About Southern Gulf Islands, BC

Here we continue, in our 21st Century binary world...computer-speak has channeled us into this on/off, on/off, act/react, act/react universe. No grey territory of compromise available.

In economic issues, it's the argument between deflation and inflation.

Neither are good scenarios. The inflationary stream of thinking is seemingly gaining credence. Is this the reason for the sudden upsurge in activity, in the higher end property category, since the third week in September? Fear propels, as well as causes hesitation.

Good hard assets are one way to protect one's capital, in an inflationary time. Yes, gold is one vehicle, and so are fine art, gems, and other "one off" items of value. Another one is good real estate investment.

For the Gulf Islands, the Islands Trust cap on growth has created a "limited inventory" motif.

Although the real estate market in our area flattened in mid-2006, with ever diminishing sales in 2007, and a bottoming out in 2008, we have seen an uptick in activity, in 2009, in the low end residential, since February.

Undeveloped land and higher end opportunities remained very flat. Now, that seems to have changed.

It could be a fear that cash will be the next bubble that is propelling this interest. Viewings of properties over 2 million have suddenly surged, just since close of September. The first sale over two million, since February 2008, took place last week. Viewings continue, meantime, in properties between one million and four million.

The people viewing are serious, and the only "hesitation" is about the "where" to buy conundrum.

Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands are in competition with other coastal areas, and this has been the case for the past eight or so years. The internet, which erased geography and time, also created a non-local buyer profile, for the Southern Gulf Islands.

The "long distance" buyer has to decide exactly where to locate. This creates time lags in sales, of course, as it usually means more than one visit, before the buyer decides "for" a particular location. This time lag element is present regardless of market trend in play, at any given time.

I did think we would see a "later and longer" scenario develop, this calendar year, for the higher end property options, and that it would take until the Fall for the higher end to experience that "trickle up" effect.

Inventory remains stable. Unless one has to, an owner isn't rushing to sell. "Where would I go? what would I do with the money?" is an owner's refrain. It's the same tune, though, that the buyer, in all price ranges. now seems to be humming..."if I'm going to get out of a heavy cash position, and lock into a good hard asset real estate investment, now is the time".

If the inflationary argument wins the day, we will see interest rates going up. Interesting, then, that on the 9th, Australia raised interest rates.

No one really knows what is happening...the talking heads repeat the 20th Century responses, and in this new binary world, they don't work. The results of the huge bailouts/printing of paper money/the run up of debt, may certainly end up with hyperinflation as the result. This could be with us by mid-2010.

No one has a crystal ball.

This is an excellent time to be a buyer, however. Sellers, if they are seriously for sale, will look at all reasonable offers. Interest rates remain low. Cash positions do not bring growth. Cash positions might be at risk...are the banks secure?

Mmm...sounds like a time to be securing capital, by prudent hard asset investing. For a tiny bit longer, things are in the favour of the buyer....

How may I help you to find your special Salt Spring Island or Southern Gulf Islands gem? I look forward to your call.

liread33@gmail.com

October 9, 2009.

Don't forget the J. Mitchell Gallery 2009 Fall Exhibition opening tonight...5 to 8 p.m. Show runs till November 8th. Along with the stellar roster of artists, at this fine gallery, the Fall show highlights Leroy Jensen, Gerda Lattey, and Karen Reiss. Wave, if you see me!

The Monday morning (7 to 9 a.m.) radio show that I'm doing with Mark Voyce, of Bocados Bistro, will pick up again on the 19th. As this Monday is the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, the station is offering a day / evening of music only. Regular programming picks up next week. To date, I've really appreciated David Young coming in, to be interviewed, and offering so many great ideas in "green design" (his kinetic installation at a major U.S. mall was very interesting, indeed!). Also Tim Cahill, who heads up the Island's emergency preparedness group...call him, for pointers, in how to set up your neighbourhood for emergencies. Enjoyed, too, Bruno Gonzalez' thoughts on the differences between wine making in France and in North America...and the importance of terroir, to French wines. (Bruno and his wife, Brigitte, own Rendezvous Cafe). Maureen Moore also dropped by, to speak about Raffi's Child Honouring Centre, and also to encourage attendance at the 9 writers recent presentation...I did go, and it was inspiring!

