Right Sizing Winter 2019

winter 2019/2020

RELOCATING

FEARLESS AT ANY AGE

HOCKEY HOTSPOTS CUSTOM BUILDING BUDGET ADVICE AND TIPS

Campus

Towns where to invest

new craft breweries l hot springs l winter festivals l Langley: Boom Town

LOTS TO EXPLORE

Now selling: Single family lots and spacious, semi-detached townhomes, minutes from downtown Kelowna, airport and UBC. Presentation Centre and Showhomes open daily 1-5 pm except Fridays.

1454 Rocky Point Drive · Kelowna Contact sales@wilden.ca – 250.762.2906

Wilden.ca

NATURE INSPIRED LIVING

COME LIVE AT THE HEART OF IT ALL !

LATIMER HEIGHTS – A 74 ACRE MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY Introducing Latimer Heights: a 74-acre master-planned community that will become the new gateway to Langley and the largest new master planned community in the Fraser Valley.

Brought to you by award-winning Vesta Properties, Latimer Heights is where country charm and tranquility meet the best of contemporary, urban living. A place to put down roots and build memories.

THE MASTER PLAN Located in the Latimer Neighbourhood of the Township of Langley, the community offers over 17 acres of greenspace and will include: ◆Single Family ◆Townhomes ◆Rowhomes ◆Duplexes ◆Retail Spaces ◆Elementary school ◆Offices ◆Centre Pond ◆Low Rise Condos ◆High Rise Condos ◆Boutique Shopping

LATIMER VILLAGE Latimer Village, an anchor of the Latimer Heights Community, is a neighbourhood shopping district showcasing Europeanesque streetscapes along a mixed-use corridor complete with condos atop boutique style shops, restaurants and businesses, all connected to the luscious park/pond area and neighbourhood walking network.

CLOSE TO IT ALL Located just minutes away from Langley’s main thoroughfares like 200th and 208th Street, it’s easy to reach Langley’s many shopping centres, amenities and schools. Hop on Hwy #1, it`s only minutes away for easy access to Coquitlam, Burnaby and Vancouver or Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Zip over the Golden Ears Bridge and in no time you can be exploring mountain trails or scenic dikes. Head south to Hwy #10, and it’s a breeze getting to the BC Ferries, Vancouver International Airport, and the US border.

Cafes & Restaurants

Office buildings For more information visit latimervillagecondos.com or call 604.371.1669 Discovery Centre & Showhome Open Daily 12 PM - 5 PM Closed Friday 85 AVE

8242 200 Street, Township of Langley, BC

204 AVE

202B AVE

LATIMER VILLAGE DISCOVERY CENTRE

202 ST

83 AVE

200 ST

84 AVE

82 AVE 81 AVE

N

Renderings are an artist’s conception and are intended as a general reference only and are subject to change without notice.

80 AVE

Boutique shops

WHAT’S INSIDE Winter 2019/20

Up Front

Departments

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19 Relocating: Have no fear

Publisher’s Letter

10 Dispatches

28 In Hot Water: Hot springs communities

12 What a Cool $1 Million Buys

30 Home is Where the Hockey Is

16 Community on Tap: Craft breweries

44 Langley: Boomtown 46 Winter Carnivals and Festivals 50 Hidden Jewel: Rossland, mountain kingdom

Features 22 Small Homes for Smaller Budgets 34 Campus Towns: Where to invest

Photo courtesy Andrew Jay/Big White

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Discovery Dream Homes.com

D i s c o v e r t h e E n d l e s s Po s s i b i l i t i e s . . .

Ce n t ra l/ E a s t

We s t Co a s t

No r t h/ E a s t U S A

1.866.395.5647

1.877.823.5639

802.445.3007

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

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

Writers Lucas Aykroyd, Michelle Hopkins, Gail Johnson, Bob Keating,

I

f you’ve been deciding whether you need a lifestyle change and are looking at downsizing, upsizing or buying your first home in a smaller B.C. community, you’ve come to the right place. However, we’ll be the first to agree that there are many factors for you to consider. Whether you’re a new home buyer, an empty nester or a semi-retired professional, there are many options. Here are some things to consider including the when, where, why, what and how much you want to right size your life.

When: The good news is: if you’ve been sitting on the fence and waiting for the market to stabilize in Vancouver, it seems buyers are finally jumping off the proverbial fence, just as fast as they climbed on it one year ago! Over the past 4 to 5 months, buyer confidence seems to be back on the rise. We’re even hearing about lineups of 50 to 100 people to view town homes in places like Langley, a trend that seems to indicate that now would be a good time to get a move on.

Where: Similar confidence also seems to be back in the larger markets like Kelowna and Victoria, and many smaller communities in B.C. have held their value, if not increased it, over the past year.

Why: In Calgary, year-over-year sales volumes have finally started to increase (up 5.4% in September and 0.28% in October, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board). According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, an increase in sales (not necessarily value) started this past July, up +23%, in August +15.7%, in September +46.3% and in October +45.4%. Vancouver sales volumes are now almost the same as the 10-year average, with prices holding at what experts are calling a “much more balanced market.”

The benchmark price for a detached home in the greater Vancouver area is still about $1.4 million (it was about $1,600,000 a year ago: more details and stats at rebgv.org).

With hot pockets of growth and many young professionals and families looking to buy in Vancouver, it’s still a great time to sell if you’re looking to move to a smaller community!

What and how much: We’ve designed a checklist (see rightsizingmedia.com/checklist) of considerations worth exploring while you weigh the benefits of relocating to a smaller community: it covers all the factors that Right Sizing writers strive to include when researching every issue.

Steve Dietrich Publisher

Lisa Manfield, Tracey Rayson, Kate Robertson, Steve Threndyle Advertising Sales 604-787-4603

info@rightsizingmedia.com

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

Iva Dietrich, iva@rightsizingmedia.com

Letters to the editor

info@rightsizingmedia.com

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Subscriptions rightsizingmedia.com/magazine/subscribe Distribution To The Globe and Mail 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.

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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

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Cover Image The University of British Columbia, Okanagan.

Photo courtesy UBCO

PRINTED IN CANADA 8

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Ready. Set. Build.

778.475.0422

Visit our showhome in Turtle Mountain Open Daily 11-5: 5052 Turtle Pond Place, Vernon

evertonridge.ca

Dispatches

By Right Sizing Staff

>>

New Heli-ski Base Camp at Predator Ridge The bucket-list adventure of heli-skiing becomes more attainable for some lucky residents this winter, as the member services building and driving range at Vernon’s Predator Ridge become the winter base for Kingfisher Heli operations this winter. The perk: Predator Ridge residents can access exclusive last-minute deals on heli-skiing experiences. Tours begin in December, with four Kingfisher helicopters flying twice-daily ski trips from the community (with careful attention paid to minimal noise and distraction for residents). predatorridge.com, kingfisherheli.com.

Sledding in Sicamous

>>

Buy here

Deep powder in Sicamous. Photo courtesy Ryen Dunford

71% of buyers want ski resort communities with year-round amenities (RE/MAX 2019).

Snowmobilers know that Sicamous has some of the best alpine snowmobiling in Western Canada: it scored five Rider’s Choice Awards from SnoRiders in 2018! Deep powder, vast terrain, lake and mountain views and a focus on safety are hallmarks of the local scene, running roughly December through April. With membership (around $200) in the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club, an Annual Trail Pass gives you no-fee access to four areas (Blue Lake, Owlhead, Queest and Eagle Pass) with well-maintained roads leading to parking areas, cozy warming cabins and 25 kilometres of groomed trails—plus a vast network of ungroomed expanse. Daily access is $25. Download a map and get conditions at sledsicamous.com.

Photo courtesy Kingfisher Heli, based out of Predator Ridge

Buy here

Average assessed value of a single-family home in Sicamous was $293,800 in 2018 (up 17%).

Real Estate Rises in Vancouver >> After a downturn over the past year, Vancouver real estate sales are again on the uptick—making now an ideal time to cash out and invest in a smaller B.C. community. The values of residential properties in most smaller B.C. communities continue to slowly grow: the province-wide average was a 7.45% increase in home values last year, with many small communities enjoying double-digit growth. In October 2019, Vancouver sales increased 45 per cent year over year, and home values did not decline for the first time in more than a year—significant signs that the Vancouver market is alive and well.

Building value

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Metro Vancouver home sales increased 22.5% between September and October 2019 (from 2,233 to 2,858).

Winter 2019/2020

Photo Unsplash

Langley’s New Heights

>>

Latimer Heights is the largest investment in a master-planned community ever in B.C. Vesta Properties is developing the 74-acre site into a community of nearly 2,000 homes plus an elementary school, office space, restaurants, shops and the walkable lifestyle of Langley Township. From single-family homes and duplexes to row homes, rooftop-patio town homes and urban-village condos, the residences have the luxe touches and transportation-friendly connected lifestyle buyers of every generation crave. Check out this $1-billion project at vestaproperties.com.

Buy here Average assessed value of a single-family home in Langley was $862,000 in 2018 (up 7%).

Photo courtesy Chung Chow

Seeing Stars in Maple Ridge

>>

Forget Hollywood: visitors can see stars (or at least the locations where celebrities like Steve Carell, Vince Vaughn, Charlize Theron, Eva Mendes, John Travolta, Josh Duchamel and Owen Wilson have filmed) in Maple Ridge. Doubling for everywhere from New York to the Scottish Highlands, the community regularly houses on-location actors, with an average of 15 productions each month (with the busy season starting in February, with filming of television pilot season). mapleridge.ca/1340/Filming

Set up shop Maple Ridge businesses get $4.6-million of

economic benefit annually from local filming.

Memorial Peace Park’s gazebo gets dressed for a Hallmark holiday movie. Photo courtesy of Economic Development and Civic Property of Maple Ridge

The Future of Community Economic Development Community Futures understands business in smaller B.C. communities, because it’s based in one: Mission. A non-profit organization boosting community economic development opportunities from local offices throughout B.C., it connects entrepreneurs and small business owners to business planning and support services plus self-employment advice. It even arranges financing, using lending criteria that prioritizes investment in local business and economies in rural communities. Find your closest office at communityfutures.ca/location-finder.

