The Vancouver Parks app provides an easy way for locals and tourists to find information about the City of Vancouver’s park system.

The app features all of the more than 200 city parks on a geographically displayed map and provides the user with the option of using your current location to find parks in your immediate surroundings.

Each park has its own page which provides a list of its amenities and/or facilities, photos, address and a way for you, the park user, to provide feedback either by e-mail or phoning 311 – all while on the go.
You can search for parks by map or by alphabetical order and choose favourite parks to appear in a separate list for easy access.

via apple

Delightful decorator cityhome w/the most functional floor plan ever seen offers 2 mstr bdrms, each w/private baths & separated by spacious living area for max privacy. Highlights incl beautiful H/W floors, floor/ceiling windows w/privacy screens, designer stone/tile accents thruout, KIT overlooking intimate DIN nook for 6 (blt-in seating/striking glass table), airy LVRM & lge private deck to enjoy sunshine, gardening & sunsets! Inste strge (comp rm) & laundry complete this elegant picture in a great CONCRETE bldg w/live-in caretaker just steps to the best restaurants & shopping D/T Vancouver has to offer. Amenities incl. exercise rm, sauna w/showers, terraced grdn & underground parking w/7 visitor stalls. Rentals/pets.

Bedrooms:  2
Bathrooms:  2
Living Area:  780 sqft
Outdoor Area:  Balconies
Year Built:  1995
Taxes:  $1,711 (2011)
Maintenance Fee:  $291.91
Complex Name:  Imperial Tower
Area:  Vancouver West
Neighbourhood:  Downtown
Features:  Clothes Washer/Dryer, Fridge, Stove,DW
Amenities:  Elevator, Exercise Centre, In Suite Laundry, Recreation Center, Wheelchair Access

Listed By  TRG-The Residential Group Rlty  

Disclaimer
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo  and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka, ECO Realty for more information   778.991.5881   vancouver4life@gmail.com

Live downtown near all the action in this 2 bedroom, 1 bath skyscraper apartment. This unit has H/W floors, laundry, insuite storage, and a patio with a compelling view of False Creek. The closets are extra deep and the kitchen offers lots of cupboard space and a movable island. The spectrum complex still has 5 years of warranty and offers a full gym, pool, sauna and hot tub. You can walk to work, run on the seawall and enjoy the downtown culinary scene and nightlife. Pets and rentals allowed, 1 parking included.

Bedrooms:  2
Bathrooms:  1
Living Area:  753 sqft
Outdoor Area:  Balconies, Patios or Decks
Year Built:  2007
Taxes:  $1,843 (2011)
Maintenance Fee:  $347.83
Complex Name:  Spectrum
Area:  Vancouver West
Neighbourhood:  Downtown
Features:  Clothes Washer/Dryer, Fridge, Stove, DW
Amenities:  Bike Room, Exercise Centre, In Suite Laundry, Indoor Pool, Sauna/Steam Room, Swirlpool/Hot Tub

Listed By  Macdonald Realty Ltd.  

Disclaimer
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo  and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka, ECO Realty for more information   778.991.5881   vancouver4life@gmail.com

3rd floor, 2 bedroom & den corner unit with 12′ x 15′ outdoor south facing terrace overlooking Nelson park. There’s also a north facing covered balcony off the living room. With all the outdoor space there is over 1100 square feet to live and entertain. The suite is set back from Nelson and totally private with a heritage brick building to the west . . . 2 pets are welcome and there’s a max of 6 rentals, although currently there are only 4 rented. There is 1 parking and 1 storage locker included. Be sure to check out the photos and floor plans.

Bedrooms:  2
Bathrooms:  1
Living Area:  824 sqft
Outdoor Area:  Balconies, Rooftop Deck
Year Built:  1982
Taxes:  $1,618 (2011)
Maintenance Fee:  $321.41
Complex Name: Greenhorn
Area:  Vancouver West
Neighbourhood:  West End
Features:  Dishwasher, Drapes/Window Coverings, Free Standing F/P or Woodstove, Intercom, Refrigerator, Stove
Amenities:  Bike Room, Elevator, Garden, Shared Laundry

Listed By  Sutton Grp-West Coast Realty  

Disclaimer
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo  and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka, ECO Realty for more information   778.991.5881   vancouver4life@gmail.com

CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE, OPULENT FINISHINGS AND BREATHTAKING VIEWS IN VANCOUVER’S ORIGINAL SEASIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Alexandra English Bay is a new condo project by Concord Pacific and Alexandra English Bay Properties Ltd. currently under construction at Davie St and Bidwell St in Vancouver. The project has a total of 85 units.

