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New Residential Real Estate & Construction News
for Vancouver Island Communities

Jackson & Associates is Vancouver Island’s most trusted source of real estate appraisal services. In their 31+ years of operation, their AIC-certified appraisers have completed more than 30,000 residential appraisals and more than 5,000 commercial appraisals out of their Courtenay offices.  Serving Vancouver Island from Duncan to Port Hardy, the Sunshine Coast and all points in between, Jackson & Associates provides more than just numbers, they provide value. Jackson & Associates can also help with business planning processes through site selection, acquisition due diligence, and development project. They provide reliable advice to businesses and individuals on a wide range of issues involving real estate holdings. Whether appraising a single-family home, an apartment tower or a multi-unit development project, the expert real estate team at Jackson & Associates provides accurate and dependable valuations tailored to individual needs. Jackson & Associates recognizes that clients put trust in them and their service.  In return, they deliver more than just numbers – they deliver real value to help clients solve real problems. Contact them at 250.338.7323.

These are interesting economic times, with world events affecting businesses on Vancouver Island. Some businesses are seeing benefits, while others are suffering losses.  Events that happen elsewhere on the globe eventually trickle down to our local businesses.
Presley & Partners Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors in the Comox Valley, help guide Vancouver Island businesses through the business tides caused by world-wide changes or local booms and busts.
Their Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors work with developers, professionals, farmers, fishermen, loggers, retailers and manufacturers, on a daily basis to serve their accounting, tax, audit and business management needs.
Call 250.338.1394 to see how Presley & Partners can join your team to help your business be a “Front Runner.”

With 22 years of experience, Robannah Developments headquartered in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, has the knowledge to create a new home, renovation, or commercial project from the ground up.  New Home development on Vancouver Island is just one of Robannah’s specialties, but it is an area where Robannah excels. Working with a customer's drawings, or just ideas and a vision, owner Shawn Vincent and his team enjoy the challenge of turning people's dreams into reality. Whether it's building for energy efficiency with 'Built Green' certification, using exotic materials and finishes, or incorporating natural features into the overall design and landscaping, delivering a finished product that meets a client's needs and expectations is always the goal. Sticking to that philosophy 100% is Robannah's strength. Robannah Developemnts is currently busy working on several new homes in Coal Valley estates in Cumberland, where home-buyers can choose from seven different home plans that provide options for floorplans and décor. 25 homes are now underway with 10 more planned.

The next Selection Day at Qualicum Landing is April 17, 2011. Qualicum Landing is the fastest selling waterfront community on Vancouver Island. With beach front homes ranging from just over 1000 sq ft to 2000 sq ft, these new Vancouver Island homes offer a community-focused on lifestyle.

To register for the April 17th Selection Day, visit the Qualicum Landing website.

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. For more information visit www.slegglumber.ca

Island TimberFrame Ltd on Vancouver Island 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. They are 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 in the Comox Valley, 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 wood products made in Canada. They have excellent relationships with contractors, architects, designers and engineers throughout Vancouver Island, BC and the rest of Canada. For more information, visit the Island TimberFrame website or call 250.336.2822.

The Gales in Ladysmith is a 68-home residential development on Vancouver Island offering patio homes and condominiums nestled between the sea and the mountains. The Gales offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life, with inspired living among nature. Homes are designed and built in West Coast contemporary architectural style and floor plans are open, ideal for entertaining. You'll also find top-quality finishing and amazing attention to detail. Warm earth tones and a variety of darker tones complement the coastal landscape. Wide sunny decks give you plenty of room for lounging outdoors and grounds-keeping is included, so you can enjoy relaxed, low-maintenance living and have more time to explore the beauty around you. And with year-round outdoor activities and adventures to be enjoyed in one of Canada's most temperate climates, you are never at a loss for things to do. New homes at the Gales start at $629,000 For more information about the Gales, visit their website.

Oceanwest in Ucluelet is now selling two phases of what is planned to be a 12-15 phase oceanfront project built between now and 2017. Currently for sale are Odyssey and Cedar Ridge. At Odyssey, the stunning estate-sized lots offer owners an opportunity to build their dream home on these particularly breathtaking Vancouver Island properties. This area also includes the first Resort Condominium zoned 3.5 acre waterfront lot, featuring 180 degree views of the coast and is zoned for 30 units. Cedar Ridge is a tranquil, forested area with lot sizes from 7,000 sq. ft. to over half an acre. Some of these Vancouver Island West Coast lots have ocean, park or mountain views. Eventually the Oceanwest community will comprise of several different family housing and vacation homes. Planned housing includes: smaller single family lots and homes for local residents; hotel employee housing, Waterfront and waterview vacation homes on lots up to 1.25 acres; guest houses, and resort condominiums. The community’s four multi-family locations onsite include grand oceanfront property, south-facing view property, and quiet forested areas near downtown amenities. At the absolute edge of the West Coast, guests can vacation in style at Oceanwest’s three grand hotels. Each one will be situated on rocky outcroppings that reach into the Pacific. For more information about the project, visit the OceanWest website.

