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

Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island is locally owned and operated, and offers the same great service from several locations across the Island. One of the great services Budget Blinds offers, that you’ll never find at a big box store, is their complimentary design consultations. 

Budget Blinds customers enjoy the opportunity to meet with Rebeccah Stefina of their design team. As a designer and sales manager for the Ladysmith location, Stefina works with clients in all of the communities Budget Blinds serves on Vancouver Island.

She has more than six years of experience in design and working with builders, contractors and interior designers on their projects of all sizes.

Her education in design, portfolio of clients and eye for detail will have you feeling confident in your project from start to finish.

"I love what I do,” Stefina says. “I like to turn my clients wants, needs and dreams into their reality. From single family projects to multi-home construction, I'm your local contact for the best residential and commercial window coverings in Canada."

If you’re ready to update your window decor for summer, or need to consider home automation, call your local Budget Blinds of Vancouver Island. Their complimentary consultations can be done in your home, following Covid safety protocols, or set up a virtual visit.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

Contact Rebeccah directly at rstefina@budgetblinds.com or 250-924-2150

Summer is heating up on Vancouver Island and if you’re staying close to home you may have found your indoor spaces getting a little too warm and bright.

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island is open, with Covid-19 safety protocols in place, and ready to help you find cool comfort with the help of new window coverings.

Whether your new home office needs new shades, or the nursery is too bright at nap time, Budget Blinds has the solution for your unique needs that will match your decor and your budget.

With 3 locations on Vancouver Island Budget Blinds is close wherever you are. Their interior designers can come to you or work with you remotely to select window coverings for any room in your home. They’ll provide professional installation and the entire process is quick and easy!

Enjoy cooler indoor temperatures, protect your furniture and artwork from UV rays and add a stylish touch to your home with the help of Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island.

Call Budget Blinds today at any one of their three Vancouver Island locations:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

The Vancouver Island Real Estate Baord has relaeased their market highlights for May 2020. VIREB covers the region of Vancouver Island outside of Victoria and some Gulf Islands. For more details visit vireb.com.

The New Year is a great time to create a new look for your home! Freshen up your space with new window coverings this season and take advantage of the great prices and selection from Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island.

Not sure where to start? Arrange a complimentary in-home consultation with one of Budget Blinds’ designers. You’ll learn about the newest styles and features, as well as get some guidance on colour choices and design. Find the right products to suit your family’s lifestyle and budget, all in the comfort of your own home.

New window coverings will update the look of your home as well as enhance privacy, energy efficiency, and safety. Improving your home’s energy efficiency with updated window coverings will provide savings for years to come.

Call Budget Blinds today at 250.338.8564 or request a free in-home consultation online. 

Budget Blinds serves the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley and beyond. 

On the North Island stop by their Courtenay showroom at #8 2663 Kilpatrick Ave.

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island offers in-home consultations with designers who can help you find the perfect window coverings for your home. This month we feature a spotlight on designer Rebeccah Kurucz.

Rebeccah is an “old soul” with a very cheerful and enthusiastic disposition.

She grew up working in her family’s business in Port Alberni, before pursuing her passion attending school for interior design. She worked for several years at a design firm before making the transition to Budget Blinds. 

“Window coverings play such an important role in the overall look and feel of your home,” says Rebeccah. “I wanted to work more closely with my customers and assist them to put those finishing touches into their homes. Helping my clients to make their homes look beautiful is truly rewarding, and I love being a part of the whole process.”

Rebeccah says her favorite window covering look currently is roller shades with drapery. 

“The simplistic, hard lines of a quality roller shade coupled with soft, flowing, cascades of drapery can transform a space. Of course, every home is different so it’s fun to play with colour and texture to make it unique.”

The biggest trend she is seeing is a return to soft window coverings.

“Many of my clients are moving back to soft treatments. They have been pairing traditional blinds with a Roman Shade in the kitchen as well as adding decorative panels to soften their windows. Soft fashions are back!”

Outside of work, Rebeccah loves to spend her time outdoors.

“Basically, if it is outdoors I’m into it! I really love camping and hiking! I love being around the water. I love the ocean, the rivers and the lakes that are all so close. The Island allows you to enjoy nature all year round.

“I also am a huge sports fan and am very passionate about interior design!”

Book an appointment today to meet with Rebeccah and review the latest trends and design options for your home and lifestyle.

How does it work? A design consultant will come to you and bring samples that you can view in the comfort of your home. They will help you choose your window coverings, and professionally measure. Once ordered, your window coverings will be installed by one of Budget Blinds’ experienced on-staff installers.

