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TO READ THESE STORIESAND MUCH MORE REAL ESTATE

NEWS AND ADVICE

RBC Contradicts CMHC over BC Home

Sales Forecast

Ask the Expert: Renegotiating Over Inspection Issues

Exploring the Benefi ts of

Reverse Mortgages

A Vancouver-based team of

researchers called Slow Streets

wants to shake up the way we

think about who and what streets are

for. Does our current model of road-

ways designed predominately for cars

make the best social and economic

sense? What if streets made slower

methods of getting places – like walk-

ing, cycling or transit – easier and more

attractive?

In a recent report, Slow Streets made

a strong case for the argument that

placing greater priority on “slower

modes” of transportation not only cre-

ates a higher return on investment but

also helps local businesses thrive.

Comparing Commercial Drive and

Union Street – now into its second year

with a segregated cycling lane buff ered

by car parking – the team uncovered a

wealth of data to support the idea.

Who’s on The Drive?Who’s on The Drive?The study began by examining who

is on The Drive and how they trav-

elled there. Data collected during three

observation periods (weekday after-

noon, peak evening and weekend after-

noon between September and October

2014) revealed that an astonishing 93

per cent of people visiting The Drive

had arrived on foot. A further 3 per cent

arrived on transit, with cycling and cars

accounting for 2 per cent each.

On average, 665 pedestrians passed

each observation point every hour but

almost three-quarters of them were

simply on their way to somewhere else.

The rest were either shopping or had

plans to meet with friends. Regardless

of why or how they came to The Drive,

though, people spent the majority of

their time walking on the sidewalk.

Only 65 cyclists per hour were willing

to risk the dangers of navigating a busy

road with no cycle lane.

In comparison, Union Street sees

289 cyclists per hour cycling and has

a signifi cantly lower noise level –

Commercial’s 76dB is like standing 15

metres from a highway while Union

is approximately the level of a TV or

radio.

Which begs the question, in a neigh-

bourhood that has one of the lowest

rates of car ownership, why not create

a more comfortable, secure sidewalk

experience on The Drive?

Good BusinessGood Business“One of the biggest surprises when

we looked at Commercial Drive was

that most of the people who spend

time there are on their feet,” says

Samuel Baron, one of the study’s four

authors. “But with six lanes of traffi c

and parking, it can become so crowded

it’s uninviting. Simply replacing two of

those lanes with protected cycle lanes

and widened sidewalks you create a

safer, more inviting environment for

pedestrian traffi c, provide opportuni-

ties for patios and other outdoor spaces

where people can socialize, all the

while enhancing the existing lively,

urban vibe.”

And while there’s long been a per-

ception that retailers in ground-orient-

ed shopping areas would suff er if park-

ing is removed, Slow Streets’ research

showed the opposite. In fact, about 20

per cent of Union Street area residents

who cycle said they stop (and shop) at

local businesses more frequently now

the protected cycle lanes have been

installed. Five out of seven businesses

on Union Street said implementing a

bike lane was good for Union Street and

have changed their minds for the better

about bike lanes in general. Four out of

seven said it increased their business.

“When you have people walking

and looking in shop windows, they are

much more likely to make spontaneous

purchases,” Baron notes, adding that

a related Portland study found people

who are walking or cycling spend more

per month at restaurants, bars and con-

venience stores than car drivers. All of

which means that slow streets are good

for people and good for business.

To check out the complete report,

visit slowstreets.wordpress.com.

IN VANCOUVER’S STREETS DRIVING CHANGE

BURNABY NEW WESTMINSTER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015info@rew.ca • 604-435-7977

•2 REW.ca » BURNABY / NEW WESTMINSTER » FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2015

• 306 SALES AWARDS SINCE 1984 • REBGV LIFE MEMBER WESTCOAST

604-275-9787patsy@patsyhui.com

www. .com

152 Sales in 2014!

OUTSTANDING AGENT ... OUTSTANDING RESULTS

CHILDCARE CENTRE + PROPERTY$1,168,000 OWNER RETIRING! RARE GOLDEN

OPPORTUNITY to own this FULL-DAY CHILDCARE CENTRE business & property in the most DESIRABLE LOCATION in PORT COQUITLAM. This 1997 built 5329 sq ̓ LIVE/WORK 3-LEVEL FAMILY HOME/SCHOOL includes 1639 sqʼ+/- upstairs living quarters & a SUCCESSFUL PRE-SCHOOL & BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL care programs business is on a 5635 sq ̓ CORNER PROPERTY. Run your childcare business, PAY YOUR OWN MORTGAGE INSTEAD OF RENT!

