social-housing-units-converted-into-rentals-in-future-vancouver-tower
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Social housing units converted into rentals in future Vancouver tower

ByKenneth Chan

Some changes are envisioned for the future Curv tower project in downtown Vancouver’s West End, which is billed to be the world’s tallest Passive House green building. In June 2020, Vancouver City Council approved the rezoning application to achieve the project at 1059-1075 Nelson Street, located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Thurlow and Nelson streets, replacing old low-rise apartment buildings. This was approved as a 586 ft tall, 60-storey, mixed-use residential tower, containing 102 units of social housing on the lower levels (25% of the building’s floor area), 50 units of secured purpose-built market rental homes within the middle levels, and 358 luxury strata market ownership condominium units within the upper levels. However, Montreal-based developer Brivia Group has now returned to the municipal government with a revised rezoning application to amend the building’s uses, reconfigure the interior floor plans, and make slight revisions to the exterior design. The overall form of the building will remain the same. Presumably due in part to the current poor market conditions for strata units as a result of the sustained high interest rates, coupled with growing construction costs and challenging construction financing, the developer is looking to convert the floor area originally intended for social housing into secured purpose-built market rental housing to improve the project’s financial viability and to enable construction to finally advance. 2024 revised concept for the Curv tower at 1059-1075 Nelson Street, Vancouver. (IBI Group/Brivia Group) There will no longer be an on-site social housing component; instead of providing 102 units of social housing, the total number of market rental housing units will grow from 50 to 174. Furthermore, the social housing obligation of the project — an in-kind community amenity contribution (CACs) — will now be achieved as a cash CACs payment to the City, which will enable off-site social housing. During the 2020 rezoning process, it was indicated that the provision of 102 units of social housing within the tower carried an in-kind CACs value of $70 million. The number of strata homes will remain the same at 358 units. As well, in conjunction with the pivot to more rental housing, the rezoning amendment seeks to eliminate the balconies on the building’s east and west frontages to help achieve the Passive House green building certification targets. With the enclosed balconies now adding to indoor living space, along with other changes, the building’s total floor area grows from about 427,00 sq ft to about 456,000 sq ft. The building’s total floor area ratio (FAR; a measure of comparing the size of the building’s floor area to the land area it sits on) will grow from 24.7 during the 2020 rezoning to 26.4 in the amendment. The project’s architectural firm is IBI Group. Brivia Group initially submitted its rezoning amendment application in June 2023 to seek these changes, and this will now be up for public consultation. It was reported in October 2023 that 100 of the condominium units (28% of the total number of condominium units) were pre-sold for an average of over $2 million each, after pre-sales were initially launched in May 2023. Artistic rendering of Curv. (Brivia Group) Artistic rendering of Curv. (Brivia Group) In recent years, the municipal government has revised its policies under the West End Plan to improve the financial viability of stalled housing projects. This includes the previous move of providing developers with an alternative path of building projects along the Thurlow Street corridor with market rental housing and including a below-market rental housing component, instead of the only established framework of strata condominiums with a social housing component and CACs. Over the past five years, this move has pushed stalled projects forward, catalyzing a significant number of secured purpose-built rental housing units. Then in September 2024, Vancouver City Council made further changes to the West End Plan by reducing the inclusionary social housing requirements from 25% of the residential floor area to 20% or one-for-one replacement of the existing rental housing, whichever is greater. Also, a new cash-in-lieu option has been introduced to reflect the costs for the municipal government to generate off-site social housing projects, including the cost of land and construction. Both of these changes will be introduced on an interim basis for at least years until December 31, 2026. When complete, Curv will tie with The Butterfly as the city’s third tallest building. The Butterfly, developed by Westbank, situated toward the eastern end of the same city block, reached completion this year. However, as both buildings are built on the highest elevation point of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, they will appear taller in the skyline from a distance than their actual structural height. For example, Curv will appear as a 724 ft tall tower, as its site is 139 ft above sea level. 2024 revised concept for the Curv tower at 1059-1075 Nelson Street, Vancouver. (IBI Group/Brivia Group) 2024 revised concept for the Curv tower at 1059-1075 Nelson Street, Vancouver. (IBI Group/Brivia Group)

harrison-hot-springs-transforms-into-magical-holiday-village-this-month
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Harrison Hot Springs transforms into magical holiday village this month

