jessel magazine / summer 2021

Brian Jessel: 35 years in the driver’s seat

One-on-one with wingman Jim Murray

SCAN THE CODE TO SHOP OUR SUMMER COLLECTION ONLINE

On location at JWMarriott PARQ Vancouver Follow @ myparterre

ONE-ON-ONE WITH WINGMAN JIM MURRAY

From a musical dream to the automotive industry, the journey of a managing partner and the future ahead.

GRAND RE-ENTRANCE FOR ENTRYWAYS

Getting your entryway ready for a stylish return as visiting is back on the agenda.

55/ MASTER MOOD

22/

ELECTRICS & HYBRIDS

Driving the sustainable dream with EVs and hybrids is now a reality.

26/ THE ART OF

TECHNOLOGY

A look at integration media and the Steinway-Lyngdorf, a system delivering the sound of a Steinway piano.

32/ ON THE ROAD TO SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

Bringing back the joy of riding as technologies are becoming more developed and battery ranges increase.

E-BIKES: THE NEW URBAN TRANSPORTATION

The rising popularity of a modern-day phenomenon.

Turn up the summer vibes in your home.

58/ EARLY BIRD: NIRA

ARORA

Giving back to others through live radio, a feeling that just can't be matched.

64/ PEOPLE MATTER

Relying on the trusted counsel of their financial advisors to guide the way.

44/

ONLINE ADDICTION

Is it too late to shift our relationship with Social Media?

BESPOKE COLLISION REPAIR

The explosive growth of N o 1 Collision Repair speaks to their top-quality approach to repairing luxury vehicles.

80/ EXPO 86

Looking back 35 years later on the Fair that forever changed Vancouver.

68/ BRIAN JESSEL:

35 YEARS IN THE DRIVERS SEAT

After 35 years of success in the automotive industry, Brian Jessel reflects on the past and looks ahead to the future.

President and CEO

Brian Jessel

Managing Partner

Jim Murray

Sales & Marketing Manager

Abdel Karim Awwad

Creative Director and Design

Guylaine Rondeau

Contributing Creative Director

Julia Ouspenska

Editor

Joe Leary

Copy Editors

Lin Stranberg

Lisa Manfield

Contributing Writers

Joe Leary

Lin Stranberg

Lisa Manfield

Laura Caceres

Sandy MacDonald

Ana Allen

Aurela Nasedkin

Maria Killam

Leeta Liepins

Contributing Photographers

Barry Calhoun cover, pages 20, 73 bottom, 74, 77, 79

Alfonso Arnold pages 69, 71

Guylaine Rondeau pages 72 right, 73 top

James Wines pages 80-86

Ernie Reksten page 81 left

Bob Lai pages 90, 91

Other Image Sources

BMW pages 22, 24, 41

Hommes Studio pages 50-54

Kare Vancouver pages 50-54

Photovault pages 80-86

Jason Vanderhill pages 80-86

Published by Brian Jessel BMW

Vancouver, BC V5M4W5

B-CORP : GOLD STANDARD OF

RESPONSIBLE

BUSINESS

Companies that care about the world are putting actions in their commitment to make a difference.

WEEKEND GETAWAY : EFFORTLESS BLACK & WHITE CHIC

Classic fashion with personal stylist Aurela Nasedkin.

90/ MISS 604 : SECRETS OF A SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER

Secrets of a Social Media Influencer.

96/ BLACK

: COLOUR TREND

Looking at the black colour trend with Maria Killam.

98/ DRIVING IT HOME

Science fiction of today becoming the science fact of tomorrow.

SEA ROCK DEVELOPMENTS’ HARMONIOUS APPROACH TO ULTRA-LUXURY HOME DESIGN IS STRIKING A CHORD IN

WHITE ROCK — AND ABROAD

“We’re all about the lifestyle here the ocean and beaches, the parks and wide-open spaces,” Sharon says. “That’s why we design and build homes here; we fell in love with all it has to offer. We call it home.” The scenic landscapes certainly add to the WOW factor. Kaz and Sharon elevate them by integrating natural elements into their designs. “We strive to create a harmonious balance of flow and function that builds on what the location already offers and augments it with timeless artistic application,” Sharon says.

