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Squamishwinter2010

Market Report

Squamish Market Report

The real estate market in Squamish finished off 2009 on a high note. After a very slow start for sales, the last ¼ of the year was back to traditional statistics for sales in the area. The lowest point in this current real estate cycle was in the last three months of 2008, while the beginning of 2009 started slowly there was continuing optimism that things were going to improve. This turned out to be very much the case. Inventory levels continued to come down from the 2008 highs, interest rates remain low and prices were stable in not adjusting down for some housing types.

Both town homes and condominiums were lower in both price and volume of units sold for 2009. There were 79 apartments sold in 2009 versus 94 in 2008 down 16% year over year and prices also fell by 9% from 2008. As for town homes the sale prices were lower by 12% from 2008 and the number of units sold was also down 11% from 116 in 2008 to 103 in 2009. The bright spot was in single family detached homes but in the lower price ranges. The sales volume was up by 15% we sold 185 for 2009 as opposed to 159 for 2008 and the median sales number went from $492,000 to $500,000.

The general consensus for the year ahead is that the market will continue to gain strength. As the demand for single family homes rises the pressure on pricing and inventory will mean that both the town home and apartment sector should benefit from this change. Buyers will once again turn to options for affordability.



Feature Story

Let the Games begin!

The wait is almost over. With less than a month to go, and after years of careful planning and arduous preparations, Whistler is ready and eager to take on its role as Official Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

It’s an exciting time to be a part of the community as it welcomes visitors and media from just about every country on the globe, as well as the best athletes in the world of winter sports. Along with all the Olympic action at Whistler’s three new Games Venues, the resort will be jam-packed with a series of celebrations and events taking place Village-wide from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily during the Games.

The program, called Whistler Live, features nightly Victory Ceremonies, visual art, live TV broadcasts, Olympic coverage on giant screens, storytelling, nightly Fire and Ice shows with acrobatic tricks and DJ music, plus a full schedule of free, daily concerts in Village Square. Blue Rodeo, the Barenaked Ladies, Sam Roberts Band, Bedouin Soundclash, Jully Black and Swollen Members are just a handful of the big name acts performing at the 17-day event starting Feb. 12.
The spotlight is about to fall on Whistler.

VANOC workers cruise into Squamish

During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Squamish will host some 1,400 VANOC workers and volunteers who are staying on the cruise ship Mona Lisa, which will be berthed at Squamish Terminals. The 200-foot cruise ship is travelling from Greece to Squamish, where it will stay from Jan. 26 until March 23. The 44-year-old, Scottish-built ship has eight passenger decks, three lounges, 389 cabins and three restaurants. Local businesses have been advised to expect a lot more customer traffic.

Showing Whistler to the world

Whistler: The Complete Picture

Wtcp

And while the eyes of the world rest squarely on the resort during the 2010 Games, Whistler Real Estate Company opens its doors to share an exhibition on this one-of-a-kind community. Called “Whistler: The Complete Picture”, the mini-exhibition aims to highlight the fascinating diversity and unique mountain culture that make Whistler much more than just a world-class tourist destination. In addition to showcasing the resort’s various residential neighbourhoods and their services, the exhibit also covers Whistler’s thriving arts & culture scene to give visitors a better understanding of the community’s depth and how living in the area fuels creativity and inspiration.

Of course it wouldn’t be a complete picture of Whistler without a look at the incredible recreation and sporting activities available in the resort. With gorgeous imagery highlighting Olympic sports and Whistler’s well-known winter adventures, the exhibit also serves to underline how summers have become just as popular thanks to almost limitless recreation opportunities.

After the Games, the exhibition, art and visitor submissions collected during the event will become part of a keepsake book illustrating the true magic and heart of Whistler. For more information or to partake online please visit:

WhistlerTheCompletePicture

Olympic Update

Sea to Sky during the Games

As the 2010 Winter Olympic Games kick into high gear, travel throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor will be affected thanks to higher traffic volumes and security checkpoints.

But a little information can help make the journey a little more hassle-free. Travel restrictions on the Sea to Sky Highway will apply during peak hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for vehicles travelling northbound from Squamish to Whistler or Pemberton from February 11 to 28, 2010. Checkpoint permits are required for all northbound travel beyond Squamish during these peak periods. Visitors with accommodation should receive permits from their hotel in advance of travel, or they can visit the permit office located in Squamish.

BC Transit is also expanding its services in the Sea to Sky corridor and Whistler during this time, making it a convenient way to travel during the Games.

There is also an Olympic Bus Network, which provides travel for Games ticket holders travelling from Metro Vancouver to Whistler competition events, however there is no service for spectators in the Sea to Sky Corridor going to Vancouver-based events.

Parking restrictions in the resort have already begun, with closures at the Creekside parkade and new parking rules in effect. Look for the Skier Day Lots to close in the coming weeks, as well as most commercial spots.

More information can be found at

travelsmart2010.ca.