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

The Gales is a real estate development in Ladysmith offering ocean view bungalows and condos. These new homes offer an amazing location, surrounded by nature and featuring ocean views. Inside, these new patio homes and condos offers top quality finishing, with remarkable attention to detail.

Homes at The Gales are designed and built in West Coast contemporary architectural style and floor plans are open, ideal for entertaining. Warm earth tones through out the homes complement the coastal landscape. Wide sunny decks give you plenty of room to take in the views outdoors.

Ownership at The Gales offers residents the opportunity to enjoy an idyllic Island lifestyle. Living at The Gales means enjoying year-round walks on the many local beaches and leisurely strolls through the pristine forest right at your back door. And owners at The Gales can relax, knowing the that their landscaping and yard maintenance are taken care of.

One couple told 1stView that they are constantly amazed by the ever-changing views and their Vancouver Island lifestyle.

"We never tire of watching the world go by from our bedroom, kitchen, dining or living room windows. You never know what you may see from resident eagles, to killer whales visiting the harbour. All of these scenes are beautifully framed in large picture windows in rooms with soaring ceilings. There is so much to do in our small town, and on the island. We are also within a short commuting distance of two major city centres. We feel very lucky to call this wonderful place home."

This development is located in Ladysmith, a community with year-round outdoor activities and adventures, along with one of Canada's most temperate climates.

New homes at The Gales are priced from $499,000-$599,000.

The newest Comox Valley patio home development in Courtenay, Vancouver Island, is now ready for new home owners. The Railside Lane development at at 1620 Piercy Avenue features 10 new patio homes. 

These Courtenay townhomes and duplexes feature three different floor plans, which include two or three bedrooms and range in size from about 1,300-1,690 square feet. All of the new homes feature main floor living with beautifully finished tile and hardwood floors and spacious kitchens and living areas. The master bedrooms feature his-and-hers closets with custom wooden organizers. The ensuite offers heated tile floors, and dual shower heads including a rain head shower fixture. The homes also feature custom lighting fixtures throughout. 

Railside Lane offers the convenience of strata with the living space of a single family home. These Courtenay patio homes have attached garages and additional driveway parking, and guest parking spots.These new townhomes range from $249,900 - $269,900. 

Tour these Courtenay townhomes during an open house, held Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3. For more information contact Comox Valley Realtor Scott Fraser, PREC, of Royal LePage in the Comox Valley.

Are you needing RV or boat storage on Vancouver Island this winter? AA Mini Storage Nanaimo offers one month free for any paid-in-advance self storage unit rentals of two or more months. AA Mini Storage features storage in Nanaimo options, including vehicle and RV storage, heated units and drive-up storage units. AA Mini Storage Nanaimo 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. 

AA Mini Storage offers multiple levels of security, including video surveillance, gated access, and resident managers on site, to ensure your belongings are safe.

These Nanaimo self storage rental units come in a wide range of sizes -  from 5x5x5 to 20x30 - which means you'll find the right size unit regardless of your storage needs . AA Mini Storage has a variety of self storage units, suitable for storing anything from business equipment to the contents of a house, perfect for moving or downsizing. 

Contact AA Mini Storage in Nanaimo at 250.758.7442 or learn more about their services on the AA Mini Storage Nanaimo website.

Dale’s Plumbing and Mechanical specializes in residential and commercial plumbing in Campbell River and in the Comox Valley. 

Dale’s Plumbing and Mechanical has been operating on North Vancouver Island for more than 30 years and their quality workmanship has earned Dale’s a reputation as a premiere Vancouver Island plumbing contractor. Dale’s Plumbing specializes in new construction plumbing jobs and plumbing renovations. They are also the one's to call for all your plumbing service needs. 

Emergency plumbing services in Campbell River and the Comox Valley are now just a quick call away, and Dale's expert team of plumbers works hard to establish a quick response time for service calls throughout the North-Central Vancouver Island region.

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. See testimonials from happy customers on their website.

The following Vancouver Island real estate "snap shot" is provided by John Cooper of Re/Max Mid Island Realty. All statistics are based on the December 2012 VIREB Published statistics.

Vancouver Island
151 single family homes sold. Avg. price $332,374 (down 3% 12 months to date this year over last). 8 waterfront homes sold, 11 lots sold, & 54 condos sold. Single family unit sales volume is down 6%. 
Average days on market has decreased by 3% to 72 days. The average condo sells for $234,045. Condo unit sales are up 9.3% 12 months to date. Patio home style condos have seen the biggest increase in units sold. Condos have seen a 12% decrease in days on market.
Average days to sell is 99 days. Lot sales volume is down by over 3%. 
Lot prices have decreased by 7% 12 months to date. Average lot sale price is $128,846.  Most active region: Nanaimo; Highest average price: Parksville/Qualicum. Read the Full Report here.

