Organic Gardening News

Even with all the different weather patterns across our country, the May long weekend has, traditionally, been the time we plant our gardens. Our daytime and nighttime temperatures are now in the range where both cool-loving and heat-loving crops can, for the most part, be seeded and transplanted outdoors to ensure a timely harvest.

However, this long-held garden wisdom is giving way to earlier plantings of virtually everything. April has suddenly become tomato planting time, and heat-loving annuals — like impatiens, marigolds and zinnias — are being set out even when evening temperatures still dip down close to frost.

I understand that many folks, especially the younger generation of gardeners, are anxious to get their gardens growing earlier in order to enjoy both fresh produce and garden colour sooner, but that eagerness can come at a cost. Seeds, when planted too early, often germinate poorly or not at all. Transplants, when set out too early, turn a protective bronze or grey colour, and this slows down their growing process. More tender plants, such as cucumbers, develop diseases like botrytis and simply wither away.

What we need for all our gardens today is a longer-term vision of both the colour with which we surround our homes and the fresh food we can grow to help offset both scarcity and higher costs. Depending on where you live in B.C., our growing season can stretch from the latter part of May until mid-September. In the Lower Mainland, that time frame can be extended from late March well into October and even beyond.

The most effective use of colour in our gardens is achieved by using perennials, grasses, flowering shrubs and flowering trees as a base, and then complementing with biennials and annuals for that extra boost of summer colour. By incorporating more perennials, you will enjoy a longer early season of colour each year without having to wait for warmer temperatures.

Baskets and containers, created with evergreen perennials like carex grasses, heucheras and euphorbias, can look stunning year-round, but especially in the cool temperatures of late winter and early spring.

When the weather finally warms up in late May and June, annuals will not only make a more instant show, but they will also last weeks longer into the fall. In our garden, we never put out our summer baskets until the later part of June.

The same is true for food gardens. Once we get closer to 8 to 10 degrees Celsius daytime temperatures without night frosts, early potatoes, onion sets, multipliers and scallions can go in for harvesting in June. With a little more warmth, early brassicas, lettuce, peas, Spanish onion starts, broad beans and swiss chard can be planted to expand the produce options from your early garden.

When we finally get those all-important 10-degree Celsius nighttime temperatures, the heat-lovers can be planted. The difference warmer temperatures make is in the speed at which these plants become established and grow. By selecting earlier-maturing varieties of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other heat-loving plants, this will also help accelerate a far earlier harvest, so there is no need to wait until late July or August to enjoy tomatoes or peppers.

For instance, Early Girl tomatoes and cherry tomatoes will produce approximately 30 days earlier than the later-maturing larger varieties. Be particular about the varieties you select in order to enjoy an extended harvest. Squash, too, is a prime example as summer varieties, like zucchini and scaloppine, can produce crops as early as 50 days and even earlier from transplants.

As you enjoy your late spring and early summer garden, you should be planning your fall and winter harvests. Late varieties of cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli mature in late August and September. Brussels sprouts, to be harvested for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, can be started in June, and they will hold nicely in your garden. Late squash, started in June, will mature in September and October and will keep well into the new year. Root crops, like beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips and rutabagas, also come in early, midseason and late varieties for a more continuous harvest well into late fall and beyond.

By carefully selecting varieties, by pre-starting some of your seeds and by using strategic timing for all your food garden plantings, you will not only save time but will also enjoy a longer season of more continuous harvests.

Once we get consistent warm weather, the daylight will last longer and the growth rate will increase dramatically in both food and colour gardens. By having a long-range, year-round plan, you will be able to grow, harvest and enjoy a wide diversity of foods you have grown yourself.

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Family-owned Apcon Group recently took home Best Multi-Family Townhouse Production and Best Multi-Family Kitchen at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association ( CHBA ) of British Columbia’s 33rd annual Georgie Awards Gala for Headwater.

“Headwater shines as an award-winning development, celebrated for its thoughtful design that harmoniously blends functionality, sustainability and esthetics,” says Tejvir Atwal, managing director, Apcon Group. “Situated in Surrey’s Fraser Heights area, the project complements the surrounding landscape with well-planned floorplans, a comforting colour palette, and environmentally conscious materials and practices.”

Designed with young families in mind, Headwater is a collection of 39 three-level townhomes, offering three and four-bedroom plus den plans, ranging from 1,520 to 1,585 square feet.

Headwater has also been resonating with buyers, most notably for the neighbourhood — one that has proven itself to be quite attractive to young families.

“What makes Headwater unique is the location and design — Fraser Heights neighbourhood is a unique blend of suburban and urban living. Fraser Heights has a strong sense of community and we wanted to bring spacious homes to the area where families could come together through community initiatives, nearby schools and recreational activities,” says Atwal. “With a high walkability score, and being closely connected to the arterial road network, Headwater further contributes to a well-rounded community.”

Fraser Heights is its own distinct community, interwoven with 12 parks, wide streets, creeks and ponds, with river valley and magnificent mountain views. North Surrey also has a reputation for having excellent schools, including Pacific Academy, elementary and secondary private schools catering from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Accessibility to Metro Vancouver has been yet another draw.

“Residents who work in Metro Vancouver in particular are drawn to the proximity to the highway (for work commute mainly), so they get to experience suburban living without shifting their entire lives,” says Atwal.

Janet Hardy, an interior designer at Creative Spaces, was tasked with designing the two show homes. Her first assignment was choosing the finishes.

“The cabinets have plywood boxes, soft close doors and drawers, the countertops are Quartz with undermount sinks, and the blinds are roller shades, so there are no edges to catch any dust,” says Hardy.  “We wanted the homes to be timeless for years to come, but also durable so that the home looks the same as the first day buyers moved in.”

The two show homes were designed so that prospective buyers could easily imagine how their whole family could live in the spaces.

Family friendly spaces feature open concept living, designer finishes and views of the mountain range and Fraser River.

The efficient floorplans offer two-and-a-half bathrooms and plenty of practical space, including large dens with natural light for working remotely and expansive deck space for those looking for extra entertainment room.

Another selling point is just how functional the townhomes are for young families.

“Every entrance has a coat closet, and all the main floors have a powder room and ample closet space that you can use as an extra coat closet or more pantry space,” says Hardy. “Another benefit for families is that most of the homes feature side by side washers and driers with a countertop across and shelving above.”

In the kitchen, a stainless-steel appliance package includes a full-sized French-door refrigerator, a slide-in gas range stove and built-in microwave in the pantry. Many of the islands are over six feet long — all with an overhang for stools.

“We have elevated our finishes to include champagne bronze fixtures to our kitchens,” says Hardy.

Each home comes with an attached garage equipped with charging capabilities for electric vehicles and spacious enough to accommodate cars and also recreational toys.

Amenities incorporate a multi-level indoor lounge and a furnished outdoor picnic area with bistro tables — adding to a sense of community.

Headwater homeowners will appreciate the convenience of living in an emerging community, where shopping, schools, playgrounds and amenities are already complete. Located 10 minutes from Guildford Town Centre, with its over 200 shops and restaurants, as well as movie theatres, and a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment options. It is also a short distance from Highway 1 to the south and Highway 15 to the east. Fraser Heights offers residents the opportunity to be close to both nature and big city amenities.

Project: Headwater

Project address: 17458 100 Ave., Surrey B.C.

Developer: Apcon Group

Architect: Flat Architecture

Interior designer: Janet Hardy

Project size: 39 townhomes move-in ready

Number of bedrooms: 3 and 4 bedrooms

Price: Starting from $949,900

Sales centre: On site

Centre hours: By appointment

Phone: 604-354-7025

Website: Liveatheadwater.ca

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

1702 — 188 Keefer St., Vancouver

Type: One-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 756 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $732,000

Listed for: $749,000

Sold for: $725,000

Sold on: March 20

Days on market in this listing: Nine

Listing agent: Marilou Appleby PREC, Louis Dupuis and Sean Carey at Dexter Realty

Buyers agent: Colette Gerber PREC at Heller Murch Realty

The big sell: The listing agents report that this one-bedroom unit had been designated by the developer as a two-bedroom suite but the original owner redesigned it to create a generous-sized one-bedroom home. It forms part of a mixed-use residential and retail complex that was built by Westbank in 2016 in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown neighbourhood, complete with an ornamental entryway inspired by a traditional Chinese Moon Gate. This upper-floor condo has a spacious open-concept floor plan with wood floors, a wall of windows, and a 150-square-foot west-facing balcony that flanks the living space and bathes in panoramic city views. There is an ensuite bathroom off the bedroom plus another washroom for guests, insuite laundry, a storage locker, and a strata that permits two pets. Parking is available to rent, and this unit’s monthly maintenance fee is $580.63.

