Advent - Day 3

Today, Randi and I took the Foreclosure and Court Ordered Sales course that is offered as a continuing professional education course through the BCREA.  Satnam Sidhu gave a dynamic presentation on this difficult subject and lots of insights into some very complicated real estate matters.
If you're interested in knowing your credit score, once a year you can go to Equifax and get it for free.

'Tis the Season

     It's holiday time, and there seems to be no better way to celebrate than giving back...  We love this community we live in so we are spreading the joy this holiday season...  On behalf of our clients we've been busy filling donations for a couple of  Christmas Good Samaritan boxes...  In our creative life we've been busy making donations for  the fundraiser for the Gabriola Elementary School, as well as cookies for the famous cookie walk.  In hopes to bring one of our clients a fabulous Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, we purchased raffle tickets for all of our clients actively listed for sales - names, and even if they don't win - there is a silver lining that all the funding goes to the school.  December 1st will mark the convoy of lit up fire trucks that will make there way collecting food & toy donations for PHC and families here on the island and we'll be in the support vehicle collecting the totes - so we hope to see you out there!  Being passionate about gardening, but never having enought time, we've also put together a donation for our friends at the Gabriola Garden Club - as many of the gardens we all get to enjoy.  This community is amazing - thanks Gabriola for all your support throughout the year, and for all you do to make this home!

10 Most Commonly Asked Mortgage Questions - Week 3

In week three of our series on the 10 most commonly asked mortgage questions this week we look at fixed vs. variable mortgages & credit scores. The blog is written by our guest blogger, John Eivindson, from Dominion lending, who services Gabriola, and has provided a wealth of information on lending practices.

Should I go with a fixed- or variable-rate mortgage?


     The answer to this question depends on your personal risk tolerance. If, for instance, you’re a first-time homebuyer and/or you have a set budget that you can comfortably spend on your mortgage, it’s smart to lock into a fixed mortgage with predictable payments over a specific period of time. If, however, your financial situation can handle the fluctuations of a variable-rate mortgage, this may save you some money over the long run. Another option is to opt for a variable rate, but make payments based on what you would have paid if you selected a fixed rate. Finally, there are also 50/50 mortgage options that enable you to split your mortgage into both fixed and variable portions.



What credit score do I need to qualify?

     Generally speaking, you’re a prime candidate for a mortgage if your credit score is 680 and above. The higher you can get above 700 the better, as you will qualify for the lowest rates. These days almost anyone can obtain a mortgage, but the key for those with lower credit scores is the size of the down payment. If you have a sufficient down payment, you can reduce the risk to the lender providing you with the mortgage. Statistics show that default rates on mortgages decline as the down payment increases.


What happens if my credit score isn’t great?

     There are several things you can do to boost your credit fairly quickly. Following are five steps you can use to help attain a speedy credit score boost: 1) Pay down credit cards. The number one way to increase your credit score is to pay down your credit cards so they’re below 70% of your limits. Revolving credit like credit cards seems to have a more significant impact on credit scores than car loans, lines of credit, and so on. 2) Limit the use of credit cards. Racking up a large amount and then paying it off in monthly instalments can hurt your credit score. If there is a balance at the end of the month, this affects your score – credit formulas don’t take into account the fact that you may have paid the balance off the next month. 3) Check credit limits. If your lender is slower at reporting monthly transactions, this can have a significant impact on how other lenders view your file. Ensure everything’s up to date as old bills that have been paid can come back to haunt you. Some financial institutions don’t even report your maximum limits. As such, the credit bureau is left to only use the balance that’s on hand. The problem is, if you consistently charge the same amount each month – say $1,000 to $1,500 – it may appear to the credit-scoring agencies that you’re regularly maxing out your cards. The best bet is to pay your balances down or off before your statement periods close. 4) Keep old cards. Older credit is better credit. If you stop using older credit cards, the issuers may stop updating your accounts. As such, the cards can lose their weight in the credit formula and, therefore, may not be as valuable – even though you have had the cards for a long time. Use these cards periodically and then pay them off. 5) Don’t let mistakes build up. Always dispute any mistakes or situations that may harm your score. If, for instance, a cell phone bill is incorrect and the company will not amend it, you can dispute this by making the credit bureau aware of the situation.

