Right Sizing Summer 2019

Summer 2019

53

B.C.’s best

Developments and communities to love

waterfront

7

Great sports cities year-round resort living l relocate a business

l

Speculation tax

l

living on a ranch

LOTS TO EXPLORE wilden.ca New hillside neighbourhoods just minutes from downtown Kelowna and airport, surrounded by stunning nature and views.

Now selling: Single family lots and spacious, semi-detached townhomes.

Presentation Centre and 4 Showhomes open daily 1-5 pm except Fridays.

1454 - 1470 Rocky Point Drive ¡ Kelowna Contact sales@wilden.ca – 250.762.2906

OWN YOUR HAPPY PLACE AND LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE At Bighorn Meadows Resort’s professional managed community of vacation homes

NOW SELLING Mountain-Contemporary Homes

• • • •

Located on The Springs Golf Course Only a 1.5-hour drive from Banff on the warm side of the Rockies Professionally managed with rental revenue potential Your place to relax, rejuvenate and unwind

Book a tour today!

1-888-766-9637 l info@bighornmeadows.ca

BIGHORNMEADOWS.CA

# myhappyplace

Discovery Dream Homes.com

Discover the endless possibilities...

Central/East

We s t Co a s t

North/East USA

1.866.395.5647

1.877.823.5639

802.445.3007

T H E W E S T C O A S T ’ S M O S T A N T I C I PAT E D O C E A N F R O N T C O M M U N I T Y

Returning to What’s Real.

For anyone who feels the pull towards simpler, more natural living, Touchstone will feel like home in ways you’ve always wished a place could. This masterfully designed

Gibsons

Keats Island

oceanfront community in Gibsons, B.C. will be home to an elevated collection of condominiums, townhomes, single family homes and a boutique hotel, with more

Pasley Island

Bowen Island

Horseshoe Bay

than half of its 47 acres protected as pristine forest and waterfront forever.

One Hour From Vancouver

REGISTE R N OW TO L I V E IN T HIS NE V E R B E F OR E A ND NEVER AG A I N C O MM UNIT Y O N T HE S UNS HINE C OA ST

TouchstoneGibsons.com

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement, E.&.O.E.

WHAT’S INSIDE Summer 2019

6

Right Sizing

Summer 2019

Up Front

Features

8 Publisher’s Letter

38 The Best of B.C.’s Waterfront: Developments and communities

10 Dispatches

56 Wilden: Development spotlight

14 On the Waterfront: Homes for sale

60 High on Summer: Four-season mountain towns

19 Distilled Wisdom: Craft tasting rooms

Departments 22 Speculation and Vacancy Tax 101 24 Cheering for the Home Team: Sports towns 31 Re-hanging Your Shingle: Relocating a business 34 Home on the Range: Ranch living 66 Hidden Jewel: Osoyoos

Bowen Island Ferry entering Snug Cove on Bowen Island. Photo courtesy of Destination BC/Alex Guiry

Summer 2019

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A

lthough I’m a passionate West Coaster today, I had the pleasure of growing up in a small town in Ontario. We lived in a humble home, but on the water—in this case, a river in Bracebridge that feeds into Lake Muskoka. With a small boathouse and a beach in our backyard, it was a regular occurrence for me to paddle my canoe, swim or even water-ski after school. Ahh… those were the days, of being carefree and enjoying all the amenities small-town, waterfront living could offer. The area hasn’t changed much when I visit today, other than the cottages on Lake Muskoka getting bigger and grander, and the waters a bit more crowded.

I also learned to downhill ski at the local ski hill, Rainbow Ridge, which was perhaps only 200 vertical feet but satisfied most of the neighbourhood kids. My passion for the mountains and water eventually brought me to British Columbia 25 years ago, where I fell in love with B.C.’s substantially bigger mountains and ski towns (see page 60), which are now becoming year-round lifestyle communities. Of course, B.C. offers not just renowned skiing but communities with more water-based activities than you can dream of—whether along B.C.’s wild coast or the interior’s rivers and freshwater lakes (see page 14). The allure of waterfront living is still strong.

Living in a city, it’s easy to forget that life in a small town can offer so much for young couples and families—and possibly even more for an older generation of residents moving into the next exciting phase of working, playing or retiring. In this issue, we were nearly overwhelmed in our research putting together a massive, first-ever list of prime B.C. waterfront communities currently in development (see page 38), eminently livable mountain towns and even spots for rural ranch living (see page 34). B.C.’s options for great communities, located within reach of urban conveniences, are almost limitless.

Thinking back to my golden childhood days, it was a big deal even when a fast-food franchise opened up in our town. Today, smaller communities are offering everything from fine dining, craft breweries and innovative distilleries (see page 19) to world-class sports facilities (see page 24).

One of the most exciting things I’ve noticed while travelling B.C. to work on Right Sizing is the advent of large master-planned communities like the visionary Wilden in Kelowna (see page 56) popping up all over the province. Not all have Wilden’s massive generational scope, but the thoughtfully planned, resort-style living concept such places offer is taking off everywhere.

As a younger generation looks for better value outside the city centres, while people like me reminisce about small towns and consider moving back to one, we’re all giving the lifestyle amenities that B.C. communities offer a fresh look. Among the dozens of places profiled in this issue, B.C. has it all!

Steve Dietrich Publisher

Publisher, Founder

Steve Dietrich

Editor

Charlene Rooke

Designer

Amélie Légaré

Online Design

John Magill

Proofreader

Lisa Manfield

Digital Media Manager Charity Robertson Writers Lucas Aykroyd, Nikki Bayley, Robin Brunet, Gail Johnson, Matt O’Grady, Kate Robertson, Steven Threndyle Advertising Sales VP Sales Steve Dietrich Sdietrich@Rightsizingmedia.com 604-787-4603 Business Developement Bev Wickham-Cocford Bev@Rightsizingmedia.com 604-740-6791 Business Developement Lisa Kalinski Lisa@Rightsizingmedia.com

604 316 3411 Head Office 187 Rondoval Crescent, North Vancouver, BC, V7N 2W6. 604-787-4603 Accounting Inquiries Iva Dietrich, iva@rightsizingmedia.com Letters to the editor info@rightsizingmedia.com.

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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© 2019 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 McNeill Bay, within the district of Oak Bay in the Capital Region District surrounding Victoria. Photo courtesy of Bruce McCalla

PRINTED IN CANADA 8

Right Sizing

Summer 2019

Live. Invest. Work. Grow.

www.EcDevOsoyoos.com

EcDevOsoyoos

By Right Sizing Staff

>>

Re-routing B.C.’s Buses Since the demise of the Greyhound’s Western Canadian operations last fall, a new map of routes has emerged. Provincially operated BC Bus North goes between Prince George and Prince Rupert or Valemount, and on to Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. Alberta carrier Ebus covers long-haul routes including Vancouver to Kelowna and Kamloops with stops throughout the Fraser Valley, also serving local Okanagan passengers from West Kelowna and YLW to Vernon and Kamloops. An estimated 83 per cent of Greyhound’s former routes are covered by the new services.

Buy here

>>

Dispatches

Campus Living Mission Group’s U-Eight development in the University District of Kelowna’s UBC Okanagan is the latest graduate in a new class of B.C. campus condos. The Avani Centre at Simon Fraser University’s Campus in Surrey, the Cape Group’s Creston House at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and Polygon’s Cedar Walk tower on Vancouver’s UBC campus are also at the top of this class. Mission’s director of sales Jessica Sorrell says, “Kelowna’s low rental vacancies, the growing demand for housing at the University and current rental rates create a very attractive opportunity for investors and parents of students.”

Buy now

U-Six and U-Seven sold out in one weekend!

Prince George average detached home value (2018): $296,800 (up 10%).

U-Eight rendering courtesy of dHz Media

>>

Return to Port On May 25, the Holland America cruise ship MS Masdaam will return to Port Alberni, which hasn’t hosted a cruise ship since 2013. With local attractions like the steam train to McLean Mill already popular options for cruise passengers into Nanaimo’s port, Port Alberni will welcome around 1,200 passengers on each of three Holland America cruises this summer. Day-trips to Cathedral Grove, Stamp or Little Qualicum Falls as well as a city highlights tour are among the cruise excursions on offer.

Buy here

Port Alberni average detached home value (2018): $278,300 (up 16%).

ABOVE Photo courtesy of BC Transit BELOW A Holland America ship pulls into Port Alberni’s picturesque cruise port. Photo courtesy of the City of Port Alberni

10

Right Sizing

Summer 2019

>>

Summer in Radium

Friday night entertainment and a market draws crowds to Radium’s town centre. Photo courtesy of Tourism Radium Hot Springs

People come for the famous hot springs, but stay for the collegial village atmosphere during Radium’s lovely summers. To maximize the long, bright summer days, every summer Friday celebrates Market and Music on Main, a reason to gather in the town centre from 4 to 9 p.m.

Browse a community market with handmade, homemade and homegrown goods and enjoy local artists performing live entertainment in the evening hours (from 7 p.m. onward). Or just perch on a patio at one of the town centre’s nearby restaurants to soak in small-town summer.

Buy here

Radium average detached home value (2018): $331,000 (up 2%).

Drive Like a Pro

>>

Have you ever wanted to drive like Jacques Villeneuve—or Trevor Siebert, or Bill Drossos? Those pro racecar drivers envisioned, designed and engineered a nearly fivekilometre driving circuit at Area 27 near Oliver. Private members and Academy 27 students speed around a circuit with 16 turns that roll with the natural landscape– safely, thanks to features like large run-off zones, gravel traps and tire walls. A luxe 3,200-square-foot clubhouse with classroom and pro shop, plus a huge outdoor patio and barbecue centre, are part of next-level development.

Buy here Oliver average detached home

value (2018): $381,000 (up 8%).

Photo courtesy of Darren Brown from Brown Studio Photography + Videography

Chilliwack: Big Changes in Store

>>

In 2018, the City and Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation chose Algra Brothers to enhance downtown revitalization by developing a four-acre property that includes heritage buildings dating as far back as 1913. Algra’s marketing director, Jon Kinneman, says that residential units, professional services and retail stores will share space in the finished development: “We’re looking for independently owned retailers who offer a more personalized environment.” Kinneman says that Algra Brothers is in Chilliwack for the long haul and deeply committed to the downtown revitalization. “We are very committed to making this work. People who live in Chilliwack want their downtown to thrive.” –Steve Threndyle

Buy here Chilliwack average detached home value (2018): A rendering of Chilliwack’s future town centre. Rendering courtesy of Algra Brothers

$613,000 (up 10%).

