K A M L O O P S

THIS WEEK

MonthlyNew HOMENew HOMEB U Y E R S B U Y E R S G U I D EG U I D E

VOL. 8 NO. 5

GETTING A GOOD READ ON

PAGES C3, C4

LIBRARYSQUARE

Let My Expertise Put You in a Better Place!

The Mortgage Centre/Dico Holdings

207-242 Victoria St.Kamloops, BC

V2C 2A2

250-374-2222

evans.t@mortgagecentre.com

Tanya Evans www.mortgagesbc.ca

full custom fl oorplans• quick build times• paved driveway• landscaping• low strata fees•

KOKANEE COURT 7805 DALLAS DRIVE - KAMLOOPSApproximately

$495*bi-weekly.

Includes closing cost.*OAC. Call for details.

Meet Judy. She’s president of the ladies havoc club.Maybe it’s the camaraderie, or the ‘knitting club’ but women like Judy think there’s room for more. Announcing the next phase of this popular seniors community — Mayfair.

Phase 1 (RiverBend) – SOLD OUT*

Phase 2 (Mayfair) – NOW SELLING

Occupancy Fall 2013 1-bedroom suites starting at $139,9002-bedroom suites starting at $199,900

Limited number of suites available!Call 250-682-4378

www.themayfair.ca* Rental opportunities available

www.kamloopsthisweek.com C2 ❖ Tuesday, May 29, 2012

NEW HOMES

Opening the bookon Library Square

Library Square has received rave reviews with respect to its North Kamloops location, the quality of finishing within, secure parking and admirable floor plans. Even the lobby (right) in the landmark commercial/residential showcase is stunning. For more information on leasing commercial retail units or purchasing residential units, go online to mcmrealestate.ca or call 250-372-2277. An open house is available from Thursdays to Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

769 Notre Dame Drive778.471.5858

www.urbancabin.ca

Featuring the Pebble Creek Furniture Co.

Sam MooreSam Moore

NOW OPEN!

www.kamloopsthisweek.com Tuesday, May 29, 2012 ❖ C3

NEW HOMES

By Jessica WallaceSPECIAL TO KTW

editor@kamloopsthisweek.com

North Kamloops is looking shiny and new. Residential and commercial properties of

Tranquille Road’s Library Square are contributing to the renovated look being seen on the north side of Kamloops.

“People don’t realize it but, with the new bus loop there and the new library, it’s almost become a downtown feel,” said Mona Murray, licensed leasing agent for MCM Real Estate.

“It’s become a real focal point, a hub and I think that’s an important thing,” she said.

“There are opportunities in the North Shore.”Of the six commercial properties in Library

Square, only two remain to be leased. “I could see it being a prime location for some-

body,” Murray said.There are two sizes of units available: 1,200

and 1,900 square feet. Murray said she has received positive feedback

from the businesses now leasing the commercial

retail units. “Heather’s Fabrics [Heather’s Fabric Shelf and

Quilt Shop] has done very well there,” Murray said, noting a denture clinic and Baskin Robbins have also established themselves in the commu-nity.

The area benefits from the traffic it receives from the central location and it proximity to pub-lic transportation and the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, which is located right across the parking lot

“There is a natural draw,” Murray said.Traffic to the commercial properties also comes

from residents of Library Square.The development consists of residential units

mixed with two commercial areas and the North Kamloops public library, providing unique oppor-tunities for businesses and residents.

The second phase is completed and is selling, with third-phase units available for pre-sale.

“There’s going to be 150 people living upstairs,” Murray said.

Deborah Petersmeyer, in charge of the project’s

marketing of residential sales, said a wide range of demographics are drawn to Library Square.

She has received rave reviews regarding the location, quality of finishing, secure parking and floor plans.

However, there is also the lifestyle that comes with being a resident of Library Square.

“They like the walk over to pick up their gro-ceries,” Petersmeyer said. “Some nice restaurants are nearby.”

Units start at about $179,000 and include a tax holiday, exempting owners from the City of Kamloops portion of their property taxes for 10 years.

For more information on leasing commercial retail units or purchasing residential units, go online to mcmrealestate.ca or call 250-372-2277.

An open house is available from Thursdays to Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“We get people coming in and thanking the developer for putting it there,” Petersmeyer said.

“Library Square is making the North Shore more appealing.”

Library Square adds to North Shore appeal

The Library Square development is a robust mix of residential units mixed with two commercial areas and the North Kamloops public library, providing unique opportunities for businesses and residents. The second phase is completed and is selling, with third-phase units available for pre-sale.

www.kamloopsthisweek.com C4 ❖ Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Ydream home

NEW HOMES

THE 2012

THE DREAM-HOME lottery with the most advantageous odds is back.

