April 2025

Found out the previous owner did some home renovations without a permit? Don't panic. This happens more than you might think, but it's still something you need to address.

Unpermitted work isn't just about missing paperwork. It affects your home's safety, value, and can cause major headaches when you're ready to sell. Let's look at what you should do if you discover work done without a permit.

What Does Unpermitted Work Mean For New Homeowners?

Finding work done without a permit by the previous owner creates several challenges for homeowners:

• Your property might not be as safe as you thought
• You could face fines from your local city building department
• Your home insurance might not cover damages in areas built without a permit

Boat storage isn't just another expense you need to factor in—it's key to the long-term ownership experience. The right boat storage setup can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the boat. Depending on your location, a popular storage option may be all wrong—especially for your wallet.

If you're storing a boat on the coast of British Columbia, salt water and air could be your main concerns. If you're in the lake-rich Okanagan Valley region, weather protection might be the top priority. Storing a boat in a big city? Security could top the list.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to boat storage. Your best option depends on how often you use your boat, your budget, and where you live.

Quick Boat Storage Tips

• Check your boat

A cold ice cream cone hits different on a warm Kelowna day. Whether you're walking by the lake, checking out downtown shops, or need something sweet after visiting Kelowna’s world-class wineries, this Okanagan city has amazing ice cream spots waiting for you.

Need to know where to get the best ice cream in town? Here's your guide to the top spots for your next ice cream craving.

Tips for Your Kelowna Ice Cream Hunt

• Amore Mio makes real Italian gelato with local ingredients—try their outdoor seating
• Moo-Lix has the best salted caramel brownie and vegan options, too
• Parlour Ice Cream serves birthday cake flavour in fresh waffle cones
• La Diperie lets you customize with tons of dip flavours and toppings
• Marble Slab hand-churns its

Myra Canyon is one of the best places to hike near Kelowna, BC—but it’s so much more. The Myra Canyon Trail, also known as the Myra Canyon Trestles for its distinctive trestle bridges, follows the path of the historic Kettle Valley Railway.

Though trains haven’t run on this line since the late 1980s, its transformation into one of British Columbia’s most popular outdoor attractions has made it more popular than ever. 

With amazing views and cool sights, Myra Canyon feels like stepping back in time. Dive in and prepare for your epic adventure on the Myra Canyon Trail!

Tips for Your Myra Canyon Adventure

• Drive about 25 km southeast of Kelowna to reach Myra Canyon
• Get there early—parking spots at Myra and Ruth Stations fill up fast

Capital gains tax is the tax you pay on profit from selling property or investments. In simpler terms, this tax directly affects how much money you'll keep after selling your home.

In Canada, only a portion of your profit (currently 50%) gets added to your taxable income. This means if you sell an investment property and make $100,000 profit, only $50,000 gets taxed. The actual tax you pay depends on your income bracket. Higher earners pay a higher percentage on those profits.

The Principal Residence Exemption lets you sell your main home completely tax-free, which means capital gains tax becomes especially important for people with a second home or an income-earning property.

If you're getting ready to sell a home that may be eligible for

If you’re renting out an investment property or a second home, you'll need to fill out the T776 Statement of Real Estate Rentals. This form helps calculate your rental income and expenses for tax purposes. Getting it right means paying the correct amount of income tax—no more, no less.

Think of the T776 form as your rental property's financial report card. It shows the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) exactly how much rental income you earned and what your net rental income (or loss) was during the tax year.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

7 Quick Tips to Stay on Top of Real Estate Rental Taxes

• Keep ALL receipts for repairs,

If you're craving a glass of wine with a view that stops you in your tracks, head to Lake Country in the Okanagan Valley—just a quick drive from Kelowna and packed with charm. 

The town is home to cozy, family-run wineries, award-winning vintages, and rolling vineyards. Whether you're into crisp whites, easy-drinking reds, or that perfect summer rosé, you'll find a sip that hits just right. And you don’t need to live in Lake Country to enjoy its wineries (though you may want to afterward!).

It’s the kind of place where wine tasting feels like a mini vacation—and you’ll want to come back again and again.

Highlights of Lake Country Wineries

• Lake Country sits between hills and Okanagan Lake, creating unique terroir for stellar wines.
• If

If you’re thinking about hiking or biking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, you’re in store for amazing views and tons of history. Before you head out, you need to know about trail conditions and what to bring. 

The 650-kilometre trail runs through some of British Columbia's most beautiful areas: from its easternmost point in Hope, through the stunning Okanagan Valley, and east all the way to Castlegar. Being ready makes the difference between a tough slog and an awesome adventure. 

Here's what you need to know about the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.

Key Tips For the Kettle Valley Rail Trail

• Always check trail conditions and weather before you go
• Bring water, snacks, and a first-aid kit
• Wear a helmet and sturdy shoes—the trail gets rough

Wondering where to swim, fish, or relax in the beautiful Okanagan Valley? With so many lakes to choose from around here, it can be tough to narrow down the list of must-see spots, especially if you have a particular activity in mind. 

After previewing the top Okanagan Valley lakes, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next day out or vacation.

Quick Okanagan Valley Lake Guide

• Okanagan Lake: Region’s biggest lake with tons to do (and home to Ogopogo, the lake monster!)
• Kalamalka Lake: Waters that change colour with beautiful kid-friendly beaches
• Skaha Lake: Sandy beaches with gentle slopes—perfect for families
• Sugar Lake: Hidden gem in the north for when you need to escape crowds
• Osoyoos Lake: Canada's warmest lake—like

Everyone who buys or builds a home in Canada needs to know about interest rates. They make a HUGE difference in what you can afford and how much you'll pay over time.

You can think interest rates as the cost of borrowing money. When they're high, it costs more to get a loan. When they're low, you pay less. But there's a lot more nuance you need to understand. Let's look at what this means for you and how to make smart choices when shopping for a mortgage loan.

Quick Tips About Interest Rates

• The interest rate applied to your mortgage is based off the Bank of Canada interest rates.
• Interest applied to a loan means you may pay back a higher amount than what you borrowed. With property appreciation or rental income, you can break even or