The True Cost of Ownership

Financial planners around the world can still make numbers dance and sing that would show us that renting a house and investing the difference with them would be smarter than buying a home.  This approach needs to be tempered with the assumption that we would faithfully invest with the same regularity that we make our mortgage payments and most people simply aren’t that disciplined.  We may also wonder what rents will be when we’re no longer working.  We also need to remember that the planners are paid commissions on the funds we place with them and have probably used them to buy a house for themselves.

Similar calculations have been used for decades to sell timeshare.  Why rent vacations when you can own them?  There’s a case to be made for both approaches.  Of course if we’re just trying to stash away as much cash as possible, why squander it on vacations, evenings out, Christmas/birthdays.  Why not just hoard it all and assume we’ll live long enough to enjoy it sometime in the future?  And let’s not forget that the term “timeshare” says it all… you don’t own it, you share time with other people.  This is shared ownership… big difference.

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is a fractional resort development here in beautiful Parksville.  1, 2 and 3 bedroom, fully furnished condominiums in shares as small at 1/8 (there can be as many as 8 owners of any particular strata lot that share ownership, not time).  Seems like a small detail, but it’s a very important one.

Is it the cheapest way to vacation?  It depends.  You could go online and find what seem to be awesome prices on vacation packages around the world.  In order to do a comparison, you’d have to match quality, location, ease of use and more to make an accurate comparison.  In many cases you’d be comparing tomatoes to apples (apples to oranges is so 50′s).

Here’s a synopsis of the process I went though with prospective owners about purchasing a fractional share here..

The total for their Eighth Share (6 weeks of ownership) was around $35,000.  Here’s what they came up with during our discussions….

 

 

A) They paid more than that for their car which will continue to depreciate every year.

B) They would own real estate in a luxury resort in Parksville.  They wouldn’t be spending the money.

C) The money they’d be using was in the bank earning a whopping 2.4% interest (taxable)

D) They understood that most of the gain with real estate is equity gain, not rental income.  It just helps pay the on-going expenses.  But they’d also be using some of their ownership for their own vacations with family and friends which for them, had no dollar value.

E) They wouldn’t have the hassles that owning investment property normally involves.

F) They believe that Parksville will continue to attract renters with it’s temperate climate combined with a couple of million Baby Boomers across Canada starting to plan their own retirements.  They believed a large percentage of them would choose to rent rather than own.  They chose to be the owners, not the renters.  They also chose to own two separate Eighth Shares… one a Snowbird principally for themselves, and a High Season to share with their children and grandchildren.  They even put their children on title so it would pass directly to them after they went on the Big Vacation (their words!)

They’d been thinking about this for 8 years and had taken a couple of nice vacations, but also a couple of years when they didn’t get around to deciding anything.  Now they have.  How about you?

Snowbirds in the Canadian Mediterranean

Our Snowbird owners left last week migrating back home after spending the first quarter of the year in the relative tropics of Vancouver Island.  These are generally people who love the idea of living here, but have roots at home that cannot be severed… their homes, family and friends are what they return to every year.  But they still find it a hoot to send home photos of themselves golfing and relaxing on their decks when its -28 back at home.

Most of our owners are not from the “rich and famous” crowd.  They worked hard to get where they are and deserve some rewards at this stage in their lives.  They didn’t get where they are by making foolish decisions and squandering what they’ve earned either.  They know value when they see it and they use safe, secure investments to shelter what they’ve accumulated.  Unfortunately “safe and secure” generally means a meagre return.  They also see other benefits to wintering on Vancouver Island, as opposed to “going south”.  The biggest one is our medical system combined with their present and future health issues.  After a certain age, “pre-existing conditions” are pretty well guaranteed (and not covered).

Real estate has been a solid investment for them.  Their home is worth more than they paid for it and when they look back they can say the same for other homes they owned and sold in the past.  The market in Parksville isn’t based on a resource or manufacturing and doesn’t have the ups and downs they bring to an area.  The attraction in Parksville is the temperate climate and extraordinary natural beauty of the area.  As a result, real estate keeps increasing in value.

Fractional real estate has been the perfect solution our owners.  They spend three quarters of the year at home and use their “Quarter Share” at Sunrise Ridge to escape the worst of the winter.  When they add up the cost of maintaining their ownership, it costs them less than $70/day to stay in a 3 bedroom waterfront residence like this one.  Could they simply rent something like this for less?  Since we’re fantasizing why not take it to the extreme.  There are still people who believe there are house sitting opportunities on the island that puts you in a multi-million dollar waterfront home owned by a wealthy family who will pay you a couple of thousand dollars a month to look after their home (well…. one of their homes).  Or maybe you’ll win the lottery and can buy your own waterfront villa!!  People who harbour these fantasies are usually just giving themselves a reason to stay home.

There are still a few Snowbird Quarters (and a couple of Eighth Shares – 6 weeks) available at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort.  They are priced similar to what most people pay for a new car.  That’s right, no more than a new car.  It could be anything from an economy car to a luxury vehicle, but if you can afford a new car, you can afford ownership here.  And it probably costs less to maintain your ownership here than the car!

If you can picture yourselves relaxing here next year, now is the time to do something about it.  If you have any questions, give me a call…..

John Seeland,

Fractional Sales Manager

1-866-812-3224

 

 

New Pool View Fractions Available Soon!!

View from the balcony of #223

By July 1, 2013 we will have a limited selection of new pool view fractions available.  OK, right now it’s a hole in the ground/pile of dirt view, but use your imagination.  Below is a view from the balcony of one of them.  This is a the only summer Quarter Share in a one bedroom available.  There are also a couple of two bedrooms, some with lock-offs and a 3 bedroom still available at our “pre-amenity” prices.  As you can see, the amenities are no longer in the planning stage.  Aside from putting this beautiful property firmly in the “resort” category, there will be a couple of other changes resulting from their completion.

* We expect occupancy to increase noticeably.  Our Front Desk will be able to tell prospective renters YES when they ask about amenities at the resort.

* Property values will increase for owners, along with the prices of our un-sold inventory.

* We expect our trading power/value to increase for those taking advantage of exchanges through Interval  International

* We expect to see more happy, smiling faces this summer

You can check the progress of the amenities on the home page of our website (www.sunriseresortparksville.ca) by clicking “Resort” then “Pool Construction” in the black bar at the top of the screen.

If you’ve been hesitant about ownership at Sunrise Ridge due to the lack of amenities, you may want to take a serious look at us now.  If you have any questions, give me a call at 1-866-812-3224 or e-mail me at john@sunriseresortparksville.ca

April 5, 2013 Amenities Update

The footings for the new Fitness Centre are being prepared today and should be poured early next week.  After curing the existing Admin Building (below) on the waterfront will be moved onto the foundation.  This building was designed to become the Fitness Centre with the large windows on the front overlooking the pool.  There will be both an indoor and outdoor shower when it’s completed.

Admin Bldg will be moved soon

Let the excavating begin!!

