Homeowners Business Directory by Ladysmith Chemainus Chronicle

Ladysmith Chemainus

Homeowners

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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(250) 245-2247

Ladysmith Chemainus

homeowners busIness dIrectory

Table of Contents

3-4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Find our Advertising Directory What is the local real estate market like? Who is the typical home buyer in the Cowichan Valley? Give yourself peace of mind with home insurance When do you need a building permit? How many building permits have been issued so far? Find out if a house is for you with a home inspection Are secondary suites legal in Ladysmith? Save the planet to save money What do you need to know about recycling in Ladysmith? Small projects make a big difference around your house

FALL 2012 Publisher Teresa McKinley publisher@ladysmithchronicle.com

P.O. Box 400, Ladysmith, B.C., V9G 1A3 Phone: 250-245-2277 Fax: 250-245-2260 The Chronicle does its best to ensure content accuracy. The Chronicle is not endorsing any product or business contained within.

Advertising Directory

AccountAnts

conFectIonery

Atchison Palmer Leslie Chartered Accountants #101-626 1st Ave, Ladysmith, 250-245-1429 www.aplaccountants.com

Mr. Popper’s Sweet Shoppe 1-32 High Street, Ladysmith 250-924-8486

Are you looking for some help with your accounting? Whether you need help with the small stuff like year-ends or income tax returns, or you are looking for full-scale accounting services, we are here for you.

bLInds Tidal Blinds 250-416-0097 250-715-7733 tidalblinds@telus.net We are locally owned and operated, where you receive “Good Old Fashioned Service”. We also offer window blinds made in B.C. Call us for “free” in-home quotes & consultations and delivery.

buILdInG/hArdwAre Ladysmith Home Hardware Building Centre 1010 Ludlow Road, Ladysmith 250-245-3441 Your stop for lumber and all your home improvement needs! Open 7 days a week.

Locally made fudge, British candy, Dutch licorice, cotton candy and hand-crafted kettle corn.

countertoPs Mid-Island Granite MOVED (from 1030 Oyster Bay Dr. Ladysmith in front of Home Hardware) NEW LOCATION 2059 South Wellington Road Nanaimo (before you get to Duke Pt. Ferry) 250-591-7795 extension 120 www.mid-island-granite.ca Specializing in custom kitchen and vanity countertops.

eLectrIcAL AmMeter Electric 10777 Guildbridge Road, Ladysmith, B.C. 250-754-8886 250-246-4899 www.ammeterelectric.com service@ammeterelectric.com Our company has been doing commercial, marine and home electric problems, internet cabling and electrical work for over 20 yrs.

FInAncIAL Ladysmith & District Credit Union

330 First Avenue, Ladysmith, 250-245-2247 www.ldcu.ca A full service financial institution to help you with your financial goals.

GLAss Dobson’s Glass Ltd. 186 Ingram Street 250-746-4824 www.dobsonsglass.com Serving the Cowichan Valley for over 100 years. Specializing in windshield and rock chip repair and household glass.

hIstorIcAL socIety Ladysmith & District Historical Society Unit B - 1115 First Ave. (Behind Tim Horton’s) Ladysmith Museum, 721 - 1st Avenue Archives 250-245-0100 Museum 250-245-0423 www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

Inexpensive books by local authors, historical cookbooks.

home InsPectIon Homesafe Inspections 250-802-1440 www.homesafeinspections.ca Providing potential homebuyers peace of mind when it comes to health, safety and structure. Thermal imaging is available to assess heat loss, insulation thermal value and moisture detection.

www.ladysmithchronicle.com

InsurAnce

mArInA

LCU Insurance Agencies Ltd. 330 First Avenue, Ladysmith, BC 250-245-2268 www.lcuinsurance.ca

Ladysmith Marina Oak Bay Marine Group 12335 Rocky Creek Road, Ladysmith 250-245-4521 ladysmithmarina.com ladysmithmarina@obmg.com Boat moorage and storage.

ICBC, private auto, house, business, marine and travel insurance. ICBC approved agent for driver’s licensing. Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres Inc. #15-370 Trans Canada Hwy, Ladysmith, BC 250-245-8022 www.viic.ca VIIC, the island’s largest privately owned brokerage firm, specializes in residential and commercial insurance products.

