ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-03 07:46:01 (4 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2026-03-26 15:28:05 (11 days ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Into the wild — Greater Fool – Authored by Garth Turner – The Troubled Future of Real Estate |
| Meta Description | null |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | What a world we’re in. A trade war. Another real one. An energy crisis. Lousy jobs numbers. We flubbed hockey gold. And the Air Canada boss can’t speak French. Mon Dieu. We’re pooched.
But wait.
The real estate cartel says everything’s okay because Canadians will soon start gobbling up cottages again, sending rec property prices upwards. On Thursday, as the bombing campaign in Iran intensified and oil again shot into the $90 range, Phil Soper over at Royal LePage had bass fishing, pickleball, jetskis and weenies roasting over an open fire on his mind.
The company is forecasting a good summer ahead, whatever Trump and Netanyahu do. “New developments in these regions remain relatively rare, and many properties are tightly held by families for generations. This scarcity preserves the exclusivity of these markets and provides price stability, even when buyers are feeling cautious.”
And so we get this hopium – a report based on the company’s own agents (who are paid only when they sell stuff):
A report released Thursday by Royal LePage forecasts the median price of a single-family home in Canada’s so-called recreational regions to rise four per cent year-over-year to $604,552. It said the weighted median price of a single-family home increased 4.3 per cent year-over-year in 2025 to $581,300.
Each provincial market is expected to see price increases this year, led by a 5.5 per cent gain in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to a median price of $296,877, and a five per cent increase in Atlantic Canada to a median price of $361,305.
B.C. is the most expensive province to own a recreational home in, with Royal LePage forecasting a 1.5 per cent boost in the median price of a single-family property to nearly $1.06 million, followed by Alberta at $881,295, up 2.5 per cent. Ontario is expected to see a two per cent increase to a median price of $643,722.
Well, cottages, chalets and hobby farms are usually not primary residences – so with urban real estate in the dumpster lately, why would the secondary property market mark prices rising at twice the rate of inflation? And are there really enough dumb people in BC to push the value of mice-infested, DIY cabins to over a million?
Don’t count on it. Current facts suggest the Canadian economy is closer than expected to a recession. We lost 84,000 jobs last month. The population has started to shrink. Our US trade deal may be in trouble this summer. Elevated oil means more inflation and maybe higher interest rates. Property sales are a drag. New homes are a disaster. Hard to fathom bidding wars in the hinterland.
But this is Canada. Anything can happen. We’re still obsessed with real estate. And house flogger Soper has probably been right more times than this pathetic blog. He knows we’re smitten. And he feeds it.
Now, let’s counter this fluff with some facts, coming from data aggregator HouseSigma. Not so fast, it says, because these days we are totally in the grips of a cascading market where asking prices remain unreasonable – and largely unrealized.
The outfit’s ‘Market Temperature’ graphs chart the absorption rate in various cities, showing the share of active listings that attract firm, accepted offers in any given month. In other words, it gives a live indication of supply (inventory) and demand (greater fools).
In tracking five years of data in Vancouver, the GTA and Calgary, it says, “a clear pattern emerged. The absorption rate doesn’t just describe current conditions — it often moves ahead of what sellers actually accept at the negotiating table, otherwise known as the sale-to-list-price ratio.”
So it’s about predictions. A falling absorption level becomes declining prices a month later, and vice versa. When competition among sellers is high and buyers scare, prices go down with absorption – which is exactly what’s been happening.
Here’s how badly the real estate market got a chill
By measuring the monthly sale of active listings and realized prices HouseSigma says future valuations can be predicted. The direction is down, in Vancouver, the GTA and Calgary.
.
“All three markets are currently cooling,” says the analysis, “and in each the sale-to-list ratio is following the absorption rate down. Metro Vancouver’s absorption rate hit a five-year low in January 2026 and is still very muted. The GTA has been soft throughout 2025, with sellers consistently accepting below asking. Calgary, starting from a higher base, has cooled more recently but is now tracking the same direction.”
What do the charts predict now?
More of the same. Less demand. Lower prices. And there are other factors working to depress valuations. First, it’s spring. Rutting season – when a barrage of new listings hits the market, further disrupting the supply/demand ratio. Second, Trump. The quixotic, irrational, emotional and unpredictable American president’s waverings have jerked around equity markets, bond yields and consumer sentiment.
Why would you buy a remote, off-grid cottage if you believe WW3 is at hand?
On second thought…
About the picture:
“I know it looks like they want to kill each other,” writes Mike, from Hamilton, “but Luna and Brady are have a grand old time playing in the yard together.”
To be in touch or send a picture of your beast, email to ‘
[email protected]
’. |
| Markdown | 
- [Daily Weblog](https://www.greaterfool.ca/)
- [About Garth Turner](https://www.greaterfool.ca/about-garth-turner/)
- [Video Archive](https://www.greaterfool.ca/video-archive/)
- [Contact Garth](https://www.greaterfool.ca/contact-garth/)
← [The cycle](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/25/the-cycle/)
[Aging out](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/27/aging-out-2/) →
# Into the wild
March 26th, 2026 \| [Book Updates](https://www.greaterfool.ca/category/book-updates/) \| [E-mail this blog post to a friend](https://www.greaterfool.ca/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#23414f424d481c414c475a1e6a03574b4c56444b57035a4c56034e4a444b57034146034a4d5746514650574647034a4d03574b4a5003414f4c4403534c5057034256574b4c51464703415a03644251574b037756514d465119036a4d574c03574b4603544a4f470d037a4c560340424d03554a4654034a5703425703574b4a50034f4a4d4819034b57575350190c0c5454540d44514642574651454c4c4f0d40420c111311150c13100c11150c4a4d574c0e574b460e544a4f470c)
What a world we’re in. A trade war. Another real one. An energy crisis. Lousy jobs numbers. We flubbed hockey gold. And the Air Canada boss can’t speak French. Mon Dieu. We’re pooched.
But wait.
The real estate cartel says everything’s okay because Canadians will soon start gobbling up cottages again, sending rec property prices upwards. On Thursday, as the bombing campaign in Iran intensified and oil again shot into the \$90 range, Phil Soper over at Royal LePage had bass fishing, pickleball, jetskis and weenies roasting over an open fire on his mind.
The company is forecasting a good summer ahead, whatever Trump and Netanyahu do. “New developments in these regions remain relatively rare, and many properties are tightly held by families for generations. This scarcity preserves the exclusivity of these markets and provides price stability, even when buyers are feeling cautious.”
And so we get this hopium – a report based on the company’s own agents (who are paid only when they sell stuff):
> A report released Thursday by Royal LePage forecasts the median price of a single-family home in Canada’s so-called recreational regions to rise four per cent year-over-year to \$604,552. It said the weighted median price of a single-family home increased 4.3 per cent year-over-year in 2025 to \$581,300.
>
> Each provincial market is expected to see price increases this year, led by a 5.5 per cent gain in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to a median price of \$296,877, and a five per cent increase in Atlantic Canada to a median price of \$361,305.
>
> B.C. is the most expensive province to own a recreational home in, with Royal LePage forecasting a 1.5 per cent boost in the median price of a single-family property to nearly \$1.06 million, followed by Alberta at \$881,295, up 2.5 per cent. Ontario is expected to see a two per cent increase to a median price of \$643,722.
Well, cottages, chalets and hobby farms are usually not primary residences – so with urban real estate in the dumpster lately, why would the secondary property market mark prices rising at twice the rate of inflation? And are there really enough dumb people in BC to push the value of mice-infested, DIY cabins to over a million?
Don’t count on it. Current facts suggest the Canadian economy is closer than expected to a recession. We lost 84,000 jobs last month. The population has started to shrink. Our US trade deal may be in trouble this summer. Elevated oil means more inflation and maybe higher interest rates. Property sales are a drag. New homes are a disaster. Hard to fathom bidding wars in the hinterland.
But this is Canada. Anything can happen. We’re still obsessed with real estate. And house flogger Soper has probably been right more times than this pathetic blog. He knows we’re smitten. And he feeds it.
Now, let’s counter this fluff with some facts, coming from data aggregator HouseSigma. Not so fast, it says, because these days we are totally in the grips of a cascading market where asking prices remain unreasonable – and largely unrealized.
The outfit’s ‘Market Temperature’ graphs chart the absorption rate in various cities, showing the share of active listings that attract firm, accepted offers in any given month. In other words, it gives a live indication of supply (inventory) and demand (greater fools).
In tracking five years of data in Vancouver, the GTA and Calgary, it says, “a clear pattern emerged. The absorption rate doesn’t just describe current conditions — it often moves ahead of what sellers actually accept at the negotiating table, otherwise known as the sale-to-list-price ratio.”
So it’s about predictions. A falling absorption level becomes declining prices a month later, and vice versa. When competition among sellers is high and buyers scare, prices go down with absorption – which is exactly what’s been happening.
### Here’s how badly the real estate market got a chill
###### *By measuring the monthly sale of active listings and realized prices HouseSigma says future valuations can be predicted. The direction is down, in Vancouver, the GTA and Calgary.*
###### .
“All three markets are currently cooling,” says the analysis, “and in each the sale-to-list ratio is following the absorption rate down. Metro Vancouver’s absorption rate hit a five-year low in January 2026 and is still very muted. The GTA has been soft throughout 2025, with sellers consistently accepting below asking. Calgary, starting from a higher base, has cooled more recently but is now tracking the same direction.”