Summer 2019

Right Sizing

11

Walking on Sunshine

>>

Walking is one of the simplest forms of lifelong exercise, yet it’s no fun to embark on a trail that ends up being too hilly, uneven or narrow for all users to enjoy. On the Sunshine Coast, the District of Sechelt and the Town of Gibsons, with funding from the 2018 Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program, have partnered to release a User-Friendly Trail Guide that provides maps, photos, elevation profiles, detailed access and parking instructions and other amenities on favourite regional trails, from Langdale to Egmont. Considering that the Sunshine Coast Regional District manages and maintains 16.79 kilometres of paved bike paths, 71.6 kilometres of trails, and 102 beach accesses and community parks, this 47-page guide could be your new summer pal. sechelt.ca/parks

Buy here The Seawalk in Gibsons. Photo courtesy of District of Sechelt

Building Trends

Gibsons and Sechelt average detached home values (2018): up 12% and 11%

>>

Wider hallways and stairs, lower electrical outlets and a floor plan that allows for the later addition of an elevator—these sound like great features for any home, which could be helpful to children, older residents or people with disabilities. They’re part of the vision for Universal Design, and nonprofit SAFERhome is helping bring this environment of adaptable, accessible housing to B.C.: with structural and design standards, home-planning and -inspection assistance and certification programs for the construction industry.

Everton Ridge, an award-winning custom builder in Vernon, is just one of the builders adopting SAFERhome standards in its upcoming projects.

Buy here

Vernon average detached home value (2018): $447,000 (up 8%) Universal design works for all home residents.

FIND ALL COPIES ONLINE

delivering a new build

Revitalization

From prefabricated and modular to tiny homes

is underway in 18 communities

Building and

living green

Ski Town Living

10

Best Purpose-built Communities for Semi-retirement

Real estate:

21

know the rules

The new commute

Cool b.c. communities

$300,000

The price of a view

What $800k buys you?

Own, rent, invest: which strategy is best?

Float-home living COOL EATERIES

Downsize, Upsize, Rightsize.

Is minimalism the key to happiness?

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Small town, fast friends

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12

10 towns under

Ride on

How cycling is eclipsing golf as the new community sport

developments and communities to love

waterfront

Island life Trading in the city for a Gulf Island lifestyle

Investment options

Last impression The rewards of Port Renfrew

What $700K buys

The Rules of Foreign Ownership l Tech Centres and Co-Working Spaces l Last Impression: Kitimat

Summer 2019

53

B.C.’s best

$500K

Build a custom dream home

7

Great sports cities

must-see condo and town home projects

10 towns under $200k

Right Sizing

Where the jobs are in B.C.

towns under

Rightsizingmedia.com 12

Summer 2019

spring 2019

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+ a Communities and Property Seach tool

Own a private island

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Speculation tax

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living on a ranch

Only 19 Luxury Hillside Lakeview Homes Remain The is Cottagesrom f exempt ation c BC’s Va Tax Home

Act now for best selection on remaining homes The word is out that The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake is the best year-round new home community in the Okanagan Valley.

The Cottages includes a community centre with a gym, two pools and hot tubs as well as our private sandy beach and boat slips, there’s something for everyone. With over 220 homes sold, the remaining opportunities won’t last long.

With eight different home plans to choose from ranging in size from our modest 1,300 sf meadow homes to the exclusive 3,000 sf Meritage plan, there really is the perfect home for you.

We have several unique homes under construction and all homes can be customized to suite your needs. Please contact our sales team at 1.855.742.5555 or visit our website for a full tour.

Don’t miss this final opportunity to own a piece of paradise on Osoyoos Lake!

Visit our Display Homes » 2450 Radio Tower Road, Oliver, BC See website for open hours.

1.855.742.5555 osoyooscottages.com

Powell River This Sunshine Coast community is an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts, with its beautiful forests, mountains and proximity to the ocean. Powell River has a vibrant arts scene and hosts world-class festivals and events each year. Recent listing: This two-bedroom, one-bathroom wateraccess-only cabin is situated on half an acre and comes with a large living area with wood stove, glassed-in breakfast room, fire pit on the beach and covered waterside deck with stunning views. $279,900

Sproat Lake Sproat Lake Provincial Park, located a few kilometres west of Port Alberni, is perfect for water sports. Locals and visitors enjoy 320 kilometres of forested lakeshore for picnics, kayaking, sailboarding, boating and water skiing. Recent listing: This beautifully landscaped four-bedroom, three-bathroom waterfront property offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The master bedroom with ensuite opens up to a deck facing the lake. $1,248,000

ON THE

WATERFRONT

From around a modest $300,000 to more than $2-million homes, here’s where to find outstanding waterfront property in B.C. this summer.

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

Map courtesy of Google Maps

14

Right Sizing

Summer 2019

Sechelt Boasting 55 beach access trails, an active arts and music scene, water sports, hiking and beachcombing, the largest community on the Sunshine Coast is just a 20-minute floatplane trip to Vancouver. Recent listing: A rustic waterfront Pan-Abode home has three bedrooms, one-and-a-half-bathrooms and an open-concept kitchen with large windows. It makes the perfect vacation getaway: enjoy allday sunshine from this beachfront cabin with views of Trail Islands and more. $1,175,000

Bowen Island Bowen Island in Howe Sound, a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay terminal, is one of the region’s best-kept property secrets. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, relax, eat and explore all year round. Recent listing: This two-bedroom, three-bathroom architectural waterfront home is situated on Otter Point and comes with stunning views of Howe Sound, the Tantalus Range, Black Tusk and Garibaldi. The master bedroom takes full advantage of the views and has its own fireplace. $2,480,000

Esquimalt

Langford Lake The fastest-growing municipality in the Capital Region District, located 15 minutes from Downtown Victoria, is close to all amenities and outdoor recreation. Recent listing: This 1,388-square-foot, four-bedroom, one-bathroom waterfront home was made for outdoor living. Enjoy the outdoor barbecue and kitchen, upgraded dock and beach bunkhouse. This low-bank property, perfect for swimming or paddleboarding, has amazing views. $989,900

Esquimalt, situated four kilometres from Victoria in the heart of the Capital Region District, derives its name from a local First Nations expression meaning “the place of gradually shoaling water.” Recent listing: This stunning beachfront oasis is tucked away in a beautiful bay adjacent to Cole Island. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom property comes with additional space for guests, a gazebo that sits footsteps from the ocean and an amazing wharf. $1,524,000

Cultus Lake Located only an hour and a half east of Vancouver and just south of Chilliwack, you’ll find Cultus Lake Provincial Park. This freshwater lake community offers boating, waterskiing, canoeing, paddleboarding, waterslides and two golf courses. Recent listing: Live in this three-bedroom, two-bathroom lakefront cabin asis, or build your dream waterfront home. This property comes with a hot tub, private beach, large dock and a huge deck to enjoy views of the lake. $949,900

Summer 2019

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Sicamous Known as the “Houseboat Capital of Canada,” Sicamous is situated between Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake at the northern end of the Okanagan Valley. Enjoy the calm lake waters and the beautiful regional scenery. Recent listing: This three-bedroom, one-bathroom waterfront unit is located in the allseason, family-friendly Hummingbird Beach Resort.

It includes an open-concept great room, 10-foot ceilings, huge patio, private boat slip in the marina and views of the lake. $599,000

Nicola Lake Nicola Lake, a glacially formed lake in the south-central interior (30 kilometres northeast of Merritt), is known for its temperate climate, fishing, windsurfing and camping. Recent listing: This four-bedroom, five-bathroom, 4,207-square-foot home on 1.25 acres in prestigious Nicola Lake Estates is only a three-hour drive from Vancouver. Enjoy summers on your own private dock with room to moor two boats, plus a beach, fishing and water sports. $1,588,800

Fairmont Hot Springs Fairmont Hot Springs, a southeastern B.C. resort community, is home to Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs. Locals and visitors enjoy soaking in the pools and views of the Rocky Mountains. Recent listing: This open-concept, 3,000-squarefoot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home sits 30 metres from the Columbia River.

A waterfront property with views in all directions, it also has two stone fireplaces, a games room, sports court and a place to park your RV or boat. $445,000

Penticton Situated between two lakes, Penticton is a popular destination for yearround recreational attractions, from sandy beaches and water sports to regional foodie tourism (including 80 wineries, five craft breweries and three distilleries). Recent listing: This modern Skaha lakefront four-bedroom, four-bathroom dream property is close to amenities and comes with 15 metres of private beachfront, a professionally built dock with power boat and Sea-Doo lift, full outdoor kitchen and twobedroom rental suite. $2,195,000 Map courtesy of Google Maps

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Christina Lake Christina Lake, boasting the warmest water of any tree-lined lake in Western Canada, is located in the West Kootenay region (off Highway 3, just 19 kilometres east of Grand Forks and 70 kilometres southwest of Castlegar). Recent listing: This two-bedroom, one-bathroom boat-access-only cottage is situated across from the marina and sleeps eight comfortably. Enjoy 180-degree views from your wrap-around deck on a 1.35-acre treed lot, which includes a large wharf. $334,000

Oceanfront Oasis with Panoramic Views

$2,350,000

11317RavenscroftPlace.com

Executive home in North Saanich

LD

SO

$1,730,000

11359WestSaanichRoad.com

Impressive Architect Designed Home with Spectacular Views

$1,199,900

3360RavenwoodRoad.com

Call or text The Neal Estate Team at 250.386.8181 for FREE consultation when Buying or Selling Real Estate in Victoria and on Vancouver Island.

RonNeal.com

HomesonVancouverIsland.ca

10.33” x 12.25”

Base 10 is Chilliwack’s newest master-planned townhome community conveniently located on Thomas Road just south of Promontory Road.

With distinctive modern architecture on the outside and bright spacious layouts on the inside expertly finished in your choice of our designer colour scheme you’ll want to make Base 10 your home.

These three level, three bedroom plus den, and three bedroom plus income suite option homes are ideal for first-time buyers and families of all ages. Our floor plans range from 1,500 to 2,100 square feet.

If being located close to shopping, schools and recreation is important, you’ve found it!

Phase 1 is now selling. Register on-line to get on our list to receive updates and special offers.

NOW SELLING PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRICING STARTING AT $470,000 SALES CENTRE

ON THOMAS RD. JUST SOUTH OF PROMONTORY RD. OPEN DAILY NOON – 5PM (CLOSED WED. & SUN.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

604.991.9951

VEDDER RD.

Chilliwack’s newest townhome community

PROMONTORY RD.

THOMAS RD. NORTH

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD. YOUR LIFE. YOUR HOME BASE. ©2019 Base10 – In our continuing effort to improve and maintain the high standards of Base10, the developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Illustrations and renderings reflect the artist’s interpretation of the project. When built, actual suites, amenities, building interiors, exteriors and views may be noticeably different than what is depicted. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with the applicable disclosure statement and agreement of purchase and sale. E&OE.

www.Base10Living.com

The Monashee Spirits tasting room in Revelstoke serves Canada’s best craft gin. Photos courtesy of Cole Hofstra Photography and Monashee Spirits

DISTILLED WISDOM B.C.’s artisan distillery tasting rooms provide a taste of local culture along with craft spirits and cocktails.

