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

The Maples Resort at Sproat Lake offers new Vancouver Island waterfront vacation homes for sale at the popular Port Alberni recreation area of Sproat Lake.
Phase I of the new West Coast style homes have been completed, and only one vacation home is still available for purchase in this phase. The Maples is a phased development which will eventually feature 24 strata titled water front homes on Sproat Lake.
Vacation home owners at The Maples Resort enjoy a large beach area and a 2,100 sq. ft. dock complete with a boat slip. Lake access is provided by roads and trails leading to the beach. This is a beautiful place to come and spend some vacation time, to enjoy the activities at the lake, or to spend time with your family and friends. These newly built vacation homes are comfortably spaced around the five acre property near Port Alberni.  Mature trees and landscaping, which makes extensive use of natural vegetation, provide privacy around the site.
Each new vacation home unit enjoys lake and mountain views, on this gently sloping property. Buildings are West Coast Contemporary style in earth tone colours with rock accents. Each home offers spacious, sunny decks with southern exposure.
Vacation homes at the Maples at Sproat Lake start at $349,900 for full ownership, and the final remaining home in Phase I is priced at $399,900.

Nanaimo's AA Mini Storage offers one month free for any paid-in-advance self storage unit rentals of two or more months. 
Nanaimo's AA Mini Storage features business and household self storage options, including vehicle and RV storage, heated units and drive-up storage units.
AA Mini Storage offers multiple levels of security, including video surveillance, gated access, and resident managers on site.
AA Mini Storage offers convenience as well – open 7 days a week and with drive-up doors available on 10x10x10 units and larger, your storage locker is always easily accessible. 
These Nanaimo self storage rental units range from 5x5x5 to 20x30. AA Mini Storage has a variety of self storage units, suitable for storing anything from business equipment to the contents of a house. 
Contact AA Mini Storage in Nanaimo at 250.758.7442 or learn more about their services on the Nanaimo AA Mini Storage website.

New oceanview patio homes and condos at The Gales in Ladysmith, on Vancouver Island, offer residents the opportunity to enjoy an idyllic Vancouver Island lifestyle.
A number of homes at The Gales are already complete and occupied. New homes at The Gales are priced from $569,900-$650,000. 
Inside, vaulted ceilings, spacious rooms, and impressive views are only the beginning. Offering top-quality finishing and amazing attention to detail, these homes are designed and built in West Coast contemporary architectural style and floor plans are open, ideal for entertaining.
Colours are designed to complement the coastal landscape. Wide sunny decks give you plenty of room for lounging outdoors.
This new Vancouver Island real estate development is located in Ladysmith, a community with year-round outdoor activities and adventures, along with one of Canada's most temperate climates. Owners at The Gales are never at a loss for things to do. From a walk on one of the many local beaches to leisurely strolls through pristine forest right at your back door, the lure of natural wonder is ever beckoning. 

I am so proud of our communications and social media team, Mia Heitland, Communications Director, and Evan Coty, Communications Assistant.

Together their eye for detail and their ability to meet timelines based around client needs, have helped us at 1stView achieve online success on behalf of our clients. Their combined efforts also helped us be named as finalists at the 2011 MISTIC Innovation Awards for Information Technology, and for two 2012 West Coast Social Media Awards.

Together this team of Mia Heitland and Evan Coty is committed to getting the writing, postings and social media implemented so that our clients are achieving great exposure online. Great Job!

- Clarice

“We’re noticing that our ideal clients are very tech-savvy and spend time connecting to things that matter to them via internet. We’ve reached clients through blogging, Facebook and of course 1stView.ca,” says Bethany Pearce of Capstone Dwellings. 
Currently Capstone Dwellings has divided their online activity into two components: localized content for connecting with clients, and globalized content for connecting to other industry professionals. “Because our firm is establishing itself with the main location being a small Vancouver Island town, we need to reach out on a larger scale to grow professionally” shares Bethany. “Recently we’ve been connecting to other Designers, Builders and Design-Build professionals in Nanaimo, Victoria and Vancouver for networking, knowledge sharing, and resource sharing.”

