Community Game Plan

In Episode 20 of Community Gameplan, hosts Eric and Jim sit down with special guest Matt Stickland, founding editor of Grand Parade — a Halifax city hall newspaper — and host of The Grand Parade podcast. Matt brings years of on-the-ground reporting experience covering Halifax Regional Municipality, and joins Eric and Jim for a candid conversation about how city hall really works, the ongoing debate over property taxes, and what it takes to hold local government accountable through independent journalism.
The conversation covers:
What's really happening inside Halifax City Hall right now
Breaking down property tax policy and why reform has been decades in the making
The role of independent, local journalism in keeping municipal government accountable
Matt's path from the Navy and submarine service to journalism and founding Grand Parade
Behind-the-scenes stories from covering council meetings, budgets, and community planning
Why local news matters more than ever for cities like Halifax
Whether you're a Halifax resident trying to make sense of your tax bill or just someone who cares about how local government actually functions, this episode offers an insider's perspective you won't get anywhere else.
About the Guest
Matt Stickland is the founding editor of GrandParade.news, an independent Halifax city hall newspaper, and host of The Grand Parade podcast, which delivers an irreverent, in-depth look at Halifax city hall, its policies, and the people who shape them. Before launching Grand Parade, Matt spent a decade in the Navy — including deployment aboard HMCS Charlottetown and service as a submariner — before completing his Bachelor of Journalism and becoming one of Halifax's most dedicated municipal reporters.
Reach out to Matt - https://bsky.app/profile/landofsticks.bsky.social
https://www.grandparade.news/
 
Reach out to Eric Homan and Jim Smardon - info@movewiththeteam.ca
https://www.instagram.com/therealestateteamns/
 
Eric Holman
Eric@movewiththeteam.ca
https://www.instagram.com/ericholmanrealestate/
 
Jim Smardon
Jim@movewiththeteam.ca
https://www.instagram.com/jimsmardon.greenrealestate/
 

Jim and Eric sit down with their newest team member, Ayo Ajayi — and this one's a conversation you don't want to miss.
Born and raised in Nigeria with real estate in his blood, Ayo brings a unique perspective to the world of Canadian real estate. Since making the move to Canada and planting roots in the Maritimes, he's been on a mission to help his clients and community navigate the ins and outs of buying and selling property in a whole new market.
In this episode, we dig into Ayo's journey — from the real estate landscape in Nigeria to the nuances of the Canadian market, and what it really takes to bridge those two worlds. Whether you're new to the Maritimes or a longtime local, there's something in this conversation for everyone looking to understand real estate from a fresh angle.
And as always, the laughs come easy and the conversation flows freely. Pull up a chair — this is a good one.
 
Reach out to The Real Estate Team at info@movewiththeteam.ca 
Want to be a guest or have a topic you would like us to cover, let us know. 

Dartmouth pharmacist and Rotarian Jan Rose is changing lives — from Nova Scotia to East Africa. In this episode, she shares her inspiring work with CACHA (Community Aid for Children and Health in Africa), bringing vital healthcare to underserved communities through international medical missions powered by Rotary involvement and grassroots determination.
Jan takes us inside the real logistics of overseas healthcare projects, the partnerships that make them possible, and why community-driven initiatives continue to be one of the most powerful forces in global health.
What we cover:
How CACHA is expanding healthcare access across East Africa
The role Rotary plays in connecting local volunteers to global impact
The planning, challenges, and rewards of international medical missions
How Jan's pharmacy roots in Dartmouth fuel her passion for service
If you believe communities have the power to heal the world — this one's for you.
Guest links
LinkedIn
CACHA
Canada Africa Community Health Alliance (CACHA)
Interested in being a guest or know someone we should talk to, reach out to Eric and Jim at Info@movewiththeteam.ca
 
 

