Friday, May 31, 2013 What kind of house can I build, and how do I apply to build one?by Nadja Pasic on Fri, May, 31, 2013 06:14 PM
Building your laneway house
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A laneway house is a smaller, detached home located where the garage would normally go on a single-family lot.
Laneway houses contribute to the overall sustainability of the city.
They give people more opportunities to live close to where they work, shop, and play, and they make the city's urban lanes more green, liveable, and safe.
Laneway housing also contributes to the amount of affordable rental housing available in the city.
Can I build a laneway house on my property?
You can build a laneway house on any lot 33 feet or wider in an RS-1 or RS-5 single family zone.
If you are not sure if your home is in an eligible zone, call 3-1-1, and we can tell you. Or you can look up your zoning online, using our simple map tool.
What kind of house can I build, and how do I apply to build one?
The City has a step-by-step how-to guide for anyone interested in building a laneway house.
The guide will answer your questions about laneway houses, and help you put your ideas into action.
The how-to guide includes:
- Step-by-step help for the application process
- Illustrations of regulations and guidelines
- Sketches of laneway house floor plans and exteriors
- Resources for designing and building your laneway house
- Photos of completed laneway houses
Be sure to carefully review the guide before you start planning your laneway house.
Additional documents
If you are interested in building a laneway house, email, phone, or visit the City's Enquiry Centre to learn more about regulations and the approval process, and find out if your lot is eligible.
Enquiry Centre
2nd Floor
2675 Yukon Street
(11th at Yukon)
Phone: 604-873-7611
Email: [email protected]
Friday, May 31, 2013 Laneway housesby Nadja Pasic on Fri, May, 31, 2013 06:13 PM
Laneway houses
Laneway houses are an excellent way to increase the diversity of rental units in single family neighbourhoods, by providing:
- An additional opportunity beyond owning a house or renting a basement suite
- More opportunity to live in detached and ground-oriented rental housing
- Additional housing that preserves the existing streetscape and adds character, vibrancy, and security to the lane
- Housing for diverse groups of people, including seniors ready to downsize, adult children who want to live independently, and renters who want to live in detached housing
- More opportunities for people to live in the city, close to their jobs, services, and frequent transit
The laneway housing program plays an important role in achieving Council’s priorities to increase the supply of rental housing options across the city.
Build a laneway house
Proposed amendments and program expansion referred to June 11th public hearing
May 15, 2013 – Council referred proposed amendments to the laneway housing regulations and guidelines, and expansion of the program to Public Hearing on June 11th, 2013. If Council approves the amendments and expansion after hearing from the public, the new regulations should be enacted in early July.
What do you think about our proposed amendments and program expansion?
March 7, 2013 – The survey closed March 15, 2013. Thank you for your interest.
Information session on proposed laneway housing changes
February 22, 2013 – Come to an information session to learn more about proposed changes to the City’s laneway housing program. Currently, laneway houses are permitted in certain single-family zones (RS-1 and RS-5) in the city. We are looking at amending the program to improve the fit of these homes in neighbourhoods and expand where they can be built, to create more livable units. City staff will be on hand to answer questions.
See the Documents tab to view the information boards presented at these information sessions.
- Date: March 6, 2013
Time: 4:00pm-7.30pm
Location: Polish Community Centre, 4015 Fraser Street, Main Hall
- Date: March 7, 2013
Time: 4:00pm-7.30pm
Location: Hellenic Community Centre, 4500 Arbutus Street, Small Hall
Changes are coming to the laneway housing program this spring
February 22, 2013 – Later this spring, staff will report to Council with proposed amendments to the program regulations and guidelines, and to expand the program to other single-family zoned neighbourhoods.
We have been monitoring laneway housing development and have identified key issues related to neighbourliness, livability, permit processing and the provision of parking. Proposed amendments to the program will respond to these issues by:
- Encouraging the development of more one storey laneway housing, which have less impact on neighbours and are more accessible for an aging population and families with small children
- Making laneway housing more livable by allowing more floor area for living and storage space without increasing the size of the house
- Allowing a faster permit process for one storey laneway houses, and ensuring the provision of on-site parking.
In addition to the improvements to the current regulations and guidelines, the laneway housing program will be expanded into the other RS zones of RS-1A, RS-1B, RS-3/3A, RS-4, RS-6 and RS-7.
