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New Residential Real Estate & Construction News
for Vancouver Island Communities

The Maples vacation home resort at Sproat Lake offers new Vancouver Island waterfront vacation homes that blend into the natural environment, with Sproat Lake as the focal point. Buildings are comfortably spaced around the five acre property near Port Alberni. Privacy is provided by tree buffers around the property and landscaping, which makes extensive use of natural vegetation.
The property slopes upwards from the beach so each new vacation home unit features lake and mountain views. Buildings are West Coast Contemporary style in earth tone colours with rock accents. Every unit has spacious deck areas with sunny southern exposure.
Owners at The Maples enjoy the large beach area and 2100 square foot dock complete with a boat slip. Lake access is provided by roads and trails leading to the beach.
The Maples is a phased development of 24 strata titled water front units on Sproat Lake. Designated as seasonal recreational use, any person may occupy these homes for up to 180 days per year, but they are not intended to be a full year permanent residence.
Vacation homes at the Maples at Sproat Lake start at $349,900 for full ownership.

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is offering guests the opportunity to find out what it would be like to own Oceanfront home or vacation suite in Victoria on Vancouver Island.
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s “Fly & Try” Package allows guests to travel to Victoria for the weekend to explore Vancouver Island living.
This package includes: Two nights accommodation at the Inn at Laurel Point in an ocean-front suite; $100 Gift Card to the Oak Bay Marina Restaurant; your choice of whale watching or golf for two; personal car and driver for airport and hotel transfers and to Oak Bay Beach Hotel's presentation and site tour; wine & cheese in the presentation centre downtown Victoria; a personal tour of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel construction site; and a free Oak Bay Explorer card, for valuable discounts and special offers at Oak Bay businesses.
The total package starts at $740 based on double occupancy, and if you choose to purchase an oceanfront condominium or vacation hotel suite, the full package amount will be reimbursed.

A good selection of rural estate home lots is still available at Trent River Estates in Royston, just south of Courtenay in the Comox Valley. The area features wide open Vancouver Island mountain views on treed lots. Plan and build your dream home on property backing onto the Trent River, and admire the sweeping views from your 1.3-2.7 acre property. Trent River Estates features underground hydro, telephone, utility services, and each new residential lot has an approved septic area. There is a building scheme in place and the zoning on these Vancouver Island building lots allow for a Carriage House. Construction has begun on the first new homes at Trent River Estates.
Seven of these stunning Vancouver Island estate lots are still available. 

WesternOne Rentals & Sales in Comox on Vancouver Island is offering huge holiday saving on Polaris ATV’s and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles. Canada’s number one selling ATV is now available for sale or rental at WesternOne from the Comox Valley outlet. 
Stop in to view, test drive, buy or rent one of these exciting recreational vehicles and take advantage of the great Polaris Holiday Sales Event, which offers rebates of up to $2,000 and a chance to ride free for 6 months.
WesternOne Rentals & Sales is proud to be a Vancouver Island’s Polaris Ranger/RZR dealer. WesternOne provides Factory Trained / Certified Technicians for any servicing needs and they have financing available.
Let your WesternOne Polaris Dealer help you enjoy an outdoor ATV adventure this year. To contact the Polaris Sales, Rental and Service Departments call 250-339-4518 or 1-877-339-4518.

Active retirees are enjoying the lifestyle at Campbell River's golf course patio homes at Shades of Green Estates along the Sequoia Springs golf course. These spacious new Vancouver Island patio homes are surrounded by green space and set in a quiet gated community, surrounded by recreational opportunities.
Lining the golf course, Shades of Green Estates offer two-bedroom-plus-den ranchers at either 1,327 or 1,638 sq. ft, with double car garages and large patios. Homes are bright and spacious, with roomy kitchens and two full bathrooms.
A community barbeque area and putting green bring residents together, and dedicated green space featuring a fish-bearing creek highlight the beauty of Vancouver Island nature. Campbell River offers world class fishing, is minutes from the slopes of Mount Washington ski resort, fabulous beaches, and provincial parks. A golf membership at Sequoia Springs is included with new home purchases (conditions apply).
These new Vancouver Island golf course patio homes start at $279,000.  

1stView's Outlook 2012 was a sold out event in Courtenay Thursday Nov. 24, 2011, with more than 200 business people from across Vancouver Island in attendance.
Thank you to keynote speaker Larry Pollock, President and CEO of Canadian Western Bank as well as featured speakers include: Travis Archibald, Senior Market Analyst for Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Greg Baynton, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association; and Shirley de Silva, CEO of the Comox Valley Airport.
The presentation notes from the speakers can now be viewed on the 1stView website and video presentations will be available by Dec. 1, 2011. 