But they don’t equate their artistic vision to size or price tag. It’s about an organic symmetry of delightful custom features, intuitive functionality and unparalleled finishing inspired by art and nature, and unmatched anywhere else... in this part of the world, anyway. “There’s nothing that’s not possible,” Kaz says. Their “sky’s-the-limit” approach to building and design has put them in a unique position to serve a select clientele.

“Some of our clients are high-profile people with homes around the world, Kaz says, they want their estate here to be a showpiece they can be proud of, especially when entertaining guests.”

Favourite destinations for inspiration are Italy, France, Spain and New York

Generating creative ideas that match their clients’ tastes and functional needs usually starts abroad, with their clients traveling with them to get a sense of what inspires them. Their favourite destinations for inspiration are Italy, France, Spain and New York, where timeless art and culture can be found around every corner, and where structures are built to stand the test of time. Their penchant for working with natural materials arises from their desire for both quality and longevity, while carefully selected finishes are chosen for their ability to bring the outdoors inside.

The Art of Fine Custom Home Building

SEA ROCK DEVELOPMENTS is a master custom home builder of luxury homes establishing a tradition of excellence. From concept to completion, we are different in the quality, artistry, and innovation we bring to every home. With top quality craftsmanship of our in-house team, access to latest technologies and materials from around the world, and creative solutions, we build not just homes but lifestyles. Our commitment to the principles of quality, efficiency and integrity ensures that each home we build is a reflection of the high standard of excellence associated with Sea Rock Developments.

Each House Is Treated Like An Original Piece of Art

Amanda & Cameron Jones

Photo by Jasalyn Thorne

Elements Estate, Shaughnessy

Building and Renovating Vancouver’s Finest Homes

For over 40 years, T. Jones Group has managed construction projects in Greater Vancouver with unwavering quality and integrity. This longstanding reputation comes with a trusted network of relationships to guarantee each home is built to unrelenting standards.

ON

WINGMAN ONE

ONE WITH JIM

by JOE LEARY

Jim Murray’s connection to Brian Jessel BMW as Managing Partner dates back more than two decades. His story with the dealership starts with a love for cars which developed into a successful career that now stands at the forefront of the industry.

“The first vehicle I drove was a Dodge Fargo truck with a three on the tree,” he recalls. “I started buying cars when I was going to high school, but my first ‘real’ car was a 1975 Firebird Formula 350 small-block.”

His ambition was to become a musician, so the car business was not on the horizon at first. “It was totally a fluke,” he says. “I made a career change at 23 . A friend’s father owned a car dealership and I decided I would try my hand at that. He told me what to say and who to go see, and I got the job. Day One, I sold my first car, and Day Two, I sold my second car. I was ‘Top Salesman of the Month’ in my first month, ‘Salesman of the Year’ in my first year, and I was promoted into management at that dealership three years later.”

Enter Brian Jessel. It took some time for his partnership with Brian to grow into what it is today. “I first met Brian in the summer of 1997 when I applied for the Pre-Owned manager’s position. He interviewed me three times and I still did not get the job. We really connected, though. Almost six months to the day later, I was working at a Chrysler dealership, and I got a phone call from Brian. He told me his New Car manager was moving to Toronto and that I was the right guy to take over the job. We met at a coffee shop, negotiated a deal on a napkin, and here I am, 23 years later.”

That history carries with it a rich past with the Brian Jessel BMW family and BMW brand, including Murray’s achievements as Active Elected Member and Vice Chair of the BMW Dealer Communications Team, and Number One in New and Pre-owned Sales Volume in Canada for 17 consecutive years.

MURRAY

As Brian Jessel BMW celebrates 35 years of continued success, Murray reviews the current state of the industry and what the future holds. “Certainly, it’s an industry in transition” he says.

“Out of all the adjustments COVID-19 has brought about over the last year, we have mostly taken advantage of the enhancement and focus on digitalization it has engendered. We now consider all the digital tools from how people shop to how they purchase cars and the interaction between our clients and the dealership through varied digital formats keeps advancing at a pace we have never seen before. This has brought a lot of good to the industry and our company. I think people wanted to break free of traditional car buying, or at least have an option, and now they do.”

The continued growth of this trend is rapidly driving the transformation of the business sector, reaching new milestones in terms of e-mobility, digitization, and sustainability. At the same time, it is strengthening the business model of the dealership to keep aiming for more ambitious targets.

Notwithstanding his exceptional achievements in the car business, Jim Murray remains a talented and versatile musician whose abilities extend far beyond his former instrument of choice, the drums.

