money-required-for-canadians-to-get-a-digital-nomad-visa-in-five-countries
|

Money required for Canadians to get a digital nomad visa in five countries

ByIrish Mae Silvestre

HOME BUYERS – To get the best exclusive listings visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

Read More

More countries now have digital nomad visa programs; however, to qualify, you must meet the salary or savings requirement.

If you’ve always dreamed of working from a beach or a cafe in Rome, digital nomad visas are a great opportunity for remote workers to get work done while living abroad. But before you book that plane ticket and pack your bags, it’s important to note that each country has its own list of specific requirements.

These visas allow you to stay and work in the country for several months or up to a year. For example, Japan only issues digital nomad visas for up to a year, and they can’t be renewed. To be eligible, you must meet each country’s salary requirements or proof of assets for visitors, which are often significantly higher than the average local income.

In addition to proof of income, other requirements can include a clean background check, proof of accommodation, health insurance coverage, and a significant amount in savings.

Given that the average hourly wage in Canada in 2024 was $35.24, how realistic are these requirements for the average Canadian? Here are five countries that issue digital nomad visas and their requirements for income or proof of assets.

Thailand

thailand digital nomad visa

Day2505/Shutterstock

Proof of financial assets: At least 500,000 Thai Baht (C$20,943.20)

From its intricate temples to sandy white beaches, there are plenty of reasons why Thailand is such a popular tourist destination.

Last year, the Thai government announced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), informally known as the “digital nomad visa.” The visa is valid for five years and allows for multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 180 days per entry. You’ll also have the option to include family members in your application.

Italy

italy

Kaspars Grinvalds/Shutterstock

Salary requirement: 24,789 Euros per year (C$38,672)

Log in at work during the day, then wrap up your work day by strolling along the cobblestone streets in popular Italian cities like Rome or Florence. Not only is the country ideally located to allow you to explore surrounding European countries, but there’s plenty to do should you decide to spend your entire stay in Italy.

According to the Consolato General d’Italia in New York, as of 2024, to qualify for the digital nomad/remote worker visa, you must earn 24,789 Euros per year or C$38,672. The visa allows you to sponsor a spouse or a child under 18.

United Arab Emirates

uae

frantic00/Shutterstock

Salary requirement: Minimum of US$4,891 (C$3,500) per month

The United Arab Emirates may be known for opulence and Dubai’s unique architecture, but it also offers rich cultural experiences through its souqs and local cuisine.

If you’re a remote worker who’s always been curious about life in the UAE, you can apply for the virtual work visa. According to the government of Dubai, you can get a visa that allows you to sponsor your family and remain in the country for 60 days.

Japan

japan

gingerm/Shutterstock

Salary requirement: 10 million Japanese Yen per year (C$95,851)

From Mount Fuji to the futuristic Tokyo skyline, there’s just way too much to see in Japan. If you can’t imagine condensing all of it into a standard two-week trip, then a six-month digital nomad visa might be the perfect choice.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a main applicant, you’ll be issued a six-month digital nomad visa (with no extensions), and you can bring a spouse or child.

Iceland

iceland

Mallmo/Shutterstock

Salary requirement: 1,000,000 Icelandic Króna (C$10,685) per month or 1,300,000 Icelandic Króna (C$13,891) per month if you’re also applying for a spouse or partner

If you love Iceland’s dramatic and rugged landscapes, it’s certainly a great place to consider life as a digital nomad. In addition to its rich Viking history, you might even be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights.

According to Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration website, the long-term visa for remote work allows you and a partner to stay in Iceland for 90 to 180 days.