ByDaniel Chai

Harrison Hot Springs will be overflowing with Christmas spirit this season, thanks to the return of its annual holiday lights festival. The village has announced that the popular Lights by the Lake will be held from Saturday, November 23, 2024, to Sunday, January 12, 2024. Visitors will enjoy magical holiday displays that transform the Harrison lakefront into an enchanting world of lights, celebrating the local wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch. Tourism Harrison The free event will feel as if you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie, with decorated Christmas trees and old-fashioned lamps dotting the village square. Each business will decorate its storefront with cozy holiday cheer, including winter window paintings and colourful lights to make everything glow. Tourism Harrison Pop into one of the cafes or restaurants for your favourite seasonal beverage and treats, such as a peppermint mocha, to take with you as you enjoy the light display. Or pick up a guide to see all the Christmas tree displays in Harrison. As you stroll along Harrison’s wheelchair and stroller-friendly promenade to see all of the custom-built light displays, keep an eye out for the mysterious Sasquatch. The creature may be fishing for sturgeon or keeping warm by the fire. Lights by the Lake (Tourism Harrison/Facebook) The 2 km-long Lights by the Lake will be lit from dusk to 11 pm. The Starlight Skating Rink will also be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until January 5. Skating is free if you bring your own skates, though skates are available for rent and a concession. Lights by the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs When: November 23, 2024 to Sunday, January 12, 2025 Time: Dusk to 11 pm Where: Harrison Hot Springs Cost: Free

5-paint-color-trends-to-say-goodbye-to-in-2025
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5 Paint Color Trends to Say Goodbye to in 2025

ByMaria Sabella

As the end of 2024 approaches, plenty of paint companies have already announced their 2025 Colors of the Year to give us a sneak peak of next year’s hottest trends. Paint color trends represent much more than just a shift from one color to another—they also reflect a way of life at a given time. As we look forward to fresh and exciting color trends in 2025, take note of the paint color trends that won’t be carrying on into the new year. Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer at Silo Studios, shares her professional insight on the paint color trends she sees disappearing, and what they will be replaced with. She predicts rich hues, muted pops of color, and textured finishes will be big in the year to come, and shares what you should leave behind to keep your home on trend. Ali Harper 1. Trade All-White Color Palettes for Rich, Saturated Hues As evidenced by the recent 2025 Color of the Year reveals, rich and saturated hues will be a big trend in the coming year. These deep hues will take over traditional all-white spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms. “Over the past few years, all-white color palettes have faded, making way for earthy tones and richer hues, and I think this trend will keep going strong through 2025,” Eisenhart says. Whether it’s a captivating jewel tone or a deeply luxurious shade of brown, the coming year will embrace rich hues that produce environments which are equal parts bold and cozy. Lisa Romerein; Interior Design: Heidi Caillier 2. Choose Warm Neutrals Rather than Cool Undertones This past year saw a strong shift away from the cool grays that dominated homeowners’ paint color selections for over a decade and toward cozier, warmer neutrals. The color brown has become the new “it” neutra,l and Eisenhart predicts this trend will continue. “Neutrals will shift toward warm earth tones,” she says. Shades like chocolate brown, warm beige, and classic taupe can take on a surprisingly sophisticated look when used in a tonal color palette and layered with natural materials such as wood, leather, and stone. John Bessler 3. Swap Bright Colors for Muted Tones Instead of bright pops of color, get ready for accent colors to come in gentler hues. “Pops of color will take on muted or dusty shades,” Eisenhart predicts. Muted colors offer contrast in a more delicate and approachable way, creating spaces that are familiar and comfortable. These subdued pops of color lend themselves well to earthy color palettes and spaces where you want to create a calm and serene ambience. Tria Giovan Photography Inc 4. Embrace Matte and Textured Paint Finishes Paint trends aren’t just about color: A paint finish can make as much of a design statement as a color can. Rather than high-gloss surfaces adding a glamorous touch in 2025, Eisenhart shares a more earthy paint trend emerging. “For special finishes, matte and textured techniques, like limewash or plaster, will stay popular,” she says. The limewash paint trend gives walls a textured look and instantly infuses spaces with old-world charm. It creates a lived-in, ‘always been there’ atmosphere that moves away from generic, cookie-cutter spaces and celebrates environments with unique character. Astrid Templier 5. Forget Millennial Gray: Nature-Inspired Color Palettes Are In “2025 paint trends will focus on creating comfortable, approachable spaces that feel grounded and connected to nature,” Eisenhart says. This falls into the recent biophilic design trend which celebrates nature and brings the outdoors in, both through decorative elements and color. This doesn’t just mean bringing in shades of green—although greens hues such as olive are a big trend right now. It includes a move away from stark whites and towards gentler off-white shades, and a departure from cool grays and a plunge into the world of warm neutrals such as brown.

how-to-remove-bathtub-rings-and-stop-them-from-coming-back
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How to Remove Bathtub Rings and Stop Them from Coming Back