Budget Blinds of Nanaimo and Oceanside is locally owned and operated. The staff is a close-knit group of people, who live locally, have a passion for Vancouver Island living and look forward to making your experience the best it can be.

Up to 50% of a home's heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows. So rather than cranking up your heat or air conditioning to avoid uncomfortable temperatures this summer, let Budget Blinds help with an array of versatile blinds, shades, shutters, and window film that are practical and energy efficient, and also on-trend.

This June Budget Blinds of the North Island is offering $150 off Cellular and Solar shades, and 20% off Window Film to help beat the heat.

These energy efficient window coverings will keep you feeling cool and your home looking great this summer, and can also keep the heat in during the cold winter months.

As well, window film deflects up to 99% of damaging UV rays, protecting your furniture, floors and artwork against harmful UV damage, while helping to keep temperatures cool.

Contact Budget Blinds of the North Island at the Courtenay showroom (8 - 2663 Kilpatrick Avenue) or online to book a complimentary in-home consultation.

Enjoy expert advice and choose from the latest styles and custom options such as motorization to make the most of your window treatments.

According to the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board’s (VIREB) October Statistics, sales of single-family homes from Duncan to Port Hardy were down 16 per cent from October 2017 and up 11 per cent from September 2018. Multiple offers have slowed, and buyers are taking more of a wait-and-see approach.

Building Links is reporting that inventory of single-family homes declined by 36 per cent from March 2016, with 1,023 active listings available last month compared to 1,598 one year ago. Low inventory continues to frustrate consumers in the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) area. An additional 145 single-family properties came onto the market in March, but the increase was not significant enough to have a noticeable impact on inventory.

Inventory dropped by 36 per cent year-over-year in March, and the lack of housing options continues to frustrate buyers in the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) area.

“Single-family homes between $500,000 and $600,000 rarely last longer than a day or two and generate multiple offers, with many selling above list price,” says Janice Stromar, VIREB President.

The March 2017 benchmark price of a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $323,100, an increase of 15 per cent over March 2016.

In the Comox Valley, the benchmark price hit $408,300, up 15 per cent from 2016. Duncan reported a benchmark price of $353,000, an increase of 14 per cent compared to March 2016.

Nanaimo’s benchmark price rose 23 per cent to $452,900 while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by 18 per cent to $463,500.

The price of a benchmark home in Port Alberni hit $217,800, up 12 per cent from one year ago.

1stView.ca features a number of new homes for sale on Vancouver Island.

Excerpt from April, 2017 VIREB news release.

Choosing the Right Tool for the Right Job Saves Time and Money

Playing it safe on the job site includes choosing the right tool or equipment for the task at hand. Making the wrong choice can cause serious injury and property damage; a search for "fails" on the Internet yields a plethora of videos showcasing people using tools and equipment that are clearly unsuitable for the job. Some online favourites feature a large forklift being used to lift a smaller one, that in turn is used to lift and place another piece of equipment. Yet another depicts a car being held in the air by two forklifts, one on either side, with a worker standing underneath!

While these videos may elicit a chuckle, it's sobering to see people putting their safety at risk. In some cases, cost and availability are the mitigating factors behind the wrong equipment choice. But when you consider the possibility of suffering injury or disability is using the wrong tool worth the risk? Taking time to obtain the right tools and equipment, and training people to use them properly, will save time, money, and — most importantly — lives. If you don't have the resources needed for the job, borrow from a friend, hire a professional, or rent. When you become an Internet sensation, make sure it's for the right reasons!

Equipment Rentals and Sales From Western One

WesternOne is focused on customer satisfaction and the top-quality operating condition of its equipment. All equipment is kept in peak operating condition by WesternOne's certified, factory-trained union mechanics and technicians. You can rent or buy with confidence, knowing that the equipment will be delivered to your site, ready and able to work. WesternOne is an authorized factory dealer, sales representative, and broker for a variety of industry-recognized manufacturers and brands. Buy the equipment you need and feel secure in the knowledge that you're receiving the best competitive pricing in Western Canada. Factory warranties are also available on select equipment.

Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles Dealer

As North Vancouver Island's only authorized Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles dealer. WesternOne is also the exclusive dealer for Polaris snowmobiles on Vancouver Island. Factory-trained and factory-certified Silver/Gold technicians are on hand for any servicing or repair need, and financing is available. For more information, call 250.339.4518 (local) or;1.877.339.4518 (toll-free).