What do the charts predict now?
More of the same. Less demand. Lower prices. And there are other factors working to depress valuations. First, it’s spring. Rutting season – when a barrage of new listings hits the market, further disrupting the supply/demand ratio. Second, Trump. The quixotic, irrational, emotional and unpredictable American president’s waverings have jerked around equity markets, bond yields and consumer sentiment.
Why would you buy a remote, off-grid cottage if you believe WW3 is at hand?
On second thought…
***About the picture:** “I know it looks like they want to kill each other,” writes Mike, from Hamilton, “but Luna and Brady are have a grand old time playing in the yard together.”*
##### *To be in touch or send a picture of your beast, email to ‘[\[email protected\]](https://www.greaterfool.ca/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection)’.*
### 92 comments ↓
[\#1](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053607 "Permalink to this comment") **[Wrk.dover](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.26.26 at 11:33 am
How much gas and added miles on SUV leases for how many trips to Muskoka per year?
Where I live cottages (camps) are minutes away.
Money pits just the same.
[\#2](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053609 "Permalink to this comment") **Long time obsevation ...** on 03.26.26 at 11:42 am
I travel to the hinterland every year to do a little fishing … whenever the price of fuel goes up the amount of fishermen goes down. Mostly locals then … not many from 604land. Makes the locals and the fish happy though.
[\#3](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053610 "Permalink to this comment") **Ustabe** on 03.26.26 at 11:44 am
Won’t link to the cesspool but try @LauraRiggaro on Xitter if you need to fact check me:
“Elon Musk is mad about Judge McConnell’s decision to un-freeze Federal grants…so he posted a picture of the Judge’s daughter, her full name, her position at her work and a page of a tax statement she signed.”
US is one of three countries to vote against UN resolution calling slavery a “crime against humanity”. (nbcnews.com)
Trump threatens to send military to join ICE at airports. (thedailybeast.com)
[\#4](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053611 "Permalink to this comment") **Linda** on 03.26.26 at 11:44 am
So the realtors are hoping that the potential for WW3 will see a ‘boom’ in remote cottage country from hordes of preppers? Who do actually exist but given the cost of all that end times gear probably don’t have enough dough left over to splurge on a cottage in Muskoka or other such climes.
Potentially one might see an uptick in retirees deciding to live outside the city, though I don’t think remote cottage country is overflowing with medical facilities or staff, let alone trendy coffee shops, yoga studios, or travel agents. We looked at lakeside living in Kelowna a few years back, but as my partner pointed out there is only so much boating, golfing or fishing one can take unless said things are one’s passion, which they aren’t for us. Plus prices were crazy & out of reach even then.
[\#5](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053612 "Permalink to this comment") **Sail Away** on 03.26.26 at 11:48 am
Thanks Garth
The dogs in the pic represent steerage fairly well.
The Sail Away dynasty won’t be buying new Canadian RE, but we’re holding on to our estate plus Chilcotin Camp.
On a bright note, our three ‘War Oil Stocks’ picked up Friday the 13th have now hit +9% average. Conflict profiteering. Like Steinbeck’s East of Eden when Caleb Trask made big money in wartime bean futures, infuriating his father.
This investing biz seems easy.
[\#6](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053614 "Permalink to this comment") **Mehling** on 03.26.26 at 12:24 pm
Thanks Garth.
I’m surprised Lake of the Woods (Kenora, ON) vicinity continues to command very high prices, especially with ongoing FN land claims.
<https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/ontario-cottagers-hope-for-dialogue-with-first-nation-that-is-denying-them-road-use/>
[\#7](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053615 "Permalink to this comment") **Paddy** on 03.26.26 at 12:28 pm
Phil Soper and Shaun Cathcart are so awesome…they’re just so damn optimistic all the time. I would love to be a fly on the wall in the meetings they have…bloody hilarious
[\#8](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053616 "Permalink to this comment") **[Shawn](http://www.investorsfriend.com/)** on 03.26.26 at 12:29 pm
A cheaper alternative to a cottage with less work
We bought a park model trailer in a nice professionally managed gated trailer Park. Tucked in the woods. Riffraff can’t get in or even see much from the road. About 30 feet long 1 bedroom plus pull-out couch. Lot’s of room for a couple. Maybe Okay with kids if used only weekends.
Came with a deck, Gazebo and shed. Friends and relatives have trailers 10 minute walk away in the same park.
A famous ocean beach is a bike ride away and the Park has a swimming pool. Lots of bike trails nearby. A tourist town nearby.
We stayed all last Summer and will again.
Basically we get most of the advantages of a cottage for a price around \$35k versus \$350 to a million for a cottage. Even with the yearly site fee, less annual cost than a cottage.
Way less maintenance.
If we decide we no longer want it we sell it and if we lose \$10 k so what?
What we give up is any chance of a capital gain.
I think a lot of people would find this setup WAY cheaper and more convenient. Especially retired couples. (Sorry kids, there’s not much room for you, occasional visit only!)
[\#9](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053617 "Permalink to this comment") **PeterfromCalgary** on 03.26.26 at 12:31 pm
Economists talk a lot about a K-shaped economy, meaning the rich are getting richer while the rest of us are struggling. So, yes, recreational properties—which only wealthy people can afford—might be doing better than the rest of the property market. It’s possible, but what do I know?
[\#10](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053618 "Permalink to this comment") **[tbone](http://greaterfool.ca/)** on 03.26.26 at 12:31 pm
A few hours up hwy 400 to a cottage with no a/c .
I dont think so.
[\#11](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053619 "Permalink to this comment") **Islanddave** on 03.26.26 at 12:34 pm
Hopium, a very human condition, personally I hope I live long enough to see the Vancouver Canucks hoist the Stanley Cup
Not holding my breath while I wait
[\#12](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053620 "Permalink to this comment") **[Grace](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.26.26 at 12:41 pm
\#4 Linda on 03.26.26 at 11:44 am
So the realtors are hoping that the potential for WW3 will see a ‘boom’ in remote cottage country from hordes of preppers? Who do actually exist but given the cost of all that end times gear probably don’t have enough dough left over to splurge on a cottage in Muskoka or other such climes.
Potentially one might see an uptick in retirees deciding to live outside the city, though I don’t think remote cottage country is overflowing with medical facilities or staff, let alone trendy coffee shops, yoga studios, or travel agents. We looked at lakeside living in Kelowna a few years back, but as my partner pointed out there is only so much boating, golfing or fishing one can take unless said things are one’s passion, which they aren’t for us. Plus prices were crazy & out of reach even then.
——————————–
Well, as for us and basically all of our friends that we have who are retired, are healthy and fit. Not every retiree is a fat and sick one.
Did you move to Winnipeg? That is the ideal place for seniors who need to be near the hospital.
[\#13](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053621 "Permalink to this comment") **Dogman01** on 03.26.26 at 12:44 pm
“If you heard of some third world dump where a linguistic minority of less than 20 per cent held a permanent, legally-protected monopoly on all of the country’s top jobs, you’d probably think it wasn’t much of a democracy.”
So, let’s me get this straight…to be a leader of a corporation or Institution in Canada…the ruling class wants to enforce fluency in French?
Now considering to get to the top of any human organization competition you need to be smart, ambitious, conscientious and disagreeable. On Top of that now, in Canada they want you to only come from the small portion of the population that is bi-lingual?
“Let Them Learn French”: Canada’s Bilingual Elite Hold All the Power \| HuffPost Politics
<https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/let-them-learn-french-canadas-bilingual-elite-hold-all-the-p_b_4977174>
Dangerous opinions in Canada
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KitLiKbIsSU&list=PLmoCLt24erd6AR_t60Pjb2fpPV47_rtNt>
[\#14](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053622 "Permalink to this comment") **Cottagers STAY THE HELL AWAY\!** on 03.26.26 at 1:05 pm
Listen to what Garth says, all you inbred southern hillbillies.
There is NO point in buying a cottage or coming up here this summer. You are parasites to our rural culture.
Just
Stay
Home
[\#15](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053608 "Permalink to this comment") **TurnerNation** on 03.26.26 at 1:18 pm
I told you guys to check the history books, always. What’s good for WW2 is good for WW3
Our Rulers always play the same deck of cards.
<https://www.reuters.com/business/volkswagen-shift-production-missile-defense-one-factory-deal-with-israeli-2026-03-24/>
March 24 (Reuters) – Volkswagen is in talks with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems over a deal that would shift production at the carmaker’s Osnabrueck plant from cars to missile defence, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the plan.
— —
Burn Baby Burn. Back to the Stone Age we go. Science\!
<https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3221035/coal-units-restarted-to-curb-electricity-costs>
Coal units restarted to curb electricity costs
— —
Free cars! Just show up in Kanada. We’ll take care of you. A naive and trusting CBC Old Stock, are fodder.
<https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/03/26/pickering-suv-fraud-car-dealership-romanian-man-wanted-police/>
Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) have issued an arrest warrant for a Romanian man accused of using fraudulent documents to purchase a new SUV from a Pickering dealership before fleeing the country.
[\#16](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053623 "Permalink to this comment") **Quintilian** on 03.26.26 at 1:24 pm
Thanks Garth,
If I read correctly between the lines, you are suggesting that Phil Soper qualifies for membership in **The Fibbing Team**.
For now he will be of a lower ranking, but who knows with time he may be upgraded to full status.