BUILDING
•  Integrates an existing heritage façade with contemporary architecture
•  21 storey tower is oriented to maximize views, sun and privacy

SUSTAINABILITY
•  Built to LEED Gold Standard
•  High efficiency landscaping designed to reduce water use and storm run-off
•  High performance thermal envelope to minimize unwanted solar gains and heat loss

INTERIOR FEATURES
•  Spacious, modern interiors
•  Over-height ceilings of 9′ to 10’6″
•  Two interior colour schemes to choose from
•  Inviting balconies or terraces for most suites
•  Air conditioning

KITCHEN
•  European cabinetry
•  Quartz stone countertops and backsplash
•  Miele and Sub-Zero appliances

BATH
•  European cabinetry
•  Under-counter basins with polished chrome faucets
•  Oversized limestone title floors and tub/shower surrounds

With the revitalization of the 1936 façade of the mission revival heritage building, the pre-construction Vancouver Alexandra condos in the English Bay real estate market marks the most unique architectural landmark this side of the downtown property market. Built to LEED Gold standards, the new Alexandra Condos in Vancouver real estate market will feature green building features including water efficient landscaping and enhanced energy and water conservation performance within each suite. The landmark architecture of The Alexandra English Bay condos will include expansive terraces and balconies with views out to the city skyline and to the beautiful waters. Some of the incredible features of the boutique Vancouver condos for sale at the English Bay Alexandra condo tower include air conditioning in every suite as well as high ceilings including 10 foot 6 inch over height ceilings for the penthouse units. Some of the other superior standard features of these downtown Vancouver English Bay condos for sale include premium hardwood floors, European style cabinets custom designed for your kitchen space, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances. The appliance set will include a four burner gas cooktop, integrated hood fan/oven, refrigerator, built in microwave, dishwasher and European cabinets. The Downtown Vancouver Alexandra penthouse condos will have 5 burner gas cooktops and integrated hood fan in addition to a wine cooler and larger appliances.

Building Name:  Alexandra English Bay
Address: 1215 Bidwell Street, Vancouver  V6G 2K7
Developer:  Concord Pacific and Alexandra English Bay Properties Ltd.
Architect:  Henriquez Partners Architects
Interior Design:  N/A
Year Built:  Estimated Completion in
Unit Sizes:  From 891 to 2778 sqft
Levels:  21
Suites:  85
Property Type:  Residential, Retail, Commercial
Area:  Vancouver West
Neighbourhood:  West End
Concierge:  N/A
On Site Manager:  N/A
Strata Company:  N/A

via alexandra english bay, greater vancouver real estate direct

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka for more information on this building, floorplans and pricing.   778.991.5881   vancouver4life@gmail.com

Vancouver, BC – Greater Vancouver home sellers were more active than buyers in January and overall home prices, according to the new MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), continued to experience more stability and less fluctuation compared to the beginning of 2011.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,577 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2012. This represents a 4.9% decrease compared to the 1,658 sales recorded in December 2011, a decrease of 13.3% compared to the 1,819 sales in January 2011 and an 18% decline from the 1,923 home sales in January 2010.

January sales in Greater Vancouver were the second lowest January total in the region since 2002, though only 146 sales below the 10-year average.

“We’re seeing trends emerge in our market that favour buyers, such as increased selection and more stability in pricing compared to this time last year,”  Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “Last month’s activity tells us that competition amongst home buyers was reduced in January, which means that individuals looking to purchase a home had more time to do their homework, consult with their REALTOR®, and make a decision.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,756 in January. This represents a 19.9% increase compared to the 4,801 new listings reported in January 2011, and a 253.3% increase compared to the 1,629 new listings reported in December 2011.

Last month’s new listing count was the highest January total in Greater Vancouver since 1995.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® is 12,544, a 12.5% increase compared to December 2011 and an increase of 20.2% compared to January 2011.

