A highly anticipated development proposal that would have brought over 1,750 new homes to the quiet village of Anmore has been officially withdrawn—just one hour before its scheduled public hearing.

The project by Icona Properties would have spanned more than 150 acres, introducing duplexes, townhomes, and apartments that could have tripled the local population over time. While some saw it as a necessary evolution to support housing diversity, the vast majority of public feedback focused on serious concerns:

• Traffic congestion and limited evacuation routes

• Overstretched infrastructure and schools

• Environmental degradation and loss of Anmore’s rural charm

• A lack of reliable public transit access

Some residents did support the plan, citing the need for options beyond single-family homes—especially for downsizing families and young adults who grew up in the area.

Now that the application has been withdrawn, the project is considered off the table. However, Anmore’s future development remains a key topic of interest and conversation.

💬 If you have questions about buying or selling in Anmore or the Tri-Cities—or just want to stay informed—reach out any time!

Tara Kennedy
📧 TaraKennedySells@gmail.com
📱 236-992-8989

#AnmoreRealEstate #TriCitiesHomes #BCRealEstateUpdate #PortMoodyLiving #SmartGrowth #PreserveAnmore #HousingCrisisBC #TaraKennedyRealtor #AnmoreVillage #LocalMarketUpdate #CommunityPlanning #Anmore #IconaProperties

Happy First Day of Summer! ☀️🌸
This year, summer begins on June 20, and you might be wondering — isn't that a little early?

Here’s why:
The summer solstice doesn’t fall on the same date every year. It occurs when the Earth’s North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, giving us the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours.

Because our calendar year (365 days) doesn’t perfectly align with Earth’s orbit (365.24 days), leap years and tiny time shifts push the solstice date around between June 20 and 22. In 2025, the exact moment of the solstice happens earlier, landing us with an early start to summer!

✨ What to celebrate today:

• The most daylight hours of the year

• The official kick-off to patio season

• Warm weather, vibrant gardens, and outdoor fun

Whether you’re planning a weekend hike, hitting the beach, or just enjoying a peaceful evening walk — this is your sign to get outside and enjoy it!

#FirstDayOfSummer #SummerSolstice #HelloSummer #SummerStartsNow #LongestDayOfTheYear #PortMoody#LocalLiving #CommunityVibes #CoquitlamLife #PortCoquitlamHomes #TriCitiesEvents #SeasonalTips #RealEstateAndSeasons #TaraKennedy #TricitiesRealtor #TaraKennedyRealEstate 

Metro Vancouver’s real estate industry is experiencing growing turbulence. One of its largest players, Wesgroup Properties, has confirmed significant layoffs across nearly every department. CEO Beau Jarvis called it “one of the most difficult days” in the company’s 60-year history.

The root cause: a cost-of-delivery crisis — a dangerous mix of:

• 📈 Skyrocketing construction & labour costs

• 💸 High land prices and development fees

• 📉 Depressed pre-sale demand

• 🏦 Elevated borrowing costs

• 🌍 Economic uncertainty post-pandemic

Despite exploring aggressive cost reduction strategies and selling assets to stay liquid, Wesgroup ultimately had to reduce its workforce.

“We exhausted every option. But we’re still standing — and focused on the future,” said Jarvis.

📉 Wesgroup isn’t the only one hit. Rennie, a top Vancouver real estate marketing firm, also announced layoffs this spring — reducing their team by 25%.

✅ Projects Still Moving Forward

Even amid layoffs, Wesgroup continues to push forward with key developments:

🏙 River District (Vancouver) – a massive 130-acre community featuring 10,000 homes
🚇 Inlet District (Port Moody) – 2,600 homes beside Inlet Centre SkyTrain (Phase 1 starts Fall 2025)
🍺 Brewery District (New Westminster) – 1,000 homes + 800K sq ft of commercial/retail space, nearly complete

📊 By the numbers:

• 49+ active developments

• 1,700+ homes currently under construction

• 900+ rental homes in permitting

• 390,000+ sq ft of commercial space under construction

Jarvis emphasized that the company's foundation is strong, and these layoffs are intended to preserve long-term viability, not signal retreat.

⚠️ What This Means

With multiple developers downsizing and construction starts slowing, even Vancouver City Council is acting — recently approving deferred fee payments (DCLs/CACs) to keep projects from stalling further.

Still, systemic reform is needed to avoid more fallout in BC’s real estate industry.