By Gail Johnson

Legend Distilling, Naramata This wine area is also home to some fine spirits. With its “farm-to-glass” philosophy, Legend uses B.C. grains to make smooth Shadow of the Lake Vodka and apothecary-style bottles of Doctor’s Orders Gin. In the tasting room, sample Manitou Orange and Sumac liqueur or Naramaro (an Okanagan nod to bitter amaro), plus a small-batch whisky, Wyatt. Legend’s Urtica Eatery has a patio overlooking Okanagan Lake and the valley, with equally spectacular cocktails and seasonal fare.

Bruinwood Estate Distilling, Roberts Creek This rural Sunshine Coast property of just 1,000 square feet is big in creativity.

Three separate stills are required for its gin, imbued with botanicals like anise and lemongrass. Vodka comes in two flavours: chocolate and vanilla (try the latter with some ice cream and an espresso shot).

Heavenly Honey Liqueur is made with local honey and Italian-inspired Nucino is made by steeping green walnuts with coffee and cloves. Try the spirits at the distillery’s tasting room, up a slope of a country road surrounded by thick forest.

Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery, Revelstoke Revelstoke is not only a spectacular mountain town—it’s also where some of B.C.’s best libations are made. Monashee Distillery took home top prize at the 2019 Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition for its Ethos Gin. Its chocolatey and caramelly Big Mountain Creamer liqueur is made with local Stoke Roasted Coffee. Monashee also produces Vulcan’s Fire, a fiery cinnamon liqueur made with apples, honey, maple syrup and Thai red chilies; as well a crisp vodka, made with organic B.C. wheat. Taste them on their own here, or in hand-crafted cocktails like a Mountain Margarita.

Summer 2019

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Sheringham Distillery, Sooke A picturesque walk sparked the creation of Alayne and Jason MacIsaacs’ Sheringham Distillery, recently relocated from Shirley to Sooke. Strolling by forest and ocean, the two happened upon a wild Nootka rose bush and set out to bottle all the seductive aromas surrounding them.

Their Seaside Gin (made with juniper, rose, lavender, citrus, cori-

ander, cardamom and sustainably harvested winged kelp) was recently named best contemporary gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards.

In Sheringham’s tasting room, try Kazuki Gin with Japanese cherryblossom petals, yuzu peels and green-tea leaves; or an Akvavit with hints of caraway, dill, and anise that was the Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year in 2018.

Ampersand Distilling Company, Duncan If science is at the heart of distilling, the father-son duo behind Ampersand couldn’t be better qualified. Stephen and Jeremy Schacht both bring engineering backgrounds to the craft distillery on a five-acre Cowichan Valley organic farm.

Voted B.C.’s best gin at the BC Distilled festival for three years in a row, signature Ampersand Gin is made with organic B.C. wheat and eight wild botanicals. Sip on it, or on organic Per Se Vodka, at the by-appointment tasting room, in full view of the stills (affectionately known as Dot and Dash). Consider it the best-tasting science class you’ve ever had.

Jessica, Jeremy, Stephen and Ramona Schacht. Photo courtesy of Ampersand Distilling Company

Listings in over 90 b.c. communities

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Enjoy

Golf

Live

You Belong Here T H E P O S S I B I L IT I E S A R E E N D L E S S Fu l ly S e r v i c e d Thriving Communit y S a n d y B e a c h e s , M a r i n a , C o m m u n i t y C e n t re Te n n i s & P i c ke t b a l l C o u r t s Re s t a u r a n t s & S h o p p i n g 18 H o l e C h a m p i o n s h i p G o l f C o u rs e

Spectacular Lakeview Lots starting at $119,000

Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime!

ShuswapLakeEstates.com Sales: 250.675.4937 Tee Times 1.800.661.3955

C H E C K O U T O U R N E W 5 5 + D E V E LO P M E N T AutumnRidgeHomes.ca

Metro Vancouver

lantzville

mission

chilliwack nanaimo abbotsford capital regional district

Yellow boarders show where the the tax is valid. Map courtesy of Google Maps

SPECULATION AND VACANCY TAX 101 What you need to know about the new levy and how it affects B.C. homeowners.

By Matt O’Grady

When the B.C. government introduced its Speculation and Vacancy Tax in the fall of 2018, the goal was to make sure homes did not sit idle during a housing shortage. While the aim was to cut down on speculation (especially from foreigner investors), local owners of weekend or seasonal properties feared being caught in its crosshairs. Here’s what you need to know.

•

This year’s tax is based on ownership as of December 31, 2018 and payment is due on July 2, 2019.

•

You can still complete your declaration to claim an exemption— even after you’ve received a tax notice—by emailing the government at spectaxinfo@gov.bc.ca or calling 1-833-554-2323.

DO DECLARE

WHAT’S THE RATE?

•

In 2018, for those who are not exempt, the tax rate is:

•

22

If you own only one home and are a British Columbian, you are exempt from the tax—but you still need to declare. All homeowners in taxable areas should have received a mailed declaration code and ID for online or phone declaration.

The annual deadline to declare an exemption from the tax is March 31. Those who don’t declare themselves exempt will be taxed.

Right Sizing

Summer 2019

•

2018: 0.5% of the property’s assessed value.

•

2019 and beyond: 0.5% for Canadian citizens or permanent residents and 2% for foreign owners and what the act calls “satellite families.”

west kelowna

kelowna

WHERE DOES IT APPLY? Metro Vancouver (excluding Bowen Island, the Village of Lions Bay and Electoral Area A, but including UBC and the University Endowment Lands) Capital Regional District (Greater Victoria) (excluding Salt Spring Island, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, and the Southern Gulf Islands) City of Abbotsford District of Mission City of Chilliwack City of Kelowna

City of West Kelowna City of Nanaimo District of Lantzville Yellow boarders show where the the tax is valid. Map courtesy of Google Maps

WHO’S EXEMPT?

THE RENTAL KEY

The government says more than 99 per cent of all British Columbians will be exempt, including owners of a single home plus the following categories:

•

Avoid the speculation tax by renting out your property. For the 2018 tax year, owners needed to rent it for three months to be exempt; for 2019 and beyond, six months is the minimum rental time.

•

If you own a home in a building where the strata bans rentals, you are also exempt—at least, for 2018 and 2019. After that, strata councils are expected to change their bylaws if they want owners to avoid the speculation tax.

•

Reserve lands, treaty lands and lands of self-governing Indigenous Nations, plus residential properties within a taxable region that are owned by an Indigenous Nation.

•

Residential properties owned by municipalities, regional districts, governments and other public bodies.

•

Registered charities and certain not-for-profit organizations.

•

Housing co-ops.

•

Islands that are accessible only by air or water.

Beyond these, exemptions get a bit more complicated—and are open to interpretation. Study the legislation carefully and/or talk to a lawyer, but other exemptible factors include:

DO I QUALIFY FOR A TAX CREDIT? •

British Columbians with non-exempt second homes can claim a tax credit of up to $2,000 per property (covering an assessed value up to $400,000). Tax applies on the remaining value at the full rate.

•

Foreign owners and satellite families can claim a tax credit equal to 20% of their B.C. income. Non-B.C. resident Canadians can access a tax credit equal to 10% of their B.C. income. In both cases, the credit cannot reduce the tax to below the 0.5% base rate.

•

If your property has become uninhabitable (damaged or destroyed by disaster; in a hazardous condition).

•

If you are bankrupt.

•

If you are a person with disabilities.

•

If the property was just inherited.

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If it’s valued under $150,000.

The law in full: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/ statreg/18046

•

If the owner was away and it was vacant due to medical reasons, residential care, work or spousal separation.

Government of B.C. guidelines: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ taxes/property-taxes/speculation-and-vacancy-tax

•

If the property is under construction, renovation or heritage conservation (“reasonable steps” need to be demonstrated that no “undue delays” are occurring to develop/renovate the property).

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFO?

The declaration page: https://www.etax.gov.bc.ca/SVT/_/ BC Real Estate Association perspective: http://web.bcrea.bc.ca/ ebulletin/articles/2019-01_article3.html

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CHEERING FOR THE HOME TEAM Right-sized B.C. cities with amazing athletic amenities are showcasing their team spirit and sports-loving culture.

By Lucas Aykroyd

One of Langford’s many sporting activities. Photo courtesy of Bear Mountain

Go ahead and run the Boston Marathon or pay for front-row Super Bowl tickets, but at some point, even hardcore sports aficionados realize there’s more to sports than the global highlights. Happily, British Columbia’s smaller centres offer virtually unlimited options in terms of athletic amenities for sports-loving residents.

Whether you’re eager to pursue an active lifestyle or enjoy thrilling spectator sports, there are beautiful homes with easy access to golf, tennis, skiing, mountain biking and much more available all over B.C. These scenic, right-sized cities feature state-of-the-art facilities, exciting sports leagues and well-attended tournaments, which makes them a magnet for savvy entrepreneurs, too.

Langford

Nanaimo

Victoria made headlines when it hosted the 2019 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship last Christmas, but Langford, less than 20 minutes west, is also making big waves as a sports hub.

The so-called Hub City of central Vancouver Island dazzles with the Stevie Smith Bike Park, named after a local mountain biking legend. The 2017-built venue’s 2,500-square-metre asphalt pump track annually hosts the Canadian qualifier for the Red Bull Pump Track World Championship.

This booming Vancouver Island city of 40,000, noted for its business-first attitude and ample shopping, recently renovated Westhills Stadium. The stadium is home to both Rugby Canada and Pacific FC, a professional soccer franchise in the brand-new Canadian Premier League.

Keith Wells, executive director of the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission, says, “The health and wellness piece is so important in Langford.” The North Langford Recreation Centre, situated at Bear Mountain, attracts local residents with its swimming pool, co-ed gym and group fitness classes. “And Bear Mountain Resort is a jewel, with its two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses,” says Wells.

Bear Mountain’s bike park also welcomes the national mountain bike team year-round with world-class single-track trails, and its new 27,000-square-foot tennis bubble has doubled as a venue for the national boxing championships.

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“We also have more than 70 mountain bike trails, which are well-maintained by the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club,” says Tourism Nanaimo spokesperson Karen Bannister. Meanwhile, the Westwood Lake Triathlon in May attracts athletes with its pristine park setting beneath Mount Benson.

With four NHL-sized hockey rinks, this affordable city provides ample recreational hockey opportunities, plus the chance to cheer on the Nanaimo Clippers, a BCHL Junior A team whose NHL alumni include Mel Bridgman and Jason Garrison. The city recently hosted a sold-out World Junior exhibition game between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Kamloops

Kelowna

Kamloops bills itself as the Tournament Capital of Canada, and this revitalized city of 90,000 isn’t exaggerating: Kamloops is slated to host close to 100 sports events in 2019.