LAndscAPe & mAsonry

news The Chronicle Ladysmith 250-245-2277 www.ladysmithchronicle.com Your source for what is happening in the community. All local news, events, sales and classifieds.

notAry Richardson & Company, Notary Public 379 Davis Road, Ladysmith 250-245-7127 garyrichardson@shaw.ca

Quality web printers, flyers, magazines, newspapers, maps and more.

recycLInG Junction Bottle Depot 149 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith 250-245-7376 Accepting drink, beer, wine and spirit containers, computers, monitors, printers and TVs, small appliances, household paint and milk containers.

shreddInG/ document storAGe Island Document Storage & Shredding #6-13136 Thomas Rd, Ladysmith 250-245-9180 www.idss.ca

Van Isle Slate 3420 Smiley Road, Chemainus 250-246-4773 www.vanisleslate.com

Your only notary for Ladysmith & Chemainus! Sales & purchases, wills, powers of attorney.

Island owned and operated, we provide on or off-site shredding, document storage and records management services for the island.

Pet cAre

VehIcLe rePAIrs

Featuring flagstone, tumbled stepping stones, masonry thinstone, wallstone, patio slabs & steps, landscape stone.

Walkabout Canine Consulting 250-618-8647 www.walkaboutcanine.com

LAwyers Bastion Law Group 410A First Avenue 250-753-5372 www.blgn.ca Divorce & family law, criminal law, civil litigation, immigration, corporate & commercial law, wills and estates, ICBC claims, wrongful dismissal, real estate & mortgages.

Training, grooming, teethcleaning by appointment. Home calls available.

PooLs Aquafun Family Pools & Spas 5265 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan 250-748-2611 (1-800-496-2611) www.aquafunpools.ca Your Valley pool, hot tub and sauna store. Hot tub sales, service and repairs.

PrInters & PubLIshers Black Press Ladysmith 940 Oyster Bay Drive Ladysmith 250-245-0350 www.ladysmithpress.com

Van Isle Truck Tech Ltd. 1280 Rocky Creek Road, Ladysmith 250-245-3092 Toll free 888-545-3092 www.vitrucktech.com RV, Pick-up, and Heavy Truck Repairs by certified technicians. Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility.

wIndows Sud Off Services Window Installation, Cleaning and Maintenance 628 Walkem Road, Ladysmith, BC, V9G 1P7 250-734-1676 www.sudoff.ca inquiry@sudoff.ca or sudoff@hotmail.com Installers of new and renovation vinyl windows and exterior domestic and commercial cleaners.

Ladysmith Chemainus

homeowners business directory 5

It’s a buyer’s market Interest rates are low, and there is more inventory It’s a good time to be buying a new house in the Ladysmith area. “Why should you buy? Historically, interest rates being as low as they’ve been, and we’ve got a bit more inventory than normal, so there is more opportunity,” says Guy Bezeau, managing broker of Re/Max Ocean Pointe in Ladysmith and president of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB). Bezeau says this area is a very unique market that appeals to many people. “We boast tremendous lifestyle here,” he noted. “We’re also a melting pot — we have the benefit of having seniors, families and young people. I think we’ve got lots of amenities for all types of people. Also, we’re in such close proximity to Duncan and Nanaimo, so it affords us the luxury of being able to commute either way.” Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) shows housing sales activity across Vancouver Island declined 18 per cent in September compared to last year, while average sale prices dipped five per cent. Across VIREB’s coverage area north of the Malahat, sale prices dropped in every area when compared to September 2011, with the exception of the Port Alberni/West Coast region, which recorded a 79-per-cent increase in sales activity when compared to the same month last year. The average price of a single family home sold within the VIREB region in September was $327,437, down from the

September 2011 average price of $344,437. The number of reported unit sales was also down in September when compared to a year ago. In September 2011, there were 318 single family homes sold, while in comparison, 262 unit sales were recorded in September 2012. The dollar value of properties sold in September across the VIREB coverage area when compared to September 2011 was down 22 per cent. “The general cooling of sales activity over the summer months in Victoria and across Vancouver Island will likely continue this fall,” explained Cameron Muir, Chief Economist with the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA). “Moderate sales activity is largely the result of tighter credit conditions and a more tepid economic growth. However, I do expect some increase in consumer demand in the 2013 corresponding with stronger labour market conditions.” There was a four-per-cent increase in the number of homes listed on the MLS in September when compared to a year earlier.

