WHO`S ON THE V LIST? - Virani Real Estate Advisors

VIBRANT. VANCOUVER. VIRANI.
Spring | 2006
V List / lifestyles / homes / happiness
WHO’S
ON THE
V LIST?
Own the road.
Introducing the all-new 7-Passenger GL-Class.
THE ALL-NEW 2007 GL 450 has arrived, and a more conspicuous entrance has never been made.
It gives you all the performance, luxury and safety you expect from a Mercedes-Benz and delivers them in the
form of our very first full-size SUV. That means you get ample seating for seven adults and a massive 2,300
litres of cargo space. It also means you get an all-new 335-horsepower V-8 engine, permanent 4MATIC™ all-wheel
drive, our 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, and our AIRMATIC air suspension. Add a unique unibody
construction, the only one in its class, and it’s clear that the GL-Class is built for one purpose: to own the road.
Mercedes-Benz North Shore
1375 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
© 2006 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
604•984•9351
KARIM’S
NOTE
Welcome to the inaugural issue of our magazine. During my 18 years in real estate, I have had the opportunity to share many wonderful experiences with
my clients, but none comes close to launching my own company – Virani Real Estate Advisors – and our magazine. This is a magazine for the community.
While it is first and foremost a real estate publication, you will find many lifestyle elements in these pages as well – articles on everything from local
charities and prominent people to ways to ensure our lush and vibrant neighbourhoods can remain beautiful for generations to come.
Featuring local charities is also important to me; I have long been committed to supporting various organizations, and what better way
to help out these wonderful people than by bringing them to your attention? Please take the time to read about the amazing work being
done in our own backyard. At the centre of each magazine, you’ll find the V List Luxury Homes, our featured listings for the month. This section features
the best homes we have for sale at any given time. So when it comes time for you to sell, ask yourself: are you on The V List?
I welcome you to join us.
Sincerely,
Karim Virani,
President of Virani Real Estate Advisors
CONTENTS
03 <<< Karim’s note
05 <<< Virani Charities
Virani Real Estate Advisors
The Village at Park Royal
J4-925 Main Street
West Vancouver, BC V7T 2Z3
The V List Magazine
Publisher Karim Virani | Design Sebastien Cantin, Haydex Li | Operations Arun Masand,
Brian McRae, Heather Knowlden | Contributing Writers Dianna Carr, Sarah Chauncey, Gwen Webster
Photography Dave Delnea | Advertising Gwen Webster
06 <<< The Company
07 <<< VIP
11 <<< The Virani Philosophy
24 <<< People Profile: Pamela Martin
28 <<< Lifestyle
30 <<< The Village at Park Royal
32 <<< Current Events
34 <<< Community: YPAC
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 03
Story by Gwen Webster
VIRANI CHARITIES
ACTION-PACKED
& LOVE-DRIVEN
Special Olympics British Columbia, North Shore
The Special Olympics brings a whole new meaning to the word special.
It is a collaboration of remarkable volunteers and beautiful athletes.
I sat down with Molly Evanshen, Fundraising Coordinator of the Special
Olympics British Columbia North Shore Division (also known as SOBC
NS). She gave me a debriefing of the registered charitable organization
I soon found out I knew so little about. Molly joined the committee five
years ago when she found out they were being forced to close their doors
due to lack of funding. Molly’s younger brother is a Special Olympics
Athlete and her mother is a volunteer. Her mother and brother have been
involved for over 15 years. Soon after joining, Molly and the committee
implemented a funding campaign. The most profitable fundraiser they
created was the annual May walkathon, an initiative created by long-time
volunteer, coach and parent, Joan Carlile. Last year, 80 athletes raised
an astounding $14,000.
“The benefit to our athletes is enormous and the benefit
to our community is priceless”. – Molly Evanshen
SOBC NS has 90 dedicated volunteers and over 140 residents with
developmental disabilities. It provides an opportunity for athletes to
develop social skills, cultivate friendships, and increase their self-esteem,
which ultimately enriches their lives. It offers a wide variety of activities
like bowling, track and field, soccer, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics,
softball, T-ball, floor hockey, alpine and cross country skiing and
snowshoeing. Without the hard work and dedication of many volunteers,
none of the athletes would get to experience such activities. The newest
addition to the North Shore Branch is their North Shore Young Athletes
branch. It is designated for six- to twelve-year-olds.
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me
be brave in the attempt.”
- Athlete’s Oath
In the early sixties, a Toronto researcher, Frank Hayden, questioned the
assumptions that the fitness levels of mentally disabled children was a
direct result of their mental disabilities and that they were only half as fit
as their non-disabled peers. Dr. Hayden began working with a control
group of children using an intense fitness program. He demonstrated
that, given the opportunity, mentally disabled people could become
physically fit and acquire the skills necessary to participate in sport.
His research proved that the low levels of fitness and lack of motor skill
development in people with mental handicaps was the result of nothing
more than a sedentary lifestyle. In the summer of 1969, the first Special
Olympics Canada was held in Toronto. From those modest beginnings,
the Special Olympic movement quickly spread across Canada and
grew into the sports organization it is today. It has year-round sports
programs. It also provides the athletes with the opportunity to compete
at regional, provincial, national and international levels through a four-year
competition cycle for summer and winter sports.<<<
To Support the Special Olympics British Columbia North Shore
Fundraising. Contact Molly Evanshen at 604.926.0058.
