I have sold a property at 1387 Cape Cod Dr in Parksville on May 30, 2024. See details here
ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL, 'RESORT-LIKE LIFESTYLE' IN THE SOUGHT AFTER AREA OF CRAIG BAY!
IT IS A COMMUNITY OF ITS OWN, LOCATED ON THE WATERFRONT IN PARKSVILLE. NUMEROUS
AMENITIES INCLUDE OUTDOOR POOL, HOT TUB, TENNIS/PICKLEBALL COURTS, CLUBHOUSE,
(W/GYM, LIBRARY, BOARDROOM, HOBBY RM, WOODWORKING, SAUNA) & GUEST SUITES!
THIS LEVEL ENTRY HOME HAS MANY UPGRADES W/MSTR BDM ON THE MAIN, LRG WALK-IN
CLOSET & UPGRADED 5PC ENSUITE. LRG LIVING/DINING AREA W/11 FT CEILINGS, GAS FP
W/BI-CABINETRY & NEW DECK TO ENJOY THE DISTANT OCEAN/MTN VIEWS! THE KITCHEN HAS
NEW GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, TILE BACKSPLASH & A SPACIOUS BREAKFAST AREA. ALL
EMBRACED BY MAPLE HARDWOOD FLOORS/TILE ENTRANCE/HALLWAY & A GREAT SOUND SYSTEM
THR-OUT MAIN. LOWER LEVEL OFFERS A COVERED PATIO AREA, FAMILY RM W/3-SIDED FP, OFFICE AREA,
BILLIARD/MEDIA RM, STORAGE RM & A GUEST BDRM W/NEW UPGRADED 4PC ENSUITE. THIS
POPULAR "QUADRA" MODEL OFFERS OVER 2,800 SQFT., DBL GARAGE W/DIRECT ENTRY &
NEW FURNACE & HEAT PUMP.
We always think about what’s in our potential new home, but what about the land it sits on? What lies underground and could there be anything beneath your next Nanaimo home that you should be aware of? Here are a few things you should know about before you buy!
But first, it’s important to understand land ownership in Canada. When you buy a home, it’s called “fee simple” ownership which is the highest form of home ownership. Meaning, that you own it forever, you can do with as you wish within city laws, and it will forever be passed to your heirs until it’s sold to someone else. There is a catch, and that is that if your home sits on crown land, which 94% of BC properties do, then it’s truly owned by the monarch and governed by the Canadian Government. When you look at your title, you may have certain non-financial charges such as undersurface rights, which give the crown the rights to anything under the surface of the land your home sits on.
In Nanaimo, one particular non-financial charge pops up often, M76300 called "Exceptions and Reservations" owned by the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Company. Coal Mining was the main resource for Nanaimo from the mid 1800’s to the mid 1900’s and a railroad was built to support the industry in the 1800’s. As compensation, E&N was given a belt of land in Nanaimo along the railway line. This land has since been sold off with this encumbrance remaining on title. It doesn’t carry much significance but can be a little bit of a surprise! It means the E&N has the right to make changes like removing trees on your land, for the purpose of the railroad or stations. The reason it’s not an area of concern is that the land has mostly all be developed and very likely won’t be used for building out this dormant railroad. The charge also claims any minerals in the land, like oil. So, if you were to find some you could owe the railway line compensation. Since I’m not a lawyer though, I would strongly recommend you have these and any charges on title looked by one.
Mine shafts
As I mentioned, Nanaimo was a mining town for over 100 years with mine shafts throughout the city. Now, many neighbourhoods sit on top of Coal mines. If it’s known, this will usually be something you will see come up on a property disclosure statement, but the best way to find out is to check out the mining map of Nanaimo. If the home in question is in the area of a coal mine and if it is, you can check with the city to be certain. From there you could have a geotechnical engineer assess the risk of subsidence, or the sudden (or slow) lowering of elevation, like a sinkhole. You can also contact the Ministry of Energy and Mines (250-952-0732). In October of 2013 while working on a utility line it was discovered that a coal mine had collapsed under the surface of Pine Street in downtown Nanaimo. This left a huge void underground which could have easily led to a sinkhole, so the road was shut down for extensive repairs.