#Wesgroup #RennieGroup #VancouverRealEstate #InletDistrict #RiverDistrict #BreweryDistrict #PortMoodyRealEstate #MetroVancouverDevelopment #ConstructionBC #AffordableHousingCrisis #YVRPreSales #UrbanDevelopmentBC #RealEstateLayoffs #BCRealEstateTrends #HousingSupplyCrisis #VancouverHousingUpdate

Are you ready to be part of one of the world’s biggest sporting events? ⚽🌍

Vancouver is hosting 7 incredible matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and FIFA is officially recruiting volunteers to help make it all happen!

This is the largest volunteer program in FIFA history, spanning one continent, three countries, and 16 host cities. Vancouver will play a central role — and YOU could be a part of it!

🧡 Why Volunteer?

Volunteers are the heartbeat of every FIFA event. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes experience, meet new people from around the world, and contribute to a historic global tournament.

📋 Here’s What You Need to Know:

• ✅ Open to anyone aged 18+

• 🗓️ Recruitment continues through summer and fall 2025

• 📬 Offers will be sent in Jan–Feb 2026

• 🎓 Training sessions will run from April to June 2026

• 🌟 Details are still rolling out, but registration is open NOW

Whether you're a diehard soccer fan or just want to be part of something bigger, this is your moment to shine!

💻 Apply Now:

Click here to register for the FIFA 2026 Volunteer Program

⚽ Let’s bring the world to Vancouver — together! 🇨🇦

#FIFAWorldCup #FIFA26 #Vancouver2026 #VolunteerWithFIFA #SoccerInCanada #FIFAVolunteers #GlobalEvent #FIFA2026Volunteer #BCPlace #TeamVancouver #MakeHistory

The Greater Vancouver real estate market continues to evolve, and May 2025 was no exception. According to the Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, we’ve reached the highest inventory levels in 10 years, while sales remain muted — creating a favorable environment for buyers.

📊 Key Stats for May 2025:

• Total Sales: 2,228 homes (⬇️18.5% from May 2024)

• New Listings: 6,620 (⬆️3.9% YoY)

• Active Listings: 17,094 (⬆️25.7% YoY)

• Benchmark Price (All Properties): $1,177,100 (⬇️2.9% YoY)

• Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 13.4%

  • Detached: 10.2%

  • Attached: 17.4%

  • Apartments: 14.7%

🔎 What Does This Mean?

• We're firmly in a balanced-to-buyer’s market, especially in the detached sector.

• Many sellers are adjusting their prices, giving buyers more leverage.

• Despite a slower-than-usual spring, we may be heading toward a surprisingly active summer market as buyer confidence returns.

This may be the perfect opportunity to explore your options whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. The market is shifting—let’s make it work in your favour.

📲 Ready to talk strategy or curious what your home is worth in today’s market?

✨ Tara Kennedy
🏡 REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📞 236-992-8989
🌐 TaraKennedy.ca
📧 TaraKennedySells@gmail.com

#MetroVancouverRealEstate #TriCitiesMarketUpdate #HomeBuying2025 #SellerTips #BuyerFriendlyMarket #CoquitlamRealtor #PortMoodyHomes #TaraKennedyRealtor

Tonight marks a monumental moment in Canadian hockey — the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place in Edmonton. It’s a rematch of last year’s intense seven-game series and another shot for the Oilers to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canadian soil for the first time since 1993. We want the Cup — and the whole country is watching.

🏒 Game 1 Preview

The Florida Panthers return as the defending champions, boasting a disciplined roster and strong playoff experience. With a core led by captain Aleksander Barkov and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, they’ve proven they can handle the pressure.

But this isn’t the same Oilers team they faced last year.

Edmonton enters the series red hot. Captain Connor McDavid has been an absolute force, leading the playoffs in points and electrifying fans with every shift. Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Evan Bouchard have also delivered standout performances. And let’s not overlook goaltender Stuart Skinner, whose calm presence and timely saves have helped propel the Oilers through a challenging postseason.

Game 1 is more than just a series opener — it’s a statement opportunity for the Oilers on home ice.

🔥 Canadian Stars to Watch

• Connor McDavid (EDM) – The heartbeat of the Oilers, McDavid has been unstoppable this postseason. His leadership and drive to win are unmatched.

• Leon Draisaitl (EDM) – Consistently dominant in the playoffs, Draisaitl's offensive firepower is a game-changer.

• Stuart Skinner (EDM) – The Alberta-born goalie has answered every challenge this spring. A strong performance from Skinner could tilt the series.

🇨🇦 A Nation’s Dream

It’s been over three decades since a Canadian team last lifted Lord Stanley’s Cup. From coast to coast, fans are donning their jerseys, crowding into bars, hosting watch parties, and daring to dream again. Edmonton has become more than a city in this series — it’s the heartbeat of a hockey nation.

As puck drop nears, one thing is clear: Canada is all-in.

