CCCTA summit and agm PAGE A3
Art inspired by horses PAGE A13
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
VOL. 102 NO. 14
www.quesnelobserver.com
bcra present awards PAGE A18
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Scarey
scarecrows West Quesnel Business Association held a scarecrow-building event Sunday in Baker Creek Park. The completed scarecrows are on display in West Park Mall. For more photos see Friday’s Observer. Autumn MacDonald photos
Quesnel real estate prices remain strong AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter Despite some economic uncertainty, the Gold Pan’s real estate numbers remain strong. By the end of September, 224 properties worth $43 million sold through MLS compared to 216 properties worth $42 million to the end of the third quarter of 2014. Half of the 101 single family homes sold so far this year, sold for less than $203,000 and took, on average, 87 days to sell. Also changing hands this year were 26 parcels of vacant land, 55 homes on acreage, seven manufactured homes in parks and 17 manu-
factured homes on land. At the end of September there were 297 properties of all types available for purchase through the MLS. “Given the slump in energy prices and overall economic lull, it is reassuring to see the overall numbers for the British Columbia Northern Real Estate Board (BCNREB) are holding strong,” BCNREB vice-president William Lacy said. “Certain areas have been hit harder, but other areas are showing increases in prices and overall activity to create a balanced result through the third quarter of the year. “With predicted increases
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in global activity, and growth predicted for B.C. in the coming quarter, we are looking for a solid close to the year and for increases to resume throughout next year. “Also, with potential boosts to the northern markets via large energy projects, this may be an opportunity to take advantage before the next upswing in the market.” In comparison, Williams Lake saw 293 properties totalling $62 million to the end of September compared to 317 properties worth $74.8 million last year. 100 Mile House saw 289 properties worth $68.4 million have changed hands,
compared to 270 properties worth $56.9 million to the end of September in 2014. In the City of Prince George, to the end of September, 1,127 properties worth $291.7 million changed hands, compared with 1,157 properties worth $281.6 million last year. “The Quesnel area is always an attractive destination because of the wonderful quality of life offered in comparison to the prices of real estate,” Lacy said. “Unfortunately, there will be ups and downs in the market prices, but owning your own home always makes sense in the long run.”
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber K. Battram! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
Cariboo-Prince George riding elects Conservative Cariboo-Prince George voters elected Conservative representation with Todd Doherty taking 36 per cent of the vote, or 19,418 votes. Liberal candidate Tracy Calogheros was second with 32 per cent of the vote, or 16,822 votes. Trent Derrick of the NDP was third with 26 per cent of the vote, or 13,806 votes. Richard Edward Jaques with the Green Party with three per cent of the vote, or 1,845 votes. Sheldon Clare as an Independent took one per cent with 656 votes, non-party affiliated candidate Gordon Campbell with one per cent, or 399 votes and Adam De Kroon of the Christian Heritage Party with one per cent or 325 votes. For more election coverage see Friday’s Observer.
2015 Business Excellence Awards
Saturday, October 24th, 2015
Quesnel Seniors Centre Tickets available at the Quesnel Visitor Centre $50.00/each