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mostlysignssomeportents · 6 months

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Your car spies on you and rats you out to insurance companies

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me TOMORROW (Mar 13) in SAN FRANCISCO with ROBIN SLOAN, then Toronto, NYC, Anaheim, and more!

Another characteristically brilliant Kashmir Hill story for The New York Times reveals another characteristically terrible fact about modern life: your car secretly records fine-grained telemetry about your driving and sells it to data-brokers, who sell it to insurers, who use it as a pretext to gouge you on premiums:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html

Almost every car manufacturer does this: Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, Chrysler, etc etc:

https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2020/09/09/ford-state-farm-ford-metromile-honda-verisk-among-insurer-oem-telematics-connections/

This is true whether you own or lease the car, and it's separate from the "black box" your insurer might have offered to you in exchange for a discount on your premiums. In other words, even if you say no to the insurer's carrot – a surveillance-based discount – they've got a stick in reserve: buying your nonconsensually harvested data on the open market.

I've always hated that saying, "If you're not paying for the product, you're the product," the reason being that it posits decent treatment as a customer reward program, like the little ramekin warm nuts first class passengers get before takeoff. Companies don't treat you well when you pay them. Companies treat you well when they fear the consequences of treating you badly.

Take Apple. The company offers Ios users a one-tap opt-out from commercial surveillance, and more than 96% of users opted out. Presumably, the other 4% were either confused or on Facebook's payroll. Apple – and its army of cultists – insist that this proves that our world's woes can be traced to cheapskate "consumers" who expected to get something for nothing by using advertising-supported products.

But here's the kicker: right after Apple blocked all its rivals from spying on its customers, it began secretly spying on those customers! Apple has a rival surveillance ad network, and even if you opt out of commercial surveillance on your Iphone, Apple still secretly spies on you and uses the data to target you for ads:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

Even if you're paying for the product, you're still the product – provided the company can get away with treating you as the product. Apple can absolutely get away with treating you as the product, because it lacks the historical constraints that prevented Apple – and other companies – from treating you as the product.

As I described in my McLuhan lecture on enshittification, tech firms can be constrained by four forces:

I. Competition

II. Regulation

III. Self-help

IV. Labor

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/30/go-nuts-meine-kerle/#ich-bin-ein-bratapfel

When companies have real competitors – when a sector is composed of dozens or hundreds of roughly evenly matched firms – they have to worry that a maltreated customer might move to a rival. 40 years of antitrust neglect means that corporations were able to buy their way to dominance with predatory mergers and pricing, producing today's inbred, Habsburg capitalism. Apple and Google are a mobile duopoly, Google is a search monopoly, etc. It's not just tech! Every sector looks like this:

https://www.openmarketsinstitute.org/learn/monopoly-by-the-numbers

Eliminating competition doesn't just deprive customers of alternatives, it also empowers corporations. Liberated from "wasteful competition," companies in concentrated industries can extract massive profits. Think of how both Apple and Google have "competitively" arrived at the same 30% app tax on app sales and transactions, a rate that's more than 1,000% higher than the transaction fees extracted by the (bloated, price-gouging) credit-card sector:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/07/curatorial-vig/#app-tax

But cartels' power goes beyond the size of their warchest. The real source of a cartel's power is the ease with which a small number of companies can arrive at – and stick to – a common lobbying position. That's where "regulatory capture" comes in: the mobile duopoly has an easier time of capturing its regulators because two companies have an easy time agreeing on how to spend their app-tax billions:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/05/regulatory-capture/

Apple – and Google, and Facebook, and your car company – can violate your privacy because they aren't constrained regulation, just as Uber can violate its drivers' labor rights and Amazon can violate your consumer rights. The tech cartels have captured their regulators and convinced them that the law doesn't apply if it's being broken via an app:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/18/cursed-are-the-sausagemakers/#how-the-parties-get-to-yes

In other words, Apple can spy on you because it's allowed to spy on you. America's last consumer privacy law was passed in 1988, and it bans video-store clerks from leaking your VHS rental history. Congress has taken no action on consumer privacy since the Reagan years:

https://www.eff.org/tags/video-privacy-protection-act

But tech has some special enshittification-resistant characteristics. The most important of these is interoperability: the fact that computers are universal digital machines that can run any program. HP can design a printer that rejects third-party ink and charge $10,000/gallon for its own colored water, but someone else can write a program that lets you jailbreak your printer so that it accepts any ink cartridge:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

Tech companies that contemplated enshittifying their products always had to watch over their shoulders for a rival that might offer a disenshittification tool and use that as a wedge between the company and its customers. If you make your website's ads 20% more obnoxious in anticipation of a 2% increase in gross margins, you have to consider the possibility that 40% of your users will google "how do I block ads?" Because the revenue from a user who blocks ads doesn't stay at 100% of the current levels – it drops to zero, forever (no user ever googles "how do I stop blocking ads?").