NEW MLS® HOME PRICE INDEX LAUNCHES IN CANADA
Today marks the launch of the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), the best and purest way of determining price trends in the housing market. The MLS® HPI was pioneered by six founding partners: the real estate boards of Calgary, Fraser Valley, Greater Montreal, Greater Vancouver, and Toronto and the Canadian Real Estate Association. The partners contracted with Altus Group to develop the MLS® HPI which measures home price trends in the five major markets serviced by those boards.

The new index replaces the MLSLink Housing Price Index, which had been used by Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley REALTORS® since the mid 1990s. MLS® HPI statistics should not be compared with previous MLSLink HPI statistics.¹

“The MLS® HPI is a national collaboration intended to give the public a more reliable and comprehensive tool to understand home price trends across the country,” Setticasi said.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver currently sits at $660,600, up 5.7% compared to January 2011 and down 0.1% compared to December 2011. The MLS® HPI also tracks home prices across the Lower Mainland.² The benchmark price for all residential properties in the Lower Mainland is $593,300, an increase of 5% compared to January 2011.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in January 2012 reached 659, a decline of 16.9% from the 793 detached sales recorded in January 2011, and a 6.5% decrease from the 705 units sold in January 2010. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11.3% from January 2011 to $1,034,700.

Sales of apartment properties reached 657 in January 2012, a decline of 7.9% compared to the 713 sales in January 2011, and a decrease of 26.3% compared to the 891 sales in January 2010.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.4% from January 2011 to $371,500.

Attached property sales in January 2012 totalled 261, a decline of 16.6% compared to the 313 sales in January 2011, and a 20.2% decrease from the 327 attached properties sold in January 2010. The benchmark price of a townhome³ unit declined 0.5% between January 2011 and 2012 to $468,000.

Editor’s notes:
1.) The new MLS® HPI will be indexed to equal 100 in January 2005. The previous MLSLink HPI was indexed to 2001. Sales prior to 2005 will not be considered in the MLS® HPI. Click here to view more detailed information on the MLS® HPI.
2.) The Lower Mainland includes the areas serviced by both the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, and is comprised of communities from Whistler to Abbotsford.
3.) Townhome properties are similar to attached properties, a category that was used in the previous MLSLink HPI, but do not included duplexes.

The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2011, 32,390 homes changed ownership in the Board’s area, generating $1.36 billion in spin-off activity and 9,069.2 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $21 billion in 2010. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 10,900 REALTORS® and their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®.For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.rebgv.org.

Download the complete Stats Package for January 2012 by clicking here.

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka, ECO Realty for more information  778.991.5881  vancouver4life@gmail.com

PROJECT DETAILS
TELUS Garden, a $750-million, one-million square foot project will radically transform an aging block of downtown Vancouver into a beautiful architectural icon of advanced technology, environmental stewardship and new work styles.

The project will see almost the entire block of prime downtown real estate bounded by Georgia, Robson, Seymour and Richards rebuilt into one of the most technologically and environmentally-advanced sites of commerce, employment and living in the world. It will create half a million square feet of much-needed new office space available for multiple tenants and 500 new residential units, all setting new standards for environmental sustainability. The 22-storey signature office tower will be the first building in Canada built to the new 2009 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum standard and the 44-storey residential tower will be built to the LEED Gold standard. The development will build upon TELUS’ best practices from our new homes in central Canada including the LEED Gold certified TELUS House Ottawa, the LEED Gold built TELUS House Toronto and the LEED Silver built Place TELUS Quebec City.

“TELUS Garden will exemplify the TELUS brand and be a truly amazing destination for our team members, the community and the city,” said Darren Entwistle, TELUS president and CEO. “Our vision is that TELUS Garden will be a beautiful and unique location where leading-edge technology, urban living, environmental sustainability and tomorrow’s work styles are elegantly integrated into a vibrant community. This development, which will inject millions of dollars into our economy, will highlight TELUS’ advanced communications technologies and environmental innovation in a way never before seen. TELUS Garden will be a breathtaking place to live and work, an architectural icon that will consume 30 per cent less energy thanks to its responsible, leading-edge design. It will be a celebrated urban oasis that is literally alive with plant life and showcases our great province’s arts and culture.”

The landmark development reinforces TELUS’ commitment to the City of Vancouver, and will make a significant contribution to the city’s goal of becoming the greenest city in the world. Once complete, TELUS’ new headquarters will be unique in North America, featuring 10,000 square feet of green roofs providing organic produce for local restaurants, two elevated roof forests, British Columbia artwork, LED lighting on the western façade projecting programmable coloured images on to fritted glass, and media walls where cultural events such as symphony concerts can be broadcast to the public.

