NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2010PREM0070-000325
March 26, 2010
Office of the Premier
BC Pavilion Corporation

BC PLACE COMPLEX TO CREATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS
VANCOUVER – A new 680,000 square foot entertainment complex attached to BC Place will
create more than 8,500 direct and indirect jobs during construction and ongoing operation,
increase tourism and build a more vibrant downtown, announced Premier Gordon Campbell and
David Podmore, chair of BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo).

PavCo, the Crown corporation that manages BC Place, confirmed today a 70-year lease
agreement with Paragon Development Ltd. for two acres of the BC Place west side lands – the
result of a competitive bidding process that attracted multiple proposals. The $450-million
proposed project will feature two new internationally-branded hotels and a new gaming facility,
subject to municipal approval.

“This project will create literally thousands of jobs and be an important generator of
tourism and economic activity for Vancouver and the entire province,” said Premier Campbell.
“During the Olympic Winter Games the streets of Vancouver were alive with the Olympic spirit
– and we hope this entertainment complex will help recapture some of that excitement.”
The project is expected to create an estimated total employment of more than 3,200 direct
and 2,200 indirect jobs during construction and an estimated total employment of more than
1,900 direct and 1,300 indirect jobs during facility operations. The facility is expected to
generate up to $130 million in gaming revenues that will be distributed to the Province in the
first full year. Pending City of Vancouver approval, Edgewater Casino will be relocated as part
of the rezoning process.

“This unique development will further enhance the new BC Place as a world-class
facility.” said Podmore. “In addition to gaming revenues for both the Province and the city, this
complex brings additional economic benefits in both tourism and event opportunities.”
“Together with the incredible changes being made at BC Place, this iconic venue will
draw visitors and residents to enjoy an entertainment destination unique to Canadian cities,” said
Scott Menke, president, Paragon Development. “The business case was evident to us, and we’re
looking forward to working closely with PavCo and BC Place in redefining Vancouver’s
entertainment epicentre.”

Pending the rezoning application to the City of Vancouver, construction is planned to
begin in early 2011 and be completed in mid-2013. Events will continue to be held during
construction.

The $6-million per year (plus inflation) in lease revenue from the development will, together with other development, sponsorship and new event revenues, help to defray the cost of the retractable roof at BC Place. In October 2009, the Province and PavCo announced a $458-million fixed-price contract between PavCo and PCL Constructors Canada Inc for a new retractable roof. Beginning in April 2010, BC Place will undergo a major revitalization with the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. The new roof will cut energy costs by one-quarter, $350,000 annually and a further $100,000 annually will be saved through operational savings. The roof project will create approximately 3,000 person-years of employment, attract an additional 41 event days to Vancouver annually and increase the annual economic impact of the stadium from $60 million to $100 million in economic activity every single year. It will also extend the life of BC Place for an additional 40 years. BC Place is the largest sports, exhibition and entertainment venue of its kind in British Columbia, hosting the province’s most notable events, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Upon re-opening in 2011, BC Place will be the new home for the Vancouver MLS franchise, will continue to be home to the BC Lions Football Club, the 2011 Grey Cup and many other exhibitions, community and entertainment events. Paragon Development Ltd. is one of North America’s leading destination resort developers, with special emphasis on gaming-based destinations. Paragon currently operates casinos in Western Canada including River Cree Resort outside of Edmonton, Alberta, and purchased Edgewater Casino on Vancouver’s False Creek waterfront in 2006. That casino will be closed once the new development is ready for occupation.

Media contacts: Dale Steeves Director of Communications Office of the Premier 250 387-1715
Trevor Pancoust BC Place 604 646-3567
Sherri-Lyn Brown Aerial Communications Group for Paragon Development Ltd. 416 787-6577 416 371-7765 (cell)
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

Leonardo’s group of drawings, referred to as the Anatomical Manuscript A, concentrates on the structures of the body and the movements of musculature. Shown for the first time as a complete group in this exhibition, Manuscript A encompasses thirty-four of Leonardo’s pen and ink anatomical drawings on eighteen sheets of paper, rendered during the winter of 1510-1511. Included are the first known accurate depictions of the spinal column and two magisterial sheets depicting the musculature of the lower legs and feet. The works are graciously loaned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from The Royal Collection, Windsor.

