, furniture and thoughtful design choices, any room can feel brighter, larger and more inviting. Have fun experimenting and creating a home that works beautifully for you!

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

As home design trends continue to shift toward warmth and personal expression, 2026’s leading paint colours offer a refreshing break from the cool, minimalist palettes of recent years. This year, we’re seeing a strong return to earthy neutrals, rich jewel tones, and nature-inspired hues, colours that evoke calm, sophistication, and depth. 

Whether you’re planning a full home refresh or looking to add modern accents, these trending shades are designed to bring style and balance to any space.

Pantone: Cloud Dancer (11-4201)

Soft, serene, and effortlessly adaptable, Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year brings a gentle clarity to interior spaces. Its warm undertone sets it apart from cooler whites, offering a subtle elegance that pairs beautifully with both muted earth tones and bolder accent colours. In living rooms, it creates a light, open atmosphere that enhances natural light and evokes a sense of calm. 

In kitchens, it creates a clean, refined look, especially when used on cabinetry or walls alongside wood finishes or brushed metal accents. This shade’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for creating interiors that feel both fresh and timeless.

Behr: Hidden Gem (N430-6A)

Rich and quietly bold, this refined blue-green brings a sense of depth and tranquility to interiors. With its smoky, jewel-toned quality, this shade offers versatility across a range of design styles – from modern minimalism to classic comfort. It makes a striking statement on walls or cabinetry, especially when paired with warm neutrals, natural textures, or soft metallic finishes. Whether used as an anchor in a monochromatic palette or as a sophisticated contrast to lighter tones, it adds character while maintaining a sense of calm.

Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki (SW 6150)

Universal Khaki is a warm, earthy neutral that embodies timeless simplicity and effortless versatility. This mid‑tone tan carries gentle undertones that bridge beige and green, giving it a balanced warmth that works beautifully in a wide range of settings. It’s designed to serve as a reliable foundation hue that enhances both modern and classic interiors, creating a calming backdrop that pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone as well as richer accent colors.

Benjamin Moore: Silhouette (AF-655)

Drawing from a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and timeless style, Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette is a deep, sophisticated neutral that blends rich espresso tones with subtle charcoal undertones, creating a hue that feels both refined and grounded. It was inspired by classic tailored suiting and the enduring appeal of well‑made wardrobe staples, resulting in a colour that brings warmth and quiet elegance to interiors without overwhelming them. 

Whether used to anchor a living room, add depth to cabinetry or create contrast with lighter accents, this versatile shade integrates seamlessly into contemporary and traditional spaces alike, and is complemented by a curated 2026 palette designed for layered, harmonious looks.

Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus (8004‑28F)

This naturally restorative green is grounded in warm, muted tones that evoke both comfort and tranquility. Inspired by vintage palettes and outdoor influences, this soft green strikes a balance between serene sophistication and timeless appeal, making it flexible enough for full‑room applications or accent details. Whether used to color‑drench a bedroom for a calming retreat or refresh cabinetry in living spaces and kitchens, Warm Eucalyptus brings a sense of nostalgia and harmony that aligns with a growing desire for more intentional, nature‑rooted design.

Glidden: Warm Mahogany (PPG 1060-7)

For 2026, Glidden’s featured hue reflects a shift toward richer, more expressive colour in interior design, embracing warmth and personality over cool minimalism. This deeply saturated red‑terra tone brings a sense of comfort, depth, and timeless expression to rooms, making it suitable for spaces where connection and character matter, from cozy dining areas and intimate living rooms to accent walls that anchor a scheme. It pairs beautifully with natural textures like wood and leather, as well as soft metallics, providing both a dramatic focal point and a grounded backdrop that works with a broad range of décor styles.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal LePage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself:

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and preparation can make all the difference. Before you start booking showings or scrolling listings late into the night, taking a few key steps upfront can help you shop with clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge.

In a market where inventory can be limited and competition can increase during the peak spring season, being prepared isn’t just helpful – it’s strategic. Here’s how to set yourself up for success before you begin your home search.

Start with a clear wishlist

Before looking at homes, take time to define what you actually need versus what would simply be nice to have. Create a list and rank your priorities.

Consider the essentials first:

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Parking requirements

• Layout preferences (single-level vs. multi-level, open concept vs. defined spaces)

• Accessibility needs now and in the future

Then think beyond the walls of the home:

• Proximity to work, schools, parks, restaurants, or transit

• Access to community amenities or places of worship

• Commute times and lifestyle fit

Be honest about what you’re willing to compromise on and what’s non-negotiable. This clarity will save time and reduce frustration later.

