Real Estate sales activity during the third quarter of 2011 was highlighted by strong activity in the townhome segment of the marketplace.

Overall, sales activity improved by approximately 7% over that reported for the same period last year. Strong interest continues in the marketplace for life-style oriented, ready to move into opportunities which should insure that sales activity for the year will exceed that achieved in 2010.

The average sales price for a single family home was $1,248,000; for a condominium was $265,240; and for a townhome $605,113, during the most recent quarter.

Current high levels of interest in Whistler real estate opportunities should continually support the improving sales activity which will begin to be reflected in sales values. Increasingly, we find that the best valued properties are attracting offers quickly as purchasers are following the market closely looking for the best opportunities.

WHERE DO OUR BUYERS COME FROM

This morning Whistler residents had the pleasure to wake up to fresh snow falling in the village. The snow has been falling on the peaks for some weeks now but this is early for the village to receive any snow.

Although we always love snow and our winter season, it can be a tough transition from the summer sunshine .. as locals always say “we came for the winter, and stayed for the summer”

Below are a couple of our favourite shots from this summer - it’s been an incredible year and we’re expecting an even better winter with La Nina weather systems coming our way - get ready for endless powder

Whistler Blackcomb 2011/2012 Season Kick Off Video from Sherpas Cinema from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

Walk into Luxury, privacy and peace at this fully renovated 2 bedroom suite in Ironwood in prestigious Blueberry Hill. Hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplace, private patio with beautiful views of Blackcomb Mountain and the Whistler Golf Course. Well located at the end of the building as well as an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and small games room this suite is priced to sell!

Whistler Condominium

Spacious open concept living in quiet Blueberry Hill Estates. This 3 bedroom and family room duplex has lots of room for the entire family with a roomy kitchen, 3 decks, sunken living area with fireplace and all afternoon sun on your decks. Whistler Mountain views and just steps to the extensive Valley trail system it is THE location to be.

Duplex on Blueberry Hill $979,000

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2011FIN0067-001048
Aug. 26, 2011
Ministry of Finance

Action plan in place to return B.C. to 12% PST/GST

VICTORIA – The Province will reinstate the combined 12 per cent PST and GST tax system following the referendum decision by British Columbians to extinguish the HST in B.C., Finance Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.

An action plan has been established to guide the transition process and help ensure an effective and orderly transition from the HST to the PST plus GST system in B.C.

The PST will be reinstated at seven per cent with all permanent PST exemptions. The Province may make some common sense administrative improvements to streamline the PST.

The transition period is expected to take a minimum of 18 months, consistent with the report of the independent panel on the HST. During this period, the provincial portion of the HST will remain in place at seven per cent. Eligible lower-income British Columbians will continue to receive the B.C. HST Credit until the PST is re-implemented. The B.C. HST credit will then be replaced by the re-implemented PST credit.

During the transition period, the Province will provide quarterly updates on the progress of returning to the PST.

Quote:
Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon—
“British Columbians have made their choice and we will honour that decision. Now more than ever, government must provide British Columbians economic stability and focus our attention toward growing our economy to create jobs and balancing our budget in a time of global economic uncertainty.

“We will work as quickly as we responsibly can to return to the PST. We have always been clear that, as the independent panel found, dismantling the B.C. HST and returning to the PST will take time to do properly.

“I can assure British Columbians PST will not be applied to such items as restaurant meals, haircuts, bikes and gym memberships – just as it was before the HST was introduced in B.C.”

Learn More:
For more information about the return to the PST, visit:
http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/pst-return.htm

BACKGROUNDER

Action Plan to Re-implement PST

An action plan has been established to ensure an effective and orderly transition to the PST. Key phases in the transition process are described here.

Federal Transitional Rules and Systems:
· A letter from the provincial finance minister to the federal finance minister is conveying the referendum results and advising the federal government that B.C. will re-implement the PST.
· The Province will work with the federal government to develop HST transition rules and to make any necessary changes to systems and processes.
· The provincial government will begin discussions with the federal government about exiting the Comprehensive Integrated Tax Coordination Agreement (CITCA) including the return of the funding received for adopting the HST.

Provincial Legislation and Transitional Rules:
· The provincial government will develop legislation and regulations necessary to re-implement the PST in B.C. and may make some administrative changes to streamline and improve the PST.
· Provincial PST transition rules to mirror federal HST transition rules will be developed.
· The provincial government will develop other legislation and administrative programs necessary to support the full reimplementation of the PST (e.g. hotel room tax, etc).

Provincial Systems Development:
· The Province will develop and establish appropriate reporting, data gathering, billing, remittance/collection, audit, assessment and appeal processes, and supporting computer systems to properly administer the PST and other related taxes (e.g. hotel room tax, etc.) in B.C.

Provincial Administration:
· The Province will re-establish its capacity to administer the tax in the areas of registration and close of business, field and desk audit, appeals, rulings, provincial tax information phone lines, billings and remittances, collections and refunds. This will include staffing, facilities and equipment, and staff training to administer the PST and related taxes. This also includes developing appropriate administrative reporting forms and other information and communications material required to support the transition.

