The Agency, a new real estate firm in the Cowichan Valley, has opened its doors at its unique office at 725 Canada Ave. in Duncan.
The Agency has been in business since September, 2019, in Nanaimo, but the owners decided to switch operations to the Valley.
Co-owner Brian Danyliw said the new office isn’t the typical type of real estate office people are used to, with separate cubicles and a corporate ambience.
“We just finished major renovations here and created an open space that is as much about play as it is work,” he said.
“The real estate industry is known for being a cut-throat business, but we want to show that we can have fun and still do our jobs well. At The Agency, we’re all about collaboration and working together as a team.”
Danyliw said, as an essential service, The Agency is in operation during the COVID-19 crisis, but appointments are required and social distancing and other precautions are practised at the office.
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While the public faces empty grocery shelves and hears about farmers having to destroy their crops or dump their milk during the COVID-19 crisis, young agrarians like Derrick Pawlowski and Cammy Lockwood are finding solutions for distributing food in their community at the Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace.
Having roots in farming themselves, and with their hearts in the fields and kitchens of the 80 active farmers and processors that make up the co-operative, they have turned to organizations like Community Evolution to help them navigate the challenges caused by the pandemic.
The Vancouver-based non-profit organization Community Evolution has an impressive five-year history of empowering co-operative, community-based enterprises to develop, grow and create positive change.
Lockwood, chairman of the CVCM, said Community Evolution’s technical support, facilitation and seed-funding are building capacity within the co-operative and helping it get to a point where it is not only able to fully sustain itself, but can truly emerge as a leader in the industry and share its knowledge with other communities.
“The demand has grown 10-fold since the start of the lockdown, and we’re just so grateful that we are able to use our platform to meet the needs of our producers and consumers,” Lockwood said.
“We are excited to do even more in the future.”
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During the COVID-19 crisis, dentists and health-care practitioners outside the hospital system play a pivotal role in supporting the health of our communities.
With dentists mandated by the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia to offer emergency services only during the pandemic, dentists are leveraging tele-dentistry to provide care whenever possible.
A press release from the Valley’s Warmland Dental is advising that it is open, answering calls, and providing in-person care when required.
“Anyone who is experiencing significant pain or other symptoms they think may be considered a dental emergency should call their own dentist as a first step,” the release said.
“It is a dentist’s obligation to ensure they are available for their patients. At our practice, the team will perform an assessment over the phone to screen patients against COVID-19 risk factors and determine if their symptoms constitute a true dental emergency.”
The release said that in cases where symptoms can be treated safely with medication, patients can be provided with a prescription over the phone, and patients needing immediate in-person care will be booked for an appointment.
It said that if a patient’s regular dentist is not available, they are welcome to contact Warmland Dental.
“Patients outside the Duncan area can connect with a dentist virtually through hellodent.com, where patients can have their urgent dental care needs addressed from the comfort and safety of their homes,” the release said.
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PropertyGuys.com, North America’s largest private home-sale network, has opened a new franchise in the Cowichan Valley.
Offering a private sale, flat-fee approach to real estate that puts the seller at the core of the transaction, PropertyGuys.com’s ever-expanding circle of franchises has helped more than 90,0000 homeowners from coast to coast take control of their real estate experience and save thousands of dollars.
New owners, Jim and Jocelyn Barnes, are excited about the opening of their first location and to help homeowners in the Cowichan Valley area discover the benefits of private sale.
“We’re in a unique position as franchisees,” said Jim.
“The reason we wanted to open this location is because we used PropertyGuys.com to sell our home in Cranbrook and we absolutely loved it. It was our dream to help others the same way we were helped.”
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
