Gary Gray 2013 President

I feel privileged to serve as the 2013 President of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) and promise to do my best to serve the needs of the membership and to represent the Board to the best of my ability. VIREB is highly respected in organized real estate in this country and I expect that recognition to continue.

In real estate, issues of ethical conduct are very real daily concerns. REALTORS® assist clients with the single largest purchase of their lives and in so doing put themselves in a position of trust based on their professional expertise, knowledge, competency, integrity and reputation for honesty and reliability. When a REALTOR® acts unethically, public confidence is eroded, not just in the person involved, but in the profession as a whole. In this ever-changing business environment it's up to all REALTORS® to maintain the established professional standards upon which our business is based.

Professionalism … It Pays! Our 2013 motto recognizes that REALTORS® are professionals in all aspects of their careers. Adherent to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, diligence in all of their business undertakings and above reproach in terms of honesty and integrity, REALTORS® are working professionals who are setting the standard in the country. While this philosophy may seem too idealistic in today's working environment, the emphasis this year is to remind ourselves that being a professional REALTOR® is not a part time thing; it is a philosophy that is at the core of everything we say and do. It should be recognized that we as professionals, are viewed every day, sometimes by little things such as how we present ourselves or how we communicate with clients, the general public and with each other and that the impressions we make today may follow us into the future. Working together, I think we can all make a difference in the level of perceived professionalism in our industry.

The 2013 Board of Directors and their portfolio responsibilities are as follows:

I look forward to working with each of the aforementioned directors, all of which you will have an opportunity to meet at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for February 22, 2013 at Nanaimo's Coast Bastion Inn. I also look forward to working with the very qualified staff at VIREB. I wish all of the members of VIREB a successful 2013 and remember:

Thank you to those members who provided VIREB with their "Speak-Ups".

VIREB continues to listen to the members and provide results where possible, to any suggestions, issues or concerns that are brought forward. Since the last In Touch newsletter, VIREB has received 5 new Speak-ups:

• A Speak-up was received, asking that INTERFACE™ not be eliminated, but rather be made available on iPads. The VIREB Tech Dept. advised that there will be no updates to INTERFACE™ at this time and any changes will only be made to INTERFACExpress™ as it is an internet based product. It was noted that all BC Boards are in discussion about moving towards one MLS® system.
• The remaining 4 speak-ups were forwarded to the MLS®/Tech Dept. for their discussion and consideration during their meetings:
  • One member suggested amendments to the data input form under site influences (145) to add Private Island and Private Moorage;
  • A Speak-up from Zone 1 advised that they need a new designated subarea called "Sequoia Heights". It was noted that subarea changes are only completed annually at year end so as to not skew the stats.
  • Another member advised she would like to see the document loading function moved from INTERFACExpress™ to the data entry software so that the order of the documents could be changed by dragging and dropping them in the list once they have been loaded.
  • The remaining Speak-up recommended boundary changes for the Cobble Hill – Shawnigan Lake area. This update was an oversight during the Zone 3 subarea changes and has been corrected.

We appreciate hearing from you!

Do you have something you want us to know about? Simply send in your Speak-up via email to: Speakup@vireb.com – Subject Line – "Speak-up". Thank you!

Notice of the Annual General Meeting

Friday, February 22, 2013
Coast Bastion Inn
11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, BC

We are once again proud to have Coast Capital Savings as the REALTOR® Care Awards sponsor for the sixth year in a row.

The Day's Agenda

• 11:00 a.m. Registration opens
• 12:00 Noon – Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. Speaker – Ryan Berlin

The presenter selected for the upcoming AGM is economic analyst, Ryan Berlin, of the Urban Futures group in Vancouver. An expert in economic and demographic research, Berlin will be exploring how change is affecting the British Columbia housing market. Uncertainty and cynicism seems to surround the BC housing market these days, as there are concerns about falling prices and sales volumes, affordability, and the longer-term stability of the market. While there is little doubt that the market has softened over the past year, the concerns people have about a US-style market collapse are (according to Berlin) unfounded.

In his presentation at the VIREB AGM, he will explore some of the current conditions within Vancouver Island's housing market, looking at how we got to where we are today and where we are going in the years to come. His presentation will emphasize that the long-run outlook for housing - which is fundamentally driven by demographics - remains sound despite media headlines. In addition to exploring population change and the impact it has on housing, he will also look at historical trends in sales prices and volumes.

