One definition of lunacy is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result. By this definition, current planning for the Evergreen Line is starting to look more and more deranged, and the poor taxpayer could be looking at a repeat of the costly planning mistakes made with some of the earlier SkyTrain designs. … Read more
…at least according to commentary in a publication regularly inserted in a local newspaper, which is widely circulated throughout Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley communities: http://www.newlocalhome.com/editions/nlhr100722 The assertion, “…Homebuying is Easy,” seems to be based on the supply of homes listed on MLS. I checked yesterday and the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) … Read more
A hero is someone who courageously puts him/herself on the line to help others. Heroes are often ordinary people who take extraordinary actions in times of crisis. Real Canadian Hero is a biography of Corporal John Chipman Kerr V.C. and the tribute of a son, E. Rodney Kerr. This is not a book review but … Read more
The CBC have reported that the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) is ignoring consumers’ complaints and allowing builders to continue with “business as usual”. Builder relicensed despite unfinished homes This is a reminder that there is little if any protection for homeowners in BC. For more than 25 years before the HPO was even in existence … Read more
Sixty-nine per cent of B.C. homeowners believe that ‘mortgage rates will be higher in one year’s time’, and ninety-nine per cent agree that ‘homebuyers need to think ahead and be sure that if rates rise they will still be able to pay their mortgage,’ according to the 17th Annual RBC Homeownership Survey, conducted by Ipsos … Read more
At the Port Moody City Council meeting last week David Spence, an avid promoter of community arts, gave a presentation to the leaders of the “City of the Arts”. Coastal Sound Music Academy choirs from the Tri-Cities were well represented during the weeks of the Olympic and Paralympic GAMES. The Children’s Choir sang at a … Read more
Re/max has recently been practicing pure “puffery”, conducting a national radio and TV advertising campaign that claims they are, “Canada’s Favourite Agents”. While new agents are taught that you can’t make such claims unless the source or basis on which the claim is based accompanies the ad, most tenured agents know better. Since any claims … Read more
Since there was no remaining meaningful consumer protection activities or responsibilities being conducted at the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO), it is no surprise to learn that the HPO is quietly closing its doors. HOMEOWNER PROTECTION ACT RESPONSIBILITIES TRANSFERRED The announcement last summer that the HPO interest-free loan program (designed to keep Leaky Condo owners in … Read more
“End of an Era” is a national commemorative ceremony honouring all of Canada’s First World War service men and women. Arras, Amiens, Passchendaele, the Somme, Vimy and Ypres, where thousands of Canadians fought and died more than 90 years ago, was an era that transformed our identity as a country. Minister of Veterans Affairs, The … Read more
The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics have been an amazing experience. People walking the Downtown during the Games mostly described it as “electric”, and I certainly felt it. I saw the stunned surprise and glowing delight of international visitors from every continent as they took in Vancouver and reveled in the excitement. Sitting in the German … Read more