BUYERS – Find the best deals, foreclosures, bank distress, estate sales and exclusive listings. Visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS” Changing demand drives trend toward bigger, more functional spaces Canada’s rental market has hit a critical low in vacancy levels, but developers are struggling to keep pace with the growing demand for new housing. Despite a…
Get a feel for different communities without leaving home Published Nov 18, 2024 • Last updated 47 minutes ago • 3 minute read RealTours on location in Chilliwack visiting different homes for sale and exploring the neighbourhood. Photo by Supplied by RealTours Interested in poking around a Vancouver or Lower Mainland neighbourhood from the comfort of your laptop or phone? RealTours is a series of episodes hosted by Stephen Tadgh on the Canadian real estate platform REW, exploring areas like Vancouver, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Cultus Lake and Langley. Tadgh does the research and legwork to give home seekers — or those simply curious about an area — insight into what it costs to buy in these areas and more. 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 “We wanted to capture the essence of what living in a place truly feels like from the perspectives of the people already rooted there. Each community is chosen based on a blend of current real estate interest, unique local character, and, of course, the demand from our audience who want to explore beyond the standard market metrics like price per square foot or available listings,” says Tadgh. Behind the scenes with Stephen Tadgh Tadgh created the first episodes of RealTours in 2022, mere months after moving to Vancouver from Ireland. As a new immigrant, he was naturally curious about Vancouver and surrounding areas. He wanted to look around. “Coming from Ireland, where community identity and storytelling are deeply embedded in culture, I connect to people through shared stories, not just places. That background has been instrumental in RealTours,” he says. The team researches each area’s local history, demographic trends and real estate data and then hits the ground to meet people who live there and find out about the local community and favourite spots, says Tadgh. They look at what real estate exists in the community if someone wants to buy today, and they don’t shy away from the potential ‘cons’ of living there. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Article content “I am acutely aware of the optics of being an Irish immigrant who’s lived here for less than three years dictating how these neighbourhoods are immortalized on our screen. To present a sugar-coated version of these communities would be, in my opinion, a grave injustice,” he says. Pride and prices One of the biggest surprises for Tadgh is the sense of identity and pride people who live in these different communities have, he says. “It was very easy as a newcomer to group certain neighbourhoods together indiscriminately. Like Burnaby, for so long, it has been that area outside of Vancouver with the towers. But then you spend some time in Burnaby Heights and realize that there is a whole other vibe and history that exists there versus southern Burnaby or Metrotown.” Real Estate ownership in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland is, to put it politely, disheartening at the moment, says Tadgh. Something they’re trying to do with RealTours is show the diversity of homes available for home seekers interested in specific communities. “Want to live in Kitsilano but can’t afford the multi-million dollar listings by the beach? Why not take a look at the new stratified units made possible through zoning regulation changes?” he says. Article content How to use RealTours People can learn about an area’s past, present and future by referring back to these episodes, says Tadgh. “While we may not go back and visit an area for a number of years, the Guide on REW.ca can keep you informed about the changes in the community.” What’s next? “I’ve been told I’m not allowed to speak too much right now; however, all I’ll say is if you are in Alberta, Northern B.C. or the Okanagan, then I’d love to hear
We’re halfway through November Vancouver, which means the holiday (and Taylor Swift) events are coming in hot. From Christmas markets to a Pad Thai throwdown, here are some can’t-miss events happening in and around Vancouver this week. One-time-only Hibernation Harvest Enjoy a five-course Italian feast celebrating seasonal comfort food at Locanda dell’Orso. Guests are invited to embrace the cozy spirit of hibernation season with a feast that captures the essence of autumn, featuring rich, comforting Italian dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. When: November 18 Time: From 5 pm Where: Locanda dell’Orso — 350 W Pender Street, Vancouver Cost: $139 per person Wine Dinner with Rombauer Vineyards Five Sails Enjoy a seasonal menu from Five Sails expertly crafted to complement the wines of Rombauer Vineyards. Enjoy dishes like Canadian Lobster