Berlin has been active in economic and demographic research for many years. He is the research leader in housing market and economic analysis at Urban Futures. In addition, he has contributed to a number of publications, and authored a number of reports on varying subjects including economic sustainability, forecasting in BC health care, challenges of the aging Canadian population, demographic harmonization and population growth in Canada.

• 2:00 p.m. Open Forum – AGM will immediately follow

For a full copy of the Proposed AGM Agenda, click here. Note: As the Agenda is hosted on a secure website, you will be required to log-in to view this document and the companion Proxy Form below.

* To Register for the AGM and/or Awards Dinner: Go to www.realtorlink.ca and click on The Learning Centre and then the event date. Win a Tablet Computer – Members must be pre-registered and present at the AGM to win. If you wish to bring a guest, you must register your guest with Carlinne at ctremblay@vireb.com.

* Cannot Attend? - Need a Proxy Form? Click here for the Proxy form.
* Please remember: Attending members may only carry ONE Proxy so please make sure that you assign your Proxy to a member who has not already been asked to carry one.

• 6:00 p.m. – Reception/Cocktails
• 7:00 p.m. – Buffet Dinner
• 8:00 p.m. – Awards
• 9:00 p.m. – Dance/Merriment
• Dinner cost for members & guests is $60 per person (including HST)

Need a Hotel? A block of rooms has been arranged at the Coast Bastion Inn under the name "VIREB AGM". Standard Room Rate is $123 plus taxes. Price varies for upgraded rooms. Coast hotels reservation number is 1-800-663-1144, or book directly with the Coast Bastion Inn at 250-753-6601.

You can also book on-line at: www.coasthotels.com
Click on 'Rates and Reservations' tab at the top of the page
For Hotel, select "Nanaimo - Coast Bastion Inn"
Enter booking details, arrival/departure, number of rooms and guests
At Group Code, enter entire code: CBI-GFC10903
Click button for Check Rates & Availability

For more information contact Patti Wenman via email at: pwenman@vireb.com.

On January 30, the 2013 VIREB Board of Directors met for an Orientation session and their inaugural meeting of the year.

RAMPING UP

The Directors' Orientation was held in the morning where they were provided with information and resources to help them fulfill their position. The meeting began with a briefing by VIREB's lawyer, Doug Torrie who updated the Board on the workings of a non-profit organization and specifically the responsibilities of the Board of Directors to their members. Addressed at this time was the Board Leaders Competition Guide which is one of the many resource materials found in the electronic "Directors Manual" that is also provided to them. This was followed by an update from the Board auditors, Church Pickard, delivered by Lee Fulla. The budget was reviewed and Directors were advised of the implications of the budget, what to look for and how it should be used as a resource throughout the year. Also addressed was information on the financial statements, which are provided to them at each Board of Directors meeting. Mr. Fulla explained what to look for in the financial statements during the year, such as any discrepancies. At the end of each year, the audited financial statements are provided by the Board auditors, who complete checks, cross-checks and tests to ensure accuracy. The audited financial statements are then brought forward to the membership for approval at the Annual General Meeting, which this year will be held on February 22. Surplus Allocations were also touched on, and it was explained to the Directors the importance of accuracy in keeping in line with CRA Guidelines to ensure the Board continues in a non profit status. The bulk of the 2013 Director Orientation was provided by Executive Officer Bill Benoit, who touched on the REALTOR® Value Toolkit, Resources available to the Directors, the tri-party agreement, the flow of authority, meetings and meeting protocol, and member services, to name a few. While presented to the full board, its two newest members, Neil Woodrow and Kathy Koch, were the chief beneficiaries of the detailed presentation.

DOWN TO BUSINESS

The inaugural Board of Directors meeting for the year followed in the afternoon. For 2013 the individual committee and portfolios / chairs include: Frank Fairley - Professional Standards & Arbitration; Neil Woodrow and Jennifer Merilees - MLS® & Technology; Jennifer will also have the Communications Portfolio; Margo Hoffman - Professional Development; Heather Parker -Quality of Life; and Jason Finlayson - Government Relations. Jason will also be representing VIREB on the Segmentation Pilot project with EO Bill Benoit. The President, President–Elect and EO are Ex-officio to all meetings and task forces.