Most recently, the very talented Lisa Sliwowska popped in, and gave some illuminating thoughts on design trends. Lisa's interior design company is called, most appropriately, Open Door. All these talented people have agreed to return, and to speak about other things they're involved in. It is community radio, and I see my show as a venue for people to share what they're about. If you'd like to come by, just give me a call...look forward to speaking with you "on air".

Corinne West, with Doug Cox, plays on the 12th, Thanksgiving Monday, at Fulford Hall...it's the Salt Spring Folk Club presentation. Soups, Suppers, Sweets by Fiddlehead Catering. Tickets at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, and Stuff and Nonsense, or, at the door.

A personal narratives workshop is being held tomorrow, the 10th. If you're a writer, then here's your opportunity to explore the narratives of lives, at a Salt Spring Community Education workshop, with Lorraine Gane. A full day, from 10 to 4. Call Lorraine at 250-537-5294, for more details.

Salt Spring's Weavers and Spinners Guild is staging its first Guild Exhibition and Sale over the Thanksgiving Weekend, at ArtSpring. Open daily, from 10 to 4 -- enjoy!

If you find yourself off island, and close to Sidney, remember the Sidney Fine Art Show -- on October 16, 17, 18 at Mary Winspear Centre, in Sidney. Door prizes every day.

Looking for a turkey dinner out, to celebrate Thanksgiving? Calvin's Bistro, Harbour House Hotel, Salt Spring Inn, and Rock Salt Cafe are all offering the traditional feast.

The Balkan Babes, an award winning women's vocal ensemble, from Victoria, will play Salt Spring on the 16th, at the Unnited Church and play Pender on the 17th, at the Community Hall. Tickets at the door, and concerts begin at 7:30. Something a little different!

Sunday, the 11th, it's jazz at Moby's, with Sue Newman & friends (7 to 10 p.m.).

Pop by and see what the talented Bruce, at Bruce's Kitchen, in Harbour Centre, is creating for you. Organic is the key to his cuisine. Eat in or take out...the healthy choice, when you're in a hurry, and want to pick up something yummy/head home. He offers a catering service, too.

Enjoy these softer days...yes, it's steadily getting darker earlier, but Fall is harvest time, and the beauty of fruition surrounds us.

Mark your calendars! A community fire drill takes place on Wednesday, October 7th, at 6:30 p.m. If a fire ever occurred in your house, can you get yourself and your family out, safely? Review your escape routes, test all smoke alarms, practice your escape route, gather at your designated meeting place, & know two ways out of every room. Emergency preparedness saves lives! For additional information, or help with your plan of action, check out: www.saltspringfire.com

The wonderful annual Apple Festival is on Sunday, October 4th. Salt Spring Vineyard is offering Apple Pie (dessert wine) at their vineyard on Lees Road. Live music, too, on both Sat. and Sunday (12 to 5).

Live Jazz, Blues and Soul, every weekend throughout the winter, at Harbour House Hotel, Friday and Saturday nights, from 7:30 to 10 p.m., in their restaurant. Check it out!

Don't miss Michael Ableman's "Thinking Like an Island", at ArtSpring, on October 15th, starting at 7:30 p.m. There's a live and silent auction, as it's a fundraiser for the Salt Spring Conservancy.

The book launch of Brian Brett's "Trauma Farm: A Rebel History of Rural Life" takes place at ArtSpring, on October 8, at 7 p.m.

Check out Foxglove Farm and its programs, so that you can be a part of the excitement and the learning experience, "next season" -- this past summer was very successful. www.foxglovefarmbc.ca

Don't forget to check out the Salt Spring Island Bread Co. during the Apple Festival (9 a/.m. to 5 p.m. on October 4th. Available: Heather's baking, Di's Pies, Tony's Tarts, Stan's BBQ pork, Phillip's BBQ beef ribs. Enjoy!

On October 3, at ArtSpring, starting at 8 p.m., it's PIGS: Canada's Most Authentic Pink Floyd Tribute Band. I collect time tunnels...how about you???