Set up shop There are 34 Community Futures offices in rural communities around B.C.

Streetwise in Fort St. John

>>

A water main break last summer in Fort St. John was the impetus for a major improvement: revitalizing downtown’s 100 Street. Water and sewer upgrades are just one aspect of this major transportation, shopping and visitor corridor getting a lift: it aims to become friendlier and safer for all users, with development options that include connection to green spaces, boosting local businesses, streetside patios and more. This past summer a design consultation process began, with construction and utility upgrades slted to begin in 2020. Follow the evolution at letstalk.fortstjohn.ca/engage/100-street.

100 Street winter rendering courtesy of City of Fort St. John

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Prince George Courtenay This east coast, central Vancouver Island community has a population of approximately 25,000. It’s an innovative and growing city and the cultural and urban hub of the surrounding Comox Valley. Recent listing: This stunning three-bedroom, three-bathroom rancher located in the desirable Hampton Gate at Crown Isle Golf Resort features 11-foot ceilings with an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, bonus room and shiplap feature walls. $929,900.

The largest city in northern B.C. with a population of 74,000 people, Prince George is an affordable place to live, work and play as a result of well-paying jobs, extensive infrastructure and unparalleled access to outdoor recreation. Recent listing: This four-bedroom, four-bathroom waterfront home includes a sevenpiece modern spa ensuite, custom millwork, games room, boat launch, professionally built workshop and landscaping. $1,175,000.

Halfmoon Bay

Port Alberni Centrally located on the west side of Vancouver Island, this spot is the Salmon Capital of the World as well as the birthplace of Canada’s first female Prime Minister, Kim Campbell. Recent listing: This rare four-bedroom, three-bathroom Sproat Lake property has 180 feet of water frontage, separate three-bay storage area and a greenhouse and garden area, with beautiful mountain and lake views. $1,075,000.

Map courtesy of Google Maps

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In this Sunshine Coast community with a population of approximately 2,800, locals enjoy hiking to Smugglers Cove, boating and paddleboarding at Coopers Green and getting some R&R. Recent listing: Wake up to stunning ocean views from this three-level, four-bedroom, four-bathroom home only one block from the ocean. Comes with a large kitchen, wine room, rooftop hot tub, wraparound deck and a bright lower level in-law suite. $1,150,000.

Victoria The Capital City is a mix of beautiful Victorian architecture and spectacular parkland, green spaces and parks, including the renowned Butchart Gardens. Recent listing: This custombuilt four-bedroom, four-bathroom home with main floor master and spa-inspired ensuite is located in the Olympic View area, within walking distance to Royal Bay Beach Park, Olympic View Golf Course and hiking trails. $1,099,900.

Merritt Just a three-hour drive from Vancouver and 1.5 hours from Kelowna, with a population of 7,000, Merritt gives you that small town feel, but comes with all the amenities of a bigger town.

Recent listing: Live the perfect rural life in this two-bedroom, two-bathroom-plus-den rancher on more than six acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, fenced for horses, with a workshop and an irrigation pond with geese. $1,050,000.

WHAT A COOL $1 MILLION BUYS We combed the province for markets where close to a seven-figure investment will land you a home that truly looks and feels like a million bucks, where you can live large enjoying the beauty and amenities of surrounding communities.

By Right Sizing Staff For direct links to all listings, go to rightsizingmedia.com/1million

Abbotsford The largest municipality in the province outside Metro Vancouver is an affordable, growing city rich in economic development, facilitated by institutions like the Abbotsford International Airport, TRADEX and the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre.

Recent listing: Live in this six-bedroom, four-bathroom rancher with a permitted basement suite. This property is located in The Highlands in East Abbotsford, close to all amenities, hiking and biking with beautiful mountain and valley views. $925,000.

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Sicamous Situated between Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake at the northern end of the Okanagan Valley, you’ll enjoy summer life on the water while taking in the gorgeous natural surroundings. Recent listing: This custom built four-bedroom, four-bathroom home situated in Bayview Estates overlooking Mara Lake comes with four walkouts to private patios and some of the best views in Sicamous. $886,000.

Canmore

Vernon As the northern hub of the Okanagan Valley, this active year-round community for people of all ages is poised for growth and development, and has become attractive to young families due to its affordability and opportunities.

Recent listing: Here’s a perfect opportunity to live in a contemporary-styled three-bedroom, four-bathroom home located in the vibrant Predator Ridge community, surrounded by world-class resort-style amenities, including golf and a renowned spa at the adjacent property. $935,000.

Just an hourand-a-half drive from downtown Calgary and five minutes from Banff National Park’s east gate, enjoy dining, shopping and outdoor recreation surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Recent listing: A luxurious property in one of Canmore’s most sought after neighbourhoods, this three-bedroom, threebathroom home includes 360-degree views, a master bedroom with spa ensuite on the main level, a chef’s kitchen and plenty of garage and storage space for recreational toys. $1,174,950.

Windermere

Kelowna The heart of the Okanagan Valley provides an affordable, family-friendly, all-season city in which to live. Enjoy water recreation in the summer and winter adventure at Big White Ski Resort. Recent listing: Live in Kelowna’s prestigious Wilden community surrounded by stunning nature and views.

This high-end four-bedroom, three-bathroom home comes with an open plan, a second living room, potential for a permitted basement suite and the opportunity to make modifications to builder plans. $949,000.

Map courtesy of Google Maps

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This small community five minutes south of Invermere in the Regional District of East Kootenay attracts residents with ample boating, swimming, fishing, hang-gliding and golf opportunities. Recent listing: This private, rustic four-bedroom, four-bathroom home features vaulted ceilings, hardwood and slate floors, a stone fireplace, custom woodwork and stunning views that make the space perfect for hosting the entire family. $1,090,000.

Penticton This south central Okanagan town is known for 2,100 hours of sunshine per year, adjacency to two beautiful lakes, more than 40 wineries and daily flights to Calgary and Vancouver, just to name a few perks. Recent listing: This modern three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home overlooking Skaha Lake, from Skaha Hills, was built for luxury living, with features including resort-style amenities, access to hiking and biking trails and expansive lake and valley views. $919,000.

JULIE HEGYI

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Matching people with elegant homes & lifestyles.

11985 SUNSHINE COAST HWY PENDER HARBOUR | $745,000

800 Ft Beach Waterfront Building Lot 15 acres (1/2 share)

WATERFRONT PROPERTIES

Live the coastal lifestyle you have always dreamed of on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Clean air, clean water & a solid sense of community awaits you. – Julie Hegyi, your Sunshine Coast Re-location Specialist

12689 SUNSHINE COAST HWY 101 PENDER HARBOUR | $1,138,000

2,73 SF Waterfront Home.

1.33 Acre property + 30’ dock

5368 SEACREST ROAD HALFMOON BAY | $890,000

2,892 SF Waterfront Home Stunning Ocean Views 19,000 SF lot

Julie Hegyi Personal Real Estate Corporation jhegyi@sothebysrealty.ca sothebysrealty.ca

c 604.740.2164 | t 604.922.6995 235 15th Street, Suite 200, West Vancouver, B.C. V7T 2X1

Photo by: Kari Medig The City of Rossland, B.C.

Rustic Reel is just one of a cluster of new breweries in Kelowna’s north end. Photo courtesy Rustic Reel Brewing Company

COMMUNITY ON TAP B.C.’s craft brewing industry is hopping. Whether they specialize in Hefeweizen or hazy IPAs, more than 117 breweries call the province home, with five of the newest listed here.

By Gail Johnson

In smaller cities, brewpubs are often much more than a place to find a good beer; they’re also gathering places that help build community. They can also be a magnet, attracting visitors or potential residents who might otherwise keep on driving through town. Here are a few gems that offer terrific made-in-B.C. beer as well as satisfying fare to go with a flight, pint or growler.

Elevation 57 Brewing Company, Big White Ski Resort

Elevation 57 Brewing Company. Photo courtesy BC Craft Brewers Guild

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Canada’s highest brewery, at 5,757 feet above sea level, sources pure mountain water from Rhonda Lake for brewmaster Brendan Amond’s creations. They range from Milk Stout and Smoked Porter to Booter Blonde Ale and Huck It Hefeweizen. The brewery is adjacent to Sessions Taphouse & Grill, which has a ski-in/ski-out deck just off the Perfection run at Big White. Look for fare like flatbreads, veggie “wings,” deep-fried pickles, loaded fries and a handful of salads. elevation57brewing.com

Slackwater Brewing, Penticton Penticton’s newest craft brewery spans two levels with two bars, two patios, board games and an open-plan design spotlighting its brewing system. From unique twists on classic pub ales to traditional European lagers, farmhouse ales and contemporary styles, Slackwater aims to make something for everyone. It picked up People’s Choice awards for Best Beer at the 2019 Okanagan Fest of Ale and Best Brewery at the Great Okanagan Beer Festival 2019.

Highlighting Okanagan ingredients, chef Ben Overland’s tap-room menu features items like a Nashville chicken sandwich, ale-braised bratwurst wheel and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with truffle oil. slackwaterbrewing.com

Land & Sea Brewing Company, Comox Community focused and family friendly, Land & Sea Brewing has a 72-seat lounge and rotating taps of approachable beers that speak of the Comox Valley. This past summer, for instance, visitors sipped on brews crafted with locally harvested sumac, elderflower and grand fir tips. Then there are staples like the easy-drinking Glacier Cream Ale and Blacktail Kolsch (a dark, lagered ale). To eat are share plates or standalone meals ranging from tuna Cobb salad to Mexican street-corn nachos. landandseabrewing.ca

Jackson’s Social Club & Brewhouse, 100 Mile House The only craft brewery between Quesnel to Kamloops, this spot on Highway 97 offers six ever-changing beers on tap, from a seasonal Blueberry Thrill Witbier to a Pilsner-style Bud Weisenhimer. Food options include locally sourced beef burgers and bratwurst; freshly baked bread, buns and pretzels come from Lac La Hache Bakery.