Gabriola Real Estate Testemonial

From time to time we receive feedback from our clients on the service we as the Lynch's provide to Buyers & Sellers on Gabriola.  Here's an email we recieved from a client who said we could pass it along...

Three years after I bought my land at 1046 Harrison Way in Nov. 2008, I was still benefitting from the expertise and thoroughness of having dealt with the Lynch's as realtors.  They gave me so many important papers, things I did not, at the time, realize I would need.  Most recently, after purchasing a mobile home from Gordon's Homes, the Regional District of Nanaimo insisted more than a year later that they must see the proper Letter of Certification re: the septic system.  Luckily the Lynch's had providied that with the sales file.  in fact I seem to recall it was an item they were insisting must be completed before my purchase was finalized.  I did not understand why it was important at the time, but it certainly was. ...

A. Torchia

We are always greatful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful clients!

10 Most Commonly Asked Mortgage Questions - Week 2

In continuing with our series on the 10 most commonly asked mortgage questions this week we look at down payments & qualifying.  The blog is written by our guest blogger, John Eivindson, from Dominion lending, who services Gabriola, and has provided a wealth of information on lending practices.

How much money do I need for a down payment?


     The minimum down payment required is 5% of the purchase price of the home. And in order to avoid paying mortgage default insurance, you need to have at least a 20% down payment.


What happens if I don’t have the full down payment amount?

     There are programs available that enable you to use other forms of down payment, such as from your RRSPs, a cash-back product, or a gift.


What will a lender look at when qualifying me for a mortgage?

     Most lenders look at five factors when determining whether you qualify for a mortgage: 1. Income; 2. Debts; 3. Employment History; 4. Credit history; and 5. Value of the Property you wish to purchase. One of the first things a lender will consider is how much of your total income you’ll be spending on housing. This helps the lender decide whether you can comfortably afford a house. A lender will then look at your debts, which generally include monthly house payments as well as payments on all loans, credit cards, child support, etc. A history of steady employment, usually within the same job for several years, helps you qualify. But a short history in your current job shouldn’t prevent you from getting a mortgage, as long as there have been no gaps in income over the past two years. Good credit is also very important in qualifying for a mortgage. The lender will also want to know that the house is worth the price you plan to pay.

10 Most Commonly asked Mortgage Questions

     As REALTORs we are always looking to provide our clients with questions to answers they may have in regards to all aspects of a real estate purchase.  On Gabriola we had the opportunity to have Dominion lending come in to one of our meetings, who provided a wealth of information on lending practices.  As a result we've asked them to be a guest blogger over the next few weeks, where they'll answer the 10 Most Commonly asked Mortgage Questions... 

What’s the best rate I can get?


     Your credit score plays a big part in the interest rate for which you will qualify, as the riskier you appear as a borrower, the higher your rate will be. Rate is definitely not the most important aspect of a mortgage, however, as many rock-bottom rates often come from no frills mortgage products. In other words, even if you qualify for the lowest rate, you often have to give up other things such as prepayments and porting privileges when opting for the lowest-rate product.



What’s the maximum mortgage amount for which I can qualify?

    To determine the amount for which you will qualify, there are two calculations you’ll need to complete. The first is your Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio. GDS looks at your proposed new housing costs (mortgage payments, taxes, heating costs and 50% of strata/condo fees, if applicable). Generally speaking, this amount should be no more than 32% of your gross monthly income. For example, if your gross monthly income is $4,000, you should not be spending more than $1,280 in monthly housing expenses. Second, you will need to calculate your Total Debt Service (TDS) ratio. The TDS ratio measures your total debt obligations (including housing costs, loans, car payments and credit card bills). Generally speaking, your TDS ratio should be no more than 40% of your gross monthly income. Keep in mind that these numbers are prescribed maximums and that you should strive for lower ratios for a more affordable lifestyle. Before falling in love with a potential new home, you may want to obtain a pre-approved mortgage. This will help you stay within your price range and spend your time looking at homes you can reasonably afford.

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There is magic on this Island!

Some magic may happen in nature, while other moments are created by the people that live here. You'd have a difficult time finding a home like this in most settings, and the attention to detail and the ability to engage with one's playful side allows creativity to be limitless. A 30 ft cedar tree with the bark beautifully removed to reveal it's smooth surface is an amazing feature in any home. The creator of this home, situated at 3259 South Road Gabriola, went further into her creativity and created this magical "home" in the opening at the bottom of the tree, windows and doors for a trolls home have been craftily created and lead one to wonder about the secret life of the troll that might live there. Come and live a creative life on this stunning island.

