19th Annual Telus Winter Classic Rocks Whistler

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Kathy Johnson

All the good things in life come together for a great cause January 27th and 28th, as the Telus Winter Classic returns for it’s 19th year to raise money for the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation.

On the mountain, you can enjoy fun events such as “Ski with a Pro” day, technology trials and LIFT LINE PRIORITY!

 Gather your friends together to form teams for the “Guess your Time” race.

The Whistler Winetastic on Friday January 27th at the Westin Resort and Spa gives you an opportunity to taste your way through an amazing array of wines, beer, cheese and appetizers for only $65.

The following night, you can head up Whistler Mountain for the Cisco Winter Whiteout Mountain Top Gala, held at the Roundhouse Lodge, to enjoy live entertainment, silent auctions and awesome edibles at various buffet stations, for $150.

So many ways to help out the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, which in turn helps out so many deserving non-profit organizations throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor. Which, really, helps us all. Can’t help but like that!

For more information, please go to http://www.whistlerblackcombfoundation.com/?page_id=19

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Get your Adrenaline Flowing!

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Kathy Johnson

Two years ago on a sunny Christmas Day morning,  a friend with a snowmobile shuttled a group of us up Brohm Ridge. It was truly one of the most memorable Christmasses ever.

The sun was sparkling off of fresh fluffy snow, and the views of Howe Sound and the surrounding peaks were breathtaking. At one point, he returned to collect someone else and I realized that I was there alone in the silent alpine, miles and miles from anyone else. Exhilerating. And slightly scary. I loved every second of it.

Owning a snowmobile can be expensive and labour-intensive. But there’s a good reason why so many residents of Sea to Sky do it. For the rest of us, we wait until we get invited to go.

The recent snowfall that’s had the audacity to even briefly dust the fair streets of Vancouver (imagine!) has also finally covered the mountains above and around Squamish with a beautiful icing of snow, sweet snow. Anyone with eyes can’t help but gaze up at those luscious snow-covered hills and thought…”if only I could get up there…”

And someone has heard your prayers. Adrenaline Recreation Rentals in Squamish now rents out snowmobiles and ATVs, so anyone can access the beautiful backcountry trails without having to shell out the insane dollars to purchase (and maintain) a snowmoblile of their own.

How genius is that?!

You can rent out daily, or long-term, and there’s even an Adrenaline Club, which offers multi-day passes and priority reservations.

Did I mention that it was GENIUS?!

Anyway, if you’re interested in checking them out, please go to their website at: www.adrenalinerentals.com. And don’t forget to give us a call if you need anyone to come along with you!

 

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The Flip Side about switching to a lower mortgage rate

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Kathy Johnson
There has been quite a lot of buzz about the recent article posted on CBC news about the post on the current low mortgage rates, and it suggests that now may be a great time to break your current mortgage to lock in at a lower rate.
However, our in-house mortgage expert Annie de la Chevrotiere reveals some fresh insights regarding potential pitfalls to changing your mortgage. Here’s what she has to say:

“This article has both valid and invalid information. The upper portion explaining the upward & downward pressure on rates is pretty accurate. The second portion of the article however, is not. They suggest that if you pay a penalty to break your mortgage & make up the penalty difference over the next 5 years, that it is an easy decision to make. It is not that simple.

 

In short, when you sign an interest rate contract, you are agreeing to pay the bank their interest either over the term of the mortgage or up front in an “Interest Rate Differential” penalty. The banks are pretty much covered to recover their interest no matter what.

You really need to look at the interest cost differences between your current rate and the new rate for the time left in the term, not a new 5 year window. Also, there is a key part of information that is needed to make the right choice…but absolutely no one has the information today…and that is what interest rates will be in the future. If rates are the same or lower at the time of your original maturity date, then you may have been better off to wait it out. If interest rates are higher than at your original mortgage maturity date, then you may be very happy that you did an early renewal.

 

Other factors that play a role in the decision, but are harder to put a monetary value on, are the effects on your monthly cash flow. Even though you may not be saving anything over the course of the remaining term, you may benefit from a refinance or debt restructure at a lower rate that could make your life easier & more manageable. Life changes are often an influencing part, as in growing family, renovation, or kids going off for post secondary education. All of these are important events that you can not put a monetary value on, and may be worth the costs to change.

 

 One more note regarding the posted article below…a note of caution on the potential “incentives” to help you cover the cost of the penalty…these are usually in the form of “cash back” deals…you end up not receiving the “best” rate in order to have “cash back” from the transaction. These “cash backs” though often have a “claw back” clause where the “cash back” has to be repaid if you pay off your mortgage before the maturity date.”

For more information, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Annie at:

ANNIE DE LA CHEVROTIERE

Owner / Mortgage Broker
Garibaldi Mortgage

Office Direct : 604 898 5600 Ext 1

Fax : 604 898 5661
Cell : 604 815 9843
Toll Free: 1-877-932-2688 Ext 10

Email: annie@mygmi.com
Skype: annie.de.la.chevrotiere

 

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Put the Peddle to the Metal in the Middle of the Winter

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Kathy Johnson

I’m sure that there is more than one cycling enthusiast who’s dreaming of warmer, brighter, drier days- counting down until the weather improves enough for some outdoor riding.

