Community Game Plan

Episode 18: Healing Beyond Borders — Jan Rose on Medical Missions, Rotary & Community Health

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 [https://linkedin.com/in/jan-rose] * CACHA [https://cacha.ca/] * Canada Africa Community Health Alliance (CACHA) [https://cacha.ca/] Interested in being a guest or know someone we should talk to, reach out to Eric and Jim at Info@movewiththeteam.ca [Info@movewiththeteam.ca]

Episode 17: Understanding the Victoria, BC Real Estate Market | Expert Insights with Lisa Eilers

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

Episode 16: CannaConnect — Supporting Veterans Through Education, Access & Community

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 [https://www.cannaconnect.ca/] 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 [info@movewiththeteam.ca]   Veteran Support, Community Wellness, CannaConnect, Mental Health, Military Transition, First Responders, Veteran Programs, Community Building, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

Episode 15: Inside Lawyer Review: Protecting Your Real Estate Transaction

Episode Summary Real 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 [info@movewiththeteam.ca] Reach out to Marc Comeau - https://www.tmclaw.com/ [https://www.tmclaw.com/]

Episode 14: Beyond the Bet — Gambling, Awareness & Community

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 [https://www.youtube.com/@MurphtheRecoveryGuy-t2t]   Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/carey.murphy.52/]    https://globalnews.ca/news/11393257/problem-gambling-online-platforms/ [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 [Info@movewiththeteam.ca] Whether it's real estate, community initiatives, or future podcast ideas, they’re always happy to connect and continue the conversation.