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 05
THE COMPANY
Story by Dianna Carr / Photos by Dave Delnea
VIBRANT.
VANCOUVER.
VIRANI.
What is Vancouver? A small miracle fringed by mountains. A neighborhood secret. The ocean, between buildings. The smell of cedar. A seal,
grinning. VIBRANT. VANCOUVER Vancouverites, all of us, love this place – understanding it, admiring it, being part of it, adding to its rich character.
Karim Virani is profoundly connected to the city – a Vancouverite from a family that came from afar, fell in love, stayed forever. From his origins, he
has retained an understated, old-world respect for people and relationships; in Vancouver, he and his associates have gained a deep and passionate
knowledge of the city and its ways. VIRANI. VANCOUVER. In a decade of helping residents buy and sell Vancouver’s extraordinary properties, the
team has built and shared their knowledge of the city’s most desirable homes and communities, giving buyers an immediate comfort in their new
neighbourhoods, and offering sellers the quiet confidence of working with people who can make the right deal happen in a vital, fast-moving real estate
market. VIBRANT. VANCOUVER. VIRANI. Virani, connects people with place, and place to people. To help you find a home in one of the continent’s
most dynamic real estate markets, Virani has gone far beyond the classic realtor website to also offer streaming video of each property, RSS feeds
that keep buyers and sellers up to the minute, and mobile technology that allows prospects to immediately download an information sheet directly
to their cell phones. To connect people to their city, Virani offers The V List, a publication that features all the company’s available properties, plus a
fascinating, richly detailed story of Virani’s most extraordinary current offering, sharing its history and secrets and showing it at its very best. The V List
also contains VIP – a random noting of the places and things we love best in Vancouver. Some are secret, some local favourites, some glamourous,
some as plain as they are perfect. All are ways to live and love this unique city that we share.<<<
06 | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | www.thevlist.com
Story by Gwen Webster
VIP
VANCOUVER’S
IMPORTANT PLACES
Living in Vancouver isn’t only about finding the
perfect home. It’s also about lifestyle and those
tiny things that, together, create an exquisite
quality of life. In every issue of The V List,
we’ll give you hot tips and cool pointers on the
sometimes little-known places and things that
make Vancouver and the North Shore tick.
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 07
VIP
1. Blackberry, Rogers Wireless
What do you mean you don’t have a BlackBerry yet? You’ve heard of them, of course, these little hand-held
devices that allow you to check and send e-mail, make calls, schedule your day and even work on documents
while you’re far away from your laptop. Rogers has broad coverage, and most models work worldwide.<<<
www.rogers.com/blackberry
2. Home Theatre, La Scala
There are home theatres, and then there’s La Scala. Not only have they been selling award-winning customized
systems since 1989, but also they provide top-notch customer service, with a client area on their website and a
15-minute, 24/7 response line for crises such as “Where does the red plug go?”.<<<
www.lascala.ca | 100 - 77 West 8th Avenue | 604.606.1888
3. Chambar Belgian Restaurant, Mark Brand
The food is fantastic, but the real lure to this downtown gem is bar manager Mark Brand, who has brought to
Vancouver the new trend of spicing up drinks with, well, spices. Fresh thyme, rosemary, even – gasp – red
peppercorns. Forget the sugar-on-sugar of the margarita: now you can order cocktails that are actually good for
your health! Photo: Kevin Clark.<<<
www.chambar.com | 562 Beatty Street | 604.879.7119
4. Whistler Blackcomb
One of the many benefits of living in the Lower Mainland is accessibility to one of the most popular ski resorts
in North America. Whistler is close enough that you can decide, say, at lunch on a Friday, to take your family
on a ski escape for the weekend. From gentle slopes for young ‘uns to double black diamonds for the thrill
enthusiasts, Whistler has something for everyone.<<<
www.whistlerblackcomb.com
5. Afterglow Skin And Laser Centre
Afterglow isn’t your typical laser clinic. Dr. Shehla Ebrahim combines Eastern and Western techniques to
maximize the lasting effect of every procedure from skin resurfacing to hair removal. They’re also the very first
clinic in BC to offer non-surgical “liporeduction”, a body-reshaping procedure that just might surpass Botox®
in popularity.<<<
www.afterglowskincare.ca | 104-2609 Westview Drive, North Vancouver | 604.980.3993
08 | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | www.thevlist.com
VIP
6. Chanel Boutique
“I want to create classics,” said Coco Chanel famously, and indeed, she has. For more than a century, the
interlocked “C”s have been an icon of style – eyewear, accessories, fragrances, jewelry and, of course, clothing.
Coco also said, “Fashion was made to become unfashionable” but really, when you go with Chanel, you can
never be out of style.<<<
www.chanel.com | 900 West Hastings Street | 604.682.0522
7. Century Restaurant and Bar
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Century House is an intimate, elegant restaurant with unique offerings
like Dungeness crab burrito, and Latin Cassoulet, which includes rabbit, oxtail, Kurabuto bacon and salchicken.
