December 2011 Newsletter   Although sales activity does not yet equate with listing activity, it’s important for people entering the market to understand that activity can differ significantly depending on the area and property type. With a good cross section of inventory available in all price ranges it is still very much a buyer’s market and again provides that opportunity for buyers to take advantage of record low interest rates.

Currently recorded on MLS®, the active listings in Sun Peaks include 33 single family homes including duplexes, 64 condominiums & townhomes, 73 condo-hotel properties and 25 single family residential lots.

Real estate sales activity picked up throughout Sun Peaks this fall and early winter season compared to this time last year with possible signs of more strength in the market.   Inventory levels are currently higher than a year ago and prices have come down, in some cases significantly.

Since September we have definitely seen some more enthusiasm in the Market.  Below are the Sun Peaks sales as recorded on MLS® for your review:

#324 Sundance Lodge – Studio suite, 1 Bath SOLD for $15,000
#325 Hearthstone Lodge – Studio suite, 1 Bath SOLD for $18,500
#401 Fireside Lodge – 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath SOLD for $121,000
#41 Timberline Village – Studio, 1 Bath SOLD for $133,900
#1 Crystal Forest – 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath SOLD for $185,000
#149 Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $222,000
1344 Burfield Drive – 1/2 Duplex, 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath SOLD for $255,000
#24 Timberline Village – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $265,000
#57 Settler’s Crossing – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $275,000
#16 Snow Creek Village – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $256,000
#44 Stone’s Throw – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $285,000
#21 Stone’s Throw – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $286,000
1350 Burfield Drive – ½ Duplex, 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath SOLD for $284,500
1352 Burfield Drive – ½ Duplex, 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath SOLD for $292,000
#47 Timberline Village – 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $319,000
#55 Timberline Village – 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath SOLD for $350,450
#39 Woodhaven – 3 Bedroom + Den, 3.5 Bath SOLD for $375,000
#15 Stone’s Throw – 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $373,000
#4 McGillivray Creek – 2 Bedroom + Den, 3.5 Bath SOLD for $390,000
#24 Fairway Cottages – 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath SOLD for $395,000
#38 Trapper’s Landing – 2 Bedroom + Den, 3.5 Bath SOLD for $405,000
#53 Trail’s Edge – 3 Bedroom + Den, 3.5 Bath SOLD for $460,000
2314 Sunburst Place – 5 Bedroom, 3 Bath SOLD for $620,000
2422 Fairways Drive – 6 Bedroom, 5 Bath SOLD for $925,000

Real estate sales activity decreased slightly throughout Sun Peaks this past year to date for a total of 49 properties selling as recorded on MLS® compared to a total of 56 in 2010.

With strong roots in Sun Peaks, we’ve sold more Real Estate than any other Realtor. We reach out to buyers using both traditional and online vehicles, and are poised to deal with any hurdle along the way.

One of the real motivators in our market this year is the fact that although you will sell for less, it is a great market to upgrade, as you will also buy for substantially less.  Looking forward, we anticipate some stability as we move into 2012.

Now is the time to make your dream of owning a mountain home at Sun Peaks Resort a reality. Enjoy the year-round adventure that awaits you with acres of world-class skiing, miles of pristine hiking trails, excellent fishing, festivals and more! Join the generations of families who call Sun Peaks home.

Share Sun Peaks Resort’s Golden Anniversary as this coming year marks the 50^th Anniversary of Tod Mountain.  Plans are being made for celebrations all year long so be a part of this historical event by sharing your stories and photos of the ‘good ol days’.  You can check out the events schedule at www.sunpeaksresort.com.

As 2011 winds down I sincerely wish to thank all of you who support our business.  We have had to work harder and smarter to keep our momentum going with this existing market but it also makes us appreciate the great clients we serve and the community we live in.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season with those you care about most.

We always look forward to seeing you and are happy to assist you with your questions.  Thank you again for your much appreciated support and referrals.

Warm wishes,

RE/MAX at Sun Peaks
Lark Frolek-Dale

At the October 17, 2011 Regular Council Meeting, Council implemented a Facilities Committee to assess the current and desired new facilities for Sun Peaks.

Council is performing an assessment of existing and desired facilities in Sun Peaks to help develop a plan for the continued growth of the community for the benefit of its residents and visitors. This survey will assist in forming a vision of what the community of Sun Peaks will become in the future.

This information will also be used to help the Municipal staff to prioritize their grant applications, assist Council when making decisions about capital projects and will eventually be incorporated into the Official Community Plan.