With about 2,000 hours of sunshine per year and around 20 courses within easy driving distance, Kelowna is a golfer’s paradise. Yet the Okanagan’s largest city has much more to offer.

“It’s very affordable to leave big urban centres for Kamloops, buy yourself a great home in a great location and have sports amenities at your fingertips,” says Monica Monford-Dickinson, director of communications with Tourism Kamloops. “Whether you’re looking for rugby pitches, curling rinks, indoor volleyball, basketball courts or speed-skating tracks, there’s no shortage of infrastructure for all sporting needs.”

For runners, the Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon each June concludes with local wine, cider and music on the Okanagan Lake waterfront. At the H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre, the Okanagan Masters Swim Club delivers fun and friendship for adult swimmers.

Hockey fans gravitate to the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets (once home to NHL snipers like Leon Draisaitl and Jamie Benn), who play at the 6,886-capacity Prospera Place. The Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in 2020.

“It’s very affordable to leave big urban centres for Kamloops, buy yourself a great home in a great location and have sports amenities at your fingertips.” –Monica Monford-Dickinson, Tourism Kamloops Tobiano and Talking Rock are two of the area’s premier golf courses.

Skateboarders head to McArthur Island Park for the Kamloops Rotary Skatepark. For hockey fans, the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers fight the good fight at the well-maintained Sandman Centre. Excellent fishing, golfing, mountain biking and skiing round out the picture.

Photo courtesy of Penticton

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Cranbrook Cranbrook, the East Kootenay’s biggest city, delivers family-friendly sports along with great property values. From indoor soccer for kids and women’s basketball at local schools to swimming lessons at the Cranbrook Aquatic Centre and public skating at Kinsmen Arena, there are plenty of appealing year-round options.

Six golf courses lie an easy drive from downtown. Fly fishing and hiking await beneath the Rocky Mountains. In the winter, skiers flock to Kimberley Alpine Resort (20 minutes away) and Fernie Alpine Resort (an hour away).

Rendering courtesy of City of Langford

Summer 2019

kitimat – canada’s next best investment play Home to the largest private sector investment in Candian history with $40 Billion LNG Project creating over 6,000 jobs!

Riverbrook Estates is the largest new residential development in Kitimat. While up to 300 homes are planned, the first phase of 47 townhomes breaks ground in May/June 2019 and completion starting in Q1 2020, this will coincide with the arrival of the first wave of 1,100 construction workers due in Kitimat by the end of 2019 and into Q1 2020.

The first phase of townhomes is now available for presale.

Guaranteed rental income, starting at $3,000 per month.

To register or for more information about this exciting opportunity, go to riverbrookestatesliving.ca, email info@riverbrookestatesliving.ca or contact Jason Pender at jason.pender@shaw.ca

More Emerging B.C. Sports Towns Dawson Creek: This Northern B.C. town of 12,000 throws a rodeo every August that’s nearly a century old. Last year, it also announced a five-year deal with Hockey Canada to host events at the Encana Events Centre every 18 to 24 months.

Merritt: Whether you prefer icy diversions like the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials and the Merritt Curling Centre, or summer fun like hiking in the Nicola Valley and swimming at Nicola Lake, this city is also known for a country music scene that will keep you humming along.

Port Alberni: Boasting fantastic salmon fishing charters on Vancouver Island’s west coast, Port Alberni also attracts events for youth like the West Coast Hockey Prep Camp in July, featuring NHL instructors like Marc Crawford and Rich Sutter. There are more than 30 local sports clubs.

When looking for the perfect natural surroundings for yoga or many other activities. Photo courtesy of Predator Ridge

Vernon

Penticton

In Vernon, Predator Ridge is Hockey Canada’s summer home. NHL legends such as Jarome Iginla and Shea Weber often play the two Les Furber-designed championship golf courses there.

Enjoying Naramata Bench wines in Penticton is never a guilty pleasure, because there are so many ways to burn off those calories over a long outdoor sporting season. Go swimming in Skaha Lake, cycle along the Kettle Valley Railway Trail or play a round at the Penticton Golf and Country Club’s 18-hole, par-70 championship course. This Okanagan city seamlessly integrates lifestyle options and recreational amenities. “It’s the kind of place where people come to visit for holidays—and never want to leave,” says Penticton economic development specialist Jennifer Vincent. “In fact, many people end up relocating here based on their experiences in a sporting competition or event.”

In addition to golf, Predator Ridge also has more than a dozen sporting activities, from yoga to tennis and and pickleball courts, ideal for both playing and socializing. Shuttle service to the brand-new 48.5-kilometre-long Okanagan Rail Trail is available for cy clists. Come winter, Predator Ridge becomes the launching pad for Kingfisher Heli’s heli-skiing operations, with flights to experience some 300,000 acres of pristine Monashee Mountains powder.

In the summer, head to Vernon’s Kalavida Surf Shop for B.C.’s biggest selection of boards and paddles, and hit Kalamalka Lake to hone your stand-up paddleboarding skills. Vernon has a number of sports complexes used for hockey, ball hockey, lacrosse, roller blading, swimming, curling and boxing.

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Budding hockey stars can enroll in Okanagan Hockey Group’s academy or summer camps, which have operated since 1963.

Catch exciting BCHL junior hockey action with the Penticton Vees at the 5,000-capacity South Okanagan Events Centre.

L A N G F O R D

COME FIND YOUR BALANCE We are a vibrant community committed to offering our residents exciting outdoor and recreation opportunities as well a variety of excellent shopping and entertainment options. Langford is the ultimate location to find your balance.

www.langford.ca

RE-HANGING YOUR SHINGLE Relocating a business to one of B.C.’s more affordable smaller towns is easier than you think. Factor in local incentives and new investments in technology and infrastructure, and it might be irresistible.

By Matt O’Grady

Last summer, in the run-up to the 2018 B.C. municipal elections, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade surveyed people in Metro Vancouver on key issues facing the region. Fully three-quarters of business owners said their ability to recruit or retain employees has been affected by the high cost of housing, according to the survey by Mustel Group and FleishmanHillard HighRoad.

When asked if the Metro Vancouver tax burden is “reasonably fair for the services used by my business,” 39 per cent of business owners said no and 23 per cent were unsure (just 38 per cent said yes).

For business owners tied to a community in very intractable ways (such as a mill operator, or a set-design firm close to filming locations), pulling up stakes may not make sense. But for entrepreneurs who can work from just about anywhere—especially consultants and those in the tech sector—the time for making a move is ripe. Here are a few things, and places, to consider.

Entrepreneurship: Small Business Hotspot Nelson, in B.C.’s West Kootenay region, has long been a popular place for tourists and retirees. But today the city of 10,000 is also

per $1,000 of assessed value—more than a dollar per unit less than Vancouver (at $10.85), which adds up when multiplied with big-city valuations. If you’re looking to rent space, you’ll pay a fraction of Vancouver prices: about $12 a square foot/ year in Nelson, versus more than $30 in Vancouver.

The decision to locate or relocate doesn’t always come entirely down to dollars and cents. Greg Malpass, CEO of cloud-tech consulting firm Traction on Demand, recently opened a branch office in his hometown of Nelson. While integrating into a new town is always a challenge for entrepreneurs, Malpass says his experience was a positive one.

“People are very kind, welNelson’s charming downtown. Photo courtesy of Destination BC/Dave Heath coming and helpful,” says Malpass. “The leadership at a big draw for entrepreneurs, still in the the local Legion, particularly, was so helpful prime of their working lives, who seek both a in creating the opportunity for me to convey business-friendly climate and a place where my commitment to create great local jobs.” they can enjoy sophisticated after-hours life.

The Kootenay region led B.C. in small-business growth between 2014 and 2017, with the number of new businesses jumping by nearly 20 per cent (compared to less than eight-per-cent growth province wide). More than 1,300 business licenses were issued last year in Nelson, which services a local trading area of 60,000 people. The business property tax rate in Nelson is $9.54

Transportation: All Roads Lead Here With its central location on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 16), Smithers has long been a vital service centre for the north— linking the port city of Prince Rupert (and neighbouring hubs Kitimat and Terrace) to the industrial heartland of Prince George.

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With nearly 20,000 residents in the surrounding valley and rural communities, Smithers checks a lot of economic boxes for entrepreneurs.

Today, this city of nearly 6,000 also has multiple daily flights to and from Vancouver (via Smithers Airport, five kilometres north of town).

With nearly 20,000 residents in the surrounding valley and rural communities, Smithers checks a lot of economic boxes for entrepreneurs. It’s a younger population (averaging 39 years of age, compared to the provincial average of 43). With an average household income of $85,000 for the under-45 segment (according to 2018 data from Environics Analytics), younger families have money to spend. Five-year income growth in Smithers (from 2012 to 2017) was a robust 16.4 per cent (compared to 13.7 per cent in Vancouver). A detached home in Smithers is a relative steal, around a $280,000 average price.

Technology: The Backbone of the Island

Local entrepreneurs delight in their small town. Photos courtesy of Campbell River

RESOURCES FOR RELOCATORS

Connectivity is also key to the growing popularity of Campbell River, on northern Vancouver Island—though that notion extends far beyond its airport, ferry connections or location at the heart of the Island Highway. Campbell River has recently invested in a downtown municipal broadband network, which will enable delivery of low-cost broadband to the city of 35,000—the first community on Vancouver Island to offer such an open-access network.

Check out these repositories of business information and opportunities.

The installation of the network, CRadvantage, was completed in 2017 with the city now planning for future expansion. According to Karla Duarte, Campbell River’s economic development analyst, the network, “directly addresses the digital divide encountered by non-urban communities by fostering a marketplace that provides lowcost, high-quality, high-speed internet access—guaranteed to be scalable up to 1 GB symmetrical. You can operate like a Silicon Valley start-up or enterprise, while living in an affordable paradise.”

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•

Government of B.C. Small Business Guide: www2.gov.bc.ca/startingasmallbusiness

•

Economic database from Trade and Invest B.C.: britishcolumbia.ca/invest/communities/search

•

B.C. rural community development: communityfutures.ca

•

Cranbrook-Kimberley development zone guide: ckdi.ca

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Kootenay region opportunities: imaginekootenay.com

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Smithers business profile: northerndevelopment.bc.ca/Smithers

•

Campbell River economic development: campbellriver.ecdev.org

HOME ON THE RANGE It’s not just a movie-Western dream: owning and living on a ranch is a real possibility in B.C., where both ranch land and lifestyle are available in abundance.

By Kate Robertson

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The romantic notion of owning a ranch in the west is not a new one.