Share this page

Similar Posts

over-272,000-bc-hydro-customers-were-without-power-as-bomb-cyclone-hit
| |

Over 272,000 BC Hydro customers were without power as bomb cyclone hit

ByCharles Brockman

Posted November 19, 2024 7:23 pm. Last Updated November 20, 2024 9:18 am. Over 270,000 BC Hydro customers were without power Tuesday night as high-speed winds swept over Vancouver Island and B.C.’s South Coast. A rapidly deepening low-pressure system, known as a ‘bomb cyclone,’ appeared to have fulfilled its promise of a massive wind storm. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE! The significant fall storm arrived about 400 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island by the late afternoon. Environment and Climate Change Canada predicted that the winds would peak late Tuesday night. As of Tuesday night, homes and businesses in the Nanaimo area, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and other northern municipalities on the Island were most affected by power outages. In the Lower Mainland, tens of thousands of customers were in the dark Tuesday evening — with Richmond hit hardest early on. In a statement early Wednesday, BC Hydro shared that it had made “significant progress” restoring power to its customers impacted by the massive storm. “More than 175,000 customers have been restored — or nearly two-thirds of the more than 272,000 impacted,” Hydro shared before 6:30 a.m. “However, with strong winds expected to continue today in some areas, particularly on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, further outages are expected,” it continued. 1130 NewsRadio meteorologist Michael Kuss said the strongest of the winds, as expected, stayed to the west of Vancouver Island. Some of the buoys out over the water recorded winds topping 100 km/hr, while on share, winds in Victoria topped 76 km/hr. “But they were even that strong at YVR, Vancouver Airport, 78 kilometres per hour gusts last evening. Now those winds have tapered, but it will be beyond breezy for the rest of the morning,” Kuss explained. Kuss added that the storm is now tracking to the north and is currently weakening. “So the warnings, they’ve now been lifted, although it will still be quite breezy. Not as stormy as it was last evening through the early part of the overnight.” #BCStorm update: Crews made significant progress overnight restoring power to over 175,000 customers – nearly two-thirds of the more than 272,000 impacted. Restoration work will continue throughout the day and updates for individual outages will be shared on our mobile site. Our… pic.twitter.com/y5c9qkPYVl — BC Hydro (@bchydro) November 20, 2024 BC Hydro explained that the majority of the 95,000 customers still without power as they woke up on Wednesday were on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, with 5,000 around the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast. “Drought-damaged trees and branches came down on electrical equipment during the windstorm causing significant damage. BC Hydro had all available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews working overnight to restore power, and that work will continue today,” Hydro said. “Crews are busy replacing power lines, poles and other equipment to get as many customers restored as quickly as possible, but have encountered access challenges as a result of the heavy debris on some roads as well as areas where the wind was too strong overnight to complete the work safely,” it said. South of the border, about 94,000 customers were at one point without power in western Washington as strong winds ramped up and snow fell in the Cascade Mountain passes Tuesday evening. More than 12,000 customers had lost power in Oregon, according to poweroutage.us. BC Hydro said it prepares for storm season and weather-related power outages year round — and this storm was no exception. Spokesperson Kevin Aquino said Tuesday that BC Hydro was ensuring that crews were positioned in the right places with the right equipment. “We have a team of in-house meteorologists that have been tracking this weather system quite closely, and that definitely enabled us to ramp up our BC Hydro crews, contract our crews, and call centre agents,” said Aquino. “So, if the lights do go out, we’re ready to respond.” Aquino shared that it’s difficult to predict where damage was going take place and encouraged all customers to be prepared with an emergency kit with supplies to last at least 72 hours. Hydro said that it is receiving reports of downed power lines. “A downed power line is an emergency. Call 911 and stay at least 10 metres back. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe,” Hydro explained. “Crews will continue to work around the clock until all customers are restored. BC Hydro wants to thank its customers for their patience, and it will continue to provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at  bchydro.com/outages .” Listen live to  1130 NewsRadio Vancouver every 10 minutes on the ones for weather updates. You can also follow  @NewsRadioVAN  and and  Meteorologist Michael Kuss on X  and subscribe to  breaking news alerts  sent directly to your inbox. —With files The Associated Press

Share this page
pastries-to-puzzles:-a-full-list-of-items-included-in-trudeau’s-gst-holiday
| |