The Commercial Chair is invited to attend each Board of Directors meeting to provide an update. This year's Chair, Ian Lindsay, provided his update, advising that the preliminary meeting to coordinate ongoing Commercial activities throughout the year was held. The focus at this time is on the upcoming Commercial Building Awards. Nominations are needed for this important event and the deadline to receive them is February 28, 2013. The Gala Event will be held on April 18 at the Coast Bastion Inn, Nanaimo. In addition, other business was addressed.

Of particular note was a motion that came forward from MLS®/Technology, recommending rewording to Regulation 7.2.8 (a) – Authorization / Signatures as follows:

… that Regulation 7.2.8 (a) – Authorization / Signatures be reworded to read, As per the Real Estate Council of BC's Brokerage Standards Manual section on Supervision, it is appropriate for the Managing Broker to designate a senior staff member to authorize the contract and data input form but it does not absolve the Managing Broker of any responsibility. VIREB shall be notified in writing if this authority has been delegated.

This motion was carried and the Regulation change will be done within the next 30 days.

It was agreed that Directors will be submitting written Zone Reports prior to each meeting. This will allow the reports to be provided in the Consent Agenda portion of the meeting and give all participants an opportunity to review them prior to the meeting. These reports are expected to address any events, members or items of interest from their respective zones.

The meeting concluded with a round table strategic visioning session. These sessions will continue to be held during each Directors meeting, with an opportunity to identify and discuss topical issues in an open forum concept. The next Board of Directors meeting takes place Wednesday, March 27.

Professional Development

The Supra eKey app is not compatible with the new BlackBerry 10 Operating system. The eKey application will not run on Blackberry devices such as the z10, q10. To view Supra's info on this click here.

VIREB is seeking feedback on the TechHelpline service from its membership in the form of a user survey. We're asking our members to take a few minutes, click the link below and tell us how you feel. The information you provide will help us deliver the best product possible to our membership.

To take the survey please click this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RVDLNLP

VIREB is currently working on updating our member library. We would like the help of our members by filling out a brief survey. With your help we will be able to provide more current and useful resources for our members. Members who complete the survey will have their names entered into a draw for one of ten Tim Horton's $10 gift cards. All participants will be entered into this draw, which will be held on February 26, after the survey closes.

You can access to survey by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please contact Kayla at ksolomon@vireb.com or 250-390-4212.

With the deadline only days away, now is the time to place your nomination for the 2012 Commercial Building Award!

Commercial properties are one of society's most vital components. They are places of commerce, sources of employment and engines that help drive the community. Recognizing Vancouver Island's exceptional commercial properties is the purpose behind the 2013 Commercial Building Awards. To increase the number of nominees this year the general public was encouraged to vote for its favorite building or project. But more input is still being sought. VIREB members can access the Commercial Award Nomination Form by clicking here.

An annual undertaking of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB), the Commercial Building Awards recognize exceptional investment, commercial or industrial buildings or renovation projects located from the top of the Malahat to the northern tip of Vancouver Island. The award's main criteria for submission are that all nominated projects have to be those completed between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

Mark your calendar for the award presentation, which will take place at a gala event to be held Thursday, April 18 at Nanaimo's Coast Bastion Inn.

Project categories include (but are not limited to) Senior's Housing, Mixed Use, Retail, Industrial and Office. A panel of independent judges will visit each site in turn and conduct an external visual inspection to determine how each project fits into its individual environment. Submit your nomination today: through your involvement, Vancouver Island's most innovative commercial projects will receive the recognition they deserve!

REALTOR® Listings Can Go On Specialized Website

For an individual with a spinal cord injury finding a place to live can sometimes be very challenging. A home has to be accessible for wheelchairs for example, or have lower than normal cupboards, or be in proximity to medical care or sometimes be subsidized housing for individuals on a fixed income.

Bringing together special homes with people having unique physical requirements is the purpose behind the website Accessible Housing BC (http://sci-bc-housing.ca/). Developed and funded by Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI-BC), Accessible Housing BC has been created to serve as a link between housing providers (including REALTORS®) and housing seekers with disabilities. With regions of the website devoted to both rental properties and homes for sale, the online resource provides a free classified ad section where suitable listings are posted.

Divided into six different geographic areas, the website features listings from (1) Interior (2) Kootenay (3) Metro Vancouver (4) Northern (5) Thompson / Okanagan and (6) Vancouver Island. Information about available homes or developments in both rental and sale categories are uploaded by individuals such as REALTORS® at no cost. But participating VIREB members must adhere to all standard copyright and advertising requirements when posting to this website.

