Very hot weather can do more than make people uncomfortable. Studies show that when temperatures rise above 90°F, injuries increase because heat can affect concentration, energy levels, and the body’s ability to cope with stress.

Drink plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during physical activity or time outdoors. Water is usually best, and sports drinks can help replace fluids and minerals lost through heavy sweating.

Dress for the heat. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that allows air to circulate. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can provide additional protection from direct sunlight.

Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors and reapply during the day. Sunburn damages the skin and makes it harder for the body to regulate its temperature.

Pace yourself. When working, exercising, or playing sports outside, start slowly and take regular breaks. Avoid the hottest part of the afternoon when possible.

Take breaks in the shade. Resting in shaded areas allows the body time to cool down and recover, especially during long periods outside.

Watch for warning signs. Symptoms like dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea, or heavy sweating may signal heat exhaustion. If they occur, stop activity and move to a cooler place right away.

Look out for others. Check on family members, neighbors, children, and pets during very hot days. Some people are more sensitive to extreme heat.

Cool down indoors when possible. Air-conditioned spaces help the body recover from heat exposure. Even a short break indoors or a cool shower can make a difference.

July is prime time for beach, lake, and pool outings. A well-packed beach bag helps the whole family stay comfortable, protected from the sun, and ready to enjoy a full day by the water.

Start with a durable beach bag, storage bin, or folding wagon that can handle sand, water, and plenty of gear. Then pack the essentials: swimsuits and cover-ups, sandals or water shoes, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, beach towels, water bottles, and snacks. A waterproof phone pouch and a change of clothes are also helpful additions.

With a few smart essentials packed ahead of time, everyone can spend less time looking for things and more time relaxing, swimming, and enjoying summer.

Traveling to a new country is exciting, but it can also come with a few language challenges. While translation apps and guidebooks can help, learning a few simple phrases before you arrive can make a surprising difference. Even a small effort to speak the local language often leads to friendlier interactions and smoother travel experiences.

You do not need to memorize long conversations. In fact, seasoned travelers say that just a handful of practical words and phrases can help you navigate most everyday situations. Whether you are asking for directions, ordering food, or handling an unexpected situation, these simple phrases can be incredibly useful.

Here are a few of the most helpful ones to know:

Everyday basics: Hello / Good morning / Good evening / Please / Thank you / Excuse me / I’m sorry

Getting around: Where is the restroom? / Where is the train station? / Where is the bus stop? / How much does this cost? / Which way is? / Is it far?

Safety and health: Help / I am allergic to/ I need a doctor / hospital / police

Most importantly, do not be afraid to try. Even if your pronunciation is not perfect, people usually appreciate the effort, and a few simple words can make traveling abroad much easier and more enjoyable.

A privacy fence can completely change how a yard feels. It can create a quiet space to relax, give pets and kids room to play, and add a sense of comfort and separation from nearby homes. When choosing one, the biggest question usually comes down to this: do you want to spend less now, or spend less time maintaining it later?

Wood fencing is a longtime favorite and often the most affordable way to add privacy. It has a warm, natural look that fits beautifully with many homes and gardens. The tradeoff is maintenance. Over time, wood can weather, fade, or warp, so it usually needs staining or painting and occasional repairs to keep it looking its best. With regular care, however, a wood fence can last for many years. Many homeowners also appreciate that wood can be easily customized with different stains, paints, and styles.

Composite fencing is another option that combines wood fibers with recycled materials to create a strong, durable fence. It offers the look of wood but requires far less maintenance since it does not rot or splinter the same way natural wood can. Composite fencing can be more expensive upfront, but many people like it because it keeps its appearance for years with very little upkeep.

Vinyl fencing has become popular for people who prefer a low maintenance option. It typically costs more upfront, but once it is installed there is very little work required. Vinyl does not rot, warp, or attract insects, and a quick rinse with the hose every so often usually keeps it looking clean. The only downside is that if a section is damaged, repairs can sometimes be a little more complicated.