March 25, 2013
Excavator ready to begin

 

Tom Brooks and his crew are ready to begin site preparation for the pool, hot tub and fitness centre here at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort.  It’s a beautiful, sunny day (11 degrees) and work is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning.  Completion of the project is dependent on a number of factors, but it’s possible our guests will be able to take the plunge as early as July 1.

I’ll be posting updates here regularly if you’d like to see the progress being made.  There has already been re-newed interest in this spectacular project and there are several couples presently on site considering ownership with us.

In a few short months, the front desk staff will be gleefully saying “YES” when potential renters are on the phone asking about a pool, hot tub and fitness facility.  We’re expecting our occupancy to increase substantially over the summer and may be offering pre-sales on Phase 5 before the end of the year!

 

Visit Sunrise Ridge at the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show

Visit Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort at the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show.

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort would like to pass along this coupon and invite you to stop by booth #804 at the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show on March 2 & 3.  We hope to see you there!

Maybe next year…..

Mark Twain

“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”
Mark Twain

Pablo Picasso

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone”
Pablo Picasso

“Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day. Rich people can’t buy more hours. Scientists can’t invent new minutes. And you can’t save time to spend it on another day. Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you’ve wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.”
Denis Waitley

Most of us have procrastinated about any number of things over the years.  I have become very adept with years of practice.  I was forced to learn to procrastinate all on my own as I found no expert had ever gotten around to teaching a course.  It comes in different forms with different names…  thoughtful, cautious, laid back and uninterested to name a few.  But the result is the same.  Putting off doing something including making a decision.

Western culture is pretty driven compared to some others.  Nose to the grindstone.  Make something of yourself.  More is better.  Reach for the stars.  The point being that we’re supposed to work our buns off so that at some point in the future we’ll have time to relax and enjoy what we’ve accumulated.  But it doesn’t always work out that way.  We become so used to “doing something” that relaxation seems wrong…. laziness, a waste of time.  And sometimes sickness or death robs of us the Golden Years we thought we’d have.

When people are considering ownership here they go through various processes to come to a decision.  Many of them are financial comparisons.  They may spend hours browsing the internet looking for bargain vacations to compare with ownership.  If what they’re really looking for is a reason to decide not to become owners they almost always succeed.  Fractional ownership at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort will not save thousands of dollars versus the myriad of vacation deals available.  But there’s more to it than the simple dollar comparison.

It’s still principally a “you get what you pay for” world and there’s often a simple explanation for why a vacation deal seems so awesome.  Unfortunately you won’t find out what it is until you arrive to find the pictures you saw on-line are 18 years old, the Executive Suite you rented is simply a hotel room with a towel folded into the shape of a swan on your sagging bed and although it is a balmy 28 degrees outside, it’s also 99% humidity and the bugs and lizards know their way to your Executive Suite better than you do.

But all that aside, there’s one huge benefit to fractional ownership that is too often not considered.  A decision was made.  Not a decision to take a vacation this year, but a decision to go every year.  And the decision to own an affordable vacation home means you’re going to use it… every year.  I’ve found that some people do not make a decision at all… they just let it slide until it slowly fades from memory.  It may also mean you have the pleasure of inviting family and friends to spend some time with you at your vacation home.  It could mean you’re able to look like a hero by giving newly wed family members a honeymoon.  It could mean falling in love all over again while you’re spending time with your spouse of 30 odd years outside of the routine that’s become your life.

Procrastination has been around as long as man has existed.  We all know about it, but may ironically procrastinate doing something about it…..

Saint Augustine of Hippo

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”
Saint Augustine of Hippo

Not tropical, but Temperate

I know that many Canadians are sick of hearing people from B.C. extolling it’s awesomeness, and this is particularly true of Islanders.  Personally, I wouldn’t live anywhere else but I understand that it’s not for everyone.  If too many people decided to move here, the island would lose some of it’s charm.  I would like to give you an example of what a temperate climate means.

Today is December 8, 2012.  I have friends and family in various locations and because I can set the weather on my smartphone to monitor numerous locations, I do so.  Here’s what I see today for the low/high temp.

Parksville, B.C.         Edmonton, AB.       Brandon, MB.

3/0                        -19/-26                  -15/-26

I lived in Manitoba for years and know that it’s not hard to stay warm.  But that’s not the key to a temperate climate.  The difference is the variation in temperatures.  There’s a 3 degree spread in the high to low.  In Edmonton is a 7 degree spread and in Brandon it’s 11 degrees.

So, no bragfest about golfing in January (although you can) and the rest, but it’s pretty darn nice here (unless you like hot weather).  Here’s some information about our rainfall (that is often sited as a good reason not to live here) that’s one of the blogs on our website.

 

Is Vancouver Island really as wet as some people believe it to be?  Let’s compare it to a few other destinations….

Average Annual Precipitation (in mm.)

Parksville                             1126

Orlando, FL.                          1289

West Palm Beach, FL.           1583

Venice                                  2036

Paris                                    1630

Rome                                   2273

Puerto Vallarta                      1392

Cancun                                1338

North Vancouver                   2437

Santa Domingo                     1447

 

How come we have the reputation of being so rainy?  Because some parts of Vancouver Island are really rainy.

Port Renfrew                        3671

Tofino                                 3306

Holberg                               4000

Henderson Lake                  6600

It’s principally the rain shadow effect that keeps us as dry or drier than many other vacation destinations around the world.  Sure, there are warmer, drier vacation destinations, but there are also other factors to consider including: travel costs, crime rates, medical insurance, exchange rates, and more.

Over 80% Sold!

Over 80% of the existing fractions at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort in Parksville, B.C. have been sold and interest in the remaining inventory is growing.

“The word is out that our next phase includes a pool, hot tub and fitness centre”, says John Seeland, Sales Manager at Sunrise Ridge.  “We’ve been selling our existing inventory at prices that reflect reality”, he said from is office next to the cozy stone fireplace in the lobby.  “The reality is we have four buildings completed, but were lacking the amenities that people associate with a resort.  Our developer, True Key Resorts, feels now is the time.”

The heated, outdoor pool will extend from the large covered deck of the Lodge, with a hot tub and fitness centre around it’s edge.  The fitness centre will feature floor to ceiling windows so parents can have their work out while keeping an eye on the kids.  Construction is scheduled for the Spring of 2013, but Spring in Parksville comes early and it’s possible that it will be full of sparkling water by the May long weekend.

Aside from the actual use of the amenities, Seeland says there are other benefits for owners.  “A couple of things will happen with the addition of amenities including a substantial rise in property values, rental occupancy and rental rates.  There’s a real opportunity over the next couple of months to become an owner at prices that will never be seen again.”

“I currently have 1, 2 and 3 bedroom fractions available”, says John.  “They include some Snowbird Eighths and Quarter Shares which are fantastic for retired Canadians.  Many couples who used to go south for the winter are finding that staying inside Canada offers some significant benefits, personal safety and medical coverage being two of the biggest.”

