2Vancover.com Blog

2Vancover.com Bloghttp://www.2vancouver.com/en/bloghttp://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/brunch-like-the-locals-doFrancois RouxBrunch Like the Locals DoWith the abundance of restaurants that are perpetually popping up in Vancouver, it's no surprise that brunch is an incredibly popular pastime for many locals and visitors...Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:28:06 -07002011-07-26T12:36:37-07:00With the abundance of restaurants that are perpetually popping up in Vancouver, it's no surprise that brunch is an incredibly popular pastime for many locals and visitors. With so many dining options, how do you know which brunch spots are great, and which ones are a bust? We've got three popular Vancouver brunch options; all you have to do is choose if you want to save or splurge. &rsaquo; Downtown: <a href="http://www.twistedforkbistro.ca" target="_blank">Twisted Fork Bistro</a><a href="http://www.twistedforkbistro.ca" target="_blank"></a> 1147 Granville St. (604) 568-0749 Price: Moderately priced Averaging 4.5/5 stars on Yelp and Urbanspoon, a common review for this relatively new Vancouver brunch spot is “the best brunch I've ever had - hands down.” The banana-stuffed French toast and baked Eggs Benedicts draw a crowd on the weekends, which can also be a drawback. If you arrive after opening on a Saturday or Sunday, expect to stand hungrily in the cold for up to half an hour. They don't take reservations for weekend brunch, so if you get grumpy or suffer from low blood sugar, try it out on a weekday or head to a less busy brunch hangout. &rsaquo; Downtown: <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver" target="_blank">The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver </a> 900 West Georgia St. (604) 684-3131 Price: Yikes! I better stop at a bank machine on the way All of the large luxury hotels in Vancouver offer weekend brunches, at a price of $35 to $50 per person. It's definitely not a good spot for the budget conscious ($7 mimosas add up!) and with tax and tip, you'll be looking at just under $60 in most hotel dining rooms. However, for a special occasion – birthday, anniversary, parole hearing - The Fairmont is worth it. Their brunch buffet has fresh seafood, an omelette station where you can order up eggs on demand, a meat carving station, freshly made pastries and desserts, and more. &rsaquo; East Vancouver: Bon's Off Broadway 2451 Nanaimo St. (604) 253-7242 Price: Is it really this cheap? Bon's is packed on the weekends, but fairly fast turnover and a large dining room make for a manageable wait most of the time. The crowd at Bon's is largely young adults recovering after a night at a concert or club – their all-day $3 breakfast is a great hangover remedy. The food is incredibly cheap and basic: omelettes, pancakes, bacon and eggs... Don't expect to linger over your food; there is a bit of a rushed feeling here as the restaurant is always busy and they always need the table. http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/a-trendy-new-neighbourhood-to-explore-gastownErin StringerA Trendy New Neighbourhood to Explore: GastownIn the past few years, Gastown has undergone quite a transformation. Not too long ago Gastown had a reputation as a seedy, crime-ridden neighbourhood, notorious for drug use and home to some of the city's most run-down buildings...Sat, 25 Jun 2011 11:37:39 -07002011-10-31T17:10:18-07:00In the past few years, Gastown has undergone quite a transformation. Not too long ago Gastown had a reputation as a seedy, crime-ridden neighbourhood, notorious for drug use and home to some of the city's most run-down buildings. While many a urine-smelling alley can still be found, <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/gastown-in-vancouver-bc">Gastown</a> has been cleaned up a lot, and now has an array of trendy boutiques, decor stores, and restaurants and clubs. In Gastown you'll see a mix of people: tourists checking out the historic steam clock and souvenir stores as well as <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/shopping-on-water-street">locals shopping</a>, eating and drinking. Here's where to go if you're in the neighbourhood: <h2>Where to Eat</h2> <a href="http://guiltandcompany.com/" target="_blank">Guilt and Co.</a> (1 Alexander St.) is a relatively new addition to Gastown, located in a cool, cave-like spot underneath the Chill Winston. Guilt and Co. has been getting a lot of attention for both the creative food and drinks (which are served by fedora and suspender-wearing staff) and the free live entertainment every night of the week. They also have board games you can bring to your table. If you're in the mood for mainstream fare, head to tourist favourite Water Street Cafe (300 Water St.) for salads, pasta and seafood. <h2>Where to Shop</h2> The Block (350 W Cordova St.) is a stop for fashionistas looking for unique styles from both local and international designers, while One of a Few (354 Water St.) has a slightly less expensive selection of designer women's clothing, jewelry and lingerie. Gastown has only small <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/local-fashion-in-vancouver-bc">clothing boutiques</a>, so don't go expecting to find big name brands at low prices – you're better off going to <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/shopping-on-robson-street">Robson Street</a> or Pacific Centre (Granville and Robson Streets) if that's what you're after. <h2>Where to Get a Drink</h2> <a href="http://www.chillwinston.com/Chill_Winston/hello.windowscape.html" target="_blank">Chill Winston</a> (3 Alexander St.) is a high-energy lounge with a large outdoor patio for people-watching. It gets packed early on, so it's best to make a reservation (604) 288-9575. Try a Devil's Three Way (whiskey, Triple Sec, and vermouth) or order up a dark Belgian beer. However, if you're hungry, eat somewhere else. The general consensus on the food: overpriced and not as good as the fare at Six Acres across the street. Looking to party late into the night? Hit a nightclub: Shine (364 Water St.) is a fun spot for drinks and dancing, while The Blarney Stone (216 Carrall Street) and The Lamplighter (92 Water Street) are great pubs to grab a pint or a pitcher. <iframe width="680" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&t=p&msa=0&msid=101416137571746107685.00047681a36bf0e8abcc0&ll=49.283036,-123.112106&spn=0.223957,0.343323&z=11&output=embed"> </iframe> Gastown district - Vancouver BChttp://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/cinema-under-the-stars-outdoor-movies-in-vancouverFrancois RouxCinema Under the Stars: Outdoor Movies in VancouverYou won't catch this season's hottest romantic comedy at an outdoor cinema, but...Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:49:04 -07002011-07-26T12:33:51-07:00The chill of an air-conditioned movie theatre is heavenly in the summer heat, but having to share a small space with popcorn-crunching moviegoers isn't ideal. Not to mention the steep admission fee and overpriced concession food! Another options is watching movies outside - bring a blanket or a lawn chair and snacks and stretch out under the stars – for free. You won't catch this season's hottest romantic comedy at an outdoor cinema, but it doesn't cost anything, it's out in the fresh air, and it's a fun way to spend a warm summer night. Shows begin at dusk, so get there before the sun goes down to get a good spot. Here are some of the outdoor movies playing in Vancouver this summer: <h2><a href="http://www.freshaircinema.ca/chevron" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal;">Chevron Summer Cinema Series</a></h2> Movies are shown every Tuesday throughout July and August. Moviegoers can watch classics on a three-storey inflatable screen at Second Beach in Stanley Park. Check out this summer's movies: &rsaquo; July 5 – Jurassic Park &rsaquo; July 12 – Field of Dreams &rsaquo; July 19 – Fast Five &rsaquo; July 26 - Ghostbusters &rsaquo; Aug. 2 – E.T. &rsaquo; Aug. 9 - Jaws &rsaquo; Aug. 16 – Pretty Woman &rsaquo; Aug. 23 – Back to the Future &rsaquo; Aug. 30 – Stand By Me <h2> Movies in Robson Square – presented by the Downtown Vancouver Business Association </h2> This outdoor cinema sits in the heart of downtown: in Robson Square, at the Olympic Village site. These outdoor movies are all family-friendly: &rsaquo; July 4 – Spiderman &rsaquo; July 11 – Fried Green Tomatoes &rsaquo; July 18 – Ghostbusters &rsaquo; July 25 – Goldfinger &rsaquo; Aug. 1 – Mary Poppins &rsaquo; Aug. 8 – The Muppet Movie &rsaquo; Aug. 15 – Toy Story &rsaquo; Aug. 22 – Men in Black &rsaquo; Aug. 29 – Finding Nemo <h2> If you want to venture a little bit out of Vancouver, outdoor movies are also playing in some of the suburbs: </h2> &rsaquo; July 15 – Rango at Willoughby Park (on the corner of McClelland St. & Warrane Rd.), Langley &rsaquo; July 19 - Despicable Me, King George Park West (4111 Jacombs Rd.)Richmond &rsaquo; July 22 – Rio, The Meadow at SFU (corner of Gaglardi Way and South Campus Rd.), Burnaby &rsaquo; Aug. 6 - Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2, Holland Park (13428 Old Yale Rd.), Surrey &rsaquo; Toy Story, Diefenbaker Park (5579 1st Ave.), Tsawwassen &rsaquo; Aug. 19 - How to Train Your Dragon, Diefenbaker Park (5579 1st Ave.), Tsawwassenhttp://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/5-great-places-to-meet-people-in-vancouver-in-the-summerErin Stringer5 Great Places to Meet People in Vancouver in the SummerThe weather is warm and love is in the air – only, not for you! Vancouver is known for being a hard place to meet people...Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:18:02 -07002011-07-26T12:33:41-07:00The weather is warm and love is in the air – only, not for you! Vancouver is known for being a hard place to meet people, and there are lots of singles to prove it. Statistics show that Vancouver’s never-married, divorced and widowed people represent a whopping 58 percent of the population – that's 293,320 people (Statistics Canada). First of all, nightclubs in Vancouver usually aren't the place to meet people for long term relationships. Of course, there are the married couples who have the cute story of how they met in a bar, but for the most part, they're noisy, crowded and only good for one-night stands. Lounges are often a better bet; cool spots in Vancouver that are good for meeting folks include Elixir at Opus, the Morrissey, and the Shark Club. Here are three other places to try your luck: <h2>The Beach</h2> Vancouver beaches are some of the best places to meet people, as everyone is relaxed and simply there to soak up the sun. Kits Beach and English Bay are two top options – Kits Beach especially is notorious for its beautiful scenery and its reputation as a prime pick-up spot. One beach to stay away from if you want to make a love connection: Wreck Beach. If meeting someone happens naturally, that's fine, but people at this nude-optional beach are quite wary of creepy people hanging around and striking up conversations. <h2>Coffee Shops</h2> There are so many coffee shops in Vancouver -  there seems to be a Starbucks or Blenz on every corner! There are always attractive professionals grabbing a latte during the week, or guys and girls hanging out alone during the weekends, and most of them are pretty open and friendly to talk to in this environment. Compliment someone on what they're wearing, ask how they're doing or just say hello. <h2>Concerts and Festivals</h2> Vancouver has a lively music scene, with concerts frequently happening at the larger arenas such as Rogers Arena and BC Place and at smaller venues like the Commodore and the Biltmore. Vancouver also has a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Vancouver Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival. Concerts and festivals are ideal places to meet people as the mood is generally very happy and upbeat.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/vancouver-celebrates-bastille-day-in-styleFrancois RouxVancouver Celebrates Bastille Day in Style!The French revolution is in the air....Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:54:07 -07002011-07-26T12:32:41-07:00Are you ready to put on your French accent and party in style? Come on to celebrate Bastille Day at the Law Courts Inn this coming Thursday (14th of July). The space offers two outside terraces with a stunning view of the city. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy music, amazing performances as well as a French buffet. Tickets sale at the door : $20 (one complimentary drink for FdM members).  Doors open @ 7pm! <img alt="" src="/Images/bastille-day-vancouver-party.jpg" />http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/why-networking-is-crucial-to-your-job-search-successEmmanuelle ArcherWhy Networking Is Crucial To Your Job Search SuccessYou’ve probably heard it time and again: to find a job in Vancouver, you have to network, network, and network some more. If you are not used to seeing networking as an essential job search tool, this piece of advice might seem puzzling...Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:40:39 -07002011-11-08T10:34:35-07:00You’ve probably heard it time and again: to find a job in Vancouver, you have to network, network, and network some more. If you are not used to seeing networking as an essential job search tool, this piece of advice might seem puzzling – what’s wrong with simply sending resumes to your target companies, and waiting for the interviews to roll in?  Here are three reasons why networking trumps sending out applications: <h2>1. You can tap into the hidden job market</h2> The hidden job market – that is, job openings that are not advertised – is huge in Vancouver. Most employers far prefer recruiting via word of mouth or through employee referral programs, rather than posting a job ad.  It is only through networking and talking to people that you will hear about these unadvertised opportunities. <h2>2. You’re able to access key information</h2> Online searches are a great way to do your due diligence on prospective employers, but there is a wide range of key information that only people who work in the field can give you. Which companies don’t believe in training and promoting their employees? Whose sales prospects are lackluster at best? Conversely, whose methods are highly respected in the industry, making their employees sought after by recruiters? No one wants to put time and effort into getting hired, only to find themselves in a dead-end job, or in a company where petty office politics and backstabbing are out of control. Don’t wait until it’s too late – a lot of industry information circulates at networking events, and it might help prevent you from accepting the wrong job offer.  <h2>3. One referral is worth a thousand applications</h2> The more people you meet, the greater the odds that someone will offer to refer you to their friend (or their brother-in-law, or their tennis partner), who happens to work in the field you’re interested in. This means your resume will be at the very least forwarded to a manager. If your profile is a good fit for the company, you’ll probably get an interview or a phone conversation out of it, which gives you a considerable edge over other applicants.  You may be surprised how many people will offer to help you in your job search – gratefully accept any such offer, and make the most of every opportunity.  So – if you’re tired of waiting in vain for the phone to ring, you know what to do. Get on <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/categories/relocate/meet-people/practice-an-activity" target="_self">join a club</a>, <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/categories/relocate/meet-people/volunteer">volunteer with an association</a> or sign up for networking events. Do whatever feels most suitable for you. Get out there, start talking to people, and watch your job search take off! <h2>How To Use LinkedIn To Network</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IzT3JVUGUzM" frameborder="0"></iframe> Born and raised on the French Riviera, Emmanuelle has been calling Vancouver home since 2001. Now a Canadian citizen, she holds a Master’s degree in Business and Management and she assists newcomers in their job search and career management through her consulting firm <a href="http://www.winningaway.com/" target="_blank">Winning Away</a>.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/top-5-mistakes-buyers-make-when-purchasing-real-estateMaggie ChandlerTop 5 Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing Real EstateAre you new to Vancouver? This article will help you make better decisions when buying a house in Vancouver...Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:18:41 -07002011-07-27T12:54:05-07:00<h2>1. Underground Oil Tanks</h2> The government outlawed the use of oil tanks on residential property in the early '90s and there are numerous fire code and municipal regulations relating to the removal or abandonment of an underground oil storage tank. Sellers must disclose if they have an unused or abandoned underground storage tank on their property and they are held responsible for all contamination on the property that they fail to disclose to a buyer. Sellers should obtain a site profile when selling the property in order to prevent a buyer from later claiming that the property was contaminated. Buyer Tip Have the property inspected and seek expert opinion, especially if the underground storage tank is thought to be leaking. <h2>2. Checking financial burdens</h2> Your lawyer will clear title of all financial obligations prior to transferring title to your name. However, when a seller agrees to sell a property to a buyer, the seller agrees to deliver clear title, except for charges the parties agree may remain on title. Buyers and their lawyers must make sure there are no mortgages, liens, judgments, or other financial charges outstanding on the property. If there are, they must know what is owed under each charge on the property. If the seller has zero or "negative equity" in the property,  find out what other resources the seller has to clear title, pay the real estate commission and legal fees. If the property is being sold under a court order, read a copy of the order to see if any conditions for a sale are set out. The contract of purchase and sale does not exempt building schemes or easements. Be sure you know if these are registered on title and what they mean. Buyer Tip Before making a firm contract with the seller, have your lawyer check title and ensure that everything  is in order. <h2>3. Know your Condo</h2> When purchasing a pre-sale condo (prior to the building being completed) or a new condo, the developer disclosure statement (a statement which discloses material facts about a development property) is the most significant element in the statue's disclosure scheme. Unless otherwise exempted, a developer must not enter into an agreement with a buyer for the sale or lease of a development unit, unless the developer has provided a copy of the disclosure statement to the purchaser, in compliance with The Real Estate Development Marketing Act (REDMA). If the disclosure statement does not comply with the REDMA, or otherwise contains a misrepresentation, the developer must either file a new disclosure statement, or file an amendment to the original one.  The amendment must be provided to each existing purchaser within a reasonable amount of time. Until a developer provides the purchaser with a disclosure statement, including any existing amendments, the purchaser has the unlimited right to rescind, even after completion. However, a purchaser who received a disclosure statement (in compliance with REDMA) still has seven days to rescind the contract, regardless of whether the title has been transferred. Buyer Tip Be sure to get a receipt for the disclosure statement, showing the date you received it. <h2>4. Renting  Rules for Condos</h2> The Strata Property Act permits a strata corporation to prohibit or limit residential rentals. Rentals can be limited either by the number or the parentage of strata lots that may be rented, and the period of time that residential strata lots may be rented. If a rental bylaw is passed, the bylaw must set out the procedure the strata corporation must follow for administering the limit. The family member exemption permits an owner to rent anytime to a family member, regardless of a rental restriction bylaw. A family member consists of a spouse of the owner, a parent or child of the owner or a parent or child of the spouse. If the developer filed the Rental Disclosure Statement (RDS) prior to January 1, 2010, the amendment distinguishes between the first owner versus a subsequent owner. The first owner can rent for the whole time that they remain the first owner, despite any rental restriction bylaw. If the RDS is filed after January 1, 2010, all owners can rent for 100 years. Buyer Tip Before buying, ask the seller for a Form B, which includes the rental disclosure statement <h2>5. Checking for Hidden Defects</h2> Material Latent Defects (MLDs) are defects not easily discovered through a reasonable inspection of the property.  If the property contains MLDs, the seller has a legal obligation to reveal them and full details must be included in Property Disclosure Statement and provided to the buyer prior to an accepted. Material latent defect can be a defect that renders the property unfit for habitation, dangerous or potentially dangerous to the occupants. A defect that would be expensive to fix, a lack of appropriate municipal building permits, a situation that affects the real estate in respect of which a local government has given notice indicating that the circumstance must or should be remedied. Buyer Tip Material latent defects covers areas including oil tanks on the property, plumbing, structure, permits, grow-ops and stigmatized properties. Written by <a href="http://vancouverreflections.com/contact/" target="_blank">Maggie Chandler</a>, marketing <a href="http://vancouverreflections.com/" target="_blank">vancouver homes</a> since 1981.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/immigrate-faster-with-the-bc-provincial-nomination-programSteven MeurrensImmigrate faster with the BC Provincial Nomination ProgramThe British Columia Provincial Nomination Program (BC PNP) is run by the Federal government and the Province of British Columbia. BC PNP offers fast entry into Canada...Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:31:06 -07002011-07-26T12:31:23-07:00The British Columia Provincial Nomination Program (BC PNP) is run by the Federal government and the Province of British Columbia. BC PNP offers fast entry into Canada and is good news for people who have the skills that the province desperately needs. The Canadian immigration process can be boiled down to two stages, selection and clearance (medical and security). Under federal immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker class, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) coordinates both the selection and clearance processing stages. Under the BC PNP, the Province of British Columbia conducts the selection portion and, if successful, CIC will process the clearance portion and issue permanent resident visas. <h2>How It Works</h2> BC PNP currently operates through two broad application categories: Strategic Occupations and Business Categories. <h2>Strategic Occupations</h2> The Strategic Occupations category is an employer driven process and seeks to recruit skilled workers, low-skill workers, health care professionals and international students.   <h2>Business Applications</h2> The Business Categories are investment driven. Depending on location, an applicant can present a business plan for a new business demonstrating an investment between $200,000 to $400,000, job creation and active management in the business. Alternatively, an existing company can assist foreign professionals and key managers to immigrate by presenting a business plan demonstrating a $500k investment in business expansion that will create new jobs. Click here for more information. <h2>Wait Times</h2> BC PNP has the capacity to process the selection portion of applications quicker than CIC. In most cases, BC PNP can approve an application in about three months. for workers and a few monthls longer for investors. In return for selecting immigrants, CIC has committed to prioritizing PNP applications. Currently, CIC processes most PNP applications in less than one year compared with the four years or more it takes to process a Federal Skilled Worker application. <h2>Why Choose PNP?