The majority of web users are running an ad-blocker:

https://doc.searls.com/2023/11/11/how-is-the-worlds-biggest-boycott-doing/

Web operators made them an offer ("free website in exchange for unlimited surveillance and unfettered intrusions") and they made a counteroffer ("how about 'nah'?"):

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/07/adblocking-how-about-nah

Here's the thing: reverse-engineering an app – or any other IP-encumbered technology – is a legal minefield. Just decompiling an app exposes you to felony prosecution: a five year sentence and a $500k fine for violating Section 1201 of the DMCA. But it's not just the DMCA – modern products are surrounded with high-tech tripwires that allow companies to invoke IP law to prevent competitors from augmenting, recongifuring or adapting their products. When a business says it has "IP," it means that it has arranged its legal affairs to allow it to invoke the power of the state to control its customers, critics and competitors:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

An "app" is just a web-page skinned in enough IP to make it a crime to add an ad-blocker to it. This is what Jay Freeman calls "felony contempt of business model" and it's everywhere. When companies don't have to worry about users deploying self-help measures to disenshittify their products, they are freed from the constraint that prevents them indulging the impulse to shift value from their customers to themselves.

Apple owes its existence to interoperability – its ability to clone Microsoft Office's file formats for Pages, Numbers and Keynote, which saved the company in the early 2000s – and ever since, it has devoted its existence to making sure no one ever does to Apple what Apple did to Microsoft:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/06/adversarial-interoperability-reviving-elegant-weapon-more-civilized-age-slay

Regulatory capture cuts both ways: it's not just about powerful corporations being free to flout the law, it's also about their ability to enlist the law to punish competitors that might constrain their plans for exploiting their workers, customers, suppliers or other stakeholders.

The final historical constraint on tech companies was their own workers. Tech has very low union-density, but that's in part because individual tech workers enjoyed so much bargaining power due to their scarcity. This is why their bosses pampered them with whimsical campuses filled with gourmet cafeterias, fancy gyms and free massages: it allowed tech companies to convince tech workers to work like government mules by flattering them that they were partners on a mission to bring the world to its digital future:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/10/the-proletarianization-of-tech-workers/

For tech bosses, this gambit worked well, but failed badly. On the one hand, they were able to get otherwise powerful workers to consent to being "extremely hardcore" by invoking Fobazi Ettarh's spirit of "vocational awe":

https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2018/vocational-awe/

On the other hand, when you motivate your workers by appealing to their sense of mission, the downside is that they feel a sense of mission. That means that when you demand that a tech worker enshittifies something they missed their mother's funeral to deliver, they will experience a profound sense of moral injury and refuse, and that worker's bargaining power means that they can make it stick.

Or at least, it did. In this era of mass tech layoffs, when Google can fire 12,000 workers after a $80b stock buyback that would have paid their wages for the next 27 years, tech workers are learning that the answer to "I won't do this and you can't make me" is "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out" (AKA "sharpen your blades boys"):

https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/29/elon-musk-texts-discovery-twitter/

With competition, regulation, self-help and labor cleared away, tech firms – and firms that have wrapped their products around the pluripotently malleable core of digital tech, including automotive makers – are no longer constrained from enshittifying their products.

And that's why your car manufacturer has chosen to spy on you and sell your private information to data-brokers and anyone else who wants it. Not because you didn't pay for the product, so you're the product. It's because they can get away with it.

Cars are enshittified. The dozens of chips that auto makers have shoveled into their car design are only incidentally related to delivering a better product. The primary use for those chips is autoenshittification – access to legal strictures ("IP") that allows them to block modifications and repairs that would interfere with the unfettered abuse of their own customers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

The fact that it's a felony to reverse-engineer and modify a car's software opens the floodgates to all kinds of shitty scams. Remember when Bay Staters were voting on a ballot measure to impose right-to-repair obligations on automakers in Massachusetts? The only reason they needed to have the law intervene to make right-to-repair viable is that Big Car has figured out that if it encrypts its diagnostic messages, it can felonize third-party diagnosis of a car, because decrypting the messages violates the DMCA:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/11/drm-cars-will-drive-consumers-crazy

Big Car figured out that VIN locking – DRM for engine components and subassemblies – can felonize the production and the installation of third-party spare parts:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/08/about-those-kill-switched-ukrainian-tractors/