A Snowbird Quarter Share is ownership of the first 13 weeks of every year… January, February and March.  “As much as our Snowbird owners love Parksville and Sunrise Ridge, they have deep roots at home and didn’t want to sell their home and leave family and friends behind to move to the island.  Owning a Snowbird Quarter share was the perfect solution.”  Sunrise Ridge is currently running a “Fly and Buy” promotion.  Here’s a link that includes information about the resort, the area and the promotion.  Snowbird Fly and Buy

The B.C. Gold Rush

The Haida first discovered gold in the Queen Charlotte Islands in 1851.  That led to prospecting on other coastal islands in the lower mainland of New Caledonia (present day British Columbia).  The Hudson’s Bay Company supplied the aboriginals with equipment to keep htem digging and panning, and indeed, the First Nations found more gold along the Fraser River in 1853 and near the Thompson River on the mainland three years later.

However, James Douglas, the HBC’s chief at Fort Victoria and the colonial governor of Vancouver Island, feared an invasion of American prospectors into the unsettled mainland if word of the discoveries got out, so he tried to keep everything quiet.  Douglas’ attempts at secrecy worked until 1858.  That February, the HBC shipped nearly 1000 ounces of Fraser River gold to the mint in San Francisco.  The Mint’s superintendent was a member of the local volunteer fire department and, unfortunately, a blabbermouth.  One day, while on drill, he let slip to his fellow firefighters the news about the gold shipment.

On March 12, 1858, the first 15 gold prospectors from San Francisco sailed for Victoria.  Within a week, they were at the mouth of the Fraser River near present-day Yale, and on March 20, discovered Hill’s Bar, the largest single deposit of gold ever found during the Fraser River Gold Rush.  Word quickly spread across the entire world, and Douglas’ secret was out.

On April 25, 1858, the Commodore arrived in Victoria from San Francisco with 450 prospectors on their way to the Fraser River goldfields.  Doubling the town’s population, the miners had to sleep in tents because Victoria did not yet have any hotels.

Over 20,000 gold miners arrived in Victoria in 1858.  The vast majority went on to the goldfields along the Fraser River, but some stayed, and the sudden influx of people, both transient and permanent, resulted in wild increases in the price of real estate.  City lots in Victoria that once sold for only $25 apiece were, one week later, going for $3000 each!

In the last two weeks of May 1858 alone, at least 10,000 Californians passed through Victoria on their way to the Fraser River goldfields.  By the end of the year, up to 30,000 prospectors were searching for gold along the Fraser between Hope and Lillooet, with some as far north as Quesnel.  Of the 30,000+ who arrived, only a quarter of them actually searched for gold.  The others included gamblers, claim jumpers, prostitutes, land speculators and others intent on making a living by providing whatever products and services the miners needed or by stealing the miner’s gold.

In reality, most of the flood of prospectors who came to British Columbia did not strike it rich.  Even if they did, there was no guarantee that they’d hold onto their money.  Take William Barker, for example.  He became tremendously wealthy when he found gold along Williams Creek in northern B.C. in 1862.  His claim yielded $600,000 by 1866, which would be worth millions today.  But Barker quickly spent his fortune, and ended his days as a pauper in the Old Men’s Home in Victoria.

Real Estate Trends

Although the concept of Fractional Real Estate has been around for a couple of decades, over the past few years it has seen huge increases as an alternative way to own a vacation home.  More and more people are realizing that it’s not just a new term for timeshare and the negative connotations it holds for some people.  There is still significant confusion as timeshare has been given some creative names over the years including; private residence club, destination clubs, vacation home partnership, condohotel, and more.  None of these offers the distinctive benefits of fractional ownership.  Fractional Real Estate means both the residence and it’s furnishings are owned by a small number of owners (normally 2 to 8) and there has been a conveyance of title.  All of the alternatives have the developer retaining ownership.

Fractional ownership appeals both to timeshare and vacation home owners.  Timeshare owners appreciate the fact that they own the property, not the developer.  They have a voice and a vote in what happens at their resort.  And any equity gain is theirs, not the developer.  Wear and tear is far greater if there are 50 one week “owners” using a property.  With a maximum of 8 owners for each fractional resort condominium, pride of ownership comes into play.

Interest has also been from those considering or already owning a vacation home outright.  Because most people use their vacation home for a maximum of 30 days/yr., the opportunity to pay only the fraction of the acquisition and operating expense that relates to their usage makes fractional ownership a sensible alternative.  This approach means you can afford to own a usable fraction of a large, luxurious property rather than finding an entire property that matches your budget.

Many owners of second homes are faced with two unappealing choices regarding their unused time.  If they leave it sitting empty while it’s not being used, there are a couple of issues.  One is the sheer guilt of the time wasted and your return on investment.  But there are also issues with potential damage & theft that can occur in unoccupied homes.  Most insurance companies limit or void coverage on unoccupied properties for understandable reasons.

To help cover the substantial expense of purchasing and maintaining whole ownership of a vacation home, many owners want to rent their unused time.  Finding long term, reliable tenants will be an on-going challenge, but if you want them out everytime you want to use the property yourself, it’s nearly impossible.  Short term rentals involve many hours/dollars advertising, responding to inquiries, handling bookings, etc.  Hiring a property manager is an option, but there’s a corresponding expense involved.  Are they going to find renters for you and meet each renter with the key?  How about when there are problems like a plugged toilet or malfunctioning appliances?  Will they inspect your home after each renter leaves to make sure there’s no damage and the t.v. and microwave are still there?  And after their inspection will they clean your home, change the linens and towels and replace consumable items like soap and shampoo?  If they won’t do all this for you, are you able and willing to do it yourself?  Many fractional owners find they aren’t even concerned about rental income for a couple of weeks instead of months of vacant time.

Here’s a link to some other advantages that you might find very appealing…

If you’re one of the people described above, do yourself a favour and explore the advantages of Fractional Ownership at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort in Parksville, B.C.

 

Rewarding Things to do with Your Fractional Ownership

compressed-sunridge-bath

Even owners of Eighth Shares (6 weeks) can find themselves with more usage than they need personally.  Most put it into the professionally managed rental program or deposit it for points in the Club Interval Gold Points program.  But there are some interesting, and personally rewarding alternatives.  Here are a few of them.  While you’re reading through them, imagine both the people you would surprise and the looks on their faces when they opened the door to their fully furnished luxury residence.

Give vacation time as a gift either here at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort or around the world through Interval International.  Who are the lucky recipients?  People you know who are; graduating, getting married, having an anniversary or birthday, or just someone you truly appreciate.  Giving the gift of an experience rather than something material is becoming more and more popular and common.

  Use if for Charity - How about a well deserved vacation for your Pastor/Priest/Minister?  When was the last time they had a break from their responsibilities?  Or you could give time at a luxury resort to your favourite charity to raffle off or sell in a silent auction to help with their never ending fundraising.