[\#17](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053624 "Permalink to this comment") **Cowichan Lake renter** on 03.26.26 at 1:29 pm
One thing I thought of whilst reading today’s blog was that I wonder how many people selling their US properties recently are investing in Canadian recreational property, especially here in BC, where one can utilise most of them year round and in many cases not facing crazy cottage commutes like those up the 400 in ON.
We have just enjoyed our first winter away from the Prairie snow and cold, walking nearly daily with the dog to hike in a provincial park down the road.
M75BC
[\#18](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053606 "Permalink to this comment") **TurnerNation** on 03.26.26 at 1:30 pm
GEE. I am surprised.
Our Rulers are rolling us back to the Stone Ages.
Was 2020 the test rollout? This is a Global Thang.
<https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15675413/emergency-energy-playbook-lockdown-iea.html>?
Emergency playbook for worldwide crises quietly released: ‘Get ready for lockdown 2.0’
The guidance comes from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which last week released its report ‘Sheltering From Oil Shocks’ outlining 10 steps countries could take if supplies tighten.
\>Hundreds of petrol stations across Australia run out of fuel as Labor inks supply deal with Singapore \| Petrol prices \| The Guardian
\>Thailand is experiencing a severe fuel crisis compounded by extreme heat exceeding 40°C, causing widespread transportation bottlenecks and energy shortages. The government is implementing strict energy-saving measures, including setting air conditioners to higher temperatures and reducing office electricity usage, as fuel supply concerns rise
— —
What recession?
<https://x.com/Barchart/status/2036890446312652862>
U.S. Housing Market
Home Sellers now outnumber Buyers by 630,000, the largest gap ever recorded
[\#19](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053625 "Permalink to this comment") **Dave** on 03.26.26 at 1:38 pm
Maybe more well off people interested in buying cottages are just more insulated from economic problems and uncertainties than 95% of people, or maybe they just want to get the heck out of the cities before an apocalypse happens. Either way, this is really not a good sign.
Although it is not unhealthy to have properties selling below list price, before FOMO fever took over it may have even been normal and even may have been so throughout in some markets. People often ask for a bit more than they expect, in the hopes someone will pay it or they can negotiate.
Of course in many markets these days, stubbornly sticking to a price often means a property remains unsold and when prices started to fall those that were more flexible probably avoided greater losses later. So the market now rewards seller flexibility in a way it did not a few years ago.
I suppose we’ll see if the rush to buy cottages really materializes this season or not, but I am a bit skeptical about that one too.
[\#20](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053626 "Permalink to this comment") **Dave** on 03.26.26 at 1:41 pm
If indigenous land claims are victorious in the courts, banks have 100% confirmed that this will effect mortgage renewals because of property value decline.
You also wont be able to sell your property if its underwater because of the de-value.
Cant renew and cant sell your property? What will happen to Canada?
[\#21](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053627 "Permalink to this comment") **Mehling** on 03.26.26 at 1:55 pm
“One thing I thought of whilst reading today’s blog was that I wonder how many people selling their US properties recently are investing in Canadian recreational property, especially here in BC”
It’s possible, but as someone who is sitting on cash earmarked for RE investment, the FN land claim overhang here in BC (and parts of Lake of the Woods, ON) is real.
Now if these sell or are offered at a substantial discount / margin of safety, one will take the chance.
I agree 100% with SA.
[\#22](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053628 "Permalink to this comment") **Apocalypse 2026** on 03.26.26 at 2:11 pm
Cottage country is a poor choice for smart preppers. They will be overrun by opportunistic thieves and assassins from global intelligence agencies seeking to target key players in WWIII at their hideaways.
Best to seek out hidden or unlikely rural shelter locations, and to have at least 3 that you can retreat to quickly. Barriers to entry that only you can navigate are highly recommended as well.
Massive global escalation is likely even before the grass turns green.
PREPARE
[\#23](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053629 "Permalink to this comment") **F1guy** on 03.26.26 at 2:18 pm
Just an observation of the picture. There are 2 dogs but 10 paws.
Let’s keep it real people\!
*Surely you see a third dog in the rear? – Garth*
[\#24](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053630 "Permalink to this comment") **Yukon Elvis** on 03.26.26 at 2:22 pm
\#4
Potentially one might see an uptick in retirees deciding to live outside the city, though I don’t think remote cottage country is overflowing with medical facilities.
++++++
This is a biggie that some people overlook.
[\#25](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053631 "Permalink to this comment") **Felix** on 03.26.26 at 2:25 pm
A sadly revealing photo today – two dogawful mutts coaching and grooming each other so they can assist to successfully maul and murder thousands of innocent children every year
[\#26](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053632 "Permalink to this comment") **F1guy** on 03.26.26 at 2:26 pm
3rd dog was my thought , but only 2 dogs mentioned in the post, perhaps an oversight.
Obsessing the deatils is but a distraction to the markets today.
I think the monthly investments will be going into utility ETFs for a while. Need to boost this category anyway.
[\#27](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053633 "Permalink to this comment") **Ken007** on 03.26.26 at 2:27 pm
Very good Garth. I love humour with my anxiety.
Perhaps I’ll buy a sailboat and head for Australia. Or not.
I remember the Canadian who wanted to escape – and went to the Falkland Islands just before the war broke out. Who knew?
[\#28](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053634 "Permalink to this comment") **Linda** on 03.26.26 at 2:42 pm
\#12 ‘Grace’ – while it is completely true that many equate being a senior with ill health, as noted lots of seniors are healthy, fit & frisky:) However reality is that seniors are also the largest cohort to suffer debilitating illness when or if it strikes. The older one is, the less chance of being able to ‘bounce back’.
These days seniors are basically grouped into 3 ranges. Age 65-75 is generally the most frisky years, where the majority are both fit enough & healthy enough to pursue their activities of choice. Age 75-85 are considered ‘middle aged’ seniors, where illness/infirmity is likely to take hold. Hence the life expectancy of roughly age 80 for men & age 84 for women in Canada. Age 85 & up are the ‘senior’ seniors, who exceed the average life expectancy but who usually don’t have the physical resources to withstand any serious illness. Which is why less than 1% of Canadians live past age 90 & why those aged 100 plus are still a very small chunk of the population. Last I looked Canada had about 13 or so thousand centenarians out of a population of 40 plus million.
I hadn’t heard that Winnipeg was an excellent choice for access to hospitals if needed. Given the winter climate I’d imagine most living there are tough enough not to need the facility in the first place:)
BTW, I wouldn’t equate someone who looks ‘fat’ as not being ‘fit’. I’ve been a spectator at Ironman races & not a few of the ones competing sure don’t look like the lean, mean fitness machines one might expect – but they do the race so their less than greyhound appearance isn’t an indicator of their overall level of fitness\!
[\#29](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053635 "Permalink to this comment") **[Schmo](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.26.26 at 2:47 pm
\#24 Yukon Elvis on 03.26.26 at 2:22 pm
\#4
Potentially one might see an uptick in retirees deciding to live outside the city, though I don’t think remote cottage country is overflowing with medical facilities.
++++++
This is a biggie that some people overlook.
————
as \#12 reply:
Not everyone that is old is Fat, sick and Unhealthy Yukon…some of us are not sitting next to the tube eating Oreos while our legs swell up.
I can see you are worried about being close to a hospital… feel better soon.
[\#30](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053636 "Permalink to this comment") **Ustabe** on 03.26.26 at 2:52 pm
Whoever won at Monopoly by sitting back, owning one property, passing go and hoping others would land on your piece to pay you a bit of rent?
Nope, you win at Monopoly by amassing utilities, railroads and buying up entire neighbourhoods. You don’t own Park Place and sit back, you figure out how to get a hotel on it.
Spent all your money on that hotel, now you sit on a property you have to pay rent on? Make a deal, even if it hurts, promise your son you will help him out in the future, just loan me the cash to bail me out.
Then when he lands on your Park Place with that hotel convince him that if he cancels that previous monetary debt then you both will be even. Buy more real tangible assets, gong your son for full rent next time he lands on another of your properties.
[\#31](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053637 "Permalink to this comment") **[Jared](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.26.26 at 2:54 pm
\#28 Linda on 03.26.26 at 2:42 pm
BTW, I wouldn’t equate someone who looks ‘fat’ as not being ‘fit’.
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
That’s what the Woke Sports Illustrated thought. Until sane people gave them a slap upside and canceled their subscriptions.
Fat is not Fit. That body positivity sheet where double chins and chaffed legs are sexy.. well lets just say… not.
No common sense, featuring morbidly obese fat postpartum non-athletes in Sports Illustrated makes no sense from a business standpoint?
Fit is not Fat, no matter how you spin it.
[\#32](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053638 "Permalink to this comment") **Doing my Part** on 03.26.26 at 2:57 pm
“TD slashes housing market forecast for 2026, now sees sales and prices falling”
—
The latest from TD.
[\#33](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053639 "Permalink to this comment") **Aiiiii** on 03.26.26 at 3:02 pm
It’s been like 4 years of A.I. right?
So?
What has A.I. accomplished so far? What contribution has it made? What has humanity benefited from A.I. so far? What’s the ROI?
A.I. CEO…you’re going to pedal some bullshit about how it will make a difference in a quarter? In a year? In two years? Just a little more? Just \$100 billion more? Just keep on pumping money into it, while A.I. companies turn \$5 into \$1?
What we have is a huge tech bubble with P/E ratios at 40+ and bunch of debt for data centres and GPUs that hardly appear necessary.