The fact that you can't legally modify your car means that automakers can go back to their pre-2008 ways, when they transformed themselves into unregulated banks that incidentally manufactured the cars they sold subprime loans for. Subprime auto loans – over $1t worth! – absolutely relies on the fact that borrowers' cars can be remotely controlled by lenders. Miss a payment and your car's stereo turns itself on and blares threatening messages at top volume, which you can't turn off. Break the lease agreement that says you won't drive your car over the county line and it will immobilize itself. Try to change any of this software and you'll commit a felony under Section 1201 of the DMCA:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/02/innovation-unlocks-markets/#digital-arm-breakers

Tesla, naturally, has the most advanced anti-features. Long before BMW tried to rent you your seat-heater and Mercedes tried to sell you a monthly subscription to your accelerator pedal, Teslas were demon-haunted nightmare cars. Miss a Tesla payment and the car will immobilize itself and lock you out until the repo man arrives, then it will blare its horn and back itself out of its parking spot. If you "buy" the right to fully charge your car's battery or use the features it came with, you don't own them – they're repossessed when your car changes hands, meaning you get less money on the used market because your car's next owner has to buy these features all over again:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/edison-not-tesla/#demon-haunted-world

And all this DRM allows your car maker to install spyware that you're not allowed to remove. They really tipped their hand on this when the R2R ballot measure was steaming towards an 80% victory, with wall-to-wall scare ads that revealed that your car collects so much information about you that allowing third parties to access it could lead to your murder (no, really!):

https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/03/rip-david-graeber/#rolling-surveillance-platforms

That's why your car spies on you. Because it can. Because the company that made it lacks constraint, be it market-based, legal, technological or its own workforce's ethics.

One common critique of my enshittification hypothesis is that this is "kind of sensible and normal" because "there’s something off in the consumer mindset that we’ve come to believe that the internet should provide us with amazing products, which bring us joy and happiness and we spend hours of the day on, and should ask nothing back in return":

https://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-to-have-great-conversations/

What this criticism misses is that this isn't the companies bargaining to shift some value from us to them. Enshittification happens when a company can seize all that value, without having to bargain, exploiting law and technology and market power over buyers and sellers to unilaterally alter the way the products and services we rely on work.

A company that doesn't have to fear competitors, regulators, jailbreaking or workers' refusal to enshittify its products doesn't have to bargain, it can take. It's the first lesson they teach you in the Darth Vader MBA: "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further":

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/26/hit-with-a-brick/#graceful-failure

Your car spying on you isn't down to your belief that your carmaker "should provide you with amazing products, which brings your joy and happiness you spend hours of the day on, and should ask nothing back in return." It's not because you didn't pay for the product, so now you're the product. It's because they can get away with it.

The consequences of this spying go much further than mere insurance premium hikes, too. Car telemetry sits at the top of the funnel that the unbelievably sleazy data broker industry uses to collect and sell our data. These are the same companies that sell the fact that you visited an abortion clinic to marketers, bounty hunters, advertisers, or vengeful family members pretending to be one of those:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/07/safegraph-spies-and-lies/#theres-no-i-in-uterus

Decades of pro-monopoly policy led to widespread regulatory capture. Corporate cartels use the monopoly profits they extract from us to pay for regulatory inaction, allowing them to extract more profits.

But when it comes to privacy, that period of unchecked corporate power might be coming to an end. The lack of privacy regulation is at the root of so many problems that a pro-privacy movement has an unstoppable constituency working in its favor.

At EFF, we call this "privacy first." Whether you're worried about grifters targeting vulnerable people with conspiracy theories, or teens being targeted with media that harms their mental health, or Americans being spied on by foreign governments, or cops using commercial surveillance data to round up protesters, or your car selling your data to insurance companies, passing that long-overdue privacy legislation would turn off the taps for the data powering all these harms:

https://www.eff.org/wp/privacy-first-better-way-address-online-harms

Traditional economics fails because it thinks about markets without thinking about power. Monopolies lead to more than market power: they produce regulatory capture, power over workers, and state capture, which felonizes competition through IP law. The story that our problems stem from the fact that we just don't spend enough money, or buy the wrong products, only makes sense if you willfully ignore the power that corporations exert over our lives. It's nice to think that you can shop your way out of a monopoly, because that's a lot easier than voting your way out of a monopoly, but no matter how many times you vote with your wallet, the cartels that control the market will always win:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/05/the-map-is-not-the-territory/#apor-locksmith

Name your price for 18 of my DRM-free ebooks and support the Electronic Frontier Foundation with the Humble Cory Doctorow Bundle.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/12/market-failure/#car-wars

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

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corkcitylibraries · 1 year

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Goad Plans of Cork City!

The dedicated Cork City Libraries Local History website, Cork Past and Present, has recently had an interesting addition made in the shape of Insurance plans for the commercial heart of the City. The wide selection of maps details the changing landscape and businesses that filled the city centre from 1897 to 1961!

