Dean Birks - REALTOR® | Prince George Real Estate : Blog | Local News : Latest Blog Posts

Choose Your Own (Mis)Adventure: How US Tariffs Could Impact BC Housing

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 21:20:01 GMT

Use the link to access full report - https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/choose-your-own-misadventure-how-us-tariffs-could-impact-bc-housing

Monthly Home Sale since 2007 to 2024.

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:31:02 GMT

Courtesy of CREA.ca

Affordable Housing?

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 23:02:18 GMT

Talk about development and real estate in Prince George BC. (Affordable House will NEVER exist thanks to present & future building codes).

Bank of Canada’s effect on home sales

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 13:01:00 GMT

You do NOT need to be licensed to do Sewage/Septic/ Lagoon Inspections in BC

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 20:49:00 GMT

I recently came across once again during a deal on a home that the buyers REALTOR® saying the inspection of a septic system has to be done by a licensed person. THIS IS FALSE! I have had extensive conversations over the past few years with the BC Govt/MLAs and our local Northern Health dept. The misunderstanding is you have to be licensed to fix, repair, alter, install a septic/sewage system but you do not for assessment or inspections. They recommend you have someone licensed to inspect but your brother or neighbor or whoever you trust can do it without issue.

There are alot of very knowledgable contractors and persons out there without a license that a very capable of inspecting. Again it is whomever you know and trust.

Here is image of letter I asked for back in April 2021 for your reference

Canada-wide index ranks Prince George as the 10th happiest city in B.C.

Wed, 10 May 2023 22:10:47 GMT

The report found that 84 per cent of Prince George residents are happy to spend less than 30 per cent of their income on housing. - Click here for rest of article

Prince George & areas economy is still strong despite forestry industry downturn

Fri, 05 May 2023 15:15:21 GMT

Mining and energy activity is supporting some northern towns that have otherwise been hammered by sawmill and pulp mill closures throughout the region

Full article details press here

By Nelson Bennett | May 4, 2023, 6:00am

Bidding Wars are Making a Comeback in the Real Estate Market

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:37:22 GMT

My two cents worth:

Recent reports have confirmed what many have feared: the housing market is still in a state of depletion/low inventory, and bidding wars are making a comeback. This development is crucial for sellers, as it requires a shift in strategy regarding how to price and sell their homes. For buyers, it signals a need for a mindset change, given the high interest rates, limited inventory, and fierce competition.

It's important to acknowledge that this housing shortage will persist for years to come. Delaying the decision to buy a home will not solve any issues, and may actually worsen the situation. Therefore, it's advisable to contact myself or Jorden Birks (we are not a team but can work together at times), who can provide guidance on how to navigate the current market conditions, whether you're a buyer or a seller.
Cheers!

Spotlight on Prince George

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 18:48:07 GMT

https://ckpgtoday.ca/2023/01/19/prince-george-thrives-in-international-spotlight/

PRINCE GEORGE- Prince George has been on full display this week between the BC Natural Resource Forum and the 2023 Nordiq Canada Selection Trials & Nordiq Cup.

“It’s so good to see people, so many people back in town making face-to-face connections,” said Mayor Simon Yu.

Between the two major events, the rough estimate of people visiting Prince George this week is around 2000 out-of-town visitors.

It’s not just folks from BC coming up north, Prince George has become a global landmark with teams from Australia, Poland and Czech Republic at the Ski Trails.

The CEO of Tourism Prince George Colin Carson, says it’s impressive that our community can host both of these events simultaneously.

“We’re not just talking sport or just talking conferences, but we’re able to showcase both in these amazing facilities,” said Carson.

Since the Pandemic, Prince George has hosted the Woman’s World Curling Championships and the BC Summer Games. Now, with the BC Natural Resource Forum and the 2023 Nordiq Canada Selection Trials & Nordiq Cup, more events like these are sure to come to the northern capital in the year to come.

By Jack Clark

BC Hydro plans to twin Prince George-Terrace transmission line

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 18:45:50 GMT

BC Hydro president and CEO Chris O'Riley announces plan to twin a transmission line that runs between Prince George and Terrace in order to meet the growing energy needs of the region. The project, which is currently in the planning and design phase, will involve building a second transmission line alongside the existing one, which was built in the 1970s.