The kitchen crew gets as many ingredients as possible from the South Cariboo Farmers Market, where Jackson’s also sells its latest brews. facebook.com/JacksonsBrewery

Rustic Reel Brewing Company, Kelowna From Rosenheim Hefeweizen to Imperial Chocolate Stout, these beers go down just as nicely after a summer bike ride as they do après-ski. Founder Susi Foerg wants the brewery to be a “friends and family” spot with the feel of a lakeside cabin. The Sunday breakfast menu includes items like the Reel Fresh Flight (variations of avocado and spent-grain toast) and barley waffles. Foerg’s German heritage shows up in dishes like the cheese spaetzle skillet and sausage flight. For kids, there’s a char-cute-erie plate, with cheese, salami, crackers, apple slices and more. rusticreel.com TOP Slackwater Brewing. Photo Jason Brinkman CENTRE Jackson’s Social Club and Brewhouse.

Photo Alaistair Jerrom-Smith BOTTOM Photo courtesy Land and Sea Brewing

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Best Selling Langley Condos

20320 86 Ave, Langley, BC (near 200th St exit) Pick up our 24 page booklet at the Sales Centre

All Yorkson Park condos include: • Large glassed-in solarium balconies • All suites have 2 parking spots (no upcharge) • Individual storage garages with electrical outlet for your electric car or freezer • Natural gas BBQ outlet is standard • Air-conditioning and heat-pumps are standard • Bedrooms will accommodate a king bed • Above code sound-proofing • ExpressBus to SkyTrain • Yorkson Park condos are larger than most

www.YorksonPark.ca Your Realtor: Amy Ellis

ACCESSIBLE

AVAILABLE

778-298-2280

RELOCATING: HAVE NO FEAR Even if the location, finances or work and social ties of your current hometown aren’t enough to keep you there, the fear factor of relocating as an adult holds many people back.

Here’s how people at three different life stages overcame their trepidations and made a big move, making a new home in smaller B.C. communities.

By Tracey Rayson

Making new friends can be one of the easiest, and most unexpected, benefits to realize by moving to a smaller community.

No Single Reason In 2017, Gail Pischak, now 66, left behind her Regina hometown and the consulting and training business she’d established there— along with the unforgiving prairie winters. Today she enjoys the more pleasant climate of oceanfront living in her East Beach condo in White Rock. Relocating also gave her proximity to direct flights to the College of the Desert in Palm Springs, where she’s currently enrolled in film school.

A positive outlook and her excitement at new opportunities trumped any fears. “There’s a real quality of life and sense of community in White Rock, which I was looking for,” Pischak says.

She joined a gym for both fitness and friendships, but admits her strongest social connections came from her neighbours. “They introduced me to the local cafe, the farmers market, art fairs and festivals and even helped me find a doctor. We go for coffee, happy

hours and vacations together, too,” she says. “It’s such a new experience: it almost feels like family, except it’s community.”

Gail is looking forward to the day she starts her own production company and starts making short documentaries from White Rock. She adds, “I probably wouldn’t be doing it, had I not moved.”

Life in Balance After being forced to bounce from one run-down or poorly managed Vancouver rental apartment to another, and facing vacancy rates of less than one per cent, couple Mandy Renneberg, 38, and Ryan Stinson, 36, faced a constant challenge to find suitable, pet-friendly spaces to live.

Looking for an affordable path to homeownership, less rain and more sun, plus a sustainable work-life balance, Renneberg took to Twitter to connect with fellow tech workers, including a former Winter 2019/2020

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Mandy Renneberg and Ryan Stinson in Vic West. Photo courtesy of the couple

colleague living in Victoria. ”We asked a lot of questions about the tech industry, life and community in Victoria,” says Renneberg.

During an exploratory holiday in the capital, Renneberg and Stinson fell in love with historic Victoria West (Vic West to locals).

“We’ve been able to save, buy a townhouse, bootstrap a design agency [SOHTOH.com] and live in more space,” says Renneberg, who explains that spending more time outdoors helped distract the couple from missing their tight-knit circle of Vancouver friends. “We quickly met like-minded people through two tech-focused social network groups, and soon after us, some Vancouver friends relocated, too.”

With a home close to the ocean and a small forest nearby, they savour the peacefulness and live with a smaller carbon footprint.

“We rarely use our car here, and Victoria’s bike lanes provide a safe commute. We’ve even forgotten the big-city noise,” says Renneberg.

“We’re living debt free and can easily sustain this new lifestyle,” Kelly says happily.

It took some time to adjust to their new rural lifestyle and make friends, she admits, but they used their interests to assimilate into

“We’re living debt free and can easily sustain this new lifestyle,” –Kelly Parry the community. “In Coquitlam, we volunteered for an organization providing therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities, so we signed up to help out at the North Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association. It’s been a nice connection and we’ve met lots of great people,” Kelly says.

Riding a Connection For more than 10 years, Kelly and Geoff Parry vacationed in the Okanagan, mostly around Vernon. They frequently talked about relocating to escape the hurried pace of living in suburban Coquitlam.

In 2015, with a job layoff looming for Kelly, who is now 55 (Geoff, who is now 65, had already eased into retirement a couple of years earlier), their frustrations overcame their fears of moving to a new town. They were fed up with squandering their money on their suburban rental home and discouraged with Metro Vancouver’s lack of affordable housing for purchase.

Returning to a community where they’d so happily vacationed many times before, they relocated to the Township of Spallumcheen, five kilometres from Armstrong and 17 kilometres from Vernon. They bought a house on a half-acre of land in the heart of farm country.

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Kelly and Geoff Parry

Design Your Dream in Rossland – Stay Active Six lot subdivision in Redstone Resort $139,000/lot

Rossland is a special community, protected by being just off the beaten path. It has all of this: World-class skiing World-class golf

Word-class mountain biking Trophy fly fishing

P: Tourism Rossland/Dave Heath

C21 MELANNIE VOCKEROTH REALTOR® Melannie.Vockeroth@century21.ca Call 250 368 7681

• • • • • •

Next to a world class golf course Amazing mountain biking Trophy fly fishing Four minutes from downtown Eight minutes to ski hill Views of mountains and golf course

250-368-8818 Kootenayhomes.com Melannie Vockeroth, Realtor Melannie.Vockeroth@century21.ca 250-368-7681

Ocean front Living in Mexico Join 200+ Homeowners (70% Canadian) at Vivo Resorts, Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

Find your oasis among a 5-star resort community of healthy, active and engaged homeowners. Discover this pocket of Mexico undisturbed by commercial tourism but ripe with activities and opportunities to enjoy the nearby towns and natural playgrounds.

Developed by Canadian Olympic skier, Cary Mullen.

Rental pool options.

Call about ownership opportunities 1-844-777-8486 | Vivoresorts.com

Tourism Rossland/Eric Gonzalez

And: great value in real estate

Rhiannon Goodwin’s log cabin at Shawnigan Lake, B.C. Photos courtesy Lisa Graham/Discovery Dream Homes

SMALL HOMES FOR SMALLER BUDGETS Every person’s dream home build is as unique as the budget they have to devote to it.

With these pointers from a savvy client and insider advice from experts and builders, here’s how to do the budget and the build right.

By Lisa Manfield

For Rhiannon Goodwin, building a custom home had been a decades-long dream. Or, to be more precise, building a second custom home had been on her to-do list for 20 years.

The owner of a small log cabin home on Vancouver Island’s Shawnigan Lake had built her first place 20 years ago. “Where we are in Shawnigan Lake, the [rental] vacancy 22

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rate is practically zero,” she says. “At the time, 20 years ago, I needed somewhere to live that wasn’t my parents’ place, and the only option was to build myself a house.” So she put up a small cabin and lived there until life took her to Australia, where she went to raise her young family.

But she never felt like work on her

2.75-acre lot was complete. And when she was called back to Shawnigan Lake after the loss of her father, Goodwin had time on her hands and the motivation to finish what she started. “The property I bought was zoned to have two residences, and I always felt like it was unfinished,” she says. “I figured I might as well build a house.”

Cost Categories for Your Custom Home

Inside Rhiannon Goodwin’s pre-assembled log cabin. Photos courtesy Lisa Graham/Discovery Dream Homes

To keep costs lower, Goodwin chose a pre-assembled log cabin like her first, which she purchased through Discovery Dream Homes. “Because I’d built one before, I knew what I was getting myself into,” she says. “Everything was taken care of and it sounded simple—I’d just assemble the house like Lego,” she laughs.

Goodwin chose a milled-log system, which goes up faster than a traditional house because the “log wall is your finished exterior and interior wall,” says Danny Mauro, design and consulting associate with Discovery Dream Homes West, who gives a range of $110 to $120 per square foot for that type of structure. Mauro uses simple multipliers of that number to come up with broad ruleof-thumb estimated total budgets: multiply

that by 2.5 for turnkey costs on modest to intermediate finishings, and triple it for highend finishings. For a place like Goodwin’s, which Mauro calls “a modest chalet, you’re looking at the high-$200s per square foot, but our benchmark for a turnkey place is $300/square foot all in, for a nicely accented home.”

For Goodwin, the construction landscape had changed a lot in 20 years. “The costs... were going up as we were building,” Goodwin says. “A lot of the guys we had helping us with the build were blown away at how much more everything was costing, even in the last year. That made it more difficult to stay within our targets because someone would estimate $10,000 and it would be $12,000.”

While setting the budget for your home is up to you (and perhaps your lender!), getting a sense of what things will cost is the best way to set a realistic budget from the start.

Custom home costs can range from roughly $200 to $400 per square foot, depending on variables such as your location, the condition of your lot and your personal aesthetic and style. “Probably the biggest costs would be in the interior,” says Neil Moody, CEO of the CHABC. “You can burn up a lot of budget in the kitchen and bathrooms.”

To start figuring out costs, Brian Charlton of JB Charlton Homes in Cranbrook, B.C., suggests looking at homes that are similar to the one you want. “It’s really hard to use a square footage cost given all the variables.

Our best bet is comparables,” he says. “We ask our clients. ‘Do you see anything in our portfolio that is what you’re thinking?’ Now we’re talking apples to apples.”