ByHalee Miller Van Ryswyk

Unsightly or stubborn stains can make our tub feel and look dirty even after it has just been cleaned. If you feel like you’ve scrubbed endlessly at the stain rings in your bathtub without success, it might be time to try a new method. To help you make your bathtub sparkle, experts are sharing their best tricks to remove pesky rings and stains. Plus, discover how to prevent them from returning—for good. Here’s everything you need to know about scrubbing your tub. What Causes Bathtub Rings? Despite regular cleaning, a light outline around the inside of your bathtub can still appear and be tough to remove. According to Vanesa Amaro, TikTok’s “Queen of Cleaning” and Clorox spokesperson, bathtub rings or stains are typically a combination of soap, scum, body oils, dirt, and mineral deposits from hard water. “When water evaporates, it leaves behind a residue that can cling to the surface of a bathtub,” Amaro says. “Body care containers or even a forgotten bobby pin can also leave rings and rust marks behind. Regularly cleaning your tub can help reduce stains and rings.” Do not use abrasive tools on your bathtub (especially on acrylic, porcelain, or fiberglass) to prevent damage like scratches or chips. Grant Webster How to Remove Bathtub Rings Using Commercial Cleaners Remove hard water, mold, and mildew rings or stains with commercial cleaning products that are either multi-surface or meant for the bathtub specifically. Always read the product’s instructions before using it. Clear out the tub: Remove all shampoos, soaps, and other products from the bathtub to remove clutter from the space. This prevents any of the cleaners from getting on your bath products and you can now thoroughly clean all of the surfaces otherwise covered by them. Spray cleaning product: Amaro suggests spraying your choice of cleaning product 4-6 inches away from the tub, especially on the stained areas. Let the product sit for at least 30 seconds. Scrub, rinse, and dry: Gently scrub the area with a non-abrasive sponge before rinsing. Repeat if necessary. Dry the bathtub with a paper towel or microfiber towel to prevent water spots or streaks. How to Remove Bathtub Rings Using Bleach Bleach will not only clean your bathtub but also disinfect it, Amaro says. Be cautious when handling household bleach for cleaning purposes—wear rubber gloves, a mask, and eye protectors. Never mix bleach with any other household cleaners and always follow the product’s instructions. Do not use bleach on acrylic or colored bathtubs, as it can damage the coating and finish. Clear out the tub: Keep all of your bathing products safe from bleach by removing them all before you clean. Mix bleach solution: Mix a bleach solution with ⅓ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water and put it into an empty spray bottle. Spray and let it sit: Spray the bleach and water solution directly on the tub, and let it soak for at least 6 minutes for complete disinfection. Scrub, rinse, and let dry: Scrub the stained area of the bathtub with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber towel. Rinse the bleach solution thoroughly with warm water and use a microfiber towel to dry the bathtub completely. How to Remove Bathtub Rings Using Natural Ingredients Natural ingredients, like baking soda, white vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide can remove stains just as well as commercial cleaners. They can also provide a more affordable cleaning option and might already be in your pantry. Clear out the tub: Just like with other methods, remove all products from the bathtub so you have a clear space to clean and to protect your products. Mix and apply cleaning paste: Mix three parts baking soda to one part white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for a homemade and effective cleaning paste. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for as long as 30 minutes. Scrub and rinse: Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the paste into the stained areas to remove the rings. Thoroughly rinse away the paste before drying with a microfiber towel. Soak in vinegar (optional): If the stains are still persistent, fill the tub with hot water, add 3-5 cups of white vinegar, and let the solution soak for multiple hours. The vinegar can help break down the residual stains and soap scum. Drain and rinse the tub before completely drying with a microfiber towel. How to Prevent Bathtub Rings from Reappearing After all this work, you don’t want to have to scrub away stubborn stains again. Amaro recommends staying on top of a frequent and consistent cleaning schedule to prevent the rings from returning. “The more often you clean, the easier it is to keep your bathtub free of spots, rings, and stains. I typically recommend cleaning high-traffic areas like the bathroom, including your bathtub, about once a week,” Amaro says. “Even if you’re not using your bathtub often, I recommend at least spraying it down with cleaner and rinsing out the tub.”

these-5-unexpected-christmas-ornament-styles-are-trending-this-year
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5 Unexpected Christmas Ornament Styles Are Trending This Year