IVES Certification Training

WesternOne also offers IVES Operator Certification Training that includes theory, practical training, and evaluation. The training is a win-win for both employer and employee. When an employee successfully completes the training, he or she receives a certificate and wallet card. The employer, in turn, receives copies of all documentation, including theory and practical test records. To find out more, call Greg Phelps, IVES Certified Trainer, at 250.667.0665 or WesternOne in Courtenay at 250.331.0748.

Are you confused by BC's regulations for forklift training and certification? You're not alone.

In simple terms, WorkSafe BC regulations state that employers must provide forklift training for employees. The actual guidelines are more complicated, however, so we've summarized them for you here. (If you prefer to read the regulatory information in its entirety, refer to OHS Section 16, Mobile Equipment and CSA Standard B335-94, Industrial Lift Truck Operator Training or click here.)

Section 16.4: Competency of Operators

1. A person must not operate mobile equipment unless the person:
(a) has received adequate instruction in the safe use of the equipment.

Section 16.7: Standards

(j) Lift Truck Operator training: CSA Standard B335-94, Industrial Lift Truck Operator Training

CSA Standard 7.1.1: Frequency of Courses

Refresher courses shall be held:
(a) at intervals not exceeding two years; or
(b) in case of accident or incidents attributable to operator error.

In a nutshell, a license is not required. However, you must ensure that your employees have been trained to current standards and have the documentation on hand to prove it.

To make your life easier, WesternOne now offers IVES Operator Certification Training that includes theory, practical training, and evaluation. The training is a win-win for both employer and employee. When an employee successfully completes the training, he or she receives a certificate and wallet card. The employer, in turn, receives copies of all documentation, including theory and practical test records. To find out more, call Greg Phelps, IVES Certified Trainer, at 250.667.0665 or WesternOne in Courtenay at 250.331.0748.

WesternOne​, your one-stop shop on Vancouver Island for tool and equipment rentals and sales, is North Vancouver Island's only authorized Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles dealer. WesternOne is also Vancouver Island's exclusive dealer for Polaris snowmobiles. Factory-trained and factory-certified Silver/Gold technicians are on hand for any servicing or repair need, and financing is available. For more information, call 250.339.4518 (local) or 1.877.339.4518 (toll-free). You can also use their Request a Quote online form.

Vancouver Island residents know that the green landscape in which we live means that our west coast climate is sometimes a little damp. The moisture and humidity that render our landscape so lush can also cause problems with products affected by high moisture levels.

Humidity can wreak havoc when building a house, installing hardwood floors, prepping drywall, or building cabinets. A dry job site can save money and avoid humidity-related problems such as checking or shrinkage. It can even prevent or eliminate mold. So, before the insulation goes in and the drywall goes up, doesn't it make sense to start with a moisture-free work site?

Dehumidifiers Are a Great Solution

WesternOne in Courtenay carries the perfect solution for a wet work environment: the Quest PowerDry 4000 Pro. This large-capacity, stainless-steel dehumidifier offers a perfect combination of high-performance and portability. Capable of removing an astounding 176 pints of water a day, the Quest PowerDry 4000's multiple ducting options allow for ducting both intake and processed air, giving you amazing flexibility on any job site. Multiple ducting also makes it easy to combine the unit with a HEPA air scrubber, air conditioner, or desiccant dehumidifier.

Great Rental Options and Rates

The Quest PowerDry 4000 Pro is available for daily, weekly, or monthly rental from WesternOne's Courtenay location on Moray Avenue. To find out more, call Greg Phelps at 250.667.0665 or WesternOne in Courtenay at 250.331.0748.

Rentals, Sales, and Service

WesternOne, your one-stop shop on Vancouver Island for tool and equipment rentals and sales, is North Vancouver Island's only authorized Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles dealer. WesternOne is also Vancouver Island's exclusive dealer for Polaris snowmobiles. Factory-trained and factory-certified Silver/Gold technicians are on hand for any servicing or repair need, and financing is available. For more information, call 250.339.4518 (local) or 1.877.339.4518 (toll-free). You can also use their Request a Quote online form.

WesternOne​, your one-stop shop on Vancouver Island for tool and equipment rentals and sales, is North Vancouver Island's only authorized Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles dealer. WesternOne is also Vancouver Island's exclusive dealer for Polaris snowmobiles. Factory-trained and factory-certified Silver/Gold technicians are on hand for any servicing or repair need, and financing is available. For more information, call 250.339.4518 (local) or 1.877.339.4518 (toll-free). You can also use their Request a Quote online form.

