April 20, 2016

VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 1 • APRIL 2016

new home SHOWCASE

new developments in the south okanagan

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

2

pentictonwesternnews.com • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

NEW HOMES

Cory Parsons of Brentview Developments at the Avery Homes project on Cedar Road. The new show home in the background is nearing completion.

MARK BRETT/WESTERN NEWS

Avery Heights gives panorama views Dale Boyd Western News Staff

The team that brought you Brentview Estates is getting ready to put a new development on the market this spring.

“We are in the final stages of getting all the land prepped and for us to be able to register all the lots,” said Cory Parsons. Avery Heights, the latest project from Brentview Developments, is a 27-lot single family residential subdivision overlooking the City of Penticton above Wiltse Heights.

Parsons said the views are fantastic from the area, with some of the lots having a panorama view over the city from Skaha Lake to Okanagan Lake.

“The way that we have structured the development no one’s view is impeded by the house

below them,” said Parsons.

Right now, the only home on site is a show home expected to be complete mid-June, but Parsons said the lots will be available for purchase by the end of May. “We have some people that have already committed to lots, they are just waiting for all that registration to happen,” said Parsons. “We sent out the lot plans to existing customers and anyone that had called and wanted to be put on a priority list. That went out about six months ago and we gained quite a bit of interest from that. Now that the development has taken shape, more and more people have started to inquire.

We have three or four homes that are going to be right out of the gate. As soon as the lots are registered, the clients want to get going on them.”

Parsons expects the demand to increase as the development continues to take shape. They’ve already had interest in 10 of the lots, and while he doesn’t expect all of those interested parties will close deals, it gives an idea of the demand for new housing in the area.

“What we are seeing is the city is busy with building,” said Parsons, adding that he is seeing an influx of people looking at making Penticton their home.

“It is busier now than it was two years ago,” he said.

Avery Heights will offer its homeowners freedom in designing their home. Parsons said they have a variety of plans for homeowners, but aren’t limiting builders to just their selections.

“It is 27 custom homes. Some of them are going to be more contemporary, flat-roofed like the

show home, some of them are going to have peaked roofs. We are okay with either,” said Parsons. “We have the ability to start and finish with a floor plan, or someone can come to us with what they are looking to do.

“There is going to be some pretty neat houses that are going to be built up here.”

The only exception according to Parsons, is protecting views.

“There aren’t any building schemes, but there is a developer approval process that has to happen, just to make sure that a two-storey house isn’t going in an area that is going to block someone’s views.”

Lots in Avery Heights start at $199,000, ranging up to $389,000. Parsons said they welcome interested parties, who can contact either himself at 250-809-7921 or Rod Ferguson at 250-490-1119.

Tips to reduce the risk of water damage Submitted

Warmer weather and rain — both gets rid of the snow and greens the grass, but it can be damaging to a home. That’s why Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is offering their Top 10 tips for reducing the risk of water damage.

“With the weather already warming up, we can expect more rain, and in some areas of the West, melting snow,” said Bill Adams vice-president, Western & Pacific, IBC. “That’s why IBC created the list below to help you protect your homes and cars.”

IBC’s Top 10 tips to reduce the risk of water damage are: • Keep all of your floor drains clear of obstructions.

• Clean out and adjust your eavestroughs and downspouts so that water is directed away from your home. If there are storm drains in front of your home make sure to clear them of debris built up over the winter.

• If you’re planning to be away from your home for an extended period, arrange for someone to check your property in case there is severe weather — and be sure to notify your insurer.

• Ensure there is proper grading

around your home so that surface water flows away from your foundation.

• Install a sump pump or make sure the one that you have is working properly.

• Install backflow valves or plugs in drains and other sewer connections.

• Make sure that the furnace, hot water heater and electrical panel are elevated.

• Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects where they cannot be damaged by water.

• Do not finish areas, such as the basement, that may be prone to flooding.

• If you have a finished basement and it’s susceptible to flooding, don’t keep any expensive items there.

What’s covered?

Damage caused by water that enters the home by seeping through windows, siding or the foundation is typically not covered.

Most standard insurance companies do not cover overland flooding.

Review your policy and check with your insurance provider for potential coverage availability.

A sewer backup may be covered by home insurance policies if this cov- Check your insurance policy for flood coverage. erage was purchased as an add-on. SUBMITTED

3

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016 • pentictonwesternnews.com

DEVELOPMENTS

Lots Starting from

$199,900 27 Single

Family Lots LOOKING FOR A SPACIOUS FLOOR PLAN?

Check out some of the existing and upcoming Duplex's built by Brentview Developments.

OKANAGAN REALTY #101 - 1873 MAIN STREET PENTICTON

Office: 250-492-2911

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORP.