</h2> BC PNP offers a win-win-win immigration solution. The Province can attract immigrants key to its economic future, Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) unloads a significant portion of applications to the Province, and the prospective immigrant benefits from much faster processing times. Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-rrosenberg.htm" title="Ryan Rosenberg, Canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Ryan Rosenberg</a> & <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-smeurrens.htm" title="steven meurrens canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Steven Meurrens</a>, Canadian Immigration Lawyers based in Vancouver BC. Copywrite 2011 © No text or graphical material may be copied without the express written permission of Larlee Rosenberg.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/splurging-in-the-city-fine-dining-in-vancouverErin StringerSplurging in the City: Fine Dining in VancouverWhether you want to splurge for a special occasion, are visiting the city or just want a mid-week break, these three fine dining restaurants in Vancouver are worth a visit...Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:38:13 -07002011-07-26T12:32:06-07:00<h1></h1> There's a time for grabbing a takeout <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/sushi-in-vancouver-bc">sushi lunch</a> or hitting a chain restaurant like Earl's with friends, and a time for treating yourself to the fine dining experience! Whether you want to splurge for a special occasion, are visiting the city or just want a mid-week break, these three fine dining restaurants in Vancouver are worth a visit, according to critics and reviewers: <a href=" http://bluewatercafe.net">Blue Water Cafe</a> 1095 Hamilton St. (604) 688-8078 This cozy and chic restaurant in <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/unique-yaletown">Yaletown </a>is ideal for spotting celebrities but it's the food that has locals coming back for more. Blue Water Cafe has received numerous awards over the years, including Best Fish & Shellfish (Georgia Straight Golden Plate Awards, 2011), Best Formal Bar (Westender Reader's Choice Awards, 2010) and Best Seafood (WHERE Magazine 'To Dine' Awards, 2009). Oyster-lovers rejoice: the Raw Bar has a long list of molluscs from BC, the East Coast and Washington. *Price Range for Entrees: $29.50 - $45.50 <a href="http://www.vijsrestaurant.ca">Vij's Restaurant</a> 1480 West 11th Ave. (604) 736-6664 You'll know you've arrived at Vij's when you see the lineup spilling out the front door. Vij's doesn't take reservations, so for years food critics and regular folks have braved all types of weather to get a table at this upscale Indian restaurant. Vij's just won the Best Indian in both the Best of the City Awards 2011 and the Golden Plates Awards 2011 (Georgia Straight). The hands-down favourite created by this husband-and-wife team: the marinated wine lamb popsicles in fenugreek cream curry. *Price Range for Entrees: $24 to $28 <a href="http://www.westrestaurant.com">West</a>  2881 Granville St. (604) 738-8938 West is a small space tucked away on <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/shopping-on-granville-street">Granville Street</a> that serves locally-sourced favourites such as Fraser Valley lamb and Yarrow Meadow duck. The dining room has a large wall of wines  – one of the most extensive lists in the city. Another hotspot is the cherrywood bar, where people stop by for a cocktail crafted by the award-winning bartender. West has won the Restaurant of the Year award (Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards) four times in a row. *Price Range for Entrees: $28.50 to $42.50 Of course there are too many fine dining restaurants in Vancouver to list in one article! Find all of Vancouver's top fine dining restaurants, as rated by locals, at <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/pr/14/4/Vancouver/Fine-Dining.html ">Urbanspoon</a>.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/lights-camera-actioncelebrity-spotting-in-vancouverErin StringerLights, Camera, Action...Celebrity Spotting in VancouverWalking past a giant movie set on a busy downtown street or catching a glimpse of an A-list celebrity dining at a local restaurant is fairly commonplace in Vancouver....Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:47:31 -07002011-07-26T12:31:46-07:00Walking past a giant movie set on a busy downtown street or catching a glimpse of an A-list celebrity dining at a local restaurant is fairly commonplace in Vancouver. Known as “Hollywood North,” Vancouver is the third largest production centre for film and television in the world (after Los Angeles and New York City). In 2010, Vancouver was home to over 246 motion picture projects and production spending reached a whopping $1.5 billion dollars. (2010 Production Statistics – BC Film Commission)   TV and movie producers flock to Vancouver for a number of reasons: <li>Filmmakers can save a lot of money by shooting in Canada due to tax breaks from the Canadian government</li> <li>Vancouver has varied landscapes, making it easy to build sets that appear to be different cities or countries around the world</li> <li>Vancouver is home to major movie studios: North Shore Studios, Lions Gate Studios, Bridge Studios and Vancouver Film Studios</li> <li>It's mild climate allows for year-round filming</li> Just a few of the hundreds of films shot in Vancouver over the years include: <li>Bird on a Wire, 1990</li> <li>Liar, Liar, 1993</li> <li>Double Jeopardy, 1999</li> <li>The Butterfly Effect, 2004</li> <li>Fantastic Four, 2005</li> <li>I, Robot, 2004</li> <li>X-Men, The Last Stand, 2006</li> <li>Night at the Museum, 2006</li> Let's not forget these popular TV shows: <li>21 Jump Street</li> <li>Battlestar Galactica</li> <li>Dark Angel</li> <li>House</li> <li>Smallville</li> <li>The L-Word</li> <li>The X-Files</li> While it's hard to tell where exactly the hottest celebrities might turn up when they're in Vancouver – it could be your local grocery store -  the most popular places seem to be posh and private restaurants: <a href="http://www.bluewatercafe.net">Blue Water Cafe</a>, Yaletown  Celebrities who have broken bread here include Catherine Zeta Jones, Pierce Brosnan and Anna Paquin. <a href="http://www.cincin.net">Cin Cin Restaurant</a>, Robson Street Janet Jackson, Uma Thurman, Robin Williams, David Duchovny and the Vancouver Canucks have enjoyed fine food here. <a href="http://www.opushotel.com/vancouver.html ">Elixir at the Opus Hotel</a>, Yaletown Stars seen here include Ryan Philippe, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Reese Witherspoon and J.Lo. Find out <a href="http://www.bcfilmcommission.com/about_us/film_list.php">what's currently being filmed</a> in and around Vancouver. http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/big-changes-to-3-permanent-residency-streams-in-canadaSteven MeurrensBig Changes to 3 Permanent Residency Streams in CanadaIf you’re hoping to make Canada your new home, you need to know about significant changes to three immigration policies in Canada. On July 1, 2011, Citizenship and Immigration Canada...Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:09:16 -07002011-07-27T15:21:40-07:00If you’re hoping to make Canada your new home, you need to know about significant changes to three immigration policies in Canada. On July 1, 2011, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) introduced changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Immigrant Investor Program, and the Entrepreneur Program. <h2>Federal Skilled Worker Program</h2> Under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, individuals can immigrate to Canada if they obtain a certain number of points using a points grid. This program is limited to people with eligible offers of arranged employment in Canada. There is one exception: people with a year of full time experience during the ten years prior to the application being submitted in one of the following occupations may apply: <ol> <li>0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers</li> <li>0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)</li> <li>1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management</li> <li>1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners</li> <li>2121 Biologists and Related Scientists</li> <li>2151 Architects</li> <li>3111 Specialist Physicians</li> <li>3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians</li> <li>3113 Dentists</li> <li>3131 Pharmacists</li> <li>3142 Physiotherapists</li> <li>3152 Registered Nurses</li> <li>3215 Medical Radiation Technologists</li> <li>3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists</li> <li>3233 Licensed Practical Nurses</li> <li>4151 Psychologists</li> <li>4152 Social Workers</li> <li>6241 Chefs</li> <li>6242 Cooks</li> <li>7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades</li> <li>7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades</li> <li>7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)</li> <li>7242 Industrial Electricians</li> <li>7251 Plumbers</li> <li>7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators</li> <li>7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics</li> <li>7371 Crane Operators</li> <li>7372 Drillers & Blasters — Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction</li> <li>8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service</li> </ol> Effective July 1, 2011, only 10,000 people may apply to immigrate under the Federal Skilled Worker Program without an eligible offer of arranged employment. Within the 10,000 cap, a maximum of 500 new applications per occupation will be considered for processing each year. So, if you’re hoping to become a resident of Canada, it’s important that you educate yourself about the process and contact a local immigration lawyer to assist you. <h2>Immigrant Investor Program</h2> Citizenship and Immigration Canada has introduced intake caps on the number of new Immigrant Investor Program applications that it accepts every year. Under the Immigrant Investor Program, an individual and his/her family could immigrate to Canada if he/she could demonstrate a legally obtained net worth of $1.6-million, and was willing to make an $800,000 five-year interest free loan to the Government of Canada.   Effective July 1, 2011, a maximum of 700 new federal Immigrant Investor applications were to be considered for processing each year. Assuming that success rates remain constant, this means that around just over 600 applications will be accepted each year. It’s interesting to note that due to these new laws, the cap for 2011 was reached incredibly quickly! The 700-application cap was publically announced on July 1, 2011, however,immigration consultants and lawyers received advanced notice and were able to prepare and submit applications extremely quickly. The cap was reached just three days later, on July 4, 2011! It’s not surprising that Citizenship and Immigration Canada has introduced intake caps for the Immigrant Investor Program. In 2007 the number of people applying to the program was just over 10,000.  By 2010 that number had skyrocketed to just under 40,000.   <h2>Entrepreneur Program</h2> Many people come to Canada with a dream of starting their own business. However, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced a temporary suspension on the intake of new applications to the Entrepreneur Program. Under the program, an individual could immigrate to Canada if they had a legally obtained minimum personal net worth of $300,000, and had an approved plan to establish and be actively involved with the management of a qualifying business in Canada. Between 2006-2010, 9,353 people immigrated under the program.  Given the staggering current processing times, it is not hard to see why Citizenship and Immigration Canada has decided that they will no longer receive new applications.   The current processing times at all embassies currently processing Entrepreneur Program applications are shown below: <table style="border:1px solid #d8d8d8;"> <colgroup> <col width="132" /> </colgroup> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;"> Cairo </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;">7 years, 7 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px; background-color: #f2f2f2;"> Damascus </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px; background-color: #f2f2f2;">7 years</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;"> Beijing </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;">3 years, 7 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px; background-color: #f2f2f2;"> Manila </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px; background-color: #f2f2f2;">5 years, 4 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;"> New Delhi </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;">6 years, 10 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 25px; background-color: #f2f2f2;"> Seoul </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 25px; background-color: #f2f2f2;">3 years, 10 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;"> Berlin </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;">3 years, 9 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px; background-color: #f2f2f2;"> London </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 25px; background-color: #f2f2f2;">4 years, 6 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;"> Paris </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px;">7 years, 10 months</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px; background-color: #f2f2f2;"> Buffalo </td> <td style="width: 110px; height: 20px; background-color: #f2f2f2;">6 years, 6 months</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-rrosenberg.htm" title="Ryan Rosenberg, Canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Ryan Rosenberg</a> & <a href="http://www.smeurrens.com" title="steven meurrens canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Steven Meurrens</a>, Canadian Immigration Lawyers based in Vancouver BC.  Copywrite 2011 © No text or graphical material may be copied without the express written permission of Larlee Rosenberg.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/interview-with-spanish-immigrant-miguel-hernandezMiguel HernandezInterview with Spanish Immigrant Miguel HernandezThis week our guest is Miguel Hernandez, a Spanish immigrant and the founder of Grumo Media, a company that specializes in creating product demo videos for start-ups. Miguel came from Bilbao, Spain in 1996, after his father relocated temporally for work reasons...Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:54:18 -07002011-07-27T12:51:55-07:00This week our guest is Miguel Hernandez, a Spanish immigrant and the founder of <a href="http://grumomedia.com" target="_blank">Grumo Media</a>, a company that specializes in creating product demo videos for start-ups. Miguel came from Bilbao, Spain in 1996, after his father relocated temporally for work reasons and eventually fell in love with Vancouver. Miguel’s father had the rest of the family join him, and while everyone thought it was a temporary move, they soon realized that Vancouver was a fantastic place to live and work and decided to stay for good. <h2> What kind of challenges did you and your family face when you first arrived in Vancouver?</h2> After my father's contract expired, finding a job for him was the biggest challenge. It took him almost a year to find a job, partly because he was 50 years old and overqualified for most jobs. Eventually he learned to customize his resume to meet the exact criteria of every job he applied, got some interviews and found a job that lasted until he retired last year at the age of 63. <h2> What advice would you give to newcomers to help them settle down in Vancouver?</h2> 1. Make sure you learn English as well as possible. 2. Meet as many people with similar interests as possible by going to <a href="http://www.meetup.com/" target="_blank">Meet-ups</a>. 3. Don't judge Canadians for being different and learn to love and accept the cultural diversity. <h2> What are the top 3 cultural differences between your hometown of Bilbao in Spain and Vancouver?</h2> The main one is that in general Spanish people work to live and Canadians live to work. Work for most Spanish people is something you have to do, not necessarily something you enjoy doing. Also, Spanish people party and socialize a lot more than Canadians. Spanish people are louder, more opinionated and in the big cities they tend to complain more about everything. <h2> How about love and relationships? Do Spaniards date the same way as Canadians do? What are the key differences?</h2> It depends on the region. Bilbao is in the Basque country, which has a reputation of being a very difficult place to have casual relationships in. Madrid is quite the opposite, as people from all regions of Spain migrate to Madrid and casual dating is very normal. Spanish people rarely go online to meet people because they go out so much more and meet their partners in the traditional organic way. In Canada, online dating is very typical. Both my sister and I met our respective partners online. <h2> What is the best way to meet and mingle with local Canadian people in Vancouver?</h2> Yahoo Meet-ups is the best way. You can join as many Meet-ups as you want, depending on the interests you have. Vancouver has literally hundreds of Meet-ups so it won't be hard to find one that you like. The most popular are the language Meet-ups where people come together to practice a language like Spanish, Japanese, or Italian. <h2>A video we love from Grumo!</h2> <iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uSSLv2PSu4c" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/interview-with-emmanuelle-archer-a-french-immigrantEmmanuelle ArcherInterview with Emmanuelle Archer, a French ImmigrantThis week our guest is Emmanuelle Archer, who is originally from France and has been living in Vancouver for 10 years. After a career in corporate management and marketing, she decided to start her own company back in 2008: Winning Away Expat Support. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:38:57 -07002011-08-11T09:03:40-07:00This week our guest is Emmanuelle Archer, who is originally from France and has been living in Vancouver for 10 years. After a career in corporate management and marketing, she decided to start her own company back in 2008: <a href="http://www.winningaway.com/" target="_blank">Winning Away Expat Support</a>. Emmanuelle's main focus is helping newcomers to Vancouver start a new career or build their dream business, as quickly and painlessly as possible. What are the three most important soft skills that expatriates must have to succeed in the Canadian corporate environment? - The ability to sell themselves. North Americans are very good at emphasizing their strengths, and expats must learn how to compete with them. - Networking skills. I know it's a cliché, but it is truly all about who you know! - A positive attitude. Be personable, easy to talk to, and look for solutions instead of dwelling on the negative. Most Canadians are uncomfortable with conflict, so remember to seek consensus whenever possible. If you were to look for a new job in Vancouver, what process would you follow? What kind of approach would you use? - Step 1: I would spend time creating my "elevator speech": two or three sentences that sum up my professional goals, my expertise, and what I can bring to a potential employer; - Step 2: I would put the word out to my networks, or invest the time in making new contacts if necessary - it's easy nowadays, thanks to social media tools such as LinkedIn. I would also volunteer, attend conferences, go to training sessions - anything that may give me an opportunity to meet people who work in my chosen field; - Step 3: I would seek out expats who have figured out the Canadian recruitment process, in order to get their advice on how to best approach local employers. There's no need to reinvent the wheel, so get other people's input. That could shave months or even years off your job search process. What is the best way for immigrants to meet local Canadian people in Vancouver? - If you have a hobby, joining a club or taking classes is an excellent way to meet locals, especially if it has to do with sports, as Vancouverites are an active bunch. Volunteering is great for that too, and as a bonus, it always looks good on a resumé! - The key is to find a place where you're likely to run into the same people on a regular basis, like a favourite café or a community centre. It shouldn't take long before people start acknowledging you, which will make striking up a conversation much easier. - You can also expect to meet people through work, as coworkers often socialize outside the workplace. How do Vancouverites go about dating and love relationships? How does it compare to your home country? Canadian culture promotes gender equality, so decision making, chores and other responsibilities are typically shared pretty equally within the couple. This means expats may have to adjust their expectations of gender roles somewhat. For instance, men may be expected to be more in touch with their feelings, while women may find they have to make the first move if they meet someone they like. It's tricky though, because so many Vancouverites actually come from somewhere else. So it's impossible to generalize. You always have to take the person's background into account. Could you tell us one mistake you made as an expat when you first arrived in Vancouver? I clung to the European way of looking for a job (sending resumés, answering ads, thinking that my degree and my experience would open doors, instead of marketing myself aggressively) for too long. It took me three years of not-so-great jobs before I finally figured out how to approach local employers and interview for the interesting positions. This is precisely the mistake I don't want other expats to make, and it's what motivated me to start my own company: to teach newcomers how to build a fulfilling career, the Canadian way. To learn more about how to find a good job in Vancouver - without struggling for three years! - check out Emmanuelle's blog at <a href="http://www.winningaway.com/blog" target="_blank"> www.winningaway.com/blog</a>http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/the-vancouver-real-estate-market-trends-tips-q2-2011Maggie ChandlerThe Vancouver Real Estate Market: Trends & Tips - Q2 2011Are you thinking of buying or selling your home, townhouse or condo? Use the following findings from the Vancouver real estate market analysis (second quarter 2011) to better understand the industry and to plan your next move.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:17:12 -07002011-10-05T11:19:52-07:00Are you thinking of buying or selling your home, townhouse or condo? With experts everywhere making different real estate predictions and advice coming from all directions, it can be extremely hard to know if you should buy, sell or stay. Use the following findings from the Vancouver real estate market analysis (second quarter 2011) to better understand the industry and to plan your next move. First, a little background: Vancouver is divided into two areas - Vancouver Westside and Vancouver Eastside. Vancouver Westside, which runs west of Main Street to UBC (now its own municipality) is the most expensive of the two areas. Vancouver Eastside runs east of Main Street to Boundary Road on the border with <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/burnaby">Burnaby</a>.   <img src="/Images/west-east-vancouver-map.jpg" alt="Map of the west and east areas of Vancouver" />  The April-June 2011 real estate market in Vancouver saw listings for houses, townhouses and condos in both areas decrease (same as this time period last year), but there was an increase in sales. <table width="510"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" style="width: 190px; height: 45px;">Year to date listings (as of June 30, 2011) </td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="width: 67px;">2010</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="width: 55px;">2011</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="width: 178px;">%  Increase / decrease</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vancouver - East area</td> <td> 3,737 </td> <td> 3,180 </td> <td> - 15% </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">Vancouver - West area</td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 8,471 </td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 7,722 </td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> -9 % </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 32px;"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" style="height: 45px;">Year to date sales (as of March 31, 2011) </td> <td align="left" valign="top">2010</td> <td align="left" valign="top">2011</td> <td align="left" valign="top"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vancouver - East area</td> <td> 1,868 </td> <td> 1,951 </td> <td>+4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">Vancouver - West area</td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 3,794 </td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 4,225 </td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+12%</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The Vancouver real estate market saw sales in June dip lower than in May, with fewer multiple offers as we moved into summer. Interest rates have remained unchanged, with a five-year term at 3.8%. Vancouver’s Westside house market continues to be driven by Mainland Chinese buyers - some are <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/vancouver-investor-buyer-case-study">investors</a>, some are immigrants and some are local Chinese buyers. Unofficially, the stats say that 80% of the buyers in this market are Chinese. Many of these buyers are short term flippers. Vancouver Real Estate Prices - Market Trends Vancouver real estate prices have been on a steady rise since the beginning of 2002. Prices peaked in the spring of 2008 before declining by about 20-25%. The market regained this loss by late 2009 through to<a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/vancouver-real-estate-market-analysis-first-quarter-2011"> spring 2010</a>. Prices in all categories of real estate are higher than they were a year ago. The market is now divided into two sections - the offshore buyers and the local buyers. The offshore buyer market (Westside houses and luxury condos) is outperforming the local market, and houses outperformed due to strong buyer demand. Take a look at the benchmark price for Westside homes vs. townhomes and condos over the last year listed below. Who is Buying in Vancouver? Local<a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/first-time-buyer-case-study"> first-time buyers</a>, trade-up buyers and Albertans are returning to the Vancouver real estate market, purchasing small condos for their kids who are going to school or luxury condos as vacation homes. There are still some investors in the condo market, purchasing suites under $500,000.The Westside Vancouver house market continues to be a  favourite with Mainland Chinese, who are also the main buyers for luxury condos over $2 million. Vancouver Westside - June 30, 2011 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 174px; height: 31px;"> </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 124px;">Houses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 105px;">Townhouses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 88px;">Condos </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 30px;">Total listings for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 2,105 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 796 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 4,821 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Total sales for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 1,310 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 438 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 2,477 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average days on market (sold)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">31</td> <td align="center" valign="top">34</td> <td align="center" valign="top">38</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average price/unit (new) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $2,911,666 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $935,716 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $445,292 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average price/unit (resale) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $2,487,992 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $607,997 </td> <td align="center" valign="top">$634,930</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average sale price/List price ratio </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">100%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">98%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">97%</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2010) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> +30.2% </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> +8.7% </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> +4.4% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2006) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+83%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+35%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+25% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Benchmark Price June 30/2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $2,068,675 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $812,608 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $522,678 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Vancouver Eastside -  June 30, 2011 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 174px; height: 31px;"> </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 101px;">Houses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 113px;">Townhouses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 103px;">Condos </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 30px;">Total listings for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 1,622 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 379 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 1,179 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Total sales for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 1,053 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 234 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 664 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average days on market (sold)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">25</td> <td align="center" valign="top">31</td> <td align="center" valign="top">33</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average price/unit (new) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $1,070,300 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $611,866 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $445,292 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average price/unit (resale) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $870,408 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $571,573 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $356,058 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 51px;">Average sale price/List price ratio </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">100%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">98%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">98%</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2010) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> + 14.5% </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> + 10.6% </td> <td align="center" valign="top">+2.6% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2006) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> + 39.9% </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> + 37% </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> + 26% </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> *The benchmark price is a compilation of housing features Greater Vancouverites buy most. What’s Selling in Vancouver in 2011? Vancouver Westside house sales: 17 sales under $1 million 504 sales between $1 and $2 million 364 sales between $2 and $3 million 206 sales over $4 million Most expensive was $11,980,000 Least expensive was $628,000 Vancouver Westside townhouse sales: 32 sales under $500,000 165 sales between $500,000 and $1 million 129 sales between $1M & $3M 3 sales over $3M Most expensive: $2,650,000 Least expensive: $282,000 Vancouver Westside condo sales: 1,092 sales under $500,000 918 sales between $500,000 & $1 million 73 sales between $1M & $2M 25 sales between $2M & $3M 29 sales over $3M Most expensive: $5,600.000 Least expensive: $170,000 Vancouver Eastside house sales: 9 sales under $500,000 239 sales between $500,000 and $700,000 623 sales between $700,000 and $1 million 180 sales over $1 million (including one sale over $2M) Most expensive: $1,381,000 Least expensive: $430,000 (lot value) Vancouver Eastside townhouse sales: 62 sold under $500,000 51 sold between $500,000 and $1 million No sales over $1 million Least expensive: $388,000 Most expensive: $960,000 Vancouver Eastside condo sales: 596 sales under $500,000 69 sales between $500,000 and $1 million Zero sales over $1 million Least expensive: $135,000 Most expensive: $980,000 Overview of Vancouver property prices The Vancouver real estate market continues to do well in the second quarter of 2011. The new listing total was 9.8% higher than the 10-year average for June, while residential sales were 7.3% below the ten-year average for sales in June. The house market continued to see the best appreciation. With sales slowing as we move into summer, the market is moving toward better balance between buyer and seller. The end of the second quarter saw the market tipped slightly in favour of the buyers, whereas it was tilting toward the sellers in the first quarter. Alll categories showed average days on the market for solds is still under 40, and average list price to sale price ratios are between 97% to 100%. *Insider Tip: The inventory is slightly on the low side, giving sellers an edge. If a property is priced right it sells in a month, so buyers need to make quick decisions when they find the right property. Written by <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/contact/">Maggie Chandler</a>, providing trustworthy <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/">real estate services</a> for 30 yearshttp://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/interview-with-joel-bergeron-from-csliJoel BergeronInterview with Joel Bergeron from CSLIThis week our guest is Joel Bergeron, the assistant operations director at CSLI, a language school in downtown Vancouver. Bergeron, who comes from a little farming town in Ontario near Toronto works bringing students from over 79 countries to study in Vancouver...Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:25:48 -07002011-10-05T11:20:24-07:00This week our guest is Joel Bergeron, the assistant operations director at CSLI, a language school in downtown Vancouver. Bergeron, who comes from a little farming town in Ontario near Toronto works bringing students from over 79 countries to study in Vancouver. He loves working at CSLI because it blends together all of the things he enjoys. He gets to meet people from all over the world and learn about new cultures. In his spare time Bergeron loves to go sailing, and is training to become a sailing instructor.   <h2>What are the top 3 challenges an international student will face when he first arrives in Vancouver?</h2> The first real challenge for students is the first two weeks! Facing the overwhelming culture shock of navigating a new city, and practicing a new language. I always tell students that the first month will be the hardest, and after that it will get easier as you get more comfortable with your surroundings. The second challenge would be <a href="http://2vancouver.com/csli.aspx">finding a great school</a>. There are so many schools across the city, and finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming for students. I always tell students to ask LOTS of questions and always try a free class before making a decision. I also advise students to choose the school which is the best fit for them and not decide on the cheapest school. This is your chance to study hard and improve your English, and you get what you pay for. The last challenge would be for students to find accommodation other than homestays. Finding an apartment, choosing a neighborhood, and signing a contract can be challenging in a new country. A good school should have offer some support in helping students with their questions.   <h2>How can students adjust to the local Canadian culture? Could you give them some practical advice?</h2> I think the best thing for students who are trying to adjust to Canada is to understand a bit of our history and what makes Canada a bit different than many other countries.  First, Canada is a “baby” country in comparison to countries who have thousands of years of history, language, and culture. Second, Canada was built on multiculturalism and immigration, so figuring out what is "Canadian" can be hard even for Canadians! If you understand this, I think it will go a long way to helping you fit into Canadian life. Practical advice? Get involved. Join a sports team, volunteer, join a group....all of these things will allow you to really integrate and practice your English in real situations. Many students have studied for years from a textbook...Vancouver is your chance to speak! <h2>If you were to learn English in Vancouver for 1 year, what kind of process would you follow? What actions would you take?</h2> The first thing I would do is to look up schools which are members or accredited by Languages Canada, EQA- Educational Quality Assurance, and Quality English which are the  leading standards of Quality education in Canada and around the world.  Then I would visit 2-3 schools to try a class, ask questions, and find a school that was right for me.   You also need to really think about your goals and dreams related to learning English.  Why do you need English? Knowing what your goal is will help you select courses and schools.  for example, if your goal is to attend university, you will want to find courses related to exam preparation and academics.  If your goal is to improve your English for work, you may want to focus on English for specific purposes such as business English and career internship programs. I would also spend at least three months living with a Canadian homestay, where I could truly immerse myself in Canadian culture, while adjusting to the new city.   Finally, I would try to be busy, and to get involved in as many activities as possible.  Websites such as Meetup.com are excellent for joining groups of people who have similar interests such as photography, sports, hiking, etc. <h2>How far in advance should a student plan his trip to Vancouver? What are the steps involved prior to starting a program with a Vancouver ESL school?</h2> Actually, as long as you have the proper visa coming to Vancouver is quite easy! There are lots of companies who specialize in helping students set up with everything from homestay, airport pickup, health insurance, and even social events.  Vancouver is safe, with excellent city infrastructure, so navigating the city yourself is quite easy. Here is a basic step-by-step guide of how to study English in Vancouver: 1)   Visit or contact the local Canadian embassy or consulate in your country in order to find out exactly what type of visa you need, and how to apply.  Many countries are except from visas for 6 months: <a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp#exemptions">(You can find the visa exempt countries here)</a>  Different countries will have different visa processing times, regulations, requirements, and applications.  Visiting the embassy or consulate will answer all of your questions directly. 2) If you do require a visa, the first step is to apply to a school. 3) The school does not issue the visa!  They can provide you with the letter of acceptance which will support your visa application. 4) Apply for the student visa at your local Canadian embassy or consulate. 5) Receive your visa, and come to Vancouver! <h2>Should foreign students try to date local Canadian people in Vancouver to fast track the learning process?</h2> This subject often comes up in class about the best ways to learn a language! I think, date people you like! Living, studying, volunteering, and getting involved in Canada is enough! <a href="http://2vancouver.com/csli.aspx">Request more information about CSLI English classes and programs.</a> <h2>Video: CSLI celebrates its 20th year!</h2> <iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m4vZDO7lg9E?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/2vancouvercom-has-a-new-home-on-ubc-campusFrancois Roux2Vancouver.com has a New Home on UBC Campus!2Vancouver.com has recently joined the entrepreneurship@UBC program, a campus-wide initiative led by the Sauder School of Business, the Faculty of Applied Science, the Faculty of Science and the University-Industry Liaison Office.Sun, 11 Sep 2011 10:04:44 -07002011-10-05T11:21:40-07:002Vancouver.com has recently joined the entrepreneurship@UBC program, a campus-wide initiative led by the Sauder School of Business, the Faculty of Applied Science, the Faculty of Science and the University-Industry Liaison Office. Supporting this initiative is a $10 million venture fund: the “entrepreneurship@UBC Fund”. Capitalized by donations from alumni and matching contributions from the <a href="http://www.bcic.ca/" target="_blank">BC Innovation Council</a>, the Fund has been formed by UBC in order to make very early stage pre-seed investments in start-ups founded by students or recent alumni. "This program is a very exciting opportunity for us. We have been provided with an open office on UBC campus, a mentor and a contribution of $5,000 in business services. We make new connections every week and the work environment is extremely motivating," says Francois Roux, the founder of 2Vancouver.com. <img alt="" src="/Images/2vancouver_office_ubc.jpg" /> Please come say hi @ our new office: Suite #211 - 2386 East Mall UBC Campus - Entrepreneurship@UBC Vancouver V6T 1Z3 Canadahttp://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/bc-pnp-suspends-entry-level-semi-skilled-pilot-projectSteven MeurrensBC PNP Suspends Entry Level-Semi Skilled Pilot Project If you’re a foreign worker looking for permanent residency, you should be aware of some important changes to permanent residency policies in BC. On August 31, 2011, the British Columbia Provincial Nomination ProgramMon, 19 Sep 2011 12:12:43 -07002011-09-19T12:45:00-07:00 If you’re a foreign worker looking for permanent residency, you should be aware of some important changes to permanent residency policies in BC. On August 31, 2011, the British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program (“BC PNP”) suspended the Entry-Level Semi-Skilled Pilot Project. Under the program, which was introduced in 2008, foreign workers with experience in the hospitality, food & beverage, and trucking industry could qualify for permanent residency.   What does this mean for foreign workers? Well, it depends largely on whether or not you have a post-secondary education. BC PNP statistics showed that a large percentage of people that applied for permanent residence under this program had a post-secondary education. The suspension of the program is thus expected to hit entry-level employees who management is not yet ready to promote to a supervisory position especially hard.    While the program is suspended, there is no economic immigration program available for semi-skilled or entry-level workers to apply for permanent residency in British Columbia.  Applicants interested in becoming permanent who are not eligible for a Working Holiday Visa or a Post-Graduate Work Permit will in most cases now have to apply for a Labour Market Opinion, a <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/3-questions-your-employer-must-answer-before-you-can-work-in-canada">process described in more detail here</a>, and either wait for a new position, or for a new immigration program to become available. Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.smeurrens.com/" title="steven meurrens canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Steven Meurrens</a>  & <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-rrosenberg.htm" title="Ryan Rosenberg, Canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Ryan Rosenberg</a>, Canadian Immigration Lawyers based in Vancouver BC. Copywrite 2011 © No text or graphical material may be copied without the express written permission of Larlee Rosenberg.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/2vancouvercom-broadcasts-on-cbcradio-canadaFanny Dufour2Vancouver.com Broadcasts on CBC/Radio Canada!Francois Roux, founder and CEO of 2Vancouver.com, has been interviewed by famous radio host Pierre-Philippe Bibeau during the francophone radio show “Six pieds au-dessus de la mer” to discuss the latest news about the website.Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:01:49 -07002011-10-04T09:21:46-07:00<img alt="" src="/Images/2vancouver-radio-canada-interview.JPG" style="width: 360px; height: 239px;" class="imageright" />Francois Roux, founder and CEO of 2Vancouver.com, has been interviewed by famous radio host Pierre-Philippe Bibeau during the francophone radio show “Six pieds au-dessus de la mer” to discuss the latest news about the website. 2Vancouver.com currently has more than 1,000 articles and represents one of the largest bilingual platforms for newcomers and visitors in British Columbia.  Later in the interview Pierre-Philippe Bibeau took a particular interest in 2Vancouver.com’s recent move to the University of British Columbia campus after being selected by the entrepreneurship@UBC program. This $10 million venture fund initiative is led by the Sauder School of Business and other departments and aims to help young, innovative start-ups kick off their business in Vancouver.    Listen to the <a href="http://www.radio-canada.ca/audio-video/pop.shtml#urlMedia=http://www.radio-canada.ca/Medianet/2011/CBUF/Sixpiedsaudessusdelamer201109131520.asx" target="_blank">podcast interview on the Radio Canada website</a>. http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/new-to-canada-5-tips-on-buying-a-condo-in-vancouverMaggie ChandlerNew to Canada? 5 Tips on Buying a Condo in VancouverAs a newcomer, there is so much you need to learn! Not only are you adjusting to a different culture and lifestyle, but you’re also trying to find somewhere to live...Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:39:15 -07002011-10-05T11:18:53-07:00As a newcomer, there is so much you need to learn! Not only are you <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/categories/relocate/survive-culture-shock">adjusting to a different culture</a> and lifestyle, but you’re also trying to find somewhere to live that fits your budget and is conveniently located near your workplace or <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/categories/study">school</a>. Here are the top five questions asked by newcomers about <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/buy-a-home-in-vancouver-bc">buying a condo</a>: <h2>1. Can non-residents of Canada buy real estate in Canada? if so, can I qualify for a mortgage?