Wine country in the BC Okanagan Valley holds a special place in my heart. Not only is it the Disneyland for wine lovers, it is also the place where Tara and I met and began our amazing story. As the chapters unfold, every year we return to page 1, and take 5 or 6 days reconnecting with each other and the wines we love. I'll continue to discuss the latter in this blog, as the rest is...off-limits ;)

This year, we hauled our Jayco trailer across wide open prairie, and through mountain ranges to our final destination at the the Desert Lake campground and resort (just outside of Oliver, BC). While on our holiday, we managed to hit a few golf balls, hike the Bluff trail, and visit a dozen wineries (averaging three per day...kind of like a marathon, but for winos). Old favourites like Silver Sage are now being replaced by new favorites like Covert (organic wine), Oliver Twist, and Fairview Cellars. We picked up one bottle at each stop, and now have a dozen great wines to enjoy each month until next year's trip. That's the theory, anyway...in practice we hope they last until Christmas!

The food was unreal too. Locally grown, raised, and foraged - if you've never been, you need to plan a trip to the Okanagan to see what all the fuss is about. We love the Patio at Nk'Mip Cellars, Masala Bistro at Kismet Winery, and of course, Terrafina at Hester Creek (risotta to die for!). The food is upstaged only by the stunning views and wines....maybe. 

Can't wait for the next chapter in 2018.....and another 12 wineries!

It's the Labour Day long weekend folks, and for many it might be the last weekend of the camping season. For me, and the Manitoba/Saskatchewan rivalry in this household, it's the Labour Day Classic! With Tara rooting for her Bombers (insert eye roll here) who are 7-2 on the season and my Riders sitting at 4-4, this Sasky boy will be pulling out all the cheer I can muster for the green machine!! Gametime is 2pm today. GO RIDERS!!!

Now that I live in Alberta, the Green and Gold are my team (when the Riders are not in play). The battle of Alberta happens Monday at 1:00pm between the Esks (7-2) vs Stamps (7-1). 

For these teams, the Labour day classic is a matter of pride and nothing else matters......the Labour Day Classic is the only game that matters. For the fans, its a great opportunity to ramp up community spirit. Who are you cheering for? 

The 2017 version of the Can-Am golf tournment is just around the corner. This is year 18, and i've been involved for 12 years (how time flies!). Every year, on the August long weekend, 12 Canadians do battle with 12 Americans (Ryder Cup style) for the prestigious Can-Am Cup! The tournment alternates year after year, between western Canada locations and the North/West region of the USA. This year, the battle grounds are in Victoria, British Columbia. We play four rounds of golf in 3 days, along with a horse race.   This years' tracks include Bear Mountain Resort - Mountain course, Bear Mountain Resort - Valley course, Olympic View Golf Club and Highlands Pacific!

Looking forward to the weekend battle, and expect Canada to bring home the cup! Go Canada Go!!

Fort Saskatchewan has been a relatively strong market this year. If houses are priced right, they will sell in a timely manner. Here are some numbers from the first half of 2017. To date, there have been 283 properties that have sold of which 165 were detached single family homes. The average list price of these houses was $432,546 with average sale price of $423,184. Days on market (DOM) was hovering around 57.

There have been 79 duplexes that have sold thus far in 2017, with an average list price around $330,000 and selling for an average of $323,500. Average days on market for duplexes was 98 (lots of competition drives those DOM up).

Laslty, we had 40 condo's sell in Fort Saskatchewan in the first half. Average list price of $262,000 with average sale price at $252,000. Days on market was approimately 70.

In the last 30 days, we've had 85 properties come onto the market, with 56 sales. More properties being listed than being sold. It continues to be a balanced market, with a slight shift to the buyers market as supply is more than meeting the demand.

If you have any questions about the local market, or are thinking about buying or selling, give me a call. Welcome home.

Happy birthday to the most amazing country in the world. Very proud to be Canadian, and very proud of the people that make this such a great nation!

For event details in Fort Saskatchewan today, click on the link Canada 150 in Fort Saskatchewan 

Have a safe and memorable Canada day EH!

Summer. The best season - BBQs, watermelon, corn on the cob, cold drinks on the patio... Yes, summer revolves around all things food in this house!! And we absolutely love to stock up every week at the Fort Sask Farmer's Market to support our local growers and producers, and eat the best food the region offers.

The 2017 season of the Fort Saskatchewan Farmer's Market starts June 15 and runs to September 21. The market operates behind the 99th Ave CN Train Station and is open every Thursday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm (weather permitting). With up to 70 local vendors, this is a great event with fresh produce, plants, baking, homemade crafts, international foods, and lots more. There are also food trucks, kettle corn, and other snack options so head down with the whole family for an easy dinner on hot evenings! (Except the four-legged family members - no pets are permitted in the market)

I look forward to seeing you there!!