Category: Media Release

  • Average Rents in Canada Reach A Record High

    Hi,

    Please find the latest press release regarding Rentals.ca and Urbanation’s newest National Rent Report

    The National Rent Report charts and analyzes monthly, quarterly and annual rates and trends in the rental market on a national, provincial, and municipal level.

    Please review the release and report to see if there is anything that sparks your interest in potential housing, renting or real estate stories. 

    Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to contact me at any time.

    Thank you. 

    Vancouver once again tops the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent. In August average monthly rent in the city for a one-bedroom home was $2,988, and average monthly rent for a two-bedroom was $3,879.  

    Year over year, average monthly rent in August for a one-bedroom in Vancouver was up 13.1 per cent and up 9.5 per cent for a two-bedroom. Month over month, average rent in August for a one-bedroom home in Vancouver was down 0.8 per cent and reduced 1 per cent for a two-bedroom. 

    Burnaby finished third on the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent in August for a one-bedroom home at $2,555 and for average rent for a two-bedroom home at $3,433. 

    Year over year, average monthly rent in August for a one-bedroom in Burnaby was up 12.9 per cent and up 23.5 per cent for a two-bedroom.

    Victoria came in 11th on the list for average monthly rent in August for a one-bedroom at $2,080 and $2,883 for a two-bedroom. 

    Surrey finished 15th on the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent in August for a one-bedroom at $1,962 and for average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,550. 

    Year over year, average monthly rent in August for a one-bedroom in Surrey was up 11.2 per cent and up 15.7 per cent for a two-bedroom.

    Asking Rents Increase by Over $100 in Three Months

    Average asking rents in Canada reached a new record high of $2,117 in August, with a monthly increase of 1.8% and an annual growth rate of 9.6% according to the Rentals.ca and Urbanation latest National Rent Report.* 

    Over the past three months, spanning from May to August, the Canadian rental market experienced a 5.1% increase in asking rents, equivalent to a monthly rent increase of $103. 

    “Unlike in the U.S., rent inflation in Canada has failed to cool down despite rental completions having reached their highest level in decades” said Shaun Hildebrand, president of Urbanation. “This is illustrative of the severe rental housing shortage across the country and the magnitude of the impact on rental demand as the population expands by a record pace.” 

    While Calgary maintained its position as the leader in rent growth among Canada’s largest cities, recording a 17.3% year-over-year increase to an average of $2,068 for purpose-built and condominium apartments, Montreal closely followed with annual growth of 16.4%, marking the first time asking rents surpassed $2,000 at $2,001. Toronto and Vancouver, the country’s most expensive cities, posted below-average annual rent increases of 8.7% and 7.3%, respectively, reaching average monthly costs of $2,898 (Toronto) and $3,316 (Vancouver). Notably, average rents in Vancouver decreased by 0.7% on a monthly basis.

    Annual increases were also observed in mida-sized markets, including Brampton (ON) at 21.6% to an average of $2,713; New Westminster (BC) at 17.8% to an average of $2,511; and Côte Saint-Luc (QC) at 16.4% to an average of $2,271. In Alberta, the fastest growth in mid-sized markets occurred in Grande Prairie and Lethbridge, both at 9.3%, with average rents of $1,169 and $1,276, respectively. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Regina led with an annual growth rate of 10.9%, while Winnipeg posted an annual increase of 8.3%.

    Studio apartments recorded the most significant month-over-month rent increase, increasing by 2.4% to an average of $1,480. One-bedroom units led the year-over-year growth at 14.8%, averaging $1,880 per month. Meanwhile, two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom units commanded average asking rents of $2,233 and $2,448, respectively, marking annual increases of 12.3% and 10.6%.

    Rents for shared accommodations, such as roommate arrangements, continued to rise. In Quebec, average asking rents for shared units grew by 24.0% annually to $888 per month, followed by Alberta with 20.5% annual growth to an average of $851. In British Columbia, average asking rents for shared accommodations increased by 17.7% annually to $1,150 per month, while roommate rents in Ontario grew by a more moderate annual pace of 7.5% to an average of $1,040.

    The National Rent Report charts and analyzes monthly, quarterly and annual rates and trends in the rental market on national, provincial, and municipal levels across all listings on the Rentals.ca Network for Canada. The data from the digital rental platform Rentfaster.ca is incorporated into this report. 

