Saturday, January 30, 2010

TOP 10 from Pat Bell Jan.30, 2010

Here is a copy of  the TOP 10 from Pat Bell

Hi All

What an exciting week for Mackenzie and Prince George this week with the Olympic Torch coming through our towns. Friday night saw the biggest crowd I have ever seen in Prince George. Estimates ranged from 5,000 to 15,000 and the real number was in between those places I’m sure. On to Mackenzie for Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m... Despite the early time 800 people turned out to cheer the 5 Torch Runners and celebrate the Olympic flame.

With January coming to an end the Throne Speech is just around the corner. That means another busy travel week for me with Cabinet and Caucus meetings thrown in for good measure.

The economic indicators around us appear to be sending a message that we are in recovery. As challenging as it’s been for the past 16 months BC is well positioned to come out of the recession and this week’s Top 10 focuses on these economic indicators.

Have a great week!

Pat Bell – MLS Prince George North

http://www.patbellmla.bc.ca/

TOP 10

1.    Canfor Mackenzie has been advertising for employee’s to fill its second shift. What better indicator can you get than a “Help Wanted” ad!

2.    In December 2009, B.C.'s average weekly wage was over $815, well above the national average. The average weekly wage has risen by over $166 - or nearly 26 per cent - since 2001, when it was $648.

3.    According to Statistics Canada, the value of residential building permits issued in British Columbia during November 2009 was $536 million, the highest monthly total since September 2008.
(Statistics Canada, Building Permits, October 2009)

4.    In its Autumn 2009 Provincial Outlook, the Conference Board of Canada forecasts B.C. to record 4.2 per cent real GDP growth in 2010, the highest rate in the country. In addition, the Conference Board predicts British Columbia’s retail sales, GDP per capita, disposable income per capita and employment rate will be above the national average in 2010.
(Conference Board of Canada, Autumn 2009 Provincial Outlook)

5.    The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports that the confidence level of British Columbia’s small and medium businesses is the highest in Canada - more than eight points above the national average - and the second most optimistic results recorded in the province since December 2007.
(Canadian Federation of Independent Business, December 2009 Business Barometer Index)

6.    Canada's largest banks - RBC, CIBC, BMO, Scotiabank and TD - along with the country’s largest credit union, the Desjardins Group, all forecast British Columbia’s real GDP to either lead Canada or be one of the top three provinces in percentage growth in 2010.

7.    The British Columbia Real Estate Association reports more than 5,700 homes were sold in B.C. during December - an increase of 132 per cent compared with December 2008, and the highest sales number for the month in 20 years. Overall, more than 85,000 homes changed hands in British Columbia during 2009, a 23 per cent increase over 2008’s sales figures.
(B.C. Real Estate Association - December 2009 MLS® Sales Report)

8.    In December 2009, China granted Canada approved destination status, allowing tour operators and travel agents in China to advertise and organize tours in Canada and British Columbia. Approved destination status could increase Chinese tourism to B.C. by 25 per cent annually over the next few years.

9.    British Columbia’s population increased by more than 24,000 people during the third quarter of 2009 and was 4,479,934 as of Oct. 1, 2009. During this period, 11,938 immigrants arrived in British Columbia, accounting for 15.2 per cent of all immigrants landing in Canada.

10. All 3 of the global credit rating agencies have reaffirmed BC’s credit rating as “AAA”. This is a huge confidence boost to investors!

Copy courtesy of:
Best regards
Dean Birks

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Friday, January 29, 2010

Real Estate Sales Expected to Go Up by 8% This Year

Real Estate Sales Expected to Go Up by 8% This Year

By 250 News

Friday, January 29, 2010 07:58 AM

Prince  George, B.C.- The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Housing Forecast Update for the first quarter of 2010 today.

BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the Northern region, which includes Prince George, are expected to increase by 8 % this year, before slowing to a further 3% in growth in 2011.

The forecast also predicts the average price of a home in the Northern Real estate region will increase by 2% this year, to $216,000, and a further 3% in 2011 to $222 thousand.

Higher home prices and rising mortgage interest rates will provide a constraint on home sales next year.

Copy courtesy of:
Best regards
Dean Birks

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Thursday, January 28, 2010

BCREA Nov.2009 - List to Sell Ratio explanation

Hey everyone,
I was reading the latest BCREA analyst report on list to sell ratios and explanation on how they impact home prices and thought some of you may enjoy the information. See attached one page pdf doc.

Cheers!

