Thursday, July 1, 2010

Happy Canada Day



Until 2007, my most memorable Canada Days were in Ottawa, where the city really comes alive. However, that year, Sally and I spent Canada Day trying to get out of Albania and into Montenegro. While there was no one there to celebrate with us, once we managed to get across the border...a most adventuresome episode during our around the world trip....we were happy to reflect on less trying days, lying in the grass on Parliament Hill.

This year, Sally is spending Canada Day with Georgia on the California coast. I am watching the Ottawa celebrations on TV, but will head downtown later today to watch the parade and the fireworks. But here are a few Canada images I found on-line, to recognize a special day in the year. It is a good day to be a Canadian.
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Friday, June 25, 2010

Some thoughts on CBC's latest Olympic Village 'story'

There are a few things that trouble me about the latest CBC story regarding 11 or 12 buyers who don't want to close on their purchases. Firstly, it is getting far too much coverage, given the facts. Secondly, some of the facts are wrong.

Before addressing these points, it is important to note that most of the people who bought their units back in 2007 have in fact closed on their purchases.

At this time, 11 or 12 have hired a lawyer to get them out of pre-sale agreements. While I can appreciate that some of these buyers may not have spent a lot of time analyzing their purchases and some are disappointed with the final product, I suspect most if not all want to get out of their agreements since the units have not gone up as much in value as they hoped. Too bad.

As others have pointed out above, if the units had gone up in value, they would happily wait for their washers and dryers and fireplace deficiencies to be remedied.

The lawyer’s claim that the city should be shown as ‘the developer’ in the disclosure statement, since it owned the land, and lent the money, is nonsense. While I am not a lawyer, based on my experience with CMHC and SFU, this really is grasping at straws.

On a related matter, the CBC is wrong when it states that the City contracted with Rennie for two years to sell the units. This is not the case. The developer, Millennium has hired Rennie.

There is no doubt that given the significant amount of money the city has lent to Millennium, it is closely monitoring the sales program closely. And so it should. Any private lender would do the same thing.

One of the many benefits of the internet is that it makes it quite easy to go back in time. I easily found this story from the Vancouver Courier
http://www.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=574e3848-675a-4101-8107-11254fba2428 which describes the mood just under three years ago, when some if not all of the buyers who are now complaining first bought their units.

I am sure there are many stories still to be told about the Olympic Village saga. However, this story is being blown out of proportion and I for one do not think it deserves the attention it is getting.

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

10 tips for attending EXPO 2010 Shanghai

A number of people have been calling me and writing, looking for tips on how to get the most out of their visit to the Shanghai EXPO. While I'm reluctant to put everything down in writing, (especially how to avoid some line-ups) here are a few suggestions:

1. I would try and spend a minimum of three days and evenings at the fair. You can buy a three day pass, but if you are 60 or older, it's less expensive to buy special tickets on a daily basis. Admission is not expensive by North American standards.... 160 RMB to get in (about $23)...or 100 RMB if you're a senior.

2. When you arrive, they'll give you an English map. But try and buy an English guide book too. Unfortunately, they may only be available at one Xinshui bookstore, on a lower level of the large complex next to the China Pavilion. It is very useful and gives you a few paragraphs about each pavilion.

3. The biggest challenge is the line-ups for the popular pavilions. One way to deal with this is to avoid these pavilions, and go to those that don't have line-ups...there are many. I recommend the five theme pavilions. Often there were no line-ups for these, especially around dinner time. You can also reserve to go into these. Look for the signs pointing to the 'reservation booths' near the main entrances. Some hotels can also arrange for VIP entry into some pavilions. Check this out when you are booking your hotel.

4. In addition to the five Theme Pavilions, I strongly recommend Spain, Germany, France and Saudi Arabia. You must go to Canada...tell them you are Canadian and you can advance to near the front of the line. You must also go to Vancouver, but there will not likely be any line-up.

5. If you are a an architect/planner/developer type, also check out the Best Urban Practices section of the fair...it's off in a corner, but well worth a visit.

6. Be prepared for a lot of walking. The site is on two sides of the river and 7 1/2 times the size of the EXPO 86 site. You can also move around by electric/hydrogen buses which travel on various routes through the site, including under the river.

