March 11, 2010. The idea of doing a live radio show, on the new community radio station on Salt Spring Island (www.cfsi-fm.com) was one of those "surprise events". Approached to advertise, I was also asked to do some station id segments, and then asked if I wanted to do a real estate show. I told them I preferred to do a "general" show, with music that appealed to me, updates on community events, and interviews with the many interesting people I've been lucky enough to meet, in my 20 years in the business, here. I love what I do, and am very appreciative of my real estate "life" here, but wanted to showcase the community itself. In many cases, people who have moved here have either reinvented themselves entirely, or have allowed themselves to return to a passion for something that filled an earlier point in their lives...either way, they're up to exciting things! That's what I wanted to bring forward. Every Monday, then, 7 to 9 a.m. (PST), at either 107.9 fm, locally, or via streaming audio off the website (www.cfsi-fm.com), you can catch this. Today, it was Brigitte of the Rendezvous Cafe (those French pastries!), and Noel Elson (a musician and advertising exec from Toronto, now raising Irish wolfhounds, and Shire horses on his equestrian property here) came in to talk about the jingle biz he used to be in (he did the music for that famous Turtles ad that still runs at Christmas). Previously, Rona of the Upstairs Bears shop in town (her collection of teddy bears is amazing!) came by, as did Steve who does food and wine pairings, and also Bruno, who talked about the difference in French wine-making as compared to the "new world" methods, plus Mona who is a publisher and is doing a series on undiscovered B.C. artists...we've also had Jan Rabson who is an early radio show aficianado, and did a voice over business in L.A. before moving to the Island...Garth who spoke about collecting (his passion is textiles)...Celia who runs the Salt Spring Woodworking studio, and she talked about their sculpture garden, there.... An interior designer, West Edge, working to create a "green construction" benchmark for contractors, plus another designer, Lisa, on a mission to share budget conscious tips for those wishing to turn a house into a home...many more, too (Tim, who spoke about emergency preparedness, & the importance of a neighbourhood "pod" of knowledge...Maureen who organized a group of poets/writers to present their writings on their childhood, as a fundraiser for Raffi's Spirit of One campaign, for his Centre...Murray who came with his Scottish lore and jigs and reels, for Robbie Burns Day.... All of them have been very gracious, and agreed to come around 8 a.m., to the studio. The show is "live". I've learned a lot...all those station breaks, slotting in of ads, making smooth transitions between "conversation" and music....it's fun! Sometimes, a change is truly as good as a rest. It's an extra early start on Monday, but after listening to all that super music (yes, I really am still trapped in the 70s/80s!), I'm energized. Ah...I think I just hit on a great idea....music, music, music...maybe it really does feed the soul? Tune in, when you have a moment...appreciated! P.S. Some of the interviews are on my website, as podcasts ( www.liread.com/radio.htm). How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me! March 10, 2010. Where are you? Your dock is waiting for your boat! Tide's out, beachcomb and swim from this sweep of beach! Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), Salt Spring oceanfront, private, in an area of fine homes, and with an oceanview vista all the way to San Juan Island, on the horizon. The Canadian Southern Gulf Islands are very close to the U.S. San Juans, and that dotted line between the two groupings is certainly there on a chart or a map, but at sea it's all just one wonderful boating experience. This area is known, by mariners, as the best protected boating waters in the world. Pick up a copy of a book called "Gunkholing in the Gulf Islands"....you'll get the drift (no pun intended!). Salt Spring Island is the largest and the best serviced of the Southern Gulf Islands, and between Easter and the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend (early October), the wonderful Saturday Market in the Park is a reason to add a trip to Salt Spring to your summer itinerary, whether by car/ferry or by private boat. Some other gems to explore, while you're out at sea: Pender Island, Mayne Island, Galiano Island, Saturna Island, and Thetis Island...marinas to welcome you, and summer pleasures to explore (including golf! Salt Spring offers two golf courses, and Pender has one, too). Art galleries, gift shops, restaurants, bakery/coffee stops, specialty offerings, and theatre/music options all summer long (the Treehouse, in Ganges Village, on Salt Spring has live music, nightly, in "the season"). More info? Call me...these Island gems are under the protection of the Provincial Government's Islands Trust (applies to all the Gulf Islands, no matter where located, and to the water access only options as well as to the ferry serviced ones), and so growth has been capped on them all (since 1974) -- the Trust's "preserve & protect" mandate