HOMES 2

This is not an offering for sale. Sizes are approximate. E.&O.E.Sales & Marketing by: Developed byGELLATLY WATERS RESORT JV

Most call it a Holiday.A Lucky Few call it Home.

INVEST IN A HOLIDAY THAT NEVER ENDS AT PALOMINO RESORT. WITHIN STEPS OF 1,000 FEET OF LAKEFRONT, SPRAWLING PARKLAND, AND MINUTES FROM

MISSION HILL WINERY, WESTBANK YACHT CLUB, SHOPS, SERVICES AND MORE, THIS RECREATIONAL HAVEN OFFERS FREEHOLD OWNERSHIP AT SCENIC

LAKE OKANAGAN. CHOOSE BETWEEN SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM AND 2 BEDROOM AND DEN HOMES FROM 991 TO 1788 SQ.FT. DON’T MISS OUT.

REGISTER TODAY AT 250.768.1145, TOLL FREE 1.877.765.1145 OR VISIT WWW.PALOMINORESORT.CA

c o n d o s b y m a c . c o m bosaproper t i e s . com

S E C T I O N

L

EDITOR MICHAEL SASGES 604-605-2467 SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2006 E-mai l homes@png .canwest .com

WESTCOAST

Welcome to the new ChilliwackPHOTOS: JERI PATTERSON

SPECIAL TO WESTCOAST HOMES

STORY: REBECCA OSLERWESTCOAST HOMES

Hip young buyers . Sleekurban decor. Chilliwack.Th i s i s n o t a r o u n d o f“ w h i c h o n e d o e s n o t

belong.” They all belong, interest inthe Vibe apartment-project in Chilli-

wack suggests.Project marketer George Wong calls

Vibe “summer’s hottest real estateoffering” and he’s got the numbers toprove it: The first 96 homes, in twobuildings, virtually sold out in oneweekend. (The Rempel developmentcompany expects to release the sec-

ond-phase homes in the fall.)Two aspects of the robust sales sur-

prised Wong (and when one of Cana-da’s leading organizers of new-home-project sales-campaigns is surprisedthat’s news):

[1] The acceptance of the presale, abig-city marketing technique that

metro Vancouver new-home shoppershave long accepted.

[2] The origins of the buyers.“We expected a more localized

response, meaning Chil l iwack,Abbotsford and parts of Surrey. Cer-tainly not [buyers from] Coquitlam,Vancouver and North Vancouver,” hereports.

What lured the eager buyers — whotend to be young first-time owners —

Rachael Zimmerman of the Vibe sales staff in the display-centre kitchen, some of its components are standard, some, like the stainless-steel on the appliances, are upgrades.

NEW HOMES

PROJECTPROFILE

See THE PRICES L2

Vibe’s sleek urban decor and attractive pricing bringfirst-time buyers to a happening community

WESTCOAST HOMESL2 THE VANCOUVER SUN, SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2006

VibeLocation: ChilliwackTelephone: 1-888-701-VIBE or 604-701-

6166Web: yourvibe.caProject size: 220 apartments, 4 buildings Residence size: 635 sq. ft. – 880 sq. ft., 1

and 2 bedroomsPrices: In phase 2, 1 bedroom from

$129,900 and 2 bedrooms from$163,900

Developer: Rempel Vibe Development LtdArchitect: Focus Architecture InternationalInterior design: Creative Designworks Inc.Tentative occupancy: Early 2008

so far down the Trans-Canada High-way?

Wong says it fundamentally boilsdown to cost.

“We’ve been reading a lot ofresearch and data of what’s going onin the market . . . especially follow-ing first-time-buyer trends in B.C.And what’s pushing young buyers isreally the affordability plane,” hesays. “They’re going to where theycan afford what they want to buy.”

For example, a Vibe one-bedroomhome that sold for $130, 000 wouldsell for about $400, 000 in downtownVancouver, Wong says; a $185, 000two-bedroom home, $550, 000.

“Not very difficult in terms of buy-ing choice,” he says.

In the past, even when they’vebeen graced with sufficient funds,first-time buyers have been deniedaccess in Chilliwack due to age-restricted condos, notes Wong.