As of the end of September 2012, there were 2,905 single family homes available on the MLS within VIREB’s coverage area, down slightly from the 2,952 homes in the system at the end of September 2011. In September there were 710 homes listed north of the Malahat on the MLS system, up four per cent from the 680 homes listed during September 2011. “It has to be recognized that while the monthly sales figures were down from a year ago, the actual sales prices of the homes sold, as compared to the average price of a year ago are only within five per cent,” explained Bezeau. “The buying public are benefiting from historically low interest rates and a terrific inventory of available properties.” Comparing September 2012 to September 2011, the average sale price in the Cowichan Valley declined 12 per cent to $315,442, while the price in Campbell River declined 10 per cent to $262,083, the average sales price in the Comox Valley increased seven per cent to $366,019, Nanaimo’s average sales price remained virtually

unchanged at $360,913, Parksville/Qualicum prices were up by one per cent to $393,166, and prices in Port Alberni/West Coast dropped two per cent to $181,793. In terms of unit sales year-toyear, there was — as is often the case — a wide disparity among the different zones in September. Port Alberni / West Coast unit sales for example were up a massive 79% compared to September 2011, while Cowichan Valley unit sales were down 32 per cent as compared to a year ago, while Port Alberni/West Coast unit sales jumped 79 per cent. Comox Valley recorded a 31-per-cent drop in unit sales on a year-to-year basis, while other areas of Vancouver Island reported sales declines ranging from eight per cent to 25 per cent. Bezeau says the fall market is traditionally one of the most active ones, and all indications are that this will be the case this fall. “Historically, up until the kids go back to school, we typically find there are distractions to buyers buying, and as we go into September, October and November, we typically see more business,” he said. Bezeau says there have been modest movements in sale prices in the Cowichan Valley, but the average price of a house hasn’t really changed much in the past year. “We expect overall our amount of unit sales to be comparable to last year,” he added. “We don’t see a massive fluctuation between last year and this year. My feeling is by the end of this year, the numbers might not be the same as last year, but they won’t be much different.”

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The typical home buyer Have you ever wondered who the typical homebuyer is in the Cowichan Valley area? Where do they come from? Are they buying their first home? The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board keeps track of the answers to these and many more questions through a questionnaire survey given to home buyers purchasing homes through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system in 2011. Thirty-six per cent of buyers in the Cowichan Valley area — from Ladysmith south to the Malahat —came from within the same area . Nineteen per cent of buyers came from elsewhere on Vancouver Island, while nine per cent came from Alberta. Most buyers (56 per cent) had lived in the community less than one year before purchasing their home, while the next highest category was 20-plus years. First-time buyers accounted for 18 per cent of purchases made in the Cowichan Valley in 2011. The top selling price was $300,001-$350,000 at 16.4 per cent, followed by $250,001-$300,000 (15.1 per cent) and $350,001-$400,000 (13.4 per cent).

Cowichan Valley Area — Typical Buyer Table with the highest frequency or most common value for each category, illustrating the “typical” buyer profile for 2011 Information Category From Questionnaire Survey Buyer origin Major reason for purchase Time resident in community prior to purchase First-time purchase of principal residence Purchased as retirement home Used RRSP for downpayment How buyers first became aware of propery How buyers first chose a REALTOR Form of agency provided by REALTOR Home Characteristics From Corresponding MLS Data Base Selling price range Home type Number of bedrooms Number of bathrooms Exterior Parking Site characteristics

Notary Public Did You Know...

Highest Frequency Within same area Principal residence <1 year No No No Introduced by a REALTOR Recommended by family or friend Single agency - representing only buyer

% 36% 96% 56% 82% 88% 62% 30% 21% 69%

Highest Frequency $300,001-$350,000 Single family 3 2 Vinyl Garage - double View - mountain

% 16% 55% 46% 46% 24% 47% 45%

lumber, paint kitchen, bath lawn & garden

that a Notary can provide the same services as a lawyer with regard to the purchase, sale and/or mortgage of real estate!

• mortgages • home transfers • powers of attorney & wills

Gary Richardson Notary Public 379 Davis Road, Ladysmith

250-245-7127

Your stop for lumber and all your home improvement needs! Open 7 days a week.