Narrow down the right neighbourhoods

Where you live matters just as much as the home itself. One of the biggest decisions buyers face is choosing the right neighbourhood, and in some cases, affordability may require flexibility.

If your preferred area is out of reach, expanding your search to nearby neighbourhoods or emerging communities can open up new options. A real estate professional can help identify areas that align with both your lifestyle priorities and your budget.

Find the right real estate agent early

While online listings are a great starting point, there’s no substitute for working with an experienced real estate professional. The right agent brings deep local market knowledge, negotiation expertise, and guidance through every step of the process.

They can:

• Help refine your search based on real-time market conditions

• Flag opportunities and potential concerns you might miss

• Guide you through offers, conditions, and timelines

• Assist with selling your current home, if applicable

Finding an agent early means you’re not navigating these decisions alone.

Build a realistic budget

Before committing to a price range, take a close look at your full financial picture. This goes beyond what a lender may say you qualify for.

Factor in:

• Monthly mortgage payments

• Property taxes and utilities

• Insurance and ongoing maintenance

• One-time costs like closing fees, land transfer taxes, moving expenses, and potential renovations

• Other regular debt repayments, such as car and student loans

• Contributions to RRSPs, RESPs and other long-term savings plans

• Your lifestyle and the expenses that come with it, such as childcare, pet care, vacations, and discretionary spending

The goal is to feel comfortable – not stretched – once the purchase is complete.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Mortgage pre-approval is one of the strongest tools you can have as a buyer. Once you know your down payment amount and monthly comfort level, a mortgage professional can provide a written pre-approval outlining what you can afford.

This step:

• Clarifies your true buying power

• Helps you act quickly when the right home appears

• Strengthens your offer in competitive situations

• May reduce or eliminate the need for a financing condition

In fast-moving markets, a pre-approval can be the difference between securing a home and missing out.

Buying a home starts long before your first showing. By getting organized, building the right team, and understanding your priorities and finances upfront, you will be in a much stronger position to succeed.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Hardwood floors are one of the most timeless features a home can have. Whether they’re original planks in a century home or a recent installation, hardwood flooring brings warmth and character to the home, and that character is worth protecting.

With the right maintenance and care, hardwood can last for generations. From a purely practical standpoint, it is one of the most financially rewarding features in a home to maintain. Homeowners may recover more than their project cost at resale, particularly when refinishing existing hardwood floors – one of the few improvements consistently shown to deliver strong cost recovery.

Here’s how to keep your hardwood floors in excellent shape.

Daily protection

A strict shoes-off policy at the door is one of the most effective things you can do for your floors. Road salt, slush, winter grit and sandy summers are genuinely destructive to hardwood finishes and can cause damage that builds invisibly over time.

Your first line of defense: use an oversized entryway mat that offers plenty of room for people to stand and remove their footwear. Providing a dedicated space for wet shoes to dry prevents moisture from migrating to your hardwood and causing long-term damage.

Beyond the entryway, attach felt pads to the legs of all chairs and rubber pads for heavy furniture. Replace when they wear thin or you notice dirt collecting. Clean up spills immediately – wood and standing liquid are not friends. Area rugs add another layer of protection, especially in high-traffic zones or kids’ play areas.

The right way to clean hardwood floors

For daily maintenance, sweeping or vacuuming with a barefloor attachment removes the fine dust and grit that act like sandpaper underfoot. Stick to spot cleaning with a weak baking soda paste for scuffs, and a mild dish soap for other spills. Be sure to dry thoroughly when finished.

Go in for a deep clean once every month or two, avoiding extra moisture at all costs. Never use a traditional wet mop or a steam mop, as water sitting or seeping between boards can cause swelling, warping, and structural damage that is difficult and costly to reverse. A slightly damp microfibre mop, used sparingly and always in the direction of the grain, is the right tool for the job.

When it comes to cleaners, use a pH-neutral dishsoap, castile soap or cleaning product formulated specifically for hardwood. DIY recipes involving vinegar, lemon and household oils should never be used on hardwood floors. The acidity in vinegar and lemon juice can gradually eat away at your floor’s protective finish, and adding oils like olive oil creates a slippery, dirt-trapping residue. For the longevity of your investment, stick to a pH-neutral cleaner as mentioned above that respects the finish rather than destroying it.