Fractional Ownership can be used for a number of business related benefits.  Book a couple of rooms and hold a corporate retreat for key employees or reward your Employee of the Month or Year by treating them and their spouse (and even their whole family) to a couple of days of relaxation for a job well done.  This is a powerful way to recognize extraordinary individual effort by giving back some of the family time lost to work.  The rewards can vary from a night or two locally to a week of skiing in Whistler to a couple of weeks in the Caribbean…. you decide what’s appropriate for each situation.  Structured correctly, fractional ownership can provide some attractive tax benefits for business owners as well as incentives and rewards for exceptional performance.  You may be surprised how energized and appreciative your recognized employees are when they return to work!!

Our owners have earned and deserve some vacation time for themselves, but there are people they know who also deserve recognition and this is a unique way to show your love and appreciation for them.

 

 

 

 

5 Reasons People Come to Parksville, B.C.

Sometimes, people from Vancouver Island go a little overboard about what it’s like living here.  It is awesome, but it is not tropical, the winters can be wet and Parksville isn’t exactly Excitement Central.  However, there are some attractions that are undeniable.  Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is located just outside Parksville on Resort Drive, providing luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom vacation residences that put you firmly in the Oceanside area of the island.  After speaking to hundreds of visitors to this area, here are the most common reason they love coming here.

1.  The Weather – Parksville is in one of the island’s famous “rain shadows”.  In our case Mt. Arrowsmith literally lifts clouds coming in from the West, lifts them and sends them off to languish in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.  It’s a rarity to see days of rain here.  In fact, we get less precipitation than many vacation destinations including Cancun and Orlando.  Again, it’s not tropical, but the Island does have the most temperate climate in Canada, with the highs and lows common in the rest of the country shaved off.

2.  The Location – For nature lovers, this is paradise.  Head in any direction and you will find lush, green surroundings with hiking trails, hundreds of caves, rivers, waterfalls and of course the spectacular Straight of Georgia.  Our owners and guests use Sunrise Ridge at their home base for exploring.  Victoria is only an hour and half away, there’s an international airport an hour away and the wild West Coast is only a 2 1/2 hour drive through some spectacular scenery.

3.  It’s Safe – More areas of the world are becoming unsafe for visitors and most people aren’t looking for excitement in the form of street crime.  You can feel pretty certain that the folks in the car next to you don’t have a handgun and that you’ll make it back to the resort safe and sound when you go exploring.  Although people may feel that the prevalence of uniforms and weapons in some countries will keep them safe, many Canadians find it unsettling to see the police/military everywhere, particularly when they are also thugs.  Being warned not to go to town alone does not make people feel relaxed.  We shouldn’t be surprised to find that desperate people living in poverty may not find pasty, pudgy tourists with money to burn amusing.

4.  Health Insurance – Regardless of the extra coverage Canadians choose, it still doesn’t cover everything.  If you already have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s probably not covered when you’re out of country.  Because Canadians are used to keeping their credit card in their pocket when they visit the doctor or go to the hospital, they are often complacent about coverage out of country.  If you choose to travel to an area that carries a Travel Advisory, it is probable that your insurance coverage is void.  Keep in mind that the insurance companies focus is on profit and their bottom line, not our well being.  Denying claims boosts profits.

5.  It’s Familiar – Although visiting another country can be an exotic experience because of the cultural differences, it’s not always a positive experience.  Working with a foreign currency in a culture where everything is negotiable can be expensive for the unprepared traveller.  Contrary to what we may believe, everyone doesn’t speak English and may have little sympathy for visitors who didn’t even bother to learn a few basics phrases in the language of their vacation destination.

Because these aren’t the only things people are looking for in a vacation, we are affiliated with Interval International, one of the largest exchange companies allowing our owners access to over 2600 resorts in countries around the world.

Things to do on Vancouver Island

Here’s a link to the Hello BC site that lists dozens of things to do on this beautiful island….

Things to do

With the most temperate climate in Canada, outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year around.  Yes, you might need some rain gear during the winter months, but here in Parksville we’re in the rain shadow of      Mt. Arrowsmith.  The weather coming from the West is literally lifted and sent over to the mainland for them to enjoy.

Parksville is the perfect home base for exploring Vancouver Island and Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is Parksville’s most luxurious fractional development.  There are currently 1, 2 and 3 bedroom vacation residences available in shares as small as 1/8, making it as affordable as buying a new car.

With the resort half completed (4 of 9 buildings) the Developer will be adding amenities including a pool, hot tube and fitness room in the Spring of 2013.  Until then, available inventory is priced very attractively making the present the opportune time to secure ownership at this prestigious resort.

Searching with Interval International

The owners at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort tend to use much of their ownership here in Parksville and don’t exchange as much as owners at other resorts.  They may not know what they’re missing!  Taking a couple of minutes to do a quick search of what’s available around the world is entertaining and may open your mind to something new. I didn’t count the possibilities, but there are lots!  By selecting one of the many locations, you’re shown what’s available in each location and the number of points required.  Here’s an example that could be attractive for someone wanting to stay inside British Columbia for an easy getaway week.  And friends and family can come with you because this fully furnished 2 bedroom residence sleeps 6.

Delta Grand Okanagan Resort provides many amenities, including a spa, fitness complex, casino, restaurants, and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The suites are next to Okanagan Lake, and offer views of the lagoon or lovely courtyard. The resort is located in downtown Kelowna’s prestigious cultural district, which has many fine dining facilities, boutique shopping, art galleries, and movie theaters. Just a short drive away, visitors can enjoy activities such as golf, skiing, and tennis. The area has over 20 fine estate wineries.

This is a gorgeous resort and perfect for wine lovers plus there’s a casino on site!  There was a 2 bedroom residence with a full kitchen available from Dec. 9 – 16 for only 44,625 points!!  Take a look at the blog called “Club Interval Gold Points” to see the point values for a one bedroom lock-off at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort.  By simply depositing Wk. 41 (Oct. 11) and Wk. 48 (Nov. 29) in the Guest Suite only the owner would have had 53,625 points in their account.  The A side would remain theirs for use or rental (or more points if there were other destinations they wanted to explore).

Here’s the Search menu on the Interval website (intervalworld.com).  Choose “Search All Destinations” rather than picking a specific location.  Choose a range of dates for the best results.  Here I chose November 2 to December 14, 2012 (I did this on Oct. 20 to illustrate that you don’t have to plan years ahead).  This exercise is fun and doesn’t cost a thing (unless you find something you can’t resist).