The site is divided into 5 zones, and after getting an overview (perhaps by taking bus rides around the site) consider staying in only one or two zones each day. You can also take a ferry across (recommended) and a subway...a good idea at the end of the day, since it may connect to a subway line you need to get back to your hotel...check this out. (I started to take ibuprofen with me to the fair, to help get me through the last few hours each day.)

7. Be prepared for lots of pushing and lots of noise. Also you may be asked to have your picture taken with people, especially those from the countryside who have never seen a white person before. I found it often got very hot in the day, but quite cool in the evenings. A small umbrella for the sun is not such a dumb idea, although there are lots of shady spots around the site. And a sweater for the evening.

8. I wish I had brought a neck chain for sunglasses, since I was constantly putting them on and taking them off as I went in and out of pavilions. Take lots of memory cards for your camera, if you are not downloading photos daily, and a spare charged battery...I predict you'll want to take a lot of photos! Video is worthwhile too.

9. In terms of getting to and from the EXPO grounds, and getting around Shanghai, the subway is often crowded but easy to use. English is used throughout the system. Taxis are very inexpensive, but the drivers don't speak any English. Always have the destination written out in Chinese (although always give the driver the address before getting into the cab, in case he can't read. When he (or she) nods, you can get in.) You can buy a 'smart card' at a subway station which you pre-pay, (say 100 to 200 RMB, depending on how long you'll be there) which can be used for the subway, buses and even taxis. These are extremely handy. You can cash them in when you leave, or bring them back and give them to someone else heading over.

Also, (and this may sound silly) be very careful crossing the street. At many intersections, there are crossing guards, but often vehicles, including buses, run through red lights. Crossing at a pedestrian crosswalk without signals can also be a terrifying experience. I did it twice. That was enough!

10. Be prepared for a lot of security. You will be frisked by pretty young Chinese girls every time you enter the site...your possessions have to go through an X-ray on the subway. Also, if you need to change money, it can be an ordeal...be prepared to wait at banks.....take $US and a passport. You'll need cash since some local businesses do not accept North American credit cards, although most do.... I generally used a cash machine card from HSBC...no fees, other than the exchange rate. If you are not an HSBC customer consider opening an account. If you want to move all your banking over to HSBC, I'll give you the name of a wonderful Premier Private Banking Account Manager in Vancouver!

I hope this is helpful...if you have some questions, please let me know and I'll add more information.
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Vancouver Canadians: The Season Opener

While I have been getting up early to watch the soccer on TV, soccer is not really my game. Baseball is. And so I was delighted when my daughters announced that they were taking me to the Vancouver Canadians' Season Opener at Nat Bailey Stadium for Fathers' Day. I'm writing this posting in the hope it will encourage many of you to take in a game at this wonderful ballpark.

Our team used to be Triple A, but now it's Double A...a more junior league. We're still a farm team for the Oakland Athletics, but none of that is important to me. What is important is that Jake Kerr and Jeff Mooney (of A&W fame) bought the team a few years ago, and are spending a lot of money to improve the baseball experience. There's a new electronic scoreboard (thanks in part to a new partnership with Scotiabank), and the ballpark has been really cleaned up. I don 't know Jake Kerr, although his wife Judy and I served together on the VAG board, but he strikes me (pun intended) as a very classy guy. He dresses well, and has a lot of style, and it shows in what he and his partner have done with the baseball stadium. It's a very nice experience, at a fraction of the cost of going to a baseball game in a major league park, or a hockey game.One of the things that I like about baseball is that it crosses all socio-economic lines...in addition to a lot of hard core baseball fans, I ran into Vancouver historian Chuck Davis, a curator at the Art Gallery, and a prominent Vancouver property owner and philanthropist.We sat in fourth row box seats, directly behind home plate, and the tickets cost $16 each. A hell of a deal. I particularly enjoyed watching the scouts, seated immediately in front of us, with their radar guns to track the speed of the pitcher, and thick binders to record every pitch and every out. It was great to see many kids in attendance. There is even a special children's play area for younger kids who can't sit through nine innings. However, I was disappointed that although there were 4500 tickets sold, it wasn't sold out. It should have been. There needs to be more media attention.