Only 4 residential building lots remain in the exclusive cul-de-sac subdivision of Bonnington Ridge in Fairwinds Resort Community. These lots offer ocean and golf course views with lots of space to build an executive home.
Set in the driest spot on Vancouver Island, Fairwinds in Nanoose Bay near Nanaimo, offers an 18 whole golf course, a marina and a community centre. Bonnington Ridge enjoys easy access to Fairwinds Centre. Available lots start at 209,000 and are .33 acre in size.
Site construction is completed and residential lots are ready for custom home construction.  

With the supply of residential building lots for sale in the Comox Valley still very low, there is one premium building lot still available at Gatehouse Place in Courtenay.
An ideal spot for a new home, this piece of Vancouver Island real estate is is set in a unique neighbourhood, with a rural setting, located in the heart of the City of Courtenay. This 16 home subdivision features large residential lots with views of the Comox Glacier.
These large home sites (averaging 1/3 of an acre) are located adjacent to three large fish bearing ponds with extensive aquatic plantings as well as a large natural park that has protected walkways and greenways. There is only only lot still available in this subdivision.

Perched on top of the most scenic property in the Comox Valley is one remaining residential lot on Trumpeter Crescent. This ideal spot for a new Vancouver Island home offers spectacular views of the Comox Glacier, the Beaufort Mountains and the Comox Valley. The last remaining home site on this street is located within a well-established neighbourhood that contains both executive and west-coast style homes.
Centrally located on the east side of Courtenay, Trumpeter Crescent is only minutes away from recreational facilities, schools, North Island College, Comox Valley Aquatic Centre, Crown Isle Golf Course, the Comox Valley Airport, as well as beaches, rivers and parks.
This subdivision is complete and many homes have been built on Trumpeter Crescent. There is one premium lot still available for $357,500.

Archer Mechanical offers the full mechanical contracting package of residential and commercial plumbing, heating, and gas installation for residential and commercial construction projects in Parksville, Qualicum, the Comox Valley, and Campbell River on Vancouver Island, BC.

With just one phone call, Archer Mechanical provides plumbing, heating, gas, heating services, and complete mechanical installation packages to homeowners and businesses. Archer Mechanical also provides fire protection and sheet metal services. 

Established in May 2009, Archer Mechanical “takes pride in everything they do.” Archer Mechanical offers competitive rates, and discounts on multiple contracts. Doing their part to build green, Archer Mechanical installs high efficiency equipment like condensing tankless water heaters at cost. Contact them today at 250.331.3115.

Canadian Western Bank - The Working Bank, offers Relationship Banking for entrepreneurs, with the promise of quick response times, local decision making and a single point of contact. Specializing in commercial lending, real estate financing, and equipment financing and leasing, Canadian Western Bank keeps businesses moving with the right products and responsive service. Canadian Western Bank also offers investment services, deposit accounts, and other personal banking facilities such as mortgages and lines of credit. Canadian Western Bank has several branches across Vancouver Island, including in Courtenay at 200 - 470 Puntledge Road. To contact the Courtenay branch, call 250.334.8888. For commercial lending services in the Comox Valley and Northern Vancouver Island email bill.girard@cwbank.com or jason.zaichkowsky@cwbank.com

Only 35 tickets remain for 1stView's Outlook 2012, the 6th annual economic forecasting forum on Nov. 24, 2011. Outlook 2012, now 85 % sold out, will take a look at expected trends in the Vancouver Island construction and real estate markets, with a focus on the North Island.
The perennial sell out event will once again be held at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay, and will feature presentations by four industry experts.
“We are excited to bring together business leaders, developers, trades people and others to network and hear industry insights from our panel of speakers,” said Clarice Coty of 1stView.ca. “We've moved the event from January to November, to give attendees the opportunity to use the information presented to guide their business planning for 2012.”
Keynote speaker Larry Pollock, President and CEO of Canadian Western Bank will address the “Local Perspective to Global Banking.”
Pollock was a guest speaker at this event in 2009. Described by the Globe and Mail as “gregarious, and outspoken,” the national paper says “Larry Pollock adds a dash of colour to the grey tones of the Canadian banking industry.”
Additional featured speakers include: Travis Archibald, Senior Market Analyst for Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, who will present a Vancouver Island Housing Market Update; as well as Greg Baynton, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association and Shirley de Silva, CEO of the Comox Valley Airport.
Outlook 2012 is sponsored by Presley & Partners and Jackson & Associates. Tickets are $75, and include a networking session from 4-6 p.m., including a trade show, dinner, and presentations.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.1stView.ca, email tickets@1stView.ca or call 250.338.5466.