The stunning Show Home at Trumpeter Pointe near Duncan on Vancouver Island is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3 p.m. Imagine living in this upscale, master-planned Vancouver Island lakeside community. Located on the shores of Quamichan Lake on southern Vancouver Island, Trumpeter Pointe is minutes from busy downtown Duncan, the Island Highway, and Maple Bay Marina. Trumpeter Pointe offers lake and mountain views, an abundance of green spaces, parkland, and walking trails in this 66-lot Vancouver Island real estate development. Quality-built, low-maintenance new homes with fully landscaped yards are now available at Trumpeter Pointe. These luxurious open concept new homes featuring traditional exteriors and modern energy-efficient designs blend seamlessly with the topography. Trumpeter Pointe also offers underground-serviced residential building lots for sale from 8,000 sq. ft. to .51 acres, with prices starting at $169,900. Custom home plans and new home construction services are also available for residential building lot purchasers.

Only three new residential lots remain in Phase IV at Penfield West in Campbell River, on Vancouver Island. This prestigious new home development is now complete, awaiting only the sale of these final three premium building lots. The remaining lots are now priced at $79,900. Penfield West is a well-established, prestigious Campbell River neighbourhood that contains executive and west-coast contemporary homes.  The Vancouver Island development of Penfield West is comprised of just over 200 residential lots, some of which offer panoramic views of Campbell River and Georgia Strait. These appealing residential building lots are conveniently located close to all levels of schools, parks, the Sportsplex, the Campbell River Hospital, the marina and golfing. The Penfield West neighbourhood is located a short 10 minute drive to the Campbell River Airport. Penfield West Linear Park provides pedestrian linkage from the Penfield West neighbourhood to the Dogwood Bike Path/Beaver Lodge Lands. The park includes a pathway, a children's play area, an enclosed off-leash dog park, and mature landscaping. For more information, visit the Penfield West Project Page on 1stView.ca or contact the developers, The Raven Group, at 250.287.2215 or by email at rfp@ravenforest.com

Since 1982 Comox Valley Glass & Mirror has been helping builders and homeowners in the Comox Valley with all of their glass needs.
Specializing in custom shower glass, as well as specialty mirrors and other custom work, Comox Valley Glass & Mirror has created luxury pieces for many Vancouver Island homes.
Comox Valley Glass is a full service glass shop, which also offers windows, sealed units, storefronts and commercial displays, mirrors, shelves and table-tops, and glass of all types.
For more information or to book a consultation, call 250.339.7966 or visit their website.

The latest phase of Kettle Creek Station is a muddy work in progress, a contrast to small manicured lawns and polished rows of houses in one of Langford’s newest residential neighbourhoods.

Excerpted from the Goldstream News Gazette

For sound security call the experts.
Sound Security in the Comox Valley offers security systems, alarms, and much more for homes and businesses. As the only provider of screen alarms on Vancouver Island, Sound Security can offer a security alarm option to keep intruders out but let fresh air in. They will install, service and monitor security systems to protect your home, family or business. Sound Security’s expert installation team can also provide surveillance cameras, sound system equipment and wiring, home theatre installations, and multi-room music systems. For more information call 250.702.6106 or visit the website at www.soundsecurity.ca.

Only one premium building lot remains at Gatehouse Place in Courtenay. Gatehouse Place is a unique neighbourhood with a rural setting, located in the heart of the City of Courtenay. This 16 home subdivision features large residential lots, averaging 1/3 of an acre, with views of the Comox Glacier. These home sites are located adjacent to three large fish bearing ponds with extensive aquatic plantings as well as a large natural park that has protected walkways and greenways.

For more information about this property, contact Phil Edgett of Royal LePage in the Comox Valley.

