CityGuide.ca/VICTORIA - Victoria City Guide

Victoria Home Sales On The Decline

Posted by Marc on January 22, 2009

victoria houses

Back in March 2008, the residential real estate market could do no wrong. Prices were at an all-time high and the volume of transactions was steady. Fast-forward to the close of 2008, and it appears the wheels have fallen off the market for the time being. BC residential home sales closed 2008 down 33% from the previous year, making it the weakest year in terms of volume since 2000.

“The housing market came in like a lion and went out like a lamb in 2008,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Home prices reached a record high in March, but edged lower during the balance of the year.” The average residential sales price hit $483,291 in March and ended the year at $429,210, an 11 per cent decline in nine months.

“The global financial crisis, a sharp correction in the equity markets and a recessionary environment in Canada has wreaked havoc on consumer confidence,” added Muir. “While it’s difficult to predict when consumer confidence will strengthen, home affordability is quietly improving as lower prices and mortgage interest rates increase the buying power of BC households.”

Needless to say, it has quickly become a 'buyers market' and it looks like it's going to stay that way for much of, if not all of 2009. You can read the full end-of-year 2008 BC real estate report over at the BCREA website.

image: pnwra

TAGS: 2008, Bcrea, Homes, Real Estate, Report, Residential
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Experience Old‐fashioned Christmas at Helmcken House

Posted by Marc on December 15, 2008

If you haven't been to Helmcken House yet, this is a great time of year for a visit to one of Victoria's oldest houses.

Every Christmas season, Helmcken House gets completely decked with boughs of fir and holly and homemade decorations in an effort to re-create the spirit of an authentic Victorian Christmas. Starting on December 20th and running through January 11th, you can catch this old‐fashioned Christmas tradition.

You can read more about Helmcken House and other holiday events at the at the Royal BC Museum website or call 1‐888‐447‐7977 for more information.

TAGS: Christmas, Event, Helmcken, Museum
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Tuba Christmas

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 28, 2008

I've always had an affection for tubas and tuba players. Tuba Christmas will bring together 50+ tuba players from across BC and the Pacific Northwest at Market Square on December 6/08. This lively tradition originated over 30 years ago in New York City's Rockefeller Centre.

When: December 6/08, 1-3 pm
Where: Market Square
Cost: FREE Admission
Information: Visit Downtown Victoria Business Association online or Call 250-386-2238.

Image courtesy of www.freepixels.com

TAGS: Bc, Event, Market Square, Music, Pacific Northwest, Performance, Players, Things To Do In Victoria, Tuba Christmas
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WinterFest and Family Expo, December 6-7/08

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 28, 2008

Do you really love Christmas? Chances are you'll fancy WinterFest and Family Expo, Vancouver Island's 2nd Annual Gift Craft Show and Family Expo on December 6-7/08.

There will be music, theater and demos on the main stage, 50+ artisans, Christmas ideas and fun,interactive displays for kids, and GIVING CARNIVAL supporting over 20 local charities.

Highlights will include Photos with Santa; Teddy bear adoption centre; top crafts people teaching and selling their work; hands-on activities and crafts; face painting, performers and food.

When: December 6 10:00am - 5:00pm, December 7 10:00am - 3:00pm
Where: Eagle Ridge Arena, 1089 Langford Parkway
Price: Adults $5.00 ($4.00 with a donation of a non-perishable food item); Seniors and children under 3 years will be free. Please note that children will receive 10 play tickets for the Giving Carnival.

TAGS: Artisans, Charities, Craft, Crafts People, Demos, Displays, Face Painting, Family Expo, Food, Fun, Gift, Giving Carnival, Kids, Local, Music, Performers, Photos, Santa, Selling, Show, Teaching, Teddy Bears, Theater, Things To Do In Victoria, Vancouver Island, Winterfest And Family Expo
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Carolling Week at City Hall

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 28, 2008

Come out, listen and sing along to the sounds of Christmas at the 43rd Annual Carolling Week at City Hall, December 1-5/08. Greater Victoria School District and Glenlyon-Norfolk School will be performing favourite Christmas carols next week at City Hall. Rod Berod will be on keyboard and Al Ferraby of CFAX 1070 the Master of Ceremonies.

Parking will be available in the Centennial Square or Johnson Street parkades. Attendees can pick up a one-hour free parking voucher at the Public Service Counter in City Hall.