The Gales in Ladysmith is featuring a new show home for this luxurious Vancouver Island real estate development. This new patio home offers fabulous ocean and mountain views. With dramatic styling in a private community, only minutes from marinas, kayaking, and golfing The Gales offers a variety of sizes and style of homes. The present show home a gorgeous level entry patio home with a walkout, fully finished basement.
Homes at The Gales feature soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, granite counters, fantastic decks and patios, heated tile, heat pump and more. These new homes are Vancouver Island living at its finest.
Home prices at The Gales range from $599,000-$650,000.

Comox Valley-based Stability Wall Systems Ltd. specializes in building envelopes for new construction, remediation, and renovations on Vancouver Island. The Stability Wall Systems staff are experts in the installation of Hardi-plank, vinyl siding and wood siding. The company also does custom flashings, detailed trim work, window and door installation, soffit, and all rain screen details. Based in the Comox Valley, they do business from Nanaimo to Campbell River. Stability Wall Systems offers very competitive rates and takes pride in their workmanship. Call 250.218.9145 for a free estimate.

The Texada luxury waterview condominiums in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island are now more than 75% sold, and are offering new buyers a suite upgrade or move-in package worth more than $20,000. In addition, until the end of the year, they are offering a Christmas Special, which features a $3000 gift. Terms & Conditions do apply - contact sales representatives for full details.
These new Nanaimo condominiums offer luxury touches including spa like ensuites, stainless steel appliance and hardwood floors. Superior sound attenuation, rain screens and double-glazed thermal low-e vinyl windows and sliding doors provide comfortable living spaces. And large patios and terraces offer ocean and mountain views.
To learn more about current incentives, stop by an open house daily, except for Fridays, from 11am to 4pm at 6310 McRobb Avenue, just off of Uplands Drive in Nanaimo.
Prices at the Texada start at $249,900. 

Nutmeg Homes has been building Insulated Concrete Forms homes in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island since 1999. These custom home builders strive to continually improve their product.
Energy efficient and eco-friendly, an ICF home by Nutmeg Homes uses up to 40% less energy than the average new home in B.C.
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. NUtmeg Hoems is also exploring the optiosn for building Living Roofs for residential homes in B.C., after the successful completion of a green roof on a Comox Valley commercial building.
For more information on Nutmeg Homes and their ICF construction process, visit their website. 

Woodcote Mews in Courtenay offers conveniently located new, side-by-side duplex homes. Centrally located on the west side of Courtenay, residents of Woodcote Mews are within walking distance of the vibrant downtown area, which features shopping, restaurants and offices. Woodcote Park is only a few steps away, and the school is close by. The real estate development is conveniently located on the bus route.
The spacious floor plan offers 1,320 sq. ft. on two floors, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each new home includes a quality appliance package, consisting of a fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Each home has a small private yard, and there is a common outside area for all residents to enjoy.
These duplex homes would make an excellent vacation home investment, or a comfortable full-time family home. All remaining available new homes at Woodcote Mews are priced at $211,900. 

Robannah Developments is offering a unique opportunity for an investment or home with a mortgage helper in Comox, Vancouver Island.
1605 Dogwood Ave in Comox offers a newly-built, 2,190 sq ft family home, with double garage, custom cabinetry, slate/tile entry, timber accents, and bonus room. Upstairs the large master suite with ensuite, features a tiled shower and walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms and a rec room complete the upstairs. 
The home comes with an attached, private 2-bedroom suite to help with those monthly payments.
This new home this is located on large treed lot that is within walking distance to schools, shopping mall, golf course, marina and the newly improved Comox community centre. There is still the opportunity to select colors and decor! See image of rendering at left, and contact Realtor Tina Vincent for more information.

Diamond Park Town Homes in Courtenay are new, family friendly town homes priced at only $181,900.
This 21-new-home development on Centennial Drive in Courtenay is complete and available for immediate occupancy. All of these new Courtenay town homes are 1,050 square feet in size, and offer three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Features of these Vancouver Island homes include hardwood floors, upgraded lighting and contemporary interior finishing. Each unit includes a stainless steel kitchen appliance package and a washer and dryer.
The homes also include sprinkler systems, backyard patios and fenced yards. Many offer mountain views and a children's playground is on the property.
The real estate development is centrally located in Courtenay, close to Comox Valley stores, schools, North Island College, CFB Comox and recreation centres.
Tour the homes during Open Houses held Thursdays and Fridays from 5-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 p.m.  