ByClaire Hoppe Norgaard

Velvet bows, black trees, and minimalism have all dominated the holiday decor world in Christmases past. Whether they were one-season wonders or have stood the test of time, Christmas trends are a fun excuse to try something unexpected and experiment with your style. Take inspiration from this year’s Christmas ornament trends, whether you prefer a modern matte finish, a fresh spin on classic stripes, or craft your own custom felt ornaments, to upgrade your tree. 1. Velvet Ornaments Inspired by last year’s velvet bow trend, velvet ornaments are set to be one of the biggest Christmas ornament trends of 2024. With their matte, powdery finish, velvet ornaments put a unique twist on typical solid-color ornaments. Mix velvet ornaments with metallic ones to create a tree with tons of texture and visual interest. To make your own velvet ornaments, mix 1 Tbsp. plaster powder with 1 Tbsp. cold water. Once combined, add 2 ounces of matte finish craft paint. Paint clear plastic ornaments with the mixture, adding coats until the ornament is opaque. Carson Downing 2. Honeycomb Ornaments Another popular ornament style—spotted this year at West Elm, Anthropologie, and McGee & Co.—is honeycomb. Typically made from paper, honeycomb ornaments are made from intricate, accordion-style folds that create shapes like stars, bells, and trees. Plus, the ornaments are lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about weighing down the branches of your tree. Add honeycomb ornaments to your Christmas decor this year to put a fun twist on the typical round styles. Choose rich shades of burgundy, forest green, and powder blue, or stick to a neutral palette of beige, cream, and black ornaments for a modern farmhouse effect. When packing away your Christmas decorations for next year, carefully wrap each ornament in tissue paper to ensure paper ornaments don’t get bent. Store the ornaments in a container with dividers so they aren’t damaged throughout the year. 3. Circus Stripes Popular circus stripes are sticking around for the holidays. Expect to see ornaments with thick, bold stripes on trees this year. Home decor stores like H&M, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel offer ornaments with classic red and white candy cane stripes for a traditional. Or opt for funkier color schemes featuring pink, blue, and yellow. Lean into a maximalist aesthetic and pair circus-stripe ornaments with bold patterned bulbs. Incorporate ornaments with different shapes and colors, tinsel, and garland to achieve an over-the-top look. David Land 4. Unique Felt Ornaments Quirky felt ornaments of all shapes and sizes are all over social media and home decor sites alike. Made from colorful felt and stuffed with cotton, these plush ornaments are often embellished with sequins, beads, tassels, and decorative stitching. Letters, wreaths, bells, and other unique shapes can all be found in felt form. Felt ornaments depicting animals in silly scenes are also gaining popularity—think swans wearing tutus, fishing polar bears, and mice on ski lifts. Pair felt animals with brightly colored bulbs in different shapes and sizes. Lean into the whimsy with a homemade paper garland or a string of popcorn to complete your Christmas tree. 5. Photo Frames Show off your favorite photos from the year by using small photo frame ornaments. This Christmas is all about nostalgic traditions and adding personal touches to your holiday decor, so it’s no surprise photo ornaments are having a moment. You can purchase modern photo frame ornaments from stores like Target and Pottery Barn, or choose to craft your own by hand. In a TikTok video, Andrea Pierre shows how to create photo frame ornaments using miniature vintage frames from Amazon. All you need to do is hot glue your favorite photo to the back of a mini frame, then attach a ribbon loop to the back so you can hang it on your tree. Make it a tradition to add a new photo ornament every year, or add fun art prints to the frames that speak to your style.

these-were-the-top-7-home-renovation-trends-of-2024,-according-to-pros
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Top 7 Home Renovation Trends of 2024

