Daily Informative Updates on
New Residential Real Estate & Construction News
for Vancouver Island Communities

At The Gales in Ladysmith, on Vancouver Island, has seen a number of new updates this spring, including a new phase of patio homes - the new show home is ready and three more patio homes with stunning water view are now complete. The Vancouver Island real estate development has also created a new website.
New patio homes at The Gales range in size from 1,550 – 2,780 sq ft and are built to take advantage of the spectacular unobstructed views of Ladysmith Harbour and Thetis Island. Featuring large windows to soak in the views and luxury fittings and finishings, the 42 patio homes and 26 condos at this Vancouver Island real estate development are designed and built in West Coast contemporary architectural style and floor plans are open, ideal for entertaining.
New homes at The Gales range from $599,000- $650,000. Be blown away at The Gales.  

The new Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, Vancouver Island has now moved from the construction phase to the finishing phase, after celebrating its roof top party – marking the start of work on the hotel's roof. The stunning re-built Victoria waterfront hotel is selling vacation hotel suites, and luxury waterfront residences. About 50 per cent of the available units have already been sold, and the sales team is conducting regular site tours for those interested in owning their own Victoria vacation hotel suite or private waterfront residence. The Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Spa is also offering a travel package for buyers coming to Victoria form out of town. If you visit the sales centre, see the property in person and complete contracts with the Oak Bay Beach Hotel while in Victoria, the hotel will pay for your trip – including airfare and two nights hotel for two people. Contact the Oak Bay Beach Hotel Sales Team at 1-800-668-7758 to take advantage of this offer, now that summer has arrived in Victoria, Vancouver Island.

Nutmeg Homes has been building Insulated Concrete Forms homes in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island since 1999. “Our list of standard methods, materials and items generally grows and matures with every home we build,” says owner Paul Witt. “We strive for constant improvement in; our designs, energy efficiency, structural strength and long term sustainability. A home should be more than a major financial investment, it should also be comfortable, durable and efficient.” ICF houses use up to 40% less energy than the average new home in BC. Insulated Concrete Forms or ICFs are hollow foam blocks or panels, which are stacked to form the walls of the home. The forms are filled with steel-reinforced concrete to create a solid structure. The resulting walls offer solid construction that provides a draft-free, quiet, healthy and comfortable living environment. For more information on Nutmeg Homes and their ICF construction process visit their website.

The Texada, Nanaimo's fastest selling oceanview luxury condominiums, is a contemporary West Coast designed, 89-suite development located in North Nanaimo. The modern condos for sale boast incredible Vancouver Island views of the Georgia Strait and Coastal Mountains. The design of the building was created to allow for maximum ocean and mountain views and each unit features oversized decks or terraces. The Texada is walking distance to local shops, entertainment, beaches and parks. Three custom designed interiors allow new home owners the feeling of luxury at affordable prices. The Texada offers floor plans ranging from a one-bedroom plus den at 922 sq. ft. up to a two-bedroom plus den at 1467 sq. ft. The latest technology has been incorporated into the construction of the Texada including Rain Screen protection, plus No Burn retardant providing security and comfort for owners.  For more information, stop by The Texada Sales Center, open dailly from 11-4 (except Fridays) at: 6310 McRobb Avenue, Nanaimo.

Dynamic Drywall brings a dynamic crew of experienced drywallers to the Comox Valley. Available for commercial and residential drywall projects from boarding to finishing, Dynamic Drywall offers professional and enthusiastic service. Quality work, clean job sites and work done on or ahead of schedule distinguishes Dynamic Drywall from the competition. With more than 10 years of experience serving Vancouver Island customers, Dynamic Drywall is now serving the Comox Valley including Courtenay, Cumberland, Comox and outlying areas. Contact them at 250.702.7722.

Only three new residential lots remain in Phase IV at Penfield West in Campbell River, on Vancouver Island. This prestigious new home real estate development is now complete, awaiting only the sale of these final three premium building lots. The remaining lots are now priced at $79,900. Penfield West is a well-established, prestigious Campbell River neighbourhood that contains new executive and west-coast contemporary Vancouver Island homes, with panoramic views of Campbell River and Georgia Strait. These residential building lots are conveniently located close to all levels of schools, parks and the Sportsplex. The adjacent Penfield West Linear Park includes a pathway, a children's play area, an enclosed off-leash dog park, and mature landscaping. For more information, visit the Penfield West Project Page on 1stView.ca or contact the developers, The Raven Group, at 250.287.2215 or by email at rfp@ravenforest.com

WesternOne Rentals and Sales, a one-stop shop on Vancouver Island for equipment rentals and sales, is now also North Vancouver Island’s only authorized Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles dealer, in the Comox Valley. Serving Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Alberni, North Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. WesternOne is the only place on Vancouver Island to buy Canada’s number one selling ATV. They have Polaris factory-trained and certified technicians for any ATV parts and servicing needs. As Vancouver Island’s only Ranger/RZR dealer, WesternOne is committed to providing the same great customer service for their ATV sales and service as they do for their Comox Valley equipment rentals. WesternOne Rentals and Sales also rents, sells and services scissor lifts and aerial lifts; generators; air tools; concrete equipment; and forklifts on Vancouver Island. Contact them in Comox at 250.339.4518.

