Right Sizing Fall 2021

Fall 2021

Green Giants

How smaller B.C. communities

are embracing sustainability

How to avoid building pitfalls

Luxury living for $500k l The Sea to Sky boom l Best bites on the Ale Trails

2021

Registration now open until September 30ths, 2021

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS Run your favourite trails, support youth resiliency You can run the Wild One all over Canada.

Just complete your chosen distance any time from September 15th to October 15th, 2021.

If you are in the Okanagan Valley, you are welcome to run in Wilden. All routes will be marked from mid September to mid October.

All proceeds go to projects funded by the Blenk Family, the developers of the Wilden community in Kelowna. The Blenk Family Fund was established to build resilience, heighten awareness and strengthen the network of youth support in the Central Okanagan and beyond.

BlenkFamilyFund.ca

NATURE INSPIRED FOR 5K, 10K OR THE 1K KIDS RUN LIVING REGISTER AND GET YOUR WILD ONE RUN SHIRT! WildOneRun.ca

BLENK FAMILY FUND FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

WATERFRONT HOMES COMING LATE SUMMER 2021 Landr

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Welcome to Lakehouse at Summerland, a boutique collection of just 45 paired and single-family waterfront homes, nestled in a lakeside retreat with a modern take.

These 3-and 4-bedroom homes will be comfortably and stylishly finished; designed to last season to season, generation after generation, and are oriented to maximize views towards the water whenever possible. Developed by Kerkhoff – known for ONE Water Street and 1151 Sunset Drive in Kelowna, concepted by Ray Letkeman in collaboration with Rositch Hill Architects, and interiors by Inside Design Studio. Lakehouse will be one of the most highly coveted lakeside communities in the Okanagan.

Don’t Miss Out – Register Today

LakehouseSummerland.com |

250.274.0108

2920 Landry Crescent, Summerland, British Columbia V0H 1Z9

This is not an offering for sale. Such offering may only be made after filing a disclosure statement. For a copy of the disclosure statement when available, please contact info@LakehouseSummerland.com. Illustrations are an artist’s conception and are intended as a general reference only.

E.&O.E. Sales and Marketing provided by Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing Ltd. fifthave.ca and Epic Real Estate Solutions Inc. epicres.com.

Building a Better Future

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WHAT’S INSIDE Fall 2021

Up Front 8 Publisher’s Letter 10 Dispatches

Features 24 Boom Towns: Sea to Sky corridor 30 Green Giants: 9 Sustainable B.C. communities 42 Pandemic Building: Pitfalls to avoid

Departments 14 Luxury Condos: map and listings 18 Eat + Drink: BC Ale Trails 21 Finance: Mortgage must-knows 27 Tiny Houses: The dilemma 48 Downsizing: Call the experts 50 Hidden Jewel: Pender Harbour

Harrison Lake. Photo: Unsplash/ Darren Tierney

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EXPERIENCE TRUE

WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND AFFORDABLE COASTAL COMMUNITIES ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

Centrally located, Campbell River is less than an hour from the summit of Mt. Washington, which boasts world-class ski runs and resort amenities. With a mild climate and access to nature on your doorstep, you can enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and even golfing year-round.

Life in Campbell River is never boring!

Get connected with the municipally owned broadband network, CRadvantage, which provides access to enterprise-level internet.

Simultaneous upload and download speeds of 1 Gbps will ensure you can keep up with today’s fast-paced world.

Find your people in Campbell River’s coworking space, networking groups, and professional development workshops. Immerse yourself in our local culture, with outdoor markets, craft brew pubs, and a thriving arts community.

Looking to innovate? Look no further.

The NexStream Tech Competition, Impact Investor Challenge and support from the Campbell River Area Angel Group could help you take your business concept to the next level!

Contact: Rose Klukas Economic Development Manager, City of Campbell River invest@campbellriver.ca | 250.286.5738 campbellriver.ca/invest

Publisher, Founder Editor Head Designer Online Design Proofreader Digital Media Manager Video Production

A

fter a season of continued pandemic challenges, unprecedented forest fires, global environmental alarms and the ongoing disruption of so many major industries— from airlines to tourism and hospitality—for many people, the world seems to be getting more difficult to navigate. Consequently, many have taken this time to reassess their lives and make major lifestyle changes.

For those looking for change, we have another great issue full of options and ideas for living in British Columbia.

I must admit, each issue we publish becomes more relevant for me, personally, and my family. And of course, change is constant in all our lives. My two grown kids have been traveling this summer, and are both potentially moving out for good. Our house is looking rather empty, feeling much quieter and has prompted thoughts of downsizing much more often lately. Of course, the thought of selling and moving to a smaller community has been something we have been exploring—along with so many of our friends, and so many of you readers—for a few years now. (I just need to 100 per cent sell my wife on the idea... Keep reading, honey!)

More personal relevancy in this issue comes from recently building (yes, during a pandemic) on some off-the-grid, boat-only access recreational property that we have. No electricity, no cell reception, no cars. Yes, it’s possible—even considering today’s modern lifestyle, and prices.

You’ll find some great stories on all these trends, and more, within these pages.

My 21-year-old daughter, who is at a university in Sweden studying design with a focus on sustainability, will likely be quite intrigued by some of the B.C. communities that are embracing smart, future-looking choices (see page 30); perhaps she’ll bring some of her newfound knowledge back to Canada to enhance our planet’s well-being even further. With an eye to affordability, it’s likely she’d end up moving to a smaller B.C. community, and in fact she has already explored the idea of living in a tiny home (see page 27). Many of her generation will consider affordable but design- and often energy-conscious condo living (see page 14), with new homes still available throughout the province around the $500,000 mark.

Having traveled throughout Europe extensively myself, what I notice more each time is that although there’s a large, dense population in each country, most Europeans actually live in smaller homes, in small communities that are quite affordable, sustainable and extremely civilized. B.C. is getting there, and with new sustainable building standards, community developments, local amenities and our amazing recreational options, we are still the envy of most countries in the world—European nations included.

We can certainly bring change and improvements to Canada, but not all parts of the world will enjoy the freedoms and quality of life we have in Canada. Stay healthy and embrace the current time to consider change as a potential positive force in your lives.

Steve Dietrich Publisher

Steve Dietrich Charlene Rooke Amélie Légaré John Magill Lisa Manfield Charity Robertson Chris Dietrich

Writers Andrew Findlay, G.M. Johnson, Bob Keating, Tracey Rayson, Kate Robertson, Peter A. Robson, Steve Threndyle Advertising Sales 604-787-4603

info@rightsizingmedia.com

Head Office 187 Rondoval Crescent, North Vancouver, BC, V7N 2W6. 604-787-4603 Accounting Inquiries

Iva Dietrich, iva@rightsizingmedia.com

Letters to the editor

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To distribute Right Sizing magazine in larger quantities within your location please call 604-787-4603.

Printer Central Web

Right Sizing magazine, established 2018. The magazine will be published four times per year by Publimedia Communications Inc., established 1996. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, or the staff. All editorial is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The publisher is not responsible for any liability associated with any editorial or products and services offered by any advertiser. Editorial submissions will be considered, please send them to the publisher.

Copyright© 2021 Publimedia Communications Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The publisher and printer will not be responsible for any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, spot colouring or any misinformation provided by advertisers.

Website www.RightSizingMedia.com Cover Image The Hooded Merganser Restaurant at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, Okanagan Lake. Photo: Destination BC/ @vancouverfoodie

PRINTED IN CANADA 8

Right Sizing

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N OW S E L L I N G

on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna. Located mere steps from Kelowna’s coveted Gyro Beach in South Pandosy, homes at Caban feature luxurious resort-like amenities, including an outdoor terrace overlooking Okanagan Lake complete with infinity lap pool and hot tub, private cabanas, Himalayan salt sauna, and fully-equipped fitness centre. Revel in solid concrete construction and premium finishings from renowned developer Cressey.