Moody adds that you’ll want to ask your builder about hidden costs, too, such as change orders. “Ask what happens when you’re part-way through the house and you don’t like something. How will they handle change orders? That has to be reflected in your budget immediately, because it could affect financing.”

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By the Numbers

Sticking to the budget

Here’s a sample cost estimate to build a 1,000-square-foot log cabin similar to Rhiannon Goodwin’s (bungalow style, no basement). Cost per square foot for this cabin was $185.95. D anny Mauro of Discovery Dream Homes West suggests adding an additional $15 to $30 per square foot for a crawlspace or full basement.

In your budget, be sure to also include costs for land purchase, designs/ plans if you’re building custom, tool rentals, barging costs if necessary, shipping, insurance, interior design, landscaping and extra time for travel if ferrying workers is required.

Below is a sample spreadsheet for building cost estimates, which can vary dramatically.

Work

Included

Estimate

Excavation and backfill Building permits Utility hookups Well, pump and tank Septic field and tank Driveway and site preparation

$17,700

SITE WORK

• • • • • • • • •

Footings Foundation walls Poured floor

$14,000

• • • •

Materials (shipped to site) Framing (roof and siding) Exterior paint/stain Brickwork/stucco/stone

$130,384

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Plumbing + labour Electrical + labour Heating Fireplace/stove Insulation + labour Drywall Paint Flooring Kitchen cabinets/counters Bathroom vanities/counters Railings Interior trim + labour

$103,745

•

Contractors/project management

$16,633.30

FOUNDATION

SHELL TO LOCK-UP

INTERIOR FINISHES

LABOUR TOTAL

$282,462.30

Photo courtesy Discovery Dream Homes

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Part of the reason Goodwin found herself over-budget was due to issues with her lot, including excavation problems and an unexpected septic system rebuild. While she had hoped to do the bulk of the work herself, she ended up having to get quotes for work she hadn’t been planning to do at all—like building a new septic field.

For first-time custom home builders, the key in sticking to the budget is knowing what to plan for (including the unexpected), and what factors will affect costs, such as location. “Costs are higher on the Island versus the Fraser Valley because of the ferries,” says Neil Moody, CEO of the Canadian Homebuilders Association of B.C. (CHABC).

Separate your costs into phases of building so you can organize your estimates: first the site, then the foundation and framing, exterior finishes, interior systems and finishes, and finally, the landscaping. Factor in all permits and fees, shipping and labour costs, plus demolition and site-prep costs if there are existing structures or improvements on your lot.

“There are costs associated with each phase that depend on the site and the plans,” says Moody. “For example, are you choosing a site on a hill that will require reinforcement and excavation work, or on a flat lot that might have less preparation costs?

Are there services available from the municipality? Is there blasting involved?”

For Goodwin, site work ended up taking up a bigger portion of her budget than she anticipated. “We found a piece of Vancouver Island bedrock when we were excavating for our spot,” she says. “Everywhere we wanted to put the house had a chunk of Vancouver Island in it. But we brought it up to level and ended up with a crawlspace because of it.”

It wasn’t the only unexpected cost she encountered. “Our electrician doubled the quote on us,” she says. “And our well blew.

We had a great well for the original house.

But when we were watering our concrete, the well pump blew. We had to dig up the whole driveway.”

And then there was the wood finish she chose after months of research. “I did a lot of testing of different products on the logs because I knew that was going to be a big area for me, where I’m fussy,” she says, adding that she went with the most expensive finish to get the look she wanted.

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DIY or Don’t?

While Goodwin had the time and resources to build herself (she took an owner-builder course, inherited tools and know-how from her father and had access to a community willing to help her), many aren’t willing— or able—to take on a custom build themselves. Nor should they, says Brian Charlton, owner of JB Charlton Homes in Cranbrook, B.C. “You can’t start from scratch and know what you need to know about building a house,” he says. “Focus on what you can know, which is finding out which builder is the best fit for you,” he says, adding, “Do your due diligence. Find a builder you can be confident in and trust, and then trust their process.”

And know your budget, he adds. One of the biggest questions Charlton gets is, “How much will it cost per square foot?”

And it’s a question he can’t answer—not right away, anyway.

“This is a conversation every builder has,” he says. “We break our budget down into a spreadsheet with a couple of hundred lines, and we go through it line by line with the homeowner,” he says, adding that his team puts a solid 40 hours of work into their quotes. “Not all builders take that approach,” he says. “Many are less transparent. We’ve just found the conversations are so much easier to have if it’s as transparent as we can make it. And we end up with good outcomes.”

Charlton says there shouldn’t be any budgetary surprises if your builder has provided a quote based on your budget—except perhaps at the excavation stage. “That’s the only area where you see large variances. The homeowner may have purchased a lot that looks good until they start digging… and then they start digging up garbage, an old car or a filled-in lot. Or they might find something unforeseeable in the geology.”

Which is exactly what happened to Goodwin. But one year and $300,000 later, she moved into her new home and says it was worth all the time and money spent.

“Part of the reason I built the new log house is because my first house has the nicest feel. My husband wouldn’t let me sell it because it’s so beautiful. The new one is super bright, and has a huge, open mezzanine and windows that open into the forest.

It’s very unique and the land here is really special.”

Photo courtesy JB Charlton Homes

“Do your due diligence. Find a builder you can be confident in and trust, and then trust their process.”

–Brian Charlton, owner of JB Charlton Homes

Photo courtesy Discovery Dream Homes

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Make Prestige your home base while searching for your new home Located in 12 desirable locations across BC, Prestige provides all the comforts of home while you’re away from yours.

Inquire about our long term stay incentives!

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IN HOT WATER

Bathers enjoy Ainsworth Hot Springs with a view of Kootenay Lake. Photo courtesy Destination BC /Kari Medig

Here’s where to find B.C.’s best hot springs and thermal spas—and the property deals you can expect to find in these hot communities.

By Charlene Rooke There are a handful of spots in Western Canada where geothermal water seeps up from deep in the earth’s crust to form steaming natural pools. Long before some of them were tiled over and chlorinated for public use, hot springs were used for wellness and spiritual cleansing by Indigenous peoples (devotees claim that the unique mineral soup of each spring has health benefits), and today’s water-based spa retreats emulate those healing effects. Many of the best places to soak are lifestyle perks of living in easily accessible, great-value communities around B.C.

Canal Flats

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS

Lussier Hot Springs: Located in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, this is a popular but non-commercial, natural rock, hot springs pool. Take Whiteswan Forest Service Road and at kilometre 17.5 you’ll find a parking lot with a change room. From there, it’s a short hike down to the springs. www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/whtswan

Fairmont Hot Springs: Twenty minutes south of Invermere, Canada’s largest hot springs, has a steaming soaker pool (plus swimming and diving dips). There’s also a tiny airport here for the private jet set. fairmonthotsprings.com

1,000

Harrison Hot Springs: This five-pool manicured retreat (including an adults-only hot pool) east of Vancouver has hosted celebs from Clark Gable to Michael Bublé, and even has a bar on site—not to mention a full resort, golf course and marina. harrisonresort.com

28

Average $404,000 (up 10%)

Kaslo

Harrison

1,500

3,400

Average $199,000 (up 30%)

Average $609,000 (up 13%)

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Ainsworth Hot Springs: Horseshoe-shaped caves are worth the mountain drive to this traditional Indigenous soaking spot in the West Kootenay (15 minutes south of Kaslo). The natural mineral water emerges from the rock so hot, it has to be cooled (to 35-42C) for human soaking. ainsworthhotsprings.com 1,000

Average $260,000 (up 14%)

Nakusp

Revelstoke

Nakusp Hot Springs and Halcyon Hot Springs: After soaking in the hot pools you could cozy up in a rental chalet at Nakusp Hot Springs—but why not buy a cabin of your own in the nearby village? A 25-minute drive north, Halcyon Hot Springs offers views of the Monashees and a bracing cold dunk. nakusphotsprings.com, halcyon-hotsprings.com

Canyon Hot Springs: Make this stop between Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks (a 20-minute drive northeast of Revy) your home pool. Weary CPR workers discovered the steaming hot springs here more than a century ago. canyonhotsprings.com

1,100

Average $249,000 (up 13%)

Tofino Hot Springs Cove: Book a water taxi or floatplane tour from Tofino, then hike along a two-kilometre boardwalk to the springs and a natural waterfall—but not at high tide, when the hot pools can fill with cold Pacific water. env.gov.bc.ca/parks/explore/parkpgs/maquinna 2,000

Average $767,000 (up 19%)

13,000

Average $500,000 (up 18%)

Vernon Kurspa at Sparkling Hill Resort: Normally, this luxe wellness spa is only accessible by Sparkling Hill resort guests, but residents of the adjacent Predator Ridge community have spa privileges.

Cutting-edge natural and homeopathic treatments and facilities like a cryo cold chamber complement indoor/outdoor pools, steam rooms and sauna set against a stunning natural backdrop. sparklinghill.com 40,000

Average $447,000 (up 8%)

Radium

Whistler

Radium Hot Springs: F ifteen minutes north of Invermere, the Radium springs features dramatic rock-wall backdrops and separate hot and family pools; you can even book a yoga vacay here. radiumhotsprings.com

Scandinave Spa: Hydrotherapy pools of varying temperatures, saunas and a massage facility are part of the attraction of a day pass or shorter visit to this restorative European-style water spa. scandinave.com/whistler/en/ 12,000 Average $1,935,000 (up 11%)

1,000

Average $331,000 (up 2%)

Feeling the heat at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort hot pools. Photo courtesy Destination BC /Kari Medig

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HOME IS WHERE

THE HOCKEY IS It doesn’t matter whether you cheer for the Vancouver Canucks or the Calgary Flames: trying to score season tickets can be as prohibitive as investing in real estate these days. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to celebrate our national sport: playing, watching and celebrating it in right-sized B.C. cities.

By Lucas Aykroyd

This winter, discover how you can get that “Sidney Crosby scores for Canada in overtime!” feeling—minus the big-city sticker shock.

These beautiful, affordable communities are rich in hockey history, special events, exciting Western Hockey League (WHL) and British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) junior teams, plus opportunities to play, from beer leagues to children’s minor hockey at well-maintained local arenas. Smaller B.C. centres also boast fantastic options for relaxing before and after games.