Less adventurous diners can choose from exquisite variations on classics, and all will enjoy the extensive
wine menu.<<<
www.centuryhouse.ca | 432 Richards Street | 604.633.2700
8. INform Interiors
You’ve found the perfect house. Now comes the fun: how to decorate? In historic Gastown, INform Interiors
offers top-of-the-line European furniture, accessories and lighting. Looking for that exquisite Armani Casa piece
you saw in Architectural Digest? How about those Louis Poulson lights from Denmark? Caution: everybody
goes for a look-see after brunch on the weekends, so if you’re averse to crowds, go on a weekday.<<<
www.informinteriors.com | 97 Water Street | 604.682.3868
9. LimeLight Floral
Limelight Floral Design, Park Royal’s hip new flower shop has everything to make your home, office or event
beautiful. From elegant orchids and imported roses to quirky arrangements in Chinese-takeout containers, there
is something for every taste and budget. Pop in and see creative arrangements that incorporate coffee beans
and citrus, or spring bulb planters bursting into bloom.<<<
520 Park Royal South | West Vancouver | 604.921.1999
10. Boboli
Exclusive distributor of high-end European designer Roberto Cavelli, this South Granville staple will have you
dressed for everything from your next board meeting to a spur-of-the-moment trip to Paris (and many, many
events in between). Bluemarin, Issey Miyake and Car also grace the walls, while attentive and respectful sales
people help you find just the right outfits.<<<
2776 Granville Street | 604.257.2317
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 09
Photos by Dave Delnea
THE
VIRANI
PHILOSOPHY
THE VIRANI PHILOSOPHY
“Always give your best effort. Honour your word. Treat
people with respect. Those are the principles I learned at
an early age and they’re the same ones I bring to each of
my clients.” - Karim Virani
“Our commitment to you is to listen and respond with
prompt, personal and professional advice. Your satisfaction
is our goal, and we look forward to working with you in the
near future.” - Haneef Virani
Karim Virani has been a Realtor since 1988. He consistently ranks in the
top 1% of all Realtors in Greater Vancouver. Karim was confirmed as the
#1 Realtor in West Vancouver unit sales, according to the Real Estate Board’s
MLS statistics for 2005.
In 1994, Haneef Virani became the youngest Realtor in BC. As a North Shore
resident for more than 30 years, his expertise on the market and area has
made this team one of the top producers in West Vancouver.<<<
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 11
ADVERTORIAL
FOCUS ON
MORTGAGE
BROKERS
Meridian Mortgage
Lowest Rates… Guaranteed
A convergence of factors has changed the face of mortgage financing.
Independent Mortgage Brokers now operate across the country on an
electronic delivery system, which provides up-to-the-minute information
on more than 50 lenders, including most major banks and credit unions.
No longer can lenders compete by simply opening a branch office and
waiting for customers to walk in.
>>>
>>>
>>>
Buying, Debt Consolidation, Renovations, Investments
>>>
In the 21st century, mortgage companies must
be proactive
None is more so than Meridian Mortgage Finance Options, part of
a network of high-volume mortgage brokerages with average yearly
sales exceeding $700,000,000. Established in 1995, Meridian maintains
an excellent working relationship with the lenders within the brokerage
system. Here’s how it works: the broker deals directly with the client on
behalf of the lender, saving the lender administrative and other overhead
costs. The lender only pays a fee to the broker when the client takes a
mortgage. Without the costs normally associated with branches, salaries,
benefits, etc., the lender can offer the client a better rate, increasing the
chances that the client will, in fact, choose that particular lender. It’s a
client’s market these days; lenders need all the advantages they can gain.
Because each broker will return again and again with more mortgages,
this process is a highly effective way for lenders to increase their business.
Our volumes ensure you the lowest rates possible; often, these will
be from a lender with whom you are already familiar.
Meridian has more than 50 lenders at its disposal.
Best of all, you the customer bear absolutely no cost.
>>>
>>>
Our experience ensures the right mortgage for your needs – and
your budget.
No need to move your day-to-day banking.
Interest rates are guaranteed to be the lowest available OAC.
Mortgage Brokerage is one of those truly rare win/win situations. Look
into it now – who knows how much you might save?<<<
It’s a client’s market these days;
lenders need all the advantages
they can gain.
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 13
The V List Luxury Homes
ARE YOU
ON THE
V LIST?
Virani Real Estate Advisors | 604. 913.1888 | www.thevlist.com
$3,499,000
1436 Bramwell Road, West Vancouver
Enjoy breathtaking southerly views from Mount Baker to Vancouver Island and beyond from this newly built custom home on one of the British Properties’ finest
streets. This open plan home has been built to the highest standards and quality and offers almost 7,000 sq ft of luxurious living. Features include heated driveway,
air conditioning throughout, gourmet kitchen with 48” Sub Zero and Miele appliances, fully sprinklered and lush landscaping, waterfalls around the entire 16,000 sq ft
property, steam and dry sauna and state of the art alarm system. This magnificent gated estate offers all the amenities of true high-end living. The amazing views can
be enjoyed from all 3 interior levels and from the extensive outdoor areas.
$3,488,000
2639 Finch Hill, West Vancouver
Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views from Mount Baker to Vancouver Island from this exceptional 7,000 square foot mansion. Perched high on the hill in Canterbury this
luxurious custom built home offers an open floorplan perfect for entertaining, designer kitchen, 5 ensuited bedrooms, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, heated driveway
and much more.