So, the developers went hard onthe edgy marketing, including acolourful logo reminiscent of theeBay trademark, to entice theyounger set. They furnished the dis-play suite with trendy chairs and

At the Vibe new-home project inChilliwack, the specs are urban, thehomes (distantly) suburbanThe frameless cabinetry doors con-structed from a tapered panel are anoutstandingly modern design feature.Bathroom doors will be in white;kitchen doors, in ‘‘dark hazelnut’’ or‘‘African anagre,’’ with stainless steelpulls.In the kitchens, the flooring will consistof ceramic tile flooring, an upgrade inthe bathrooms. The backsplashes willalso be faced with tile. The two-bowlsinks will be in stainless, their faucetssingle-levered and chromed, with pull-out vegetable sprayer.The granite counters and stainlesssteel on the appliances, fromFrigidaire, are upgrade.Laminate plank flooring, a washer/dry-er, crown moulding and an electric fire-place are also available as anupgrade.

The pricesmake Vibe

an easychoice

NEW HOMES

PROJECTPROFILE

From L1

Continued on the next page

L3WESTCOAST HOMES THE VANCOUVER SUN, SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2006

pumped in music you’d expect to hearat a Yaletown martini lounge.

And they coined a bold phrase: “thenew Chilliwack.”

“There’s quite a bit going on outhere,” says Vibe on-site sales manag-er Sean Stevens. “Some of the boxstores are coming now and more andmore people are moving out here.”

The burgeoning Canada EducationPark (housing the new World TradeUniversity, Justice Institute of BC andRCMP Pacific Region Training Cen-tre) is expected to draw 15, 000 stu-dents by 2020, and the Beijing Con-cord College of Sino-Canada and theBeijing Union University will eventu-ally campuses at the park as well.

“It’s pretty high international atten-tion. All these things point to thegrowth of Chilliwack,” says Wong.

Tallying 220 condos, Vibe itself willalso contribute to the evolution of thearea.

In keeping with the affordabilitytheme, the simple interiors of Vibe aredesigned for financial flexibility.

“It keeps the price affordable for the

people that need affordable,” explainsStevens.

Bargain-hunters will find standardlaminate cabinets/countertops andblack Frigidaire appliances, but thosewith beef ier bank accounts canupgrade to stainless steel and granite.

The exterior features are alsonotable: student buyers will undoubt-edly be drawn to the proximity of boththe University College of the FraserValley (just steps from the Vibe site)and commuters will appreciate easyaccess to the highway.

Chilliwack is a haven for outdoorsytypes, says Stevens.

“You’re right in the middle of Van-couver and the interior. There are tonsof lakes and rivers, Harrison HotSprings is about 35 minutes away.You’ve got Cultus Lake right there andthe Chilliwack River.

“Some of the best salmon fishing inthe world is right here,” he says.

And when you can’t quite muster upthe energy to leave Vibe, an adjacentagricultural land reserve and moun-tain views provide plenty of opportu-nity for armchair nature-appreciation.

homes@png.canwest.com

Recreation nearat handNot sitting, but lounging, inthe Vibe presentationcentre is Stan Stevens.“You’re right in the middle ofVancouver and the Interior,”comments Stevens, the man-ager of the presentation cen-tre, on the non-dollar attrac-tions of Chilliwack residency.“There are tons of lakes andrivers, Harrison Hot Springsis about 35 minutes away.You’ve got Cultus Lake rightthere and the ChilliwackRiver.”

From the previous page

TO ADVERTISE IN WESTCOAST HOMES CONTACTFRANK FRANCO – TEL: 604-605-2373 E-MAIL:FFRANCO@PNG.CANWEST.COM

Please see floorplans on L7

L7WESTCOAST HOMES THE VANCOUVER SUN, SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2006

Imagine living mere steps from some of the most beautiful waterfront on Canada’s coast.

Trumpeters Landing in Courtenay, BC is about to enter its third phase as it continues to set new standards for luxury condominium living in the Comox Valley.

Courtenay is located on the breathtaking inside coast of central Vancouver Island with the area boasting everything from ocean beaches to fertile valleys, dense forests and lofty mountains. When you factor in the mild climate, the golfing, fishing and skiing opportunities it is a year round playground. Hiking and backpacking trails nearby lead to many scenic highlights. Canoeists and kayakers have plenty of areas to explore on the ocean, rivers and lake waters. Baynes Sound and the waters around Denman and Hornby Islands are popular paddling destinations to explore and observe the abundance of birds and wildlife such as sea lions and seals.