is there to retain the environmental beauties of the Islands, for the benefit of all B.C. residents. Explore...enjoy...you won't be disappointed! The Gulf Islands are unique.... How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me! March 9, 2010. Looking for a premier oceanview property, with privacy and sun, close to a lovely beach, and with pristine forest? Here it is on tranquil Keats Island! If you still live on the Lower Mainland or on the Sunshine Coast, and are looking for a vacation pleasure and an appreciating holding property, then here it is, just for you. Keats Island is in the Howe Sound area, between West Vancouver and Gibson's on the Sunshine Coast...close to all the city amenities, then, and yet totally serenely "apart". A water access only Gulf Island, it's close to marinas on the mainland, so is easy to get to. A very peaceful opportunity for you to unwind from the city's demands, and yet not have to catch ferries or floatplanes to arrive at your retreat...come and go, easily, under your own steam. A great investment in your future, too. Call me, for details. March 8, 2010. "Imagination, song, the soaring spirit. Separate them to know them as aspects of the whole, Join them to know the mystery of totality." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") March 7, 2010. Another post-Olympic "thought"...and it's not a question of "finders keeper"! I love synchronicity...I think it means that the world is moving in tune with the people involved in the events. Last Tuesday, a client of mine, who lives in Seattle, and who attended the entire Olympic experience, called me to let me know I should watch the local news on Seattle's King T.V. station, that evening. He then went on to share this story with me: Just before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics, he dropped his video camera, without noticing it -- he was searching for his ticket to get into the Opening event. He attended almost all events, so was in Vancouver for the two weeks. When he got back to his Seattle condo, he turned on King T.V. there, to catch the news. He was just in time to see a "human interest" story. Two twenty year olds in Vancouver had found a video camera lying on the sidewalk, and they created a YouTube to see if they could locate the owner that way. The owner sees this, recognizes his camera case, and calls the T.V. station. The next day they send out a camera crew, and tape the owner speaking, via Skype, to the two Canadians back in Vancouver. He offered them the camera, if he could have the contents...his father had passed away, two weeks earlier, and on that camera were the last shots of his father. My client sent me the following link to this story. Mar 2, 2010 Two Canadians use YouTube to find missing camera's owner Bill Manuel of Bainbridge Island thought he had lost his camera for good during the Olympics, but when KING 5 News aired the story of two men who found the camera and created a quirky YouTube video about it, he recognized it immediately. http://www.king5.com/news/local/Two-Canadians-Help-Locate-Owner-of-Missing-Camcorder-86057192.html What I loved about this was that synchronicity...what if he had come in a few minutes earlier or later...he would have missed that T.V. "bit". He might have missed YouTube, but perhaps someone else would have seen this and told him about it. I also liked the fact that the Canadians were trying to find the owner. And that it all had a happy ending almost three weeks after the loss. Seems like the very best of our 21st Century World...yes, we really are a "global village". A nice story, all around! How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me! March 6, 2010. This entire weekend offers a lot of events...catch them! The Juicy Amazing Goddess Woman Event! has exhibitions, presentations, art, music, theatre, expressive workshops, discussions (FREE child care), both today and tomorrow. Tomorrow night is the special event, with Olympic medalist, Silken Laumann, an internationally known rower. Tickets required for this! March 8th is a community potluck, with a Song Circle honouring the Celebration of International Women's Day. Tonight is a special presentation, too, including a local dance troupe. Men, Women, Children and Families all welcome. Tickets available at Salt Spring Books. More info? Call Leah at: 250-538-8718. Creative Fire Studio is offering their March Break workshops for children: a two week long Spring Break opportunity, with clay classes. It's a hands-on and supportive experience -- call Tracy Harrison, at her studio, 250-538-0144, for more details. Tonight, at Moby's, 8 to 11 p.m., it's the terrific Sunyata, live music for you! Jazz, 7 to 10 p.m., on Sunday, with Preston of Bonkowski. (Did you know that Moby's does breakfast, daily, from 7 to 11 a.m.???). Check out the Community Education courses: complete information on their website (www.ssicommunityed.org). Some choices: Introduction to Word, Excel, or Powerpoint. Digital Photography. Photo Editing for Photographers. Websites for community groups. Introduction to graphic design. Introduction to observational astronomy. Name that bird: Spring birds. Introductory Bridge. Run Away to the Circus. Nurturing children's health. Wine