Nanaimo
43 Single family homes sold. Avg. price $353,408 (down 3% 12 months to date this year over last). 2 waterfront homes sold, 1 lots sold, & 21 condos sold. Single family unit sales volume is down 6% 12 months to date. Average days on market has decreased by 5% to 53 days. The average condo sells for $238,139. Condo unit sales are down 11% 12 months to date. Townhomes have seen the biggest decrease in units sold. Condos have seen a 23% decrease in days on market. Average days to sell is 67 days. Lot sales volume is flat 12 months to date. Lot prices have decreased by 5% 12 months to date. Average lot sale price is $154,063. Most active region: North Nanaimo; Highest average price: South Jinglepot. Read the Full Report here.

Central Rentals is a service of Central Builders Home Hardware in Courtenay, along with other departments including: Door and Windows; Cabinets; Appliances; and Flooring. Central Rentals also offers a new install program for all kinds of projects big or small.

Central Rentals is located at Building #2, 610 Anderton Ave, Courtenay. The staff there can walk through your project from start to finish

Courtenay's Home Hardware Building Centre's Central Rentals offers equipment rentals in the Comox Valley. Central Rentals offers all the tools and equipment to get any Comox Valley project done right and renting means you'll always the right tool for the job. Central Rentals' Comox Valley equipment rentals division can supply: mini excavators; bobcats; scaffolding, construction security fencing; jack hammers; compactors; floor sanders; laser levels, and more. Central Rentals in the Comox Valley offers rates from half-day up to long term on equipment rentals.

Offering unmatched service and selection, Central Rentals is ready to help homeowners and contractors find the equipment they need. Central Rentals Helping you get the project done.

Campbell River new home builder Tamarack Construction, will soon be starting a new custom home project – a multi-level, 3,000 square foot home on a view lot. Final designs for this new home are now being completed. The company recently sold their Maryland Estates showhome, and also completed a new custom home on Pacific Heights Lane. 

Tamarack Construction is available to build your custom home in Campbell River, and is happy to work with you to create the perfect design on a lot you have chosen.

Tamarack Construction is also currently selling a custom ocean view home on Quadra Island. Tucked away at the end of a quiet road and bordering forest on two sides, this beautiful 1.37 acre ocean view property on Quadra Island features a main home, carriage house and shop. This property is perfect for a big family, a couple who enjoys house guests, or a B&B. This property also features a 2-bedroom carriage house, located above the 780 sq ft shop.

This dream home offers 3,280 sq ft of well-designed living space. The main floor features a beautiful open layout with a chef's dream kitchen and spacious dining room. The living room features exposed beams and impressive rock fireplace. A master bedroom fit for a king, with a gorgeous ensuite and French doors leading to the balcony. The lower floor features spacious bedrooms, over height ceilings, a massive bathroom, and huge open family room, and more. For more information about this listing, contact Campbell River Realtor Sophie Gardner at 250.204.0828.

The Vancouver Island waterfront vacation homes at Reef Point Cottages offer an exciting Ucluelet real estate opportunity. The resort currently offers a private waterfront cottage for sale - a two bedroom, two bathroom home with excellent rental revenue opportunities.  

This Ucluelet vacation cottage for sale is part of the Reef Point Cottages rental program and the owner is entitled to six months of personal use per year. Cottage owners can also leave their vacation home in the rental program full-time and earn on this hassle free investment. Unit 273 is priced at $279,000.

The 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.

Colliers International Mid-Island is a top producing Vancouver Island commercial real estate office, with more than $100 million in sales and leasing transactions completed between Duncan to Courtenay in the past two years.

With established contacts in commercial real estate on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and nationally, managing broker Jason Winton, associate broker Brad Bailey and broker assistant Brad Archibald represent Mid Vancouver Island commercial real estate for investors, developers, tenants and landlords. The Colliers Mid-Island office is based in Nanaimo and serves Vancouver Island from Duncan north. The office specializes in the sale of real estate development sites, investment properties, retail and office sales & leasing, industrial sales & leasing and tenant representation.

With 25 years experience between them, strong regional and national contacts, and the Colliers International network behind them, commercial real estate brokers Jason Winton and Brad Bailey bring a very high level of professionalism and marketing expertise to their clients. 

For your Vancouver Island commercial real estate needs, contact Colliers International Mid-Island.