BRENTVIEW DEVELOPMENTS ~ CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Joyce Geering

Rod Ferguson

Cory Parsons

250.492.5739 joycegeering@shaw.ca

250.490.1119 Rod@brentview.ca

250.809.7921 Cory@brentview.ca

www.brentview.ca

4

pentictonwesternnews.com • WEDNESDay, aPRIL 20, 2016

NEW HOMES

Ultimate Okanagan lifestyle at Bighorn Mountain Estates Emanuel Sequeira Western News Staff

Your Okanagan lifestyle made simple is what Bighorn Mountain Estates in Okanagan Falls is about.

The website states that “Bighorn Mountain Estates offers ‘city chic’ in a rural setting, and is nestled snugly under the beautiful Peach Cliff Mountain. This lovely mountain absorbs all the sound and noise and throws back to us a palatable quiet and peacefulness that is truly extraordinary.”

The development is over 80 per cent sold and has attracted clientele from the East Coast to the west coast. Properties have been sold with lot prices range from $112,000 to $200,000. Project manager Ron Dyck said interest in buying is strong.

“The market is definitely stronger than it has been,” he said, adding that there are 20 lots left to build.

Currently they have a number of homes that are ready to move into. They range in price from just over $400,000 to less than $600,000.

Dyck said that buyers enjoy the customized aspects of the homes, helping bring the home of their dreams to reality.

“You name it, we can produce it. They are all over the map,” Dyck said.

A large percentage of people buying into the development are traditional with the requests they have.

However, most are asking for wooden floors and coffered or vaulted ceilings.

“They are doing more things with lighting. Definitely stepping up the outside patios sizes,” he said.

Standard features include painted shaker millwork and doors as well as oak flat panel shaker-style cabinets.

The homes generally come with two bedrooms on the main floor with a four-piece ensuite and four-piece main bath and a finished basement entry and laundry area. Most home plans can be adapted to allow for full-sized, in-ground basements, or walkout basements

Bighorn Mountain Estates in Okanagan Falls offers city chic in a rural setting.

Submitted

and all homes come with attached double garages.

In the Okanagan, you can always expect a good view too.

“We’ve got enormous views. We’ve got lake views and we’ve got valley views. Every home has a patio and many have spectacular views.

He said the allure of the area is the feeling of being in

the countryside while remaining not too far away from the amenities of places like Penticton.

“We’re on a mountainside outside of Okanagan Falls.

It feels like we’re in the country. A lot of fresh air around us, we have big horned sheep and deer around us.”

Monthly fees on the bare land strata development

Bighorn Mountain Estates

are around $55.00 annually which goes towards road maintenance, street lighting, water costs and a children’s park.

Show homes are open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., no appointment necessary. For more information call the office at 250-497-7122 or visit www.bighornmountainestates.com.

on the mountainside at Okanagan Falls just minutes from beautiful Skaha Lake

DY 8 HOMES REA Y C N A P U C C O R O F Live the Wine Country Lifestyle, a few minutes walk from Okanagan Falls’ small-town charms and from Skaha Lake - Canada’s warmest lake. Golf, wineries, skiing, hiking, fishing, camping and birding are all nearby . . . yours to enjoy. ➲ A 93 lot, single-family gated community that welcomes all ages ➲ Panoramic lake, valley and mountain views ➲ Distinctive Arts and Crafts custom built homes

SHOWHOME OPEN DAILY

4400 McLean Creek Rd. Okanagan Falls, BC

250.497.7122 Patti DUNBAR 250-488-2778

LOCATIONS WEST REALTY

www.bighornmountainestates.com

5

Wednesday, april 20, 2016 • pentictonwesternnews.com

NEW HOMES

Hot South Okanagan real estate market Dale Boyd & Kristi Patton Western News Staff

Homes in Penticton and the South Okanagan are selling faster than ever.

“Unbelievable,” said Roger Love, owner of Royal LePage Locations West Realty in Penticton of how well the market is doing right now.

In one month they sold 187 homes, their best ever performance.

“We are seeing sales happening within one day on the market,” he said. “And, those are getting multiple offers. We have realtors whose clients missed out on one house then waiting for the next and taking it right away.”

Love said it is a perfect storm of people from the Lower Mainland moving to more affordable locations, those getting ready to retire coming to Penticton and buying homes and banking the rest of their money from sales in Vancouver and low interest rates attracting first-time buyers.

“Any property that is priced well is getting multiple offers and off the market within days, in most cases,” said Love. “This type of activity has been coming for awhile. It wasn’t even last month that we only did well, through December and January when it is historically quiet they were great months for us.”

According to the B.C. Real Estate Association supply imbalances are becoming increasingly common across the province as new residential listings are not keeping pace with consumer demand. As a result, the inventory of homes for sale is at decade-long lows in many regions.

Love said it is not only established homes, but many of the developers he deals with like Schoenne Homes, Sendero Canyon, Bighorn Mountain Estates development and smaller new home builders.

The downturn in Alberta’s oil industry has had some

‘‘

We are seeing sales happening within one day on the market.

’’

Roger Love, owner of Royal LePage Locations West Realty

directly related silver linings for Penticton.

