Buying a home should be a special and exciting experience, not a stressful one.
These video links from Royal LePage TV provide advice for buyers who are just starting to look at what is available on the market.
Check them out!

Financing Your Home Purchase

Determining Your Needs and Wants

Note: This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.

Preparing your home for sale is a crucial first step in the selling process.
Check out this short video by Royal LePage TV for tips on getting your home ready!

Note: This communiciation is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.

Furry Creek is a great - and growing - community with plenty to offer. Check out what the North Shore News has had to say about the renowned golf course that calls Furry Creek "home".

Click on the picture to check out the full story by the North Shore News!

Mark Hood, the writer of this article, also made a short feature video about the course. Take a look!

Note: This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is well underway its project to construct a new bridge over the Capilano River, connecting West Vancouver to both Downtown as well as North Vancouver. This is part of a larger "Marine Drive/Lions Gate transit improvement project" worth an estimated $40 million. The old Capilano Bridge, just west of the Lions Gate, was recently moved and is serving as a temporary detour for traffic while workers construct a new bridge in its place. The old bridge was slid over onto temporary footings while the new bridge is being built on the old alignment. For all you engineers at heart, be sure to check out the videos that show this incredible feat!

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/Old_Capilano_Bridge/video/Capilano_Bridge_Move_West/index.html

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/Old_Capilano_Bridge/video/Capilano_Bridge_Move_East/index.html



Note: This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.

Lions Bay Homes and Real Estate

Views from Lions Bay

Incorporated in 1971, Lions Bay is situated off the Sea To Sky Highway on the shores of fabulous Howe Sound, only 30 minutes to downtown Vancouver.

Lions Bay offers incredible Ocean and Mountain Views and a well-organized, self-sufficient community.  It also boasts its own Volunteer Fire Department, BC Ambulance Station, PEP and ESS infrastructure and Municipal Maintenance Services.

Sandy Beaches, a Marina, and a quaint Town Centre, with General Store and Cafe, Post Office, and Artist's Studio complete the package.

Lions Bay Factoids

The Lions

Lions Bay is named for the twin peaks towering high above the community at approximately 1,600 metres or 5,400 feet above sea level.  "The Lions" as they are known are believed to have been formed from lava cones, reminders of volcanic activity on the West Coast millions of years ago, and are famous around the world as a true Vancouver landmark.

Lions Bay grew from its beginnings as a small summer cottage community, only accessable by water and became a viable area for residential development when the railroad pushed through to Squamish in 1956 and later when the original highway was constructed in 1958.

As the area became more established, the population grew, infrastructure was developed and a vibrant community now flourishes.

Lions Bay offers proximity to Northshore and area recreation. Hiking, biking, boating, and skiing are all located close by.  It's a short 20 minute journey by car to Cypress Bowl in West Vancouver, and just over 1 hour to world renowned Whistler Resort.  Golf enthusiasts will enjoy having a number of quality courses to choose from both to the North and South of Lions Bay. 

The community consists of approximately 539 residences with a population of approximately 1,800.  Potable water is drawn from either Magnesia Creek or Harvey Creek.  Most homes are on septic systems with the exception of the Kelvin Grove subdivivsion.

Click here to view a map of the community.

Community Amenities

Charming Lions Bay Cafe

• Marina with dry storage for boats up to 35 feet on Lions Bay Ave. -  604 921 7510
• Beaches - one at the foot of Lions Bay Ave., a second located at the foot of Tidewater Ave.
• Lion's Bay Community School - teaching children from kindergarten up to grade 3, whereupon schooling continues under West Vancouver School District #45. School busses run to and from West Vancouver for children in grades 4 and above.
• Lions Bay General Store - Convenient for groceries and video rentals
• Lions Bay Cafe - Lunch Counter and Snacks with great terrace in the summer!
• Post Office
• Library
• Volunteer Fire Department
• Paramedic and Ambulance Service
• RCMP Police Patrolled
• Block Watch and Block Parent Community
• Emergency Social Services and PEP infrastructure
• Municipal Hall and Village Office - 604 921 9333
• Public Works Yard - Snow removal, gardening and community landscaping
• Recycling program in effect with curb-side Garbage pickup
• Local Community Newsletter - "The Seagull" is published monthly and sold at the Lions Bay General Store
• BC Transit - Blue Bus service to West Vancouver with links to North Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

Mayor - Brenda Broughton and Councillors - Peach Akerhielm, Joanne Ronsley, Ruth Simons, Gordon Taylor

Call me for more information!