From beachfront to cityside or poolside to fireside, Caban is where lifestyle and location intersect.

register now to receive exclusive updates

info@CabanbyCressey.com The developer reserves the right to make changes, modifications or substitutes to the building design, specifications and floorplans should they be necessary. Renderings, views, and layouts are for illustration purposes only. Sales powered by MLA Canada Realty. E.&O.E.

KELOWNA’S PREMIUM BEACHFRONT RESIDENCES

Claim effortless beachfront living at Caban, a six-story residential oasis featuring 120 suites and 7 townhomes

Dispatches

By Right Sizing Staff

Main Street, Summerland. Photo: Summerland Chamber of Commerce

>>

A Different Curb Appeal

Some B.C. communities may not seem that worthy of exploring, as you fly by on the highway: gas stations, big-box stores and fast food only hold so much charm. But many smaller centres have great little downtown cores, when you take the time to get off the beaten asphalt path. Great shopping at independent boutiques, locally owned cafés and brew pubs are just some of the charms in Island communities we love, like Langford, Duncan, Ladysmith, Qualicum and Comox. In B.C.’s Interior, we think fondly of stops in downtown Princeton, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Invermere, Cranbrook and Summerland.

Buy here

2021 assessed value of a single-family home in Langford: $674,000 (+8%).

Off-grid Living is On Trend

>>

Whether it’s the global pandemic, modern technology or a synergy of factors, off-grid living in relatively remote areas of B.C. (such as the Interior or on private coastal islands) has never been more feasible. With amenities driven by propane or gas generators and solar or wind power, and accoutrements from self-composting toilets to tankless water heaters, you may never have to pay an energy bill again. Bonus: off-grid properties often sell for much-lower prices than serviced properties. Resources like the Facebook group BC Off-Grid Living can provide inspiration and a community.

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Buy here

2021 assessed value of a singlefamily home in Zeballos, at the mouth of Nootka Sound: $69,000 (+28%).

Putting the Lady in Ladysmith

>>

The most famous export from Ladysmith, B.C., is returning home— and Pamela Anderson’s homecoming will be televised. In 2022, Pamela Anderson’s Home Reno Project will debut on HGTV Canada, chronicling her dream of transforming her late grandmother’s several-acre property on Ladysmith’s shores (which she purchased, and promised to keep in the family) into a modern homestead. Anderson’s husband and former bodyguard, Dan Hayhurst, is a handyman and carpenter who also has Ladysmith roots.

Buy here

2021 assessed value of a single-family home in Ladysmith: $576,000 (+7%).

Watch a TV homecoming for celebrity Pamela Anderson.

The Tesla of Internet Thank Elon Musk for more than occasional Bitcoin and Tesla market surges: the space-minded entrepreneur is bringing satellite internet to market with his massive Starlink network of satellites. It’s already a game-changer in some of Canada’s northern and other remote communities, since only around 40 per cent of them have broadband internet, according to federal stats. Providers like Skynet Telecom are already operating here, with Beta customers in B.C. reporting stellar results. skynettelecom.ca, starlink.com Water-only-access build site on Gambier Island, Howe Sound. Photo: Steve Dietrich

>>

The Last Waterfront Bargains

With much of the readily accessible waterfront property in B.C. being bought up at any and every price point, consider the last frontier: properties with water-access-only. When you’re saving as much as a few hundred thousand dollars on a property, the cost of owning and operating a boat becomes as logical as a comfortable ride for a daily urban commute. For water-access homeowners, “getting there” is already part of the weekend or vacation, which starts when you hit the water. While building becomes a bit more challenging, many packaged-home companies and builders are well schooled in helping with materials, transport and logistics.

Buy here

2021 assessed value of a single-family home in the Gulf Islands: $585,000 (+7%).

Modern Mobile Living Though the Oscar-winning film Nomadland isn’t totally a feel-good movie, it’s drawn attention to #vanlife and recreationalvehicle mobile lifestyles that many rightsized citizens, on both sides of the border, have been enjoying for years.

The pandemic has fuelled the trend, with many news outlets reporting that van-conversion operations and RV sales have boomed. The allure of selfcontained, pared-down living has never been stronger. At the same time, some smaller cities are struggling with vehicles parking in residential and public areas: always check local bylaws and regional regulations before parking for the night or the season.

>>

Photo: Alex Guillaume/Unsplash

Fall 2021 Right Sizing

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20,000 Ways to Get Wet

>>

With more than 20,000 lakes, B.C. offers almost unlimited options for waterfront living. Here are some of our top picks (not ranked, but listed alphabetically): Christina Lake, Lake Cowichan, Cultus Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Kootenay Lake, Okanagan Lake, Osoyoos Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Skaha Lake, Shuswap Lake, Sproat Lake, Windermere Lake and Wood Lake.

Buy here

2021 assessed value of a single-family home in the town of Lake Cowichan: $368,000 (+8%).

Kayaking in Pitt Lake, Pitt Meadows. Photo: Tatum Bergen/Unsplash

>>

Ways to Build Green

With so many green-building technologies and standards, it can be hard to get past the buzzwords and know what you’re investing in, or buying into. Here is a quick glossary of terms and references to help you tell green from greenwashing.

Passive building: A Passive building (or “Passivhaus” in the original German) is certified to be extremely energy efficient and consume an ultra-low amount of energy for heating or cooling (up to 90 per cent less than conventional buildings). Passive House Canada is the keeper of our country’s standard. passivehousecanada.com BC Energy Step Code: An optional path, within the BC Building Code, that local governments can use to incentivize or require extra energy-efficient building, in advance of all new buildings required to be certified net-zero energy by 2032. energystepcode.ca Energy Star: This government-backed program certifies new homes and a wide range of consumer products (from washers and dryers to windows and doors) that meet its standards of energy efficiency. The program offers rebates and incentives for purchasing some certified products. nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-star-canada/18953

Net Zero Energy (or Zero Net Energy, ZNE): A term used for a building certified (the Canadian Home Builders’ Association is one such standard) to generate as much renewable energy on site each year as it consumes. As a result, Net Zero buildings contribute less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than similar conventional buildings. chba.ca

LEED: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard is the most widely used green-building rating system in the world.

The Canadian Green Building Council administers the Canadian system, which can result in new home builders getting rebates on local utilities plus homeowner discounts on insurance. cagbc.org

Northwest BC is where nature follows you home.

From its vast mountain ranges, coastal temperate rainforests and abundant rivers, to its vibrant culture, recreation and closeknit communities, the Northwest has something for everyone.

Endless opportunity awaits; come live life to its fullest.

Prince George Prince George is the largest city in northern B.C., with a population of just over 74,000 in the metropolitan area, and an economy growing at nearly double the rate of the rest of the province.

Recent listing: Here’s an opportunity to own a brand new two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in the high-end Park House development: a bright corner unit offers in-floor heating, air conditioning and a patio overlooking the landscaped courtyard. $449,900.

Pemberton The village of Pemberton is a 25-minute drive north of Whistler Blackcomb Resort, nestled at the foot of Mount Currie. Pemberton has all-season recreation, from snowboarding and skiing to rafting and gliding. Recent listing: This energy-efficient two-bedroom, onebathroom end unit promises easy breathing with its Fresh Air System, plus views of Mount Currie from the master bedroom, with your own garden space and amenities within walking distance. $539,000.

LUXURY CONDOS FOR AROUND $500,000 Half a million will get you far in B.C.’s luxury condo markert in some of the province’s gorgeous smaller cities and towns.

By Right Sizing Staff For direct links to all listings, go to rightsizingmedia.com/condos500

Langley The City of Langley, located less than an hour’s drive east of Vancouver, is one of the most active industrial and commercial service land bases in the Lower Mainland.

Recent listing: Latimer Heights is a sophisticated collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom condos with ninefoot ceilings, distinctive culinary kitchens and luxury bathrooms. It’s ideally situated near Highway 1, with all amenities nearby and a short walk to a major bus exchange. Watch for an offering this fall.

