Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
30 Jan 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 10 days
Feedback
23
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are now empty nesters in a suburban neighbourhood on the east end of Toronto. Access to anywhere by public transit is quite simple. My husband and I are quite involved in several social betterment groups and spend some time each week on these. My husband runs his own business and I create videos/film and sing. We are a strictly non smoking and have a zero tolerance for drug use. Anyone considering smoking dope even outside the home and thinking of staying here should not contact us.
We would love to find a couple for a longer stay to look after the garden, help with some construction jobs and do some cleaning and cooking.Since we have a lovely little dog it is also helpful to have someone here to let her out if we are both away for appointments and/or work. this all helps me to be able to focus on my work and projects and to be most productive.
Since I have a sensitivity to perfume and cologne it is very important that anyone in the house does not use fragrance added products. This is very much appreciated. :).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Nature
Events & social
Videography
Pets
Charity work
Plant care
Music
DIY & crafts
Gardening
Photography
Writing
Performing arts
Drawing & painting
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Animals
Fitness
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have a largish lot, about 1/2 acre, 1/2 hour east of downtown Toronto and accessible to local activities, bike paths ( I have two bikes here), the beach and shopping malls. We are in a very multicultural neighbourhood. One can find just about any nationality close by. Since my husband and I have both been teachers we would be patient and helpful to anyone wanting to improve their English. Workawayers would be welcome to accompany me when I go riding if they have some interest or skill in this area.
Help
Our situation would suit an industrious, outgoing person or couple who enjoy yard work outside and caring for some cleaning and cooking inside. An opportunity to improve our French would also be welcome contributions. We would also need the individual or couple to demonstrate industriousness and honesty, working competently and not glued to a game/phone screen 24/7... able to engage in the activities of life and people
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Beginner
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Basement bedroom shared with our music room where we hold rehearsals from time to time, with a washroom shared with one person who stays with us. Double bed. Meals would be combination of family sit downs and fending for yourself, depending on our schedule. If anyone is particulary interested in food that could be a point of cultural exchange as that is not my forte.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can possibly accept pets
This can be discussed. There are so many factors involved and each is important.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (11)
I stayed with Brenda and Gary in the fall of 2024 and it was a fantastic experience. They are incredibly kind and hospitable, which made the stay very comfortable. They are very considerate and will consult with you if there are any changes to the accommodations (ie additional guests). The guest… read more
The work wasn't very hard, but there was always something to do. I was there in the fall, so I had a lot to do in… read more
In addition to being a great help to us he was great to have around, an honest, positive and intelligent person.
We… read more
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Feedback
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(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
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Communication:
(5.0)
I stayed with Brenda and Gary in the fall of 2024 and it was a fantastic experience. They are incredibly kind and hospitable, which made the stay very comfortable. They are very considerate and will consult with you if there are any changes to the accommodations (ie additional guests). The guest… read more
The work wasn't very hard, but there was always something to do. I was there in the fall, so I had a lot to do in… read more
In addition to being a great help to us he was great to have around, an honest, positive and intelligent person.
We… read more
I helped them with planting lawn, pruning trees, cleaning and general maintenance.
I lived in a very comfy room with lots of space and their home is lovely. From the house it was very easy to take a bus and go to downtown any day I wanted as I had a lot of… read more
Brenda made sure that I was felt quickly integrated in their household. I enjoyed very much attending their musical shows where I had the opportunity to meet many interesting people. Brenda is very sociable, invested in her local community and is… read more
Thank you for… read more
She was so attentive, helpful and caring, which is not just a host.
I believe I found a friend in Canada, for whom I have a lot of affection.
My job was basically pulling up weeds to make way for the beautiful plants in the garden. This work was a pleasure for me, because I love plants.
Gary is also very kind and… read more
I had a ball with living here, feeling at home and among a family when everyone on Workaway was closing down… read more
Thank you Brenda to have hosted us. We keep in touch and you are welcome if you want to come to… read more