Those willing to plunk down $100 will have a one in 10,000 chance of winning the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA Dream Home — and chances to win an assortment of other prizes.

The 2,900 square-foot, $767,000 Tuscan-style home is located in Sun Rivers.

It has three bedrooms, three bath-rooms and a den, with the master suite and living areas on the main floor.

Don’t feel like climbing all those stairs?

Don’t worry. The Y Dream Home comes with an elevator.

The house contains five Energy Star appliances — a fridge, stove, dish-washer, washer and dryer.

The kitchen comes equipped with a wine closet and there’s a fireplace out on the patio.

The house has been built to green standards, boasting a platinum-level Built Green rating.

Darcy Harris, communications and funds development manager at the YMCA-YWCA, said the Y Dream Home helps support many programs the organization offers.

“The Dream Home is a really important fundraiser for the Y, in the sense that it provides some base sup-port for the programs that we run in the community that provide huge ben-efits to the lives of families, children and youth,” Harris said.

Construction of the home was completed by the Thompson Rivers University School of Trades and Technology and the Canadian Home Builders Association-Central Interior.

The luxury abode can be found at 3001 Visao Ct. at Sun Rivers, with an open house running until July 1. People can check it out on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The Y Dream Home Lottery tickets go for $100 a pop, but are in short sup-ply.

More than half of the tickets have already sold, leaving fewer than 5,000 available, while the value packs have sold out.

The draw will take place at 9 a.m. on July 9, at the home.

For more information on the home and lottery, and to take a video tour of the house, go online to ydreamhome.org, where you can also buy tickets online.

A Division of CORPORATION

795 Laval CrescentKamloops BC V2C 5P2250 372-8242

theensuite.com

250-828-1800Kamloops B C

105-805 Notre Dame DrKamloops Paint &Window Coverings

Phone: 250-374-9523 | leah@starlinewindows.comwww.starlinewindows.com

B.C. Owned & Operated for 40 years.In Kamloops to meet your home renovation needs. Contact us for your free estimate today!

250-374-3330 • kamloopstruss.ca

Have your plans? Let us help you.• Quality construction on all size projects (personal or commercial)

• Equipped with the most modern software and technology• 2010 Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer of the Year

Proud Supplier of:• A&T Developments Inc.• D&T Developments Ltd. - Carradale Court Development (Kamloops)• Cobblestone Point Genica Developments• Streamline Home Builders• Mibroc Construction Ltd.

Renovations • Residential • AgriculturalGlulam Beams, Floor Joists, Trusses, Metal Roofi ng

www.rlrbc.com

830 Laval Crescent, Kamloops250-372-7738

Kohler Grohe Duravit Blanco

Visit our Kamloops showroom to see bath and kitchen productsfrom leading suppliers including:

Whether your’re planning your spring renovation or building new, come in to Robinson Bath Centre in

®

www.kamloopsthisweek.com Tuesday, May 29, 2012 ❖ C5

NEW HOMES

Y Dream Home Lottery tickets go for $100 a pop, but are in short supply. More than half of the tickets have already sold, leaving fewer than 5,000 available, while the value packs have sold out.The draw will take place at 9 a.m. on July 9, at the home.For more information on the home and lottery, and to take a video tour of the house, go online to ydreamhome.org, where you can also buy tickets online.

TECA Certifi ed Contractor

until April 30, 2012 until April 30, 2012

UPTO

$1250 IN BRYANTRebates

TTTTTTTETTTETECCoCCoCCCCoCCCCCCCCCoCoCoCoCCCCoCoooCCCCCC

$2890 In GovernmentRebates Available!

UPTO

www.kamloopsthisweek.com C6 ❖ Tuesday, May 29, 2012

NEW HOMES

It’s crucial to choose right mortgage for you

Choosing the right mortgage to fit your specific needs and situation is a critical part of homeownership.

There are many things to consider when your mortgage comes up for renewal and it is important to review all of your refinancing options to ensure you make a well-informed, financially responsible decision.

From BMO Bank of Montreal, here are some things to consider when refi-nancing your mortgage:

• Do your research: It’s important to research all available options.

• There could be a better-suited mort-gage available to fit your current or future needs.

For example, if you have had a vari-able rate mortgage but are looking for payment certainty and rate protection, you may want to consider moving to a fixed rate.

• Review your financial situation: Is reducing your amortization an option? For example, on a $400,000 mortgage at a five per cent interest rate, moving from a 30-year to a 25-year amortization can save upwards of $70,000 in interest over the life of the mortgage.

• Stress-test your budget: While inter-est rates have hovered near historic lows,

rates are set to climb within the next 12 months.