The results of this survey will be tabulated, reported to Council and placed on their website. The Committee encourages everyone to take the survey as it will only take approximately 5 minutes.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QV32KCJ

Thank you for participating, your opinion counts!

Sun Peaks, BC  (November 25, 2011) – From huddling under a horse blanket for the ride up the chairlift on Tod Mountain, to Ladies Cocktail Parties on the Ridge ski run, the stories and memories from the first days of skiing at Tod Mountain will be centre stage on Saturday, December 3rd as Sun Peaks Resort gets set to host their Anniversary Celebrations.

Lift tickets are 50% off for every skier and snowboader enjoying the mountain on December 3, but the party doesn’t stop at the lifts .  Enjoy live music from Paul Filek, the Miss Tod Mountain Pageant, a barbeque at Masa’s Bar + Grill, a 50th anniversary cake and more!

Sun Peaks is also kicking off a new tradition with a 50th Anniversary Time Capsule. Bring your favourite present day mementos to be included and in ten years, join us as we crack open the box and enjoy the memories. The capsule will be available for contributions until the Grand Reunion Gala on January 27, at which time it will be officially locked for the next decade.

Don’t forget to pull out your retro wear! Skiers and snowboarders with the best retro looks will have a chance to win some fantastic swag.

Also on display on December 3rd is the 50th Anniversary Quilt, put together by the Sun Peaks Quilters Guild. Stop by Guest Services to check it out!

Schedule of Events:  Saturday, December 3rd
11:30am       Official Opening Ceremonies
12:30pm       Live Music with Paul Filek and Barbecue at Masa’s Bar + Grill
1:30pm         Anniversary Cake Cutting
2:30pm         Live Music with Paul Filek
4:00pm         Miss Tod Mountain Pageant at Masa’s Bar + Grill

The Official 50^th Celebrations are sponsored by Dopplemayer.

Photo Credit:  Dr. Bill McLaren

For further information please contact:
Melanie Simmons
Media Relations & Communications Specialist
Tourism Sun Peaks
Direct: 250-578-5387
Email: tspmedia@sunpeaksresort.com

Sun Peaks, BC (November 16, 2011) – The lifts start turning at Sun Peaks this Saturday as the resort begins its 50^th winter of operations. It was November 1961 when Tod Mountain opened for skiers and this season is full of commemorative events for the golden anniversary.

Four chairlifts and the beginner Platter area at Sun Peaks will open at 9:00am with top-to-bottom skiing on Saturday, November 19, 2011. At least 30 alpine runs will be open from the Sunburst, Crystal, Elevation and Sundance Chairlifts. Morrisey is scheduled to open mid-week, next week.

Nordic skiers can also hit the trails at Sun Peaks this Friday, November 18 with a fantastic selection of groomed and track-set trails in great shape for both classic and skate skiing.

Over 90cm of fresh powder has fallen at Sun Peaks Resort in the last seven days. Snow is continuing to fall and EnviroBC is forecasting another 20cm before the weekend.

Alpine lift tickets for adults will be $50 per adult with the limited opening on Saturday. More terrain will open as conditions allow and the lift ticket prices will adjust accordingly.

Winter has officially arrived at Sun Peaks, so grab your skis or board and get set to celebrate our 50^th year all season long!

For the latest weather and snow reports in your inbox, head to www.sunpeaksresort.com to subscribe to the 311 e-newsletter.

For Immediate Release

Ottawa, November 3, 2011- The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is pleased to announce that Senator Nancy Greene Raine and Al Raine will be recognized with the Tourism Toronto Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Tourism Awards Gala on Thursday, November 24, 2011 in Ottawa.

Following their successful careers in downhill skiing, Senator Greene Raine and her husband Al were leaders in the development of Canada’s ski tourism industry, including their instrumental roles in the early development of Whistler-Blackcomb and Sun Peaks in British Columbia. From B.C.’s nascent stages as a ski destination through to today’s vibrant and world-class outdoor tourism sector, Nancy and Al recognized the potential and have astutely helped to guide the development of this uniquely Canadian industry over the past four decades.

“Nancy and Al are true pioneers of Canada’s tourism industry, shaping the way we think of ourselves as a ski destination,” said David Goldstein, TIAC’s President and CEO. “Their contribution to the development of B.C.’s ski industry and its integration with the broader tourism sector has helped us create an unparalleled experience for visitors, and tens of thousands of jobs for Canadians.”

