355 new and innovative Vancouver affordable housing units City Council has approved 355 new units of Vancouver affordable housing on four City-owned sites as part of recommendations from the Task Force on Housing Affordability. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says a minimum 273 housing units will be built and rented out at significantly lower rates for Vancouver residents and mental [...]
Canadian housing market show 0.6% growth The Canadian housing market has slowed its decline to 3.1 per cent year over year, with a 0.6 per cent increase in home sales last month, according to BMO Chief Economist Doug Porter, citing recent data from the Canadian Real Estate Association. Porter notes that since the implementation of new mortgage [...]
BC mining executives take pie in the face for kids’ health The BC mining community’s fundraising campaign, Mining for Miracles, raised over $1 million in its 2013 Teck Celebrity Pie Throw event on May 2 to support the Institutional Pediatric BioBank at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Child and Family Research Institute. Featuring Canada’s first ever [...]
BC economic growth set to outpace Canada by 2014 BC economic growth is rising steadily this year to 1.7 per cent and may even reach 2.5 per cent next year, according to a new report. “Among the headwinds are a slowing domestic housing market and softer Asian export demand, though a resurgent U.S. housing market [...]
Expert suggests investing income tax refund in RESP With the average income tax refund at approximately $1,700 according to the Canada Revenue Agency, families with young children ought to be looking at making contributions to a Registered Education Savings Plan to secure their education. Parents with young children can defer paying down the mortgage, springing [...]
Overlooking additional costs of Canadian tax compliance Canadians spent anywhere from $19.2 billion to $24.8 billion on tax preparation, filing and remittance to comply with the Canadian tax code in 2011, according to a report by the Fraser Institute. “At this time of the year as Canadians file their income tax returns, they clearly see [...]
Surrey Party for the Planet is BC’s biggest celebration for Earth Day Surrey styles itself as a green city and to prove it takes environmental protection seriously, it will be hosting the huge Surrey Party for the Planet on Saturday. In celebration of Earth Day, Surrey will kick off its free-for-all Surrey Party for the Planet [...]
City of Surrey struggling to make ends meet A mature tax base and expanding program responsibilities are putting the squeeze on BC municipalities, and the City of Surrey wants to know how political parties plan to help. The expansion of local government services in health care, immigration settlement, social service provision, social housing and addressing [...]
Canadian auto sales driven by Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland Canadian auto sales climbed six per cent last year, and will edge up further in 2013, advancing to 1.69 million units – the second-highest level on record, according to the recent Scotiabank Global Auto Report. “The resource-rich provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to [...]
Giving value to the arts and culture By Shawna Stirrett Traditional arts groups such as orchestras, ballets, operas and theatres that neglect to think about how they fit into the broader social context and respond accordingly will fail. This might not happen today or the next day, but the writing is on the wall. While [...]
Retirement savings main funding source for business Many Canadians envision becoming entrepreneurs during their retirement years. with 39 per cent saying that it is likely they will start their own business after they reach the retirement age of 65 years old, says a study by BMO Financial Group. More generally, 81 per cent plan on [...]
Canadian consumer confidence volatile in several regions, including Quebec Canadian consumer confidence was remarkably consistent in 2012, crawling up to 79.0 in May from 75.3 in the first quarter, according to the Harris/Decima-Investors Group consumer confidence index. The following waves in August and November saw Canadian consumer confidence hold steady at 79.1, and 79.0, respectively. [...]
Business borrowers can improve their eligibility with banks Many business borrowers have had trouble with loan applications at one point or another. Farm Credit Canada suggests that farmers and agribusiness owners can improve the likelihood of a successful loan application by presenting a solid business plan with realistic projections. “When a financial institution declines a [...]
Sit, stay, heel - dog training isn’t complicated These simple dog training commands can make a huge difference in the life of a pet parent. Whether you’re introducing a new dog or puppy to the family, or you have a dog with some behavior issues, dog training can help ensure a well-adjusted pet and a happier [...]
Sharkwater director Rob Stewart launches latest film ‘Revolution’
‘Revolution’ documentary is anticipated follow-up to Rob Stewart’s ‘Sharkwater’ Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart was in Calgary yesterday promoting a follow-up film to his award-winning documentary Sharkwater. Stewart spoke to The Beacon News about his latest film Revolution. Stewart’s mission is simple, if a little ambitious – save humanity. The Canadian conservationist has expanded the scope of his [...]
The Arts must innovate to survive in today’s world
Giving value to the arts and culture By Shawna Stirrett Traditional arts groups such as orchestras, ballets, operas and theatres that neglect to think about how they fit into the broader social context and respond accordingly will fail. This might not happen today or the next day, but the writing is on the wall. While [...]
Historic Barkerville exhibit to tour British Columbia and China
Barkerville exhibit captures Chinese experience during Cariboo Gold Rush An exhibit depicting the lives of Chinese immigrants during the Cariboo Gold Rush will travel to China next year thanks to a $20,000 grant from the B.C. government. The Barkerville exhibit is put together from archives kept in the historic gold rush town, which capture the [...]