Thursday, May 30, 2013 Metro Vancouver’s resale housing market balanced in April...by Nadja Pasic on Thu, May, 30, 2013 11:41 PM
The resale housing market in Metro Vancouver remained balanced last month with few sales and new listings, as homeowners seem uncertain about selling now or waiting for the market to improve, according to a Conference Board of Canada resale snapshot for April.
Photograph by: Gerry Kahrmann, PNG Files , The Canadian Press
METRO VANCOUVER - Metro Vancouver’s housing resale market remained balanced last month with few sales and new listings, as homeowners seem uncertain about selling now or waiting for the market to improve, according to a Conference Board of Canada’s metropolitan resale snapshot for April.
Both sales and new listings were slightly down compared with March, as the average price of a home in the region dipped by 0.2 per cent to $735,641.
Sales fell by 1.5 per cent to 23,772 homes, or a 13 per cent drop over the same period last year. Month over month new listings fell 2.8 per cent to 53,580.
Meanwhile, house prices in Metro Vancouver are projected to continue to slide in the near future.
In the report released Thursday, the board said short-term year over year price growth expectations are falling in Vancouver, Victoria and the Fraser Valley, while rising in most other regions of the country. House prices in Calgary, for example, are forecast to climb between five and 6.9 per cent.
Nationally, the board said the resale market was evenly divided between gainers and losers in April. Sales were up from the previous month’s levels in 14 of the 28 markets covered by the report, but few markets posted sizable increases.
However, listings fell in 16 markets between March and April, and were below their April 2012 volumes in 14 areas.
“Potential home vendors seem uncertain whether this is a good time to sell their house,” the report stated, citing a sharp decline in the sales-to-listings ratio in 25 markets between March and April as further evidence of unsettled conditions.
Balanced market conditions, prevailed in 19 markets including Metro Vancouver, down from 20 in March.
Regina is the only Western market in a buyers’ state, while Windsor, Ont., is the only region in a sellers’ market.
[email protected]
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Metro+Vancouver+resale+housing+market+balanced+April/8455254/story.html#ixzz2Up3M2pSB
Thursday, May 30, 2013 Plan Ahead: 11 Best Kitsilano Summer Eventsby Nadja Pasic on Thu, May, 30, 2013 10:17 PM Plan Ahead: 11 Best Kitsilano Summer Events
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano dwellers will tell you how they love to watch the waters of English Bay change colour in wintertime. Despite our enthusiasm for all things Kitsilano all year round, there’s no doubt that our beachfront neighbourhood, called Vancouver’s Venice Beach, truly shines in summer.
Summer in Kitsilano brings a multitude of outdoor festivals and events. Here’s a list of the best summer events to help you plan ahead for the fun. From free street parties with live music and food trucks, to classic Shakespeare with a view of the North Shore mountains, the line-up is as stunning as Kitsilano’s scenery.
11 Best Kitsilano Summer Events
1) Kitsilano Farmers Market: Sundays May 12-Oct. 20, 2013
Kitsilano Farmers Market is open for the 2013 season every Sunday from 10am to 2pm at 2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue in the parking lot of Kitsilano Community Centre. Head on over for a leisurely browse and access to Vancouver’s local producers.
2) Kitsilano Pool: May 18- September 2, 2013
“Kits Pool” is the longest pool in Canada and the only salt-water pool in Vancouver. For those who are visiting Kits, it’s located along the beach at Cornwall and Vine. There’s a cafe and three waterslide. Thanks to the pristine waters and jumbo-sized tanning chairs, the pool often boasts more visitors than the nearby beach. There’s also a kids’ area with a fountain.
3) Kitsilano Beach: Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
Frequently ranked on global beach top 10 lists, this seawall stretch has plenty of lazy sunworshippers as well as picnicking families and hard-core beach volleyball pros.
Bard on the Beach
4) Bard on the Beach: June 12-September 14, 2013
Celebrating its 24th Season in 2013, Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festivals. Don’t be intimidated. This is accessible culture with an edge. Shakespeare’s words stay the same; everything thing else gets a contemporary twist. Performances take place outside in Vanier Park using Kitsilano’s stunning water and mountain views as scenery.
5) Car Free Day Kitsilano: June 15-16, 2013
Kitsilano does something different for Car Free Day because that’s how we (don’t) roll. Instead of closing off a major street, people throughout Kits host block parties with their neighbours. The block parties are as individual as the people who pull them together. Some have dancing, some have music, some have couches, chairs and carpets in the middle of the street etc. All of them are a fun, relaxing chance to hang out with the people who live on your street.