This will increase the capacity of the transmission line and ensure a more reliable supply of electricity to the area. The twinning of the transmission line is expected to cost around $200 million and will take several years to complete. The project will also include upgrading and rebuilding substations along the route, as well as installing new transmission towers. The increased capacity will allow for more renewable energy to be transported to the area, helping to reduce the region's dependence on fossil fuels. BC Hydro is working closely with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that the project has minimal impact on the environment and local residents.

Click Here for full story.

"Predictions for Home Prices in Canada in Q1 2023 - Get Expert Insight"

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 22:43:04 GMT

The Canadian housing market has been in a state of flux in recent years, with prices fluctuating in response to a variety of factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and government policies. As we look ahead to the first quarter of 2023, it's difficult to predict exactly what the future holds for home prices in Canada. However, by examining current trends and factors that are likely to affect the market, we can make some educated guesses about what to expect.

One of the biggest factors that will likely affect home prices in the first quarter of 2023 is the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused widespread economic disruption, leading to job losses and reduced income for many Canadians. This has made it more difficult for many people to afford to buy a home, which could lead to a slowdown in demand for housing and a corresponding drop in home prices.

Another factor to consider is interest rates. The Bank of Canada has kept interest rates at historic lows in recent years to help stimulate the economy, and this has made it more affordable for Canadians to take out mortgages and buy homes. However, if interest rates start to rise in the first quarter of 2023, it could make it more expensive for people to borrow money and could therefore lead to a slowdown in demand for housing.

Government policies also play a role in determining home prices. For example, in recent years, the government of Canada has introduced a number of measures designed to cool the housing market, such as the stress test for borrowers, mortgage rates and the mortgage fraud prevention measures. These measures have made it more difficult for some people to qualify for mortgages, which could lead to a slowdown in demand for housing and a corresponding drop in home prices.

Despite these challenges, it's important to note that there are also a number of factors that could help to support home prices in the first quarter of 2023. For example, the Canadian economy has been slowly recovering from the pandemic, which could lead to an increase in demand for housing as more people are able to afford to buy homes. Additionally, some experts believe that the ongoing shortage of housing supply in many Canadian cities could help to support home prices, as there are more buyers than there are homes available for sale.

In conclusion, it is hard to predict exactly what will happen to home prices in Canada in the first quarter of 2023. Factors such as the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, interest rates, and government policies will all play a role in determining the direction of the market. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Canadian housing market is complex and multifaceted, and that there are many factors that can influence home prices. The best way to prepare for the future is to stay informed about current trends and to work with a professional real estate agent to help you navigate the market.

If you're looking for an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent to guide you through the buying or selling process, consider Dean Birks. Dean Birks is a top-rated realtor in Canada with 30+ years of experience in the industry and a deep understanding of the Prince George and area housing market. With his expert advice and guidance, you can be confident that you're making the best decisions for your unique situation.

Thank you very much!

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 20:16:27 GMT

Great new tourism Prince George video

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 02:15:00 GMT

Tourism Prince George // We’re Always Game

Tourism Prince George // We're Always Game from 6ix Sigma Productions on Vimeo.

BC Housing Market Showing Signs of Stabilizing Despite Decreased Activity

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 17:53:40 GMT

September 13, 2022. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 5,645 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service^® (MLS^®) in August 2022, a decrease of 40.8 per cent from August 2021. The average MLS^® residential price in BC was $918,378, a 2.1 per cent increase from $899,428 recorded in August 2021. Total sales dollar volume was $5.2 billion, a 39.6 per cent decline from the same time last year.

For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, click here.

Fire Smart BC - Protect Your Home!

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:59:46 GMT

So what is FireSmart?

Whether you’re a homeowner or a community leader, FireSmart is your go-to source when preparing for wildfire season.

From simple tips for homeowners looking to protect their property to tried-and-tested community programs led by local experts, everything you need to protect and prepare your home, neighbourhood, or municipality during wildfire season can be found right here.

https://firesmartbc.ca

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE RELEASES 2021 HOUSING NEEDS REPORT

Thu, 26 May 2022 20:59:32 GMT

To better understand local housing needs, the City of Prince George conducted a Housing Needs Assessment in 2021. This report was created to help the City of Prince George, residents and local organizations better understand the current and future housing needs and gaps in Prince George. The report summarizes those findings and presents the results of statistical analysis of data, a public survey, and engagement with local community members and stakeholders.

Some key findings include:

Average rental unit prices have increased 66% between 2005-2020
Average home sales prices have increased 140% between 2016-2020
9,440 renter households, with 3,702 registered rental units
655 owner households in core need

Click Here for Full Report

Report finds Prince George needs over 10,000 housing units

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:15:00 GMT

The housing needs assessment, authored by Urban Matters in 2021 and presented to city council on Monday, found that rapidly increasing sales prices and rents and limited primary rental units are putting strain on both renters and homeowners.