For decades, celebrities and public figures have jumped out of the spotlight and into cowboy boots to get their piece of ranch living and all that it offers: ample space, freedom, wildlife and connection to the land.

Our objective is to attract people who, like us, share the love and enjoyment of horses and trail riding.” —Susan Patry, A-P Guest Ranch But as A-P Guest Ranch owners Susan and Andre Patry know, you don’t need to be a celebrity to buy into the ranch life. “Andre had always felt himself a ‘displaced cowboy’ in Quebec, and I was a ‘displaced Dale Evans’ from Columbus, Ohio,” Susan Patry recalls.

“So we loaded up our five kids and six favourite Morgan horses and made the journey from Quebec to B.C..” That was in 1983, when the Patrys found a run-down ranch, with Crown land on three sides, close to Merritt, in Thompson-Nicola ranch country. It took three

years of arduous family labour, but by 1986, they were open for business as a working guest ranch.

Heritage structures were repurposed and revitalized, and seven log-and-beam cabins were added for short stays or long-term leases, which can include horse boarding and integrate guests’ involvement in ranch life. “Our objective for the cabins is to attract people who, like us, share the love and enjoyment of horses and trail riding,” says Patry.

That business model is just one of the many options available to ranch buyers. According to Greg Walton, a realtor with BC Farm & Ranch Realty Corp., ranches are scattered throughout B.C., with the most desirable properties concentrated in the interior (around Merritt and Kamloops) and the Cariboo (100 Mile House, Quesnel and Williams Lake).

Some ranch owners turn to the B&B model, to boarding horses or to leasing ranch operations out for revenue, among other business opportunities available. Gord Houweling, another realtor with BC

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Most rural properties are purchased by experienced ranchers and farmers, but country living appeals to ex-urbanites, too.

Farm & Ranch Realty Corp, advises that because of the specialized knowledge needed to ranch in B.C., the vast majority of properties sell to experienced hands, as working cattle/livestock ranches. “But in recent years, we have also seen an increase in foreign investment, as well as Vancouverites looking to get away and slow down.

Buyers are interested in the nature and beauty that accompanies ranch properties and the return on the investment being made.”

Houweling says that ranch property has appreciated steadily over the last two decades, making it an excellent investment. “Generally speaking, if a ranch has a fair asking price, it will sell within 12 months. Currently, it is a very well-balanced market, with a fair number of sellers and buyers.” While prices are determined by the number of acres and geographical location, average ranch prices are typically between $2.5 and $4 million, he says.

Walton says the main reason their clients want to buy a ranch property is the amazing lifestyle. “It’s a great way to raise a family, while being your own boss and being surrounded by some of Canada’s greatest beauty and nature,” he says.

Susan Patry agrees. “The most fulfilling thing about living on a ranch has been the opportunity it provides for appreciation of the natural beauty of our land, lakes and wildlife,” she says. Of her nowgrown family, she says, “Our ranch life provided learning curves for our children as well as the skills and work ethic to make them productive and creative adults.“ 36

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SO YOU WANT TO BUY A RANCH? Consider these important factors: •

Location, climate, soil conditions, range permits and the access to water are the most important factors, as they determine your ability to produce, feed or utilize the land, says realtor Walton of the BC Farm & Ranch Realty Corp.

•

Be realistic and methodical in assessing the upgrades needed for your business or lifestyle. Establish a support team for helping with the inevitable manual labour demands, so you can enjoy vacations and outside interests, say the owners of A-P Guest Ranch.

•

Look for an agency that specializes in this type of real estate, like BC Farm & Ranch Realty Corp, Ranches Only or Land Quest Realty Corp., which can also help with advice on financing, soil analysis and other ranch-specific services.

Welcome home to Merritt, BC

Join Our Growing Number Of Active Community Members Who Have Moved From The Lower Mainland To Merritt!

In Merritt, we pride ourselves on being centrally located between Kamloops, Kelowna and Vancouver. As the gateway to the BC Interior, Merritt is often sought after as a transportation hub. With affordable housing and commercial land, Merritt City Council has the goal to double the current population within the next 10 years. We invite you to be a part of this growth!

Merritt is Currently Seeking: •

Business able to excel in a transportation hub environment

•

Industrial businesses seeking fully serviced land and able to benefit from tax exemption programs

•

Highway commercial businesses able to service the gateway to the BC interior

•

Businesses able to provide enhanced visitor products and experiences to meet the needs of thousands of guests

•

Friendly residents looking for a smaller City with large community amenities

To learn more and hear why Merritt might be the right move for you, contact: Will George, City of Merritt Manager of Economic Development Direct Line: (250) 378-8619 Email: wgeorge@merritt.ca Website: www.merritt.ca

The Best of BC’s Waterfront

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In B.C., not only is waterfront living possible and affordable, the opportunities are almost too numerous to mention.

Whether you want your waterfront retreat to be within mountain wilderness, flat desert or pristine forest, chances are it’s available. Here is our round-up of the best new waterfront developments and our favourite waterfront communities. By Robin Brunet

The waterfront of Wood Lake in Lake Country. Photo courtesy of Troika Development

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Thompson Okanagan to Kamloops

Lake Country

Photo courtesy of Troika The Landing

West Kelowna

Kelowna

The Landing at Wood Lake, Lake Country Twenty-five two- and three-bedroom town homes with rooftop terraces have a blend of contemporary and modern beach house elements—entirely appropriate, considering Troika Developments has situated this cozy community at the southern end of Wood Lake, overlooking the Okanagan Valley.

Penticton

Water feature: The Landing is part of Lake Country, one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the Okanagan.

Numbers game: In addition to the exemption from speculation tax, Lake Country has legalized short-term vacation rentals.

Number of units: 25.

Osoyoos

thelandingatwoodlake.ca

The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake, Osoyoos The Cottages, on the shores of the famously warm lake, give full access to the swimming, boating, water-skiing (plus winter skiing and nearly year-round golf) the area is known for. The homes themselves exhibit classic architecture and are being built with life’s simple pleasures, rather than lavish lifestyle features, in mind.

Water feature: The Cottages have direct access to a sandy beach and marina, and nearby Vaseux Lake provides great fishing for large-mouth bass and rainbow trout.

Number of units: 285. osoyooscottages.com Photo courtesy of The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake

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Penticton BC | SkahaHills.com

Visiting here is breathtaking.

Owning here is life changing.

This rendering is for illustration only.

PHASE III THE VISTAS

FEATURING TERRACED RANCHERS – AN EXCITING NEW CONCEPT FOR TOWNHOME STYLE LIVING. DON’T MISS OUT ON THE OKANAGAN’S HOTTEST PROPERTY.

REGISTER AT SKAHAHILLS.COM

3 Winery & Restaurant

3 Beach Access

3 Pools | Sports Courts | Fitness Club

3 Extensive Trail Network

This rendering is for illustration only.

Skaha Hills Has It All And So Can You

3 Golf

3 Amazing Views

3 Energy Efficient Homes

West Harbour, West Kelowna This 45-acre community on the west shores of Okanagan Lake is a single- and multi-family home development with 500 feet of sandy beach, an outdoor pool/spa, and a future recreation centre. It’s close to vineyards, farmers markets, dining and shopping.

Water feature: The Mediterranean-inspired designer homes are augmented by boat slips and nearby marina access.

Experts: West Harbour was created by Troika Developments of Kelowna, committed to building communities that enhance and protect their surrounding environments.

Number of units: 225.

Photo courtesy of West Harbour

westharbourkelowna.com

Tobiano, Kamloops Ranch land, mountain vistas and gently rolling landscapes are just some of the scenic attractions for residents of this master-planned community located above the shores of Kamloops Lake in the Thompson Okanagan. Tobiano is being called “home ownership with an 18,000-acre backyard.”

Water features: Residents have access to a freshwater marina, three fishing lakes, horseback riding and more.

Getting around: Homes at Tobiano are grouped into four neighbourhoods, connected by landscaped walkways and riding paths.

Number of units: 1,500. tobiano.ca

Photo courtesy of Tobiano

Skaha Hills, Penticton This master-planned community boasts an unbeatable location: on the hills above Skaha Lake. The Vistas is the development’s third neighbourhood offering and consists of one-level terraced rancher living spaces with the amazing views that the Skaha region is famous for.

Water feature: Directly north of Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake is a popular windsurfing and kiteboarding destination.

Location: In South West Penticton and offers convenient beach access as well as golf, hiking and biking trails.

Number of units: 600. skahahills.com

Photo courtesy of Skaha Hills

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Gyro Beach TOWNHOMES

URBAN LAKESIDE LIVING Live only steps from Kelowna’s finest beach and just a short walk from Pandosy Village, an urban centre buzzing with life and local culture.

Lakeside living meets urban retreat.

Surround yourself with the vibrancy that makes Kelowna one of the most desired cities in Canada.

Fill your life with more of what matters.

Enjoy privacy and lakeviews on your luxury rooftop terrace as large as 655 SF, contemporary elegance and a modern floor-plan with a private elevator accessible on all levels, from 1,475 SF to 2,075 SF in size.

Homes starting from $950,000

MORE INFORMATION

GYROBEACH.CA

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWHOME 14-3510 Landie Road, Kelowna

BOOK YOUR PRIVATE SHOWING call 250 860 2400

N OW S E LLI N G

YO U R P L ACE

The Landing at Wood Lake. Luxurious, modern beach living in a tranquil setting. It’s the perfect place to connect and share with family and friends. The Landing – Your place to call home.

Register online at

This is not an offering for sale. E&OE. Such an offering can only be made with a Disclosure Statement.

Photo courtesy of McKinley Beach

McKinley Beach, Kelowna

Paradise Estates, West Kelowna

The 872 acres of protected landscape, designated parks and trails and a gorgeous slice of waterfront make this a prime Okanagan lifestyle community. Among the various residential developments in this area, Beachhouse is a limited offering of lakeside town homes and condos combined with boutique commercial space.

Nestled between the shores of Okanagan Lake and a vineyard, 22-acre Paradise Estates was purchased in 2015 by Gasland Properties Ltd. It transformed the property into a community with 21 homes crafted around sculpted green landscaping and natural rock outcroppings.

Water feature: A kilometre of sunny beach on the east shores of Okanagan Lake.

Water features: A communal recreation area with a water feature and fireplace is the meeting point for residents; private boat slips and a sandy beach are at the doorstep.

Experts: North American Development Group is using the protected indigenous landscape and a sustainable construction process to create amenities anchored in health and nature.

In and out: The home designs make the most of their surroundings: collapsible doors invite the outdoors in, while private rooftop hot tubs provide views of the lake and mountains.

Number of units: 254.