1. Search Type

2. Travel Window
Search up to two years in advance

3. Number Of Guests

Travel Dates Selected: Friday, November 02 2012 to Friday, December 14 2012

Search Results:

Africa

Asia

Australia & New Zealand

Canada

Caribbean & Atlantic Islands

Central America

Europe

Mexico

Middle East

South America

USA

Alabama, Central

Arizona, Lake Havasu

Arizona, Phoenix Area

Arizona, Rim Country

Arizona, Sedona

Arkansas, Hot Springs

Arkansas, Ozarks

California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe

California, Big Bear Lake

California, Clear Lake

California, Kirkwood

California, Northern National Forests

California, San Diego Area

Colorado, Breckenridge

Colorado, Steamboat Springs

Colorado, Vail, Avon & Beaver Creek

Colorado, Winter Park & Silver Creek

Florida, Central

Florida, Cocoa Beach

Florida, Daytona Beach Area

Florida, Fort Lauderdale Coast

Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Western

Florida, Orlando

Florida, Panhandle

Florida, St. Augustine

Florida, Tampa Bay

Florida, The Palm Beaches

Florida, Vero/Treasure Coast

Georgia

Hawaii, Kauai

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Louisiana, New Orleans

Maine Coast

Maine, Central

Maine, Western

Maryland, Ocean City

Massachusetts, Berkshires

Massachusetts, Cape Cod

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri, Branson

Missouri, Lake Ozark

Montana, Fairmont

Montana, Lakeside

Nevada, Las Vegas

Nevada, Mesquite

Nevada, Reno

New Hampshire Central

New Hampshire, Lakes Winnipesaukee & Winnisquam

New Jersey, Atlantic City

New Jersey, Vernon Valley

New Mexico

New York, Catskills

North Carolina, Atlantic Beach

North Carolina, Banner Elk & Boone

North Carolina, Cape Hatteras

North Carolina, Central

North Carolina, Long Bay

North Carolina, New Bern

North Carolina, Sapphire Valley

Oklahoma

Oregon, Central

Pennsylvania, Poconos

Rhode Island, Newport & Block Island

South Carolina, Central

South Carolina, Hilton Head

South Carolina, Murrells Inlet Area

South Carolina, Myrtle Beach Area

Tennessee, Gatlinburg

Texas, Bandera

Texas, Central

Texas, Northeast

Utah, Northern

Utah, Park City and Snowbird

Utah, Southern

Vermont

Virginia, Northern

Virginia, Virginia Beach

Virginia, Williamsburg

Washington, Glacier

Washington, Puget Sound

West Virginia

Wisconsin, Door County

Wisconsin, Northern

Wisconsin, Wisconsin Dells

« Back

How important are Traditions?

Here’s a little piece about family traditions.  If you have trouble reading it, you can use the magnifier or click the title and download or print it.

 

SRR Traditions

Club Interval Gold Points!!

Owners at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort will soon have the opportunity to convert their Interval International membership to the new points program, while maintaining their access to the week at a time trading system.  There are several benefits to the CIG (Club Interval Gold) Points program including short stays, cruises, rental cars, etc.

But the greatest benefit is getting full value from your exchange.  On the weeks system, you swap week for week and there is no provision for getting any “change back”.  And because all weeks aren’t equal in value (for example a February week in Potato, Idaho vs. Christmas in Maui or a 1 bedroom vs. a 3 bedroom), you may find some destinations “not available” simply because the value of your week is less than what you’re looking for.  With the points system, you use only the points necessary for each exchange and keep the rest in your account (for up to 3 years) to use for another exchange.  You have access to all of Interval’s properties, no matter which system you’re using.

This also means you can exchange winter ownership for summer use!  The chart below shows points available for one of our “Snowbird Eighth Shares”.  By converting a couple of your winter weeks to points, you could take a tropical vacation or find some summer time close to home.

Sunrise Ridge has been difficult to trade into for I/I members around the world because our owners have chosen to either use or rent their time year after year.  Most of them bought here because they love the area and the residence they own.  If none of our owners deposit any of their time with I/I then there’s nothing available for exchange… pretty simple.  I expect that there are a number of our owners who don’t know much about their exchange options as well.  This is simply another option that’s available for our owners….  use it, rent it, or exchange it.

Here’s an example of how it works…..  I’ll use available Eighth Shares in #128 to illustrate the program.  #128 is a one bedroom lock-off….  there’s a fully furnished one bedroom luxury condominium and an attached Guest Suite.  If all six weeks of ownership of the D rotation were deposited for points, the owner would have 571,250 points to use (214,250 for the Guest Suite/357,000 for the A side), probably way more than they would need, so a combination of usage, rental and exchange would offer the most options.  The chart below also shows the points available with a Snowbird Eighth in the same residence.

**TO ENLARGE THE CHARTS  use the symbol at the bottom right corner of each page to make it full screen

CIG 128 Points

CIG Example Vacations 1

CIG Example Vacations 2

CIG Exchanges 3

If you’d like to have access to the Club Interval Gold Points Program or have questions, call or e-mail John Seeland at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort

1-866-812-3224 or john@sunriseresortparksville.ca

Thanksgiving 2012

It’s October 7, 2012 and the temperature peaked just over 20 degrees today.  I took these pictures to remind myself to be thankful for the many blessings in my life including being associated with Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort and living on this beautiful island.  The tomatoes were picked from our garden yesterday and they’re still going strong!!  But weather aside, I’m thankful for the relative peace and tranquility that I enjoy each and every day.  I like to think I stay well informed about what’s going on in the world and much of it isn’t pretty.  I often wonder how we remain so insulated from the not so beautiful.  Wars still rage and seem to be escalating by the day.  Many places in the world saw record breaking weather this year with droughts, floods and violent storms wreaking havoc in many countries.  The economic news around the world is just as disturbing.  But here, it’s as though a magical shield has been placed over the island.  We had a spectacular summer (that’s still with us!), our economy is healthy and the horror of war is something we see on the news.

It’s a shame when we take our good fortune for granted, diminishing what we have with what we want and expect.  Each and every day we should all say thanks in our own way for the bounty that we enjoy.  Maybe it’s time you took a serious look at ownership at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort so you could add this to your list of reasons to be thankful.

Why Fractional Real Estate makes sense

We have a diversity of owners at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort here in beautiful Parksville, B.C.  and their reasons for becoming owners with us vary.  But there are some common threads between them.  Here are a couple of the more common reasons….

1.  This is shared Ownership, not shared time.  There’s a conveyance of title and you own not only your share of the real estate, but also all of the contents…  appliances, housewares, furniture, etc.

2.  Parksville is one of Canada’s most popular retirement and vacation destinations.  Real estate values have risen substantially over the years and continue to do so.  Spending money and making a purchase are two different choices.  Many people continue rent their vacations, but more and more are realizing that fractional ownership is an affordable and sensible alternative.

3. Because our owners have different requirements, we have choices to please all of them.  One, two and three bedroom residences; summer and winter usage; Eighth, Quarter and Half shares; waterfront or Lodge and more.

4.  Although this is a fantastic location, we are affiliated with one of the large timeshare exchange companies (Interval International) and owners can exchange at over 2800 resorts around the world if they don’t want to spend all their time in Parksville.

5.  For those looking for an investment opportunity as well as vacations, this is one of those “ground floor” situations we hear about.  We’re just getting started developing Sunrise Ridge with four of nine planned buildings up and our amenities (pool, hot tube, fitness centre) planned for Spring of 2013 at which point our prices will increase substantially.  Parksville is one of the most popular retirement and vacation destinations in Canada and sheer demand has caused the value of real estate in Parksville to increase steadily year after year.