Virani Real Estate Advisors | 604. 913.1888 | www.thevlist.com
$ 3,399,000
1652 Pinecrest Drive, West Vancouver
Stunning custom designed 6 bedroom, 7 bathroom home boasting panoramic views from Mount Baker to Vancouver Island. Large open plan living with the class
and sophistication that only a home of this standard can offer. Top of the line fixtures and fittings, miles of decking, level backyard, gorgeous indoor pool, hot tub,
steam room, gated entry… the list goes on. Quiet and private location at the end of a cul-de-sac in the exclusive Canterbury Subdivision.
$ 2,998,000
2703 Willoughby Road, West Vancouver
Stunning panoramic views from this newly constructed home by British Pacific Properties. Designed as the original show home, this spectacular residence offers all the
bells and whistles one could want. Gleaming hardwood floors, gourmet top-of-the-line kitchen, enormous master suite, elevator to all three levels, media room, pool
room, lap pool and hot tub, level driveway, air conditioning and a completely landscaped over 12,000 square foot lot. The home has bonus custom work and has a full
warranty and shows just like new! This home offers outstanding value in the luxury category and is situated in the most prestigious part of the new British Properties.
Virani Real Estate Advisors | 604. 913.1888 | www.thevlist.com
THE VERTEX
1068 Eyremount Drive, West Vancouver
THE STORY OF THIS HOUSE
It is a pleasure to present this grand Italianite Villa finished with imported limestone and plaster. Set on a large 28,000 square foot
lot in the heart of British Properties, this home offers distinction and self assurance to the most discerning of Buyers. Three levels of
sheer quality featuring 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and over 6,400 square feet. No expense has been spared from the immaculate
landscaping, outdoor swimming pool and custom craftsmanship. Unlike anything offered on the market today, this special residence
must be seen to be appreciated.
$3,299,000
Virani Real Estate Advisors | 604. 913.1888 | www.thevlist.com
Virani Real Estate Advisors | 604. 913.1888 | www.thevlist.com
$2,988,000
1015 Eyremount Drive , West Vancouver
Sophisticated architecture, new, elegant 2 level Lamoureux designed home with panoramic view. Expansive, contemporary kitchen opens onto double height dining
and living areas. Radiant heat and Brazilian Cherry hardwood throughout and heated porcelain bathroom tile. Special touches include UV metal windows, granite
kitchen and bath counters, Italian lighting, no-fog mirrors, alarm, built-in vacuum and elevator shaft. Lovely exterior landscaping with fireplace and large flat backyard.
$2,890,000
1482 Chippendale Road, West Vancouver
Gorgeous custom designed 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom, 5165 square foot home with panoramic city and water views. Gourmet granite kitchen with Sub Zero, Miele and
Wolf Appliances. Elegant living and dining rooms, plus cozy family room off kitchen. Great open floorplan, fully finished lower level that walks out to level south facing
backyard, air conditioning, water filtration and three car garage. This home is located in the prestigious Canterbury Subdivision amongst numerous multi-million dollar
homes. Immaculately kept, and ready to move in!
Virani Real Estate Advisors | 604. 913.1888 | www.thevlist.com
$2,888,000
2079 Queens Avenue, West Vancouver
Privately tucked away in upper Queens is this brand new, over 5,000 square foot estate home situated on rarely found 1.8 acre gated property. A craftsman design home
luxuriously appointed throughout each of the three levels. This home boasts gorgeous Brazilian cherry floors, a spacious great room floorplan, gourmet kitchen with
top-of-the-line appliances, air-conditioning and an 1,100 square foot garage. Surrounding the home are huge sprawling lawns. Total privacy and seclusion, city views,
and within a short drive to shop and schools. Truly a rare offering in this great location!
$ 2,149,000
1153 Eyremount Drive , West Vancouver
Panoramic view! Gracefully renovated 8 bedroom, 5 bathroom home on an acre lot in British Properties. Updated kitchen with Sub-Zero fridge, Dacor cook top, Bosch
dishwasher and more. Marble fireplace, hardwood floor and beautiful ceiling details in living and dining rooms. French doors open into living room and onto glass
railing sundeck. Lovely family home with spectacular view! Lovely family home with a spectacular view!
Virani Real Estate Advisors | 604. 913.1888 | www.thevlist.com
This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of existing agency agreement.
ADVERTORIAL
FOCUS ON
LAW FIRM
Heritage Law: Protect Your Real Estate Assets,
Now & in the Future
Most Canadians hold a significant portion of their net worth in their home
and investment properties. When buying, selling or refinancing a property,
it is important to choose a legal professional who can assist you to protect
the value of these assets during your lifetime and to ensure this concentrated
source of wealth flows to your children as efficiently as possible.
Vehicles such as trusts and holding companies may protect your real estate
assets from a host of potential risks. To ensure that your legal and financial
affairs are protected in case you become mentally incapable in the future,
you should ensure you have a valid enduring power of attorney in place.
In addition, prudent planning may enable you to minimize or eliminate
wealth robbing capital gains taxes and probate fees as the wealth in your
estate transfers between generations.
