summer 2021
LIVE, WORK , PLAY: 13 RESORT COMMUNITIES
where
revitalization thrives
Home Design Goes High-tech l Hot Summer Sports and Gear l Do Rental Suites Pay?
YES!
CHOOSEPORTALBERNI.CA • #EXPLOREPORTALBERNI
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Las Ventanas
Integrating unique building technologies, such as Timber Frame, Log Homes, & efficient Wall Panel construction, the Discovery Dream Homes team has perfected the balance between sustainability and affordability.
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WHAT’S INSIDE Summer 2021
A winery in the Creston Valley. Photo: Destination BC/Dave Heath
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Summer 2021
Up Front
Departments
Features
8 Publisher’s Letter
14 Waterfront Lots: map and listings
20 New Dimensions in Home Design
10 Dispatches
18 Eat + Drink: marina restaurants
28 Resort Living, Year-Round
26 Finance: rental suites
38 What Revitalization Looks Like
46 Seven Summer Sports for 2021 50 Hidden Jewel: Balfour
Summer 2021 Right Sizing
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Publisher, Founder Editor Head Designer Online Design Proofreader Digital Media Manager Video Production
Y
ou likely know us as British Columbia’s only publication that focuses on homes and living in smaller communities; yet, over the past three years, we have also developed a huge online resource centre at rightsizingmedia.com. It’s a convenient and comprehensive place to start dreaming and thinking about your next move, especially if you’re looking to escape the big city to find your new piece of paradise, and everything that goes along with it. Our web site is one of the largest one-stop content aggregators of its kind, with listings for hundreds of communities, residential developments, retirement communities, tiny homes plus stories about the joys of living, working and playing in the province’s right-sized communities. Our Community Resource section alone contains invaluable snapshots of B.C. towns and cities: a brief description on each community, statistics, location and municipal services information, plus work, play and cultural amenities. We also include residential property values, real estate listings, local builders and links to related stories that have appeared in our magazine pages. Did I mention we’ve also assembled the largest collection anywhere of videos for individual B.C. communities and developments? For your convenience, all of our back issues are available in dynamic digital flip-book versions, along with searchable web pages for our stories, making it easy to locate that story you recall reading a few months ago and meant to save. The magazine you’re now reading is really just a teaser for all the other valuable information we curate on an ongoing basis. A recent discussion with a web-analytics consultant brought home for me the still-profound power of magazines. As he put it, you can find almost anything you want through web-search engines—if you know what you’re looking for. But if you have a general interest in learning about B.C. communities and the latest news on what’s available and happening there, our magazine can introduce you to stories you haven’t considered, heard about or searched. Perhaps a story about a close-to-home island retreat in Howe Sound (see page 12) will catch your eye. Or a piece about a thriving town that you may never have heard of in the Kootenays (see page 50) or an affordable piece of waterfront property (see page 14). We’re constantly hearing from our readers that they have found something new in our pages that they have since embraced in their own lives. We’re capturing things you didn’t yet know about—before you even knew you needed to know about them. As the weather turns warm and the pandemic restrictions ease, we encourage you (with appropriate health and safety measures) to explore some new right-sizing opportunities. Check out a new community, consider working from afar, try a new sport, investigate building your dream home... Be adventurous, be bold, be safe and have fun this summer. Steve Dietrich Publisher
Steve Dietrich Charlene Rooke Amélie Légaré John Magill Lisa Manfield Charity Robertson Chris Dietrich
Writers Michelle Hopkins, Gail Johnson, Matt O’Grady, Tracey Rayson, Kate Robertson, Steve Threndyle, Michael White Advertising Sales 604-787-4603
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Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Subscriptions rightsizingmedia.com/magazine/subscribe Distribution To The Globe and Mail and National Post subscribers within Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, Victoria, Kelowna and Calgary, Air Canada Lounges, select realtor and brokerage offices, select newsstands and events. To distribute Right Sizing magazine in larger quantities within your location please call 604-787-4603. Printer Central Web
Right Sizing magazine, established 2018. The magazine will be published four times per year by Publimedia Communications Inc., established 1996. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, or the staff. All editorial is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The publisher is not responsible for any liability associated with any editorial or products and services offered by any advertiser. Editorial submissions will be considered, please send them to the publisher. Copyright© 2021 Publimedia Communications Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The publisher and printer will not be responsible for any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, spot colouring or any misinformation provided by advertisers. Website www.RightSizingMedia.com Cover Image Squamish, B.C. Photo: Destination BC/Mitch Winton
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Right Sizing
Summer 2021
PROMOTIONAL CONTENT
The Word is Out About Cranbrook This affordable yet growing city continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts as its economic base expands
Top 14 Reasons to Choose Cranbrook
Local Statistics
1. 2. 3.
Population 21,308 (2019)
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
World class scenery 2,229 hours annually of sunshine Paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: ski, fish, mountain bike, swim, paddle, float, boat, sled, snowshoe and more. A true mountain golf destination with 8 golf courses within a 32-kilometre radius. Experience wildlife viewing at its best. The St. Mary River offers some the best trout fly fishing in the world. College of the Rockies and a young, dynamic, and well educated workforce. We are the basecamp for the Kootenays. The 600-seat Key City Theatre and a 4,500-seat hockey arena: The entertainment capital of the Kootenays. East Kootenay Regional Hospital with 24-hour emergency, Level 3 laboratory, acute and obstetrical care. Canadian Rockies International Airport, which is the second fastest-growing airport in all of Canada. Flights to Vancouver (1 hour), Kelowna (1 hour) and Calgary (30 minutes). Low corporate taxes and a stable business environment. Fast and efficient permitting and development approvals.
Infrastructure Investment $50M over the last five years Building Permits $93M 2020 – All-time high Over $245M in the last five years 5 Straight years of year over year growth Average Home Price $374 ,900.00* Number of Schools 10 Public Schools, 2 Private Schools
(250) 919-9792 Darren.Brewer@cranbrook.ca
P: Abby Cooper
P: Jeremy Koreski
P: Abby Cooper
Darren Brewer Business Development Officer
Population Growth 3.8% (2011-16)
WWW.CHOOSECRANBROOK.CA
A Towering Development In the works since 2002 (when Intrawest envisioned golfcourse homes on Tower-family ranch lands on the east of Kelowna), Tower Ranch is a vibrant reality today. With the Tower Ranch Golf and Country Club as a hub since 2007, Dilworth Homes move-in ready Express Homes, custom homes and semi-detached town home communities like Tallgrass Ridge have been thoughtfully developed. Now, Solstice at Tower Ranch is selling its final phase; watch for Kuipers Peak at South Ridge offerings coming up this year. dilworthhomes.com, solsticetowerranch.com
Trail. Photo: Wikipedia
Buy here
Average assessed single-family home value in Kelowna: $650,000 (+3%).*
Dispatches
A West Kootenay Gem
>>
Photo: Tower Ranch
Where can you still buy a home in B.C. for around $250,000, find worldclass sport fishing, ski at Red Mountain Resort in winter and hike or bike hundreds of kilometres of single track? Trail is that Kootenay gem, where we recently spotted several listings around the $250,000 mark, including three-bedroom and quaint vintage homes. The Teck Resources plant there is one of the world’s largest zinc and lead smelting and refining facilities—and a source of many great, well-paying local jobs. trail.ca
Buy here
2020 average assessed single-family home value in Trail: $230,000 (+12%).*
Columbia Valley Rediscovered Long the playground of vacationing Albertans, the Columbia Valley region of the East Kootenay is being discovered by a new generation of B.C.’s urban expats, who no longer need to work in city offices. Spectacular mountain settings, world-class recreational opportunities and affordable homes are all part of the draw. Local buzz has it Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, a jewel of the region (and one B.C.’s top fly-in communities with its own airstrip) may be eyeing a revitalization in the future. columbiavalley.com, rdek.bc.ca
A paraglider over Mt. Swansea in Invermere. Photo: Destination BC/Kari Medig
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Buy here
Average assessed single-family home value in Invermere: $418,000 (+3%) and Cranbrook: $327,000 (+6%).*
Right Sizing
Summer 2021
How House-building Costs Stack Up According to data from Altus Group, which provides technology solutions to the real-estate industry, building a single-family home in a major Canadian city can cost from $90 to $260 a square foot, for a stock home plan build from a production builder. Custom builds can range from $250 to more than $1,000 per square foot. Builders like Discovery Dream Homes also offer packaged custom homes nationally. altusgroup.com/services/ reports/2020-canadian-cost-guide, discoverydreamhomes.com
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Production Single-Family Home (Stock Home Plans)
Custom-Built Single-Family
Vancouver area
$145 - $260/sq ft
$430 - $1090/sq ft
Calgary
$125 - $185/sq ft
$405 - $860/sq ft $405 - $860/sq ft
Home Type
Edmonton
$130 - $185/sq ft
Winnipeg
$125 - $190/sq ft
$410 - $860/sq ft
Toronto/GTA
$115 - $215/sq ft
$400 - $900/sq ft
Ottawa/Gatineau
$120 - $195/sq ft
$435 - $910/sq ft
Montreal
$105 - $180/sq ft
$390 - $800/sq ft
Halifax
$90 - $150/sq ft
$250 - $500/sq ft
Packaged custom home.
