Bits & Bites by Peter Simpson for METRO

Posted January 26, 2012 10:00 AM by Peter E. Simpson, President & CEO, GVHBA    

Moving in to Squamish

The town of Squamish is often perceived to be a place for Vancouver folks to pull off the road to take a bathroom break, top up the gas tank, and grab a burger and fries on the way to Whistler.

These days, many Vancouver families not only stop in Squamish, they live full time in this growing community that offers many amenities and opportunities to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle.

Since 2000, about 1,900 new homes — condos, townhomes and single-detached — have been built in Squamish. This population growth provides an economic boost to the town and its businesses.

A builder recently said he took a two-year break from building homes, but said there is a growing buzz around town these days, and he believes 2012 will be a good year for Squamish overall.

The vastly improved Sea-to-Sky Highway has lessened commute times significantly. An associate said it has taken him longer to drive from his downtown Vancouver office to UBC in rush hour than it takes to drive to his home to Squamish — a little more than 30 minutes, keeping to the speed limit.

The bonus, he says, is the awe-inspiring and stress-reducing scenery he enjoys twice daily.

B.C. Home Show

Western Canada’s largest home show runs Feb. 22- 26 at B.C. Place Stadium. The B.C. Home and Garden Show returns to the iconic stadium following a stint at the Vancouver Convention Centre while the stadium was given an extreme makeover.

The show will offer 425 exhibitors showcasing home-related products and services. B.C. homeowners are expected to spend $7.6 billion on home renovation, improvement and repair this year.

Members of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association will be in attendance at the association’s
Renovation Gallery, presented by FortisBC. Showgoers will be able to view award-winning home renovations and discuss their projects with renovation contractors and designers. I will be joining contractor John Quinton on the HGTV Stage to discuss aging in place, including advice on how homeowners can adapt their homes to accommodate emerging mobility challenges.

The leading edge of the baby boomer generation turned 65 last year, and there is much to be considered about the needs and expectations of this “Silver Tsunami.” Visit bchomeandgardenshow.com for details and to purchase discounted tickets online.
 

Categories: New homes, Renovations / Renovating, Building