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The first phase of lakefront Vancouver Island vacation homes at The Maples at Sproat Lake is complete. Set only 15 minutes west of  Port Alberni, The Maples is easily accessible, yet provides a beautiful, private and scenic property for your new summer home.
Set on the warm waters on Sproat Lake, The Maples vacation homes offers 2 bedroom or one bedroom and den configurations.
Currently complete are two 1,226 sq ft, two story vacation homes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. 
As well there are two one bedroom plus den units now ready. The first floor is 649 sq ft and the second floor is 359 sq ft for a total of 1,008 sq ft. These homes also offer two bathrooms.
Both types of units offer a front deck off the main floor of 248 sq ft, as well as a deck off the master bedroom on the second floor.
For more information visit The Maples website.

The Vancouver Island waterfront vacation homes at Reef Point Cottages offer an exciting Ucluelet real estate opportunity on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Reef Point Cottages, near Tofino, is set just minutes from Ucluelet’s beautiful pocket beaches or Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park. The Wild Pacific Trail is on the doorstep of Reef Point Cottages, and is a must see for all travelers to the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
There are two private waterfront cottages for sale at Reef Point. Both are two bedroom, two bathroom homes with excellent revenue in the growing resort community of Ucluelet. These low maintenance 956 sq ft cottages are finished with teak, marble and slate flooring; granite countertops; pine wainscotting and ceilings.
Cozy up to the fireplace on those stormy nights or sit in your private hot tub on the oversized covered deck overlooking Spring Cove. There is also room in the unfinished basement to add a third bedroom and/or an owner lock-off.
These Ucluelet real estate cottages are part of the Reef Point Cottages rental program and the owner is entitled to 6 months personal use each year. The owners can also leave their vacation home in the rental program full-time and earn a return on this hassle free investment.
Unit 271 is priced at $299,000, and Unit 273 is priced at $279,000.  

There is still one premium building lot available at Gatehouse Place in Courtenay, currently listed at $173,000.
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.
The development features large home sites (averaging 1/3 of an acre), 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.

Trent River Estates in the Comox Valley consists of 11 residential estate lots for sale, ranging in size from 1.33 to 2.71 acres. This desirable subdivision is located in Royston on Vancouver Island, and only 7 lots are still available.
Trent River Estates is situated amid the green space and woodlands, with 8 lots backing onto the Trent River. Three lots feature panoramic Comox Valley mountain views. A building scheme is in place and the zoning on these Vancouver Island building lots allow for Carriage Homes. The development features underground hydro, telephone, utility services, and each residential lot has an approved septic area. The first new homes in the developmnet are already being built.
The Island Highway is easily accessed from Trent River Estates and the properties are only minutes from golfing, boating, hiking and shopping in the Comox Valley.
For information about other residential lots for sale in the Comox Valley, see our real current real estate projects.

Slegg Lumber is Vancouver Island’s most complete building supply company. The Cumberland location of Slegg Lumber, conveniently located near the Inland Island Highway, offers services for contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners. The Comox Slegg Lumber Store offers the same great services in the heart of Comox. Slegg Lumber can deliver the construction products you need, anywhere on Vancouver Island and the surrounding Islands, and to remote locations by barge. For roofing projects, Slegg Lumber offers rooftop shingle delivery. Or pick up lumber yourself in their drive through lumber yard. Slegg Lumber also features kitchen and bath showroom and design services, a paint centre with computerized colour matching, hardwoods, custom moldings and more.

Set in a stunning location in the city of Courtenay, overlooking the Comox Valley, is one remaining residential lot for sale on Trumpeter Crescent. This ideal spot for a new Vancouver Island home offers spectacular views of the Comox Glacier, the Beaufort Mountains and Valley. This last available home site on Trumpeter Crescent 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.
There is one premium lot still available for $357,500.

The Gales, an ocean view patio home and condominium real estate development in Ladysmith offers up an idyllic Vancouver Island lifestyle. With year-round outdoor activities and adventures to be enjoyed in one of Canada's most temperate climates, Ladysmith and Southern Vancouver Island have much to offer. Walk on the local beaches or leisurely strolls through the pristine forest at your back door.
If you are in the mood for a slightly more urban experience, the town of Ladysmith offers convenience without the manic pace of a large urban centre. The relaxed and friendly pace of life in Ladysmith will leave you as refreshed as you are after a walk in one of the many local parks.
A number of homes at The Gales are already complete and occupied. A new phase of patio homes was completed last spring. New homes at The Gales are priced from $599,00-$650,000.  