Buy here
Source: Altus Group 2020 Canadian Cost Guide.
Average assessed single-family home value in City of Langley: $838,000 (+4%); Township of Langley: $986,000 (+7%).*
One-stop Sip, Snack and Shop
>>
A few kilometres north of Oliver, Canada’s first “wine village” opens this summer: a hub of tasting rooms (for wine, beer and even craft spirits), patios, shops and entertainment. District Wine Village, the vision of Penticton-based Greyback Construction (which has built many area wineries), will also host a weekly farmers market and in winter, a skating rink. District, which is based on similar wine-country hubs in California and Washington, will eventually hold a dozen producers. districtwinevillage.com
Photo: districtwinevillage.com
Passport to Safe Summer Tasting
Buy here
Average assessed single-family home value in Oliver: $416,000 (+7%).*
>>
If safe local travel in the interior of B.C. is on your summer itinerary, the Okanagan Wine Passport can save around $300 on wine-tasting costs. For $55, it gives the holder access to a complimentary tasting at 35 wineries in the Okanagan Valley: from Lake Country to Kelowna and West Kelowna; from Peachland and Summerland to Penticton and Naramata; and south from Kaleden and Okanagan Falls to Oliver and Osoyoos. Always verify local travel rules and winery policies around reservations and booking. Buy now: available in limited quantities. uncorkbc.com
Buy here
Average assessed single-family home value in West Kelowna: $632,000 (+4%).* *as per BC Assessment 2021 values, as of July 1, 2020
Summer 2021 Right Sizing
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Global Trends: Home Prices According to Global Property Guide, hot Canadian housing prices still barely crack the global top 20 for growth over the last five years. Check out more stats at globalpropertyguide.com. 5 Year Growth in Home Price*
Auckland, New Zealand
47.84%
Berlin, Germany
47.6%
Columbo, Sri Lanka
42.45%
Lisbon, Portugal
42.11%
Valleta, Malta
41.89%
Luxembourg
41.28%
Iceland
38.42%
Prague, Czech Republic
37.75%
Bratislava, Slovakia
36.52%
Amsterdam, Netherlands
33.64%
Tallinn, Estonia
33.60%
Dublin, Ireland
31.38%
Zagreb, Croatia
30.66%
Ljubljana, Slovenia
30.13%
Bucharest, Romania
28.86%
Toronto, Canada
28.65%
Sophia, Bulgaria
28.29%
Beijing, China
26.10%
Warsaw, Poland
25.57%
Tokyo, Japan
24.97%
*Adjusted for inflation. Source: globalpropertyguide.com/home-price-trends
Photo: Joe Hepburn/Unsplash
>>
City/Country
The Right Kind of Care Pandemic headlines over the past year created concern about residences for older Canadians. Many hotspots were in longterm care facilities, defined as housing for seniors who need 24-7 help and care. A seniors or retirement home, on the other hand, is a residence for older Canadians who live quite independently, though medical and housekeeping services may be offered. In addition, many lifestyle communities in B.C. are “55plus” developments, with active residents and communities of people at the same stage of life. Check our database for listings: rightsizingmedia.com/resources/retirement
Search here
Our comprehensive senior-living database includes 125 communities in B.C.
The New Bedroom Communities
>>
No longer does living in a bedroom community mean driving to a landlocked suburb. From Horseshoe Bay to Britannia, Furry Creek and Squamish; and from Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast to Bowen, Gambier, Keats and other Howe Sound islands; today’s Vancouveradjacent living options have water views and short commutes. If the Howe Sound Biosphere Initiative succeeds in supporting the region’s application to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it will become a global blueprint for conservation, First Nations reconciliation and sustainable development. howesoundbri.org
Buy here
Lions Bay. Photo: Craig Doherty, realtor in Lions Bay
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2020 average assessed single-family home value in Squamish: $1,026,000 (+10%).*
Burns Lake This charming tight-knit community has affordable homes and lots, and boasts employment and business opportunities that make it ideal for young families and entrepreneurs. Recent listing: An excellent opportunity to own lakefront property is situated on the pristine shores of Francois Lake. Choose from one of eight newly subdivided waterfront lots, ranging in size from 2.5 to 5 acres—all with road access, power to the lot line and picturesque views. $130,000.
Telegraph Cove This picturesque village is tucked away on the eastern coast of Northern Vancouver Island and bustles with whale watchers, fishermen, boaters, campers and kayakers during the summer. Recent listing: Watch whales, dolphins, eagles and salmon jumping, all from your future home on this huge oceanfront lot, with views to Ella Beach in Johnstone Strait; included is use of a newly created park on Ella Bay, exclusive to owners in the development. $238,800.
Halfmoon Bay This small village of 2,800 residents on the Sunshine Coast is known for pristine coastal rainforest and a lovely shoreline on a large, scalloped bay protected from the open sea by South Thormanby Island and Vancouver Island. Recent listing: A stunning south-facing low-bank waterfront lot (just under one acre, zoning for two family dwellings) is situated in the heart of Historic Halfmoon Bay, walking distance to the general store and only a 45-minute drive to the ferry terminal. $989,900.
WATERFRONT BUILDING LOTS B.C. is still full of great opportunities to secure a waterfront property and build your dream getaway or forever home: here are just a few of the typical offerings at market this summer. By Right Sizing Staff For direct links to all listings, go to rightsizingmedia.com/waterfront
Bamfield Bamfield is a tiny resort hamlet nestled in the heart of Pacific Rim National Park on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, 89 kilometres from Port Alberni. Recent listing: The perfect oceanfront property to build your West Coast retreat, this lot is situated on a quarter-acre with more than 90 metres of deep waterfront for allweather moorage and docking, even at low tide. Observe whales, sea lions and other marine life from your future dream home. $229,000. Map from Google Maps
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Williams Lake The City of Williams Lake, part of the Cariboo region, located in the Central Interior of B.C., is the second-largest city by population in the region (after neighbouring Quesnel). Recent listing: Indulge in pure nature with 48 acres of privacy and more than half a kilometre of waterfront on Little Horsefly Lake and River. This mostly level subdivision, next to Crown Land on two sides, offers good sun exposure, stunning views and easy year-round access. $289,000.
Gambier Island Gambier Island, the largest of four islands in Howe Sound, is located 10 kilometres north of the Horseshoe Bay community and ferry terminal in West Vancouver. Recent listing: This 5.9-acre property, with more than 75 metres of low-bank and walk-out beach frontage, is ideal for family fun and adventure! Enjoy swimming, hunting crabs or kayaking around Howe Sound. The Brigade Bay area has a member’s-only yearround marina and community beach. $439,000.
Harrison Hot Springs
Salt Spring Island
This resort community (population 1,500), located at the southern end of Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley, is famous for its hot springs. Recent listing: This is a waterfront development opportunity on a quarter-acre lot, close to the Harrison Lake boat launch, with frontage on Esplanade and Lillooet, allowing for a mix of commercial and residential. Purchase the property next door and double your frontage! $1,200,000.
Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands at 11,000 year-round residents, with a community deeply rooted in agriculture and the artisan movements that began in the 1960s. Recent listing: This secluded maritime haven, Second Sister Island, is located four kilometres from moorage at Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Marina and is equipped with a dock suitable for boat or float plane launch. $1,100,000.
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Galena Bay Eagle Bay The community of Eagle Bay, one of the most popular swimming, waterskiing and houseboating areas in the B.C. Interior, is situated on the Shuswap Highland Peninsula on the southern shore of Shuswap Lake. Recent listing: Build your Shuswap dream home on this beautiful lakefront lot with more than 20 metres of landscaped shoreline. This rare ready-to-build cleared lot comes with a 1,000-square-foot storage barn, additional parking and boat buoy. $699,000.
Galena Bay, situated at the head of Upper Arrow Lake in the West Kootenay region of southeastern B.C., was formerly called Thumb Bay (check it out on a map!) Recent listing: Galena Bay Estates is comprised of 20 bare-land waterfront strata lots. Create memories in this natural setting, with family and friends spending the days enjoying watersports, fishing and shoreline cruising. $189,900.
Coldstream Coldstream is located at the northern end of Kalamalka Lake and directly southeast of Vernon in the Okanagan Valley. Recent listing: Design your lakefront dream home on Kalamalka Lake in the tranquil private gated community of Kalamalka Park Estates. This rare lakefront lot, which includes a brand-new dock and boat lift, has home plans available and is only a 20-minute drive from Vernon’s restaurants, shopping and amenities. $679,000.
Osoyoos With a population of just 5,085, the hub of Canada’s only semiarid desert region has long drawn snowbirds to the area. Locals enjoy hiking and biking, golfing, e-bike cruising and wine tasting. Recent listing: The perfect spot to build your vacation getaway or dream home in this exclusive waterfront community on Osoyoos Lake. This private development is surrounded by vineyards and orchards for ultimate seclusion and privacy. Only a few waterfront lots available! $1,200,000.
Map from Google Maps
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Christina Lake Christina Lake is a summer paradise for power boating and water sports, located on the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3), 73 kilometres southwest of Castlegar and its airport. Recent listing: This dream property on a warm, tree-lined lake is ideal for your forever home or weekend getaway. A 1.5acre lakefront lot with more than 45 metres of water frontage comes with a private dock, storage shed and fantastic lake and mountain views. $325,000.
FOOD WATER
Photo: Bridgemans Bistro
Patio season couldn’t come soon enough this year, and the only thing better than enjoying food and drink outdoors is doing so with a water view. Here are five B.C. marina-view restaurants that serve it up. By Gail Johnson
Everything seems to taste better set next to a shimmering lake or sea. Marina restaurants have the added appeal of being able to watch so many boats come and go, making for a quintessential West Coast backdrop to an al fresco meal. Here’s a handful of waterfront spots throughout B.C. Be sure to check websites for safety-related dining updates, and note that these all offer takeout, whether you’re floating, driving or on foot.
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Bridgemans Bistro, Mill Bay Every table at this Mill Bay Marina venue has a view of the Saanich Inlet and mighty Mount Baker; you might even spot some whales. In tribute to hard-working bridge workers, the menu offers weekly highlights like steak and lobster on Thursdays and roast beef dinner on Sundays, while signature West Coast dishes include Bridgemans Seafood Chowder, cajun salmon salad and fish tacos. The wine list favours the Cowichan Valley, and local beers are on tap. Blue Dog Kayaking calls the marina home, so you can pop in for a pre- or post-paddle bite. The Bridgemans family of restaurants also has bistro locations on Pender Island and in Port Renfrew. bridgemans.ca
Bayside Marina & Grill, Blind Bay Locals love this welcoming destination on Shuswap Lake’s Blind Bay near Salmon Arm. You can rent boats and Sea-Dos at the marina, while the restaurant is proud of its burger, which has a following all its own. “They are just done right—juicy and great flavour, char-broiled and all the fixings on a toasted sesame seed bun,” says owner Jim Morrison. “We add our own spices to the meat that makes it the best-tasting burger anywhere.” He says a “loaded” burger (sautéed mushrooms, bacon and cheese) is enough for two people with fries or salad. To pair with it, try the Bayside Bulldog: a lime, strawberry, coconut, mango, peach, or mojito-flavoured cocktail with an upside-down bottle of Corona as garnish, with a tequila, rum or vodka base. baysidemarina.ca Photo: Bayside Marina & Grill
Outboard Waterfront Pub, Vernon Overlooking Beachcomber Bay near Paddlewheel Park and Beach, the waterfront pub at the northern end of Okanagan Lake is a relaxing place to watch the boats go by. Standout dishes include a roasted purple and golden beet salad with goat cheese, a quinoa-based Buddha bowl with roasted yam and five types of primerib burgers. You’ll find B.C. craft beers by the likes of Parallel 49 Brewing and Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. on tap, Kelowna’s Cherry Hill Coffee Roaster certified-organic coffee beans used for espresso-based drinks and cocktails such as sangria, bellinis and mojitos to sip under the sun. outboardpub.com Photo: Outboard Waterfront Pub
Painted Boat Resort, Spa & Marina, madeira park The Sunshine Coast is where you’ll find this villa-style resort overlooking Gerrans Bay. Lagoon Restaurant offers complimentary moorage for those wanting to “dock ’n dine” after time on the water. Europeaninspired dishes with West Coast flare are the menu’s focus, with dishes like a duck duo of braised leg and roasted breast in preserved cherry jus with pommes dauphine, herb-and-Dijon-crusted rack of lamb, Salt Spring Island mussels, soy-ginger-marinated wild sockeye salmon, and a catch of the day. We love local selections on the drinks list like craft beer from Persephone Brewing Company and Townsite Brewing plus Steller’s Jay Brut sparkling wine. paintedboat.com
Photo: Painted Boat Resort, Spa & Marina
Port701 Marinaside, Nelson Outdoors enthusiasts love visiting Nelson on the West arm of Kootenay Lake in the Selkirk Mountains. The restaurant at Prestige Lakeside Resort is situated right on the pristine glacial-fed water, by a dock from which you can kayak or paddleboard. The restaurant puts seafood front and centre with dishes like spicy tuna poké, seared scallops, blackened salmon, Haida Gwaii halibut plus squid ink pasta with shellfish. There’s a lot of local liquid love: beer on tap by the likes of Nelson, Torchlight, and Backroads Brewing; java from Kootenay Coffee Company; and a 100 per cent B.C. wine list. port701.com Photo: Port701 Marinaside
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NEW DIMENSIONS IN HOME DESIGN From 3D renderings to virtual tours, building and buying homes has gone high-tech. By Kate Robertson
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Right Sizing
Summer 2021
To build your custom dream home, once the only option was to tell an architect what you envisioned, then they’d draft blueprints. Maybe they would also draw a rendering of the outside design of the home, using vanishing point technique, to give a 3D perspective. Perhaps, for a major commission, they’d even create a scale model, taking weeks of meticulous work to build. Gone are those days. For the past several years, home builders and designers have used 3D technology, which allows you to make choices beforehand and easily see exactly what you will end up with, every step of the way. During the design phase, 3D software can give clients a better sense of the space and help with colour and material choices. Log-home producer Pan-Abode International uses SketchUp, which allows the designer to change things like colours, ceiling styles and interior wall finishes until the client is happy with the result. “For customers, the biggest wows come from the first conceptual drawing of their Pan-Abode home. For many, [the vision] has been in their heads and various inspirational images they’ve been collecting, and it all comes together,” says Pan-Abode’s vice president Kelly Marciniw.
Another advantage of today’s technology is the ability to build a home or cottage from afar. Discovery Dream Homes West has been using technology as a tool and doing virtual meetings for more than 15 years. “The biggest thing I see that has changed is that it’s getting easier to use for the clients,” says Jason Sharpe, senior design manager and project coordinator. “An online meeting used to require a lot of assisting the clients to get it set up. Now it’s pretty much just clicking a link. Our software gets updated every year, so things like quality of images, or renderings, is always getting better.”
“For many, [the vision] has been in their heads and various inspirational images they’ve been collecting, and it all comes together,” says says Pan-Abode’s vice president Kelly Marciniw.