</h2> There are no restrictions for non-residents buying Canadian real estate. You can own a home or buy real estate as an investment. However, when you sell the property there is withholding tax on earned income (rent) or on the sale proceeds. If your country has a tax treaty with Canada, the withholding tax will be credited back to you in your country of origin. It’s best to consult a C.A. for more details. As a non-resident* of Canada you can get a mortgage if you have a down payment equal to 35% of the purchase price. Ask the bank to give you a pre-approved mortgage, so you will have your paperwork in place and know exactly how much you can afford. The rules around non-resident mortgages vary from bank to bank; most <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/a-guide-to-vancouver-banks-financial-services">banks</a> will lock in the rate for 90-120 days. *What is the definition of a non-resident?  A non-resident is a person who lives in another country and is not considered a resident of Canada, or someone who lives in Canada for less than 183 days of the tax year. There are different rules for government employees and Canadian Forces members. <h2>2. What other fees will I have to pay?</h2> You will have to pay annual property taxes to the City of Vancouver. You will have to pay a monthly condo maintenance fee, which covers the management, maintenance and cleaning of the common areas in addition to water, landscaping, recreational facilities, and concierge or live-in manager. Once you have an accepted offer, it is prudent to get a building inspection which will be about $500. On closing you will have legal fees (about $1,200 - $1,500) and property purchase tax which is 1% to $200,000 and 2% of the remainder of the purchase price. This tax is paid to the Government of BC. <h2>3. Which are the best neighbourhoods?</h2> You’ll want to know where the best neighbourhoods are. The best <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/vancouver-neighbourhoods">neighbourhoods</a> have the lowest crime rates and higher incomes, well maintained public facilities, and nearby stores and restaurants. If you are buying an investment property the rents will be highest in the best neighbourhoods. <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/downtown-neighbourhood">Coal Harbour</a>, <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/downtown-neighbourhood">downtown Vancouver</a> and <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/kitsilano-neighbourhood">Kitsilano</a> are considered the best neighbourhoods for condo investments. If you are purchasing a property for yourself, the best neighbourhoods are west of Main Street. However, these neighbourhoods are also the most expensive, so it depends on your budget, buying criteria and how long a commute you're comfortable with. <h2>4. Can I rent out my condo?</h2> All condo buildings must abide by the BC Strata Title Act. In addition, each building will have its own bylaws. Some buildings do not allow rentals at all. Some limit them to a specific number and some have no restriction at all. Make sure you tell your realtor you want to rent your condo out, so he or she canl select buildings with no rental restrictions. Please note that if a building wishes to change the bylaw, they need a 75% majority vote at an Annual General Meeting. Under the BC Strata Title Act, condo buildings must hold an Annual General Meeting annually. A 75% vote can be difficult to achieve, particularly if there are a lot of investors in the building. If you go through an agency to rent out your condo, there will be property management fees - these vary but are generally about 8% of the monthly rent. <h2>5. How long will it take me to find the right property?</h2> If you establish a relationship with a realtor at least a month prior to arriving in Vancouver, the realtor will subscribe you to a listing search and after a couple of weeks you should be able to focus on a specific type of property and one or two neighbourhoods. Your realtor can also refer you to a mortgage broker who will get you a pre-approved mortgage, or if you are a cash buyer you will need to open a Canadian bank account and transfer your money, in compliance with FINTRAC regulations (related to money laundering and terrorist activity). If you are focused on a specific neighbourhood, price range and type of property, then three days will be sufficient to view properties, make a shortlist and then write and negotiate an offer. You do not have to be here for the building inspection (although it is recommended) as your realtor can arrange this. The building inspector will email the report and you can then ask him or her your questions. When you are in town it is a good idea to meet with a property manager and real estate lawyer. Once you have a firm and binding contract the closing is generally 30-90 days following. You do not have to be in Vancouver to sign the closing documents, as the lawyer will send them to you electronically. Buying a property in Vancouver doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. An experienced realtor in Vancouver can help you find the best price and location for your lifestyle, so you’ll have a beautiful new place to call home! Written by <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/contact/">Maggie Chandler</a>, providing trustworthy <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/">real estate services</a> for 30 years. http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/5-ways-to-have-a-happy-halloween-in-vancouverErin Stringer5 Ways to Have a Happy Halloween in VancouverLooking for something fun to do on Halloween? Here are five spook-tacular activities for this favourite fall holiday...Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:02:34 -07002011-11-07T15:48:14-07:00<img alt="" src="/Images/small-pumpkin-halloween-vancouver.jpg" class="imageright" />Looking for something fun to do on Halloween? Here are five spook-tacular activities for this favourite fall holiday: 1. The Stanley Park Ghost Train. This is a classic event in Vancouver (they also have a Bright Nights in December) that features a chilling new theme every year – this Halloween it's the Circus of Disaster. The train takes you through a forest filled with ghoulish sights, including costumed volunteers who lurk in the bushes to scare visitors.  <a href="http://vancouver.ca/parks/events/ghosttrain" target="_blank">Ghost Train</a> tickets are available now through the 31st at <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.ca" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a>, 604-280-4444. Adult $9.82 (plus HST), youths 2-18 and seniors $6.25 (plus HST). To avoid crowds, consider coming Monday to Thursday in the first two weeks. 2. Fright Nights at the PNE. Fright Nights is another much-loved Halloween tradition in Vancouver. From October 14th through the 31st, Playland is all decked out in Halloween decor, and you can tour haunted houses, go on scary rides and be terrified by monsters and other creatures hiding in the shadows! Open from 6 pm until late; tickets are $28 at the ticket booth or $25 online. <a href="http://www.pne.ca/fright-nights" target="_blank">Fright Nights</a> is not recommended for kids under 12, seniors over 65, pregnant women or people with high blood pressure. 3. Haunted Trolley Tour. Learn about Vancouver's haunted houses and hear about the city's darkest murders on the <a href="http://www.clippervacations.com/vancouver/tours/halloween-trolley-tour" target="_blank">Vancouver Haunted Trolley Tour</a>. You'll visit a number of locations, including Mountain View Cemetery and the autopsy room of the Vancouver Police Museum. The two-hour trolley tour runs from October 8th to the 31st, and tickets are $35. Ages 12 and up only. Your ticket purchase includes admission to the <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/vancouver-police-museum" target="_blank">Vancouver Police Museum</a>. 4. Halloween Club Crawl. If you're looking for a wilder way to spend your evening, a Halloween club crawl will transport you safely from venue to venue. For $40, you can join other partygoers on a bus bound for <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/vancouver-bars-clubs">nightclubs in downtown Vancouver</a> like The Roxy, The Cellar and The Blarney Stone. The club crawl takes you to four bars from 6:30 pm to 2:30 am, and you'll get to skip the lineups and enjoy drink specials (at participating locations). Find out <a href="http://www.clubzone.com/events/386126/vancouver/roxy-nightclub/halloween-club-crawl-2011" target="_blank">more and buy tickets</a>. 5. Barking Babies Howl-o-ween Party. Halloween's fun for four-legged friends, too! Bring your dog – in costume, of course - to <a href="http://www.barkingbabies.com/events" target="_blank">Barking Babies</a>at 1188 Homer Street for their annual Howl-o-ween 2011 celebration from 6-8 pm on the 31st. They'll be handing out dog treats and prizes for best costumes, and you can mingle with other dog owners while you laugh at dressed-up chihuahuas and pugs. There's no shortage of Halloween fun to be had in Vancouver. For more excellent and eerie ideas visit the <a href="http://www.vancouverhalloween.com/vh_main.html" target="_blank">Vancouver Halloween website</a>.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/a-look-at-vancouver-real-estate-in-quarter-3Maggie ChandlerA Look at Vancouver Real Estate in Quarter 3Everyone is always talking about the market: whether house prices went up or down, and whether or not it’s a good time to buy or sell. To help answer your questions, here is a look at Vancouver real estate data from July to September 2011...Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:16:21 -07002011-10-28T09:46:10-07:00Everyone is always talking about the market: whether house prices went up or down, and whether or not it’s a good time to buy or sell. To help answer your questions, here is a look at Vancouver real estate data from July to September 2011: First, it’s important to remember that Vancouver is divided into two areas: Vancouver Westside and Vancouver Eastside. Vancouver Westside, which runs west of Main Street to UBC (now its own municipality) is the most expensive of the two areas. Vancouver Eastside runs east of Main Street to Boundary Road on the border with Burnaby. <img src="/Images/west-east-vancouver-map.jpg" alt="Map of the west and east areas of Vancouver" /> The July - September Quarter in Vancouver saw listings for houses, townhouses and condos in both areas slightly lower than the same period last year, while sales were slightly higher in 2011 due to an increase in house sales. Interest rates have decreased during the last quarter, with a five-year term now below 3.5%. <table width="410"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 190px; height: 45px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Year to date listings (as of Sept. 30, 2011) </td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="width: 67px;">2010</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="width: 55px;">2011</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vancouver - East area</td> <td> 4,782</td> <td> 4,944</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">Vancouver - West area</td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 11,128</td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 11,354</td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 32px;"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" style="height: 45px;">Year to date sales (as of Sept. 30, 2011) </td> <td align="left" valign="top">2010</td> <td align="left" valign="top">2011</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vancouver - East area</td> <td> 2,720</td> <td>2,598</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">Vancouver - West area</td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 5,764</td> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 4,174</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Vancouver Real Estate Prices - Market Trends Vancouver real estate prices have been on a steady rise since the beginning of 2002. Prices peaked in the spring of 2008 before declining by about 20-25%. The market regained this loss by late 2009 through to spring 2010 and has climbed higher since then but is now softening slightly.   Prices in all categories are higher than a year ago, but in September house prices dipped and townhome and condo prices levelled. Taking a look at the benchmark price for Westside homes vs. townhomes and condos over the last year you will see houses have the largest increase. Who is Buying in Vancouver? It became more of a local market in the third quarter, with some long-term investors cashing out.  Vancouver Westside - September 30, 2011 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 174px; height: 31px;"> </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 124px;">Houses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 105px;">Townhouses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 88px;">Condos </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 30px;">Total listings for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" colspan="3">11,128 (combined)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Total sales for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;" colspan="3">5,764 (combined)</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 50px;">Average price/unit (new) </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"> $2,858,423</td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">$1,169,777</td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">$945,263 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px; background-color: #e2e2e2;">Average price/unit (resale) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">$2,367,423</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">$923,003</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">$617,787</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Sales success ratio (# of sales vs. # of listings) </td> <td align="center" valign="top">66%</td> <td align="center" valign="top">59%</td> <td align="center" valign="top">55%</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px; background-color: #e2e2e2;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2010) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> +24.5 %</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> +9.5%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> +5.8 % </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2006) </td> <td align="center" valign="top">+75%</td> <td align="center" valign="top">+33%</td> <td align="center" valign="top">+23% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px; background-color: #e2e2e2;">Benchmark Price June 30/2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">$2,030,720</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">$817,539</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">$522,951 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Vancouver Eastside -  September 30, 2011 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 174px; height: 31px;"> </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 101px;">Houses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 113px;">Townhouses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 103px;">Condos </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 30px;">Total listings for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" colspan="3">4,782 (combined)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Total sales for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;" colspan="3">2,720 (combined)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average price/unit (new) </td> <td align="center" valign="top">$1,206,466 </td> <td align="center" valign="top">$728,3000 </td> <td align="center" valign="top">$528,400 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Average price/unit (resale) </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; background-color: #e2e2e2;">$893,596 </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; background-color: #e2e2e2;">$592,331 </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; background-color: #e2e2e2;">$372,811 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 51px;">Sales success ratio (# of sales vs. # of listings) </td> <td align="center" valign="top">63% </td> <td align="center" valign="top">65% </td> <td align="center" valign="top">48% </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; background-color: #e2e2e2;"> <div style="text-align: left;">Benchmark Price</div> <div style="text-align: left;">(2011 vs. 2010)</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; background-color: #e2e2e2;">+ 15.7% </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; background-color: #e2e2e2;">+ 8.2%</td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top; background-color: #e2e2e2;">+5.8%</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"> <div style="text-align: left;">Benchmark Price</div> <div style="text-align: left;">(2011 vs. 2006)</div> </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">$841,509 </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">$558,693 </td> <td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">$341,572 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> *The benchmark price is a compilation of housing features Greater Vancouverites buy most. What’s Selling in Vancouver in 2011? Vancouver Westside House sales: 35 sales under $1 million 768 sales between $1 and $2 million 556 sales between $2 and $3 million 135 sales over $4 million Most expensive was $16,800,000 Least expensive was $618,000 Townhouse sales: 53 sales under $500,000 296 sales between $500,000 and $1 million 143 sales between $1M & $3M 3 sales over $3M Most expensive: $3,150,000 Least expensive: $282,000 Condo sales: 1843 sales under $500,000 1300 sales between $500,000 & $1 million 299 sales between $1M & $2M 46 sales between $2M & $3M 35 sales between $3M & $5M 8 sales over $5M Most expensive: $10,100,000 Least expensive: $148,000 East Vancouver House sales: 11 sales under $500,000 328 sales between $500,000 and $700,000 892 sales between $700,000 and $1 million 270 sales over $1 million Most expensive: $ 1,950,000 Least expensive: $425,000 (lot value) Townhouse sales: 82 sold under $500,000 139 sold between $500,000 and $1 million 1 sale over $1 million Least expensive: $395,000 Most expensive: $1,590,000 Condo sales: 825 sales under $500,000 90 sales between $500,000 and $1 million 3 sales over $1 million Least expensive: $127,000 Most expensive: $1,510,000 Overview of Vancouver Property Prices The Vancouver real estate sales slowed in the third quarter of 2011 and sales for the year are slightly under the 10 year average. With sales slowing as we move into Fall, the market is moving toward a stronger buyer's market. Canadian Bank economists are predicting a flat market for 2012 with rates remaining low for another year. This bodes well for buyers. Insider Tip for Buyers: Sellers with properties that have been on the market in excess of the average days on market for the neighbourhood are not motivated to sell and are usually priced above current market value. Annex - Greater Vancouver Housing Market  <img src="/Images/graph-real-estate-market-vancouver-bc.jpg" style="width: 780px; height: 555px;" alt="Graph - Housing market in Vancouver for the past three decades" /> Source: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Written by <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/contact/">Maggie Chandler</a>, providing trustworthy <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/">real estate services</a> for 30 years.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/a-new-interactive-tool-to-help-you-come-to-canadaFrancois RouxA New Interactive Tool to Help You Come to CanadaCitizenship & Immigration Canada launched a new online wizard to help people determine if they are eligible to come to Canada.Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:16:07 -07002011-11-22T17:38:52-07:00Simple, intuitive and user-friendly, the new online tool from Citizenship & Immigration Canada is terrific! The wizard does an amazing job at simplifying the decision making process for potential visitors and immigrants in Canada. Try the new <a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/app/ctcvac/english/index" target="_blank">Come to Canada Wizard</a> <a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/app/ctcvac/english/index" target="_blank"><img alt="Come to Canada tool to help you immigrate to Vancouver" src="/Images/come-to-canada-tool-immigration.jpg" style="width: 680px; height: 465px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/app/ctcvac/english/qc100" target="_blank"><img alt="Come to Canada tool to help you relocate to Vancouver BC" src="/Images/come-to-canada-wizard-tool-immigrate.jpg" /></a> News Release by Citizenship & Immigration Canada Ottawa, November 16, 2011 - The Come to Canada Wizard, which helps people determine if they are eligible to come to Canada, has recorded more than 400,000 visits since being launched last August. “This is one way that my Department is creating a more responsive, transparent and efficient immigration system that benefits applicant, immigrants and Canadians alike,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. The Come to Canada tool presents users with a series of questions and, based on their answers, matches them with the federal immigration option that best suits their specific circumstances. It then leads them to a page that breaks down the application steps and provides instructions and forms. Based on comments from users, over 90% have found Come to Canada to be user friendly and almost the same number say they would recommend the tool to someone they know.  “The Come to Canada Wizard is simple, concise and self-explanatory. I would certainly recommend it to others,” wrote one user.  “Steps are easy to follow and understand,” noted another.  “In 15 minutes I understood whether I was eligible to apply to come to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.”http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/christmas-caroling-on-the-open-seasErin StringerChristmas Caroling on the Open SeasVancouverites are notorious for getting into the Christmas spirit early. You'll see that store windows are decorated and there are a number of holiday activities starting as early as November 1st...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:45:51 -07002011-12-05T09:55:10-07:00<img src="/Images/vancouver-holiday-dinner-and-carols-cruise-bc.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 145px;" alt="Vancouver Christmas Activities" class="imageright" />Vancouverites are notorious for getting into the Christmas spirit early. You'll see that store windows are decorated and there are a number of holiday activities starting as early as November 1st. There are some holiday festivities in Vancouver that return year after year and have become traditions, such as the Goh Ballet's The Nutcracker and Bright Nights in <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/stanley-park-in-vancouver-bc">Stanley Park</a>. One option this holiday season: take a cruise on a Christmas carolling ship. The <a href="http://www.partner.viator.com/en/9618/tours/Vancouver/Vancouver-Holiday-Dinner-and-Carols-Cruise/d616-5287CAROL">Christmas Carol Dinner Cruise</a> takes you on a 2.5-hour tour of the harbor, with onboard carol singers (there are song sheets so you can join in), and a traditional, hearty holiday menu with turkey and ham. The Christmas Carol Dinner Cruise is geared towards families and other small groups; adult tickets are $79 and children's tickets are $66. <a href="http://www.partner.viator.com/en/9618/tours/Vancouver/Vancouver-Holiday-Dinner-and-Carols-Cruise/d616-5287CAROL">Book your tickets online</a>. Don't want to hit the open seas? The <a href="http://www.carolships.org/s/Home.asp" target="_blank">Carol Ships Parade of Lights Festival</a> takes place each December, a local tradition that has grown to more than 50 decorated boats and 100,000 lights. This year, the Carol Ships Parade of Lights Festival runs from December 2nd to 23rd. It's common for people to gather along the shore with a hot drink to enjoy the light show and listen to traditional carols as the boats drift by. The carol ships sail past Burrard Inlet, Brighton Beach, False Creek, Port Moody, Fisherman's Cove, West Vancouver, and more.