Victoria, BC real estate market update: inventory, pricing trends, and expert insights from Lisa Eilers with Eric Holman and Jim Smardon. Learn what buyers and sellers need to know in 2026.
What’s really happening in the Victoria, BC real estate market right now? Is it cooling off, balancing out—or just catching its breath?
In this episode of The Community Gameplan Podcast, Eric Holman and Jim Smardon speak with a local real estate expert Lisa Eilers to break down the latest Victoria, BC housing market trends, giving you a clear, no-nonsense look at what buyers and sellers are actually dealing with on the ground.
From rising inventory levels to shifting buyer behaviour, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets into what matters—pricing, demand, and where the opportunities are hiding.
🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The real story behind Victoria’s growing housing inventory (and why it matters now)
How the market has shifted since the COVID-era frenzy
Why condo sales are slowing—and what that means for buyers
What’s keeping single-family homes in demand
How interest rates and economic uncertainty are shaping decisions
Insider strategies to help buyers and sellers stay competitive
🌊 Why Victoria Still Stands Out
Let’s be honest—Victoria isn’t just another market. Between its mild coastal climate, lifestyle appeal, and limited land supply, it continues to attract buyers from across Canada.
But here’s the twist: more listings (jumping from ~600 to ~4,000) means more choice… and more hesitation. Buyers are pickier. Sellers need sharper strategy. The days of “list it and they’ll come” are on pause.
💡 Who This Episode Is For:
Buyers trying to time the Victoria market without guessing
Sellers wondering if now is still a good time to list
Investors watching for shifts in pricing and opportunity
Anyone curious about BC real estate trends in 2026
🎯 Bottom Line
This isn’t a crash. It’s not a boom either. It’s a market finding its footing—and if you understand the signals, there’s real opportunity here.
Lisa and Eric & Jim bring local, boots-on-the-ground insight to help you make smarter real estate decisions in Victoria.
🔗 Related Topics:
British Columbia housing market trends
Buying a home in Victoria BC
Real estate investment strategies Canada
Interest rates and housing affordability

In Episode 16 of the Community Gameplan Podcast, Eric and Jim sit down with Dennis LaBlanc, Atlantic Canada Manager with CannaConnect, to discuss a powerful mission focused on support, healing, and community.
Dennis shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind CannaConnect — an organization dedicated to supporting veterans, RCMP, and first responders through education, access, and meaningful community connection.
This conversation highlights the important work being done to help those who have served navigate new pathways toward improved quality of life, mental health, and overall wellness. Dennis also shares how building trust and fostering community plays a critical role in successful reintegration and long-term support.
We also explore the real impact this work is having on individuals, families, and communities across Atlantic Canada — and how continued community involvement is helping grow a network of support and wellness.
Key Topics:
• CannaConnect’s mission and programs• Support for veterans, RCMP, and first responders• Community and trust in veteran reintegration• Building a community of support and wellness• The impact across Atlantic Canada and all across Canada 
Get Involved:
Interested in learning more about CannaConnect or supporting their work?Reach out, connect, and be part of the impact. cannaconnect
Don’t forget to like, follow, and share the podcast to help us continue bringing meaningful community stories to light.
Interested in being a guest or have a show idea you'd like us to cover, reach out to Eric Holman and Jim Smardon at info@movewiththeteam.ca
 
Veteran Support, Community Wellness, CannaConnect, Mental Health, Military Transition, First Responders, Veteran Programs, Community Building, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick 
 

Episode SummaryReal estate deals can look clean on paper… until the legal side starts peeling back the layers. In this episode of Community Gameplan, we sit down with real estate lawyer Mark Comeau with Taylor MacLellan Cochrane Law - TMC Law to break down the lawyer review clause process and everything that can quietly make—or break—a transaction.
From land title surprises to zoning headaches, encroachments, and HST curveballs, Mark shares practical insights that every agent, buyer, and seller should have in their back pocket. If you’ve ever thought “the lawyer will handle it,” this episode shows you exactly what that actually means—and why it matters more than you think.
What You’ll Learn
What lawyer review actually covers (and what it doesn’t)
Common title issues that can delay—or kill—a deal
Zoning: why it matters more than most people realize
Encroachments explained (and how they’re typically handled)
HST in real estate: when it applies and how it impacts buyers
Key differences when dealing with:
Condos
Vacant land
Mini homes / mobile homes
Why communication between agents, lawyers, and clients is critical
The most common mistakes people make during the legal process
Real Talk Moments
Not all properties are created equal—what works for a single-family home can get messy fast with land or mini homes
Waiting until the last minute to involve a lawyer? Bad move. That’s where deals start to wobble
Assumptions around zoning and use are one of the biggest hidden risks in real estate
 Pro Tips from Mark Comeau
Get ahead of potential title or zoning issues early—don’t wait for closing week surprises
Always clarify HST implications before submitting an offer
When in doubt, ask questions early—fixing problems is easier before paperwork is locked in
 Who This Episode Is For
Buyers who want to avoid costly surprises
Sellers looking to keep their deal on track
Real estate agents aiming to better protect their clients
Anyone curious about the legal side of real estate (the stuff no one talks about… until they have to)
Connect & Learn More
If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who’s in the middle of a deal—or about to be. 
Or reach out to Eric Holman or Jim Smardon at info@movewithttheteam.ca
Reach out to Marc Comeau - https://www.tmclaw.com/ 

