What we know about the Millennium Extension

We’ve all been anticipating the design of Vancouver’s next SkyTrain expansion project. Having a better method of travel would make everyone’s days so much more convenient. Can you imagine an easier way to get to UBC? We’re certainly excited for the new additions. But the biggest question is, how will the project make travel more convenient? Where will the stops be placed this time?

With a bit of research, we’ve found the answers for you. Phase 1 of the plan will begin construction along the Broadway Corridor and will be connected directly to the Millennium Line. Finally, the Line will go beyond VCC-Clark Station.

The 6 new stations planned for the Broadway Subway

We are just now finally beginning to see the planning move forward. From what we know, Phase 1 will see the construction of six new underground stations along the Broadway Corridor.

• Great Northern Way Station

• Broadway-Main Street

• Broadway-City Hall Station

• Broadway-Oak Street Station

• Broadway-Granville Street Station

• Broadway-Arbutus Street Station

The Great Northern Way Station will be the first station after VCC-Clark with Phase 1 ending at Broadway and Arbutus Street Station. You can bet that with these new stations along Vancouver’s already busy Corridor, there’s going to be a lot more traffic and density in the area. We can only imagine what this will mean for traffic in Kitsilano. But right now the only concern I can think of is the question of how ‘Park and Riding’ will be handled in this residential neighborhood.

5 Facts about the project

The project’s estimate is $7.3-billion. Yikes! If you’re a driver, this is bad news. Translink and the Metro Vancouver Council are hiking up prices to help fund the project.

The new expansion will be completed in 10 years. Is it just me, or does this seem a little long? Some people have commented on trying to hasten the project, but when it comes to safety, you don’t want to rush things. But we have heard that construction could begin as early as 2019.

The first phase of the expansion will add 6 kilometers to the SkyTrain’s existing Millenium line from VCC-Clark Station. Just saying it doesn’t sound like much, but have you ever tried running 6K. It’s exhausting.

Passengers will be able to travel a single ride from Arbutus Street to the Millennium Line’s eastern terminal at Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station in Coquitlam. The best part is that this trek is estimated to take only 47 minutes.

The time from VCC-Clark Station to Arbutus Street will take only 11 minutes. This is half the time of what it would take by bus currently.

What about Phase 2 of the project?

We’ve heard that phase 2 will include an expansion all the way to UBC. Future off-campus students, your lives will be so much better. You won’t know the pain of having to wake up at 5:30 am to make it to an 8:00 am class and trying to stay awake for the journey so you don’t miss the connection. Past and current students are already envious.

How to prepare your kids for being outdoors in summer

Summer is all about visiting parks and beaches and soaking up some vitamin D. But while being in the sun is important, too much exposure can be dangerous. Too many people forget about basic precautions resulting in harmful side effects.

Kitsilano is Vancouver’s most popular beach, so you can expect that a lot of people will be packing up to enjoy a day in the sun. And with Kitsilano’s renovated pool, who could resist paying a visit? We want you to make the most of your fun in the sun by preparing you with the following list of safety precautions for you and your family.

HEAT PROTECTION

Apply sunscreen early and continuously

Even on cloudy days, you should always apply sunscreen liberally and frequently. Plan to put sunscreen on at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors to make sure the protection really soaks into your skin. Applying sunscreen just once is not enough. Continue to reapply sunscreen after every couple of hours and after every dip in the pool or beach.

Use proper coverage

The sun can harm skin in a number of ways. Protect your children from harmful rays and exposure by making sure you pack them a hat, sunglasses and other protective clothing. A light long sleeve shirt and pants could protect them from the sun, but keep in mind that you don’t want to overheat them with anything too heavy. Kitsilano has plenty of shops and places you can stop into to pick up a cool drink and take a break from the heat in an air conditioned building.

Note that while shade does provide relief from heat, it does NOT fully protect from UVR and your child could still get a sunburn in the shade.

Avoid peak hours

The sun reaches its peak between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid letting your children play outdoors during this time as much as possible. Try to reschedule and plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day, such as in the early mornings or late afternoons.

Keep children hydrated

If you know you will be out for the day, pack a few water bottles and fill them up with ice. Make sure you and your child drink plenty of water before you even feel thirsty. Also eat more fruits and vegetables throughout the day.

WATER PROTECTION

Keep watch over children in water

Don’t let your phone distract you when your kids are playing in water. Lifeguards are there to help watch for signs of drowning or injury, however, ultimately it is your responsibility to look after your child. Know where your child is at all times and ensure they are keeping safe water play practices. Make sure to never leave your child alone near any body of water.

Know your skills

If it’s been a while, consider updating your basic Child CPR certificate. Ideally you should refresh your knowledge on first aid each year.

Put your child in swimming lessons

It’s a good idea for your children to take swimming lessons and as early as possible if you want them to fully enjoy the benefits of swimming. Proper lessons can significantly reduce a child’s risk of drowning.