Murray believes in BMW 's leadership in new electric vehicles and the new car lineup alike. While awaiting the much anticipated deliveries of the i4 and iX, here he stands between the M4 coupe and the M850 Cabriolet.

Taking note of these new directions, Murray believes EVs and hybrids are now the leading edge of driving. “Electric vehicles have a huge market share in Vancouver, where there is a massive appetite for them but not a lot of choice. Naturally, BMW is chief among the manufacturers stepping up their EV game. Today I am driving an X5 e, and I love it,” he says. “This car has a 55km range on a full battery, so if you can plug in at work or at home, you are off the grid. You get great fuel economy when you are using both fuel and battery combined, as the engine will also charge the battery to a certain degree, so you do not have to worry about trying to find a charge station if you are travelling.”

While the Province of BC prepares for the onslaught of electric vehicles and providing an ably equipped infrastructure of charging stations, Murray suggests the BMW hybrids are the perfect precursor to the fully electric cars. “We have started taking orders for the new both fully electric BMW iX as well as the four-door sedan version, the BMW i4. The SUV stacks up with 500 -plus horsepower and about a 500 - 600 km range on a full charge, with an outstanding MSRP of $89,990 ; the i4 ranges up to 475 kms, has 335 hp, and an unbeatable MSRP of $54,990 These vehicles are going to be big contenders in the EV space, coming at the end of this year or first quarter of next year.” In Murray’s opinion, electrification is not only the future. It is the perfect way to explore British Columbia with Brian Jessel BMW

BEFORE LUXURY COMES EXPLORATION

Metallis Resources is a Vancouver-based TSX-Venture-listed gold, copper and nickel exploration company focused on its 100-percent-owned Kirkham property. The project is situated in the heart of Northern B.C.’s Golden Triangle, a prolific area known globally for the formerly producing Eskay Creek and Snip gold mines, Seabridge’s KSM deposits, and Pretium’s still-producing Brucejack gold mine.

To be a part of this exciting project, visit metallisresources.com or contact us at 604-688-5077.

BMW is one of the leaders in the electric and hybrid vehicle sector, with an ever-increasing number of model options now available from this iconic brand.

THE FUTURE HAS NEVER LOOKED BRIGHTER.” “

HYBRIDS ELECTRICS

DRIVING THE SUSTAINABLE DREAM

by JOE LEARY

In earlier times, electric vehicles were positioned as the ‘Car of the Future.’ Cue in this decade and the electric car is now. The future has never looked brighter. With an ever-growing customer base, all too willing to find alternate forms of driving machines, the BMW portfolio of hybrids and the forthcoming fully electric vehicles is second to none.

I had the distinct pleasure of taking two of the PHEVs (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles) for a run: the BMW X3 and the BMW 530 e. When considering state-of-the-art technology, the initial reference point lies within existing automobiles. The electric experience was simply unmatched. Utilizing the ability to seamlessly alternate between electricity and fuel, the BMW Hybrids add a whole new dimension to driving. While we eagerly await the arrival of the first fully electric BMW vehicles to the west coast, the BMW technology has been in existence for some time.

“The first ever electric BMW car was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, when BMW produced a subdivision of electric hybrid vehicles,” said Abdel Awwad, Sales and Marketing Manager, Brian Jessel BMW. “That was the i8.”

The aim of the BMW i project was to create eco-friendly urban electric, sustainable vehicles. The line was launched two years before that, in 2011, and the team managing it was tasked with the manufacture of plug-in electric cars.

While concept versions of the i3 and i8 were displayed in Frankfurt back in 2009, production began in earnest in 2013 BMW released two vehicles: the i3, an all-electric car, along with the hybrid, i8 plug-in version. The all-electric i X3 SUV was scheduled for release by late 2020, while the i X SUV and the i4 all-electric sedan launched in 2021

The BMW X3 xDrive 30 e is the first conventional plug-in hybrid and one of an ever-increasing number of model options from the iconic brand. The 530 e showcases a four cylinder fuel engine alongside an electric motor. The powerful horsepower is palpable and the car offers the next level of ‘zoom.’ The growing interest in BMW electric vehicles is significant.

