What does the BC first-time new home buyers tax credit mean?

First-time homebuyers will benefit from the new BC tax credit

First-time homebuyers will benefit from the new BC tax credit

You may have heard about the newly introduced B.C. First-Time New Home Buyers’ Bonus that will be in effect until March 31, 2013 and is worth up to $10,000.

What it means is that first-time buyers of NEW homes (such as South Surrey White Rock’s new townhomes at Pier 16) will receive a one-time refundable personal tax credit equal to 5% of the purchase price of the home to a maximum of $10,000.

Outlying municipalities like Langley, Surrey or Pitt Meadows, where homes are more affordable than in Vancouver, will fare better as the tax credit will make a bigger difference for these buyers as it’s a bigger percentage of the purchase price.

The bonus is being seen as an extra incentive for new home buyers to get off the fence and buy their first home.

White Rock’s ‘Diamond in the Rock’ talent search continues tonight!

South Surrey's Diamond in the Rock talent competition

South Surrey's Diamond in the Rock talent competition

White Rock’s Youth Talent Search is on with another round tonight at the Roadhouse Grille Restaurant. The “Diamond in the Rock” started last week and will continue with weekly auditions until April 4th.

The competition is open to those who are 19 years old or younger. Proof of age and residency are required!

This is a great way to support some of White Rock’s upcoming LOCAL talent! There is a very strong line up tonight and it promises to be a terrific evening. The Roadhouse Grille is putting together a special menu for Wednesday evenings, so stop by for a bite and some awesome entertainment from some of the very talented young people in White Rock.

The winner receives 3 hours’ studio time at Blue Frog Studios and Turtle Recording Studios and the other finalists receive a 50% discount on their first session too.

A bursary will be given as well:

Winner – $2,000
2nd place – $1,000
3rd place – $500

There are plenty of other prizes too!

Pier 16 townhomes in South Surrey are selling out fast!

Pier 16 townhomes are selling fast!

Pier 16 townhomes are selling fast!

Even though we are only half way through February, we have broken our record for the number of Pier 16 townhome sales achieved in any given month!! At this rate, we expect to be sold out of our released inventory by the end of this month!

Our buyers have really seen the incredible value being offered at these new South Surrey townhouses and were thrilled with the fantastic upgrade package we were including. There are only a few homes left and we don’t expect them to last. If you are still interested in calling Pier 16 home, we encourage you to visit us this weekend!

Construction of our first 2 buildings is now complete, and our happy homeowners have moved into their new homes and our next buildings will be ready to move in toward the end of next month.

Pier 16 truly is a step above … with White Rock beach and the pier, the waterfront boutiques and the shops at Morgan Crossing only minutes away; Pier 16 truly is the ideal location to live life to its fullest.

We are available at your convenience if you would like would like further information, or to schedule a time to come visit us on site. We can be reached anytime via email at wesandtrina@pier16.ca or by telephone at 604-542-1616.

Sincerely,

Wes Ballard and Trina Brady
Sales Managers – Pier 16
wesandtrina@pier16.ca
Website – www.pier16.ca

Enjoy a Valentine’s Dinner at South Surrey’s Morgans Restaurant!

Morgans Restaurant and Wine Bar in South Surrey

Morgans Restaurant and Wine Bar in South Surrey

Morgans Restaurant and Wine Bar – located at one of the Lower Mainland’s premier golf courses, Morgan Creek, in South Surrey just 20 minutes from Vancouver – is an upscale casual restaurant offering quality food and service. Their goal is to provide an enjoyable dining experience and to make your special occasion with family and friends a memorable one.

Their Red Seal Certified chefs have created a menu featuring house made pastas and sauces, aged premium beef and Ocean Wise (TM) seafood choices using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible to further enhance the flavours. Whether you are in the mood for a light appetizer or a three course meal there is a wide variety of items to choose from.

Special occasion brunch buffets are offered throughout the year on Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Brunch with Santa. Featuring a Callebaut chocolate fountain these popular events sell out fast so reservations are required.

To contact Morgans Restaurant and Wine Bar call 604-531-4262.

Belle’s restaurant on 32 is a South Surrey favourite!

Belles on 32 in South Surrey

Belles on 32 in South Surrey

A long-time favourite eating spot with South Surrey locals is Belle’s on Thirty Two.

The original Belle’s has been a part of the neighbourhood for over 12 years! Originally, it was a busy cappuccino bar specializing in “made from scratch” foods and friendly service. In 2006, they opened their restaurant right next to the original coffee shop on the corner of 140th Street and 32nd Ave in South Surrey. Carrying on the tradition of fresh, made from scratch foods, the restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Their bar has microbreweries on tap and the hottest wines available in BC!

If you’re looking to entertain on a larger scale, they offer full food service, buffet or cocktail party format for large groups. Their venue is great for entertainment and dancing. Belle’s requires very little for decoration, and many say it is like having a house party… with no work! They have certainly become a neighborhood favourite for weddings.

Come on in, and see what makes them so popular! 14007 – 32 Avenue, South Surrey, BC V4P-2A7
604 542 7037

Check out White Rock’s only organic vegan/vegetarian cafe!

Delicious vegan food at Organic Connections Cafe

Delicious vegan food at Organic Connections Cafe

Did you know White Rock has its very own organic vegan/vegetarian cafe?

Organic Connections Cafe is located on White Rock’s East Beach tucked in a gorgeous location with spectacular ocean views from every seat!

They serve organic ‘live food’ (ie. raw!) along with various cooked meals including warm earthy soups, fresh baked goods and daily specials.

Their priority is to source local and organic as much as possible and to support BC Organic Farmers and more sustainable solutions.

What’s more – Come and enjoy Live Music and phenomenal Artists from all over the world that perform on their stage.

This is the perfect place to make new friends, to sing and dance, to make great connections with people in the South Surrey/White Rock community and travelers from near and far.

15622 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B 1E2
778 294 8885

Join BC’s largest indoor bike ride this Saturday in South Surrey

ride2survive indoor bike ride

ride2survive indoor bike ride

This Saturday, join BC’s largest indoor bike ride right here in South Surrey.

Join the ride2survive team to raise money for charity and start your fitness training season off with 200 other riders, awesome music, and no chance of rain!

The Ride2Survive is a non-profit society registered in British Columbia, Canada. They operate a one-day cycling event from Kelowna to Delta to raise funds for cancer research through an Independent Fundraising Event for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Where: Southridge School
2656 160th Street in South Surrey
www.southridge.bc.ca

When: Saturday February 4, 2012
9:00am – 12:00pm

Cost: By donation. Minimum donation is $40 with 100% of your donation going directly to Canadian Cancer Society. Tax receipts will be issued by the Canadian Cancer Society.

And: * Please arrive by 8:30am to sign in and set up.
We will start promptly at 9:00.
* Bring a yoga mat if you have one. We’ll finish off the ride with some welcome stretching.
* Bring your water bottles.
* Bring your trainer or borrow one if you can. We will have very limited trainers and spin bikes for use.

Register early to be guaranteed a spot!

For further information and to register, please see South Surrey ride2survive indoor bike ride.