Managing the Canadian climate

Hardwood floors respond to the seasons, expanding in humid summers and contracting in dry winters. The ideal indoor humidity range for hardwood floors is between 35% and 55%, and maintaining that consistency year-round is an important factor in their longevity.

In winter months, the air inside the home is drier, so using a whole-home or room-specific humidifier helps prevent the boards from shrinking and gapping. In summer, air conditioning usually keeps the humidity level at an optimal level. Hygrometers are readily available so you can monitor levels easily.

Know your floor before you restore it

Before attempting any significant maintenance or repair, it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re working with.

Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood from top to bottom. Because of its depth, it can typically be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a true generational floor. Engineered hardwood consists of a real wood veneer bonded over a plywood base. It handles humidity fluctuations better than solid wood, but its refinishing potential depends entirely on the thickness of that top layer. When in doubt, consult a flooring professional before proceeding.

Refreshing and refinishing

Even beautifully-maintained floors will show wear over time. Recoating is a lighter-touch option for minor surface scuffs, as it adds a fresh layer of finish without heavy sanding and can restore the look of a floor dramatically. For deeper scratches or significant wear, a full refinish involves sanding down to bare wood and reapplying a new finish entirely. Both are best handled by a professional.

Hardwood is a permanent asset that bridges a home’s past with its future. A simple commitment to maintenance ensures the character of your space remains as enduring as the wood itself, and in turn, will serve your home for generations.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal Lepage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Earth Day Family Drop-in: April 19, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Douglas J. Husband Discovery Centre, 4450 Clarence Taylor Cres.; Connect with nature this Earth Day and come to the Discovery Centre for free crafts and activities. Reserve your spot for free at cityofdelta.perfectmind.com.

Click here to view the housing market update charts.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.

Yesterday, Royal LePage® released its Q1 2026 House Price Survey. Below are highlights from the report for the Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, housing market.

• The aggregate* home price decreased 4.5% to $1,174,500 year over year in the first quarter of 2026. On a quarterly basis, the aggregate price of a home in the region decreased modestly by 0.4%.

• The median price of a single-family detached home decreased 5.7% year over year to $1,660,800.

• The median price of a condominium decreased 4.8% to $729,000.

• In the city of Vancouver, the aggregate price of a home decreased 3.9% year over year to $1,366,800 in Q1 2026.

• The median price of a single-family detached home decreased 5.4% to $2,160,400, while the median price of a condominium declined 4.6% to $780,100.

• Royal LePage is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in Greater Vancouver will decrease 3.5% in the fourth quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter last year.

Thursday, April 16th, 2026 – “The market has been on a gradual upswing in recent months as we approach the spring season. In March, transaction volume increased notably month over month, suggesting that consumers are beginning to re-engage. We’re also seeing the return of multiple offers and stronger foot traffic at open houses, and anecdotally, agents are reporting increased activity,” said Randy Ryalls, managing broker, Royal LePage Sterling Realty. “Buyers are engaged and responding to well-priced, well-presented inventory. We’re also continuing to see a higher number of ‘subject to sale’ offers, which indicates that both move-up and downsizing buyers are present in the market.”

Ryalls added that a significant share of active listings in Greater Vancouver have undergone price adjustments or expired, indicating that many sellers are still working to align their pricing with current market conditions.

“Signs are pointing to a stronger spring market in 2026, with rising buyer traffic, declining days on market, and renewed interest offering early momentum – though this likely won’t result in price increases for some time. The key challenge will be aligning buyer and seller expectations, which will be critical to unlocking more consistent activity in the months ahead,” said Ryalls. “At the same time, geopolitical and economic uncertainty will continue to play a role, with many consumers closely watching the headlines as they navigate their next move.”

Royal LePage is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in Greater Vancouver will decrease 3.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter last year.

Nationally, the aggregate price of a home in Canada decreased 2.0 per cent year over year to $812,900 in the first quarter of 2026. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, however, the national aggregate home price remained relatively flat, increasing just 0.7 per cent.

“In a typical spring, Canada’s housing market would already be gaining momentum, but persistently low consumer confidence remains a drag on activity – especially in our most expensive markets,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “That hesitation is being driven by uncertainty beyond our borders. The inflationary impact of America’s war with Iran is pushing energy prices higher, with ripple effects across the broader economy, while ongoing trade negotiations ahead of the CUSMA review are adding to concerns about economic stability and job security. For many Canadians, the headlines are hard to ignore.”