Cork City Libraries hold copies of seventeen editions of the Goad plans for Cork City, from 1897 to 1961. These are held in five bindings in our Local Studies and Learning Department. The ‘key plan’ on the first sheet of each edition provides a graphic outline of areas represented in more detail on maps 2-16 of each edition. Under the key plan (in PDF form in these webpages), a selective index of streets, buildings, and firms is included. The scale of the detailed plans is one inch to forty feet (1:480) on the original paper copies. Fire insurance plans were first drawn up in the late eighteenth century to provide risk information to fire insurance underwriters.

Charles Edward Goad, born in Surrey in 1848, moved to Canada in 1869, where he became a renowned cartographer and railway engineer. The firm of Charles E. Goad was established in Montreal in 1875 and became the leading producer of fire insurance plans for 1,300 places in Canada, before he returned to Britain in 1885 to produce insurance plans for the commercial sections of more than 100 towns in Britain and Ireland, along with surveying places in other countries.

Fire insurance companies had an interest in preventing fires to insured properties, and firefighters (often private) needed detailed information regarding access to water, routes to building, room arrangements, locations of doors & windows, thickness of walls, information on construction materials, type of roof, locations of combustible materials, water-works system, etc. Charles Goad died in Toronto in 1910. Goad insurance plans now provide an excellent information source for historians, geographers, architects, environmentalists and genealogists.

#corkcitylibraries #localhistorycork

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insurance-tiger · 2 years

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In Canada, commercial vehicles like trucks, fleets etc. are commonly used for transporting goods and perishable consumables. When they are on road there is a good chance of any accident or mishappening leading to vehicle damage or loss of consignment or injury/ death of the truck driver. Commercial Vehicle Insurance provides suitable protection in any such case.Insurance Tiger specializes in Automobile insurance be it personal or commercial. We provide customised products at affordable rates. Call us now!

For more information:

Visit: Commercial auto insurance Toronto

Call: 1-800-930-4940

Email: [email protected]

#insurance #toronto #auto insurance #vehicle insurance #insurance broker

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brianjordan · 7 days

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Choosing the Right Commercial Cleaning Company: What to Look For

In today's fast-paced business environment, maintaining a clean and sanitary workplace is essential. A clean office not only promotes employee health and productivity but also enhances the overall impression of your business. However, finding the right commercial cleaning company can be a challenge, especially with so many options available. Whether you are located in Toronto, GTA, Pickering, or Ajax, there are essential factors to consider when choosing the best cleaning partner. In this article, we will explore what to look for in a professional commercial cleaning company and how Tidy Touch Cleaning Company can help meet your business cleaning needs.

Why Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Company Matters

A clean workspace is more than just aesthetics; it impacts health, productivity, and even brand reputation. Hiring a professional cleaning service ensures your office, retail space, or industrial facility remains spotless, hygienic, and safe for employees and visitors. Professional commercial cleaning services provide the expertise, equipment, and customized solutions that many businesses need to keep their premises in top condition.

When choosing a commercial cleaning company, it’s important to select a reliable partner that offers tailored solutions. Tidy Touch Cleaning Company, for example, provides customized cleaning solutions for all types of commercial properties, from offices to warehouses, ensuring your specific cleaning needs are met.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Cleaning Company

1. Experience and Reputation

When selecting a commercial cleaning company, experience matters. Look for a company that has years of expertise in providing professional cleaning services to businesses in your area. A company with a strong reputation, such as Tidy Touch Cleaning Company in Toronto and the GTA, will have a proven track record of satisfied clients and effective cleaning solutions.

2. Customized Cleaning Solutions

Not all businesses have the same cleaning needs. For example, an office may require daily janitorial services, while an industrial facility may need periodic deep cleans. A good commercial cleaning company should offer customized cleaning solutions that are tailored to your specific requirements. At Tidy Touch Cleaning Company, we work closely with our clients to develop cleaning plans that fit their schedules and needs.

3. Range of Services Offered

It’s essential to choose a company that offers a wide range of services to meet all of your cleaning needs. Tidy Touch Cleaning Company offers office cleaning services, corporate cleaning services, industrial cleaning, and business cleaning services across Toronto, Pickering, Ajax, and the GTA. From daily upkeep to deep cleans, we handle everything so that your space remains spotless.

4. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Practices

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the cleaning industry. Eco-friendly cleaning services not only reduce the environmental impact but also create a healthier work environment. If you're seeking green solutions, look for a cleaning company that uses green commercial cleaning products and practices. Tidy Touch Cleaning Company is proud to offer eco-friendly cleaning services that are safe for your employees and the environment.