4 — 6033 168 St., Cloverdale

Type: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,395 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $771,000

Listed for: $750,000

Sold for: $742,500

Sold on: Jan. 17

Days on market in this listing: 62

Listing agent: Scott Moe PREC at ReMax Treeland Realty

Buyers agent: Tevan Singh at Real Broker

The big sell: Three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a three-storey layout are just some of the highlights of this 1,395-square-foot townhouse in West Cloverdale. It resides in the Chestnut development that features 22 units constructed in 2006 within walking distance to Boothroyd Heritage Coffee shop, Cloverdale Athletic Park, transit, a convenience store, and elementary schools. Inside, the main level is open and airy with communicating living and dining areas overlooked by a kitchen with sleek flat-panelled cabinets, stone countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. An adjacent family room/home office has rear door access to the backyard and private deck, while all three bedrooms are accommodated upstairs. The unit’s monthly maintenance fee is $467.83, and all of this is topped off by an extra-long 39-foot-deep integrated tandem garage that can accommodate two cars including a pickup truck.

1 — 1186 Kaslo St., Vancouver

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom half duplex

Size: 1,587 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,706,000

Listed for: $1,599,999

Sold for: $1,599,999

Sold on: February 13

Days on market in this listing: 16

Listing agent: Mark Hammer PREC at eXp Realty

Buyers agent: Hanson Wang PREC at Ohmproperty

The big sell: This brand-new front duplex was built by Pavarya Homes in Vancouver’s Renfrew district with a smart, modern exterior set off by a landscaped front yard and a patio seating area. The interior is flooded with natural light thanks to the home’s west-facing aspect, while premium finishings are front and centre with white oak flooring, custom millwork, a built-in sound system, contemporary light fixtures, a glass-sided staircase, air conditioning, and high-end Fisher & Paykel appliances. There are three bedrooms and a den divided between the upper two floors with the primary bedroom residing on the top level resplendent with vaulted ceilings, dual closets, a spa-like ensuite bathroom, and a balcony for private sanctuary. Finally, a versatile heated garage to the rear of the property provides a number of options for use.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

Learn more about the latest mortgage rates and explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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During the Second World War, New Westminster became a hub for soldiers from all over the country waiting to be transferred to other bases or shipped overseas.

Heritage New West is celebrating this legacy, and honouring the 80th anniversary of VE-Day on May 8, with On the Homefront theme for this year’s New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour on May 25.

Stories of local soldiers who died or were killed during the war will be showcased in the homes that they grew up in. Soldiers like the brothers Mayo and Bruce Barber, who were raised on Hamilton Street.

“It’s very poignant,” says Catherine Hutson, director of Heritage New West.

“There wasn’t any thought but, ‘We’re going to sign up and do this.’ And a lot of them didn’t come back. The war changed the dynamics of neighbourhoods for years to come.”

The tour features both privately owned heritage homes and wartime spaces. The latter include the Armoury, the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum (formerly the Gun Room at the Armoury), and Westminster Club, now Galbraith House.

“The Westminster Club was this amazing Victorian house from the 1890s,” Hutson says. “It was a destination for returning soldiers. They could have coffee, play pool, unwind. It was just down the street from the Armoury, which was one of the busiest depots in Western Canada.”

Exhibits at the Royal Westminster Regiment Museum will include photographs, uniforms, medals, weapons, and rare artifacts alongside a memorial case honouring fallen soldiers, and profiles of seven local soldiers.

The tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at several heritage locations across New Westminster. A ticket guidebook — serving as a tour passport and map — is required for entry and must be picked up in advance at Royal City Colours (700 Twelfth Street, New Westminster).

Tickets are $45 and available via Eventbrite

Proceeds from the tour support local heritage initiatives.

More info: newwestheritage.org

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

3478 Deering Island Pl., Vancouver

Type: Four-bedroom, five-bathroom detached

Size: 3,610 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $4,159,000

Listed for: $3,998,000

Sold for: $3,850,000

Sold on: March 7

Days on market in this listing: 14

Listing agent: Rob Zwick PREC at Stilhavn Real Estate Services

Buyers agent: Salina Kai PREC at Rennie & Associates Realty

The big sell: The riverside community of Vancouver’s Deering Island started off life as the location for a shipyard before residential development began towards the end of the 1980s. This particular house was built in 1993 with a front-row view of tugboats floating by and uninterrupted sunsets. The three-storey interior blends sophisticated upgrades alongside a grand foyer with soaring ceilings, a formal living/dining room finished with a gas fireplace and shuttered windows, an elegant kitchen with premium appliances, an informal eating area surrounded by windows, and an adjacent family room with custom millwork. All four bedrooms are found upstairs including a primary suite that boasts a river-view deck, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite bathroom. A top-floor flex space with a large balcony offers possible options for a home office or studio. Outside, the lot size extends to 9,728 square feet providing plenty of space for gardening enthusiasts.

10122 Williams Rd., Richmond

Type: Six-bedroom, four-bathroom detached

Size: 2,420 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,496,000

Listed for: $1,899,000

Sold for: $1,810,000

Sold on: Jan. 3

Days on market in this listing: 69

Listing agent: Vince Chan PREC at ReMax Crest Realty and Joyce Chan at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: WEIQING Wendy YANG Yang PREC at Metro Edge Realty

The big sell: This six-bedroom Richmond house resides in the city’s McNair neighbourhood, conveniently located near transit, corner stores, Ironwood Plaza, and a bike lane along Williams Road. Constructed in 2007 but updated in 2021, the layout comprises both a legal one-bedroom suite on the ground floor as well as a separate two-bedroom guest suite – both with private entrances. The upper floor is bathed in natural light thanks to expansive windows and nine-foot-high ceilings. On this level there are three bedrooms, two ensuites, open living and dining areas, a spacious kitchen with ample storage space, white Shaker-style cabinets, a mosaic tile backsplash, and quartz countertops, and a family room with access to a covered deck. The rooms are finished with crown molding, contemporary-style light fixtures, and laminate flooring. Bonus features include an alarm system, and an attached two-car garage.

101 – 58 Kong Crt., Coquitlam

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 638 square feet

B.C. Assessment: N/A

Listed for: $664,900

Sold for: $664,900

Sold on: March 13

Days on market in this listing: 29

Listing agent: Nathalie Jabour at Beedie Living Realty

Buyers agent: Rod Bahari PREC at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty

The big sell: The master-planned community of Fraser Mills is being created by Beedie Living along the banks of the Fraser River in Coquitlam. The waterfront project will comprise high- and low-rise condos, townhomes, retail and community amenities including restaurants and recreational facilities. This one-bedroom pre-sale apartment resides in Chapter, with completion currently scheduled for 2028. The interior spans 638 square feet and features a 221-square-foot front patio. The air-conditioned unit has nine-foot-high ceilings, energy-efficient windows with roller shades, durable laminate floors, and a walk-in closet in the bedroom. The stylish kitchen has high-performance Porter & Charles appliances, stone backsplash and countertops, European-inspired cabinetry, and a pantry. Amenities include a fitness centre, co-working lounge, entertainment room and catering kitchen, a playground, and garden plots. The unit’s monthly maintenance fee is $400.62.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors – send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

For more detailed mortgage information, explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily.

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From bold debuts to nostalgic glamour, Milan Design Week 2025, which took place last month, delivered light, colour and magic. Vancouver studio A-N-D made waves, Christian Woo surprised all, Bocci showed its signature magic, and Italian brands like Minotti and Paola Lenti dazzled with retro flair and Mediterranean calm.

Mary Burgers, creative director for Vancouver-based Burgers Architecture , shares her impressions of this significant design event and reflects on its many wonders.

Christian Woo and Zanotta

One of the best surprises at the show was a collaboration between well-known Italian brand Zanotta and Vancouver designer Christian Woo .

Woo is known for his sculptural pieces and masterful woodwork, but amazed showgoers in Milan by stepping outside his usual palette, introducing bold colours and rich fabrics, says Burgers. “It was unexpected but seamless. His clean lines and architectural forms remained, but softened with upholstery and saturated tones.”

It was a perfect debut for Milan Design Week, which is like a week of wonders, says Burgers.

“That kind of surprise doesn’t just catch your eye — it signals growth, relevance and a willingness to evolve. And in a place like Milan, that matters.”

Bocci apartment in Milan a hidden gem

Tucked behind a garden gate in central Milan’s Zona Vincenzo Monti, the Bocci showroom felt more like stepping into someone’s home — like a friend with impeccable taste, says Burgers.

The Bocci apartment is set in a 20th-century residential building, with lighting installations that seamlessly integrate into the architecture. To mark Bocci’s 20th anniversary, the apartment was transformed into The Numbers Between the Numbers, an immersive exhibition conceived by designer Omer Arbel and curated by David Alhadeff of architecture and design studio The Future Perfect.

This apartment highlights one of the best things about Milan Design week, which is how the city itself transforms to become part of the who.