It has to be remembered that REALTORS® in Canada use CREA-controlled logos and must adhere to the existing CREA trademark regulations for all internal and external advertising. This includes all logo usage such as in traditional advertising including in newspapers, videos, podcasts, blogs, signage and online such as with the Accessible Housing BC website. The 20-page CREA Brand Standards Guide is available through REALTOR Link®. Simply go to the CREA section of the REALTOR Link® website and click on Logos in the Quick Links box in the middle of the page. You can also access the Guide by clicking here.

Housing seekers are encouraged to search for appropriate properties in their region and are provided with various filtering tools to aid them in their web-based research. The SCI-BC mission is to assist people with spinal cord injuries (and their families) adjust, adapt and thrive regardless of any physical limitation. With the Accessible Housing BC website both property seekers and providers have a virtual marketplace to exchange information.

Anyone interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the website. Information can also be received by calling 1-800-689-2477, or by e-mail at info@sci-bc.ca. It is uncertain if the Accessible Housing BC website can be included among the online sites permitted within the Data Distribution Facility (DDF) criteria. If not, REALTORS® posting information to the website would be required to self-police their listings to ensure they remain accurate and current.

Three Vancouver Island-based environmental projects have received funding support from the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC). At its December 2012 Grants Meeting, the Real Estate Foundation's Board of Governors approved a total of 13 grants for projects around the province – grants valued at more than $550,000 in total. The Comox Valley Watershed Society, the Cowichan Tribes and the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society were among those selected as grant recipients – from the dozens of applications that had been received by the REFBC during the year.

In 1985, the British Columbia real estate industry, in cooperation with the provincial government, enacted legislation that established the Real Estate Foundation. Under the Real Estate Services Act, the Foundation receives interest from pooled or "unassigned" trust deposits held by real estate brokerages and uses the funds to support real estate related education, research, law reform, and other real estate related activities intended for the public or professional good. The Foundation launched its grants program in 1988 and has approved over $62 million in grants to date.

The Foundation's stated mission is "to support sustainable real estate and land use practices for the benefit of British Columbians." In order to effectively address this broad mandate and the immense scope of "real estate and land use in BC," the Real Estate Foundation is strategic in its grant making. The Foundation focusses its funding efforts in specific ways to help it make effective investments in the work of non-profit organizations around the province. For the Real Estate Foundation, the most effective grants support progressive projects that lead to genuine on-the-ground change.

The Comox Valley Watershed Society will be receiving $15,000 to produce an interactive animated map of the Courtenay River estuary to illustrate how this water boundary area has changed over time as well as outlining environmental issues it currently faces. These range from the loss of salmon spawning habitat to concerns over flooding during extreme weather events.

The Cowichan Tribes received $50,000 from the REFBC to assist with development of a land use plan for their nine reserves. The plan will facilitate coordination of shared infrastructure between the First Nation and the surrounding jurisdictions and bring about more certainty regarding future land development throughout the region.

The Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society will receive $20,000 for data collection, mapping, and 3D modeling of surface and ground water levels, and interactions between the two, in the Englishman River watershed. The process and findings will be used to encourage more sustainable land use planning and management in the watershed.

In all, during 2012 the Real Estate Foundation of BC funded a total of 67 grants valued at $2.34 million in support of real estate and land use practices that contribute to the maintenance of healthy communities and natural environments around the province. To check out the Foundation's Vancouver Island Report, click here.

VIREB will be one of the sponsors when best-selling author, motivational speaker and visionary Simon Sinek delivers a presentation at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo next month. Described as "a visionary thinker with a rare intellect," Sinek teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people. With a bold goal to help build a world in which the vast majority of people go home every day feeling fulfilled by their work, Sinek is leading a movement to inspire people to do the things that inspire them.

A trained ethnographer and author of Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Sinek is fascinated by the leaders and companies that make the greatest impact in the world - those with the capacity to inspire. He has discovered some remarkable patterns in how they think, act and communicate. A frequent speaker at the prestigious TED Conference in Toronto, Sinek has lectured business and government leaders from around the world. He will be appearing at the Port Theatre on Monday, March 18 starting at 7:00 pm. Tickets cost $65 apiece and can be purchased through the Port Theatre box office. This is a rare opportunity for VIREB members to hear this inspiring presenter.