Open House | 155 McConvey

155 McConvey - Open House
Sunday, June 27th

12:00 - 3:00 pm

Come join us this weekend for your opportunity to see this beautiful home situated on south facing waterfront lot overlooking a reef in one of the prime locations on Gabriola. The home is a fabulous master piece built by Chelsom Construction, a well known Gabriola builder. Located on a no thru road it is close to all amenities such as the village shopping, ferry and some of Gabriola's most fantastic beaches, including its own shoreline from where fishing, kayaking or scuba diving can be a daily treat. A long covered sundeck spans the entire length with double doors from the bright and open concept new kitchen, living and dining room. With granite counter tops and wood flooring, the home has an elegant, yet cozy and comfortable feel to it. The great room has a propane fireplace for cozy evenings and the additional room with ensuite could be an ideal bedroom or perhaps a games room. Hot tub on deck & 3 additional bedrooms up (+bonus room), all with ocean views. Double car garage, fenced & landscaped.

If you're unable to make the open house but would like a private viewing appointment, call Randi, Jennifer or Tina LYNCH, Coast Realty Group (Gabriola Village) Ltd. toll free at #1.877.422.8455 250.247.2088 by email at: Lynch@DiscoverGabriola.com or visit us online at: www.DiscoverGabriola.com

Gabriola's Newest Website...

We are thrilled to announce that we’ve just launched http://www.gabriolaislandwaterfront.ca/ . Gabriola’s premiere market place for waterfront & ocean view properties offering a fusion of listings, a lifestyle & community blog as well as up to date information to keep your calendar full.

Come Discover… Come Play… Come Live…

Surrounded by sparkling blue waters and sheltered by the neighboring islands, Gabriola is a heavenly place for kayakers, sailors and fishing enthusiasts. With approximately 45 km of rocky & sandy shoreline it offers a great place to explore coves, beach comb or simply relax with a gourmet beach picnic and ocean dip at Olebar Point, this island caters to everyone’s whim.

Have a look around our new site, get to know a bit more about Gabriola, and call us anytime to discover why others have chosen this unparalleled island, as a place to call home!

New Mortgage Rules in Canada

In light of the recent announcement concerning Canada bringing in new mortgage rules, we thought we would highlight some of the changes.

The rule changes, which come into force on 19 April, will require borrowers have the resources to qualify for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage even if they decide on a lower-cost variable mortgage. With interest rates near an all time low, this pro-active measure is designed to prevent the kind of problems that caused the US housing market to collapse.

The government will also lower max. amounts that can be withdrawn when the borrowers re-finance mortgages, ensuring that equity is kept in the home. The max. will now be 90 per cent of the value of the home, down from 95 percent.

The third rule change was that there will also be a requirement for a min. down payment of 20per cent for insured mortgages tied to properties purchased as speculative housing investment and not occupied by the home buyer.

If your contemplating purchasing a home on Gabriola, you may want to speak to your bank or mortgage broker, to see how these changes may affect you!

Clients & Friendships

When you live on an island that centers on community, it seems only natural for clients to turn into lifelong friends. I’ve experienced this several times during my Real Estate career and I’m so thankful that this is one of the benefits.

One of my first sales was to a family from the United States, buying a vacation home on Gabriola. Over the years, they have become our extended family. My husband, kids and I just went down to visit them in California and had an amazing 10 day dream vacation.

I know that it sometimes can be difficult to mix friendships and business, but this was just a reminder to me that there is always a way to make things work and I’m so glad that we did as it’s a huge gift to have this family in our lives. (submitted by: Tina Lynch)

Eco-Friendly Home Staging

The art of home selling is very much predicated upon home staging and making your home attractive to prospective buyers. Eco-friendly home improvement is all the rage right now and staying above the trend makes your home even more appealing to the next generation of house hunters, especially first-time home buyers. There are various eco-friendly home improvements that anyone can do to get your home ready for showing on the market. Here are three eco-friendly lighting renovations that will exponentially increase the appeal of your home.