5. Affordability and Transparency

Cost is always an important consideration. While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, it’s essential to weigh affordability against quality. Choose a commercial cleaning company that offers competitive pricing without compromising on service. Tidy Touch Cleaning Company provides affordable cleaning services in Toronto, Pickering, Ajax, and the GTA, with transparent pricing models so you know exactly what you're paying for.

6. Certifications and Insurance

Make sure the commercial cleaning contractors you hire are fully insured and certified. This protects your business from any liability in case of accidents or damages. Tidy Touch Cleaning Company ensures all employees are trained and certified in the latest cleaning techniques, and we carry full insurance coverage for your peace of mind.

7. Reliability and Flexibility

In the fast-paced world of business, reliability is key. You need a commercial cleaning company that will show up on time and complete the job thoroughly. Flexibility is equally important. Whether you need office cleaning services in Toronto or industrial cleaning company services in Pickering, Tidy Touch Cleaning Company works around your schedule to minimize disruptions to your business operations.

Why Choose Tidy Touch Cleaning Company?

At Tidy Touch Cleaning Company, we pride ourselves on offering professional cleaning services that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our expertise in providing commercial cleaning services to businesses in Toronto, the GTA, Pickering, and Ajax has earned us a reputation for excellence. We offer a full suite of services, including corporate cleaning, industrial cleaning, and customized cleaning solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Whether you're looking for eco-friendly cleaning or cost-effective solutions, our team ensures your workplace is clean, healthy, and welcoming. With our transparent pricing, full certifications, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Tidy Touch Cleaning Company is the best choice for all your commercial cleaning needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right commercial cleaning company is crucial for maintaining a clean, healthy, and productive workspace. From experience and reputation to offering affordable cleaning services, there are several key factors to consider. If you're in Toronto, Pickering, Ajax, or the GTA, and need reliable commercial cleaning contractors, look no further than Tidy Touch Cleaning Company. Our team of trained professionals provides top-notch commercial cleaning services tailored to your business.

FAQs

1. How often should a commercial space be cleaned? The frequency of cleaning depends on the nature of the business. Offices typically require daily office cleaning services, while industrial spaces might need weekly or monthly deep cleans. Tidy Touch Cleaning Company can help you determine the best cleaning schedule for your business.

2. What are eco-friendly cleaning services? Eco-friendly cleaning services use environmentally safe cleaning products that minimize harmful chemical exposure. These services are ideal for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and create a healthier workspace.

3. Does Tidy Touch Cleaning Company serve areas outside of Toronto? Yes, Tidy Touch Cleaning Company offers commercial cleaning services in Toronto, the GTA, Pickering, Ajax, and surrounding areas.

4. How much do commercial cleaning services cost? Costs vary depending on the size of the space and the type of cleaning required. At Tidy Touch Cleaning Company, we provide affordable cleaning services with clear, upfront pricing tailored to your specific needs.

5. What types of businesses does Tidy Touch Cleaning Company serve? We serve a wide range of businesses, including offices, retail spaces, industrial facilities, and more. Our services are customized to meet the unique cleaning needs of each business.

By choosing Tidy Touch Cleaning Company, you can ensure your commercial space is consistently clean and inviting, helping you maintain a healthy environment for employees and customers alike.

#cleaning #commercial #home cleaning #office cleaning #industrial cleaning

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finnietherealtor11 · 14 days

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Commercial Real Estate Renting in Toronto: A Comprehensive Guide

Toronto, Canada's largest city, is a hub of economic activity, making it a prime location for commercial real estate opportunities. Whether you’re a small business looking to expand or a multinational corporation seeking a foothold in one of the most dynamic cities in North America, understanding the ins and outs of commercial real estate renting in Toronto is crucial.

1. Why Rent Commercial Real Estate in Toronto?

Toronto’s thriving economy, diverse workforce, and strong infrastructure make it an attractive destination for businesses. Key industries include finance, technology, healthcare, and education, offering plenty of opportunities for commercial ventures. Renting commercial property in this city allows businesses to access a growing population and gain exposure to both local and international markets.

2. Types of Commercial Properties Available

Commercial real estate in Toronto offers a wide range of property types, including:

Office Spaces: Ideal for businesses in finance, legal services, consulting, and other professional sectors.

Retail Spaces: Prime retail locations are in high demand, particularly along popular streets like Queen Street West, Bloor Street, and the PATH, Toronto’s underground pedestrian network.

Industrial Properties: For logistics, warehousing, or manufacturing, the outskirts of Toronto, including areas like Etobicoke and Scarborough, provide ample industrial spaces.

Coworking Spaces: A growing trend, especially for startups, tech firms, and freelancers, these flexible office spaces allow for short-term leases and shared amenities.