6.  As attractive as it may seem, moving to Parksville is not likely for many people.  Their roots are deeply embedded at home, surrounded by friends and family.  Owning an entire vacation home here may seem like a good idea, until you think it through.  Aside from the cost of buying another residence outright, there’s the mater of how you will manage it long distance.  And for those who thought they could take a couple of weeks of vacation time and rent the rest, what would you tell your tenants?  Most of our owners take advantage of our rental program and have our on-site hotel management rent their unused time for them.  Receiving 60% of the rent without lifting a finger is more attractive to our owners than managing it all themselves.

7.  Fractional ownership is affordable.  In most cases, an Eighth Share (6 weeks) costs less than a new car or truck.  Plus you pay only a fraction of the expenses to maintain your property and it’s all done for you.

8.  Here are a couple of pictures that should answer the question, “why Sunrise Ridge?”

Some of the best things in life are free

2012 has brought a bumper crop of blackberries to the Island.  They are everywhere and they are prolific!!  If you’ve never put a ripe blackberry, still warm from the sun, in your mouth, you’re missing one of the most exotic taste experiences available.  While there are wild blackberries on the island, the Himalayan blackberry, an invasive species, is by far the most common and are in abundance in the Parksville area.  Although the picture above doesn’t clearly show it, these babies make you pay the price of harvesting with thorns that put cat’s claws to shame.  These seemingly intelligent plants demonstrate their dark side by placing the biggest berries just out of reach, tempting you to reach in just a little farther… a little more… then BAM!!  All the thorns are angled in toward the centre of the plant, ensuring a strong grip once you arm is far enough into the thicket.

Many visitors from out of province list blackberries, no mosquitoes and clear, clean water as three of their top attractions to this area year after year.  I can clearly recall picking saskatoons on a hot Manitoba afternoon, alternately picking with one hand and swatting the clouds of mosquitoes with the other.  And as delicious as they may be, there is no comparison between saskatoons and blackberries!

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is a great home base for exploring Vancouver Island and, yes, we have blackberries on the property, along with some fruit trees and one of them most spectacular views you’ve ever seen.  If the thought of eating juicy, sweet blackberries right off the plant and using both hands to pick them because you’re not swatting mosquitoes make you smile, come on out for a visit and I’ll show you where they are….

Let’s go see Grandma and Grandpa!!

This is a photo that could be used to portray joy and love.  Just seconds later their precious grandchildren would be wrapped in their arms.  But there’s no indication how often this happens.  There have been so many changes that have happened over the past couple of decades.  Changes that have affected how families relate to one another ….  Parents become grandparents.  Their children move away for various reasons, taking the grandchildren with them.  More work and less play.  Divorce takes it’s toll on everyone and may make regular visits difficult.

But maybe there are other reasons the children/grandchildren don’t visit as often as they could.  Maybe it’s just not that much fun.  Ouch!  There’s a certain amount of discomfort for everyone when company comes to stay.  Although the grandkids may think it’s awesome to sleep on a fold out cot at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, their parents may feel differently….. especially the “in-law” daughter or son.  And although you’re told to “make yourself at home”, it’s still not your bed, kitchen or bathroom.  And if you’re living in a retirement home, there may be rules about overnight guests.

Owning a fractional interest in a resort residence at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort may offer a number of benefits for grandparents anxious to see their extended family on a regular basis.  With 1, 2 and 3 bedroom residences available in fractions as small as an Eighth Share (6 weeks), Sunrise Ridge is as affordable as it is useful.

Here are some examples of how your Sunrise Ridge ownership could be used……

** Treat the grandkids and their parents to a week long vacation at your resort.  You could spend a couple of nights with them or have the grandkids stay at your real home with you while their parents enjoyed some “alone time” at the resort.

** If the grandkids are old enough, leave the parents at home and move into your resort residence with them for awhile.

** Start the tradition of annual Family Reunions using the resort as your home base.

** Help the grandkids make breakfast in bed for their parents in the fully equipped kitchen, then take them down to the beach so the parents can have a “sleep in”.

** Use your exchange options to take the grandkids to Disney World, Hawaii, or thousands of locations around the world.

** If you can’t rustle up 6 weeks of visitors every year, our on-site management will rent your residence for you.

** To top is all off, real estate in Parksville has proven to be a sound investment over the years.  This is not timeshare.  Fractional Ownership involves a conveyance of title.  You own your share of the residence and everything in it… from kitchenware to appliances to the Canadian made furniture.  The bank is probably paying you less on your investments than real estate is appreciating in Parksville and they won’t let you vacation for 6 weeks a year in their vault!

Enjoy the time you have left with family and friends.  Create lasting memories for everyone involved.  By bequeathing your ownership to family, the traditions and legacy you created will live on year after year, generation to generation.

 

Golfing in Oceanside

Guests and owners at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort love coming to the quiet luxury of Parksville’s newest resort, but also love the variety of activities they can enjoy while they’re here.  Golf is certainly one of them, particularly with our “snowbird” owners who take great pleasure in sending pictures of themselves golfing in January back to friends and family in the Prairies.  Here’s a bit of information about just three of the courses that are within a 15 minutes drive from Sunrise Ridge.

Fairwinds Golf Club is a Les Furber course and is known as one of the finest on the Island.  With over 70 sand bunkers, Fairwinds is referred to as a “thinking golfer’s” course, with lush fairways and towering fir and arbutus trees.

Morningstar Golf Club ranges from 5,313 yards from the forward tees to just over 7,000 from the championship tees and is designed to test all skill levels.  Both Mike Weir and Steve Stricker used Morningstar for their PGA starting point.  It’s right next to Morningstar Farm and Little Qualicum Cheeseworks (see the video with the cows frolicking).

Pheasant Glen is called “nature’s golf course”, undisturbed by houses and highways.  The front 9 winds through high grass, meadows and creeks, all framed by the peak of Mt. Arrowsmith.  This course boasts “the three toughest finishing holes in B.C.”

For kids and golfers with little more than basic putting skills, there are several min-golf courses nearby for the whole family to enjoy.  No matter what your skill level might be, (or even if you don’t play golf) this is a beautiful place to spend time with family and friends.

No. 7 Steam Train & McLean Mill

Although there’s nothing wrong with leaving your watch and cell phone in your room and letting time drift by, most of our guests are looking for something to do while they’re here.  In fact, one of the reasons our owners chose Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort in Parksville is the incredible variety of things to do and see in the area called “Oceanside”, truly one of the most beautiful areas in Canada.  This was my first visit to McLean Mill and I was amazed that it’s still operating, along with the steam train that takes you there from the station in Port Alberni.

Although ownership at Sunrise Ridge allows you to exchange through one of the large timeshare exchange companies, many of our owners come back to their own residence here year after year.  Some enjoy the warm weather in July and August and some like the quieter time in the Spring and Fall.  They use what they enjoy and most put their unused time in the rental program run by our on-site resort management, True Key Hotels and Resorts.