Oh…and we have a lovely excuse for corporate layoffs.
[\#34](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053640 "Permalink to this comment") **[Shawn](http://www.investorsfriend.com/)** on 03.26.26 at 3:16 pm
Healthy Older Seniors
\#28 Linda on 03.26.26 at 2:42 pm
\#12 ‘Grace’ – while it is completely true that many equate being a senior with ill health, as noted lots of seniors are healthy, fit & frisky:)
I mentioned my hiking vacation in Portugal.
Average age was probably 70. Oldest was 82 woman and another 78.
We did four approximate 15 km hikes one week And the same the next week from a different base Hotel. Some easy walking but lots of rough trails. Sometimes up and down over rocks. One day was 5 km up a pretty steep mountain and back down. We had a wide variety of woods and cobble stones and hills and pavement and narrow dirt trails with rocks and roots. On one occasion we had to climb over a fence. Only a couple people needed a bit of help.
None of these seniors had any real problems. These were healthy fit people. Not coincidentally they were NOT poor.
The Bell curve of fitness and abilities in older age (like the bell curve of wealth) is WIDE. On average, wealthier people are fitter. Another reason to invest.
Averages mean nothing. People need to focus less on average in every aspect of life. No one has 1.1 kids…
[\#35](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053641 "Permalink to this comment") **[Dolce Vita](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comments)** on 03.26.26 at 3:20 pm
“But wait, there’s more!”
– Ron Popeil
——————————–
“Second, Trump. The quixotic, irrational, emotional and unpredictable American president’s waverings have jerked…”
—\> I’ll say that’s bang on, hard on.
Every morning I check the BTC price on Yahoo!finance where the side panel shows the color of my Derivative ETFs, green good, red bad.
If Red, then Trump opened his big, fat, trap up again. Then off to the financial news to learn what bomb he dropped on US Mr. Market.
If Green, means he dropped a bomb on something else like Iran usually reported in a mile long Truth Social diatribe.
The war has been good for me (“Baseball… been berra berra good… to me” – Chico Escuela, SNL).
Today my weighted average b/tax dividend yield annualized chimed in at 64.6% so there’s that to be happy about.
—\> been berra berra good…
——————————–
Garth I like it you look for new stuff to predict the RE market but honestly… Absorption?
Reminds me of what Bounty Towels do.
Seems overly complex their thesis.
My way easy, plot CREA’s index, drop a trend line in there, calculate the equation (Sheets does it for you) and the projection:
<https://x.com/FarNienteIT/status/2037246574451998988>
Dec 2026 = 269.47
Occam’s Razor.
[\#36](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053642 "Permalink to this comment") **Andrew Morgan** on 03.26.26 at 3:27 pm
This photo of the two fighting dogs is an excellent illustration of why I would never own a dog, and try to avoid homes with such pets.
I never understood why anyone would actually live with what is essentially an evolved wolf — complete with the powerful jaw, sharp teeth and aggressive nature. Even the small dogs are a menace. The loud barking and feces everywhere are the icing on the toxic cake.
If I were childless and needed a pet, I would get a cat — hands down.
[\#37](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053643 "Permalink to this comment") **DON** on 03.26.26 at 3:52 pm
Summer also brings heat domes, drought and forest fires.
Can you insure the cabin in the woods, even on a lakeside but away from the fire patrol.
Vancouver Island is retirement mecca, the biggest industry as forestry decreases in terms of local jobs. Fishing has been gutted to the corp fishing outlets. The recent wind storms left folks on the east side of the island without power. The storms are getting more intense. We seem to go from rain and windy to drought and hot, two seasons.
On another note, we just had a 4.0 earthquake 162 kms off our coast. We have been getting a lot in the past 2-3 years, according to Tribe records the last big one was hundreds of years ago.
Oh and there was a flash flood in Hawaii, rivers running down the streets.
And Phil has been right only in bubble times. Things change.
And Trump should learn some magic tricks to awe his audience. Lying is getting boring.
[\#38](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053644 "Permalink to this comment") **DON** on 03.26.26 at 4:00 pm
\#17 Cowichan Lake renter on 03.26.26 at 1:29 pm
One thing I thought of whilst reading today’s blog was that I wonder how many people selling their US properties recently are investing in Canadian recreational property, especially here in BC, where one can utilise most of them year round and in many cases not facing crazy cottage commutes like those up the 400 in ON.
We have just enjoyed our first winter away from the Prairie snow and cold, walking nearly daily with the dog to hike in a provincial park down the road.
M75BC
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
Be careful…that is cougar country. I know that Park. If the hair stands up on the back of your neck…turn around. Especially with smaller dogs.
Lots of encounters with wild animals lately.
[\#39](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053645 "Permalink to this comment") **Ronno** on 03.26.26 at 4:01 pm
The only people “obsessed” with real estate in this country currently are real estate agents trying to make a buck and home owners that need to sell yesterday.
Everyone else has a life including future buyers casually waiting for a deal they can comfortably afford.
Obsessed with real estate? Please Garth. Your shilling like the evening news. Your better than this.
BTW, ever enjoy the John Prine song “Quit hollerin at me?”
[\#40](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053646 "Permalink to this comment") **nnso** on 03.26.26 at 4:04 pm
While Canada is not experiencing a sudden oligarch-style seizure of assets like what followed the collapse of the USSR, the growing concentration of wealth, rising cost of living, and shrinking affordability for the middle class are creating similar outcomes over time. If left unaddressed, this gradual shift could lead to a society where economic power is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few.
[\#41](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053647 "Permalink to this comment") **DON** on 03.26.26 at 4:08 pm
\#20 Dave on 03.26.26 at 1:41 pm
If indigenous land claims are victorious in the courts, banks have 100% confirmed that this will effect mortgage renewals because of property value decline.
You also wont be able to sell your property if its underwater because of the de-value.
Cant renew and cant sell your property? What will happen to Canada?
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
Who owns the land right now as per the constitution and or sharing agreements?
[\#42](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053648 "Permalink to this comment") **SunShowers** on 03.26.26 at 4:34 pm
\#30 Ustabe
“Nope, you win at Monopoly by amassing utilities, railroads and buying up entire neighbourhoods.”
That’s the neat thing about Monopoly, it used to be called The Landlord’s Game, where it highlighted the absurdity of treating land as private property under capitalism.
Life these days really does feel like a Monopoly game that’s gone on for about 3 hours. One guy owns almost all the property, he has all the \$100 bills so whenever you pass go you get paid in tens and twenties, you pray you get sent to jail and never roll doubles so you just stay there as long as you can because at least you can’t lose money in jail.
Realistically, nobody’s having fun anymore except for the one person who’s winning, and most people would like to just agree that person has won, pack it in, and get on with their lives.
[\#43](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053649 "Permalink to this comment") **Edward Bear** on 03.26.26 at 4:55 pm
I love the comments. These swaggering, smug, high achiever guys who think they will never even need a hospital because ‘I work out man’ and ‘my chiseled abs are like a shield of steel.’ I measure women with calipers. Besides, I am bereft of any adipose and look at my enormous swingin’ line of credit. Lord preserve us.
Doc says this septuagenarian is in good health, has a tad of fat, on no meds, exercises daily but ascribes to the memento mori mindset: Inevitably something is going to get you, you could just sicken or drop dead at any second. The latter case nothing you can do, but reasonable proximity to a hospital is good planning no matter what your age. Some go getter guys aren’t even making it out of their forties. Why tempt fate, when you pitch that big ‘ol stroke, the heart starts revving up and flip flopping, or a deep vein thrombosis starts to throb, you’ll be happy not to be a ferry ride or two from emerg. (P.S I know smart fat and fit women can smell the pong of smugness a kilometer off and will do a u-turn)
[\#44](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053650 "Permalink to this comment") **Linda** on 03.26.26 at 4:56 pm
\#31 ‘Jared’ – people come in all shapes & sizes, including physiques that are best described as ‘stocky’; ‘sturdy’ or ‘hefty’. Have to look at the tone of the physique. I’ve seen folks who’d be categorized as ‘fat’ by the casual onlooker but on closer observation, that large shape is very much more muscle than fat.
In case you wondered, I do not equate actual fat as being fit, just saying that those who judge others by what they see may well be making an error of judgement as to how healthy or fit those folks may be. I knew one akido sensei who looked very soft in appearance but anyone who thought that man was an easy mark was in for one hell of a surprise! That outer soft appearance was just a skim of flesh over solid muscle……
[\#45](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053651 "Permalink to this comment") **Quiet, piggy\!** on 03.26.26 at 5:02 pm
\#33 Aiiiii on 03.26.26 at 3:02 pm
It’s been like 4 years of A.I. right?
—-
More than that, bud. Big-tech has been training their algorithms for decades (on us) and, concurrently, decided to flood the market with their models.
[\#46](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053652 "Permalink to this comment") **cramar** on 03.26.26 at 5:21 pm
Methinks Phil Soper at Royal LePage has been reading the book, “The Art of Hopium” by Donald J. Trump\!
If people are hurting and the economy turns south (thanks Trump), unloading the cottage might be the way to save the family finances.
Sales price increase? Not a chance! There might be a lot of cottage listings this year. Clue in from the condo market.
[\#47](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053653 "Permalink to this comment") **Quiet, piggy\!** on 03.26.26 at 5:34 pm
\#45 Quiet, piggy! on 03.26.26 at 5:02 pm
\#33 Aiiiii on 03.26.26 at 3:02 pm
It’s been like 4 years of A.I. right?