BySophie Flaxman

Over the past year, homeowners focused on creating environments that nurture well-being, provide comfort and serenity, and reflect their personal values. The home renovation trends of 2024 were all about creating intentional and personalized spaces. Whether it was enhancing the home with wellness features, embracing nature and the simplicity of Japanese-inspired interiors, or crafting spaces for family fun and relaxation, these trends emphasize a shift towards meaningful, mindful living. Drawing on insights from experts at the leading design platforms like Houzz and Pinterest, we reveal how the top trends are shaping the future of home interiors and how homeowners are transforming their living spaces into personalized retreats. Annie Schlechter Organic Modern Style In 2024, organic modern emerged as the design style of choice, seamlessly blending modern simplicity with nature-inspired elements and materials. By incorporating elements like stone, wood, and organic fabrics, organic modernism fosters a calming, cohesive, and well-balanced space. “With searches on Houzz for ‘organic modern bedroom’ jumping nearly 3.5x year-over-year, homeowners may be looking for a soft place to land at the end of a long day,” says Mitchell Parker, senior editor of Houzz. But it’s not just the bedroom where this style shines. Organic modern is also trending across dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, underscoring its versatility and widespread appeal. Japanese Design Influence “Japanese design, which embraces simplicity, natural elements, and harmonious living spaces, is experiencing a resurgence, reflected in notable increases in searches related to kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms,” Parker says. Searches for ‘Japandi living rooms’ (a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality) have risen 48% on Houzz, while Pinterest searches for ‘Japanese living room design’ are up by 135%. Popular Japanese concepts like wabi-sabi and zen gardens also saw notable search growth, suggesting homeowners seek peaceful, sanctuary-like spaces inside and outside their homes. Better Homes & Gardens Leisure Spaces The pursuit of work-life balance is reshaping how we use our homes, with homeowners carving out dedicated leisure spaces. Searches for ‘listening rooms’ have more than doubled on Houzz, and interest in ‘living room pianos’ is up by 39%, reflecting a trend towards creating spaces for music and relaxation. Social areas for group activities have also gained momentum, with searches for ‘bowling alley,’ ‘game room,’ and ‘bocce court’ increasing as well. These areas enable homeowners to enjoy downtime with family and friends, enhancing the home’s role as a haven for entertainment and connection. Wellness Features Wellness remains a priority in home renovations as homeowners strive to create spa-like retreats within their living spaces. Searches for cold plunge pools, indoor saunas, home spas, and steam showers surged on Houzz in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in transforming bathrooms into sanctuaries of relaxation. Shower rooms, which offer an enclosed, intimate space and feature steam and sauna capabilities, are increasingly popular. According to Parker, homeowners are tapping professionals to bring nature indoors in subtle yet impactful ways, such as increasing natural light with large windows and skylights to support wellness and align with circadian rhythms. Ali Harper Dark and Moody Color Palettes Deep paint colors reigned this year, as we saw with many of the 2024 Colors of the Year. Searches for ‘moody living room’ and ‘moody kitchen’ more than doubled on Houzz compared to the year prior, signaling a shift away from light grays and whites. “Designers on Houzz use dark and moody colors to help make spaces feel cozy and intimate or bold and dramatic,” Parker says. According to Pinterest’s Autumn 2024 Trend Report, searches for ‘moody purple bedroom’ and ‘dark green bathroom’ rose by 350%, highlighting these spaces as focal points for exploring more daring, experimental, and personal color preferences. Even ceilings are joining the trend, with searches for ‘dark ceiling’ on Houzz more than doubling, proving that the fifth wall is now a canvas for homeowners looking to make a statement. Kids’ Zones Creating playful, personalized spaces for kids is another trend that took hold in 2024 as parents sought inspiration to cater to their children’s evolving needs. On Houzz, searches spiked for ‘Jack-and-Jill bathrooms’ and ‘teen lounge.’ These searches reflect a desire to design spaces where kids can express themselves and feel a sense of ownership within the home and a forward-thinking approach to home renovation.  Cameron Sadeghpour Outdoor Kitchens Dining al fresco took on an entirely new meaning in 2024, with homeowners expanding their outdoor kitchens far beyond the classic grill. According to the  2024 Houzz U.S. Outdoor Trends Study, nearly 9 in 10 homeowners include a grill in their outdoor remodels, but new additions like pizza ovens, smokers, kamado-style barbecues, and Argentinian-style gaucho grills have also become increasingly popular this year. This shift reflects a deeper commitment to alfresco living, with homeowners creating versatile spaces that cater to diverse cooking styles and outdoor gatherings.

why-do-we-associate-red-and-green-with-christmas-and-is-it-time-to-branch-out?
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Why do we associate red and green with Christmas and is it time to branch out?

