Diane Ritchie, Royal LePage Team

02/21/2026

Quick reminder that the City of Ottawa requires you to complete your Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration for the 2025 occupancy year for each residential property you own by March 19, 2026. The City will charge a $250 fee to late submissions.

Fastest way (online, takes under a minute):
- If you have a MyService account: log in and submit through your Property Tax account: https://myservice.ottawa.ca/
- If you don’t have an account: submit using your roll number + secure access code (found on last year’s property tax bill/notice) here: https://ottawa.ca/vut

Other ways to declare:
- By phone (Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm): 613-580-2444 (option 3)
- In person: City Client Service Centres (locations/hours): https://ottawa.ca/csc

More details (including the program info and results): https://ottawa.ca/vut

VUT declaration form is now available Submit your declaration now Close VUT declaration form is now available × Understanding the Vacant Unit Tax Background, application, exemptions, ownership changes, compliance, FAQs... Declare property status Submit a property occupancy declaration Appeals Appea...

01/04/2026

🏡 Real estate is about more than buying and selling homes — it’s about people, life transitions, and trust. ❤️

The majority of my business involves working with families after a loved one or elderly parent has either passed on or is transitioning into a seniors’ residence. I often support families who are out of town or out of the country 🌍, working directly with them as they help their senior parents navigate the emotional reality of this change.

This is a very emotional time for everyone involved 💛. I also work with individuals who don’t have family support, ensuring they are never alone during such an important transition.

I go well beyond traditional real estate services by helping with:
📦 The emotional side of downsizing
🧹 Decluttering, boxing, and organizing
🤍 Donating items to women’s shelters
🥫 Supporting the Family Centre, where donated items are sold to benefit the local food bank
🧠 Removing emotion from decision-making while still honouring memories
📝 Clear communication with Powers of Attorney

I also love working with first-time home buyers 🏠✨. Buying a first home is a huge financial milestone 💰, and I enjoy guiding clients through every part of the decision — running comparables, reviewing neighbourhood statistics 📊, evaluating schools 🎓, and helping them feel confident making the biggest investment of their young lives.

📞 I’m always available to answer questions and offer real estate advice — whether you’re planning a move now or just thinking ahead.

This is why I love what I do ❤️. Helping others through meaningful transitions isn’t just my job — it’s my purpose.