That sentiment can be seen in a Bank of Canada survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025, where Canadians were asked when they believe Canada–U.S. trade tensions had – or will have – the greatest impact on the economy and inflation. Half of respondents (50%) indicated that the most significant effects are still to come, while 27 per cent believe the worst has already passed.

“Three factors figure prominently in today’s sluggish market: hesitant first-time buyers, a return to sell-before-buy behaviour, and limited inventory in several key markets,” added Soper. “First-time buyers are the engine of the housing market, and when they pause, it ripples through every segment. Move-up buyers are also taking a more measured approach, often choosing to sell before committing to their next purchase; a behaviour we haven’t seen in years. In some regions, however, the issue isn’t demand – it’s supply.

“What’s clear is that many Canadians still intend to move. Our sales professionals, working with buyers and sellers every day, are approaching the spring and summer markets with cautious optimism.”

According to the central bank, nearly one third (29%) of Canadians said they were likely to move within the next 12 months, up from 22 per cent from a year earlier. Similarly, 20 per cent of homeowners said they were likely to sell their home within the next year, up from 14 per cent.[3]

The Royal LePage National House Price Composite is compiled from proprietary property data nationally and regionally in 65 of the nation’s largest real estate markets. When broken out by housing type, the national median price of a single-family detached home decreased 1.3 per cent year over year to $857,300, while the median price of a condominium decreased 3.4 per cent to $577,600. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the median price of a single-family detached home and a condominium increased modestly by 1.0 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively. Price data, which includes both resale and new build, is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions, a leading Canadian real estate valuation company.

“Despite ongoing uncertainty, the underlying fundamentals of Canada’s housing market remain sound. For buyers, the environment has improved meaningfully. Competition has eased, interest rates have stabilized, and in many parts of the country prices have levelled off – with declines in our most expensive markets, Toronto and Vancouver, as the price gap with more affordable cities continues to narrow,” added Soper.

“National trends may dominate the headlines, but regional realities are what define market conditions on the ground.”

In the first quarter, the aggregate price of a home decreased 4.7 per in the Greater Toronto Area and 4.5 per cent in Greater Vancouver.

“Because of their size, softness in British Columbia and southern Ontario has an outsized impact on national averages,” said Soper. “Meanwhile, strong demand in a much more affordable Quebec market has allowed the province’s major cities to lead in both activity and price growth. On the Prairies, sales have slowed somewhat, yet home values continue to rise modestly, reflecting ongoing supply constraints. Atlantic Canada’s economy has been bolstered by a surge in Newfoundland’s energy sector and a recovery in Nova Scotia’s exports. While sales volumes have moderated, low inventory and a continued stream of interprovincial migrants seeking affordability have fueled continued, modest home price appreciation.”

Royal LePage is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in Canada will increase 1.0 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter last year.

*Aggregate prices are calculated using a weighted average of the median values of all housing types collected. Data is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions and includes both resale and new build.

April 18 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join the experts at Earthwise Society and learn how to design a resilient garden filled with a diverse mix of edible plants, from fruits to herbs and vegetables, that will provide fresh, nourishing harvests year after year.

April 18, 11 am – 12 pm | Earthwise Garden, Delta | Cost: $20, members $15

REGISTER HERE

Date: Apr 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Earthwise Society Demonstration Garden and Farm - 6400 3 Ave
Delta, BC V4L 1B1 Canada

Whether you’re styling a gallery wall or finding the right spot for a single canvas, a few simple principles make all the difference between artwork that feels intentional and elevates your space, and something that looks, quite simply, off.

Here’s a simple guide to measuring and hanging wall art with precision.

Start with the right height

The most common mistake homeowners make is hanging art too high. The standard used by galleries and interior designers is to position the centre of the piece between 57 to 60 inches from the floor, depending on your ceiling height, which is roughly average eye-level for a standing adult. 

Measure to the centre of the artwork, not the top of the frame, and once placed, use a level to ensure the piece sits perfectly straight. Even a slight tilt becomes noticeable over time, particularly when viewed against architectural lines like doorframes and windows.

When placing a piece above furniture, like a sofa, console, or headboard, keep the bottom of the frame six to eight inches above the furniture below. This helps maintain a visual connection between the art and the piece beneath it, rather than allowing it to feel like it’s floating. In dining rooms or reading nooks where you spend most of your time seated, hanging art slightly lower – with the centre around 54 to 57 inches from the floor – creates a more natural and comfortable sightline.