Best regards
Dean Birks

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Local Prince George Business Awards

Hi All

From: Pat Bell, MLA Prince George North – Jan.25, 2010

http://www.patbellmla.bc.ca/

1. TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSORED BY THE APPLIED SCIENCE TECHNOLOGISTS & TECHNICIANS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA -BLUEWATER BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Bluewater Business Solutions is a growing resource management company based in Prince George specializing in providing innovative software and business solutions to the forestry sector. Bluewater developed an intelligent system to improve the accuracy of forest harvesting cost estimations. Timber Analyst supports the harvesting plan by providing an economic assessment of the associated area while maintaining and considering mandated forest management objectives. The system incorporates an in-depth mapping module, equipment & employee profiles, on-site environmental factors, and - most importantly - a Company's expert knowledge. In today’s highly competitive forest industry, Bluewater Business Solutions is able to provide forest companies with a system that assists them in making decisions with a high degree of confidence and accuracy, thus creating efficiencies and providing them with a competitive advantage.


2. MENTOR AWARD SPONSORED BY SPLASH MEDIA - JANINE NORTH, CEO, NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE TRUST

Janine North has been the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Initiative Trust since 2005. Janine is also a director on the Association for Mineral Exploration BC Board and sits on the Board of Governors for the BC Business Council; an organization representing 260 of the largest business corporations in British Columbia. Under Janine’s leadership, the Northern Development Initiative Trust Corporation has attracted contracts to deliver $30 million in federal funding and $9 million from land developers, industry groups, and the Science and Technology Council of BC because of its recognized entrepreneurial and effective funding delivery track record. Throughout Janine’s career of executive leadership in the BC private and public sectors, she has consistently demonstrated values of visionary leadership, entrepreneurial innovation, fiscal stewardship and organizational excellence - delivering high quality, efficient and responsive service.

3. WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY INNOVATION AWARD SPONSORED BY WORKSAFE BC - ORION INFORMATION SYSTEMS INC.

Orion IS has developed a Safety Management Software suite of tools within their TRAXms application that has excelled in how they can now manage the safety for their entire company. Built for the Forest Industry and their particular needs, their application is now used by others in multiple industries and has made a huge impact in streamlining and making the safety information much more powerful.

The TRAXms online Safety Management System has a direct impact and benefit to any organization in managing their safety of the organization and how it's employees are integrated within the organization. This application will manage both certification needs, and staying compliant in the ongoing cycle of staying safe.


4. THE COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AWARD SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA - ALLAN CARSON, HUCKLEBERRY MINES LTD AND COOPER BEAUCHESNE and ASSOCIATES LTD. .

Many challenges are faced with establishing native vegetation on degraded mine soils. Soil conditions relevant to plant growth (e.g. levels of plant available nutrients) are usually poor or limited and the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals within mine tailings often inhibit or prevent any vegetation cover from developing. The proposed research that Allan is conducting will provide recommendations towards engaging these challenges, directed more specifically to the project site (Huckleberry Mines) but applicable to the future reclamation efforts of mining developments in northern B. C. One of the major indirect contributions that the proposed research will make towards current reclamation research and development in British Columbia will be with promoting the use of native plant species and investment in the collection and production of native seed stocks for use in reclaiming disturbed landscapes. Through collaboration with Huckleberry Mines Ltd., Cooper Beauchesne and Associates Ltd., Symbios Research and Restoration and the University of Northern British Columbia, opportunities to develop new and innovative techniques for native seed collection and propagation for potential use towards the agronomic production of seed stocks have arisen and will continue to arise throughout the lifetime of the partnership.


5. THE ABORIGINAL AWARD SPONSORED BY SPECTRA ENERGY - TSAY KEY DENE FIRST NATIONS

The innovative technology solutions that the Tsay Key Dene Band has performed were in the controlling of the nuisance dust in their community from the 30,000 hectares of exposed beaches around the Williston Reservoir. The Tsay Key Dene Band, in partnership with project sponsor BC Hydro, have planned to work with 10 world renowned scientists from all over the world to control the dust. Their innovation and attempts with multiple methods to control the dust have resulted in a more prosperous, and successful remote First Nations community. Ideas for control have been irrigation, tillage with tractors, many vegetation growth trials, wetland protection, harvesting of log debris in the reservoir, and using satellite photo models to predict emissivity.