Energy Star Lighting:

By using energy efficient fixtures and light bulbs, you can help cut down on the monthly electric bill while also helping preserve the environment. Many potential buyers will appreciate the fact that the home they are considering has their environmental concerns in mind. Plus who doesn’t like saving a little money on their utility bills? Environmentally conscious consumers are now looking for the Energy Star logo when purchasing their lighting. According to ENERGY STAR, in 2008, Americans were able to save $19 billion on their utility bills by using ENERGY STAR compliant products. ENERGY STAR estimates that "families can save about a third on their energy bill without sacrificing style or comfort." ENERGY STAR compliant fluorescent fixtures use 75% less energy than incandescent fixtures. They are also cooler and last on average, about 9 years. This doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style; many Energy Star compliant lighting fixtures are incredible modern and chic looking. However, it’s the concept behind these fixtures that is entirely futuristic.

Eco-Friendly Outdoor Lighting:

Showing your home at night is much more common than it seems considering that many prospective buyers have to work during the day and are only available at night. Because of this, exterior lighting is a nice touch that will increase a prospective buyer's sense of security, while simultaneously adding aesthetic value to the house. As far as eco-friendly options go, look for Energy Star qualified fixtures and save big. Offering everything from fluorescent wall lanterns, post lanterns and illuminating address lights, to solar LED path lighting and deck lighting - your eco-friendly outdoor lighting options are endless. Solar spot lighting is probably the most eco-friendly method to adding nice light to your walkway or garden. Lighting that highlights a flower-lined walkway definitely induces that quaint, welcoming sense that you will want to instill in your prospective buyer. Be sure to let your client know about the eco-friendly additions to your curbside décor.

LED Pendant Lights:

A new home décor trend that we are seeing is the new-found popularity of LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights. Truly, they are extremely energy efficient, especially when compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. In fact, LED lights can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 hours vs. incandescents which are good for about 10,000 hours on average. Additionally, LEDs burn very cool, unlike incandescent bulbs, which emit about 98 percent of their energy as heat. The addition of a few nice LED Pendant Lights can work wonders for your house. Surprisingly, they work best in a kitchen setting, usually above a kitchen island to add a nice centerpiece to one of the most important areas of the home.

Submitted by: CSN Lighting visit their website at http://www.csnlighting.com/

Coast Realty Group on the BC Ferries

Beginning this month, passengers on BC Ferries Coastal Renaissance will be able to view properties listed with Coast Realty Group during their 95 minute crossing between Nanaimo and Horseshoe Bay.

In partnership with Tourism Nanaimo and Vancouver Island University, the tourism desk of the new ferry will feature a direct link to properties listed on http://www.coastrealty.com/ and information about Coast Realty Group’s 14 offices serving Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Vancouver Island University tourism students, who staff the desk, expect to greet 30,000 passengers from May to September on four daily crossings, seven days a week.

Jennifer Lynch, Manager of Coast Realty Group (Gabriola Village) Ltd., said, “with a healthy listing inventory coupled with near record low interest rates , we expect that the Spring market will continue through the Summer. With a large percentage of our buyers coming from out of town, marketing programs such as the partnership with Tourism Nanaimo on the BC Ferries is a great service to our clients and compliments other corporate marketing efforts such as video marketing presentations at Comox Airport (YQQ).”

Coats Marsh Regional Park to officially open on May 22

Clyde Coats' former family property will officially open to the public as Coats Marsh Regional Park on May 22nd. The ceremony begins at 11:15 am on May 22, at the Aiden Road entrance to the park located off of Coats Road. The new Regional Park is a 45.7 hectare parcel of wetlands and forest and is protected in a partnership between The Nature Trust of British Columbia, the Regional District of Nanaimo, and the BC Trust for Public Lands.

"Conservation is of great importance to residents of the Regional District of Nanaimo," said Larry McNabb, Chair of the Regional Parks and Trails Advisory Committee. "We are looking forward to the opening ceremony, and we are tremendously grateful to Mr. Coats for the opportunity to care for this property and manage it as a Regional Park."

Coats Marsh Regional Park features a wetland and stands of rare coastal Douglas fir. Two creeks run through the property and eventually connect to Hoggan Lake. The land also kitty corners the 707 Acre Community Park, owned and managed by the Regional District of Nanaimo.