There are three major categories of taxes which can potentially erode the
value of your real estate assets during your lifetime and as they flow to your
beneficiaries:
>>> Federal capital gains taxes which are payable on 50% of the increase in
value of a real estate property (assuming someone is in the highest marginal
tax rate, this works out to approximately 22% of the gain being taxable);
>>> Provincial property transfer taxes which are payable by the recipient
of property which are currently 1% of the first $200,000 and 2% of the
balance of the fair market value of the property; and
>>> Provincial probate fees which are not technically a tax but are rather
fees levied under the Probate Fee Act and are payable to the provincial
Minister of Finance before a BC probate court will confirm the authority of
an executor under a will. These fees are currently approximately 1.4% of
the gross value of an estate.
One often-missed tax minimization strategy is to elect to transfer your
principal residence capital gains exemption between your primary
residence and a recreational property for different years. In addition,
inter-vivos trusts, including alter ego and joint partner trusts permitted
under the Income Tax Act, may be superior mechanisms to avoid probate
fees and capital gains taxes than simple joint tenancies.
Heritage Law provides experienced and knowledgeable advice on
all types of real estate activities, including transaction structuring,
acquisition, financing and selling. We provide strategic advice on issues
of asset ownership, protection and distribution. Our primary goal is
to ensure that our clients’ objectives concerning their wealth are
achieved and implemented in the most tax efficient manner possible. Call
us today to see how we can assist you.<<<
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 23
PEOPLE PROFILE
Interview by Gwen Webster
PEOPLE
PROFILE
Q&A with Pamela Martin
In each issue, we’ll give you a dose of pop culture, getting the inside scoop
on local celebrities (those who live locally, though their reach may be far
wider). Recently, The V List had a chance to talk with CTV anchor and
Vancouver icon Pamela Martin, who has been a North Shore resident
since 1985.
V: What do you enjoy about living in West Vancouver?
PM: It is a very rare place to live, a village where you know your neighbours
yet we are so close to a metropolitan area. I love the fact that you get the best
of both of worlds.
V: What don’t you like about living in this area?
PM: My biggest drawback is the bridge traffic. Luckily, I miss the rush hour
because I start and end later.
V: Where does your family live?
PM: My family lives in the four corners of North America: Florida, Boston,
Orange County, and here I am in Vancouver. We all make a point of visiting
each other a couple of times throughout the year.
V: What does your average day look like?
PM: Well there is no average day for me. News is always changing. I have my
constant editorial meetings at 2pm every day. Bill and I are actively involved in
the stories selected. We are not just reading a script. Anchoring is a great job,
but I always love going into the field.
V: What is your favourite part about working with CTV?
PM: I work with a great group of people. Team is very critical. I love my job.
People spend a lot of time doing their job. So you should choose something
you love to do. CTV is a great company. They are very committed to the
goal of providing the best newscast. They are dedicated to providing good
journalism.
V: Any funny stories to share?
PM: I remember the funniest mistake I ever made on TV. I was reading a
story about the White House. The line was to say, “The scandal reached the
highest levels of the White House…” but instead, I said, “The scandal reached
the highest levels of the outhouse…” We had a lot of callers on that mistake!
24 | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | www.thevlist.com
“My philosophy is to try and live my life
to the fullest. I like to live life every day
and appreciate what I have. I like to look
up at the mountains and appreciate how
beautiful they are.”
- Pamela Martin
PEOPLE PROFILE
V: What is your greatest professional fear?
PM: The one fear I dream about is running late and missing a broadcast. You
know, similar to the dream where you are running in the same place.
V: What do you value most in your friends?
PM: Loyalty, trustworthiness, openness to having fun, enjoying life. Being
supportive and a shoulder to lean on. I cherish my genuine friends.
V: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
PM: The most important thing in my life is my family, so ideal happiness is
being with them. We get together all the time and ski, hike, swim, snorkel.
V: What is your personal motto?
PM: My philosophy is to try and live my life to the fullest. I like to live life
every day and appreciate what I have. I like to look up at the mountains and
appreciate how beautiful they are.<<<
V: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
PM: I can’t pick one single thing. The great thing in this industry is it allows
you to have a window to witness history in person. It gives me the opportunity
to experience and be a part of so many different things.
V: What inspired you to get involved with the Canadian Cancer Society?
PM: Both my parents had cancer, so it was important for me to be part of the
fight against the disease. Also, in a high-profile job it is very important to give
back to the community.
V: Who is your inspiration?
PM: I like Jane Fonda. I had the opportunity to meet and interview her. She
was open, engaged and intelligent. She is a very authentic person who has
broken many barriers.
“The great thing in this industry is it
allows you to have a window to
witness history in person.”
- Pamela Martin
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 25
ADVERTORIAL
FOCUS ON
BROKER
Interview with Michael Barker-Fyfe, National Manager of
Private Client Services for Custom House Global Foreign
Exchange
V: Why should foreign buyers speak to a foreign exchange broker?
MBF: When buying property in Canada, it is vital that funds arrive on time
in order to complete the transfer of title. Clients tend to focus on savings,
which is important, but I think the speed with which we move funds to
Canada is most important along with our personal service. Once you’ve
found your dream home, you don’t want to lose it thanks to a late wire
transfer.
V: How do they benefit from using your service?
MBF: We give private clients access to the level of service and exchange
rates typically enjoyed by corporations. Our international banking
relationships and direct wire platform allow Custom House to move funds
faster than banks and clients save significant amounts of money due to our
wholesale exchange rates.
