Calgary Chinese Fight Back Development



Chinatown Vancouver - Courtesy Westbank Corp

Calgary Chinese Fight Back Development

The Chinese community came out to protest. Many in the area are against plans for a 27-storey development in Calgary's Chinatown. The area has one of the largest vacant lots existing. Terry Wong, spokesman for Chinatown’s recently founded Business Revitalization Zone stated publicly that, "Policy documents like this should be reviewed every five years."  He added, “…so it’s 25 years overdue."

Local Architect Caused the Uproar!

The developer has asked for the removal of Chinatown’s 15-storey height restriction including rezoning for two-thirds commercial usage when the limit is currently 50 per cent. Mr. Chugh, the architect, says the intention is, "to contribute to the revitalization of Chinatown by developing a significant parcel of land which has been empty for more than 20 years." Mr. Chugh says he’s been "a bit surprised" by the scale of the reaction.

Development Challenges 3 Zoning Regulations

According to Wong, "They’ve requested a land-use change to allow them a broader variety of commercial use than the land is currently zoned for." With the recent public protest the application’s progress at City Hall has been stalled - now deferred until December, 2016.

Needs to Feel Like China Town

Concerned business owners and residents explain that the development poses too great a risk. According to Wong, "They [the developers] haven’t provided the answers we’re looking for. We’re not concerned with the process; we’re concerned with the intention." Ensuring the neighbourhood, "feels like Chinatown," remains one of Mr. Wong’s top priorities for Calgary.

Fears from Young and Old Alike

Older members of the community are concerned about the new development destroying their heritage. Young Chinese Calgarians are also showing their support. They have formed a group called I Love YYC Chinatown to raise awareness. Sylvia Leong, one of the founding members believes the development challenge is one being faced by all North American Chinatowns.  "There’s a need to evolve but also a need to maintain links to the past." https://www.facebook.com/SaveCalgaryChinatown/photos/a.

This prompted a comment from one of the news followers, "Why do the Chinese people have a problem with integration?"

Do you feel the same? Do you think preserving heritage is important? Are you interested in buying or selling property in Chinatown? Give Chris a call #403-680-4479

Flames Arena Project Costs Big – Billions Likely

If you own near Ninth Ave. and 16^th St. West, your property value may go up soon. A Calgary city report says a proposal to bring a new NHL and CFL stadium to the city would likely cost much more than originally anticipated.

What Do Taxpayers Get?

The CalgaryNEXT project would span several blocks near the Bow River. It would include a 20,000-seat arena for hockey including an event centre for concerts, a 400-metre indoor track and a regulation CFL field, with seats for 30,000 football fans.

The Mayor is 'Cool'

The report released recently states that a CalgaryNEXT arena-and-stadium project could reach a price tag of $1.8 billion — with $1.3 on taxpayers' shoulders. Is that fair? Everyone is weighing in on the decision. Calgary's Mayor Nenshi is cool about it saying, "It's just an idea."

In a statement, he said that they need to wait for the full report. It will provide council with a better grasp on how to remediate creosote contamination in the West Village area before proceeding with redevelopment. "Public money must be used for public benefit."

The Other Argument

Many people are in favour of the new sports complex arguing that both McMahon Stadium (built 1960's) and the Saddledome (built 1980's) are long past their best-before dates. Many entertainment acts are giving Calgary a pass since they can't fit their tech equipment under the Saddledome's slumping roof.

Calgary Flames President is 'Warm'

Brian Burke, Calgary Flames president of hockey operations likes the project saying, "There's absolutely no reason we should watch a new building going up in Edmonton and we've got to play in a 1988 building here."

What do you think? Is this public money being spent for public benefit? Should the billion-dollar decision be put to the people? Do you want to live near the new stadium? Give Chris a call #403-680-4479

E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com
Website: http://www.YourHomeInAlberta.com Website: http://www.liveinokotoks.com/

 

Need Cash? Basement Apartment in 5 Easy Steps

Need Cash? Basement Apartment in 5 Easy Steps

Wish that Your Unfinished Basement was ready for Apartment Rental?