Imagine owning your own new three-bedroom Comox Valley  home for well under $200,000. This opportunity still exists at Woodcote Mews townhomes, centrally located in Courtenay.  The prices have been lowered to only $189,900 on the final five remaining units. 

Fifteen of the 1,320 sq ft duplex homes at Woodcote Mews on Cumberland Road have already been sold. The remaining five units have now been completed to lock-up, and can be finished to your specifications and be ready for you to move in within a month. The developer will complete the interiors of the units once the new owners have selected their colour schemes. These new homes also offer the opportunity to choose your own paint colours and finishes, and move into your new three-bedroom Comox Valley home within a month.

The new real estate development has been popular with young families, empty nesters, and those looking for a Vancouver Island vacation home. These new Vancouver Island duplex homes feature a spacious layout, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each unit includes a quality appliance package with refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer.

An open house is held every Saturday from 11-12:30, so stop in to tour your new Courtenay townhome. For more information, contact Realtor Scott Fraser at Royal LePage in the Comox Valley.

Majestic Stones and Granite in Duncan on Vancouver Island is a retailer and wholesaler of imported granite countertops, stone sinks, and other natural stone products including flooring, mortuary stones, fountains, and garden decor.

Majestic Stones’ most popular product is pre-fabricated granite countertops and kitchen islands. The granite counters come in standard lengths of 96” x 26” and are the most affordable retail granite option. Custom orders are also available. 

At Majestic Stones and Granite their goal is to bring their customers quality granite at an affordable price. They have high standards when it comes to purchasing and installing their stone, and they stand by their product and our work. 

Majestic Stones and Granite is a small, family owned and operated business located in the Cowichan Valley. They have been serving the Cowichan Valley for more than three years. Drop by their showroom at 150 Station Street, Duncan on Vancouver Island to see what is new, in stock or available to order. 

WesternOne Rentals and Sales, a one-stop shop on Vancouver Island for equipment rentals and sales, is 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, the North Island and the Sunshine Coast. WesternOne is the only place on Vancouver Island to buy Canada’s number one selling ATV.

Their Comox location has 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 has now opened their new Courtenay location, for rentals, sales and servicing of scissor lifts and aerial lifts; generators; air tools; concrete equipment; and forklifts on Vancouver Island. Both locations are open to serve trades and the general public.

Stone Manor Estates is a new custom home development located in the heart of Cowichan Valley, only minutes from the centre of Duncan on Vancouver Island. Phase I is nearly sold out and Phase II lots are now selling. New homes in Stone Manor Estates are being built in a Craftsman or Heritage Style. Phase II offers a variety of upgrades to its location, offering new buyers a no-thru road, and many sites which back onto green spaces and are well situated in a cul-de-sac. 

Residents of Stone Manor Estates enjoy the beauty of both its neighbourhood trails and the stunning natural surroundings of the Cowichan Valley, along with the central convenience of city living and its close proximity to lakes, marinas, recreational activities, retail shopping centres, restaurants, schools, medical services, and a premium hospital. Developer Lamont Land has dedicated more than three years to bring this project to market. From architecturally coordinated streetscapes to a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, great care is taken to ensure that no detail is overlooked. Lamont Lands brings a combined experience of over 60 years of building communities with distinct personality.

Featuring an abundance of culinary delights, Cowichan Valley is the ideal location for food and wine enthusiasts. With a mild micro-climate unique to the area, the Cowichan Valley is Canada's only Maritime Mediterranean climatic zone - resulting in the warmest mean year round temperature anywhere in Canada. With more than 20 wineries, the Cowichan Valley is also well known for its artisanal cheese-makers, organic produce and slow-food chefs. 

Available lots range in price from $137,900-$169,900 for single family lots, and $184,900 and $189,900 for two duplex lots. The Sales Presentation Centre at Stone Manor Estates is now open Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 p.m. Stop by and find out today what many others are already discovering. 

Double A Safety Services supports Vancouver Island Industry with the timely completion of construction projects, by helping 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. 

Based in Campbell River on Vancouver Island, they can assist in ensuring that your company’s complete documentation requirements are met for COR & OH & S compliance including: training; vehicles and equipment; hoisting, inspections, investigations, return to work/ modified work program, lifting and rigging requirements; emergency equipment; emergency preparedness and first aid requirements. This includes input and involvement from senior management, supervisors and workers.