Credit card usage is a regular part of doing business as a REALTOR® - from buying equipment, to attending out-of-town training sessions. But the same ease and convenience that comes with using a charge card can also be used by skilled and motivated criminals to defraud you. More than ever, REALTORS® are encouraged to take care when using credit cards to avoid fraud or costly identity theft.

The new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chipped cards can be especially susceptible to access by a suitably equipped crook. RFID type credit cards are vulnerable to unauthorized skimming without ever leaving your pocket. The information communicated from your card to a card reader carried by such a criminal can be enough to create a counterfeit card that can be successfully used to make an unauthorized purchase.

According to research carried out by Consumer Reports Magazine, the basic equipment needed for that form of fraud to occur is readily available to would-be crooks. An electronic card reader available online for less than $100 can be connected to a laptop hidden away in a briefcase or shopping bag to store skimmed information. Using equipment of this type, the account data can be read from a few inches away even if the card is inside a wallet or purse. By transferring the skimmed card data onto a blank magnetic-stripe card, criminals can then produce a working counterfeit credit card.

The magazine's research demonstrated that the security codes on many RFID-enabled cards are designed to change with every transaction, so that even if a card is counterfeited it would work for only one fraudulent transaction. The Smart Card Alliance, an American industry group, maintains that contactless (RFID) card technology deployed by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa is secure and that there have been no reports of consumers being victimized.

One way of preventing this form of fraud from occurring is the use of card protecting shields or other scanner protection technology. Shields or wallets marketed as RFID-blocking devices can make it more difficult for someone with an electronic reader to read your cards, but they don't entirely block transmission of card data. Research conducted in the United States saw security experts test 10 types of shields and wallets currently being sold to protect contactless cards, they found that none blocked the signal completely, and there was dramatic variability, even among samples of the same brand.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has published a pamphlet on credit card fraud protection that outlines a number of steps individuals can do to head off crooks before they strike. The federal agency offers a number of suggestions, including carrying a limited number of credit cards at any one time and always keeping your eyes on your card when you pass it to a merchant to ensure they do not carry out any unauthorized skimming of it – a sure sign that an attempt is being made to collect personal information. Card users are also urged to check their statements to head off unwelcome transactions and when cancelling a card to always ask for written confirmation to prove the account has been closed.

If, despite all your precautions, you find yourself the victim of fraud or identity theft, REALTORS® are encouraged to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 (www.antifraudcentre.ca). They can also check out the website Reporting Economic Crime Online (RECOL) at www.recol.ca for more information.

Hosting an Open House can be a key component of a REALTOR'S® overall marketing plan. However, the very act of meeting individuals face-to-face in an unoccupied property brings with it certain inherent risks. Frequent interaction with strangers and visiting vacant properties are two functions that have the potential to put REALTORS® into harm's way.

To help lessen the risks here are a few useful tips:

Stay on your Guard: You don't have to be paranoid, but stay alert to any signs that something just doesn't feel right. Security experts say signs such as a man showing up unaccompanied, or someone being dressed inappropriately for a meeting could be indicators that all isn't as it seems. REALTORS® are also encouraged to park their cars in a location they can get to easily in the event of an emergency.

Use the Guardly App: The Guardly cell phone emergency system is available for VIREB members. It permits users, once they have downloaded the application, to hit a single distress button from their cell phone that alerts designated contacts instantly. This service is free to VIREB members. To access the Guardly website click this link. To download this free app click here.

Remain in Communication: Before going to a showing, always inform your co-workers, staff, spouse or other contacts where you'll be and when you'll be back. Develop some system to remain in communication and stick to it every time. Always make certain your cell phone is fully charged before going to an Open House.

Check out the Property: If at all possible, physically examine the property beforehand, with an eye to locating any potential risky spots. This could include things such as places in the home you could not escape from if cornered by a dangerous individual. During an Open House tour, always let the client lead the way and avoid finding yourself trapped in an attic, basement or confined room.

Establish Code Words: Utilize green, yellow and red, a traffic light, for levels of distress when on the telephone from an Open House. For example before your Open House begins, arrange to have your office call you on your cell phone periodically. During these calls you could say to the office contact, for example: "It's in the green folder", letting your telephone caller know things are fine; or "It's in the yellow folder" if the situation is making you uncomfortable. Of course, a "red folder" would imply immediate danger to you and your telephone contact should take steps from their location to assist you.