View these steps in Slide Share from:

http://www.slideshare.net/Liveinokotoks/calgary-basement-apartments-in-5-easy-steps

 

1.  Research and plan and understand what you want to achieve. Don't forget safety and comfort. Add storage wherever you can. The laundry room can be a bathroom since the plumbing is already there. Stackable washer/dryer combinations are meant for small spaces. A second entrance? Expensive but worth it. Have your tenant come and go independently.

 2.   Do it Right. Make sure the by-laws in your area allow for a rental space.

Also a building permit is required for a basement suite. Plan on required inspections throughout the process.  City of Calgary's building inspectors are there to help if you have questions. Don't expect same-day approval and depending on the complexity of the renovations it could take weeks. Changes you make to your home must follow code. This is especially important for the re-sale value of your home.

3.      Hire professionals.

You may do some easy tasks like framing a wall or even dry-walling but leave the plumbing and electrical work to the experts. Don't forget to get quotes in writing and a signed contract. Ask about clean up. Who pays for taking debris to the landfill?

4.      Expect problems and delays.

Not every home is perfect and each professional works according to their style. Prepare to adapt. Your tired old house may have cracks, crooked walls, tiles that won't line up and doors that won't close. Buy durable and reliable. Do it right so that your tenant won't be calling every week with a problem.

5.     Start Early - Biggest Return on Your Real Estate Investment!

A renovation on your home, if done right, is never a waste of money. Having a rental suite works in any economy and every market. A renovation that costs $24,000 sounds pricey but if you get $1,000 per month it's paid off in two years.

Need more advice from a Real Estate professional? Call Chris 403-680-4479

Visit: chris@Liveinokotoks.com Follow all the Blogs at: http://www.yourhomeinalberta.blogspot.ca/

Need professional renovation experts? EdraPro is the new way to go. Visit: http://edrapro.ca/ Check out the Platinum Package for the best deal on renovations.

 

 

Calgary Apartments for Rent - Secondary Suites – The Debate

An Issue that Won't Go Away

In the news today is an issue that will be debated at Calgary's City Council meeting tomorrow, namely 'Secondary Suites'. In the past and in better economic times demand for housing has allowed for some secondary suites. Calgary has even made things a little easier by waiving fees but so far, a city-wide permit has failed to come into fruition.

Tomorrow 26 Applications Up for Debate

Each time a homeowner wants to put a legal suite in their basement, it must come before city council. The talk tomorrow will focus around the 26 applications requesting the legal permission for secondary suites that they can then offer for rent.

Mayor Frustrated

According to reports this issue causes much frustration for Calgary's mayor, Naheed Nenshi, and the concern won't go away. When asked about why it takes up countless hours of precious council time to discuss the matter Nenshi says, "They can't agree on what to do about it and so we're stuck."

When asked further the mayor comments that, "People get to take a day or two days off work to come down and ask to be able to do something with their own property."

Home Owners Must Wait

Home owners must wait and stay tuned. City council will hear about each and every one of these 26 applications at Monday's meeting and vote on them. There is division amongst council members about what to do and that contributes to the tension. The current process won't change, Nenshi knows, until at least after the next election in October 2017.

Looking for a place to rent? Give Chris Ashby a call 403-680-4479
Website: Chris@Liveinokotoks.com

https://twitter.com/yourhomealberta Find me on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Real-Estate-Professioanls-297362647096029/

Students weigh in: Legal secondary suites needed for housing. They must be safe and affordable. Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/legal-secondary-suites-needed-for-safe-affordable-calgary-housing-students-say-1.3204207

Real Estate weighs in: Should secondary suites be advertised as income opportunities as listings on official Realtor Sites? Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-illegal-suite-real-estate-listings-1.3302815

Note: Real Estate Professionals does not endorse nor is responsible for content of external links.

 

Calgary - Flat Line! House Prices Predicted

Calgary Home Prices Remained Static 2015

House prices in Calgary were unchanged for the last quarter of 2015 according to the Statistics Canada New Housing Price Index report. BUT what does the first quarter of 2016 look like? Well there's not a big change.