Pastries to puzzles: A full list of items included in Trudeau’s GST holiday

ByNational Trending Staff

Csaba Peterdi/Shutterstock As a busy, and costly, holiday season approaches in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has introduced temporary cuts to GST and HST. The two-month cut applies to essential items, prepared foods and snacks, restaurant meals (dine-in, takeout, or delivery), children’s clothing and footwear, diapers, toys, Christmas trees, and several other items. If you’re curious about exactly which items are covered, we have a rundown of all of them here. Food and beverages Alcoholic beverages (excluding spirits but including wine, beer, ciders, and spirit coolers up to 7% ABV) Carbonated beverages, non-carbonated fruit juice or fruit-flavoured beverages or products that, when added to water, produce one of these beverages Candies; confectionery classed as candy or goods sold as candies (candy floss, chewing gum, and chocolate); fruits, seeds, nuts or popcorn coated or treated with candy, chocolate, honey, molasses, sugar, syrup, or artificial sweeteners. Chips, crisps, puffs, curls, or sticks (potato chips, corn chips, cheese puffs, potato sticks, bacon crisps, and cheese curls), popcorn, brittle pretzels, and salted nuts or seeds Granola products and snack mixtures that contain cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or other edible products Ice lollies, juice bars, ice waters, ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, frozen yogurt or frozen pudding, including non-dairy substitutes Fruit bars, rolls or drops or similar fruit-based snack foods Cakes, muffins, pies, pastries, tarts, cookies, doughnuts, brownies, croissants with sweetened filling or coating (note that many bread products, such as bagels, English muffins, croissants, and bread rolls, are already zero-rated) Pudding, including flavoured gelatine, mousse, flavoured whipped dessert product, or any other products similar to pudding Prepared salads, sandwiches, platters of cheese, cold cuts, fruit or vegetables, and other arrangements of prepared food Food or beverages heated for consumption Beverages dispensed at the place where they are sold Food or beverages sold in conjunction with catering services Food or beverages sold at an establishment where all or substantially all of the food or beverages sold are currently excluded from zero-rating (a restaurant, coffee shop, takeout outlet, pub, mobile canteen, lunch counter, or concession stand) Bottled water or unbottled water that is dispensed at a permanent establishment of the supplier. Games and puzzles Jigsaw puzzles, for all ages Video game consoles, controllers or physical game media (a video game cartridge or disc) Children’s toys a product that is designed for use by children under 14 years of age in learning or play and that is: a board game or card game (a strategy board game, playing cards, or a matching/memory card game); a toy that imitates another item (a doll house, a toy car or truck, a toy farm set, or an action figure); a doll, plush toy or soft toy (a teddy bear) a construction toy (building blocks, such as Lego, STEM assembly kits, or plasticine) Children’s clothing, footwear, car seats Children’s clothing: meaning garments (other than garments of a class that are used exclusively in sports or recreational activities, costumes, children’s diapers, or children’s footwear) that are: Designed for babies, including baby bibs, bunting blankets and receiving blankets; Children’s garments up to girls size 16 or boys size 20, according to the national standard applicable to the garments, and if no national standard applies to the children’s garments, girls or boys sizes extra small, small, medium, or large; or, Hosiery or stretchy socks, hats, ties, scarves, belts, suspenders, or mittens and gloves in sizes and styles designed for children or babies. Children’s footwear: meaning footwear (other than stockings, socks or similar footwear or footwear of a class that is used exclusively in sports or recreational activities) that is designed for babies or children and has an insole length of 24.25 centimetres or less. Children’s diapers: meaning a product designed for babies or children, and that is a diaper, a diaper insert or liner, a training pant, or a rubber pant designed for use in conjunction with any of those items. Children’s car seats: meaning a restraint system or booster seat that conforms to the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Other items on the list Christmas trees or similar decorative trees: natural or artificial Print newspapers: meaning print newspapers containing news, editorials, feature stories, or other information of interest to the general public that are published at regular intervals. They would not include electronic or digital publications. They would also exclude most fliers, inserts, magazines, periodicals, or shoppers Printed books: including a printed book or an update of such a book, an audio recording where 90% or more of it is a spoken reading of a printed book or a bound or unbound printed version of scripture of any religion However, there are restrictions on things like magazines, agendas, blueprints and other items, and you can find those details here.

Share this page
20-stunning-christmas-lights-events-to-see-around-vancouver
| | | |

