As I put together the final pieces for this month's newsletter, I do so with a heavy and saddened heart. I have just returned from the funeral of an acquaintance, business and a former Canmore Rotarian, Bob Schott. Bob passed away last week at the young age of 56. Cancer took another victim. Bob was the co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Outlook newspaper.
Walking back to my office I chatted with other people in attendance at Bob's memorial service. While we agreed that 56 was such a young age to pass away, we also agreed that life is exactly what you make of it. Each day you must give more than you expect to receive. For 25 years Bob made everyone's life he touched, just a little bit better. He will be missed.
YOU MUST GIVE TO RECEIVE
Over a year ago you will remember that the Town of Canmore was instructed by our elected council to seek additional sources for revenues through a program called the Primary Residency Rebate Program (PRRP). This did not sit well with a lot of my clients nor did I see the fairness in this approach. Armed with over 40 emails and some strong-minded past clients, we attended the open council debate and made our voices heard on the proposed contentious tax program. Council seemed to listen as the whole idea was shelved for almost a year.
This past spring council again brought up the issue of extra revenues and how could these needed funds be raised. This time however Chief Financial Officer Don Kochan and Senior Manager of Finance Rod De Leeuw decided to take a new approach. The results being that both the Town of Canmore and its residents have come out as winners.
Kochan and De Leeuw decided to contact other municipalities in Alberta to see if there were similar situations happening with their local councils with regards to underfunding by the provincial government. With the real growth in many communities and the assessed value increases in property values across almost 30 communities, it became much easier to approach the provincial government as a group and "lobby" for better distribution of funds.
The Town of Canmore is expected to receive close to $80 million dollars over the next 10 years based in provincial government funding. Hats off to Don Kochan and Rod De Leeuw for looking for a better solution this year and special thanks to everyone that helped the cause with a phone call or email to council last year. Read More
OH, BY THE WAY - I'm never to busy for your referrals.
Whether you are new to the real estate business or a veteran of several market swings, there is nothing better than getting a personal referral from a past client, acquaintance or family member. This month I want to thank Dave and Cathy from Edmonton for their third referral. Working with Dave's brother- in-law Mike was a great experience and we both had some fun. Now get this - Dave says he owes me a round of golf, shouldn't I be treating him?
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE REAL ESTATE MARKET?
This month you will see two articles that talk about falling house prices. Please pay close attention to the fact that this is the first time in 12 years we have see a decline. What does this mean? The second article talks about this being the time to buy. While I have no control over market conditions and I work equally as hard for both sellers and buyers regardless of the market conditions, you have a window of opportunity to save thousands of dollars. I urge any of you that have thought about real estate ownership to give me a call today and let me show you some of the opportunities that exist here in Canmore.
Bob Aishford Real Estate Associate: Bob@BobAishford.com
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