Several metropolitan cities in the US have weekly shows hosted by local gardeners on National Public Radio. These folks provide advice on how/what/when to do stuff to your yard, while also warning about things you definitely want to avoid. Local garden centers are aware of this advice and tend to stock the aforementioned stuff you'll need to purchase. Different areas have different climates and different types of grass and differing water needs. I've had really good luck with this in a few different cities. Do you have anything equivalent up there in the Great White North? If nothing else, check in with your local garden center.