Peter Mitham

Jan 15, 2025 | countrylifeinbc.com | Peter Mitham

A pilot project to transform food distribution in the Kootenays is underway through the Central Kootenay Food Policy Council (CKFPC). “It’s challenging for our small-scale seasonal producers to find a carrier they can afford. Those that are successful are usually transporting their own goods within the region, a time-consuming, inefficient process that takes them away from producing," says CKFPC executive director Damon Chouinard.

Jan 2, 2025 | biv.com | Peter Mitham

The past year saw a welcome round of interest rate cuts, the first since 2020, with the Bank of Canada’s policy rate falling five times since April to end the year at 3.25 per cent, 175 basis points below where it stood a year ago. A corner had been turned, setting the stage for a return of investor confidence. And the resurgence could have industrial strength, says Cory Wright, managing director, B.C., with William Wright Commercial in Vancouver.

Dec 4, 2024 | countrylifeinbc.com | byPeter Mitham |Peter Mitham

Boosted by the first quota increases since the last free trade deal was signed, BC dairy producers have set their sights on market growth in the years ahead. A focus on attracting processor investment is key, with two major processing plants on the horizon locally and the Canadian Dairy Production Council eyeing niche markets that could add $1.4 billion annually to the sector’s national revenues.

Nov 14, 2024 | biv.com | Peter Mitham

The annual release of home ownership data by Statistics Canada in early October points to Vancouver Island communities having some of the lowest rates of investor-owned residential real estate in the province. Parksville is a case in point, with investor-owned properties accounting for 14.9 per cent of the residential inventory. It has the lowest rate of 26 municipalities surveyed, with Campbell River ranking third at 17.2 per cent.

Nov 7, 2024 | castanet.net | Peter Mitham

With the uncertainties of a Trump presidency priced into capital markets, the year ahead promises steadier economic times and a normalized environment for Vancouver real estate. Data presented as part of CBRE Ltd.’s outlook event in Vancouver, Nov. 6, pointed to growing confidence among real estate tenants and investors, with lengthening lease terms on downtown office space and a balanced market on the horizon.