    Rentals.ca Network data is analyzed and the report written by Urbanation, a Toronto-based real estate research firm providing in-depth market analysis and consulting services since 1981. 

    *The data includes single-detached homes, semi-detached homes, townhouses, condominium apartments, rental apartments and basement apartments (outlier listings are removed, as are single-room rentals.) 

  • Shambhala Music Festival
    Shambhala drops trailer for their 25th Annual Shambhala Music Festival

    Tickets for next year’s Shambhala go on sale September 15, 12 pm PDTTuesday, September 12 – Nelson, B.C.

    Shambhala Music Festival, Canada’s longest-running dance music festival, is celebrating 25 years of music, art and culture at the Salmo River Ranch. To celebrate this milestone achievement, they have released the official Shambhala 2024 Trailer.

    The 25th Annual Shambhala Music Festival will run from July 26-29th, 2024 in Salmo BC. The event is already 30% sold out from on-site sales at this year’s festival, and the remaining tickets go on sale on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 12 pm PDT.

    Shambhala presented a stacked lineup in 2023, featuring GRiZRL GrimeZeds DeadJohn SummitMaya Jane ColesNicole Moudaber, and Gigantic NGHTMRE, to name a few. Guests are being asked to prepare for the biggest lineup the festival has seen yet for 2024.

    “I can’t believe we are coming up on 25 years of Shambhala, we’re really in a whole different league from where we started. We are so excited about what is in the works for next year, you’re going to have to come to find out.” – Jimmy Bundschuh, Festival Founder.

    Tickets for the 25th Annual Shambhala Music Festival are expected to move quickly due to high demand from festival goers. Early Bird Tickets are listed at $525 CAD, with General Admission Tickets listed at $549 CAD.

    Visit the Shambhala Music Festival Website for more information, and RSVP to the Facebook Event for frequent social media updates.

    For our esteemed members of the press and media, we’ve included an exclusive Press Album here from the latest 2023 festival.
    Shambhala began in 1998 as a grassroots gathering of 500 people on founder Jimmy Bundschuh’s family-run farm in Salmo, British Columbia. They have challenged the traditional festival model by not accepting any corporate sponsorship and not allowing alcohol. They also have an industry-leading approach to harm reduction.

    Today, Shambhala Music Festival is still Canada’s longest-running electronic dance music festival after 25 years of operation. The independently-run music festival takes place annually. Each year, festival-goers have the chance to experience the best of what nature has to offer throughout four blissful days while witnessing hundreds of world-class artists across six unique stages, each curated and run by their own Stage Directors.

    Billboard has called it, ‘the northern stronghold of the West Coast transformational festival circuit.’

    Rolling Stone has listed it among ‘the seven most transformational music festivals on earth.’

    DJ Mag named it the ‘Best Music Festival in North America’ in 2019.

    CBC has called it, ‘an enduring piece of the live music scene in British Columbia.’
    Get ready for the 25th Annual Shambhala Music Festival.Event Assets:Previous Lineups | Press Kit | Facebook Event | 2024 TrailerStay Connected:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | Tik TokExplore Tickets & LodgingTicket InfoLodging FAQs
  •  The Nelson Italian Canadian Society

    A Meal Without Wine is Called Breakfast,  The Nelson Italian Canadian Society organizes their annual Wine Grape & Juice Fundraiser

    Fall is here again and with it comes the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also a time of
    great anticipation for winemakers as they patiently await the arrival of this year’s harvest.
    If you savour sharing a nice glass of wine during a meal with family and friends and are
    interested in making your own wine, then the Nelson Italian Canadian Society can help you
    source out wine grapes and juice from California.


    Over the past three years this annual community fundraiser has brought a semi trailer full of
    grapes and juice from California directly to Nelson for distribution to winemakers stretching
    from Grand Forks to Cranbrook.


    Proceeds from this event have gone back into the community to support a variety of local
    causes.


    Orders of wine grapes and wine juice will be taken on a first come first served basis. Don’t miss
    out!


    If you are interested in placing an order, please provide the following information:

    • Your name & phone number
    • What you wish to order: GRAPES, JUICE or BOTH
    • How many cases of grapes or pails/barrels of juice
    • What varieties you would like to order

    • For more details, or to place an order, contact the Nelson Italian Canadian Society via email at
      nelsonitaliancanadiansociety@gmail.com or phone Paul at 250-505-6482.
  • Breast Cancer Canada
    Greetings!

