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It doesn’t matter whether you live in a charming and peaceful neighborhood or in a hectic part of town; there’s always a risk that you won’t get along with your neighbor very well. Nuisances such as loud music, the neighbor’s dogs relieving themselves in front of your house, or the neighbor’s car parked in your space might seem unimportant and trivial; however, on a daily basis they’re real atrocities. Everyone has the right to have a peaceful living environment and if it’s violated by the people living next door, you have to speak up and confront the problem. Here are some tips that should help you to settle disputes with your neighbors.

Communicate With Your Neighbors

You can’t avoid neighbor disputes if you don’t communicate with them. Maintaining a good relationship with your neighbor doesn’t mean that you have to spend all your free time with them, but it’s the best way to prevent conflicts. First of all, you have to know your neighbors so that you can trust and understand them. Conflicts tend to arise much more between strangers and just an occasional chit-chat with your neighbor will significantly decrease the probability of a dispute. This might not be possible in all cases, but even if you don’t talk to your neighbor at all and you’re unable to get along with her or him, you have to bring up the issue. It’s possible that your neighbor isn’t aware of bothering you, so try to approach him in a calm and constructive way rather than being accusatory. Bringing in a possible solution favorable to both sides is a good way to deal with neighbor problems. Don’t forget to show willingness to compromise. Furthermore, if you’re planning an activity that might be disturbing to your neighbors, let them always know in advance.

Are You The Only One Who Has Problems?

If discussing the issue with your neighbor doesn’t solve anything, try to find out if anybody else has the same problem with her. It’s possible that you’re not the only one whose life is affected by the nuisance. More people approaching the troublemaker with the same concern might have more influence on her. If you’re part of a condo or community association, try to discuss your issues with them and resolve the dispute more easily and cheaply.

Mediation

If you and your neighbor aren’t able to resolve the dispute, you might want to get help from a mediation service. An impartial professional trained in dealing with issues such as yours can help you and your neighbor understand each other’s opinions and find a solution. A mediator usually speaks to everyone involved and arranges a meeting between you and your neighbor. The meetings usually don’t last longer than a day and 80 per cent of mediations are settled before going to court with another 5 per cent resolved shortly afterward. The mediator communicates with both parties and sets ground rules for the discussion, makes sure that the views of both sides are heard, and suggests a way to move forward. If both parties are able to agree, they sign a mediation contract, which is not legally binding but which people tend to follow since it’s an arrangement they’ve worked out and signed.

Court

Taking your dispute to court is the last resort after you’ve tried all other means of solving the problem. Be prepared to provide evidence of damages and that you might not speak to your neighbor again. The cost of your lawsuit depends on your province and the size of your claim. If it’s between $5,000 and $25,000, your case will be heard in a small claims court, which means that you must represent yourself without a lawyer. If your claim is higher than $25,000, your case will be heard in Superior Court and you’ll have a lawyer available. It means that if you lose, you’ll have to pay your neighbor’s legal expenses as well as your own, plus the damages you’re required to pay.

OUT OF SUBDIVISION and minutes from Spruce Grove, Edmonton or Devon makes this property excellent access for commuting. Mature trees add privacy to the 1800 square feet rancher style bungalow in progress of being built (framing soon to begin). Hardwood & tile floors, granite counters in kitchen, soft close cupboards and more. Still time to choose colors, cupboards, cabinets, counters & flooring.

You can find the link at realtor.ca below!

https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17789469/52106-Rge-Rd-265-Rural-Parkland-County-Alberta-T7X3L7-None

Great opportunity for a new place! This is a wonderful building spot in Mayfair Park in Lac St. Anne County. There is currently a small building there, you could use it for now while you plan and built your dream cabin! Over 3 acres of land with a building spot cleared out front. Power has already been pulled onto the property and gas is at the property line. There is a fantastic building spot with the opportunity for a walkout. Close to highway 43 and access to the lake at Lac St Anne.