Provincial Business Registration and Outreach:
· The provincial government will register approximately 100,000 businesses as tax collectors before the PST is re-implemented and provide information and training on the tax application, collection, compliance and reporting rules related to the PST. By the time the PST is re-implemented, there will be an estimated 30,000 new businesses in B.C. with no PST experience. These businesses will need to be registered and provided with detailed information and training to enable them to comply with the tax law.

Business Transition:
· Businesses will need to change their own electronic and manual systems and processes to assess, collect, report and remit the PST and other related taxes to the provincial government.

Other Key Stakeholders:
· The provincial government will consult with key administration stakeholders once provincial transition rules are completed. The Province relies on partner agencies to help ensure efficient tax collection, reporting and compliance. These agencies will need to make a number of systems and process changes, as well as receive information and training to help complete the PST transition.

Contact:
Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Finance
250 356-2821

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Thanks to heavy lobbying by a number of concerned citizens and Whistler Real Estate Co Ltd, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) will accommodate mail-in voting in upcoming Whistler elections.

This will allow all taxpayers who qualify under sections 50 and 51 of the Local Government Act (must be 18, a Canadian citizen, a resident of BC for at least six months and a property owner for 30 days) to vote. To qualify, you must be absent from Whistler on voting day (November 19, 2011) and either of the advanced voting days (November 9, 2011 and November 12, 2011).

To receive a mail-in ballot-voting package, you must fill out a Vote By Mail application form to the Chief Elections Officer, who will then mail out the ballot package. The elector must return the package before the close of voting on November 19, 2011.

The next election will be important in determining the future direction of Whistler. Many of our second homeowners have recently indicated concern about current policy and processes at the municipal level.

This will be the first time that the voice of the second homeowner has an opportunity to be heard to elect someone who represents his or her interests.

The important date to remember is September 9, 2011, which is the date the application to vote will be available. Go to www.whistler.ca to download the form or got to the front desk at Municipal Hall to pick up a package.

If you are interested in Whistler, don’t let your distance work against you.

When you visit the Whistler Real Estate Company Ltd office this summer, you may notice a change to the small sitting area outside.

Whistler Real Estate is currently renovating and enhancing this area and planting flowerbeds as a memorial to our associate and good friend, Arv Pellegrin.

This was one of Arv’s favourite spots to sit and talk with friends and members of the community and has long been enjoyed by our staff as a place to view the mountains and enjoy the sunshine. Designed by Tom Barrett and constructed by Mike Tyler, we hope that it will be a place for all to enjoy and a fitting tribute to a true gentleman and one of Whistler’s pioneers – Arv Pellegrin.

This 3500 square foot property was built in 2001 and extensively renovated in 2007. In offers five bedrooms, six baths and plenty of outdoor living space.

Vaulted fir ceilings create an open living, dining and kitchen area. Skylights bring in all-day sun while heated slate floors stretch from wall to wall, bringing neutral tones and texture.

The chef’s kitchen is well appointed with a Viking Ultraline Professional 6-burner stove and grill, a Miele dishwasher and Sub-Zero refrigerator. The adjacent pantry offers additional preparation space with a bar sink, microwave, freezer and wine fridge.
The main level offers a luxurious master suite with spa-style ensuite and private sitting area, perfect for to relax by the fire and enjoy your own space.

The guest master covers the upper level, with vaulted ceilings and a see-thru glass fireplace that connects the bedroom with the ensuite and a balcony with private hot tub overlooking the mountains.

Three bedrooms, each with their own ensuite, are on the lower level, as well as a games room with wet bar that is suitable for a pool table.

Lutron lighting creates the perfect interior ambiance, while wood blinds provide privacy in the most elegant form.

The expansive stone patio looks out towards the Peak-to-Peak gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb, as well as to the Wedge, Armchair and Fissile Mountains.

The outside space also includes two hot tubs, one on the main level patio and the second on a private deck off the master ensuite.

Views over the golf course and beyond to Whistler, Blackcomb, Wedge, Fissile and Armchair mountains also provide a great look at the Peak-to-Peak

Chalet on Nicklaus North Golf Course, Whistler

Summer is in full swing and with it comes fabulous sunny days filled with outdoor adventures and hanging out on the most incredible patios and decks with a cool beverage and good friends.

But Whistler summers aren’t just enjoyed by its human population.

The Resort’s famous black bears can also now be found enjoying the sunshine and abundant natural food sources along alpine trails and in meadows, in the valley forests – and yes – sometimes even in Whistler Village and its neighbourhoods. Whistler is bear country, and locals try to live in harmony with the bruin population by following some simple rules.

Never approach or corner a bear, because although they look all cuddly and sweet, they are wild animals that are unpredictable.

If you do encounter a bear – don’t run, as this may cause an instinctual predatory reaction in the bear, and bears can outrun humans. Don’t make any sudden movements.

The best thing to do is to try to make yourself look bigger – raise your arms – and calmly but firmly tell the bear to go away. You can also try backing slowly away, but always give the bear an exit or means of escape.

Remember to never feed a bear or leave garbage where bears can get to it easily. Once a bear eats human food, it will likely never return to natural sources, and will eventually become a danger to people.

By following these simple rules, and leaving the bears to enjoy the summer months on their own, locals and visitors help prevent wildlife conflicts, and keep Whistler a special community for people and animals.