“Now that globally, the world is going more to electrification, BMW is one of the leaders in the sector,” said Awwad. “We’re moving forward with electrification in most of our models in 2020 we introduced the i X and the i4, based on the platforms of the X5 and the 4 Series. We are going to have unique, futuristic vehicles coming to the Canadian market in 2022 .”

Not surprisingly, demand is high. “We have already started receiving pre-bookings for the i X as of June,” he said. “The anticipation for this car is huge. It looks futuristic and it’s fully electric.”

The anticipation of the new BMW i4 (shown) and iX series is big, with features like the easy-to-read e-drive dashboard screen, and the wireless plug-in unit as an alternative to the E-charging device.

BC ’s quickly growing network of charging stations, constantly expanding into more and more rural areas, makes driving electric the easiest and most practical way to Explore BC . BC drivers can find public charging stations with apps like PlugShare, ChargeHub, and BC Hydro EV.

GLOBALLY, THE WORLD IS GOING MORE TOWARDS ELECTRIFICATION.”

LA SCALA TECHNOLOGY THE ART OF

by SANDY MACDONALD

When the company started in 1990, La Scala Integrated Media Corporation was the first true custom electronics integrator of its kind in the region. Over the years, La Scala has completed some amazing installations and won countless awards for their integration of quality electronics and control systems into luxury residences.

“Accolades are certainly nice”, says owner Sandy Macdonald, “but to me, it’s what those awards mean to our team that matters we complete projects to perfection. This is what separates us from so many other players in our industry. Many promise, few deliver.”

La Scala’s sales consultants are up front about the appropriate investment required to do the job right, at whatever level the project might be. “Saving nickels at the beginning often ends up costing dimes later on”, Macdonald says. “Good gear is only the beginning, as

there are many factors that go into making a great system. Good design by seasoned professionals gleans the best results, and we simply won’t cut corners to meet a budget. That said, we believe we offer value.”

No matter how big or small the project, each La Scala customer receives the same close attention and high quality of workmanship. Professional schematics and design are always done, which of course takes time. But the customer gets exactly what was promised, and more.

Turn on the fire and adjust the flame, change the pool or the hot tub temperature, control your patio TV, the lighting, the louvred ceiling, the discrete outdoor sound system, and even open patio doors — all of it, using one convenient app on your favourite digital device.

“

It’s what they say about our company that matters — we get the job done to perfection.”

The Steinway-Lyngdorf S-15 sound system delivers unmatched accuracy of reproduction. After all, the goal was to create the sound of a Steinway piano. They certainly scored! Make Steinway Audio Systems a part of your ultimate listening experience.

La Scala gives their customers a full range of options. Many are derived from successful system installations provided to other clients with similar needs. Yet the La Scala team believes that listening to each of their customers describe their lifestyle and provide their ideas is the key to getting the information needed to design a dream “smart home” for each customer. This results in features and benefits being integrated into the home that best suit the customer’s specific needs.

After-sales service is another important factor in La Scala’s success. According to owner Sandy Macdonald, “Most clients want to believe that after-sales service is a given.” “Not so”, says Macdonald. In fact, La Scala has the only full-time in-house Service department in the region. The company wants their customers to know that the Team is there for them 24/7

From the first time clients meet with the team and experience the many offerings in their demonstration centre, it’s clear to see that La Scala is the real deal. As well, any client can easily recognize that the team is genuinely interested in their customer’s needs. La Scala‘s President, Mike Chorney, a thirty year veteran of the industry, proudly proclaims that “we hire on attitude first and aptitude second.” Perhaps that’s why the company’s been in business for over thirty years.

In a large home, control of lighting, motorized shades, sound, security, climate, and access can be arduous. La Scala makes it easy, with control of each zone in the home easily visible and effortless on a smart device. Technology, even speakers for music, can be completely invisible.

“ We design ‘smart homes’ that perform in ways that benefit our clients the most.”

ON THE ROAD TO SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

by LAURA CACERES

Wondering about the future? These days it’s all about the possibilities of innovative new ways to approach development opportunities, implement business strategies and complement marketing plans.

With the quickly broadening reach of current technologies, we find previously separate areas of our everyday lives getting seamlessly integrated, communicating our data with each other, blending and expanding the limits of brand exposure and customer satisfaction.

Today, social platforms are no longer a collection of profiles of people and communities. They sell brand coverage, engagement, and

visibility, while also being concrete indicators of direct sales. Social networks, especially mobile ones, have changed the direction of advertisers’ focus. Mobile-exclusive advertising, such as specialized ads and mobile stores, are shifting focus from the transitory task of creating effective landing pages to concerted efforts at building specific communities of loyal customers.