Since last night was the opening night, a celebrity was invited to throw out the first pitch.....John Furlong. John was once a great squash player, but he'll never make it as a baseball player. But he's a good guy, and one young boy who is the grandson of a friend was absolutely thrilled to have a special 'opening night' baseball autographed by John.In addition to the game, there was the sushi roll race (only in Vancouver.... unless it's an idea stolen from Japan), the formally attired performing groundskeepers, and a few other gimmicks. After the game, which Vancouver won 2 to 1, there was a very entertaining fireworks show, which will be repeated a few times over the season. Including Canada Day, July 1.The team will be home for the next few nights...to find more details, go to http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t435 and there will be lots of games throught the summer, both in the evening and afternoon.

Thanks to Georgia and Claire for arranging the evening. I hope a lot more kids will buy their dad baseball tickets for next year's Fathers' Day. They won't go wrong.
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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Micmacs: Now Playing at the Ridge's French Film Festival

If you have an appreciation of the absurd, recycling, contortionists, and a hatred for arms manufacturers, I can recommend Micmacs, now playing at the Ridge Theatre. From the director of Amelie, another wonderful absurd French movie. Check it out at http://www.sonyclassics.com/micmacs/
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Saturday, June 19, 2010

The influencers: BC's Most Influential People in Residential Construction Industry

What do Rich Coleman, Larry Beasley, Tsur Sommerville, Cameron Muir, Mayor Dianne Watts, Michael Geller and 14 other people around BC have in common? We were all recognized at a luncheon on Friday June 18, 2010 as the 20 most influential people in BC's residential construction industry by the Canadian Home Builders' Association and BC Homes Magazine.

While I question whether I belong on this list, I was honoured to be selected. There is no doubt that many of those recognized are important players. The following is an excerpt from a recent write-up in BC Homes Magazine, along with some of the names on the list with whom I have happily dealt with in the recent years.

BC’s Most Influential People in Residential Construction
By Margaret Jetelina

The Influencers

The Inflluencers With the recession lifting, housing starts set to rebound and steady real estate prices even amid new regulations, it’s an interesting time in residential construction in British Columbia, to say the least. The industry is the driving force of the provincial economy, and it counts many movers and shakers who are making a real difference in its success. You can call them the industry’s leaders, allstars, changemakers or, simply, British Columbia’s 20 Most Influential People in Residential Construction of 2010. From builders to renovators to architects, this year’s top 20 have been nominated by their peers, and selected by BC Homes Magazine for their ability to continually shape and build the industry. Some have been recognized here before, some are new, but all have undeniably had an impact on our province from the ground up and beyond.

NORM COUTTIE
LOW-RISE WINNER

Norm Couttie

In a career spanning 25 years, Norm Couttie has had his fingers in diverse development projects, from an entire new resource community in northern British Columbia to a killer whale pool at the Vancouver Aquarium. Today, Couttie is president of Adera Development Corporation, a major player in the residential construction industry, and a leader in innovative, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, low-rise condominiums.

“I don’t think I’ve consciously tried to make a difference [in the industry], but, occasionally, my voice gets heard,” admits Couttie modestly.

LARRY BEASLEY
VISION FULFILLMENT

Larry Beasley

Larry Beasley’s influence is felt globally for what he has achieved locally. His “Vancouver model” of urban planning and design is the benchmark for many urban cities around the world, including in the United States, Australia and China.

As a former city planner with the City of Vancouver, Beasley’s effective land use, transportation and development plans have dramatically reshaped Metro Vancouver into a well-planned, livable metropolitan community. With his vision of a vibrant urban core, where work, home, amenities and entertainment are all within walking distance of each other, it’s no surprise his work was recognized among the World’s 100 Best Planning Practices by the United Nations.

IAN GILLESPIE
KING OF CONDOS

Ian Gillespie

The youthful president and owner of Westbank Projects Corp. seems to prefer to stay out of the limelight, but it’s not because of a lack of confidence. You could hardly be meek in the business of building luxury condos, towers and hotels. As such, it’s no surprise that Ian Gillespie is considered an industry leader among his peers and one of Canada’s most innovative developers.

He has been responsible for many of Vancouver’s most striking and significant residential and mixed-use projects. Notable projects include the Residences on Georgia, the Palisades, the Shangri-La, the Woodward’s Project, Fairmont Pacific Rim Estates and the 450-foot Shaw Tower.

