Daily Informative Updates on
New Residential Real Estate & Construction News
for Vancouver Island Communities
Jun 28, 2019
Set Your Sites on a Vancouver Island Golfer's Paradise From Your Home at The Gales in Ladysmith
Vancouver Island is a world-famous golf destination and the west coast summer season offers up some of the best conditions to hit the links.
Located conveniently in the middle of the action, the luxurious new home community of The Gales in the Town of Ladysmith offers easy access to golf courses in Victoria, Nanaimo and between.
Some of these renowned courses are members of the Vancouver Island Golf Trail, including Bear Mountain, Arbutus Ridge and the Cowichan Golf Club, while still others offer family friendly options, signature waterfront holes, and peaceful forested fairways.
Living at your new home at The Gales in Ladysmith, you'll be close to the action. From your home base in Ladysmith, you can also launch a kayak from the beach or boat launch after your golf round! Or choose to relax and soak in the sunshine from your ocean view decks.
For more information or to schedule a private viewing, contact:
Keith Mazurenko, REALTOR®
Phone: 1.866.315.0545
Website: www.thegales.ca
May 30, 2018
Alberta Family Builds a Unique, Multi-Generational New Home at The Ridge in Courtenay
We recently spoke with one family about their decision to move to the Comox Valley, and specifically to The Ridge, from Alberta:
Jodi and Michael were looking to move to Vancouver Island where they could have easy access to enjoy their hobbies of mountain biking and skiing. They also wanted to build a new home to share with Michael’s parents, who are in their 70s.
They researched the areas of Victoria and the Comox Valley, and chose the Comox Valley because of the close accessibility to biking and skiing at Mount Washington. They chose The Ridge development in Courtenay because they really liked the ocean and mountain views, the spaciousness of the neighbourhood and the walking trails. They felt welcomed by the friendly neighbours and they appreciate the lack of traffic noise and lack of light pollution.
The two families are now happily settled in their new custom home at The Ridge built by one of their preferred builders, Lawmar Contracting.
Contact The Ridge to register as a “prospective client” and receive more information about their next phase of lots, which will be available in late 2018.
For more information contact, Bruce Clapham at 250.650.8588.
Dec 19, 2016
Love Where You Live at The Gales in Ladysmith
The Gales is an ocean view patio home and condominium real estate development in Ladysmith, which offer residents the opportunity to enjoy the idyllic Vancouver Island lifestyle.
Set in a community with year-round outdoor activities and adventures to be enjoyed in 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.
If you are in the mood for a slightly more urban experience, the town of Ladysmith offers the convenience of being close by without the manic pace of a large urban centre. The relaxed and friendly pace of life in Ladysmith will leave you as refreshed as you are after a walk in one of the many local parks. If you need a big city fix however you're still just a short drive from Nanaimo to the north and Victoria to the south.
The new Vancouver Island homes at The Gales feature vaulted ceilings, spacious rooms, and impressive views. You'll also find meticulous high-end finishing and amazing attention to detail. The bungalow-style homes and condominiums at The Gales are designed and built in West Coast contemporary architectural style. Floor plans are open and ideal for entertaining. Warm earth tones throughout complement the coastal landscape. Wide sunny decks give you plenty of room for lounging outdoors.
To view the latest available homes at The Gales, contact:
Feb 24, 2016
Enjoy The Best of Ocean View Vancouver Island Living at The Gales
Ocean and mountain views, surrounded by forest and walking trails. This is the Vancouver Island lifestyle afforded by home ownership at The Gales luxury villa townhome development in Ladysmith.
The Gales has opened its latest show home, a 3,000 sq. ft. Built Green® custom patio home showcases the best in modern environmentally-friendly materials and construction techniques, offering a spectacular home in a spectacular location. This new villa-style home takes full advantage of these views with an open floor plan and extensive wrap-around decks. The decks also provide plenty of room for outdoor entertaining in the summer months.