appreciation. Home buying and selling: the contract of purchase and sale. The joy of composting. Women writing memoir: for elder wise women. Remember what the dormouse said: feed your head! It's the beginning of Spring Break...welcome to tourists! Don't forget to catch my live radio show, Mondays, 7 to 9 a.m. (PST), at either 107.9 FM or, streaming audio, at: www.cfsi-fm.com (it's live, not about real estate, and has interviews with the interesting islanders I've been lucky enough to meet, over my 20 years as a Salt Springer. Music and musings...thanks for listening! Check out Gallery 8, in Grace Point Square...new look, new and established artists...upper level space for special presentations/shows. Mark your calendar for Carol Evans' book signing, at the Gallery, on March 17th. While there, be sure to take in Andrea Collins' Starfish Gallery & Studio...Gillean Proctor has now joined the ranks of presenters at Starfish Gallery (which emphasizes fine art photography). While there, check out Steffich Fine Art Gallery, too....Michael Hames is showcased here. Frankly Scarlett, plus Sabine's bookshop, Bocados Bistro and Auntie Pesto's Restaurant offer lunch and dinner, plus the Skin Sensations Day Spa, and Persnickety Children's Shop, and the wonderful Upstairs Bears, round out the opportunities for browsing and enjoyment, in Grace Point Square. Enjoy! An official launch event, for March 21st, at ArtSpring, from 1 to 3 p.m., to welcome the publication of Marilyn Horsdal's first novel (Sweetness from Ashes)...a theme of family relationships with a Salt Spring flavour. Today, at Mahon Hall, it's the special exposition on Grow More Food Locally. Be there! Ah....Spring! March 5, 2010. Here's a terrific opportunity to live the Salt Spring lifestyle, and to enjoy a resort experience. This family enterprise, Cottage Resort, on St. Mary Lake, is now for sale. It is not possible to repeat this zoning (the Islands Trust created all zonings, on all the Gulf Islands, back in 1974). Currently, there are 9 gracious cottages (a studio, one-bedroom units, two-bedroom units, and three-bedroom units), all self-contained and year round options. Beautiful 5 + acres, with perhaps half the property still in forest and meadow, with the current cottages clustered around a sweep of lawn, leading to the lakefront. A lovely "English Country" ambiance! St. Mary Lake is the largest lake on Salt Spring Island, and is stocked with fish (trout and small mouth bass -- this aspect of the lake could be highlighted by the resort, if desired. One can arrive by floatplane, too, right to the dock at lakeside, if guests prefer this arrival option. Close to theatre (first run films!), to tennis, to soccer field, to galleries, restaurants, all amenities/services, and yet in a quiet and sunny rural atmosphere (s/sw/w exposures), this gem could easily be expanded (zoned for 21 cottages, in total). One might also consider a "strata resort" option, which allows for the sale of cottages, and they would remain in a managed rental pool, when not owner occupied. Call me about this potential. A great family lifestyle opportunity, too (which is how the current owners have enjoyed their time as the family welcoming guests to the Cottage Resort). If you prefer, you could keep this very valuable zoning, and build a home, here -- lakefront acreage is very rare, too. So many choices...you decide! March 4, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler just hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. At the closing ceremony, it had become clear that this was the best organized and the most supported, by the local population, Games. Canadians tend to be a quiet and observant nation. We also are known as a caring and supportive group of people. We enjoy a multicultural society, and each region of the country has specific strengths/supportive community feeling. It's not often that we describe ourselves, publicly anyway, as Canadians. Usually it's about being a Quebecois, with that French flair, or an Albertan, with the oil and cowboy background, and those phenomenal Rockies. In B.C., we're known as the Coast by the rest of the country (even when we live in the Interior!). Those who organized the Olympic Games, though, did an inspired thing. The Torch arrived from Greece, right to Victoria, the capital city of B.C., and from there it was part of a relay throughout Canada. The Northwest Territories, all 10 Canadian Provinces, and many different communities within those areas. The enthusiasm of each region was palpable. The Olympics this year were like any good Greek play...it began with tragedy, and the very very sad news of the death of the Georgian luge competitor, in a practice run, just before the Opening Ceremony. There were glitches with some of the hydrolics involved, in an Opening Ceremony display. A competitor's mother died, arriving in Vancouver, to watch her daughter skate. Those who threatened to disrupt the Games, as they were not "for" the Olympics, turned up from all over, just as they had promised they would. Suddenly, though, it all dissipated, and was completely swallowed up by the welcoming embrace of the locals in both Vancouver and in Whistler. I have to say, it seemed a very strange