The Buddy System: Whenever possible don't do an Open House alone, but bring a friend along as added security. Pairing up dramatically reduces the chances of being attacked. Of course, your buddy doesn't have to be another REALTOR®, it could just as easily be a friend, your spouse, or a couple of Defensive Tackles for the BC Lions if you happen to know any. It's just good to remember that there is security in numbers.

Dress for Safety: Don't wear your most expensive jewelry, or that diamond encrusted wrist watch to an unaccompanied Open House. The same could also apply to expensive electronics, or other items that can be easily snatched by a thief. The temptation may be too much for a potential crook to resist.

Trust your Gut: If it doesn't feel right, then maybe it isn't! Don't discount any troubling feelings you might have about your new client. Cancel a meeting if necessary or if you simply do not feel comfortable about a situation. That hair on the back of your neck may be an instinctive survival mechanism telling you something!

Members in the News

Long time Coast Realty REALTOR®, Bill McGuire, received royal recognition for his years of service to the community December 14, as he was one of four recipients of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal. Nanaimo MLA Leonard Krog made the presentation during a special ceremony held at the Coast Bastion Inn.

McGuire is known for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Nanaimo Marine Festival which was formerly known as the Nanaimo Bathtub Race. A panel of local residents received nominations from throughout the region before selecting McGuire and three others for this prestigious honor – a medal for community service struck in honor of Queen Elizabeth's 60th year on the throne.

REALTORS® from across Western Canada and beyond filled the ballot box at the Banff Western Connection to the brim, nominating causes close to their hearts. At the end, VIREB member Judy Gray's entry was selected.

The BC Children's Hospital Foundation will be receiving a $1,000.00 cheque, courtesty of the Canadian REALTORS Care® Fountation. Click here to go to the Foundation's website for more information.

When it comes to "going that extra mile" to help others, RE/MAX of Nanaimo's Brian Godfrey really takes it to the next level. The Vancouver Island REALTOR® is planning on taking three months off from his busy career this May to ride across the country on a bicycle as a fundraiser for the BC Children's Hospital (BCCH).

"I'm heading out on a big adventure this May. I intend to bike across the country from Victoria to St. Johns, Newfoundland in support of BC Children's Hospital," he explained.

"I'm leaving town probably the last day of April to ride to Victoria. May 1st from 'Mile Zero', my friend Bob Wilson and I will be riding about 7,300 kilometers, planning to be on the road 73 days for an average of 100 kilometers per day."

RE/MAX of Nanaimo is a "Miracle Office" where every REALTOR® contributes a part of each commission to the Children's Miracle Network – the organization that is helping to fund the ongoing expansion of BC Children's Hospital. Godfrey's office has set a goal of raising $50,000 for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation this year, and no doubt his cross country fundraising efforts will form a significant portion of the eventual total. Godfrey says that he and his wife Shirley, who will serve as part of the journey's support team, have luckily never needed the services of the Children's Hospital for their two children, but he knows many who have.

He says working at RE/MAX has helped him develop a connection to BCCH and that helping children has become part of the culture at the office. Interested persons can learn more about Brian's planned trek by clicking this link:
https://secure.bcchf.ca/SuperheroPages/main.cfm?Event=ICE&Member=28229

Long time REALTOR®, former VIREB President and media veteran Marty Douglas was the Master of Ceremonies (MC) at the Banff Western Connection Conference held January 24 to 26. Attracting more than 600 delegates from across the country, the CREA-sponsored event is considered to be one of the top educational opportunities of the year.

Managing Broker with RE/MAX Ocean Pacific Realty in Comox, Douglas has served in the MC capacity at this event in past years. A regular columnist with REM Magazine, and benefiting from years of interacting with the media, Douglas was ever confident and professional throughout the conference.

This high profile three-day affair featured presentations by former Governor General, the Rt. Hon. Michaelle Jean, and such notable speakers as David Chilton (the Weatlhy Barber). Douglas' input helped to keep the complex undertaking operating smoothly and efficiently. Well done Marty!