A sample of a photo-realistic rendering. Image: Discovery Dream Homes
An image of a 3D “dollhouse” perspective of an Invermere, B.C. design. Image: Highland Mews
The architectural design tool that Discovery Dream Homes uses for everything from designs to blueprints is ArchiCAD. With a land survey, they can show location and setbacks to be used for planning. The data can even be used to produce a sun study to show how daylight will impact the house at all hours. “We typically use the longest and shortest day of the year as examples,” says Sharpe. “We can also try to focus on passive solar energy to help with the constantly changing requirements.” From ArchiCAD, a BIMx file can be created, an interactive 3D building model that can be experienced similarly to a first-person video game. The client can do a virtual walk-through of their prospective home, complete with furniture, art and textiles. When a project nears completion, Twinmotion, a real-time 3D immersion software, can also show clients images, panoramas and 360 virtual reality videos. Another dramatic change to 3D visualizations happened when virtual reality (VR) equipment entered the scene a few years ago. VR headsets add another dimension, meaning people can actually feel and experience the visualized space. “We have two home models available to explore via VR,” says Pan-Abode’s Marcinw. “One of our customers works in the movie industry and his team built the VR Pan-Abode world on a video game platform for us, utilizing the 3D colour models from our team.”
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Designers work with clients to create 3D, 360-degree design animations, complete with furniture placement, material options and colour palettes. Image: Discovery Dream Homes rendering
Tech From High to Low
Virtual Reality (VR) headsets provide an experience to visualize a space, as if you are actually in the home. Photo: Pan-Abode
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More basic technologies like e-mail, Dropbox and Google Drive are used to facilitate communication and share files and 3D renderings. The smartphone can also be a powerful tool. “If an out-of-town client is having a hard time deciding on a detail, I can be in the space holding my phone, directing them and pointing at things,” says Craig Mohr, owner of Vineyard Developments, a custom design and build firm in Kelowna. “Whether it’s a landscape detail, or a question that I have when we’re putting together cabinetry... I’ll just get them on FaceTime, and they can make a more informed decision based on what they’re seeing.” Of course, some people aren’t super tech savvy, or they just prefer to touch and see. “In these cases, we’ll use a lot of Pinterest, where they’ll save pictures and e-mail them to me. I’ll also make a lot of suggestions, and I’ll take pictures and e-mail, or I’ll tell them to go to a paint store in person and take a look at the chips that I’m recommending,” says Mohr.
$140 million dollar development
LUXURY LIVING AT
City gardens in downtown kamLoops
Find your place in City Gardens $140 Million Development Panoramic views
COMING SOON!
Two towers: 18 & 22 floors Condominiums for sale
Rockcliffe at TRU is a quality-built condominium developed by Kelson Group. Bachelor, one, and two bedroom suites will be available for move-in spring 2021. Underground parking for visitors Low rise rental apartments Commercial space & residents
5 appliances Amenity space Air conditioning Fitness studio Pet friendly
Neighbourhood
Pantone Black 7 C
Pantone 7691 U
Pantone 5803 C
Pantone 618 C
Pantone 7497 C
Royal Inland Hospital
Visit us at kelso ndow ntownproject.ca Learn more
FONT: SPINNAKER
City gardens
Brendan Shaw, REALTOR ® Brendan Shaw Real Estate Ltd. 109 Victoria Street, Kamloops BC V2C 1Z4 Ph: (250) 319-4737 778-471-1498
P: 250-372-1940 E: citygardens@kelsongroup.com
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Although many designers and builders have completed an entire project without ever meeting the client in-person, like everything else, the home-building industry has been affected by the pandemic. Things like site visits, showhome walk-throughs and manufacturing tours have all been impacted. “We don’t have any drop-in visitors anymore,” says Marcinw. “Pre-booked appointments and video chats have gone up a lot.”
From ArchiCAD, a BIMx file can be created, an interactive 3D building model that can be experienced similarly to a first-person video game. The client can do a virtual walk-through of their prospective home, complete with furniture, art and textiles. In the past 30-plus years, technology has allowed home designers to move from the 2D realm into a world of 3D renderings, at the push of a button. The innovative new technology just keeps on coming. In the not-too-distant future, it will likely be commonplace to access 3D visualizations using holographic imagery and to have homes built with 3D printers. In the meantime, the current technology being used by builders helps avoid the disappointment of a home design project gone awry.
7 Expert Tips for an Efficient Design Process
Renderings: Discovery Dream Homes
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•
Know your budget.
•
Know your site plan and understand any setbacks and easements.
•
Look at Pinterest or in decor magazines for home ideas you like.
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Think of your past homes or spaces you’ve spent time in: what did you love or hate, or think was clever or beautiful?
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Decide on your “must-have” rooms and features: consider the ideal number of bedrooms and bathrooms, an attached or detached garage, mud or laundry rooms and home offices.
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Next create your wish list of features you would like if budget allows: a massive soaker tub, a wine cellar, a playroom?
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For major living areas where you’ll spend much time (and money), such as the kitchen, consider creating 3D plans. This will help avoid costly mistakes and allow you to perfect the most important spaces.
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ABBOTSFORD THE HUB OF THE FRASER VALLEY
Leading the country in Agriculture, Aerospace, Technology and Manufacturing. Abbotsford is known for its diverse and vibrant community filled with opportunity, hope and expectation!
With a population of over 158,000 residents, the community of Abbotsford enjoys participating in local recreation, amenities and affordable real estate. Visit us at abbotsford.ca/economicdevelopment to learn more! 84% of residents live within 500 metres of a park
62% of citizens both live and work in Abbotsford
CITY OF ABBOTSFORD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
27, 413 hectares of agriculturally designated lands
abbotsford.ca/economicdevelopment
ADDING UP THE SUITE LIFE Does having a rental suite help pay for your new home? These case studies and experts will help you do the potential math. By Michelle Hopkins
Thirty-something Megan Hall and her fiancée Tariq Nizam knew the only way they could afford a home in Tofino was to have a so-called mortgage helper, or rental suite. “We bought a 3,000-square-foot house in 2017 with the intention of doing vacation rentals on the upper level,” says Hall. “After spending two months getting the house ready, we started getting bookings right away.” They listed the ocean-view level on VRBO and Airbnb, and from May to Thanksgiving the couple’s weekend bookings were full. They shut down the rental suite to comply with health regulations in the spring of 2020, but when restrictions eased last summer, it was fully reserved again. “We can have up to six guests and we average 200 nights per year,” says Hall. “This income really helps us with our mortgage and also helps with home expenses.”
Similarly, Torontonian Gerry Merz bought a luxury oceanfront home in Nanoose Bay in 2018 with the intention of retiring there in 10 years. After months of renovations, last summer he and his wife opened up their five-bedroom residence to VRBO guests. “We decided to rent it out to help pay for the renovations,” says Merz. “Although the pandemic was a train wreck when it came to rentals, now it has exploded… we
“We can have up to six guests and we average 200 nights per year.” –Megan Hall are fully booked all summer long.” Like Hall and Nizam, Merz has learned through the pandemic that it’s unwise to be too dependent on rental-suite income.
Although banks do not take vacation income revenues into consideration when approving mortgages, for most hosts it may be the savings answer to paying off their home mortgage or having a more comfortable buffer to cover other bills every month. The idea of renting your home out to strangers through an online platform might seem a bit unsettling to some at first. Originally, Amanda Petronis and her husband were going to build a mini house on their Sooke property for visiting friends and family. Before long, that idea morphed into a deluxe treehouse. “It got more extravagant as we went along,” quips Petronis. “The uniqueness of the treehouse appealed to locals, so we thought to help pay expenses, we would open it up to VRBO and Airbnb ... Now, it’s mostly locals from all over the island and
Tofino. Photo: Megan Hall
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Crunching the Numbers Here’s a hypothetical scenario showing how a “mortgage-helper” suite might operate. Property (with legal rental suite) Purchase Price: $998,000 Other costs (inspection, appraisal, land-transfer tax, legal, title insurance): $21,000 Total purchase cost: $1,019,000 Revenue $300/night x 3 months (90 days peak season): $27,000 $1,700/month X 9 months (off-season): $15,300 Total revenue: $42,300 annually Expenses Cleaning, maintenance, agency fees and insurance: $4,000 Cable, utilities, internet: $3,780 Mortgage and property tax = $47,952 Total expenses: $55,732 Income = 76% of annual costs (or, 55% if you use the revenue to totally cover purchase-related costs in your first year of ownership.)
