Publisher’s Letter

Spring is finally here! The days are longer, the weather is warmer and it’s time to get back outside and enjoy everything this amazing province has to offer. Every time I do a business road trip or get out on a mountain adventure, I’m amazed at the world-class beauty B.C. has to offer. It’s no wonder that this past year, more than 43,000 new Canadians (out of 313,000 nationally) chose to live here. But many of them move to big cities and have no idea that our province has great communities, and great values, in its smaller towns. Even as a city dweller, you can stay within your own province and feel like you went on a real vacation, just by exploring and discovering nearby communities.

Our renewed appreciation for smaller centres is part of a shifting tide. Back in my day, the younger generation was keen to move to a big city, with all the urban amenities and career possibilities it offers. But today, we probably all know someone—whether young or old—who has left the city to move to a smaller place. They’re finding great jobs, buying small businesses or creating remote work situations. Others are retiring or buying that dream home that they can finally afford. In fact, it’s amazing what you can still purchase around B.C. for approximately $400,000 (see page 16)—which buys you a shoebox-sized condo in a big city!

Some commuters, who still need to be adjacent to urban centres, do the “drive until you qualify” math, weighing a commute (see page 26) against the lower cost of homes in affordable and amenity-rich suburban and bedroom communities. This issue also explores some of the hottest new home features (see page 56), including rooftop patios, custom home elevators and smartphone-controlled home security systems. We also discovered more developers hosting events for their local residents-everything from wine tasting evenings to pickleball tournaments. And we talked to some of B.C.’s top developers, who have been building positive partnerships with First Nations, bringing a promising new dimension to the province’s building scene.

If you’re thinking of going in search of more sunshine, warmer weather, drier air, more snow or less rain, see our chart on page 38 for the stats on various B.C. communities. Perhaps you’re even considering moving a bit further—whether to economically booming Northern B.C. (see page 30), or to sunny Mexico (see page 53). The options are nearly endless and we are here to help you discover the right fit for you.

While putting this issue together, we had the privilege of interviewing more than two dozen B.C. mayors who are making a difference in their communities. I was inspired to hear of their accomplishments, goals and what they love so much about their towns. Most impressive, though, is how passionate they are about their home towns, and striving to make life there the best it can be.

Live well!

Steve Dietrich Publisher

Publisher, Founder Steve Dietrich Editor Charlene Rooke Head Designer Amélie Légaré Online Design John Magill Proofreader Lisa Manfield Digital Media Manager Charity Robertson

Writers Michelle Hopkins, Gail Johnson, Robin Brunet, Catherine Dunwoody, Andrew Findlay, Matt O’Grady, Tracey Rayson, Kate Robertson, Shelora Sheldan, Steve Threndyle

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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 © 2020 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.

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Cover Image Aerial view of Tofino, BC. Photo: Tofino Destination BC/Yuri Choufour

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