This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement

Welcome to the Oceanside Community of Furry Creek

 
Spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Furry Creek Golf Course

Furry Creek is located on Highway 99, also known as The Sea to Sky highway, overlooking breathtaking Howe Sound.  Ideally situated, Furry Creek is approximately 50 minutes by car to either downtown Vancouver or the world renowned Resort Municipality of Whistler.

Furry Creek is named for Oliver Furry, a trapper turned prospector who discovered the enormous mining potential of the surrounding area.

The current Official Community Plan (OCP) calls for the 1,036 acre Furry Creek Community to see the potential construction of 920 homes, with a population base of approximately 2200 people.  Furry Creek once mature will be roughly twice the size of Lions Bay. Half of the Furry Creek property is slated to remain in it's current natural state.

The initial three phases of the Furry Creek development totaled 73 single-family residential lots.  Tanabe Corporation of Japan developed the lots through it's Canadian subsidiary, Vancouver-based Tanac Land Development Corp.  This marked the beginning of The Oceanside Community of Furry Creek, a beautiful Master-Planned community.  In May 2003, multi award winning ParkLane Homes, one of western Canada's largest and most respected developer-builders, acquired Tanac and is now poised to write the next chapter in the Furry Creek story.

Furry Creek's Ocean Lands, known as Oliver's Landing, occupies approximately 25 acres, were originally developed by United Properties featuring 2 and 3 storey townhomes, some literally steps to the waterfront. This portion of Furry Creek includes a sea wall and a spit area for the enjoyment of the entire Furry Creek Community.

In May 2002 Burrard International, parent corporation of the Golf BC Group, acquired the Ocean Lands as well as the Furry Creek Golf Course and Country Club.  Burrard has plans for further Town Home development at Oliver's Landing in the future.

Views of Howe Sound and the Defence Islands

Furry Creek offers a stunning coastal setting that combines an incredible golf course with mountain and ocean views. Unsurpassed access to horseback riding, mountain climbing, hiking, boating, white water rafting, bird watching, kayaking, scuba diving and more is within a short 15 minute journey by car! World Class skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Resort is only 50 minutes away.

Tom Davis and his wife Anita purchased a building lot in 1997, designed and built their family home, lived in Furry Creek for 8 years and played an active role in the growth of this vibrant oceanside community. 

Tom is extremely proud to have been chosen by ParkLane Homes to market the Ocean Crest project at Furry Creek, an exclusive enclave of fabulous Greene and Greene inspired Craftsman style Ocean View homes. 

Please click on the ParkLane Homes at Furry Creek  link for complete details.

This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement

Sea to Sky Country: Britannia Beach

Iconic dock jets out into Howe Sound on the Britannia Beach Waterfront.

The best is yet to come!

The Britannia Beach community overlooks the shores of beautiful Howe Sound on the Sea-To-Sky highway between Furry Creek and Squamish. 

Only 30 minutes to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal or 50 minutes to downtown Vancouver or World-renown Whistler Resort, Britannia Beach is ideally situated for both Business and Recreation activities.  With golf, hiking, biking, boating, windsurfing and skiing literally minutes away, it's easy to call Britannia Beach home!

Wake up to Stunning Ocean Views amidst the  majestic Coastal Mountain range.  Enjoy Eagles soaring high above you, riding the ever-present breezes in Howe Sound.

Britannia Beach offers an unsurpassed opportunity to design and build your dream home in the Heritage style of bygone years.

Click here to view Area Map BritanniaMap.pdf

Area History

Britannia Beach takes its name from the Britannia Mountain Range, named by Capt. G.D. Richards, Royal Navy after his ship HMS Britannia.