Colleen Pennington, Economic Development Officer for the City of Penticton, said focus has shifted from the “home base” project in 2015, promoting workers to live in B.C. and fly in and out to oil patch jobs in Alberta. The resident recruitment campaign has since turned to virtual work. She said there has been a substantive, but as of yet anecdotal, trend of Albertans moving back to B.C. “We are starting to see some positive uptick in some of the components of the residential industry towards the end of last year,” Pennington said.

Garry Gratton, president of the South Okanagan Real Estate Board concurred with Pennington, he said that hundreds of commuters to the oil patch have returned to the Okanagan.

“Over the last year, the economy in the Okanagan in general and the South Okanagan in particular has taken a very genuine uptick. These people who used to commute to places in Fort McMurray are quite happily employed somewhere in the Okanagan,” Gratton said, noting they are now making half of the wages they were making in the oil patch. “But at least they’re working because the economy here is going great guns and has seen a huge improvement in the past year.”

When oil prices dropped nearly a year ago, Gratton noticed the impact in his personal real estate practice. continued on page 8

Builder and package pricing with selected floor model discounts.

Lake City Appliances, 25 years same owners offering you SUB-ZERO and WOLF appliances.

Servicing what we sell!

Downtown Penticton, FREE parking in rear parking lot.

HOWARD BOURNE

DON BISSET

250-493-4220 475 Main Street Penticton BC

DOWNTOWN ON MAIN

THE APPLIANCE GUYS

6

pentictonwesternnews.com • WEDNESDay, april 20, 2016

NEW HOMES

Creekside community in the heart of Penticton Emanuel Sequeira Western News Staff

A popular feature of Bridgewater can be seen before reaching the entrance — Penticton Creek.

“The flowing creek is what people pay for,” said Victor Durman, developer of Bridgewater, A Creekside Community in the Heart of Penticton. “It isn’t lovely? There are different views of the creek. People love it.”

The sound of the water rushing also floats around the development, which has homes next to the hillside of Campbell Mountain.

Of the 67 units, more than 50 per cent are sold. What buyers is that they have the freedom to make decisions on how their future dream home will be finished and look. They also come at a price that Durman said can’t be beat.

Four homes listed on Dianne Van Schilt’s Royal LePage Locations West Realty website range in price from $415,000 for a two-bedroom, two bathroom house that is 1,410 square feet on a 3,877 sq. ft lot to $467,000 for a five bedroom, three bathroom home that is 2,696 sq. ft. Most homes average size is 1,400 sq. ft. with the largest at 2,000. Every home is individual and has a different colour then the one it is beside. Homes may also seem similar, but Durman insists they are not.

The homes come with standard nine foot ceilings, kitchens with granite and quartz counter tops, under mount sinks, four stainless steel appliances and a walk-in pantry, which is a popular item. Durman said that most people love it.

The homes also have four stainless steel appliances and a gas fireplace. Potential buyers are also able to upgrade on the standard options and there is no GST added on to the price of the home and no transfer tax paid. continued on page 7

Bridgewater development runs alongside Penticton Creek. submitted

SELECT HARDWOOD & LAMINATE ON SALE NOW!

Longs Floorall Ltd.

Voted “Best Place to Buy Flooring” in the South Okanagan!

IN BUSINESS FOR 41 YEARS AT THE SAME LOCATION.

Locally owned & operated.

1397 Fairview Rd. Penticton 250-492-0627 www.nufloors.ca

FLOORS

Carpet | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient | shawfloors.com

7

Wednesday, april 20, 2016 • pentictonwesternnews.com

NEW HOMES

Bridgewater offers unique options continued from page 6

The bareland strata fees include the use of a club house, children’s playground, which residents can use as well as a workshop.

“This is very much a community,” said Durman.

“It’s a hidden gem in Penticton.”

Along with being energy efficient, homes built by Moduline Industries Ltd., come with two-five- and 10-year home warranty. The house is finished after being delivered to the plot and is complete after four months. Bridgewater has four to five house plans to choose from and customers can pick the lot where they would like to be. The development has saved money in having the homes built locally and the savings are passed onto the buyer.

One of the things people really like about Bridgewater, Durman said, is its proximity to Penticton Regional Hospital and downtown.

After a slow start due to the recession, Durman said things have picked up. Van Schilt said there is a huge demand for new homes being built.

“It’s going extremely well,” said Van Schilt. “We have very limited amount of that in Penticton.”

Some of the buyers are from the Lower Mainland, Alberta as well as Osoyoos and Oliver and as Van Schilt said, looking to retire or relocate.

Van Schilt has made eight sales from the development and has more listings ready. She said the feedback on the development is exciting, especially when they see what is included in the purchase price of the quality constructed homes.

“They are very, very impressed,” she said. “No one can say that we don’t have a great-priced quality product.”

Energy efficient homes, built locally are some of the selling points at Bridgewater in Penticton. submitted

Considering selling your home, farm, vineyard or commercial property?

CALL TO EXPERIENCE RESULTS THAT WILL MOVE YOU!!