The project’s construction will pump hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy and create three million person-hours of employment during construction, scheduled to begin this fall and be complete in 2015. Once complete, the development will open up new residential, retail and commercial space animating the lower end of Robson Street and create a vibrant link to the cultural and sports centres of the city. Once occupied, the site’s business and residential tenants will contribute an estimated $8 – $10 million in new tax revenue to the city annually.

“The fact that TELUS is choosing to build a new national headquarters in Vancouver is a great vote of confidence in our local economy,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Their proposal to build to LEED Platinum is extremely ambitious and sends a signal that in Vancouver, going green is good for business and the environment. I’m very excited that they are investing in Vancouver -  we’ve worked hard to build a competitive climate for business, and when companies like TELUS choose to expand their presence it is great for creating new jobs and economic spin-offs in our city.”

TELUS has partnered with Westbank to lead the project, and has engaged Henriquez Partners as the architect that is designing the iconic development. TELUS will fund its share of the development predominantly through leveraging its existing real estate holdings in this block, coupled with the sale and lease of space in the new buildings. The investment is consistent with TELUS’ overall capital expenditure target for 2011 and longer term capital intensity goals. TELUS has just entered into an agreement to purchase the city-owned parkade at the corner of Georgia and Richards, consolidating the entire block, other than the Kingston Hotel, to create a unified development.

Since 2000, TELUS has invested more than $24 billion in B.C. infrastructure and operations. TELUS is investing $1.7 billion across Canada this year, including $670 million in BC, to further enhance Canadians’ access to what are already among the most advanced broadband and wireless networks anywhere in the world. TELUS’ wireless network already reaches about 99 per cent of B.C.’s population and will be expanded by 76 cell sites this year. The company’s wireline network makes broadband internet access available to more than 95 per cent of B.C. households, and the industry-leading Optik TV available to over 1 million households across the province.

Importantly, since 2000 TELUS’ team members, retirees and Vancouver and Victoria Community Boards have contributed nearly $92 million and 2.1 million volunteer hours to more than 1,000 charitable and community organizations in the province. TELUS was recently recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the 2010 Most Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation globally, the first time a Canadian company has ever received this international honour.

TELUS has 15,000 team members and retirees in the province, and is Metro Vancouver’s largest private sector employer. Approximately 1,000 TELUS team members will work in the company’s new national headquarters once it is complete.

ABOUT TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU) is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with $9.8 billion of annual revenue and 12.3 million customer connections including 7 million wireless subscribers, 3.7 million wireline network access lines and 1.2 million Internet subscribers and more than 300,000 TELUS TV customers. Led since 2000 by President and CEO, Darren Entwistle, TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services including data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, entertainment and video.

In support of their philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, their team members and retirees will, by year-end 2011, have contributed $245 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered 4.1 million hours of service to local communities since 2000. Nine TELUS Community Boards across Canada lead TELUS’ local philanthropic initiatives. TELUS was honoured to be named the most outstanding philanthropic corporation globally for 2010 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, becoming the first Canadian company to receive this prestigious international recognition.

ABOUT WESTBANK
Established in 1992 and with over $5 billion of projects completed or under development, Westbank is active across Canada in a diversity of product types from luxury condominiums, rental apartment office, commercial, retail, hotel, non-market housing and industrial. Westbank’s primary focus is on large mixed use projects involving highly complex entitlement processes. Westbank is best known for being the leading luxury residential developer in Canada, along with being the owner/developer of the finest hotels in Canada. Some of its best known projects include Shangri-la Vancouver, Shangri-la Toronto, Fairmont Pacific Rim and the Woodward’s Redevelopment project.

ABOUT HENRIQUEZ PARTNERS ARCHITECTS
Founded in 1969, Henriquez Partners Architects has led and completed a number of large-scale projects including the $330M Woodward’s Redevelopment and the landmark LEED Gold BC Cancer Research Centre. With a reputation for successfully understanding and marrying the needs of both the client and the community, the Henriquez Partner philosophy is that no project is too small if it contributes to society in a meaningful way. Current work includes a new design for the Dunbar Community Centre and the York Theatre heritage revitalization project. Henriquez Partners has a demonstrated ability to organize and manage projects from design through to construction and the technical expertise to build buildings that stand the test of time.