"By protecting this unique property we have taken a tremendous step in establishing a large protected area on Gabriola Island that contains rare plant species and provides habitat for numerous wildlife," said Doug Walker, Chief Executive Officer of The Nature Trust of B.C. "At the same time, this acquisition will provide the people of the Regional District of Nanaimo, in particular Gabriola Islanders, with the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of this ecological gem in their community." With the acquisition of the former Coats lands, the RDN now has 2016 hectares (1,769 acres) of regional parkland, including two campgrounds, nine day-use parks, and seven trails. The RDN manages more than 160 community parks, including the 707 Acre Community Park adjoining the former Coats property.

The Nature Trust of British Columbia is a leader in protecting BC's natural diversity of plants and animals through the acquisition and conservation of critical habitats and other areas of ecological significance. Through partnerships like the Coats Land Acquisition, The Nature Trust has invested more than $63 million to secure more than 61,000 hectares (150,000 acres) of critical habitat throughout British Columbia. (www.naturetrust.bc.ca)

Ever considered living next door to a conservation area... There is a gorgeous 5 acre property located at 1040 Coats Drive, which is currently listed for sale, additional details can be found at: http://www.discovergabriola.com/index.php?page=2&id=49 .

A perfect 10… Coast Realty Group (Gabriola Village) Ltd. celebrates a 10 year milestone.

We are excited to celebrate Coast Realty Group (Gabriola Village) Ltd. 10th year anniversary on 1 May 2009. A company based on “People. Above All,” the company has grown over the years to include 13 Realtors® & our 2 amazing support staff.

As the Realtors in the office are fortunate to live and work in this community, there is a strong sense of pride and recognition of the Quality of Life that Gabriola offers. Coast Realty has very much enjoyed the opportunity to serving the island, and has been active in the community, from it’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, youth softball, to sponsorships which help put on events such as the Dancing Man Festival, Concert on the Green, Home & Garden and so much more….

Having worked for this dynamic company for the past 10 years, we feel very fortunate to have met and had the opportunity to work with some amazingly talented people both in the office & the new neighbors who have allowed us the opportunity to help them relocate.

Home Inspectors to be licensed in BC

In January, the BC government announced that as of the 31 March 2009, home inspectors will need to be licensed. BC is the first province in Canada to license home inspectors to better protect buyers & ensure qualified inspections.

Currently, a home inspector training is voluntary thus leading to different levels of training and qualifications.

After consultation from consumers and the industry the province opted for licensing under the Business Practices & Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) – this will help home buyers on Gabriola and throughout BC, to ensure that the person doing the inspection has the qualifications to make a professional assessment. It will also offer home inspectors the backing of a professional organization to help ensure that the home inspector follows their standards of practices & codes of ethics.

The BPCPA will protect the buyer’s interest by:
· Assessing the qualifications of & requiring mandatory licenses for home inspectors.
· Receiving & responding to complaints from consumers.
· Monitoring compliance through inspection & enforcement, with penalties.

In order to find out if a home inspector is licensed ask a home inspector to show you a current license issued by the BPCPA. Or check the website at: www.bpcpa.ca to verify that your home inspector is licensed.

Additional information on the licensing of Home Inspectors is available online at the Business Practices & Consumers Protection Authority Website at: www.bpcpa.ca .

Greening your Title

Kate Emmings of the Islands Trust Fund was on Gabriola this weekend, to provide information on, “The Natural Area Protection Tax Exemption Program,” which offers an incentive for island landowners to protect natural & geological features of your property while reducing taxes.

Through the program NAPTEP, an island landowner can receive up to 65% property tax exemption on the portion of land of their property which is protected through covenants.

Properties that are eligible may include; relatively undisturbed natural area that is a good example of an important ecosystem, important natural area that provides key habitat to rare native plant or animal species, or naturally occurring special geological features.

A conservation covenant is an agreement between the landowner and conservancy group, in this case the Islands Trust Fund, which sets out specific restrictions or requirements that the landowner will uphold to ensure conservation of the covenanted portion of the land forever. Because these covenants are registered on title, they will be passed along to future homeowners in perpetuity, so once you’re in the program, there is no turning back.