Buried Oil Tanks
If you’re buying a home in an older part of Nanaimo, then it may be super important to check for something else hidden underground and that’s buried oil tanks. When homes started using natural gas for heating, underground oil storage tanks (UST’s) were filled with sand and or/ capped off. The problem is if an old tank erodes, some of the leftover oil can seep into the surrounding soil and water, causing contamination that can spread a super long distance. If you do a scan of the property and discover a UST it should be removed, and the soil tested. Remediation can cost thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars so make sure you’ve done all you can to check for the presence of a buried oil tank before you buy! Have a scan done if you’re home was built before 1970, just to be safe.
Archeological Sites
Finally, in Nanaimo and the surrounding areas on Vancouver Island, it’s not unheard of to discover archeological or burial sites. Some examples are in Saanich in October of 2022 when construction workers discovered Thousands of years old Bison bones. Another example is in Craig Bay in Parksville where the excavation uncovered indigenous human remains. Overall, there are over 62,000 archeological sites across BC with more uncovered every year. If you ever encounter a home on an archeological site, proceed with caution as there will be a host of development and usage restrictions under the Heritage Conservation Act. And if you ever discover an artifact or remains, leave them where they are and contact the province right away. I will leave all the information in the video description as well.
If you’re interested in seeing what an archeological site looks like in Nanaimo, you can pay a visit to Petroglyph Provincial Park in the South end of the city, any time! Here you’ll see ancient stone carvings depicting mythological sea creatures, human figures, and animals that are symbolic of the spiritual and cultural history of the Coast Salish and Snuneymuxw First Nations.[3]
I hope this has helped you understand just some of the things that may be awaiting you under your next Nanaimo home. Your trusted realtor can help guide you through all of the above circumstances that you may come across during your home search here on Vancouver Island.
I have sold a property at 823 Glengarry Cres in Nanaimo on May 22, 2024. See details here
Modern updated 3 bed + 2 bath ranch style home located near Colliery Dam Park and Morrell Nature Sanctuary; the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts! As you enter the residence, you are greeted by a traditional floorplan: living room with tons of natural light through the large bay windows, boasting a natural gas fireplace, and adjacent to a quaint dining area. The kitchen contains high end stainless steel appliances, and laminate/tile flooring, eating nook and leads to a covered exposed aggregate patio area with a covered hot tub and fully fenced back yard, offering tons of privacy and a space for pets to pay off leash. The primary bedroom has a luxurious 3-piece ensuite and walk-in closet. The 19'x20' double garage has been perfected by the current owner and is truly immaculate. The home boasts 12' wide and 40' long RV parking beside the home, irrigations system, mature landscaping.
I have sold a property at 15 396 Harrogate Rd in Campbell River on May 15, 2024. See details here
Willow Point patio home. Bright living room with gas fireplace. Well-appointed kitchen with excellent pantry.
Nicely kept 2 bedroom, 1 bath patio home with cheater ensuite through the walk-in closet. The bathroom features a
walk-in tub with Express Drain system going from full to empty in 3 mins, making emptying the tub a dream. You will enjoy the private patio, the landscaped gardens and walking distance to Willow Point shopping and Seawalk. Single car garage. Age Restriction Bylaw requires one or more persons residing in a strata lot to have reached a specified age that is not less than 55 years, rentals ok and small pet is ok too. Come see this home sweet home. Well maintained complex. RV parking available on site with strata approval.
I have sold a property at 2363 Glenellen Pl in Nanoose Bay on May 9, 2024. See details here
Nestled in a tranquil cul-de-sac in the sought-after Fairwinds community of Nanoose Bay, this well-cared-for home offers thoughtful additions and undeniable charm. The main level features a spacious open-concept living room and kitchen area with vaulted ceilings, while downstairs, a large family room provides space for relaxation or hobbies. The beautifully landscaped yard boasts trees lovingly planted by the owners, creating a serene oasis. Two large decks overlook the yard, providing ample space to entertain or stargaze, with a natural gas connection for your BBQ. The outdoor space includes flower boxes connected to a 6-zone sprinkler system, ensuring a low-maintenance garden. Enjoy the convenience of being steps away from the Fairwinds Wellness Club, offering fitness and wellness amenities. The home features a durable cement tile roof with a 40-year lifespan and a hide-a-hose central vacuum system for easy cleaning. Don't miss the opportunity to call this stunning property home!