Dianne Van Schilt

REALTOR® SPECIALIZING IN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

ROYAL LEPAGE TOP TIER AWARD & PRESIDENTS GOLD AWARD

250-462-7759

Now 50% SOLD OUT!!

SHOW HOME OPEN @ #142-1675 PENTICTON AVE WED – FRI 1PM – 3PM ... SAT & SUN 10AM – 12PM KEY INTERIOR FEATURES: Hardwood Flooring • Quartz Countertops • Stainless Steel Appliances • Hardi Plank Siding • Window Coverings • Ranchers & Full Basement Homes

CALL FOR LIST OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE! SALE PENDING

G.S.T. INCLUDED AND NO BC PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX #141 - 1,450 sq. ft. rancher $430,000 MLS® 158888 #154 - 1,410 sq. ft. rancher $415,000 MLS® 159642 #123 - 2,880 sq. ft. rancher + full basement $453,000 MLS® NEW #158 - 1,359 sq. ft. rancher $450,000 MLS® NEW #142 - 1,359SO sq. ft. rancher LD$435,500 MLS® 159058 SO+LD #148 - 2,772 sq. ft. rancher full basement $475,000 MLS® 159655 LD #125 - 1,359 sq. ft. rancher $455,000 MLS® 159639 SO

484 MAIN STREET

LOCATIONS WEST REALTY

PENTICTON, B.C. V2A 5C5

8

pentictonwesternnews.com • WEDNESDay, april 20, 2016

NEW HOMES

Beachfront living at The Wedge Dale Boyd Western News Staff

Imagine waking up to the Okanagan Lake beachfront, taking a morning stroll down picturesque Front Street with the entirety of downtown Penticton only a short walk away.

The dream could become a reality with a rare opportunity for exclusive, private residences at The Wedge on 88 Lakeshore Drive East.

Each condominium encompasses an entire floor of the four-storey building ranging from 2,200 to 2,400 square feet. Nine and 10-foot ceilings with concrete and steel-frame construction.

Starting at $1.58 million, up to $2 million for the penthouse suite, the Wedge offers a rare opportunity at beachfront, panoramic views that come with these three-bedroom condos, with three full bathrooms in each suite.

“This is the last undeveloped piece of property on Lakeshore Drive,” said Bruce Schoenne, owner of Schoenne Homes. “They will be the highest-end that we have in Penticton, there’s no question.”

The condos are centered in beautiful downtown with 600 to 800 square feet of outdoor living space to take in the sunny Okanagan summers. The suites face Okanagan Lake to the north as well as the Penticton Art Gallery to the east.

“It’s a very, very unique location,” said Schoenne.

Condos at The Wedge also feature a key-coded elevator for limited floor access, private double-car garages and as a resident you will enjoy a 10-year exemption from real estate property taxes.

The Wedge, located along Lakeshore Drive, will offer entire floor condominiums with beachfront panoramic views. submitted graphic

Venetian Vertical Wood Faux Wood Pleated Cellular Drapery Roller Shades Roman Shades Panel Tracks Shutters 3M Window Films Motorization

UP TO

75% OFF

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

*MSRP

www.blindsplus.ca

250-486-8282

• Free Estimates and Free Installations • DRAPERIES ON SALE • Your Blinds and Drapery Motorization Experts

Hot housing market continues continued from page 5

When oil prices dropped nearly a year ago, Gratton noticed the impact in his personal real estate practice.

“We did have serious younger buyers in the middle of offers on properties in the South Okanagan.

I wouldn’t say they immediately stopped, but it certainly felt as if it was a very rapid decline in their interest,” Gratton said. “What ultimately happened was the offers that I had on the go basically died.”

Gratton refers to younger buyers as those who are generally under 55. There’s an important distinction and difference between a younger buyer and buyers over 55, Gratton said. “(Younger buyers) were very much dependent on the price of a barrel of oil because quite literally

their jobs depended upon it. If they were seriously at risk of losing their jobs they could not continue.”

On the other side of the coin, Gratton said there was “absolutely no impact” on older buyers in his opinion.

“The reason for that is they’ve already made their money in Alberta, they are well established, already retired or seriously considering it. The price of a barrel has far less of an impact on what they are going to do with the money they have already made,” Gratton said.

Gratton said South Okanagan real estate has seen the best increase in the level of economic activity in 26 years, calling it “unprecedented.”

Out of Penticton’s 162 listed homes in March (including condos, townhouses, duplexes and single family homes) 20 per cent have already sold.

There’s No Decision, Call...

• • • • • • • •

AUTO • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL Windshields Custom Showers Mirrors 145 E. Okanagan Ave., Penticton Window Renovations Screens visit us at: ICBC 24 HOUR Storefronts www.

GLASS EMERGENCY Sealed Units preglass.com EXPRESS SERVICE Patio Door Service

250.493.6066

Original Owner-Operator since 1980

9

Wednesday, april 20, 2016 • pentictonwesternnews.com

NEW HOMES

Prepare your home for prospective buyers Western News Staff

remove clutter, including extra pieces of furniture you might have accumulated over the years that can make rooms seem smaller. Box up any books that no longer fit on bookshelves, and try to keep common areas like family rooms, hallways and kids’ playrooms as open and clean as possible so the rooms appear roomy and relaxing.