Salmon Arm March 2020 sees Salmon Arm hosting Rogers Hometown Hockey, and the picturesque Interior city boasts other hockey distinctions as well. Cody Franson and Curtis Lazar are Salmon Arm natives who recently made the NHL. The BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks seek their first championship at the Shaw Centre. Staff at the Shuswap Academy Elite Hockey School have offered training for close to 40 years. From mountain biking around Shuswap Lake to cross-country skiing in Larch Hills, staying in shape is fun here. Get a Taste: Order personal-size nachos or get burgers to go at Shuswap Lake Brewing Co’s Barley Station Brew Pub.

Salmon Arm. Photo courtesy Pure Life Photography

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Abbotsford Will the Canucks relocate their farm team to the 7,000-capacity Abbotsford Centre? It was once home to Calgary’s AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat. Regardless, this December 2019 Rogers Hometown Hockey host community, which produced current Canuck Jake Virtanen, has lots to offer. The Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association has honed the skills of NHLers like Noah Juulsen and Kyle Cumiskey. From skating to saunas to swimming pools, the Abbotsford Recreation Centre and Matsqui Recreation Centre are fitness meccas. Get a Taste: The 2016-opened Canadian Brewhouse is ideal for enjoying pizza and dry ribs while watching games on big-screen TVs.

Campbell River Rod Brind’Amour put the Carolina Hurricanes on the map in 2006 when he hoisted the Stanley Cup as team captain. His hometown of Campbell River—a March 2020 stop for Rogers Hometown Hockey—is hockey crazy. Check out Junior B hockey with the top-flight Campbell River Storm at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena. Next Level Training offers skills camps for youngsters at the Strathcona Gardens

TOP LEFT Photo courtesy City of Langford. TOP RIGHT Inks Lake. Photo courtesy Tourism Kamloops/ Peter Olsen

Recreation Complex. Brind’Amour and Edmonton Oilers star Ryan Nugent-Hopkins run an annual cystic fibrosis fundraiser at Storey Creek Golf Club, while ex-NHLer Clayton Stoner hosts the Howie Meeker Special Olympics Golf Classic at the Campbell River Golf & Country Club. Get a Taste: Between sporting outings, devour locally caught salmon and Dungeness crab at the Harbour Grill.

Fernie The romance of pond hockey is alive and well in Fernie. Ringed by the Rocky Mountains, the city has a new outdoor rink complete with penalty boxes and player benches, donated by the Calgary Flames. After playing shinny, relax in the adjacent Fernie Aquatic Centre’s steam room and hot tub. If you want your kids to combine elite hockey training with high school education here in the Elk Valley, enroll them with the new Fernie Academy Fury. The Fernie Ghostriders compete in the Junior B Kootenay International Junior Hockey League at the Fernie Memorial Arena. Get a Taste: Before home games, catch NHL action at the nearby Pub Bar & Grill, savoring their famous chicken wings with the Fernie Brewing Company’s 3300 Golden Ale.

Kamloops Billed as the “Tournament Capital of Canada,” Kamloops has recently demonstrated that nickname applies to women’s hockey, too, by hosting the 2014 Four Nations Cup and 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championship. At the 5,464-capacity Sandman Centre, root for the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, whose alumni include legends like Mark Recchi and Scott Niedermayer. Get a Taste: Hockey fans flock to The Noble Pig and Red Collar Brewing for hearty pub fare and craft beer.

Langford From stars like Tyson Barrie to journeymen like Adam Cracknell, Langford, just west of Victoria, continues to produce NHL players. The BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies thrill fans at the Q Centre. This thriving Vancouver Island city is renowned in part for its shopping, and Bladz Skate Shop, Out of Bounds, and Sport Chek will cover all your hockey-gear needs. Get a Taste: At Bear Mountain Resort, play two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses and grab a bite at Masters Lounge, or work out at its well-equipped North Langford Recreation Centre.

Nanaimo Vancouver Island’s “Hub City” is a hub of hockey activity, too.

Nanaimo hosted 2019 World Junior training camps for the Czechs and Slovaks. The BCHL’s Nanaimo Clippers have produced NHLers from Mel Bridgman to Jason Garrison. Frank Crane Arena, their 3,000-seat home, is one of four Nanaimo-area ice surfaces. The Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association offers summer camps for both boys and girls. Get a Taste: The Windward Pub proudly sponsors the Nanaimo Clippers. Try the famous Smash Burger that’s the Thursday special there.

Penticton The B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame isn’t Penticton’s only calling card.

It also boasts the South Okanagan Events Centre, home to the BCHL’s Penticton Vees and the world-famous Okanagan Hockey Academy. The $90-million venue includes three NHL-sized rinks, athletic therapy facilities, a 5,000-square-foot gym, and much more. Golf, biking, beaches, and wine-tasting make the gorgeous Winter 2019/2020

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TOP LEFT Timbits Ice Hockey Tournament, Fernie. Photo courtesy Vinnie Mo. TOP RIGHT South Okanagan Events Centre, Penticton. Photo courtesy City of Penticton. BELOW Photo courtesy Predator Ridge

lakefront city, whose original senior Vees won the 1955 world championship, an easy sell for sports junkies. Get a Taste: Visit the downtown vintage-theatre location of TIME Winery, the official wine partner of the Calgary Flames.

Prince George The WHL’s Prince George Cougars have spawned Stanley Cup winners and Olympic gold medalists like Zdeno Chara, Dan Hamhuis and Eric Brewer. Cheer for the current Cougars as they quest for their first league title at the 5,971-capacity CN Centre. The BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings also inspired fervor when the Junior A squad earned their first Doyle Cup in 2019. Gearing up for rec hockey at the popular Elksentre Arena or Kin Centre? Work out at the state-of-the-art Northern Sport Centre. This 145,000-square-foot facility on the University of Northern BC campus features an indoor track, group drop-in fitness classes, squash courts, and much more. Get a Taste: The down-home Westwood Pub is a popular hotspot in Northern B.C.’s largest city. Watch hockey while tucking into fish and chips or six varieties of poutine.

Trail Trail made international hockey history when the amateur Smoke Eaters won the world championship in Switzerland in both 1939 and 1961. Today, this welcoming, blue-collar Kootenay city proudly maintains its hockey legacy. View Smokies memorabilia at the free, 2018-opened Trail Museum, or root for the BCHL team of the same name at the recently renovated Cominco Arena. The central Home of Champions monument honours longtime NHLers like Ray Ferraro and Adam Deadmarsh. Get a Taste: Stay fit for rec hockey yearround with skiing or mountain biking at nearby Rossland’s RED Mountain Resort, and fuel up on braised lamb shank and crispy Brussels sprouts at The Velvet in The Josie Hotel.

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WHERE THE PLAYERS ARE Ever wondered where hockey players live, play and vacay when they’re off the ice? Here are a few B.C. communities to watch.

VERNON: Predator Ridge is the summer home of Hockey Canada, with it’s own hockey house/cabin (above). At this fabled golf resort community, you might spot stars like Shea Weber or Justin Schultz teeing off.

KELOWNA: The home of the WHL Rockets and the 2020 Memorial Cup also lures dozens of NHLers with its foodie scene, wine and delightful Okanagan weather. Jarome Iginla and Wade Redden are among those who have called Kelowna home recently.

TOFINO: Former Canucks centre Brendan Morrison now resides in this idyllic and remote town of 1,000 on the west coast of Vancouver Island. He hosts the annual Tofino Saltwater Classic fishing derby. Two other ex-Canucks, Willie Mitchell and Dan Hamhuis, co-own the revitalized Tofino Resort + Marina.

WHISTLER: Just two hours from Vancouver, the host mountain resort of the 2010 Winter Olympics attracts NHLers from Sven Baertschi to Richard Bachman with hiking, fishing, and more.

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Campus Towns

The communities that host some of B.C.’s colleges and universities are great hubs for students, local workers—plus home owners and potential property investors.

With programs that will feed the future economy with trained staff, recreational and community facilities, and business and education outreach for the community, everyone should get schooled in what these B.C. communities offer.

By Charlene Rooke

Photo courtesy UBCO

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THOMPSONOKANAGAN REGION With a median age significantly higher than the rest of the province, this region has proportionally the lowest working-age population but higher than typical unemployment. Almost a quarter of B.C.’s agricultural jobs are here. Projected growth of jobs 2018-2028: 21.4% (19,500 jobs). B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook: 2018 Edition, from WorkBC

Kelowna UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA OKANAGAN Where: Located by the Kelowna International airport in the hub city of the Okanagan.

What: A reputation for teaching excellence, a strong co-op program and affiliation with UBC’s main Vancouver campus are all drawing cards.

Size: 500 acres, 9,000 students, 80 programs.

Community: Visit the Hangar fitness facility and FINA Art Gallery or attend more than 200 public events a year, including a speaker series, lively UBC Dialogues discussions and an annual Nobel Night.

BUY Kelowna single-family residential properties values were up 7% in 2019 (average value $632,000); condo values were up 10% (average value $376,000). The U-Eight development on the UBCO campus is the final building in a phased program that has sold out quickly: register now for a first look at 90 planned homes by the Mission Group. liveatueight.com

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Kelowna, continued OKANAGAN COLLEGE Where: A Kelowna home base with campuses in Penticton, Vernon, Revelstoke and Salmon Arm plus an Oliver learning centre.

What: The Kelowna campus has a Trades Complex and a Health Sciences Centre under construction. Penticton has wine and viticulture, construction management, criminal social justice and kinetics programs; Vernon has a new early childhood education certificate along with a writing and publishing diploma; Revelstoke has a tourism management diploma.

Size: 9,000 students and 130 programs across six locations.

Community: A new federally funded BC Beverage Technology Access Centre in Penticton will provide testing, services, research and small-business support to the wine, beer, cider and spirits industries. Watch for Wine Talks lectures in Penticton from experts in the industry. Take a self-guided tour at na’ʔk’ʷulamən Garden at the Kelowna campus, celebrating Indigenous plants.