The Tourism Toronto Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented as part of the Canadian Tourism Awards Gala at Fairmont Chateau Laurier on Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 7 PM. The gala ceremony is the highlight of The Tourism Congress, Canada’s national travel and tourism industry conference, which will take place from November 22-24, 2011.  The recipient of the Tourism Toronto Lifetime Achievement Award is selected annually by TIAC’s Board of Directors.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins
Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs,
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
kdesjardins@tiac.travel
(c) 613-240-7225

Sun Peaks, BC (November 2, 2011) – From swirling and sipping wine at the Progressive Wine Tasting, to sitting on the side of Headwalls watching skiers reach speeds in excess of 160 km/hr, the events this winter at Sun Peaks are as diverse as the terrain you’ll be skiing in less than three weeks. This winter, you’ll see some extra special events as Sun Peaks gears up to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Tod Mountain. Relive the good ole days at the Grand Reunion Gala, Penguin Belly Slide, Toddie’s Wonder Weekend and more!

Mark your calendar and plan to be here for your favorites!

September 1, 2011

Kelowna, BC (September 1, 2011) – RE/MAX of Western Canada’s FREE mobile app is now available to download on iTunes, making property searches user friendly and enjoyable. Consumers searching for residential properties in Western Canada now have the ability to carry in their pocket easy access to customizable searches for local listings, agents and offices.

With over 35,000 listings, every Western Canada property that is listed on www.remax.ca can be seen on the RE/MAX mobile app. Along with the convenience of searching for properties on their phone, the RE/MAX app gives its customers advanced search capacities by allowing customizable searches through Google Maps or detailed easy to read lists. The consumer can further modify their search by searching properties by price and/or number of bedrooms.

Noel Nissen, IT Services Coordinator with RE/MAX Western Canada comments, “We are very excited with the easy to use interface. Users will really enjoy the speed of the app and the positive search experience provided.”

The Android version of the RE/MAX app is scheduled to be released early September with a Blackberry version to follow.

Greetings from Sun Peaks!

Summer is finally here after the dreariest and coldest few months that I can remember! Of course we’re hoping that our real estate market will start to heat up some too.

The real estate market is getting interesting. Listings are up again, but there still seems to be hesitancy from buyers yet as they await the results of the current economic goings on. Slower activity in June and July brought still a higher supply then demand in our marketplace. It’s been just the past couple of weeks that we’re seeing buyers with a little more focus and starting to ‘test the waters again’. A good supply of recreational properties is currently listed for sale in all price ranges. With greater affordability and an increase in selection of product this has helped stimulate the recent sales. It’s still a great “Buyers Market”.

Maintenance-free living still seems to be the most important with buyers, many of whom are young couples and families. Recently we sold a property to the first, “first time” home buyer at Sun Peaks. A young couple who recognize that affordability that comes with an amazing lifestyle is where they want to be … hopefully we will start to see more “first time” home buyers moving to our great community and resort.

Bargain-priced properties in the United States are still having an impact on Canadian recreational property markets, drawing some purchasers south of the border to areas such as California, Arizona, Nevada and Florida.

Since our last market update we have 7 new sales to report as recorded on the MLS system:

#2-2120 Sun Peaks Rd. – Sun Mountain Villas- 2 bedroom, 2 bath SOLD for $230,000

#5-2120 Sun Peaks Rd. – Sun Mountain Villas- 2 bedroom, 2 bath SOLD for $235,000

#10-2120 Sun Peaks Rd. – Sun Mountain Villas- 2 bedroom, 2 bath SOLD for $247,000

#23-5005 Valley Dr. – Stone’s Throw- 2 bedroom, 1 bath SOLD for $277,000

#39-6015 Valley Dr. – Trapper’s Landing- 2 bedroom + Family Room, 3 bath, SOLD for $400,000

#28-2715 Fairways Dr. – The Cottages- 4 bedroom, 3 bath, SOLD for $479,300

New office listings that have never been on the Sun Peaks re-sale market before:

#15-4000 Sundance Dr. – Forest Trails-3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, Offered at $389,000

#16-6000 Valley Dr. – McGillivray Creek- 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Offered at $362,500

#7-5000 Sun Peaks Rd. – Trail’s Edge- 4 bedroom, 4 bath, Offered at $569,000

It’s back! The 2nd Annual Retro Rock Concert Weekend hits the village square this Friday night through Sunday afternoon, August 12th – 14th. These complimentary all-ages shows are a hit for the entire family to enjoy. Also, there are new times for the Farmers Market that runs every Sunday from 12 noon until 4:00 pm.

Now would be a great time to come up and enjoy the Resort. The alpine meadows are alive with vibrant colours from the wildflowers and there are activities scheduled throughout the rest of the summer. For the full Sun Peaks’ Summer Events & Festivals Calendar please visit www.sunpeaksresort.com.

Until next time, be safe and enjoy your summer!