Selling a home can be exciting.

Homeowners who made considerable financial commitments when buying their homes may be anxious when the time comes to get returns on their investments, but selling a hope need not be so nerve-racking.

Buyers’ tastes often dictate their interest in a home. For example, no matter how immaculate homeowners may keep their colonials, such homes won’t appeal much to buyers looking for a traditional Cape Cod cottage-style home.

But while you might not be able to change your home’s architecture to appeal to the masses, there are steps you can take to make your home more appealing to buyers whose dream home more closely resembles your own.

• Let the light shine in. Dark homes are less appealing to prospective buyers, many of whom have no interest in living in caves that are void of natural sunlight.

When showing your home, make sure all of the curtains are drawn and the blinds or shades are up. If trees or shrubs outside windows are blocking natural light from getting inside, consider trimming them so your home appears sunnier and more inviting.

Bright homes tend to feel more spacious, so fix any light fixtures that need fixing and even add small lamps in rooms that could use some extra light.

Tips for preparing your home • Address curb appeal. Curb appeal goes a long way toward creating a lasting first impression, so homeowners can start by driving up to their homes and looking at them through the eyes of prospective buyers.

Address the landscape if it needs some TLC, and power wash siding if it’s appearing a little dirty.

Examine your driveway for cracks and consider installing a new surface if the existing one is more of an eyesore than eye-catching.

Finally, clear the yard of toys and tools before nailing the “For Sale” sign into the ground, as a cluttered yard will give buyers the impression that you did not prioritize keeping a clean and presentable home.

• Tackle that to-do list.

It’s easy for a home’s residents to grow accustomed to certain minor problems, such as a doorknob that always sticks or a creaky kitchen cabinet door. But buyers might be turned off by too many of these minor problems and wonder if any larger and more expensive issues also went ignored. Before showing your home, address all those minor repairs on your to-do list.

Take the stress out of selling your home by taking steps to appeal to buyers. submitted

• Clear out the clutter. Some sellers stage their homes when putting them up for sale. But staging might not be an option for sellers who are still liv-

ing in their homes and intend to do so until they find buyers.

If you can’t stage your home, then do your best to

Selling a home can be exciting, and homeowners can take steps to make sure their home sale is successful and lucrative as well.

Casual Elegance • Magnificent Views You should see the views from here!

Gorgeous Estate-size lots with unobstructed Skaha Lake views, in Okanagan Falls.

Prices from...$300,000 to $450,000

Chadwell Place

NICKKNOWSHOMES.COM 250.462.5464 &

A S S O C I AT E S

Nicholas T. Parker REALTOR ®

10

pentictonwesternnews.com • WEDNESDay, april 20, 2016

NEW HOMES

Skaha Lake Towers will boast impressive views Mark Brett Western News Staff

Rising 12 stories with commanding views of the body of water it is named after the first of the three Skaha Lake Towers is now under construction.

For two decades the Van Cleef family and Star-Lane Enterprises have worked together to produce some of the city’s most outstanding high-density residential projects, including Cherry Lane and Athens Creek Towers.

Expected to take between 18 months to two years to complete, the initial stage will boast 75 high end units including four garden apartments according to Philip Fox from RE/MAX Penticton Realty who will be marketing the project along with Diane and Len Fox. “The city is in bad need of this inventory,” said Philip. “We have

Skaha Lake Towers recently broke ground on the 12-storey building that will have great views of the lake.

Mark brett/Western neWs

an incredible real estate market with very little product so I mean

the consumers in the city are in bad need of more condominiums

so we’re really excited to bring this project here.

“Our clientele are going to be people purchasing these as

probably a vacation, not a short term rental but a vacation place for people from Vancouver and Calgary but mainly it’s going to be full time residents living in the Valley already.”

The project is being built on the site of a previous water attraction located on the north east corner of Skaha Lake Road and Yorkton Ave. The second two towers will each be 14 stories high. All will be constructed with steel and concrete.

Units will be two bedrooms plus den and will range from 1,200 to 1,700 square feet in size.

“It’s high time to get going. We already have people looking at buying there we’re looking forward to it,” said Tony Van Cleef, one of the developers who has been anxiously awaiting the start of construction. “This is one of the safest and most solid built buildings there is.”

Conquering kids household clutter before moving out Submitted

Famed comedienne Phyllis Diller once said, “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.”

Homes where young children lay their heads at night may not be as tidy as the photos lining home decorating magazine spreads. But while lived-in family homes may never be spotless, they do not have to be overrun with clutter, either. It’s possible to find a happy balance with the right strat-

WINDOWS AND DOORS

The Window and Door Specialists

egy and by investing in a few organizational products.

• Work one room at a time. Parents can do themselves a favour by choosing a starting point and tackling the project one room at a time. Find the room that needs the most work or a space where clutter causes the biggest headaches.