ByEvie Delaney

As December approaches, red and green take centre stage in shop windows, homes, and festive advertising. The roots of Christmas’s red and green palette are a mix of ancient tradition, nature’s seasonal palette, and a touch of early modern advertising genius. The colours, which sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel and are therefore complementary, can be traced back to pagan winter festivals, where evergreen holly with its scarlet berries was a symbol of life and resilience, providing a lush green backdrop in an otherwise barren winter landscape. Ancient Romans decorated their homes with these hardy plants during Saturnalia, a festival of feasting and merriment marking the solstice, which later merged with early Christmas celebrations. In Christianity, red took on a sacred symbolism, representing both the blood of Christ and the love that underscored the nativity story. Paintings of the Virgin Mary often depicted her in red robes, a colour that eventually found its way into festive decorations to honour the Christmas season. The combination of red and green endured throughout the centuries, mingling and merging with folklore and spirituality until it felt deeply rooted in the holiday spirit. However, the clinching moment for red and green as Christmas colours was less ethereal and more commercial. In 1931, Coca-Cola’s advertising campaign, featuring a plump, jolly Santa in a vivid red suit (a shade closely aligned with the brand’s own red), solidified the colour pairing in popular culture. Before Coca-Cola, Santa Claus was depicted in a variety of colours, including tan, green, blue, and brown. He was also sometimes drawn in patriotic stars and stripes during the Civil War. The campaign’s success gave red and green a fresh relevance, and – as is the power of commercial advertising and messaging – permanently embedded these colours as the colours of Christmas in the public imagination. Yet, as with many traditions, even the most enduring ones can benefit from a little updating. Besides, red and green are not the globally accepted Christmas colour language: in Norway, purple is much more associated with Christmas (because of its association with royalty, and many associate it with the ‘King of Kings’, Jesus) and in Sweden you’ll find red, white and gold adorning the trees and presents. This year’s interiors often favour palettes far removed from the traditional primary versions of red and green, with colour experts identifying gentle terracottas and biscuit tones as the hues to know right now. Whilst red and green can feel very festive, red in its most primary form has been shown to increase your heart rate and create stress, so it makes sense to move towards something more gentle and calming. But if we’re attempting to slip through the traditional clutches of red and green, what are we moving towards? Teal, aqua and orange ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Offering a fresh take on the traditional Christmas colour scheme, House & Garden ‘s Decoration Editor Rémy Mishon whipped up a wonderfully inventive and whimsical take on the red and green regime, offering shades of teal, aqua and orange as this year’s alternative. After all, if you edge slightly along the colour wheel from green, you’ll find yourself at turquoise. Directly opposite the bluey-green shade is just the kind of burnt orange hues that Rémy recommends. So, despite veering away from tradition, Rémy’s palette still maintains familiarity by keeping it in the family of red and green, as well as ensuring significant contrast between her two main tones. “I had some pictures saved from a Rubelli and Formafantasma collection which looked particularly nice clustered together in my photo library,” explains Rémy, “there were apricots, a light pink, strong oranges and a zingy green which I thought would make a pretty, but off beat base for a scheme.” She then came across The Perfect Nothing Catalogue’s pieces of ordinary household items incrusted in semi-precious stones: “I thought the two were a good marriage with the stones complimenting the scheme whilst also not being too delicate. I added a deep green into the mix to further toughen it up and make it more wintery. I thought the combination had something quite magical and fairytale about it, fitting for Christmas, though maybe more Brothers Grimm than Disney.” Brown and gingerbread Nobody could have predicted quite the scale of brown’s return to favour, both in clothing and interior decoration terms. We’ve seen plenty of glossy brown front doors and stairways that would take well to being adorned with branches, pine cones and other neutral foliage. The oak-panelled walls and large mahogany table in the show-stopping entrance of Ven in Somerset means brown accessories make sense in this environment. The owners used russet-coloured strands of leaves instead of garish tinsel to create a natural, warm palette that fills the room with an opulence that still feels organic. At this former rectory in the West Country, foraged Christmas decorations and salvaged materials enhance the sense of a house that has been made suitable for modern family life, while retaining its Victorian character. At Christmas, the family gathers pine cones and branches of old man’s beard to decorate this room at the front of the house, which has walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Setting Plaster’, a sandy pink colour that complements browns very well. 1980s maximalist rainbow Paper decorations can make any room feel festive, and don’t reject streamers for being too naff. Bright and cheerful, they’re an

medicare-2025-plans:-5-key-changes-to-part-d,-medicare-advantage-costs
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Medicare 2025 plans 5 key changes to Part D, Medicare Advantage costs

ByCorrie Pelc

Share on Pinterest Big changes to Medicare plans are in store for 2025 as open enrollment is underway. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Medicare is a federal health insurance program for older adults ages 65 and older. Open enrollment for 2025 Medicare plans runs through December 7. Some major changes in 2025 include a new $2,000 out-of-pocket max under Part D, eliminating the plan’s “donut hole” coverage gap, and fewer Medicare Advantage plans. As of January 1st, five big changes will take effect for Medicare — a federal health insurance program for adults ages 65 and older. Every year, senior adults have between October 15th through December 7th to enroll in Medicare or change plans. Part A helps to cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. Part B is for outpatient coverage, such as diagnosing and treating an illness at the doctor’s office, as well as preventive services, such as vaccines and wellness visits. Part C —also known as the Medicare Advantage plan—is bundled coverage that includes Parts A, B, and sometimes D. Part D provides coverage for prescription medications Medical News Today spoke with three Medicare experts to learn more about the biggest changes coming in 2025 and how they may impact readers. Starting January 1st, there will be fewer Medicare Advantage plans available. “Medicare Advantage Plans are the alternative to receiving their Medicare through Original Medicare,” said Ryan Ramsey, associate director of health coverage and benefits for the National Council on Aging. “These plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare and provide Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) coverage, as well including drug coverage (Part D) in most cases, all under one plan,” Ramsey told MNT. “In most cases, you’ll need to use health care providers who participate in the plan’s network; however, some plans offer non-emergency coverage out-of-network, but typically at a higher cost,” he continued. “These plans may also offer additional extra benefits like vision, dental or fitness and wellness benefits that are not covered by Medicare.” “The number of Medicare Advantage plans that will be available to the average person is expected to decrease by 7%,” Ramsey added. “This may result in less additional benefits being offered, smaller networks within plans, and an increase in overall out-of-pocket costs. However, the number of plans available in 2025 is still in the top three largest since 2010.” Starting on January 1st, a new approach to Medicare Part D will remove the infamous “donut hole” and establish a new hard limit of $2,000 per year for out-of-pocket Part D drug spending. “The Inflation Reduction Act aims to improve Medicare benefits by reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs,” Kanwar Kelley, MD, JD, co-founder and CEO of Side Health explained to Medical News Today. “This is being done by shrinking the ‘donut hole’ for prescription drug coverage. The ‘donut hole’ refers to the gap between a plan’s initial prescription medication coverage by co-payment or coinsurance and the time when a person meets catastrophic coverage limits where Medicare resumes sharing costs. “While inside of the ‘donut hole,’ an individual must pay for their medications entirely out of pocket. Starting in 2025, the out-of-pocket costs before reaching the catastrophic stage will be capped at $2,000. Until now the limits were set at $8,000. This will mean substantial savings for patients who depend on costly prescription medications.” Another 2025 change impacting Medicare Part D is an anticipated base premium increase. “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has now capped the amount companies are allowed to increase their annual premiums at 6%,” Ramsey noted. “The base beneficiary premium will be $36.78, which is $2.08 more than 2024 and the maximum of a 6% increase.” According to Tim Smolen, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program manager in the Consumer Protection Division of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, said the best way to learn more about Part D base premium increases is to use the plan finder tool on the Medicare website. Smolen added: “Broad ranges and base premiums are useful guidelines, but every person’s experience is different. Each person should check their own drugs and pharmacies. It’s possible that each person in a couple might have a different Part D plan.” There will also be a reduction in the number of stand-alone Medicare Part D plans available, according to KFF, a nonprofit focused on health policy. “In 2025, 524 PDPs (Prescription Drug Plans) will be offered across the 34 PDP regions nationwide which is a 26% decrease from 2024,” Ramsey said. “This means that the average beneficiary in each state will have a choice of at least 12 stand-alone drug plans. This could mean a change in formularies, pharmacy networks on plans, and whether your plan has a deductible in 2025.” “There will be a reduction in prescription drug plans under Part D, but this reduction may streamline options in favor of more plans with the built-in price stabilization feature,” Kelley said. “So, though fewer plans will be available, they should be more cost-effective.” And the last big change affecting Medicare in 2025 is an expansion of mental health care and caregiver resources. “Elder care is a huge source of financial burden and stress on families,” Kelley said. “Additional financial support will help reduce that burden and give back time to those looking for caretakers