It’s a stage, with its crumbling palazzos, raw industrial warehouses, tucked-away gardens and lived-in apartments says Burgers.

“Brands don’t just show products, they create worlds.”

Canadian lighting studio A-N-D wows Milan with immersive installations

A-N-D held two exhibitions during Milan Design Week. One at Euroluce, at Salone del Mobile, the biennial international lighting exhibition held at Fiera Milano Rho, and the other at Piazza Affari, where they presented three new collections Pace, Tier and Contour in collaboration with Parisian gallery Boon Editions.

They wowed audiences at both locations, says Burgers.

Through the A-N-D exhibits, Canada didn’t just show up on the global stage, it made a real statement, she says.

Disco dreams

Renowned Italian furniture brand Minotti , which is carried by Vancouver’s Livingspace Interiors, unveiled a collection that masterfully blended 1970s nostalgia with contemporary sophistication, says Burgers.

“This 1970s-inspired direction resonated with broader trends at Milan Design Week 2025, where designers revisited mid-century esthetics through a modern lens.”

Silver Lining was an installation with an inviting retro dance floor, curated by Fosbury Architecture, which leaned unapologetically into 1970s glamour — gleaming metallics, mirrored surfaces and a mood that felt both nostalgic and futuristic.

“It wasn’t subtle, but that was the point, neither were the 70s,” says Burgers.

Paola Lenti makes furniture for sun lovers everywhere

Italian designer P aola Lenti , whose brand is also carried by Livingspace Interiors , showcased a new 4,000-square-metre showroom in Milan’s Maciachini district during Milan Design Week.

Set in a reimagined industrial space, it featured lush lounges, greenhouses, exhibition zones and gardens, says Burgers.

“This unabashedly colourful collection is not just made for sunshine, it’s made for atmosphere. In Vancouver, where we crave colour and texture to offset our grey skies, Paola Lenti’s Mediterranean palette and indoor-outdoor versatility feel like a natural fit. If there’s a furniture line made for aperitivo, it’s hers, and I would love an invite.”

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Homeowner Elysha Alladina likens home design to wedding-dress shopping — you go into it thinking you want a certain style, but wind up realizing that something else looks better on you.

Alladina and husband, Bradley MacDonald, worked with Metro Vancouver’s Madeleine Design Group on the interiors of their 5,440-square-foot custom home in Anmore, north of Port Moody.

Going in, Alladina was a huge fan of all things Restoration Hardware, for instance. Creative director Madeleine Sloback and her team found ways to integrate some of Alladina’s Restoration wish list — while gently pushing back on others to preserve the big picture.

Alladina was grateful for the holistic approach. “It was about having the expertise, and having somebody there showing you your options and having your back, because Madeleine would not say yes to everything, but she would bring me options or tell me why,” says Alladina.

Beginning from a blank slate can be overwhelming. Just a few years ago, the couple were out hunting for a property with their builder, Alair Homes. When they finally found the right lot — a piece of former farmland in Anmore — Vancouver design firm Zed Studio came onboard draw up the architectural plans.

In the meantime, the couple approached Alladina’s parents about moving in with them. “They were going to downsize into a condo, and so we kind of pitched them the idea,” she says. “They weren’t sold on it at first.” But they came around, and from there, the structure took shape: a sprawling 4,497 square-foot main house with a 946-square-foot in-law suite.

Board-and-batten cladding, stonework and a black metal roof lend a modern farmhouse vibe to the home’s exterior.

For the interiors, Alladina wanted grey. Slobac focused on creating a warmed-up version of the palette to keep it timeless. Monochromatic, but with some life. “Making grey warm was one of our biggest missions,” says Sloback.

She calls the rest of the home’s esthetic “contemporary luxe”: “It’s got a little bit of glitz, but it’s very understated luxury,” she says. “It’s quite a grand house, but the more casual textures and elements we brought in give it an understated feel.”

On the glitzy side are glass pendant fixtures and a rectangular chandelier from Alladina’s favourite, Restoration Hardware, in the kitchen and dining room. An eight-by-13-foot kitchen island — so large that Alladina has to climb on top of it to clean — provides roomy seating and entertaining space.

With 20-foot ceilings, the home’s expansive great room could easily have felt echo-y and impersonal. But not on Sloback’s watch. “When you walk into the home, it does feel warm and cosy, and that’s achieved through texture and materials, and the ambience created with layering of light, different tonal values and texture,” she says. “But then you also have openness and space for a lot of people.” The couple do a lot of entertaining, she adds, and even hosted their own wedding shortly after the home was completed (which might be why dress shopping was top-of-mind for Alladina).

A two-storey stone-and-steel fireplace anchors the living room, while clever engineering — and hidden steel beams — allows glass doors to roll open from a corner of the living room to an L-shaped patio. Cantilevered stairs wrap around a concrete column, leading to a 22-foot bridge that overlooks the great room, connecting the home’s primary wing with other bedrooms, while keeping the space open.

Though technically challenging, these details were among the most satisfying to bring to life, says Alair Homes regional partner David Babakaiff. “It creates a really airy feeling, with the cantilevered stairs and open area underneath for a garden,” he says. “All of these elements create a really great feeling in the space.”

Upstairs, his-and-hers ensuites reflect the couple’s differing tastes. “Brad wanted this dark, moody bathroom, and I like bright white, so we were like, let’s just do two,” says Alladina. His features a charcoal-and-black palette, and a urinal (yes), while layered white tile, soft blue cabinetry and a built-in vanity deliver on Alladina’s light-and-bright vision. A linear fireplace next to the bathtub feels decadent, paired with a crystal chandelier, sconces and accent lighting.

And there are no design compromises in the in-law suite. Sloback and her team carried the finishes of the main house throughout, customizing for the older couple’s taste with warmer tones, transitional touches and extra durability.

“They’ve got grandkids over there on a regular basis. So, it was also about making sure things are suitable for kids to be around. Like, the rug in the great room there is not a delicate rug. It can withstand some spills,” says Sloback.

Alladina and MacDonald are now fully settled in, as are her parents. “I don’t think they’ve ever been happier. They say it’s best thing they’ve ever done,” says Alladina. “They’re safe, secure — they know they’re taken care of.”

Interior Design: Madeleine Sloback & Carol Chan, Madeleine Design Group

Construction: Alair Homes

Architectural Design: Zed Studio

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

2540 Westhill Dr., West Vancouver

Type: Five-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 5,058 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $4,005,000

Listed for: $3,900,000

Sold for: $3,820,000

Sold on: Feb. 25

Days on market in this listing: Eight

Listing agent: Phil LeGree PREC at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: Jonathan Yu PREC at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

The big sell: This mid-1980s home features breathtaking ocean and city views from its elevated position in West Vancouver’s Westhill district. The two-level home has a reverse floor plan with the principal reception rooms on the upper floor alongside two of the five bedrooms, all of which take advantage of the panoramic vistas. The grand living/dining room has whitewashed wood-panelled ceilings, a fireplace, and feature brick and stone walls, while the well-appointed kitchen displays high-end appliances by Garland and Sub-Zero, and the primary bedroom has been finished with a fireplace, a skylit ensuite bathroom, and a windowed walk-in closet. The lower level includes a capacious recreation/family room with a bar, fireplace, and views. Outside highlights include a four-car garage plus additional parking, and landscaped grounds with an entertainment-sized deck and patio.

2476 West 13th Ave., Vancouver

Type: Eight-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 4,531 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $3,262,400

Listed for: $3,888,000

Sold for: $3,565,000

Sold on: Jan. 27

Days on market in this listing: 12

Listing agent: Bob Bracken at ReMax Real Estate Services

Buyers agent: Patrick Weeks PREC and Devin Roch PREC at ReMax Select Properties

The big sell: This large characterful three-level house sits on a 50-by-125-foot lot in the heart of Kitsilano. It boasts substantial accommodation with a total of eight bedrooms, three bathrooms (one on each level), two laundry rooms, two fireplaces, a top-floor suite, and a bonus 860-square-foot unfinished attic accessible from the upper floor that could provide an additional living area. Built in 1920, the 105-year-old house is packed with original features with high ceilings, wood floors with beautiful inlaid accents, wainscot panels, sash windows, a Tiffany-style pendant ceiling lamp, and crown moulding. The rear yard is mainly laid to grass and bordered by a high stone wall, with a double garage and lane access. The property falls into R1-1 zoning which, as listing agent Bob Bracken explains, offers the potential for six or more units to be built, or the buyer has other options such as adding a laneway house or restoring the home to its former glory.