Canadian thing to paint the maple leaf flag on cheekbones, but there they were, in all age groups, smiling at the cameras panning the streets. There was triumph and disappointment at the Games, as always. The euphoria of the Quebec moguls athlete, with his brother, afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, at his side (as he always was), when he won Gold for Canada. The girl who fell, coming down the slope at Cypress Mountain, who got up, got back onto her skis, and finished her course....she wanted to make that last trick element on the last jump, and did it! Now there was a message! The man who won Silver, who said he was just stunned to be at the Olympics in the first place, and silver was terrific. The Gold Medal slider who strode through the streets of Whistler (he was from Manitoba), accepted the beer, and ended up on the interview with his entire family, and did some sample auctioneering (his day job?). He summed it up best by saying it was great to compete, in friendly rivalry, with the best of the best in the world. It seemed like the entire population erupted in that spirit of friendly competition, and the Closing Ceremony certainly reminded us of the value of sport. The head of the Vancouver Olympic Committee thanked the volunteers, and the city residents, and reminded us all that peace had reigned during this sports competition. The message of the Olympics seemed to be about participation, about committment, about perseverence (four years of training, lack of funds in many cases, dark cold mornings of training, of accidents en route, of keeping on keeping on, of not forgetting the overall goal, of accepting the support of one's nearest and dearest...definitely a script for those in real estate sales, in what has been a troubling two year period, to date). To be passionate about what one "does", to "go for it", to not lose heart, to be in the moment, and to remember those who help us, so we can pass it on when it's our turn to be a mentor. So many lessons! Did this have a spinoff into real estate land, especially in the luxury segment offered in Vancouver (San Francisco of the north?) and in Whistler (an Aspen kind of address)? I think what happened was a "discovery moment", generally. The entire city, which is known as one of the most beautiful and also one of the most liveable cities in the world, welcomed the world during this Olympics period. Even when one wasn't there in person, but watching on t.v. or via the Web, that population response was clearly evident. Canada as a whole reached out to the world. Although fun was made of the very early Spring that the Coast experienced, this coverage certainly made sure that the world knew we're not the land of ice and snow on this thin ribbon of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Vancouver's very cosmopolitan ambiance, with a population from all over the world, now calling Vancouver home, and the same with the eclectic and international population in Whistler, was also a message of invitation to the world. Come...check us out....this may see return visits within a 3 to 5 month period. Sea to Sky is also the name of the highway linking Vancouver and Whistler. This description really captures the essence of the entire coastal region, though...Vancouver Island, Victoria, Gulf Islands (including Salt Spring Island), Sunshine Coast on the Lower Mainland, Vancouver and its environs, Whistler....did you know you can ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon, here? Where else in the world can one offer that? Whether it's a result of topography (this thin ribbon of coast lies between the sea and significant mountain ranges) or community bylaws capping growth, there is a limited inventory of useable land for development on the Coast. We are so close to Seattle...a two hour drive and you're here, if you're coming out of Washington State/the Seattle area. Bellingham is even closer. It's a two hour flight from San Francisco. The welcome mat is out, and I think the world found our Canadian attitudes rather "interesting". We really do say "eh" at the end of a sentence. We really are polite. We really do want to do our best for others. It really is important to us that harmony reigns. A Seattle attendee at the Olympics dropped his video camera on the street, while looking for his tickets to an event. Two Canadians found it, put a Youtube up to find the owner, who saw it on a Seattle t.v. story, and got his camera back. There's a message, too! See News Story On King5.com Beauty, a welcoming population, a stable country economically and politically....a limited inventory in real estate offerings....hmmm....I would say something started at the Olympics, and it's just begun. How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me! March 3, 2010. Some local concerns...perhaps also experienced in other secondary home/discretionary regions. The Gulf Islands (all of them, even the water access only choices), are governed by a Provincial Government body called the Islands Trust. This has been in place since 1974. It was a response to unchecked development, that occurred on two different ferry accessed islands, and the government in power, at that time, brought in two different land