Capstone Dwellings Design-Build can be found online at these portals:

Boardwalk Place ocean view condos and townhomes in Nanaimo have been created to give the new home owner everything they could want in a home and a community.
Set in the historical Newcastle neighborhood of Brechin Hill, steps from the Nanaimo Yacht Club, Boardwalk Place offers great Vancouver Island lifestyle options in a spectacular ocean front community. From the luxury of your own private courtyard and the natural beauty of living close to the water, to the abundance of recreation, shopping and dining of downtown, Boardwalk Place Nanaimo condos offer so much to explore just outside their doors.
And step inside these new Nanaimo ocean view homes and see how they have been created to offer all of the luxury, style and conveniences of a luxury home. Along with spacious floorplans that feature gourmet kitchens, over-height ceilings, luxurious appliances, designer cabinetry and spa-like en suites to retreat to at the end of the day, there are also more than a dozen floorplans to choose from. By combining style, comfort and convenience with traditional craftsmanship and today’s most advanced and durable construction technology, Boardwalk Place offers the long-term value, quality, style and refined luxury you’re looking for in a new Vancouver Island home.
These ocean view condos and townhomes start at only $238,888, offering excellent value in new Vancouver Island real estate. For detailed pricing, visit the Boardwalk Place presentation centre at 370 Stewart Avenue, Nanaimo, open Tuesday-Friday from 12-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 p.m, Monday by appointment.  

I recently had a chance to call Dale’s Plumbing and Mechnical to complete a number of plumbing project in my home.
Dale's Plumbing and Mechanical specializes in residential and commercial plumbing in Campbell River and in the Comox Valley.
I was able to book an appointment for the very next day, and the professional, courteous crew of two plumbers were able to complete four projects in my house in only a few hours. The entire Dale's team works hard to establish a quick response time for service calls throughout the region.
Emergency plumbing services in Campbell River and the Comox Valley are also just a quick call away. I was very impressed with the service I received. 
Dale’s Plumbing and Mechanical has been operating on North Vancouver Island for more than 30 years. This plumbing and gas fitting contractors’ quality workmanship has earned Dale’s a reputation as a premiere Vancouver Island plumbing contractor.
Dale’s Plumbing specializes in new construction plumbing and plumbing renovations. They are also the one's to call for all your plumbing service needs. Experts in their field, they boast a 96% on-time completion record. 
Dale’s Plumbing will manage all stages of a plumbing project with honesty and integrity while offering great value. Thanks Dales' Plumbing! To contact Dale’s Plumbing, call 250.650.1950. or visit their website. 

Mia Heitland

Double A Safety Services helps Vancouver Island companies maintain and energize the integrity of their safety program. Double A Safety brings experience in workplace safety from large and small construction projects to help companies from 10 employees to 200 employees with safety training, evaluation,  development, safety documentation and due diligence procedures. This month, Double AA Safety shares the importance Personal Protective Equipment aka PPE.
“When we first get on the job, we are pretty much aware of what PPE we will be required to bring with us when we first arrive,” says Double AA Safety owner Alana Gow. “It is often a misconception that the company is required to supply their workers with their necessary PPE.”
In fact, Part 8 of the BC Regulations states that “a worker is responsible for providing: clothing needed for protection against the natural elements; general purpose work gloves and appropriate footwear including safety footwear, and safety headgear.”
And “an employer is responsible for providing, at no cost to the worker, all other items of personal protective equipment required by this regulation. If the personal protective equipment provided by the employer causes allergenic or other adverse health effects, the employer must provide appropriate alternate equipment or safe measures.
Nothing in this section precludes or alters an existing or future agreement between a worker or workers and an employer to the effect that the employer will be responsible for the provision either at no cost or some cost to the worker, of any or all of the items described in subsection”
Note: Part 8 provides requirements for most types of protective clothing and equipment. See Part 7 on Noise for hearing protection requirements.
"Most companies do in fact supply hard hats, gloves, and hi-visibility clothing for their workers,” Gow said. “This is good due diligence on their part. They are required to supply any specialized Personal Protective Equipment required for your task at hand. For example, respiratory protective equipment or fall prevention equipment. They are also required to ensure you are fully trained not only in the use and maintenance of the equipment, but also if and when you are required to use it.”
For more information on developing or reviewing your companies safety plan, contact Double AA Safety Services in Campbell River at 250.914.4699.

The Bonnington Ridge neighbourhood in the Fairwinds Community in Nanoose Bay offers residential golf and ocean view lots for sale. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, with prices starting at $240,000, these lots are not to be missed. Only three building lots are still available in Bonnington Ridge.
Bonnington Ridge lots offer beautiful ocean and golf course views, and executive west coast homes will integrate first-class luxury living with the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The Bonnington Ridge neighbourhood is only a few minutes walking distance to the Fairwinds Centre offering restaurants, fitness facilities and more. This community features a spectacular Golf Club and Schooner Cove Marina. Located only 15 minutes north of Nanaimo, on the east side of Vancouver Island, Fairwinds is quickly becoming the destination of choice for those seeking a luxurious West Coast lifestyle. Stop by the Fairwinds real estate sales centre to learn more.  