Stress-test your mortgage at a higher rate to ensure you will be able to afford your mortgage payments when interest rates rise.

According to a recent BMO survey, Canadian homebuyers want payment cer-tainty for as long as possible.

The majority (65 per cent) are looking to lock in at a fixed rate to take advan-tage of low interest rates while they are available.

“Spring is a good time to revisit finan-cial priorities to ensure they continue to coincide with both your present situa-tion,” said Laura Parsons, a BMO mort-gage expert.

“BMO encourages Canadian hom-eowners to stress-test their mortgage to ensure a rise in interest rates is manage-able.

“Locking into a fixed rate can provide added peace of mind in the face of poten-tial interest rate hikes.”

Parsons added that choosing a shorter amortization allows Canadians to save thousands on interest costs over the life of their mortgage — and gives them the benefit of being able to build equity sooner.

JOIN OUR MAILING LISTTo receive priority information www.yourviewforever.comVisit our show suite at: 156 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC

For more information contact:Brendan Shaw 250-319-4737

Jennifer Huseby 250-318-5071Office 250-374-3022

info@yourviewforever.com

WWW.YOURVIEWFOREVER.COM

GET THE

VIEWYOU’VE ALWAYS

WANTEDGRAND OPENING EVENT

Saturday June 2, 201210am to 3pm at 156 Victoria Street

EXCLUSIVE RELEASE Floor plans, unit designs and very coolupgrade packages released here first!

STARTING AT

$199,900

Creative and Sustainable Concepts

Like us on facebookfacebook.com/totalconceptdev

www.kamloopsthisweek.com Tuesday, May 29, 2012 ❖ C7

NEW HOMES

First-time homebuyers can receive a cheque for up to $10,000 to help with the cost of buying a newly built home — and seniors who need permanent home renova-tions to help them stay in their homes lon-ger will be assisted with the cost of those renovations through legislation introduced in Victoria.

Bill 45, the Income Tax Amendment Act 2012, introduces legislation for the B.C. first-time new homebuyers’ bonus and the B.C. seniors’ home-renovation tax credit announced in the provincial budget earlier this year.

First-time buyers of newly built homes may be eligible to receive the B.C. first-time new homebuyers’ bonus of up to $10,000, designed to give families a break, while supporting the new-home construc-tion sector.

Individuals must apply for the bonus through the provincial government.

Bonus payments will be sent out as cheques in the mail.

A new B.C. seniors’ home-renovation tax credit of up to $1,000 annually will be available to help with the cost of per-manent home renovations that provide

British Columbians ages 65 and over with increased independence, allowing them the flexibility to remain in their own homes longer.

It will be available to individuals who incur eligible expenditures on or after April 1, of this year.

The credit can be claimed by seniors, whether they own their home or rent, and by individuals who share a home with a senior, when individuals file their personal income tax returns for 2012 and in future years.

“This new legislation gives consumers a break by helping families with the cost of buying a new home and assisting seniors with some home renovation expenses that assists them to stay in their home longer,” said Finance Minister Kevin Falcon.

“These measures that benefit qualifying families and seniors will also help to pro-tect and create jobs by supporting the home construction and renovation industry.

“I hope families looking for a new home and seniors considering permanent home renovations will take advantage of these opportunities.”

Provincial legislation amendment aims to help fi rst-time buyersUp to $10,000 to help with home purchase

ApplianceGallery

2321 Trans Canada Hwy E., Kamloops250.372.2536

appliancegal@shaw.ca

Your Professional Appliance Store We carry 21 brands of high quality appliances | appliancegallery.ca

NEWNEW

LOCATION!LOCATION!

UP TO $7,450 WITH ANY OFFER WRITTEN ON PHASE 3 BY MAY 31st 2012FREE UPGRADE PACKAGE

ON THE CITY OF KAMLOOPS TAX PORTION OF THE PROPERTY TAXES10 YEAR TAX HOLIDAY

residences

250.819.1108 • 250.372.2277DEBORAH PETERSMEYER & MONA MURRAY LIKE US

ON FACEBOOKFACEBOOK/TOTALCONCEPTDEV.COM

OPEN HOUSE HOURS: THURSDAY - SUNDAY 1PM - 4PMLIBRARYSQUAREKAMLOOPS.COM

ANOTHER QUALITY PROJECT BY TOTAL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENTS LTD.

RENOVATIONTIME?

NEW KITCHEN DESIGN OLD KITCHEN REMOVAL WALL REMOVAL FIXING DRYWALL COUNTERTOPS FLOORING ANY TYPE TILES FRAMING OUTDOOR KITCHEN & BBQ & MUCH MORE!

