Victoria BC Community Blog

Home Emergency Preparedness

Posted by Niels Madsen on November 23, 2016

This year we've already seen an incredible amount of rainfall in Victoria BC, thanks in part to Hurricane Matthew. Some areas in Sooke even received instructions and supplies for sandbagging their homes against potential floods. When facing conditions like this, it's easy to see that sometimes winterizing your home isn't enough on its own.

How can you ensure the safety of your home and family when mother nature is at its worst? We can't prevent every disaster, but there are things you can do when looking for a new home, or as a home owner readying for the winter, to better your chances.

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2016 Halloween Events in Victoria

Posted by Niels Madsen on October 3, 2016

Halloween is always a big event in Victoria with plenty to do. Check out local kids activities, ghost tours, haunted houses, bonfires, festivals and events taking place during the 2016 season of the pumpkin. And make sure to share your experiences using the hashtag #VictoriaBOO!

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Homebuying With Kids

Posted by Niels Madsen on September 20, 2016

Deciding on a new home can be a huge, frustrating project when you're new parents or your family has recently grown. How do you tell when your current home is too small for your kids? What will your kids need in a new home or neighbourhood, and how can you make it fit your budget? How do you tour houses when you have an infant or a toddler and no way to get a babysitter?

Psychologists say that involving kids of any age in the house selection and moving process will help them adjust to their new home better, faster, and happier — but it's not easy. As a real estate agent with children of my own, I've been around the block (literally) on both sides of the issue, and I've learned some tricks over the years that I hope will help other young families searching for a home in Victoria.

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Blackberry Bounty In Victoria BC

Posted by Niels Madsen on August 24, 2016

Thanks to an unseasonably dry winter and hot summer, berries have been ripening early up and down Vancouver Island — including a local favourite, the wild blackberry. Blackberry picking can be a great activity with friends or family, or solo as you hike a trail or walk your dog in the morning. To help your gathering be the best it can be, I've collected some tips on where, how, and what kind to pick.

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BC Day Events & Activities on Vancouver Island

Posted by Niels Madsen on July 28, 2016

This island has everything to offer to enjoy the summer weather. Whether you're looking for events to attend or outdoor activities to enjoy, you're sure to find something new to explore this long weekend.

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Canada Day Events in Victoria

Posted by Niels Madsen on June 24, 2016

Canada Day is more than just downtown activities in Greater Victoria. Events are taking place up and down the peninsula, and all the way into Sooke. Make sure to keep this guide on hand while event hopping and you won't have to endure a single dull moment this Friday.

If you're driving or busing on Canada Day, keep in mind that Gorge Road will be closed from Admirals to Tillicum from 7am - 6pm, Belleville Street will be closed from Menzies to Douglas St. from 6am - midnight, and Government Street will be closed from Humboldt to Superior St. from 4pm - midnight. Buses will be running on a Saturday schedule with extra buses assigned to busy routes and times. Day passes are $5 and no alcohol is allowed on board.

Finally, if you spot any non-emergency-but-concerning situations in the Victoria area, the Victoria Police Department will be responding to the #VicPDHelps hashtag on Facebook and Twitter from 4 - 11 PM.

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Victoria Day Events in Victoria BC

Posted by Niels Madsen on May 9, 2016

Victoria Day is a great long weekend to spend on the island, whether you're taking an at-home vacation or visiting from out of town. Check out the many events, local arts, and festivals taking place from Friday May 20 to 23, and make sure to catch the Island Farms Victoria Day Parade — the largest parade of the year in Victoria!

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Victoria Public Community Markets

Posted by Niels Madsen on April 15, 2016

Spring is in the air, which means that public markets have already started popping up around the island, full of fresh farmers' produce and high quality handmade goods. Victoria is well known for its markets — they attract residents and tourists alike from spring to autumn each year, adding variety and personality to our local economy.

If you like to support local artisans and public growers, want to start a 100 mile diet, need to pick up a gift, or just want to browse for a special treat, make sure to drop by.

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Spring Break & Easter Events in Victoria

Posted by Niels Madsen on March 14, 2016

Spring Break is here, but even if you missed all those early camp registration dates it isn't too late to find your kids some activities to do in and around town. Squeeze in some last minute fun, or start planning which events to hit up on your long Easter weekend.

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Victoria Housing Forecast For 2016

Posted by Niels Madsen on February 22, 2016

With the release of housing market reports from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), VREB, Royal LePage, and other real estate and economic organizations over the past few months, a picture of the Victoria housing market in 2016 is slowly starting to come together. The majority of available reports focus on Vancouver and BC as a whole, but as the Victoria market takes cues from the mainland, our outlook doesn't look to be too different. Here's what we keep seeing.

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