It's that time of year – time for the annual VIREB REALTOR® Charity Hockey Game. Created as a fundraiser for the Nanaimo Community Hospice Society, last year's inaugural outing saw more than $750 being donated to the organization. Organized by RE/MAX of Nanaimo's Jordan Belveal and Justus Edmundson, last year's game saw more than 20 REALTORS® from across the Island participate. In a recent communication, Edmundson hoped this year's game would attract even more attention.

"Jordan and I wanted to make sure all those who participated last year were given the first opportunity to participate again this year," he said. "We are hoping to have up to 30 players out this year, and two major sponsors have been contacted for their support."

The 2013 edition of the charity hockey game will take place at the Nanaimo Ice Center (Rink 1) on Friday, March 15, starting at 6:15 PM. It will cost participants $40 to take to the ice, with the funds used to cover the ice rental with the remainder donated to the Hospice Society. Other fund raising events such as 50/50 Draws took place during last year's game, so it is anticipated similar activities will take place this year.

Anyone seeking additional information or players wanting to participate are encouraged to contact Belveal and Edmundson directly at RE/MAX of Nanaimo, 250-751-1223 or they can also be reached via e-mail at: jordan@jordanbelveal.com or justus@robgrey.com

RE/MAX First Realty's Ken Droog is planning on some extreme fundraising this spring. Droog and three or four other adventurous souls intend to make a return-trip journey across the Georgia Strait in April – on kite boards! "April is usually the windiest month of the year, so it will give us the best chance to ride the prevailing winds across the Strait," he explained. "But as we have no way of knowing when the best winds present themselves, we'll just have to wait until the winds are right and go."

A fundraiser for the BC Children's Hospital (BCCH), the Parksville REALTOR® is hoping his group's exploit will raise $10,000 for the Children's Miracle Network, which is fundraising for the BCCH. "We've raised about $3,600 so far and hope that our ongoing efforts will bring in the rest before we sail."

The current plan will see a small flotilla of four or more kite boarders and two or three escort boats depart from Piper's Lagoon Park near Nanaimo. From there the group will race across the Georgia Strait to Davis Bay near Sechelt. "We have a friend at Davis Bay with a bell on their porch. Our goal is to kite board across, run up and ring the bell, and then head back for home."

The adventurers will then take to the waves for the return journey, landing at San Pareil near Parksville. The sea voyage will cover some 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers) and is expected to take five or more hours to complete – depending on winds or unforeseen difficulties. To prepare for the journey, the kite boarders are planning on some intense training. "We're going to Baja, California in Mexico in late February to train," Droog said. "It's supposed to have the highest density of Hammerhead sharks in the world, so that should make it interesting."

To learn more check out Droog's website at: www.kitingforkids.com.

Data released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) shows that 2012 was a year of variety when it came to housing starts on Vancouver Island.

CMHC statistics show that in the Greater Victoria area some 1,700 housing starts of all types were reported last year – up from the 1,642 recorded in 2011. Nanaimo's end-of-year total was 659 housing starts, down from 2011's 720 starts. However, the stats show slightly more single family homes being started in Nanaimo last year (248) when compared to the 246 begun the year before. During 2012, a total of 411 multi-family homes began construction in Nanaimo, down from the 474 started in 2011.

Elsewhere in VIREB's coverage area last year, Campbell River saw 218 housing starts of all types up from the 155 recorded during 2011. In the Courtenay/Comox area, there were 278 housing starts during 2012 which is higher than the 2011 total of 265. Cowichan Valley's year-end total of 162 housing starts is nearly identical to 2011's tally of 163.

The Parksville/Qualicum Beach area and Port Alberni each showed fewer housing starts last year when compared to the year before. In the Oceanside area, there were 90 housing starts last year – while there were 149 during 2011. Port Alberni recorded 45 housing starts in 2012, down from the 2011 total of 83.

The concept of Urban Farming is something that is taking root in British Columbia (pun intended). Urban Farming is the production and sale of food crops within the boundaries of a municipality – rather than in a rural setting as would be the traditional model. However, the concern for many municipal governments is that there is often very little in the way of existing zoning provisions to allow property owners to grow and sell food on their inner-city land. That dilemma was the catalyst for the creation of the Urban Farming Guidebook – released online by the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia (REFBC) January 14.