📅 What’s Next?

Game 1 takes place tonight in Edmonton. It’s the first step in what promises to be a fast, physical, and emotionally charged series. Win or lose, expect both teams to bring playoff intensity from the first shift to the final whistle.

🗣️ Let’s Go Oilers!

No matter where you are in Canada — from St. John’s to Vancouver — rally behind the blue and orange. Cheer loud, wear your pride, and stay hopeful.

This could be the year.

We want the Cup! 🇨🇦🏆

#StanleyCupFinal, #LetsGoOilers, #WeWantTheCup, #OilersNation, #EdmontonOilers, #CanadaProud, #HockeyNightInCanada, #PlayoffHockey, #StanleyCup2025, #McDavidMagic, #GoOilersGo, #CanadianHockey, #ChasingTheCup, #OilersVsPanthers, #NHLPlayoffs

On June 4, 2025, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced it is holding the overnight rate steady at 2.75%, with the Bank Rate at 3% and the deposit rate at 2.70%. This marks the second consecutive rate hold following a series of cuts throughout 2024 that were implemented to stabilize the economy after a period of elevated inflation.

But what does this mean for you as a homeowner, buyer, or seller? Let’s break it down.

🧩 Economic Highlights

1. A Mixed Growth Picture
Canada's economy grew by 2.2% in Q1 2025, slightly above expectations. This was driven mainly by strong exports and businesses stocking up inventory—likely to get ahead of ongoing global trade tensions.

However, the Bank expects weaker growth in Q2, as the temporary boost from exports fades and domestic demand remains soft.

2. Inflation in Flux
While the elimination of the federal carbon tax helped pull headline inflation down to 1.7%, core inflation (excluding taxes and volatile items) ticked up to 2.3%, slightly above the BoC’s comfort zone.

This upward pressure is largely due to businesses adjusting prices in response to ongoing tariff-related cost increases, particularly those tied to U.S. trade actions.

3. Labour Market Softening
Unemployment has risen to 6.9%, especially in trade-sensitive sectors like manufacturing and logistics. Consumer confidence has dipped, though household spending remains relatively stable.

🌍 Global Uncertainty Still in the Driver’s Seat

The BoC highlighted uncertainty around U.S. trade policy—especially shifting tariffs—as a major reason for pausing rate adjustments. The potential impact on Canadian exports, business investment, and inflation expectations remains top of mind for policymakers.

The Bank also noted global volatility, including a slowdown in China, fluctuations in oil prices, and changes to defence spending in Europe. All of these have ripple effects on Canada's economy.

🏡 What Does This Mean for Real Estate?

While interest rates didn’t move this round, the current environment presents an opportunity for buyers and sellers to reassess their plans:

• Buyers: A stable interest rate means predictability. If you’ve been on the fence, now may be the right time to get pre-approved and explore your options.

• Sellers: Although the economy is cooling, well-priced homes are still moving. Strategic pricing and strong marketing are more important than ever.

• Investors: With borrowing costs holding, it may be a good time to evaluate long-term opportunities, especially in areas with strong rental demand.

🔮 What’s Next?

The next Bank of Canada announcement is scheduled for July 30, 2025. Until then, the Bank will closely monitor:

• Inflationary trends

• Global trade developments

• Labour market data

• Consumer spending and business investment

Any significant changes could impact the timing of future rate cuts—or signal a shift in direction altogether.

🗝️ Let’s Talk Strategy

Navigating a shifting market takes knowledge, timing, and the right plan. Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or just curious how today’s trends impact you, I’m here to help you make sense of it all.

✨ Tara Kennedy
🏡 REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📞 236-992-8989
🌐 TaraKennedy.ca
📧 TaraKennedySells@gmail.com

#BankOfCanada #InterestRates #RealEstateMarket #TriCitiesRealEstate #TaraKennedySellsHomes #PortCoquitlamRealtor #MarketUpdate #MetroVancouverHomes #RealEstateTips #StayInformed

The Metro Vancouver land market is sending a clear message: developers are cautious, distressed land sales are rising, and the cost of building homes is higher than ever. Behind the scenes, one of the biggest culprits is something many buyers and sellers never see—government red tape and development-related fees that are quietly crushing housing supply.

Despite strong underlying demand, developers are pulling back. The data from Q1 2025 shows a sobering picture:

📉 Distressed Sales Are Becoming the Norm

According to a report from Avison Young, 22% of land transactions over $5 million in early 2025 were court-ordered—a significant jump from 10% during the same period in 2024. These sales are resetting land values across Metro Vancouver, offering lower price points—but even those aren’t enough to spark new construction.