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Kamloops With a growing population nearing 100,000, Kamloops is the second-largest city in the B.C. Interior, located at the crossroads of the Coquihalla Highway, Yellowhead Highway and the Trans-Canada Highway.

Recent listing: This brand new two-bedroom, twobathroom, southeast-facing corner penthouse on the Thompson Rivers University campus features vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, a gas stove, ductless air conditioning—and it allows both pets and rentals. $539,900.

Kelowna Kelowna is the economic heart of the Central Okanagan, with an increasingly young population, an under-35 set that’s growing at twice the Canadian average rate.

Recent listing: Green Square is the ultimate in urban living, located in Kelowna’s Lower Mission neighbourhood. This upcoming (completion in late 2022) modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom comes with an indoor/outdoor space for entertaining guests. $489,000.

Kimberley This mountain jewel is situated between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains and is the setting for B.C.’s largest municipal park, Kimberley Nature Park—twice the size of Stanley Park in Vancouver. Recent listing: Invest in the heart of Kimberley’s four-season playground with this three-bedroom, three-bathroom top-floor corner unit featuring well-appointed alpine decor, open-concept entertaining, heated storage and plenty of green space. $449,000.

Nelson The city of Nelson is located in the West Kootenay region, halfway between Calgary and Vancouver, with a downtown that’s a collection of 350 charming heritage buildings, a fully restored and operating streetcar and a thriving arts community. Recent listing: This spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom ground-floor corner unit is just over 1,000 square feet and features open-concept living, in-suite storage, a balcony and views of the lake and Nelson’s beloved bridge. $550,000.

Map from Google Maps

Fall 2021

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Sechelt Sechelt is a seaside gem on B.C.’s beautiful lower Sunshine Coast, growing due to the advantages of life in a smaller community paired with easy access to the Vancouver area. Recent listing: A top-floor corner one-bedroom unit in a well-maintained concrete waterfront building allows you to enjoy amenities across the street, strolls along the beach and stunning sunrises and sunsets from your enclosed balcony. $449,000.

Gibsons

Port Alberni Port Alberni, surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains, ocean inlets and freshwater lakes, has some of the most affordable housing and real estate on Vancouver Island. Recent listing: Sophisticated threebedroom, two-bathroom condominiums situated in the multi-family Park Ridge development feature openconcept floorplans, high ceilings, modern appliances, two-car garages and expansive views. $499,900.

Map from Google Maps

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The heart of this Sunshine Coast community has been its scenic working harbour, but it’s transitioning from a fishing and forestry base to a more diverse economy with construction trades, business services, retail and tourism. Recent listing: A rare one-bedroom-plus-den garden suite in the prestigious Eagleview Heights development features an outdoor pool and a hot tub along with panoramic views of the ocean, islands and mountains. $525,000.

Langford Langford is the fastestgrowing city on Vancouver Island, attracting residents from Greater Victoria, the Lower Mainland and Alberta for its housing developments, affordability, amenities and year-round moderate climate. Recent listing: This modern twobedroom, two-bathroom south-facing condo located in the heart of Langford features nine-foot ceilings, a premium kitchen, a covered balcony plus the building’s fitness centre, bike storage and one secure parking spot prewired for an electric vehicle plug-in. $499,900.

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

The Word is Out About Cranbrook This affordable yet growing city continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts as its economic base expands

Top 14 Reasons to Choose Cranbrook

Local Statistics

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Population 21,308 (2019)

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World class scenery 2,229 hours annually of sunshine Paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: ski, fish, mountain bike, swim, paddle, float, boat, sled, snowshoe and more.

A true mountain golf destination with 8 golf courses within a 32-kilometre radius.

Experience wildlife viewing at its best.

The St. Mary River offers some the best trout fly fishing in the world.

College of the Rockies and a young, dynamic, and well educated workforce.

We are the basecamp for the Kootenays.

The 600-seat Key City Theatre and a 4,500-seat hockey arena: The entertainment capital of the Kootenays.

East Kootenay Regional Hospital with 24-hour emergency, Level 3 laboratory, acute and obstetrical care.

Canadian Rockies International Airport, which is the second fastest-growing airport in all of Canada.

Flights to Vancouver (1 hour), Kelowna (1 hour) and Calgary (30 minutes).

Low corporate taxes and a stable business environment.

Fast and efficient permitting and development approvals.

Infrastructure Investment $50M over the last five years Building Permits $93M 2020 – All-time high Over $245M in the last five years 5 Straight years of year over year growth Average Home Price $374 ,900.00* Number of Schools 10 Public Schools, 2 Private Schools

(250) 919-9792 Darren.Brewer@cranbrook.ca

P: Abby Cooper

P: Jeremy Koreski

P: Abby Cooper

Darren Brewer Business Development Officer

Population Growth 3.8% (2011-16)

WWW.CHOOSECRANBROOK.CA

Whether you’re into hiking, biking, horseback riding, or skiing, B.C. is home to all sorts of spectacular trails— but the BC Ale Trail leads to discoveries that target your tastebuds.

By G.M. Johnson

Drink in daily draught and food specials. Photo: Barkerville Brewing Co.

With more than 200 craft breweries throughout the province, 20 routes on the BC Ale Trail provide a way for beer lovers to plot out hops and stops. The online guide (bcaletrail.ca, plus apps for Android and iOS) features five regions covering every corner of the provincial map, with many breweries offering top-notch food along with their brews. Here’s a handful to satisfy your thirst, and your appetite; watch the BC Ale Trail’s social media channels for seasonal releases and more.

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Northern BC Ale Trail Barkerville Brewing Co, Quesnel This Gold Rush-themed brewery sits on the historic Cariboo Gold Rush Trail at the confluence of the Quesnel and Fraser rivers. Local ingredients star on the beer and food menus, with many brews having names rooted in local lore. Hurdy Gurdy Hibiscus Pale Ale has a pretty, pink hue with grapefruit and strawberry flavours; Hound of Barkerville Brown Ale, made with Vienna malt, has bright Hallertauer hops and a smooth finish. Grab a seat at the custom Timber Kings table to share a Mediterranean platter with hummus, olives, naan and veggies; or catch the sunset from the patio while enjoying pizza by neighbouring Quesnel Red Tomato Pies or soft pretzels from Quesnel Bakery with beer mustard. goldrushtrail.ca, barkervillebeer.com

Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail Fisher Peak Brewing Co. at the Heid Out Restaurant, Cranbrook Heidi’s Restaurant was a local favourite for years, and when renovations took place nearly a decade ago, an on-site brewery came along, too. The newly named Heid Out eatery is now home to Fisher Peak Brewing Co., which takes its name from the tallest peak in the southern B.C. Rockies. The in-house set-up means that six of the beers make their way straight to the tap from 1,000-litre tanks. Try the crisp, clean Kain Ginger amber beer or creamy Elephant Run IPA with the Heid Out’s charcuterie board, replete with local Gwinner’s landjaeger sausage, J2 Ranch bison pastrami, rare fair-trade sesame ahi tuna, applewood cheddar and fig jam. Or indulge in a “snack” poutine and spicy pickle sticks. theheidout.ca Photo: Fisher Peak Brewing Co.