In addition to equipment rentals and sales, WesternOne now offers IVES Operator Certification Training. WesternOne will teach you everything you need to know about safely operating counterbalance forklifts, rough-terrain forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts. IVES certification courses meet or exceed all applicable safety requirements, industry standards, and government regulations. Training is available in a classroom setting or on-site. To find out more, call Greg Phelps, IVES Certified Trainer, at 250.667.0665 or WesternOne in Courtenay at 250.331.0748. Safety is their goal — make it your goal, too!

WesternOne, a one-stop shop in the Comox Valley for tool and equipment rentals and sales, is also North Vancouver Island’s only authorized Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles dealer.

Serving Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Alberni, the North Island, and the Sunshine Coast, WesternOne is the only place on Vancouver Island where you can buy Canada’s best-selling ATV.

WesternOne's Comox location has Polaris factory-trained and certified technicians on hand 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 also rents, sells, and services scissor lifts and aerial lifts; generators; air tools; concrete equipment; and forklifts on Vancouver Island, from both their Comox location and their new Courtenay location on Moray Avenue. And, if you’re in the market for a new ATV, come for a test drive!

WesternOne, a one-stop shop on Vancouver Island for tool and equipment rentals and sales, is also North Vancouver Island’s only authorized Polaris ATV and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles dealer. They serve the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Port Alberni, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, the North Island, and the Sunshine Coast.

WesternOne is the only location on Vancouver Island where you can buy or rent Canada's best-selling ATV. Their Comox location has Polaris factory trained and certified technicians on hand 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 equipment rentals.

WesternOne also rents, sells, and services scissor lifts and aerial lifts; generators; air tools; concrete equipment; and forklifts on Vancouver Island, from both their Comox location and their new Courtenay location on Moray Avenue. If you need to rent anything for your home or business project, WesternOne has thousands of items from which to choose. For more information or to request a quote, call 250.339.4518 or 1.877.339.4518. And, if you’re in the market for an ATV, drop by for a test drive!

Specializing in commercial maintenance, design-build and alternative energy solutions

Osprey Electric Ltd. is an Electrical Contractor located in Parksville on Vancouver Island. They offer complete electrical services including design-build, commercial, industrial, and residential construction, complete with 24 hour on-call service.

Osprey electricians are committed to providing timely and quality service to each and every client. Jobs are completed in a safe, efficient and professional manner. They are fully licensed and bonded, and offer a one year warranty on all services. Osprey Electric offers the following services: data/voice networks wiring and trouble shooting; commercial and residential service upgrades; commercial building electrical maintenance; commercial tenant improvements; solar energy solutions; custom home wiring; residential renovations; fire alarm upgrades and troubleshooting; lighting upgrades; electric car chargers; and industrial facilities maintenance.

Osprey Electric electricians serve the Mid-Vancouver Island region, including Nanaimo, Parksville, Duncan, Ladysmith, Port Alberni, and Courtenay

Their construction department has a wide range of experience in all facets of the electrical industry including commercial, residential and industrial project estimating. Their design-build division will work with you from conception to reality and will help you complete your home, building or project on time and on budget. Osprey Electric also offers alternative energy solutions such as car charging stations, off grid or grid-tied solar energy, wind energy and energy solutions for remote homes and cabins.

WesternOne Rentals and Sales in Comox is the region's only authorized Polaris ATV Dealer. During their XP sales event, they are currently offering rebates of up to $1700 on select models and financing as low as 3.99%. 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.

As Northern Vancouver Island's Polaris dealer, WesternOne also has factory trained technicians available for ATV parts, servicing and repairs on your Polaris and Ranger/RZR Utility Vehicles in the Comox Valley.

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 - with locations in Comox and now in Courtenay - also rents, sells and services scissor lifts and aerial lifts; generators; air tools; concrete equipment; and forklifts on Vancouver Island.

Is your Vancouver Island business pursuing innovation or improvement? Do you know how to earn tax rebates for the money you spend on research?

Canada's Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is designed to encourage technological development. The program offers a substantial rebate on every dollar spent on research. If you are pursuing business or technical innovations or improvement at any level, Island SRED can help you structure your business affairs to make every dollar count.

Island SRED employs full-time professionals in taxation, accounting, science and engineering to offer: personalized service, custom-tailored to your needs and long-term goals; better resource allocation - more effective than preparing your own claims; the latest knowledge of tax legislation, rules and policies; wide knowledge of industry sectors and practices; plus regarded leadership in the SR&ED community.

Island SRED will meet with you to provide a free consultation to see if you qualify to receive SRED Program benefits. They will work with you to complete all of the paperwork and submit it on your behalf. You do not have to spend any money for their services until your claim is approved and you receive a rebate from the government. Talk to Island SRED to see if your business or company qualifies for this research assistance.