Sizing art for the space

Scale matters as much as height and alignment. A small piece on a large wall tends to look lost, while an oversized canvas in a tight hallway can feel overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is that art should cover roughly two-thirds of the wall or the furniture it sits above. If you have a smaller piece, grouping it with others can solve the scale problem beautifully.

For gallery walls, treat the entire arrangement as a single piece of art, anchoring its centre at eye level, and keep spacing between frames consistent at three to six inches. Lay your arrangement out on the floor first before committing to any holes in the wall.

Know your wall type before you pick up a drill

Most modern homes in Canada have drywall, where a standard picture hook is usually strong enough for lighter pieces. Heavier artwork may need additional support, like securing the hardware into a stud, to keep it securely in place.

Older homes often have plaster-and-lath walls, which require more care. Plaster is brittle and can crack if handled the same way as drywall. Pre-drilling a small pilot hole and placing a piece of painter’s tape over the drilling spot can help minimize surface damage before installing a reinforced wall anchor designed for heavier items.

For concrete or brick walls, you may need a heavy-duty drill and specialized wall fasteners (or call in a professional). Adhesive hanging strips are a practical alternative for lighter pieces and an excellent option for renters who want to avoid putting holes in the wall entirely.

Protect your art from light damage

UV rays from direct sunlight will gradually fade pigments and cause irreversible damage to paper, canvas, and photographs. Keep pieces out of direct sunlight and away from windows that receive strong afternoon light.

Standard window glass blocks only about 40% to 50% of UV radiation. If you have a piece you love in a bright room, ask your local framer about conservation-grade UV glass or acrylic, which can block up to 99% of rays. 

If you’d like to spotlight your favourite pieces, LED lighting is your best bet, as it emits very little heat and minimal UV radiation compared to halogen or older incandescent bulbs.

Think about visual weight, not just physical size

A detail rarely discussed when it comes to art: dark, heavy frames need more breathing room than the physical dimensions suggest. A large black frame can visually dominate a wall, even when surrounded by what appears to be sufficient space. A light natural wood frame in the same size, on the other hand, reads as much quieter. When planning a grouping, take note of the visual “heaviness” of each piece and balance accordingly – that’s what separates a gallery wall that feels curated from one that feels crowded.

The art you choose to display is a reflection of your personality and the life lived within your four walls. While the measurements and levels provide the framework, the goal is to create a home that feels uniquely yours. By applying these few simple principles, you can hang your favourite pieces with confidence, where your most cherished memories and milestones are beautifully on display.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal LePage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

Get ready for a night of laughs at Yuk Yuks’ Comedy at the Red Barn on Friday, April 17th at 8 PM!

Headliner Christophe Davidson has performed multiple times at both the Just For Laughs Festival in Montréal and JFL42 in Toronto, and can be heard on CBC Radio One’s Laugh Out Loud. The evening will be hosted by the hilarious Alannah Britney, with Ryan Paterson as the feature act—this is a show you won’t want to miss!

Join us at the iconic Red Barn for an unforgettable night of comedy and fun.

Don’t miss this show! Click here to get your tickets today!

Age: 19+

Celebrate Earth Month with us at the Watershed Fish Release on April 18, 2026, from 12:00–2:00pm. Enjoy a scenic walk or trail bike ride as you follow the fish-themed signage from the trailheads leading down to the event site. Help release 25,000 chum salmon fry into the stream and take part in tree planting activities while connecting more deeply with the watershed—an important natural resource for our community. Discover more about the local ecosystem through interactive educational displays and community activities. Get inspired, soak up the fresh air, and connect with nature in Delta’s beautiful Watershed.

How to Prepare for the Watershed Fish Release Event:

• Parking: Park at one of the four designated entrances to the Watershed (see map above).

• Cycling: If you choose to ride your bike, bike parking will be available on-site

• Dress for the weather: This is an outdoor event, so come prepared for the conditions.  The event will take place rain or shine.

• Footwear: Wear water-resistant footwear suitable for uneven or damp terrain.

• Stay hydrated: Be sure to bring water to stay hydrated throughout the event.

Participating Exhibitors:

• Burns Bog Conservation Society

• City of Delta Climate, Action, & Environment

• City of Delta Engineering

• Cougar Creek Streamkeepers

• Delta Fire & Emergency Services

• Delta Naturalists

• Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada

• Ocean Wise

• OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society

• Pacific Salmon Foundation

For more information, click here.