Vancouver Island Part II Ale Trail Beach Fire Brewing and Nosh House, Campbell River Two themes pulse through this place: local love and experimentation by the brewer and chef. The food menu changes twice every day: expect small plates meant for sharing at communal harvest tables, with ingredients like honey from nearby beekeepers, local seafood (including Salt Spring Island mussels), plus produce, cheese, coffee and more from area producers. The team even makes pasta and bread in house. Tuesday Small Batch yields all kinds of playful and inventive brewery releases, such as Pineapple Salsa Blonde, Pink Guava Hefeweizen or Hibiscus Orange Pale Ale, while Beach Blonde Ale and a Ginger Lime Radler are year-round favourites. beachfirebrewing.ca

Photo: Beach Fire Brewing and Nosh House

Penticton Ale Trail Bad Tattoo Brewing Company, Penticton Bad Tattoo Brewing is known as much for its standout beer as it is for its rock-oven pizzeria. Many of the beers are Mexican inspired, like Los Muertos Cerveza Negra, a clean, crisp medium-dark lager; at the other end of the spectrum is the fruity and hazy Juice Bomb New England IPA. The pizza menu has three categories: Red, Pesto, and Weird (think: Black & Blue, with Penticton’s Upper Bench Creamery Blue Cheese, blackberry compote, roasted local apples and toasted malt). Starters, salads (like Black Garlic Chicken Caesar), kids’ pizzas and desserts round out the menu. Go behind the scenes on a tour of the custom-built brewery to see its 108-ton grain silo and three-vessel brewhouse, or get hands-on through a Brewer for a Day experience. badtattoobrewing.com

Photo: Bad Tattoo Brewing Company

Sunshine Coast Ale Trail Tapworks Brewing Company and Burger Shack, Gibsons Fun, accessible beer and sense of community are on offer at this Sunshine Coast destination, with a great outdoor terrace packed with games and cozy seating areas.

We love the One Sailing Wait, a citrus-forward IPA with hints of pineapple, grapefruit, and lemon peel; HWY 102 is an Oatmeal Stout with flavours of coffee and chocolate.

Big burgers to go with those brews include the signature BeerBQ Beach Burger, with BeerBQ sauce served on a brioche bun (and Beyond Meat patties available as an alternative to fresh-ground chuck). Beer-battered fish and chips and various stuffed bao (chicken, pork belly or breaded-and-fried avocado buns) are other options. Or go straight for the S’mores Funnel Cake with toasted marshmallow! gibsonstapworks.com Photo: Tapworks Brewing Company

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Think you’ve seen

?

Look again...

Welcome to the NEW Merritt.

merritt.ca

LENDING A HAND Experts share their strategies on choosing mortgage features when financing a new home, and your new B.C. small-town lifestyle.

By Tracey Rayson

While British Columbia eases out of the pandemic, Canadian mortgage rates remain at near-record lows. To date, an elevated sellers’ market, low inventory and bidding wars have some B.C. residents overextending their budgets, eager to get a right-sized home, and the right mortgage, right now.

“Don’t base your purchase decision on what you qualify for,” cautions Charmaine White, a certified financial planner at Prospera Credit Union in Vernon. “Think about how much you want to pay and what makes sense for your budget. Budgeting isn’t sexy, but it’s the foundation,” she says. “Make a list of expenses and [calculate] your debt-to-income ratio. If your expenses exceed what you have coming in, it’s not going to work long-term.” New so-called mortgage “stress test” qualification rules in Canada help ensure your payments are sustainable, even in the case of future inflation.

If you buy more home than you can afford, you risk being “house poor,” by leaving too little for discretionary spending or

meeting other financial obligations and expenditures, including savings and long-term investments like education. White says, “I advise clients to commit no more than 20 per cent of their income towards mortgage payments. If they choose to slow down—not work so hard and live on less—it gives them that flexibility.”

Hello, HELOC White speaks from experience: she left Coquitlam for Vernon in 2013 with her husband and two young kids. “The lure to right size to a bigger home in the Okanagan for less money was irresistible,” she says. “We got a better lifestyle, we upsized [our home] and paid off our mortgage, and we set up a line of credit secured by our home, to allow for future investment opportunities or for anytime we needed to borrow money.” A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a financial product, offered by many lenders and institutions, that helps you leverage the value of your home in the same way.

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It’s Closing Time Homebuyers often forget about closing costs, which can typically be one to four per cent of the purchase price. Ed Pednaud from Dominion Lending Centres in Sechelt highlights four fees to watch for, and suggests Dominion Lending Centres’ My Mortgage Toolbox app (dlcapp.ca) for more tools and information.

Property transfer tax (PTT) •

1% on the first $200,000 of purchase price, 2% on the remainder up to and including $2 million, 3% on amounts greater than $2 million, further 2% on the portion of residential property over $3 million.

Legal or notary public • Budget $1,500 for these services and required documents.

Property appraisal •

Budget $750 to $1,200 for a professional appraiser to visit your property.

•

Depending on geographic location (such as boat-in access only property), add up to $1,000 to that estimate.

Inspection

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•

Budget $1,500 for this highly recommended service before finalizing a deal.

•

Inspection is not mandatory and might be tempting to skip in a hot market where “no conditions” offers often win out, but it’s a safety net for buyers who take a big risk without one.

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Ultimately, your financial standing will shape your borrowing decisions and homebuying experience. Secure work is essential, but you also need sufficient savings and a strong credit score (680 for less than a 20 per cent down payment). White suggests working with a lender to consolidate your debt (such as credit cards, vehicle loans and lines of credit) into one payment at a new, lower interest rate, but also advises, “watch the amortization on that! If you’re trying to reduce your debt but you’re spreading it over a longer period, you may end up paying just as much interest.”

Rating the mortgage rates “Prior to the pandemic, if you were in a variable rate mortgage you were at an advantage,” says Ed Pednaud, mortgage professional with Dominion Lending Centres in Sechelt. “You paid less interest over your mortgage over the last 30 years than if you were in a fixed rate.”

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a financial product, offered by many lenders and institutions, that helps you leverage the value of your home in the same way.

Variable rate mortgages commonly permit borrowers to lock into a fixed rate at any time, but timing is crucial. On predicting rate direction, Pednaud laughs: “If I could time the market from an investment point of view, I’d be rich! It’s almost impossible,” he says, although he projects that “rates are expected to rise mid- to late-2022, and who knows what those increases will look like.”

Variable mortgages don’t suit the risk averse, either: that includes retirees without large cash reserves or people with static incomes with no flux in their earning potential. “I think a lot of the clients don’t plan for any adversity,” says Pednaud. “If you’re nervous about rates or can’t afford any swings, fixed is a much better option.” In other words, if you’re planning to bet your entire nest egg on your nest, you might want to reconsider.

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CATCHING A BIG WAVE Surf ’s up—and so is real estate—in Canada’s closest reference to the California coast: the Sea to Sky corridor between Vancouver and Whistler.

By Steve Threndyle

“Everyone remembers their first trip up the Sea to Sky Highway,” says Lions Bay resident Craig Doherty “There’s that first bend you take above Eagle Bluffs in West Vancouver. You’re looking directly up Howe Sound, where the deep blue ocean is surrounded by snow-clad peaks... this is the part where the angels come down from heaven and start singing. I’ve been here for 33 years, and it still takes my breath away.”

In those three decades, Doherty has purchased the local grocery store, the coffee shop and established his real estate business just above the highway. “I’m truly ‘all-in’ on Lions Bay... You can’t lose money buying this priceless beauty, since all of the developable property is gone,” says Doherty.

Well, almost all of it. Residential housing projects on the books for Furry Creek, Britannia South, Britannia North and Porteau Cove could potentially bring several thousand new residents to a region that Doherty describes as “Canada’s version of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, or Carmel and Big Sur in California.”

Population growth in the Sea to Sky region is being driven by

three factors: affordability compared to other Lower Mainland suburbs; natural beauty and lifestyle amenities that make it attractive to young people seeking a place that’s “more than a resort town”; and proximity to employment opportunities, in both Whistler and Vancouver.

Peak Investment Whether it’s on social media or in the local media, Michael Geller is a ubiquitous presence in Vancouver’s real estate scene, where he’s spent much of his professional career extolling the virtues of urban neighbourhoods. Yet even Geller believes that now is the time for undervalued, undiscovered properties in the Sea to Sky region to shine. “If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that a 45-minute drive from Britannia or Porteau Cove or Furry Creek [to Vancouver] is not the end of the world, especially if you’re not doing it every day. Furry Creek is really on the mark for people who want to downsize, or even for younger families who find the North Shore too expensive.”