    In a united effort to end breast cancer, Breast Cancer Canada is calling on Canadians to join our annual nationwide ‘Raise More Challenge.’

    The Raise More Challenge invites individuals, businesses, schools and groups from across Canada to join and raise funds for breast cancer research. The Raise More Challenge runs through the end of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

    Participants can organize a wide range of fundraising activities, whether it be community gatherings, virtual events, engaging colleagues, or embarking on personal challenges. The flexible “Create Your Own Fundraiser” model allows individuals and groups to tailor their efforts to their unique skills, interests and resources, all with the collective goal of raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research. To participate in the campaign, individuals and groups can register their fundraising goals at KnowMoreRaiseMore.ca to get started. 

    GET STARTED TODAY!

    “We believe that every contribution, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to finding better treatments, improved early detection methods, and ultimately, ending breast cancer,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “By launching the Raise More Challenge, we are creating a wave of support that will help us accelerate the tremendous progress made possible by breast cancer research.”
    Kristine Dustin and her ‘Harness The Hope’ team-mates have already raised over $10,000 so far in the Raise More Challenge. If there’s one thing no mother wants to share with her daughter, it’s breast cancer. However, it’s the unimaginable reality for Kristine Dustin and her mother, Doreen Dustin. These mother-daughter survivors have turned their adversity into a mission to support breast cancer research.  “Breast cancer research saved my life – and my mother’s life twice,” said Kristine Dustin. “That’s why we choose to give to Breast Cancer Canada. This October, we encourage Canadians to join the Raise More Challenge and make a donation to fund life-saving breast cancer research.”

    Long-standing Breast Cancer Canada partner, Expedia Cruises™ is awarding the top individual fundraiser with an all-inclusive cruise for two to Alaska, Mexico or the Caribbean in an oceanview stateroom. The top individual or team fundraiser will also have a donation made in their name to their local cancer center (1st: $5,000, 2nd: $2,500, 3rd: $1,000). In order to qualify for top fundraising prizes, funds must be received before the November 30, 2023 deadline.

    More details can be found in thecontest rules and regulations.

    Breast Cancer Canada’s ‘Raise More Challenge’ is a powerful demonstration of unity and compassion, rallying Canadians from coast to coast in support of progress. By harnessing the nation’s collective energy, the campaign aims to drive more crucial research forward.To register for the Raise More Challenge, please visit KnowMoreRaiseMore.ca.

      Learn more about our research at breastcancerprogress.ca
    Stay connected with us on our social channels:
    We invite you to keep in touch with us. We look forward to sharing more stories, research and progress with you!       * NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to age of majority residents of Canada. Starts July 31, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. ET and ends November 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 1 x first place individual prize available, consisting of an all-inclusive 7-day cruise for 2 (up to a maximum value of $5,000 CAD). First place individual prize does not include airfare or other transportation to/from the applicable cruise departure point; winner must be 21 years of age or older. 3 x team or individual prizes available, each consisting of a sponsor donation to winner’s selected local cancer treatment centre (donation values range from $1,000 CAD to $5,000 CAD). Odds depend on the number of, and number of eligible entries received by, individuals and teams in the Contest. Math skill-testing question required. Full rules and entry details at KnowMoreRaiseMore.ca.
    Breast Cancer Canada | 415 Exmouth Street, Unit # 101, Sarnia, N7T 8A4 Canada http://breastcancerprogress.caUnsubscribe info@ilovenelson.comUpdate Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data NoticeSent by hello@breastcancerprogress.ca powered byTry email marketing for free today!
  • West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

    Several ways to win and share your thoughts!

    View this email in your browser
    September 2023Artist credit: Hayley Stewart
    NEWS
    ARTISTIC FOLKS: TAKE THE CHALLENGE!
    Here’s a unique way to challenge your creativity and skills—and you could win $1,000! The Basin Food & Buyer Expo is putting out a call to artists on the subject of food packaging. Let your imagination soar! READ MORE
    SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS!
    As we build our practices and seek to connect, digital technologies have become more relevant to our work. Fill out our survey to let us know about your digital technology needs and priorities. You could win a $150 Gift Card to Save-On-Foods! READ MORE

    ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE INCLUDED IN TRUST DRAFT PLAN
    Columbia Basin Trust’s newest Columbia Basin Management Plan includes art, culture and heritage. Review the plan and complete the survey by Sept. 20, 2023. Let’s thank the Trust for naming us as a core component of strong communities! READ MORE