Situated overlooking the Georgia Strait on the east coast of Vancouver Island, The Gales offers residents sweeping ocean and mountain views. Living at The Gales, you can enjoy many outdoor pursuits from a walk on one of the many local beaches to leisurely strolls through pristine forest right at your back door. The town of Ladysmith offers all of your daily conveniences and small town charm, while the cities of Nanaimo and Victoria are only a short drive away. And the airport is only 10 minutes away, offering daily flights to Calgary.
For more information on this luxury patio home for sale, contact:
Phone: Keith Mazurenko, REALTOR® 1.866.315.0545
Location: Ladysmith, on Vancouver Island
Address: 410a 1st Ave, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A9
Website: www.thegales.ca
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Mar 21, 2013
Vancouver Island Architect Moore Architecture Inc. Working on Courtenay's Mission Professional Centre
Victoria-based architecture firm Moore Architecture Inc. specializes in commercial and industrial architecture, planning, interior design and development management. Principal Tom Moore, MAIBC, brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm, which was formed in January, 2012.
Building on his years as Principal and Architect with Stantec Architecture Ltd., and Moore Paterson Architects Inc. and its predecessor firms, Moore Architecture Inc. brings award winning design to Vancouver Island. Tom Moore has had a hand in creating some of the Island's most iconic buildings, and the company's guiding principles include creating design that is indigenous, integrated and sustainable.
Moore Architecture is currently working on the Mission Professional Centre in Courtenay, which will be focused on medical professional services. "What we're really looking at doing here is providing a high-quality wellness centre, really focused on medical services," he recently told Courtenay council, adding that doesn't discount other uses, like a coffee shop. “We feel very strongly that over time, and our project is designed to go over 50 to 75 years, that this is something that specialists, doctors, medical services community will want to embrace and be a part of."
The buildings will be four storeys high with stepped roofs, and will feature a modern look with plenty of windows and energy efficiencies throughout the design. One building would be about 28,000 square feet and the other would be about 30,000 square feet. The land slated for the project is right next to Queneesh Elementary School, and sits on the border of the residential area northwest from the chosen hospital site. Outlook Land Design is the Landscape Architect for this project.
For information about leasing opportunities at the Mission Professional Centre, contact Sue McKitrick at DTZ in the Comox Valley at 250.650.8823. To contact Moore Architecture Inc., send a message using this button:
Dec 11, 2012
Safe Winter Driving Tips from Double A Safety Services
This month, Double A Safety Services' Alana Gow offers safety tips to keep you and your employees safe on the roads this winter. 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.
Snow, rain, sleet, wind are all the joys of Canadian winters! Here are Transport Canada’s top 10 safe winter driving tips:
Top 10 tips
1. Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall.
2. Install four matching winter tires.
3. Pack an emergency kit.
4. Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them.
5. Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions.
6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip.
7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather.
8. Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
9. Travel with a fully charged cell phone.
10. SLOW DOWN and wear your seatbelt.
Prevention is better than recovery. For more information about safe workplace procedures and protocols, contact Double A Safety Services. 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.
Dec 10, 2012
Island SRED Helps Businesses Earn Research and Development Tax Credits
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.
Nov 29, 2012
Residential Design-Build vs. Industrial/Commercial Design-Build: Comparative Thoughts by Design-Build Consultant Bethany Pearce
Design-Build is a term that is being used for two very diverse areas of construction: the residential market and the industrial/commercial market.
In the residential market, the term “Design-Build” often communicates a firms specialization in handling a custom project from design, to pre-construction, through to completed construction. There are many talented residential design build teams throughout western Canada including some of my favourites: MyHouse Design-Build in Vancouver, Landeca in Victoria, and of course (my firm!) Capstone Dwellings Design-Build in the Comox Valley and on North Vancouver Island.
Recently I have had the chance to expand my experience in the industrial/commercial world of Design-Build after building a business largely focused on residential. While much of the principals are the same (team-work, flexibility, innovation) there are some very key differences in the two.