Lions Bay. Photo: Steve Dietrich

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Britannia Beach. Photo: by Eric Rickards and courtesy of Craig Doherty - Sotheby’s International Realty Lions Bay

Geller worked on the original Furry Creek project back in 1999, but the final result was less than satisfactory, since much-needed community amenities were never built. Furry Creek’s current owners and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) hope to implement the original community plan (which included a boutique hotel, a new marina, a community centre and up to 1,000 new homes).

Geller says, “We want to build more apartments and fewer town houses. I can tell you that within five years, you will be shopping at Furry Creek, there will be a boutique hotel underway and relatively affordable homes will be sold. Investors will really kick themselves if they miss this opportunity.”

The New Britannia The most highly anticipated community transformation in the Sea to Sky will occur in Britannia, where Adera/Macdonald Development Corporation’s Britannia Beach Townhomes are being readied for pre-sale and Tiger Bay Development Corporation’s much larger Britannia South community is headed for public hearings this fall.

A century ago, Britannia was the “company town” for employees of Britannia Mines, the largest copper mine in the British Empire at the time. It’s estimated that more than 60,000 people came and went from 1905 to 1974, its last year of operation. A small number of homes, including some luxury properties, are still nestled into the hillside. The Britannia Mine Museum, housed in a massive 20-storey concentrator building, is a National Historic Site.

Macdonald Development Corp. purchased contaminated land on the north side of Britannia Creek in 2000, and it has been an arduous process to clean up the effects of seven decades of mining.

Extensive flood mitigation work needed to be done, plus hundreds of tonnes of contaminated soil were hauled away and replaced by clean fill. Macdonald spokesperson Bill Baker notes that the company has been diligent in renovating and relocating older buildings.

Though the scope of Britannia Beach Townhomes is quite small (73 town homes) the mix of commercial and residential buildings and

Surf and Turf Where to put down roots in the Sea to Sky corridor.

Britannia Beach Townhouses • Registration is currently underway with a public opening and display suites ready for viewing by spring of 2022. adera.com/properties/britanniabeach/ South Britannia • Explore how a former gravel pit could be transformed into a six-acre surf park anchoring a mixed-use community with mind-blowing natural beauty. southbritannia.com

community services will attract young families who want easy access to the city, while maintaining a sense of local community. Baker says Macdonald is booking commercial space for a full-service grocer, family restaurant, local café and an adventure tour business.

A first-of-its-kind surf park will anchor Tiger Bay’s ambitious South Britannia project, located on the site of a quarry that was excavated to provide gravel for the Sea to Sky Highway upgrade before the 2010 Winter Games. Head of development Tony Petricevic is currently navigating the SLRD regulatory process but notes that “public response has been remarkably positive so far. The Squamish Lillooet Regional District made it clear that they want projects that bring jobs to the district, so what we have proposed is Canada’s first artificial surfing facility, a unique amenity that will generate over 100 full-time jobs. The WaveGarden surf park will be constructed before any of the housing units are built.”

That’s a profound symbol of the wave of investment and development activity that’s about to redefine this one-of-a-kind community.

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A TINY (HOUSE) DILEMMA For many, a so-called “tiny house” on wheels fits the dream of small-footprint, sustainable and mobile living. The issue in B.C., and many other municipalities, is where to put one.

By Bob Keating

Kailani Sutton had to give up the dining room table, swap her book collection for a Kindle and leave a few of her daughter’s toys behind. She regrets none of it. “We have absolutely everything we need. There’s nothing we really miss,” says Sutton, who, along with her husband and four-year-old daughter, downsized from a condo in Port Moody to a tiny home on the Sunshine Coast. “The biggest factor was financial freedom, but we’re also reducing our environmental impact. We wanted to live smaller and have fewer things.”

The Suttons have embraced the tiny house movement, which has inspired TV shows and a new lifestyle movement that’s still spreading slowly in B.C., advocates say, because of a void in regulation.

Tiny homes don’t fit There’s almost no zoning for tiny homes on wheels in this province—or in Canada. A BC Housing report described a tiny house as, “A permanent, ground-oriented dwelling that is detached, movable and non-motorised. They are 500 square feet or under and tailored to compact design. It is neither a mobile home nor a recreational vehicle (RV). It is a home intended for full-time living.”

National and provincial building codes do not classify this type of dwelling, and most rural and urban municipalities haven’t stepped up, even though tiny-home communities could help create affordable housing options. The classification concerns are varied: from building codes and safety standards to rules for determining minimum square footage, home ownership and tenure models, servicing and depreciation concerns or the effect on neighbourhoods.

In these concerns is a whiff of the stigma that follows mobile-home parks, and the so-called “van life” movement depicted in the Osacar-winning film Nomadland. Such concerns also arose in the 1950s and 60s, when trailers and mobile home parks began to pepper the landscape, yet the same challenges still bedevil the tiny-home sector, and according to its proponents, are choking substantial growth.

A tiny case study The Suttons purchased land on the Sunshine Coast while their tiny home was being built, only to discover they couldn’t legally put it there. They sold the land and temporarily placed their tiny home

Pam Robertson (left) and an efficient tiny home layout. Photo: Damon Berryman

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Tiny Resources In spite of confusing regulations and zoning for tiny homes, there are companies in B .C. that are building, fi nancing and accepting tiny homes in current and future developments. For more resources, see rightsizingmedia.com/resources/ tiny-homes.

Communities buysunshinevalley.com bigcalm.ca queensbay.ca Financing minttinyhomes.com Listings tinyhouselistings.com Builders sunshinetinyhomes.com summittinyhomes.com rewildhomes.com hummingbirdmicrohomes.com nelsontinyhouses.com Big plans for tiny homes: Queens Bay Resort in Balfour. Photo: Queens Bay

South Okanagan real estate Stats We are experiencing a very strong market. It is definitely a Sellers market.

As of June 2021 Single Family Homes → Sales volumes are up 75% Average Home Price is $749,000 (up 23% from last year) Inventory is 39% below last year Town Homes →

Sales volumes are up 64% Average Home Price is $420,000 (up 2% from last year) Inventory is 55% below last year

Condos →

Sales volumes are up 233% Average Home Price is $456,000 (up 55% from last year) Inventory is 63% below last year

We would recommend that anyone thinking of buying in this market should find a realtor that they trust and have that realtor keep looking for what they want to buy.

Be prepared to act quickly if a property you like becomes available. Most properties sell with multiple offers and very quickly. A good realtor will give you the advice you need to get the property you want in these very unusual market conditions.

Greenwood: 101 Government Ave. S. Ph: 250.445.9994 Osoyoos: 8317A Main St. Ph: 250.495.2100

Kailani Sutton and her family enjoy their tiny home on the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Damon Berryman

on a friend’s five-acre parcel, while seeking a permanent location.

“There are 3,700 municipalities in Canada,” says Pam Robertson of Sunshine Tiny Homes in Port Mellon, B.C. “Only a handful of them allow for tiny homes.”

Five years ago, when Robertson built her first tiny home (the Minnie Mansion) with her mother, she got hooked. Robertson started the company to build tiny homes commercially and became an advocate for the lifestyle. “When I discovered there was a housing crisis here, my next compulsion was to build a tiny house community.” She encountered the existing regulatory hurdles in most of B.C. “I can think of one municipality in B.C. that has allowed tiny homes: Grand Forks,” Robertson says of the community that passed a backyard home, garden suite and tiny home bylaw in 2019, after floods depleted local housing stock. So far, one tiny home on wheels has been built in Grand Forks.