    JOIN US FOR THE WKRAC AGM
    We enthusiastically invite you to join us at our 2023 AGM, to be held via Zoom on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at noon Pacific / 1 p.m. Eastern. We look forward to reflecting on the year, sharing learnings from our Kootenay Art Connect events and hearing from member organizations (so become a member now!). READ MORE

    KOOTENAY ARTS & CULTURE HAS ITS SAY IN BC BUDGET CONSULTATION
    The British Columbia government received recommendations for its next provincial budget, including how it should approach arts and culture. Thank you to all the Kootenay-based arts and culture organizations that took part! READ MORE

    READ MORE NEWS STORIES HERE
    FEATURE STORYG-RATED: PUBERTY, SEX-ED AND A CAST OF PUPPETS
    Whether it was your parents perching at the end of your bed to talk about the birds and the bees, or your teacher pouring coloured water on a feminine hygiene product, no one really wants to remember sex-ed, let alone teach it—and yet these wide-eyed, brightly coloured puppets have a knack for handling uncomfortable situations. READ MORE

    READ MORE STORIES HERESELECT EVENTS IN THE REGIONED FESTA celebration of creativity and expression that features a variety of performances, workshops and activities for all ages. (Cranbrook) READ MORE

    HILLS GARLIC FESTIVALAn annual event with 160 vendors (garlic and other farm produce, crafts, tasty treats), music and food. (New Denver) READ MORE

    ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN LIT FESTJoin the festival for readings, craft talks, panels, workshops, blue-pencil sessions and more with your favourite writers from near and far. (Nelson)READ MORE

    RAILWAY DAYTrains! Trains! Trains! The Revelstoke Railway Museum’s hallmark family-friendly event features live entertainment, family games and activities, special demonstrations and more. (Revelstoke) READ MORE

    SUBMIT A LISTINGDo you have an arts, culture or heritage event you’d like to tell everyone in the Kootenays and north to Valemount about? Submit your item now! READ MORE

    SEE ALL EVENT LISTINGS HEREThank you to our funders:

    Our mailing address is:
    West Kootenay Regional Arts CouncilPO Box 103Nelson, BC V1L 5P7CanadaAdd us to your address book
    250-352-2421 / admin@wkartscouncil.com
  • FRANC OUEST SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR SEASON 2

    Nelson, BC, July 5, 2023 – Following the success of the first season, the West
    Kootenay Francophone Association (AFKO) is launching the new season of its podcast:
    Franc Ouest.


    The series consists of eight audio episodes and a short film dedicated to the fascinating
    Francophone women of the West Kootenays. Sport, the outdoors and femininity in the
    West Kootenays territory will serve as guidelines for this new season.


    The team of Franco-Ontarian producer Patrick Lac is putting out a call to the public:
    Which inspiring, athletic Francophone women should we interview?


    From Revelstoke to Nelson, via Creston, Rossland, Kaslo, etc… you can help the team
    in its search for sports personalities in skiing, biking, climbing, water sports – in short,
    anything to do with the outdoors. Send your suggestions to balado@afko.ca or via
    Facebook and Instagram to @francouest.


    A look back at Season 1: Francophonie sauvage
    The 19 episodes of Franc Ouest’s first season, “Francophonie sauvage”, are available to
    listen to in their entirety on Apple Podcast, Spotify, WebOuest and AFKO.ca.
    Franc Ouest not only showcases the French-speaking world, but also diversity; gender
    diversity, extreme sports, racialized people and youth entrepreneurship are just some of
    the hot topics covered in Francophonie sauvage.


    The guests of host Patrick Lac share their experiences and stories. The first season
    features inspiring guests such as :
    ● Mia Noblet, world slackline champion
    ● Alex Pilon, aka drag queen Johnny Poutina, Nelson’s LGBTQ+ ambassador
    ● Stéphanie Gauvin, renowned Rossland painter
    ● Sonia Ratté, entrepreneurial chef of Revelstoke’s La Baguette bakery


    About AFKO
    Located in the heart of the Queen City of the Kootenays, AFKO has been promoting the
    French language in the region since 1986 through a variety of socio-cultural, community
    and educational services and activities.

    Source : Patrick Lac
    Coordinateur balado
    Podcast coordinator
    Cell: 514-903-4876
    AFKO: 250.352.3516
    balado@afko.ca