307 — 9877 University Cres., Burnaby

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 964 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $696,000

Listed for: $688,000

Sold for: $655,000

Sold on: Jan. 3

Days on market in this listing: 141

Listing agent: Sarah Jian PREC at Pacific Evergreen Realty

Buyers agent: Chris Tioseco PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: The West Coast contemporary-style Veritas development was built by Polygon in 2017 providing airy overheight ceilings, spa-inspired ensuite bathrooms with imported tile floors, and modern kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, and a full-height glass tile backsplash. Located in the award-winning community of UniverCity at Simon Fraser University, the residents have access to the nearby University High Street with shops and services, an elementary school, child care centre, parks, and a transit terminal. This particular suite has a corner position with south-facing views of the city, water, mountains and forest. Its open-concept interior has floor-to-ceiling windows, quartz countertops, white gloss cabinets, and laminate floors. The bedrooms are on opposite sides of the layout, and there is insuite laundry, a covered balcony, and a dedicated parking stall in the underground garage. The home’s monthly maintenance fee is $621.87, and the strata permits pets and rentals with restrictions.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

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The first Vancouver project by Asia Standard Americas has taken its place in the downtown core — and earned applause from the international architectural community in the process.

In February, Landmark on Robson was named Best Apartment/Condominium Development at the Best in The Americas gala dinner in London. That recognition for architectural excellence came on the heels of multiple wins in last fall’s Americas Property Awards when the developer medalled in five categories. Those included architecture awards for Residential High Rise and Mixed-Use buildings, plus Best Mixed-Use Development (Canada), Best Apartment/Condominium Development and a general award for Residential High-Rise Development in Canada.

“It was a very exciting moment, as no other Vancouver projects were selected,” says Henry Mok, ASA’s vice-president of sales and marketing.

“To be honest, I have been a licensed architect in Vancouver for more than 20 years. I have never seen a project like this receiving such international recognition. I believe Landmark on Robson’s distinction stems from Asia Standard Americas’ relentless pursuit of perfection, backed by substantial investments in resources, premium materials, time and effort.”

The second tower of the two-tower Landmark development, with 236 luxury residences, houses the newly released West Collection. Within this offering of one-, two- and three-bedroom move-in ready homes is a 2,359-square-foot sub-penthouse on the 31st floor.

Priced at just under $9 million — that includes the furniture and accessories — the open-concept suite has a 364-square-foot sky terrace and an esthetic that was conceived by Atelier Ikebuchi, an internationally renowned interior design firm.

“Mr. Ikebuchi is famous for attention to detail, which is fully reflected throughout Landmark,” Mok says. “Locally, the interior designer from False Creek Design Group, also Japanese, was a perfect match to execute Mr. Ikebuchi’s design intent.”

The living and dining areas are sizable, providing opportunities to entertain a significant crowd. The Minotti Cucine kitchen is a highlight and the appliances are Gaggenau from Germany.

The bathrooms feature extensive use of natural stone. Homes in Landmark are available in two colour schemes: Black Jaguar and, as depicted in the sub-penthouse, Glacier White.

“We spent three months in the stone shop to sort out the colours to make them consistent,” he says.

The sub-penthouse features three bedrooms — 230, 250 and 470 square feet — and each has an ensuite.

Windows are eight feet high, and some also eight feet wide, to maximize the natural light and outlooks.

Amenities include a heated pool, fitness centre, multimedia rooms, indoor and outdoor lounges, rooftop garden and children’s play area. There is a dedicated concierge and state-of-the art security.

To view the sub-penthouse or to see the display suites in the sales centre at 1482 Robson St., an appointment must be booked in advance by visiting landmarkonrobson.com .

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In the 1990s, a disease, identified as boxwood blight, began affecting and often destroying boxwood plants in Europe.

Both residential and centuries-old collections were casualties.

By 2011, this disease had spread to both Canada and the U.S., causing significant harm to boxwood plantings. Both the Buxus sempervirens and the very low-growing, compact variety, Buxus sempervirens Suffruticosa, were highly vulnerable.

In the late ’90s, a renowned Belgium grower, Didier Hermans, working with the Flemish Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries, began a meticulous breeding process of developing blight resistant varieties. After two decades of scientific research and breeding and trialing a range of blight resistant varieties, a branded series, known as Better Boxwood, was developed and is now available in Canada.

There are four different varieties in this new series, each with its own size, shape and unique characteristics. All of them are also deer- and pest-resistant, making these new boxwoods a much-valued garden plant.

Buxus Babylon Beauty is a very compact variety that spreads wider than it grows tall, measuring about three-feet tall by four-feet wide. It’s ideally used as a low hedge or foundation plant to cover unsightly cement exposures, as well as open areas under decks and raised patios. It’s also a great hardy Zone 5 container plant. Unlike many boxwood varieties, it keeps its evergreen vibrancy all year long, which is especially appreciated during the winter. As a landscape plant, it works beautifully for both formal and informal plantings.

The Buxus Heritage variety has the traditional boxwood look with some of the deepest dark green foliage available. Size-wise, it’s reasonably compact and would work well as a lower-growing hedge. Heritage is a very symmetrical growing variety, making it ideal for shaping as a topiary. From a narrow pyramid to a stately columnar form, it’s one of the easiest boxwoods to shape. Quite at home in a container, it will also make an excellent patio specimen and will require only a minimum of maintenance. Hardy to Zone 5, this Buxus will suit many locations, growing about four-feet tall, with a spread of 2 1/2 feet.

If you’re looking for a more traditional rounded form, Buxus Renaissance might be your plant. This variety can be contoured into intricate topiaries and stunning parterres. Its compact growth habit and dense, lush appearance means it’s an excellent candidate for use as a specimen plant, by itself in a container, or for a row of hedging that will require far less maintenance than other varieties. Renaissance holds its deep green colour over the winter far better than traditional varieties. Also hardy to Zone 5, it’s a fantastic new variety, growing about 2 1/2-feet tall and three-feet wide.

Skylight is the largest member of the Better Boxwood collection. Growing up to eight-feet tall and three- to four-feet wide, it makes a stunning columnar specimen. It also grows rather quickly, creating a faster hedge or screen. Where screening on a patio is important, Skylight might be one of your best options. With its attractive, mid-green colouring, that lightens up nicely when the new spring growth starts, it’s a refreshing variety that fits so many landscape situations.

I met the lady representing Better Boxwood at the Farwest Show in Portland last August, and she was thrilled with the response to these new, blight-resistant varieties.

One of our local B.C. wholesale nurseries, that has the rights to distribute Better Boxwoods to retailers, also introduced another blight-resistant variety, called Buxus Little Missy. Found in Georgia in the U.S., this very compact variety has been available in our area for a few years now and has become a favourite. Growing only about 18-inches high and 24-inches wide, and with vibrant, shiny green leaves, even in winter, it makes a perfect low hedge.

When I asked our local producers for comments about this new blight-resistant variety, they stressed how incredibly clean and vibrant these plants are at all times of the year.

This is a huge step forward from many of the older traditional varieties that had dull orange or bronze winter foliage. I think all of these new Better Boxwood varieties are a welcome addition to our boxwood selections and will stop the losses of so many of our beautiful boxwood hedges and plantings.

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Inspired by the characteristics of single-family homes — large kitchens, open-concept living areas and generous outdoor space — Cressey’s Rockford development is designed to appeal to downsizers who want to remain in the Ocean Park, South Surrey community.

Rockford will be a C-shaped building comprising 63 homes slated for the 65,000 square feet site at 128th Street and 17th Avenue, says Nathan Gurvich, Cressey’s senior development manager.

The concrete building will comprise a retail podium plus three levels of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, all with at least one parking stall and EV rough-in (most two- and three-bedroom units have two parking stalls).

When Cressey acquired the site, deciding on the target buyer market for the development was influenced by the community of people who have lived in single-family homes in the neighbourhood for decades and are now looking for smaller, more convenient homes.

Gurvich says there is strong demand for the few condos that come onto the market in the area.

“From our point of view, it was exceptionally clear who we’re building this for. We’re building this for the local community, the people that want to stay in Ocean Park,” he says. “Their kids are there, their grandkids are there, their friends are there, they want to stay in the neighbourhood.”

Gurvich notes that appealing to a buyer group that has lived in single-family homes for a significant time is always challenging.

With Rockford, Cressey is providing the features one would expect in a single-family home and presenting it in a condo, he says, adding there will be a “a sense of entry” into the homes and they will feature large kitchens, space to entertain and walk-through closets that lead to ensuite bathrooms.

The C-shaped building takes advantage of different exposures and also creates a central courtyard with a big outdoor kitchen, a sunken fire pit and a Nordic-inspired spa that will include a steam room, sauna, an outdoor hot tub and cold plunge pool.

Indoor amenities will include a fitness room, kitchen and social lounge with a large screen TV and harvest table for group get-togethers.

Gurvich says there has been a focus on creating areas where residents can socialize and build a strong sense of community.

“We were pretty cognizant of that (aspect) as we laid out the large level two outdoor podium area — we wanted it to feel like a natural landscape environment with areas to meander and where residents can socialize,” he says.