• Resist the urge to wander. One of the obstacles many people face when attempting to declutter a home is the tendency to remove an item from one room only to add it to the existing clutter in another room. When organizing a home, stay in a particular room until that room is clean. Have designated bins or bags for items that need to be carried into another room, but only transfer such containers after a room has been cleaned.

• Cull twice a year. Children accumulate the greatest number of new toys on birthdays and holidays. Set a schedule to go through existing toys prior to these events and sort out the broken, old or seldom-used items. Donate these toys to preschools, afterschool programs, family support centers, or babysitting centres at your office or gym. Whatever can’t be salvaged should be trashed or recycled.

• Invest in storage cubes and bins. Toys that are easily accessible and seen are easier to find and put away. Develop a storage

system that works for your family. Labeling bins with words (or pictures for children who can’t yet read) helps children identify where things belong.

• Tame the toys. Making too many items available at any given time can become overwhelming to children. Rotate toys rather than always buying new ones so that items will be fresh and interesting. Toys out of the rotation can be stored in a basement or attic. Belongings that are not requested or missed can be given away.

• Get items off of the floor. Any organizational system that can move items vertically is beneficial. Children will become accustomed to hanging things up rather than leaving belongings on the floor. Hooks, hangers and shelving mounted on walls, will free up precious floor space.

• Choose furniture that serves double duty.

Beds with drawers underneath or a toy chest that doubles as a bench can work well in spaces that need some clutter control.

• Establish a school memory box. Parents can give each of their children a plastic bin where they can store memorable items from school. Not every assignment or drawing sent home needs to be kept. Reserve the memory box for those special things that have the most meaning.

Athens Athens CreekCreek R EE T ITR E O DNG T E R IM REEN TML E

250-492-2833 1-800-663-6665 595 E. Warren Ave., Penticton www.berdickwindows.com enviro

sealed

windows™

Luxury Retirement LODGE

Luxury Retiremen

The South Okanagan’s Finest…

Locally Manufactured

since 1973

The South Okanagan’s Finest…

Where your comfort and well

being are Priority #1 Make our home your new home.

Say yes to a care-free, Where your comfort and wel Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom suites luxurious lifestyle being are Priority #1 that awaits your unique and stylish Living in our Heritage style lodge, you’ll easily grow accustomed to the decor to makesocialitopportunities yourandown. amenities, Say yes to a care-free, plus enjoy the privacy of your own spacious 1 or 2 bedroom suite with balcony. Ideally located to www.athenscreek.com enhance your independence.

luxurious lifestyle

250-493-3838 Living in our Heritage style lodge, Supported Living Services Available

you’ll easily grow accustomed to the 170 West Warren Avenue,24-HR. Penticton, BC V2A 8R6 STAFF & MEDI-ALERT

EMERGENCY CALLsocial SERVICEopportunities and amenities,

plus enjoy the privacy of your own www.athenscreek.com spacious 1 or 2 bedroom suite

250-493-3838 with balcony. Ideally located to 170 West Warren Avenue Penticton, BC V2A 8R6

enhance your independence.

11

Wednesday, april 20, 2016 • pentictonwesternnews.com

NEW HOMES

Garden, trail network in masterplan of Skaha Hills Western News Staff

Skaha Hills continues to be one of the hottest residential developments happening around Penticton.

Skaha Hills Development Corporation recently announced it has completed the overall visioning the 550-acre masterplanned community, including details of an organic market garden, designated RV storage for residents, and a 10 kilometre trail network.

“We’ve injected specific infrastructure details into the master plan as development at Skaha Hills progresses,” said Curt Jansen, vice president sales and marketing, Skaha Hills. “Residents can look forward to accessing fresh fruits and vegetables from an organic market garden on the property and we’ve got the trail network mapped out, which will run throughout the community and the surrounding hills.”

The development, which launched in April 2014, continues to report strong sales and builds beating original projections.

With the third phase of their build out ready to launch, Skaha Hills is reporting that 35 homes in the first two phases are complete and occupied, with 24 more homes under construction or in their final design stage. Only 14 homesites remain in the second phase, The Ridge at Skaha Hills.

“It is amazing to see this coming together.

Greyback (Construction, one of the partners in Skaha Hills) is so organized and has such a machine,” said Jansen. “It’s now on such a nice rhythm and schedule that everyone is working together.”

With statistics released in April by the B.C Real

Estate Association showed an increase of almost 17 per cent in residential sales in the South Okanagan in March 2016 over last year, Jansen said they aren’t expecting to slow down as they prepare to launch The Vistas, the third phase of the development.

“There is growing excitement for The Vistas at Skaha Hills and the overwhelming interest we’ve received in registrations is a testament to that,” said Jansen, “The views will be some of the best you can find in Penticton.”

When it launches this spring The Vistas will offer a collection of homes that is first of its kind in that Okanagan, with a different take on the classic townhouse, embodied in a terraced rancher-style concept.