20 stunning Christmas lights events to see around Vancouver

ByDaniel Chai

The days are getting shorter, which means there’s so much more time to see all the bright and colourful Christmas lights around Vancouver! Pull on your warmest toque and grab the hot chocolate because there are a bunch of holiday light displays and stunning festivals that you won’t want to miss this year. The good news is that many are running throughout December, and some even last into January! So you’ll have plenty of time to catch as many of these magical events as possible. VanDusen Festival of Lights VanDusen Festival of Lights/Submitted What: Get ready for a walk in a winter wonderland because one of Vancouver’s largest holiday light displays is officially returning for the season. VanDusen Festival of Lights will be delighting visitors at the botanical garden from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 5, 2025. Discover over one million lights across 15 acres, with new displays and returning favourites for all ages. When: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day) Time: 4 to 10 pm (last entry time 8:30 to 9 pm) Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden — 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver Admission : $11-$28, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market What: A new holiday festival is coming to Metro Vancouver, and it promises to be an enchanting time for the whole family. Noel Surrey will feature Santa’s castle, a Holly Jolly Hub with food trucks and beverages, bumper cars, and more. There will also be plenty of interactive light displays and photo ops, including a 1 km accessible outdoor holiday light walk filled with illuminated see-saws, a frosty forest, a 150-foot light tunnel, and more. When: November 28 to December 1, December 5 to 8, and December 12 to 23, 2024 Time: 4 to 10:30 pm Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for youth and seniors, and free for children ages 6 and under. Pre-sale online Bright Nights at Stanley Park What: The Christmas Train tickets may be sold out for the season, but there is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout December. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund. When: November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 4 to 10 pm Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance Admission: Train tickets are sold out. Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park What: Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure. Finally, walk along the sparkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk.  Don’t forget to snap an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes, and get in on all the festive fun of the many kid’s activities around the Park. Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance online. There are limited tickets available during peak event times, and visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments. When: November 22, 2024, until January 19, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily. Guests are allowed to stay in the park up to an hour after closing. Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. Purchase online St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display. St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998. More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Wednesday, November 27. And fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night. When: November 27, 2024 (lights will be on display until January 3, 2025) Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver Squamish at Dusk What: Explore a winter wonderland of lights, art, magic, and stories. Squamish at Dusk is a stunning light experience at Rose Park with immersive installations for all ages to enjoy this holiday season. Bring the whole family and enjoy the mesmerizing tunnel of lights, a sparkling grotto, an enchanted forest, and more. When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from November 28 until December 14, 2024 Time: 4:30 to 9:30 pm Where: Rose Park – 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish Cost: $10-$15, plus fees; free for children four and under. Purchase online Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration Amacon What: One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, the free outdoor celebration will take place at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on Friday, November 29. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, colourful photo opportunities, and free cocoa at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. Santa Claus is even rumoured to be making an appearance. When: November 29, 2024 Time: 6 pm Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver Cost: Free PNE Winter Fair

Share this page
10-vancouver-concerts-we-can’t-wait-to-check-out-in-december
| | | |