Why? Because the development math just doesn’t work anymore.

💰 The True Cost of Development Is Shocking

Colliers’ EVP Casey Weeks shared a striking example: a 1.4-acre site in Burnaby was bought for $30 million, but the developer had to pay $42.5 million in fees—more than the land itself. These fees include:

• Municipal and regional development cost charges (DCCs)

• Amenity contributions

• Permitting, servicing, and approval costs

• And a long list of other layered government fees

Weeks summarized the situation bluntly:

“Upper levels of government need to take a hard look at this. Not enough homes will be built to catch up to the lack of supply.”

🚧 The Impact of Red Tape Under the NDP Government

The BC NDP government has publicly committed to solving the housing crisis, but many industry experts argue that the policies being implemented are doing the opposite.

Instead of clearing the path for more homes, developers face:

• Inconsistent municipal regulations

• Long delays in permitting

• Ever-rising government fees

• A complex, bureaucratic process that drains resources and time

While headlines promote bold housing targets, the reality on the ground is that many projects are being shelved due to lack of feasibility. Developers can’t move forward if the costs are unpredictable and the policy environment keeps shifting.

🏘️ Demand Is There, But Projects Aren’t Launching

Even with townhomes in places like Surrey and Langley now priced around $900,000 (down from $1.2 million just a few years ago), pre-sale absorption rates are sluggish. Developers can’t secure financing without a strong sales pace, and the higher interest rate environment isn’t helping.

In the Fraser Valley, land sales are down more than 80% from two years ago, according to Varing Marketing Group. That drop reflects developers’ hesitancy to acquire new land without knowing if the economics will work in their favour.

🚀 Some Are Still Moving – But Only in Prime Locations

Some developers are forging ahead in key areas. Polygon Homes recently purchased a high-profile site at Cambie and West 41st with plans for a 31-storey mixed-use tower—but this kind of risk-taking is rare and generally limited to sites near transit and core urban centres.

🔚 Final Thoughts: We Need Policy That Supports, Not Stalls

The housing crisis can’t be solved by market forces alone. Developers want to build, but they’re hitting a wall of fees, delays, and uncertainty—much of it tied directly to provincial and municipal policy.

If the current government, especially the BC NDP, truly wants to improve housing affordability, it must address the crushing costs and bureaucratic gridlock that are stalling supply. Reducing red tape and reforming fee structures isn’t just good policy—it’s essential if we’re going to build enough homes for the future.

Thinking of buying, selling, or investing in Metro Vancouver or the Tri-Cities? Let’s connect. I’m here to help you navigate this ever-changing real estate landscape with experience and insight.

✨ Tara Kennedy
🏡 REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📞 236-992-8989
🌐 TaraKennedy.ca
📧 TaraKennedySells@gmail.com

#MetroVancouverRealEstate #LandDevelopment #HousingCrisisBC #RedTape #BCNDP #VancouverHousingMarket #RealEstateNews #DeveloperChallenges #DevelopmentFees #TriCitiesRealEstate #BurnabyRealEstate #VancouverPreSales #PermitDelays #HousingPolicy #TaraKennedyRealtor #RealEstateExpertBC

Let’s Go Whitecaps! 💙🤍

The wait is over. The moment we've all been dreaming about is finally here.
Tonight, Whitecaps FC take the pitch in the Concacaf Champions Cup Final against Cruz Azul — and it’s more than just a match. It's history in the making.

From the first whistle of the tournament to now, it's been a journey of grit, belief, and world-class performances. The climb to the top hasn't been easy, but this team has shown time and time again what it means to fight for every moment.

⭐ The biggest stage.

⭐ The biggest night.

⭐ The chance to bring a continental title home to Vancouver. 🇨🇦🍁

This is the final step. The peak of the climb. The match that could define an era.

Whether you’re cheering from home or in the stands, this is our night. Let’s finish the climb together. Let’s make history.

🗓 Match Day: Sunday, June 1
🕕 Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. PT
📺 Watch: OneSoccer, FuboTV, TELUS Channel 980
🎧 Listen: 730 CKNW, 101.1 HD3

🎥 Watch the Final on OneSoccer

Can’t miss this one? We’ve partnered with OneSoccer to bring fans a special one-month pass for just $9.99 — use code CONCACAF2025 and catch every second of the action.

Let’s rally behind our city.

Let’s back the boys.
Let’s make history.

#VWFC #WhitecapsFC #ClimbToTheCup #CONCACAFChampionsCup #VamosCaps #ForVancouver #CruzAzul #ChampionsCupFinal #SoccerHistory #MakeHistory #MatchDay #WeAreWhitecaps #CanadianSoccer