Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia
British Columbia's Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast communities are drawing more and more people who want a piece of the stunning physical beauty, gentle climate, and rural charm. Steadily increasing demand for land in these areas is resulting in higher property values and taxes. More development also means more pressure on sensitive island ecosystems that are frequently home to rare and endangered species.
The Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Program (NAPTEP) is a property tax incentive program designed to encourage landowners to protect the natural features of their land. Launched by the Islands Trust and the Islands Trust Fund in 2005, NAPTEP got a facelift in early 2008 in response to landowner feedback. I encourage all island landowners in the Southern Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast to take a fresh look at NAPTEP today!
The program currently operates in the Galiano, Gambier, Mayne, North and South Pender, Saturna and Salt Spring Island local trust areas and may expand to other parts of the trust area as regional districts agree to become partners. It provides landowners who permanently protect natural features of their land with the opportunity to receive a 65% exemption in property taxes on the protected portion of their land.
Eligible Lands and Features
To qualify for NAPTEP a landowner must be willing to permanently protect, through a NAPTEP conservation covenant, one or more of the eligible features on their property. Eligible features include:
There are no minimum or maximum lot size requirements. However, the program may not be beneficial for small properties with a low assessed value. Each situation is unique based on a landowner's personal tax circumstances. Properties must be classified as "residential" by BC Assessment to qualify for the program.
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ http://www.homesonpender.com/
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
Another one of my random photos from my Pender Island/African Photos page. Here we have the Pender Island Highlanders performing for the Canada Day celebration. In the background you will also see our island RCMP officer dressed in full regalia for the occasion.
It is so great to live in a small community like the one here on Pender. Celebrations like Canada Day take on a whole different meaning when you gather with a group of friends to take some time off and enjoy each others' company -- rather than running off to the mall to get some shopping in on a statuatory holiday. (Not that we don't sometimes take a day to go off island and get some errands accomplished -- I just find that I take more easy days here on Pender than I did in my "previous life.")
Although February is sadly void of statuatory holidays, there are lots of things going on in this last full month of winter. Here is a sampling of this week's happenings:
Monday, Feb 18
10:00am - Art Society Colour Workshop at the Anglican Parish Hall
Thursday, Feb 21
2:00pm - African Aids Angels angel-making workshop to 4pm
7:30pm - Film Night at the Community Hall presents Sharkwater - debunks historical stereotypes and media depictions of sharks as bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters and reveals the reality of sharks as pillars in the evolution of the seas.
Friday, Feb 22
6:30pm - Valentine's Set Menu at Pistou Grill. Chef Pierre's annual tradition had to be postponed this year due to illness. (See my previous post for details on the menu.) Also on Saturday, Feb 23. 6:30 cocktails, 7:00 dinner.
Saturday, Feb 23 & Sunday Feb 24
10:00am - Pender Island Children's Festival. Last year's festival was such a hit that they're back again this year for 2 days of family fun on Saturday from 10-4 and Sunday from 12-4. This year's theme is Under the Sea. Saturday activities include a pancake breakfast, music, dance, drums, storytelling, games, crafts, fun science and Spilt Milk Comedy Theatre from Victoria, BC.
On Sunday, enjoy children's entertainer Rick Scott, a closing dance party with DJ Doc Watson, pizza and prizes! Free admission -- donations gratefully accepted.
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
There is a good inventory of homes and building lots for sale on Pender right now, with new homes and lots being added everyday. If you have been watching the Pender housing market for a while, now may be the perfect time for you to come over an take a tour!
Whether you are looking for a affordable building lot for your future dreams, or an oceanfront home with beach access and mooring for your boat, I can help you find the perfect property to make your Pender dream a reality.
Have a look at my website, and check out my Pender listings. You can see more homes for sale by checking out my office's listings.
When you are ready, contact me to set up an appointment. I love to tour people around our beautiful island, and show them why my family have decided to call Pender Island, BC home!
A quick update on what I've been up to in 2008:
SOLD - January 2008
1450 sq ft westcoast style home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Modern open-plan -- bright kitchen, tile & wood floors throughout, 4 skylights, airtight woodstove. HUGE double car garage and second 1-1/2 car garage! Sunny corner lot near beach access, marina & park. Relax in the hot tub on the giant deck or start a new hobby...the possibilities are endless! Suite potential.