10 Vancouver concerts we can’t wait to check out in December

ByDaniel Chai

Dance and sing your way into December with these Vancouver concerts! Here are 10 concerts around town to add to your calendar this month, including Taylor Swift, The Funk Hunters, and more. And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to visit our Listed section. Taylor Swift @taylorswift13/X What: The biggest music superstar in the world is finally in Vancouver! Taylor Swift brings The Eras Tour to BC Place for three dates in December, and there are plenty of events and activities for Swifties to enjoy before, during and after the sold-out shows. When: December 6 to 8, 2024 Time: 7 pm Where: BC Place — 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver Elf in Concert What:  Elf, one of the most beloved Christmas films of all time, is celebrating a milestone birthday this holiday season in Vancouver. The Will Ferrell comedy classic is getting the live concert treatment at the Orpheum Theatre. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will bring John Debney’s heartwarming score to life while the film is projected onto a massive 40-foot movie screen. When: December 20 and 21, 2024 Time: 7 pm Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver Cost: Various prices, purchase online Petunia and the Vipers: Calling Me Back Album Release What: Vancouver’s own Petunia and The Vipers are throwing a huge album release party at The Rio Theatre, and you’re invited. Get ready to party at the “hillbilly-flavoured-swing inflected-ragtime-goodtime-thunderously rolling-one-of-a-kind-you-don’t-want-to-miss-this-sort-of-a-show” while listening to their latest album, Calling Me Back. Featuring special guests. When: December 27, 2024 Time: Doors 6:30 pm, show 7 pm Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver Tickets: $20 early bird plus fees, $26 general admission plus fees. Purchase online CP Holiday Train What: The CP Holiday Train rolls into BC this December, bringing lights, music, and holiday cheer to tons of communities across the province. It will be in Metro Vancouver on December 19 and 20. The 26th edition of the beloved holiday tradition will travel across Canada and the US this season to raise money, food, and awareness for local food banks. Attendees at each CP Holiday Train stop will also enjoy a free and festive concert by Juno winners Magic! and fast-rising star Sofia Camara. When: December 19 and 20, 2024 Time: Various times Where: Various locations Cost: Free; donations for the local food bank to help those in need are encouraged Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard and Soft tour Billie Eilish Live at the O2 (Extended Cut)/Submitted What: Music superstar Billie Eilish is coming to Vancouver this fall on her new world tour, adding to the stacked lineup of artists coming to town. The nine-time Grammy winner will bring the new Hit Me Hard and Soft tour to Rogers Arena on Tuesday, December 3. Vancouver is just one of three Canadian stops on the highly anticipated tour. When: December 3, 2024 Time: 7 pm Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver Tickets: Various prices; purchase online Xmas in Skaville 21 – The Nightmare Before Skaville What: Xmas in Skaville is bringing high-energy holiday cheer to the Wise Hall in December. The lineup for the 21st edition includes Balkan Shmalkan, Brehdren, Mivule, The Wavebirds, and Bobbi-Jo Moore. The show promises to heat up the cold winter’s night, so make sure to bring your dancing shoes. When: December 13, 2024 Time: 7:30 pm Where: The Wise Hall – 1882 Adanac Street. Vancouver Tickets: $25 plus fees in advance, purchase online Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree What: Broadway Church’s 55th Singing Christmas tree is full of songs, drama, dance, and more. This year’s holiday production is themed “The Christmas Rocket” and will treat audiences to performances by singers, an orchestra, dancers, actors, and acrobats. When: December 6, 7, 8 and December 13, 14 and 15, 2024 Time: 7:30 pm (Fridays), 3 and 7 pm (Saturdays and Sundays) Where: Broadway Church – 2700 East Broadway, Vancouver Tickets: Free, register online Contact Winter Music Festival Contact Winter Music Festival What: Contact Winter Music Festival is returning to Vancouver, and some massive stars are coming for the party. Canada’s largest indoor winter music festival is taking over the Vancouver Convention Centre on December 27 and 28. This year’s headliners include multi-platinum and Grammy Award-nominated artist and producer deadmau5 and America’s Best DJ nominee Seven Lions. When: December 27 and 28, 2024 Where: Vancouver Convention Centre — 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, purchase online The 9th Annual Funk The Halls Featuring The Funk Hunters What: Canadian electronic duo The Funk Hunters are bringing their holiday extravaganza back to their home base of Vancouver. Multi-dimensional artists Nick Middleton and Duncan Smith will be taking to the stage at the Commodore Ballroom for two of the biggest parties of the season with Funk The Halls. When: December 20 and 21, 2024 Time: 8 pm Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street Tickets: Various prices, purchase online Christmas with Chor Leoni What: Chor Leoni is getting festive with its annual Christmas show. The holiday tradition is filled with folk music favourites, ancient chants and modern classics. The program is set to include songs like Silent Night, Joy to the World, Ron Sexsmith’s Maybe This Christmas, and more. When: December 19 to 21, 2024 Time: Various times Where: St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church – 1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Share this page
how-to-send-letters-to-santa-during-canada-post-strike
| | |

How to send letters to Santa during Canada Post strike

ByStephanie Ip

Even though Canada Post mail carriers are on strike, parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Santa is still accepting letters. Published Nov 22, 2024  •  Last updated 4 hours ago  •  2 minute read Don’t worry: Santa will still see your letter – as soon as the strike is over. Photo by JOUNI PORSANGER/Lehtikuva /AFP via Getty Images With Canada Post employees on strike, parents may be wondering whether Santa is still accepting letters this year. Each year, Canada Post collects letters from kids across Canada and delivers them to — ahem — the North Pole for Santa to read. And though mail service has been suspended while the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are on strike, parents can rest assured knowing that Canada Post is accepting letters on behalf of the jolly man himself. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content “As you know, CUPW has shut down the postal service with a national strike, and as a result, we are unable to get mail to and from Santa in the North Pole,” said spokesperson Valérie Chartrand in an email. “It is our hope that postal operations can resume as quickly as possible at this critical time for customers. When operations do resume, we will help Santa by delivering a response to every letter sent to him this year.” According to Chartrand, Canada Post usually receives Santa letters starting in November. Last year, 1.4 million replies from Santa were sent. The program has been running for 40 years,  during which Chartrand estimates 45 million letters to Santa have been delivered by Canada Post. When can I send a letter to Santa? Canada Post accepts letters to Santa between Nov. 1 to the end of January each season. This gives Santa time after delivering all his presents to catch up on his mail. How should I address the envelope to Santa? You can put your letter in an envelope and address it to: Santa Claus North Pole H0H 0H0 Canada Don’t forget to include your return address as well! Do I need a stamp for my letter to Santa? No stamp is needed for your letter. Can I combine several letters in the same envelope? Yes, you can — and it’s encouraged  — include all letters from the same household or family into one envelope. When can I expect a response from Santa? Replies from Santa will be sent as soon as the labour disruption is resolved. Expect them a little later this year than in previous years. sip@postmedia.com Article content