In addition Double A Safety offers:

• Safe work practice development to industry best practices
• Incident investigation
• Workplace Safety Inspection
• Training assessment
• HSE Safety manual development
• Claims management
• BCCSA COR Auditor
• Construction Safety Officer (CSO)
• WSBC Liaison

Double A Safety works with you and your Company to develop the a Health and Safety Program to the best industry standards for your Company’s scope of work through advisement, guidance, education and recommendation.

The first new home at The Ridge in South Courtenay will soon be under construction. Phase 1 of this new Vancouver Island residential development features 69 lots, some offering stunning ocean and mountain views.  

These large Vancouver Island lots for sale offer a variety of new home options and are zoned for carriage homes and homes with secondary suites. Some lots are also available for duplexes and patio home development. This master planned community features architectural and design guidelines for all new homes to ensure an attractive master planned community.

Located in South Courtenay, The Ridge will eventually feature about 230 homes in a sustainable 77-acre community, featuring plenty of green space and a rural feeling. Despite the quiet setting, the development is located only a few minutes from Courtenay's main shopping districts and all of the Comox Valley's amenities.

The lots at The Ridge will range in size from 7,000 to 12,000 square feet. A price list is now available from the developers - lots start at $169,900. For more information, visit their website.

Comox Valley Realtor Tina Vincent, PREC, of Royal LePage in the Comox Valley is featuring an absolutely gorgeous, immaculate four-bedroom executive home sitting on one of the most prestigious country cul-de-sacs in the Comox Valley.

This home at 9 Little Bear Way is set on just over 1/2 an acre, and located only 5 minutes south of Courtenay in Roystone. Featuring over 2,700 square feet, it greets you with extensive timber frame accents containing timed photocell exterior lights. Inside, the timber is carried through to the exquisite custom built fireplace featuring wall-to-wall shelving.

This open concept floor plan is wonderful for family and for entertaining, with a fantastic kitchen with ceiling high maple cabinets and Silestone quartz counter tops accented by beautiful tile back splash. Other highlights include the soft lighting on the staircase, the master bedroom & beautiful ensuite, three large bedrooms, and a bonus room wired and ready for home theater system, and custom built-in closets throughout.

Outside offers a front porch and back patio, room for your RV & boat, hot & cold water, 220 service for future shop site, plus double garage with 12' high ceilings for the car enthusiast.

This home is currently listed for $639,000. Contact Comox Valley Realtor Tina Vincent to schedule a viewing today.

Nutmeg Homes is an award-winning custom home builder on Vancouver Island, which uses insulated concrete form (ICF) construction to create beautiful new homes that are created to last. Based in the Comox Valley, Nutmeg Homes uses innovative concrete construction methods in building homes for their clients, to create green, energy efficient new homes which are built to last for generations.

The Nutmeg Homes website features a number of the new custom homes the company has built in and around the Comox Valley since 2000, and features details about the ICF construction process. On their website, you can also follow the progress as owners Paul and Shareen Witt blog about their experiences and the construction process as they build their own ICF home in the Comox Valley.

Nutmeg Homes is also currently exploring options for building LEED certified homes and has begun developing green (or living) roofs. A fabulous example of their living roof work can be see on the new Vancouver Island  Visitor Centre located in Cumberland.

Courtenay Realtor Scott Fraser, a real estate agent with Royal Le Page in the Comox Valley has just listed a three-bedroom home in Comox.  

Built in 2009, this Comox home for sale home features main level living complete with a master bedroom on the main floor.  The kitchen overlooks the living room, and downstairs also features a separate dining room/family room and den. Upstairs offers two additional nicely sized bedrooms, a large storage area and a 4 piece bathroom.

A private backyard comes complete with a large deck, and the home is within walking distance to major shopping and close to all schools. This Comox home's design is perfect for a retired couple looking to have some extra room upstairs for a family.

This home at 533 Spitfire Drive is listed at  $445,000.

To view this or other homes for sale in the Comox Valley, contact Realtor Scott Fraser, PREC, at Royal LePage in the Comox Valley.

Campbell River Realtor Jenna Nichol of Coast Realty is featuring a family home in need of some TLC.

The three bedroom, two bathroom, 1,716 square foot home is in need of new flooring and some paint, giving you the chance to customize your finishings in this Campbell River home for sale. Priced at only $174,900, this home is ideally located a short walk from the Campbell River Sportsplex.

This centrally located Campbell River house features big sunny windows in the living room and dining room, as well as a large kitchen and separate living and family rooms. The large yard is great for kids and entertaining guests.

To learn more about this Campbell River listing at 1281 Denis Road, or for any of your Campbell River real estate needs, contact Coast Realty Realtor Jenna Nichol.

Wishing you a successful and prosperous 2013!