As more professionals learn to evaluate the dependence of profit on customer loyalty (Net Promoter Score is a measure used to gauge customer loyalty, satisfaction and acceptance of a company), the convergence of computers, mobile devices, TVs, home appliances, cars, etc., will become mainstream. Then the focus will be on interactive media as an opportunity not only to consume but also to participate, get involved, engage and act. In addition, the boom in on-demand transport services, currently via Uber, Lyft and car sharing services, and soon some

public transit, accessible via apps, is changing mobility patterns and the way people move and interact.

Mobility is now morphing into an integrated resource that provides a wide range of functions like subscriptions and payments. The integration of online devices extends all the way to autonomous cars benefiting from smarter cities in their quest for full automation. Instead of autonomous cars just communicating with one another, they will be able to communicate with smart devices

Cities have become a tight network of connectivity in ways that even in the recent past would have seemed quite futuristic and sci-fi — from the internet to home systems, from smart cars to optimized traffic signals, from digital devices to cloud services and e-commerce.

IMAGINATION MEETS NEW POSSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES.”

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION / CONT’D

built into smart cities too. For example, smart traffic lights will be able to better control traffic flows. The cars could simply communicate with all the cars on the road to understand their position without relying on cameras. This is followed by maintenance predictions based on driving style and vehicle. New security solutions protect all parts of a vehicle by providing safety modules such as authentication systems and firewalls, as well as encryption key generation and management, covering the vehicle from end to end.

COMMUNITY TRUST, SMART INFRASTRUCTURE, AND AN EVER-GROWING NETWORK INFORMATION.”

This shift into the virtual world and our immersion in it was accelerated by the sudden outbreak of COVID–19 and the significant effects of the pandemic on economies, business activities and human interactions. With lessened travel, extra effort has been put into building virtual engagement strategies from varied remote settings. Organizations now face the challenges of identifying the new opportunities it opens for online performance and management. Cybersecurity and the best ways for protecting workers and customers, data and equipment, are starting to be at the centre of current businesses looking for ways to cater to customers’ new needs and demands, while simultaneously developing innovative solutions and contingencies that go beyond sales and consider integrating community trust, smart infrastructure, and an ever-growing network of information and technological potential.

THE DEVON OWEN DIFFERENCE

Here are eight reasons you’ll want to work with Devon Owen on your next home sale or purchase.

1) Established, with a proven track record: Realtor Devon Owen has earned herself a loyal following in Metro Vancouver’s luxury Real Estate market, with clients who appreciate her 13+ years of experience and thorough understanding of the markets in Vancouver, the North Shore, and South Surrey/ White Rock.

2) Award-winning Realtor: As a Realtor with Royal Pacific, Devon has achieved Medallion and Chairman’s Club status with the brokerage for five consecutive years, selling over $160 million in properties in the past 36 months alone.

3) Integrity and prioritizing her clients’ needs: Devon brings a genuine enthusiasm for helping clients sell their current residence, find their dream home, or purchase investment properties. “My goal has always been to exceed my clients’ expectations while delivering the best possible results,” Devon says.

4) From start to finish: “I’m involved in every step of the process and guide my clients through every aspect of the transaction,” Devon continues. “Selling your home is daunting for a lot of people, so I walk them through the process from preparing their home for sale to setting up appointments with the notary.”

5) Home staging for property showings: “I love to stage a home and add designer touches that leave the best first impression,” shares Devon. “I have no problem rolling up my sleeves and pitching in to ensure the home is presented in the best light possible.”

6) A strong network of professionals: “I have an extensive contact list of trades and professionals, from power washers and carpenters to mortgage brokers and legal experts, to refer my clients to.” says Devon. She also has strong

relationships in the new home development industry allowing her to secure front-of-the-line access for those interested in pre-sales.

7) Innovative Marketing: Devon is ahead of the real estate pack when it comes to marketing. She was one of the first Realtors to adopt modern marketing tools and methods into her business, using social media, mobile-friendly listings and other innovative strategies to effectively produce results. With over 10,800 Instagram followers, Devon’s reach is unparalleled.

8) Market Knowledge: Devon offers her clients up-to-date market data to ensure her clients are, “in the know.” When asked for her take on today’s market?