Share this page
home-prices-decreasing-in-bc.s-ski-regions,-says-royal-lepage
| |

Home prices decreasing in B.C.s ski regions

ByJami Makan

Interest rates, capital gains taxes and short-term rental measures are some factors in province’s recreational property transactions Prices of detached homes and condominiums have registered slight decreases in B.C.’s popular ski regions so far this year. However, they are expected to increase in 2025 as interest rates continue their expected decline. In the first nine months of the year, the median price of a single-family detached home in the province’s ski regions decreased 2.6 per cent year-over-year to $1,729,200, according to the 2024 Winter Recreational Property Report by Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. Meanwhile, the median price of a condominium also decreased 2.6 per cent to $477,500. Royal LePage examined several B.C. ski regions including Whistler, Invermere, Revelstoke, Mount Washington, Sun Peaks and Big White.  The Nov. 14 report noted that less snowfall has impacted some resort areas, although this is made up for during biking and golfing seasons. The report also noted that provincial measures regarding short-term rentals, which affect some ski regions, have resulted in more personal and family use of properties. The foreign-buyer ban similarly exempts some communities, also resulting in a varied impact. Interest rates and capital gains taxes have played a significant role in these markets, according to the report. Many buyers are waiting to jump in as they anticipate further reductions in the key interest rate, which has been reduced incrementally from five per cent in April to 3.75 per cent last month. Meanwhile, this year’s federal budget increased the basic inclusion rate for all capital gains and losses from one-half to two-thirds as of June 25, spurring a surge in transactions prior to the deadline. Some markets are attracting buyers from elsewhere in Western Canada, as they may be located closer to Alberta. Some had more inventory and transaction volume than others, while the accessibility of price points varied by market. In Whistler, for example, a house or condominium slope-side or at mountain base typically start at $3 million and $500,000, respectively. Among the report’s highlights: Whistler – The median price of a single-family detached home in Whistler’s recreational property market for the first nine months of the year decreased three per cent year-over-year to $3,569,100, while the median price of a condominium decreased 12.4 per cent to $583,600. Prices are expected to rise nine per cent over the next 12 months. Invermere – The median price of a single-family detached home in Invermere’s recreational property market for the first nine months of the year increased 13.5 per cent year-over-year to $749,000, while the median price of a condominium increased 11.4 per cent to $344,900. Prices are expected to rise 10 per cent over the next 12 months. Revelstoke – The median price of a single-family detached home in Revelstoke’s recreational property market for the first nine months of the year increased 4.9 per cent year-over-year to $862,500, while the median price of a condominium increased 14.3 per cent to $802,000. Prices are expected to rise five per cent over the next 12 months. Mount Washington – The median price of a single-family detached home in Mount Washington’s recreational property market for the first nine months of the year increased 29.4 per cent year-over-year to $1,100,000, while the median price of a condominium decreased 1.1 per cent to $455,000. Prices are expected to rise two per cent over the next 12 months. Sun Peaks – The median price of a single-family detached home in Sun Peaks’ recreational property market for the first nine months of the year decreased 30.1 per cent year-over-year to $1,337,500, while the median price of a condominium decreased 14.3 per cent to $360,000. Prices are expected to increase five per cent over the next 12 months. Big White – The median price of a single-family detached home in Big White’s recreational property market for the first nine months of the year decreased 13.7 per cent year-over-year to $1,510,000, while the median price of a condominium decreased 22.1 per cent to $413,000. Prices are expected to increase five per cent over the next 12 months. Royal LePage compiled insights, data and forecasts from 18 popular ski regions. Median price and sales data was compiled and analyzed by Royal LePage for the periods between Jan. 1, 2024 and Sept. 30, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2023. Data was sourced through local brokerages and boards in each of the surveyed regions. [email protected] @JamiMakan

Share this page