TOP Tree House Owl’s Perch in Sooke can be found on Airbnb and VRBO. Photo: Michelle Pichert. ABOVE West Rock House in Nanoose Bay is listed on VRBO. Photo: Chelsea Pope Photography.
the Lower Mainland.” The income generated has allowed Petronis to quit her job as a waitress to spend more quality time with her eight-year-old daughter. According to Nathan Rotman, manager of public policy for Airbnb Canada, most of their hosts are renting their homes for the same reasons these three do. “Half of all hosts worldwide tell us they use their Airbnb earnings to stay in their homes,” says Rotman. “And according to a recent survey, during the pandemic, three in 10 U.S. hosts (29 per cent) have used their hosting income to pay their rent or mortgage and 26 per cent to pay down debts.” When it comes to fees charged by the leading vacation rental sites, Airbnb takes
a three per cent commission off each rental, while VRBO compensation rates vary by property and geography, but average somewhere around eight per cent. Both companies offer similar insurance policies. However, Airbnb offers both property damage and host protection programs, both of which are up to a $1 million. “Under the property damage program, hosts may be protected with up to $1 million if their place or belongings are damaged by a guest during a stay,” says Rotman. (Airbnb’s website does note, though, that “Hosts who want more protection may want to consider purchasing personal insurance that will cover property damage not protected by Airbnb’s Host Guarantee.”)
According to a VRBO spokesperson, all online bookings are covered by up to $1 million liability Insurance in coverage per property, per year, at no additional cost to partners. The insurance provides owners and property managers with liability protection for all stays processed online through the VRBO checkout. VRBO charges extra for accidental damage protection insurance. Although all three hosts are extremely happy with their decisions to rent their homes for the extra money, prospective hosts should educate themselves on all of the financial legalities before opening up their homes to vacationers. But the extra income could make for a sweet life in your new home. Summer 2021
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Resort Living, Year-Round B.C.’s scenic resort communities are not just for seasonal vacations—they’re home to highly livable, affordable neighbourhoods, with recreational amenities as the cherry on top of a nature-rich lifestyle. Here are 13 to consider. By Michael White
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The big story in Canadian real estate this past year-plus has been the so-called “urban exodus” that Right Sizing has predicted for years. Couples and families, suddenly free to work from wherever they choose, are adopting the right-sizing outlook in unprecedented numbers—leaving the big city for good and acquiring a new home (and an exciting new lifestyle) in a smaller community. This phenomenon is drawing more people than ever to B.C.’s scores of scenic resort communities. While you may hear “resort” and think only of temporary, seasonal accommodation, that’s no longer the case. Set amidst gorgeous landscapes and often loaded with amenities, these coveted properties are now somewhere you might want to consider living year-round. Have a look at this list we’ve put together and see where you most imagine living your best life.
Bighorn Meadows Resort WHERE: The village of Radium Hot Springs (population: 837), named “Friendliest Place in Canada” in a 2021 survey of Expedia users. WHY HERE? Two- and three-bedroom town homes (currently preselling) are surrounded by mountain views and The Springs golf course. Resort amenities include a pool, hot tubs, fitness facilities, meeting rooms and more. Onsite management looks after your home when you’re not using it—they’ll even help you find renters to generate revenue when you’re not there. CLOSE TO: The breathtaking Kootenay National Park (all 1,400 square kilometres of it) is immediately adjacent to the resort. Banff is about an hour and a half drive away. bighornmeadows.ca Photo: Bighorn Meadows Resort
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Caldera at RED Mountain Resort WHERE: The tiny city of Rossland (population just over 4,000), high in the Monashee Mountains—at an elevation of 1,023 metres! WHY HERE? Phase III of these residential lots is nestled into North America’s eighth-largest mountain. Walk from your front door to the ski lifts in five minutes. Downtown Rossland (a five-minute drive away) has serious small-town charm but with bigcity attractions: a gourmet grocery store, cafés and restaurants, spas and Pilates. CLOSE TO: Drive to Kelowna International Airport in just under four hours. The Frontier–Paterson Border Crossing (connecting with Northport, Washington) is about 30 minutes away. calderaatred.com
Photo: Ryan Flett
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort WHERE: In the namesake Fairmont Hot Springs, an unincorporated community with a population of about 500, located three hours south of Banff. WHY HERE? Visitors come from all over to experience the hot mineral pools, as well as two 18-hole golf courses, exemplary hiking trails and seasonal downhill and crosscountry skiing. Lots in the Mountainside Ridge development average a third of an acre—and true to its name, mountain views are abundant. Satisfy your appetite at one of multiple resort cafés and restaurants. CLOSE TO: Drive to Calgary in about three hours. On the way, take in some of the country’s most stunning national parks. resortdreamhome.ca
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Photo: Destination BC/Zoya Lynch
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North Shore Estates WHERE: The town of Lake Cowichan (population: 3,651), on Vancouver Island, surrounded by rainforest and home to the warmest climate in Canada.
Photo: North Shore Estates
WHY HERE? Take up to four years to build your custom home (or choose from one of several energy-efficient plans) and be part of a family-oriented waterfront community where boating, fishing, mountain biking, golfing and more are just outside your door. In keeping with a lakeside lifestyle, additional options include a boat slip and kayak/paddleboard storage. CLOSE TO: Being just over an hour’s drive from Victoria, Lake Cowichan is especially ideal for those who regularly need to pop back to the mainland. Seasonal markets abound, and the island’s increasing number of wineries and craft distillers form a nearby tasting trail. northshoreestates.ca
Predator Ridge Resort WHERE: Vernon (population: 44,171), the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. The annual Vernon Winter Carnival is the second-biggest event of its kind in North America. WHY HERE? Established 30 years ago, Predator Ridge has grown to now encompass 800-plus homes, two 18-hole golf courses, a fitness centre, tennis courts, a market and a real sense of community. And because this is the Okanagan, sunshine is plentiful and summers are hot. Watch for building lots and fractional ownership opportunities, as well as resale properties that occasionally come to market. CLOSE TO: Drive to Kelowna International Airport in 30 minutes, or Vancouver in about five hours. Closer to home, skiers and snowboarders will be spoiled for choice, with SilverStar and other prime mountain resorts very near. predatorridge.com
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Photo: Predator Ridge
Queens Bay Resort WHERE: Balfour (population of around 500) is an unincorporated community in the West Kootenay region, set amidst the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges (see page 50). The Kootenay Lake Ferry, the longest free ferry in the world, brings thousands here each year. WHY HERE? The recently unveiled second phase of this 13-acre resort (located within the 18-hole Balfour Golf Course) accommodates manufactured wooden homes of up to 1,000 square feet. Mountain and lake views, an adjacent marina and year-round services (including fibre-optic cable) make this ideal for both seasonal and permanent occupancy. CLOSE TO: The city of Nelson, just half an hour’s drive away, offers both quirky and upscale dining and shopping. Central Mountain Air flies daily out of West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar to Vancouver. queensbay.ca
Photo: Queens Bay Resort
The Beach House at Saratoga WHERE: Black Creek, a picturesque Comox Valley community so small its population doesn’t get separately counted in the census! WHY HERE? This three-acre property of 30 two-bedroom homes is the first oceanfront development to come to the community in more than 25 years. Its nearly five kilometres of beach stretch between three provincial parks: Oyster River Nature Park, Miracle Beach Provincial Park and Driftwood Marine Park. Each home is designed and angled to maximize shoreline views.