6. THE TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSORED BY THE COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA - DEL-TECH AND BALDY HUGHES THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY

Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community has moved from diesel generated heat to carbon neutral biomass heat for the entire facility. The bioenergy system burns pellets in a central battery of boilers and heats water. The water is circulated in pipes connecting most of the buildings in the therapeutic addictions recovery complex.

This one-of-a- kind heating system makes the entire community independent for all heating needs. Del-Tech partnered with BHTC to install the system at no cost to the Centre. This is a ground breaking achievement for sustainability with regards to communities that are secluded. This will lower the reliance on fossil fuel generated heat and power. Del Tech was largely responsible for keeping Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Centre open by eliminating the cost of heat in their expenses.


7. JOHN HUMPHREYS MEMORIAL FOREST INNOVATOR AWARD - SPONSORED BY DUZ CHO LOGGING – BLUEKEY ENERGY INC.

Bluekey Energy Inc. is the first in the world to produce biodiesel fuel from a non-food product. Instead of using corn, wheat or sugar cane to produce biodiesel fuel, Bluekey’s process converts a pulp mill waste called soap into synthetic crude oil. As it stands, pulp mills must send the soap out to another plant to turn it into tall oil before it can be converted into biodiesel. Bluekey's process is onsite and cuts out the tall oil step, saving on time, machinery and other costly resources. The globally patented technology promises to rejuvenate the sunset pulp mill industry by improving waste management and introducing a new revenue stream.

8. NORTHERN BC PROSPECTOR OR DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR AWARD - SPONSORED BY ASSOCIATION FOR MINERAL EXPLORATION BC - TERRANE METALS

Terrane Metals' key asset is the Mt. Milligan Copper-Gold Project located 155 km northwest of Prince George in central British Columbia. Terrane Metals has been rapidly advancing the Mt. Milligan Project towards mine production since acquiring the property in July 2006. In December, the Company successfully concluded the federal Environmental Assessment process for this Project. Mt. Milligan will be a conventional truck-shovel open pit mine with a 60,000 tpd copper flotation process plant. A 2009 Feasibility Update Study) forecast average annual production of 262,100 oz gold and 89 million lb copper for the first six years of a 22-year mine life. The Project will provide about 400 direct permanent jobs and significant long-term economic benefits for the region


9. THE E-BUSINESS AWARD - SPONSORED BY ABC COMMUNICATIONS - COZY BUMS DIAPERS

Katherine has created an on-line website from scratch and has developed her home business providing cloth diapers across Canada capitalizing on green consumers. She has learned how to import diapers from U.S. Distributors and continues to grow her product lines. Revenue increased 10 times from her first year and is expected to double in her third year of operation. She has provided cloth diapers to over 1,000 customers removing an estimated 6 million diapers out of landfills. The nominee is an extraordinary example of an entrepreneur. She identified a market of green oriented moms who would appreciate her attention to detail, product knowledge and excellent customer service. With very little assistance she has created a brand, developed a website and runs a viable small business from home.


10. THE TECHNOLOGY START-UP OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSORED BY THE INNOVATION RESOURCE CENTRE - BLUEKEY ENERGY

This award winning start up company is focused on improving local major industry in Prince George and area. Pulp mills in North America have the opportunity to produce 2 billion litres of biodiesel annually from their waste products. Bluekey Energy Inc. has the global processing patent to unlock this untapped resource, and globally produce 3.6 billion litres of biodiesel annually.

Bluekey will help rejuvenate the sunset pulp mill industry by introducing new revenue streams, better waste management, and cost reducing processing. They will also help the environment while creating new job opportunities and revenue for communities and essential fuel. Bluekey is an environmentally friendly step in the production of economically viable biofuel production.


11. THE EXPORT AWARD SPONSORED BY INITIATIVES PRINCE GEORGE - SINCLAR GROUP FOREST PRODUCTS LTD.

Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. was founded in 1962, and has a reputation for manufacturing and distributing premium, high quality wood products. This vertically integrated, innovative company is involved in eight operations in the Central Interior, from lumber manufacturing to panelized home and truss manufacturing. Today, the company is Canada's largest producer of stud lumber and exports to United States, Canada and overseas.