Number of units: 21.

mckinleybeach.ca

paradiseestates.ca

Gyro Beach Townhomes, Kelowna This series of homes (each with its own private elevator and rooftop patio, in addition to contemporary open design living areas with nine-foot clear-span ceilings) is located in Kelowna’s trendy Lower Mission. This means the best of both worlds for residents, who can just as easily go to the beach for a swim as they can enjoy the more than 55 neighbourhood shops and 26 nearby places to eat.

Water feature: Directly across from popular Gyro Beach.

Work ease: Some units have been designed for home-based businesses and have separate entrances.

Number of units: 36. gyrobeach.ca Photo courtesy of Gyro Beach

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Campbell River Saratoga Beach

Vancouver Island

Nanoose Bay Nanaimo Port Alberni Tofino

Sydney Port Renfrew

Colwood Esquimalt Sooke

Victoria

Royal Bay, Colwood Once a quarry, this site is becoming a modern seaside community on a 419-acre plot with 1.3 kilometres of spectacular shoreline. The Royal Bay Community is creating a safe and walkable community for everyone from first-time buyers to seniors. A secondary school and walking trails have been developed, with shops, services and other amenities to come.

Water feature: A beach park has already been built as part of the master plan.

Experts: Gablecraft Homes is the primary builder offering heritage-inspired homes.

Number of units: 2,800. royalbay.ca

Photo courtesy of Royal Bay

The Beach House at Saratoga, Saratoga Beach This area in the Comox Valley (between Comox and Campbell River) is home to nearly five kilometres of soft sand beaches bookmarked by two provincial parks—a haven for vacationers for decades. With the 34 beautifully crafted cottages coming soon, a new generation of residents can enjoy a lifetime of vacations.

Water features: Because the beach continues for well over a mile into the Strait of Georgia, the waters are warm, shallow, and great for swimming, plus free of powerboat traffic or strong currents.

All access: The homes provide direct access to oceanfront that’s suitable for people of all ages.

Number of units: 34. saratogabeachhouse.ca 46

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Photo courtesy of Saratoga

Fairwinds, Nanoose Bay Set among the rolling hills leading directly to the bay’s waterfront (northwest of Nanaimo), this community has amenities such as award-winning golf, a private wellness centre and walking trails.

Seven hundred homes have been carefully developed here, with plans for 2,100 more spread across 750 acres.

Water feature: A full-service marina at Schooner Cove and picturesque views of the Georgia Strait and coastal mountains are part of the package here.

Location: The landscaped home lawns and the manicured fairways of the Fairwinds Golf Club contrast with natural rocky terrain.

Number of units: 2,800. fairwinds.ca

Photo courtesy of Fairwinds

Photo courtesy of SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort

Photo courtesy of Wild Coast Cottages

SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort, Sooke Wild Coast Cottages, Port Renfrew This collection of cottages and surfside yacht suites are anchored on a solid rock peninsula on the southwest tip of Vancouver Island. Residents can go diving just below their decks, and the homes are situated around a planned village centre with retail and commercial space.

Water feature: Landus Development Group Inc. is creating a true ocean community: residents see only water when they look out their windows.

Perks: The homes are built seven metres above and set back five metres from the sea.

Number of units: 103. sookepointresort.ca

This seaside community consists of two developments: Water’s Edge Cottages and Creekside Cottages, both of which take full advantage of Port Renfrew’s unique lifestyle. It has been described as a place to hang your fishing rod or grab your surfboard—an outdoor mecca full of rivers, tall trees and hiking.

Water feature: The village is centered around the local wharf.

Experts: Three Point Properties Ltd. developed Wild Coast Cottages.

Options: Choose from a mix of comfortable cottages and larger custom oceanfront homes.

Number of units: 100+ wildcoastcottages.com

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Bayview Place, Victoria Focus Equities is creating a truly unique waterfront community by combining a revived historic rail yard with a mix of residences: four towers (the fourth is now in previews) comprise 1.5 million square feet of residential space, and residents will enjoy the amenities of 70,000 square feet of commercial space.

Water feature: Bayview’s districts are oriented along Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and many of the residences have spectacular ocean views.

Perk: Downtown Victoria is only a 10-minute walk away.

Number of units: 10 high-rise towers in total. bayviewplace.com

Photo of Bayview Place courtesy of Bob Hewitt

Spirit Bay, Metchosin

Water features: Aquatic opportunities range from boating (a marina is located at the base of Spirit Bay village) to scuba diving.

The juxtaposition of ancient forest with sparkling ocean is the lure of this authentic seaside village located on the shores of the Salish Sea. The developers created a picture-postcard village in a forest clearing, with homes built to the water’s edge and augmented by narrow roads, low fences and other features that encourage human interaction.

Hotspot: Jacques Cousteau named nearby Race Rocks one of his favourite scuba spots on the Northwest Coast.

Photo courtesy of Spirit Bay

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Number of units: 400–500. spiritbay.ca

IDYLLIC ISLAND LIVING CLOSE TO VANCOUVER

Bowen Island captures the meaning of idyllic— picturesque in its natural simplicity. AND Bowen is just a short ferry ride to Vancouver where all the amenities of the city await. Our emerging community of Seymour Landing on Bowen’s sunny south side includes a public golf course, abundant hiking trails, uncrowded beaches, and stunning views of Vancouver.

Under construction—3 hillside view homes starting from $1,135,000+GST. Visit our website for more info.

Bowen Island Properties LP www.bowenislandproperties.ca 604-947-0000

Since 1988, building communities where people love to live

The place for lively community events, unique local businesses, a thriving arts scene and walkable coastal pathways.

Bordering Victoria, B.C., historic Esquimalt is the community of choice for families young and old. Its mixture of heritage buildings and modern amenities make it a great place to grow or retire.

Visit us by bike, car or harbour ferry; this seaside community is looking forward to seeing you!

EsquimaltBC TownshipofEsquimalt

Visit us at Esquimalt.ca

George Marine Residences, Gibsons Sechelt Gibsons

Bowen Island

Sunshine Coast

Think B.C. waterfront, and you might picture a community nestled amid a network of piers and pylons, foot bridges and twisting walkways— precisely the experience provided by this spot in Gibsons Landing, gateway to the Sunshine Coast. It’s a collection of one-, two-, and twobedroom-plus-den homes.

Water features: A full-service marina plus the perks (concierge services, fitness facility, fine dining) of the future George Marine Resort Hotel will be at your service.

Getting around: A brand new seawalk will connect the residences, the hotel and the marina to Gibsons.

Number of units: 40. georgegibsonsresidences.com

Rendering courtesy of The Strand. Sechelt

Photo courtesy of Edgewater

The Strand, Sechelt

Edgewater at Porpoise Bay, Sechelt

This striking collection of three-bedroom town homes includes nine two-level oceanfront residences and 11 uniquely designed four-storey ocean-view homes with private elevators. Large roof terraces provide commanding views of Trail Bay, the Salish Sea and Vancouver Island, while floor plans emphasize flow and natural light.

Surrounded by marine areas, provincial parks, and pristine shoreline, Sechelt has long been coveted as a hotspot for Sunshine Coast recreation.

This beloved artisan community is also a vibrant retail and entertainment hub—which is why Onni decided to develop this private enclave of three- and four-bedroom beachside Craftsman-style town homes.

Water feature: Nearby Snickett Park on the Sechelt waterfront is the place for beach lovers.

Water feature: The property spans more than 300 metres of beautiful shoreline.

Perks: The charm of Sechelt’s shops and restaurants is augmented by a regional hospital and other services.

Location: Soft sand, lush lawns, sculpted landscapes and full southwestern sun are features of this site.

Number of units: 20.

Number of units: 33.

thestrandsechelt.com

onni.com/edgewater

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Living on the waters of Gambier Island in Howe Sound.

Seymour Landing at Cowan Point, Bowen Island

Howe Sound

The foothills of Bowen Island’s vast Crown Lands and ecological reserve facing Seymour Bay are a key contributing factor to the beauty and security of this master-planned community of homes, town homes, cottages and cluster housing—also located close to a nine-hole golf course with ocean views and two tranquil neighbourhood beaches.

Water feature: Seymour Bay offers stunning views of Vancouver and its bridges.

Getting around: A future passenger ferry will put Vancouver a half-hour away; West Vancouver is 20 minutes away via the Bowen Island ferry.

Number of units: To be determined. bowenislandproperties.ca Photo courtesy of Bowen Island Properties Limited Partnership

Lakeside Cultus Lake Located an hour east of Vancouver and just south of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Fraser Valley and a mecca for summer recreational activity. The resort-style residences here, with private docks and on-water recreational pavilion, take full advantage of the pristine surroundings.

Fraser Valley

Water features: Each home faces the lake and, in addition to parking for two vehicles, comes with a boat slip and freehold title.

Getting around: While Vancouver is an easy drive to the west, Lakeside residents have even quicker access to the farms, villages, nature parks, and burgeoning urban centres of the Fraser Valley.

Number of units: 21. lakesidecultuslake.com Photo courtesy of Lakeside Cultus Lake

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Remember worrying which shoes went with your power suit?

Discover the new seaside village of Spirit Bay. Just 35 minutes from Victoria, our vibrant community enjoys Canada’s most temperate climate, where you can be on the water, hiking in an ancient forest or fishing for crab every day of the year, or working on your next great novel on your deck, while sipping a latte and skipping gridlock.

With jawdropping views, a gorgeous array of home designs and an authentic village feel, Spirit Bay just might be your perfect primary residence, live/work or vacation home.

Call now to find out more and set up a visit.

Register for a personal tour

info@spiritbay.ca 1.855.744.6888 www.spiritbay.ca

Spirit Bay is exempt from the Speculation Tax, Foreign Buyers Tax and GST* *Some exceptions may apply

Ask about commercial opportunities in our new Town Centre.

Waterfront Communities We Love Here are some of our favourite waterfront towns and cities in B.C.

Photo courtesy of Esquimalt

VANCOUVER ISLAND

SUNSHINE COAST

Campbell River

Parksville/Qualicum

Gibsons

Waterfront: Discovery Passage Move for: Fishing in the salmon capital of the world.

Waterfront: Strait of Georgia Move for: Sandy beaches and hiking/ biking trails.

Waterfront: Gibsons Harbour/Strait of Georgia Move for: Paddling, fishing, boating.

Courtenay/Comox

Port McNeill

Waterfront: Strait of Georgia Move for: Stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking.

Waterfront: Queen Charlotte Strait Move for: Ocean fishing charters, coastal hiking trails.

Cowichan Bay

Port Alice

Waterfront: Cowichan Bay Move for: Beachcombing, scuba diving, boating.

Waterfront: Neroutsos Inlet Move for: World-class saltwater fishing.

Cowichan Lake Waterfront: Cowichan Lake Move for: Some of the best flyfishing in Canada.

Nanaimo Waterfront: Nanaimo Harbour Move for: Whale watching, sailing, beaches, paddling.