And then there’s the secret garden, created as a result of a design decision to cut units that would typically be in the corners of the C-shaped building, and create an extra outdoor space. The result is a unique feature that enables an internal corridor of the Yamamoto Architecture-designed building to back onto the garden.

“When you’re on level four and you’re walking down the interior corridor you’ll walk right by this secret garden. Portions of the corridor are glass, and you can see right out into the garden,” says Gurvich, adding the garden design has a Japanese influenced minimalistic esthetic with specimen trees, a rock garden, ferns and other plantings.

For the interiors, Trepp Design Inc.’s Scott Trepp created two colour and material palettes for Rockford: Sand (light) and Stone (dark). The Stone scheme has warm dark grey undertones in the cabinetry and flooring, while the Sand palette has honey toned cabinetry with lighter flooring.

“We understand that people are going to live here, they’re going to be hardworking spaces. So while we use natural stone in the kitchen for the backsplash, we stick with (quartz) for the countertops,” says Gurvich adding there is a focus on functionality, such as the pullout unit to maximize corner cabinets, convenient electrical outlets and cutlery organizers.

Major appliances (refrigerator, gas cooktop, convection wall oven, speed oven and dishwasher) are by Bertazzoni.

In the other area that attracts a lot of attention — the ensuite bathroom — the most striking feature will be the 12- by 24-inch floor to ceiling tiles that will evoke a luxurious ambience, says Gurvich. The ensuite includes a soaker tub, shower with frameless glass enclosure, double vanity and an integrated medicine cabinet.

Rockford will also include 19 penthouses, distinguished by significant private rooftop space with an outdoor kitchen.

Project address: 1679 128th Street, Ocean Park, South Surrey

Developer: Cressey

Architect: Yamamoto Architecture

Interior designer: Trepp Design Inc.

Project size: 63 homes

Number of bedrooms: 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms

Price: One-bedroom units starting from $799,900; two-bedroom units starting from $1,134,900; two-bedroom and den units starting from $1,494,900; three-bedroom units starting from $1,764,900; penthouses range from $1,009,900 to $2,499,900+

Sales centre: #103 1797 152 Street, Surrey

Centre hours: By appointment

Phone: 604.562.5317

Website: rockfordbycressey.com

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

115 — 400 Klahanie Dr., Port Moody

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 945 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $761,000

Listed for: $799,900

Sold for: $787,000

Sold on: Feb. 28

Days on market in this listing: Five

Listing agent: Rod Bahari PREC at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

Buyers agent: Chris Strand PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: Port Moody’s Klahanie is a master-planned community situated at the head of Burrard Inlet that was developed by Polygon Homes. It offers a collection of townhouse and apartment residences with West Coast design appeal, and access to the Canoe Club, a 15,000-square-foot facility that provides an outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness studio, tennis courts, screening room, youth lounge, and guest suites. This particular home resides in Tides, a four-storey building that backs onto private greenbelt. The fully-renovated suite has a ground-level position with an open-concept living area, two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. There are hardwood floors throughout, stainless-steel appliances, granite counters, custom closets, and new lighting, paintwork and tiling. It has a large fully-fenced yard, and comes with parking, and a monthly maintenance fee of $489.84. Pets and rentals are permitted with restrictions.

TH 1657 Ontario St., Vancouver

Type: Two-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,169 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,232,000

Listed for: $1,299,900

Sold for: $1,290,000

Sold on: Jan. 30

Days on market in this listing: Seven

Listing agent: Danny Chow PREC and Salina Kai PREC at Rennie & Associates Realty

Buyers agent: Joe Traversa PREC, Daniella Traversa and Dante Traversa at Skyline West Realty

The big sell: Sails at The Village on False Creek is home to this two-storey townhouse with street-level entry. Built in 2010, Sails features 114 units with membership to the premium amenities at the nearby Gold Medal Club with an indoor swimming pool, fitness and yoga rooms, sauna and hot tub, while also enjoying the tower’s own facilities including a gym and a party room. The interior of this home features an open-plan main floor with nine-foot-high ceilings, expansive windows, and an east-facing outlook. The linear kitchen has Eggersmann cabinets, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, a large island that can seat four, and a built-in pantry. Both bedrooms are upstairs alongside a storage room, insuite washer and dryer, and a five-piece primary ensuite that revels in a double vanity, soaker tub and a walk-in rain shower. The home has a parking stall and a storage locker, and a monthly maintenance fee of $821.57.

1606 — 4388 Buchanan St., Burnaby

Size: 1,192 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $922,000

Listed for: $899,000

Sold for: $860,000

Sold on: Dec. 17

Days on market in this listing: 30

Listing agent: Ryan Wong PREC at Rennie & Associates Realty

Buyers agent: Jennifer Ricci PREC at Macdonald Realty

The big sell: Bosa’s Buchanan West tower is located in Brentwood Park with close proximity to the new Amazing Brentwood mall, SkyTrain, grocery stores, eateries and other conveniences. This upper-level unit has almost 1,200 square feet of living space complemented by a southwesterly aspect that provides city and mountain views. The 19-foot-long living room can fit house-sized furniture, while three bedrooms can accommodate families or offer home office solutions. The interior has fresh paintwork, a new oven, updated carpets, a gas fireplace, and there is a spacious balcony that can be accessed via sliding glass doors from two of the bedrooms as well as from the living room. The building’s amenities include a party room, hot tub/sauna, playground, rooftop garden, and a gym. The home comes with one parking stall, a storage locker, and a monthly maintenance fee of $545.03.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

For more detailed mortgage information, explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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Design Victoria launched in 2023 and returns to Vancouver Island May 1 to 4. This four-day event highlights the city’s vibrant and growing design community. It includes over 50 free events spanning architecture, interior design, fashion, graphic and product design.

“Design Victoria provides a platform to celebrate local talent and ideas shaping the city’s design identity and future, says the festival’s director Carla Sorrell. Here, Sorrell gives us some insight into what showgoers will see.

Fast growing design event

Since it launched in 2023, Design Victoria has grown from 20 design events to more than 50, and from around 3,000 attendees to over 4,500. Sorrell says she’s continually surprised by the creativity and ambition in the design community in Victoria.

“Something that shouldn’t come as a surprise, but still does, is the amount of attention we are getting from off the Island, and across Canada,” she says. “The demand from both visitors, exhibitors and partners has shown that there is a high level of interest in design-related activity in the region.” 

How global events have shaped this year’s festival

Canadian companies are looking across the country for new markets, says Sorrell. The designers involved in their festival are proudly promoting Canadian production, and consumers are looking for Canadian products, she says. “We’ve had increased interest from Canadian businesses located outside Victoria who want to access local (Canadian) markets. Companies from three major Canadian cities are hosting events at the festival this year, including Montauk, Urban Bonfire, Patkau Studio and Matthew McCormick Studio.”

Tell us about the Unseen Victoria exhibition

Unseen Victoria is a community-sourced exhibition created by Cascadia Architects uncovering the often-overlooked design stories from around Victoria, says Sorrell. “Cascadia Architects have been an ambitious contributor to the festival and I am excited about this exhibition and accompanying panel discussion. I think it will shine a light on how design adds meaning to people’s lives locally, how it contributes to the rich tapestry of our city, and how it shapes the ways people move and interact with each other and the places around them.”

The festival covers a wide range of design disciplines

Design shows up in so many places, so they went wide in reaching out to businesses and individuals, says Sorrell. “This year we have the founder of Elate Cosmetics speaking about sustainable product design in the beauty industry and Abkhazi Garden about the role of design in both the landscaping and architecture but also in the sustainable future of the gardens themselves.”

Studios open their doors to the public

So much of what happens creatively goes on behind closed doors, from interior design offices and big architecture firms to small, personal studios. By opening these spaces to the public, during Design Victoria, people can learn about all the creative goings on.

“It’s important to me is that young people have the chance to gain exposure to the city’s creative sector so they can start to see pathways into the field for themselves,” says Sorrell.

Who is your audience?

In the past few years, festival attendees have been a mix of industry professionals and people who just love design, says Sorrell. “All events are very accessible in terms of discourse as well as vibe, presenting ideas that are complex but not elite.”

Visit Design Victoria to learn more.

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From copper-toned shingles to bold front doors, designers say Canadians are taking more pride than ever in their home’s exterior for spring and summer.

Making the most of your roof

Most people think practical first and foremost when it comes to their choice of roof, and that’s got to be the priority. But roof shingles in warm, earthy shades that blend with the natural environment are now being used as key design features, says Nathalie Perreault, colour and design specialist with BP Canada .

Your roof makes up about a third of the visible surface of your house, so the shingles you choose will affect its overall appearance, she says.

