New Local Home by Black Press Digital

Find the single-family home you’ve always wanted at Yorkson South in Langley, in a neighbourhood that’s quiet, yet close to all community amenities ›› p.4

October 28, 2010

Canada’s market stabilizing

Wallmark Homes’ vice-president of custom homes Dale Roadhouse, on-site at a home under construction, says thanks to technological advances, homes today are built much better than years ago, especially where energy efficiency is concerned. Martin Knowles photo

cient today. Most builders have stepped up to the plate and gone beyond code,” he says. “The efficiency of furnaces has improved a lot. Years ago, I think they were around 60 per cent efficiency. Now, they’re at 94 per cent efficiency. Windows used to be a single pane. Now you have double-pane, vinyl and gas-filled.” Roofing materials, among others, have only become better with time and techno-

The housing market in Canada remains on steady ground, according to a recent Royal LePage report. Canada’s residential real estate market saw year-over-year growth in the third quarter as fears of a double-dip recession or a housing bubble faded, states a release. The Royal LePage House Price Survey, released last week, shows house price appreciation slowed to a more modest five per cent in the quarter, “which is historically typical of balanced real estate markets.” The unusually active first half of 2010 is giving way to slower markets in the latter part of the year, but the third quarter was slightly stronger than anticipated, due to low rates in a competitive financial market and new demand fuelled by improved affordability, says Royal LePage Real Estate Services president and chief executive Phil Soper. The average price of a detached bungalow in Canada was up 4.6 per cent to $324,531 compared to a year ago. Over the same period, standard two-storey homes rose 4.4 per cent to $360,329, while standard condominiums rose 3.9 per cent to $226,481, according to the report. “House price growth now sits just below the longterm annual average of approximately five per cent, but once this is adjusted for inflation, which is very low and expected to continue to be that way for some time, appreciation is right on track,” says Soper. “Canadian homeowners will be pleased.” Vancouver was among the markets that posted higher-than-the-national-average price increases; the average price of a bungalow was up by 14 per cent in St. John’s, 9.2 per cent in Winnipeg, 9.1 per cent in Montreal and 8.8 per cent in Vancouver. Vancouver, with an average bungalow price of $873,500, was the most expensive housing market in the country.

CONTINUED ON P.2

No place like a new home Energy efficiency, design and materials better than ever in local homebuilding industry TRICIA LESLIE Single-pane windows were the norm in new homes not so long ago. Tar and gravel used to be common condo roofing materials.

But ... that was then. This is now. These days, new homes in Metro Vancouver are built better than ever before, thanks to technological advances, changes to rules and regulations in the industry and the quality of materials and design. Portrait Homes principal Rob Grimm has been involved in the homebuilding industry for 20 years, and in that time, he has seen several changes, mainly due to technological advances. “I’d say homes are much more energy-effi-

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2 New Local Home October 28, 2010

Home kitchens used to be small, separate rooms. These days, they are spacious and open to the rest of the living space, like this Wallmark Birchwood Estates home in Coquitlam.

Artist’s rendering.

Pattison, Reliance think tall in Vancouver Two established Vancouver companies held a press conference Tuesday to introduce proposed plans for a $500-million mixed-use development in the city’s downtown core. Jim Pattison Developments Ltd. and Reliance Properties Ltd. are submitting a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver to allow for the proposed Burrard Gateway development, located on Burrard and Hornby streets, north of Drake Street. The rezoning would involve 23 separate city lots, 14 owned by Reliance Properties and nine owned by Jim Pattison Developments. “This proposed development is designed to create a dramatic entrance to Vancouver’s downtown area as people crest the Burrard Street bridge heading north on Burrard Street,” says Reliance Properties president Jon Stovell. The development, as currently proposed, consists of three towers – 13, 36 and 48 storeys – and a seven-storey podium with a total built space of more than 750,000 square feet. Uses would include market strata and rental housing, office and retail space and a flagship Toyota dealership for North America. “This automobile dealership will establish a new standard for the way the industry operates in an urban setting,” says Jim Pattison Auto Group president Bill Harbottle. “We want to create a vertical operation that minimizes the footprint at street level. The showroom will be like a three-storey glass jewel box, with all of the service areas on four underground levels. It will be the only full-service downtown dealership serving the many people who live and work in the area.” The Burrard Gateway site is also one of six locations the City of Vancouver has proposed as having the potential for a building with height increases above current policy and regulation, so long as the builders ‘demonstrate a new standard for green building design and recognizable architectural excellence.”