6) Greek Day on Broadway: June 23, 2013
Yell “Opa!” dance, eat delicious Greek food, enjoy live music and learn all about Kitsilano’s history as the it-hood for Vancouver Greeks.
Kitsilano Showboat
7) Kitsilano Show Boat: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, July & August 2013
Launched in 1935, Kitsilano Showboat is a live performing arts theatre on the shores of Kits Beach. Check out the free shows every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night during July and August at 7:00.
8) Volleyball BC Vancouver Open Tournament at Kitsilano Beach: July 12-14, 2013
Pro and soon-to-be pro athletes battling on the Kits Beach sand for supremacy. Food trucks and beer tents. Spectators who either love the game or enjoy ogling the cut participants.
9) Khatsahlano! Music + Arts Festival: July 13, 2013
A massive, free street party reminiscent of Kitsilano’s 1960s rep for counterculture hippies and cool concerts. 50 bands take to stages on West 4th Avenue between Burrard and MacDonald. Plus food truck pods, fashion, street art and more.
10) Vancouver Folk Music Festival: July 19-23, 2013
Folk music at Jericho Beach Park! It began small in the 1970s. Today the outdoor festival attracts the world’s leading folk musicians.
Celebration of Light
11) Honda Celebration of Light, July 27; July 31; August 3, 2013
Celebration of Light is not only Vancouver’s most popular annual event, but it’s also the largest offshore international fireworks competition in the world and attracts up to 400,000 spectators along English Bay each evening. You can also catch the pyrotechnics from Kitsilano Beach and have a little more elbow room for your picnic.
Sunday, May 19, 2013 Open House. Open House on Sunday, May 19, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Sun, May, 19, 2013 04:07 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3057 13TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Sunday, May 19, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Are you looking for a New Kitsilano Home that is great for famililes & perfect for entertaining? Look no further! This home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 ensuite plus laundry on the top level. The main floor is designed with a completely open concept, large windows to let the sun shine in, dark wood floors and lots of space. The lower level has it all, media rooms, recreation room, guest(or nanny) bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms. Outdoors features a large deck, great for summer BBQ's, 2 car garage, 4 camera security system with TV monitor. BONUS: Air Conditioning, HRV, 2-5-10 Home Warranty. Close to shopping & restaurants on Broadway, park and schools!
Schools: Carnarvon Elementary; Kitsilano Secondary.
Open House Saurday & Sunday 2-4pm.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 Open House. Open House on Saturday, May 18, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Wed, May, 15, 2013 04:14 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3057 13TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, May 18, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Are you looking for a New Kitsilano Home that is great for famililes & perfect for entertaining? Look no further! This home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 ensuite plus laundry on the top level. The main floor is designed with a completely open concept, large windows to let the sun shine in, dark wood floors and lots of space. The lower level has it all, media rooms, recreation room, guest(or nanny) bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms. Outdoors features a large deck, great for summer BBQ's, 2 car garage, 4 camera security system with TV monitor. BONUS: Air Conditioning, HRV, 2-5-10 Home Warranty. Close to shopping & restaurants on Broadway, park and schools!
Schools: Carnarvon Elementary; Kitsilano Secondary.
Open House Saurday & Sunday 2-4pm.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 Vancouver laneway housing to be reviewed by councilby Nadja Pasic on Tue, May, 14, 2013 04:08 PM
Vancouver laneway housing to be reviewed by council
Council to recommend simplified permit process, modified footprints for city laneway houses
Posted: May 13, 2013 7:03 AM PT
Last Updated: May 13, 2013 7:01 AM PT
Read 18 comments18
Vancouver’s laneway housing policy is up for review this week, four years after city council unanimously passed a bylaw allowing back-alley garages to be converted into rental housing.
About 900 permits have been issued and more than 500 lane houses have been built since the 2009 bylaw was passed, and city planner Brian Jackson says laneway housing in Vancouver has been an overall success.
"There's been a lot of take-up and a lot of interest in this form of rental housing," he said.
On a standard lot, the laneway houses can have up to 500 square feet of floor space and be up to 1½ storeys high.
The idea was promoted by former mayor Sam Sullivan as part of his eco-density initiative and was meant to be an option for affordable housing in the city.