Island SRED works with clients in a wide variety of fields, including: Heavy Industrial Equipment Manufacturing; Aerospace – Aircraft Modification (fixed wing and rotary) and Engine Services; Medical – Practitioners conducting research on new equipment and pharmaceutical treatments; Software, Website Development, Database construction; Shellfish and Finfish rearing and related Equipment Development; Conventional and Alternative Energy; ROV Developments; Agriculture including Greenhouse and Field Crops including Vineyards and Wineries; and Boat Building

Island SRED and their sister company, Incentive Access Group, have helped 270 clients filed more than 600 claims for projects over the past year. Contact them today to see how your company can benefit from their help.

WesternOne Rentals & Sales in Comox has a limited-time offer on their ATV servicing - receive a free air filter or oil filter with a service and fluid check. 

Ensure the safety and reliability of your ATVs this winter by having them serviced by the Polaris factory-trained and certified technicians at WesternOne Rental & Sales. At WesternOne, they provide clients with high-quality parts and service for Polaris ATVs.

WesternOne Rentals & Sales has something for everyone from their fully stocked parts department, with all of the latest Polaris accessories to their trained service department we are always here to help. They pride themselves on their commitment to you.

Stop by WesternOne Rentals & Sales at 662 Anderton Rd. in Comox for huge holiday rebates and low financing on their large selection of 2012 & 2013 Off-Road Vehicles. 

WesternOne Rentals & Sales is 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.

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.

This month, Double A Safety Services brings us some thoughts on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe over the holiday season.

Halloween has come and gone, and the holiday season is fast approaching and Remembrance Day will be next week. With this in mind The Royal Canadian Legion has respectfully requested that people refrain from starting their Christmas Decorating until after Nov. 11, in respect of our veterans past and present.  This request not only spurred us to respect it, but also to look into some holiday safety tips around the home and well enjoying the festivity events throughout the season.

If you are decorating your rooftop, ensure you:

• Stay away from Power lines.
• Don’t trust your “elves” to hold the ladder for you. Little ones are easily distracted. Always use the buddy system with another adult when putting up your decorations. Falling from roofs/ladders has ruined many a holiday season. Does inflatable Santa or those lights really need to go up there? Have a plan on how you're going to get up and more importantly stay up there (The ladder has solid footing, is at a 4:1 ratio and secured once in place, is there a form of fall prevention needed? etc) while you're installing your lights and decorations.
• Ensure you have the right power cords for your connections (are they weather proof? Can they hold the load?). You don’t want to short or overload your electrical system
• Outdoor lights are for outdoors, inside lights are for inside. Inside Christmas lights are not meant to last through the snow and rain.
• Watch out for Chip and Dale and other critters who may have taken up residence in your attic/roof system. You don’t want to fall 20 feet because they scared the daylights out of you.
• Secure the decorations you are putting on display, this will protect your family and neighbors as well as your property from damage that may be caused from a sudden gust of wind sending your Santa, Santa’s helpers, reindeer and sleigh flying.

Will you be hosting a gathering this year? If so here are some good tips on holiday hosting:

• Know your guests – it is much easier to track the changes in behaviour of those you know. Inviting strangers increases the risk.
• Serve lots of food that has protein and fat – salt encourages more drinking, and sugar does not mix well with alcohol.
• Have plenty of non-alcoholic choices along with the spirited beverages. Serve a festive fruit punch or "mocktail" clearly labeled alcohol-free, along with other non-alcoholic juices, sodas and water.
• Greet all guests on arrival and departure, taking the opportunity to assess their condition.
• If a guest appears to be impaired, encourage him or her to give you their car keys. Buddy up with a friend to persuade the intoxicated person to take a cab, or stay the night.
• Keep the phone numbers of cab companies handy and cash on hand for cab fares (in Campbell River: 250.287.8294 / 287.TAXI and  250-287 8383 for Bee Line Taxi. On Quadra Island: 250 205 0505. In the Comox Valley: 250-339-7955)  Tell the guest that a cab has been ordered. Don’t give the option to refuse.
• Only time will sober the person, not more fluids or food. Offering a spare bed is a good recourse.
• If the person refuses to hand over the car keys or spend the night at your house, call the police. It may seem drastic, but it is far better than tragic consequences.As a social host, you should be concerned about your guests consuming too much alcohol, and then getting behind the wheel. The law may even find you liable for any damage your guests cause on the way home.

The holidays are to be enjoyed by all, let’s all do our best to have a happy holiday season.

For more information about keeping you and your employees safe on the job site, contact Double A Safety Services.