Gillespie certainly has the golden touch, in both the creation of his high-end buildings and their financial success.

TSUR SOMERVILLE
ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE

Tsur Somerville

While there are many people offering housing and real estate analysis in Metro Vancouver, Tsur Somerville is one of the most respected. His opinions are always based on experience and knowledge, and extensive research.

Somerville is director of the UBC Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate, associate professor of strategy and business economics, and holder of the Real Estate Foundation professorship in real estate finance at the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. His current research interest focuses on real estate development and housing markets.

He downplays his influence on the industry, however, claiming it’s just part of his job. “My job is to train students interested in real estate and create opportunities for them, and give the academic perspective on events occurring in our housing markets.”

RICH COLEMAN
HOUSING MATTERS

Rich Coleman

Housing matters to Rich Coleman. It has to — he’s B.C.’s minister responsible for it. But just because it falls under his job description, it doesn’t make his contributions to housing in B.C. any less significant.

Coleman, who was elected to represent the riding of Fort Langley-Aldergrove in 1996, then 2001, 2005 and 2009, is the minister of Housing and Social Development. In 2006, he introduced the new provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC, providing innovative housing programs for those in greatest need.

“Our government is helping British Columbians who are dealing with homelessness by creating jobs and building resources to support future growth and housing opportunities,” Coleman has said. “Through partnerships, we are delivering on our commitment to provide shelter and supports.”

Under his direction, since 2001, more than 13,500 units of subsidized housing have been created in B.C. and the provincial share of the budget for affordable housing and shelter has more than tripled.

DIANNE WATTS
FROM THE GROUND UP

Dianne Watts

With Mayor Dianne Watts at the helm, Surrey is open for business, and residential construction is a big part of that.

“The residential construction industry is a critical component of our vision for Surrey,” says the mayor. “We want to create liveable, walkable, sustainable and visually appealing communities — communities that our residents are proud to call home.”

But, as mayor, she must think more broadly than just housing. “I strongly believe that balancing growth, investment and job creation, while protecting the environment is the foundation for sustainable communities.”

That’s difficult enough, but throw in poor economic times, and the mayor’s challenges are multiplied. “Right now we are faced with challenging economic times, but Surrey saw economic increases in the second half of 2009, so I believe that we are on track for a strong recovery.”

Under her leadership, the city provided economic incentives to encourage development, including incentives for residential development applications, such as a 50 per cent reduction in building permit fees.

MICHAEL GELLER
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Michael Geller

Michael Geller begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting is many things — an avid traveller (he blogged his observations about housing around the world while on a sabbatical), a would-be politician (he ran, albeit unsuccessfully, for Vancouver City Council), an influential public servant (he worked for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporate for a decade), an independent consultant, architect and developer (as head of the Geller Group) and a visionary urban planner (as a leader in the development of SFU’s sustainable planned community UniverCity atop Burnaby Mountain).

One of the top 20 industry shapers in B.C.? There is no doubt.

“I have consciously tried to make a difference in the housing industry by promoting public awareness of alternative forms of housing,” says Geller, who is regularly invited to speak to various organizations, and appears in print and broadcast media, in addition to his blog.

As an adjunct professor at SFU’s Centre for Sustainable Community Development, he has also taught future housing professionals about more sustainable forms of housing and tried to incorporate more innovative housing ideas in his own projects.

“In the next decade, I believe that many of the ideas I am promoting will become realities. These include new forms of higher density ground-oriented housing, innovative infill developments, apartments designed for families with children, and more choices for empty nesters and seniors wanting to move out of their single family homes, while remaining in their neighbourhoods.”

Geller also anticipates greater use of prefabricated construction, including modular housing, as a way to reduce costs and create new housing choices.

Others on the list include educators, technical experts, senior CHBA officials and officers and a number of well known names in the city.

To read the full story, go to http://www.bchomesmag.com/Features/10-04-08/The_Influencers.aspx?p=1



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Monday, June 14, 2010

Korea, Spain and UK: an EXPO 2010 slideshow

I found this fascinating slideshow of three of the better EXPO pavilions through the excellent New York website www.archnewsnow.com and thought it might be of interest to those of you who are interested in seeing more from Shanghai 2010 View slideshow
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