But there’s no need to worry about getting out of shape during the off-season, if you’re not an avid snowsports fan. Tag Cycling has just opened up an indoor cycling facility in Function Junction and they’re offering coaching, training plans, strength training and race programs to keep riders (and non-riders, too) inspired and in shape all season long.

Featuring some crazy high-tech bikes called CycleOps 300 which actually claim to help improve your pedalling by ”measuring your technique”…it’s kind of tempting to go try it out just to see.

A totally novel idea for the next boring rainy day, or for those experiencing a lull in motivation at the gym. You can even RESERVE a bike in advance!

Go check them out at #2 – 1050 Millar Creek Road, or visit their site at www.tagcycling.com.

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FREE Renovation Seminar Wednesday night!

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Kathy Johnson

If you’re thinking about renovating your home, then circle Wednesday January 18th on your calendar. The folks at RCB Fine Homes and Coast Mountain Custom Homes are hosting a free seminar on how to successfully renovate your home with as little stress as possible.

  • Confused on how to hire a contractor?
  • Baffled by licensing and permits?
  • Overwhelmed by understanding government incentives?
  • Wishing you had a renovation checklist?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then you better get yourself to the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company on Cleveland in Squamish on Wednesday January 18th. The seminar runs from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Registration is required. Email: info@rdcfinehomes.com to register or for more information.

Happy Hammering!!!

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Stay Warm and Dry at the Winter Farmer’s Market

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Kathy Johnson

If you’re hitting a creative impass coming up with things to do on these cool, wet, grey winter Sundays, don’t forget about the Winter Farmer’s Market, running alternating Sundays at the Roundhouse at the West Coast Railyway Heritage Park in Squamish.

From 10 am to 3 pm, there are vendors, food and live music – all nestled in the ultra-cool, yet warm and dry Roundhouse.

Baked goods, preserves, art, crafts, warm wooly wear, handcrafted goods, soaps, oils, aromatherapy, jewellery, snacks, dog treats- you name it. It’s there. A great place for the family to spend time together and try out new local treats.

The Farmer’s Market is run on the following dates:

Sunday January 15

Sunday January 26

Sunday February 12

Sunday February 26

Sunday March 11

Sunday March 25

Sunday April 8

For more information, go to http://squamishfarmersmarket.com

 

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Breaking the Mould….

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Kathy Johnson

There have been 270 species of mould identified in Canada.  Health Canada recommends that all mould, regardless of species be cleaned and that the underlying problems which enabled the growth of the mould should be dealt with immediately, to prevent potential health issues.

Mould needs moisture and organic material to start and thrive.  Leaky pipes, roofs, or windows can provide the moisture it takes to start a colony. Improper ventilation in attics, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms may also contribute to mould growth.

You can clean the mould yourself if the contaminated surface is small.  Water and dish soap or hydrogen peroxide and water can be used to treat small areas.  Hydrogen peroxide is far more effective in killing mould spores than bleach.  It also does not have the potential of releasing harmful gases that bleach may have. Bleach is not recommended as a mould eradication agent.

If you suspect a mould problem that you cannot solve on your own you should contact a trained Indoor Air Quality Investigator for advice on building related aspects of air quality.  These investigators can do a visual inspection to identify areas of concern and make recommendations for improving the situation.

All home owners need to fix the underlying cause of the mould whether due to water damage or excessive humidity.

There are several things you can do to help prevent mould growth in your home:

  1. Repair basement, roof and pipe leaks as soon as you notice them.

  2. Always use the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to help keep your house dry.

  3. The clothes dryer hoses need to be properly connected and vented to the outside.

  4. Properly seal tubs, tub surrounds and sinks to prevent water from getting into the walls.

  5. If you have a flood or any type of water damage, be sure the flooded area is completely dry within 48 hours.

  6. The humidity in your home should be around 50% in summer and 30% in winter.  A dehumidifier can help reduce the relative humidity is necessary.

  7. Discard clutter and excess stored material and make sure you have enough clearance from walls to allow for proper air circulation.

  8. Keep your house clean by vacuuming regularly.

  9. Mould can grow on anything that collects dust and can hold moisture.

 Most home inspectors at A Buyer’s Choice are trained to identify where mould could become a problem and advise you accordingly.

Sylvain “Slinky” Girard

A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections – Sea to Sky

604.938.2115

http://seatosky.abuyerschoice.com/

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The Quest for The Holy iPad

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Stefanie

This is the story by our much loved conveyancer, Aimee, about her quest for the elusive iPad…Happy reading!

My quest to own an iPad began the moment I had one in my hands.  Francis Chiasson, Owner of RE/MAX Sea to Sky Real Estate Whistler, brought his iPad 1 to the office and demonstrated some of the apps he had and I fell in love.  A few days later, one of the agents bought one and let me have a sleepover with it.  Heaven.