Jansen explained the homes will be built in stories, with a separate unit on each level, built into the side of the hill and stepped back, so each unit still maintains a view.

Another major Skaha Hills feature, the multimillion dollar estate winery and bistro from Stage West Hospitality, is also scheduled to open in May 2016.

The vineyards will encompass up to 50 acres of Skaha Hills, with the winery and bistro overlooking Skaha Lake. The first vineyards were planted two years ago, and are continuing to mature, creating a landmark entrance to the community.

Other facilities include the extensive network of hiking and biking trails covering the 550-acre site, a multi-purpose amenity centre, dog park, and green space with a children’s play area.

Residents will enjoy access to a pool and lounging deck, well-equipped gym, infrared sauna, and hot tubs. Golf enthusiasts will be granted convenient access to the nearby Skaha Meadows Golf Course and the beachfront.

Skaha Hills continues to report strong sales with some of the best views of Penticton.

Mark Brett/Western neWs

Locally Owned & Operated

PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE! We will NOT be beat on prices!

Custom Islands Available

See us for all your real estate transactions

250-492-0907 250-494-0442 474 Main Street PENTICTON

Premier 700

9921 Main Street SUMMERLAND

www.pslawyers.ca • email: info@pslawyers.ca

• LAWYERS • NOTARIES PUBLIC Practical Advice at a Reasonable Price

1295 Fairview Rd. Penticton

250-770-2903

Contractor Specials Available

12

PICK & PICK &&&PICK PICK pentictonwesternnews.com • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

&PICK &PICK of the Week!

Week!

Week!

George George George Kara’s

George of the of the Kara’s

Kara’s Kara’s

of the Week! Special $1499 George of th

George Kara’s

Special $1499 Was $2199 Special $1499 Was Kara’s

Wa

Wee

$2199 GE Slate French Door Fridge

Special $1499 Was $2199 GE Slate GE French Door Fridge Slate French Door Fridge

• Internal water dispenser & Au • FrostGuard TM Technology GE LED Lighting • Internal •water dispenser & Automatic Ice Maker Ice• Maker Internal water Fridge dispenser & Automatic GE Slate French Door TM Technology • FrostGuard TM Technology • FrostGuard * Limited Quantities • GE LED Lighting • GE LED Lighting & Automatic Ice Maker • Internal water dispenser

Special $1499 Was $2199 Technology • FrostGuard

GNE22GMEES GNE22GMEES

TM * Limited Quantities * Limited Quantities

SpecialSpecial $1499 Was $2199 Was $599 GE Slate French Door Fridge GNE22GMEES * LimitedSpecial Quantities Internal water dispenser & Automatic Ice Maker $599 Was $849 GE Built-In Slate Dishwashe • GE LED Lighting

LOVE YOUR KITCHEN – FOR LESS Special $599 Was $849 LOVE YOUR KITCHEN – FOR LESS GNE22GMEES GE Slate French Door Fridge

• • FrostGuard TM Technology • GE LED GE Lighting Built-In Dishwasher GE Slate Built-In Slate Dishwasher

% SAVE 15 % SAVE 15 Special $599

• Internal water dispenser & Automatic Ice Maker Technology • FrostGuard• TM Front Controls • GE LED Lighting • Hybrid Stainless Steel Tub Int

GNE r * Limited Quantities• Wash your way customizable Controls • Front Controls • Hybrid Stainless Tub Steel Interior • Hybrid Steel Stainless Tub Interior * Limited Quantities • Wash your way customizable rack • Wash your way customizable rack Special $599 Was $849 GDF540HMFES

• Front * Limited Quantities

GE Built-In Slate Special $599

Dishwasher Was $849

* Limited Quantities * Limited Quantities

ON GE

Was $849

GDF540HMFES

GE Built-In Slate Dishwasher

• Front Controls • Front Controls George Kuhn moved to Penticton in 1959, GE Built-In Slate Dishwasher • Hybrid Stainless Steel Tubwith Interior Graduated from Pen Hi and then partnered his • Hybrid Stainless Steel Tub Interior • Wash your way customizable rack * father in Judy’s Delicatessen for over 20 years.

He • Front Controls CAFÉGeorge APPLIANCES Kuhn movedGeorge toyour Penticton in 1959, Kara MacMillian is our Kitchen and Design • Wash way customizable rack was part owner of Guerard Furniture & Kuhn moved to Penticton in 1959, Kara MacMillian is our Kitchen and Design • Hybrid Stainless Steel Tub Interior

from Pen Hi– andMAY then partnered withthen his partnered with his Graduated from Pen2016 Hi and OFFER VALID FROMGraduated MARCH 28 1,

in Judy’s Delicatessen for over 20 years. Hefor over 20 years.

• father Wash your customizable rack fatherway in Judy’s Delicatessen He * Limited Quantities

ON GE CAFÉ APPLIANCES* OFFER VALID

was part owner of Guerard was partFurniture owner of&Guerard Furniture & Appliances for several years and recently * Limited Quantities Appliances formost several years and most recently worked at Okanaganworked Home at Center.