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Struggles with housing shortages affecting B.C.’s small towns

ByBusiness in Vancouver

A shortage of affordable housing has led to a growing crisis, and it’s taken shape with a tent city in downtown Sechelt that sprung up in recent years. Catherine Leach thought she would be pushed out of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast when her landlord decided to sell her home. “I got super lucky that one of the few apartment buildings opened up and I got a suite in that building,” she says. “I would have had to leave the Coast. It was that close. And it’s not just about people having a home to live in. It’s about an affordable home and having homes so that people can actually work here.” Ms. Leach is executive director of the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, a large 50-year-old multiservices nonprofit that serves a scattered population of 32,000 people along 100 kilometres of coastline. The Sunshine Coast is about a half-hour ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, and it’s long been an idyllic draw for residents of Metro Vancouver who want a quieter, less expensive seaside lifestyle. But a shortage of affordable housing has led to a growing crisis in the small community, and it’s taken shape with a tent city in downtown Sechelt that sprung up in recent years. “It’s impacting everybody in every way – that’s how bad it’s become,” she says of B.C.’s housing crisis. Nonprofit workers on the front line know that people aren’t just sleeping in tents or in shelters and living in the rough. There are hidden homeless people living in their cars, in wooded areas, sleeping in boats and on couches, in motel rooms, and even in short-term rentals, because they’ve been squeezed out of the housing market. Low-income groups such as seniors are particularly impacted. Marc White, chair of the Older Persons and Elders Advisory Committee, which advises Vancouver city staff and council, has heard reports of seniors sleeping in the Vancouver airport because it’s safer. “I think it’s all over [the province],” says Dr. White, who is Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Family Practice at the University of British Columbia. “Because when you look at 43 per cent of the people on the BC Housing wait list, they are 55 and older, and half of those are experiencing homelessness for the first time as a senior – and that is incredible.” He cites a recent Statistics Canada report that shows B.C.’s hidden homelessness rate was at 17.7 per cent in 2021. People had been asked if they’d ever had to live somewhere temporarily because they had nowhere else to go. Considering the rents B.C. seniors are paying, it’s no wonder. “Right now, based on census data, there are 14,000 [Vancouver] seniors paying more than 30 per cent of their household income on rent in the private market, and 5,100 households spending 50 per cent of their household income on rent,” he says. The Sechelt encampment is located near the Sunshine Coast’s only year-round homeless shelter and a transitional housing project with health and social services. There aren’t enough beds or services, so the community is pulling together. The Sunshine Coast Community Services Society is soon breaking ground on a striking new housing project by lead architect Jesse Garlick of Studio 531 Architecture. Part of the inspiration behind the U-shaped design, says Ms. Leach, was to create an inward sense of safety. The building will include 35 units of housing for single women and women with children, in response to the statistic that 59 per cent of the Coast’s children are living with a single parent who is living below the poverty line. Ms. Leach says the project, in partnership with BC Housing, is six years in the making. As executive director of Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, she was also involved in that redevelopment, and she learned that support for vulnerable people starts in their own communities. “If there was any wish for me – and the government knows this, everybody knows this: fund projects that are more complex that are actually going to affect change. Like, don’t continue to just put very targeted, particularly very vulnerable people all jammed together in one location and walk away. Don’t do that any more.” Their crisis is an extension of the Vancouver crisis, but they don’t have the same resources to address it, says Kelly Foley, Sunshine Coast regional housing co-ordinator for Cover the Coast, a local affordable housing society. She co-authored a 2023 assessment needs report that shows crime, particularly violent crime, increased between 2016 and 2021, with a major spike in violent crime in 2020. “Because we are such a bedroom community to Vancouver, the cost of housing in Vancouver has certainly had an impact here,” says Ms. Foley. “You combine that with older adults moving here and we are in a tough situation, because we have a lack of working-age adults that can’t afford to live in our community, and who could help support those people.” Half the population of the Coast is older than 55, and about one-third are over 65, she says. As well, the average household income is lower than the B.C. average. People are fearful of the sudden changes they are seeing, particularly in downtown Sechelt, says Ms. Foley, who has met with residents of the encampment. “What I’m hearing is that there are people who are living in tents, who are very vulnerable, and also there’s