JASON SOPROVICHEXCELLENCE IN THE LUXURY HOME MARKET

604.817.8812

soprovich.com

Magnifi cent Heritage Residence in Buckingham HeightsOriginated in 1892, the ‘Wintemute House’ is Burnaby’s most historical residence offering a one-of-a-kind tranquil setting complete with magnifi cent grounds, stone walls, lush landscaping, Porte Cochere and 5-car garage. This magnifi cent heritage residence is situated on a large 1/3-acre property in the heart of Burnaby’s most sought after and prestigious ‘Buckingham Heights’neighbourhood. Featuring complete privacy and approximately 5,000 sq. ft. on three sprawling levels, the home offers impeccablequality and fi nishings of yesteryear and has been meticulously maintained with the utmost of care and attention to detail. The bright open fl oorplan features 5 spacious bedrooms upstairs including a sensational master with sitting area, four gleaming bathrooms, spacious living and dining rooms with roaring fi replace, high ceilings with crown mouldings, a wonderful kitchen and eating area, a cozy family/games room with custom woodwork and ceiling detail, a private study with signature fi replace, mullion-paned heritage windows, miles of wainscoting, an elegant formal entrance and rich hardwood fl ooring – all opening through French doors to a gorgeous sunfi lled wrap-around veranda. Additionally, the home offers a crescent driveway, full basement, ample storage and sizeable attic that can be used as an extra guest bedroom or playroom for kids. Minutes to all local amenities includingMalvern, Braemar and Buckingham Parks. This exclusive estate can be yours today! PLEASE NOTE - The home is designated under the Heritage Act with The District of Burnaby and requires City approval before any exterior renovations or demolition is executed.

7640 Berkley Street, Burnaby Offered at $2,198,000

1st Showing - Sunday, Feb 22nd 1:00 - 4:004714 Cedarglen Place, Burnaby

1,722 s.f. - $499,000

See you there!

• 306 SALES AWARDS SINCE 1984 • REBGV LIFE MEMBER WESTCOAST

604-275-9787patsy@patsyhui.com

www. .com

152 Sales in 2014!

OUTSTANDING AGENT ... OUTSTANDING RESULTS

CHILDCARE CENTRE + PROPERTY$1,168,000 OWNER RETIRING! RARE GOLDEN

OPPORTUNITY to own this FULL-DAY CHILDCARE CENTRE business & property in the most DESIRABLE LOCATION in PORT COQUITLAM. This 1997 built 5329 sq ̓ LIVE/WORK 3-LEVEL FAMILY HOME/SCHOOL includes 1639 sqʼ+/- upstairs living quarters & a SUCCESSFUL PRE-SCHOOL & BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL care programs business is on a 5635 sq ̓ CORNER PROPERTY. Run your childcare business, PAY YOUR OWN MORTGAGE INSTEAD OF RENT!

REW.ca » BURNABY / NEW WESTMINSTER » FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2015 3•

www.dexterrealty.com

604-689-8226 Yaletown

604-336-3539 Main Street

604-263-1144 KerrisdaleTaking our

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$659,900

AMAZING CORNER UNIT- Highly sought-after SW corner unit at Metroplace- 2 bed, 2 bath w/ parking & storage locker- Great open space and views from every room! MUST SEE!#3507 - 6461 TELFORD AVE.SHERMAN K. LEE 604-762-4598

OPEN SAT 2-4PM $290,000

PEACE OF MIND PURCHASE868sq.ft. - 2 bed, updated & gorgeous. A well-managed building in a quiet & treeʼd setting. Super nice bathroom, wood fl rs, in-suite laundry, W/B fi re-place, 1 pkg stall & tons of storage. Lovely! #102-1690 AUGUSTA GROVE.EVELYN SINGER 604-263-1144

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UPDATED 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with NEW stainless steel appliances and counter tops in Kitchen & bathrooms, in beautiful West Coquitlam. 10 minute walk to skytrain and Lougheed Mall and nearby Vancouver Golf Club, close to all major ame-nities, shopping, schools & S.F.U. Perfect for the fi rst time home buyer or for those looking to downsize. MUST SEE TO APPRECIATE. SHOWS LIKE NEW! #201 - 558 ROCHESTER AVE.SIMMY SANDHU 604-897-5880

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DEXTER ASSOCIATES REALTY

ALANYASIN

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Alan Yasin / Lori Pettigrew

5837 DICKENS PL.

Open House Fri-Sun 11-4 Phone: 604-745-4104

Whether you are buying or renting it isalways fun in the Sunny Fraser Valley.

www.discoverbridalfalls.com *Net of Rebates.

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BUY OR SELL A HOME?

To assist you in making the best decisions, a professional Realtor canprovide the most up to date information on the real estate market,

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Find your expert Real Estate professional right here in REW.ca!

www.dexterrealty.com

604-689-8226 Yaletown

604-336-3539 Main Street

604-263-1144 KerrisdaleTaking our

Listings Global

$659,900

AMAZING CORNER UNIT- Highly sought-after SW corner unit at Metroplace- 2 bed, 2 bath w/ parking & storage locker- Great open space and views from every room! MUST SEE!#3507 - 6461 TELFORD AVE.SHERMAN K. LEE 604-762-4598

OPEN SAT 2-4PM $290,000

PEACE OF MIND PURCHASE868sq.ft. - 2 bed, updated & gorgeous. A well-managed building in a quiet & treeʼd setting. Super nice bathroom, wood fl rs, in-suite laundry, W/B fi re-place, 1 pkg stall & tons of storage. Lovely! #102-1690 AUGUSTA GROVE.EVELYN SINGER 604-263-1144