Kamloops THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY Where: At the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers, TRU emphasizes rich campus life, research opportunities and flexible learning options, including online and international study. A Williams Lake campus offers small class sizes in a brand-new facility.

What: Trades and technology plus nursing, science, law, education, business/economics, arts and an adventure, culinary arts and tourism faculty are TRU’s foundations.

Size: 250 acres, 28,000 students, 140 on-campus programs (plus 60 more online).

Community: Enjoy a meal at the Accolades Dining Room, part of the Culinary Arts Training Centre. There are a dozen spaces at the TRU Conference Centre for your meeting or event; take a free guided tour of its extensive Horticulture Gardens, which include theatre and gazebo event venues.

Photo courtesy NVIT.ca

Merritt NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Where: The Merritt campus is housed in a building that has received three major architectural awards; the Institute also has a Vancouver campus.

What: B.C.’s public post-secondary Indigenous institute is committed to Indigenous culture, tradition and knowledge. It focuses on social work and human services, business, environment, education, health, justice, trades and university-transfer programs. A new culinary arts program started this year.

Size: 1,500 students, 40 programs, two campuses.

Community: Health and safety courses (like Foodsafe and first aid) are offered to the public through Continuing Education here. NVIT programs are also delivered to First Nations communities throughout the province.

BUY Merritt single-family residential property values were up 9% in 2019 (average value $266,100); condo values were up 10% (average value $137,300). Recent listings such as a half duplex for $130,000 move on the market quickly.

BUY Kamloops single-family residential property values were up 8% in 2019 (average value $431,000) and condo values were up 8% (average value $248,000). Register now for the on-campus Creston House development by Cape, which will have one- and two-bedroom units (some with den). It’s part of the Reach, a campus neighbourhood expected to house 7,500 people over the next two decades. crestonhouse.ca TRU Conference Centre. Photo courtesy tru.ca

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LOTS RANGE FROM: $299K - $525K

Incredible view lots sit above the bustle, while staying close to every part of Kelowna.

10 Minutes to Orchard Park Shopping Centre • 30 Minutes to the Big White Ski Resort 15 Minutes to the Airport • 15 Minutes to the University Ask about our preferred builders or bring your own Craftsman style builder.

Drop By and Have a Look

1261 Loseth Rd, Kelowna, BC, V1P 1E5 | (250) 862-0895 or (250) 859-3513 | info@kirschnermountain.com

VANCOUVER ISLAND/COAST REGION A quarter of B.C.’s public administration jobs are in this region, plus it has the highest proportion (83%) of jobs in the service sector of any area in B.C., according to Work BC stats. Projected growth of jobs 2018-2028: 29% (44,600 jobs).

Victoria UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA Where: UVic has facilities in the Oak Bay and Saanich districts of the greater Victoria area.

What: UVic’s areas of research strength include culture, data and computer science, environment, social justice, health, Indigenous studies, ocean and physical sciences, engineering and math.

Size: 400 acres, 22,000 students, 280 programs.

Community: Stroll Finnerty Gardens, visit the university’s downtown Legacy Art Gallery, attend a Phoenix Theatre student performance or book an expert talk for an event through the Speakers Bureau.

ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY Where: Located on Hatley Park, a 565-acre Edwardian estate and National Historic site with an actual castle, formal gardens and more than 15 kilometres of trails. (The site of countless weddings, events, and filming of 80 productions including Deadpool and X-Men.) What: Specializes in a blended learning model with many professional, part-time and lifelong learning opportunities, including its renowned MBAs. Size: 565 acres, 5,300 students, 350+ programs.

Community: Sample yoga and fitness classes plus personal training at the recreation centre, or walk or ride the nearby Galloping Goose trail.

BUY Colwood single-family residential properties were up 10% in 2019 (average value $637,000) and condos were up 11% (average value $400,600). Colwood Corners by Onni is a nearby 284-unit, five-storey development coming soon: register at onni.com/colwoodcorners.

Photo courtesy UVic Photo Services

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Nanaimo VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY

Photo courtesy Vancouver Island University

CAMOSUN COLLEGE Where: Camosun has two campuses, Landsdowne in Uplands and Interurban in Saanich.

What: B.C.’s largest public college has university transfer programs and a strong teaching reputation.

Size: Two campuses, 10,000 full-time students, 160 programs.

Community: The Camosun Innovates program offers applied research, product design, advanced manufacturing and prototype services, Camosun International offers global consulting and partnership services and the Athletic & Exercise Therapy Clinic at the Interurban campus offers athletic, exercise and laser therapy plus orthotics assessment and fitting.

Where: An ocean-view campus in Nanaimo is the anchor for a learning network in four other locations.

What: Early childhood education is one focus at the Sunshine Coast campus in Powell River; a Cowichan campus in Duncan has a Trades Centre; there’s a Parksville Civic & Technology Centre campus.

Size: 92 acres, 14,500 students, 120+ programs.

Community: In Nanaimo, take in a campus View Gallery exhibition or a Malaspina Theatre performance. The Parksville-Qualicum campus has an ElderCollege program with opportunities for instructors and lifelong learners, plus a Saturday Speakers series.

BUY Nanaimo single-family residential properties were up 12% in 2019 (average value $490,000) and condos were up 15% ($309,000). Nearby modern DLX on Third condos by Wertman (181 micro-suite, studio, one- and two-bedroom, from $119,000 to $450,000) are meant to allow students to build property equity while they study. dlxonthird.com

Campbell River

BUY Greater Victoria single-family residential properties were up 10% in 2019 (average value $842,050) and condos were up 8% (average value $447,800). One- and two-bedroom condos at Fifteen88 in Cedar Hill, a five-minute bus ride from UVic and a six-minute bike ride from Camosun College, sell from the high $300,000s to the mid $600,000s. abstractdevelopments.com/developments/fifteen88-2

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE Where: With no student residences at its Campbell River, Comox Valley, Port Alberni, Ucluelet or Port Hardy campuses, residential property in one of NIC’s communities is a smart investment.

What: The Campbell River campus has a Youth Train in Trades program; Courtenay has a Trades Training Centre; Port Alberni has the Tebo Vocational Centre with equipment and shops for student work; Ucluelet, once served by travelling NIC tutors, now has its own campus. Last year the Port Hardy campus moved into a renovated $1.4-million, 6,000-square-foot space in the Thunderbird Mall.

Size: Four campuses, 8,000 students, 200+ programs.

Community: Eat student-prepared food at Third Course Bistro in Campbell River or Roger Street Bistro in Port Alberni. Visit Shadbolt Studios or take in an Elder College lecture at the Courtenay, Campbell River or Port Alberni campuses.

BUY Campbell River single-family residential properties were up 16% in 2019 (average value $401,000) and condos were up 23% (average value $240,300). New rental units at Crowne Pacific’s nearby Crestview at Seymour Village rent from $1,250 for a one-bedroom; nearby condos can be purchased for less than $200,000.

Photo Unsplash

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caribou region The least populated region of B.C. will have a very high (90.1%, or more than 16,000 jobs) rate of retiring workers over the next decade. Manufacturing (12%) and primary industries (7%) have traditionally ruled the economy here. Projected growth of jobs 2018-2028: 9.9% (1,800 jobs).

Prince George COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA Where: Campuses in Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, Quesnel and Vanderhoof complement the Prince George hub of the College of New Caledonia.

What: At New Caledonia, business, education, health, technology and trades are focuses, along with university-transfer offerings.

Size: Six campuses and a 12,500-hectare research forest, 5,000 students, 70+ programs.

Community: The Tourism and Hotel Management program is popular with professionals and fills a need for hospitality employees in the local market.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA Where: Prince George-based UNBC also has campuses in Quesnel, Terrace and Fort St. John.

What: UNBC calls itself Canada’s Green University and espouses “naturally inspired learning.” The Northern Medical Program and co-op programs are among its offerings; it has three Canada Research Chairs.

Size: 550-hectare campus in Prince George, 4,000 students, 130 programs.

Community: UNBC campus trails connect to a network of almost 50 kilometres in Forests for the World and Cranbrook Hill Greenway spaces in Prince George. A UNBC Continuing Studies program includes expert-led Northern BC Adventures to rare wild and historic sites.

BUY Prince George single-family residential properties were up 10% in 2019 (average value $296,800) and condos were up 9% ($163,300). Park House Condominiums downtown will have 153 units (one- and two-bedroom units from $299,000 to $415,000) and an express bus route to both UNBC and the College of New Caledonia. parkhousepg.com Photo courtesy UNBC

north coast region With unemployment rates that have typically trended above the provincial average, 68% of employment here is in the service-producing sector. Projected growth of jobs 2018-2028: 29.2% (3,800 jobs).

Terrace COAST MOUNTAIN COLLEGE Where: Prince Rupert, Smithers, Hazelton and Haida Gwaii campuses round out the North Coast regional college.

What: The Freida Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art in Terrace is the only First Nations northern art program of its kind in Canada.

The Applied Coastal Ecology program is a gem of the Prince Rupert campus, Smithers offers workplace-ready business and social/human sciences, and the Haida Gwaii campus in Masset offered a new business administration certificate this past fall.

Size: 30-acre main campus and nearly 6,000 students over five locations.

Community: The Terrace campus has a yurt and a longhouse for 40

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campus and community activities, a new fitness centre and student-prepared food and catering through the Waap Haawk Cafeteria. Get treatments from esthetics students at The Spa in Smithers.

The Hazelton and Haida Gwaii campuses offer summer Field Schools immersed in aspects of local First Nations culture and history.

BUY Terrace single-family residential properties were up 9% in 2019 (average value $312,000), condos were flat (average value $120,100) and two-bedrooms rent for around $1,500.

Condos on the resale market get snapped up quickly: recent listings were in the $150,000 range.

northeast region With historically low unemployment compared to the rest of B.C., this region has a hot services-producing sector and a young population (70% of people working age). Projected growth of jobs 2018-2028: 41.7% (6,000 jobs).

Dawson Creek NORTHERN LIGHTS COLLEGE Where: Dawson Creek base with additional campuses in Chetwynd, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John and Tumbler Ridge, plus access centres in Atlin, Dease Lake and Hudson’s Hope and videoconferencing facilities at all campuses.