12. THE TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRY NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSORED BY THE PRINCE GEORGE FREE PRESS - HIGHWAY 37 COALITION

A new power line along Highway 37 in northwest BC has the potential to create thousands of jobs, generate new sources of clean power and provide additional revenues to government to help pay for important programs and services. The power line has the potential to spur economic development in mining, tourism and clean power projects. There are ten potential mining projects in the area and the power line has the potential to attract more than $15 billion in investment, create 10,700 jobs and generate $300 million in annual tax revenues to governments. Demand for power in the northwest is driven largely by the mining sector, independent power projects and regional municipality growth, with additional opportunities to revitalize the tourism sector. The 517 kilometre line will generate in excess of 2,000 megawatts each year and could also be fed power from other sources in the northwest. There is significant potential for power generation in the region, from hydro and wind projects to geothermal and the power line could reduce greenhouse gas emission as communities are transitioned away from diesel generators.

This copy courtesy of:
Dean Birks – REALTOR®
Royal LePage Prince George
http://www.deanbirks.com/

mls prince george real estate

Evidence of Forestry's Recovery

Evidence of Forestry's Recovery Buoys Bell

By 250 News

Monday, January 25, 2010 11:04 AM

Prince George, B.C.- Minister of Forests and Range ,Pat Bell, says there are signs forestry is on the road to recovery. He says the latest commodity markets show lumber at an averaged price of $274 dollars per thousand board feet,   “That is an 18 month high. I am hearing that some producers have low inventories and have indicated some concerns about being able to fill their orders.” Bell  says  producers  are telling him they shipped more lumber in  the first  week of January  2010 than in  the entire month  of January  2009.

Bell says the November exports of lumber to China continued the upward trend, and he fully expects the annual exports to China will exceed 1.6 billion board feet, up from 729 million board feet in 2009 and from 329 million board feet shipped in 2008.
Still, that hasn’t prevented the sting of job cuts within his  own Ministry. “We have   over 3,600 staff, all together we are looking at   about 45 positions province wide, a good chunk   of those are staff in Victoria. There are small numbers in different regions around the Province” In the Prince George area, two staff have been cut, a further  6 or so in Kamloops have lost their jobs.

“We are confident we can maintain our responsibilities.   It is important to note that the volume that we have cut over the last few years has decreased from   70 million cubic meters to under 50 million cubic meters, it’s the responsible thing to do to look at how we can increase  efficiencies within the ministry.”

Bell is not factoring the U.S. housing market situation in his recovery predictions,  instead, he is looking to the strength of the growth in exports to China “To go last year from 700 million board feet to this year just under 1.7 billion board feet, that incremental billion board foot climb in the Chinese market is going to account  for  an additional 10% of the  total cut, or about   four sawmills operating in the province and that is the incremental portion. I continue to be optimistic about China, I don’t know if we will put on another billion board feet this year, but   if we did, that would have a meaningful impact on prices and viability of our operations.”

Copy of this from Opinion 250 courtesy of:

Dean Birks

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Latest Stats Graphs for Prince George BC & area

Things are business here in Prince George with buyers (both home buyers and investors) looking for that home or duplex that fits their needs. I have posted here 2 graphs from BCREA. One is for BC Prov MLS® Sales ending 2009 and also the BC Northern average MLS® price.

PS - Interested in MLS List to Sell ratios, Average time on market & Sold reports on one page?

Best regards
Dean Birks

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Canadian Business: Canada's central bank releases monetary policy report

Sent from Canadian Business. To get Canadian Business on your own BlackBerry device today, visit http://canadianbusiness.com/mobile

---------------------------
Canada's central bank releases monetary policy report
By: THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA - The Bank of Canada says the economic recovery is becoming more solidly entrenched.

The bank says Canada's recovery started off a lot slower than anticipated, largely because Canadians were buying foreign products, but is making up ground and likely grew 3.3 per cent in the last three months of 2009.

This year, it projects the economy will expand 2.9 per cent, followed by a 3.5 per cent pickup in 2011.


