Home-sweet-home is where most Ontarians will spend their Canada Day 150

Nearly half of Ontarians (47%) will spend Canada’s 150th birthday at home, followed by 15% who say they will spend it at a community event/festival, according to research by Ipsos for the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). To mark the occasion, Ontario Realtors are calling on home owners to show their national pride by accenting their homes with Canadian effects.

“We’d love to see a Canadian flag or any other kind of Canadian symbol on every lawn, porch, deck, garage or window this Canada Day,” said Ettore Cardarelli, president of OREA. “We have so much to be proud of as Canadians, and this small gesture is a wonderful way to unite our communities and show our gratitude for this amazing country.”

Community events are a tradition in many cities and towns throughout the province on Canada Day. This year, the biggest celebration will be taking place in Ottawa, and according to the research, 7% of Ontarians plan to be there on Canada Day.

“There is a long list of social benefits that come with being a home owner. In fact, research shows that people are happier, healthier and more socially involved once they become home owners,” said Cardarelli. “Building strong communities is what Ontario Realtors are all about, and that’s why we’re doing whatever we can to help keep the Canadian Dream of home ownership within reach for future generations.”

In Ontario, the rate of home ownership is 71%, according to the 2011 National Household Survey. Not surprisingly, OREA’s research shows that a large percentage of Ontarians, 75%, say that home ownership is important to them, and 78% say it gives them a sense of pride.