Photo: The Beach House at Saratoga
CLOSE TO: Flights out of Comox Valley Airport (20 minutes away) service Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton daily. Both Comox and nearby Courtenay are home to multiple restaurants, golf and even skiing at Mount Washington. saratogabeachhouse.ca
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Shuswap Lake Estates WHERE: Blind Bay (population of about 2,000), an unincorporated settlement on the southern shore of the namesake lake, less than half an hour from Salmon Arm. WHY HERE? The Shuswap Lake Estates community, surrounded by the Columbia Mountains, has been growing since 1969. Phase 2 of its Fox Glen neighbourhood (sales due to launch this summer) offers freehold lots designed for families, retirees and anyone seeking the tranquility of mountain-and-lakeside life. Tennis, hiking, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities are steps away. CLOSE TO: Drive to Kamloops and Kelowna airports in 90 minutes or less. Bringing your boat? Choose from three marinas. shuswaplakeestates.com
Photo: Shuswap Lake Estates
Sicamous Estates WHERE: The district of Sicamous (population: 2,700), the self-proclaimed “Houseboat Capital of Canada,” is roughly equidistant between Vancouver and Calgary. WHY HERE? A top snowmobiling destination, Sicamous and the surrounding area are also chock-a-block with golf courses and part of the famed Okanagan Rail Trail, which is great for cyclists. Energy-efficient homes in this community range from 800 to 1,400 square feet, with options including nine-foot-plus ceilings, finished garage and interior packages. CLOSE TO: Day trips are a breeze with Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Vernon and Kelowna all within an easy drive. Provincial parks and green spaces galore! sicamous.ca
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Sicamous. Photo: Darren Robinson/Shuswap Tourism
Fort St. John (Move up! you’ll love living here)
#1
304
11
Highest household income in BC, and fi�h in Canada
Sunny days per year
Public schools
(same as Kelowna)
(elementary, middle and secondary)
31.4
$373,000
Median age
Average price of a single-family home in 2020
(11 years younger than BC’s median age)
OPPORTUNITY Low tax rates for business and a�rac�ve economic incen�ves for development mean Fort St. John is ‘Open for Business.’
moveuphere.ca
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort WHERE: Parksville (population: 13,685), a waterfront city on Vancouver Island with an annual Beachfest that hosts Canada’s only World Championship Sand Sculpting competition. WHY HERE? Two-bedroom town homes here boast private access to Rathtrevor Beach, a haven for fishing, sailing and birdwatching. The resort itself offers a pool, hot tub, fitness and meeting rooms, an owner’s lounge and more. As with Bighorn Meadows (they’re both owned by Luxury Resorts West), onsite management will help to rent out your home and keep it in tip-top shape if you’re not using it. CLOSE TO: Drive to Nanaimo in just over half an hour and Victoria in about two hours. sunriseresortparksville.ca
Photo: Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Sunshine Valley Grove WHERE: The unincorporated community of Sunshine Valley (population of around 200), which is known for being made up almost entirely of cabins, small homes and RVs. WHY HERE? The Valley’s high altitude means a true four-seasons environment: swim and kayak on the manmade lake in summer; skate or cross-country ski in winter or downhill ski at Manning Park, about half an hour away. Fully serviced lots accommodate one- or two-storey cabins, or small homes up to 1,300 square feet. CLOSE TO: An easy drive along the Trans-Canada gets you back to Vancouver in two hours. Stock up on essentials in the town of Hope, just 15 minutes away. buysunshinevalley.com
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Tobiano WHERE: On the shores of Kamloops Lake, and 15 minutes from Kamloops (population of over 100,000). WHY HERE? This master-planned community was designed for ease of access to outdoor activities, with 1,000 acres of waterfront and 17,000 acres of ranchland backcountry—you can go fishing and horseback riding in a single afternoon. Choose from a three-bedroom, three-bathroom finished home or custom build. Tobiano’s own golf course was named Canada’s best at the 2020 World Golf Awards. CLOSE TO: The close proximity of Kamloops makes for major convenience, with all the urban dining, big-box shopping and amenities you could want. The airport services Vancouver and Calgary, and also offers charter flights. tobiano.ca
Photo: Tobiano
The Ridge at Whittakers WHERE: Pender Harbour (population of around 3,000), on the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast’s Sechelt Peninsula. WHY HERE? The final phase of this sprawling property was designed for those who want to take full advantage of its oceanfront geography. Each lot (7,500 to 20,000 square feet) maximizes panoramic ocean views and includes the option of a private boat slip. And because this is the Sunshine Coast, hiking, beach barbecues and all manner of water recreation are year-round possibilities just outside your door. CLOSE TO: The Langdale BC Ferries terminal is a scenic one-hour drive away. Sechelt’s plentiful shopping and dining options can be reached in 30 minutes or less. theridgeatwhittakers.com
Photo: The Ridge at Whittakers
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WHAT REVITALIZATION LOOKS LIKE How 12 B.C. communities are revitalizing their waterfronts and reimaging residential neighbourhoods, business districts and public spaces to serve an influx of new residents. By Matt O’Grady
From Vancouver Island to the Kootenays to the North, B.C. residents are looking for more space to live, work and play at home, driving real estate sales to record highs. In February 2021 an increase of 89.1 per cent in unit sales over February 2020 broke the record (from 2016), according to the BC Real Estate Association.
Among the hottest areas are the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, the Interior and Vancouver Island—
each of which offer space advantages over the cramped Lower Mainland, as well as significantly lower prices. And, as the following dozen communities prove, a commitment to investing in your community’s top assets doesn’t hurt either.
Abbotsford
2020 POPULATION 161,581 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 1.2% WHAT’S GOING ON Abbotsford’s Official Community Plan framework will allow the city to grow to 200,000 residents—and central to that is the creation of brand-new neighbourhoods, such as The McKee Neighbourhood Plan, which will account for 25 per cent of future growth. WHAT TO WATCH FOR The current widening of Highway 1 to Langley is expected to continue onward to Abbotsford by 2026, according to an NDP promise during the last election, alleviating one of the major concerns of Fraser Valley residents. FAST FACT In 2020, Abby broke its annual record for film industry activity with 63 film permits issued, 237 filming days recorded, and 180 filming locations booked throughout the city.
Abbotsford.
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Campbell River
2020 POPULATION 36,167 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 1.5% WHAT’S GOING ON Campbell River, with various attractions including its world-famous salmon fishing, was already popular with urban relocators pre-pandemic. Between 2018 and 2021, over 500 multi-family units (the majority rental housing) were completed or are under construction, with another 500 units proposed for 2021. WHAT TO WATCH FOR Vancouver Island has always been “green,” Campbell River included. Electric Vehicle (EV) stations are currently being installed as part of a BC Hydro project that aims for 28 Level-2 EV chargers in 11 Vancouver Island communities; there are now six EV charging sites across Campbell River. FAST FACT Local angel investing firm the Campbell River Area Angel Group (CRAAG) has funded nearly $900,000 worth of projects to strengthen Campbell River’s economy.
Cranbrook
Photo: Destination BC/Graeme Owsianski
2020 POPULATION 21,502 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 0.5% WHAT’S GOING ON Over the last five years, Cranbrook City Council approved multiple rezoning amendments to expand housing options for all. According to business development officer Darren Brewer, nearly 300 new units are expected in 2021, with almost $100 million in building permits issued last year. WHAT TO WATCH FOR One of the Kootenays’ top educational institutions, the College of the Rockies, is spending $20 million to expand its residences and enhance its course offerings, all in the aim of building a skilled regional workforce. FAST FACT 2020 marked the return of junior hockey to Cranbrook, with the Cranbrook Bucks awarded the newest BCHL franchise. Once the pandemic is over, the Bucks hope to welcome 4,000 fans back to Western Financial Place.
Photo: cotr.bc.ca
Fort St. John
2020 POPULATION 22,283 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 1.3% WHAT’S GOING ON With a median age of 31.4, Fort St. John is one of the youngest municipalities in Canada. To keep pace with a recent influx, the city is making $70 million in capital investments in 2021 alone: more than $21 million for roads and infrastructure and almost $48 million in facilities, buildings and parks. WHAT TO WATCH FOR In March, Fort St. John launched a new digital service, MyCityHall, so citizens can pay property taxes, utilities bills or even for dog licenses via a mobile app or website, with plans to expand digital service to other city-related activities in the future. FAST FACT 170 residential properties worth $60.2 million were sold during the first quarter of 2021 in Fort St. John, according to the BC Northern Real Estate Board (almost double Q1 sales in 2020).