ONE STOP FOR ALL YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS!

Please call: 250.828.2656734 Laval Crescent

Kamloops, BCJULCONSTRUCTIONJul Morken 250.318.7605

COUNTER & CABINET I N T E L L I G E N C E

www.kamloopsthisweek.com C8 ❖ Tuesday, May 29, 2012

WHEN A residential building is new, it’s easy

to forget the roof, walls, windows, doors and other elements exposed to the outdoors will need to be maintained and eventually replaced.

These elements — part of the building enve-lope — are important and

costly building assets that will deteriorate over time through exposure to the weather and wear and tear.

A building’s value and lifespan will suffer if its building envelope is not maintained and replaced when necessary.

Guidance for how to maintain the building enve-lope and other parts of multi-unit properties can be

found in the Maintenance Matters bulletin series provided by the provincial government’s Homeowner Protection Office, a branch of BC Housing.

Available online at hpo.bc.ca, the bulletins target homeowners, strata coun-cils, maintenance manag-ers, housing co-operatives and owners of townhouses, low-rise and high-rise

buildings.However, much of the

advice offered may also be helpful to owners of single-family homes.

Bulletin No. 7, enti-tled Building Envelope Maintenance and Renewals Planning, discusses why maintenance and renewal planning is necessary — and how to properly plan for it.

Protecting your investment

It’s important that all building assets, including the building envelope, are managed effectively and continually.

Owners should assign someone the responsibility for planning and managing the maintenance activi-ties — such as the property manager, committee of vol-unteer owners or third-party consultant.

Maintenance and renew-al activities for the building envelope can range from cleaning the wall siding and replacing window seals and gaskets to replacing the roof every 15 to 25 years.

Building a document package

After a building is con-structed or rehabilitated, the construction team or warranty provider hands over a maintenance man-ual.

This manual is a hand-book of instructions, rules and guidelines for perform-ing particular maintenance tasks. Owners should read it and

follow it.Warranty providers may

deny coverage in cases of neglect or improper main-tenance, particularly if an owner receives a manual and does not perform the recommended maintenance.

An effective mainte-nance manual includes this and other documentation:

• Drawings. • Specifications of mate-

rials and building compo-nents.

• Warranty, safety and test certificates.

• Contact list of contrac-tors, consultants and other parties.

• Manufacturers’ product literature.

• Maintenance records.• Colours and finishes

used.• Building asset list and

details. • Equipment and sup-

plies on site. • Action plan tips.Be proactive about your

building maintenance.Notify your property

manager if you notice a maintenance problem with the building envelope.

Collect and keep key documents.

Ensure the building has an updated maintenance and renewals plan.

Follow through with the maintenance and renewal program and assign a cus-todian to manage it.

Visit the HPO website at hpo.bc.ca for more prac-tical tips and checklists and check out the new Maintenance Matters vid-eos.

You can also subscribe to receive the HPO’s online Maintenance Matters bul-letins.

NEW HOMES

Maintenance Matters:Maintaining and replacing building envelopes

Protecting your investment includes maintaining and repairing all of the building, including the roof. For more information, go online to hpo.bc.ca.

BUY NEW = SAVE $ LONG-TERM

Know what to expect

Green features

1

4

6

2

5

Low operating and maintenance costs

3

Quality and Safety

Professional builders stand behind their work with after-sales service and warranties.Imagine that peace-of-mind!

Buying a New Home in KamloopsNow is the best time to buy!

Get what you want, now

Warranty

LEARN MORE250-828-1844 chbaci.ca/buynow ON YOUR SIDE

First Time New Home Buyer Bonus*

1st$10,000

*See website for details

ABERDEEN LANDSCAPING LTD.

Commercial & Residential

• Landscape Design & Installation

• Brick Paths & Patios• Block Walls• Brick Driveways

250.374.4122 |250.374.4122 | Fax: 250.554.3254Fax: 250.554.3254

Rely on Our Experience!Rely on Our Experience!In business since 1983In business since 1983

www.kamloopsthisweek.com Tuesday, May 29, 2012 ❖ C9

NEW HOMES

Housing starts lag behind 2011 levelsThrough the first quarter of 2012, housing starts in Kamloops remain down from 2011 —

though single-detached homes are rising faster than they did last year.To the end of April, total housing starts in Kamloops stood at 88, a 57 per cent decline

from the 206 starts registered through April 2011.Contributing to the drop in starts was the multi-unit sector, which saw 13 starts this year,

compared to 153 in 2011.On the single-detached front, Kamloops recorded 75 starts in January, February, March

and April, a 42 per cent jump from the 53 starts through April 2011.