V: How are you able to move funds faster than banks?
MBF: Banks use a cumbersome system to wire funds because money
moves from one institution to another. Our clients fund our accounts in their
country of origin, so funds stay within the same institution – Custom House.
With Custom House, funds arrive quickly, usually within three business
days, often faster. Just as important, we offer better exchange rates than
banks. It all adds up to a better service at a better price.
V: So how does Custom House make money?
MBF: We have a buy rate and sell rate for each currency, which changes
with the market. Our spreads are tighter than banks but we do a great deal
of volume. It’s wholesale instead of retail.
V: Why Custom House?
MBF: Custom House is the largest private foreign exchange brokerage
in North America, with more than 80 offices in Canada, the United
States, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. Last year, we
processed over 15 billion dollars in foreign exchange for 50,000 clients
around the world. Our success is built on a foundation of outstanding
customer service, in-depth knowledge of currency markets, international
regulatory compliance and award-winning management. Custom House
has been recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for
the past six years in a row. Foreign exchange is the only thing we do and
we do it well. Our bonded trading specialists understand the importance
of deposit and settlement deadlines.
V: Are there other services that your clients can benefit from?
MBF: Yes, we also allow clients to bid on a price they wish to pay for a
currency or confirm an exchange rate today for a purchase in the future.
V: Is there a minimum transaction amount?
MBF: Typically, we find that our rates are most attractive when buying more
than $5000 in foreign funds; however we have no set minimum. If a client
needs a draft delivered by courier, our minimum transaction is $5000 and
there are geographical restrictions.
V: Do you offer investment advice or mortgages?
MBF: No, we specialize in foreign exchange and let other experts handle
products such as mortgages and investments.
V: How does a new client deal with Custom House?
MBF: Contact us at 604-482-6000 or
email: [email protected].<<<
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 27
LIFESTYLE
Story by Sarah Chauncey / Photos by Dave Delnea
GOING GREEN ON
THE NORTH SHORE
The Economist, Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure all agree:
Vancouver is one of the world’s most livable regions. Best place to
relocate for work. One of the most creative cities in the world. Low
crime. Excellent health care. Highly stable. An exceptionally developed
infrastructure. And, above all, breathtaking natural beauty. One of the
biggest concerns the area – Vancouver, the North Shore and the Lower
Mainland – faces is how to maintain its reputation and its beauty over
generations. To that end, the city has committed itself – and by extension,
its residents – to sustainability. “Sustainability” is a hot phrase one hears
bandied about frequently, but what exactly does it mean? In April 2002,
the city formally adopted the following definition and guidelines:
>>> A sustainable Vancouver is a community that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
>>> It is a place where people live, work and prosper in a vibrant community
of communities. In such a community, sustainability is achieved through
community participation and the reconciliation of short and long term
economic, social and ecological well-being.
Sustainability is a direction rather than a destination. A sustainable
city is one that protects and enhances the immediate and long-term well
being of a city and its citizens, while providing the highest quality of life
possible.
>>>
Sustainability requires integrated decision-making that takes into
account economic, ecological, and social impacts as a whole. What does
this mean for you, a homeowner on the North Shore, the area that houses
many of the region’s most vibrant natural resources?
>>>
Basically, it means this: your children and grandchildren can grow up
enjoying the same breathtaking beauty, landscape, resources and culture
that made you fall in love with Vancouver, but in order for that to happen,
there are things we all need to do to ensure the area can maintain – sustain
– its remarkable quality of life. It’s nothing radical, and best of all, most
of these options will save you money as well as protect the elements
that make Vancouver one of the most livable areas in the world. Most of
these actions have fringe benefits of saving you money and time as well.
It seems that everyone on the North Shore has a car (or an SUV) and
indeed, running errands, picking the kids up and just getting around
is much easier with the freedom a vehicle allows. But consider these
options – maybe just one, once a week – and see how easily you can make
a difference:
28 | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | www.thevlist.com
One of the biggest concerns the area
– Vancouver, the North Shore and
the Lower Mainland – faces is how to
maintain its reputation and its beauty
over generations. to that end, the city
has committed itself – and by extension,
its residents – to sustainability.
LIFESTYLE
>>> Once a week, arrange for your kids to carpool to school – or for you
to carpool to work. Alternately, walk, bike, take public transportation or
some combination of the above (most Blue Buses are equipped with bike
racks, so you can bike part of the way and take the bus the rest).
>>> In Calgary or Winnipeg, it’s often necessary to leave a car idling in the
winter – or it may not start up again. Here, in our moderate climate, idling
is one of the biggest energy-wasters. Even if you’re just running into the
house to grab your child’s lunch, turn off the car.
Try timing your errands together – shopping, doctor’s appointments,
picking up the kids from school. Not only will this save you precious time,
but also you’ll be using less fuel (and, in turn, saving money on gas).
>>>
Living near the ocean, it’s easy to forget that water is one of our most
precious and quickly disappearing resources. Water conservation is
particularly important for homeowners, who are in a position to install
energy-efficient and low-flow appliances. Even if you don’t want to change
your appliances, you can still make a difference:
>>> Instead of running the tap every time you reach for a glass of water,
fill a jug (filtered, if you like) and put it in the fridge. The side benefit is that
your water will always be cold; you won’t have to wait for it to cool down.