“People are increasingly proud of the image their home exudes, whether it’s exterior facade or backyard ambience. A roof can significantly upgrade the look and feel of a home and is a major investment that you’ll be living with for at least 25 years, so it’s important to make the right choice.”

Don’t make choosing your roof a chore

People are pretty enthusiastic about renovating their kitchens, so why not their roofs?

“We consider copper colours to be the new neutrals, and we think these shades are here to stay,” says Perreault.

In our increasingly complex world, consumers are opting for calming, organic decor and these choices are extending to their homes’ exteriors as well.

“Understated, elegant and versatile, these hues draw inspiration from nature (mountains, rocks, etc.) to create a flexible esthetic that blends harmoniously with the environment that surrounds each home no matter where they’re located and complements all types of homes,” says Perreault.

Paint that punches above its weight

If a new roof isn’t in the budget, a litre of paint could still work wonders and you might want to start with your front door, says Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore’s colour and design expert.

“A fresh coat of paint and a new colour on the front door is a sure way to up the curb appeal on a tight budget and tight time frame, she says.

And unless your door is in rough shape — needing to be patched, sanded and primed — you will just need a litre of paint and some basic materials such as a drop sheet, painter’s tape and a good quality paintbrush, she says.

Tones that work year-round

The key to exterior colours with staying power is working with the home’s materials — not against them, says Grech.

“ It’s essential to assess the building and landscape materials and find paint colours that tone in with those. Generally neutral tones, from dark to light, warm to cool are more timeless options for the larger body of the house with the smaller details being reserved for more trend-forward colour accents. Neutrals aren’t only off-white, grey and beige. Toned blues and greens (neutralized with grey) are also popular neutrals with a timeless quality,” she says.

Test before you paint

Spring can be a great time to paint — but only if the weather co-operates. Grech urges caution with timing. Porous surfaces like wood, brick, stone and concrete absorb water and take some time to dry, so it’s important to give a couple of days of dry time after rain to ensure paint and stain will adhere, she says.

And don’t forget prep.

“Be sure to clean surfaces thoroughly, with special attention to removing mildew before coating,” says Grech.

To make sure you love the colour before committing, Grech recommends painting samples on boards and moving them around outside.

“Natural light will hit your home differently at different times of the day, so it’s a good idea to test out some paint colour options, painted on boards, viewing them outside.

“It’s much more economical to buy a few small brush-on samples to try out before purchasing gallons of paint and not loving the colour,” she says.

Think beyond walls and doors

Grech encourages homeowners to experiment with paint colours in unexpected places:

“A porch ceiling is a great opportunity for colour as are smaller architectural details such as shutters, garage doors and window trim.”

The result can be subtle or bold, but it always feels thoughtful, she says.

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We are fortunate to have so many community garden clubs and plant associations that are keeping gardening alive and growing in our communities. They help educate folks who are new to gardening, promote greening urban areas and advocate for more colour in our downtown areas. Many of these associations also put on shows focused on specific plants, such as rose, dahlia, chrysanthemum and bonsai plants to inspire new gardeners.

Plant sales are often the main fundraisers for these groups, and they are generally held in spring or early summer. Not only do the funds raised help keep these associations financially viable, some clubs use the income to sponsor scholarships and bursaries for students furthering their education in horticulture, or make donations to community parks and gardens.

The following is a list of just some of the many garden events planned throughout the province this spring. Many are cash only and tours or shows may require advanced ticket purchases. For more information, please visit each club’s website or Facebook page. Please note, many garden associations and community groups are planning summer events as well, so keep watch on their sites for more exciting things to come.

Here is a list of the many upcoming opportunities to support horticulture, education and training. Your support is greatly appreciated:

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

When: Until April 28
Where: Venues throughout Vancouver
More info: vcbf.ca

Darts Hill Garden Park Plant Sales

When: April 19, May 31 and Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Darts Hill Garden Park 1633 170th St., Surrey
More info: dartshill.ca

Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Show and Sale

When: April 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where : Qualicum Beach Curling Club, 644 Memorial Ave., Qualicum Beach
More info: marsrhodos.ca

Cowichan Valley Garden Club Spring Plant Sale

When : April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where : Outside Siem Le’Lum Gym, 5574 River Rd., Duncan
More info: cowichanvalleygardenclub.com

Dunbar Garden Club Annual Perennial Plant Sale

When: April 26, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 3806 Highbury Street at 37th Ave., Vancouver
More info: dunbar-vancouver.org

Gibsons Garden Club Annual Plant/Garden Décor/Bake Sale

When: April 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Gibsons Royal Canadian Legion, 747 Gibsons Way, Gibsons
More info: gibsonsgardenclub.ca

Nanaimo Gladiolus and Dahlia Society Glad Corm and Dahlia Tuber Sale

When: April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where : Country Club Centre, 3200 North Island Hwy., Nanaimo
More info: nanaimogladiolusanddahliasociety.ca

PoCo Garden Club Indoor Plant/Garage/Bake Sale

When: April 26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where : Trinity United Church, 2211 Prairie Ave., Port Coquitlam
More info: pocogardenclub.wordpress.com

Alpine Garden Club of B.C. Spring Sale and Show

When : April 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: The Floral Hall, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 37th and Oak St., Vancouver
More info: www.agc-bc.ca

North Island Rhododendron Society Sale and Show

When: April 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: K’ómoks First Nation Hall, 3330 Comox Rd., Comox
More info: nirsrhodos.ca

Chilliwack Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 3, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where : Cooke’s Presbyterian Church, 45825 Wellington Ave., Chilliwack
More info: chilliwackgardenclub.com

Dogwood Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where : Dogwood Pavillion Parking Lot, 1655 Winslow Ave., Coquitlam
More info: dogwoodgardenclub.weebly.com

Kelowna Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 3, 9 a.m.
Where : Guisachan Heritage Park, 1060 Cameron Ave., Kelowna
More info: kelownagardenclub.ca

Maple Ridge Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale

When: May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, 22270 128 Ave., Maple Ridge
More info : mrgardenclub@wix.com

Nanaimo Horticultural Society Plant Sale

When: May 3, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where : Nanaimo North Town Centre, 4750 Rutherford Rd., Nanaimo
More info: nanaimohort.org

New Westminster Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale

When: May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where : St. Thomas More Collegiate, 7450 12th Ave., Burnaby
More info: newwesthortsociety.org

North Surrey Horticultural Society

When: May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Grace Community Church, 14618 110 Ave., Surrey
More info: Facebook: North Surrey Horticultural Society

Richmond Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When : May 3, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Paulik Park, 7620 Heather St., Richmond
More info: richmondgardenclub.ca

South Burnaby Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 7405 Royal Oak Ave., Burnaby
More info: southburnabygardenclub.ca

South Surrey Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 3, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 12953 20th Ave., Surrey
More info: southsurreygardenclub.ca

West Vancouver Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Gleneagles Community Center, 6262 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
More info: westvangardenclub.com

White Rock and District Garden Club Plant and Bake Sale

When: May 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where : Ocean Park Community Hall, 1577 128 St., Surrey
More info: white-rock-garden-club.ca

Burnaby Blooms

When : May 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
More info: burnaby.ca

Victoria Cactus and Succulent Society Spring Show and Sale

When: May 9, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Church of the Advent, 510 Mount View Ave., Colwood
More info: vcss.info

Armstrong and District Garden Club Plant Sale

When : May 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: IPE Fairgrounds, 3315 Pleasant Valley Rd., Armstrong
More info: armstronggardenclub.com

Bowen Island Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Bowen Island Legion, 1265 Scarborough Rd., Bowen Island
More info: bowenislandgardenclub.ca

Campbell River Garden Club Plant Sale

When : May 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Campbell River Community Centre, 401-11th Ave., Campbell River
More info: campbellrivergardenclub.com

Kamloops Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Heritage House, 100 Lorne St. (In Riverside Park), Kamloops
More info: Facebook: Kamloops Garden Club

London Heritage Farm Plant Sale

When : May 10 and May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where : 6511 Dyke Rd., Richmond.
More info: londonfarm.ca

Lynn Valley Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: St. Clements Church Parking Lot 3400 Institute Rd., North Vancouver
More Info: lynnvalleygardenclub.org

Mt. Lehman Garden Club Spring Plant Sale

When: May 10, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Mt. Lehman Hall, 6418 Mt. Lehman Rd., Abbotsford

Pitt Meadows Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Pitt Meadows Community Church Hall, 12119 Harris Rd. (at Ford), Pitt Meadows
More info: pittmeadowsgardenclub.ca

Seed to Sky Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 10, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Cityview Church, 4370 Sophia St., Vancouver

Sooke Garden Club Mother’s Day Plant Sale

When: May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Evergreen Centre, 6660 Sooke Rd., Sooke
More info: sookegardenclub.ca

Vernon and District Garden Club Annual Sale

When : May 10, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Home Hardware Building Centre, 4601 27th St., Vernon
More info: vernongardenclub.ca