“The biggest factor was financial freedom, but we’re also reducing our environmental impact.” –Kailani Sutton Most tiny homes in this province operate in tiny shadows, slightly outside zoning and bylaws. That could change. Herman Van Reekam is building Queens Bay Resort, a four-phase housing development in the Kootenays, on the Balfour golf course, with modest lots (around 300 square metres) that are perfect for an RV, mod-

ular home or a tiny home. “We are open to designs and ideas. We want a modern look to the place; certainly tiny homes would fit that,” he says. Van Reekam thinks many homeowners will be fulltime residents, which could be a conflict for prospective tiny-home residents. “It’s such a shame, and something I’m going to have to explore further,” says Van Reekum.

Don’t ask, don’t tell As long as there are no complaints, many municipalities and Regional Districts leave tiny-home owners alone, turning a blind eye. “There has not been a lot of progress in B.C.,” says Robertson of Sunshine Tiny Homes. “But at least now there is talk. People know how serious the housing crisis is, and are becoming aware tiny houses are a solution.” Robertson and her company have built a dozen tiny homes while working toward regulatory change.

The BC Tiny House Collective has also been advocating for tiny house regulations in greater Vancouver for five years. Last fall, city staff were directed to come up with recommendations (still pending) to begin zoning tiny homes, to help create affordable options in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Meanwhile, the Suttons are hoping some coastal community will soon allow them to live legally in the home they love—tiny as it is. Kailani Sutton says, “[Society] has a skewed perspective of what a house is and how big it needs to be. The idea you must build a bigger house than this is ludicrous, but it’s how it is.” For now.

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Green Giants: 9 B.C. Communities Building Sustainability

The planet needs it. Citizens expect it. So forward-thinking B.C. communities are putting sustainability and environment first, and here’s a glimpse of what some towns, villages and small cities have done to reduce their footprints and make city streets and neighbourhoods more inclusive, earth-friendly, and safe.

By Andrew Findlay 30

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Nelson: Innovation at a city-owned utility This city on the shores of Kootenay Lake prefers to do things differently, like creating its own utility. Nelson Hydro dates to 1896, and is considered B.C.’s first hydroelectric green energy plant. This utility, which provides renewable electricity to more than 10,000 customers, has allowed Nelson to address GHG emissions in creative ways, such as incentivizing rate payers to undertake home energy retrofits.

When the city decided to build Canada’s first solar garden, it gave customers the opportunity to invest.

When the city decided to build Canada’s first solar garden, an array of panels in a central location, it gave customers the opportunity to invest in the project on a panel-by-panel basis. In turn, they would receive a credit on their hydro bill proportionate to their investment, just as if the solar panel they bought was on their very own roof. It means that those who are unable to afford whole solar panel systems, as well as renters or homeowners with shaded or unsuitable roofs, can still access solar energy. It turns out that renewable energy can be a community undertaking. nelson.ca/ DocumentCenter/View/5046/FAQs-Community-Solar-Garden

Increasingly the mark of a progressive, just, and balanced community is one that places social, environmental, and economic sustainability at the heart of planning and decision-making. From green transportation and net-zero buildings to food security and affordable housing, civic leaders and citizens are reimagining what it means to live, work and travel in the 21st century in some of B.C.’s green-thinking smaller centres.

A paddleboarder on Kootenay Lake in Nelson. Destination B.C./Kari Medig

Harrison Hot Springs: Small town wins big For the past decade, Harrison Hot Springs has operated with a net-zero carbon footprint. Back in 2011, this Fraser Valley community took home a gold medal in the race to be first among B.C. municipalities to achieve carbon neutrality. As a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection and

For the past decade, Harrison Hot Springs has operated with a net-zero carbon footprint. a B.C. Climate Action Charter signatory, Harrison achieved the goal two years ahead of the provincially targeted date, through a combination of reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and balancing the remainder with qualified GHG offsets. For its efforts, the village earned a 2011 Union of B.C. Municipalities Community Excellence Award for Leadership & Innovation.

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Whistler’s Village Stroll. Photo: BC Ale Trail

Whistler: Supporting its workers

As one of the most expensive postal codes in which to live in Canada, Whistler had the foresight to realize years ago that housing affordability would be one of the resort municipality’s biggest long-term challenges. Housing affordability is nothing new for tourism-based communities that witness real estate prices and rents spiral beyond what service workers can realistically afford to pay. This resort municipality did something about it.

In 1997, the Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) was formed, based on a simple premise: people who work here should be able to afford to live here. At the same time, a new municipal bylaw required developers to either provide staff accommodation or pay into a municipal housing fund. WHA quickly got to work and started buying land. By 2012, the authority had built more than 1,800 non-market units, a little more than half of them for sale and the remainder for rent.

Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) was formed based on a simple premise: people who work here should be able to afford to live here.

Today WHA owns and manages more than 2,000 non-market housing units, a big reason why this international, four-season destination can sustain people who serve in restaurants, load chairlifts and mow lawns. After all, a community that looks out for everyone is a community that thrives.

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Tofino: Building food security The costs of shipping can add as much as 15 per cent to grocery bills for residents and restaurants at the end of the Pacific Rim Highway on Vancouver Island’s West Coast. Eat West Coast was started in 2018 by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust to support and grow local food security. One of the ways they’re doing it is through The West Coast Preservation Program, which provides opportunities for community members to learn from their Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht neighbours about traditional Indigenous food gathering and preserving techniques as well as the seasonal abundance of the West Coast, from wild mushrooms to smoked salmon. The non profit also supports and hosts workshops for local families on gardening, beekeeping and backyard chicken farming.

Eat West Coast was started in 2018 by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust to support and grow local food security.

At the same time, the Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild is helping to connect chefs, families and grocery stores with Vancouver Island farmers, foragers and fishers. The goal is to get more of what’s grown and harvested locally into local kitchens. It makes sense and that’s food sustainability, West Coast style.

Freshly caught salmon on a beach fire. Photo: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck

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Gibsons: Nature as a valuable asset Municipalities often think of infrastructure as only pipe, sewers, street lights and roads. But not Gibsons. This Sunshine Coast town considers nature its most valuable infrastructure asset. For example, the Gibsons Aquifer provides water storage and filtration; creeks and forest help manage rainwater and run-off; and the foreshore acts as a natural seawall—some people call them “ecosystem services.”

Gibsons was the first community in North America to integrate natural assets into its asset management and financial planning.

This way of thinking is a game changer when it comes to planning and development. In fact, the town was the first community in North America to integrate natural assets into its asset management and financial planning. In 2019, the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering awarded Gibsons for Government Leadership in Sustainable Infrastructure. The following year, in 2020, Gibsons built on these pioneering efforts with a Tree Preservation Bylaw, an important first step in the development of an Urban Forest Plan. In Gibsons, every tree, stream and wetland matters. gibsons.ca/sustainability/natural-assets The Seawalk in Gibsons. Photo: District of Sechelt

Fort St. John: Green in the gas patch

Fort St. John leveraged its Site C Project Community Measures Agreement with BC Hydro to build a 50-unit Passive house-certified apartment complex.

Though this city is in the heart of B.C.’s fossil fuel energy sector, Fort St. John is a municipal leader when it comes to promoting and demonstrating innovative green building design and technology.

For example, its new net-zero RCMP Detachment is the latest sustainability effort that makes this northern B.C. city stand out. The project builds on a 2015 investment that had the city constructing what, at the time, was the northernmost Passive house in Canada.

(A Passive house is a virtually airtight dwelling that gets most of its heat from the sun, so well insulated that it demands minimal additional energy to heat and cool.)

Following this award-winning project, Fort St. John leveraged its Site C Project Community Measures Agreement with BC Hydro to build a 50-unit Passive house-certified apartment complex. Why stop there? This Peace River country city has also built a microhydro generating station at its sewer outfall facility—proving that just because your bread and butter has been oil and gas, it doesn’t mean your city can’t think outside of that box.