SOLD - February 2008
Newly built custom 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house on large, sunny lot with ocean glimpses. This level entry home boasts quality finishing, indoor and out. Features include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, propane fireplaces and custom rock work around front gardens. Large family room, office and storage room on lower level. Relax in the hot tub on the lower patio or enjoy evenings on the 240 sq.ft. deck and watch the ferries go by.
Now it's your turn. Don't let another listing slip through your fingers!
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.homesonpender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
As a proud member of the Dockside Realty team here on Pender Island, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the newest member of our extended family: Bev Gerry of Island Explorer Property Management.
Are you looking for a short or long term rental on Pender Island or elsewhere in the Southern Gulf Islands?
Island Explorer Property Management (IEPM) is a fully licenced and bonded property management company serving the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada.
IEPM offers a large inventory of short to long-term rentals on SaltSpring, North and South Pender, Galiano, Mayne, Thetis and Lasqueti. Depending on the property, your stay can be as short as two days, or as long as one year.
Properties range from rustic cottages in the woods offering privacy with peaceful, natural surroundings, to luxury executive homes providing all the conveniences; hot tubs, views or waterfront locations. Family homes, historic farmhouses and secluded acreages are just some of what IEPM has to offer. Artists, writers or parents with youngsters will all find the perfect vacation spots -- ask about their wheelchair accessible homes!
Bev Gerry has an excellent record of professional service and proven results. Whether you have an island home you wish to rent, or are looking for the perfect place to stay on Pender or elsewhere in the Southern Gulf Islands, email or call Bev at 1-800-774-1417 to discuss your rental property needs!
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For more information regarding buying or selling Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.homesonpender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender
The Otter Bay ferry dock on Pender Island will be closed on Tuesday, January 8th (after the 7:20 sailing to Vancouver and the 7:45am sailing to Victoria) until the end of the day on Thursday, January 10th in order for repairs to be made to one of the dock’s aprons. The terminal is scheduled to re-open on January 11th for the arrival of the ferry from Vancouver at 7:05am. Check www.bcferries.com or call 1-888-223-3779 for up-to-date schedule information.
BC Ferries will be operating a foot passenger service via water taxi from Otter Bay Marina to the government dock at Swartz Bay (Victoria). Free parking at Swartz Bay for Pender Island vehicles will also be available.
The water taxi schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, January 8th:
Leave Otter Bay Marina
Leave Swartz Bay (Victoria) Government Dock
Wednesday, January 9th and Thursday, January 10th:
Leave Otter Bay Marina
Leave Swartz Bay (Victoria) Government Dock
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Properties and homes for sale on Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada. Listings include Pender Island real estate, Gulf Island waterfront properties and Vancouver Island homes.
Real Estate is about more than just buying and selling houses, it is about serving the people who live inside those homes as well as those looking for the perfect property to complement their dreams. I have worked in the service industry for most of my life so understand and embrace this concept.
Before coming to Canada from the U.K in 1994, I was a licensed safari guide working in Zambia, Kenya and South Africa. Since then I have traveled extensively, and lead many groups on "Around the World" tours enhancing my clients experiences based on their individual needs.
I moved to Pender Island in 2003 with my wife, Theresa, and we loved the island and its lifestyle from the very first day. If you live on island, you may have seen us walking our Dalmatian, Pongo, in the Magic Lake area. Next time you see us, please stop and have a chat! Pongo loves to meet people...
As your local Pender Island REALTOR® I am looking forward to getting to know more of you, and am committed to providing my services in a professional, friendly and honest manner that you can completely rely on.
Please email me, or come and see me at the Dockside Realty office in Historic Hope Bay, Pender Island, BC. See how I can help you negotiate one of lifes most important decisions with a dedicated professional by your side.
Are you interested in buying or selling property on Pender Island or in the Southern Gulf Islands area? My site and services are geared to help you buy or sell:
An area of the real estate business I am keen to focus on in future is the ecology of real estate, sometimes known as Green Realty. Many of us want to improve the energy efficiency of our homes or use sustainable materials in their construction. Some buyers are interested in island homes that already have these features, others would like to increase the value of their property and save money by adding them. It is an area of the business that is becoming increasingly relevant. As a complementary addition to my real estate business I am dedicated to increasing my knowledge of this subject through professional accreditations in order to serve our community better.
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