Ladysmith

Home

hardware building centre 1010 Ludlow Rd. | 250-245-3441 Home Owners helping homeowners

Ladysmith Chemainus

homeowners busIness dIrectory

Insuring your biggest investment

home insurance gives you peace of mind Your home is your most important investment. That’s why it so important to make sure you have the proper home insurance. As LCU Insurance Agencies Ltd., a subsidiary of the Ladysmith and District Credit Union, states on its website: “Your home and its contents may well be the most valuable assets you have. Many years of hard work and energy go into creating the place you call home. Give yourself peace of mind knowing your assets are protected if the unexpected should ever happen.” LCU Insurance Agencies offers Smart Home, a comprehensive insurance package that offers policies for homeowners, condominium unit owners, tenants, mobile home owners, and for other residential property. Smart Home provides unlimited replacement protection for most homes and personal property. It also includes $1,000,000 comprehensive personal liability coverage, with higher limits available. LCU Insurance manager Cindy Cawthra says the most important thing is to make sure you insure your home at its proper value. “A lot of people are under-insured because you are insuring to the cost to rebuild, not to replace old,” she explained. “That’s why cost evaluators are done. What I do personally is if you just took pictures of everything in your home and put it on a disk and put it in a safety deposit box or at the in-laws’ or somewhere else, that’s good because no one remembers everything they have.” If you rent a home or own a condo, LCU Insurance insures your contents only. “To get the worth of your contents, go through your house with a calculator and go through a catalogue, then start adding tax,” advises

Cawthra. “It adds up pretty quick. If there was a total loss, they would be replacing old with new, so you add tax. You’ll be amazed what you have.” Cawthra also believes it is important to maintain a relationship with your insurance agent 2so that they are always aware of anything changes with your home. For more about LCU Insurance, call 250-2452268 or visit www.lcuinsurance.ca. Ladysmith area residents can also find home insurance through Vancouver Island InsuranceCentres (VIIC). Oﬃce manager Millie Stirling says home insurance is important because it is protecting your investment, and it is often a requirement. “It’s a fairly substantial investment,” she said, of a home. “A lot of times, it’s required by mortgage companies that insurance is on your home, and if you don’t have a mortgage, it’s your investment that you’re protecting.” Like Cawthra, Stirling believes making sure your home is adequately insured is key. “You need to be clear and understand what your policy covers; look at your deductibles, look at the exclusions,” she noted. Earthquake coverage is a big thing, noted Stirling. “A lot of mortgage companies do require that you have earthquake coverage,” she said. “Earthquake coverage is changing, so you can have different deductibles.” VIIC offers exclusive Residential Insurances Programs for homeowners and renters. There are three distinct policies. The homeowner insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage for home, outbuildings, personal property (even when temporarily removed from the premises), additional living

expenses, up to $5 million liability, all risk coverage, bylaw coverage, guaranteed replacement on building, replacement cost for personal property, and payment of expenses resulting from identity theft. Renters are covered with VIIC’s tenant package that offers policy coverage for loss of personal property (even when temporarily removed from the premises), additional living expenses and replacement cost for personal property. VIIC’s condominium insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage for personal property, up to $5 million in liability coverage, replacement cost on personal property, additional living expenses, additional 100 per cent of your contents limit for unit improvements and betterments, and payment of expenses resulting from identity theft. This policy also automatically includes up to $25,000 for any assessment deemed necessary by the Strata Plan policy’s deductible. For more information about VIIC’s policies, call 250-245-8022 or visit www.viic.ca.

Mr Popper’s

Sweet Shoppe

14 flavours of ice cream

So many goodies plus our own • Kettle Corn • Cotton Candy • Fudge Also assorted • British Candy • Dutch Licorice Come in for your complimentary candy sample #1 - 32 High St., Downtown Ladysmith

250-924-8486

Landscape & Masonry Stone Chemainus Industrial Park 250-246-4773 www.vanisleslate.com

VAN ISLE SLATE

www.ladysmithcchronicle.com

Ladysmith Chemainus

homeowners busIness dIrectory

When do you need a permit?

