PRINCE RUPERT VOL. 10 NO. 02
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
FREE
Passengers stranded for 10 hours
NEW YEAR’S NAP Feature
Airport, Air Canada pointing fingers
Heart of our City: Grainne Barthe Page A7
BY MARTINA PERRY PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View
“Nobody wanted to own up for what was going on.”
Business Port tonnage drops in 2014 Page A11
Prince Rupert’s New Year’s baby Amelia Kathleen Mather was born Jan. 2 at 8:59 a.m. Amelia was 10lbs 4oz. at 23 inches long. Parents are Sophia and Russell Mather. Siblings are Craig Dudoward (21), Rayne Mather (11), and Blanche Mather (2).
Real estate sales, value climb in 2014
Sports McChesney named to U17 Team B.C. Page A16
Community Shop Prince Rupert winners Page 22 ing
List New
Prince Rupert’s Sheryl Sadorski is upset her parents and other Air Canada passengers were “held hostage” at the Prince Rupert Airport (YPR) for more than eight hours on Jan. 5. Scheduled to depart at 10:50 a.m., the Air Canada Express flight didn’t - Sheryl Sadorski leave Digby Island until just after 6 p.m. last Monday. Jazz Aviation, the operator of the flight, said the delay was caused by an icy runway, with YPR’s manager saying this is not the case. Sadorski said passengers weren’t given the option to leave and weren’t provided with any food until hours into their wait. See AIRPORT on Page A2
Average home sale price up $25,000 BY SHAUN THOMAS PRINCE RUPERT / The Northern View
The real estate market in Prince Rupert finished strong in 2014, resulting in more houses and properties being sold in 2014 than in the past three years. In total, 289 properties worth $63.2 million changed hands compared to 261 properties worth $55 million in 2013 – an increase of 28 properties and $8.2 million. In addition to 20 parcels of vacant land, five townhouses and 13 half-duplexes that were sold, a total of 212 single family residential homes were sold this year, up from 187 in 2013 and 124 in 2012. The average selling price for those homes climbed more than $20,000 from last year, with an average selling price of $217,651
125 X 100 LOT
“It was a market that saw confidence return.” - Keith Lambourne compared to $192,379 in 2013. When compared to the average 2012 selling price of $183,896, the sale price in 2014 is up more than $34,000. “I think it was a market that saw confidence return due to potential future investment and young people buying before prices increase, because a final investment decision will see prices skyrocket,” said Royal LePage realtor Keith Lambourne, adding what the market will look like in 2015 remains to be seen.
“Whether 2015 is very, very good or just good depends on a Pacific NorthWest LNG announcement. If the announcement is positive, it will go absolutely crazy, if it is negative that will be put on hold until we get a positive announcement from another proponent.” While the prices in Prince Rupert continue to climb, the community remains one of the most affordable in the Northwest. Prince Rupert’s average selling price of $217,651 is the lowest in the region behind Kitimat at $318,046, Terrace’s $302,340 and Smithers’ $247,458. However, each of those communities saw fewer houses sold with 78 homes, 177 homes and 106 homes being sold in each community respectively. The number of properties still available for sale in Prince Rupert at the end of 2014 was 167, which is down from the end of 2013.
Gordon Kobza
The Power of Experience Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. As a licensed 1166 10th Ave East $329,500
realtor with over 25 years of experience, whether you are selling or buying, I am here to guide you through every phase of the process with skill and integrity. For a free consultation please call or e-mail me today. I look forward to helping you find the perfect home!
www.gordonkobza.com
250.624.9298 Suite 6 - 342 3rd Ave W. info@gordonkobza.com