use measures -- one was the Islands Trust. Its mandate is: "to preserve and protect, for the benefit of all B.C. residents, the environmental beauties of the Gulf Islands area". This is achieved by strict zoning/density bylaws, that effectively "capped" growth on all the Islands. Today, then, after all these years of creating what was allowed, since 1974, many of the Islands are "developed to max". Infill development is still going on (a building lot never developed), plus replacement development (a 60s cabin on nice property is torn down/new dwelling constructed), but the approved areas for subdivision development have all been accomplished. Salt Spring Island (the one Island with a year round and stand alone community lifestyle) and the Southern Gulf Islands, then, can be viewed as being pretty much as they will always exist. They are not municipalities, but protected preserve areas, under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government. The zoning/bylaws in place are guarded protectively by the various trustees (an elected position -- each Island has two trustees, elected every three years, during the provincial civic elections, and they administer the Trust bylaws for the island they represent). Back in 1974, the move was to protect the beauty of the Islands, to preserve the forests, the rural way of life, the ecological treasures that these Islands represent. In doing so, and the Trust was very successful at this, over this long period of time between 1974 and 2010, some inadequacies have come into play. Affordable housing is a large one. Assisted living for an aging population is another. In not being a municipal structure, and with severe guidelines in place to do with land use bylaws, the Trust cannot really act on these issues. The people most affected often don't realize that the reason for the 'genrtification' of the Islands can really be laid at the Trust's door. Yes, the Internet did erase both time and geography. Between 2000 and 2007, a very low Canadian Dollar against the Euro, the Pound, and the U.S. Dollar, along with historically low mortgage interest rates, had many people, globally, seeking to purchase Canadian real estate. Resort based areas, whether in Tofino/Uclulet, or on Salt Spring Island, in B.C., or in the Muskokas of Ontario, all saw a huge influx of non-local buyers. These areas, all capped in growth, either topographically or by serious municiipal or Trust 'caps' on development, were seen as both enjoyable and also as a protected investment. Low inventory plus high demand always ends up with price escalation. Don't they call that Economics 101? On Salt Spring in particular, which is a stand alone community (many other of the Gulf Islands are "tied' to a nearby Vancouver Island community for services/amenities), this lack of foresight re affordable housing and an aging population has created an unease in the community. I would suggest that the Trust does have the power to "massage" their own bylaws somewhat. For years, various groups who have worked to amend Official Community Plans have recommended that the Trust allow tenants in suites in homes, in seasonal cottages, in studios. This might bring on a good 500 opportunities for a tenant...someone who works in the retail or service sectors, who might work on the ferries, who might be on contract at the hospital or in the health services, or with the school system...these are renters not buyers. Without relaxing some of the requirements for subdivision, or number of dwellings per property, I don't know that much can occur re increasing development. That really would change the Trust document. Lifestyle is an important component of the health of any community. I've been lucky to have been here since 1989, and at that point "everyone" was here...it really was a microcosm of our larger world. I hope the Trust will listen, and will allow an easing of the rental situation. It would be a beginning! And your thoughts are? Always welcome! How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me! March 2, 2010. Here's a treasure for your immediate pleasure! Beautifully upgraded/renovated country home, on sunny acreage...wood floors, custom windows, spa style bathrooms, cook's dream kitchen...could be 4 bed/2 bath, or, like the current owner, one bedroom can be a media space and the other can remain a great office retreat. This home would suit a family or a professional couple working from home, or, enjoy a B & B lifestyle -- there's a lovely self-contained one bedroom guest/inlaw suite, at garden level, with private entrance (sauna, too!). The plus? Separate studio space...artist? Home occupation? Another plus? Approximately an acre and a half is in vineyard production...call for details on this. Very sunny property, private, close to all amenities, and yet in a serene Valley location, close to Burgoyne Bay Park. An opportunity to enjoy the best of the Salt Spring lifestyle awaits you! March 1, 2010. "People think they don't have to learn, Because there is so much information available. But knowledge is more than possessing information. Only the wise move fast enough." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")

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