Additionally, complex social issues such as homelessness and discrimination are factoring into the ability of marginalized people to find and maintain housing.

The report forecasted that Prince George is in need of about 10,903 units across every housing type by 2031.

PRESS HERE for full story

Here is link to the official City of PG Housing Needs Report Dec.2021 - Click Here

Economic Update - City of PG - Nov 2021

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:46:41 GMT

BUILDING PERMITS DECREASE

The total value of building permits issued in Prince George through the month of November, 2021 reached $13.8M. This was a $17.3M decrease when comparing to November, 2020.

There was a total of 29 permits in November, 2021 when compared to 56 in the previous year.

For the first 11 months of 2021 the total building permit value is $201.8M which is $10.6M less than the same period in 2020.

For full report vist the site - Click Here

2021 building permits in Prince George smash all-time records

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:51:37 GMT

Booming multi-family construction permit values up nearly 70 percent over 2020’s record-breaking year

Prince George, BC - According to a staff report going to Prince George City Council later this month, building permit values registered at the City of Prince George climbed to record heights in 2021 driven largely by private sector multi-family housing construction. Traditionally, building permit values are an important economic indicator.

In 2021, the value of permits sold at the City of Prince George passed $237.6 Million, a 6.3 percent increase over the values in 2019, formerly the all-time record, which totalled roughly $223.4 Million. This total also brings the value of permits purchased in Prince George in the past five years (2017 to 2021) to nearly $1 Billion ($985 Million).

Click here for full details

Carriage and cottage housing now possible in Prince George

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 22:21:36 GMT

A secondary dwelling is a self contained building that is detached, and subordinate to the principal dwelling in terms of size, scale and massing. This use is exclusively used for occupancy by one household. These dwellings may include the following form(s):

- Carriage Housing—a dwelling that is constructed above a detached garage;

- Cottage Housing—a one storey dwelling that is constructed at building grade. This housing form does not include a basement or a half-storey.

Here is link to full discription - Click Here (PDF file)

How to fix the affordable housing crisis

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:08:34 GMT

These are great ideas!

By Chris Seepe -Jan 14, 2022

Despite the uninformed opinions of tenants, their advocates, some media and public housing agencies, government does not have the money to make a dent. Even the federal government’s 10-year $40-billion housing plan could generate only perhaps 18,900 units/year across Canada.

https://www.realestatemagazine.ca/how-to-fix-the-affordable-housing-crisis/#comments

Another Great Year 2021!

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 16:59:01 GMT

A big warm hearted "Thank You" to all my family, friends & Clients for supporting and trusting me to help them with their real estate needs. It's not easy but having the trust makes it all worth while. Cheers to 2022 and may all have a Stress-Less New Year!

Prince George up 20% - Northern BC 2022 Property Assessments

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 01:33:00 GMT

Reprinted from BC Assessment Authority:

January 04, 2022

PRINCE GEORGE — In the next few days, owners of almost 250,000 properties throughout Northern BC can expect to receive their 2022 assessment notices, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2021.

"All during the pandemic, the real estate market has remained robust across the province including higher demand throughout Northern BC, which has resulted in higher 2022 assessment values for most homeowners in the region," says Northen BC Deputy Assessor Beau Rossel. “Northern BC property values for most communities are generally up five to 35 percent with only a couple of exceptions.”

As B.C.'s trusted provider of property assessment information, BC Assessment collects, monitors and analyzes property data throughout the year.

Overall, Northern BC’s total assessments increased from over $72 billion

in 2021 to over $81.7 billion this year. A total of about $1.24 billion of the region’s updated assessments is from new construction, subdivisions and the rezoning of properties.

The Northern BC region encompasses approximately 70 per cent of the province: stretching east to the Alberta border, north to the Yukon border, west to Bella Coola including Haidi Gwaii and to the south, just north of Clinton.

The summaries below provides estimates of typical 2021 versus 2022 assessed values of properties throughout the region. These examples demonstrate market trends for single-family residential properties by geographic area:*

Click on this link to see values by city/town - https://info.bcassessment.ca/news/Pages/Northern-BC-2022-Property-Assessments-in-the-Mail.aspx

Oct 2021 Economic Update for Prince George

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 21:28:42 GMT

The average house sale price was $448,035 in October, 2021. There was an increase compared to last October when there was an average house sale price of $396,383. Click here to view entire report.