You can find the link for realtor.ca below!

https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17781512/Rural-Lac-Ste-Anne-County

Moving can be stressful for people, so just imagine how anxious it can make your pets. They can easily get stressed out when there’s unexpected activity in their home or when they’re introduced to a new environment. I’ve moved with two cats, a dog and five fish, and it’s not an easy task. These challenges don’t come with a formula solution, but here are some tips that should make the experience a bit calmer for your beloved companion(s):

1. Prepare an easily-accessible ‘overnight kit’ that has enough dog food, kitty litter, toys and grooming tools to sustain your pet and keep them comfortable during the first few days of unpacking.
2. If you’re moving out of the area, inform your vet so you can take records and any prescription medications with you. See if they can recommend another vet in your new neighborhood.
3. During the move itself, the best way to reduce stress on an animal is to keep them in the quietest area possible. If you don’t want to leave them with a friend or a kennel for the day (which is recommended), at least remove them from the action. This could mean emptying a bedroom on another floor and closing the door, or putting them in their carrier or kennel in the garage or car (take proper caution to ensure they’ll be at a safe temperature and that they have water and food if they will be there for some time). Make sure you check in on them regularly, and try to feed or walk them at the time you usually would; having some sense of a routine in the midst of all the changes will help a lot.
4. Take the pet to the new house in your own vehicle. Cats and small dogs can be put in a carrier in the back seat, which can then be secured with a seatbelt. A bigger dog can be moved in a kennel in the back of the car; you may need to put seats down if possible. Some animals feel more comfortable if you throw a blanket over their carrier during the car ride so they can’t see the environment changing outside.
5. Be careful when transporting the animal to your new neighborhood because if they get out they can easily get lost. Once they’re in the car, it’s important to not open the kennel until the pet is in the new home, even if the pet is usually well-behaved or docile. Give them a few days in the new home to adjust. Tip for cat owners: more and more people are keeping their cats indoors for safety reasons, and a move is a good opportunity to get them used to being inside as they won’t be used to being allowed out in the new home. Use this transition to your advantage.
6. Move the house before you move the pet. Set up as much as you can, even just in a room, before you introduce the animal to the new home. Confine them to a section of the house while they slowly adjust to their surroundings. Give your pet lots of attention and introduce familiar objects like toys or blankets as soon as possible. Make them feel as at home as you do!
7. After you move, make sure you update their tags or microchip information to the new address and phone number.
8. Are you planning on moving with fish? Fish respond strongly to stress and a move can be traumatizing, if not fatal. It isn’t ideal, but you can transport them short distances in bags filled with their old tank water (check with your local aquarium store for supplies and more details). If you have a long distance to travel it’s best to give them a new home with a friend, empty the tank, and buy new fish after you unpack.
9. Guinea Pigs also are known to suffer from change or being jostled around. Their hearts are particularly susceptible so please take care with guinea pigs and make sure they are transported in a warm, comfortable, small carrier.
10. Finally, more than one feathered friend has been known to fly the coop on moving day. Many people proudly announce that their bird has never flown off the shoulder, and sadly regret the complacency. Birds, like most pets, are very jittery about change. So even when the smartest parrot balks at the idea of being put in a cage, please do it on moving day.

Rare find, one of the largest lots in Spruce Grove in a cul de sac. You will love the cozy layout of this 1,144 square foot, 4 bedroom Home. Complete with hardwood and laminate flooring. The U shaped layout of the kitchen allows a very functional work space or gathering around the kitchen also has a south facing window to complete this space, it comes complete with reverse osmosis system. 4 bedrooms, perfect for a growing family. A large master bedroom with an open concept in the basement, as well as a walk in closet with built in closet organizers. Can’t be this location which is ideal for a family, within walking distance to Broxton Park school. and shopping. Located 1/2 block to the bus stop for access to university & colleges. Amazing lot with plenty of room for expansion, or garden. The garage measures at 20 x 24, there is also a 10×10 shed on the property.