Pomeroy Sports Centre in Fort St. John. Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Christos Sagiorgis
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Kamloops
2020 POPULATION 101,198 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 1.2% WHAT’S GOING ON “Kamloops is poised to become the major growth centre in the Interior,” says Jim Anderson, executive director at Venture Kamloops. To keep pace, the city is upgrading its Tranquille corridor, connecting downtown to Kamloops Airport, and finishing a new Patient Care Tower at Royal Inland Hospital. WHAT TO WATCH FOR A major multifamily development called City Gardens promises to add between 700 and 1,000 residents to the downtown core, making it the largest multifamily development in Kamloops’ history. It’s expected to take about a decade to complete. FAST FACT Kamloops’ Thompson Rivers University has more than 25,000 students enrolled in over 25 disciplines, delivering 140-plus on-campus programs and 50-plus open learning programs.
Photo: Kelsongroup.com
Ladysmith
2020 POPULATION 9,036 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH -0.2% WHAT’S GOING ON One of the Island’s hidden gems is reimagining its waterfront. According to communications and engagement specialist Mike Gregory, the Waterfront Area Plan focus is on upgrading the historic Machine Shop complex (housing the art gallery, Ladysmith Maritime Society and artist studios) into a new Arts and Heritage Hub. “The plan,” he notes, “is very much a shared vision between the town and Stz’uminus First Nation.” WHAT TO WATCH FOR At the end of March, the town received over $700,000 in provincial tourism funding, which will allow Ladysmith to enhance community amenities such as Transfer Beach Park. FAST FACT According to the town, the majority of people moving to Ladysmith (74 per cent) moved from within British Columbia, while 22 per cent moved from elsewhere in Canada. Ladysmith. Photo: Wikepedia via Flickr/A. Davey
Lake Country
2020 POPULATION: 15,654 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH: 2.2% WHAT’S GOING ON: In the booming Okanagan region, Lake Country’s population grew more than 50 per cent between 2010 and 2020. To keep up, the district has invested in its community amenities, including the addition of a new multi-generational activity centre. WHAT TO WATCH FOR: A new firehall is currently under construction to more immediately serve the needs of Lake Country. At a cost of $9 million, it’s expected to be complete by March 2022. FAST FACT: Lake Country ArtWalk, the Interior’s largest art festival, expects to return this September after a pandemic hiatus. The two-day festival attracts more than 7,000 attendees and 200-plus Okanagan artists annually.
Middle school in construction. Photo: Lake Country
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Merritt
2020 POPULATION 7,805 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 1.2% WHAT’S GOING ON Merritt’s vibrancy can, in part, be attributed to its relative youth, with about 30 per cent of residents under the age of 25. City council started a Merritt Youth Entrepreneurship Program, offering start-up funding and resources for Nicola Valley entrepreneurs. WHAT TO WATCH FOR The city released its new Active Transportation Plan this past March, which promises more “human-powered” transportation options around town. There are 120 items listed in the ATP implementation plan, with work expected to roll out over the next decade. FAST FACT There are some 600 hectares of agricultural land in and around Merritt, which city council hopes to leverage as it updates its Official Community Plan with an eye to food security. Market day. Photo: Kelly Funk/City of Merritt
Mission
Mission waterfront. Photo: District of Mission
2020 POPULATION 42,855 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 2% WHAT’S GOING ON The need for comprehensive planning in hot growth areas like Mission is being met. A massive planning process is underway in Silverdale (also known as Southwest Mission), which will divide into three distinct neighbourhoods: Central, West and East. Work on the Central plan, covering 733 hectares, is currently underway. WHAT TO WATCH FOR Last fall, the district began work on a Waterfront Revitalization Masterplan. The goal is to connect disparate parts of about 296 acres into one walkable, livable community, supporting a variety of activities along the underutilized Fraser River shores. FAST FACT In a sign of the times and of an increasingly young population, a facility for seniors next to the Mission Leisure Centre was given $105,000 by city council in April to convert its space into youth programming.
Port Alberni
2020 POPULATION 19,060 2019-2020 POPULATION GROWTH 1.4% WHAT’S GOING ON Two urban trail systems will form new north-south and east-west pathways, making amenities (which could soon include a proposed aquatic centre), neighbourhoods, schools, shopping and workplaces more walkable than ever. The most affordable Island community with a hospital, it’s attracting as many millennials as downsizers. WHAT TO WATCH FOR From bakeries and brewpubs to a proposed craft distillery, it’s booming. New rental apartments and seniors’ units, a small-footprint “net-zero” residential development and new public waterfront space are all planned. FAST FACT Facilities like a new seaweed-processing venue, the Port Authority’s Dock+ seafood-processing hub and food incubator, the San Group’s waste-saving wood fibreprocessing facility and Canadian Maritime Engineering’s floating drydock are local examples of what an innovative and green new economy in B.C. could look like. Harbour Quay. Photo: City of Port Alberni
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Great sports cities l
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SMALL-TOWN MAYORS MAKING A DIFFERENCE ACROSS B.C.
Towns
Spotlight on Predator Ridge l Chilliwack is Back l Why Locals Love Pemberton
GREAT COMMUNITIES FOR WORKING REMOTELY BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME: DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
where to invest
Cool Spots in the
FRASER VALLEY GREENER BUILDING:
THE STEP CODE
BOOMTOWNS:
NORTHERN B.C. new craft breweries l hot springs l winter festivals l Langley: Boom Town
Hot New-Home Features l Calculate Your Commute l How to Buy a Business
The New Mortgage Math l Storage Solutions l Winery Dining
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Revelstoke
2020 POPULATION 8,744 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 3.2% WHAT’S GOING ON The mountain charm of Revelstoke is undeniable—which is manifest in local housing prices: according to BC Assessment, assessed property values increased seven per cent last year, to an average of $546,000. Since 2017, values have increased 53 per cent. WHAT TO WATCH FOR Jamie Mayes, Revelstoke’s economic development officer, expects the Idea Factory to open this summer: a fabrication lab and hub for Revelstoke’s growing tech sector. The Factory will have two 3D printers, a 3D scanner, a laser cutter and design-ready laptops. FAST FACT According to the Revelstoke Tech Workers Survey from December 2020, the number of tech workers in the community has increased 16 per cent over the previous two years, with 34 per cent working remotely with companies outside of Revelstoke.
Photo: Tourism Revelstoke
Squamish
2020 POPULATION 21,273 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 0.9% WHAT’S GOING ON Tourism has long been a driver of economic activity in Squamish (the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” typically drew more than 600,000 visitors annually pre-pandemic), accounting for just under $100 million in direct spending. Single-family home values topped $1 million in March 2021, up 134 per cent over the last decade. WHAT TO WATCH FOR In March, the District launched an interactive Climate Action website, exploring the six pillars of the District’s Community Climate Action Plan. This year, the district plans to construct 200 metres of new sea dike in downtown Squamish, anticipating a future one-metre sea-level rise. FAST FACT 68.5 per cent of residents in Squamish have a post-secondary certificate, degree or diploma, 6.5 per cent higher than the rest of B.C.
Via Ferrata experience in Squamish. Photo: @viranlly
West Kelowna
2020 POPULATION 36,496 2019–2020 POPULATION GROWTH 1.5% WHAT’S GOING ON What sets the Okanagan’s fourth-largest city apart is its strong business focus. With a diverse economy that includes everything from agriculture to retail, light industry to wineries, West Kelowna issues more than 2,200 business licences each year. And it invests back into the community: in 2021, capital improvements were valued at $24 million. WHAT TO WATCH FOR This year, the city will launch the design and build process for a new City Hall complex on a 1.5-acre site and with a planned array of services, including a new library. FAST FACT Maintenance matters: the city and its contactors clean, clear, maintain and upgrade 262 kilometres of roads, 65 kilometres of sidewalks and paved paths, and eight kilometres of bike lanes in well-groomed West Kelowna.