BCREA October 2021 Stats

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 15:54:45 GMT

Vancouver, BC – November 10, 2021. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total 9,593 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service^® (MLS^®) in October 2021, a decrease of 13.7 per cent from October 2020. The average MLS^® residential price in BC was $964,777, an 18.9 per cent increase from $811,307 recorded in October 2020. Total sales dollar volume was $9.3 billion, a 2.6 per cent decline from the same time last year.

Click here for full report (3 page pdf)

ECONOMIC UPDATE August 2021 - City of Prince George

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 16:46:21 GMT

The average house sale price was $459,758 in August, 2021. There was an increase compared to last August when there was an average house sale price of $403,874.

House prices and sales keep rising in Prince George

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 03:10:00 GMT

Single-family homes sold for an average $455,842 in Prince George during the first half of the year, according to figures issued Friday by the B.C. Real Estate Board.

The amount represents a $65,857 jump over the average sale price for the same period last year.

Continue with rest of story on Prince George Citizen

BC Markets Calming but Sales Still on Record Pace

Wed, 12 May 2021 15:14:13 GMT

BC Northern Real Estate is up 22%. Here is a link to a pdf report on the most recent stats: Click Here

Aggressive Sellers Market

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:09:39 GMT

Aggressive sellers market all over BC. If you or someone you know is thinking of selling and would first like to start with a Market Valuation give me a call. Cheers!

Ice Flows - Nechako River

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:39:00 GMT

I took a hour break this afternoon just to sit by the river with my drone. Turn on your volume as the ice flow today in the sun was super relaxing. In the summer hundred of people float down the Nechako on summer days.

or Here is link to YouTube video - Click Here

#PrinceGeorgeLife

#DeanBirks #StressLessRealEstate #IceFlows #RiverIce #NechakoRiver #CityofPG #PrinceGeorgeBritishColumbia

Protecting Clients - Secure way to communicate in Real Estate

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 01:19:00 GMT

I'm forever keeping my eye out for better more secure ways to communicate with my clients. I take my clients privacy, negotiations & transaction details seriously. Even though I still use phone, text/SMS and email I have added a new highly secure option for my clients using "Signal" app. Its available for free on https://signal.org/download/

Check out their website: https://signal.org

#PrivateCommunication #ClientPrivacy #PrinceGeorgeRealEstate #DeanBirks #Signal

2020 was another great year!

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 17:58:05 GMT

Visit the original posting...

REAL ESTATE SALES AND HOUSING CONSTRUCTION IN PRINCE GEORGE

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 17:17:58 GMT

There were 66 homes sold in November 2020. There was a decrease between the two periods with 70 homes sold in November 2019.

The average house sale price was $389,705 in November 2020. There was an increase compared to last November when there was an average house sale price of $376,027.

There were 44 more Multi-Family Dwelling completions in November 2020 compared to November 2019.

PRESS HERE for a full report from the City of Prince George.

West Coast Olefins proposed return to Prince George

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:19:24 GMT

Prince George’s Mayor Lyn Hall says the West Coast Olefins (WCO) decision to move its $5.6-billion petrochemical plant project back within city limits is an opportunity for the northern capital.

“It’s a big opportunity for us to take a look at really what this means to our community not only from a tax base perspective, but from an employment perspective, and what that means for our labour force,” says Hall in an interview with PrinceGeorgeMatters.

Last night (Dec. 15), WCO President and CEO Ken James announced the return of the project to Prince George where it was originally planned in the BCR Industrial area.

Click Here for full report.