The custom residential Design-Build market is by its honest nature very driven by human emotion. After all, someone who is building their own home for their family will have a lot of hopes and dreams invested into the process. There are factors that come into consideration that give weight to the emotional and lifestyle rewards for the project.
On the flip side, the Industrial/Commercial world of Design-Build is business driven. There is little need for carefully treading through the array of stakeholder’s emotions because they are rarely brought to workplace. Industrial/Commercial Design-Build clients likely have one common goal in mind: to make money. And now that I have a few years of Design-Build experience under my belt, I am becoming more and more passionate about the world of Design-Build for Industrial/Commercial construction projects. While the model isn’t ideal for every owner or development need, it does bring to the table some very exciting solutions that address this main “money making” factor.
For example, Design-Build is considered by both the Design-Build Institute of America and the Canadian DesignBuild Institute as the best method of construction execution for reducing claims and costs related to changes and delays. This is partly because in the Industrial/Commercial Design-Build arena, the direct owner/builder relationship structured to work well with minimal back-and-forth. Comparatively, this is directly opposite to how most Residential Design-Build firms work directly with their clients.
For the most part, Design-Build is just beginning to gain a recognized name for itself here on Vancouver Island - and even on the Canadian West Coast. There is still much to do to make sure the Design-Build principals, benefits and suitability are communicated clearly and that all Design-Build professionals, consultants and constructors are on the same page. If you are an owner considering a Design-Build project in Western Canada it is advisable to source a consultant who can work on your behalf as your Design-Build Owner’s Agent. This person can walk you through developing a statement of requirements, producing a Design-Build RFP, lead in the construction procurement process and help bring clarity to the owner’s role though construction.
Whether residential or industrial/commercial, Design-Build can bring modern-day solutions to the table for development and construction. The key to the success of a Design-Build project may be insuring all stakeholders are aware of how to make it the best possible delivery model for the project.
Bethany Pearce is active proponent of both Residential and Industrial/Commercial Design-Build as a designer, consultant, project manager and general contractor.
Bethany serves Residential Design-Build clients in her home community of the Comox Valley and North Vancouver Island, and serves Industrial/Commercial clients across Vancouver Island.
Capstone Dwellings Design-Build & Capstone Creative Industries Ltd.
Office – 250-331-9004
Cell – 250-898-7573
Bethany@CapstoneDwellings.com
Nov 08, 2012
Stay Safe While Holiday Decorating and Entertaining - Safety Tips from Double A Safety
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.
Nov 05, 2012
Modern Prefab Firm Offers Laneway Housing in BC and on Vancouver Island
Jenesys Buildings is an established building system developed by Architect Carsten Jensen on Vancouver Island. The designs are specifically suited for Laneway housing, micro housing, or simply a smaller, modern prefab home.
The system of construction is SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels), a prefabrication method that has emerged as one of the best systems in modern green building. Jenesys homes are consistently rated well above Engerguide labeling targets reaching scores of 85 to 87. Additional benefits of the sustainable building design are sound buffering, lower energy costs, lower maintenance, and long-term building value.
Laneway housing has become a hot topic for municipalities around Victoria, Nanaimo and the Comox Valley. In British Columbia, the City of Vancouver has paved the way for many successful laneway house projects due to specific by-law and policy development for secondary dwellings. Jenesys Buildings offers no-fuss prefab options for laneway and micro housing that has been researched and developed for the greater Vancouver Area, Nanaimo, Victoria and the Courtenay. Several designs are available, and straight-forward pre-budgeted options are presented to finalize the modern design.
Architect Carsten Jensen is actively looking for a demonstration site for a Jenesys Laneway House on Vancouver Island. Ideal locations will be zoned for secondary dwellings and have the required space and set-backs to build the prefab home.
Jenesys Buildings offers a free laneway assessment to clients in BC on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island including Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Courtenay and Campbell River.
