Quarterly Newsletter, December 2007

Gabriola Real Estate Activity for Past Quarter

Market Update
There have been 17 sales and 3 conditional sales since October 1st, 2007 as compared to 19 total sales for this time last year. The median price for the fourth quarter of 2007 is $318,000 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2006 at $244,000. Total number of properties currently on the market is 80. Of these 38 are bare land and the remainder are residential. In addition there are 3 commercial properties currently listed for sale.

Island Highlights
It has been a lovely fall on our beautiful Gabriola Island with lots of activity in the community.

Here are some of the highlights:

The yearly Artist Studio Tour, well attended and easy to follow using the brochure map, offered the opportunity to view the many and varied home based studios. There has been a tremendous amount of entertainment in a variety of locations in the form of music, plays, book launches, children's CD debut, gallery openings, radio shows, poetry festivals, craft fairs and various fundraisers - just check the community newspapers to keep up on what's happening.

There is a great new and much needed gym at Twin Beaches Shopping Center. The 26 acre Gabriola Commons is receiving support from the Land Conservancy of BC to help ensure its future as a community gathering place. New stairs have been installed at Whalebone beach by the Gabriola Land and Trails Trust to allow safer access for all to a marvelous low tide beach. The Gabriola Ambulance Crew received the BCAS Provincial Recognition Award for improvement in patient care on Gabriola. Village Foods groceries is now stocking local beef, lamb, pork and chicken from Gabriola farms and offers locally grown produce in season. The Gabriola Hope Centre continues to offer programs for children of all ages including teen programs created by teens and continues to expand with the hope of opening a pre-school in January of 2008 www.gabriolahopecenter.com

And finally, to welcome in the New Year, The Silva Bay Bar and Grill is being transformed into a Las Vegas style show lounge and casino with a Vegas style buffet and live music. Or attend New Years Eve at The Surf Restaurant and enjoy a Gourmet Dinner Buffet and swing dance with Dina D's Contra Band, then a midnight champagne toast.

We hope you had a great 2007 and wish you the best for 2008!

Thanks,
Lesley, Robyn, and Carly McMahon