Your Home Winter Checklist

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 21:14:23 GMT

Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilator filters, should be checked every two months
After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, drain off a dishpan full of water from the clean-out valve at the bottom of your hot water tank to control sediment and maintain efficiency
Clean your humidifier two or three times during the winter season
Vacuum bathroom fan grills to ensure proper ventilation
Vacuum fire and smoke detectors, as dust or spiderwebs can prevent them from functioning
Vacuum radiator grills on the back of refrigerators and freezers, and empty and clean drip trays
Check gauges on all fire extinguishers, and recharge or replace as necessary
Check fire escape routes, door and window locks and hardware, and lighting around the home’s exterior. Ensure your family has good security habits
Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water. Refill with water if necessary
Monitor your home for excessive moisture levels – for instance, since condensation on your windows can cause significant damage over time and pose serious health problems, this requires corrective action
Check all faucets for signs of dripping and change washers as needed. Faucets requiring frequent replacement of washers may be in need of repair or replacement
If you have a plumbing fixture that’s not used frequently, such as a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower stall, briefly run some water to keep water in the trap
Clean drains in the dishwasher, sinks, bathtubs and shower stalls
Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they’re working and to prevent them from seizing
Examine windows and doors for ice accumulation or cold air leaks. If found, make a note for repair or replacement in the spring
Examine attic for frost accumulation. Check roof for ice dams or icicles. If there’s excessive frost or staining of the underside of the roof, or ice dams on the roof surface, be sure to have an expert look into the issue
Check electrical cords, plugs and outlets for all indoor and outdoor seasonal lights to ensure fire safety. If showing signs of wear, or if plugs/cords feel warm, replace immediately

Learn About Prince George - City of Prince George

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 22:49:43 GMT

Today, Prince George is a city of in excess of 90,000 people and is the largest city in central British Columbia. It is a community with assets that include a university and college, affordable housing, well-paying jobs, and comprehensive transportation infrastructure. Prince George's highways and railways, in particular, are complemented by an international airport and these vital transportation links connect local residents and businesses, resources (primarily forest products energy, minerals and metals), and agricultural products to markets around the world.

Prince George offers unparalleled access to outdoor recreation that contributes to the city's high quality of life and standards of living. The Fraser and Nechako rivers are focal points of an extensive park and trail system and there are more than 100 parks and green spaces that comprise an area about five times the size of Vancouver's Stanley Park. Other attractions include five ski hills within a two-hour drive from the city and many opportunities for year-round outdoor activities from camping to snowshoeing.

Visit City of Prince George web page for further details - https://www.princegeorge.ca/Things%20to%20Do/Pages/LearnaboutPrinceGeorge.aspx

*Modified comments from City of PG

BC Housing Markets Heat Up as Summer Ends

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:49:10 GMT

“Very strong provincial home sales continued in August,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “While pentup demand from the spring is driving much of the increase, we anticipate a sustained strong level of sales through the fall.”

CLICK HERE for full report

Hyatt Place Prince George Celebrates Official Opening

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 18:34:50 GMT

August 27, 2020 // Franchising.com // Prince George, B.C. - Hyatt Place Prince George, the first Hyatt Place branded hotel in northern British Columbia, is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new, five-story hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. The hotel is owned and operated by Mundi Hotel Enterprises, Inc.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy-to-navigate experience for today’s multitasking traveler. The hotel’s downtown location is within fifteen minutes of the airport, and is steps of government offices, dozens of restaurants and the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. Nearby attractions include Rolling Mix Arena; home to the Spruce Kings, the Prince George Art Gallery, unique local merchants and the Saturday Farmer’s Market. Within a short drive, exploration awaits, such as Lhedli T’enneh Park, museums, golf, Northern Lights Winery and the CN Centre; Prince George’s concert and entertainment venue, home of the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars.

CLICK Here for full read.

COVID-19 Reopening of BC - Dashboard

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 22:05:40 GMT

The BCREA Economics team has created the COVID-19 Reopening Dashboard to help REALTORS® monitor the evolution of the BC economy as the province gradually reopens. This dashboard focuses on the sectors and activities that have been most significantly impacted by the pandemic and the province's subsequent state of emergency.

To monitor the province's progress toward a "new normal," we benchmark each indicator to February 2020, the month before the pandemic was declared. This dashboard will be updated each month.

Here is link to full report

Natural gas liquids recovery project predicts massive energy boom in Prince George

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:56:05 GMT

Northern British Columbia is on the cusp of a massive transformation, says Ken James, president and CEO of West Coast Olefins Ltd.

James, who has spent his career traveling the world working in the energy sector, believes the next big thing in energy is right in his backyard in Prince George.
“Typically, these projects are driven by cheap feedstock,” said James. “What has happened in the last decade is the cheapest feedstock is actually in North America. And the cheapest in Western Canada and B.C. is on the doorstep to the biggest and fastest-growing markets in Asia.”

Click Here to see the full article.

Strong Recovery Continues for BC Housing Markets

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:19:42 GMT

Vancouver, BC – August 13, 2020. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 10,090 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service^® (MLS^®) in July 2020, an increase of 26.6 per cent from July 2019. The average MLS^® residential price in BC was $770,810, a 12.9 per cent increase from $682,702 recorded the previous year. Total sales dollar volume in July was $7.8 billion, a 43 per cent increase over 2019

Click Here for pdf full information.