“This area has so much to offer,” says longtime resident, Rita Hatfield. “There are numerous beaches accessible within minutes of Trumpeters Landing and you‘ll often find yourself the only person on the beach -- few places are left where you can walk alone on a public beach and not come across a lot of other people but around here that happens all the time.”

“Or, if you enjoy golfing, you can golf year round. Only in the Comox Valley can you

ski the likes of Mount Washington in the morning, golf on a world class course in the afternoon, and go salmon fishing in the evening.”

All this within minutes of Trumpeters Landing - one of the newest projects in the area. Four condominiums - 4 storeys with 26 suites each that sit on the Courtenay side of Comox Harbour overlooking Georgia Strait. The project, which is being developed by the Brookmere Group, is arguably the best residential development land in the area. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, just off the water, Trumpeters Landing faces the Courtenay River Estuary, Mount Washington, the Comox Glacier, the Beaufort Mountain Range and Comox Bay.

Architecturally striking, with timber-frame highlights, each building contains 26 suites ranging in size from 833 to 1,302 sq. ft., with the first phase 85% sold and the second to be completed this summer. Phase three will be underway later this year, while the final phase will follow in 2007. Prices for the suites in the 1st and 2nd Phase range from $189,900 to $299,900 with a 2-year, 5-year, 10-year National Home Warranty program. Interiors offer a selection of finishes including walnut or maple, custom designed cabinets and doors, a

variety of flooring, tile highlights with mosaic detail in some bathrooms, nine foot ceilings (top-floor units have timber-frame highlights with 13’ post-and-beam ceilings) and wonderful large thermal Low-E windows creating a rich glow of natural light in each suite. Amenities include a central meeting and barbecue area and each building includes a furnished guest suite. Beautifully landscaped grounds incorporate the overall design to include secure underground parking. All this on the Courtenay Estuary walkway along breathtaking waterfront.

Brookmere’s high standards allow its buildings to stand the test of time, using LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles to create harmony between a building and its environment. Trumpeters Landing is an excellent example of this meticulous approach.

Most investors in Trumpeters Landing are buying single units, but some have been multiple purchases because they see higher levels of return in the future. Real estate in the area is teaming with activity. Many buyers from cities like Vancouver and Calgary will find the prices substantially lower than what they are used to for such luxury and location. Another factor attracting buyers and investors

to the project is this island region has kept its’ small town atmosphere — despite the fact both Courtenay and nearby Comox have lifestyle amenities seen in larger centres. Trumpeters Landing is within walking distance of shopping and important services, the arts and theatre community and the waterside pathway at its doorstep connects directly to downtown.

With regular daily flights from Vancouver and Calgary to the new Comox Valley Airport it means “big city” can be closer than you would think. The superb Inland Island Highway means Nanaimo and the ferry to Vancouver is just an hour away and another 90 minutes south by highway is Victoria. The Comox Valley is also the location for a ferry to Powell River and the Sunshine Coast along with the scenic Desolation Sound region.

Trumpeters Landing Island living at its’ best

For more information on Trumpeters Landing:

Call 1-866-671-4545 between 12 noon and 5 pm or after hours

call 1-250-218-6789 - visit www.trumpeterslanding.com .

Stroll through the Courtenay Discovery Centre Show Suite open daily from 12 pm to 5 pm, 2300 Mansfield Dr., Courtenay, and displays are available to view at the Vancouver Condo Gallery, 400 Robson Street daily from 12 pm to 6 pm except Fridays as well as The Calgary Condo Gallery, 100 1015 4th Street SW Monday to Friday from 10 am - 6 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.

ADVERTISEMENT

Feeling theright Vibe?One of the plans inthe Vibe new-homeproject in Chilliwackis this one-bedroomhome, measuring upat about 640 squarefeet.

Selling at theright price ...

If you’re not sold onthis one-bedroom,another project mem-ber helps explain whythere’s been such aquick take-up of first-phase apartments:The organizer of theVibe sales and mar-keting campaign,George Wong, says aone bedroom thatsold in Vibe for$130,000 would sellfor $400,000 indowntown Vancouver.

TO ADVERTISE IN WESTCOAST HOMES CONTACT FRANK FRANCO –TEL: 604-605-2373 E-MAIL: FFRANCO@PNG.CANWEST.COM