Where: City Hall Ante Chamber, 1 Centennial Square
When: December 1 - 5 (note: no performance on December 2), 12:00 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.
Choir Schedule:
Monday, December 1 12:00 Tillicum Elementary 12:15 Lake Hill Elementary
Wednesday, December 3 12:00 Sir James Douglas 12:15 Strawberry Vale Elementary
Thursday, December 4 12:00 Oaklands Elementary 12:15 Margaret Jenkins Elementary
Friday, December 5 12:00 Glenlyon Norfolk Elementary

Image courtesy of www.freepixels.com

TAGS: Arts, Carolling Week, Choirs, Christmas, City Hall, City Of Victoria, Community, Culture, Glenlyon Norfolk School, Greater Victoria School District, Seasonal, Singing, Things To Do In Victoria
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Yeti Snowshoe Adventure Race

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 26, 2008

I'm super excited about the upcoming Yeti Snowshoe Adventure Race on January 17/09 in Comox Valley.

The popular Nordic Snowshoe Race will stop, the only Vancouver Island one for the 4 Race mountain snowshoe series, at Mount Washington.

For more information, visit Mount Washington online.

TAGS: 10km Races, 5km, Comox Valley, Mount Washington, Mountain Snowshoe Series, Nordic Snowshoe Race, Sport, Vancouver Island, Yeti Snowshoe Adventure Race
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What is Sustainability?

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 26, 2008

Do you think about sustainability for Victoria? The City of Victoria has launched into a new initiative, Victoria Sustainability Framework, focusing on how the municipality can improve its operations and measures the community must take to keep Victoria sustainable.

The framework will identify how the City can contribute towards sustainability with practical examples such as green purchasing policies, new standards for managing stormwater, organic waste collection and bike sharing.

Victorians are being encouraged to participate in community engagement activities including:
-Online sustainability forum for youth (13-24 years old)
-Online survey for residents of all ages
-Drop in coffee talk sessions

For more information, visit the city online.

Image courtesy of Tourism Vancouver Island

TAGS: Bike Sharing, City Of Victoria, Community Planning, Environmental, Forum, Frameworks, Green Purchasing Policies, Issues, Online Survey, Organic Waste Collection, Residents, Stormwater, Sustainability, Talk Sessions, Vancouver Island
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New 2009 Great Skates schedule

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 23, 2008

The City of Victoria Recreation Services has released its Winter 2009 Great Skates and Arena Program Schedule. It includes a Public Skating Schedule, information on Adult Learn to Skate, Power Skating, Passport to Skating and more.

Monthly Free Skates at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre for December/January will be:
Christmas Skate with Santa, Sunday, December 21/08, 2:30 pm-4 pm
New Year in Paradise, Sunday, January 11/09, 2:30 pm-4 pm

Download Great Skates here.

TAGS: Activity, Adult, Arena Program, Children, Christmas Skate With Santa, City Of Victoria Recreation Services, Families, Fitness, Great Skates, New Year In Paradise, Recreation, Save On Foods Memorial Centre, Schedule, Sport, Things To Do In Victoria
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Last Chance Craft Fair, Port Alberni

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 23, 2008

The Last Chance Craft Fair will be Christmas shopping central in Port Alberni on November 28-30/08.

This fair will feature one-of-a-kind handmade gifts to stocking stuffers. The Alberni Search & Rescue Hall will host the three day event.

When: November 28-30/08, Friday 3-9 pm; Saturday 10 am-5 pm; Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Where: The Alberni Valley Rescue Hall, 4790 Tebo Avenue, Port Alberni
Info: Call 250-723-8351

TAGS: Alberni Search Rescue Hall, Bc, Christmas Shopping, Community Event, Gifts, Handmade, Last Chance Craft Fair, Oneofakind, Port Alberni, Stocking Stuffers, Vancouver Island
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Golf and ski the winter away

Posted by Sonya Procenko on November 23, 2008

Do you want to spend the Christmas holidays skiing or playing golf? The beauty of Vancouver Island's sub-Mediterranean climate is you can ski and golf on the same holiday.

Golf Vancouver Island is offering Golf & Ski packages from December 5/08 to March 31/09. The specials involve Crown Isle Resort & Golf Club, Best Western Westerly and the Travelodge.

For more information, visit Golf Vancouver Island online.

Image courtesy of Golf Vancouver Island

TAGS: Crown Isle Resort Golf Club, Golf, Golf Vancouver Island, Holiday, Recreation, Seasonal Special, Ski, Sport, Things To Do On Vancouver Island, Vacation
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