As the price ruled out purchasing one, I decided to win one instead.   Francis gave me a tip that @Miss604 on twitter was giving one away.  All I had to do was follower her, retweet and comment on her blog to be entered.  Never heard from her.  I purchased rubber ducks having a river race.  Mine must have drowned.  I played a few online poker free rolls but the closest I came was 60th out of 5500 with the top 50 receiving iPads.  Ouch.  The most disappointing opportunity was a missed one.  There was a REALTOR function at a new listing, and every Agent attending was able to put their card in for a draw.  This is less than 100 people!  My husband is a Real Estate Agent.  He didn’t go.

Every week it seemed someone I knew got one or was getting one; even people with an iPad 1 were talking about getting an iPad 2!.  I was tortured by emails ending with “Sent from my iPad “ and “The following attachments were prepared using Noterize for iPad” .  On December 8th I posted the following on Facebook:

“how come when i think of all the things i want to do (quit smoking, lose weight, speak spanish, win a big poker tourny, etc), my thoughts always go to “I could do that if I had an iPad?”

I decided once and for all I would get an iPad and sternly informed my husband, lest he had any objections.   I screamed “if I don’t have one by my 50th Birthday, don’t come home.”   I would save up and get one in the New Year.

On December 15th the office had its annual Christmas party and the wonderful Agents at the office chipped in and presented me with my very own iPad 2.  It was a great moment, my quest had ended and I shed tears of happiness.  My husband said I didn’t look that happy on our wedding day.

I posted my good fortune on FB and immediately received comments reminding me about all the things I bragged I could do with an iPad.  So I loaded a “Learn to Speak Spanish” and a poker training app.  I am quitting smoking so I can afford to buy ebooks and apps and lions and tigers and bears, ha ha!

Thanks, Everyone! :)

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26th Annual Brackendale Eagle Festival

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Kathy Johnson

Now that the Holiday Season is over, it’s time to honour your New Years Resolutions to get out and enjoy the simpler things in life. Living in the Sea to Sky Corridor provides us with endless opportunites to breath fresh air, enjoy the solitude of the forests and beaches, and wonder at the majesty of those magnificent bald eagles that also call the Sea to Sky “home” this time of year.

Annual Eagle Count: Sunday January 8 – Counters meet at the Brackendale  Art Gallery 8am.  The Art Gallery will be open to the public 9am-10pm

Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival Art of the Natural World Lecture Series:

Sunday January 15, 8pm – Rant ‘n’ Rafe- A fireside chat with Thor’s favorite pundit Rafe Mair.

Sunday January 22, 8pm – Herring’s Revival & Survival -John Matsen & Douglas Swanston in Conversation.

Sunday January 29, 8pm: Chum  populations on the Cheakamus River and beyond – Fisheries biologists Don McCubbing & Caroline Melville share their research and observations, histories and trends of chum in the Cheakamus River.

Saturday Concert Series:

Saturday January 6, 8pm – Marc Destubé & Friends -This Mozart Quintet of internationally renowned musicians featuring Destrubé Farran James, Joanna Hood, Steve Creswell and Joanna Blendulf is unforgettable performance not to be missed.

Saturday January 14, 8pm – Brighter Lights Thicker Glasses -An outstanding acoustic trio of John Palmer, Brian Samuels and Michael Dunn will have everyone tapping their toes.

Saturday January 28, Dinner 7pm,  Valdy in Concert 8pm -Valdy & the Eagle Band, BAG favorite once again closes the Festival.

Brackendale Art Gallery School of Art:

Jan 16 & 18 and Jan. 23 & 25  (Mon./Wed.)  7pm to 9pm – Intuitive Watercolour Workshop with Pat Robinson – This four-night workshop explores an intriguing art form using flowing and melding colours, stunning backgrounds and images. $150 includes supplies.
For more information:  www.brackendaleartgallery.com/School.html

Eagle Art Show:
Featuring paintings and photographs by renowned West Coast  Artists including: Norm Rich, George Blumel, Roy Hamaguchi, Ed Dubois and Ken
Lubas.

Please visit www.brackendaleartgallery.com for more information on Festival Events and the Eagle Count, or call 604.898.3333.

 

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The Race is ON!!! (and have a Happy New Year!)

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Kathy Johnson

OMG!!!! The sign up for the TEST OF METAL starts at 6 pm on New Years Day. THAT’S TODAY!

Better put the hangover on hold, as the 800 spots sold out in 22 minutes last year!

Hot tips for wanna be registrants: Log into www.testofmetal.com at least 5 minutes before registration starts, and have your credit card handy. You are allowed to register up to 4 people so team up with your friends – fast typers with speedy internet are incredible assets.

If you don’t know what the Test of Metal is…well….that’s just sad. It’s only the coolest, craziest bike race in North America…nothing to worry about…

Training, dedication, skills, endurance, patience, and excellent gear are required- and getting the spot is only half the battle.

Good luck competitors!

 

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