—-
More than that, bud. Big-tech has been training their algorithms for decades (on us) and, concurrently, decided to flood the market with their models.
—–
Oh, and as a little side note, Sam Altman has said that eventually, the AI we now take for granted, will be monetized. Meaning soon, we will have to pay for the level of intelligence it provides. Makes sense, Right? The ‘free’ versions, that we use now, will be shit.
Rinse and repeat.
[\#48](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053654 "Permalink to this comment") **Doing my Part** on 03.26.26 at 5:35 pm
As I mentioned once before when someone on here extolled the virtues of his fitness at 53 years of age…
If you think you are as good at 70 as when you were 50, you weren’t very good at 50.
[\#49](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053655 "Permalink to this comment") **Armpit** on 03.26.26 at 5:41 pm
Dolce Vita on 03.25.26 at 5:03 pm
OFF TOPIC – Leave us Alone
“As I can appreciate there Canada you’re upset with Trump and have undertaken to vacay anywhere but the US, please, please, cross Italia off you list of alternate vacay destinations (Mar 24 Florence, 1 day ago Rome, 7 days ago Naples):
<https://www.instagram.com/p/DWRBG6tjIUG/>
<https://www.instagram.com/p/DWSKgV6iCLC/>
<https://www.instagram.com/p/DWCaC_gApA9/>
Or wait until the earliest, May, to overrun us as you are want to do.
And for the Love of God, just stop it, stop it… we live in your Fantasyland Italia and need a good nights sleep:
<https://www.instagram.com/p/DVD_ABaiNYR/>
And don’t you dare sing THAT SONG in our piazze late at night either.”
——————-
Too late. Booked Plans for Reggio and surrounding area in late April to early May
[\#50](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053656 "Permalink to this comment") **Dr. V** on 03.26.26 at 5:44 pm
43 Edward
“Inevitably something is going to get you, you could just sicken or drop dead at any second. The latter case nothing you can do, but reasonable proximity to a hospital is good planning no matter what your age.”
—————————————————————
Yes. Exactly like that.
[\#51](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053658 "Permalink to this comment") **Kwi'kwa'ju** on 03.26.26 at 6:34 pm
\#43 Edward Bear on 03.26.26 at 4:55 pm
\#44 Linda on 03.26.26 at 4:56 pm
————————————————————–
Exactly this. Tyson Fury sure as heck ain’t rocking abs, and he sure as heck is in better shape\* than anyone frequenting this blog’s steerage.
\*when he’s fighting; between fights, Tyson has been known to, umm, overindulge.
[\#52](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053659 "Permalink to this comment") **Yukon Elvis** on 03.26.26 at 6:34 pm
\#48 Doing my Part on 03.26.26 at 5:35 pm
As I mentioned once before when someone on here extolled the virtues of his fitness at 53 years of age…
If you think you are as good at 70 as when you were 50, you weren’t very good at 50.
++++++++
:)
[\#53](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053660 "Permalink to this comment") **Ustabe** on 03.26.26 at 6:35 pm
*\#42 SunShowers on 03.26.26 at 4:34 pm*
Exactly that.
Be prepared to take advantage of even your own son or be prepared to fall behind what they say you should be.
[\#54](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053661 "Permalink to this comment") **Kwi'kwa'ju** on 03.26.26 at 6:39 pm
\#13 Dogman01 on 03.26.26 at 12:44 pm
“If you heard of some third world dump where a linguistic minority of less than 20 per cent held a permanent, legally-protected monopoly on all of the country’s top jobs, you’d probably think it wasn’t much of a democracy.”
So, let’s me get this straight…to be a leader of a corporation or Institution in Canada…the ruling class wants to enforce fluency in French?
Now considering to get to the top of any human organization competition you need to be smart, ambitious, conscientious and disagreeable. On Top of that now, in Canada they want you to only come from the small portion of the population that is bi-lingual?
“Let Them Learn French”: Canada’s Bilingual Elite Hold All the Power \| HuffPost Politics
<https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/let-them-learn-french-canadas-bilingual-elite-hold-all-the-p_b_4977174>
Dangerous opinions in Canada
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KitLiKbIsSU&list=PLmoCLt24erd6AR_t60Pjb2fpPV47_rtNt>
———————————————–
Dude, that tripe was written well over a decade ago by an individual looking to make money off of folks like you. Stop pickling your brain in garbage.
It’s a bilingual country. The king is bilingual. Get over it. Move on with your life.
[\#55](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053662 "Permalink to this comment") **crowdedelevtorfartz** on 03.26.26 at 6:52 pm
@\#44 Linda
“…people come in all shapes & sizes, including physiques that are best described as ‘stocky’; ‘sturdy’ or ‘hefty’….”
\+++
Reubenesque comes to mind.
But, sadly, FAT will suffice.
As our population blindly waddles itself towards majority population obesity.
Diabetes Treatment investments must be making a killing.
[\#56](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053663 "Permalink to this comment") **Aiiiii** on 03.26.26 at 6:55 pm
\#47 Quiet, piggy! on 03.26.26 at 5:34 pm
Oh, and as a little side note, Sam Altman has said that eventually, the AI we now take for granted, will be monetized. Meaning soon, we will have to pay for the level of intelligence it provides. Makes sense, Right? The ‘free’ versions, that we use now, will be shit.
Rinse and repeat.
—
Who will pay for this?
The masses don’t want to pay for it. And the coders have a cap on what they are willing to pay for it monthly.
Also, task specific LLMs don’t have to be crazy large parameter models, as they are specialized in a task. Translation: They can become a small model, which can be downloaded and ran locally on a decent computer. Like for example a coding LLM from DeepSeek. Would not have to have 671 billion parameters of their top big model. So…why would someone pay for it if China will give it to them free? China offers that 671b LLM free too. You can download it and run it locally and securely off-line, no chance China gathers anything on you. I think by now we can see that China is way less intrusive than USA when it comes to data gathering, spying, etc. Even Americans feel this way now in recent polls after the deployment of data against them over last year or so.
Corporations don’t want A.I. either, as they don’t want to have a spy with total access to their internal systems, data, etc. learning about their business. A.I. is bonkers inside a corporate environment, unless it is local and locked down.
I like those dummies who say they will use ChatGPT as their lawyer in their divorce. Dummies is not strong enough word really. Any use of ChatGPT for legal purposes is bonkers. Flaky help with none of the privacy or protections afforded to a client-lawyer relationship. What bright dummy doesn’t want that?
[\#57](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053664 "Permalink to this comment") **Linda** on 03.26.26 at 6:58 pm
\#43 ‘Edward’ – LOL! Love your take on the ‘I’m so fit’ folks….. And yes, ‘smug’ is one way to put it. I’m hearing the ‘judge not, lest ye be judged’ ringing in my ears:)
[\#58](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053665 "Permalink to this comment") **Sail Away** on 03.26.26 at 7:20 pm
I’m loving the mid-50s fitness level. It’s sort of the perfect age where everything works well, no aches or pains, injuries are rare, lots of time to exercise and good capacity on both strength and cardio.
With a couple years of very consistent powerlifting on top of 35 years of regular exercise, I’m now 196lbs at 6′ tall, which is 15 ish pounds added since starting the program. 31″ waist, lean, benching 315 and deadlifting 455. Strongest I’ve ever been. Consistency for the win.
[\#59](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053666 "Permalink to this comment") **Greebly** on 03.26.26 at 7:21 pm
\#17 Cowichan Lake renter
Interesting observation.
We have a rec property by a lake in a 2/3 built out 350 unit community.
I have an educated guess that ~25 of the units are owned by snowbirds. up from 10 a year ago.
Majority of the new folk went from owning in US/Mexico to renting where ever in the winter.
One couple that sold their house in Mexico said the deal was quite interesting…think literal cash deal and lots of lawyers.
[\#60](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053667 "Permalink to this comment") **Tom from Mississauga** on 03.26.26 at 8:03 pm
Ok, Soper was right more often. But how could you know the central bank was going to continuously underwrite the market with rate cuts at every opportunity. Well, deputy governor Carolyn Rogers said last week those days are over.
[\#61](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053668 "Permalink to this comment") **Flop…** on 03.26.26 at 8:09 pm
The Flop Report.
Part One.
Sounds ominous.
Back in town after a week in Buckhead, minus 300 USD out of my travel wallet for expenses for the week.
I’ll try to do a bit of a recap.
Ice, did I see them at the airport?
Yes I did.
If you’ve seen the news reports, US airports are having a moment, reports of people taking 4 to 5 hours to clear security is a daily occurrence, I thought we were in trouble when we first got to the airport but a shuttle over to international terminal saw the line chopped in half.
Atlanta airport is one of those ones where they mix domestic and international, so the game for the domestic travellers that didn’t want to wait 4 hours was to clear security in the international entrance and circle back around to domestic.
I cleared security after about 90 minutes, early this morning, the 5 Ice agents can’t really do much to help, they showed on the local news the other day them helping an elderly lady into a wheelchair, but that’s not speeding up the line.
The TSA agents were professional, with a hint of that southern swagger, the guy that actually processed my passport was smiling, in good spirits and said have a good day Mr Flop…
They already have all The World Cup decals up in the international lounges, which happens in June, they don’t look ready to host with current airport conditions, a deal to pay the agents will probably come to avoid international media mocking.