Steadier market expected for 2011 CONTINUED FROM P.1

From 2007 through to early 2010, the Canadian housing market was characterized by often-wild swings in housing activity, says Soper. “We believe much of that volatility has been worked out of the system and that gradual economic improvement, particularly with our employment picture, offset by the dampening effect of a gradual increase in mortgage costs, should bring a steadier housing industry through 2011.”

“There’s no such thing

as wasted space” Off the front: “They

don’t build them like they used to ... and thank goodness for that.” – Peter Simpson CONTINUED FROM P.1

logical advancements; now, there are 35-year guarantees on shingle roofs, or waterproof membranes on condo roofs, he says. At Wallmark Homes, vice-president of custom homes Dale Roadhouse has also noticed the advances in the homebuilding sector, having been involved in it for 21 years. He agrees homes today are much more energy-efficient than those built in the past two to three decades (or older), in fact, “more efficient than they’ve ever been.” “The equipment and materials we use are much better and much more efficient,” Roadhouse says, and adds that green building practices and materials are also becoming more common. “You hear the phrase ‘value engineering’ a lot more when builders use less waste. I’ve really noticed that change – 20 years ago, builders were not as concerned with waste.” Other changes, such as regulations in the B.C. Building Code dictating that new single-family homes must be rain-screened, for example, have also helped improve the quality of homes built, Roadhouse says. Even rain screens themselves have evolved. “They used to be wood. Now there’s plastic to rubber to pressure-treated wood,” Roadhouse says. From insulation to flooring to exterior building materials such as Hardie Plank, industry experts concur that homebuilding

ParkLane’s Bedford Landing in Fort Langley (left) and Portrait Homes’ Brighton in Maple Ridge are all new and highly energy-efficient.

materials are offered in much higher, much more durable and environmentally friendly quality than ever before. Most new homes these days must be ventilated because they’re so airtight – something that was unheard of even 20 years ago. Inside, ParkLane Homes senior designer Grant Miller – who has been in the industry for about 30 years – has noticed several differences in the way homes were designed then, and how they’re designed now. Homes that are 20 to 30 years old or older always seem to feature a series of large rooms with hallways, with one or two bathrooms, Miller says. “Back then, it was much more compartmentalized. When I was young, everyone had a dining room, a living room and maybe a family room at the back, with a separate kitchen,” he notes. “Now, great rooms and open-concept design are more common, and kitchens are more

Better Homes

of an ‘everything’ space, open and ready for entertaining.” Although the general square footage of homes has gotten smaller, designing has gotten better, Miller says, with features such as overheight ceilings and windows helping to give the impression homes are larger than they are. “Now, homes are wide-open with rooms that are smaller but feel bigger because of the design,” Miller says. “There’s no such thing as wasted space (in new homes).” Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association president and CEO Peter Simpson agrees with Grimm, Roadhouse and Miller. “They don’t build them like they used to ... and thank goodness for that,” he says, and adds those involved in the industry constantly listen to what homebuyers want – and then they deliver. “Homebuyers are going to be very happy with what our Metro Vancouver homebuilders have to offer, from your basic starter condos to luxurious single-family homes.”

Publisher: Fiona Harris • 604-575-5822 • publisher@newlocalhome.com Editor: Tricia Leslie • 604-575-5346 • editor@newlocalhome.com Writer: Maggie Calloway • maggiec@blackpress.ca Advertising Sales: Black Press National Sales • Adrian Saunders • 604-575-5812 • adrians@blackpress.ca Online Advertising: 604-575-5822 Designer: Brad Smith • bsmith@blackpress.ca New Local Home is published once a week by Black Press Group Ltd. (Suite 309 - 5460 152 Street, Surrey, B.C. V3S 5J9) 350,000 copies are distributed free across Metro Vancouver. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

New Local Home October 28, 2010 3

4 New Local Home October 28, 2010

Affordable Langley living

Make yourself at home...

Choose Yorkson South Thinking about downsizing from the large family home but not yet ready to move into a condo and give up the garden? Living in a condo or townhouse and want to move up to a single-family home? The Penta Builders Group Inc.’s section of Yorkson South, in the picturesque and historical suburb of Langley, offers exactly what many homebuyers are looking for – and more. The natural, park-like surroundings inspired the heritage Craftsman-style architecture of the homes, which feature attractive exterior colour combinations and the use of warm, natural materials, such as cedar shake. The private outdoor living space, with a generous veranda and concrete patio, makes it a fantastic spot for the kids to play and adults to entertain. Each property is professionally landscaped and enclosed with a handcrafted cedar fence, perfect for keeping the kids safe. The walk-out basement suite – convenient for family members or to help pay the mortgage – is included. Peace and solitude are paramount but a wide assortment of amenities are a short distance away, including leisure centres, shops, boutiques, restaurants, parks, bike and equestrian trails as well CONTINUED ON P.6

The Penta Builder Group is building new, single-family homes in Langley. The affordable homes are located in a peaceful neighbourhood, yet remain close to schools, parks and community amenities. Yorkson South homes also come with walkout basement suites (bottom right photo), a great mortgage helper with a reliable renter.