Visit the Jenesys Buildings website for more information on building a laneway housing, modern prefab and modern homes, or call 250-752-0292 on Vancouver Island or 604.649.9904 in Metro Vancouver. To contact Carsten Jensen Architect, visit their website or call 250.752.0292.
Oct 03, 2012
Vancouver Island Home Builders Honoured For Their Professional Achievements
The Canadian Home Builders Association on Vancouver Island recently presented its Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ron Egli, of Ron Egli Construction and Design Ltd. for his many contributions to the industry ranging from housing affordability to building code solutions. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an outstanding member of the CHBA on Vancouver Island in recognition of their professionalism, dedication and service to the Association and the residential construction industry.
This award is presented to the member who has demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to the goals and principles of the Canadian Home Builders' Association. The winner will receive a "CARE Awards Lifetime Achievement" trophy and certificate.
Ron Bickford of Rob-Ron Developments won the 2012 Bill Wansbrough Memorial Award, which honours the contribution made by Bill Wansbrough to the residential construction industry. It is donated in his memory to recognize significant individual achievements that do not necessarily fit into any of the categories of the CARE Awards. Bickford was honoured for important contributions to Builders’ Council and communications work on behalf of the association and industry.
Sep 30, 2012
Canadian Home Builders Association Honours Island's Best in Showrooms, Customer Service and Websites
European Flooring Group in Victoria went into the 2012 Gold CARE Award Ceremonies with three nominations for their outstanding work including Best Sales Centre or Showroom, Best Customer Service, and Best Website. The company won the Gold CARE Award for Best Showroom, and Silver awards for Best Customer Service and Best Website.
Victoria Specialty Hardware and Plumbing were honoured for their customer service with the Customer Service GOLD Care Award. The team are knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate about flawless design and its execution. Building and maintaining long-standing relationships and exceeding customer expectations have always been the cornerstone of their business.
Best Website went to Jenny Martin Design.
The Canadian Home Builders' Association honours the best in Vancouver Island building projects with the CARE awards, which were presented recently in Victoria.
Sep 28, 2012
Custom Home Features By Vancouver Island Builders Honoured at CARE Awards
After winning several gold CARE Awards from the Canadian Home Builders' Association in previous years, M Knight Construction was once again the winner of several 2012 CARE Awards, for the Hillcrest Home in Oak Bay, Victoria. This home also won a silver award in the project of the year category.
The custom home, which was honoured with 6 silver CARE awards, also won 3 gold awards for Best Media Room, Best Residential Interior over 6,000 sq. ft. and Best Custom Millwork over 5,500 sq. ft.
The gold CARE award for Best Custom Millwork under 2,500 sq ft went to GNB Builders of Ladysmith for their work on the Commander Residence.
Sep 24, 2012
Ocean Front Real Estate Development in Sooke Moving Ahead With Phase IV Sales
The ocean front Vancouver Island real estate development of Silver Spray in Sooke offers both waterfront and view lots for sale. Phase IV lots are now selling at Silver Spray, with residential lot prices starting at $189,000. Phases I and II are sold out.
The entire Silver Spray development has been carefully envisioned to include: 127 private residential lots with a broad array of sizes, views and prices; protected designated beach areas; a linear park running north to south through the project; a sheltered marina at the entrance of the Sooke Harbour Basin, and a golf course and resort development. Silver Spray offers some of the best oceanfront properties for sale on Vancouver Island.
In addition, Silver Falls Development Inc now has an offering focused on developing 35 Oceanfront Villas within a Private Residence Club. The Villas will be architecturally designed to maximize the front-row wilderness waterfront experience, and can be customized to include an assortment of features, including optional lock-off guest suites. For ultimate flexibility, villa suites may be separately titled for resale or rental purposes.
Located close to the city of Victoria, Silver Spray offers privacy at the end of a country road, and access to the amenities in the nearby communities of Colwood, Langford, Metchosin and Sooke.
