Salt Spring Island, BC

The RAR regulation (Riparian issues), brought into law at the provincial government level, and left to municipalities to further interpret, in their individual areas, is causing an opinion divide on Salt Spring.

It appears that the Trust on Salt Spring is extending their current development permit area bylaw, re preservation of fish habitat, to cover approximately 60% of the Island.

Please make sure you're informed as to what the local trust committee is proposing, what impact this may have on your particular property, and what the costs will be to you re development of your property should it fall within the boundaries of this newly expanded DPA (development permit area).

It's simply about information and understanding.

In this election year (civic election in the Fall), are the current trustees rushing this into law, without full and transparent explanation?

(These are the same trustees who espoused the "precautionary principle": take time, do nothing if uncertain of outcomes, in case the outcome is disastrous...this principle was meant to apply in a research lab, where microbes in the search for disease antidotes might conceivably get out of control. These trustees applied this scientific concept to land use issues).

Now, however, they appear to be rushing this DPA restrictive measure through, without real public presentation/discussion. The posting of a daytime meeting in the Trust office, where it would only be seen if one happened to go into the Trust office for some other reason, and discover it posted on the bulletin board there, is not good enough re disclosure.

Salt Spring Islanders are environmentally aware, and that's why most people choose to live here. Fish habitats are important to all Islanders.

The issue is simply that the local trustees have not presented their RAR interpretation clearly. As a property owner, it's essential that you understand the ramifications of what is proposed (and what is almost law), and that you understand the potential costs to you. As a property buyer, same thing: it's about information, clearly presented and transparent to the public.

This is important...apathy is no excuse.

Check it out, and be informed!

Press Release.

Happy Valentine’s Day with a twist…

Have you Hugged Your Realtor today.

On a day like today, where “love” is in the air, and we share our appreciation for those that improve our lives and wellbeing in some way, my question to you is……

Have you Hugged Your Realtor today?

I was reminded about this very question by a fellow Realtor and great colleague on beautiful Salt Spring Island BC, Canada between Vancouver Island and the BC Lower mainland. This fellow Realtor wrote a very inspiring story that you can read here on her “Active Rain Blog”.

Her name is Li Read, and I have never actually met Li, but from her Blogging, writing and sharing at http://activerain.com/blogs/liread I feel that I not only know Li, I know so much about her love for her community, her Island and her passion for working very hard to be a positive influence with every one she works with (in and outside of Real Estate.

In many ways Li is a true role model for us Realtors, and I am sure, None Realtors everywhere. Her efforts to improve the lives of her clients, her Island and her community are very well documented in each and every blog, picture and story. I am sure that if you took a moment time to visit Li on Salt Spring Island by way of her website or blog you will agree with us that Li is not your average person, and that she is one to deserve a big hug from all of us, when you do, say hi for us as well.

If you are unable to Say Hi to Li, be sure to give your own Realtor a call, send them an email or visit their office or website and just say thanks for being my Realtor…… they will love you forever.

For any questions about this press release

Peter and Linda Pfann
Realtors @ Cornerstone Properties Ltd.
Victoria, BC Canada
Web. www.pfanntastic.com
Blog : www.victoriasm.com
Email info@pfanntastic.com
Phone : 250 213 9490

January 18, 2011...

Canadian Bank Prime rate is currently 3.00%.

TD Canada Trust is offering 3.35% APR on a 1 year fixed closed mortgage.

The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) was up 119.09 points closing at 13,559.20.

Canadian dollar exchange rate dropped today 58 basis points to 100.72 USD*.

"If you throw yourself into the adventure of life, you get something out of it"... a remark, in passing, by an artist.

Keeping that in mind, give yourself a treat, and wander our amazing galleries in Ganges Village: Steffich Fine Art Gallery, Gallery 8, Starfish Gallery, Pegasus Gallery, Jill Louise Campbell Gallery, Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art.

The walls of coffee houses and restaurants also showcase artistic expression: Cafe Talia, TJ Beans, Salt Spring Roasting Company, Harbour House Hotel, Calvin's Bistro, Bocados Bistro.

Don't overlook the presentations at ArtSpring: Gallery and Lobby, both.

Rock Salt Cafe at the "south end" also showcases art, as does Frankly Scarlet in Ganges.

In the "summer season", ArtCraft at Mahon Hall is in session!

We haven't even mentioned the home studios...endlessly inspiring!

How lucky we are, on special Salt Spring Island!

Enjoy your exploring, of the artistic vision....

As Picasso promised: "Art washes the dust from one's Soul".

"Celebrating the good life on Salt Spring!" is the header on the ads for this weekend's Salt Spring Jazz Fest! Lots to enjoy! Great musicians, food, and wine -- 8 concerts, 3 feature venues. Mistaken Identity Vineyards, Salt Spring Island Cheese, Salt Spring Vineyards. Plus, 13 exciting shows at 7 local pubs and eateries. Aug 13 to 15: check the website for exact times, specific locations, who's playing where and when (www.saltspringjazzfest.org). Weekend passes available! Wow...such talent! Don't miss this annual event.

Photosynthesis opens with a reception on Aug 18th, 5 to 7:30 p.m., at ArtSpring, and the show runs to Sept 7th. This is the 10th year of this exceptional photography show, and there will be 24 photographers showcasing their work. Lucky us!

Julia Luccich's This and That show opens today, at ArtSpring, and there's a reception on Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. The reception will include wine from Gallery 8's new label. Be inspired by Julia's evocative and whimsical paintings!

Do not miss the Diana Dean show at Starfish Gallery...delve into the artist's development over the past 30 years, up to and including a newly finished master work. Show runs to Sept 6th. Exceptional!

Treehouse continues with its 111 days of live music: tonight it's Chamigos, Friday enjoy the amazing Planet Music, Saturday be sure to catch the so talented Darryl Chonka, and Sunday close out the Jazz fest with El Jose's Cuban Dance Party! Wow!

ArtCraft's showcase work is M.D. Hennessy, SOULS. Opening reception Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., with ArtCraft open daily, 10 to 5, in Mahon Hall.

Gallery 8's Exhibition features JD Evans and Bob Leatherbarrow, Aug 13 to Sept 4th, with an opening reception 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday. Inspiring!

ArtSpring's feature till Aug 15th is the Sibling Revelry show -- two brother and sister teams showcasing the creativity that clearly runs through this family tree! Enjoy!

Fiddleworks 11th Annual Fiddle Camp is underway from Aug 16 to 20, with an instructors Showcase Concert, at ArtSpring, 7:30 p.m. It features 11 of North America's Top Folk Musicians!

Harbour House Hotel's music lineup, this weekend: Friday it's Cecile LaRochelle and Co., part of Jazz Fest, Saurday it's Sweetwater and Co., more Jazz Fest, and Sunday it's the superb Flora Scott Trio (again, a Jazz Fest offering). Remember, Aug 20th, welcome the Shag Harbour Band!

So much more....Saturday Market in the Park, Ganges Galleries all open (Steffich Fine Art, Gallery 8, Starfish, Pegasus, Jill Louise Campbell, Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art), coffee spots showcasing painters and photographers, home studios all open to welcome you...

Summer on Salt Spring! The place to be!