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/snowshoeing-in-vancouverPauline MainierSnowshoeing in VancouverLiving in Vancouver is great for many different reasons, one of which is enjoying a great variety of outdoor sports in the mountains.Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:37:25 -07002011-12-06T11:08:43-07:00<img src="/Images/snowshoeing_000.jpg" alt="Snowshoeing around Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada" class="imageright" />Living in Vancouver is great for many different reasons, one of which is enjoying a great variety of outdoor sports in the mountains. The mountains in Vancouver receive several meters of snow in the winter, making for great skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is a great form of exercise no matter what your age or skill level is. It’s fun, easy, and an ideal way to connect with nature. We’ve listed some paid and free snowshoeing options below. <h2>Paid Snowshoeing Trails in Vancouver</h2> Grouse Mountain The Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park at Grouse Mountain - known as the “Peak of Vancouver” - has 10km/6mi of trails and four different groomed trails. <a href="http://www.grousemountain.com/snowshoe" target="_blank">Grouse Mountain</a> offers a multitude of snowshoe options, from serene evening walks to steeper mountain climbs like the Snowshoe Grind. You get access to Grouse Mountain’s snowshoe trails with a general admission pass: $39.95 for adults, $35.95 for seniors, $23.95 for youth 13-18, and $13.95 for children 5-12. They also offer fondue snowshoe tours; prices vary. If you need to rent snowshoes, you’ll pay around $20 dollars for a day and $15 for 2 hours. <iframe width="680" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=p&msa=0&msid=101416137571746107685.000476cb2c19b92e48ee0&ll=49.324674,-123.080521&spn=0.223768,0.350189&z=11&output=embed"> </iframe> Grouse Mountain - 6400 Nancy Greene Way - North Vancouver BC - (604) 980-9311 Mount Seymour <a href="http://www.mountseymour.com/snowshoevancouver" target="_blank">Mount Seymour</a> is another mountain in North Vancouver, located on the east side of the North Shore Mountains. You’ll enjoy a view of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and Indian Arm from the mountain, snowshoeing through old-growth sub-alpine forest. Prices for a full day trail pass without rentals are $9 for adult/youth/student/senior admission, $7.50 for kids aged 6-12 (kids under 5 are free), and $26 for a family of four (add a youth for $5). Prices for a full day trail pass with rentals are $27 for an adult, $24.50 for a youth/student/senior, $20.50 for kids aged 6-12, and $75 for a family of four (add a youth for $15). <iframe width="680" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=p&msa=0&msid=101416137571746107685.000476cb8db27da153418&ll=49.321542,-123.013916&spn=0.223782,0.350189&z=11&output=embed"> </iframe> Mt Seymour - 1700 Mount Seymour road - North Vancouver BC - (604) 986-2261 Cypress Mountain Cypress Mountain is located in West Vancouver, and has become a very popular snowshoeing destination in the past few years. The snowshoeing area is located in the Nordic Area of the mountain, and you have the choice of exploring self guided snowshoe trails that are open daily till dusk, or joining a guided snowshoe tour. If choosing a self guided snowshoe trail, tickets only are: $10 for adults, $8 for Youth and Seniors, $5 for kids between 6 and 12 and $2 for kids 5 and under. If you need rentals, then the combined prices are $26 for adults, $24 for youth  and seniors, $17 for kids between 6-12 and $15 for kids 5 and under. If choosing a guided snowshoe tour, try the 2-hour Hollyburn Meadows Tour ($38 for adults, $30 for youth 6-12 and seniors) or take a 3-hour chocolate fondue tour ($50 for adults, youth and seniors). All tour prices include snowshoe rentals and headlights (for night programs). <iframe width="680" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=p&msa=0&msid=101416137571746107685.000476cb6262daa6e513e&ll=49.333177,-123.149872&spn=0.22373,0.350189&z=11&output=embed"></iframe> Cypress Mountain - 6000 Cypress Bowl Road - West Vancouver BC - (604) 926-5612 <h2>Free Snowshoeing Trails in Vancouver</h2> You don’t have to visit one of the above mountains and pay to snowshoe. There are a number of free snowshoeing areas that are operated by BC Parks. Two popular free snowshoeing trails are Dog Mountain on Seymour (at the top of Mount Seymour on Mount Seymour Rd.) and Hollyburn Mountain on Cypress (look for signs at the cross-country skiing area at the Cypress Mountain Ski Resort). Whether you opt for paid or free snowshoeing, it’s important to stay within the marked boundaries to avoid avalanche risks.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/night-skiing-at-cypress-in-west-vancouver-bcErin StringerNight Skiing at Cypress in West Vancouver BCNight skiing is a popular activity in Vancouver - you’ve got Grouse, Cypress and Seymour Mountains all within a short distance. Skiing at Cypress Mountain is an awe-inspiring experience...Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:36:30 -07002011-12-06T19:58:50-07:00<img src="/Images/cypress-downtown-view_000.jpg" alt="Vancouver viewed from Cypress ski resort in British Columbia" class="imageright" />Night skiing is a popular activity in Vancouver - you’ve got <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/skiing-snowboarding-in-vancouver-bc">Grouse, Cypress and Seymour Mountains</a> all within a short distance. Skiing at Cypress Mountain is an awe-inspiring experience, as the mountain is so large, you can ski or snowboard for the entire day and not cross the same path twice. Cypress Mountain has 53 downhill skiing and riding runs, and during night skiing seven kilometers of groomed trails are open and lit up. You can access these runs with two surface lifts and six chairlifts. Night skiing at Cypress Mountain runs from 4 pm until 10 pm, and this year you’ve got two rate choices: 2 pm to close for $39 for adults 19-64, $31 for youth 13-18, $23 for seniors 65+, and $17 for kids 6-12; and Night Owl Rates valid from 5 pm to close: $31 for adults 19-64, $25 for youth 13-18, $20 for seniors 65+, and $17 for kids 6-12. In past years, night skiing at Cypress has been a unique activity for New Year's Eve. However, it's always fairly quiet at the mountain, so don’t go up expecting a wild party! If you’re driving to Cypress Mountain there are around 2,500 free paved parking spots, along with plenty of paid parking. <iframe width="680" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101416137571746107685.000476cb6262daa6e513e&ll=49.353756,-123.070221&spn=0.447272,0.699005&t=p&z=10&output=embed"></iframe> <a href="http://cypressmountain.com" title="Cypress Ski Hill near Vancouver BC" target="_blank">Cypress Mountain</a> 6000 Cypress Bowl Road - West Vancouver, BC http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/bird-watching-in-and-around-vancouverFanny DufourBird Watching in and around Vancouver When the weather is sunny and warm, there is no shortage of things to do in Vancouver: hit one of the many beaches, hike Grouse Grind, pitch and putt at Stanley Park, swim at Kits pool...but when winter arrives, people are often at a loss for what to do.Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:46:42 -07002011-12-06T19:56:08-07:00<img src="/Images/bird-watching-vancouver.jpg" alt="Bird watching in Vancouver BC" class="imageright" />When the weather is sunny and warm, there is no shortage of things to do in Vancouver: hit one of the many <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/parks-beaches-in-vancouver-bc">beaches</a>, <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/take-a-trip-up-mother-natures-stairmaster">hike Grouse Grind</a>, pitch and putt at <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/stanley-park-in-vancouver-bc">Stanley Park</a>, swim at Kits pool...but when winter arrives, people are often at a loss for what to do. Some locals stay home when the snow is falling and hibernate in front of the TV. Others brave the worst Vancouver weather to walk, jog or bike, or head to the <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/skiing-snowboarding-in-vancouver-bc">ski hills</a> to enjoy the powder. Rain or shine, Vancouver is an active city! A popular activity for those who like getting bundled up and braving the cold is bird watching. The shorelines and parks are prime spots to come face to face with a variety of bird species, because their migratory paths run through the Lower Mainland and right over <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/english-bay-beach-in-vancouver-bc">English Bay</a>. <h2>A few of the species of birds you may come across include:</h2> &rsaquo; Cormorants &rsaquo; Bald Eagles &rsaquo; Mallards &rsaquo; Bufflehead ducks &rsaquo; Great Blue Herons <h2>Vantage points for bird watchers are all around the city:</h2> &rsaquo; <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/queen-elizabeth-park-in-vancouver-bc">Queen Elizabeth Park</a> &rsaquo; <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/jericho-beach-in-vancouver-bc">Jericho Beach</a> &rsaquo; <a href="http://vancouver.ca/Parks/rec/beaches/spanishbank.htm" target="_blank">Spanish Banks</a> &rsaquo; <a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour" target="_blank">Mount Seymour Parkway</a> &rsaquo; <a href="http://www.britishcolumbia.com/ParksAndTrails/Parks/details/?ID=491" target="_blank">Ambleside Park</a> &rsaquo; <a href="http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/PacificSpirit.html" target="_blank">Pacific Spirit Park</a> &rsaquo; <a href="http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/Cyprus01.html" target="_blank">Cyprus Provincial Park</a> &rsaquo; <a href="http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/falsecreek/website" target="_blank">Coal Harbor and False Creek</a> If you want to travel further afield, head north to Brackendale or south to Delta. From mid-November to mid-February, Brackendale, just north of Squamish is considered one of the best places in the world to view bald eagles. The eagles arrive in their thousands to feast on spawning chum salmon and December and January are the prime viewing months. There are several good spots along the Squamish River Delta between Squamish and Brackendale but one of the best spots is the Eagle Run alongside Government Road. The site is easily accessible from the road, and at weekends and holidays there are often members of a local eagle-watching group with high powered scopes which the public are welcome to use. <a href="http://www.brackendaleartgallery.com/" title="Brackendale Gallery" target="_blank">Brackendale</a> also holds its annual Eagle Festival in January with numerous events to celebrate the eagles presence. The <a href="http://www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com" target="_blank">George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary</a> near Ladner in Delta, is another prime bird watching spot within easy reach of Vancouver. Mid-October to mid-December is the best time to see the huge flocks of snow geese that fly down from the Russian Arctic. In 2011 the estimated snow geese population at the sanctuary was 75,000. Mid-March to mid-April is another prime bird viewing time with millions of sandpipers, plus hawks, eagles and cormorants on view.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/enjoy-an-authentic-german-tradition-the-vancouver-christmas-marketFrancois RouxEnjoy an Authentic German Tradition: The Vancouver Christmas MarketThe Vancouver Christmas Market is back, with a newly redesigned layout and 20 new vendors. The traditional German Christmas market is located in the QE Plaza (on Georgia Street, between Cambie and Hamilton) and runs until December 24th.Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:31:59 -07002011-12-09T19:28:51-07:00<img src="http://2vancouver.com/Images/vancouver_christmas_market_2011.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 200px;" alt="Vancouver Christmas Activities" class="imageright" />The <a href="http://vancouverchristmasmarket.com" target="_blank">Vancouver Christmas Market</a> is back, with a newly redesigned layout and 20 new vendors. The traditional German Christmas market is located in the Queen Elizabeth Plaza (on Georgia Street, between Cambie and Hamilton) and runs until December 24th. Here are just a few of the things to do as you stroll the wooden huts adorned with thousands of Christmas lights: &rsaquo; Buy holiday ornaments, baked goods and other gifts &rsaquo; Taste sweet mulled wine (gluhwein) &rsaquo; Eat German cuisine &rsaquo; Listen to live music &rsaquo; Get photos with Santa &rsaquo; Take the kids to the activity area where they can decorate candles and other crafts &rsaquo; Ride the Christmas carousel (a minimum of $1,000 in proceeds from tickets for carousel rides will be going to The Province’s Empty Stocking Fund) The Vancouver Christmas Market was created by a German immigrant named Malte Kluetz, who recreated the 700-year-old German tradition for his downtown market. The second annual market has already been named one of the 10 most spectacular holiday markets around the world by <a href="http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?group=420&p=6" target="_blank">Frommer’s.</a> Tickets are only $5 for adults ($2 Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 4:00pm), $2 for youth, and kids 6 and under are free. Hours are 11am-9pm daily; 11am-6pm on December 24th. You can also <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/2Vancouvercom/60531568189" target="_blank">Like Us on Facebook</a> and leave a comment on our fan page to win 2 complimentary tickets for this event. <h2>Short Video on the Second Edition of the Vancouver Christmas Market</h2> <iframe width="680" height="376" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YcalAyciuAk" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/winter-camping-around-vancouver-bcPauline MainierWinter Camping Around Vancouver BCDo you enjoy camping in the summer? Winter camping is a whole different scenario, but it can be a fun way to explore the outdoors when the temperature dropsMon, 12 Dec 2011 10:24:01 -07002011-12-12T10:47:53-07:00Do you enjoy camping in the summer? Winter camping is a whole different scenario, but it can be a fun way to explore the outdoors when the temperature drops. If you want to stay active in  Vancouver during the winter months, you have to put up with seemingly endless days of rain, usually with a few snowfalls in between. Many people in Vancouver continue to enjoy activities such as <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/hiking-in-vancouver-bc">hiking</a>, <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/sea-kayaking-in-vancouver-bc">kayaking </a>and even <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/camping-rv-parks-around-vancouver-bc">camping </a>in the winter months. A word of caution: winter camping isn’t all about sitting around a roaring fire with a mug of hot chocolate. Often, winter camping means digging out your campsite, stepping into frozen boots in the morning and doing jumping jacks to stay warm. There are generally no rangers around selling firewood or helping you out of your car gets stuck, either. If you still like the idea of winter camping, here are two of the top spots for winter camping around Vancouver: <h2>Golden Ears Provincial Park Campground</h2> Golden Ears Provincial Park is one of the largest parks in BC. It is popular for its many trails, and for Alouette Lake, a well known summer destination for swimming, water-skiing, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing. Golder Ears has winter camping (winter vehicle accessible camping fee of $11.00 per party per night). You must make a reservation: <a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/" target="_blank">go online</a> or call 1 (800) 689-9025. <h2>Manning Provincial Park</h2> There are two winter camping areas, and both are open from October through March. Each campground has a wood stove, a picnic table, a fire pit (but no fire wood), pit toilets, a parking spot and a walk-in camping area to set up your tents. Winter vehicle accessible camping fee is $11.00 per party per night. You must make a reservation: <a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/reserve/" target="_blank">go online</a> or call 1 (800) 689-9025. If you’d like to give winter camping a try, consider taking an intro to snow camping course. You'll learn all the basics of overnight winter camping, including survival techniques and igloo cave construction. Whether you take a snow camping course or not, make sure you research the area you’re going to and be prepared. <h2>Video - Keeping Warm while Camping in the Cold!</h2> <iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="510" height="316" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1fFtOwD83to?hd=1&border=1" frameborder="0"></iframe> Good luck!http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/chill-out-with-the-polar-bear-swimErin StringerChill Out with the Polar Bear SwimWhile some of us count a leisurely brunch or sleeping in late on New Year’s Day among our favourite holiday activities, some people love taking part in the annual Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:42:30 -07002011-12-23T19:11:25-07:00While some of us count a leisurely <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/brunch-like-the-locals-do">brunch</a> or sleeping in late on New Year’s Day among our favourite holiday activities, some people love taking part in the annual Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver. The Polar Bear Swim happens every New Year’s Day at <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/english-bay-beach-in-vancouver-bc">English Bay</a>, when up to 2,000 swimmers stand at the shoreline in bathing suits. At 2:30 pm everyone runs into the cold ocean water for a few moments before rushing back to towels and warm clothes. There is always a large crowd that gathers to watch and cheer on the chilly swimmers. This year marks the 92nd anniversary of the Polar Bear Swim, and over 2,246 participants are already registered. The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club has been around since 1920. The club was founded by Peter Pantages, who led a group of about ten swimmers into the water. Today, the Peter Pantages Memorial 100 yard swim race is one of the highlights of the event. Are you brave enough to join in the Polar Bear Swim this year? You must register at the English Bay Bathhouse between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. Or, you can clip out the coupon in The Province and present it at the registration desk the day of the swim. Registration is free, and there are also prizes drawn from all registrations. You should skip the Polar Bear Swim if you have heart problems or are pregnant. Make sure to bring plenty of warm clothing and blankets to warm up in after the race, along with a hot drink. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C-7YrIRFnZY?rel=0&hd=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/push-international-festival-2012Francois RouxPuSh International Festival 2012Vancouver is known for being an artistic city, with unique and entertaining events taking place every night of the week. A few examples: you can check out world-renowned exhibits at The Vancouver Art Gallery, hear famous musicians play at live venues - or in orchestra pits - take in a Broadway play at The Stanley Theatre, and much more.Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:48:12 -07002012-01-16T14:21:41-07:00Vancouver is known for being an artistic city, with unique and entertaining events taking place every night of the week. A few examples: you can check out world-renowned exhibits at <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/vancouver-art-gallery">The Vancouver Art Gallery</a>, hear famous musicians play at live venues - or in orchestra pits -  take in a Broadway play at The Stanley Theatre, and much more. The <a href="http://pushfestival.ca/" target="_blank">annual PuSh</a> International Performing Arts Festival is another rich cultural event that brings together a number of talented performing artists. This year, PuSh runs from January 17 to February 4. You can expect everything from more mainstream acts like this year’s hilarious Do you want what I have got? A Craigslist Cantata (on from Jan. 19 to Feb. 4) to the darker The Pixelated Revolution (Jan. 24 only), a lecture-performance starring Lebanese artist Rabih Mroué, who looks at the usage of mobile phones during the Syrian revolution. While you can buy tickets at the door (<a href="http://pushfestival.ca/tickets-venues/push-passes/" target="_blank">or look at getting a PuSh pass here</a>), you can also buy them in advance at <a href="http://ticketstonight.ticketforce.com/default.asp?SearchText=push&Go=Go" target="_blank">TicketsTonight.ca</a> to save a few bucks. Here are 3 shows that have been generating some positive buzz so far: <h2>The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky</h2> <a target="_blank" href="http://pushfestival.ca/shows/the-idiot/">The Idiot</a> is produced by the same team that put on Crime and Punishment in 2005. TheVancouver Sun said Crime and Punishment was “so successfully translated from page to stage that this wholly local production deserves an international spotlight. The Idiot focuses on Prince Lyov Nikolayevich Myshkin, a good man who suffers from epilepsy that causes “idiocy” in him. After being nearly cured in Russia, he takes a train back home, becoming enamored with Rogozhin during the journey, who is obsessed with the beautiful Nastasya Filippovna, a woman with a bad reputation. Myshkin begins experiencing newfound feelings of greed, love and jealousy, which eventually lead to his collapse. The Idiot is on from January 20-29 at 7:30pm, with a matinee Sat & Sun at 2:00pm. No show Sun night or Mon. Tickets Advance $34 /$30 /$28; at door $36 /$32 /$30 Location: Frederic Wood Theatre, 6354 Crescent Road, UBC. <h2>Dances for a Small Stage 25</h2> <a href="http://pushfestival.ca/shows/dances-for-a-small-stage-25/" target="_blank">Dances for a Small Stage</a> returns for another year! And, when they say small stage, they mean it...the stage is only 10-by-13 feet. The choreographers have used Grimm’s Fairy Tales as a starting point, modernizing them in a fun cabaret environment. The Georgia Straight called it “the place to go to get the pulse of the dance scene.” They also serve drinks, so you can sit back and enjoy a glass of wine or beer. Tickets are $20 (cash only at the door) and you must be 19 to attend. February 1-3, 2012  8:00pm Location: The Legion on the Drive, 2205 Commercial Drive. <h2> Almighty Voice and His Wife</h2> <a href="http://pushfestival.ca/shows/almighty-voice/" target="_blank">Almighty Voice and His Wife</a> is written by famous First Nations playwright Daniel David Moses, and tells the true story of a Cree man arrested for killing a cow without a licence. He later escapes, sparking a year-long manhunt. The play explores Almighty Voice as both hero and victim throughout two contrasting acts. The Globe and Mail has this to say about Almighty Voice and His Wife: “Moses is a coroner of the theatre who slices open the human heart to reveal the fear, hatred and love that have eaten away at it.” February 1-4, 2012  8:00pm Matinee Feb 4 at 4:00pm Tickets Advance $32 /$28 /$26; at door $34 /$30 /$28 Location: Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright Street, Granville Island. Video: What is the PuSh Festival about? <iframe height="360" frameborder="0" width="640" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9-k3YCKxZ5g"></iframe>http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/vancouver-real-estate-market-update-for-december-2011Maggie ChandlerVancouver Real Estate Market: Update for December 2011Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, it’s important to pay attention to the local real estate market so you can make educated, informed decisions. Let’s take a look at the Vancouver real estate market as of December 2011.