Exhibition will be open until May 2, 2010

You can visit the gallery any day of the week from 10am to 5 pm, Tuesdays until 9 pm. Located at 750 Hornby St. at the corner of Robson and Hornby, if you are in Yaletown, it is about 15 minute walk or you can take the sky train to City Centre Station. Admission prices: Adult $19.50. Senior $14. Student $13. Children (5-12) $7. Children (under 4) Free. Family (maximum 2 adults and 2 children) $50. Members Free.

Vancouver Art Gallery website

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s hip Yaletown district, Charlie’s Restaurant & Bar is Vancouver’s newest hot spot for gourmet artisan pizza. Live DJs provide a sexy electronic soundtrack as modern Italian fare (made with the freshest seasonal ingredients) is served up alongside creative cocktails and fine wines.

Today is the official opening day from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Charlie’s Restaurant & Bar is located at 1265 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K3.

Phone: 604-568-6685.

Web: www.charlielovespizza.com

Email: info@charlielovespizza.com

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - It could happen here. The City of Seattle is looking at allowing cafes to set up in urban alleys and folks we chatted with would like to see them too.  A design competition in Seattle would see nice little bistros set up in an alley in Pioneer Square and there's talk of expanding the idea throughout the city.

News1130 hit the streets to see what you thought and people we talked in Yaletown believe the alleys there and in Gastown would make a delightful place to gather over coffee, especially on a nice day. This woman agrees.  "Yeah, absolutely, why not?   Do you think it would make Vancouver a friendlier place?  I would say so.  It's a pretty friendly city as it is but that would add to it, absolutely." 

People in Seattle say they love the idea and think it would make the city more vibrant, which would in turn attract more tourists, especially with summer on the horizon. In San Francisco, Maiden Lane off of Union Square allows delivery trucks in the morning but is packed with cafe's during the day and evenings.

Charles Gauthier from the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association says the idea could work here. He points out though, the city would have to get rid of all the dumpsters that dominate our alleys.  "A couple of individual businesses have gotten rid of their dumpsters and have replaced them with totes that are picked up when required."

Gauthier adds alley way cafes would give the city a new source of revenue because businesses have to pay for city property they use, like sidewalks.  He says getting rid of dumpsters could also allow parking in alleys the city could charge for.

Walt Judas with Tourism Vancouver says they would welcome the idea.  "During the Games when Granville Street and Robson Street closed to vehicle traffic it created a terrific atmosphere that pedestrians enjoy.  So, converting alley's may have a similar impact."  Judas adds the downtown core could be suited to this if the right conditions are met.

At the 3rd annual Spring Living Fair, you’ll find a refreshing mix of local, sustainable and eco-friendly exhibitors who have devoted their lives to making your decision to live ethically, a little easier. Mark your calendars for April 25, 2010. Your welcome to join us and 60 exhibitors from throughout our community at the Yaletown Roundhouse Community Center. Check out our website: www.springlivingfair.ca

Time 10 am to 5 pm.

This sculpture is part o the Vancouver Biennale which is a bi-annual public art exhibition that brings sculptures, new media and performance works by celebrated and emerging international artist to Vancouver are public parks, beaches and urban plazas, transforming the city into an open-air museum. The exhibition promises a diverse mix of interesting and important works of contemporary art, from the spectacular to the curious, to the thought provoking and playful, all completely free of charge for the entire community to enjoy throughout the seasons.

The title of this art work is Eros Bendato Scripolato, by Igor Mitoraj’s, it is based on classical sculpture. Dimensions: 2.25m high, 2.9m long, 1.37m wide. Weight: 2,000 kg. Material: Bronze.

For more information regarding the Biennale: http://www.vancouverbiennale.com/

Social Media Revolution: Is social media a fad?
Or is it the biggest shift since the Industrial Revolution? This video details out social media facts and figures that are hard to ignore. This video is produced by the author of Socialnomics.

If you were at the Olympics, you know what the sound of a medal sounds like, if you weren’t here during the  games, have a look.