But leading up to the passing of the bylaw, many city residents expressed concern about parking, congestion, privacy and loss of views.
On Wednesday, city staff will recommend a simplified permit process so more laneway houses can be built in the city.
To address privacy concerns, Jackson said the city will encourage new homes to be a single storey, so laneway homes are not looming over the neighbours’ backyards.
The proposed amendments also include requiring one external on-site parking space for the laneway house in place of an enclosed garage.
In the report being presented to council, city staff said that, in some cases, the enclosed laneway house garages are being designed and used as extra living spaces, which "could contribute to on-street parking difficulties."
A public hearing is expected to follow Wednesday’s city council meeting.
 The City of Vancouver issued 910 permits for laneway houses from November 2009, when the program began, to April 2013. (City of Vancouver)
Sunday, May 12, 2013 Open House. Open House on Sunday, May 12, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Sun, May, 12, 2013 04:09 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3057 13TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Sunday, May 12, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Are you looking for a New Kitsilano Home that is great for famililes & perfect for entertaining? Look no further! This home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 ensuite plus laundry on the top level. The main floor is designed with a completely open concept, large windows to let the sun shine in, dark wood floors and lots of space. The lower level has it all, media rooms, recreation room, guest(or nanny) bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms. Outdoors features a large deck, great for summer BBQ's, 2 car garage, 4 camera security system with TV monitor. BONUS: Air Conditioning, HRV, 2-5-10 Home Warranty. Close to shopping & restaurants on Broadway, park and schools!
Schools: Carnarvon Elementary; Kitsilano Secondary.
Open House Saurday & Sunday 2-4pm.
Sunday, May 12, 2013 Open House. Open House on Sunday, May 12, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Sun, May, 12, 2013 04:09 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouver.
Open House on Sunday, May 12, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Gorgeous Brand New Home on Trafalgar Street with 4338 sqft of beautiful living. 53' x 120 Lot size with a 4 car garage. Top level features 4 Bedrooms & 3 Ensuites, Spa Inpired Master Bathroom and large walk in closet. Main level offers open living and dining area, large office, gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances including a chinese (spice/wok) kitchen and mud room. Hardwood floors, gorgeous chandeliers and large windows to let the sun shine in. Lower level contains a fantastic one bedroom fully finished suite with laundry, media room that makes you feel like you are in a movie theatre, wine room, recreation room and powder room. What more could you ask for? Call today to view. 2-5-10 National Home Warranty.
Thursday, May 9, 2013 Open House. Open House on Saturday, May 11, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Thu, May, 9, 2013 04:08 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, May 11, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Gorgeous Brand New Home on Trafalgar Street with 4338 sqft of beautiful living. 53' x 120 Lot size with a 4 car garage. Top level features 4 Bedrooms & 3 Ensuites, Spa Inpired Master Bathroom and large walk in closet. Main level offers open living and dining area, large office, gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances including a chinese (spice/wok) kitchen and mud room. Hardwood floors, gorgeous chandeliers and large windows to let the sun shine in. Lower level contains a fantastic one bedroom fully finished suite with laundry, media room that makes you feel like you are in a movie theatre, wine room, recreation room and powder room. What more could you ask for? Call today to view. 2-5-10 National Home Warranty.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 Open House. Open House on Saturday, May 11, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Tue, May, 7, 2013 04:08 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3057 13TH AVE W in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, May 11, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Are you looking for a New Kitsilano Home that is great for famililes & perfect for entertaining? Look no further! This home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 ensuite plus laundry on the top level. The main floor is designed with a completely open concept, large windows to let the sun shine in, dark wood floors and lots of space. The lower level has it all, media rooms, recreation room, guest(or nanny) bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms. Outdoors features a large deck, great for summer BBQ's, 2 car garage, 4 camera security system with TV monitor. BONUS: Air Conditioning, HRV, 2-5-10 Home Warranty. Close to shopping & restaurants on Broadway, park and schools!
Schools: Carnarvon Elementary; Kitsilano Secondary.
Open House Saurday & Sunday 2-4pm.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 Open House. Open House on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 10:30 am - 12:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Tue, May, 7, 2013 04:08 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouver.