On a recent business trip to Whistler, BC, Comox Valley-based home building duo Bethany and Joe Pearce of Capstone Dwellings Design-Build noticed emerging trends in west-coast modern home design for new construction: nods to post-modern design; smaller/smarter use of space; creative use of durable materials; and attention to livability.
In the Comox Valley, Capstone Dwellings remains the only custom home building company designing and constructing contemporary homes with classic features and modern flair while focusing on responsible budgeting and smart use of space.
“At times we feel a little out of place in our community when it comes to our ability to build with our minds on the current times,” Bethany said. “However, when we visit other parts of the west coast we see we’re right on track with what the market desires. Plus, it's always good to be building smarter smaller homes with attention to the way people live, rather than how they sprawl!”
The Comox Valley has welcomed this company as they are currently experiencing a solid start to 2012 in their second year of focusing on the Design-Build method of project delivery in home construction.
“We're really eager to connect to potential customers that feel the same way we do about the home building process,” says Bethany. “We've had a lot of strong connections with our clients in the past because we come to the project with the understanding that we can make responsible decisions as a team when designing and building. Design-Build focuses on having clients as team members – we like that and we think it works well.”
As for their eye for the contemporary and modern, Capstone Dwellings Design-Build is confident that as the Comox Valley grows, so will it's overall need for creative expression through home design and building. While they're happy to build in any style their clients desire, they know there is a special fit for those clients who simply want to do something with a “wow” factor.
If you are looking for a custom home builder that is passionate about contemporary, smart design, the team at Capstone Dwellings Design-Build would love to hear from you. They offer casual, no-fuss, free consultations. Additionally, they would love to speak with developers who have a desire to meet current trends in the home building industry as a way to achieve more successful projects.
For more information contact Capstone Dwellings Design-Build online at www.CapstoneDwellings.com, by phone at 250-331-9004 or by email at Bethany@CapstoneDwellings.com.

The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) is seeking nominations to celebrate the best in commercial, multi-family, and institutional building on Vancouver Island. March 16 is the closing date to have nominations submitted. A PDF version of the nomination form can be downloaded here.
The organizers are looking for submissions in the following categories: Mixed Use for Commerial and Residential; Community Projects; Retail; Industrial; Multi-Family Projects; Hospitality; and Commercial Renovation or Restoration. The awards will be held on April 12 at the Beach Club Resort in Parksville.
For more information, contact Sue Lessard at VIREB at 250-390-5781 or email at slessard@ vireb.com

Dale’s Plumbing and Mechnical in the Comox Valley specializes in residential and commercial plumbing. Dale’s Plumbing and Mechanical has been doing business in the Comox Valley for more than 30 years and boasts an on-time completion rate of 96% over that time. This plumbing and gas fitting contractors’ quality workmanship has earned Dale’s a reputation as a premiere Comox Valley plumbing contractor. Dale’s Plumbing specializes in new construction plumbing and plumbing renovations. Experts in their field, Dale’s Plumbing will manage all stages of a plumbing project with honesty and integrity while offering great value. 

McQueen Construction in the Comox Valley is building a new townhome development on Piercy Avenue in Courtenay, Vancouver Island. This new real estate project is expected to be built in two phases with four townhouses and two duplexes for a total of 10 new Courtenay homes. The townhomes and duplexes will feature three different floor plans which will include two or three bedrooms and bathroom and range in size from 1,300-1,600 sq. ft.
Home designs include the increasingly popular option of having the master bedroom on the main floor. All of the new homes will feature hardwood flooring, solid wood cabinets, and come complete with appliance packages. The homes will have attached garages and additional driveway parking, and the development will also have guest parking spots.
Located only a few blocks from downtown Courtenay, Piercy Avenue Townhomes are set in a sunny, central location in this growing Vancouver Island city.
Prices are expected to start at $249,900.

Down to Earth Stone Slinging Ltd. on Vancouver Island uses a stone slinger truck to place sand, gravel, pit run and landscaping material accurately and precisely on project sites, elimintaing the need for hours of manual labour. Down To Earth Stone Slinging’s system is ideal for placing drain rock for perimeter drains, back filling crawl spaces and garages, and placing blue chip on driveways. Landscaping projects can be completed easily with their trucks and conveyer belts. The trucks can haul 10 to 12 yards of material at a time and can place material from 0 feet to 70 feet with a conveyor belt system, which has a 270 degree working radius. Down to Earth Stone Slinging Ltd started in 2006 in Campbell River and serves residential and commercial customers, including residential and commercial contractors, new home builders and home owners on the northern Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley and beyond. Contact them at 250.287.3500.