There are currently 6 Park Model homes available for purachse at Chemainus Garden Holiday resort, starting at only $79,900.
The Park Model Homes for sale at Chemainus Gardens are meticulously designed with storage in mind, and provide up to 530 sq ft of living space. Options include one bedroom, 1 bdrm plus den or two bedrooms, and many even come with a covered porch.  Park Model Homes come standard with beautifully appointed kitchens, full size appliances,  conventional bathrooms and loads of natural light. Options are endless - granite, hardwood, and lots of windows. Park Model Homes make an intelligent, stylish and affordable housing option.
Set in a park-like 34 acres on southern Vancouver Island and surrounded by duck ponds and beautiful gardens with plenty of private walking trails for people and pets, Chemainus Garden Holiday resort is only minutes to the town of Chemainus.

The custom home building team at Capstone Dwellings in the Comox Valley has struck on a great idea for the typically wet Vancouver Island winters.
“It's becoming clear to me that nearly everyone who lives here on the (wet) West Coast is in need of one kind of renovation,” said Capstone Dwellings' Bethany Pearce. “I like to call it the West Coast Room.
"We need a space that acts as a transition between the great outdoors and our own warm and secure built space.”
Pearce imagines this space as a hybrid between a garage, a sunroom and a family room and has plans to add one to her own home one day.
Capstone Dwellings is currently finishing a renovation that includes a West Coast Room for clients in East Courtenay. The timber was Vancouver Island sourced (sustainably) and milled by a local wood-worker in Cobble Hill. Tilt and turn windows were installed with a view of the Comox Glacier.
Capstone Dwellings Design-Build specializes in integrated management of the home building process from design to construction, including careful budgeting and planning.
This process allows clients to participate in the project as a member of the team. Clients are in direct control of the budget (using live budgeting with full disclosure to the team), and all projects are designed and built to budget, with modern home plans custom made for each property and the client’s individual needs.

Penfield West is a well-established, prestigious neighbourhood that contains executive and west-coast contemporary homes. There is only one Campbell River residential lot left in this desirable Willow Point area. The lot is priced at $79,900.
The Vancouver Island development of Penfield West is comprised of approximately 204 residential lots, some of which offer panoramic views of Campbell River and Georgia Strait. These appealing residential building lots are conveniently located close to all levels of schools, parks, the Sportsplex, the Campbell River Hospital, the marina and golfing. The Penfield West neighbourhood is located a short 10 minute drive to the Campbell River Airport.
Penfield West Linear Park provides pedestrian linkage from the Penfield West neighbourhood to the Dogwood Bike Path/Beaver Lodge Lands. The park includes a pathway, a children's play area, an enclosed off-leash dog park, and mature landscaping.

Multiple Listing Service sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board for October 2011, shows that 301 single family homes on Vancouver Island sold, an increase of 24% compared to October 2010 but close to last month’s 318 units.
The average price of a single family home sold in October 2011 through the VIREB MLS system was $325,308 up 2% from the $318,609 posted in October 2010.
VIREB President Jim Stewart says; “We continue to see normal market conditions in the VIREB area and around the province. There doesn’t seem to be much downward or upward pressure on prices.”
There were 566 single family homes newly listed on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat in October, bringing the active single family homes available through the VIREB MLS system to 2,695 down slightly from the 2,960 available at the end of September.
“It’s a great time for consumers to buy, with a good selection of homes and stable pricing,” said VIREB President Elect Guy Bezeau.
For the 12-month period from the end of October 2010 to October 2011, average sale prices across VIREB's six zones saw: Campbell River slip 1 % (to $291,451), the Comox Valley up 10% (to $352,064), Nanaimo was up 5% (to $356,453), Parksville/Qualicum rose 6% (to $366,226), Port Alberni/West Coast was up 3% (to $219,085) and the Cowichan Valley was down 1% (to $334,061).

Building Links, Vancouver Island's weekly construction industry newsletter has been a recognized as a valued resource providing up-to-date news for the Vancouver Island construction industry for 18 years. Building Links reports on tenders, building permits, development permits and breaking news in the construction industry. The newsletter is now available to new subscribers on a 4 week trial basis, and the company offers a guarantee that you will receive valuable leads during the course of your subscription, or they will refund 100% of your subscription.
Weekly features include :

• Building Permits issued in the municipalities of Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Campbell River, the Regional Districts, Port Hardy and Port McNeill.
• New tenders, to give subscribers the advantage when looking for new business.
• Proposed new development permits, from researchers who have delivered the first news on many large projects in the past. If you want to know the “inside scoop” on development projects in our area, you can find it in Building Links.
• News about Construction on Vancouver Island, including changes in municipal and provincial bylaws pertaining to the construction industry, topics such as development cost charges and changes in municipal by-laws and a quarterly summary on the region’s construction statistics and dollar volumes, to help you manage your sales forecasts.