Lantern workshops are ongoing in October, in preparation for the annual Hallowe'en lantern parade/meander through Ganges Village, with stories, ending up at the fireworks. Contact Wendi Gilson at: wendigilson@yahoo.cafor details.

Catch Ian Thomas' show at The Point Gallery -- Family Albums continues till October 12th.

Such a lot to see and do, in this "softer season" called early Fall...enjoy!

Evening classes calling! Check out the Driftwood's online site for information about what's offered this Fall. Lots of interesting opportunities to tempt you!

Something for the kids? How about Tracy Harrison's Children's Clay Classes (for ages 6 to 14). Fridays, from 10 to noon, in October/November. October dates: 9, 23, 30. November dates: 6, 20. Working with the themes of Hallowe'en and Gift Giving, the participants will have an opportunity to explore hand building, moulding, slumping and various texture techniques. Classes are geared to the level of each individual student. Playful, fun, and creative is Tracy's promise. Call her (250-538-0144) or email: tracy@creativefirestudio.org to ensure your child's place in the class.

The terrific photography exhibition, at ArtSpring's Gallery, ends on the 4th of October...be sure to catch this!

While nearby, drop into the new artist's co-op, at 135 McPhillips, and welcome this great new addition to the Ganges Village "gallery scene".

Take an afternoon in this softer moment in our "season", and wander through J. Mitchell Gallery and Steffich Fine Art Gallery, in Grace Point Square. Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art is off the Boardwalk and then it's a tiny segue into Jill Louise Campbell's effervescent gallery! Such talent, on this Island...enjoy it!

October 4th is also the wonderful annual Apple Festival...the heirloom apple orchards have been saved and nurtured back to their former glory...an event not to be missed!

Can you believe it? The Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend is the following weekend, with Monday the 10th being the holiday Monday actual Thanksgiving Day. Where has the year evaporated to?????

Remember to tune into the new community radio station...catch my show, with Mark Voyce (of Bocados Bistro) on Mondays, 7 to 9 a.m. It's live, and if you can't pick up the signal on the radio (107.9 fm), then listen in on the web: www.cfsi-fm.com (ideas for the show/islanders to interview always welcome!).

Enjoy the Fall moments...savour the harvest time.

www.liread.com

I'm having fun hosting the Monday Morning live radio show, on our new community radio station.

It goes out "live", and the volunteers who do the shows have to "do it all". Lucky for me that the owner of Bocados Bistro seaside restaurant has film background, so he's knowledgable about the equipment side of things, and so Mark is my "producer". I am so non-tech saavy!

This coming Monday will be the third show, from 7 to 9 a.m., at 107.9 on the fm dial, or, streaming audio off the station's website (www.cfsi-fm.com).

So far, there's only one tower, and with so many mountains on Salt Spring, blanketing valleys and areas, even on the Island, a lot of local listeners have to use the web. A very "Salt Spring" kind of thing!

The first show, Mark turned on his mic/not mine, and for the first hour you could barely hear me (it was like I was on a bad long distance connection), but Mark could be heard muttering under his breath, as he slotted in the music selections (yes, vinyl and cd versions). Finally, someone burst into the studio to let us know the "glitch". Second hour was at least "heard".

Can't have call-in segment, yet, as the equipment for this won't be up and running until November. Second show I invited the emergency preparedness head in to talk about being ready for disasters, of whatever nature, and also the on island representative of Raffi, the well known children's entertainer, to speak about Raffi's Centre for Child Honouring, which is now his mission in life. (For more info on that, check out: www.raffinews.com).

I get to choose the music, and since I seem to be locked into a 70s time tunnel, there's a lot of Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and Elvin Bishop. Early Stones, too.

i welcome ideas for the show. Yes, i could talk about real estate, after 20 years in the biz, but I wanted to try to share all the interesting stories out there, with the very dynamic and creative people who have landed on Salt Spring, seemingly by accident.

There are no accidents, though, right?

Hope you'll tune in, and Mark and I continue to evolve our style, while the station itself "grows". Third program coming up this Monday, 7 to 9 in the morning!