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.

Kitsilano Real Estate Update for June 2018

Summer is in full swing now and we hope that you’ve been able to enjoy some time on the beach. Make sure to keep a look out though, we heard there was a shark spotted in the shores of Kits Beach (link: https://globalnews.ca/video/4289933/small-shark-spotted-off-of-vancouvers-kits-beach).

The market has been slowing down a bit for both Detached and Attached Housing. Out of 30 homes, 11 were sold at asking price or above. However, the majority of the listings did sell within 90% of what they were listed for with only a few below. The lowest reached 74% of the original asking price after a price reduction.

Good news for sellers, the value of properties isn’t dropping much, that means you should really make sure you know the value of your home and do a bit of research to come up with the appropriate asking price. It may take a while for your home to sell, but just be a little patient.

As for buyers, keep an eye out for homes that are overpriced and be prepared for some negotiating. Prices aren’t going down by much.

Also, remember that while you may be going on vacation this summer, the housing market’s not. Keep a eye on our listings page in case the house of your dreams appears. Check out some Condos, Townhouses, and Duplexes here! Summer is especially a great time to look for a place with a patio. It’s so much easier to imagine hosting a barbecue party when the sun hits the yard just right.  

Now it’s time to address the elephant in the room, the new rules issued by the Real Estate Council of BC (RECBC) on June 15th. You’re probably wondering “what exactly is going on?” These new rules change a lot of things, for instance “dual agency”. This rule basically ensures that realtors can no longer represent both the Buyer and the Seller as clients. It’s strictly a one or the other deal. To clarify further, realtors can’t represent two people with conflicting interests. This is only one among many of the new rules issued. Visit the RECBC website to learn more about the new changes (link: https://www.recbc.ca/licensee/new-rules.html).

If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to have a friendly chat, don’t be shy. Nick is always up for making new friends, chatting with old ones and he is never too busy to help someone in need. You can get in contact with him easily by phone at (778) 320-8265 or by email at nick@nickchenhomes.com.

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

Have you been to Bard on the Beach?

Kitsilano’s Vanier Park boasts several great attractions and chief among them is the Bard theatre for
Shakespeare. If you’re looking for things to do in kits, we would strongly suggest checking out this
theatre.

Who doesn’t love a good Shakespearean play? Shakespeare’s works have everything from comedy and
love to drama and betrayal.

Yes, we know, Shakespeare died over 400 years ago so why do we still care about his work? Shakespeare
incorporates a great blend of emotion, comedy and sarcasm into his works. He was a master at
understanding his audience and giving them stories and characters whom they can identify with. Really,
who wasn’t touched by Romeo and Juliet’s romantic tragedy?

Featuring the Production of Macbeth at Bard on the Beach

You may have seen the play before, or even read it in school, so why should you go see it outdoors at
the beach. Trust us, going to Bard on the Beach is not the same as sitting in the aisles of a regular
theatre. It’s so much better. For instance, you’re at a literal beach. Nothing beats the backdrop of this
stage performance, with the ocean and mountains to add to the mood. With stunning views and great
actors, it’s easy to become absorbed in the characters as you watch them struggle with power,
corruption and treachery. We’ve heard that this year’s Macbeth is one of the most intense productions
ever staged at Bard.

It’s one of Canada’s Largest Shakespeare Festivals

Bard on the Beach is celebrating its 29 th Season this year. Anything that has been around that long has to
be good and worth seeing. Situated under modern circus-style tents, this is a not-for-profit festival that
features professional Vancouver-based actors to showcase Shakespeare’s work.

Dates, times and tickets are all available on their website at www.bardonthebeach.org.