Ever thought of MOVING a house ?

Ever thought of being offered a house for free ?  Achitrave, a local architect company on Gabriola is doing just that.   If you have a property but were waiting to build, this might be your chance to get started.  If you haven't purchased a piece of property on Gabriola yet, but find this opportunity too amazing to turn down, then come talk to Randi, Jennifer or myself and we'll find you the perfect property to set the house on.
Here's the details from Architrave, please contact them at the email below for further information.

1,000 square foot Log House in excellent condition to be claimed free.

Needs to be moved off Gabriola property by the end of September 2012.

Removal is at takers expense.

Nickel Brothers has assessed viability of move and provided estimated cost.

Architrave has assessed costs for new foundation and services hook up and would be happy to work with purchaser to facilitate all aspects of the move.

Brochure available at Architrave office.

House viewing Wednesday, August 22, 11am. Contact margot@architrave.ca for directions.

Submitted by: Tina Lynch

Kayaking around Silva Bay

We like to do a group activity for our family celebrations, so last week we celebrated my moms birthday (no, I won't say which one, i do like to work with her) by taking her on a kayak adventure.  We had Hilary Mason from Silva Bay Kayak Adventures take us on a 4 hour guided paddle.  I must say that at the kids request, the paddling portion consisted of about 40 minutes in total and the beach, swimming and snack time took up the remainder.  We ventured from the Silva Bay Inn, around Vance Island and stopped on Carlos Island for a few hours before returning home. 
It was a beautiful day and we all had a great time, they offer week long camps, sunset paddles and overnight stays.  If you're interested in a kayaking adventure off the shores of Gabriola Island, Hilary and Ryan are sure to come up with a safe and relaxed adventure tailored to you. 

Ready, set, go SAIL !

There are lots of great activities and camps for kids of all ages to attend on Gabriola.  This week, my kids are attending the "sailing camp".  The instructor Tom Bradbrooke is great with children and is teaching them about points of sail, knots, safety and how to tack and gybe.  My 8yr old daughter and a new friend have been busy sailing across Silva Bay on their own.  I'm really impressed with what they've been taught and the weeks not even over yet!
If you live on the Island or if your planning a trip, you may want to look at some of the camps that the Gabriola Recreation Society offers.  (Submitted by Tina Lynch)

Celebrating on the Islands!

Last week we decided to have our son's birthday a little earlier than usual, so within a week we planned and hosted his party.  We found planning it within a short time was very liberating and forced us to be a bit more creative.  This year the kids were old enough to help us paint signs on pieces of driftwood we collected from the beach.  We silk screened a few shirts (that we picked up at the GIRO) with our "outback tour koala logo" and got busy turning a little "reef" in front of McConvey Road on Gabriola into the Australian outback.   You can walk to this beautiful stretch of sand when the tide is low from the Descanso Bay Campground picnic area, or take a kayak or raft in high tide. This is a beautiful place that feels like a deserted island, we've all decided it's one of our favourite spots on Gabriola. (Submitted by Tina Lynch)

Ride to Conquer Cancer

 Vanessa, Tina, Guy & Mike - our Gabriola Heroes

This past weekend marked a pretty special occasion for our family, my sister Tina Lynch & husband Guy Parcher participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, in honour of our dad Jack Lynch.

Our dad who was diagnosed with terminal, asbestos related lung cancer in July 2011 and I remember how happy he was when Tina and Guy told him that they were doing this ride for him – he was hopeful that it might make a difference for others.

Right now, 2 in 5 people will hear the words: "You have cancer' in their lifetime, and the ride works to change that.” The ride raised over $11.2 million dollars for the BC Cancer foundation, and monies raised went back to the communities that they were fundraised in.

The journey took them from Vancouver down to Seattle and despite the downpour of rain, there were people all along the way to cheer on and provide some much appreciated encouragement to the riders. There on the finish line we watched them cross the line on Father’s day – my dad’s spirit with them, it was so moving watching all the riders come through – I know he would have been so proud of them all!

To all those of you who supported the riders - thanks so much for your generosity...

The change to "Designated Agency"

Effective June 1st Designated Agency became the provincial industry standard.

So what does that mean to you as a Buyer or Seller?

On Gabriola, with Coast Realty Group (Gabriola Village) Ltd. being the only physical office on the island, and our relatively small geographical area, two teams and a selling managing broker, when the office lists & sells a property there will be many times we will continue to be in a Limited Dual Agency as before, where the brokerage represents two parties impartially.

However, when there has been no previously agency relationship, & depending on circumstances we may also see where your individual agent is designated to work for you, instead of how it previously was as the brokerage being your agent. We have a new “Working with a REALTOR form” which helps outline our duties and obligations.

the last... Tour de Gabriola

The weather held out yesterday, and it was a fantastic day for the final tour de Gabriola.  It's hard to believe that it was 7 years ago that Randi and I rode in the Good Heart Ride which raised much necessary funds for a defibrillator.

The following year, the Tour de Gabriola was created to start to raise money for the Gabriola Health Care society & over the years raise money it did nearly $25,000.  With the clinic nearing completion, this was the last year of the ride.

It was absolutely amazing to be there in the beggining and finishing it up yesterday!  The organizers and volunteers did an amazing job.  I'm so glad for the opportunity to participate.