You’re excited to start a new building project on your property, and “When in doubt, come see me,” he said. you can picture just how great it’s going to look when it’s done. But Skarvig’s oﬃce is in the Ladysmith Public Works building at 330 before you get too excited, take the time to find out whether or not Sixth Ave. His hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, you will need a building permit — you’ll be happy that you did. but he is out doing inspections often, so he says the best time to All too many homeowners have experienced the joy of completcatch him is 7:30 a.m. Skarvig’s direct line is 250-245-6443. ing a home improvement project, only to learn upon “I’ve got a fairly open door here,” he said. “There’s completion that the project is not in adherence only one of me, and I’m in and out, so it’s best with local laws. That realization, while to make an appointment.” For information about bylaws and heartbreaking, is often the result of a Skarvig says he is happy to help with any permits in the Town of Ladysmith, homeowner’s failure to secure a builddrawings or applications. Application ing permit prior to starting the project. forms for building permits and other visit Tom Skarvig, the Town of Ladypermits required are available at Public www.ladysmith.ca/city-hall/citysmith’s building inspector, says building Works, at City Hall and online at www. departments/building-department permits are required for any kind of ladysmith.ca. structural alterations to your home, such as Visit Public Works for plumbing permits sun decks, carports and any accessory buildings and driveway access permits as well. that are more than 10 square metres. All brand-new “All permits are done through the Public Works yard,” buildings require a permit as well. said Skarvig. “They used to be through City Hall, but now all the If you are putting in a driveway and didn’t have one before, you will applications come to Public Works, and the permits are issued here need a driveway access permit. too.” Skarvig says if you start to do a build, and you don’t have a permit, Gas and electrical permits are administered through BC Safety he can put a stop-work order on it, and you could possibly be fined. Authority in Nanaimo, which is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 If you have all the footings done, you may need an engineer to see it a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 250-716-5200 or nanaimo@ before Skarvig can issue a permit. safetyauthority.ca.

AmMeter

E L E C T R I C 24 Hour Emergency Service

• Electric & Communication Servicing

• Service Changes / Upgrades

• Maintenance Troubleshooting

• Certified Computer & Telephone Cabling

• Relocation

• Parking Lot Lighting Repairs

• Home Theatre & Distributed Audio

• Manlift Available

Chris Kaelble Locally Owned

Servicing the Island from Mill Bay to Parksville Industrial

Commercial

Residential

Marine

www.ammeterelectric.com service@ammeterelectric.com

& Operated 25 Years Experience

250-754-8886 250-246-4899

www.ladysmithcchronicle.com

where you receive

Good Old Fashioned Service

Permits issued in Ladysmith So far in 2012, the Town of Ladysmith has issued 72 building permits with a total value of $8,768,205. Here is a breakdown of permits issued from January to September:

Commercial: 5 permits valued at $2,175,795 Industrial: 0 permits valued at $0 Institutional: 1 permit valued at $5,000 Residential (new): 30 permits valued at $5,953,286

• 2” Faux Wood Horizontals • 2” Ultra Wood Horizontals • 3.5” Faux Wood Verticals • Custom Valances • Roller Shades featuring “Sun Block Fabrics”

• Pleated Shades • Roman Shades • Roller Shades • Vertical Blinds • Cellular Blinds • Venetian Blinds • Wood Blinds • Motorization

Locally Owned and Operated!

Residential (additions, renovations, other): 36 permits valued at $634,124

“Your Hometown” “Accounting Firm” Alex e.PAlmer B.Sc., cA alex@aplaccountants.com

Featuring Blinds made in BC TAmmy leSlie cGA, cA

Call us for a free in home quote: 250-715-7733 250-416-0097 tidalblinds@telus.net

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301-394 Duncan St, Duncan, BC

250-748-1426

101-626 - 1st Ave Ladysmith, BC

250-245-1429

Ladysmith Chemainus

Get the facts get an inspection If you’re ready to make that big investment and buy a new home, Rod MacNeil wants to emphasize the importance of getting a thorough inspection. MacNeil is the founder of Homesafe Inspections Ltd., a Ladysmith-based company that provides home inspections in the mid-Island region. MacNeil says his company primarily provides pre-purchase home inspections. “They’re really valuable to homeowners because they give them a good idea if the house is for them or not and if they can handle some of the upgrades required,” he said. MacNeil says there are six major components to a home inspection — the roof, the structure itself, the foundation, the electrical, the heating, and the plumbing. These major areas have their own sub-areas that must be checked, he noted. MacNeil uses an infrared imaging system, which allows for the assessment of insulation, moisture and energy eﬃciency. “Our inspections are non-destructive testing,” said MacNeil. “We are not allowed to take anything apart to see what’s underneath, unless we have the express permission of the seller.” Thermal imaging is used particularly to check the thermal value of insulation in walls, look for heat loss through windows and assess the value of insulation in an attic and in some cases, to detect moisture, explained MacNeil. There are many things to look for during a pre-purchase inspection, including asbestos, particularly in older homes, and vermiculite in attics, explained MacNeil. MacNeil says electrical can be a bit tricky because the building