Important References

1. Sun Safety tips for parents from the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/sun-safety-tips-parents.html

2. Extreme heat: heat waves from the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/extreme-heat-heat-waves.html

3. 13 Ways the Sun Affects Your Body from the Live Well blog: https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=9a64f6ba-8855-44dd-82d7-fe32b00f4e06

Who is Nick?

Nick Chen is your neighbourhood fully licensed REALTOR who specializes in helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals within Kitsilano. He has been working in real estate for the last six years and has brokered deals ranging from condos to luxury homes. His favourite part about his job is interacting with clients. He likes getting to know them and helping them reach their goals. He believes in treating each individual with respect and ensuring, meaning that he would never pressure anyone in any way.

Nick has future plans to move his family into a house in Kits where they can all enjoy positive and exiting vibe of the city. Nick says that “just the idea of being able to step out my door and be able to walk to the water within 15 minutes with my family excites me.”

It is really important to Nick that the people he works with understand that he truly cares about them and their needs and will always make their best interests his top priority. He is a people person who truly cares about the community. He has a wide network of contacts to ensure any member of the community can reach who they need from lawyers, handymen and contractors, to cleaners. His clients and neighbours know him as resourceful and a person who truly cares about building trust and looking after his client’s best interest.

Nick in Kits

Growing up in West Side Vancouver, getting to Kitsilano was easy for Nick. He often frequented the many establishments of Kits to experience the taste of the good food, shops, parks, and beach. What impresses Nick the most about this city is the outdoor spaces and the lively atmosphere of the people. Everyone in Kits seems to love coming out to enjoy the sun.

Nick on the Streets

During the week, Nick often finds himself travelling down the streets of West 16th, West Broadway and Cornwall. Every time he walks down these streets, he is amazed by the new restaurants and different styles of cuisine he sees making Kitsilano their home. He says that “there are great stores along the main routes after work and many restaurants to choose from.” Some of his personal favourite stops include Mak N Ming and Sweet Obsessions. For those who are up for experimenting, he would recommend the Beetroot Latte at Be Fresh Cafe.

Nick’s Hobbies and Interests

In his free time, Nick enjoys playing casual volleyball when he has the chance and explores the many shops that Kits offers searching for the perfect baby goods to provide for his expanding family.

Kitsilano homes selling in wide range of prices. 

Kitsilano is proving to remain a popular destination for buyers.  May was a strong month for the attached homes market in Kitsilano. Many buyers aren’t inclined to pay above the asking price, but for the right house in the right neighbourhood, they are willing to make negotiations to beat the competition. It’s a testament to the Kitsilano neighbourhood that homes are selling above the listing price. 

For the attached homes, 22 of the 52 sold homes were at asking price or above. The homes that sold under were within 89% of the most recent asking price.  

The detached homes also showed success as 4 of the 9 homes sold were at asking price or above. The homes sold under were within 96% of the asking price. 

Like last month, Kitsilano is still sought after by buyers. This is the time to get into the market or sell, before lending rates increase, redcuing the purchasing power of active home buyers!

Kitsilano trees: Can you find them all?

A nature walk through Kits

If there’s one thing Vancouverite’s are proud of, it’s their easy access to nature. There are so many places to visit where you can step away from the busy city streets and enter a world of natural beauty. The best part about it is that you don’t even have to walk far from your front porch.

You might not know this, but Kitsilano is home to some of the more interesting trees in Vancouver and with the great weather we’ve been having, it would be a waste not to take the opportunity to find these hidden treasures.

Beautiful Kitsilano

The Natural Beauty of Kitsilano

Kitsilano is a very plant loving community and you just need to walk down the tree-lined streets to see that. And thanks to a friendly community member, you can even follow along with a ready-made map that takes you through the city to find the most gorgeous trees in the neighbourhood. You can actually download and print the free map at http://www.kitstreemap.com.

What makes this urban route different than one of B.C.’s many forest trails is that you wouldn’t get nearly as much diversity. With so many different species and range of colours, you will be astounded by what you’ll come across among Kitsilano’s urban trees and community gardens.

Just to give you a little taste of what you’re in for, here are two of the amazing trees you could come across on your nature walk through Kitsilano.

Japanese Zelkova

As seen in New York

This tree is native to Japan, Korea, eastern China and Taiwan and is often grown as a piece of decoration for the garden.

Where can you find this tree?

This tree is sits above the Maritime Museum along the footpath off of Cornwall Avenue.

Weeping Willow

Similar tree not in Kitsilano

The weeping willow originally came from China, however, it can now be found throughout the northern hemisphere. The tree came by its name as it was described as having “raindrops that are falling to the ground from the drooping branches of willow resemble tears.”

Where can you find this tree?

Follow the path through Kitsilano Beach and as you approach the central beach area, you will come across this magnificent tree.

Visit to the Outdoors

Nature is such an important part of our community. Many schools and daycares have even introduced outdoor programs to help enrich the education of students through exposure to nature.

Even if you’re not up for a long walk, you can find nature just sitting on the patio at what could be a new favourite restaurant and coffee shop. But if you do have a day to spare, we recommend you definitely challenge yourself to the Kitsilano tree walk.