Down But Not Big Change

According to Calgary Real Estate Board CREB statistics, single-family homes in general were more affordable in Calgary over the first two months of 2016 compared to the same time a year earlier. The benchmark price for a house dipped to $506,200 from $521,950. While overall Calgary new home prices were down around 3 percent from year ago levels, land prices were still growing on an annual basis.

Numbers Not Surprising

According to the latest sales and prices figures from CREB, less than 1,600 units sold last month, a drop of 11 per cent compared to March 2015. "The numbers aren’t surprising," says Ann-Marie Lurie, chief economist with CREB. "This is influencing our market. Another factor pushing real estate prices is a continuing rise in listings."

People Wait and See

“Homebuyers continue to wait and see if there are going to be further declines in home prices before making an offer,” said CREB president Cliff Stevenson. “Timing the bottom of the market is proving to be quite a challenge in the housing market we are faced with now. As we move into spring, we are starting to see more foot traffic at open houses and showings from potential buyers.”

Prices Lower or Higher?

Some builders predict higher prices due to the higher costs in construction to cover the new building code regulations that came into effect from 2015. However the increase may be off-set by lower negotiated selling prices due to the economic downturn.

Flat-Line for Now

At this point, nobody can accurately predict when the market might bottom out, and sales activity and prices will begin to rebound. In a news release, Diane Scott, broker and owner of Royal LePage Solutions said, “Calgary’s housing market has been more resilient than most expected amid declining oil prices.”

Need some help deciding when to buy or sell? Give Chris a call #403-680-4479

Stage Your Home - Sell Your Home.

These 8 Tips are a Must!

Roll up Your Sleeves

It’s time to put in a little elbow grease and get your house ready for the market. A coat of paint and a good cleaning is first up on the list. Make repairs to walls, steps, decking and patio concrete. Does your family have a pet, or does anyone smoke, or do you store gym bags in the front closet? Don't forget to deodorize. Tidy up, repair, clean and revitalized.

De-clutter

The buyers want to see your house, not your mess. Go through every room, scrutinizing every item. That means your basement, crawlspace and garage. Remember the disposal of hazardous materials such as paint, engine oil and batteries will require special attention.

Buyers Buy Space in Real Estate

If you are able to show more space, whether it be living or storage space, more buyers will be interested in your house. It is easier said than done especially if you and your family are still living in it. Try a little harder to pack up items and organize shelves and clear floor areas. Rearrange and neutralize rooms. Your personal taste is just well 'yours'. The buyer wants to dream about how to make it theirs.

The Most Important Room - The Kitchen

To the buyer, it’s all about the kitchen and that ‘we can move in anytime’ feeling. Try to make your kitchen sleek-yet-functional. Move less-oft used items out of the way for example some countertop appliances. The kitchen is not just for a woman. The space in the kitchen is important to all family members, now, more so than ever.

Flow and Invitation

Make it an entertainer's dream. Set the table with a romantic atmosphere or why not dinner for ten. Are there enough chairs around the large dining room table? Update light fixtures and lamps.

Cushions and Warmth

Your home should be warm, not sterile or cold. Add some cushions here, a rug there even a painting on the bare wall. Everybody loves a flower arrangement. That fresh home-baked smell is especially inviting.

Pay attention to Curb Appeal

Go outside and look at the front of your home. Access both the front and back yards. Observe with critical eyes as though you are the buyer and how they might see it. Remember the front door. Replace the house numbers if they look old and tired. Position them where they are easily visible from the road.

 Tips to Save Money

Shedding excess baggage before a move makes sense. Experts agree that families in most homes could get rid of about 30% of the contents and never miss it. Imagine if you got rid of thousands of pounds of clutter. Then you don’t have to pay to move it. A garage sale may be a good idea. Then trash. Return, donate or put into storage any items just lying around.

It may be worth the one-hour rate of pay to hire a professional Home Stager to get specific custom suggestions and don't forget For more tips on how to get your house ready for sale, give Chris Ashby a call #403-680-4479

For the Slide Show Presentation of this blog visit: 'SlideShare' in LinkedIn or facebook

http://www.slideshare.net/ChrisAshby6/stage-your-home-sell-your-home