David Douglas Botanical Garden Society Spring Plant Sale

When: May 18 and May 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: UNBC Parking Lot A and DDBGS Compound
More info: ddbotgarden.bc.ca

The Vancouver Ikebana Association Spring Show

When: May 24 and May 25
Where: National Nikkei Heritage Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby
More info: vancouver-ikebana.ca

Gwynne Vaughan Park Annual Plant Sale and Garden Party

When: June 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 46181 Hope River Rd. (at Williams Rd.), Chilliwack
More info: gwynnevaughanpark.ca

The Desert Plant Society of Vancouver Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale

When : June 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and June 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where : Floral Hall VanDusen Botanical Garden, 37th and Oak St., Vancouver
More info: desertplantsocietyofvancouver.com

The Fraser Pacific Rose Society: Romance of the Rose

When: June 21, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and June 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Dogwood Centennial Pavilion 1655 Winslow St., Coquitlam
More info: fprosesociety.org

Kamloops Garden Club Annual Flower Show and Tea

When: June 21, 8 a.m. competition drop off, 1:30 p.m. admission
Where: Heritage House, 100 Lorne St. (In Riverside Park), Kamloops
More info: Facebook: Kamloops Garden Club

South Delta Garden Club Garden Tour 2025

When: June 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Select locations in Ladner and Tsawwassen
More info: southdeltagardenclub.ca/garden-tour-2025

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Community is at the core of Placemaker Communities’ mixed-use development — Mary Anne’s Place — in the heart of Port Moody’s heritage conservation area. Support from locals, creating community nodes to encourage gatherings and connections and naming the development for a well-loved heritage activist are key aspects of the development slated to start this fall.

Designed by GBL Architects, Mary Anne’s Place will comprise two six-storey buildings on a 52,000-square-foot site on Clarke Street in the city’s historic downtown. There are 98 strata units in one building and 79 rental apartments in the second mid-rise plus 25,000 sq. ft of street level commercial space.

The condos for sale include one- to three-bedroom units ranging in size from 520 to 1,036 sq. ft, plus five 555 to 945 sq. ft live/work units.

“Placemaking is an urban planning term for creating a node of connection,” says Placemaker’s president and managing principal Hesam Deihimi, explaining the link between the developer’s name and the philosophy behind Mary Anne’s Place and noting key aspects of the design that will encourage interaction and socializing.

One of these is the pedestrian mews between the two buildings that will include seating, a children’s play area and public art.

Another major feature is the plan to relocate the P. Burns & Co. heritage building to a more prominent location on the northwest of the site, an initiative that is intended to revitalize Queen Street Plaza, says Deihimi.

Originally a butcher shop, the two-storey building is a municipally designated and protected building, notes the 2021 Conservation Plan by Donald Luxton and Associates Inc., and has a distinctive ‘Boomtown’ false-facade. The shop was part of a chain established by Patrick Burns , businessman, philanthropist, Canadian senator and one of the four “cattle kings” who founded the Calgary Stampede.

Last year, Placemaker confirmed the new development would be named Mary Anne’s Place in honour of Mary Anne Cooper.

“She was a long-serving community leader and a passionate heritage conservation activist,” said Deihimi in a statement at the time.

“This is a human scale, urban master-plan community. It’s in the heritage conservation area, so you’re buying a piece of Port Moody’s history, almost. You’re away from the concrete jungle. It’s an accessible, walkable neighbourhood and it has a real sense of community with the mews and the plaza, the outdoor areas and the retail spaces that are targeted towards local small business owners,” says Deihimi, noting the site is a 10-minute walk to the Moody Centre Station that serves West Coast Express and the SkyTrain’s Evergreen line.

Natalia Kwasnicki, partner at Portico Interior Design, created two timeless and modern interior design schemes — Warm and Cool — for the Mary Anne’s Place homes. In the kitchens of the Warm scheme white lower cabinetry is paired with oak upper cabinets and a light, grey-veined polished quartz countertop that continues up to create the backsplash. A black matte faucet provides an interesting contrast.

The Cool option reflects many of the same design choices as the Warm scheme with dark charcoal lower cabinetry distinguishing the palette.

“The two-tone cabinetry in the kitchens helps create contrast that doesn’t feel unbalanced. Too much wood would feel suffocating, while too much [charcoal] would feel dark and too much white would feel sterile — balancing both creates a dynamic visual,” says Kwasnicki.

A set of open shelves in the kitchen breaks up the repetition of the cabinet doors and is visually interesting, says Kwasnicki adding the space provides homeowners a place to showcase their personal design style through their choice of cookbooks, beautiful crockery and other favourite objects.

In the ensuite bathrooms, the vanity wall is designed as a feature with 24 x 24-inch tiles.

“The tiles have a beautiful ceppo stone look reminiscent of the shores at Rocky Point Park,” says Kwasnicki, adding that the large format tiles look clean and modern and make the bathrooms appear more spacious and spa-like, as do the frameless glass enclosed showers with rainfall shower heads (plus a hand-held) and matte black fixtures.

Indoor amenities for residents include a co-working space, a social lounge, a kitchen and dining area suitable for hosting family and friend’s get-togethers, a children’s play area, a pet-wash station and a bike repair space.

Outside, there is a terrace with dining and barbecue area, a courtyard, putting greens, an outdoor spa and wellness area with sauna and community garden plots.

Deihimi says he anticipates the buildings will be complete by fall 2027.

Project: Mary Anne’s Place

Project address: 2400 block Clarke Street, Port Moody, B.C.

Developer: Placemaker Communities

Architect: GBL Architects

Interior designer: Portico Design Group

Project size: 98 units

Number of bedrooms: 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartment homes and live-work units.

Price: $549,900 to $1.099 million

Sales centre: 50 Queens Street, Port Moody

Centre hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed Fridays)

Phone: 604.629.4929

Website: maryannesplace.ca

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The Homebuilders Association Vancouver ( HAVAN ) celebrated the best of the best during the 16th annual Awards for Housing Excellence gala, held April 12 at The Westin Bayshore Vancouver.

This year saw a record-breaking 451 entries across 65 categories by 181 builders, renovators, and designers. The event showcased a diverse range of projects, from contemporary to classic designs, to cutting-edge, sustainable solutions that are defining the future of housing. More than 550 guests gathered to pay tribute to the winners for their creativity, innovation, and dedication to sustainability achievements in residential construction, renovation and design.

“Metro Vancouver is home to some of the most talented and visionary housing professionals in the country,” said Wendy McNeil, HAVAN CEO in a news release. “In the face of rising complexity — from shifting regulations to economic pressures — our members continue to deliver high-quality homes that meet the evolving needs of homeowners. The HAVAN Awards not only celebrate this dedication to excellence, they also serve as a powerful platform for members to connect with homeowners seeking trusted, award-winning professionals to bring their projects to life.”

We talk to five standout winners who took home multiple awards this year:

North Vancouver-based Twin Lions Contracting picked up seven wins, including the coveted Grand for Best Residential Renovator of the Year and Best Custom Home Builder of the Year.

“To be recognized as both Custom Home Builder of the Year and Renovator of the year is incredibly humbling,” said Kevin Hatch, president, Twin Lions Contracting.

The builder also took home Best Custom Home: $1.5 under $2 million for its Looking Forward in North Vancouver. The nearly 4,300 square-foot, four-bedroom home with a two-bedroom and bath basement suite was custom built for a professional couple with two young children.

“It was really exciting to see our Looking Forward project win a HAVAN Award as it is exactly an example of what we feel should be the “new normal” for building homes,” said Hatch. “The home is incredibly energy-efficient, hitting the Net-Zero ready standard, which will keep the long-term costs for our clients down. Cutting off fossil fuels and going all electric, high efficiency mechanical systems, next level air filtration, lots of glazing and natural light, beautiful finishes, and the list goes on.”

Another seven-win honouree was Surrey’s Miracon Development , with two Grands for Best Residential Community: Single-Family and Best Single-Family Home Builder of the Year.

“Receiving the Grand HAVAN Awards for Best Residential Community: Single-Family and Single-Family Home Builder of the Year is a tremendous honour for our team,” said Ryan O’Shea, president Miracon Developments.

The company also walked away with Best Single-Family Detached home (Production), 2,900 square-feet and over for Langley’s Mirada Estates — Founder Series, a collection of 13 three and four-bedroom homes, each with a one or two-bedroom legal suite.

“Mirada Estates — Founders Series is a true reflection of our vision to seamlessly blend luxury with functionality,” said O’Shea. “Located in Langley West, this exclusive collection of single-family homes is thoughtfully designed around a serene pond-side park, offering a peaceful and connected lifestyle. The Founders Series stands out for its meticulous craftsmanship, innovative floor plans, and harmonious integration with the natural environment.”