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:07:05 -07002012-02-06T18:01:11-07:00Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, it’s important to pay attention to the local real estate market so you can make educated, informed decisions. Let’s take a look at the Vancouver real estate market as of December 2011. First, a little background: Vancouver is divided into two areas - Vancouver Westside and Vancouver Eastside. Vancouver Westside, which runs west of Main Street to UBC (now its own municipality) is the most expensive of the two areas. Vancouver Eastside runs east of Main Street to Boundary Road on the border with <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/burnaby">Burnaby</a>. <img src="/Images/west-east-vancouver-map.jpg" alt="Map of the west and east areas of Vancouver" />  The September-December  2011 real estate market in Vancouver saw listings and sales for houses, townhouses and condos in both areas decrease from the previous quarter. <table width="510"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" style="width: 190px; height: 45px;">Year to date listings (as of Dec 31, 2011) </td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center; width: 67px;">2010</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center; width: 55px;">2011</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center; width: 178px;">%  Increase / decrease</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vancouver - East area</td> <td style="text-align: center;"> 3,259</td> <td style="text-align: center;"> 3,386</td> <td style="text-align: center;"> + 4% </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">Vancouver - West area</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 6,923</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 7,139</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;"> + 3% </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="height: 32px;"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" style="height: 45px;">Year to date sales (as of Dec 31, 2011) </td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center;">2010</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center;">2011</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center; width: 178px;">%  Increase / decrease</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vancouver - East area</td> <td style="text-align: center;"> 5,728</td> <td style="text-align: center;"> 5,651</td> <td style="text-align: center;">- 1%</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">Vancouver - West area</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 13,179</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 13,231</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;">+ 0.4%</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The Vancouver real estate market saw sales and prices end 2011 on a decline, after prices peaked in May. Interest rates have dropped, with a five-year term as low as 3.2%. Vancouver’s Westside house market continues to be driven by Mainland Chinese buyers - some are investors, some are immigrants and some are local Chinese buyers.  Unofficially, the stats say that 80% of the buyers in this market are Chinese. Some of these buyers are short term flippers. They are also the majority of the luxury condo market over $2M. Sales in this category were up 30% over 2010. <div> </div> Vancouver Real Estate Prices - Market Trends Vancouver real estate prices have been on a steady rise since the beginning of 2002. Prices peaked in the spring of 2008 before declining by about 20-25%. The market regained this loss by late 2009 through to spring 2010 and is now higher. Prices in all categories of real estate are higher than they were a year ago. The market is now divided into two sections - the offshore buyers and the local buyers. The offshore buyer market (Westside houses and luxury condos) is outperforming the local market, and houses outperformed due to strong buyer demand. Take a look at the benchmark price for Westside homes vs. townhomes and condos over the last year, listed below.  <div> </div> Who is Buying in Vancouver? Local first-time buyers, trade-up buyers and mature trade down buyers, as well as non-Canadian investors. Vancouver Westside - Dec 31, 2011 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 174px; height: 31px;"> </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 124px;">Houses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 105px;">Townhouses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 88px;">Condos </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 30px;">Total listings for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 3,589</td> <td align="center" valign="top">1,340</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 8,302</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Total sales for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 1,966</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 733</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 4,421</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average days on market (sold)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">32</td> <td align="center" valign="top">36</td> <td align="center" valign="top">42</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average price/unit (new) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $2,803,638</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $1,040,028</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $624,478</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average price/unit (resale) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $2,606,722</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $827,120</td> <td align="center" valign="top">$644,053</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average sale price/List price ratio </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">100%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">98%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">97%</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2010) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> +20.7% </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> +8.6% </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> +4.6% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2006) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+81.2%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+35.4%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+23% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Benchmark Price Dec 31/2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $1,990,958</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $833,361</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $519,474</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Vancouver Eastside -  Dec 31, 2011 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 174px; height: 31px;"> </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 101px;">Houses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 113px;">Townhouses</td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 103px;">Condos </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 30px;">Total listings for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 2,899</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 657</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 2,095</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Total sales for 2011 </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 1,819</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 411</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 1,158</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average days on market (sold)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">31</td> <td align="center" valign="top">37</td> <td align="center" valign="top">41</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average price/unit (new) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $1,229,000</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $654,337</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $421,442</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average price/unit (resale) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $859,764</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $548,655</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $369,120</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 51px;">Average sale price/List price ratio </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">99%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">99%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">98%</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2010) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> + 14.2% </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> + 6.6% </td> <td align="center" valign="top">+7.5% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Benchmark Price (2011 vs. 2006) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> + 42.6% </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> + 25.5% </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> + 30.3% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Benchmark Price Dec 31/2011</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $845,771</td> <td align="center" valign="top">$556,222</td> <td align="center" valign="top">$349,640</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> *The benchmark price is a compilation of housing features Greater Vancouverites buy most. What’s Selling in Vancouver in 2011? Vancouver Westside house sales: 44 sales under $1 million 884 sales between $1 and $2 million 667 sales between $2 and $3 million 394 sales over $3 million Most expensive was $11,980,000 Least expensive was $618,000 Vancouver Westside townhouse sales: 69 sales under $500,000 315 sales between $500,000 and $1 million 264 sales between $1M & $3M 4 sales over $3M Most expensive: $2,7730,000 Least expensive: $282,000 Vancouver Westside condo sales: 3,010 sales under $500,000 114 sales between $500,000 & $1 million 356 sales between $1M & $2M 57 sales between $2M & $3M 51 sales over $3M Most expensive: $10,100.000 Least expensive: $105,000 Vancouver Eastside house sales: 10 sales under $500,000 372 sales between $500,000 and $700,000 720 sales between $700,000 and $1 million 215 sales over $1 million 2 sales over $2M Most expensive: $1,950,000 Least expensive: $500,000 (lot value) Vancouver Eastside townhouse sales: 43 sales under $500,000 298 sales between $500,000 and $1 million 4 sales over $1 million Least expensive: $310,000 Most expensive: $1.590,000 Vancouver Eastside condo sales: 1,041 sales under $500,000 110 sales between $500,000 and $1 million 3 sales over $1 million Least expensive: $172,000 Most expensive: $1.300,000 Overview of Vancouver property prices The Vancouver real estate market continued to do well in 2011 but sales decreased over the late summer and fall. The house market continued to see the best appreciation.  Insider Tip: The market moved from a Seller’s market at the beginning of the year to a  balanced market and has now moved to the lower end of a Buyer’s market. We expect it to remain this way for 2012. <img src="/Images/average_sales_price_real_estate_vancouver.jpg" style="width: 780px; height: 573px;" alt="Real Estate prices in the greater Vancouver, BC" /> Written by <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/contact/">Maggie Chandler</a>, providing trustworthy <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/">real estate services</a> for 30 yearshttp://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/join-internations-expat-community-in-vancouverPauline MainierJoin InterNations Expat Community in VancouverInterNations is a global social network for expats living and working abroad. With more than 400,000 members on their platform, the company provides country and city guides, an Expat Magazine, forums, groups and a long list of places to suggest to their members worldwide.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:54:38 -07002012-02-14T18:18:37-07:00InterNations is a global social network for expats living and working abroad. With more than 400,000 members on their platform, the company provides country and city <a href="http://www.internations.org/guide/all" target="_blank">guides</a>, an <a href="http://www.internations.org/magazine" target="_blank">Expat Magazine</a>, forums, groups and a long list of places to suggest to their members worldwide. InterNations has communities in all the main cities around the world where they organize networking events on a regular basis. If you are in Vancouver, do not miss the next expat event at Shangri-La Hotel on 23rd February! Shangri-La Hotel is a luxury hotel decorated in an Asian style where you will be able to enjoy the company of other expats and taste <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/okanagan-wineries-in-bc">British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley wines</a>, which will be offered specially to InterNations members.<img alt="" src="http://2vancouver.com/Images/shangri-la-hotel-vancouver.jpg" class="imageright" /> So what are you waiting for? You don’t want to miss the chance of joining other global minded people! Go to <a href="http://www.internations.org/" target="_blank">InterNations.org</a> and request a free membership invitation! Members are selected on a case by case basis to maintain a high level of trust.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/new-strata-property-regulations-you-need-to-knowMaggie ChandlerNew Strata Property Regulations You Need to KnowDo you live in a property that has a strata? The BC Provincial Cabinet has just passed substantial changes to the Strata Title Act that you should know about. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:17:29 -07002012-02-22T12:49:46-07:00Do you live in a property that has a strata? The BC Provincial Cabinet has just passed substantial changes to the Strata Title Act that you should know about. 1) The implementation of Depreciation Reports - Depreciation reports are now mandatory for all strata corporations with more than five units. - Those with less than five units can be exempt through an annual three-quarters vote. If the expires, strata corporation will have 18 months to get a depreciation report.   2) The Depreciation Report must be updated every three years and must include: - on-site inspection and inventory of common property and building systems, - a schedule of anticipated maintenance repair and replacement costs for common expenses projected over 30 years, including potential interest and inflation rates, and - a financial forecasting section which includes anticipated maintenance, repair and replacement costs and at least three cash flow funding models for the contingency reserve fund. 3) Who can prepare a Depreciation Report? - The regulation does not specify qualifications but the report must include the person's qualifications, whether they have errors and omissions insurance and the relationship between the person and the strata corporation. - December 13, 2013 is the deadline to comply. 4) Contingency reserve funds - Strata corporations now don't have to fund contingency reserve funds above 25% of the operating budget and can made additional CRF contributions by a majority vote. 5) Form B Information Certificates - Strata corporations must attach copies of the following documents to Form B: a/ rules of the strata corporation. b/ current budget of the strata corporation. c/ owner-developer's Rental Disclosure Statement, if any. d/ most recent Depreciation Report (if any). 6) Other changes By January 1, 2014 strata corporations must also provide additional information to prospective buyers on parking and storage allocated to the strata lots. <a href="http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/strata/regs/" target="_blank">Visit the new strata regulations</a> for more information. 7) Why will these changes impact stratas? The changes will have a profound effect on how stratas are run and how properties are bought and sold. Buyers will definitely wish to view the Depreciation Report for the building they're considering purchasing in. If there isn’t a report, they will likely ask 'what are they hiding?'  Condo buildings without a report will likely have a lower market value than those with a report. As well, banks and insurance companies will use the report to gain a better understanding of potential costs and risks for a property. For many people, this information is confusing! Your best bet is to talk to your realtor or mortgage broker about these new changes and how they’ll impact your purchase. Written by <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/contact/">Maggie Chandler</a>, providing trustworthy <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/">real estate services</a> for 30 yearshttp://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/conditional-permanent-residency-coming-to-the-spousal-sponsorship-programSteven MeurrensConditional Permanent Residency Coming to the Spousal Sponsorship ProgramOn March 9, 2012, the Conservative Govenment introduced a significant regulatory change to the Spousal-Sponsorship Program. The change will impact most people wishing to immigrate to Canada because they are either married to a Canadian, or are in a common-law relationship with a Canadian. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:56:55 -07002012-03-29T16:57:25-07:00On March 9, 2012, the Conservative Government introduced a significant regulatory change to the Spousal-Sponsorship Program.  The change will impact most people wishing to immigrate to Canada because they are either married to a Canadian, or are in a common-law relationship with a Canadian.  It is expected that the change will take affect either late this year or early in 2013. In brief, when the change takes affect anyone who obtains permanent residency under the Spousal Sponsorship Program will acquire conditional permanent residency if: &rsaquo; They were married to a Canadian for less than two years at the time of the sponsorship application; &rsaquo; They were in a common-law relationship for less than two years at the time of the sponsorship application; or &rsaquo; They were in a conjugal partnership for less than two years at the time of the sponsorship application. The above-mentioned people will have to cohabit in a conjugal relationship with their sponsor for a period of two years after they become permanent residents.  If they do not, then they could lose their permanent residency, and face removal from Canada. Couples that have been either married or in a common-law partnership for more than two years will not be subject to the condition. As well, permanent residents who are subject to the condition and experience either abuse or neglect that necessitates separating from their sponsor will not lose their permanent residence status. More information about the regulatory change can be found in the <a href="http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2012/2012-03-10/html/reg1-eng.html" target="_blank">Canada Gazette here</a>. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about his upcoming change. Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-rrosenberg.htm" title="Ryan Rosenberg, Canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Ryan Rosenberg</a> & <a href="http://www.smeurrens.com" title="steven meurrens canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Steven Meurrens</a>, Canadian Immigration Lawyers based in Vancouver BC.  Copywrite 2012 © No text or graphical material may be copied without the express written permission of Larlee Rosenberg.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/vancouver-cherry-blossom-festivals-crazy-for-japanese-food-cherry-blossoms-and-danceLena RossVancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s Crazy for Japanese Food, Cherry Blossoms and Dance!Each spring Vancouver wakes up to an explosion of pink and white cherry blossoms. City sidewalks are dotted with billions of tiny petals, like confetti thrown in celebration of the season.Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:01:08 -07002012-03-23T17:03:34-07:00<img src="http://2vancouver.com/Images/Cherry_Blossom_Umbrella_Dance_Shiamak_dancers.jpg" alt="Vancouver local event" class="imageright" /> Each spring Vancouver wakes up to an explosion of pink and white cherry blossoms. City sidewalks are dotted with billions of tiny petals, like confetti thrown in celebration of the season. And this year, the sixth annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is planning quite the party to bring so much joy to the city April 5-28. Thursday, April 5 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. the free concert, Cherry Jam Downtown inside Burrard Skytrain Station, kicks off a month-long celebration of the cherry blossom with Sakura Days Japan Fair, Cherry Blossom Viewing Goggle Maps to create your own tour, the Haiku Invitational, BC Blossom Watch Photo Contest, Tree Talks & Walks, Plein-Air Blossom Painting, Bike the Blossoms and more! Here are three of this year's highlights: <h2>SakuraB Spring Bento Box</h2> <img src="/Images/Chef_Cook_Tojo.jpg" alt="Japanese Chef - Tojo, Vancouver " class="imageright" />What better way to celebrate the Festival launch than with a very special lunch – the <a href="http://vcbf.ca/events/sakurab" target="_blank">SakuraB Bento Box lunch</a> – created by a team of the city's top Japanese chefs headed by world-renowned master chef Hidekazu Tojo along with chefs from Shuraku, Zest, Miku, Zen, and Toshi Sushi. This limited-edition culinary treat is only available for pick-up on April 5 so you don't want to miss out. Pre-order now at <a href="http://vcbf.ca/" target="_blank">vcbf.ca.</a> <h2>Cherry Jam</h2> Love music, dance and Japanese food? How about all together? Kick-starting the Festival on April 5, <a href="http://www.vcbf.ca/events/cherry-jam-downtown" target="_blank">Cherry Jam</a> Downtown is offering a free outdoor concert, dance performance and culinary showcase. Held at the Burrard Street SkyTrain Station, chef Tojo, along with <a href="http://www.zensushi.ca/" target="_blank">Nobu Ochi of Zen</a>, Masahiro Omori of <a href="http://www.shuraku.net/">Shuraku Bistro</a> & <a href="http://www.shuraku.net/" target="_blank">Sake Bar</a>, and <a href="http://www.zestjapanese.com/" target="_blank">Yoshiaki Maniwa of Zest</a>, will present onsite demonstrations of how they make items in the SakuraB Bento Box lunch between 11 a.m. and noon. Next up is a concert featuring an upbeat performance of the Cherry Blossom Umbrella Dance as well as Chibi Taiko in collaboration with Yuaikai Ryukyu Taiko and Jou Tou, who will add their global sound to this multicultural event. <h2>Cherry Blossom Umbrella Dance</h2> On April 14, the city's first ever <a href="http://www.vcbf.ca/events/cherry-blossom-umbrella-dance" target="_blank">Umbrella Dance Flash Mob</a> will take place outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. Choreographed by international superstar Shiamak Davar, this pseudo-spontaneous dance routine moves to a contagious Bollywood (read: Brollywood) beat, and anyone can take part. Performances are scheduled for 1:30, 2:00 and 2:30 p.m.  To take part in the flash mob, sign up at <a href="http://vcbf.ca/" target="_blank">vcbf.ca</a> and receive your pink umbrella and gift pack. The blossoms are coming soon. Catch the show in your neighborhood by viewing the <a href="http://www.vcbf.ca/cherryviewing/maps" target="_blank">Cherry Blossom Viewing Map</a> and plan your personal springtime celebration. Video: Cherry Blossom Umbrella Dance - Intro & Full Dance <object width="480" height="360"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IYntdWrJgl8?version=3&hl=en_GB&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></object>http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/legislating-away-the-federal-skilled-worker-program-backlogSteven MeurrensLegislating Away the Federal Skilled Worker Program BacklogOn March 29, 2012, the Government of Canada released its 2012 Budget. While the budget contained numerous committments to improve Canada's immigration system, it did not specify what these changes would be. However, the budget did confirm recent speculation that the Government of Canada is going to legislate an end to the Federal Skilled Worker Program backlog. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:48:38 -07002012-03-29T16:58:37-07:00On March 29, 2012, the Government of Canada released its 2012 Budget.  While the budget contained numerous committments to improve Canada's immigration system, it did not specify what these changes would be.  However, the budget did confirm recent speculation that the Government of Canada is going to legislate an end to the Federal Skilled Worker Program backlog. Budget 2012 allocates $130-million to offer refunds to certain federal skilled worker applicants who applied prior to February 27, 2008.  These applications will not be processed.  Rather, practically speaking, they be returned on mass, with the application fee returned.   The change is expected to impact (re: cancel) around 300,000 applications.   More information about the cap can be found on the Government of Canada budget here: <a href="http://www.budget.gc.ca/2012/plan/pdf/Plan2012-eng.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.budget.gc.ca/2012/plan/pdf/Plan2012-eng.pdf</a>    Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this change. Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-rrosenberg.htm" title="Ryan Rosenberg, Canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Ryan Rosenberg</a> & <a href="http://www.smeurrens.com" title="steven meurrens canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Steven Meurrens</a>, Canadian Immigration Lawyers based in Vancouver BC.  Copywrite 2012 © No text or graphical material may be copied without the express written permission of Larlee Rosenberg.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/family-friendly-attractions-in-vancouverErin StringerFamily Friendly Attractions in VancouverSet on a huge inlet of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by mountains, with ski resorts a mere tens of minutes away from downtown, Vancouver is Canada’s thriving, exciting West Coast city. It is a laidback, family friendly environment with great accommodation and plenty to see and do.Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:34:06 -07002012-04-03T08:56:33-07:00<img src="/Images/brockton-point-stanley-park-landmark.jpg" alt="Stanley park in Vancouver, Canada" class="imageright" />Set on a huge inlet of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by mountains, with ski resorts a mere tens of minutes away from downtown, Vancouver is Canada’s thriving, exciting West Coast city. It is a laidback, family friendly environment with great accommodation and plenty to <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/vancouver-with-kids">see and do</a>. <h2>Accommodation</h2> Hospitality in Canada is second to none and there is a huge range of accommodation from which to choose. The top-end luxury <a href="http://www.expedia.ca/Hotels" target="_blank">hotels</a> vie with the smaller and excellent quality range of guesthouses and the bed and breakfasts that are popular with families vacationing on a budget. Apartments are a good choice for families, with the freedom to come and go as you please and being able to eat in or eat out without the need to stick to set dining times. <h2>Science World</h2> <img src="/Images/science-world-landmark.jpg" alt="Science World, Vancouver BC" class="imageleft" />Families can be entertained for days with both indoor and outdoor activities in Vancouver and one of the top indoor draws is Science World. Kids can lose themselves here in a huge range of interactive exhibitions that firmly put the fun into science. Children both old and young can test out displays and gadgets in the Eureka! Physics Gallery, or learn about the body and the natural world in other permanent exhibitions. There are special feature exhibitions too, usually running for a few months, and for a giant screen experience try out the Omnimax. <h2>Kids’ Market</h2> Be prepared to spend some money here, but you can guarantee that the kids will have a fantastic time checking out all the <a href="http://www.kidsmarket.ca/" target="_blank">shops</a> that sell everything from clothes to toys, aimed squarely at pocket money and relying on pester power. The Adventure Zone indoor playground is the ideal place for the young ones to let off some steam, and there are, of course, plenty of arcade games to swallow up the rest of the holiday money! <h2>On the Water</h2> A visit to Vancouver wouldn’t be quite the same without a trip on the water, so try a short cruise on the Aquabus and see the city from a different perspective. The adventurous can hire kayaks on <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/granville-island-in-vancouver-bc">Granville Island</a> and plan their own family journey around the waters of the Pacific Ocean inlet. <h2>Up in the air</h2> <img alt="" src="/Images/grouse-mountain-north-vancouver.jpg" style="width: 275px; height: 207px;" class="imageright" />Visitors can also take a Skyride up <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/grouse-mountain-in-vancouver-bc">Grouse Mountain</a> for panoramic views of the city, the ocean and islands below and the mountains around. There are both winter and summer activities available. Look out for the entertaining Lumberjack Show from May to October and then see magnificent birds of prey in flight at the Birds in Motion Demonstration. <h2>Skiing</h2> Having hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010, Vancouver is a hugely popular destination with skiers. When the slopes are open there are few activities more fun for all the family than skiing. Experienced skiers head off to the more demanding runs, but for beginners there are plenty of opportunities for <a href="http://2vancouver.com/en/articles/skiing-snowboarding-in-vancouver-bc">learning how to ski</a>. There’s even a ski school for children aged three to six years old, set in its own quiet area away from the main slopes. Vancouver has so many places to eat for all the family that you will be spoilt for choice, and with hotels also providing an excellent range of dining options it makes the city an even more attractive place to spend some family vacation time.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/british-columbia-expands-the-entry-level-and-semi-skilled-programSteven MeurrensBritish Columbia Expands the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled ProgramThis week, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program expanded the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category ("ELSS") to include all National Occupation Classification ("NOC") C & D occupations where the employment is...Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:32:06 -07002012-04-04T20:42:06-07:00This week, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program expanded the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category ("ELSS") to include all National Occupation Classification ("NOC") C & D occupations where the employment is within the geographic boundaries of the Northeast Development Region.  The change will provide a path to permanent residency for hundreds, if not thousands, of temporary foreign workers working in north-eastern British Columbia. The change is for two years, and is being called the Northeast Pilot Project. Some of the cities in the Northeast Development Region are: - Fort Nelson - Hudson's Hope - Fort St. John - Taylor - Dawson Creek - Chetwynd - Tumbler Ridge - Pouce Coupe In addition to the occupations that the Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category encompasses province wide, applicants from the Northeast Development Region will be eligible for provincial nomination if they work in any NOC C or D occupation, and meet the other requirements of the ELSS. Some of the occupations unique to the North-East Development Region include: - Clerks - Any occupation supporting health services - Sales Representatives - Babysitters - Cashiers - Security Guards - Construction helpers - Taxi drivers - General labourers - Farm workers - Many more occupations In order to apply under this category, applicants must have worked for their employer in the Northeast Development Region for any NOC C or D position full-time for a period of at least nine consecutive months prior to the date that they submit their BC PNP application.  They must also maintain continous full-time employment with the BC employer throughout the application process.  There are numerous other requirements for the program that are beyond the scope of this bulletin.   In deciding when to submit your application please note that in June the BC PNP will be introducing language testing to the ELSS. Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-rrosenberg.htm" title="Ryan Rosenberg, Canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Ryan Rosenberg</a> & <a href="http://www.smeurrens.com" title="steven meurrens canadian immigration lawyers" target="_blank">Steven Meurrens</a>, Canadian Immigration Lawyers based in Vancouver BC.  Copywrite 2012 © No text or graphical material may be copied without the express written permission of Larlee Rosenberg.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/new-language-requirements-for-citizenship-and-pnp-applicationsSteven MeurrensNew Language Requirements for Citizenship and PNP ApplicationsCitizenship and Immigration Canada ("CIC") has introduced new language requirements for citizenship applications and certain provincial nominee applications. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:00:01 -07002012-05-14T20:03:13-07:00Citizenship and Immigration Canada ("CIC") has introduced new language requirements for citizenship applications and certain provincial nominee applications.  For citizenship applications, the changes will introduce objective language requirements for most applications.  For certain provincial nominee program ("PNP") applications, the changes will introduce mandatory language testing.  <h2>The Citizenship Language Requirements  </h2> Applicants for Canadian citizenship are required to demonstrate that they have an adequate knowledge of either English or French.  Currently, this is done through a multiple choice written test known as the Citizenship Exam, which also tests knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities of citizenship.  On April 21, 2012, the Government of Canada introduced regulatory changes that when they take affect will require that citizenship applicants enclose proof that they meet the language requirement with their citizenship application.   Acceptable means of proof will include:  - A language test result from an authorized testing agency; - Evidence of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French; or - Evidence of completion and achievement of a certain level in a government-funded language training program. Applicants submitting test results from an authorized testing agency will have to achieve a minimum standard of Canadian Language Benchmark ("CLB") 4 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens ("NCLC") level 4 in French.  The areas that will be tested are speaking and listening.  For those familiar with the International English Language Testing System ("IELTS"), currently required for many permanent residence applications, this translates into a 4 in each category.  Applicants who provided mandatory language testing results as part of their permanence residence applications can submit those test results with their citizenship application, and will not be required to be re-tested.  The change will affect all adult citizenship applicants between the ages of 18 and 54.   More information about the change, and the other details of the regulatory changes, can be found at the <a href="http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2012/2012-04-21/html/reg1-eng.html " target="_blank">Canada Gazette</a>.    <h2>The PNP Langugage Requirements  </h2>   On April 11, 2012, CIC announced that most PNP applicants for semi and low-skilled professions that fall under Naitonal Occupational Classification ("NOC") Skill Levels C and D  will have to take mandatory language testing of their listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  They will be required to meet a minimum standard across all four of these categories. Acceptable tests will include the IELTS, the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program ("CELPIP-General"), and the Test d'evaluation de français.  The minimum standard required will be CLB 4.  No other evidence of language profiency will be accepted.   The change will take effect on July 1, 2012.  However, CIC has announced that any temporary foreign worker who arrives in Canada on or before July 1, 2012, and who subsequently gets nominated no later than July 1, 2013, will be exempted from the requirement.  It is important to note that while CIC has allowed this exemption, it is still unknown whether provincial governments will nonetheless start requiring language testing sooner.  It should also be noted that in January, 2012, CIC indicated that intends to introduce language testing across all PNP streams by the end of 2012.  More information about the change, and the other requirements of the program, can be found <a href="http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/backgrounders/2012/2012-04-11.asp " target="_blank">here</a>.    Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-rrosenberg.htm" target="_blank">Ryan Rosenberg</a> & <a href="http://www.smeurrens.com/" target="_blank">Steven Meurrens</a>, Canadian Immigration Lawyers based in Vancouver BC.  Copywrite 2012 © No text or graphical material may be copied without the express written permission of Larlee Rosenberg.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/3-mistakes-that-could-cost-you-a-promotion-or-your-jobEmmanuelle Archer3 Mistakes That Could Cost You A Promotion – Or Your Job!You’ve probably heard stories of newcomers who found their first job in Vancouver after a long search, only to be summarily dismissed a few weeks or months later. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:43:38 -07002012-04-20T18:00:24-07:00You’ve probably heard stories of newcomers who found their first job in Vancouver after a long search, only to be summarily dismissed a few weeks or months later. Or maybe you know a foreign-trained professional who was denied a promotion, despite being much more qualified than his or her peers.  Does this mean that newcomers are being treated unfairly in the Canadian workplace? Should you give up all hopes of career progression?  Not by any means. However, there are three major mistakes you need to avoid in order to keep your job and get the promotion you want. As you’ll see, these mistakes have very little to do with your technical aptitudes, and everything to do with your interpersonal skills. <h2>Mistake #1: Disregarding Cultural Differences</h2> Each workplace has its own culture, but you’ll notice that many Canadian companies tend to share common traits: - The hierarchy is generally not very pronounced,  - Employee suggestions are welcome, - Employees are often expected to be fairly polyvalent, and to take an interest in business development even if they don’t work in sales,  - Consensus seeking and teamwork are the preferred management tools. Does this sound very different from what you were used to back home? If so, you should make a priority of learning your company’s corporate culture.  Adjusting to a new management style can be tough. But if you cling to your old ways (for example, you never make unsolicited suggestions because you fear your boss would find it disrespectful), you may be perceived as overly rigid, too passive, or simply not very committed to the company’s success.  <h2>Mistake #2: Being a Loner</h2> In some countries, employees are not particularly encouraged to socialize with co-workers – after all, you’re there to work, not to make friends. Not so in Canada, where cooperation and community are major values. Here, it’s important to get along well with your peers.  If you keep to yourself too much, it won’t be long before people wonder what’s wrong with you. Instead, you want to build a reputation as someone who’s easy to get along with, a true team player – in short, a great addition to the company.  So allow a few minutes for a bit of small chat with coworkers (don’t go overboard either!) If your department is doing something after work, join in, even if you’d rather go home. It might feel like a chore at times, but that’s how you’ll build stronger connections and wider networks. <h2>Mistake #3: Letting your Performance Speak for Itself</h2> Humility may be a great virtue in many cultures, but it won’t get you far in North America. From a young age, Canadians are encouraged to focus on their strengths, celebrate their accomplishments, and put their best foot forward. If you want to compete equally for promotions and raises, you have to learn how to sell yourself. Even if you’re doing a great job, don’t assume that your employer will necessarily notice it. You need to find opportunities to make yourself visible: for instance, send regular progress reports to your manager, volunteer to head a committee or take on a new project.   This is not about bragging every chance you get. This is about making sure your superiors are aware of your strengths, and that they will keep you in mind when the time comes to promote someone within the organization.  We all carry assumptions, rooted in our cultural background, about what’s “normal” or not in the workplace. If your career is not progressing as quickly as you’d like, you may want to reexamine what it means to be “professional”, “a good employee” or “a valuable team member” in a Canadian context.  Observe what your peers are doing, and find out what behaviours your managers seem to appreciate and reward. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Work hard, but always remember to pay careful attention to interpersonal skills - your career will thank you!http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/service-canada-introduces-accelerated-labour-market-opinionsSteven MeurrensService Canada Introduces Accelerated Labour Market OpinionsOn April 25, 2012, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (“Service Canada”) launched two initiatives that will significantly change the process by which Canadian employers interested in hiring foreign workers apply for Labour Market Opinions (“LMO”). Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:58:28 -07002012-04-26T20:14:08-07:00On April 25, 2012, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (“Service Canada”) launched two initiatives that will significantly change the process by which Canadian employers interested in hiring foreign workers apply for Labour Market Opinions (“LMO”).   These are the Accelerated Labour Market Opinion Initiative (“A-LMO”) and the introduction of online applications. <h2>The A-LMO</h2> The purpose of the A-LMO is to reduce LMO processing times.  Service Canada has indicated that their objective is that A-LMO applications will be processed in 10 business days, a significant reduction from the current average LMO processing time of 2-4 months. In addition to reduced processing times, the A-LMO will also feature: - A reduction in the amount of documentation that employers have to submit to Service Canada when they apply for their A-LMO.  Significantly, employers will no longer have to submit proof of recruitment. - Flexibility on the prevailing wage.  A wage of up to 15% less than the prevailing wage for an occupation will be accepted provided that the employer pays similar wages to Canadians and permanent residents employed in the same occupation. - A waiver of the mandatory in-depth interview. Eligibility To be eligible to participate in the A-LMO, an employer must: - Have been issued at least 1 positive LMO within the last 2 years; - Have a clean record of compliance with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program within the last 2 years; - Not have been the subject of an investigation, infraction, or a serious complaint; and - Not have any unresolved violations or contraventions under provincial laws governing employment and recruitment. Eligible employers can only apply under the A-LMO if they are trying to fill a high-skilled position classified under the National Occupational Classification skill type 0, A, and B.  These positions are generally occupations which are management, professional, or technical in nature. Applications to fill positions in film, entertainment, and agriculture are specifically not eligible for the A-LMO. Compliance Review  Although employers will no longer have to submit proof of recruitment and undergo an interview, they will have to attest that they complied with Service Canada’s requirements for hiring of foreign workers, including that the employer: - provided wages, working conditions, and an occupation to the foreign worker that was substantially the same as those offered in the A-LMO application; - provided wages and working conditions to the foreign worker that were the same as those offered to Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the same occupation and work location; - performed the minimum recruitment efforts; - filled a labour shortage; - ‘s employment of the foreign national did not adversely affect the settlement of a labour dispute; and - abided by the relevant federal/provincial/territorial laws that regulate employment and recruitment. In order to ensure compliance, Service Canada will conduct compliance reviews on approximately 18% of A-LMOs.  Service Canada has specifically indicated that employers that pay less than the prevailing wage will likely be subjected to compliance reviews.  Service Canada has also instructed employers that they should retain all documents related to their A-LMO applications for up to 6 years, and that failure to do so will result in their future ineligibility to participate in the A-LMO initiative. Employers found non-compliant will: - be ineligible to use the A-LMO initiative in the future; - face the possible revocation of LMOs where Work Permits have not been issued; - have their breach shared with other branches of government; and - face greater scrutiny on any pending or subsequent LMO applications.  More information about the change, and the other requirements of the program, can be found at the <a href="http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/almo/factsheet.shtml" target="_blank">Service Canada website here</a>. Article courtesy of <a href="http://www.larlee.com/bio-rrosenberg.htm" target="_blank">Ryan Rosenberg</a> & <a href="http://www.smeurrens.com/" target="_blank">Steven Meurrens</a>, Canadian Immigration Lawyers based in Vancouver BC.  Copywrite 2012 © No text or graphical material may be copied without the express written permission of Larlee Rosenberg.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/how-can-immigrants-get-their-credentials-recognized-in-vancouverErin StringerHow Can Immigrants Get Their Credentials Recognized in Vancouver?If you think that a PhD or MBA from your home country holds the same prestige in Canada, you may be surprised when you start your job search. Many immigrants find that the educational credentials they worked so hard for in their home countries are not considered adequate in Vancouver...Thu, 03 May 2012 14:09:05 -07002012-05-04T16:50:33-07:00If you think that a PhD or MBA from your home country holds the same prestige in Canada, you may be surprised when you start your job search. Many immigrants find that the educational credentials they worked so hard for in their home countries are not considered adequate in Vancouver or other parts of British Columbia.  