You can find the link at realtor.ca below!

https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17766923/2-Brebner-PL-Spruce-Grove-Alberta-T7X3A2-Broxton-Park

This great Bungalow located in Stony Plain has 2 Bedrooms possibly 3 Bedrooms upstairs. Laundry Room on Main floor could be changed back to a bedroom. This well maintained property has good bones and could use a little paint and TLC as it is a bit dated. The basement is finished and left open for plenty of room and possible bedrooms can be added. There is a 3 piece bath in the basement and also a large separate entrance way from the back yard. The house backs onto a large park area and also has back alley access to the East. Double car garage attached fully insulated and heated. Air Conditioned and Appliances stay. Lots to enjoy in this home as a first time buyer, Revenue Property or even for the aging couple that doesn’t want to do stairs.

You can find the link at realtor.ca below!

https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17762263/5201-57-AV-Stony-Plain-Alberta-T7Z1A1-Heritage-EstatesSTPL

This gorgeous 2450 square foot home is a must see! The bright and functional layout of this 6 bedroom home is great for a growing family! From the moment you walk into this home you notice the elegant touches, like the Hunter Douglas window coverings and the cozy fireplace in the living room. Main level has beautiful hardwood flooring, tile and an amazing kitchen with walk through pantry. A large mudroom, den and half bath complete this level. Upstairs you will find a large bonus room, 3 spacious bedrooms and massive master bedroom complete with vaulted ceiling, walk in closet and large 5 piece en suite. Downstairs is almost completely finished with a large rec room, 2 spacious bedrooms and laundry room. Only a bathroom left to do. The yard has lovely landscaping and a large maintenance-free deck, perfect for entertaining. Hidden features include sound proofing between main floor and basement and R50 attic insulation. Close to parks and schools in the desired Harvest Ridge neighborhood.

You can find the link at realtor.ca below!

https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17762190/9-Heron-CR-Spruce-Grove-Alberta-T7X3Y7-Harvest-Ridge

Beautiful 4.3 acres backing onto Bowen Lake. This property is fully fenced and is a great starter acreage. This property boasts a 783sq.ft 2 bedroom home with a full and partly finished walkout basement. Main floor of this home has a nice kitchen, generously sized living room, the master bedroom, 4 piece bathroom and laundry room. Basement has a 3 piece bathroom with shower, bedroom, rec room, and office nook. Outside there is a detached 22×24 garage as well as a heated 24×24 shop. Recent upgrades include a New Furnace, Hot Water Tank, Pressure Tank, Washer, Dryer, Kitchen appliances, and bathrooms. Appliances alone are a 10k upgrade. Enjoy your summer evening walking on the paths through your private forest or sit around your fire pit and enjoy the night. Great value for a great price.

You can find the link to realtor.ca below!

https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17762279/5-2208-PARKLAND-DR-Rural-Parkland-County-Alberta-T0E0H0-Carvel-Park

Massive executive home located on 13.2 acres overlooking the views of Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and Edmonton. This 2891 sqft 2 story home boasts a total of 6 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. When you enter this home you will notice upgraded hardwood floors with a very open concept feel. There is a large country kitchen with maple cabinets and a huge walk in pantry all open to a dining room fit for a large family. Enjoy those cold winter night cuddled by the wood fireplace sitting in your living room. Upstairs you will see a huge Master bedroom with a large walk in closet and a 5 piece ensuite with double sinks, huge soaker tub, and oversized walk in shower. There are 4 more bedrooms upstairs and a 4 piece bathroom and the laundry room. Basement is perfect for those big gatherings and with a large rec room and family room. There is also another bedroom in the basement and full bathroom. There is an oversized triple attached garage oversized with in floor heat. There is also in floor heat in the basement.

You can find the link at realtor.ca below!

https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17762283/28016-Twp-Rd-540-Rural-Parkland-County-Alberta-T7X3V4-None