A multi-unit residential Passive house. Photo: Low Hammond Rowe Architects/Sama Jim Canzian

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Penticton: Getting active

Transportation accounts for over 60 per cent of this south Okanagan city’s greenhouse gas emissions, like a lot of Canadian cities of similar size. One way that Penticton is tackling its emissions is by getting people out of vehicles and onto the seat of a bike or e-bike. It’s a win-win for the climate, and also for a healthier, greener community.

That’s the rationale behind the new Laketo-Lake cycling pathway. To get it done, city planners reclaimed some asphalt formerly dedicated to cars and created 6.5-kilometre route that will provide residents, commuters and visitors with a safe and accessible separated bike lane. It’s another reason for people to get out of their vehicles and explore this sunny lakeside city on bikes and e-bikes, all the way from Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake.

City planners reclaimed some asphalt formerly dedicated to cars and created 6.5-kilometre route that will provide residents, commuters and visitors with a safe and accessible separated bike lane.

It won’t stop there. Penticton is nearing completion of a new Community Energy and Emission Plan. It will contain a detailed list of actions over the next five years that will target further lowering of emissions generated by transportation, as well as from buildings and solid waste. penticton.ca/cycling

Cyclists enjoying the South Okanagan’s extensive bike trails.

Photo: Destination B.C./Kari Medig

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Campbell River: Turning food waste into compost

Ucluelet: Going electric

One-third of the garbage dumped at the Campbell River landfill is yard and food waste. Think about it: that’s a lot of organics taking up landfill space and releasing methane, which is more than

With a new regional organic composting facility, the city hopes to be diverting a large chunk of the estimated 19,000 tonnes of organics from the landfill every year.

A couple strolling through Ucluelet. Photo: Destination B.C./Jordan Dyck

As a signatory to the provincial Climate Action Charter, Ucluelet has already attained Level 3 carbon neutrality through the purchase of verified carbon assets from offsetters.ca.

Visitors and locals can now plug in at a total of nine Level 2 chargers and two DC fast chargers.

This logging, fishing and tourism town has already installed four Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, supporting private sector investments in charging infrastructure.

As of 2020, visitors and locals can now plug in at a total of nine Level 2 chargers and two DC fast chargers, including stations at Black Rock, the Pacific Rim Visitors’ Centre and the Ucluelet Community Centre. This is a big leap forward for sustainable transportation, making it feasible for travellers to visit Ucluelet and Vancouver Island’s rugged West Coast by electric vehicle.

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30 times more powerful a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Veggies left to decompose in the landfill are also a missed opportunity to produce something that every green thumb wants: composted soil.

A new regional organic composting facility will turn this waste into a windfall of nutrient-rich soil, and also take a big bite out of landfill GHG emissions. When the facility is fully operational, the city hopes to be diverting a large chunk of the estimated 19,000 tonnes of organics that are left to rot and off-gas methane at the Campbell River landfill every year. That’s what you call turning a waste into a win.

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BUILDING DURING A PANDEMIC If you thought it was stressful renovating a kitchen or building a new home during normal times, try doing it during a global pandemic. Here’s what you need to know about building during a uniquely challenging era.

By Andrew Findlay

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Monitor your new build for gaps in the supply chain, labour shortages and cost increases. Photo: Amélie Légaré

A couple (let’s call them Bob and Sue) relocating from North Vancouver to Black Creek on Vancouver Island are finding it a bit of a roller-coaster ride to build a new home in B.C. these days. Fluctuating prices for lumber, steel and other building materials have increased the cost of Bob and Sue’s 2,500-square-foot home near Miracle Beach by roughly 30 per cent—a familiar scenario over the past 16 months. Luckily, Bob and Sue have the financial means to absorb the price spike. Like everyone who broke ground on a new build or started a renovation over the past year in B.C., they found themselves facing delay, supply-chain and cost issues, thanks to the double whammy of pandemic-induced disruptions and a building boom that nobody saw coming.

At the same time, builders have to juggle the multiple challenges of keeping projects on schedule and on budget, accounting for not only delays and cost overages, but an ongoing shortage of skilled and experienced labour. Contractors had to manage the expectations of anxious customers biting their fingernails as they watched the cost of their dream home change. It has made for lucrative, but also hectic, times in the construction business.

The perfect storm When the pandemic closed things down in March 2020, lumber mills shuttered temporarily, raising prices (which have since come down). At the same time, many homeowners found themselves sitting on a pile of cash that they had earmarked for a ski holiday, a spring getaway, or other discretionary spends now rendered impossible. Unable to travel and stuck at home, consumers started tackling long-delayed renovations. Others decided to convert some space into home office.

Then there came a real estate investment exodus from city to small-town B.C., quite unlike anything the province had experienced before. People sitting on millions of dollars in urban real estate equity starting cashing out and sparking property and building frenzies from Cumberland to Revelstoke, and pretty much any other lifestyle- and recreation-rich community in between.

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Building Confidence Strategies for smoother building during a pandemic.

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Research your builder carefully: speak to references, look at past projects and meet key personnel to assure a good fit of personalities and communication styles.

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From the start, list your new-home “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves,” making later decisions and trade-offs less challenging.

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Building value The result: building contractors, even those serving smaller centres and remote areas, have been busier than ever—and so have building suppliers. At one point, the cost of 2x4s more than tripled, for example. “And it’s not just lumber. Everything has gotten more expensive,” says Scott Torry, who heads up estimating and procurement for Courtenay’s AFC Construction. “We had been going through a boom for the past few years, but I don’t think anyone saw this coming.”

The average home appraisal, when newhome clients finally move in, is way up, says

If your builder anticipates price increases, choose and purchase as many materials and finishes as early as possible.

Fawdry Homes’s Chris Freer. And that means

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Have a healthy contingency fund and a level-headed expectation of some budget overruns.

bank on in the future.

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Schedule regular check-ins with your builder or contractor to revisit timelines and budgets as necessary.

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Remember that you are building value, with a potentially higher assessment on homes built in a rising market.

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Fall 2021

more home equity that clients can hopefully

AFC does both commercial and custom residential builds.

Most of the company’s clients, whether commercial, government or affluent homeowners, are able to budget for cost increases. Still, Torry says price spikes and shortages demanded extra attention to tracking and adjusting costs throughout the life of a project from bid to lock-up. “We’ve had to keep refreshing budgets and doing price-checks throughout the builds,” Torry says.

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The experience has been the same for Kelowna-based Fawdry Homes, according to company director Chris Freer. He says open and ongoing communication with clients has been more important than ever. “We had some budgets that were up $300,000,” or 15 to 30 per cent of the project total, Freer says. That means soaring stress levels for clients who may be making the biggest investment of their lifetimes.

Consequently, builders like Fawdry were spending way more time than usual with creative budgeting, a task made more challenging when many clients have inadequate or exhausted contingency funds. Patience is a must, Freer says, in this current environment.

For customers, doing their homework at the front end and getting it right in the design phase can ease the stress. So can hiring a design consultant to help with product and material selections. “Do your homework and find a builder you can trust,” Freer says. The silver lining to this crazy building environment? The average home appraisal, when new-home clients finally move in, is way up, says Freer. And that means more home equity that clients can hopefully bank on in the future.

Managing a boom Erin Page, marketing and communications manager for Dilworth Homes, says after the initial uncertainty of the pandemic, the company saw a big uptick in the Okanagan real estate market, with an influx of buyers from the Lower Mainland, Alberta, Saskatchewan

and Ontario. The pandemic has also brought an unprecedented wave of remote-working home buyers, people who can live in the Okanagan “but maintain employment elsewhere,” Page says.

Throughout the pandemic, Dilworth has worked closely with trade and material suppliers to keep price increases in check and to plan for increased lead times. “We were able to order materials in advance and mitigate the effect on our customers,” Page says.

“Thankfully over the past few weeks, we’ve watched the cost of lumber trend down, which is a relief to both builders and customers alike.”