Aluminum fencing is another option, although it is more commonly seen in decorative or picket style designs rather than full privacy fences. It is strong, lightweight, and naturally resistant to rust, which makes it a good choice in coastal or humid areas. Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of colors and styles, but installation is usually best handled by professionals, and it may not always work as well on uneven ground.

At the end of the day, the best fence is the one that fits both your lifestyle and your yard. Thinking about how much time you want to spend on upkeep in the future can help make the choice a little easier.

Fitness trackers can be great motivators. They count steps, track activity, monitor heart rate, and celebrate when you reach a goal. For many people, that small nudge helps encourage healthier routines and keeps daily habits on track.

But it is easy to start focusing too much on the numbers.

Sport psychology expert Michele Kerulis of Northwestern University notes that becoming overly focused on health metrics can sometimes cause people to ignore the natural signals their bodies are sending.

This summer, remember to enjoy your walks, bike rides, and time outdoors. Your fitness tracker can offer helpful reminders, but how you feel and the joy of moving matter most.

Parrots are known for their intelligence and strong social nature. According to National Public Radio, these birds thrive on interaction, stimulation, and communication, which is one reason they form such strong bonds with their human families.

Researchers recently explored an interesting new way to give parrots even more opportunities to socialize. In an experiment involving 18 parrots, owners trained their birds to ring a small bell whenever they wanted to start a video chat with another parrot participating in the study.

When a parrot rang the bell, the owner held up a tablet or phone showing photos of the other birds. The parrots then used their beaks or tongues to select the companion they wanted to call. The calls allowed the birds to interact and communicate with each other in real time.

Researchers initially wondered if the birds might respond aggressively. Instead, the parrots seemed excited to connect. According to The New York Times, many quickly developed favorite companions and regularly asked for calls. During their chats they sang, danced, groomed, and even mirrored each other’s movements, behaviors commonly seen among parrots in groups in the wild.

Scientists say more research will help better understand the long-term benefits of video calls for birds. Even after the study ended, some parrots still continue to call their feathered friends for a visit.

By July, the garden has found its rhythm. The early planting and patient waiting of spring give way to full color, warm sunshine, and the simple pleasure of watching flowers return year after year. Perennials are the quiet heroes of summer gardens. Once established, they come back each season stronger and fuller, bringing dependable beauty with every passing year.

Dianthus, often called “pinks,” are a classic favorite. Their soft fragrance and delicate blooms make them perfect for cottage-style gardens and small summer bouquets. They are a reminder that sometimes the smallest flowers bring the most charm.

Daylilies are another July standout. Blooming in shades of yellow, peach, red, and orange, they thrive in the summer heat. Each flower lasts only a day, but the plant produces so many that the garden always feels full of life and color.

For bold summer energy, Blanket Flower brings fiery shades of red and gold that attract butterflies and other pollinators. It thrives in sunny gardens and keeps blooming through the warmest days of the season.

Phlox adds height, fragrance, and soft clusters of color that draw birds and butterflies alike. On warm evenings, its gentle scent is one of the simple pleasures of midsummer.

A perennial garden is more than a collection of plants. It reflects patience, care, and the belief that something beautiful will return if given the chance to grow. Year after year, these flowers remind us that the best things in life often come back stronger and brighter with every season.

Canadian real GDP grew by 0.5 per cent in April after decreasing by 0.1 per cent in March. Goods-producing sectors rose by 1.2 per cent, while service-producing industries rose by 0.3 per cent from the previous month. Industry contributors to growth were led by mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (2.9 per cent), transportation and warehousing (0.9 per cent), and construction (0.7 per cent). Output for the offices of real-estate agents and brokers rose by 1.3 per cent month-over-month. Preliminary estimates suggest that real GDP by industry increased by 0.1 per cent in May.