homeowners busIness dIrectory

code has changed over the years, so a 25-year-old house may not have ground-fault circuit interrupters, for example. MacNeil says clogged gutters are a big issue in Ladysmith. “There’s so much wind, and people don’t clean their gutters enough — they need to be done at least four times a year in this area,” he said. “In high wind areas in the spring and fall, there’s so much airborne debris because we’re close to trees; it clogs the gutters. When you have a drain tile problem, it gets very expensive. Clogged drain tile is a huge problem, and sometimes people don’t want to tackle it.” A home inspector will check health and safety issues like mould and railings. “The thing to remember is most of these houses have stood the test of time over the years, but the building code has changed,” said MacNeil. “The role of an inspector is to assess and inform the buyer what they need to do to bring [the house] up to code, make it safe for them and their family and make sure there’s no mould. It basically boils down to if someone is buying a home that is 25, 30 years old, there have been changes in the building code along the way, and you need to give them enough information so they can make an informed decision whether they can handle the upgrades and whether they can afford it.” MacNeil tries to educate firsttime homebuyers about what they need to look for in their potential home. “Usually, the realtors are good in that regard because they have a property disclosure statement, and most of it’s answered in that property disclosure statement,” he noted.

Buying or Selling? Choose a Certified

Professional

to Inspect Your Home

Providing potential homebuyers peace of mind when it comes to health, safety and structure. Thermal imaging is available to assess heat loss, insulation thermal value and moisture detection. Servicing the mid Island region

Call Rod MacNeil 250-802-1440

www.homesafeinspections.ca P10292

LIC# 52103

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Walkabout Canine Consulting

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• Divorce & Family Law • Criminal Law • Civil Litigation • Immigration • Corporate & Commercial • Wills & Estates • ICBC Claims • Real Estate & Mortgages

BASTION LAW GROUP Lawyers & Notaries

250-753-5372 Ronald E. Peters Stephen T. Littley Debby A. Baker, Paralegal

Fax 250-753-5368 405-235 Bastion St., Nanaimo 410A First Ave., Ladysmith

Are secondary suites legal in Ladysmith? It’s been a year since the Town of Ladysmith made in-home secondary suites legal. After a long public process, secondary suites within single detached homes were legalized in Ladysmith in September 2011, but suites are still not allowed in detached buildings. “Secondary suites are an excellent way to offer affordable housing in the community, both for renters and for the homeowners who need a mortgage helper,” Ladysmith Mayor Rob Hutchins said at the time suites were legalized. “The new rules reflect citizens’ priorities for safe, legal suites within single family homes. We understand citizens’ concerns about suites in detached buildings and will take the time to consider the issue carefully before moving ahead.” The decision to legalize secondary suites came after months of public consultation and input. The process, facilitated by CitySpaces consulting, involved several open houses and online and telephone surveys. In all, some 350 people took part. The results showed strong support for the legalization of existing suites and a very high level of support for suites within the main home, according to the town. Suite safety and adequate parking were also a high priority for participants in the secondary suite consultations. In Ladysmith, a secondary suite is an additional dwelling unit fully contained within and subordinate to a single family dwelling.

Anyone wishing to build a new secondary suite must apply for a building permit. Homeowners do not need to register existing suites, but they do need to apply for a building permit if they choose to renovate. Under the town’s bylaw, secondary suites are governed by the BC Building Code, thus ensuring appropriate safety and liveability standards. The Town of Ladysmith’s bylaw says secondary suites must not exceed 40 per cent of the gross floor area (or 90 square metres) and that off-street parking must be required as per the town’s parking bylaw. At this time, the Zoning Bylaw does not permit suites that are separate from the main dwelling. The town will further examine these types of suites, including carriage house suites and ground-oriented cottage suites, as part of its review of the Zoning Bylaw. More consultation and planning will be carried out before any bylaw and design guidelines are introduced. The town gave the go-ahead to bring in the phased implementation of secondary suites in June 2011.