New Local Home October 28, 2010 5

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6 New Local Home October 28, 2010

Your dream home is ready

‘You can really feel the quality’ CONTINUED FROM P.4

as excellent schools. “Our homes are extremely well-priced – they start at $499,900 which is well within the HST housing rebates,” says Karena teBaerts, project designer for Yorkson South. “The staple of a Penta home is quality. We use all the same trades and contractors, suppliers and materials as we do in our million-dollar custom homes, which is very unique.” Entering the home, the viewer will be immediately struck by the open-concept living design with overheight nine-foot ceilings; both are also featured in the basement suite. Two distinct floorplans are available to choose from, both designed to maximize every square inch of space. Attention to detail is obvious throughout, from the extensive use of millwork – including baseboards, casing and crown mouldings – to the superior-quality carpet, the dramatic gas fireplace with custom-designed concrete surround, to the well-planned storage solutions, with spacious closets and shelving systems. “When you walk into the homes you can really feel the quality,” says teBaerts. The luxurious master suite features vaulted ceilings and is designed as an end-of-day haven. The spa-inspired ensuite features a separate walk-in shower and luxurious soaker tub. Designer fixtures including a waterconserving toilet, contemporary basin and Kohler faucets finished in polished chrome add to this special, private sanctuary. The kitchen has thoughtfully planned wood cabinetry accented with handcrafted details and elegant pulls. The generous centre island has an integrated eating bar, while the solid natural granite countertops complement the handset imported tile floor. Energy-efficient Whirlpool appliances round out the kitchen with quiet dishwasher, microwave/hoodfan and in-sink disposal. Visit www.yorksonsouth.com for more information.

Yorkson South homes all feature overheight ceilings and openconcept living designs, giving every home a spacious, airy feel. Homebuyers can choose from two distinct floorplans, both designed to maximize every centimetre of space. Luxurious master suites have vaulted ceilings, large walk-in closets and spainspired ensuites, while gourmet kitchens are thoughtfully planned with integrated eating bars in the centre island.

New Local Home October 28, 2010 7

< Levo Pinetree Way & Northern Ave. 604-464-5856 = The Foothills Burke Mountain, 3381 David Ave. 604-944-3188 > Tatton 1240 Holtby, Coquitlam. 604-552-2220 ? Larkin House (East) 1456 Avondale St. 604-461-7113 @ Belmont 1456 Avondale St. 604-461-7113 A Sterling 3412 Wilkie Ave. B Larkin House 1131 Pipeline Road. 604-552-1113

Port Coquitlam

Richmond < River Green 5111 Hollybridge Way. 604-233-2633 = Mezzo 7373 Turnill St. 604-725-1250 > Emerald 7180 No. 3 Rd. 604-244-8333 ? Hamilton Station 22788 Westminster Hwy. 604-279-8866 @ Wishing Tree Alexander Gardens. 604-871-4296 A Cambridge Park 9191 Odlin Rd. 778-297-7511 B Saffron 180-8360 Granville Ave. 604-270-2482 < Highland Park 160th & 24 Ave. 604-542-8995 = Glenmore at Morgan Heights 161A St. & 24 Ave. 604-542-8863

North Vancouver

Riv

Steveston Hwy.

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80th Ave.

Ladner Trunk Rd.

256th St

232nd St

272 Nd St

256th St

240th St

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96th Ave

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248th St.

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New Westminster

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Epta Properties’ Avra in White Rock offers attainable luxury with brand-new condos that boast spectacular views; prices start from $289,900

< Bedford Landing 23015 Billy Brown Road. 604-888-2176

176th St.

West Vancouver

Langley

128th St.

< Trend 7445 Scott Road. 604-590-5483 = South Pointe (at Sunstone) 10527 Modesto Place. 604-584-2908 > Atria 120 St. and 75A Ave. 604-453-6666

South Surrey-White Rock

Lonsdale Ave.

Ma rine Dr .

Taylor Way

➜

< = >

Delta

Coast Meridian Rd.

< Jewel II 6130 Wilson Ave at Beresford. 604-456-0688 99 at Citi = Motif 4400 Buchanan St. 604-298-8800 > Adera - Green 7438 Byrnepark Walk. 604-439-8858 ? Perspectives 4710 Lougheed Hwy. 604-294-4995 @ Affinity 5695 Lougheed Hwy at Holdom. 604-453-5893

< Victoria Hill McBride Ave. 604-523-0733 = Inter-Urban Begbie and /columbia St. 604-523-0081 > Port Royal Holy Ave. and Salter St. 604-520-9890

168th St.