The members of the Mid Island Construction Association (MICA) and the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) voted to amalgamate into one association solution for the construction community on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Coastal BC.  On June 1, 2011, the existing Island construction associations approved a special resolution to amalgamate, MICA and VICA one new society called Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA). The newly integrated VICA allows for a cross-island communication and collaboration on key member and industry issues, member services, education and networking that has not, until recently, occurred between the boards of directors MICA and VICA.  The new society will continue to operate with two offices, one in Victoria and another in Nanaimo. And a new Board of Directors, consisting of members from the existing boards, was approved by way of a vote by the general membership and has been appointed: 

Valley Carpet One Floor & Home has built their Duncan floor covering business by providing positive experiences for their customers. Valley Carpet One has been operating in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island since 1977. In 1994, the store joined Carpet One, a retail flooring co-op with the buying power of 1,500 stores. As part of a worldwide co-op, Valley Carpet One not only has enormous buying power, but they have partners in all of the major brands, mills, and manufacturers. Valley Carpet One offers the largest selection of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs and more - and you'll always find the best products and great savings, everyday.

Keith Mazurenko, a realtor with Coast Realty in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, promises "Success through Service." A realtor with 19 years experience as a top real estate agent in his market, Keith is proud that more than 80 per cent of his business is repeat or direct referrals from previous customers. He sees this as a testament to the level of service he strives to provide. Buying a home is sometimes a complex undertaking, but he promise to make your Real Estate buying experience stress-free and agreeable. During nearly two decades in the Real Estate market as a fully licensed agent, Keith has finished in the top 1% of all agents locally each year. Keith is a 35 year resident of the Ladysmith area, with 8 years experience in the construction industry. Visit Keith Mazurenko's website or call him at 250.245.0545

The Courtenay hotel Holiday Inn Express & Suites Comox Valley was recently honoured with the 2010/2011 OSAT Award from the Intercontinental Hotel Group. This award represents Overall Guest Satisfaction and is voted on by guests of the Comox Valley hotel who have stayed at this new Holiday Inn Express and Suites. After their stay, all IHG hotel guests are emailed a survey that asks them to rate their overall experience. As a result, the Comox Valley Holiday Inn Express took 1st place by maintaining an average score of 94.81% for the previous 12 months - the highest score of any of the 21 other IHG properties in British Columbia and 2nd place of 36 hotels in Western Canada. After opening its doors in March 2009, this Courtenay hotel has become a favourite with business travellers and families looking for accommodations in the Comox Valley. The Vancouver Island hotel features luxurious guest rooms including Family Suites, Jacuzzi Suites, Accessible Rooms and Pet Friendly Rooms. All guests are provided on a complimentary hot breakfast and can enjoy amenities such as a 24 hour Business Centre, 24 hour Fitness Centre, 24 hour Guest Laundry, free Wi-Fi and free parking. For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website.

Twenty-one new homes on Centennial Drive in Courtenay, Comox Valley, are now complete and ready for families to move in. All of these new town homes in Courtenay are 1,050 square feet in size, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Features of the Diamond Park town homes include hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, upgraded lighting and contemporary interior finishing. Each new home comes complete with stainless steel kitchen appliances and a washer and dryer. The project also includes sprinkler systems, backyard patios and fenced yards for each unit. A children's playground is also on the property. This new Vancouver Island real estate development offer excellent value, with new homes starting at $195,900.

The Vancouver Island oceanfront real estate development Claddagh Estates, is designed to take full advantage of the property’s stunning ocean and mountain views. Part of the town of Comox, near Courtenay on Vancouver Island, Claddagh Estates features fully serviced lots that include municipal water, sewer and underground services. Building guidelines are provided to protect each owner's investment by ensuring quality home construction. Homes will be restricted to the height of two stories, located so views from the other properties are not blocked. Environmental consultants were retained to plan and protect the riparian areas where a number of bird species - including the bald eagles – are found. The owners have enhanced the wildlife corridors beyond existing requirements to maintain the traditional migration paths of the deer and other wildlife found in the area. Claddagh Estates has reduced prices on remaining lots and now offers waterfront and view properties range from $225,000-$495,000.

J.R. Edgett Excavating Ltd. has been operating in the Comox Valley for more than 45 years. Specializing in all phases of municipal and civil services, commercial site servicing, and new residential subdivisions, J.R. Edgett Excavating Ltd. also offers site clearing and burning, riverbank construction and armouring. 

J.R Edgett Excavating Ltd. is the only company offering full Vactor Truck services on North Vancouver Island. Hydrovacting is a safe, productive and non-destructive method of excavating. It uses pressurized water and a vacuum system to safely excavate around utilities and pipelines. Water is pressurized and injected into the ground to safely wash the soil from underground infrastructure. The resulting slurry is simultaneously vacuumed from the excavation through a large debris hose and temporarily stored in a debris tank. 

With a crew of 30 employees working in and around the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, J.R. Edgett Excavating has the equipment and ability to plan and complete projects to their client’s utmost satisfaction. Call them today at 250.339.6100.