Ladysmith Chemainus

Save the planet to save money By Scott McGillivray

Being environmentally conscious has always been on my priority list, but not until recently has it become such a profitable commitment. After 14 years of real estate investing and renovating, I’ve learned that eco-conscious renovations are a win-win choice. First of all, and most importantly, the pressure on the planet is significantly less if you have an eﬃcient home and use cleaner products. Secondly, with the increasing cost of energy, there are significant savings with reduced use of utilities. Here are some eco improvements that will save you a bundle and put you on Mother Nature’s good list: • Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Upgrading your attic insulation is one way to reduce your energy consumption and costs. A simple DIY project is to top up your attic insulation, which will increase the energy eﬃciency of your home. Use an easy-to-use loose stone wool insulation product that can simply be spread by hand throughout the attic on top of the existing insulation. • Household appliances can be energy drains. Replacing your furnace, hot water tank and air conditioning unit with highly efficient models is usually a good start when reducing the energy consumption of your home.

homeowners busIness dIrectory

Before doing work, check with your gas/electric provider in your area to see if there are any rebate programs. • Windows can be a major source of energy loss. It is usually obvious when it’s time for new windows. And the technology that goes into today’s windows is far superior to anything more than 20 years old. If you want to reap all the benefits of new windows, be sure to tell the installer doing the measure that you want them to be “brick to brick,” not “inserts.” Inserts leave you with smaller windows placed into the old, ineﬃcient jambs. •DIY details. There are a few quick, simple improvements that will increase the eﬃciency of your home for very little cash invested upfront. Here are some quick eco to-do jobs that can be done in a day: • caulk around windows • add weather stripping to door gaps • install low-flow shower heads • put aerators on faucets • switch to compact florescent bulbs • change your furnace filter • set up a programmable thermostat Scott McGillivray is a full-time real estate investor, contractor, television host, writer and educator. www.newscanada.com

Gifts for Every Occasion

at the Ladysmith Archives (below Tim Horton’s) and Ladysmith Museum, 721 - 1st Avenue

We have inexpensive books by local authors, historical cookbooks and Marianne Torkko Prints.

Ladysmith & District Historical Society

Archives 250-245-0100 Museum 250-245-0423

www.ladysmithhistoricalsociety.ca

Keep up with all your local news, events and sales. Subscriptions: 250-245-2277 ladysmithchronicle.com chemainuschronicle.com

“ENJOY THE WATER!” HOT TUB SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS

“ENJOY THE WATER!”

NG SWIMMI GN & I S DE G N POOLIM M CTIO UIN W S T S CONL DRESIGN &

POO UCTION CONSTR

SAUNATEC FAR-INFRARED SAUNATEC SAUNAS

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FAMILY POOLS & SPAS AQUAFUN

5265 TRANS POOLS CANADA HWY., FAMILY &DUNCAN SPAS 250-748-2611 (1-800-496-2611) 5265 TRANS CANADA HWY., DUNCAN 250-748-2611 (1-800-496-2611) www.aquafunpools.ca

YOUR VALLEY POOL, HOT TUB & SAUNA STORE

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Mid Island Granite

Specializing in Custom Countertops & Vanities Granite starts at

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per square foot

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We specialize in custom Kitchen and vanity countertops

We Fabricate and install | Absolute best quality And make our customers ecstatic with the results Our team is highly experienced in the industry ranging up to 15 years experience. Call today to arrange for free quotes, or stop by and meet our team.

We’ved! Mid Island Granite e Mov2059 South Wellington Road, Nanaimo (before you get to the Duke Pt Ferry) Phone 250-591-7795 Ext. 120

www.mid-island-granite.ca OPEN: 8:30–5 M-F and 9–12 Saturday

Clip & Save

Help Protect Our Planet...

Or call for an appointment after hours 7 days a week

Recycle...it pays! Full refund for your drink, beer, wine, & spirit containers

ACCEPTING

Electronics (TVs, Computers, etc) Small Appliance (Countertop microwave, irons, vacuums, clocks, hairdryers, bathroom scales, etc) Power Tools (hand held & automotive) Sewing & Exercise Machines Smoke Alarms Household Batteries & Cell Phones Household Paint & Milk Containers

Recycling in Ladysmith there are many options Ladysmith has built up a reputation as a very green community. In 1995, Ladysmith was the first community in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) to introduce curbside recycling pickup, and in 2006, Ladysmith was the first community in Western Canada to provide curbside organics pickup. The town makes it easy to lower the amount of waste going into the landfill. Recycling pickup is every other week, alternating with garbage collection, and residents are allowed to recycle unlimited quantities of acceptable items. Organic waste is also picked up in unlimited quantities, and collection is every week. The town limits garbage to one 30-litre container per household, and garbage is picked up every second week. Recyclable materials that are not picked up through the town’s curbside collection program can be taken to the CVRD’s Peerless Road Transfer Station at 10830 Peerless Rd. For more information about

GLASS LTD.