Comox Valley realtor Tina Vincent of Royal LePage in the Comox Valley has a listing for a home for sale in Comox with a legal, two bedroom suite.
Located at 834 Highwood Drive in the desirable Foxxwood subdivision, the home offers fantastic views, with a three-bedroom home on the top floor, and an almost new, wheelchair friendly suite on the bottom floor.
Upstairs living offers oak floors, a large kitchen with ceramic tile and sliding glass doors that lead to a deck for summer barbeques and taking in the breathtaking views. Plenty of room to park your RV or boat too.
This is a rare opportunity to own a home in Comox with legal suite, to help with your mortgage payments or keep family close.
For more information on this and other homes for sale for sale in the Comox Valley, visit Realtor Tina Vincent's website. 

The Comox Valley features a showpiece example of an environmentally friendly green roof on top of the newly-opened Vancouver Island Visitor Centre in Cumberland.
The innovative roof was installed by Comox new home builder Paul Witt of Nutmeg Homes.
Witt is an enthusiast for green roofs - or 'living roofs' as he prefers to call them - and on some stronger buildings he explains they can even extend to entire rooftop gardens, complete with trees.
"Everybody these days is 'greenwashing', claiming this or that is better for the environment, but living roofs really are significant in more ways than one," Witt told the Comox Valley Echo.
They cost more to create than a traditional shingle roof, but they can help conserve a lot of energy, add to the soundproofing qualities of a building, and can dramatically extend the life of a roof.
Existing roofs - even sloping ones - can sometimes be converted to living roofs without a huge structural overhaul, but most planted roofs are installed when a building is first constructed.
The total saturated weight of the roof is around 14 pounds a square foot, which in roofing terms is very light, Witt said. In fact, he added, almost any roof structure can take that sort of weight.
Witt is now on the lookout for anyone considering building a new home in the Valley who might be interested in installing a living roof of their own.
As a contractor for custom designed housing, he's obviously keen to be involved in the whole construction.
He's built 17 houses in he Valley so far, 11 of then using insulated concrete form construction for greater heat retention and soundproofing.
Such construction techniques also add huge strength to buildings, allowing even more ambitious roof gardens or patios on level or nearly-flat areas.

Excerpted from the Comox Valley Echo

The Bonnington Ridge neighbourhood in Fairwinds offers a limited number of residential lots for sale, situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with prices starting at $209,000. Beautiful ocean and golf course views can be had at Bonnington Ridge, where homes will integrate first-class luxury living with the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. 
Located only fifteen minutes north of Nanaimo, Fairwinds is quickly becoming the destination of choice for those wanting to live a luxurious West Coast lifestyle. This lifestyle oriented community features a spectacular Golf Club, Schooner Cove Marina and a recreational fitness facility. Fairwinds is an oceanfront community with an array of real estate options, whether you are looking for a place to retire or a summer vacation home. Choose an oceanview lot at Bonnington Ridge and build your dream house. With over 700 homes and home sites developed to date, Fairwinds achieves the natural west coast surroundings of plant and animal wildlife while creating residential opportunities for people seeking the active West Coast lifestyle.  

Woodcote Mews in Courtenay features new, side-by-side duplex homes, conveniently located on the west side of Courtenay. Living at Woodcote Mews means you are withing 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. This new Comox Valley real estate development is also conveniently located on the bus route.
The floor plan offers a spacious 1,320 sq. ft. on two floors, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each new home comes equipped with 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. 

Polaris's XP Sales event is offering rebates of up to $2,000 and up to six months with no payments on Polaris ATV's. Western One Rentals and Sales is North Vancouver Island’s only authorized Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles dealer. Located in Comox and serving Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Alberni, the North 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.  

Diamond Park Town Homes in Courtenay are new, centrally located, three bedroom homes priced at only $181,900.
Construction at this 21 town home development on Centennial Drive in Courtenay is complete and the town homes are available for immediate occupancy. All of these new Courtenay homes are 1,050 square feet in size, and offer three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Features include hardwood floors, upgraded lighting and contemporary interior finishing. Each unit includes a stainless steel kitchen appliance package and a washer and dryer. The town 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 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.    

Premium home builder Tamarack Construction of Campbell River currently has one new show home built and on the market in Campbell River's Maryland Estates at the south end of this Vancouver Island city.
This Executive-style quality-built rancher, features a great room concept, an open kitchen complete with a bar stool breakfast nook. Built with expansive windows, hardwood floors and ceramic tile, and featuring a gas fireplace and heat pump, this home on Wisconsin Way is listed at $399,000.

Tamarack Construction is also selling a custom-built, premium ocean-view home on Quadra Island, near Campbell River (pictured above). Overlooking Drew Harbour and Rebecca Spit, this 3,280 sq ft home also features a carriage 780 sq ft house on the 1.4 acre lot.
For more information on this unique ocean view home for sale, or to build your own new custom home in Campbell River, contact Michael Knitter of Tamarack Construction at 250.203.1979.