Say, has the U.S done anything recently to deserve international mocking…
M51BC
[\#62](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053669 "Permalink to this comment") **[Wrk.dover](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.26.26 at 8:22 pm
Aside from the French, what is the apology for?
The occupant of the right side of the fire truck, not looking out the side window on the angle that disadvantaged the driver from being blinded by the oncoming landing lights?
Was the seat filler working, or texting?
What has this got to do with the performance of Air Canada?
It’s good thing the Canadian pilot could speak English fluently enough to talk to the tower\!
Not sure how the French requirement comes in….
[\#63](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053670 "Permalink to this comment") **[Wrk.dover](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.26.26 at 8:31 pm
\#34 Shawn on 03.26.26 at 3:16 pm
None of these seniors had any real problems. These were healthy fit people. Not coincidentally they were NOT poor.
The Bell curve of fitness and abilities in older age (like the bell curve of wealth) is WIDE. On average, wealthier people are fitter. Another reason to invest.
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
From my wide range of experiences in all stratas of society, Shawn is 100% correct this time\!
[\#64](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053671 "Permalink to this comment") **crowdedelevtorfartz** on 03.26.26 at 8:50 pm
@\#54 Peek ah Choo\!
“It’s a bilingual country. The king is bilingual. Get over it. Move on with your life.”
\+++
Sadly, bilingualism hasnt taken hold all across Canada as much as the Federal Govt insists on spending billions to make it so..
I cant remember the last time I heard French spoken in Vancouver.
English/Mandarin bank machines are more prevalent the Lower Mainland than English /French.
I’m quite sure it’s a similar story in Calgary, Regina, Toronto, Halifax…. aka…most large cities across Canada other than Quebec.
French is localized and will never compete with TV/ Netflix and Amazon
I was visiting a friend in Thetford a few years back and we went golfing. Joined with a pair of locals. My French is abysmal. I can understand a bit but people wince when I try and speak it. They insisted on speaking English to practice before holiday in the USA. We had a great time.
I look at Bilingualism like I look at the “Metric system”.
An expensive, failed experiment.
I dont discuss meters and liters with other tradesmen.
Its all imperial when we’re talking square feet, pounds and miles per hour.
The metric system has a better chance of total acceptance than bilingualism.
For 70% of Canadians …French is irrelevant.
If Quebec every decides to “go it alone”.
I would suspect that the rest of Canada would drop the expensive bilingualism costs and go “English only”.
Thus Quebec would die a slow linguistic death as more and more of their population would be forced to speak English for work, entertainment and economic survival.
The USA will NOT deal with Quebec in French…nor would a seperate, angry, divided Canada.
[\#65](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053672 "Permalink to this comment") **Robert Ash** on 03.26.26 at 8:53 pm
Is it only me, that regrets not expanding our Pipeline Capacity. As Canadians, we are so reluctant to take advantage of our natural resources, and benefit ourselves, Allies, New Customers, and Energy Security. We need all forms, of Commerce, and it is time to get off our duffs, and increase our Productivity. We have the wrong Leaders, so far. Carney is not interested in developing our Energy Resources. He wrote a book about it. Time for Canadians, to get active. Throw off the Complacency and let’s help our young Canadians, with some jobs, that pay the bills. Oil still runs, the globe.
[\#66](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053673 "Permalink to this comment") **crowdedelevtorfartz** on 03.26.26 at 8:55 pm
@\#62 Wrk.dvr
“It’s good thing the Canadian pilot could speak English fluently enough to talk to the tower!”
+++
English is mandatory in traffic control towers world wide.
But if you want to hear some really great “English”…listen to Air Traffic Controllers losing it when foreign pilots dont follow instructions….
<https://www.tiktok.com/@lhrohin/video/7458415630568525088>
I think AI could help…big time.
[\#67](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053674 "Permalink to this comment") **Stan Smith** on 03.26.26 at 8:56 pm
\#58 Sail Away on 03.26.26 at 7:20 pm
I’m loving the mid-50s fitness level. It’s sort of the perfect age where everything works well, no aches or pains, injuries are rare, lots of time to exercise and good capacity on both strength and cardio.
With a couple years of very consistent powerlifting on top of 35 years of regular exercise, I’m now 196lbs at 6′ tall, which is 15 ish pounds added since starting the program. 31″ waist, lean, benching 315 and deadlifting 455. Strongest I’ve ever been. Consistency for the win.
——–
455 what? Grams?
Mid-50s, peak condition, and somehow also the original source of every idea currently circulating online. Remarkable.
Go get’em skippy\!
[\#68](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053675 "Permalink to this comment") **DON** on 03.26.26 at 9:22 pm
My idea of fit…can you run from a killer dear to safety without looking like a clown or suffering from a thorough heart pumping.
I think if one can walk up and down hills for 5 km you are pretty fit. Or swimming, as Doctor’s recommend.
Lifting weights does not make you fit, but you do look good.
An older soccer player suffered a heart attack on the field at a game on Salts Spring Island recently. RIP with the soccer gods.
[\#69](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053676 "Permalink to this comment") **Flop…** on 03.26.26 at 9:52 pm
The Flop Report.
Part two, you know, because I promised.
A few more observations from the past week in Georgia.
We stayed in a fairly new hotel, with a large common breakfast area, where I watched the professional eaters do their thing.
Polymarket, I’d like to place a bet that I can get out eaten by a small Asian lady weighing probably 100 pounds wringing wet.
The other thing I took notice of was, which of the two television screens in the area the other travellers took notice of.
One screen had CNN on with their Iran updates, the other a local Atlanta station, showing stories on gas prices, airport line ups, and weather reports featuring 28 degree weather in late March.
CNN didn’t stand a chance, the masses were more interested in the day to day stuff, for the record the weather was approximately 10 degrees above seasonal.
It’s Greaterfool, let’s do some real estate stuff, shall we?
Apparently they are in the process of trying to implement a Blight Tax.
We have empty homes tax, and stuff like that, they want to start a Blight Tax, to go after owners of abandoned properties.
It seems like the deal is to implement a prohibitive tax to try to discourage land banking.
Seems like a couple of nearby jurisdictions have started doing the same thing, I think only one had implemented the tax, while a second one had identified 90 properties that met the criteria for the Blight Tax.
What do we think about that, I dunno, I got on a plane and I don’t own an abandoned property, so I’ll let them fight it out.
Also, let me prequalify the following statement with this fact, I’ve worked and walked among the mansions in Shaughnessy, also when working for a billionaire, I’ve walked around billionaires row in St Jean Cap Ferrat, just outside Monoco.
After visiting a few historical buildings including the Governors Mansion near Buckhead, a walk through the nearby Tuxedo Park neighborhood was as equally nice a walk through an upscale neighborhood as I’ve ever had before looking at all the different architecture of the picture perfect mansions, we saw more wildlife in this area than a nearby nature preserve, the animals know where it’s at.
It’s called Tuxedo Park, but they were kind enough to let a dodgy Tasmanian in cargo shorts enjoy the scenery without calling the cops…
M51BC
[\#70](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053677 "Permalink to this comment") **Sail Away** on 03.26.26 at 10:31 pm
\#67 Stan Smith on 03.26.26 at 8:56 pm
\#58 Sail Away on 03.26.26 at 7:20 pm
I’m loving the mid-50s fitness level. It’s sort of the perfect age where everything works well, no aches or pains, injuries are rare, lots of time to exercise and good capacity on both strength and cardio.
With a couple years of very consistent powerlifting on top of 35 years of regular exercise, I’m now 196lbs at 6′ tall, which is 15 ish pounds added since starting the program. 31″ waist, lean, benching 315 and deadlifting 455. Strongest I’ve ever been. Consistency for the win.
—————
455 what? Grams?
Mid-50s, peak condition, and somehow also the original source of every idea currently circulating online. Remarkable.
Go get’em skippy\!
—————
Could you throw a lil’ something in about business acumen and investing prowess, please? Thx\!
[\#71](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053678 "Permalink to this comment") **Faron** on 03.26.26 at 10:50 pm
\#67 Stan Smith on 03.26.26 at 8:56 pm
\#58 Sail Away on 03.26.26 at 7:20 pm
Mid-50s, peak condition, and somehow also the original source of every idea currently circulating online. Remarkable.
Go get’em skippy\!
—
Careful Stan. We should be thanking him every single day for illuminating our dreary and dull low IQ weak little lives. We should say thanks in exactly the same way Zelensky should thank the USA because the USA has all the cards muchlike Sail Away has all the muscles because he shuns tofu and PowerLifts™.
[\#72](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053679 "Permalink to this comment") **Faron** on 03.26.26 at 11:00 pm
Bond volatility made another leap up today. Egads, it’s getting ugly out there.
Every apparent TACO is just a stalling tactic so the US can get it’s boys and girls in uniform properly aligned in front of theeat grinder. He learned tye tactic from his buddy Putin. US getting mired in Iran in a war it already won 12 times keeps the Special Military Operation™ well funded. Shoot, by cutting sanctions on Iran’s oil, the US is helping fund Iran’s defense. Xi has a billion barrels in reserve (according to some estimates) and any loss the US incurs (especially naval) makes it all the less likely that the US will do anything to stop a Special Military Operation™ in Taiwan.
Pooch levels have the potential to go very very high here.
All because American voters didn’t like seeing an interracial couple in a Chevy ad.
Sad\!