ECOSTARWINDOWS.CA

Call us today! 250-372-9797 MENTION THIS AD WHEN YOU CALL OR

653 West Sarcee St. Kamloops Off Mt. Paul Way MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 4:30

SALES@ECOSTARWINDOWS.CA

OUR WINDOWS ARE MANUFACTURED RIGHT HERE IN KAMLOOPS TO SAVE YOU MONEY!VINYL WINDOWS • ENTRY DOORS

PATIO DOORS • SEALED UNITS

FREE WINDOWFREE WINDOWBuy 5 or more vinyl windows with installation

and receive 1 FREE window*

® Registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal.

Bev Wassen-HunterMortgage SpecialistTel. : 250-828-8870Cell : 250-572-6847

Sue MaitlandMortgage SpecialistTel. : 250-828-8841Cell : 250-819-8811

Are you ready to make your move?• Convenient appointment, day or night, home or offi ce

• Competitive rates on a wide selection of mortgages

• Flexible home fi nancing solutions

• Your contact for all mortgage needs

For convenient mortgage service, contact:

Mortgage Expertise at Your Doorstep 24/7

6556

59

™/® Trade-marks/registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal.

www.kamloopsthisweek.com C10 ❖ Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Leave for vacationNEW HOMES

with peace of mindAS SUMMER

DRAWS NEAR, many Canadians plan extended visits

to the family cottage or vaca-tions in distant locations.

The excitement of an impending trip can be distracting, but it is important to remember that several steps must be taken to ensure your home is vacation-ready.

“Summer vacations are a great way to relax with family, friends, and loved ones,” says Wade Webb, a broker with Royal LePage Kelowna.

“But, returning from vacation could be far from relaxing if you leave with-out preparing your home for your absence.”

To set your mind at ease and enjoy your vacation to the fullest, Webb rec-ommends these three home preparation tips:

1. Unplug all non-essential electron-ics and appliances.

Appliances and electronic devices left plugged in will continue to drain energy, even when not in use.

Why add unnecessary costs to your energy bills?

Any electrical appliance that is left plugged in also has the potential to cause a fire.

2. Ask a trusted neighbour to check on your house.

If you are away for an extended period of time, it helps to know that a reliable person will keep an eye on your home.

Anything suspicious can be reported the local police or brought to your attention.

Better yet, a house-sitter can give the appearance of an occupied home, deterring potential burglars — and they can also take care of your pets and plants.

3. Cancel the newspaper delivery.No matter how reliable your

neighbour is, a pile of newspapers at your doorway is a sure sign of your absence.

Call your local newspaper provider to cancel service for the duration of your vacation.

Most publishers will be happy to help you resume your service when you return.

Additional ideas on this topic are available online at royallepage.ca.

newscanada.com

Going away? Unplugging non-essential electronics and appliances is a good idea before you leave.

www.kamloopsthisweek.com TUESDAY, May 29, 2012 ❖ C11

Generous 1/4 acre Resort lots, from $129,000. Golf Bay lots from $169,000 and exceptional Lake lots from $290,900. A genuine resort lifestyle for those who act now. Register now for more information.

The Tobiano Presentation Centre staff will guide you through the construction of your home from start to finish. Starting with finding the right lot and builder to fit you and your lifestyle.

TOBIANO GOLF | 38 Holloway Drive, Kamloops B.C., info@tobiano.ca |www.tobiano.ca

Call 1.877.373.0055 to speak with one of our sales representatives.

a place for everyone.

uction of your home

Lake View Lot #37 0.36 acres | $290,900

Golf Bay Lot #5 0.27 acres | $169,900

Ranchlands Lot #37 0.43 acres | $129,900

237 Rue Cheval Nior 236 Rue Cheval Nior 285 Holloway Drive

www.kamloopsthisweek.com C12 ❖ TUESDAY, May 29, 2012

Visit our Real Estate Sales Centreto start your four-season adventure.

1090 Sun Rivers Drive, Kamloops, BC

TalasaLiving.com | 250.314.4344

This is not intended to be an offering or solicitation for sale in any jurisdiction where the project is not registered in accordance with applicable law or where such offering

or solicitation would otherwise be prohibited by law. Renderings and images depicted are for marketing purposes only and may differ from finished product. E.&O.E.

Welcome to your own four-season playgroundAt Talasa in Kamloops, the Sun Rivers Golf Course is on your doorstep, Sun Peaks Ski Resort is just up the

road, and rivers, lakes, beaches, hiking, biking, community centres and every other conceivable outdoor activity

awaits you. Owning a home here gives you more than a place to stay, it gives you a four-season way of life.