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s Buy Back Guarantee program is almost complete. Purchasers of the 5-star vacation hotel suites and private luxury residences at this oceanfront hotel near Victoria on Vanouver Island have until March 15, 2011 to contract with the luxury hotel to be eligible for the guarantee.
“In early January, we announced a unique program designed to give buyers the opportunity to "test drive" a property at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel,” explained sales director Brad Neufeld. “As long as you contract with us by March 15, 2011, take title to your property when we complete in April 2012, and hold that property for 2 years beyond that (to April 2014), you can simply return the property to us for a full purchase price refund if for any reason you are unsatisfied with your purchase during your period of ownership.”
Construction at the Vancouver Island landmark waterfront hotel is progressing nicely, the owners report.
An unexpected oceanview has opened up from the newly poured north wing of the second floor.
Plumbers and electricians are working their way through the now completed parking structure. They will follow the concrete and form team up through the building. The forms are in place for the 3rd level, then it’s two and a half more to go and the roof and windows will be installed. The hotel should be locked up and ready to begin interior fittings by July.

Who is the best of the best in commercial building on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat?
That will be revealed at the annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards, set for April 14 at the Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay.
March 18 is the deadline for nominations to be sent in for the awards. To be eligible, institutional, commercial or industrial building or renovation projects must be located within the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board area, and completed between January 1 and December 31, 2010.
Re/MAX Commercial has signed on as Title Sponsor for the event, and Roy Anderson, Assistant Regional Manager for Re/MAX Western Canada, says he is excited about the event. “We are pleased to be a part of such a great event again this year, it’s a tremendous opportunity to help recognize the efforts of these proud building owners and developers,” says Anderson. “The more of these events that I attend, the better appreciation I have for the outstanding work that’s being done in the community.”

There will be at least nine commercial categories:

• Mixed use (commercial/residential)
• Community - Senior’s Housing
• Community Institutional
• Retail
• Industrial
• Multi-Family Apartment
• Multi Family Townhouse
• Hospitality
• Commercial renovation/restoration

A Judges’ Choice award will also be given to the best overall entry. Adjudication will be performed by a select team of judges from the real estate industry.
The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board’s Commercial Building Awards is one of several such events held throughout the province. “As the event grows it’s exciting to realize that these developments and buildings, that are earning accolades now, are the structures that will shape the future of their Vancouver Island communities,” said Anderson.
Tickets to the event are $95 plus HST. For nomination forms, click here.
Click here to purchase tickets to the awards.

"Working for you in one form or another,” Comox Valley Island Forms Ltd specializes in concrete form rentals for builders and contractors on Vancouver Island.
Comox Valley Island Forms also offers truck and crane services and sells concrete supplies and accessories.
Clients ranging from residential developers to self-contracting home owners throughout Vancouver Island have been turning to Comox Valley Island Forms since the 1980s for their concrete forms and more.
For more information, contact CV Island Forms at 250.338.5711.

As the weather warms up and the sun starts shining in the Comox Valley, the waterfront views across the Georgia Straight from the residential lots for sale at Claddagh Estates can’t be beat.

The combination of full services, including sewer, 360' views of waterfront and mountains, its own unique micro climate and southern exposure makes these acreages a must see.

re:SOLVE Space Planning is a professional interior design and space planning firm in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, specializing in commercial and residential spaces. So much more than a decorating service, reSOLVE interior design can guide clients through the entire scope of the construction process – from designing the flow of a building, to the final layout and selection of furniture and finishes. reSOLVE interior design owner Lindsay McCotter of Courtenay brings a Degree in Interior Architecture and a fresh perspective to her business. reSOLVE interior design’s mission is to use their knowledge and education to save their clients time and money, while creating beautiful and functional interior designs. To contact Lindsay, call 250.338.0328 or email lindsay@resolveinteriors.ca 

The Parkside Victoria Resort and Spa was honoured today by The Hotel Association of Canada’s Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence Program. The Parkside earned the association’s energy and environment award.

In addition to nightly hotel accommodation, the Parkside Victoria offers vacation suite ownership opportunities.

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

Only five residential building lots remain at Bonnington Ridge at Fairwinds. These lots, ideal for building your new Vancouver Island home, offer oceanviews and golf course living. The remaining lots range from about 1/3 to 1/2 acre and are located in Nanoose Bay, about 15 minutes north of Nanaimo on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The lots at Bonnington Ridge are within walking distance of the Fairwinds Centre. The lifestyle-oriented Fairwinds community covers about 1,350 acres of lush Vancouver Island landscape, and features a golf club, Schooner Cove Marina and other recreational facilities. Lots in Bonnington Ridge starts at $209,000.