[\#73](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053680 "Permalink to this comment") **Travelling** on 03.26.26 at 11:40 pm
\#68 DON on 03.26.26 at 9:22 pm
My idea of fit…can you run from a killer dear to safety without looking like a clown or suffering from a thorough heart pumping.
I think if one can walk up and down hills for 5 km you are pretty fit. Or swimming, as Doctor’s recommend.
Lifting weights does not make you fit, but you do look good.
An older soccer player suffered a heart attack on the field at a game on Salts Spring Island recently. RIP with the soccer gods.
———
I think a balance of all the above, including weight training, is important. The older you are, more so.
If your health routine includes a consistent focus on body composition, muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility, you should be ok.
Add to that a focus on agility, balance, coordination, power, reaction time, and speed, you’re golden.
As for the soccer player, I don’t them however I’ve noticed too many weekend warrior types who aren’t consistent in their health routines. Do nothing during the week, might not have the best eating habits and then go whole hog on the weekend. In his case, it could just be fluke and bad luck.
[\#74](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053681 "Permalink to this comment") **Faron** on 03.27.26 at 12:17 am
Whoa spelling. Must be all the tofu grease.
[\#75](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053682 "Permalink to this comment") **Ustabe** on 03.27.26 at 12:26 am
All this talk of manliness and feats of endurance and food in foreign countries and Portugal caused me to decide to share a chilled seafood salad recipe from our favourite small restaurant in Lisbon. The bag of seafood mix is octopus in Portugal but some of you might not be able to source that or unwilling to prepare it.
Ready?
INGREDIENTS Poaching Ingredients: 2 1/2 to 3 cups water, 1 cup white wine, celery stick, 5 cloves garlic, 2 tsp black peppercorns, 1 dried bay leaf, sprigs of thyme, sprigs of rosemary, sprigs of Italian parsley, 1 large lemon, half of a small white onion, 2 tsp salt
Seafood Salad Ingredients 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, 12 oz Bay scallops, 1 lb bag of seafood mix with calamari, 2 to 3 sticks celery, red onion, 1/2 red bell pepper, 3 to 4 cloves garlic, 5 oz jar Castelvetrano olives, 3 lemons, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar, 2 Tbsp of pepperoncini. Brine 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, (optional) salt & pepper to taste
Poach and chill the seafood. Chop everything (seafood and vegetables and herbs, etc.) into medium dice, mix with dressing and chill. Better tomorrow, give everything time to mingle and marry flavours.
And, I know those olives are Italian but there just aren’t any Portuguese ones as buttery and with that hint of sweetness they bring to this wonderful salad.
[\#76](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053683 "Permalink to this comment") **DON** on 03.27.26 at 1:16 am
<https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-conservative-mla-facing-criminal-charges-kicked-out-of-caucus-9.7143357>
Yet another one bites the dust! There is a pattern here…
[\#77](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053684 "Permalink to this comment") **Outrage** on 03.27.26 at 1:25 am
Market Sniper explains all your questions of why this war is happening now. You will be shocked but will understand why !\!
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps5jYh16LEc>
[\#78](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053685 "Permalink to this comment") **Dr. V** on 03.27.26 at 1:28 am
68 DON
“Lifting weights does not make you fit, but you do look good.”
—————————————————————
I think you are confusing certain specific sports and activities with the more general benefits of resistance training, as well as assuming aerobic fitness is the only
kind of physical fitness.
High level athletes in many sports employ resistance training.
[\#79](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053686 "Permalink to this comment") **wallflower** on 03.27.26 at 5:25 am
Soper has been wrong since 2022, when he was one of the pumper problems. The multisiblings I know hanging onto legacy cottage properties are bitching, griping, moaning about the basics like tax and maintenance and that is with multifamily participation.
[\#80](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053687 "Permalink to this comment") **[Wrk.dover](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.27.26 at 7:25 am
\#72 Faron on 03.26.26 at 11:00 pm
All because American voters didn’t like seeing an interracial couple in a Chevy ad.
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Maybe it was Kamala’s Quebec connection taint?
Quelle sorry.
[\#81](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053688 "Permalink to this comment") **Stan Smith** on 03.27.26 at 7:29 am
\#70 Sail Away on 03.26.26 at 10:31 pm
\#67 Stan Smith on 03.26.26 at 8:56 pm
\#58 Sail Away on 03.26.26 at 7:20 pm
I’m loving the mid-50s fitness level. It’s sort of the perfect age where everything works well, no aches or pains, injuries are rare, lots of time to exercise and good capacity on both strength and cardio.
With a couple years of very consistent powerlifting on top of 35 years of regular exercise, I’m now 196lbs at 6′ tall, which is 15 ish pounds added since starting the program. 31″ waist, lean, benching 315 and deadlifting 455. Strongest I’ve ever been. Consistency for the win.
—————
455 what? Grams?
Mid-50s, peak condition, and somehow also the original source of every idea currently circulating online. Remarkable.
Go get’em skippy\!
—————
Could you throw a lil’ something in about business acumen and investing prowess, please? Thx\!
——–
Sure, Skip\!
How ’bout this: If I invested a dime for all the BS you spew I’d be rich\!
[\#82](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053689 "Permalink to this comment") **Stan Smith** on 03.27.26 at 7:54 am
\#71 Faron on 03.26.26 at 10:50 pm
\#67 Stan Smith on 03.26.26 at 8:56 pm
\#58 Sail Away on 03.26.26 at 7:20 pm
Mid-50s, peak condition, and somehow also the original source of every idea currently circulating online. Remarkable.
Go get’em skippy\!
—
Careful Stan. We should be thanking him every single day for illuminating our dreary and dull low IQ weak little lives. We should say thanks in exactly the same way Zelensky should thank the USA because the USA has all the cards muchlike Sail Away has all the muscles because he shuns tofu and PowerLifts™.
—–
LOL
Ill thank him when he Sails Away.
[\#83](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053690 "Permalink to this comment") **Igor** on 03.27.26 at 8:09 am
You forgot to mention it’s all Putin’s fault
[\#84](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053691 "Permalink to this comment") **crowdedelevtorfartz** on 03.27.26 at 8:28 am
I’m shocked, shocked that this would happen.
People informing on their own leaders for money.
<https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/dene-nation-rcmp-security-service-files-9.7139036>
[\#85](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053692 "Permalink to this comment") **Dharma Bum** on 03.27.26 at 8:29 am
It was a very nostalgic week.
Yes, with all of the turmoil going on in the world, a terrible domestic labour market, economy, housing situation, and a lame incompetent government, politicians found their groove in what they always did best here in Canada: bicker about speaking French – who speaks it, how well they speak it, who should be speaking it, when it should be spoken, where it should be spoken, whether they speak it at all.
Mon Dieu, it’s the only real issue Canada ever had.
[\#86](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053693 "Permalink to this comment") **[Kate](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.27.26 at 9:26 am
\#33 Aiiiii on 03.26.26 at 3:02 pm
It’s been like 4 years of A.I. right?
So?
What has A.I. accomplished so far? What contribution has it made? What has humanity benefited from A.I. so far? What’s the ROI?
——————
AI is free. NO government gives something so expensive for FREE. It is to brain wash you and have you ‘think’ in a certain direction without discernment.
So it has and WILL accomplish a Damn Lot. Think about that for a moment…
[\#87](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053694 "Permalink to this comment") **[Henry](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.27.26 at 9:34 am
\#36 Andrew Morgan on 03.26.26 at 3:27 pm
This photo of the two fighting dogs is an excellent illustration of why I would never own a dog, and try to avoid homes with such pets.
I never understood why anyone would actually live with what is essentially an evolved wolf — complete with the powerful jaw, sharp teeth and aggressive nature. Even the small dogs are a menace. The loud barking and feces everywhere are the icing on the toxic cake.
If I were childless and needed a pet, I would get a cat — hands down.
———————
Enjoy Toxoplasmosis found in cat feces, so any material a cat uses as a bathroom—such as litter, dirt, sand, or carpet—can contain the organism.
You may already have the symptoms:
Fever, anxiousness, lethargy, eye inflammation, breathing difficulties, or neurological issues like seizures, fever, lack of coordination, behavioral changes, ocular or organ damage, headaches and muscle aches.
Yeah and let the cat dig in it’s poop box and then walk all over your house spreading feces everywhere.
Pregnant women are warned to avoid them… yeah… get a cat.
I’ll stick to my Doberman.
[\#88](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053695 "Permalink to this comment") **Linda** on 03.27.26 at 9:37 am
\#51 ‘Kwi’ – looked up Tyson Fury & yes, he is an excellent example of someone who on first glance might think – big guy, kinda old looking, looks like he is past it, think I could take him if there was a fight – that some young buck might conclude based on his appearance when he isn’t getting ready for a title match. Oops…..
[\#89](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053696 "Permalink to this comment") **[Kate](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.27.26 at 9:44 am
\#47 Quiet, piggy! on 03.26.26 at 5:34 pm
\#45 Quiet, piggy! on 03.26.26 at 5:02 pm
\#33 Aiiiii on 03.26.26 at 3:02 pm
It’s been like 4 years of A.I. right?
—-
More than that, bud. Big-tech has been training their algorithms for decades (on us) and, concurrently, decided to flood the market with their models.
—–
Oh, and as a little side note, Sam Altman has said that eventually, the AI we now take for granted, will be monetized. Meaning soon, we will have to pay for the level of intelligence it provides. Makes sense, Right? The ‘free’ versions, that we use now, will be shit.