Sep 22, 2012
Stunning New Vancouver Island Homes Honoured At 2012 CARE Awards
A number of Vancouver Island new home builders were honoured for their works this month at the presentation of the 2012 Gold CARE Awards in Victoria.
Hemsworth Master Builders Inc, for the best home under 2,500 sq ft – the Dolphin. Hemsworth have won multiple Gold CARE Awards, as well three 2011 Gold Georgie Awards. They are based out of Victoria.
Sep 20, 2012
Woodland Creek in Sooke Honoured as Best New Subdivision and Green Builder of the Year
Woodland Creek, a devlopement by Totangi Properties Ltd, is located in Sooke, near Victoria on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island. New homes, priced from $389,900 feature geothermal heating and cooling.
Woodland Creek is a planned residential community, set close to schools, parks and the Sooke shopping and service core, with the fundamental commitments of quality construction, lasting value and the long term commitment of an established local developer. With more than 80 new homes and townhomes now built and occupied, Woodland Creek is recognized as one of Sooke’s most livable neighbourhoods.
Totangi Properties has launched the fifth phase of the Woodland Creek development with 29 single family homes in Callumwood Lane. The homes in Callumwood Lane will offer a selection of contemporary floor plans delivered in Craftsman Style Built Green™ certified homes.
Aug 27, 2012
Online Marketing Makes the Difference for Comox Valley Design-Build Firm Capstone Dwellings
“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:
Jun 28, 2012
Safely Recycle Fluorescent Lighting on Vancouver Island with Acorn to Oak Developments
Acorn to Oak is Vancouver Island’s first mobile fluorescent lamp recycling company.
They offer service throughout Vancouver Island including the communities of Campbell River, the Comox Valley, Parksville, Qualicum, Nanaimo, and Duncan to Victoria.
Acorn to Oak’s goal is to minimize the harmful effects of the mercury contained in the fluorescent tubes through recycling. At no initial cost to your company, Acorn to Oak will place a recycling barrel on-site. As fluorescent lamps are replaced, simply place the used ones into the recycling barrel.
When the barrel is nearly full, contact them and for a small fee, Acorn to Oak will recycle your lamps then will replace the barrel with a new one.
Call them at 250.516.7658 or email nathan@oaktoacorndevelopments.com today for more information on how to safely and responsibly recycle fluorescent lights.
Jun 27, 2012
Swiss Home Builders Build Custom Timber Frame Homes on Vancouver Island
Swiss Home Builders Ltd. build custom timber frame houses from start to finish on Vancouver Island, in the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Nanaimo and Victoria.The builders work with their clients from the beginning of the building process to the completion of a new home - from access road and septic field, to interior finishing. A one-stop full service, the company has 50 years of combined experience in Home Building and Property Development. Swiss Home Builders combine cutting edge CAD design and old-style European Craftsmanship to manufacture any post and beam, timber and glue lam structure designed for any property. One project at a time Swiss Home Builders create green, energy efficient homes, that are healthy, long lasting, and beautiful. Swiss Home Builders offer typical West Coast homes as well as upgrades for existing homes such as timber framed entrance ways, trusses, curved braces and timber components. Swiss Home Builders is your ideal partner for a smaller carriage house offering a line of options on small homes. No project is too small. Contact them today at 250.702.0928.
Jun 08, 2012
1stView a Finalist at Tonight's West Coast Social Media Awards
The new Vancouver Island real estate marketing done by this website - 1stView.ca - has earned us the honour of being named finalists for the West Coast Social Media Awards in the "most innovative social media technology or product" category. In addition our sister site, ClariceCoty.com is a finalist for Best Business Blog. The awards will be presented tonight in Victoria, in conjunction with the third annual Social Media Camp. ClariceCoty.com, the Vancouver Island real estate and construction blog, was the top vote-getter in its category in the initial round of public voting which determined the finalists. A panel of industry experts will determine the winners from among the finalists in each category.