This Friday and Saturday (Aug. 17 & 18) Comox Fireplace & Patio will be holding their annual summer sale.
The Courtenay store will feature: BBQs up to $700 off, which they will assemble and deliver for free: hot tubs up to 30% off, with free local delivery and set up; and fireplaces and stoves with savings up to $700. It’s a great time to stop in and pick up the toys you need to enjoy the end of summer, or to plan ahead for the cooler months.
Comox Fireplace & Patio offers premium quality fireplaces, stoves and inserts; hot tubs & swimming pools; BBQ’s & patio furniture – all backed by their own Warm Fuzzy Guarantee, offering a three month no-hassle exchange, and 3 to 5 year parts and labour warranty.
Visit their showroom – the largest of its kind on Vancouver Island – and see why the staff and products at Comox Fireplace & Patio will leave you feeling all warm & fuzzy inside – guaranteed! Stop by their showroom at 4911 N. Island Hwy in Courtenay this week to take advantage of these great deals.

Realtor Scott Fraser (PREC) with Royal LePage in the Comox Valley is ready to help you by or sell your Comox Valley home. The beautiful Comox Valley has many activities that truly make it Canada's year round playground. Your key to enjoying this wonderful area is finding the right location for your next home that fits your budget, lifestyle and tastes.
Many young families are choosing to move to Cumberland. This historic Village is the home to Comox Lake and is surrounded by kilometres of walking and biking trails. 
A popular project which Scott Fraser represents is Steam Engine Estates is a residential development consisting of 50 new patio homes and town homes located each with a view of the spectacular Comox Valley mountains. This Vancouver Island real estate development is situated in a tranquil setting and backs onto a dedicated green space. There are three separate spacious floor plans to choose from, ranging in size from 1,254-1,453 square feet. Each patio and town house unit is beautifully finished with plenty of natural lighting.
These Vancouver Island homes are priced starting from $211,900. Contact Realtor Scott  Fraser (PREC) at 250.792.5950.

WesternOne Rentals and Sales in Comox is offering fall savings from Stihl. Nine models of gas powered Stihl chainsaws are now reduced in price, ranging from the 30.1 cc 3.9 kg MS170 model up to the 59 cc 5.9 kg MS360.
Eligible models of these Stihl chainsaws come with a free Wood-Pro kit which includes a Woodsman carrying case, a Stihl Timbersports hat, and replacement chain loop and instructional DVD. Reduced prices are in effect from now until Nov. 30, 2012.
WesternOne is committed to providing great customer service for their Comox Valley equipment rentals and sales. WesternOne Rentals and Sales also rents, sells and services scissor lifts and aerial lifts; generators; air tools; concrete equipment; and forklifts on Vancouver Island. Visit them at 662 Anderton Road in Comox.

The Vancouver Island waterfront vacation homes at Reef Point Cottages offer an exciting Ucluelet real estate opportunity. There is currently one private waterfront cottage for sale - a two bedroom, two bathroom home with excellent rental revenue opportunities. Unit 273 is priced at $279,000.
This low-maintenance 956 square foot cottages is finished with teak, marble and slate flooring; granite countertops; pine wainscotting and ceilings. Cozy up to the fireplace on stormy nights or sit in your private hot tub on the oversized covered deck overlooking nature and onto Spring Cove. Reef Point Cottages is located near Tofino, and only minutes from Ucluelet’s isolated pocket beaches or the famous Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park. The stunning vistas of the Wild Pacific Trail are on the doorstep of Reef Point Cottages.
This Ucluelet vacation cottage for sale is 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. 

The Ridge in the Comox Valley is a new residential subdivision located in South Courtenay on Vancouver Island. Phase I offers 69 lots many with panoramic mountain and ocean views. New home lots at The Ridge range from 7,000 - 12,000 square feet.

A building scheme is in place for the development and the zoning on some of these Vancouver Island building lots allows for carriage homes and duplexes. Two multi-family project sites are also included in the neighbourhood, which will contain  a total of 230 single family lots.

The Ridge is situated amid green space and woodlands, with a network of walking trails, parklands and ocean views. The Island Highway is easily accessed from The Ridge and the properties are only minutes from downtown Courtenay. The Ridge is located close to Crown Isle, Mount Washington, Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa, and Strathcona Provincial Park.

For more information visit The Ridge page on 1stView.ca, contact the developers at 218.790.7899, or visit their website.