Copper was discovered in 1888 by Dr. A. A. Forbes and later Britannia Mines was home to about 60,000 residents over its 70 years of operations and produced almost 60 Million Tons of Copper over its lifetime.

In its heyday, the community boasted a school, libraries, swimming pool, tennis courts, club rooms, billiard rooms, and a bowling alley!  Access to the community was by boat until the railway was pushed through in 1956 and later the original Sea-To-Sky highway in 1958.

Mining operations in the area were shut down permanently in 1974 as a consequence of escalating operational costs and the falling price of Copper on global markets.

The Present

Britannia Beach is undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts as the Federal and Provincial governments have committed resources to remediate the mine works, and install state of the art water treatment systems.

Additionally, funds have been allocated to refurbish the No. 3 Concentrator Building as part of an overall plan to create a lasting legacy and learning centre known as the BC MUseum of Mining.  In this way visitors to the area can maintain a lasting connection to the past and gain insight into the area's rich history.

With a current population of approximately 300, the community also boasts a certified volunteer Fire Department.  At the heart of the community is the town's commercial centre where you will find a variety of quaint shops, an art gallery, convenience store, restaurants and tea room.

Recent upgrades to the scenic Sea-To-Sky highway provide an easy, safe commute - whether you travel North to Whistler, or South to Vancouver.

Finally, visitors can learn about the area's incredible mining history at the BC Museum of Mining.

The Future

MacDonald Developments is working hard to put the final touches to the New Britannia Beach community.  Approximately 18 months ago, 196 homesites were sold and work commenced on construction of a brand new infrastructure.

Infrastructure elements include, new underground services for water, sewer, electrical and telephone.  Also, new roads, curbs, storm sewers, and street lighting have been put in place.  The result of this effort is a modern community in an historic setting with an exciting future in Sea To Sky country!

Please contact me for more information on Britannia Beach and the other fabulous Sea-To-Sky "corridor communities".

This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement. 

About The City Of North Vancouver

Lower Lonsdale Waterfront. Former Shipyards With The Pier Project In The Background

City Of North Vancouver www.cnv.org
Incorporated in 1907, The City was historically the transporation hub of the north shore. Ferries transported passengers from Vancouver across Burrard Inlet, and electric streetcars rumbled up and down Lonsdale Street. The bustling city was home to lumber mills and substantial ship-building operations at the foot of Lonsdale Street next to where Lonsdale Quay and the marketplace are located today. This area is undergoing massive redevelopment and will soon be home to a maritime museum, pedestrian mall, expanded seawall, and a host of new condominiums. The city covers a compact 11.85 square kilometres, or 2,928 Acres, or 4.58 square miles, and is surrounded on 3 sides by the District Of North Vancouver.

One Park Lane And The Time Buildings. Part Of The Changing North Van City Skyline.

The Quay also provides access to north shore Transit Buses and is the north shore terminus for the SeaBus, our ferry system that transports passengers to and from downtown Vancouver, providing a link to the SkyTrain rapid transit network. The City boasts a myriad of restaurants from Quick Service, to Quaint and Funky, to Haute Cuisine, as well as the requisite Coffee Shops, Boutiques, Clubs and Businesses. It is truly a vibrant, active and growing community.

A Crane Stands Sentinel Over What Is To Become A Maritime Museum And Pedestrian Mall 

Local Government
Mayor - Darrell Mussatto
Council - Pam Bookham, Rod Clark, Bob Fearnley, Guy Heywood, Craig Keating, and Mary Trentadue

Demographics (Census 2001)
Population - 44,303
Dwellings - 21,217
Avg. Household - 2.1
Median Household Income - $44,095
Median Age - 38.2 years

Neighbourhoods
Boulevard (East of Sutherland Ave), Hamilton, Hamilton Heights, Central Lonsdale, Lower Lonsdale, Queensbury, Tempe Knoll 

The Pier Project. Well Under Construction Will Further Enhance The Massive Waterfront Redevelopment.