>>> Fill
a basin with water and dedicate it to rinsing fruits and vegetables.
When you’ve finished, use the same water to nourish houseplants.
>>> We
get so much rain in this region that it’s rare a lawn actually needs
watering. If it does, however, try using a sprinkler only once a week, early
in the morning – this will reduce evaporation and maximize absorption.
Check your local community’s restrictions on sprinkler usage.
Install a low-flow showerhead and consider using a low-flow toilet.
You won’t notice a difference in functionality, but both help considerably
to conserve water.
>>>
Here are a few more ideas that will benefit both you and your community:
>>> Still have an old gas-powered lawn mower? Upgrade it to an electric
model or – better yet – use a manual lawn mower. Again, you can double
the benefits: reduce emissions while getting a decent workout! (And
therefore, perhaps, you can save time and money you’d otherwise spend
at the gym)
Even if you pick up your coffee on the run – we highly recommend
Caffe Artigiano or Beans Around the World – use your own mug. It really
does make a difference.
>>>
>>> Use
recycled paper and give your shopping dollars to companies that
create either containers or products out of recycled materials.
>>> Start composting – alongside your blue and grey bins, keep a container
for organic and biodegradable waste. If you have a garden, you’ll save
money on fertilizer. If not, check with your municipality to see if they have
a composter buying program.
Sick of junk mail? You can register with the Canadian Marketing
Association and ask to be placed on their “Do Not Contact” list. Bonus: it
will save you the annoyance of having to toss out all those flyers.
>>>
This list is by no means comprehensive, and few people will do everything
on it. But if you can make one or two changes to your daily life – changes
that ultimately benefit you in multiple ways – you can help to ensure that
the Vancouver your great-grandchildren know is every bit as amazing as
the one you love today.<<<
www. thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 29
THE VILLAGE AT THE PARK ROYAL
Marine Drive
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Michael’s (Main Level)
Homesense (Upper Level)
Milestones
Village Medical & Dental
Pharmasave
Virani Real Estate Advisors
Caffè Artigiano
Lugano Chocolates
Kiss & Makeup
Lotuswear
Northern Feather Dreammakers
T.H.E. Store
Whole Foods Market
Cactus Club Grill
Urban Barn
The Urban Tea Merchant
Roseway Travel
Habitek
Bella Vita Home Essentiale
North Shore Credit Union
Heritage Law
Veritas Law
Home Depot
Old Navy
Pearl Vision
Baycity Insurance
Steamworks Brewing Co.
Nike
Hanami Asian Cuisine
Danier
Aerosoles
Oliver Barret
Motherhood Maternity
Lululemon Athletica
Current
The Village at Park Royal is a pedestrian-friendly, upscale urban village where people can walk between shops, restaurants and outdoor spaces. Located on
the west side of the existing Park Royal Shopping Centre, The Village offers 35 unique shops, restaurants and services including Western Canada’s first Whole
Foods Market and the new Home Depot urban concept store. The Village at Park Royal, which opened in September 2004, is Canada’s first lifestyle centre
and has been hailed as one of the most successful retail projects in recent years.<<<
30 | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | www.thevlist.com
THE VILLAGE AT THE PARK ROYAL
North Shore Credit Union
Steamworks Village Pub & Restaurant
North Shore Credit Union provides expert advice on banking, loans,
investments and insurance. North Shore Credit Union has $1.8 billion
in assets under administration, nearly 300 employees and 40,000 members.
A multi-year winner of the North Shore New`s Readers’ Choice Award
for “Favourite Community-Spirited Business”, NSCU is also designated a
Caring Company by the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy and is a proud
member of Canada’s IMAGINE program.<<<
Steamworks Village Pub and Restaurant offers new twists on traditional pub
favorites and upscale casual cuisine focusing on serious flavours, real quality
and incredible value. Take pleasure in the best beer on the North Shore or sip
on a glass of wine from our incredible selection… you can even pop in next
door at our full liquor store to take a bottle home with you <<<
The Village at Park Royal | 900 Main Street, West Vancouver
For Reservations Call 604.922.8882 | www.steamworks.com
The Village at Park Royal | 815 Main Street, West Vancouver
604.982.8000 | www.nscu.com
Dream Makers
Bella Vita
Better sleep, better health. At DreamMakers, we carry a wide range of
sleep products. Drawing on our Scandinavian heritage, we apply our design,
advanced technology and in-depth knowledge of feather and down to
produce quality European-style bedding in Canada. Visit our store and
enjoy the personalized service we provide. Our specialties include: duvets,
wool duvets, bedroom furniture, silk duvets, mattresses, linen collections,
pillows, featherbeds, hypoallergenic bedding.<<<
Bella Vita proudly carries Saeco products. Come in the store to check out
Saeco’s latest technology: the Incanto Sirius with eight functions. Features
include: stainless steel lacquer, aroma control, cup warmer, adjustable
dispenser, touch screen display, and ceramic millstones (www.saeco.ca). Bella
Vita vision is to improve the quality of life of all those we encounter by offering
sound knowledge, friendly service, and good value in high-quality kitchen tools
and accessories.<<<