Building Name:  Telus Garden
Address:  520 Georgia Street, Vancouver  V6B 2A3
Developer:  Peterson Group and Westbank
Architect:  Gregory Henriquez of Henriquez Partners Architects
Interior Design:  N/A
Year Built:  Estimated Completion in 2015
Unit Sizes:  N/A
Levels:  46
Suites:  450
Property Type:  Residential, Retail, Commercial
Area:  Vancouver West
Neighbourhood:  Downtown
Concierge:  N/A
On Site Manager:  N/A
Strata Company:  N/A

via telus

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka, ECO Realty for more information on this building and floorplans.  778.991.5881  vancouver4life@gmail.com

Started in 2009 and built to be a Vancouver Winter Olympics Legacy event, LunarFest is Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture. It endeavours to reach new Canadians and those who have been here for many generations to share in the diversity of Canada. It also encourages and fosters the collaboration of Canadian and International cultural presenters to create new forms of artistic expressions. LunarFest is a festival that brings together Soul, Art and Life on one stage.

Built as a festival that celebrates one of the oldest traditions for many Asian cultures – Lunar New Year, LunarFest aims to collaborate with many Asian communities and outreaches to other Canadians. Since the inception, LunarFest is also built on an important artistic element for many cultures – the lanterns. Through collaborations with professional artists and school children in Canada and around the world, LunarFest has already presented Lantern Forest for 2009-2010 and Lantern Aquarium for 2011-2012.

As part of our curatorial mandate, LunarFest is dedicated to protect our environment. Different from many Asian lantern festivals, all of the lanterns created for LunarFest are using only LED lights. In addition, LunarFest also incorporates an environment awareness campaign each year. After all, celebrations should be artistic, fun, entertaining, educational and environmental.

The festival runs from 12:00pm to 8:00pm daily from February 1st to 5th in front of Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza (Georgia side).

ACTIVITIES
•  CIBC PAVILLON -  February 1st to 5th   12:00pm to 8:00pm   free
Visit CIBC Pavilion and be greeted with a variety of hot Asian beverages… be sure to get a Sea Dragon lantern hat.

•  THEY BOY, THE SHARK AND THE SEA -  February 1st   1:00pm – 2:00pm   February 2nd to 3rd   1:00pm – 2:00pm   February 4th to 5th   3:00pm – 4:00pm   free
Based in Taiwan, the Taiyuan Puppet Theatre Company finds new and creative ways to enhance the traditional art of puppetry, and has performed around the world. This production, which features lessons about our interactions with the natural environment, tells the story of a boy, his tarot-root-doppelganger, a friendly shark and the community around them. Audiences will have a chance to interact with the puppets and puppeteers after each performance.

•  LUNAR KIDS WORKSHOP -  February 1st to 5th   12:00pm to 8:00pm   free
A range of workshops will get the whole family involved in Lunar New Year traditions. Experience the magic of lantern-making, paper-cutting, traditional couplet-making and many more fun-filled activities.

•  LUNAR KIDS GAME STATION -  February 1st to 5th   12:00pm to 8:00pm   free
A variety of fun and unique games tie the celebration. Find out what’s in store for your Year of the Dragon in the Fortune Teller Game, test your knowledge of the sea in the Red Envelope Game, and give your brain a tease in the Memory Game.

•  KOREAN CHEONDOONG -  February 4th   12:30pm – 2:00pm
Cheondoong Performing Arts Society (Team Cheondoong) is a government-incorporated non-profit performance organization. Team Cheondoong (translates to ”Thunder” in English) plays traditional Korean percussion music with modernistic originality.  The sound of thunder is one of the most solemn, majestic sounds in nature, bearing the power to create deep emotions and strong impression in people’s heart.  Through the thunderous sound of traditional Korean percussion, Team Cheondoong strives to become a cultural ambassador for Korea.  Thus it is our mission to demonstrate the powerful dynamic nature and unique beats and rhythms of traditional Korean percussion music to Vancouver’s multicultural audiences, and to ultimately become a cultural bridge connecting Vancouver’s Korean community to the mainstream Canadian society.