Repayment for residential tenants who’ve fallen behind in their rent

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 23:31:02 GMT

The BC Government just published a repayment framework for residential tenants who’ve fallen behind in their rent, along with a couple of other announcements about residential tenancies.

Here are the key points on the repayment plan:

the residential eviction ban will be lifted before September 1 (which means full rent will be due in September)
late payments during the emergency period aren’t considered cause for eviction and a tenant can’t be evicted for unpaid rent during the emergency unless they have defaulted on their repayment plan,
tenants who have fallen behind in their rent will have until July 2021 to pay it back, as long as they make monthly installments (landlords can’t charge late fees),
the first installment will be due 30 days from when the landlord presents the repayment plan – probably October 1 for most tenants, and
landlords and tenants can still negotiate additional terms, as needed.

The news release includes these additional important announcements:

no rent increases can take effect until December 1, 2020, and
landlords to have the ability to restrict access to common spaces for COVID-19-related health reasons.

BC Housing Market rebounding - June 2020

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 03:15:00 GMT

Although listings activity has normalized along with sales, active listings are still down close to 20 per cent year-over-year and, as a result, many markets are seeing upward pressure on prices.

Press Here to download and view the full report (.pdf file)

Seniors reminded of option to defer their property taxes as deadline nears

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:19:41 GMT

“With the PTD program, the province pays the property tax on behalf of the senior directly to the local government. The senior homeowner does not need to pay back the money to the province until the property is sold,” said Mackenzie.

Click Here for full story

Economic Update - April 2020 - City of Prince George

Tue, 26 May 2020 20:14:28 GMT

Down 8600 jobs in the Cariboo Economic Development Region in April 2020. Other Services (except Public Administration), Wholesale and Retail Trade, Transportation and Warehousing are the main industries creating new jobs.

PRESS HERE for full details.

Economic Update - Dec 2019

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 17:28:24 GMT

Every month, the Economic Development division at the City of Prince George tracks economic indicators to better understand the business climate in Prince George. Data included in the monthly analysis covers several areas, including employment rates and numbers, real estate developments and transactions, building permit values, business license applications, and airport passenger statistics.

PRESS HERE for full details

Dinosaur TV series showcases Prince George's The Exploration Place

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 23:53:26 GMT

By: Hanna Petersen

Prince George’s The Exploration Place is receiving national attention for its exhibits, this time as part of a TV series called Dino Trails.

The show, now on Amazon Prime Video, focuses on the newest discoveries of dinosaurs and fossils in B.C. and Alberta — and the tourism that results from them.

The northern B.C. episode features both The Exploration Place and the Six Peaks Dinosaur Track Site near Hudson’s Hope.

“We came to Prince George to film the dinosaur tracks that are on display and in the collections of Exploration Place. The dinosaur footprints exhibit is fascinating and easy for all ages to understand and enjoy,” says Brandy Yanchyk, the series creator, in a press release.

PRESS HERE for the full article.

Prince George BC building boom reaches record levels

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:55:43 GMT

Reports show building permits are already at their highest levels ever and there’s still a long list of projects awaiting approval or scheduled to be built. Two recently published forecasts – one by the city and another by the Conference Board of Canada – indicate that the growth will continue despite a slump in forestry.

Press on link below for full read:

https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/economic/2020/01/prince-george-building-boom-reaches-record-levels

Image by: Eurydemus (as per link to info Click Here)

City of Prince George has approved a new 2020-2025 Economic Development Strategy

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 18:47:41 GMT

Focusing on growing and attracting businesses within five target sectors:

Forestry, Wood Products, and Bio Products
Transportation, Warehousing, and E-Commerce
Manufacturing: Machinery, Chemical, and Food
Professional Services: Engineering, Environmental Services, and Resource Management
Construction: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, and General Contractors

PRESS HERE for full 8 page report.

Prince George Cougars ensuring everyone can enjoy Family Day with free game

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 22:47:37 GMT

It’s no secret that Prince George quickly becomes a second home for those who venture to the city a career, meeting new people and claiming a northern family.

In the case of Nolan Blasko, he left the comforts of Stouffville, Ont. to take an account executive position with the Prince George Cougars this past summer and has since established the organization and fellow colleagues as his new family.

When he was tasked to finding a sponsor for the 2019-20 season’s Family Day game, he said CN Rail made the most sense as the company’s name is stamped to the arena.

Press Here for full story