The outlook for real estate in 2021 and onwards continues to look promising for sellers and buyers alike in Vancouver. With record low interest rates and more people working from home, families are realizing they need more space. “This year we’ve seen a huge uptick in pre-sales, which indicates an increase in market confidence and I anticipate this to continue.”

Contact Devon today. 604-614-8380  devonowen.com

photography: Lia Crowe

EBIKES NEW URBAN TRANSPORTATION

by JOE LEARY

Based on current demand, electric bicycles are considered ‘hot wheels.’ But while the rising popularity of the e-bike is generally viewed as a modern-day phenomenon, the origin of this futuristic mode of transportation actually dates back well over a century.

The first patent was granted on December 31, 1895 to Ogden Bolton Jr. His invention was a rear wheel mounted battery-powered bicycle. Fellow inventors of the era refined the concept with various versions and models. And while the e-bike continued to find support in the ensuing years, it languished on the sidelines, showing limited growth. It was shelved for a lengthy period until major industries got involved in the 1990s.

Yamaha built an early prototype electric bicycle in 1993 and later created the pedalassist concept. Popularity soared with increased production and today the e-bike is a booming business.

“During the years I have been in the cycling industry I have seen interest in e-bikes grow three times year over year,” says Graham Loewen, Sales Representative of Dunbar Cycles, founded in 1928 and currently Vancouver’s oldest bike shop. “The biggest increase has been in this past year. The major spike in demand for bicycles happened because more people are trying to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

“E-bikes bring back the joy of riding and as technologies are becoming more developed and battery ranges increase, e-bikes are becoming more and more popular among working professionals who commute to work.

With an e-bike, people can go further, faster, no matter what shape they’re in. They can now add fun to their commute, keep up with their friends, and cheerfully ride up the hills that used to inhibit them.

E-BIKES BRING BACK THE JOY OF RIDING.”

E-BIKES ARE AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF THE TRANSPORTATION PUZZLE.”

“At Dunbar Cycles we do a lot of electric mountain bikes as well. Many riders look to enjoy the descent more by taking the long climb out of the ride, and as well there are lots of new riders purchasing electric mountain bikes who are trying to keep up with more experienced friends or just trying to get as many laps in as possible after work.”

Noting that the customer base spans all generations, Loewen sees an ever-increasing ownership base of people utilizing the e-bike as a primary method of transportation.

One such commuter is District of North Vancouver Councilor Jordan Back, whose primary motivation was to become less dependent on an automobile and the ensuing associated costs, and also for esthetic reasons and environmental concerns.

“I feel that all of us living on this beautiful planet have a duty to do what we can to reduce our carbon footprint wherever we can, and driving less is certainly one way to do it,” says Back.

“I have always been someone who rides bikes, mostly for competition, so the idea of getting a bit of exercise just by running errands, travelling to the office or doing any of the other short trips that I would have otherwise used my car for was quite appealing to me.”

As a sitting Councilor, Back commutes from North Vancouver to his Burnaby office. His commute encompasses roughly 40km. He also uses this mode of transport in the majority of his travels.

“I use the e-bike about 75% of the time and would probably use it closer to 100% if I didn’t need to travel as far as I do for meetings. I now have a “car light” lifestyle and the times I have to put gas in the tank are few and far between. My commute is so much fun now and how many people can say that? My route takes me through a couple of neighbourhood parks as well as along an urban trail and a multi-use path, where I find myself greeting some of the same people every day. The fresh air and exercise are also the perfect way to reset my day between home and work.”

So who exactly is the typical or median consumer of e-bikes?

“It really does span all types of people,” says Loewen. “As technologies are becoming more developed and battery ranges increase, e-bikes are becoming more common for working professionals using them to commute to work.

When e-bikes were first released they were mostly just a standard cruiser or commuter bike that was designed to hold a battery and a motor in the rear wheel. Now as technologies have been developed, e-bikes are becoming part of any brand’s line-up, batteries have become more integrated and motors are connected to the cranks. Lately, a few brands have been releasing ‘lightweight’ e-bikes containing a smaller motor and battery, decreasing the range but increasing the rideability of the bike, making them feel very similar to a non-electric bicycle underneath you.”

Jordan Back, Councillor, District of North Vancouver, enjoys daily e-bike riding as part of his routine.

