It’s almost time for one of Vancouver’s favourite summer events to return for a stellar, sun-soaked day of fun.
On Saturday, July 9, the Khatsahlano Street Party, a free annual celebration, will take over 10 blocks along Kitsilano’s fourth avenue between Burrard Street and Macdonald Street.
Attendees to the city’s largest free music and arts festival can look forward to more than 50 musical performances, local artisans, Indigenous cultural sharing, street performers, and beer gardens.
The pool is expected to reopen followed repairs for damages incurred from a major storm.
Locals looking to take a refreshing dip in one of Vancouver’s most popular pools might be in luck this summer.
Weather dependent, Kitsilano Pool — the longest saltwater pool in North America — might open in time for August Long weekend, according to the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.
We always have an awesome selection of new food and beverage establishments to check out here in Vancouver, but we like to keep track of what’s coming up too.
A nearly 40-storey skyscraper proposed for the site of a future Vancouver subway station is one step closer to being built following approval from city council Tuesday.
In a vote of 9-2, council approved a rezoning application that would allow for the mixed-use building to be constructed on the northeast corner of the intersection of West Broadway and Granville Street.
There used to be an RBC bank branch on the site, but it has since been demolished.
PCI Developments LP and Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership Architects have plans to build a 124-metre (407-foot) tower at 1477 West Broadway, which would make it the tallest building in the immediate area.
Sick of bidding wars? Can’t find your dream home? Priced out of the housing market?
Whatever your motive, if you’ve ever thought that it might be cheaper and easier to buy a plot of land and build a brand new house, you’re not alone.
According to Altus Group’s 2022 Canadian Cost Guide, building a single-family home in Canada ranges from $100 to $275 per square foot, depending on where you live.
Just like buying a house, Vancouver and Toronto are the most expensive cities in which to build a new home in Canada. In Vancouver, the process costs between $150 and $275 per square foot, while in the Greater Toronto Area it runs from $165 to $260 per square foot.
At $130 to $190 per square foot, Montreal is a more affordable city to build your dream home in. Calgary and Edmonton, where prices range from $125 to $200 per square foot, are also cheaper options.
While the numbers look good on paper, they don’t factor in other costs associated with building a new house, like buying and clearing land or tearing down existing structures.
If you are considering building a home from scratch, Re/Max advises choosing a plot further away from a major city to lower the price tag. Taking bids from multiple contractors, choosing cheaper materials, and doing some of the work yourself can also help lower costs.
The average cost of building a house in major Canadian cities:
Vancouver: $150 – $275
Calgary: $125 – $200
Edmonton: $125 – $200
Winnipeg: $120 – $190
Greater Toronto Area: $165 – $260
Ottawa: $125 – $205
Montreal: $130 – $190
Halifax: $100 – $155
St. John’s: $120 – $155
Article from https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/how-much-it-costs-to-build-a-house-in-canadian-cities?fbclid=IwAR0YcvArak41vWCpqlj6P7PXzC7U6JXSgVyJL_TdIL25707d7XZrIvVtnGc
Living in a metropolis like Vancouver — which is now considered to have some of the highest real estate prices in the world — can make homeownership feel like a pipedream. You can skimp on all the avocado toast and takeout coffee in the world, carefully stash your paycheques into your savings account and still be lightyears away from a down payment.
If you’re feeling priced out of the market, you’re far from alone. Many families and young professionals are facing an ultimatum: become a lifelong renter or relocate somewhere more affordable.
But what if it didn’t have to be that way? Ch’ich’iyúy, a new real estate project, is underway in East Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood with an initiative that promises to make homeownership affordable to locals who don’t want to sacrifice proximity and lifestyle.
Bringing homeownership within reach
As you may have guessed, this isn’t your typical real estate project. In fact, the Ch’ich’iyúy pre-sale offer is the first-of-its-kind homeownership opportunity in Canada.
Down payments on these brand-new studio, loft-style, one- and two-bedroom units are flexible and below the average market down payment rate. A down payment as low as 5% can be made incrementally over time.
Buyers also qualify based on their annual household income, starting at $48K. Affordability of monthly mortgage payments is also ensured through a monthly payment cap of 30% of your gross household income, which means homeowners don’t have to forfeit their lifestyles.
Unlike traditional condo ownership, there aren’t any surprises, like the burden of potential building repair costs. The goal is to enable homeowners to build long-term equity, which they can take with them if they sell.
“In a market that has priced so many people out of ownership, we’re re-thinking the model to bring ownership within reach of renters and doing so in a way that is so much more than just housing,” says Dr. Dave Baspaly, Board Member of the Aboriginal Land Trust.
A community development quite unlike any other, Ch’ich’iyúy offers the perks of homeownership without the financial precarity.
Step inside
Taking a peek inside the new studio, loft, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites, you’ll find modern design elements and thoughtful finishes.
The heart of any home, the kitchen is equipped with custom-designed cabinetry and energy-efficient appliances, including a built-in refrigerator and freezer, microwave, cooktop, as well as an under-counter built-in oven and dishwasher. Its solid-surface counters, matching backsplash, and under-mount stainless steel sink also give the space a contemporary feel.
Details, like in-suite laundry, sustainably-made vinyl plank flooring, spacious nine ft ceilings, and natural light make the homes functional and inviting.