Langley’s Vesta Properties was thrilled with its six wins, including Grands for Best Residential Community: Multi-Family and Best Multi-Family Home Builder of the Year.

“Each award is a testament to the passion, precision, forethought, design and innovation our team brings to each community we build,” said Kent Sillars, president Vesta Properties. “From construction and design to community planning, we are proud to be recognized for our dedication to excellence not only to our Vesta team but our partners, trades, consultants and community.”

Award-winning The Towers at Latimer Heights features Langley’s first-ever 34 and 36-storey concrete highrise residential towers, situated within the 74-acre master-planned community of Latimer Heights, and surrounded by 17 acres of green space and manicured pathways.

My House Design/Build/Team with Emphasis Architecture +Design Studio together received four awards, with Emphasis winning the Grand for Interior Designer of the Year.

“These awards remind us that we’re not only upholding the high standards we set for ourselves, but also continuing to push creative boundaries with every project,” said Graeme Huguet, founder and general manager, My House Design/Build/Team.

“This is a milestone moment for us as an architecture and design studio, and we are incredibly proud to be named Grand HAVAN Interior Designer of the Year — it’s an honour that inspires us to keep raising the bar,” said Eric Douglas, architect/design manager, Emphasis Architecture + Design Studio.

The collaborators kudos for Timber + Light (Best Renovations: $700,000 — Under $1 million and Best Interior Design Renovated Home), and Elevated Living (Best Universal-Designed Home Adaptive/Accessible: New or Renovated), were especially rewarding.

Timber + Light is a multi-generational home, intended to be Net Zero Ready and Built Green Platinum certified.

“Special considerations were made for a daughter with respiratory challenges, as well as for a senior parent living in the home,” Huguet added. “It’s an efficient, healthy space that supports the needs of multiple generations under one roof.”

Douglas went on to say: “By reconfiguring the layout and vaulting the ceilings of the original 1980s two-storey structure, we introduced volume, light, and flow that dramatically enhance the home’s livability and architectural presence.”

Elevated Living was renovated for a retired couple who wanted to age in place and stay in the four-storey hillside home they’ve loved for many years. “We designed an exterior elevator that seamlessly integrates into the structure — so much so, it feels like it was part of the original design,” said Huguet.

For the full list of winners, visit havan.ca .

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

902 — 1155 Seymour St., Vancouver

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 574 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $623,000

Listed for: $629,000

Sold for: $617,500

Sold on: Jan. 17

Days on market in this listing: 39

Listing agent: Angel Garcia PREC at Royal LePage Sussex

Buyers agent: Jennifer Ricci PREC at Macdonald Realty

The big sell: The two Brava towers occupy a prime position in downtown Vancouver with views across Emery Barnes Park. For film lovers, the sister buildings are separated by the Vancouver International Film Festival Centre but also share a plethora of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, gym, steam room, hot tub, billiards room, children’s play area, social lounge, and guest suites. This particular unit resides in Tower B, enjoying a corner position and a covered balcony. Inside, it has an open-concept layout with a modern kitchen with breakfast bar seating at the peninsula, flat-panelled cabinetry, and directional lighting overhead. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in both the living area and the bedroom, an electric fireplace, insuite laundry, and a den that could accommodate a home office. The suite comes with parking and a storage locker, and a monthly maintenance fee of $399.88.

4715 Lancelot Crt., Richmond

Type: Four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 2,891 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,913,000

Listed for: $2,088,000

Sold for: $1,980,000

Sold on: Dec. 9

Days on market in this listing: Three

Listing agent: Shafik Ladha PREC at ReMax Westcoast

Buyers agent: Alva Dong at Sutton Group — 1st West Realty

The big sell: This spacious and functional family home resides on a cul-de-sac in West Richmond’s Boyd Park subdivision. Built in 1979, the property is within walking distance to transit, Seafair Shopping Centre, elementary and secondary schools, and a community centre. It has a multi-level layout over three floors and a split-level entry. There are four generously-sized bedrooms (all on the top level), updated bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen and dining room, and a 21-foot-long living room with gleaming engineered hardwood floors. The lower level has an office/fifth bedroom, and a sizable family room complete with a brick-surround fireplace, a television niche, and built-in display shelving. Additional upgrades include a gas fireplace, double-glazed windows, fresh paintwork, and a patio awning, and the rear yard is fully fenced and contains a shed for tools and bikes.

13 — 1248 Holtby St., Coquitlam

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,775 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,145,000

Listed for: $1,249,000

Sold for: $1,249,000

Sold on: Feb. 19

Days on market in this listing: Four

Listing agent: Alisa Donnelly PREC at Keller Williams Ocean Realty

Buyers agent: Rod Bahari PREC at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

The big sell: This three-bedroom townhouse sold for bang on the money in just four days. It forms part of Tatton at Burke Mountain, a collection of Georgian-inspired parkside rowhomes and single-family residences that were developed by Mosaic Homes in 2009. This particular townhouse has an end-unit position at the base of the mountain with a wraparound garden and nine-foot-high ceilings that flood the home with natural light. The interior was renovated last year and features a well-equipped kitchen with quartz counters, soft-close cabinets, a built-in coffee bar, updated stainless-steel appliances, and new flooring throughout. The three bedrooms are all located upstairs served by a family bathroom and a primary ensuite, and the ground floor has a den/office and a full bathroom. Extra highlights include heated floors, an electric vehicle outlet, smart home upgrades, and a two-car garage plus a driveway. The unit’s monthly maintenance fee is $409.65.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

Learn more about the latest mortgage rates and explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily.

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At first glance, Vancouver retailers The Storehouse and Dream Collective look like stylish boutiques, brimming with curated candles, cards, ceramics and more. They are this, and also part of a transformative retail revolution that’s helping fuel Vancouver’s maker movement.

Rather than operating as traditional retailers, these shops rent out shelf space to local artisans. The result is a retail model that’s equal parts business incubator and community hub for small-batch brands.

Shelf space as a springboard

The Storehouse (which has locations on Main Street, in Vancouver, and a new location in downtown Cloverdale) has become more than just a retail space. It’s a launch pad for local small-business owners, says founder Cheryl Ward, who started selling vintage home goods in 2020 on Instagram, Etsy and at markets.

Ward offers shelf rentals to makers who might otherwise struggle to find consistent retail exposure.

“They gain regular income, brand awareness and confidence in scaling their business. We’ve had vendors grow from hobbyists to full-time entrepreneurs, and it’s inspiring to be a part of that journey,” she says.

Emily Shi, founder of Dream Collective, on Robson Street, downtown Vancouver, echoes this sentiment.

“We provide a practical, accessible platform for talented Dream Creators to showcase their work directly to customers. It’s not just a retail space — it’s a creative, collaborative community,” she says.

New ways to shop

More than a business model, shelf rental retail is also reshaping how customers shop.

Ward says their customers are craving more meaning and connections behind their purchases.

“This model brings the human element back into retail,” says Shi. “Customers know their purchases are directly supporting someone in their community, and they love discovering new products that aren’t mass-produced. It’s changing the mindset from convenience-based shopping to values-based shopping, supporting local, handmade, and sustainable goods.”

There’s something beautiful about knowing your purchase is supporting someone in your community. “People now care about where their products come from, who made them, and what the story is behind them,” she says.

Joyful creations

One example of a maker benefiting from this shelf rental model is Lise Boullard, a former lifestyle editor turned maker of cards, candles and soaps. Her brand JoiebyLise , stocked in Dream Collective and The Storehouse, offers bilingual greeting cards inspired by her French heritage, along with hand-poured soy candles and soaps.

“Each candle tells a story. Lighting one is a way to escape daily life for a moment,” says Boullard.

The social side of shelf rental

Beyond sales, both The Storehouse and Dream Collective invest deeply in fostering creative community.

“ We’re intentional about building community, not just selling products. From being a part of community events, hosting vendor spotlight pop-ups, to collaborating on in-store promotions, we make sure our vendors feel part of something bigger,” says Ward.

Dream Collective offers free pop-ups and workshops to its vendors, encouraging direct engagement with customers and opportunities for collaboration.

“It’s a space where everyone supports each other, celebrates each other’s wins and grows together,” says Shi.

Post-pandemic momentum

This resurgence in local, small-scale creativity didn’t emerge from a vacuum. Post-pandemic, there’s been a huge shift toward supporting small, local businesses, says Ward.

“These shifts have fuelled growth not only for The Storehouse but for the entire makers’ movement. We’re seeing a return to craftsmanship and authenticity and it’s exciting to be at the forefront of that,” she says.

Social media has accelerated this shift, allowing makers — and the retailers selling their wares — more visibility, says Shi: “Post-pandemic, people are more intentional with their purchases. They want to support small businesses and find deeper meaning in the things they buy. Our model bridges the online and offline experience, giving customers both convenience and connection.”

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