Foreign credential recognition has been a longstanding problem in Canada, with educated immigrants facing a myriad of issues when they attempt to transfer their credentials. <h2 style="width: 901px;">Some of the problems that immigrants face:</h2> - Having to re-school in order to get a job that is equivalent to the one they held in their home country. - Being told they are “overqualified” if they apply for a slightly less skilled position to avoid having to re-school.  - Having to take examinations or further training to get licensed in Canada (especially individuals in professions that are licensed, such as nurses, pharmacists, and electricians).  <h2 style="width: 901px;">What Can Immigrants Do?</h2> Now that we've told you about the problems, let's look at some solutions!  - Be prepared. Find out more about the licensing board that governs your profession in BC and get valuable information on your industry at  <a href="http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/" target="_blank">WorkinginCanada.gc.ca</a>. - Check out the <a href="http://www.credentials.gc.ca/" target="_blank">Foreign Credentials Referral Office</a> (FCRO) website, part of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You'll find a great deal of resources and services on foreign credential recognition in BC and other provinces.  - Start networking. Find the professional member association for your industry that you can join. Reach out and start making connections – you may even find someone who's already been through the process and can help you.  If you're in a licensed profession, contact the licensing board in BC for your profession for information and tips on credential evaluation and transfer. If you're not in a licensed profession, you will not need re-licensure or re-examination to work in Vancouver or BC. However, many immigrants do take some training or schooling in BC to familiarize themselves with Canadian workplaces.  Remember, ensuring that you meet Canadian credential requirements is solely your responsibility. The earlier you start planning, the closer you'll be to working in your industry in BC. http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/7-habits-of-a-happy-expatMargarita Gokun Silver7 Habits of a Happy ExpatEver wondered what makes some expatriates happy and others not so happy? I've coached many clients and after awhile I came to realize that there are 7 factors that greatly impact the happiness level of any expat. Mon, 07 May 2012 15:58:02 -07002012-05-08T19:24:18-07:00  1.  Happy expats are intensely curious. Coming to another land is always interesting.  You get to learn about the culture, you get to experience a different way of life, you get to try new foods, and maybe even new sports and new hobbies.  A whole new world opens up for you.  Being curious around this new world leads to happiness. 2.  Happy expats accept others as they come, they don’t judge, and they don’t try to change people to their liking. No matter how much things may bother them and no matter how much they may disagree, a judgmental attitude never gets anyone anywhere.  Accepting that things run the way they do is the key to happiness.   3.  Happy expats look at everything as an amazing learning experience. Someone once said that “life is always offering us new beginnings, it’s up to us whether to take them or not.”  That’s an empowering way to look at what’s available to us at every moment of every day.  And especially to those of us who get this incredible opportunity to not only travel but also live in different places.   4.  Happy expats find opportunities wherever they are and they don’t lament those they’ve left behind.  Life of an expatriate consists of one move after another.  Sometimes we know when that move is coming and sometimes we don’t.  Opportunities that were open to us in one place may not be available in another.  But remember “life is always offering us new beginnings…” There will be new opportunities, so do you want to spend the time lamenting about what you left behind or do you want to spend the time listening and looking out for what’s opening up for you?   5.  Happy expats know that feeling sad at times is part of the game. A happy expat doesn’t mean a giddy-at-all-times expat.  A happy expat means also an expat who knows that being sad at times is part of the expatriate experience.  Being sad about leaving friends behind; being sad about leaving your family far away; being sad about quitting a job or changing a career … this list can go on and on.  The difference between a happy expat and an expat who isn't happy is that for the former the sadness is something that’s natural and something that doesn’t take over his/her life and makes a victim out of him/her .   6.  Happy expats share. Sharing means so many different things.  It may mean sharing with your friends and family when you are sad – going through the stressful times alone is no fun.  It may mean sharing with a coach – a right client-coach partnership will undoubtedly make your expatriate experience richer.  It may also mean  sharing your experience with others, helping those like you find the best facets of their expatriate journeys.   7.  Happy expats stay clear of criticism, sulking, and stonewalling.  It is so very easy to blame someone else in your misfortunes.  It’s easy to say that everything around you is horrible; it’s easy to sulk in your misery when you’ve convinced yourself that it’s not up to you; and it’s easy to put a barrier between you and the place you live in.  Yet there is no way you are going to be happy where you live, if you consistently engage in criticism, sulking, and stonewalling.  Staying clear of those attitudes will help you be happier. <div> Article written by Margarita Gokun Silver from <a href="http://globalcoachcenter.com" target="_blank">Global Coach Center</a>.</div>http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/a-secret-advantage-to-expatriation-immigration-that-no-one-seems-to-knowMargarita Gokun SilverA Secret Advantage To Expatriation & Immigration That No One Seems To KnowImmigrating and expatriating transplants you out of the pot. You leave the familiar – and with that you leave the things you learned about yourself that may not be true. You have an amazing gift to break out of the barriers, to reach deep down your soul and yank out...Wed, 09 May 2012 14:02:04 -07002012-05-09T14:14:38-07:00By now many of us have listened to Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement address and nodded in agreement. After all who can really disagree with this: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”  As far as advice goes, it’s inspirational, it’s moving, and it makes you want to just get up and go for it. Right there and then. Right away. And then you don’t. You don’t because life gets in the way; because old thinking - the “other people’s thinking” - surrounds you like fog on an early morning; and because overcoming years and years of conditioning by your parents, teachers, society at large and your own sabotaging voices is just too difficult. A personal story: When I grew up, the thinking in my family, my society and my surroundings was clear – my future was decided for me. With all the best intentions, of course, my parents ignored my natural talents (“who can make a living doing that?”) and directed me towards what they truly believed will secure me a safe life. No one paid serious attention to what I wanted – the prevailing “truth” was simply that it was not wise, possible, or appropriate. And then came the transformative event. I immigrated. I moved to a society where the culture was completely different and where the barriers of my upbringing didn’t exist. It was like taking a tree from a nursery in a pot and then transplanting it into the ground where the pot is no longer constricting its growth. The tree is now free to spread its roots anywhere it wants. Looking back I now realize how much of a gift it was to shed those barriers. But like Steve Jobs said in his speech, we are better at connecting the dots looking backwards. It took me a good 20 years to get back to what I truly am good at, to what I love to do, and to what I am passionate about. Immigrating and expatriating transplants you out of the pot.  You leave the familiar – and with that you leave the things you learned about yourself that may not be true. You have an amazing gift to break out of the barriers, to reach deep down your soul and yank out the stuff that’s been either ignored or repressed or dismissed. But wait. There is more. There is the tricky part, of course. While I am beginning to develop those repressed and ignored talents again, it is so difficult to allow myself to declare ME to the world.  Because the nay-Sayers are still there — both from my past and my present. This is the biggest piece of that pot that’s still stuck to my tree’s roots.  Not a day passes by when I don’t hear variations of the following: - “How can I possibly be that?” - “It’s too late.” - “Better stick with what’s been done and with what’s safe.” - “I am not an _______.”   Recognize those?  It’s other people’s baggage that you are still carrying. So here is a tip. Start small. Start slow. Forget about the grander “how” of doing it and forget about the destination. Instead concentrate in the journey. Do something small each day and nurture the inner child in you that’s hasn’t been allowed to come out and play.  Let the roots of that tree go wherever they please. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. “Have the courage to follow your heart and your intuition.  Stay hungry.  Stay foolish.” I am feeling in my heart now that this is becoming a major part of my coaching practice. This journey of re-discovery of who I am – of going back to who I was meant to be – is informing all of my programs. So if you feel like re-discovery is what you are hungry for and if you feel like you want a hand, I’d love to help you. You can join a group program that will focus on this (see Expat Women Academy) or you can get in touch with me for individually-tailored coaching. I’d be honored to share your re-discovery journey with you. And remember – not everyone gets to shed the pot by moving. You do. It’s an amazing gift. Use it.   Article written by Margarita Gokun Silver from <a href="http://globalcoachcenter.com" target="_blank">Global Coach Center</a>.http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/6-tips-to-get-canadian-work-experience-and-land-a-great-jobFrancois Roux6 Tips to Get Canadian Work Experience... and Land a Great JobWhether you want to work as an electrician or an engineer in Vancouver, you may find that its hard to get a job without Canadian work experience. Even if you have significant work experience in your home country, most local employers prefer...Sat, 12 May 2012 09:17:42 -07002012-05-12T09:48:41-07:00Whether you want to work as an electrician or an engineer in Vancouver, you may find that its hard to get a job without Canadian work experience. Even if you have significant work experience in your home country, most local employers prefer Canadian work experience. In other words, overseas experience is better than no experience, but nothing beats having a Canadian job on your resume! Canadian employers feel more confident hiring an immigrant who has already worked in the country, as he or she will be familiar with things like the local job market, workplace norms and etiquette for instance. So you need to stand out from the competition, but how can you do that when you lack Canadian work experience? We know it can be difficult, so here are six tips on getting some Canadian work experience so you can land a great job in BC: - Get reference letters. Reference letters from your previous employers in your home country can be very helpful in convincing potential employers in Vancouver or BC that you are the perfect fit for the job. If you dont have previous employers to contact, get a letter from someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character – a neighbour or teacher, for example. - Volunteer. No, you wont be able to pay your rent by volunteering, but think of it as networking! By putting in some time at a local organization, you can gain valuable skills and meet lots of new people. Try to get a volunteer position in your industry; for example, if you want to work in sales, join the marketing department of a local charitable organization. - Join the professional association in Vancouver or BC for your industry. Most industries have a professional association you can become a part of. You may be able to attend interesting events, meet new contacts, or volunteer with the organization to gain work experience. - Look for an internship. Internships are a type of on-the-job training for professionals. Internships may be unpaid or paid (frequently low-paying). However, youll be gaining excellent skills in your field and can walk away with work experience and a glowing reference letter. Search for internships on local job sites or through websites such as <a href="http://www.vancouverinternships.ca/" target="_blank">Vancouver Internships</a>. - Reach out for help. You are not on your own in your job search! There are agencies such as <a href="http://www.issbc.org/" target="_blank">Immigrant Services Society of BC</a>, <a href="http://www.mosaicbc.com/" target="_blank">MOSAIC</a>, and the <a href="http://www.ymcaimmigrantservices.ca/en/" target="_blank">YMCA</a>, which offer newcomers services in multiple languages at various locations in Greater Vancouver.  - Hone your skills. While you are looking for a job, work on yourself! For example, if youre shy about public speaking, consider taking a course through <a href="http://vancoretoastmasters.com/" target="_blank">Toastmasters Vancouver</a>, where you can practice communication and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive environment. Employers are looking for people with good communication skills, who are assertive and confident in the workplace, so learning to communicate better will serve you well. Remember, anything you can do to enhance your work experience, education, and personal skills will be a great asset in any workplace. http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/vancouver-real-estate-market-analysis-first-quarter-2012Maggie ChandlerVancouver Real Estate Market Analysis - First Quarter 2012Are you considering buying or selling a home in Vancouver? Take a look at what’s been happening in the Vancouver housing market and be sure to check out our Insider’s Tip below.Sat, 12 May 2012 17:59:43 -07002012-05-12T18:47:27-07:00Are you considering buying or selling a home in Vancouver? Take a look at what’s been happening in the Vancouver housing market and be sure to check out our Insider’s Tip below. The January to March 2012 real estate market in Greater Vancouver saw listings for houses, townhouses and condos increase over the same period last year whilst experiencing a substantial drop in sales (which was the highest since July last year, resulting in a good buyer’s market as prices levelled). As of March 31st, 2012 <table width="590"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top" style="width: 160px;">Area</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center; width: 130px;">Current listings</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center; width: 180px;">%  Increase / decrease vs. Mar’ 11</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vancouver - East area</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1,215 </td> <td style="text-align: center;"> + 17% </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">Vancouver - West area</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;">3,057 </td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;"> + 16% </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Greater Vancouver</td> <td style="text-align: center;">15,232</td> <td style="text-align: center;">+ 12% </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" valign="top"> Area</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center;"> Sales</td> <td align="left" valign="top" style="text-align: center; width: 178px;"> %  Increase / decrease vs. Mar’ 11  </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vancouver - East area</td> <td style="text-align: center;"> 335</td> <td style="text-align: center;">-24.5%</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">Vancouver - West area</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;">616</td> <td style="text-align: center; background-color: #e2e2e2;">-25.4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Greater Vancouver  </td> <td style="text-align: center;"> 2,887</td> <td style="text-align: center;">-29% </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Vancouver Westside - March 2012 vs. March 2011 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 174px;"> </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 130px;">Houses </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 130px;">Townhouses </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 130px;">Condos </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 30px;">Listings </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 864 (+54%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">306 (+9.7%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 1887 (+5.4%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Sales </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 152 (-46%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 68 (-24%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 396 (-32%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average days on market (sold)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">32 (+15%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">40 (+2.5)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">44 (+22%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average price/unit (new) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $2,235,00 (+4%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $1,282,000 (+24%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $753,091 (-19%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average price/unit (resale) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $2,406,000 (+7%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $955,047 (+3.5%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">$605,453 (-4.5%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Percentage of original price </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">-5.6%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">-0.1%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">-0.4%</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Average price (2012 vs. 2011) </td> <td align="center" valign="top">+7% </td> <td align="center" valign="top">+4.9% </td> <td align="center" valign="top">-5.5% </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average price (2012 vs. 2006)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+100% </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+70% </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+50% </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Vancouver Eastside - March 2012 vs. March 2011 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 174px;"> </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 130px;">Houses </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 130px;">Townhouses </td> <td align="center" valign="middle" style="width: 130px;">Condos </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 30px;">Listings </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 502 (+1%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">145 (+17.9%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> 568  (+39%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 30px;">Sales </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 156  (-30%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 41 (-29%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> 138 (-14%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average days on market (sold)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">28  (+14%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">32 (-22.7%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">37 (+15.9%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average price/unit (new) </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $985,000 (+6.7%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $701,460 (-4.6%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;"> $421,584 (+11%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="height: 50px;">Average price/unit (resale) </td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $943,232 (+15.3%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top"> $585,880  (-1.1%)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">$369,251 (+2.1%)</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Percentage of original price </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">-1.1%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">-0.2%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">-0.2%</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">Average price (2012 vs. 2011)</td> <td align="center" valign="top">+13%</td> <td align="center" valign="top">-3.1% </td> <td align="center" valign="top">+4.7%</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2; height: 50px;">Average price (2012 vs. 2006)</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+75%</td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+65% </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style="background-color: #e2e2e2;">+65%</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>Overview of Vancouver Property Prices</h2> - The Vancouver real estate market saw sales peak in March last year and continue on a decline until January, when the momentum changed. Sales are now back to the same level as they were in June last year.   - Listings peaked in March last year and bottomed in December, but have been rising since. They are now back to the same level as they were in February last year. - Interest rates dipped in February to 2.99% for a five-year term and are up slightly. A good selection, low interest rates and flat prices translate into an excellent buyer’s market! Insider Tip: Vancouver is now a good buyer’s market with more listings than sales. Buyers should make offers on listings that have price reductions or are priced at or below the sale price (indicating motivated seller). Written by <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/contact/">Maggie Chandler</a>, providing trustworthy <a target="_blank" href="http://vancouverreflections.com/">real estate services</a> for 30 years. http://www.2vancouver.com/en/blog/how-to-meet-new-people-in-vancouverEva YinHow to Meet New People in VancouverWelcome to Vancouver, newcomers! So you've moved to a new city, found a place to live, and landed a job you like. But...now what? It's time to go beyond the basics and get out and meet some new people!Sat, 12 May 2012 18:59:49 -07002012-05-12T19:20:38-07:00Welcome to Vancouver, newcomers! So you've moved to a new city, found a place to live, and landed a job you like. But...now what?  It's time to go beyond the basics and get out and meet some new people! However, it can be hard to meet friends in Vancouver when you don’t know anyone, and don't know where to go to make connections. Here's a great idea: Why not join a social meetup group? <a href="http://www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Social-Meetup/" target="_blank">The 20s and 30s Social Meetup Group</a> is all about fun social events for young people and newcomers to Vancouver. They have different kinds of events almost every week, such as dining out, hiking, picnic, pub nights, bowling... the list goes on and on! Regardless of what you’re searching for, whether it’s partying and nightlife, enjoying great food, or having outdoor adventures, you’ll find it all plus more at this meetup. And if you have your own ideas, the organizers strongly encourage members to suggest and organize their own events as well. If you're new here and want to explore Vancouver while meeting new people then you should come<a href="http://www.meetup.com/20s-30s-Social-Meetup/" target="_blank"> join this meetup group</a>!