Tofino/Ucluelet Waterfront: Clayoquot Sound Move for: Pacific Rim National Park, storm watching and surfing.

Victoria Waterfront: Inner Harbour, Ogden Point Move for: Floatplane access to Lower Mainland; nearby communities include Esquimalt, Colwood, Oak Bay, Saanich and Sidney.

Sechelt Waterfront: Davis Bay/Strait of Georgia Move for: Surfing the Sechelt Rapids in Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park.

Powell River Waterfront: Salish Sea Move for: More than 36 regional lakes, fjordlike scenery and canoeing.

NORTH COAST Masset Waterfront: Dixon Entrance Move for: Fly fishing in Naikoon Provincial Park.

Prince Rupert Waterfront: Prince Rupert Harbour/Skeena River Move for: Photography while cruising in Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary.

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TRUST RELATIONSHIP KNOWLEDGE & SKILL EXEMPLARY SERVICE SATISFACTION

Lisa

HYDE-LAY

B.Sc., B.Ed.

Victoria, BC. HydeLay.com 250-818-7322 lisa@hydelay.com

YOUR LOCAL SOUTH OKANAGAN & KOOTENAYS REAL ESTATE EXPERTS WITH OFFICES IN OSOYOOS AND GREENWOOD Osoyoos: 8317A Main St. Ph: 250.495.2100

Greenwood: 101 Government Ave. S. Ph: 250.445.9994

TO LK EAN A W OC THE

Own a Single Family Home in the master planned community of Royal Bay – Yes, it is within your reach!

NEW PHASE NOW SELLING GableCraft Homes is a dynamic home builder committed to creating safe, sustainable and welcoming communities. Each home at Royal Bay is defined by timeless architecture and modern interiors, tailored for maximum livability. Enjoy life and make the most of the stunning seaside setting just a short walk away.

GableCraft HomeStore

WITH SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES STARTING from

$659,900 INCL. GST

778.265.8350

3549 RYDER HESJEDAL WAY | COLWOOD, BC

Monday to Thursday 2 to 8pm Closed Friday Sat, Sun & Holidays Noon to 5pm

REGISTER TODAY

GableCraftHomes.ca/RoyalBay

Pricing, availability, features, exterior and promotion (if available) may change without notice. Photos and renderings may not reflect actual final product.

The developer reserves the right to make changes to the information contained herein. Please see our sales representative for full details. E. &. O. E.

SHUSWAP Blind Bay Waterfront: Blind Bay Move for: Golfing, water-skiing and beaches.

Salmon Arm Waterfront: Shuswap Lake Move for: Camping, dragon boat racing, paddling.

Gibsons

THOMPSON OKANAGAN

Sicamous Waterfront: Mara Lake/Shuswap Lake Move for: Houseboating, water-skiing and wakeboarding, fishing.

Kamloops

Summerland

CARIBOO

Waterfront: North/South Thompson Rivers, Kamloops Lake Move for: Lake and river boat launches; floatplane dock on Thompson River.

Waterfront: Okanagan Lake Move for: Jet-skiing, paddling, beaches.

Williams Lake

Kelowna Waterfront: Okanagan Lake Move for: Beaches, wakeboarding, snorkelling.

Lake Country Waterfront: Wood Lake/Kalamalka Lake/ Okanagan Lake Move for: Beach picnics/sports, swimming, boating.

Osoyoos Waterfront: Osoyoos Lake Move for: Warm freshwater lake, wakeboarding.

Penticton Waterfront: Okanagan/Skaha Lakes Move for: Banana boating, parasailing, wakeboarding, tubing.

GULF ISLANDS/ HOWE SOUND

Waterfront: Williams Lake Move for: Paddling, picnicking and beaches on Scout Island.

Bowen Island

KOOTENAYS

Waterfront: Howe Sound Move for: Scuba diving, beachcombing.

Gambier Island Waterfront: Howe Sound Move for: Privacy, since it’s boat-only access.

Saltspring Island Waterfront: Ganges Harbour; Strait of Georgia Move for: Island life, paddleboarding, fishing.

Christina Lake Waterfront: Christina Lake Move for: One of the warmest and cleanest lakes in B.C., plus endless watersports.

Nelson Waterfront: Kootenay Lake Move for: Windsurfing on the lake’s west arm, annual regatta, diving.

COLUMBIA VALLEY FRASER VALLEY Invermere

Harrison Hot Springs

Waterfront: Windermere Lake Move for: Boating, hot springs, rafting

Waterfront: Harrison Lake Move for: Sandy beaches, water parks, hot springs.

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WILDEN: DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT Kelowna’s iconic mountainside community is the vision of the Blenk Development Corp., now in its second generation of family leadership. Here’s how they did it.

By Nikki Bayley When I ask Karin Eger-Blenk, director of Blenk Development Corp. and Wilden marketing manager, about the first time she saw the land that became one of Kelowna’s most family-friendly communities, her face lights up in recollection. “I was eight months pregnant and my brother and dad dragged me up and down the hills. I remember thinking: ‘This is crazy. This is all wild! It’s forest, rocks and hills… how will they build a village here?’”

That was back in 1995, after Eger-Blenk’s father, Gerhard Blenk, had spent almost a decade patiently buying up around 50 parcels of

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land to create what is now a master-planned development spread across 1,500 acres.

Eger-Blenk confesses that it had never been in her own master plan to live in Canada. Running a successful marketing agency in Germany with her husband, her life seemed settled. But frequent visits to her parents led to a change of heart. “In 2013, dad was well over 70, and I could see he’d earned his retirement, so I came out to help. I wanted to take that responsibility from his shoulders.” Blenk senior still takes part in big decisions, and like the rest of the team, lives in Wilden.

Photo courtesy of Wilden

WILDEN 101 •

Wilden is the largest master-planned community in the Okanagan Valley, with a blend of townhouses, single family homes and stunning properties boasting pools and lake views.

•

Neighbourhoods are surrounded by mountains and forests, either overlooking lush farmland and glacier-carved hoodoos or sparkling Okanagan Lake.

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There are more than 1,000 acres of trails and parkland to explore.

Karin Eger-Blenk walks her dogs each morning in the hills surrounding Wilden. Photo courtesy of Wilden

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A Community is Born The first homes were built at Hidden Lake in 2003, surrounded by a tangle of pines high above Kelowna. Now holding some 800 homes, and in its third phase, Wilden is shifting from housing development to being a complete community, with nearly 3,000 units in total planned. EgerBlenk says, “I’m hoping we soon get re-zoning so we can work on this part of the plan, but we want everything a community needs to be self-sustaining: a school, child care, a market square area.”

It’s easy to catch her enthusiasm in Wilden’s Rocky Point Drive centre, as she uses a laser pointer to show me the market’s location on a 3D rendering of the master plan. I’m already imagining future visits there to shop for perfect Okanagan peaches and cherries… when she explains that vision is at least five years away. “I’ve had to learn so much patience in this business!” she smiles ruefully. “We’re always shifting a little, but we’re guided by the masterplan.”

She also points out the hills just beyond her backyard, where she goes hiking each morning with her dogs. “But still I can drive downtown to my yoga studio in exactly 12 minutes! In Europe, to have those cultural offerings you get with a city close by but still live in nature, it just doesn’t happen.”

Nature Out Your Back Door Connection to nature is a guiding principal at Wilden. Over the next 20 years, density will rise, but plenty of land is earmarked for parkland or trails. Wilden’s commitment to conservation goes well beyond lip service. It has a long, proven history of working with nature conservation and environmental advisors to create a managed wildlife corridor, with features including a “turtle tunnel” under the main road and investment in reclaiming wetland ponds to maintain waterfowl and beaver populations.

That attention to environmental detail is something that EgerBlenk has made her own since taking over the reins. With her work on the innovative Wilden Living Lab, a research project on sustainable home building, she says, “I’m sticking to the plan but taking it to a new era. Energy efficiency is so important, we have to keep looking at what makes most sense and moving forward with innovation.”

Before I leave, I take a look at the new Okanagan Modern-style home designs (a shift from the original Craftsman-inspired designs). They took three years to complete, use natural materials like stone and wood and have lower roof pitches and larger overhangs.

There’s an easy parallel to be drawn between the slow, sensitive speed of development here and the easy-paced Okanagan lifestyle, “I had to learn it’s better this way,” smiles Eger-Blenk. “We aren’t rushing anything.”

ABOVE The Wilden team in 2004. BELOW Wilden today. Photos courtesy of Wilden

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“Our family’s Pan-Abode has stood the test of time, is still able to impress and is our most prized possession. We use it many weekends in the coldest of winters and we still get compliments on how cozy and comfortable it is.”

- J. PENDLETON

The Original www.panabode.com 1.800.665.0660

Building Original Memories Since 1948

High on Summer

Seven four-season B.C. mountain towns that have it all.

By Steve Threndyle Summer in British Columbia’s mountains is a sight to behold. Wildflowers with descriptive names—purple lupine, yellow aster and brown-eyed Susan—explode with colour in rolling meadows. The high-pitched whistles of marmots and chattering grey jays echo among the rocks. Emerald, turquoise, and jade lakes reflect rugged slate peaks still wreathed by late-winter snows. Cascading waterfalls rush into clear mountain streams, where silvery trout surface to snap at newly hatched insects.

Chairlifts, gondolas, old logging roads and well-defined hiking trails connect vibrant villages with distant mountain peaks. The colourful canopies flown by expert paragliders hover above the summits. Mountain bikers weave around rocks and over roots, while hikers spread across the serpentine trails to airy alpine passes.

Indeed, it’s often the summer months that turns B.C. visitors into residents. Downsizers, part-timers, people looking for a legacy property for the grandkids—there are many good reasons to relocate to these four-season resort towns.

A recent RE/MAX survey of Western Canadians conducted by Leger revealed that 71 per cent of those interested in purchasing a mountain property are looking for all-season resort capabilities. Here are seven places that fit the bill.

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Photo courtesy of Tourism Rossland/Ryan Flett

ROSSLAND Tucked into the Selkirk Mountains several hundred metres above the mighty Columbia River, Rossland is a throwback to the glory days of silver mining, with heritage buildings first built in the 19th century (and since lovingly restored). Find mine shafts and old shacks on the slopes of Red Mountain, just west of town. Early Norwegian immigrants held ski-jumping contests as far back as 1908, and Red Mountain’s steep slopes have produced many members of Canada’s national alpine ski team.

any moss, however. Meet them at the weekly Farmers Market on Thursdays, or join the Friends of the Rossland Range Society, to participate in wilderness activities and help maintain local cabins and warming shelters. Craft beer from award-winning Rossland Beer Company helps lubricate summer adventures, too.

d n a l s s o R SUMMER FUN: The summer months see a slowing of activity from the downhill skiing action, but you won’t see the locals gathering

LOCAL’S CHOICE: Ultra-fit mountain bikers can tackle the 35-kilometre Seven Summits trail, which rolls along a series of peaks in the Rossland range.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Redstone, the community next to the eponymous Les Furber-designed golf course, has three-bedroom town homes from $399,000.