186 Ingram St. Duncan BC V9L 1P1

BOTTLE DRIVES WELCOME (pickup available)

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Ladysmith

Junction Bottle

Depot

recycling and garbage collection in Ladysmith, visit www. ladysmith.ca/sustainabilitygreen-living. One great option for recycling is the Ladysmith Junction Bottle Depot at 149 Oyster Bay Dr. beside Home Hardware. Along with accepting returnable pop, juice, water, beer, wine and spirit containers, along with milk containers, Junction Bottle Depot now accepts a wide range of appliances and electronics. You can bring in electronics such as televisions, computers, fax machines, printers, VCR players and more, as well as small appliances like microwaves, bread machines, coffee makers and vacuums. You can also bring in power tools, sewing machines, exercise equipment and household paints. The CVRD is drafting a new curbside collection plan for Electoral Area residents — including North Oyster and Saltair. Residents would receive easy-roll totes for recycling and garbage where applicable, and the totes would be picked up by automated dual-compartment trucks.

WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT & REPAIR

• GLASS • MIRRORS • THERMAL PANES • SCREENS

Beside Home Hardware 149 Oyster Bay Drive

Mon - Sat: 9 am - 5 pm Sunday: 10 am - 4 pm

250-245-7376

PH: 250-746-4824 www.dobsonsglass.com

FAX: 250-746-4642 EMAIL: dobsonsglass@telus.net

Ladysmith Chemainus

homeowners busIness dIrectory

Small projects make a big difference Today, while we may not have the necessary budget to tackle a major home improvement project, there are many homeowners who are choosing a more strategic approach to remodeling — by refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects one at a time. Here are a few tips for remodeling your home in small but effective ways: 1. The everyday touch Invest in items that you see and touch on a daily basis. The perfect example is a kitchen faucet — it’s something you use multiple times every day, and it can truly be the ideal finishing touch to a “remodel-lite” kitchen project. Updating this mainstay can create a functional and fashionable change that everyone will notice. 2. Accessorize You can easily transform the look of any room with a few key pieces. Choose items that can multitask to make the most of your investment. Examples include an ottoman that doubles as storage and seating, or a flip-

top sofa table that can open up to be used as a buffet or desk. 3. Day by day, one step at a time Start by looking at the rooms you use the most — typically, the kitchen, master bedroom and master bathroom. In the bedroom, the perfect “remodellite” project is a do-it-yourself closet organization system. 4. Begin to dream again With just a few updates around the house, you can quickly move from survival to revival. If you simply don’t have the budget, surround yourself with things that reflect your personality or people close to you — photographs, family heirlooms and souvenirs can help you reminisce about special days. 5. Style statement Finally, don’t neglect your sense of style while you’re watching your budget. You can simply dress up the basics with your personal flair by adding a stunning statement piece. Try a new area rug, piece of inexpensive artwork or a collage of family portraits. www.newscanada.co

12335 Rocky Creek Rd, Ladysmith, BC 250-245-4521 | fax 250-245-4538

Oak Bay Marine Group

ladysmithmarina@obmg.com ladysmithmarina.com www.ladysmithmarina.com|| ladysmith.obmg.com

Ladysmith • Quality web printers • Flyers, magazines • Vacation & Recreation Guides es • Newspapers • Periodicals • Free quotes

940 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith

250-245-0350

Are you looking for RV,, Pick-Up or Heavy Truck Repair? R E. Madill

Gladden Rd

Van Isle Truck Tech Rocky Creek Rd Grouhel Rd Ludlow Rd

Island Hwy #1

Home Hardware 1st Ave.

Downtown Ladysmith

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1280 Rocky Creek Rd, Ladysmith, BC www.vitrucktech.com

250-245-3092 TF: 888-545-3092

www.ladysmithchronicle.com

YOUR LOCAL INSURANCE SPECIALISTS

request a quote online - viic.ca

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