The mill was operated by R.B. McLean and his three sons from 1926 to 1965. It is a showcase of pioneering get-it-done attitude and inventiveness. The mill is typical of the remote coastal lumber camp and sawmill complex from the middle of the last century and has been named a National Historic Site (1989) to commemorate the history of logging and saw milling in British Columbia. The site is a very complete collection of industrial and personal memories of the people that lived and worked there.

Since 1995 and continuing to the present, the site has been restored with funds from Heritage Canada, Forest Renewal BC, the BC Heritage Trust, BC Community Futures, the Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot and the City of Port Alberni. MacMillan Bloedel donated the land. The sawmill has been rebuilt to operate as it did in 1965, including a replica of a 1928 log carriage. The camp buildings are in the process of been restored and furnished as they were at particular times in their history.

This is the only commercial steam operated mill in Canada, specializing in custom beams and wood for fine furniture making.  Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Hemlock and Maple beams can be milled up to 43 feet long.  Half the lumber they mill is sold and half is used on site for re-construction and repairs.

If you’ve never visited this area before, why not arrange some time in one of our fully furnished vacation residences and come see it for yourself?  There are currently 1, 2, and 3 bedroom residences available in Eighth, Quarter and Half shares.  Eighth shares cost less than most people paid for their last vehicle and give the owners six weeks of time in their residence every year.

Timeshare vs Fractional Comparison

Timeshare:Frac Comp 128

 

Click above to view a one page (pdf) comparison of fractional ownership at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort and the RCI points system for something comparable.

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is located on the famous Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville, British Columbia, Canada.  Sunrise Ridge is Parksville’s newest and most luxurious fractional development with 4 of a proposed 9 buildings completed.

Savvy timeshare owners all know about the re-sale market and this comparison was done with them in mind, using a better than average offering on RCI points from a resort in the same location as Sunrise Ridge.

What is Fractional Real Estate?

What is Fractional Real Estate?

Above is a link to a simple, one page description of Fractional Real Estate at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort in Parksville, B.C.

Just click it to open the pdf file.

Three Bedroom Fractional Residence now available

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is located just outside the town of Parksville, B.C. on the southern end of Vancouver Island.  There are currently four of nine building completed with amenities like a pool and hot tub scheduled for construction over the next year.  This spectacular property is perched on a ridge overlooking the Strait of Georgia and Rathtrevor Beach.  Parksville boasts the most temperate climate in all of Canada and has been a popular retirement and vacation destination for many years.

The developer has just released this spectacular resort condominium, deeded in Eighth Shares (six weeks).  This is the only 3 bedroom residence left with summer weeks available.  As you’ll see in the video, this residence is a spacious two bedroom condominium with a guest suite attached that can be used as a third bedroom or rented through the on-site hotel management team.  Because this beautiful resort condominium is deeded in Eighth Shares, you can currently own as many back to back weeks as you’d like.

This is a ground floor, end unit so it has extra windows and privacy.  Fractional Ownership is the fastest growing sector of the vacation/resort industry combining affordable luxury with the opportunity for appreciation rather than the depreciation associated with timeshare.

Ownership is not limited to the condo itself.  You own your share of all the furnishings.  The quality, Canadian made furniture, high end appliances including a washer/dryer and dishwasher, pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, T.V’s, bedding….  everything!  Because the cost of purchasing and maintaining this 1200+ sq/ft. luxury condominium is shared by a number of owners, it’s realistically affordable.  In fact, it’s less than most people paid for their last new vehicle!  Which is most likely to hold it’s value….. a new car or real estate in Parksville?

Don’t want to come to Parksville every year.  No problem!  Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is affiliated with Interval International, one of the largest exchange companies in the world.  Trade your weeks here for vacations at timeshare resorts around the world, with the security of deed and title ownership.

Three bedrooms is more than you could ever use?  Remember that you can rent the attached Guest Suite to generate some income for yourself, but if it’s still more than you need, there are one and two bedroom residences currently available.

Come take a look for yourself ,  visit our website (www.sunriseresortparksville,ca) or call John Seeland toll free at 1-866-812-3224 for details.

 

Morningstar Farm/Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

Owners at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort chose us for a number of reasons.  It may be that they were able to find something to match their lifestyle and plans for future vacations, choosing from 1, 2 and 3 bedroom resort residences.  It may have been the affordable luxury that Fractional Real Estate provides, or the opportunity to enjoy the tradition of gathering with friends and family in their spacious, fully furnished condominium.  But there are fractional developments all over the world.  Why Parksville?

The temperate climate is certainly an attraction.  One of the most common attractions is the location (location,location).  Sunrise Ridge overlooks the Strait of Georgia and the famous Rathtrevor Beach.  An hour and a half from Victoria, an hour from the international airports in Comox or Nanaimo and two and a half hours from the wild West Coast, it’s the perfect home base for exploring Vancouver Island.  But you don’t have to drive for hours to find something of interest.

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is only 15 minutes from Sunrise Ridge.  It’s probably Canada’s only family owned wine and cheese farm. That’s right….   They make cheese out of all the milk from their dairy herd and also have a berry winery, both on the farm.  You can sample the cheese and wine and purchase as much as you like from their little country store.  There are always baby animals to pet… mostly calves and lambs.  But once a year there is an incredible event.  The dairy herd that’s been kept inside for the winter, is released into the pasture.  This video captured this annual event.  I’ve seen lots of happy people here at the resort, but few were happier than these cows appear to be.  Watch for some bag swinging, heel kicking frolicking as they head for greener pastures.

 

Home Sweet Home

Many Canadians are taking their vacations inside the country for any number of reasons.  Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is located in the town of Parksville, B.C.  Sunrise Ridge is a Fractional Residence development overlooking the Strait of Georgia and Rathtrevor Beach,  We are

Parksville, B.C.

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort

in the process of selling the remainder of our current inventory of  1, 2, and 3 bedroom vacation condominiums at very attractive prices.  Pre-sales of the next phase are scheduled for later in 2012.

The following is taken directly from the website of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website on Jan. 10, 2012…….

Canadians travelling to Mexico should exercise a high degree of caution due to a deteriorating security situation in many parts of the country. While most major tourist areas have not been affected by the extreme levels of violence in the northern border region, it is highly advisable to travel to Mexico by air (please refer to our official warning for the Mexico-United States border). High levels of criminal activity, as well as occasional demonstrations and protests, remain a concern throughout the country.

Presidential elections are scheduled for July 1, 2012. In the period leading up to and during the elections, Canadians are advised to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, exercise caution, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor local media.

Demonstrations and protests regularly occur in large cities. Canadians should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, which could erupt into violent incidents at any time. Participation in political demonstrations by foreigners is prohibited and may result in detention, expulsion, and the denial of future entry into Mexico. The city of Oaxaca has recently experienced violence and roadblocks related to demonstrations.