★

JUST LISTED! $299,000

UPDATED 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM CONDO

UPDATED 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with NEW stainless steel appliances and counter tops in Kitchen & bathrooms, in beautiful West Coquitlam. 10 minute walk to skytrain and Lougheed Mall and nearby Vancouver Golf Club, close to all major ame-nities, shopping, schools & S.F.U. Perfect for the fi rst time home buyer or for those looking to downsize. MUST SEE TO APPRECIATE. SHOWS LIKE NEW! #201 - 558 ROCHESTER AVE.SIMMY SANDHU 604-897-5880

507-215 TWELFTH ST $245,000

TOP FLOOR OASIS

Discovery Reach by Bosa. Top fl oor unit with lots of updates. N.W. facing, open concept, parking, storage and more!

The Go Team 604-263-1144

LORIPETTIGREW

www.YourRealtyDreams.com

604-649-7040

DEXTER ASSOCIATES REALTY

ALANYASIN

BRAND NEW VIEW HOUSEModern high-end luxury & VIEWS! Brand new 7 bedroom house on quiet cul-de-sac, balconies with fabulous views, air conditioning, quartz counters. 2-5-10 warranty. Desirable family neighbourhood close to Deer Lake Park and Metrotown mall. Call to view.

Alan Yasin / Lori Pettigrew

5837 DICKENS PL.

•4 REW.ca » BURNABY / NEW WESTMINSTER » FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2015

SMART HOMES JUST STEPS TO THE EVERGREEN LINE.

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REW.ca » BURNABY / NEW WESTMINSTER » FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2015 5•

1708–55A STREET AT 18 AVENUE, TSAWWASSEN

CITYHOMESNORTHGATE.CA | 604.948.2345

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN. 1,2,3 LEVEL HOMES WITH YOUR OWN STREET LEVEL ENTRY

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•6 REW.ca » BURNABY / NEW WESTMINSTER » FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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REW.ca » BURNABY / NEW WESTMINSTER » FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2015 7•

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F R I D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 2 0 , 2 0 1 5BURNABY • NEW WESTMINSTER

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R E A L E S T A T E W E E K L Y

I n P r i n t > O n l i n e > I t ’ s A l l H e r e

RIVER WATCH - Waterfront Living at Its BestAs soon as Sara Aktary and her fi ancé

Frenchy heard about River Watch - Ladner’s premier waterfront condo

project – they knew they’d found their dream home. “It’s like living on the Mississippi river,” says Frenchy. “Every night, we have front row seats to the best sunsets. Our new friends are the wildlife that is right out our deck. We watch as eagles soar and salmon as they jump out of the water. It’s absolutely spectacular.”

Aktary adds: “We feel like we are living in a deluxe country resort and yet close to the city… It’s countryside living in the suburbs.”

This past June, the couple moved into their two bedrooms and two bathrooms home and they can’t stop gushing about it. “In the summer, we don’t even have the television on. We spend our time on the deck watching the boats go by,” both say.

“We have a water view from every room of our condo.”

Frenchy went on to say: “It’s a great community and we’ve made many new friends. We looked around and I can tell you that River Watch is the most aff ord-able waterfront living in all the Lower Mainland.”

Starting at $525,500 (includes the GST), River Watch sales manager Frank Becir agrees.

“Where else can you purchase a beauti-ful waterfront home in a tranquil setting starting this low?” he says, adding they often dine at their favourite local eatery, the River House Restaurant & Pub, which is steps away from their home.

Nestled on the banks of the Fraser River in Ladner and surrounded by parks and farmland to the south and east, River Watch Residences off er the

best of countryside living only 10 min-utes to Richmond, and 20 minutes into Vancouver.

Each morning, Sara and Frenchy wake up to sweeping views of the North Shore Mountains, Mt. Baker and the Fraser River. Fro sports buff , lace up your hiking shoes and head to the Millennium Trail, which off ers kilometers of walking/cycling trails that can take you to the scenic Deas Island Regional Park or Burns Bog.

River Watch is a four-storey Victorian-style building with distinctive red roof, white hardi-board siding and wrap around balconies as big as 796 square feet. This limited collection of 13 contemporary one and two bedroom homes – with only four, two bedroom suites (Including one pent-house) still available, range from 1049 square feet to more than 1332 square feet for the penthouse suite. They feature

nine-foot ceilings, electric fi replace and warm laminate wood fl ooring throughout the living area. The residences are also highlighted by large windows, gourmet kitchens with oversized Whirlpool stain-less steel appliances, quartz countertops, kitchen islands and in fl oor radiant heat.

River Watch is truly the best of urban living in a quiet, rural setting.

Act fast as there are only four homes remaining. With prices starting at $525,000 (includes GST) living on the waterfront can be a reality.

The River Watch Residences presen-tation centre, located at 6251 River Road, Ladner, is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. or by appoint-ment by calling Frank Becir 604-862-5731. For more information, you can email Becir at fbecir@telus.net or visit www.RiverWatchResidences.com.