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n e d l Go

The Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, BC. Photo courtesy of Kari Medig/Destination BC

GOLDEN

REVELSTOKE

Located at the crossroads of the Trans-Canada Highway and B.C. provincial Highway 95, Golden actually attracts more visitors from Alberta than British Columbia. This pretty mountain town is an easy drive to Glacier, Banff and Kootenay National parks.

Revelstoke lays historical claim to two of Canada’s most significant public works projects: the Trans-Canada Highway and the Columbia River dam. Canada’s most rugged alpine scenery is found near the top of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park, and Mount Revelstoke National Park holds one of the very few places where you can drive right to an alpine meadow—no hiking required. Revelstoke is a true railroad town, housing families directly tied to the transportation industry. It even has a railway heritage museum with a painstakingly restored steam engine.

SUMMER FUN: Golden becomes a new kind of adventure sport playground in summer. The frothing rapids of the Kicking Horse River draw whitewater kayakers and commercial river-rafting companies. Paragliders drift lazily on rising columns of air (known as thermals) from a launch point on Mount Seven, a short drive from the centre of town. It’s also the jumping-off point for many fly-in, remote alpine lodges, such as the elegant Purcell Lodge. You don’t need a helicopter to find great views, though. The half-hour drive to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort leads to one of Canada’s most spectacular high mountain restaurants, the Eagle’s Eye. LOCAL SECRET: Visit Edelweiss Village, a collection of six alpine cabins built in the early 20th century to house Swiss guides employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway to take well-heeled rail tourists on hikes. The former home of famous guide Walter Feuz has been lovingly restored with his own memorabilia.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Rocky Pointe mountain-view condos, now selling into phase 2 (with projected completion in summer 2019), has two-bedroom, two-bath units from $287,500.

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SUMMER FUN: Revelstoke has benefitted from telecommuters and other professionals moving here to escape city noise, traffic and the high cost of housing. Since the opening of Sun Peaks more than a decade ago, the town’s fortunes have also been bolstered by small businesses such as Mount Begbie Brewing Company and a host of new restaurants in its revived downtown.

LOCAL SECRET: Revelstoke boasts outstanding single-track trails that don’t require the lung capacity of an Olympic athlete to enjoy.

West of town, across the Columbia River, 40 kilometres of trail suitable for all abilities have been designed and maintained by the local mountain bike club.

Revy

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Mackenzie Village, just minutes from the resort and downtown Revelstoke, contained 46 units in phase 1, with phase 2 coming soon.

Fernie FERNIE

KIMBERLEY

Nestled in the Elk Range, a sub-range of the Rocky Mountains, Fernie is one of the rare B.C. resort towns that has successfully balanced the needs of tourism, a regional service economy and traditional resource extraction. (Teck’s massive coal mine is less than an hour away.) The bowls and trails of nearby Fernie Alpine Resort tower over the town but, come summer, Fernie’s valley attractions become more abundant. The town is steeped in a rich mining history and many of its downtown businesses retain heritage facades of red brick and limestone, as does its courthouse.

Named after the legendary South African mining property, this town of 7,500, located just below North Star Mountain, was tied directly to the Sullivan mine, the world’s largest silver and lead operation.

Since the mine closed in 2001, Kimberley has weathered an outflow of workers and their families, but flattened home values have created fantastic opportunities: for telecommuters, or those with jobs in Cranbrook, about a half-hour drive away. In what is surely a sign of the times, the old mine site is now home to a photovoltaic solar farm.

SUMMER FUN: Fernie is as fanatic about one summer activity as anything that happens in the winter—and that’s fly fishing. There are at least three top fishing guides in town, and if you’re feeling cocky you can always try and find secret spots on your own. Once the snow clears from the high alpine passes, Fernie also boasts one of the most spectacular long-alpine hiking trails in the province: 21-kilometre Heiko’s Trail is named for Heiko Soicher, the onetime owner of Fernie Alpine Resort; with 1,200 vertical metres in elevation gain, it’s not for the faint of heart.

SUMMER FUN: Due to its higher elevation, Kimberley has a cooler, somewhat wetter climate than communities in the nearby Columbia Valley. That makes perfect golfing weather at one of the five golf courses within an hour drive of town. Because the ski resort demands plenty of accommodations, staying in Kimberley is surprisingly affordable. The so-called Bavarian City of the Rockies has an architectural style that is reminiscent of the Alps, with a pedestrian-only platzl in the centre of town bustling with cultural activity (such as a talented theatre guild) in the summer.

LOCAL’S CHOICE: Splurge on a trip to nearby Island Lake Lodge, a five-star mountain retreat that is known as much for its cuisine as it is for its fantastic hiking trails.

LOCAL’S CHOICE: Kimberley Nature Park is British Columbia’s largest urban park: it’s three times the size of Stanley Park in Vancouver.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Montane, close to Fernie and the mountain, has a few lots left in phase 4, priced from $218,000 to $288,000.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Dream Catcher, located between Trickle Creek Golf Course and the ski resort, has lots starting at $118,000.

Kimberl

A canoe on Island Lake at Island Lake Lodge near Fernie, BC. Photo courtesy of Kari Medig/Destination BC

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Sun Peaks SUN PEAKS

In the mid-1990s, the resort-development world was shocked when Olympic gold medalist Nancy Greene-Raine and her husband, former National Team coach Al Raine, pulled up stakes and moved away from Whistler, where they had been successful owning and operating the Nancy Green Olympic Lodge and playing a role in the municipality’s growth. They left for Sun Peaks, where they’ve repeated the same successful pattern: redeveloping and building a thriving resort community out of the B.C. wilderness.

SUMMER FUN: Summer activities bloom with Sun Peaks’ fabulous display of alpine wildflowers, beginning in early July and reaching full glory about three weeks later. A fine network of walking and hiking trails fans out across Mount Tod. In some places, the flowers grow to knee or waist high. There’s a highly regarded 18-hole golf course and there are mountain bike trails for both downhill free riders and cross-country enthusiasts. While many employees are winter seasonal, a core community of Sun Peaks residents keeps an informal calendar of barbecues, fundraisers and social events over the summer.

LOCAL’S CHOICE: In need of a refreshing swim in a mountain lake after a demanding day at the bike park? Drive down towards Heffley Lake, a peaceful, clear body of water with outstanding fishing and a small beach accessed from an adjoining Forest Service campground.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Elevation, on the Burfield side of the mountain, has one-bedroom condos from $399,000 and three-bedroom condos from $659,000.

Sun Peaks. Photo courtesy Kelly Funk

Whistler WHISTLER

Until the early 1980s, the only summer visitors Whistler received were ski racers training on a small glacier that has long since melted. That all changed in 1980, when trails were cut on Blackcomb Mountain and a brand-new pedestrian-only village boomed, filled with designer boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.

SUMMER FUN: It’s easy to see why Whistler now attracts more visitors from Victoria Day through Labour Day than it does during the winter—there’s so much to do. Nicklaus North, the Whistler Golf Club and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler are three of the best mountain courses in the world. Stand-up paddlers, canoeists, kayakers and floating beach toys can be found on Alta, Alpha and Lost Lakes. As for mountain biking and hiking, hundreds of kilometres of single track, machine-made trails loop around the Lost Lake Nordic Centre and the high alpine trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Whistler’s glamorous profile gets a dramatic boost every time a TV show like The Bachelor rolls into town.

LOCAL SECRET: If it’s raining, seek out the action-packed exhibits at the Whistler Museum. It celebrates early fishing days of Alta Lake Lodge, the pioneering skiing/climbing community and milestones like the 2010 Winter Games. For world-class art and architecture, check out the Audain Museum.

NEW DEVELOPMENT: Wedgewoods, just north of Whistler, has large lots in phases 4 and 5 from $660,000 to $1,995,000.

Golfing in Whistler. Photo courtesy Destination BC/Blake Jorgenson

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HIDDEN JEWEL

CANADA’S WARMEST WELCOME The town’s slogan doesn’t just refer to Osoyoos’s soaring summer temperatures or record-warm lake temperatures: it might just be one of B.C.’s coziest small towns.

By Nikki Bayley “It’s about friendliness, safety and security here, it’s really about looking after each other,” says Ingrid Jarrett, who moved from Kelowna to Osoyoos 12 years ago to take her former role of general manager and vice president business development at Watermark Beach Resort. “I’ve seen a lot of growth since I moved,” says Jarrett, describing Osoyoos as a safe, walkable community.

“From a hospital to schools and a senior’s centre, all the supporting services are here.”

With a population of just 5,085, the hub of Canada’s only semi-arid desert region has long drawn snowbirds to the area. With average single family home prices that have crept up more slowly here (and are still under the $400,000 mark), Osoyoos is now on the radar for younger families seeking the laid-back Okanagan lifestyle without the sticker-shock. Developers are taking

Photo courtesy of City of Osoyoos

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notice: there are five new developments currently in the approval process, which will add town homes, single-family houses, dedicated year-round rentals and commercial and residential units to the town.

Home for thousands of years to its indigenous population, the area’s first European contact came in 1811. American fur traders from the Pacific Fur Company, followed by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1820s, built an Okanagan Valley trade route that lasted through the boom and bust of the gold rush era of the 1860s. After the first World War, B.C. premier “Honest” John Oliver commissioned an irrigation canal, which transformed the South Okanagan from arid scrublands to a lush fruit-growing and winery region.

Beyond the obvious pleasures of the lake,

locals hike the tranquil Okanagan River and climb Mount Kobau; they e-bike cruise along Black Sage Road or take a Spandex-clad endurance ride up punishing Anarchist Mountain. The adventurous can add hula-hooping classes, dragon boating and snowshoeing and snowboarding to the mix, according to Crystal Coverdale, a Qualicum Beach native who relocated to Osoyoos in 2017, after living in both Vancouver and Scotland, to work at Moon Curser Vineyards.

“People often just think about Osoyoos being great in summer, but I’ve found it’s stunning all year-round,” says Coverdale.

She describes winter “icebows” as “basically little rainbows you sometimes see shooting straight up from the frozen lake.”

From summer desert heat to winter wonders like that, maybe you really can find gold at the end of a rainbow.

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BY WORLD-CLASS EVERYTHING ELSE. You’re probably aware of our award-winning golf courses. What you may not know is that those 36 challenging holes are located in the heart of a vibrant community loaded with the finest amenities. Enjoy luxurious all-suite accommodations, endless biking and hiking trails, tennis, pickleball, yoga, visits to surrounding wineries, and a delicious meal at one of our celebrated restaurants.

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