3. Understanding Commercial Lease Agreements

Before renting a commercial space in Toronto, it’s essential to understand the key terms and conditions of commercial lease agreements:

Lease Term: Typically, commercial leases in Toronto range from 5 to 10 years. However, some landlords offer shorter or more flexible lease options, especially for smaller businesses.

Triple Net Lease (NNN): In this common lease type, tenants are responsible for paying rent along with additional expenses like property taxes, maintenance, and insurance.

Rent Escalation Clauses: Many commercial leases have provisions for annual rent increases, so businesses should budget for this when planning long-term occupancy.

Permitted Use Clause: This outlines the type of business operations allowed in the space. It’s crucial to ensure that the property’s zoning aligns with your business activities.

4. Cost of Renting Commercial Real Estate in Toronto

The cost of renting commercial real estate in Toronto varies significantly depending on the location, size, and type of property. Here’s a general breakdown:

Prime Office Locations: The Financial District and downtown areas like King Street and Bay Street can have rental prices ranging from $40 to $70 per square foot.

Retail Spaces: High-traffic retail areas like Yonge Street or Bloor Street may see rates upwards of $100 per square foot, depending on the visibility and foot traffic.

Industrial Spaces: Typically more affordable, industrial properties can range from $10 to $20 per square foot in areas like North York or Scarborough.

5. Finding the Right Commercial Space

Working with a commercial real estate agent or broker in Toronto is often the best way to find the right property for your needs. These professionals have a deep understanding of the local market and can help you navigate the complexities of lease agreements, zoning regulations, and negotiations. Additionally, they often have access to listings that may not be publicly advertised.

6. Zoning Laws and Regulations

Toronto has strict zoning regulations that dictate how different types of properties can be used. Before signing a lease, ensure that the property is zoned for your business activities. Toronto’s zoning by-laws categorize areas for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use purposes, so understanding the zoning specifics is key to avoiding potential legal issues.

7. Emerging Trends in Commercial Real Estate

Toronto’s commercial real estate market is evolving with new trends that reflect shifts in work culture, technology, and consumer behavior:

Flexible Workspaces: Post-pandemic, the demand for coworking spaces and flexible office leases has surged, as businesses adopt hybrid work models.

Sustainable Buildings: Green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are becoming more popular, with tenants seeking energy-efficient buildings to reduce operational costs and meet corporate sustainability goals.

Mixed-Use Developments: Many new commercial spaces are part of larger mixed-use developments that combine residential, retail, and office spaces, offering convenience for tenants and customers alike.

8. Tips for Renting Commercial Space in Toronto

Plan Ahead: Start your search early, especially if you’re looking for a prime location. Toronto’s commercial real estate market can be competitive, particularly in high-demand areas.

Negotiate Lease Terms: Don’t hesitate to negotiate rent, lease terms, or additional perks like free rent periods or reduced maintenance fees.

Consider Location Carefully: Proximity to public transportation, customer foot traffic, and other businesses are critical factors to consider when choosing a commercial space.

Work with a Professional: Engage a real estate lawyer to review the lease agreement to ensure that it aligns with your business needs and protects your interests.

Conclusion

Renting commercial real estate in Toronto offers businesses the chance to thrive in one of the most dynamic markets in the world. Whether you're a startup or an established company, understanding the types of properties available, the costs involved, and the legal aspects of leasing will help you make informed decisions for your business expansion. With the right strategy and expert guidance, you can find the perfect commercial space to grow your operations in Toronto.

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rickanderson123 · 3 months

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Tips for Saving Money on Commercial Auto Insurance in Toronto

Running a business in Toronto? If you've got vehicles on the road, you know commercial auto insurance is a must. But it doesn't have to break the bank. Let's dive into some smart ways to save on your commercial auto insurance Toronto.

Why is Commercial Auto Insurance Important?

First off, it's the law. But beyond that, it protects your business from financial disaster if something goes wrong on the road. Peace of mind is priceless, right?

1. Shop Around

Don't settle for the first quote you get. Different insurers offer different rates. Take the time to compare. It might seem like a hassle, but it can save you big bucks in the long run.

2. Raise Your Deductible

A higher deductible usually means lower premiums. Just make sure you can afford the deductible if you need to make a claim. It's all about finding the right balance for your business.

3. Bundle Your Policies

Got other business insurance needs? Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies together. Ask about package deals for your commercial auto insurance Toronto.

4. Improve Your Safety Record

Safe driving pays off. Fewer accidents mean lower premiums. Consider implementing a driver safety program. It's good for your team and your bottom line.

5. Choose Vehicles Wisely

Some vehicles are cheaper to insure than others. When it's time to upgrade your fleet, research insurance costs before you buy. It could save you money in the long run.