McConochie's Furniture and Appliances has been serving the Comox Valley since 1964. McConochie's store in downtown Courtenay carries the brand-name furniture and appliances that customers trust: Frigidaire, Electrolux, La-Z-Boy, Palliser, El Ran, Dynasty, Stylus, Simmons, Trica. They can also order other makes (such as LG fridges) and unique items. Stop by their showroom at 434 5th Street in Courtenay, and browse for comfortable and fashionable brand name furniture and decorating ideas.
Check out the selection of refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and laundry pairs on display, as well as the choices in chest and upright freezers. McCononchie's knowledgeable sales representatives are there to answer any questions.McConochie's offers fast free delivery in the Comox Valley and Campbell River areas, and can also arrange delivery to outlying areas.

AA Mini Storage in Nanaimo Offers One Month of Free Self Storage

Moving or Building a New Home?
Are you moving or buying a new home on Vancouver Island? Do you need to store your belongings in a mini storage facility while staging your home for sale, or waiting for construction to be complete?  

Nanaimo's AA Mini Storage is currently offering one month free for any mini or self storage unit rentals of two or more months, paid in advance. 
Nanaimo's AA Mini Storage features a variety of self-storage options. These Nanaimo self storage rental units range from 5x5x5 to 20x30. AA Mini Storage has a variety of self storage units, suitable for storing anything from business equipment to the contents of a house. RV and boat storage is also available.
AA Mini Storage offers convenience as well. The units are available 7 days a week and with drive-up doors available on 10x10x10 units and larger, your locker is always easily accessible. AA Mini Storage offers multiple levels of security, including video surveillance, gated access, and resident managers on site. Contact AA Mini Storage in Nanaimo at 250.758.7442.

New homes in central Courtenay, in a new development called Woodcote Mews, are now selling for under $200,000. The 1,320 sq ft new duplex homes offer incredible value, now priced at $199,900, including HST.
Most of the 20 duplex homes at Woodcote Mews on Cumberland Road have already been sold. All of the remaining available new homes have been completed to lock-up, and can be ready for your family to move into within one month. This means you can still choose your colour schemes and finishing details before moving in. The developer will complete the interiors of the units as they are sold.
These new Vancouver Island duplex homes feature a spacious layout, each with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each home also includes a quality appliance package with refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer.
An open house is held every Saturday from 11-12:30. Stop in and tour the new duplexes at Woodcote Mews at 1500 Cumberland Road, or contact Realtor Scott Fraser.

New townhome developments in the Vancouver Island community of Courtenay are proving to be very popular with homebuyers. One new development coming to the market this summer is being built by McQueen Construction in the Comox Valley. This new townhome development on Piercy Avenue in downtown Courtenay, will feature ten new homes and is now under construction. The homes will be built in two buildings with four linked townhouses; two additional townhouses will also be added. These Courtenay townhomes will be completed this summer.
Floor plans for the Piercy Avenue townhome will include two and three bedrooms, and homes will range in size from 1,300 to 1,600 sq. ft. Many of these new homes offer the option of having the master bedroom on the main floor.
All of these 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.

Premium home builder Tamarack Construction of Campbell River is selling a custom built ocean view home on Quadra Island. I had the opportunity to tour the home this spring. Located in Heriot Bay, overlooking Rebecca Spit and Drew Harbour, the property contains the main home and a second home (a carriage house). The main home offers stunning sunrise views from the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom on the upper level. Ocean views are available from the upper and main floors.
One of the main features of this home is a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace in the main living room which can be seen from the open concept kitchen and dining area. The main home has a cozy feel to it, because of its design, and yet it offers a spacious 3,200 sq. ft. of living area.
I also really liked the 1,500 sq. ft. wrap-around deck on the upper floor, which provides lots of space to enjoy outdoor living and really take in the views. This property offers great value, with two homes beautifully situated on 1.4 acres on one of the most scenic, ocean view properties on Quadra Island, a piece of paradise, located only 15 minutes from Campbell River on Vancouver Island.
Price is $799,000. For more information, contact custom home builder Tamarack Construction at 250.203.1979 or email tamarack@gicable.com.

A new residential community offering stunning views is now under construction in south Courtenay on Vancouver Island. This new real estate development features urban residential lots for sale. Designed around the principals of sustainability, the new south Courtenay subdivision will feature 230 single family residential ocean and mountain view lots, with some of the lots featuring zoning to permit duplexes and carriage homes.
The development will also be two multi-family building sites, with opportunities for patio homes or multi-level strata condominiums.
This new residential community in the Comox Valley will be developed in several phases, with the first phase containing 69 building lots. Building permits will be ready in late summer 2012.
This new South Courtenay subdivision will have strong architectural guidelines and new homes and lots will follow building schemes to protect property values. Many of the lots in this 77-acre community feature panoramic ocean and mountain views. The community will include an extensive network of walking trails, parklands and open spaces featuring open waterways. It is adjacent to and directly connected to the Millard Creek Nature Park.