This boom time for builders is also spotlighting a chronic challenge for the sector: finding skilled and reliable trades people and apprentices. Like most builders, AFC, Fawdry and Dilworth have had to double down on recruitment and training. “There’s always been a shortage of good staff; now it’s worse,” says Freer. “It definitely slows down the quality builders who won’t hire just anyone.”

Scott Torry at AFC Construction says their staffing strategy has been to bring in new journeymen or apprentices and train them in-house. “If there’s someone who aspires to be a project manager, then we’ll help them build up the skills and experience to get there,” Torry says. “For sure, if we find an experienced tradesperson who’s moving to the area ... we’re more than willing to hire.”

Back at Dilworth’s head office, Erin Page has one key piece of advice for anyone in the market to build a new house or an addition.

“Partner with a long-term builder that values open, honest communication,“ she says. That’s advice that holds true, pandemic or no pandemic.

Home sweet home, after a smooth building process. Photo: Courtesy Fawdry Homes, Wilden Development, Kelowna.

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THE UPSIDE OF DOWNSIZING Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events. That’s why you should consider calling in the experts, professional organizers, to help right-size your move.

By Kate Robertson

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Organizing and packing up your belongings, arranging movers and then unpacking everything into your new home requires a lot of time and energy. For those who are downsizing out of a family home and into a smaller home or a 55-plus condominium, it can be even more stressful.

Cristina Dietrich and Naddine Baha, owners of Simply Organized For You, a professional organization company in Surrey, recognize that the emotional part of a move can be the hardest hurdle to overcome. “There is a strong sense of worry and discomfort with change, and moving into the next stage of life. Because people spend years collecting items, and then are faced with either having to leave them behind, donate them to someone they don’t know, or sell them, the process can be overwhelming,” says Baha. Dietrich says that knowing their items will find a new home can be a reassuring step in the process.

Tim Trentham, who moved from his family home into a retirement condo a few years ago, found it especially difficult to let go of items with sentimental value, like a dining-room buffet. “Finding someone who was excited to find this great piece made it easier for me.” After checking in with family and friends, he organized a garage sale. Anything leftover at the end of the day was loaded into a truck and donated to Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.

Lisa Knutson, owner of Dwell Organized, a home organization company in Kelowna, recommends starting the downsizing process early. “Give yourself time to go through each item, reminisce, then make the decision whether to keep, donate, or sell. Keep family members in mind during this process, as they may appreciate receiving an heirloom piece of jewelry or a legacy gift now, instead of later,” she says.

Making those decisions can be overwhelming, especially for a large home. Knutson suggests starting with a small space like a linen closet, a kitchen drawer or a bathroom. “These areas often store less-emotional items, and decisions can be made quickly,” she says, building your confidence.

Deciding on what furniture to bring to a new home can be like a puzzle that only a measuring tape and some creativity can solve. Prioritizing storage-friendly furniture is important when your square footage is reduced. Having a floor plan of your new space, and exact dimensions of existing furniture, is a great way to plan what will fit. “Whenever possible, I recommend that people visit their new home with a plan, so they can see where their furniture will be placed,” says Knutson.

Trentham sold or gave away most of his furniture and invested in new smaller condo-size furniture. “I kept the furniture that was still functional, in good shape and fit the space.” He also kept furniture that had a dual function, like a sofa bed for the living room.

“People spend years collecting items, and

Right-sized Advice •

Start packing early. Moving companies usually charge by weight: don’t pay to move what you’ll get rid of later.

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Take one small area of a room at a time to get started.

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If you are moving to half the amount of square footage, get rid of half of your possessions.

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Cut substantially from rooms that you will not have in your new space. If you had a craft room or workshop in your home, edit essential items into one storagefriendly container for your new space, and donate the rest.

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are not making progress, reach out to a professional organizer. They can ease your stress with strategies for sorting, planning and coordinating the pre- and post-moving process.

then are faced with either having to leave them behind, donate them to someone they don’t know, or sell them. The process can be overwhelming” –Naddine Baha Taking advantage of the amenities your new home offers can also decrease the load of items you need to bring along with you— bikes, golf clubs and gardening items are often available for loan or rent in lifestyle communities. Dietrich and Baha encourage their clients to use long-term storage as a last resort, storing as few items as possible. They gently remind clients that this will make it easier on their family in the future, when eventually having to deal with the loss of their loved one and all those possessions.

Many people who downsize are surprised about how much they have to leave behind. They may be equally surprized how many things no longer serve them, and how long they’ve held onto those things, simply because they had the space. “It’s amazing to see clients feeling liberated once decisions are made; they feel lighter and more in control of how they want the rest of their life and new space to look like,” says Knutson.

Trentham wishes he had realized that earlier. “I might have lived differently while in a house,” he says. “All those years of living in a house and accumulating stuff and rather than getting rid of it, I would find places to store it. I have no regrets with regard to getting rid of stuff.”

The process of downsizing can be stressful, but when done with patience, empathy and a positive attitude, it can simplify your life and make room for new adventures and memories.

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HIDDEN JEWEL: PENDER HARBOUR A rural treasure, just a stone’s throw from Vancouver, is a paradox of a place that could be the Sunshine Coast’s best-kept secret.

By Peter A. Robson You take a ferry to get there (or perhaps a private boat or plane)— but it isn’t on an island. It’s confused so often with North and South Pender Islands (part of the Gulf Islands), mail is often misdirected.

And to further complicate matters, there isn’t actually a physical community called Pender Harbour.

What Pender Harbour is, though, is a seaside community of about 2,700 permanent residents and almost an equal number of part-time cottagers. While known collectively as Pender Harbour, the unincorporated community is made up of several residential hubs including Madeira Park (the village centre), Francis Peninsula, Garden Bay and Irvine’s Landing.

Visitors and residents typically arrive at Pender Harbour via a scenic 40-minute BC Ferries ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Langdale, then a pleasant 70-kilometre, one-hour drive up the winding Sunshine Coast highway. While the Sunshine Coast is on the B.C. mainland, there is no land access from Vancouver, as the steep-sided fjord known as Howe Sound is simply too rugged to make it feasible to carve out a road. The relative isolation of the region can be one of its draws.

The enclave also offers a well-protected harbour, good anchorage, numerous marinas and additional boating opportunities on five freshwater lakes. The Sunshine Coast is also part of the largest remaining temperate rainforest in the world, with an extensive network of well-marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. A short drive north takes you to Egmont and Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park where, after a tranquil 40-minute hike, you can witness the largest tidal rapids in North America, attracting thrillseeking kayakers from around the world.

It sits within the traditional territory of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation. Historically, the relatively mild climate combined with easily available food—salmon, shellfish, berries, animals—and forests that provided shelter, clothing, boats and building materials, allowing the shíshálh to enjoy a relatively comfortable lifestyle. On his voyage of discovery in 1793, Captain Vancouver actually missed the well-protected shelter of Pender Harbour; it wasn’t until 1860 that Captain G.H. Richards surveyed the harbour and named it after one of his officers, Daniel Pender.

A comfortable lifestyle continues to this day. Access to Vancouver, local amenities in Gibsons and Sechelt, the spectacular scenery, mild climate and a healthy and safe rural setting are among the draws for newcomers like April Solonyka and Jimmy Button. The couple moved from Whistler to Garden Bay three years ago. “It got way too expensive to live in Whistler and this was everything we’ve ever been looking for,” said Solonyka. “For 15 years we’d been camping at nearby Klein Lake, so we knew the area. We were only able to move because of reasonable land prices. Our property is almost three acres at Sakinaw Lake, surrounded by forest. We love it.”

“More and more people are choosing to sell their homes and escape the hustle and bustle of big city life,” says local realtor Alan Stewart, for places “where they can take advantage of the significantly lower cost of housing and a more laid-back lifestyle.”

Even if it’s in a place that, technically, isn’t even a dot on the map.

Marina at Pender Harbour. Photo: Destination B.C./Albert Normandin

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