Central Rentals in Courtenay is hosting a Comox Valley contractor's show featuring several vendors showcasing their new products. Much of the construction equipment being shown is available for rent at Central Rentals, at the Courtenay Central Builders Home Hardware location.
The Feb 29th event runs from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. at will feature the following vendors and products:
Cavalier Industries Spectra Lasers; Lance Bisset Bostitch Tools; MS Sales Tsurumi Generators, Pumps and MK Saws; Terra-Pro Power Screens and Portable Screens; Paslode Prime Construction Products; Mancorp Titan Paint Sprayers and Power Wash Machines; Falcon Ladder Ultra Scaffold System; Tiger Foam Spray Foam Insulation; and Brandt Tractor Bomag Compaction Equipment.
Located at 610 Anderston Avenue in Courtenay, Central Rentals offers unmatched service and selection. Central Rentals is ready to help homeowners and contractors find the equipment they need.

Sales data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board shows that Vancouver Island real estate sales activity tarted off well in 2012.
Across VIREB’s coverage area average sales prices edged up three per cent over 2011. The average sales price for a home sold within VIREB’s zones in January 2012 was $332,270, a modest rise from the January 2011 average price of $321,489.
“These are positive indicators for the year to come,” said VIREB President Guy Bezeau. “We are looking for stability and sustainability in real estate sales across the VIREB coverage area throughout the year and beyond.”
Across the VIREB area there were 216 single family units sold in January, which represents an increase of five per cent as compared to January 2011 when 205 homes were sold.
The MLS stats also report that there was a slight increase in the number of listings on the market in VIREB’s coverage area then at the same point a year ago. Currently there are 2,173 single family homes listed on the MLS system as compared to the 2,057 homes listed for sale at the end of January 2011 – an increase of approximately two per cent.
Comparing January 2012 to January 2011, the average sale prices across VIREB's six zones saw: Campbell River edge upward two per cent (to $298,584), the Comox Valley rose by four per cent to $345,631, Nanaimo’s average sales price increased six per cent (to $360,799), Parksville/Qualicum was down 12 per cent (to $341,696), Port Alberni/West Coast increased four per cent to $208,033 and the Cowichan Valley rose a full nine per cent (to $350,821)

Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, Vancouver Island has sold out Phase 3 of its vacation hotel suites, and is now offering special incentives to the first 10 buyers in Phase 4.
The developers of this luxury ocean front hotel and residential condos are offering investment options to keen buyers.
Phase 4 gives the first ten purchasers of one of the waterfront hotel vacation suites a 105% buyback option after 5 years and a lease back contract enhanced by 50% to provide a return on investment at 3.25% annually.
Only 100 of these vacation hotel suites have been made available, and only the first 10 buyers in Phase 4 will receive these additional bonuses.
Owners are entitled to use their unit up to 16 weeks per year, and enjoy all of the amenities of the 5-star ocean front resort. When they are not using the fully furnished suites, owners receive revenue from the hotel's rental of the suite. The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is hosting its grand opening May 25-27, 2012.

The Battery Shop is Vancouver Island’s one stop shop for batteries and battery services. The Battery Shop in Courtenay sells batteries of all styles – from camera batteries to RV and golf cart batteries. The Battery Shop also repairs and rebuilds specialty batteries for construction tools, home appliances, specialized trades equipment, security systems and more. The Battery Shop has the equipment and expertise to create custom batteries. They also offer a battery recycling service for the Comox Valley.

Island TimberFrame Ltd specializes in design and build of custom timber frame homes, timber components, including trellises, curved braces, gazebos, custom stairs, railings and interior and exterior doors. The specialty construction company is also very competitive with Glulam structures. Established in 2001, Island TimberFrame now boasts 12,000 sq ft. covered work space on two acres of land, which allows the Vancouver Island company to complete projects in a controlled environment. Custom S4S planing to 24 inches wide can be done on our computer-controlled planer. Island TimberFrame and its 20 employees are proud to produce long lasting, quality products made in Canada. We have excellent relationships with contractors, architects, designers and engineers throughout Vancouver Island, BC and the rest of Canada.

Colonial Countertops in Courtenay specializes in the manufacturing and installation of decorative surfaces and countertops. Kitchen and bath countertops, tub surrounds, shower walls, desktops, reception areas, window sills and much more. Colonial Countertops is able to provide homeowners and builders with the latest styles, trends, and colours. In their Comox Valley showroom, clients browse hundreds of different styles of laminates, natural quartz, and solid surfaces. They are proud to offer: top-quality, unsurpassed service; on time delivery; and professional installation. Colonial Countertops is a family-owned business and has been serving Vancouver Island since 1970. For more information, visit their website at www.colonialcountertops.com.