He Okanagan Homelike Center. He would like FROM MARCH 28 – MAY 1, would 2016 to welcome his pasttoand presenthis customers welcome past andtopresent customers to come in and say Hi and comesee in him and in sayhis Hinew and roll seein him in his new roll in GE Appliance CenterGE atAppliance Penticton Home Hardware.

Center at Penticton Home Hardware.

GDF5

LimitedServices Quantities Co-ordinator. Kara’s*Co-ordinator.

Design offered to our Appliances Kara’s forare several years and most recentlyto our Design Services are offered valued Home Hardware Customers Free of Charge worked at Okanagan Center. like valued Home Hardware Home Customers FreeHeofwould Charge for your entire project.

Kara was born in born welcome his and pastraised and customers to in for to your entire project.

Karapresent was and raised Penticton and started atcome the Home Hardware Store in Hardware inand andstarted say Hiatand see him in his newStore roll inin Penticton the Home 2005. Kara started as a Cashier and has held positions GE Appliance Center at Penticton Home Hardware.

2005.

Kara started as a Cashier and has held positions George Kuhn to Penticton in 1959, in Contractor Salesmoved and Kitchen Design while gettingDesign an while getting anKara MacMillian is our Kitchen a in Contractor and Kitchen Graduated from Pen Hidecorating. and thenSales partnered with his see Co-ordinator. Kara’s Design Serv education in design and Come in and education for in design and decorating.

Come in and see valued Home Hardware Custom father in Judy’s Delicatessen over 20 years.

He Kara towashave her Co-ordinate yourher project design your project design to have Co-ordinate part owner ofKara Guerard Furniture & for your entire project. Kara was specifications save on interior design Appliancesand for several years and most recently Penticton and started at the Hom specifications and savefees. on interior design fees.

GDF540HMFES

GDF540HMFES

worked at Okanagan Home Center. He would like

2005. Kara started as a Cashier a

George Kuhn moved to Penticton Kara MacMillian is our Kitchen and Design welcome his past andDesign present customers to in Contractor Sales and Kitchen D George Kuhn moved to Penticton in 1959, in 1959, Kara MacMillian istoour Kitchen and come in and say Hi and see him in his new roll in Graduated fromfrom Pen Hi andHi then partnered with his with his Co-ordinator. Kara’sCo-ordinator.

Design Services are offered to ourServices are offered to education Graduated Pen and then partnered Kara’s Design our in design and decorat GE Appliance Center at Penticton Home Hardware.

Kara to have her Co-ordinate you father in Judy’s Delicatessen for over for 20 years. valued Home Hardware Customers of ChargeCustomers Free of Charge specifications and save on interi father in Judy’s Delicatessen over He 20 years. He valued HomeFree Hardware was part owner of Guerard Furniture & for your entire project. Kara was born and raised in was part owner of Guerard Furniture & for your entire project. Kara was born and raised in Appliances for several years and most recently Penticton and started at the Home Hardware Store in Appliances for several years He andwould mostlikerecently Penticton andhas started at the Home Hardware Store in worked at Okanagan Home Center.

2005. Kara started as a Cashier and held positions Home Center.toHe would like 2005.

Kara started a Cashier toworked welcomeathisOkanagan past and present customers in Contractor Sales and Kitchen Design whileasgetting an and has held positions come in and sayhis Hi and seeand himpresent in his newcustomers roll in education in designin and decorating.Sales Come and in andKitchen see to welcome past to Contractor Design while getting an * See a sales associate for more details. Offer excludes discontinued or obsolete products and accessories. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Rebate available on regular priced merchandise only.

GE Appliance Center at Penticton Home Hardware.

Kara to have her Co-ordinate your project design Offer available to Canadian residents not Hi available dealers, contractors. is limited to per customer. comeonly. in Offer andissay andtosee himbuilders in hisornew roll inMaximum number of appliances eligible for discount education ineight design and decorating. Come in and see specifications and savePlace, on interiorPenticton design fees.

150 Fairview 250 493 1233

DEALER IMPRINT AREA 150 Fairview Place, Penticton 250 493 1233 150 Fairview Place, Penticton 250 493 250 1233 DEALER IMPRINT AREA 150 Fairview Place, Penticton 493 1233 GE Appliance Center at Penticton Home Hardware.

Kara to have her Co-ordinate your project design specifications and save on interior design fees. * See a sales associate for more details. Offer excludes discontinued or obsolete products and accessories. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Rebate available on regular priced merchandise only.

GE CAFÉ™ IS A TRADEMARK OF GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. MC COMMERCIAL INC. IS A LICENSEE.

Offer available to Canadian residents only. Offer is not available to dealers, builders or contractors. Maximum number of appliances eligible for discount is limited to eight per customer.

GE CAFÉ™ IS A TRADEMARK OF GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. MC COMMERCIAL INC. IS A LICENSEE.

150 Fairview Place, Penticton 250 493 1233