Moving to BC

[ferniesnow]

There is no transfer tax if you buy from a contractor. There is GST and no PST. "Settler's possessions" are still a valid tax break; anything you own is not taxed upon registration. Like tex78 says, the PST on toys can be circumvented. Lived in BC for 20 years and haven't paid PST on a sled yet. Had a little trouble with the holiday trailer tho'. That is another story.

This is the biggest place we have lived in (other than a one year sabbatical term in Edmonton) and when one is used to living in places under 3000 people, we were rather pleased with the shopping and amenities in Salmon Arm. Low housing inventory has driven up the prices and the rumour is that lower mainland peeps are moving out of the metropolis/suburbs and moving into the Okanagan/Shuswap. There has been a distinct change from a year and a half ago when we bought our place. Warmer weather definitely is reflected in the price of utilities, municipal taxes are on par, and groceries are on par. The price of gas fluctuates no matter where on lives but I have noticed that along the TCH, it tends to be a little higher.

 

[2dawgsfawkin]

Work ethic? You mean gotta work like working 365 days a year? Many people in BC have different priorities like enjoying life.
Big snow storm on Monday so I took the day off to go sledding yesterday.

ok. so you realize you just validated his point that BC'ers have a poor work ethic, right????

ps. you welcoming bertans at forester yet???

 

[Crustyolddude]

Lived on Island (Victoria) for 5 years. Left in early 90’s. Never going back. Missed the cold crisp clear sunny winter days. BC is nice In March, April (can skip December, January grey, rainy). To many government socialists, (ICBC ripoff). Victoria is Government city, along with military, and university. The loggers were good, but they have all been shut down, along with fishermen. Retirement community is huge in Victoria area ( many from Ontario, Prairies, etc). In the 25+ years I have left. I have visited numerous times, it’s only become worse. Actually Alberta is the place to be (youngest population in Canada), work (commodities will come back), enterprising spirit (lacking in BC). For winters Alberta enjoy outdoor activities, or head south Palm Springs, or farther South to Australia for 4-5 months (retirement).

 

[Stompin Tom]

The best thing about BC is it isnt Alberta.

 

[lilduke]

Best thing about Alberta is no stompin Tom.

 

[KatMan]

that, and all the Albertan's now there

someone needs to keep your economy going. lord knows its not the locals,,,,

 

[collin]

Work ethic? You mean gotta work like working 365 days a year? Many people in BC have different priorities like enjoying life.
Big snow storm on Monday so I took the day off to go sledding yesterday.

Thank-you so much for proving my point ----from your own words.

When I call someone to install a door, and the call goes to voice mail, with no call back that same day or the day after. Guess what. I hire someone from another city that ANSWERS their GD phone and is more than willing to come and do the job within a couple of days. Fact...that is one example that actually happened.
I call to inquire about some parts that are needed. Am told the parts are not in stock (the usual response in this town). "When can you get them in? ""Not sure, why don't ya call back in a week".

So you go right ahead and take a "day off' and enjoy your sledding. Please let me know what you do for a living so I don't make the mistake of calling you and be willing to hire you for a job or to buy merchandise from you. You know, like earning a living and making money so you can go SLEDDING....

 

[pano-dude]

ok. so you realize you just validated his point that BC'ers have a poor work ethic, right????

ps. you welcoming bertans at forester yet???

Bertans yes, pricks like you nope.

 

[pano-dude]

Thank-you so much for proving my point ----from your own words.

When I call someone to install a door, and the call goes to voice mail, with no call back that same day or the day after. Guess what. I hire someone from another city that ANSWERS their GD phone and is more than willing to come and do the job within a couple of days. Fact...that is one example that actually happened.
I call to inquire about some parts that are needed. Am told the parts are not in stock (the usual response in this town). "When can you get them in? ""Not sure, why don't ya call back in a week".

So you go right ahead and take a "day off' and enjoy your sledding. Please let me know what you do for a living so I don't make the mistake of calling you and be willing to hire you for a job or to buy merchandise from you. You know, like earning a living and making money so you can go SLEDDING....

Don't worry, I have enough customers that that treat me well and get the service they ask and pay for.
Most good contractors in small towns are booked for months, they are not going to try to squeeze in a half day job.
You want lots of choices and next day service move back to the big city.

 

[Cdnfireman]

The world is catching up with BC outside of the lower mainland. People with money are moving in, driving up prices and making it harder for long time locals who don’t like the change. Unfortunately for them, they’ll have to adapt or be forced aside....it has happened everywhere, look at Montana, Idaho, Oregon.....the valleys are filling up...you have to move North to try and keep the old ways.....trouble there is there’s not a lot of deeded land and the climate gets worse.... nice place to visit....

 

[KatMan]

Bertans yes, pricks like you nope.

dude.

what is your problem.

 

[LennyR]

Don't worry, I have enough customers that that treat me well and get the service they ask and pay for.
Most good contractors in small towns are booked for months, they are not going to try to squeeze in a half day job.
You want lots of choices and next day service move back to the big city.

LOL, Déjà vu dude. Sounds like , once you clear away the self serving BS, the only service you provide is to yourself, same as last conversation .

 

[Trashy]

My wife and I were looking at moving to Sic a couple of years back. Had a great week there see houses with Howard and getting a tour with Tex78 But decided it wasn't quite time for us yet.
We have been recently looking at some of the smaller islands, in particular. Salt Spring Island, it's smaller than the main island and has lots to offer to us. For the lifestyle we'd like to finish off with.
We both agree that ICBC is out of control and would probably have 2 mailing address's. One in her name and one in mine

 

[tejay]

Here’s what you get in Revelstoke for 789000.Two bedroom one bath ,master bedroom in the attic 7x20 slightly less than 5000 square foot lot. OMG

 

[machinehead]

W

View attachment 233221View attachment 233219Here’s what you get in Revelstoke for 789000.Two bedroom one bath ,master bedroom in the attic 7x20 slightly less than 5000 square foot lot. OMG

Yikes , think I will pass.
Just out of curiosity what would the property taxes be on a dwelling like this ?

 

[LID]

Revy taxes are quite high I hear

 

[tejay]

Around 2300 if under age 65, just basing that on my own taxes. I just used the municipal tax calculator for that place based on last years assessment (520k) and it shows 3126.00

 

[Trashy]

Around 2300 if under age 65, just basing that on my own taxes. I just used the municipal tax calculator for that place based on last years assessment (520k) and it shows 3126.00

What was the pricing like before the ski hill opened? Heard a few BC friends say, that's what hike Stoke's market

 

[tejay]

The skihill opened in December 2007 , my assessment was 282 k (up 33% from previous year) and taxes were 1745$ Absolutely the skihill has driven real estate costs through the roof. That along with city hall taking over a year to issue permits ( improved now) There is virtually nothing available and now even bare lots are 350k + . Most real estate is bought up and converted to vacation rental or people are forced to have numerous room mates living with them to pay the mortgage. Young families have to have the bank of mom and dad or a trust fund to live here . Illegal short term rentals are everywhere but that’s what happens to towns that are in demand for lifestyle.

 

[papajake]

we talked to some business owners in golden just after the ski hill opened there and the same thing happened some said it was the biggest mistake the town made did nothing for the community other than raised taxes for the locals and businesses