Tail, Fraser Valley Duck Breast, and Grilled Bison Tenderloin, each paired with a selection of Rombauer wines. When: November 18 Time: 6:30 pm Where: Five Sails — 999 Canada Place, Vancouver Cost: $185 per person The Little Mermaid Drag Show Head over to Fanny Bay Oyster Bar for a Little Mermaid-themed drag show production by the epic team from SleepyQueers Productions paired with an OceanWise-themed menu. When: November 20 Time: Doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm Where: Fanny Bay Oyster Bar — 762 Cambie Street, Vancouver Cost: $25.83 Lightning Strikes at Meo: A night of electric sips and sizzling BBQ Meo is welcoming LA’s Thunderbolt for one epic bar takeover on Wednesday, November 20. Thunderbolt will serve up its distinctive signature cocktails while guests feast on an exclusive, good old-fashioned cookout by Basta Barbeceu’s Alden Ong, a way to pay tribute to Thunderbolt’s Southern roots. When: November 20 Where: Meo — 265 E Pender Street, Vancouver Cost: $88 per person Recurring Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl The fall festival, which will take place from November 1 to 21, is a self-guided tour of creative and Instagrammable limited-edition croissants from bakeries across Metro Vancouver. Thirty-five vendors are taking part in this year’s festivities, serving up all sorts of wild croissants. When: November 1 to 21 Where: Participating bakeries and cafes around the city Vancouver Christmas Market 2024 With festive live entertainment, unique holiday vendors, and a beautiful Christmas carousel, this event, happening from November 13 to December 24, is one not to miss. And you’ll want to bring your appetite with you because the market is serving up delicious German-style food and drinks. Visitors will find everything from traditional Glühwein to mini syrup-filled pancakes, gulasch, and so much more, creating an unforgettable visit. When: November 13 to December 24, 2024 Time: Various timeslots Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, purchase online The Eras Food Tour (Granville Island’s Version) Vancouver Foodie Tours invites all Swifties to embark on a special Eras Food Tour around Granville Island. Bring an appetite as you visit Benton Brothers Local Cheeses, Oyama Charcuterie Platter, Pad Siew, Lee’s Honey Dip Donut, and more. When: Every Friday to Sunday from November 15 to December 8, and December 13, 2024 Time: 1 to 3 pm Where: Meeting place at Granville Island Public Market Tickets: Various, purchase online Battle of the Pad Thai 2024 Two Thai restaurants are going head to head in a delicious and friendly competition to prove who has the best Pad Thai dish. Over 14 days, noodle lovers can visit Sen Pad Thai and Longtail Kitchen to try a limited-edition Pad Thai flavour and vote for their favourites. Plus, those participating are entered into a contest for a year of free Pad Thai from both restaurants. To enter, guests can pick up a special Pad Thai stamp card at either restaurant. After enjoying both dishes, completed stamp cards can be submitted at either restaurant. When: November 7 to 21 Where: Longtail Kitchen (810 Quayside Drive Unit 116, New Westminster) and Sen Pad Thai (1689 Johnston Street, Vancouver) Celebrating Seasonality Enjoy a special four-course plant-forward menu at Botanist every Wednesday evening throughout November. Thoughtfully curated by Executive Chef Hector Laguna, each course highlights the natural flavours and nutritional benefits of vegetable-centered cuisine. When: Every Wednesday evening Where: Botanist — 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver Cirque-Inspired Pre-Show Menu at The Victor Before heading to the big top, you can stop at The Victor for a Cirque-inspired pre-show menu featuring vibrant flavours and creative presentations. You can enjoy your choice of appetizers and main courses, including options like Columbia River Steelhead Salmon, Center Cut Ribeye, and Myca Farms Mushroom Risotto. When: Until December 15 Time: 5 to 6:30 pm Where: The Victor — 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver Cost: $75 Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok
A group of Vancouver residents are speaking out against a proposed 18-storey high-rise development for W 14th Street and Yukon. “It doesn’t feel like the most appropriate thing for this area,” said Graeme Webber, a resident who lives in the neighbourhood. “It feels like a cash grab.” Signs in the neighbourhood posted on lawns read ‘Save 14th & Yukon’. The 100+ unit building was proposed as part of the city’s Broadway Plan to add more density along the new Broadway subway line. The neighbourhood currently boasts primarily detached homes or small apartment buildings approximately three-stories high. “Densification is important,” said Webber. “But it’s already a densely packed neighborhood.” Webber says he’s concerned that public services wouldn’t be able to handle an influx of residents. He tells CTV News that his son is currently on a waitlist to attend a nearby kindergarten. “As it is right now, we have