I have sold a property at 207B 1325 Cape Cod Dr in Parksville on May 9, 2024. See details here
Welcome to the ONYX building, nestled in the scenic community of Craig Bay Estates!
This meticulously maintained 2-bed, 2-bath condo boasts 1364 sq ft of living space sparkling with abundant natural light. Situated in the Northwest corner of the building, it features a delightful wrap-around balcony providing captivating partial ocean views.
Step inside to discover a well-designed layout that harmoniously blends functionality with a touch of elegance. Residents in this esteemed community enjoy resort-style living, with exclusive access to the Craig Bay Beach Club, a vibrant hub for community activities. Take full advantage of the pool, tennis/pickle ball courts, just a short stroll from the ocean!
Situated a mere 5 minutes from downtown Parksville, this condo offers an idyllic balance of tranquility and convenience, making it a perfect coastal retreat.
I have sold a property at 76 Bridgewater Lane in Parksville on Apr 15, 2024. See details here
IDEAL PARKSVILLE RANCHER. Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom rancher with a spacious and bright open floor plan. There are two comfortable bedrooms, including the primary suite with full ensuite. Cozy up on chilly evenings by the natural gas fireplace in the living room. The family room, adorned with sliding doors leading to the back patio, adds an extra touch of charm. The single car garage provides convenience and ample storage space. Enjoy the privacy of the fully fenced backyard, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. Situated in the coveted community of Bridgewater Lane, this home exudes pride of ownership in a quiet and mature neighborhood. Just a short distance to sandy area beaches and downtown Parksville's amenities, it offers the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. Don't miss out on this rare find! Act fast and call today to make this gem yours.
Please visit our Open House at 2363 Glenellen Pl in Nanoose Bay. See details here
Open House on Sunday, March 17, 2024 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Nestled in a tranquil cul-de-sac in the sought-after Fairwinds community of Nanoose Bay, this well-cared-for home offers thoughtful additions and undeniable charm. The main level features a spacious open-concept living room and kitchen area with vaulted ceilings, while downstairs, a large family room provides space for relaxation or hobbies. The beautifully landscaped yard boasts trees lovingly planted by the owners, creating a serene oasis. Two large decks overlook the yard, providing ample space to entertain or stargaze, with a natural gas connection for your BBQ. The outdoor space includes flower boxes connected to a 6-zone sprinkler system, ensuring a low-maintenance garden. Enjoy the convenience of being steps away from the Fairwinds Wellness Club, offering fitness and wellness amenities. The home features a durable cement tile roof with a 40-year lifespan and a hide-a-hose central vacuum system for easy cleaning. Don't miss the opportunity to call this stunning property home!
I have listed a new property at 5904 Parkway Dr in Nanaimo. See details here
Welcome to your family’s new home! This spacious 2224 sqft North Nanaimo home with finished basement and large double-car garage features a separate privacy-fenced yard, complete with productive fruit trees on a corner lot (check with city for future development opportunities). Upstairs you will find 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms nicely tucked away from the bright, west-facing main living and kitchen areas. Downstairs, gather in the large family room with an additional bedroom and bathroom. The partially covered deck is ideal for relaxing and as another plus, enjoy being just a short walk to beach access and other North Nanaimo amenities. This home is located near Rutherford School which will re-open in Sept 2025. In the meantime, this home is right across the street from school bus service to Frank Ney School. This is exactly where you will want to raise your children and stay after they’re grown!
Please visit our Open House at 5904 Parkway Dr in Nanaimo. See details here
Open House on Saturday, March 16, 2024 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Welcome to your family’s new home! This spacious 2224 sqft North Nanaimo home with finished basement and large double-car garage features a separate privacy-fenced yard, complete with productive fruit trees on a corner lot (check with city for future development opportunities). Upstairs you will find 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms nicely tucked away from the bright, west-facing main living and kitchen areas. Downstairs, gather in the large family room with an additional bedroom and bathroom. The partially covered deck is ideal for relaxing and as another plus, enjoy being just a short walk to beach access and other North Nanaimo amenities. This home is located near Rutherford School which will re-open in Sept 2025. In the meantime, this home is right across the street from school bus service to Frank Ney School. This is exactly where you will want to raise your children and stay after they’re grown!