What: Calling itself “B.C.’s Energy College,” NL has one- and twoyear programs, some of them university transferable. Trade and vocational learning, applied business technology, and university arts and science courses are among its offerings. A Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas is located at the Fort St. John campus and there’s an Aerospace Centre of Excellence and a Clean Energy Technology Centre of Excellence in Dawson Creek.

Size: 2,000 students, 55 programs, eight satellite campuses.

Community: First aid, hunter safety and bear awareness, and various oil and gas sector training courses are among the workplace-related offerings at various campuses.

BUY Dawson Creek single-family residential property values were flat in 2019 (average value $253,000), condo values were down -1% (average value $199,100). Resale condos sell quickly at prices from $125,000 and up; two-bedrooms rent for around $1,500.

Photo courtesy College of the Rockies

Future Looks Bright According to B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook, a decade forward-looking report WorkBC put out in 2018, the forecast looks bright for college towns over the next decade.

• • • •

•

•

•

903,000 job openings through 2028.

77% of future jobs will require some post-secondary training.

Green technology, digital media and life sciences are expected to offer particularly strong B.C. job opportunities.

Top demand trades are predicted to include cooks and bakers, automotive service workers, carpenters, hair stylists, construction, heavy equipment operators, millwrights, welders and electricians.

Top growth industries are predicted to include finance, insurance and real estate (+15%); agriculture and fishing (+10%); non-profit, repair and personal services (+9%); construction and information, culture, recreation (+8%); accommodation and food services (+5%); retail and healthcare, social assistance (+4%).

Police officers and firefighters, computer network technicians and aircraft mechanics and inspectors are a few of the projected highest-paying occupations available with a diploma or certificate.

Senior management in government, public administration, engineering, transportation, production and utilities are some of the projected highest-payment occupations with a degree.

New trades training centre on the Dawson Creek Campus. Photo courtesy Northern Lights College

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kootenay REGION Around 10% of jobs are still in the primary industries (forestry, mining, oil and gas, fishing and hunting) in this area, where the median age and unemployment are higher than much of the province. Projected growth of jobs 2018-2028: 18.3% (4,300 jobs).

Cranbrook COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES

Ski resort operation students. Photo courtesy Selkirk College

Castlegar SELKIRK COLLEGE Where: Along with Nelson (three locations), Castlegar, Trail and Grand Forks campuses, Kaslo and Nakusp have learning centres affiliated with Selkirk.

What: Everything from contemporary music and forest technology to ski resort operation and a rural pre-med program. The Castlegar hub has a Gathering Place on the campus providing a supportive environment for Indigenous learners. The Nelson Silver King campus has student trades shops, the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute and the Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre.

Size: 2,700 full-time students and 90 programs over eight facilities.

Community: Employment workshops, workplace training, a lecture series at the Mir Centre for Peace and 15 kilometres of walking trails are ways to interact in Castlegar. The Shambhala Music & Performance Hall on the Nelson 10th Street Campus hosts public performances, and there’s a hair salon at the Nelson Silver King campus.

Where: Seven campuses across the region, with a hub in Cranbrook.

There’s a student residence there, but additional locations in Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere and Kimberley are ripe with rental-housing opportunities for investors.

What: Mountain activity skills training in Fernie, adventure tourism in Golden and other unique programs cultivate students with a love for the wild outdoors of this region. Trades, health, business and university-transferable studies are all offered here.

Size: 3,000 students, 70 programs on eight campuses.

Community: Professional cooking students prepare your meal at the Class Act Dining Room or get a bargain trim from trainees at the College Hair Salon in Cranbrook. There are hundreds of online courses available for registration, including a 26-week Cannabis Education and Training course.

BUY Cranbrook single-family residential property values were up 96% in 2019 (average value $296,000); condo values were up 7% (average value $119,000). Twenty-three luxe Legacy Summit condos coming to Wildstone golf course northwest of town will range from 687 to 2,446 square feet. legacylookout.ca/legacysummit

BUY Castlegar single-family residential property values were up 11% in 2019 (average value $316,000); in Nelson, condo values were up 10% (average value $370,000), townhomes were up 22% (average value $388,000) and homes were up 18% (average value $462,000). Castlegar’s former City Centre Motel site near the college has been sold to a developer for multi-family housing. Register now for Nelson Landing, a 265-unit community planned for the northern edge of the city on one of the last parcels of lakefront property there. stormmountain.ca/projects

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Cranbrook campus. Photo courtesy College of the Rockies

IN CRANBROOK’S NEWEST SUBDIVISION:

$469,900 Plus GST • Includes Lot

• Unobstructed Views of the Rocky Mountains • Prefurbia Design

the steeples

• Pricing Includes Concrete Driveway and Landscaping • Bare Land Strata Management

$449,000

Plus GST • Includes Lot

Langley is one of the most attractive swaths of the Fraser Valley for home buyers.

langley: Boom Town Explore B.C.’s other wine country: Langley. This Fraser Valley enclave is not only an emerging wine region (40 wineries and counting, many of them award-winning), its real-estate scene is booming, too. Here’s where to put down roots.

By Michelle Hopkins and Right Sizing staff

Langley is actually divided into two districts: Langley City and the Township of Langley (of which Fort Langley, dubbed the birthplace of B.C., is part). Altogether, nearly 147,000 residents call Langley home, many of them young professionals attracted not only to its affordability but also to its authentic rural vibe. With a growth rate of 12.6 per cent over the last census period (2011-2016), the population of the Township of Langley alone is expected to double by 2040, making it the 5th largest municipality in Metro Vancouver.

It’s no surprise that housing construction in Langley is booming. In 2018, Langley

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City more than doubled its average annual construction value, up to $113 million from a 10-year average annual construction value of $48.6 million. The Township is also experiencing unprecedented growth, reaching $530,693,559 in new building permits this year compared to $380,793,595 during the same period last year. Of those, 963 were for multifamily units, compared to 449 units during the same period last year.

Yet affordability is on the rise. According to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB), the September 2019 benchmark price for a detached house in Langley was $982,300, down 4.4 per cent from a year

earlier, while a typical condo apartment sells for $400,200, down a whopping 7.3 per cent from the same time last year.

“Home prices are still dropping compared to a year ago, but on a month-to-month basis, prices are moderating,” says Darin Germyn, FVREB president.

To keep up with the unprecedented population growth, a new $10-million, 55,000-square-foot terminal building is nearing completion at the Langley Airport, while a $40-million expansion of Langley Memorial Hospital began earlier this summer—infrastructure amenities that make this one of the most attractive swaths of the Fraser Valley.

ARISTOTLE

GALA AT PARC CENTRAL

THE RESIDENCES

173 West Coast contemporary one-, two-

75 one- and two-bedroom condos. Central

91 two-bedroom, two-bathroom layouts.

and three-bedroom homes. Willoughby.

Gordon in Willoughby. Selling now.

Willoughby Town Centre.

Now selling; move in 2021.

essenceliving.com/gala

Selling now. beehere.ca

aristotleliving.com

KEYSTONE

THE TERRACES 3

85 modern four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-

64 three-bedrooms with private rooftop

77 one- and two-bedroom condos in

bath town homes. Carvolth Village. Selling

terraces. Langley City. Selling now.

Langley City. Currently in preconstruction.

now. lifeatkeystone.com

terracesthree.com

ATRIUM atriumlangley.ca

LATIMER CREEK

TOWNSHIP COMMONS

106 three- and four-bedroom town homes.

211 two-bedroom condominiums and

Two, two-plus-den and three-bedroom

Across from Langley Events Centre.

four-bedroom town homes. Willowbrook.

modern condos. Langley City. In precon-

essenceliving.com/latimer-creek

Selling now. townshipcommons.com

THE AUDLEY struction. audleyliving.com

CENTRAL

LATIMER HEIGHTS

TRIBUTE AT PARC CENTRAL

2,000 contemporary homes, condos, du-

80 four-bedroom town homes. Central

48 low-rise one- and two-bedroom condos.

plexes, town homes, rowhomes and single-

Gordon Estate neighbourhood. Coming

Murrayville. Selling now. zenterra.ca/central

family lane homes. Langley Township. Urban

soon. essenceliving.com/tribute

Village condos selling now. Register now. vestaproperties.com/community/latimer

THE CIVIC

UNION PARK

88 units (including studio, one-bedroom

589 one-, two- and three-bedroom

plus-flex and two-bedroom-plus-flex

LATTICE2

condos. Selling now. civicliving.ca

53 one- and two-bedroom condos ranging

swimming pool, fitness centre, club

in size from 938 to 1,247 square feet. Milner

house, terrace and a private park.

Heights. Selling now; 10 homes remain.

Willoughby. Selling now.

vestaproperties.com/community/lattice2

polyhomes.com/community/unionpark

DENBY COUNTRY LIVING

condominiums featuring an outdoor

64 semi-detached town homes between 2,594 and 2,994 square feet. Murrayville.

Selling now. denbyliving.com

LEGACY ON PARK AVENUE

WESTBROOKE AT WILLOUGHBY

69 luxurious two- and three-bedroom. Park

147 single family homes and non-strata

Avenue. Selling now. legacylangley.com

rowhomes. Willoughby. Selling now. foxridgehomesbc.com/communities/

FIELD + FORT 115 one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums. Langley City. Occupancy projected for 2021. fieldandfort.ca

westbrooke-at-willoughby

LUXIA 138 three-bedroom town homes. Yorkson.

Selling now. luxialiving.ca

WILDER CROSSING 147 lots—91 single family and 56 non-strata

FRASER 61 family-sized two- and four-bedrooms.

Murrayville. Selling now. zenterra.ca/fraser

row homes. Willoughby. Selling now.

MURRAYVILLE HOUSE

infinityproperties.ca/communities/

92 one- and two-bedroom condos.

wilder-crossing/overview

Murrayville. Selling now. murrayvillelangley.ca

YORKSON PARK

GABRIOLA PARK

PRESLEY

153 three- and four-bedroom cottage-in-

36 three- and four-bedroom town homes

1,355 square foot one-, two- and three-bed-

spired town homes. Adjacent to Yorkson

of 1,455 to 1,754 square feet. Brydon Park.

room units with accessibility options. Langley.