Open House on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Gorgeous Brand New Home on Trafalgar Street with 4338 sqft of beautiful living. 53' x 120 Lot size with a 4 car garage. Top level features 4 Bedrooms & 3 Ensuites, Spa Inpired Master Bathroom and large walk in closet. Main level offers open living and dining area, large office, gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances including a chinese (spice/wok) kitchen and mud room. Hardwood floors, gorgeous chandeliers and large windows to let the sun shine in. Lower level contains a fantastic one bedroom fully finished suite with laundry, media room that makes you feel like you are in a movie theatre, wine room, recreation room and powder room. What more could you ask for? Call today to view. 2-5-10 National Home Warranty.
Sunday, May 5, 2013 Open House. Open House on Sunday, May 5, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Sun, May, 5, 2013 04:07 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouver.
Open House on Sunday, May 5, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Gorgeous Brand New Home on Trafalgar Street with 4338 sqft of beautiful living. 53' x 120 Lot size with a 4 car garage. Top level features 4 Bedrooms & 3 Ensuites, Spa Inpired Master Bathroom and large walk in closet. Main level offers open living and dining area, large office, gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances including a chinese (spice/wok) kitchen and mud room. Hardwood floors, gorgeous chandeliers and large windows to let the sun shine in. Lower level contains a fantastic one bedroom fully finished suite with laundry, media room that makes you feel like you are in a movie theatre, wine room, recreation room and powder room. What more could you ask for? Call today to view. 2-5-10 National Home Warranty.
Friday, May 3, 2013 Properties that are priced right are selling...by Nadja Pasic on Fri, May, 3, 2013 10:23 PM
VANCOUVER — People are still shying away from investing in Vancouver real estate, April sales numbers show.
This April’s sales were the lowest April total since 2001 and 20.9 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reported Thursday.
“While the number of home sales remains below average, properties that are priced right are selling and we’re seeing greater balance between buyer demand and the number of homes listed for sale,” says Sandra Wyant, REBGV president.
There were 2,627 home sales in Vancouver in April, a decrease of 6.1 per cent from last April and an increase of 11.9 per cent from March.
In the Fraser Valley, sales were also up from March, but down from last year, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board reported.
Board president Ron Todson said sales usually increase in the spring, and this year is no exception.
“What’s different this year is that a number of external factors, such as tighter credit rules and the government’s spotlight on consumer debt have made some consumers more cautious about buying or selling a property,” Todson said in a news release.
Despite sluggish sales, prices have been creeping up again across the Lower Mainland, the real estate boards said.
“There have been modest increases in home prices across the region over the last three months. This comes on the heels of home price declines of approximately five to six per cent in Greater Vancouver during the last half of 2012,” Wyant said.
The home price index composite price in Greater Vancouver is now $597,300 for all property types, the board’s numbers show. Although this is down 3.9 per cent from April 2011, it is up 1.6 per cent from this January.
In the Fraser Valley, the benchmark composite price is $426,900 for all property types, down 0.2 per cent from a year ago, but up 1.4 per cent from January, the RVREB numbers show.
“Pricing is incredibly important in slower than average markets,” said Todson. “We’re not seeing the rapid increases in home values of the last decade, which means that sellers may need to sharpen their pricing in order to be competitive, but buyers won’t see dramatic price drops.”
On April 1, the province reverted to the GST and PST tax structure. Buyers in April saved a bit of money on their real estate commissions under the new rules, because tax on real-estate commissions is reduced to seven per cent from the 12 per cent HST.
The Fraser Valley region includes North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford and Mission, while the REBGV includes Vancouver, Richmond, Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Bowen Island, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Squamish, the Sunshine Coast and Whistler.
Meanwhile, a new BMO report out Thursday found that Eighty per cent of prospective buyers know if a home is right for them as soon as they step inside.
The BMO Psychology of House Hunting Report says Canadians spent an average of five months house hunting and viewed 10 homes before buying.
Nearly 70 per cent of buyers are willing to settle for less than perfect, but one-third feel rushed into making a purchase, the report says.
Canadian homeowners spent an average of five months house hunting and visited ten homes before making the decision to buy, the report says.
[email protected]
Twitter.com/tracysherlock
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Vancouver+home+sales+April+lowest+since+2001+updated/8327848/story.html#ixzz2SFDyQxF1
Thursday, May 2, 2013 GST Calculators for BCby Nadja Pasic on Thu, May, 2, 2013 02:53 PM HST/GST Calculators for BC
These tools calculate taxes using transition rules applicable to the switch back to BC PST on April 1, 2013 only; that is, they do not factor in pre-harmonization grandparenting or prior tax rate change transitions. Note: these calculators should not be considered substitutes for professional accounting or legal advice.