•  KOREAN POTTERY BY MASTER KIM  -  February 5th   12:00pm to 4:00pm
Learn from one of the best Korean Pottery Master…

•  LUNAR CAFE  -  February 1st to 5th   12:00pm to 8:00pm
A culinary experience featuring dishes that are tied to the Lunar New Year traditions…

via lunarfest
visit us on Flickr to see more photos from the lunarfest 2012

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka, ECO Realty for more information on Vancouver Real Estate   778.991.5881   vancouver4life@gmail.com

Located at the newly renovated BC Place Stadium for five short days, you will find the latest in innovative products and outdoor living idea from over 425 retailers. Talk with top industry experts. Don’t miss the top gardening experts in The Vancouver Sun Gardeners School and the city’s hottest BBQ gurus on The Outdoor Entertaining Stage.

Take a sneak peek at renovations:  A Well-Planned Home Renovation by Karl Lohnes
Pre-thinking your renovation and answering a few questions before the sledgehammer arrives will help save time, money and most of all headaches. Here’s just a few of my pointers to help you if you are about to take on a renovation in your space.

KITCHEN
Questions to ask yourself:
•  Is the current layout working well?
•  Is there anything missing from the current kitchen that you want (like a wall oven, built-in dishwasher or an island)?
•  Are there any considerations to renovating like a busy family life, condo board restrictions or structural concerns?
•  What is the best budget and timeframe for you?

Hidden costs:  Re-routing pipes, old wiring that needs updating, floors that need strengthening, plumbing that needs upgrading. These are things that you only discover once the job had been started and walls/floors get opened up and exposed.
Designer tip:  Keeping a simple design in mind for your kitchen will give it longevity. Here’s two simple rules: Match the colour of the backsplash to the colour of cupboards you have chosen (creamy cabinets equals pale limestone or off-white backsplash tiles); match the tone/colouring of your countertop to the appliances (stainless steel appliances=medium to dark toned countertops).

BEDROOM
Questions to ask yourself:
•  Is there enough closet/storage space?
•  Is there a focal wall that will fit the bed and two ends tables comfortably?
•  Do you want a television, stereo speakers or a computer wired in the bedroom?
Hidden costs:  Outfitting existing closets to be more efficient, privacy treatments on windows, new lighting or audio/visual equipment.
Designer tip:  Are you a Cave or Cloud person? If you like to wake up  in a dark room then you are a Cave person. Decorate your room with dark wood tones, richer wall and fabric colours and choose heavier draperies. If you are a Cloud person, then you need to wake up to some daylight streaming into the bedroom; decorate your room with lighter window treatments and lighter/brighter colours and tones.

The following are helpful tips and information on how you can make your home Green.

10 WAYS TO PLANT IT GREENER
1. Energy Efficient Appliances:  The refrigerator is one of the home’s highest consumers of energy. Looking for the Energy Star® sticker  on all your kitchen appliances is a great way of making your kitchen greener. Be sure to use the water and energy-saving settings on your refrigerator and dishwasher as much as possible.

2. Lighting:  Just changing your light bulbs to the funny looking swirls should show significant savings on your electric bill. Most standard fixtures are compatible with compact fluorescents (CFLs) which use up to 75% of the electricity that incandescent bulbs use. CFL technology has come a long way, casting either cool or warm tones and are available in a wide range of wattage and lumens. While the initial cost of these bulbs is slightly higher, they last eight times as long.
Note: Designing a home with good natural lighting cuts down on the need to use electricity.

3. Biodegradable Cleaning Products:  Chemical sensitivity is linked to many illnesses.  Conventional cleaning products are known to pollute our waterways and destroy wildlife.  There are several good biodegradable product lines available that break down naturally and are harmless to the user and to the environment. And there are many ways to use common supplies like baking soda and vinegar!

4. Indoor air quality:  Building or remodeling your kitchen can produce toxins that are harmful to indoor air quality. To reduce this problem there are low-toxicity finishes available on the market. Look for products that have water based adhesives and finishes and ones that don’t have synthetic formaldehyde resins. It’s all about choice.
Low VOC Paints: Use paint with low-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds). Proper ventilation will help maintain superior indoor air quality.

5. Green Cabinetry:  There are green kitchen cabinet options available on the market today. Many of the options are made from rapidly renewable resources and salvaged materials. Wheatboard cabinets, for example, are covered with wood veneers. Another quick growing renewable resource used for cabinets and flooring is bamboo.