since-its-first-condo-in-1970-vancouver-has-become-the-poster-city-for-a-global-phenomenon-–-vancouver-sun
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Since its first condo in 1970 Vancouver has become the poster city for a global phenomenon

Bymichael

Douglas Todd: Condominiums now make up 30 per cent of homes across Metro Vancouver, the highest proportion in North America. Hundreds of millions more have been recently built in Japan, China and other nations. Get the latest from Douglas Todd straight to your inbox Published Nov 15, 2024  •  Last updated 2 hours ago  •  5 minute read Mikal Mityok stands outside Balsam House, Vancouver’s original condo complex. It was built in the quiet Kerrisdale neighbourhood in 1970. Photo by Douglas Todd The city of Vancouver’s first condominium complex is a modest, pleasant-looking six-storey building. Built in 1970 at 5350 Balsam, it continues to provide 24 units on a quiet, leafy street in the Kerrisdale neighbourhood. You could say it’s a historic site. Balsam House, as it’s known, marks the dawn of Vancouver’s remarkable condo revolution, which has gone on to change the face of many of the world’s major cities. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content Balsam House is the prototype for a strata property scheme that now governs 33 per cent of all housing units in the city of Vancouver, as well 30 per cent of those across Metro Vancouver. That’s the highest ratio of any North American urban region, making Vancouver the poster city for condos. Vancouver-style condo mania is global. The world’s highest building, the 828-metre Burj Khallifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is in large part a residential condominium complex. And no longer is New York City characterized mostly by commercial office towers like the Empire State Building. The megalopolis’s most notable landmarks are now pencil-thin glass condominium skyscrapers on so-called Billionaires Row, such as the Steinway Tower and 98-storey Central Park Tower. The condominium model, also known as strata ownership, has provided the basis for the swelling of Vancouver, Toronto and many other cities since the Second World War, according to Douglas Harris, a University of B.C. property law professor who cheerfully acknowledges he has a fixation with the phenomenon. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Article content It’s “one of the defining institutions of our time,” said Harris, who describes the condominium structure as technically “a form of land ownership that combines private ownership of an individual unit in a multi-unit building with a share of the common property… and a right to participate in collective governance.” Harris persuasively argues the novel legal structure has changed the face of home ownership. “The numbers are staggering.” Among other things, “condofication” has inaugurated a global shift to much more dense urban living, he says, which has greatly inflated land prices. Condominiums, Harris says, have also generated a “massive” transnational movement of wealth and people into cities, inaugurated a heightened level of real estate capitalism and, in effect, created a new form of private governance. The sun sets on Central Park Tower and the Steinway Tower on Billionaires’ Row in New York City, making these residential condominium projects more notable landmarks than the city’s commercial office towers, like The Empire State Building. Photo by Gary Hershorn /Getty Images Michael Mityok, interviewed as he emerged from his 800-square-foot condominium unit in Vancouver Balsam House, was largely unaware of the historical importance of the place he has lived for seven years. Mityok simply expressed contentment with his condo complex, with its mature strata council members and sound-muffling concrete construction. “It was actually built properly,” he says, unlike many that followed, resulting in — among other things — the city’s notorious leaky condo crisis. Article content Mityok also enjoys his ethnically mixed Kerrisdale neighbourhood, in which nearby condo projects built decades ago, in contrast to those constructed today, come with expansive gardens. He estimates the two-bedroom unit he bought for $700,000 is now worth just under $800,000. That price tag is nothing compared to the many glamorous newer