Understanding the hidden impacts of gambling and how communities can support awareness, prevention, and recovery.
Gambling is often seen as entertainment, but for many individuals and families, it can become something much more serious.
In this episode of The Community Game Plan, we sit down with Carey Murphy, Executive Director of the Compulsive and Problem Gamblers Society, to talk about the realities of gambling harm and how it affects individuals, families, and communities.
We explore common misconceptions about gambling addiction, the early warning signs people often miss, and why stigma can prevent people from asking for help. Carey also shares insight into how communities can play a stronger role in prevention, awareness, and supporting those who may be struggling.
This conversation is about more than gambling — it’s about building informed, compassionate communities where people feel safe to reach out for support.
Find more of our guest Carey Murphy on his Youtube   Facebook   
https://globalnews.ca/news/11393257/problem-gambling-online-platforms/
 
If you or someone you know may be struggling, support and resources are available through the Compulsive and Problem Gamblers Society.
 
And if you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about the work we’re doing in the community, feel free to reach out to Eric and Jim from The Real Estate Team. Info@movewiththeteam.ca
Whether it's real estate, community initiatives, or future podcast ideas, they’re always happy to connect and continue the conversation.

In this episode, Jim and Eric sit down in studio with Debbie Vaillancourt Higgins, owner and operator of Opus Café and Catering in Cherry Brook, Dartmouth. What starts as a conversation about coffee and catering quickly becomes something much deeper.
Debbie shares the heartfelt story behind Opus — a café born from her mother’s dream and built as a true labour of love. Located inside the historic former Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children building, Opus has become more than just a place to grab breakfast. It’s a safe, welcoming space where conversations happen, community groups gather, reunions unfold, and healing takes place.
From hosting men’s support circles and church groups to catering weddings and providing meals for families in need, Debbie explains why Opus isn’t “hers” — it belongs to the community. With refillable coffee meant to extend conversations and an intentional no-TV policy to encourage connection, this café proves that small spaces can create big impact.
The episode also includes one of Jim and Eric’s signature hot takes — this time tackling the question: Are fixer-uppers still a good deal, or are buyers walking into financial traps?
Whether you’re passionate about community building, curious about the power of small local businesses, or just looking for a place that serves more than coffee, this episode is packed with warmth, insight, and heart.
👉 Visit Opus Café at 18 Wilfred Jackson Way, Dartmouth👉 Learn more: https://www.theopuscafe.ca

Welcome to our very first MiniPod— a new feature of the Community Game Plan podcast where we zoom in on the real estate side of our community.
In this episode, Eric Holman sits down with mortgage broker Danielle Hardie to break down the Mortgage Plus Improvements program—an option that allows buyers to roll renovation costs directly into their mortgage. Translation? You can buy the right house and make it the right home without draining your savings on day one.
They dig into the power of adding secondary suites, why having a mortgage broker in your corner matters more than ever, and how smart renovations can significantly boost long-term property value. This conversation is all about seeing potential where others see problems—and understanding how to finance that vision strategically.
If you're navigating today’s market, considering a fixer-upper, or simply want to make smarter buying decisions, this episode delivers practical insight on planning properly, structuring financing wisely, and turning opportunity into equity.
Reach out to Eric or Jim at info@movewiththeteam.ca
Danielle Hardie - Mortgage Broker Premiere Mortgage Centre Inc.  danielle.hardie@premieremortgage.ca

In this bonus highlight episode, Jim, Eric, and producer Colin throw the rulebook out the window and lean fully into what makes the Community Game Plan… well, the Community Game Plan. This supercut is packed with behind-the-scenes moments, off-the-rails banter, missed cues, sponsor reads gone sideways, and the kind of hot takes that only happen when the mics stay hot a little too long.
From debates about pizza pockets, pineapple on pizza, and candied bacon, to producer interruptions, fake ad reads, and a running argument over who’s actually in charge, this episode captures the lighter side of the podcast — the laughs, the chaos, and the genuine chemistry that keeps the show fun.
Mixed in with the nonsense are real moments of reflection about authenticity, community, and why the podcast exists in the first place: to show up as real people, not polished personas, and to build something that feels honest, local, and human.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens between the serious conversations — or why the producers occasionally regret their life choices — this episode is for you.