For a limited time, prospective buyers even have the option of choosing between an oaky “earth” or grey “sky” colour palette. The bright and efficient modern three-piece bathrooms feature a relaxing bathtub.
The bedrooms are designed to be uncluttered, thanks to modular closet systems that maximize storage and allow items to be tucked out of sight. One- and two-bedroom floorplans offer a private deck for relaxing and entertaining, while studios feature an open-air Juliet balcony.
Building an inclusive community
Beyond its comfortable interiors and affordable pricepoint, Ch’ich’iyúy is creating an inclusive, community-oriented atmosphere that celebrates Indigenous Peoples and cultures while welcoming everyone.
Named for Ch’ich’iyúy Elxwíkn, the Twin Sister mountains (known to settlers as The Lions) that watch over the three Host Nations of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). Everything from the development’s namesake to its thoughtful design celebrate and honour Indigenous Peoples and Cultures.
Community spaces are integral throughout the building from the moment you enter the doors and experience Ch’ich’iyúy’s brightly lit lobby and Indigenous-inspired design features.
Attributes, like spacious outdoor hallways and gathering spaces throughout the building are intended to create opportunities for residents to grow, play, and connect.
The vivid art features and accents also add an element of cultural connection through the Indigenous-created interpretive graphics and large-scale art pieces that adorn several of the communal spaces. The building’s exterior will also feature the artwork of an Indigenous artist inspired by the story of Ch’ich’iyúy Elxwíkn. The building’s abundant amenity spaces are also intended to foster a sense of community.
On the eighth floor is the urban agriculture deck, where residents can plant their own gardens and dine among the lush greenery with views of Strathcona. The multi-purpose wellness deck, on the 11th floor, is a dedicated fitness and play space.
Through sustainable building and growing, Ch’ich’iyúy prioritizes a connection to nature in an urban setting. A “rooftop meadow” with low grasses and native plantings is a verdant addition that maximizes green space and views of the North Shore mountains.
On the top floor is a rooftop longhouse — a place for residents to gather, feast, and come together to engage in Indigenous cultural practices and traditions. Designed to accommodate feasts of up to 70 people, the space includes everything you need to host a large gathering, including a serving kitchen and movable furnishings.
Also located within the rooftop area is the sky garden, which boasts mountain views, a community BBQ, firepits, an outdoor dining area, and a play space for kids.
To learn more about this accessible homeownership opportunity, you can visit chichiyuy.ca.
Article from https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/chichiyuy-vancouver-homes-community-ownership-affordable?fbclid=IwAR0PX_nUpwIAKCkZ6O2yezJ3exl90tqZxly4oc3J8atlW3vUN396tTFORlY
The latest report on luxury real estate in Vancouver suggests the only housing type seeing an increase in sales so far this year is condominiums.
According to data from Sotheby’s International Realty, the number of condos sold for more than $1 million was up nearly 30 per cent in the first quarter, when compared to the same period in 2021.
Nearly as many condos in that category were sold as $1-million-plus houses, and when taking into account the cost of detached homes in Vancouver, it shows an increased interest in luxury properties.
There are still 10 neighborhoods in Vancouver where the average one-bedroom apartment is less than $2,000 a month – a relative bargain as rates continue to climb, according to a recent report.
Data from online rental platform Zumper shows the median rent in the city as $2,275 in May, a year-over-year jump of 17 per cent and the highest rate recorded since the site began tracking data in 2016.
However, a breakdown by area shows prices as high as $2,870 in Quilchena and as low as $1,500 in Hastings-Sunrise this month.
A few neighbourhoods along major transit routes with a relatively high concentration of low-rise apartment buildings like Grandview-Woodland, South Granville, and Marpole all come in under the $2,000 mark at $1,748, $1,750 and $1,950 respectively.
But some neighbourhoods in the southern part of the city, dominated by single-family homes, also came in below the average. In Arbutus it was $1,600, in Victoria-Fraserview it was $1,750, and in Sunset it was $1,914.
On the more expensive end of the spectrum was Mount Pleasant, a historically affordable working-class East Vancouver neighbourhood, which saw median rents of $2,250. In the densely-populated West End, the price was $2,175.
In addition to Quilchena, four other neighbourhoods were more expensive than the city-wide average. A one-bedroom in the city’s downtown core runs $2,500, in West Point Grey it’s $2,400, in Riley Park-Little Mountain it’s $2,360, and in Cambia it’s $2,350.
While these averages show some of what prospective renters can expect, the city’s low vacancy rate coupled with high demand means navigating a highly-competitive rental market where finding a place to rent more complicated than just finding a listing online.
Here is the full list:
Hastings-Sunrise$1,500
Arbutus$1,600
Grandview-Woodland$1,748
Victoria-Fraserview$1,750
South Granville$1,750
Sunset$1,914
Marpole$1,950
Kitsilano$1,963
Strathcona $1,973
Oakridge $1,995
Fairview$2,000
Renfrew-Collingwood $2,000
Dunbar$2,000
Kensington-Cedar Cottage$2,000
Killarney$2,050
Kerrisdale$2,075
West End$2,175
University Endowment Lands$2,218
Mt. Pleasant$2,250
Cambie$2,350
Riley Park – Little Mountain$2,360
West Point Grey$2,400
Downtown Vancouver$2,500
Quilchena $2,870
Article from https://bc.ctvnews.ca/which-vancouver-neighbourhoods-have-the-cheapest-rents-1.5899059