6. Skip the bottled water:  Filter your tap water for drinking rather than using bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it produces large amounts of container waste.

7. Green Flooring:  Cork flooring is durable, comfortable under foot and is a terrific insulator for both sound and heat. Cork is also hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.Marmoleum is a natural linoleum product.  It is extremely durable and is all naturally made from flax, wood flour and rosins.  No adhesives are required and it is non-toxic and resistant to bacteria growth.Concrete is another smart Green kitchen product. It does not give off harmful fumes because it doesn’t contain glues or laminates. There are many patterned concrete flooring options available. Concrete is also commonly used in countertop applications. Bamboo is a fast growth renewable materials that is both durable and easy to clean, and even resistant to bacteria growth.  It is readily available and affordable.

8. Countertops and backsplashes are going Green too.  Vetrazzo is an attractive solid terrazzo countertop made from recycled glass and cast concrete. Vetrazzo is as tough as granite, but not as porous as marble, making it a strong Green choice for the kitchen. PaperStone, made of 100% recycled newspapers is incredibly durable and looks like soapstone! There are a number of eco-friendly companies out there that make glass tiles out of recycled glass that make stunning backsplashes. Glass tiles do not give off emissions and they won’t damage indoor air quality.

9. Buy Local and Organic:  Buying local keeps fuel usage at a minimum.  It also supports local economy and encourages local farming.  Buying organic is the healthy choice, as these foods are produced without chemical pesticides and herbicides, as well as without antibiotics and hormones.  These practices create healthier bodies and a healthier planet for us all. Check out your local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

10. Solar Water Heating:  Save your household up to 35% of its energy use and up to 80 TONs of carbon dioxide from entering our environment over the life of the system.  There is a federal tax credit and many states also offer tax credits.  These systems actually pay for themselves and then make money!

DATES & HOURS
Wednesday, February 22nd  -  4:00pm to 9:00pm
Thursday, February 23rd  -  12:00pm to 9:00pm
Friday, February 24th  -  12:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, February 25th  -  10:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday, February 26th  -  10:00pm to 6:00pm

LOCATION
BC Place Stadium
777 Pacific Blvd. Vancouver, BC  Canada  V6B 4Y8
t: 604.669.2300
f: 604.661.3412
A new skyline. A new architectural icon. The largest cable-supported retractable roof in the world. It all adds up to a magnetic new home for the biggest games and the brightest events in BC. In 2012, the BC Home + Garden Show returns to BC Place.

ADMISSION
Adults  $15.00  (Online)  $12.00
Seniors (60+)  $12.00  (Online)  $9.00
Seniors (60+)  $5.00 before 5:00pm on Thursday, February 23rd & Friday, February 24th
Children 12 and under FREE

via bc home & garden show

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka, ECO Realty for more information on Vancouver Real Estate   778.991.5881   vancouver4life@gmail.com

Spectacular 1 bed + den/guest room in Yaletown’s “Aqua in the Park”. This spacious SE corner unit boasts the most desirable plan & floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing endless unobstructed views of False Creek, David Lam & George Wainborn Park. Located on the quiet side of the bldg, this suite features a fabulous balcony & top-of-the-line finishes inclding h/w, SS appliances, granite counters + breakfast bar & large pantry/storage off the gourmet kitchen. Enjoy 1st class amenities-24h concierge, fitness centre, indoor pool, hot tub, steam room/sauna, squash court, theatre & guest suites-and dining, shopping & recreation right outside your door! In-suite laundry, 1 parking, rentals & 2 pets OK.

Bedrooms:  1
Bathrooms:  1
Living Area:  768 sqft
Outdoor Area:  Balconies
Year Built:  2005
Taxes:  $1,921 (2011)
Maintenance Fee:  $328.12
Complex Name:  Aqua at thePark
Area:  Vancouver West
Neighbourhood:  Yaletown
Features:  Clothes Washer/Dryer, Fridge, Stove, DW, Microwave, Drapes/Window Coverings
Amenities:  In Suite Laundry, Indoor Pool; Sauna/Steam Room, Swirlpool/Hot Tub, Guest Suite, Exercise Centre

Listed By  RE/MAX Crest Westside (VanW7)  

Disclaimer
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo  and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.

Contact Agnieszka Stryjecka, ECO Realty for more information   778.991.5881   vancouver4life@gmail.com