Publisher’s Letter

It’s the perfect storm. The small-town boom happening now in B.C. is something we predicted when we launched this magazine three years ago. At that time, it was already obvious that Lower Mainland real estate was out of the reach of many, and that smaller communities offered better value and lifestyle. But who could have known that a global pandemic would drive this movement to a whole new level?

Where once we touted ample and affordable real estate in right-sized communities, today the housing inventory is low. Developers tell us they’re racing to build new phases of master-planned communities (see page 26). The law of supply-and-demand is driving up home prices nearly everywhere. While property may seem to be virtually selling itself at the moment, we applaud the longer-term vision of partners who have continued to support our publication, knowing that we will be celebrating the benefits of small-community living long after the current boom subsides.

Our network of developers, builders, realtors and economic development officers tell us that many factors have cumulated in the “perfect storm.” Foremost, work-from-home and the need for more home-office (and home-schooling) space is becoming permanent, spawning the work-from-anywhere wave—so why not from beautiful B.C.? Families find they need more personal, recreational and outdoor space and perhaps more bedrooms or even self-contained suites, as young adults return home in a tight job market or we move our parents out of care homes. Urban dwellers want to escape small apartments and a lifestyle that depends on using cramped elevators and recreational spaces in cities.

Financially, low interest rates make it easier for first-time buyers with FOMO to get into the market, and even for existing homeowners to comfortably upgrade. Even despite recent increases, you can still get more house for the money in small towns versus the city (see page 15 for incredible homes under $1 million)—prices may be up more than 10 per cent, but on a $500,000 property, for instance, that increase is still nominal compared to a seven-figure urban home. And as the cost of building materials and the hassles of urban permitting processes continue to increase, the option to relocate to a spacious rural property becomes even more appealing.

The pandemic has reminded us to appreciate the importance of community, and more and more of us are embracing local values in what we consume, buy and how we live. International travel restrictions have kept us close to home, with the ability to explore nearby small communities. While empty urban Airbnb’s are converting back to long-term rentals, rental income on small-town properties has been increasing their value, as a new wave of visitors and investors checks them out—and likes what they see and experience. Some are even inspired to buy or start small businesses there.

This dramatic increase in demand for small-town living has happened so quickly, imagine what’s going to happen once the travel advisories and restrictions are eventually lifted? Without discounting the tragic toll this pandemic has had on our families and communities, we are trying to see the silver (or perhaps green) lining of a post-pandemic lifestyle change that could be world-altering (see page 45). Demand for small-town living could continue to grow as high as B.C.’s peaks and as broad as its lake vistas and oceanside horizons. If you’re thinking about making a life change, we hope our stories on financing a new-home build (see page 32), buying a business (see page 20) and some of B.C.’s quirky little unincorporated towns (see page 23) might inspire you. Stay healthy and take good care!

Steve Dietrich Publisher

Publisher, Founder Steve Dietrich Editor Charlene Rooke Head Designer Amélie Légaré Online Design John Magill Proofreader Lisa Manfield Digital Media Manager Charity Robertson Video Production Chris Dietrich

Lucas Ackroyd, Andrew Findlay, Michelle Hopkins, Gail Johnson, Lisa Manfield, Matt O’Grady, Tracey Rayson, Steve Threndyle, Michael White

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Right Sizing magazine, established 2018. The magazine will be published four times per year by Publimedia Communications Inc., established 1996. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, or the staff. All editorial is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The publisher is not responsible for any liability associated with any editorial or products and services offered by any advertiser. Editorial submissions will be considered, please send them to the publisher. Copyright© 2021 Publimedia Communications Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The publisher and printer will not be responsible for any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, spot colouring or any misinformation provided by advertisers.

Website www.RightSizingMedia.com Cover Image Revelstoke, B.C. Photo: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/ Mitch Winton / Revelstoke Golf Course.

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