April’s rebound in Canadian GDP was an encouraging sign of a growing economy following two consecutive quarters of contraction. Growth was fairly broad-based, with 14 out of 20 sectors expanding from the previous month. Taken together, this print marks the largest monthly increase in GDP by industry since July 2025, which, paired with a positive preliminary estimate for May, is setting the Canadian economy up for a solid rebound in the second quarter of 2026. Despite the strength of this report, it is unlikely to sway the Bank of Canada off its course. We expect the policy rate to remain at 2.25 per cent through 2026 as the Bank continues looking through the double-sided risks facing the economy in favor of anchoring expectations at current levels.  

To view the full interactive BCREA Mortgage Rate Forecast, click here.
Download the full report (PDF)

Highlights:

• Canadian fixed mortgage rates are climbing as the oil price shock persists.

• Global conflict and trade uncertainty are pushing growth and inflation in opposite directions.

The Bank of Canada remains resolute amidst double-sided risks.

Canadian prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 3.2 per cent on a year-over-year basis in May, following a 2.8 per cent increase in April. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, the CPI was up 0.5 per cent in May, equivalent to a 5.9 per cent increase on an annualized basis. The CPI ex-gasoline increased by 2.2 per cent in May, up from 2.0 per cent in the previous month. Additionally, food prices overall increased by 3.8 per cent year-over-year, up from 3.5 per cent in April. In BC, consumer prices rose 2.9 per cent year-over-year in May, up from 2.5 per cent the month prior. The Bank of Canada's preferred measures of median and trimmed inflation, which strip out volatile components, remained at 2.1 per cent and 2.0 per cent year-over-year, unchanged from April. 
 
May’s print comes as no surprise, with upward pressure on headline inflation being driven by higher gasoline prices from the ongoing supply shock stemming from the Iran conflict. However, prices also rose across some non-volatile components, with the CPI excluding gasoline climbing from the previous month. Moreover, 3-month annualized core inflation has risen over the past few months to 2.3 per cent, above the Bank of Canada’s desired target of 2 per cent. Nonetheless, we largely expect the Bank to continue looking through the oil price shock and hold its policy rate at 2.25 per cent through 2026 as they hope for growth to retrace towards their projections in the second quarter.

Canadian retail sales increased by 0.5 per cent to $73 billion in April compared to the previous month. Retail sales were 3.7 per cent higher compared to the same time last year. However, core retail sales, which exclude gasoline and automobile items, decreased by 0.7 per cent in April. In volume terms, adjusted for rising prices, retail sales were largely unchanged in April.

Retail sales in British Columbia were up 1.0 per cent in April month-over-month and rose by 1.4 per cent compared to the same time last year. In the CMA of Vancouver, retail sales were up 0.8 per cent from the prior month and were 1.7 per cent below the level of April 2025.

April’s report marks the fourth consecutive month of retail sales growth, demonstrating consistent momentum in consumer spending that we hope translates into the labour market and broader economy over the summer. With discussions of a potential peace agreement in Iran underway, the Bank of Canada may shift focus towards the downside risks facing Canada over the coming months. That said, the volatility between both sides of the conflict warrants caution over the certainty of these discussions. Nonetheless, we expect the Bank of Canada to hold its policy rate at 2.25 per cent at its next meeting, as we remain hopeful for a strong GDP report for April following two quarters of negative growth.

Canadian housing starts decreased 6 per cent from the previous month, totaling 261,377 units in May at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR).Starts were down 6 per cent from the same month last year (SAAR). In areas with 10,000 or more residents, single-detached housing starts were largely unchanged year-over-year, while multi-family and other starts decreased by 6 per cent compared to May 2025

In British Columbia, starts fell by 34 per cent from last month to 38,219 units (SAAR) in all areas of the province. In areas of the province with 10,000 or more residents, single-detached starts increased by 24 per cent to 3,891 units, while multi-family starts fell by 38 per cent to 32,042 units month-over-month (SAAR). Starts in the province were 2 per cent below the levels from May 2025 (SAAR). Year-to-date starts are up 123 per cent in Nanaimo, 30 per cent in Victoria, and 8 per cent in Vancouver, but down 24 per cent in Abbotsford and 9 per cent in Kelowna.