The continued growth of the e-bike is staggering and with an eye to the future one can only imagine the impact. Just a couple of years ago the electric bicycle market was estimated at around $16 billion worldwide and expected to rise an additional 10% or so within five years. By 2023 sales are now projected to reach 40 million units, generating $20 billion in revenue.

With civic officials like Jordan Back onboard, perhaps more local municipalities will embrace and encourage a more eco-friendly means of transport. “In North Vancouver we are actually about to launch an e-bike share program which I think will provide the perfect opportunity for people to try them and see how practical they are as a way of getting around.”

Graham Loewen of Dunbar Cycles concurs:

“I believe e-bikes are actually quite transformative in the way they are getting people out riding, and providing a viable alternative to the car for so many. I think their popularity is only going to increase for the foreseeable future, particularly as more manufacturers come on board and the price of the average e-bike comes down. As traffic congestion across major cities like Vancouver continues to get worse, building more roads or bigger roads is only going to provide short-term relief.

“I believe e-bikes are an important piece of the transportation puzzle that all levels of government are trying to solve going forward.”

Like BMW, many bicycle and auto manufacturers are going electric, making the weekend adventures in the future far different from those of the past.

A Concierge Style Experience

Luxury real estate is what I live for. There’s nothing I enjoy more than discussing the merits of a beautiful property, delving into the subtleties around location, design and quality. I put this passion to work for my clients every day, proudly introducing them to new homes in Langley, South Surrey, White Rock and the Greater Vancouver area.

Designer for Life

Design also plays a big part in my life, and I’ve been lucky enough to have some of my home designs featured in prominent home magazines. This has served me well in my hobby: investing in older homes and breathing new life into them.

$14.8 million

site, as well as a property that can be used for many different Business options such as Growing, Livestock, Storage, or Equestrian pursuits. Close proximity to the highway and all amenities, makes this a prestigious opportunity for a residential investment, commercial investment, or holding property for future development.

Rachel Diesing 604.789.3156 | rdsothebys.com

rdiesing@sothebysrealty.ca

ONLINE ADDICTION

IS IT TOO LATE TO SHIFT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA?

by LAURA CACERES

The stats are undeniable: we are living in the social media era. Consider this: 2 billion worldwide social network users, 500 million tweets sent every day, 70 million images uploaded daily on Instagram, 300 hours of video uploaded per minute on YouTube 1 .

Since it first began, social media has enabled us to connect and communicate continuously, tapping into our social nature and our need to share information with others. We share to impress, entertain and be useful, and to express who we are or who we want to be.

Social networks have amplified this aspect of human nature. They have broken the barriers of distance and time, of presence and visibility. They expand and fulfill the most deeply human need of communicating, while providing rewards in the form of attention from others for relatively minimal effort. But have they gone too far?

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SOCIAL ADDICTION

Social media products are habit-forming and addictive, and it’s not accidental that they keep us coming back for more. Our desire for likes, retweets, and emoticon reactions grow with every positive reinforcement. The business model is to engage users and then sell that attention to advertisers. And psychology is an integral part of this process.

UX designers carefully study how people interact with products and how their decisions can be influenced or manipulated. For social networks to work to get the next round of funding or be considered marketable users must spend increasing amounts of time on them. So UX designers are always looking for new ways of getting people to stay hooked.

THE DOWNSIDES OF CONSTANT CONNECTIVITY

But spending too much time on social media can make people feel unhappy and isolated. And worse? The portrayal of “perfect” lifestyles and material goods can also fill users with jealousy and despair.

It’s a vicious circle: Social media use provides rewards that encourage increased use. This continuous use eventually leads to problems: ignoring real life relationships, work or school responsibilities, and declining physical health. This damaging behaviour can cause people to engage in social networking even more to relieve their pain. Consequently, when social network users repeat this pattern, the level of psychological dependency increases.

Experts recommend we all take a “digital detox” to break harmful dependency patterns and improve our well-being. This is easiest when done gradually, and it’s not complicated. Turn off notifications; avoid screen time before bed; place less importance on how and when we post; develop new hobbies; and get outside.

1. ( Psychology of Social Networks: What makes us addicted?, n.d.). https://www.keepitusable.com/ blog/psychology-of-social-networks-what-makesus-addicted

26 PERCENT OF THE GLOBAL POPULATION IS ON SOCIAL MEDIA”

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