Park. Selling now. gabriolapark.com

Selling now. syncproperties.com/Presley

Selling now. www.yorksonpark.ca

200 condos ranging in size from 1,102 to

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Fernie Griz Days. Photo courtesy of Tourism Fernie

WINTER CARNIVALS AND FESTIVALS Since the late 19th century, when winter festivals became a way for citizens to come together during the short, grey days, they’ve helped foster community spirit. Today, winter festivals also provide impetus for city-dwellers to visit or even consider relocating (so they can hang around talking about ski conditions, just like the locals). Here are a few regional winter-happy places to consider.

By Steve Threndyle

New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2019 Sun Peaks Resort B.C. winter resorts go all out for New Year’s Eve (which means that the slopes on New Year’s Day are virtually deserted until noon). At Sun Peaks, the action gets underway with the First Flight Big Air Invitational in the Terrain Park, followed by the Kids Glow Stick Parade on the village platter learning area. The Sundance ski glows with colours as skiers and boarders descend with lit torches in hand during the famous Torchlight Parade. The grand finale is a spectacular Fireworks Show against the snowy trails of Tod Mountain. Take it all in at the base of the Sundance Express chairlift, just outside of the Village Day Lodge, and stroll over to the base of the advanced terrain park for the Invitational.

Did you know? A resort shuttle service will get you safely home (last ride is at 1:55 a.m.).

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Photo courtesy Sun Peaks Resort

Red Mountain. Photo Marc James

Griz Days Winter Festival, March 6-8, 2020

Rossland Winter Carnival, January 25-27, 2020

Fernie/Fernie Alpine Resort

Rossland/RED Mountain

At Fernie Alpine Resort, skiers and snowboarders believe in the Legend of the Griz, the story of an old mountain coot clad in a bearskin coat and hat who fires his musket and shoots down powder from the clouds. And each March, this Grizzly Man is celebrated in a three-day event of skiing, partying, dancing, parades and the famous Dummy Downhill race (teams build “dummies” from any manner of household objects and materials, and then let ’em fly off a huge jump built adjacent to the Timber Chair). Dummies are judged based on their construction, creativity, the distance they fly off the jump and the carnage factor when they land.

Did You Know? Fernie is the only city in B.C. that is completely surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.

In one of the finest tricks ever played on a group of partygoers, 120 years ago, Norwegian miner Olaus Jeldness held a “tea party” atop Red Mountain. Ladling out grog to the many attendees, he then had them strap on primitive wooden slats for the wobbly descent back into town. Thus, the Rossland Winter Carnival was born (though skiers around these parts have become more proficient since then).

It now features a variety show, a parade night, a bobsled run down Spokane Street, a snow sculpture contest and a downtown rail jam, featuring some of Rossland’s hottest skiing talent.

Did You Know? The Jeldness tea party started in 1898, which local boosters claim makes Rossland’s Winter Carnival Canada’s oldest.

Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run, JanUARY 24-27, 2020 Quesnel/Wells/Barkerville What’s more Canadian than a dogsledder mushing his huskies down a snow-packed trail? This multi-sport event is held over three days, during which dogsledders actually get sworn in as official Canada Post mail carriers and must safely transport envelopes from Quesnel to Wells to Barkerville. Teams of dogs (up to six in a team) come from as far away as Alaska to test their mettle along roads and trails that were first used by gold miners coming through the Fraser Canyon and up to the Cariboo Gold Fields at Barkerville, a fully-restored heritage town. Cross country skiers, snowshoers and runners are invited to take part in the Barkerville Dash on the final day.

Did you know? Dog sled drivers are known as “mushers.”

Dog Sled Mail Run. Photo courtesy Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Marketing Assotiation

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Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, January 26-February 2, 2020 Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort Whistler has long been one of Canada’s most progressive resort communities, no more so than when it hosts its annual Pride celebration. At the annual Pride Ski + March, flamboyantly dressed skiers and riders descend from mid-station down to the Village for a gigantic Pride Flag handover from skiers to marchers, who finish at the Olympic Rings at Olympic Plaza. Dozens of restaurants, nightclubs and businesses host legendary annual parties and events, including Comedy Night, the Splash Indoor Pool Party and the windup Snowball dance that jams the Whistler Convention Center until the wee hours of the morning.

Did You Know? Whistler hosted the very first Olympic Pride House to welcome the LBGTQI community at the 2010 Winter Games.

Kootnenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest. Photo courtesy Whitewater Ski Resort

Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest, February 21-23, 2020 Nelson/Whitewater Ski Resort

Photo courtesy Vernon Winter Carnival Society

Vernon Winter Carnival, February 7-16, 2020 Vernon/Silver Star Mountain Resort Most winter festivals around the province feature some kind of parade down Main Street, possibly a firehall pancake breakfast and, naturally, a beer garden in the local ice rink or community centre.

In the North Okanagan town of Vernon, the annual local celebration has hot air balloon tours, elaborate ice sculpture displays and a peewee hockey tournament that has gone on for more than 50 years, plus the Silver Star princess and queen contest. Each festival has a special theme and for its 60th year, the 2020 Carnival will commemorate the 1960s, a bygone era that started 60 years ago— expect to see a few Beatles haircuts or gracefully aging hippies.

Did you know? The Over the Hill Downhill Race at Silver Star is the only Masters ski race of its kind in North America.

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The Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest celebrates mountain culture in the laid-back yet lively mountain town of Nelson and the uberfunky Whitewater ski resort just down the road. At Coldsmoke, it’s not just about riding the lifts; it’s about learning how to safely venture into the backcountry and how to “ride pow.” There are clinics galore, a skimo (ski mountaineering) race and a costumed poker run. The Coldsmoke Village area allows skiers and to boarders try out all of the winter’s hot new gear. Down in Nelson, après-ski parties rage all night long.

Did You Know? “Coldsmoke” refers to snow that falls in temperatures well below freezing (anything below -10 C is perfect).

Australia Day, January 26, 2020 Big White Ski Resort Australian skiers and snowboarders are ubiquitous at Big White Ski Resort, owned by an Australian family since the mid-1980s.

Although Australia Day isn’t a statutory holiday in Canada, it’s celebrated with uncharacteristic gusto from the moment the lifts open until the wee hours of the next morning. Be prepared for plenty of blokes stripped down to surf trunks and sheilas in swimming cossies on the slopes and in the bar. One highlight of the day is a mass descent of the intermediate Kangaroo slope behind—you guessed it—a giant ’roo mascot. While Big White is known as Canada’s favourite family resort, some of what transpires on Aussie Day is probably for (im)mature audiences only.

Did You Know? More than 700 centimetres of world-famous Okanagan “Champagne powder” snow falls here each winter.

11TH ANNIVERSARY SALE IN DEC. 2019*

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HIDDEN JEWEL

MOUNTAIN KINGDOM

Downtown Rossland.

Photo courtesy Destination BC/Steve Ogle

Nestled high in the Monashees, right next to the U.S. border, and roughly halfway between Vancouver and Calgary, Rossland feels like its own little (and still affordable) Kootenay kingdom.

By Bob Keating

“At Christmas time in 1996, I arrived as a tourist,” says Rossland’s current mayor, Kathy Moore. “By Christmas 1997, I bought a lot and was planning my permanent move here.” Mayor Moore relocated from California more than two decades ago, spending six years since as a local councillor and now almost as long in the mayor’s chair. “We fell in love with the character of the people and the town: it’s just so beautiful here,” she says, of giving up the Golden State for the B.C. Interior.

Like so many Interior towns, Rossland was carved out of the mountains by miners over a century ago. In the 1890s, there was a wave of prospectors looking for gold. They turned the rugged bush more than 1,000 metres above the valley floor into one of the largest cities in Western Canada at the time, although the gold boom didn’t last.

The miners soon moved off to find their fortunes in the Yukon and Alaska but they left behind a historic gem of a community, one with dozens of elegant, vintage homes and commercial buildings peppered around the hilly town. Both the brick Rossland Courthouse and gabled Miners Union Hall are National Historic Sites, with families and businesses occupying other lovely heritage buildings all over town.

RED Mountain, the local ski hill fabled for deep winter powder, is also one of the oldest in North America and has had a huge infusion of new capital (for two high-speed lifts and an upscale boutique hotel, The Josie, at the base) into what’s often celebrated as one of Western Canada’s last authentically unspoiled ski resorts.

It’s also where Olympic gold medallists Karrin Lee-Gartner and Nancy 50

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Green Raine learned to ski, and was named Mountain Bike Capital of Canada in 1993, with the world-famous Seven Summits trail as its crown jewel.

“Rossland has the same feel Squamish had when people first started moving there,” says local real estate agent Mary Amantea.

Amantea’s mother and grandmother were both raised in Rossland and she says it still has the small-town feel the family remembers.

These days, more people are discovering her little slice of Kootenay heaven. There are just 2,100 homes and buildings in total in Rossland, with a broad, historic main street through the centre of town that only gets truly congested during the raucous winter carnival (see page 47).

RED Mountain, the local ski hill fabled for deep winter powder, is also one of the oldest in North America and has had a huge infusion of new capital.

“The market is definitely hot,” says realtor Amantea. “I’ve noticed in the past year or so, higher-end houses have sold where they may have sat previously.” Amantea says a typical three bedroom home can still be found for under $400,000 and condos at the base of Red Mountain are in roughly the same range—not bad, for your own piece of a largely undiscovered mountain kingdom.

“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

The Original www.panabode.com 1.800.665.0660

Building Original Memories Since 1948

VISITING PREDATOR RIDGE IS AMAZING. NOW IMAGINE LIVING HERE.

Located 25 minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, Predator Ridge offers a set of activities unlike any other. Golf, tennis & pickle ball, hiking, biking, yoga, swimming, snowshoeing as well as 5-star and casual dining are tucked discreetly into nature. We don’t fight what mother nature gave us; we celebrate it.

To book your visit and test drive your new life,

see our latest offers at PredatorRidge.com To arrange a showhome tour call Claire at 1.866.652.7206