6. Review Your Coverage Regularly

As your business changes, so do your insurance needs. Don't pay for coverage you no longer need. Schedule regular reviews with your insurance provider.

7. Maintain Good Credit

In Toronto, insurers can use your credit score to determine rates. Keeping your credit in good shape can lead to better insurance rates. Experienced drivers with clean records are less risky to insure. When hiring, consider how a driver's record might impact your insurance costs.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider

What discounts do you offer? How can I lower my premiums? What's the best coverage for my specific business needs? How often should I review my policy?

Commercial auto insurance Toronto is a necessary expense, but it doesn't have to be a budget-buster. By implementing these tips and regularly reviewing your needs, you can keep your business protected without overpaying.

Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Focus on finding the right balance of coverage and cost for your business. A good insurance provider will help you understand your options and find the best fit.

#Commercial Auto Insurance #insurance broker #insurance company #insurance #toronto #canada

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eltoncurtis · 7 months

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Top 5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in Toronto!

As a business owner in Toronto, making sure you have adequate insurance coverage should be a top priority. Commercial auto insurance protects your company vehicles and drivers - without it, you could face major expenses in the event of an accident.

I wanted to share my top 5 reasons why commercial insurance Toronto is so important for local businesses here in Toronto. As someone who has worked in the insurance industry for over a decade, I've seen how critical it is for companies to protect their assets and finances.

Reason 1: It's legally required. Ontario law mandates that all commercial, company-owned vehicles carry valid auto insurance. Failing to comply can lead to hefty fines and penalties. Don't take chances by skimping on coverage.

Reason 2: It covers vehicle damage. If one of your company cars or trucks is damaged in a collision - no matter who is at fault - Commercial Insurance Toronto will pay for repairs or replacement, minus the deductible. This saves you from what could be crippling out-of-pocket repair bills.

Reason 3: It pays for injuries. If anyone is injured while riding in or driving one of your commercial vehicles, medical expenses and lost wages will be covered up to the policy limits you select. This includes employees, clients and other motorists.

Reason 4: It protects your assets. Lawsuits are common following motor vehicle accidents. Quality commercial coverage shields your business assets from potentially massive liability claims. Lacking adequate insurance could bankrupt your company!

Reason 5: Tax benefits. Insurance premiums and any claims payouts may qualify as tax deductible business expenses. Consult your accountant to maximize savings.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of why commercial insurance Toronto is so vital for enterprises large and small. Connect with a knowledgeable insurance broker to make sure your vehicles and company finances stay protected! Let me know if you have any other questions.

#commercial auto insurance #commercial insurance #canada #toronto

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gtahomeservice · 1 month

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Best Plumbing Company in Toronto for Your Needs

A plumbing company is essential for maintaining a safe home or business. Plumbers offer comprehensive services, including installation, maintenance, and emergency services. Experience, emergency services, licensing and insurance, customer reviews, and transparent pricing are key factors. These companies should be experienced in residential and commercial plumbing systems, offer 24/7 emergency services, be licensed and insured, have high customer reviews, and provide clear pricing. Contact the best plumbing company in Toronto to maintain the health and safety of your home or business…..

#Best plumbing company in Toronto #emergency plumbing services near me #Plumbing Services in Canada #best plumbers in Toronto

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selectrestorationtoronto · 2 years

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The pipes in your home can freeze and burst in extreme cold weather. Take steps to protect your pipes from freezing and know what to do if they burst. - Know where to find your main water shut-off valve and how it works (you will need to quickly shut-off the water supply if your pipes burst). - Insulate pipes most prone to freezing, especially near outside walls and in basements, crawl spaces, the attic and garage. This can be done with spray foam insulation or foam pipe covers available from building supply or home improvement stores. - Seal air leaks in your home and garage to stop cold air, using tape, vapor barrier or spray foam insulation. Check windows and doors, electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. - Outdoor faucets are the first pipes to freeze and burst. Unscrew any hoses, turn off the outdoor water supply and let the taps drain. - For commercial buildings – protect fire lines by wrapping all lines exposed to the cold. A burst 2 inch sprinkler pipe can cause a lot of water damage! - Ensure rooms and wall cavities that contain water pipes are kept above 8ºC, especially near the water meter. - Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage (do you have a bathroom above your garage). - Open kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate in cabinets and around the plumbing. - If leaving for an extended period of time - close the main valve that supplies water to your home. https://www.callthemfirst.com/post/toronto-frozen-pipe-burst-pipe-emergency SELECT Restoration Services 261 Bering Avenue, Unit 2⁣⁣ Toronto, ON⁣⁣ M8Z 3A5⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ☎️ Toronto: 416-236-0660⁣⁣ ☎️ GTA: 905-499-3765⁣⁣ ☎️ 24-Hour: 1-833-24EMERG⁣⁣ 📢 MAKE US YOUR FIRST CALL IN AN EMERGENCY!⁣⁣ #callthemfirst #selectrestoration #toronto #restorationcompany #newtoronto #etobicoke #mississauga #oakville #brampton #caledon #vaughan #markham #yyz #freezing #torontolife #residental #commercial #insurance #floodcleanup #waterdamage #restoration #firedamage #watercleanup #emergencyplumber #damagerestoration #burstpipe #frozenpipe #iicrc #baeumlerapproved https://www.instagram.com/p/CoHe0YnuNf8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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pro-cleanjanitorialservices · 2 months