Best regards,
Dean Birks - REALTOR
Royal LePage Prince George

Sent via BlackBerry

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Sunday, January 17, 2010

10 Tips for Turning Your Home into an Income Property

10 Tips for Turning Your Home into an Income Property
If you’re looking for a way to increase your income, you may need to look no further than your own home.  These days, more and more Canadians are turning their homes into income properties.  An income property is a home that is bought or developed in order to generate income, typically by renting it out in part or in its entirety.  Renting can be a financially rewarding experience, either to provide extra income, or to help pay off a mortgage.  So if you’re thinking of going the income property route, here are 10 important steps you should take:
  1. Contact your local or municipal government to first determine if you are legally permitted to turn your home into an income property.  Work with them to ensure the unit adheres to all existing building and fire codes.
  2. Get to know the landlord-tenant relationship regulations in your province. (For BC Click Here) These laws will give you a better understanding of your role and responsibilities as a landlord.
  3. Inform your insurance company about your plans for renting out space in your home and ask them if you require any additional coverage.
  4. Get your home “renter-ready”.  From a simple change such as a fresh coat of paint to a major renovation, try and make your home look and feel as spacious, bright, and comfortable as possible.  Your home should look appealing inside and out in order to attract potential renters.
  5. Price and market your unit competitively. Scan the classifieds and visit rental websites to find out how much similar units are being listed for.
  6. Conduct a screening process for applicants.  Consider running a criminal background check, as well as a credit check, on prospective tenants.(Here is an old blog I post back in June 2008 that may help allot)
  7. Draft a written tenancy agreement. (Here is link to BC forms) It may contain information such as: the date the tenant will move into the rental unit, the rent amount, the date rent is to be paid, what services are included in the rent (such as electricity or parking) and any separate charges, as well as the rules that you require the tenant to follow.
  8. Consult a lawyer to look over the contract.  Although not necessary, a lawyer can ensure there are no legal problems or issues with the contract before you present it to your tenant. (Here is a few lawyer, notary names & other professionals)
  9. Request a minimum deposit of one month’s rent in advance that may be used against any property damage or unpaid bills, depending on the laws in your province.
  10. Have the tenant sign the contract.  Ensure the tenant receives a copy and keep the original for your own records.  Happy renting!
PS - Interested in MLS List to Sell ratios, Average time on market & Sold reports on one page?
Best regards
Dean Birks
Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Friday, January 15, 2010

Northern Cancer Centre Construction Closing In

Prince George, B.C.- Expect to see some activity around the University Hospital of Northern B.C. (PGRH) next week as preparations start for the construction of the new Northern Cancer Centre... View entire article (pdf).

Best regards
Dean Birks - REALTOR®

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Mt. Milligan Mine Construction Could Start This Summer

Mt. Milligan Mine Construction Could Start This Summer

By 250 News

Thursday, January 14, 2010 09:42 AM

Prince George, B.C. - After three and half years of work, Terrrane Metals is optimistic it will be able to start construction on the Mount Milligan Mine  in late July or early August of this year.
Speaking on the Meisner program on CFISFM ( and through live streaming audio on Opinion 250) Terrane Metals VP Corporate Affairs Sustainability, Glen Wonders, says construction of the mine will take a little over two years.
During construction, the project will create hundreds of jobs, peaking at about 700 .
Wonders says while a “camp” will be constructed for the duration of the construction period, that camp will be deactivated. “When the mine is up and running, we expect the workers will live in the communities of Mackenzie, Ft, St. James and Vanderhoof, and enjoy all those communities have to offer.”  
The Mt. Milligan Mine is about 155 Km northwest of Prince George. With an expected life of 22 years, Wonders says it will have about 400 employees and an annual payroll of about $40 million dollars and will pump between $70- $85 million dollars into the economy each year.

Posted on Thursday, January 14, 2010 09:42 AM in News by 250 News

PS - FIND out if the Prince George Market Stabilized? Get a FREE, customized report emailed to your inbox.

Best regards
Dean Birks - REALTOR®

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

new condo listing - apartment in prince george bc

Just listed for $105,800 a spacious 2 bedroom close to everything and UNBC. Call me for more information at 250-612-1709.

Cheers!

Best regards
Dean Birks - REALTOR®

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Sunday, January 10, 2010

400 Direct Permanent Jobs - Mount Milligan Mine project has cleared another hurdle.

The Mount Milligan Mine project has cleared another hurdle as the Board of Directors has approved a decision to proceed to construction on the Mt. Milligan Project. The project will provide about 400 direct permanent jobs and significant long-term economic benefits for the region. See full attached article.

PS - Has the Prince George Market Stabilized? Get a FREE, customized report emailed to your inbox.

Best regards
Dean Birks - REALTOR®

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate

Friday, January 8, 2010

Jan.2010 Market Update for Prince George BC

Just a quick market update for the Prince George Real Estate Market. The phones have been ringing and people are out looking which should lead to a very good spring compared to last year this time. Here is the latest graph of the sales trends and as you can see its heading in the right direction.

I have also just posted a video update so watch for that. Cheers!

PS - Has the Prince George Market Stabilized? Get a FREE, customized report emailed to your inbox.

Best regards
Dean Birks - REALTOR®

Royal LePage Prince George
Phone: 250-612-1709
Fax: 1-888-870-4132

Posted via email from Prince George Real Estate