In summary, talk with your realtor about buying a home ASAP.  Make sure you get a ‘live mortgage commitment’ dated before April 19^th 2010.  The new imposed rules will affect how much you are qualified for.

1. 20% minimum down payment for rental properties (used to be 5%)

2. Maximum refinancing reduced from 95% loan to value (LTV) to 90% LTV

3. Use greater of Bank of Canada 5 year ‘posted rate’ to qualify variable mortgages and 1-4 year fixed term mortgages, resulting much less approved loan amount with the same income

4. Use 50% add back on rental income, instead of 80% offset, resulting a huge difference for Vancouver buyers with basement suite as mortgage helper, or investors owning multiple properties

OTHER CMHC CHANGES FOR SELF-EMPLOYED.

5. Effective April 9^th 2010, 100% commissioned individuals (realtors, financial planners, insurance broker, etc) will have to ‘income qualify’ the purchase using *¹ NOA Line 150 net income, instead of ‘stated income’ available for corporate or business owners.

6. Effective April 9^th 2010, CMHC will only consider business owners with < 3 years in business to be eligible to use ‘stated income’ program.  In other words, if you are self-employed for over 3 years in the same field, CMHC will calculate the loan amount based on NOA line 150 reported net income, instead of ‘stated income. *¹ NOA – Notice of Assessment

For more information you can contact Christine Chien at 604-636-1766 or by email at  

cchien@mortgagegrp.com

Bubble Lounge at OPUS Bar, 350 Davie St. in Yaletown.

Every Friday 5-9pm, Starting March 12, 2010.

Bubbly cocktails starting at $7, 1 1/2 dozen fresh Oysters $10.

Start to unwind while sipping bubble infused cocktails and nibbling on delectable O-bites, with the stylish decor and glow wall serving as the perfect backdrop to set the mood! Wink wink.

On Saturday March 6, 2010 I made it into the West Coast Home section of the Vancouver Sun, here is the article :)

Price beats Drummond Drive property's assessed value by more than $900,000

Vancouver

4818 Fannin

Type: 4-bed, 6-bath detached, 4,800 sq. ft.

B.C. Assessment, July 2009: $5.205 million

Listed for: $6.28 million

Sold for: $6.128 million

Sold on: Jan. 26

Days on market: 11

Listing agent: Bryan Yan at Regent Park Realty Inc.

Buyers agent: Manuel (Manny) Riebeling at Royal Pacific Realty Corp. (now with Sutton West Coast)

The big sell: A resort in itself. This exclusive .85-acre estate sits on a coveted corner lot at Drummond Drive and Fannin Avenue in west Point Grey and features enviable highlights: a tennis court, a putting green, a detached indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. The residence boasts a designer interior with the full bells and whistles and there's a separate coach house (perhaps less for a mortgage-helper, and more for the nanny?).

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/million+buys+Point+Grey+estate/2649606/story.html

March 1, 2010

Dear David Lam Park Neighbours,

I wanted to write to thank you for your enthusiasm and patience as the City hosted LiveCity Yaletown at David Lam Park during the recent 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Clearly the LiceCity site was a huge hit with residents and visitors alike. Marked as “the place to be” during the games, LiveCity Yaletown drew record audiences over the 17 days of the Games. Since the evening of February 11^th when the torch arrived at the site to the Closing Ceremony, more than half a million people visited the two sites including 9,516 students who attended our LiveCity Education Program.

We were also able to welcome business leaders from around the world to Vancouver House at LiveCity Yaletown where we showcased our “Green Capital” economic development strategy. Many of our international guests also commented on the dynamism and liveability of the Yaletown neighbourhood.

The process to return the site to parkland began immediately after the Closing Ceremony February 28^th. Over the coming days., the pavilions and stage will be dissembled and the tents and trailers will move off site. Over the coming weeks, the ground covering and will be removed and repurposed, repairs completed and the field re-sodded and protected with fencing so that it can grow once again to a green park. You will continue to see some fencing so that it can grow once again to a green park. You will continue to see some fencing in the park after the summer as B.C. Transmission Corporation (BCTC) continues the underground work they started last summer.