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Pro-Clean Janitorial Services

At Pro-Clean, we provide top-notch janitorial and commercial cleaning services in Toronto and Southern Ontario. Our offerings include office cleaning, industrial cleaning, condo building porters, and specialized cleaning for retail stores, medical facilities, and more. We emphasize eco-friendly solutions, advanced cleaning techniques, and personalized service plans to keep your business space pristine. With over 30 years of experience, our bonded and insured team ensures high-quality, reliable cleaning services available 24/7.

Website: https://www.pro-clean.ca/

Address: 1395 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6L 3G3

Phone Number: (416) 208-5691

Business Hours: Monday - Sunday : 9:00 am-5:00 pm

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zohamasonry1 · 3 months

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Waterproofing Solutions for Commercial Buildings in Toronto

Toronto's vibrant commercial landscape thrives on a foundation of resilience. With its ever-changing weather patterns and fluctuating water tables, protecting buildings from water damage is paramount. This is where commercial waterproofing comes in – a crucial strategy for safeguarding your property and ensuring its long-term value.

Why Waterproofing Matters for Toronto's Commercial Buildings

Toronto experiences all four seasons in full force. From heavy snowfalls and spring thaws to summer downpours, these elements can put a strain on a building's envelope, the barrier between the interior and exterior environments.

Waterproofing acts as an invisible shield, protecting your commercial property from:

Moisture infiltration: Leaks can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.

Foundation issues: Excess water can cause cracks and movement in the foundation, compromising the building's integrity.

Interior damage: Water seepage can damage flooring, walls, ceilings, and electrical systems.

Health hazards: Mold growth associated with water leaks can pose serious health risks to occupants.

By investing in proper waterproofing, you're not just protecting your building; you're also creating a healthier and safer environment for your employees, customers, or tenants.

Common Areas Requiring Waterproofing in Commercial Buildings

Waterproofing solutions can be applied to various areas of a commercial building, depending on its design and specific needs. Here are some key areas to consider:

Foundations: The foundation is the first line of defense against water intrusion. Waterproofing membranes, weeping tiles, and drainage systems are often used to divert water away from the foundation walls.

Basements: Below-grade spaces are especially vulnerable to water seepage. A combination of interior and exterior waterproofing methods, such as membranes, coatings, and sump pumps, might be necessary.

Rooftops: Flat roofs are particularly susceptible to ponding water and leaks. Waterproofing membranes, coatings, and proper drainage systems are crucial for rooftop protection.

Plaza Decks: Exposed decks can suffer from water infiltration through cracks and inadequate drainage. Waterproofing membranes and proper sloping ensure water flows away from the building.

Parapet Walls: The walls extending above the roofline are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Waterproofing coatings and flashing systems help prevent water ingress.

Parking Garages: Waterproofing membranes and sealants protect concrete floors and walls from deterioration caused by road salts, de-icing chemicals, and vehicle fluids.

Choosing the Right Waterproofing Solution

The type of waterproofing solution recommended for your commercial building will depend on several factors, including:

Building type and use: The specific needs of a retail space will differ from those of a warehouse.

Location and water table levels: Understanding the surrounding soil conditions and water table is crucial.

Existing waterproofing systems: If the building has existing waterproofing, an assessment of its condition is necessary.

Budgetary considerations: Different waterproofing materials and methods have varying costs.

Consulting with a Commercial Waterproofing Contractor in Toronto

Given the complexities involved, partnering with a reputable commercial waterproofing contractor in Toronto is vital. Here's what to look for:

Experience and Expertise: Choose a contractor with a proven track record in commercial waterproofing projects.

Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the contractor is licensed and carries proper insurance coverage.

Warranty and Guarantees: Look for contractors offering warranties on their work and materials.

Inspection and Assessment: A thorough inspection of your building will help determine the most suitable solutions.

Communication and Transparency: Clear communication throughout the project is essential.

#waterproofing #masonrycontractor #waterproofing services #construction

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