ANN WATLEY'S BLOG

Recently, there have been changes to rental rights regarding strata properties. B.C. Premier David Eby announced several changes on his first official day in the Legislature, hoping to reform some of the increasing housing problems in B.C. 

Bill 44 “BUILDING AND STRATA STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2022” may have slipped under the radar for most people, but many strata owners did take notice. Let’s face it, not all of us are lawyers or have the time or patience to read over the bill or recent changes. In this article, we have broken it down into plain English to help you with the information. 

WHAT IS A STRATA? HOW IS A STRATA DIFFERENT FROM A CONDO?

Strata housing includes a variety of housing types including condominiums, duplexes, townhouses, and even single-family homes in some circumstances. A condo is usually part of a strata system or corporation. The new bill will most often be relevant to a condominium (apartment) style strata or a townhouse style strata. It...

You may be wondering if Central Saanich is a good place to live or not. A Mcleans article boasted that Central Saanich is the second most livable city in British Columbia, so that’s certainly a good sign. Just like with any city, there are pros and cons to living in Central Saanich. To find out if this is the perfect place for your family, read on to discover some advantages and disadvantages of life on the Saanich Peninsula. 

ADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN CENTRAL SAANICH

QUAINT VILLAGES AND COMMUNITIES

Brentwood Bay is on the western side of Central Saanich. This small village has a car and passenger ferry that travels to Mill Bay. This is very convenient as it means travelers can skip driving ”into” Victoria area and then driving up and over  the Malahat . The Malahat is a highway that leads into Victoria, which has been known as being less safe when weather conditions are unfavourable. For peace of mind, this alternative travel option into beautiful Central Saanich...

The District of North Saanich is a region on the Saanich Peninsula, just north of Victoria. It contains many rural and residential areas, as well as the municipality of Sidney. It is about half an hour's drive to the city of Victoria, but we promise you’ll be happy to stay in North Saanich. Read on to find out our top reasons to live in North Saanich! 

HORTH HILL HIKING TRAILS

Are you wondering what things there are to do in North Saanich? Visiting Horth Hill’s hiking trails is one of the top things to do in the area. Horth Hill Regional Park is a beautiful hike that most people can do in under an hour. It is filled with native plants, a quiet forest, and panoramic ocean views. Visitors can gaze upon the Satellite Channel, the Gulf Islands, and the Saanich Peninsula. These trails are fit for royalty, too. In 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted on Horth Hill jogging, on multiple occasions. 

North Saanich contains many other hiking trails, too. For a complete...

Living in Victoria is a wonderful experience, but have you heard about its sister to the north, Sidney? This small town is one of the best municipalities within the Greater Victoria region. Those that are looking for easy living on Vancouver Island should take notice of the Saanich Peninsula and all it has to offer, especially in this seaside community. If you are in the market for your new dream home, consider Sidney as the place to settle your roots. 

SMALL TOWN CHARM WITH ACCESS TO AMENITIES

Sidney is a beautiful town within the Greater Victoria region. It has a population of about 12 000 people, giving it that small-town charm. The people in Sidney are friendly, accommodating, and peaceful. While Sidney has everything you need for daily life, additional amenities are relatively close. 

Sidney contains many hiking trails, tourist attractions like Butchart Gardens andGowlland Tod Provincial Park, farm market stands, and an overall laid-back lifestyle that the Saanich Peninsula...

GRILLS, BREWERIES, AND PUBS IN SIDNEY

SEA GLASS WATERFRONT GRILL 

2320 HARBOUR RD

THE SURLY MERMAID

9851 SEAPORT PL #1B

Are you looking for a headstart on your holiday gift shopping? Or perhaps you are feeling some cabin fever and want to get out in the world and DO something - anything! Shop local and see what creative crafts are available this year. Browse a market or two for some gift ideas for men, women, and children. This is also a great time to pick up your unique stocking stuffers and find that top Christmas gift that will make everyone smile. 

Luckily, the Greater Victoria area has several craft fairs and markets that will boost your holiday spirit and end the year on a high note. If you are looking for some fun, local artisan markets to attend solo or with friends and family, then you are in the right place! Our list of Christmas craft fairs in Victoria is the perfect start for your holiday gift guide. Many of these events are Christmas-themed, but there are some general markets and craft fairs in the mix, too.

Be sure to check out the additional event information links for full descriptions...

One of Vancouver Island’s best hiking and biking trails is in the Greater Victoria Region. The Galloping Goose Trail winds through Southern Vancouver Island on what was once a railway track. The creaky railway car that carried passengers in the 1920s between Sooke and Victoria is the inspiration behind its unique name. 

This historic trail offers plenty of natural beauty. Forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife can be found along the trail. Watch eagles soar above your head, deer rest in the shade of the meadow, or stop and close your eyes and listen to the birds singing away. Points here and there travel through urban areas, allowing you to get back to civilization to recharge on a pitstop. The combination of urban and rural scenery is one of this trail's best features, so definitely check it out if you can.

Residents and tourists alike flock to the Goose because it is beautiful, easily accessible, and has several access points along its long path. It has been around for...

Have you heard of Soap for Hope? 
They are an amazing non profit, volunteer based organization that helps fund projects in our community, while collecting and repurposing waste from the hotel industry, providing for people in need.

So far this year Soap for Hope has helped;

I am proud to support this amazing community partner.

Ann Watley

#SidneyRealtor

Ann Watley | Personal Real Estate Corporation

Your Greater Victoria Real Estate Area Specialist

Pemberton Holmes Real Estate

107-2360 Beacon Ave,

Sidney B.C., Canada
Office: 250-656-3486 
http://annwatley.com 

ann@annwatley.com

As the temperatures rise, there’s no time like the present to get started on your summer home maintenance projects. Here's a list of 5 tasks to check off your list so you can enjoy your home while the weather is warm.

1. Power Wash Driveway and Sidewalks