As part of the City’s remediation work there will be a number of infrastructure legacies left in the park that will improve the health of the playing field grass and the park’s capability to host events in the future.

We recognize that there have been impacts on our neighbours and on behalf of city Council, please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation for your support and patience. This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our city. Your generosity has allowed our city to shine.

With thanks,

Thank you Yaletown!

MAYOR

Sincerely,

Greg Robertson

Now more than ever, your success in buying or selling a luxury home depends upon choosing a real estate professional with the right skills. The institute for Luxury Home Marketing is a membership organization for real estate agents who specialize in the luxury home market. As an active member, your agent has access to valuable training and special resources that other real estate agents do not have.

RIEBELING ATTENDS SPECIAL TRAINING,BUILDS EXPERTISE IN LUXURY HOME MARKET

March 4, 2010 -- Manny Riebeling with Sutton Group West Coast Realty recently completed a luxury home marketing training course offered by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.

The course -- which covered such topics as demographics of the affluent, lifestyle segmentation, trends and amenities in today’s luxury homes, and creating a marketing plan for the multimillion dollar property – was developed by Laurie Moore-Moore, Founder of the Dallas-based Institute and author of the book, Rich Buyer, Rich Seller! The Real Estate Agents’ Guide to Marketing Luxury Homes.

“The course is a step towards earning the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation which the Institute awards internationally to sales professionals who meet performance standards in the upper-tier residential market,” said Moore-Moore. Manny Riebeling is an example of a sales associate who works to hone the special skills and competencies necessary to provide exceptional service in the fine homes and estates marketplace.”

Riebeling specializes in Condos for the neighborhoods of Yaletown/False Creek North/Marinaside in Downtown Vancouver.

“The training provided new insight about the upper-tier market, helped me polish my skills, and provided valuable networking contacts with other agents across the country who specialize in luxury properties,” said Riebeling. “In addition, I discovered new and creative tools for promoting luxury homes and estates and new resources for finding buyer prospects. Home buyers and sellers will benefit from my new knowledge.”

“Riebeling is now a member of The Institute and will be awarded the designation once performance standards have been submitted and reviewed,” said Moore-Moore. We look forward to having HIM on our prestigious list of Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists.”

For current information on the luxury market, contact Manny at Sutton West Coast Realty 604-728-9510 or email info@propertiesbymanny.com .

1. All borrowers must meet the standard for a five-year fixed rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term; 2. The maximum loan to value will be reduced to 90% from the current 95% on refinances of existing owner occupied homes; 3. Non-owner occupied properties will require a minimum down payment of 20%.

There were no changes announced to the down payment requirement or length of amortizations for owner-occupied residences.  We expect full implementation of the changes by April 19^th, 2010 and will also communicate the transitional rules once they are finalized.

Back in August of 2008 Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov put the French mansion Villa Leopolda under contract for a record $750 million.  In March of last year he tried to back out of the deal and wanted his $50 million (€40 million) deposit back. 

Yesterday the courts ruled in favour of the owner Lilly Safra, who can not only keep the €40 million but was also awarded damages of €1.5 million.

So the Olympic Games are over, sure I’m going to miss them. Yaletown looks very empty after the 17 days of the games. If you didn’t have time to go to the pavilions and attractions during the games, you’ll be able to go to some of them during the Paralympics Games, for sure there will be shorter line-ups. Some of the attractions that will re-open for part of the Paralympics are:

1-Zip line at Robson square (which saw up to eight hour waits)

2-Canada Pavilion at Live City Downtown, located at the corner of Georgia and Cambie.

3-Royal Canadian Mint Pavilion at a new location to be announced.

4-Manitoba House, located at the corner of Georgia and Cambie.

5-Northern House at 602 West Hastings, currently open.

6-Olympic flame area at Jack Poole Plaza will open after the flame is re-lit March 12. It will stay open until March 21.

7-Whistler Live is also slated to re-open, including the medal plaza, village square and skiers’ plaza, where shows will run throughout the day during the Paralympics.

8-Bombardier Streetcar will be operating until March 21^st.

9-BC Pavilion located at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

10- BC Hydro Power Smart Village, still open until March 21^st. Located at 333 Dunsmuir St.