The Barnes Group

03/31/2026

1195 Whiterock 3 bedroom bungalow

03/31/2026

1195 Whiterock Updated Bungalow

03/31/2026

1195 Whiterock Updated 3 bedroom bungalow in Carson Grove
Primary with ensuite, large rec room and 2 piece in basement.
Contact John or Terry for more information or a viewing.

03/28/2026

A busy couple of weeks!!!!

02/14/2026

02/14/2026

1530 Weyburn Alta Vista For Rent $2995
Upgraded 3 bedroom 2 bath home on quiet street.
Contact John or Terry for more information or a viewing. This home is now rented.

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Coming soon to MLS
2004 Dorval $829900
Located on one of the nicest streets in Elmvale Acres. Backing onto green space, The home had an over a 200 sq foot addition. 2 baths, recroom,storage and more. Walk to good schools, hospitals and more.
Contact John or Terry for more information or a viewing.

01/20/2026

Ottawa Vacant Unit Tax Declaration is now Open
📌 What is the Vacant Unit Tax?

The Vacant Unit Tax is a municipal tax in Ottawa designed to encourage homeowners to occupy or rent out residential properties instead of leaving them empty. It applies to residential units that are unoccupied for more than 184 days in a calendar year.

💡 Key Points

Who must declare:
✅ Every owner of a residential property in Ottawa must file an annual occupancy declaration — even if the property is your principal residence or rented out.

When to declare:
📅 Declarations open in January and must be submitted by the third Thursday in March (for example, March 19, 2026 for the 2025 year). Missing the deadline can result in a $250 late declaration fee.
💰 How much is the tax?

1% of the property’s assessed value if it was vacant for more than 184 days in the year.

For each consecutive year a property remains vacant, the rate increases by 1% per year, up to a maximum of 5% of the assessed value.

⚠️ If you fail to submit a declaration by the deadline, the City may deem your property vacant and apply the tax automatically.

📋 Exemptions

There are a number of recognised exemptions where the tax won’t apply — but you must declare and provide supporting information. Examples include:

Property is your principal residence

Property occupied by tenants or a family member

Death or serious medical care of the owner

Major renovations that prevent occupancy
… and other specific circumstances outlined by the City.

01/08/2026

11 Scampton Morgans Grant Kanata $549900
3 Bedroom Minto Manhattan with large primary, including ensuite, and walk in closet. Finished basement and nice yard.
Contact John or Terry for more information or a viewing.

01/06/2026

Well done John!!!

I have had the privilege of working with John Harkins on three occasions over the past few years—first to sell my mother’s home, then to rent a “transition” house, and most recently to purchase my own home.

John is a dedicated, highly professional, and extremely knowledgeable real estate agent. He is also friendly, kind, and deeply empathetic—so much so that I now consider him a friend. He is always on top of his client files, consistently available to answer questions, and truly takes care of his clients as if they were family.

When I was in the process of purchasing my new home, I was doing it on my own and had no support system. John genuinely took me under his wing. He understood exactly what I was looking for and took the time to carefully review each property with me, thoughtfully pointing out both the positives and the potential drawbacks.

With his guidance and support, I purchased a beautiful home that fit my budget and was located in the area I had hoped to live in.
I highly recommend John for all your real estate needs. He truly goes above and beyond to help make his clients’ dreams come true.

Thank you, John, for your dedication and unwavering support.