View HST/PST Calculator (starts with a purchase price that includes HST/GST net of available rebates)
View HST/PST Calculator (starts with purchase price that includes full amount of HST/GST)
View HST/PST Calculator (starts with a purchase price that does not include taxes) Thursday, May 2, 2013 Open House. Open House on Saturday, May 4, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Thu, May, 2, 2013 04:08 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouver.
Open House on Saturday, May 4, 2013 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Gorgeous Brand New Home on Trafalgar Street with 4338 sqft of beautiful living. 53' x 120 Lot size with a 4 car garage. Top level features 4 Bedrooms & 3 Ensuites, Spa Inpired Master Bathroom and large walk in closet. Main level offers open living and dining area, large office, gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances including a chinese (spice/wok) kitchen and mud room. Hardwood floors, gorgeous chandeliers and large windows to let the sun shine in. Lower level contains a fantastic one bedroom fully finished suite with laundry, media room that makes you feel like you are in a movie theatre, wine room, recreation room and powder room. What more could you ask for? Call today to view. 2-5-10 National Home Warranty.
Thursday, May 2, 2013 New Vancouver garbage collection schedule begins this weekby Nadja Pasic on Thu, May, 2, 2013 12:21 AM All eyes are on the residents of the northern half of Vancouver’s ’green’ collection zone as they become the first in the city to shift to a new garbage and recycling collection schedule.
Beginning this week, residents of single-family and duplex homes between Manitoba Street and Welwyn Street, and 37th Avenue north to Great Northern Way will see weekly green bin and blue box pick-up, with garbage collection changing to every other week.
Over the next 10 weeks, the service change will roll-out to every collection zone in the city, covering more 100,000 homes. (Click here to see which zone you live in.)
Green zone residents have likely already received on their doorstep a small green food scraps container, along with a collection calendar and details of the program. The container is designed to be used to collect food scraps in the home. The contents can then be transferred to green bins outdoors.
The same service is expected to sweep out across the city as the program expands.
Green bins allow all kinds of food scraps, including uncooked fruit and vegetables, tea, coffee and eggshells, as well as meat scraps, bones, pizza boxes, napkins and other food-soiled paper.
Plastic bags and pet waste are important exceptions. Both are still considered garbage, even those expensive compostable dog-poop bags.
I have written about the reasons behind this switch before. As I mentioned in the most-recent story on the issue (click here for the full story) it’s part of larger Metro Vancouver plan to divert all organic material from the landfill by 2015.
Participation in the green bin program remains optional, so far. The only penalty for not getting involved is the potential of having rotting organics in your garbage can for two weeks, instead of one.
The food-scraps program is costing the city an estimated $5.4 million to develop. For taxpayers, that is expected to mean an additional $16 this year.
The city has also launched a new service, called Recollect, which allows residents to look up their collection day on-line and sign up for automatic reminders of their service days and when to put their bins out for emptying.
There are now over 10,000 people using Recollect, with a 104 per cent increase in sign-ups over the last week.
Visit vancouver.ca/greenbin and access the garbage schedule page to check your service day and sign up for email, telephone, text or twitter reminders.
The city promises a mobile app is also coming soon.
For more information on the Green Bin Program, including a map of the different zones for service delivery, visit vancouver.ca/greenbin. Wednesday, May 1, 2013 Open House. Open House on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 10:30 am - 12:00 pmby Nadja Pasic on Wed, May, 1, 2013 04:08 AM
Please visit our Open House at 3630 TRAFALGAR ST in Vancouver.
Open House on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Gorgeous Brand New Home on Trafalgar Street with 4338 sqft of beautiful living. 53' x 120 Lot size with a 4 car garage. Top level features 4 Bedrooms & 3 Ensuites, Spa Inpired Master Bathroom and large walk in closet. Main level offers open living and dining area, large office, gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances including a chinese (spice/wok) kitchen and mud room. Hardwood floors, gorgeous chandeliers and large windows to let the sun shine in. Lower level contains a fantastic one bedroom fully finished suite with laundry, media room that makes you feel like you are in a movie theatre, wine room, recreation room and powder room. What more could you ask for? Call today to view. 2-5-10 National Home Warranty.
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Laneway houses in Vancouver can have up to 500 square feet of floor space. (Flickr/JoeInSouthernCA)
