This week, new data from the 2016 Census has revealed that 20.9 per cent of Toronto residents live in condos, which is up from 18.7 per cent in 2011.

There are approximately 994,000 families with children living in Toronto, and 13 per cent called condos their home, compared to 8.4 per cent across Canada. Subsequently, condominiums are now making up one third of new homes built in Canada between 2011 and 2016.

Why is this happening? Jeff Randall, an analyst with Statistics Canada believes the long held views on family residences may be changing, “Condominiums represent an alternative to perhaps the traditional ideology of home ownership, which may be attached or steeped in this white picket fence, single-detached home ideal.”

Condo families are developing close relationships with one another that you would usually find in small-town neighbourhoods. Many families are stating that they were introduced to their closest friends through common areas they share, such as courtyards, pools and party rooms as they create a sense of community within the condo. Many condo buildings have social media pages, such as Facebook, which allow the residents to form a community forum useful for finding a babysitter or sharing household items.

However, there are pros and cons to everything. A definite downside to condo living is the fact that you can’t just open your door to a backyard and allow your children to run freely. Or, the fact that you have to wait for an elevator to get up to your home. Nonetheless, many condo families have chosen convenience over commuting, especially due to the traffic in Toronto during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Many families say they would rather live in a smaller space and pay a cheaper mortgage than spend 3 to 4 hours a day in a car and still be paying their mortgage when they are retired.

Debating whether condo living in Toronto is right for your family? Click here to read more.

The post Condo Living is Becoming the New Norm for Toronto Families first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

From the start of 2016 to the fall, processing times were reduced by 15 percent for in-Canada applications and just over 10 percent for applications outside Canada.

Starting today, processing times will be reduced even further with most spousal applications now being processed in 12 months. Cases that are more complex may require more time.

Applicants who already filed an application will not have to wait an additional 12 months to have them finalized. Most families who have been waiting should have a decision on their sponsorship application no later than the end of December 2017.

The Government of Canada’s new changes are expected to benefit more than 64,000 applicants by the end of 2017, and are expected to bring families together.

For more information, please click here.

The post Faster Processing and Shorter Wait Times for Spousal Reunification first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Today is your last shopping day before the weekend, most grocery stores including Metro, No Frills and Loblaws will have modified hours, check you local listings.  Shopping Malls like Yorkdale, Sherway Gardens, Vaughn Mills, and Scarborough Town Centre will all be closed on Easter Friday; Eaton centre will be open from 10:00am-6:00pm.

Here are a few activities to enjoy this weekend!

2014 Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade is FREE!

• Date: April 20, 2014
• Time: 2:00pm
• The Parade will run from Queen Street at Munro Park and proceed west along Queen Street ending at Woodbine Ave

Easter Eggstravaganza!

• Where: Centreville and Far Enough Farm
• Date: April 18-20
• Time: 11:00am-5:00pm
• Price: $15 each (includes all available rides and activities)

The Toronto Zoo is also hosting “Toronto Zoo Celebrates Easter” starting from Saturday April 19, 2014 to Monday April 21 2014 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

The TIFF Bell Lightbox is also open throughout the weekend, hosting TIFF Kids Film Festival, as well as the AGO, featuring an exhibit on Francis Bacon and Henry Moore.

For those that do not feel like driving this weekend the TTC service will run on Holiday Schedule, and Go Transit on Sunday Schedule.

Have a great Weekend Everyone!

The post Easter Fun-Filled Weekend in Toronto first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

• Nothing represents Canada better than hockey and at the Hockey Hall of Fame you can try your hand at some good old hockey fun as you simultaneously learn about the history of hockey. Located at 30 Yonge Street, operating hours are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, from March 7, 2014 till March 16, 2014. For more information, click here.
• For a very family friendly March Break, visit some polar bear cubs and pandas at the Toronto Zoo. March Break admission hours are 9:30am to 6:00pm daily, from March 8, 2014 till March 16, 2014. For more information, click here.
• If you’re passion falls within the history spectrum, then experience your March Break at the Royal Ontario Museum with activities varying from walking on the moon to learning how to write your name in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Located at 100 Queen’s Park, the operating hours are 10:00 am to 8:30pm, from March 8 till March 16 2014. For more information, click here.
• For more educational purposes, visit the interactive March Break program at Ontario’s Legislative Building. Located at Ontario Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, operating hours are 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, from March 10, 2014 till March 14, 2014. For more information, click here.
• Lastly, for the true Torontonian experience, visit the CN Tower during your March Break. Compiled with activities ranging from engineering fun (designing your own tower of power) to a family friendly scavenger hunt in the city’s tallest tower. Located at 301 Front Street West, the operating hours run from 9:00am to 10:00pm, from March 10, 2014 to March 14, 2014. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, make sure to also check out the Edgewalk on the CN Tower, available from March 8, 2014 to March 16, 2014. For more information, click here.

Bellissimo Law Group would like to wish you a very happy and fun filled March Break!

The post Plan your March Break right! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

The post We have a winner! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

Bellissimo Law Group would like to share this experience with a newcomer to Canada for this holiday season by treating him or her and a family member to their first Toronto Maple Leafs game!

There are 3 simple ways to enter!
Facebook: Share & Like any of the posts pertaining to this contest
Twitter: Follow us & Retweet any of the posts pertaining to this contest
Google+: Share any posts pertaining to this contest

You will be entered to win a pair of tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Phoenix Coyotes at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on December 19^th, 2013!

If you are interested in learning more about family reunification in Canada, we have a few helpful links with information on the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa , and Family Class Sponsorships.  Also see our post about Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification and the upcoming changes to Canada’s Parent and Grandparent Program coming into effect January 2, 2014.

Please find us on Facebook,  Google+ and Twitter. Share and Re-tweet with your friends and followers for an additional entry to win!

Contest Details:

• Winner must pick up the tickets at the office 
• Winner must share an immigration story 

The post Toronto Maple Leafs Tickets Contest for Families New to Canada! first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.