Warnings on swimming conditions posted on beaches should be taken seriously. Many beaches are not supervised or do not offer warnings. When in doubt, consult hotel staff.

You should ensure the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance or by a local insurance policy. Ensure sporting and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition, especially for scuba diving. Many operators do not conduct regular safety checks. There have been cases of Canadians who have been involved in accidents where operators demanded compensation in excess of the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.

Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings, as deaths and injuries have resulted from falls. Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico can be considerably lower than those in Canada.

Crime is commonplace. Arrest and detention rates are low and contribute to high levels of criminality.

Theft - including armed robbery, purse snatching, and pickpocketing – occurs frequently in Mexico. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times while travelling throughout the country, even in areas normally considered safe, and should take precautions to secure their belongings and minimize their attractiveness as a target for thieves. Dress down, avoid wearing or carrying expensive jewellery, and carry only small amounts of cash. Keep your luggage secure at all times. In resort areas, leave your passport and valuables in your hotel safe, not in your hotel room or on the beach while you are swimming.

There have been reports of foreigners being targeted in assault and robbery incidents, which are sometimes violent. Victims have been followed after exchanging or withdrawing money at airports, currency exchange bureaus, and automated banking machines (ABMs). It is therefore recommended that travellers avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in the public areas of the airport. Should you need to do so, small and only absolutely necessary financial transactions should be done before exiting the customs area.

You should withdraw or exchange money at ABMs or exchange bureaus (casas de cambio) during daylight hours only, and inside shops and malls rather than on the street. Always conceal the keypad when entering your PIN, even if nobody else is around. Keep your credit card in sight when paying for goods and services.

Assault

Incidents of assault and sexual aggression against foreigners have been reported. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers, and security personnel have been implicated. Avoid walking after dark, especially alone, and avoid deserted or under-populated areas. You should only frequent bars and nightclubs as part of a group and avoid separating from the group. In cases of sexual assault, police authorities will require a medical examination.

Be careful accepting food, drinks, invitations, or rides from strangers or recent acquaintances. Avoid leaving your food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. There have been cases of travellers being robbed or assaulted after being drugged. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as this can make you a more vulnerable target for criminals.

Kidnappings

Kidnappings, particularly express kidnappings, occur frequently in large urban areas. The most common practice involves thieves working in cooperation with, or posing as, taxi drivers. The thieves force victims to withdraw money from ABMs with their debit or credit cards in exchange for their release. Avoid hailing taxis on the street and instead call a reputable taxi company or use the taxi service from the hotel.

Kidnappers target both the wealthy and middle class. Foreigners are not specifically targeted but may be perceived as being wealthy.

Scams

Criminals posing as police officers have approached tourists and asked for their passports or for foreign currency. There have also been cases of legitimate police officers extorting money from tourists or arresting tourists for minor offences or traffic violations. If this occurs, you should not hand over your money or your passport. Instead, you should ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and patrol car number, the location of the arrest, and the written fine payable at a later date. Should you feel the fine cannot be justified, proceed to the nearest Agencia del Ministerio Público and Tourism Office to file a complaint.

Avoid divulging personal information to strangers either in person or over the phone. Virtual kidnapping by telephone is a common practice in Mexico. Should you receive a call from someone demanding payment for the release of an arrested or kidnapped family member, remain calm, note the phone number of the person calling, hang up, and report the call to local police. Scam artists have also gathered information on luggage tags in hotel lobbies and later convinced guests to give them their contact information in Canada. Afterwards, they have called parents of travelling Canadians to report that their child has been detained or hospitalized and have requested that money be wired to Mexico. If this occurs, parents or friends should request the name and number of the caller and contact the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa (toll‑free within Canada at 1-800-387-3124 or from Mexico at 001‑800-514-0129).

WOW…. although much of Mexico is relatively safe, shouldn’t warnings like these make a vacation inside Canada a serious consideration. If relaxation is one of the prime attractions of a vacation, consider the security, safety and awesome natural wonders of the area surrounding Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort.

Walk on the Bottom of the Ocean

People love coming to Parksville, B.C. for many reasons, but the spectacular beach is certainly one of them.

Majestic old growth trees, beautiful ocean sunsets and an inviting, wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst mature Douglas fir trees makes Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in Parksville one of the premier vacation destinations on Vancouver Island.  Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort overlooks this famous beach as well as the Straight of Georgia and the snow-capped mountains beyond.

At low tide the ocean recedes almost a kilometer, providing an ideal place for visitors of all ages to play in the sand and explore the shoreline. When the tide rolls in over the sun-baked sand, the warmed water is unbeatable for swimming and salt water fun.

Bird watching is also a popular activity at the park, particularly in the spring when large numbers of seabirds congregate for the annual herring spawn. During March and April, Rathtrevor Beach is also one of the best spots on the Island to view the migrating Brant Geese.

Rathtrevor Beach takes its name from the Irish family who homesteaded on this land. William Rath, a gold prospector, arrived in 1886 with his young wife and baby daughter. They built a log cabin, cleared the land and in 1895 built the barn. William died in 1903 leaving Elizabeth the farm and five children. She proved to be an industrious person, successfully running the farm and eventually operating it as a campground. The suffix ‘trevor’ was added to give the campground a more lyrical name. Rathtrevor Campground became Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park in 1967 and though much has changed since William and Elizabeth first arrived, its beauty and importance will be preserved for our continued enjoyment.

Fractional real estate makes it affordable to own a little piece of paradise of your own for the cost of a new car.  Why not take a look at this opportunity to own one of the most enjoyable investments available to you?

New Residence Available – #421

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is located just outside of Parksville, B.C., one of Canada’s most popular vacation destinations.  Sunrise Ridge is a fractional real estate development offering the opportunity to vacation while enjoying the prospect of property appreciation in Parksville’s thriving real estate market.  Perfect for retirees who do not want to move to Vancouver Island, but would like to spend time here every year.

This beautiful two bedroom lock-off has just become available.  This is the only developer owned,  year round rotation with a water view.  More spacious, with more privacy, than other two bedroom residences with lots of closets, an oversized soaker tub in the master suite and a guest suite that includes a fireplace and living area.

A quarter share (12 weeks) is currently priced at $105,800 with your choice of weeks. A convenient monthly fee covers all expenses including, strata fees, telephone, cable, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs/refurbishment.  Eighth shares (6 weeks) are available for less than most people paid for their last vehicle!

Real estate in Parksville continues to increase in value year after year.  This is an opportunity to own real estate at one of Parksville’s most beautiful resorts at a fraction of what you’d expect to pay without any of the obligations or hassles that owning a vacation home often carries with it.  Because you own it, you can leave it heirs or sell it in the future if you like.

Use it yourself; treat your family to a vacation; reward employees/clients; exchange time at other resorts or rent unused time through our on-site hotel management.  Use your ownership as a home base for exploring central Vancouver Island.  Watch the video “Scenic Air Tour of Vancouver Island”  to see how awesome it is here.

Contact John Seeland at 1-866-812-3224 or john@sunriseresortparksville.ca for details.