Rinse and repeat.
———————–
I doubt that, that just makes people want to use it more. Now that he says it will have a ‘charge’ for it.
Imagine, everyone using AI? Anyone who programs it can re-write history as per their interpretation of it and everyone BELIEVES IT!! It is ‘intelligence’ so why not believe it… and not use your own brain?
AI will become the gospel truth and actually it already is.
You can change history with it, cause people to think one product is better than another, make them invest in something Ai recommends… it will create the market place and control it… whatever you program that thing to make, others will believe it and that makes you Powerful…any narrative, when enough people believe it, becomes a NEW reality… its dang dangerous!\!
[\#90](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053697 "Permalink to this comment") **[Suzy](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.27.26 at 9:51 am
\#58 Sail Away on 03.26.26 at 7:20 pm
I’m loving the mid-50s fitness level. It’s sort of the perfect age where everything works well, no aches or pains, injuries are rare, lots of time to exercise and good capacity on both strength and cardio.
With a couple years of very consistent powerlifting on top of 35 years of regular exercise, I’m now 196lbs at 6′ tall, which is 15 ish pounds added since starting the program. 31″ waist, lean, benching 315 and deadlifting 455. Strongest I’ve ever been. Consistency for the win.
—————–
Oh, don’t forget the ‘single your whole life part’.
[\#91](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053700 "Permalink to this comment") **[Wrk.dover](http://Greater%20Fool)** on 03.27.26 at 11:49 am
Nifty comment pasted from a Mish piece;
Frosty
2 hours ago
Reply to Frosty
The “Plunge Protection Team” is gonna have their hands full today\!
Trump better tell Scotty B to buy that S\&P and “Beam Us Up Scotty”
[\#92](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/#comment-1053701 "Permalink to this comment") **Faron** on 03.27.26 at 12:00 pm
\#75 Ustabe on 03.27.26 at 12:26 am
Sounds good and all, but until I see a Nanaimo Ned Real Meal™ seal of approval, I ain’t touching that. It could shrink my gonads or, even worse, make me a little tubby.
We only get two meals a day and I ain’t eatin’ nothin’ until I hear what counts as a Real Meal™. Sure, skipping meals might trigger a metabolic state that makes one’s body more readily store fat (OMG, EW GROSS) but it’s worth it to know I’m doing right by the skipper of the SS Dunning-Kruger.
The content writers and technical team of this website certify that all published articles are human-generated by the cited authors and not by application of artificial intelligence tools.
- ## Garth’s Recent Postings
- [The escalation](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/30/the-escalation/)
- [The market’s big, deadly secret](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/29/the-markets-big-deadly-secret/)
- [TACO tracking](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/28/taco-tracking/)
- [Aging out](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/27/aging-out-2/)
- [Into the wild](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/)
- [The cycle](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/25/the-cycle/)
- [Meanwhile…](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/24/meanwhile/)
- [TACO Monday](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/23/taco-monday/)
- [The U-turn](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/22/the-u-turn/)
- [Oil shock](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/21/oil-shock/)
- [The ordeal](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/20/the-ordeal/)
- [Not there yet](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/19/not-there-yet-6/)
- 
- ## Weblog Archive
**2026**: [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2026/01/)
**2025**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2025/01/)
**2024**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2024/01/)
**2023**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/08/) -[July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2023/01/)
**2022**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2022/01/)
**2021**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2021/01/)
**2020**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2020/01/)
**2019**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2019/01/)
**2018**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2018/01/)
**2017**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2017/01/)
**2016**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2016/01/)
**2015**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2015/01/)
**2014**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2014/01/)
**2013**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2013/01/)
**2012**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2012/01/)
**2011**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2011/01/)
**2010**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2010/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2010/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2010/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2010/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/01/)
**2009**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/03/) - [February](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/02/) - [January](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2009/01/)
**2008**: [December](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/12/) - [November](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/11/) - [October](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/10/) - [September](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/09/) - [August](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/08/) - [July](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/07/) - [June](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/06/) - [May](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/05/) - [April](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/04/) - [March](https://www.greaterfool.ca/2008/03/)
- ***
**There's more at Garth's corporate site. Click below.**
[](https://www.turnerinvestments.ca/)
***
Greater Fool – Authored by Garth Turner – The Troubled Future of Real Estate
Copyright © 2008-2026 Garth Turner. All Rights Reserved.
| |
|---|
| The views expressed are those of the author, Garth Turner, a Raymond James Financial Advisor, and not necessarily those of Raymond James Ltd. It is provided as a general source of information only and should not be considered to be personal investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. Investors considering any investment should consult with their Investment Advisor to ensure that it is suitable for the investor's circumstances and risk tolerance before making any investment decision. The information contained in this blog was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete. Raymond James Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. | |
| Readable Markdown | 
What a world we’re in. A trade war. Another real one. An energy crisis. Lousy jobs numbers. We flubbed hockey gold. And the Air Canada boss can’t speak French. Mon Dieu. We’re pooched.
But wait.
The real estate cartel says everything’s okay because Canadians will soon start gobbling up cottages again, sending rec property prices upwards. On Thursday, as the bombing campaign in Iran intensified and oil again shot into the \$90 range, Phil Soper over at Royal LePage had bass fishing, pickleball, jetskis and weenies roasting over an open fire on his mind.
The company is forecasting a good summer ahead, whatever Trump and Netanyahu do. “New developments in these regions remain relatively rare, and many properties are tightly held by families for generations. This scarcity preserves the exclusivity of these markets and provides price stability, even when buyers are feeling cautious.”
And so we get this hopium – a report based on the company’s own agents (who are paid only when they sell stuff):
> A report released Thursday by Royal LePage forecasts the median price of a single-family home in Canada’s so-called recreational regions to rise four per cent year-over-year to \$604,552. It said the weighted median price of a single-family home increased 4.3 per cent year-over-year in 2025 to \$581,300.
>
> Each provincial market is expected to see price increases this year, led by a 5.5 per cent gain in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to a median price of \$296,877, and a five per cent increase in Atlantic Canada to a median price of \$361,305.
>
> B.C. is the most expensive province to own a recreational home in, with Royal LePage forecasting a 1.5 per cent boost in the median price of a single-family property to nearly \$1.06 million, followed by Alberta at \$881,295, up 2.5 per cent. Ontario is expected to see a two per cent increase to a median price of \$643,722.
Well, cottages, chalets and hobby farms are usually not primary residences – so with urban real estate in the dumpster lately, why would the secondary property market mark prices rising at twice the rate of inflation? And are there really enough dumb people in BC to push the value of mice-infested, DIY cabins to over a million?
Don’t count on it. Current facts suggest the Canadian economy is closer than expected to a recession. We lost 84,000 jobs last month. The population has started to shrink. Our US trade deal may be in trouble this summer. Elevated oil means more inflation and maybe higher interest rates. Property sales are a drag. New homes are a disaster. Hard to fathom bidding wars in the hinterland.
But this is Canada. Anything can happen. We’re still obsessed with real estate. And house flogger Soper has probably been right more times than this pathetic blog. He knows we’re smitten. And he feeds it.
Now, let’s counter this fluff with some facts, coming from data aggregator HouseSigma. Not so fast, it says, because these days we are totally in the grips of a cascading market where asking prices remain unreasonable – and largely unrealized.
The outfit’s ‘Market Temperature’ graphs chart the absorption rate in various cities, showing the share of active listings that attract firm, accepted offers in any given month. In other words, it gives a live indication of supply (inventory) and demand (greater fools).
In tracking five years of data in Vancouver, the GTA and Calgary, it says, “a clear pattern emerged. The absorption rate doesn’t just describe current conditions — it often moves ahead of what sellers actually accept at the negotiating table, otherwise known as the sale-to-list-price ratio.”
So it’s about predictions. A falling absorption level becomes declining prices a month later, and vice versa. When competition among sellers is high and buyers scare, prices go down with absorption – which is exactly what’s been happening.
### Here’s how badly the real estate market got a chill
###### *By measuring the monthly sale of active listings and realized prices HouseSigma says future valuations can be predicted. The direction is down, in Vancouver, the GTA and Calgary.*
###### .
“All three markets are currently cooling,” says the analysis, “and in each the sale-to-list ratio is following the absorption rate down. Metro Vancouver’s absorption rate hit a five-year low in January 2026 and is still very muted. The GTA has been soft throughout 2025, with sellers consistently accepting below asking. Calgary, starting from a higher base, has cooled more recently but is now tracking the same direction.”
What do the charts predict now?
More of the same. Less demand. Lower prices. And there are other factors working to depress valuations. First, it’s spring. Rutting season – when a barrage of new listings hits the market, further disrupting the supply/demand ratio. Second, Trump. The quixotic, irrational, emotional and unpredictable American president’s waverings have jerked around equity markets, bond yields and consumer sentiment.
Why would you buy a remote, off-grid cottage if you believe WW3 is at hand?
On second thought…
***About the picture:** “I know it looks like they want to kill each other,” writes Mike, from Hamilton, “but Luna and Brady are have a grand old time playing in the yard together.”*
##### *To be in touch or send a picture of your beast, email to ‘[\[email protected\]](https://www.greaterfool.ca/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection)’.* |
| Shard | 32 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 15477474175585151432 |
| Unparsed URL | ca,greaterfool!www,/2026/03/26/into-the-wild/ s443 |