The Village at Park Royal | 4H-925 Main Street, West Vancouver
604.926.3120 | www.nfdreammakers.com
The Village at Park Royal | G5-825 Main Street, West Vancouver
604.922.1980 | www.bellavita.ca
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 31
EVENTS
Story by Gwen Webster / Photos by Gwen Webster
EVENTS
1
2
4
5
1602 people attended
Ballet BC opening night
of Company B
(1) Carries Innes, Sales and
Promotions Manager, Ballet BC;
Laura Murray, Publicist, Ballet BC;
and Jennifer Passas, Corporate
Sponsorship and Special Events
Manager, Ballet BC (2) Dr. Harmon
attends the Ballet with Marie and Kevin
O’Neill, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin
(3) Noel Z. Golden, President and
Chair of Ballet BC and partner at
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, seen
here with Fred Lee, Vancouver
Courier and Dale McCarthy, Producer,
KVOS (4) Jennifer Passas, Corporate
Sponsorship and Special Events
Manager, Ballet BC; Laurel
Richardson and Leanne Harry, RBC
(5) Valerie Jerome, BC Athletics;
Brent Belsher, Artistic Operations
manager, Ballet BC; and Alannah
New-Small, New-Small and Sterling
Studio Glass (6) Laura Murray and
Andy LeBeau of the Paul Taylor
Dance Company <<<
3
“Lavender Lift” @ Sugar and Sugar Starlight Starbright
Childrens Foundation
(7) Peter Salonen joined featured artist Dale Nigel Goble and Andrew Watson
of CanAlaska (8) Gillian Swann, Director of Sales and Marketing for Sugar
and Sugar takes a break to pose with the evening’s fabulous event designer
Simon Cooksley (9) Scientist by day and Salsa Instructor by night Sasko
Despotovski supported the charity with CTV’s Melissa Isaac and Image
Consultant Amin Mavani <<<
6
7
8
The private screening party
to celebrate the Calvin Ayre
Wild Card Poker television
series
(13) Karim Virani and Calvin
Ayre (Forbes magazine’s featured
billionaire) with the BODOG girls <<<
13
32 | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | www.thevlist.com
9
EVENTS
NABS reception, Gecko Club
(10) The National Advertising
Benevolent Society (NABS) hosted
a networking reception for media and
advertising agencies at the Gecko
Club on Thursday April 6th. Jeff
Neilson of Canada Wide Magazine and
Rich Unwin from Barlow Media Group
(11) Intrawest’s Sheila Mohamed
and Vancouver’s number one
socialite, SSID President Raj Taneja
(12) Stephen Young, from JRFM
seen here with Michael Cunniham,
president of PacRim group joined the
lovely Vivian Sun of TBWA and Alicia
Choi from M Channel <<<
10
11
12
13
14
Century Restaurant and Bar’s Grand Opening party
(13) It was a night to remember as hundreds of Vancouver’s finest came out to celebrate the grand opening of Century
Restaurant and Bar. Century, originally a bank is a historic building located downtown Vancouver. MINI’s Operation
manager Chella Levesque and PR gal Tiffany Soper (14) Bartender Simon Kaulback (15) Dale McCarty (KVOS), Brady
Dahmer from Dhamer Design and Social Empire’s Frances Hui <<<
15
VISITING
STARS
(16). Karim is pictured here with
Richard Klein (best known as Larry
from Three’s Company) (17). Jazzy
Jeff (best known for acting and
singing on the Fresh Prince of Bel
Air) with Gwen Webster <<<
1
16
17
2
www.thevlist.com | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | 33
COMMUNITY
Story by Gwen Webster
YPAC: MAKING
COMMUNITY COUNT
Whether they are creating activities for youth, watching over our neighbourhoods
or educating students about drugs, The West Vancouver police play an
important role in our community.
The West Vancouver Youth Police Advisory Committee (YPAC), an 11-person
team that includes both officers and high school students, creates resourceful
activities for youth in a safe environment. YPAC recently hosted their second
annual Family Carnival in West Vancouver. The carnival accommodated
thousands of people all seeking the enjoyment of thrill rides, novelty games
and delicious carnival concession. Throughout the year, the 11-person
committee plans events such as the Battle of the Bands, open air movie
nights, and graffiti competitions.
West Vancouver police are involved with Block Watch, a crime prevention
program that draws on members of the community for help in preventing
and reducing neighbourhood crime. A partnership between the police and
area residents, Block Watch is a neighbour-helping-neighbour program that
teaches citizens to secure their property, to be aware of their surroundings
and to report any suspicious activities to police. Block Watch has since
expanded across North America to become one of the largest community
crime prevention programs.
The West Vancouver police do far more
than “serve and protect” – they also
empower individuals, old and young, to
stop crime before it ever happens.
34 | THE V LIST | SPRING 06 | www.thevlist.com
Another program, D.A.R.E., was devised out of the necessity for factual
information to be presented to school-age children about the harmful effects of
drug abuse. In 1995, the West Vancouver Police Department, in cooperation
with School District #45 and the private schools, implemented D.A.R.E into the
community; to this day, they provide vital life skills to children. Currently, four
constables and a sergeant are delivering the program to students within the
West Vancouver School District. The program consists of three components:
one each for elementary school, middle school and high school.
As you can see, the West Vancouver police do far more than “serve and
protect” – they also empower individuals, old and young, to stop crime before
it ever happens.<<<