Please contact me for more information about extraordinary real estate opportunities in the City of North Vancouver!

This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.      

About The District Of North Vancouver

View Of The Lions From The Capilano Lake Reservoir And Cleveland Dam 

District Of North Vancouver www.district.north-van.bc.ca
Located across Burrard Inlet from Vancouver, it spans a vast area from Deep Cove in the East to the Capilano River to the West, an area roughly 160.47 square kilometres or 39,653 Acres or 61.96 square miles. It encompasses a rugged coastline, fabulous snow-capped mountains, exceptional Hiking, Biking, and Skiing on Grouse Mountain, home to the gruelling "Grouse Grind" and the Grouse Mountain Sky Ride Gondola, and fabulous Mount Seymour.

The Capilano River Canyon Epitomizes The Extraordinary Natural Beauty Of The Area

Interspersed among these local attractions are a variety of local treasures ready for you to discover including world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, Cleveland Dam, incredible Parks like Lynn Headwaters, Lynn Canyon, Capilano River, Carey Cates, and Mount Seymour Provincial Park, as well as Marinas catering to the needs of local boaters.  The district is also home to two First Nations peoples the Squamish and Tsleil Waututh, rich in culture and history, both actively involved in real estate development on the north shore.

Local Government
Mayor - Richard Walton
Council - Roger Bassam, Robin Hicks, Mike Little, Doug Mackay-Dunn, Lisa Muri

School District www.nvsd44.bc.ca/

Demographics (Census 2001)
Population - 82,310
Dwellings - 29,528
Avg. Household - 2.8
Median Household Income - $70,228
Median Age - 39.6 years

Neighbourhoods
Blueridge, Boulevard (West of Sutherland Ave), Braemar, Calverhall, Capilano, Capilano Highlands, Canyon Heights, Deep Cove, Delbrook, Upper Delbrook, Dollarton, Forest Hills, Grouse Woods, Indian River, Upper Lonsdale, Lynn Valley, Lynnmour, Westlynn, Northlands, Pemberton, Pemberton Heights, Princess Park, Roche Point, Seymour, Windsor Park, Woodlands-Sunshine-Cascade

Waterfront Living At Deep Cove

Please contact me for more information on these extraordinary North Van District communities!

This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.      

District Of West Vancouver http://www.westvancouver.ca/
Founded in 1912, the District of West Vancouver is characterized by its dramatic and rugged shoreline, challenging and often steep terrain, creeks, watercourses and spectacular Ocean, Mountain and Cityscape Views. The district is approximately 87.13 square kilometres in size, or 21,530 Acres, or 33.64 square miles.

Truly a very special seaside community offering an abundance of Haute Cuisine, Gourmet Coffee Shops, Specialty Stores, Retail Malls, Recreational Facilities, Specialized Seniors Amenities, Parks, Beaches, Marinas, and a choice of outdoor pursuits from Walking, Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Boarding, and Sailing to Golfing and Tennis.

Sewell's Marina At Horseshoe Bay

Many of the original cottage neighbourhoods are making way for magnificent new homes, yet the community retains much of its quaint, natural and relaxed character as old blends in with new among the tall trees and narrow laneways that are West Vancouver's hallmark.

Fabulous West Bay Where Seacoast Cottages Mix With Modern Architecture 

Arts and Culture thrive with the recent addition of the fabulous Kay Meek Centre for The Performing Arts, numerous Museums and a host of local Artisans and Art Galleries.

The Kay Meek Centre For The Performing Arts

West Vancouver schools are among the most highly rated with an exceptional public school program, French immersion, as well as top-ranked Private School alternatives.

Local Government
Mayor - Pam Goldsmith-Jones
Council - Michael Evison, Michael Lewis, Trish Panz, Michael Smith, Bill Soprovich, Shannon Walker 

School District www.sd45.bc.ca/

Demographics (Census 2001)
Population - Approximately 43,000
Dwellings - Approximately 18,000
Avg. Household - 2.4 persons
Median Household Income - $75,582
Median Age - 47 years

Feel free to contact me for more information about this amazing area on the North Shore!

This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.