Working collectively with the EcoDesign Society (EDRS) and HB Lanarc, the Real Estate Foundation has helped create this detailed (60 page) document subtitled: Planning for the Business of Growing Food in BC's Towns & Cities. The Guidebook has been written to assist municipal planners, engineers and administrators gain a better understanding of the concept of Urban Farming. It also offers insights into potential problems and benefits, while providing some approaches and tactics to employ to proactively plan for the introduction of urban farming. If you would like to learn more, go to the Real Estate Foundation website (www.refbc.com/) – or you click here to download your own copy of the Guidebook.

Urban Farming is a movement that is becoming increasingly popular in British Columbia. The Urban Farming Guidebook is a resource to assist local governments and interested individuals in the establishment of this 21st Century take on the hobby farm.

To increase consumer protection for new home buyers, the Homeowner Protection Act regulations for residential builder licensing and mandatory, third-party home warranty insurance were implemented on July 1, 1999. As a result, all new homes constructed with building permits applied for on or after July 1, 1999 must be built by residential builders licensed with the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) and covered by a policy of home warranty insurance.

In geographic areas where building permits are not required, licensing and home warranty insurance is required for new home construction commenced on or after July 1, 1999. Home warranty insurance can only be provided by insurance companies that have been approved by the Financial Institutions Commission (FICOM) and meet the requirements of the Homeowner Protection Act.

See the HPO's online guide entitled "Guide to Home Warranty Insurance in British Columbia" for further information. Standards of coverage, commencement dates, exclusions and limits on coverage are now set by government to ensure clarity and a consistent base-level of consumer protection.

To access all of HOP's Regulatory Bulletins you can go to this website: http://www.hpo.bc.ca/regulatory-bulletins

Over the holiday season VIREB REALTORS® across Vancouver Island dug deep and helped out in their various communities. During zone luncheons held across the VIREB coverage area, REALTORS® made cash donations, supplied goods for multiple food banks and aided toy drives and other festive happenings.

A snapshot of some of the charitable activities that took place over the Christmas season include:

• REALTORS® in the Comox Valley raised $900 for two different local organizations in addition to collecting a pile of non-perishable food items for the local Salvation Army.
• In the Cowichan Valley food, toys and $360 were collected and donated to local groups.
• Oceanside REALTORS® targeted their fund raising efforts at older children, a demographic often bypassed during the seasonal gift giving. The Parkville/Qualicum Beach sales professionals collected gifts aimed at brightening the season for needy teenagers.
• In Nanaimo, $750 was raised for the Salvation Army, while another $250 was donated to the Harbour City's annual toy drive.
• Port Alberni / West Coast REALTORS®, as well as their counterparts in the Campbell River/ North Island areas, also staged their own holiday season activities with an undetermined amount of cash, food and toys collected.
• VIREB staff collected food bank donations for the Salvation Army/Loaves and Fishes food drive, and donated $535 and a pair of gently used computers to the Haven Society in Nanaimo. Jeans are the dress code of the day for VIREB staff each Friday, however, to enjoy that casual privilege, staff members contribute to a donation fund, the proceeds of which are given to the Haven Society at the end of the year.

As always during the holiday season, VIREB and its membership did their best to ensure the season remained bright for all.

There are a total of 953 members as of February 8th, 2013.

Office closing effective December 19th: Re/Max Dave Procter Realty, Comox.

New Office effective December 20th: Fast Forward Realty, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo. Managing Broker: Debbie Simmonds.

Lloyd Wood
Former VIREB President and REALTOR® of the Year recipient, Lloyd Wood, passed away Friday, February 1, 2013 in Duncan. With a career that spanned more than three decades, Lloyd served as VIREB President from 1967 to 1968, and received the REALTOR® of the Year Award in 1981. Lloyd also served on the Real Estate Council of BC from 1970 to 1974. One of the highlights of his long career was his direct involvement in the creation of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board as we know it today. He was one of the key players in the transition of the organization from the Nanaimo County Real Estate Board to today's VIREB, which took place on March 19, 1959. In lieu of flowers, Lloyd's family are requesting that donations to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation be made on his behalf.

VIREB - In Touch is VIREB's newsletter.  If you have any newsworthy information that can be included in future issues, please email  to VIREB’s Communication email address at: communications@vireb.com.  (VIREB retains all editorial rights).

Gary Gray, President, Coast Realty Group, Port Alberni
Bill Benoit, CRAE, CAE - Executive Officer
Darrell Paysen, CRAE - Manager, Member Services
David Holmes - Communications
Sheri Rosewall - Production
Published by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board. Copyright 2013.