BC Ferries Coast Saver Spring Break Savings

If you are looking for a Spring Break Activity, consider a trip to come and explore Gabriola Island… During the second week of Spring Break BC Ferries is offering reduced fares from the mainland to Vancouver Island, so there’s no better time.

From March 22nd, 2011 - March 31st, 2011: CoastSaver fares of $39.95 one way for a car and driver will be in effect on all scheduled sailings, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Adult passengers pay just $9.95.

Coast Saver spring break savings fares apply to all passenger vehicles (up to 20' in length) fare types (including motorcycles) and are available on the following routes in both directions:

* Tsawwassen(Vancouver)-Swartz Bay(Victoria)

* Horseshoe Bay(Vancouver)-Departure Bay(Nanaimo)

* Tsawwassen(Vancouver)-Duke Point(Nanaimo)

There’s even more savings when you book a March Break Getaway through BC Ferries Vacation http://www.bcferriesvacations.com/marchbreak.html and receive a FREE room upgrade with a minimum 2-night stay when you travel on a CoastSaver day.

For more information, visit http://www.bcferries.com/ or call 1 888 BC FERRY (1 888 223 3779). Hope to see you on the Island…

Launching Gabriola's Newest Website...

With over 90% of Buyers starting their home search online, we have made a commitment to provide service to our clients that is beyond expectation, and constantly work to grow & improve our technologies. Complimenting our existing websites, we recognized the need for a buyer-centric dedicated website.

For the past year we’ve been working with web designers & leaders to create a new state of the art website, to make house hunting on Gabriola even easier…

The new site:

This new website compliments our current http://www.discovergabriola.com/ website, as well as our Gabriola Waterfront & Ocean View website: http://www.gabriolaislandwaterfront.ca/ . We would like to thank all of our current and past clientele for their continued support, and look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.

If you have any ideas on ways to make your experience online further enhanced, please email us, as we are constantly looking to enhance the experience…

Federation of Canadian Artists

The Federation of Canadian Artists offers something for everyone, whether you're an art supporter or an artist interested in developing your skills. There are four types of membership available through the Federation and currently there are over 2000 members. The Federation of Canadian Artists hosts an annual conference on Gabriola Island, this years conference will be held September 12-18 2011 at the beautiful Haven Resort. Here's what they say about the event on their site "It's the perfect combination of inspiration and rejuvenation. The Gabriola Workshop 2011 - the 3nd Annual Artist's Haven is comprised of some of North America's most recognized artists nestled on the picturesque island of Gabriola off Canada's Pacific West Coast."

If you're not a member yet, you may want to look into into it, visit the Federation website for more information. I just received my active status today and I'm looking forward to joining the Nanaimo Chapter soon.

Submitted by: Tina Lynch

Atworks - Just in time for Valentines

The annual Erotica show opens up this Thursday on Feb 3 at 7pm at Artworks in the Folklife Village on Gabriola. It's always a bit of a risque show with lots of on the edge art and its all about Valentines. You'll see some racy art, lots of skin and may want to partake in the wine tasting going on. It's a good time, they do warn that parental discretion is advised (I"d have to agree). If you get a chance to go, check out my piece "she liked to play dress up", she's the first doll I've made and she's ready for some fun.

Submitted by : Tina Lynch

Gabriola Treasures!

I love going for walks on the beach anytime, in the rain or sun, although sunshine is preferred. A neighbour and I went down with the kids last week and it was beautiful. Not only did we get some fresh air, the kids got to run free and explore the beach, but I also found this beautiful door. I was so excited, as were the kids with the shells and rocks they found. I took it home to enjoy and just love the worn colours and the anchor, now I'm waiting to decide what to create with it although I may just hang it up as it is, the perfect little beach treasure. Posted by Tina Lynch.

Snow and wind in the Gulf Islands

We were watching the weather forecast closely yesterday as we braced ourselves for snow. The kids we're delighted when they saw that the schools in School District 68 would not be open today, although they promise me they do love school. My daughter made a snowman with my parents, while my son and I studied the branch that lodged itself half way through our metal gutter- thankfully stopping before the window. I'm about to get some rest, the crashing branches, high winds and dropping wet snow kept me on my toes through the night.

Posted by Tina Lynch

BC Assessment Notices

BC Assessments are online now for 2011 until 15 March you will be able to search your address as well as those of your neighbors at: http://www.bcassessment.bc.ca/, a hard copy will be following in the mail. Recent sales information is also available.

If you think your assessment does not represent the value of your property as of 1 July 2010 you have until 31 January to file an appeal – more information on the appeals process can be found online at: http://www.bcassessment.bc.ca/public/Fact%20Sheets/Property%20Assessment%20Review%20Process.aspx .

There is also an excellent map available online which shows the estimated increase or decrease in market value (by %) between the 2010 & 2011 Assessment Rolls. This comparison reflects market movement for both residential and business and other property classes, and can be accessed at http://www.bcassessment.bc.ca/Pages/2011CompareAssessmentsOnlineAreaMap.aspx - while it doesn’t break out Gabriola specifically it gives a general idea of Central Vancouver Island.

It’s important to note that the assessments may not always match the market, so while this may act as a guide as to property values, it is still recommended speaking to a REALTOR® to get local up to date information on current market conditions.