Burnaby

< Augusta Walk / Woods at Provinceton 18199 70th Ave, 778-571-1088 = Hazelwood Estates 7881 164A Street. 604-657-5220 > Knoll 7348 192A Street, Surrey. 604-574-0001 ? Quattro 114-10768 Whalley Blvd. 604-581-8000 @ Ultra 105-13339 102 Ave. 604-588-6999 A Taylor 1-8767162 St. 604-584-1114

New Westminster

Lougheed

< The Mark 1035 Seymour St. 604-687-4353 = Pacific Spirit UBC Westbrook Village. 604-221-8878 604-264-6477 > James 289 W. 2nd Ave. 604-275-1000 ? Spice on Robson Nicola and Robson streets. 604-683-5555 @ Local 1661 East 2nd Ave at Commercial. 604-688-5527

Surrey

< Brighton at Silver Ridge 13851 232 St. 604-270-1889 = Duet 22977 116 Ave. 604-453-4962 > Main Stone Creek 10116-241 St. 604-463-5000

Stayte Rd.

Vancouver

= Seasons & Prelude at Milner Heights 208th St & 72nd Ave. 604-539-9484 > Time at Walnut Grove 9525-204 Street. 604-694-1819 ? Cornerstone 5655 210A Street. 604-534-6000 @ High Point Equestrian Estates 20048 2nd Ave. 604-531-1111

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows

< Pearl 2343 Atkins Ave. 604-308-0227 = The Shaughnessy (on Lions Park) 2950 Glen Dr. 604-461-2750

152nd St.

North Vancouver < Wedgewood 768 Orwell St. 604-980-2508 = The Kimpton 210 W. 13th St. 604-988-3020

144th St.

< Skye-Soleil-Aqua Presentation Centre, Unit 3, 1233 Main St., Squamish. 604-616-1215 = Furry Creek-Ocean Crest 415- Furry Creek Dr. 604-787-1456 > Maples at Fintry Park Bryson Way and Finch Ave. 604-894-3344

King George Hwy.

Squamish

> Wills Creek 160th & 32 Ave. 604-542-6200 ? Kaleden 2729-158 Street. 604-541-4246 @ Morgan Heights 26th Ave & 164th St. 604-531-1111, 604-420-4200 A Cathedral Grove 2738-158th Street. 604-541-7383 B SouthPort 3677-143 St. 604-292-0871 C High Street 402-2950 King George Hwy. 604-536-9333 D Summerfield 109-172A St. 604-536-1155 E Avra 1456 Johnston Road. 604-531-9030

132nd St.

On Tour

Coquitlam

8 New Local Home October 28, 2010

90%

ONE

SOLD I’ll be working next door at the New City Hall and will be able to get to downtown Vancouver in 35 minutes on SkyTrain.

I work at Surrey Memorial Hospital and I bought for the convenient location. I can walk to work!.

I bought because of the pricing, Holland Park, concierge service and club amenities.

New infrastructure like the Port Mann Twinning and Civic Centre make this a prime investment for me.

We bought for our son. He goes to SFU across King George. It’s an investment in his future.

I bought because I teach at SFU, and big box retail and Central City Mall are next door.

Rent or resale, it’s a no brainer with demand from a thousand new people every month.

WE GOT AHEAD. YOU CAN TOO! No more wood-frame construction for me!

TWO

DY AL

HOLLAND PARK

COMING SOON REGISTER NOW

100 AVE.

ALL

PRESENTATION CENTRE

BLV

90%

SOLD

KING GEORGE SKYTRAIN STATION

ONE PARK PLACE

SFU CAMPUS CENTRAL CITY MALL

KING GEORGE BLVD.

TWO PARK PLACE

Presentation Centre open daily noon to 6PM Saturday through Thursday 9887 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey, BC at King George SkyTrain 604.583.986+ PARKPLACELIVING.CA

CANADA’S LARGEST COMMUNITY BUILDER

*OFFER EXPIRES ON NOVEMBER 30, 2010. THE DEVELOPER RESERVES THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR CANCEL ALL OR PART OF THE OFFER AT AN EARLIER DATE OR EXTEND IT TO A LATER TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. OAC. THIS IS NOT AN OFFERING FOR SALE. ANY SUCH OFFERING MAY ONLY BE MADE WITH THE APPLICABLE OFFER TO PURCHASE, AGREEMENT OF SALE AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. E.& O.E.