Indigenous World Winery. Photo: @miraecampbell
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SEVEN SUMMER SPORTS FOR 2021 Whether or not travel restrictions will have most Western Canadians exploring their backyards or beyond this summer, one lesson from last year applies: if you’re trying a new sport or rediscovering an old one, shop early and be prepared to pay full retail to get the best selection of hot gear for summer pastimes. Check travel restrictions and local websites for safety and health information before visiting attractions this summer. By Steve Threndyle
Camping Even if you already live in a dream home, that doesn’t mean that you don’t enjoy sleeping under the stars in a spacious family tent— maybe one filled with thick foam mattresses and puffy down sleeping bags. Essential Gear: MEC’s Big Agnes Big House ($549) is tall enough for adults to stand up in and roomy enough to house a bunch of rowdy eight-year olds on a backyard sleepover adventure. Colourcoded poles and attachment points make set-ups a snap. The waterproof tent/fly fabric and seamless wrap-around bathtub floor won’t leak in a late afternoon cloudburst. Accessorize in style with a Stanley Trigger Action travel mug ($32.95) for hot coffee or cold beer and wine courtesy a Yeti Tundra cooler ($399.99). Where to Go: With B.C. campsite bookings at a premium in summer, try remote Forest Service recreational sites in the Cariboo Chilcotin North tourism region.
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Fishing If ever there was a sport that followed Malcolm Gladwell’s concept of taking 10,000 hours to achieve mastery, it’s fly fishing. For the novice, the sheer number of small, fiddly items like flies, line, tackle, knives and accessories can make the sport seem overwhelming. Most B.C. towns and cities have sportsmen’s clubs or specialty stores that can be the gateway to this very gratifying, Zen-like experience of “presenting the fly” to the fish. Essential Gear: Patagonia’s super-lightweight convertible vest ($130) features nine pockets and is constructed from lightweight mesh to prevent waterlogging. Concentrate on your fly-casting technique, while knowing that all of your essentials are tucked neatly away for when you need them—when The Big One is nearby or on the line. Where to Go: Kamloops is the epicentre of trout fishing in B.C.
Hiking/Backpacking Overnight hikes are the next logical extension of your weekend workouts. The longer distances covered and the weight of a few days (and nights) of food, shelter and emergency supplies demands next-level footwear and other gear. Essential Gear: Half-shank, heavy-duty Italian leather boots that take a summer of hiking to properly “break in” are a thing of the past. Arc’teryx does away with separate pairs of day-hiking and backpacking boots. The Acrux AR GTX ($325) is light enough for all-day “fast and light” excursions and durable (and waterproof) enough to last through many multi-day alpine treks. Unlike running shoes or light hikers, the Acrux’s lacing system goes all of the way to the toe of the boot to cradle the foot for superior support. Where to Go: Mountain scenery doesn’t get any better than the Swiss Peaks trail in Glacier National Park.
Racquet Sports Played in teams of two (like doubles’ tennis), pickleball is more a social occasion than a hard-nosed athletic competition. The game is known for intense rallies and rewards sharp reflexes more than brute strength; there’s nothing to be gained from trying to whack the light, hollow whiffle-ball as hard as you can. Essential Gear: The Pickleball Depot (online, stores in Vernon and Kelowna) sells everything you need (paddles, balls, and outdoor nets) to transform your driveway or street into a private pickleball paradise. Where to Go: Most mid-sized towns and cities have pickleball clubs and helpful members to teach the rules and proper technique. Find out more on the Pickleball BC website (pickleballbc.ca). Summer 2021
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Golf Golf resurged in popularity with the pandemic, since groups (maximum size: four players) must play hundreds of yards apart from each other. Essential Gear: To help judge distance from the pin, the Garmin Approach S62 watch has a three-centimetre full-colour display and “Virtual Caddy” software with details on over 41,000 golf courses around the world. You can even play virtually against other golfers. Where to Go: Whistler’s internationally famous courses should still be relatively uncrowded this summer, while affordable, playable municipally-owned tracks will likely be jammed with enthusiastic locals. Naturally, the course-rich Okanagan is ideal, if you live in the region or if travel rules permit.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding “SUP” has evolved considerably over the past 15 years. Customize your board choice for surfing summer swell at Tofino’s Cox Bay or for plying Kalamalka Lake’s glassy morning waters. Essential Gear: Inflatable boards can be rolled up and carried in a backpack and don’t ding if they hit the odd submerged rock, but hard-shell boards offer more performance and speed. Shaped by Whistler jack-of-all-trades Steve Legge, Kahuna stand-up paddleboards are available in many different sizes and profiles; inflatables start at $1,299 and their sharp-looking Bamboo/EPS Warrior boards are $1,899. Where to Go: Mountain lakes of the Coast Range, (beware of sudden weather changes in late afternoon and cold water) and oceans (experienced paddlers only in waves).
E-mountain Biking Serious weekend-warrior mountain bikers are finally taking the hint: riding a mountain bike with electric motor and drivetrain isn’t a crutch; it lets you get in way more runs on your favourite trails. Essential Gear: North Vancouver’s Rocky Mountain Bicycles invested over a decade of research and development into the Instinct Powerplay (retail price ranges from $7,399 to $11,179 depending on choice of frame material and motor/drivetrain). The patented Powerplay battery and drive are ingeniously hidden in the bike’s frame and bottom bracket. E-mountain bikes aren’t cheap; you’ll want to educate yourself in the vagaries of battery power (just how much assist will I get?) and longevity. Where to Go: B.C. is laced with tens of thousands of kilometres of trail, and all of them can be found using the Squamish-developed Trailforks app (free and paid versions).
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55+ Active Living Find more time to do the things you love in the beautiful Valleyview Corridor in Kamloops. Enjoy The Residence’s on-site active living amenities including walking paths, a putting green, an oversized outdoor fireplace patio, fitness centre and more — all included in your monthly condo rental. You decide how to spend your days while we take care of the rest.
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3300 Valleyview Drive, Kamloops | 778.362.9525 3300 Valleyview Drive, Kamloops | 778.362.9525
HIDDEN JEWEL: BALFOUR The B.C. small town of your dreams has a “ferry-tale” history. By Bob Keating
A scenic 35 minute ferry ride between Balfour and Kootenay Bay. Photo: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton / Kootenay Lake
Every year, a half million visitors are unloaded at Robin Goldsbury’s doorstep. Goldsbury has to entice them in with cold beer, hot food and a bed if they decide to stay a while in Balfour. “We get people delivered to our door; the rest is up to us”. Goldsbury runs the Dock ‘n’ Duck Pub, Grill & Lodge, the longestrunning business at the Balfour ferry terminal, the heart of the community. It was built 74 years ago to service customers getting off the Kootenay Lake Ferry, which crosses from Balfour to the Crawford Bay area, north of Creston. Local lore maintains that it’s the longest running free ferry ride in the world, and so far no one has stepped up to challenge that assertion. Balfour is a spectacular unincorporated community that winds along Kootenay Lake, dotted with white sand beaches, historic old cottages and stunning new builds. “What I think keeps people or brings people here is it’s just the right mix of a farming community, a retirement community, a tourist destination and a bedroom community of Nelson,” says Josh Smienk, whose family has lived in Balfour for decades. Balfour was founded by Charles Busk, a wealthy Englishman who moved to Canada in 1888 and claimed 200 acres, laid out a town and named it after Lord Balfour of Britain. He intended it to be 50
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the centre of the West Kootenay, which never quite happened, but it has become a thriving bedroom community of Nelson. Less than a thousand people call Balfour home in the off season and it balloons to at least twice that in summer. Just down the highway from the ferry terminal is Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, with three campsites ringed by beaches, playgrounds and nature trails. High in the mountains above is the magnificent Kokanee Glacier Park, one of the most scenic provincial parks in B.C. Balfour is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course (and the course-adjacent Queens Bay Resort residential community) and 20 minutes away from a dip in Ainsworth Hot Springs. A new ferry is being built in Nelson for the Balfour run, and millions more will be invested in the terminal itself. Will the new ferry fundamentally change the nature of Balfour? No, says Dock ‘n’ Duck’s Goldsbury. “Many people come to take the ferry” currently, she agrees, “but what is wonderful about Balfour is we have everything you need here.” Longtime resident Smienk, who served as a Regional District director for 25 years, agrees: “It’s a beautiful rural setting, you are close to recreation and close to the lake ... it’s just peaceful and quiet, and there is a feeling of community here.”
“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 our home is.” - J. PENDLETON
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