Oakville, Ontario

JANET Barber does not dwell too much on the view from her driveway.

Many of her long-time neighbours up and down the block have cashed in on the area's soaring house prices and moved away. Where their modest wood homes once stood, much larger architect-designed houses of stone, steel and glass fill the lots. Across the street, a big sign plastered with "Sold" stickers means that one is probably next to go.