The Home Front - January 2026
December was a full and meaningful month for us. Blake and I celebrated our first Christmas together, spending time with both of our families and soaking in the kind of moments that make the season special. We even braved an ice storm on Boxing Day to head to Mitchell to visit Blake’s friends, which was absolutely worth it for incredible brisket and cinnamon rolls. It felt like a true Canadian holiday experience and a great way to close out the year surrounded by good people.
December was a full and meaningful month for us. Blake and I celebrated our first Christmas together, spending time with both of our families and soaking in the kind of moments that make the season special. We even braved an ice storm on Boxing Day to head to Mitchell to visit Blake’s friends, which was absolutely worth it for incredible brisket and cinnamon rolls. It felt like a true Canadian holiday experience and a great way to close out the year surrounded by good people.
Santa was also very generous this year. I’m now the proud owner of a new Dyson cordless vacuum with laser technology that actually shows you where the dust is hiding. I never thought I’d say this, but vacuuming has turned into a bit of a game. With two dogs in the house, being able to hunt down every last dust bunny is strangely satisfying and very effective.
I’ve also made some positive changes to my routine this month. I started going to the gym with my sister in law, and having a workout buddy has made a huge difference. We’ve been trying pilates and yoga classes together, and it feels good to build consistency and focus on health as we head into the new year.
Looking ahead, we’re leaning into winter and making the most of it. With plenty of snow in my old stomping ground of Simcoe County, we’re planning some time on the slopes at Mount St Louis. Closer to home, the skating trail at Riverdale Park in Guelph has been a hit, especially with our nephews who are eager to work on their skating skills. Winter can feel long, but we’re choosing to enjoy it and stay active while we can.
Community Happenings
With the holidays firmly behind us it is time to get back into the ebb and flow of the regular day to day. While you are getting back to your routine make sure to leave a little time for some fun as well.
Check out the links below for a couple of fun things going on in the area.
Celebrate the life, poetry and legacy of bard Robbie Burns at the Robbie Burns Supper held at the Fergus Legion!
Hillside Inside is once again back for another winter weekend full of music, dance and joy. We are thrilled to present a host of shows, a craft market, workshops and food vendors on January 30 & 31, 2026 for our annual winter festival in the downtown Guelph area.
Click for information on our two ticketed shows as well as our Jan 31st full day of programming!
Market Updates
I’m sharing the December 2025 Market Reports along with a few short video breakdowns for select areas, offering a clear snapshot of current trends and what they could mean for your next move.
The next Bank of Canada rate decision is January 28.
Recent data shows the economy contracted by 0.3 percent and unemployment rose to 6.8 percent, factors the Bank is closely watching. Looking ahead, mortgage renewals from 2021 will peak this year, population growth is slowing, and trade negotiations under CUSMA NAFTA with the U.S. and Mexico add another layer of uncertainty. It’s unlikely that the Bank of Canada will be making any changes this time around, and the latest inflation reports are coming in slightly hotter than anticipated. Economists are predicting few if any rate changes this year.
Locally, expired listings in Guelph rose 65.46 percent year over year, from December 2024 to December 2025, a signal that more supply may return to the market this spring as sellers re enter during peak season. However, at the moment, serious buyers are out there and still looking, while the winter inventory has dissipated, especially in the first time home buyer segment.
Recent open houses that I’ve attended on aggressively priced properties indicate buyers are out and looking. These open houses have been very busy, and offer presentations are still taking place in some markets, notably in Kitchener Waterloo, at the detached home entry point.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply want to understand how these shifts affect your plans, let’s have a conversation and build a strategy that fits your goals.
ACCESS COMMUNITY MARKET REPORTS HERE:
My Culinary Chronicles
Culinary Chronicles is where I share simple, comforting recipes through a short monthly video These are dishes rooted in tradition and real life, easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for busy days.
This month I’m sharing Cheese Dreams, a Chorley family favourite and a go to on busy school nights growing up. It’s the ultimate comfort meal when you’re short on time but craving something warm, nostalgic, and delicious.
The Home Front - December 2025
The past month has been full in the very best way. Blake and I were married in November, and celebrating with family and friends was everything we hoped for. It was joyful, meaningful, and a little surreal in the best sense. We followed it up with some time away in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, where we stepped well outside our comfort zones (mostly me… being terrified of open water) with scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Playa Maroma deserves a special mention. It is an absolutely stunning stretch of beach and well worth a visit if you ever find yourself there.
The past month has been full in the very best way. Blake and I were married in November, and celebrating with family and friends was everything we hoped for. It was joyful, meaningful, and a little surreal in the best sense. We followed it up with some time away in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, where we stepped well outside our comfort zones (mostly me… being terrified of open water) with scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Playa Maroma deserves a special mention. It is an absolutely stunning stretch of beach and well worth a visit if you ever find yourself there.
Closer to home, I loved being part of the Guelph Santa Claus Parade and checking out the city’s inaugural Spirit of the Season Christmas Market. It has been so nice to feel the community energy build as the holidays approach, and impressive to see the turnout for the parade. It felt like the entire city showed up!
We are very much looking forward to gathering with the whole family over the next few weeks. There are now 14 of us around the Chorley Christmas table, and that number is going to keep growing, which feels pretty special.
With a new year around the corner, this season always invites reflection. I am looking ahead with intention. I am refining my routines, getting back into more classes at the gym, expanding my historic house tour videos around the city (keep an eye out for those on my socials), and continuing to discover and support more local businesses.
I am excited for what is next and grateful to head into the New Year surrounded by such a strong community. Wishing you and your family a cozy, joyful and merry holiday season, followed by a bright and prosperous New Year, ahead!
Community Happenings
With the holiday season in full gear there are a few things to check out including the 2025 Rotary Club of Guelph's Sparkles in the Park. Also head on over to Erin Hill Acres to get your Christmas tree and spend time with friends. Don't let the festive spirit end with New Years Eve; join Big Brother's/Big Sister's of Guelph for their Big Night Out Gala.
Click the Images below for details.
December 13-31 check out the lights at Rotary Club of Guelph's Sparkles in the Park - Riverside Park
Pick your favorite Christmas tree, Take a wagon ride or Relax with a hot cider at one of their fire places at Erin Hill Acres.
Don't let the magic of the season fade after January... Enjoy a Night out while raising funds for a great cause - Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Guelph invites you to get your early bird tickets for this years Big Night Out Gala - Enchanted Illusions
Market Updates
I’m excited to share the November 2025 Market Reports from Royal LePage Royal City covering the City of Guelph, Centre Wellington and Waterloo region.
These bite-sized updates highlight what’s happening in the market right now and how it may impact your next move. To download your copy, please provide your information using the form below.
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On the interest rate front, the Bank of Canada has held its policy rate at 2.25%, choosing to pause further cuts as the economy has shown more strength than expected, particularly in job growth.
That said, there are signs things are easing beneath the surface, including slower household spending, softer income growth, and lower consumer confidence as people remain more cautious with big decisions.
For real estate, this points to borrowing costs likely staying fairly steady in the near term, while the market continues to move at a more balanced, thoughtful pace.
If anything sparks a question or you’d like to talk through what this means for you, I’m always here and happy to help.