to drive twenty minutes to get my kid to his elementary school,” said Webber. Eleanor Clark offered her support to the group, despite living several blocks away. She tells CTV News that another Broadway Plan development near Birch and 13th Street will eventually force her to move. “It’s happening everywhere,” said Clark. “I think they need to actually talk to people – talk to people that live in houses that are being destroyed, or four-story walk-ups that are being destroyed, and find out their stories and what it means to be displaced.” The Broadway Plan was approved in June 2022 and aims to transform a large section of Broadway into a second downtown. “I recognize change is difficult,” said Lisa Dominato, Vancouver City councilor. Dominato wouldn’t comment specifically on the development at 14th and Yukon, as the proposal still has to go before a public hearing, but she speak on the Broadway Plan’s vision. “We are trying to be responsive to what we’ve heard year after year after year is the issues of housing need, addressing the lack of the rental vacancy in the city, the inability to live here, to address affordability,” said Dominato. Dominato acknowledged that federal funding is needed to improve infrastructure, adding how City staff are currently reviewing the Broadway Plan and a new report is expected in the coming months. “We’re working collaboratively with the province, with the federal government to advocate for more infrastructure dollars to support the housing. They go hand in hand.” This comes as Council approved its first Broadway Plan high-rise on Thursday after a lengthy public hearing. The building is set for East 10th and St. George. For Webber, he hopes the city takes a close look at what makes sense for each neighbourhood. “We’d like it to be done more thoughtfully, more intentionally and not just trying to maximize density and put the smallest units in the tallest buildings possible,” said Webber.
Winter in the Lower Mainland is nothing short of magical, with plenty of festive events and cozy activities to make the season unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing retreat, a fun family outing, or a romantic date night, this Winter Activities Guide has got you covered. From rejuvenating spa experiences to sparkling holiday light displays, we’ve rounded up the best spots to help you embrace the winter chill in style. So, grab your loved ones, your friends, or just your holiday spirit, and dive into the winter wonderland waiting for you in and around Vancouver. Vancouver Winter Activities The Hobbit – Pacific Theatre This holiday season, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of J.R.R. Tolkien with The Hobbit , premiering at Pacific Theatre from November 13 to December 21, 2024 . This innovative production features the talented duo Peter Carlone and Tim Carlson in a captivating two-person staging, reimagined by playwright Kim Selody. This adaptation breathes new life into Tolkien’s classic story, presenting the beloved tale of Bilbo Baggins’ unexpected journey and the friendships forged along the way. Photo: Pacific Theatre When Bilbo, a humble hobbit with a penchant for comfort and second breakfasts, opens his door to the mysterious wizard Gandalf, he embarks on an epic adventure filled with trolls, dragons, and treacherous landscapes. The unique format of this production allows the audience to engage deeply with the narrative. The storytelling will capture your imagination as the two performers bring to life a cast of characters. The intimate setting of Pacific Theatre enhances the experience, allowing for a close connection between the actors and the audience. With only a limited number of seats available, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a heartwarming and visually stunning performance that captures the essence of adventure, bravery, and the spirit of the holidays. Photo: Pacific Theatre Ticket prices start at $20 , making it accessible for families and fans alike. Given the theatre’s small capacity, early booking is essential to secure your spot at what promises to be one of the standout productions of the season. For additional details, including showtimes and ticket availability, visit Pacific Theatre’s official website and follow them on Instagram to keep up with their latest productions. Yuen Foot Massage & Spa Yuen Foot Massage & Spa in Coal Harbour offers the perfect setting for couples seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and quality time together. Whether you’re looking to de-stress or enjoy a romantic getaway from the city hustle, Yuen Spa offers a variety of treatments designed for ultimate relaxation. Photo: Yuen Spa Couples will appreciate the luxurious VIP rooms designed for privacy and comfort, where you can enjoy your massage together, side by side. The spa offers a range of services, including: Signature Reflexology : Tailored to relieve tension and improve circulation, perfect for those looking to relax or address specific muscle tension. Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue Massages : Ideal for couples seeking a soothing experience or deeper muscle relief. Swedish & Hot Stone Massages : Great for a romantic experience, these techniques help restore balance, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. Yuen Foot Massage & Spa also offers special promotions and packages for couples, including discounted rates for paired massages and group bookings, making it a fantastic choice for date nights, anniversaries, or celebrations. If you’re planning a special event, the spa’s VIP lounge is available for group bookings, where couples can celebrate birthdays or milestones in a serene and elegant environment. The VIP lounge is a one-of-a-kind luxury space in Vancouver, offering elegant décor, premium amenities, and an exclusive atmosphere that transforms from the serene vibe of the rest of the spa into a dynamic setting—perfect for hosting up to 10 guests for unforgettable group celebrations or private gatherings. With new locations opening soon in North Vancouver and Richmond, couples across the region will be able to enjoy the same high-end relaxation experience at these expanded locations. The new Richmond location will be directly across from Richmond Centre! This location will set a new standard for spa experiences in the area, offering VIP rooms that are larger and designed to accommodate various group sizes—perfect for private events, celebrations, and exclusive gatherings. Photo: Yuen Spa The Richmond spa will feature luxury dark tones and an elegant, modern atmosphere, creating a vibe unlike anything Richmond has ever seen. With unmatched attention to detail and premium amenities, this location promises to redefine relaxation and elevate every visit. To celebrate the opening, they will soon launch special membership promotions, so don’t miss out! Follow them on Instagram at @ yuenspacoalharbour and @ yuensparichmond for updates and exclusive offers. Martini Town This holiday season, experience the magic of the holidays like never before at Martini Town in Langley, BC. From December 4, 2024, to January 5, 2025 , the film backlot will be transformed into Merry & Bright , a festive holiday event that brings together stunning lights, live performances, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re looking to capture a perfect holiday photo or enjoy seasonal treats with loved ones, Martini Town provides the ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories this season. Photo: Martini Town What’s in Store at Merry & Bright : Stunning Holiday Lights : The backlot will shine bright with dazzling light displays that set the perfect festive atmosphere, ideal for capturing beautiful holiday moments. Live Entertainment : From carolers to bands, enjoy a range of live performances that will add
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there are so many holly and jolly events to check out around the city. But there’s no need to blow your budget this holiday season! Get festive with our list of 23 FREE and cheap things to do around Metro Vancouver, including Christmas lights, ice skating, artisan markets, and more. Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town. And to stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, BC, and beyond, sign up for our newsletters! Lights at Lafarge Lights at Lafarge What: Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back again for another holiday season. The annual tradition will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones. When: November 22, 2024 until February 2025 Time: Nightly from 4 to 11 pm Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam Cost: Free St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display. St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998. More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Wednesday, November 27. And fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night. When: November 27, 2024 (lights will be on display until January 3, 2025) Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver Admission: Free The Christmas Store at Potters What: The Christmas Store at Potters is back for its 20th year of delighting shoppers with its opulent holiday displays and festive fun. The most magical place in Metro Vancouver to get inspired for the holidays is now open to the public in Surrey. It features a massive array of decor items, stocking stuffers, and one-of-a-kind gifts. When: November 1 until December 24, 2024 Where: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey Admission: Free Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market City of Surrey/Submitted What: Holiday festivities are just around the corner and one of our favourite events is helping to kick things off in a big way in the City of Surrey. The 14th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held on November 23 and 24 at Surrey Civic Plaza. The outdoor event will offer plenty of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music and dance, food trucks, amusement rides, and more. When: November 23 and 24, 2024 Time: Noon to 8 pm Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey Cost: Free Bright Nights at Stanley Park What: The Christmas Train tickets may be sold out for the season, but there is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout December. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund. When: November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 4 to 10 pm Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance Admission: Train tickets are sold out. Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza Shipyards Christmas Market What: It’s never too early to think about Christmas, especially when a new festive event is gearing up for its Metro Vancouver debut this fall. The Shipyards Christmas Market is launching in North Vancouver starting on November 29 and running through to December 24. With dozens of artisan stalls, food vendors, and live performers, as well as visits with Santa, and more, it is shaping up to be everything we’ve asked for on our wish list. When: November 29 to December 24, 2024 Time: 11 am to 9 pm (Monday to Thursday), 11 am to 10 pm (Saturday and Sunday), 11 am to 5 pm (December 24) Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver Cost: Free PNE Winter Fair PNE Winter Fair What: PNE’s popular Winter Fair returns this December, with holiday-themed food and drinks, light displays and live entertainment, and more. The most unique winter fair in BC is presented by BCAA and will run from December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23. It promises to delight guests of all ages once again through the return of familiar favourites like the WinterLights, the enchanting illuminated train, Nutcracker on Ice, Ice Bumper Cars, and more. When: December 6 to 8, and 12 to 23, 2024 Time: 4 to 10 pm Where: Hastings Park – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver Cost: PNE Winter Fair tickets are $7.50-$20 in advance, purchase online. Group rates and BCAA discounted tickets are also available. Holiday Shop at The Polygon Gallery What: The festive season is just around the corner, and The Polygon Gallery is making sure that your holidays are ready to shine bright. The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop from November 13 to January 5. Visitors to The Polygon
A recently sold Vancouver home lost some big money in just over a year. The home at 6869 Beechwood Street was listed for sale in September 2023 for $9,998,000, but it didn’t sell for over a year after that last week for $7,281,580. It sold for nearly $3 million under the asking price of $9,998,000. According to Zealty, the home was last sold in May 2023 for $8,100,000, with the same asking price of $9,998,000. That means that between May 2023 and November 2024, there was a loss of $819,420. Zealty says the Beechwood Street home in the Vancouver SouthWest Marine region was built in 2018. It features seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, and is a sizeable 7,889 sq ft. The lot is quite large, at 11,814 sq ft. Royal Pacific Realty Corp. Royal Pacific Realty Corporation’s listing says the home is an “exquisite mansion” with premium hardwood flooring and European stone throughout. Royal Pacific Realty Corp. It also features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, and even golf training equipment, but the listing doesn’t include pictures of the fun stuff. Royal Pacific Realty Corp. The home’s most recent assessed value was $6,702,000. Royal Pacific Realty Corp. After the Vancouver home sold, there was discussion on X surrounding the amount it lost compared to the previous sale. Massive loss of capital. Almost 1 mil. That stings big time. — Law of Reflection (@david_door57003) November 15, 2024 This is another example of a long line of similar sales over the past year, with many owners looking to sell for more than the assessed value but having to bring the price down to snag a buyer. “October sales numbers suggest buyers may finally be responding to lower borrowing costs after waiting on the sidelines for months,” said Greater Vancouver Realtors in last month’s report. Earlier this month, we spoke to Ryan Dash, who works with eXp Realty and is one of the people behind the Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast ; he also had some thoughts on the current real estate climate. Dash said there’s been a bit of a stalemate, as everyone thought buyers would flood the market after rates went down. Instead, sellers flooded the market. “They wanted to sell and move on and a lot of sellers that wanted to sell a year ago chose not to because interest rates were so high.” After that, inventory wasn’t moving, and sellers kept flooding the market with housing supply. “We’ve seen a lot of buyers sit on the sidelines, and they’re letting sellers compete. Sellers are lowering their prices to try and make buyers come and put a deal together.”
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 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
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