On the Islands Trust Fund website at: http://www.islandstrustfund.bc.ca/, one can obtain information on the program, along with an application guide to calculating some of the costs & benefits of the program. The application deadline is 1 April 2009, in order to see possible property tax relief in 2010.

***There may be legal & potential tax implications – so each applicant is advised to seek independent legal & accounting advice.

Relocating Homes

Over the years several homes to Gabriola have come as reclaimed homes from various areas. As real estate values have soared in parts of the Province, the land value is so great in some cases that it affords home owners the opportunity to build new. But with all the “green” and recycling initiatives, the idea of relocating homes, instead of demolishing them, has had a strong appeal.

Many of our relocated homes to the island have come from the mainland, via a barge, allowing a home to be relocated a greater distance than by trucking it. It’s quite the site to see from the shores of the island, a home floating past, and coming into Descanso Bay, where it is then put on a truck and delivered to a property, usually in the middle of the night.

The T&T property which was recently sold, had a home on the property that effected the development potential of the property, but instead of demolishing the home, the owners took care to have the home relocated. The new owners of the home, are very excited about the opportunity to keep some of the islands heritage. The “character” home, that many of us drove past on a daily basis without much notice, is believed to have been constructed circa the 1940’s and from long time islanders, the folklore goes that it served as the post office between 1943 to the early 1950’s. The new owners, even discovered a door in the home, that one time served as a drive-thru for the post office! It has been private residence since then to a couple of long time island families, and now is being moved on the island to a new site, where it will be renovated. It’s great to see that more of Gabriola’s heritage is being preserved! (If anyone has more history on this particular home, could you please email us with the details- we love the heritage stories.)

There are several home listings from Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver down to the US of homes for sale to be relocated. Nickel Brothers, is one of the moving companies of homes, have a wonderful website offering information on current stock, frequently asked questions, to process and so much more, check them out at: http://www.nickelbros.com/ .

Madrona Marketplace - New Retail Development

Intrascape Developments is pleased to offer an opportunity to lease retail premises in the village of Gabriola Island at Madrona Marketplace - East. This will be Gabriola Island's newest retail development at 520 North Road. Madrona Marketplace - East (Phase 2) will include six units ranging from 1000 sqft to 2600 sqft, with potential of combining units for custom sizes and will be available for occupancy in the Fall of 2009. Phase 1 will be located on the property's east end at the juncture between North & South Road. Phase two of Madrona Marketplace will feature an additional 21,500 square feet of retail space ranging from 1000 square feet to 6,000 square feet in 12 units. Madrona Marketplace East & West will stand as the centerpiece of the North & South Road confluence, evolving as Gabriola Island's newly defined vibrant ton center.

Set in a phenomenal location, will stand this contemporary, West Coast development that will provide a special opportunity for a select group of retailers to serve the needs of a growing local population, tourists, visitors and workers alike in a stunning development. In return Gabriola will benefit from increased services and a dynamic, exciting and professional retail acumen. Madrona Marketplace will feature West Coast architecture using natural materials and colors, aside pedestrian friendly covered walkways, arbours and a center courtyard that will serve as a point of gathering, shopping and community pride.

When completed, Madrona Marketplace East & West will be home to more than 33,000 square feet of unique retail space. For additional information on this exciting retail opportunity contact Chris Hock of Intrascape Developments at #250.739.0330.

Gabriola │Social Media

I have just returned from Banff Western Connections Real Estate conference which centered around new trends & technology. During one of the sessions I started thinking about Gabriola and the many forms of social media that we use in our community.

Facebook is a wonderful platform to keep up to date with friends, as well as events that are happening on the island. Gabriola Artworks, if you haven’t made them a friend yet, is a great way to find out what’s happening with the arts & the upcoming events. Many other groups continue to emerge with things such as the Gabriola Swap & Shop (yep! online with your neighbors), and more recently we’ve been seeing local organizations joining with their members to keep everyone apprised at what’s going on…

Blogging is a gaining in popularity on the island with daily contributors from everything Gabriola to beautiful scenic photos taken of the island.

Searching the Flickr website and just searching a simple Gabriola generates over 6200 photos – most of the stunning scenic photos taken from around the island.

Of course, for those not online, there are still the old bulletin boards at the mailboxes that grace the island, and being a gulf island of course there’s always the rumor mill – a good source of information (reliable – well that might depend).