LEEDing the Way!

For starters, how to decide on the title when so many opportunities to play on the LEED are available; Born to LEED, Follow the LEEDer, LEED By Example, Taking the LEED, actually I really like that last one...


Taking the LEED


The construction industry is riddled with the word "Green". It often accompanies environmental buzzwords like sustainability, but the real question is what does it mean? The unfortunate reality is that Green has been used as an all encompassing term to describe everything from the use of natural materials, to renewable energy production, to a recycling bin under the kitchen sink. As a result, many companies have become perpetrators of "Greenwashing". Greenwashing refers to those who make the claim that they are using Green Construction or Green Building, when in fact their methods only appear to be in the best interest of the environment.


This brings us to LEED, The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System®. This program was developed by the United States Green Building Council and has been adopted by the CaGBC as well. Its goal is to encourage and quantify the global adoption of environmental building and development practices with a specific set of universally understood and accepted criteria. This makes it one of the only programs available that offers quantified proof that construction is environmentally friendly.

The LEED program employs an approach that covers the entire building process and measures efficiencies in design and maintenance. It focuses on five specific areas of human and environmental health:

• Sustainable Site Development
• Water Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Materials Selection
• Indoor Environmental Quality

The four levels of LEED Certification identify the depth of the effort and design to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment.

The motivation for Wing Creek Resort to work to certify each of the new homes two-fold. First of all, the passion we all feel towards the natural beauty of the Kootenay region is evident in almost everything that we do professionally and personally. We aren't environmentalists, but we respect and appreciate the untouched nature that makes the Kootenays so special. Second, the steps taken throughout the LEED process to ensure that a home works efficiency and, most importantly, is a healthy home to live in, made it a very easy choice. It gave us peace of mind in knowing that each of our homes have the cleanest possible air, the freshest and healthiest water, and the necessary protection against natural elements such as Radon. LEED ensures that we have all the necessary components and more. Combine that with the quality and luxury of a Hamill Creek Timber Homes and you have exactly what a home should be; a warm, safe, healthy, and beautiful place to live.

Thank you and see you out here,

Steve Hoffart

250.353.8985

stevehoffart@wingcreekresort.com

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2010 TD Canada Trust Boomer Buyers Report

So maybe not the catchiest title ever, with that said the information contained in this report is indicative of the positive proposition Wing Creek has to offer. The following was taken directly from the TD Canada Trust website and has not been altered in any way.

TORONTO (October 28, 2010) - For their next move, Canadian boomers are looking to downsize to smaller homes. According to the TD Canada Trust Boomer Buyers Report, four-in-five Canadian boomers say their next move will be to a smaller home, either to save money (46%) or to enjoy more luxurious features (34%).

“Many boomers find that their needs and priorities have changed since they moved into their current home. If you find you have more room than you need, consider ‘right-sizing,’” says Farhaneh Haque, Regional Sales Manager, Mobile Mortgage Specialists, TD Canada Trust. “Moving to a smaller home can allow you to free up assets to put towards your retirement savings or enjoy in other ways.”

Retiring with a mortgage?
Three-quarters of boomers say it is important that they pay off their mortgage before they retire, but less than half (44%) have paid off their entire mortgage. Of those boomers with a mortgage, one-third have paid off more than 60%, but one-quarter have a long way to go, having paid off less than 25% of their mortgage.

Haque offers this advice for boomers working to pay off their mortgage: “Talk to an expert about your home financing – you could pay off your mortgage faster with a different payment schedule, such as increasing your mortgage payment frequency from monthly to biweekly.”

Boomers prefer detached homes:
For their next home, the majority of boomers (61%) plan to purchase a detached house. Although condos come in as second choice at 24%, more than half say they are at least considering a condo because they involve less maintenance (84%) and offer better security (54%) and amenities such as a gym or pool (47%). The top reasons that most boomers prefer houses over condos are that they prefer to have a backyard and garden (61%) and don’t want to pay condo fees (57%).

However, some boomers say they will stay put. Forty-nine per cent will not move, either because they want to avoid the hassle of moving (61%), because their house is already the right size for them (43%) or they like having extra rooms for guests to visit (28%).

Boomers heading South:

Nine per cent of boomers currently own a vacation property and a further 12% plan to buy one for their retirement.

More than a third of boomers are considering buying a property south of the border. One quarter say opportunities created by the depressed real estate market have sparked their interest, while another 12% were already considering real estate opportunities in the United States. The most important criteria for buying a vacation property include location (99%), price (98%), low maintenance (95%), and the ability to have friends/family visit (92%).

“It is essential to talk with a qualified mortgage advisor if you are considering a property purchase in a different country,” says Haque. “While there can certainly be opportunities, it is important to consider lending rules and taxes. An expert can help walk you through the paperwork and decide whether a property in another country really is an affordable option.”

About the TD Canada Trust Boomer Buyers Report
Results for the TD Canada Trust Boomer Buyers Report were collected through a custom online survey conducted by Environics Research Group. A total of 1,000 completed surveys were collected between Sept. 30-Oct. 9, 2010. All participants were screened to have been born between 1946-1964 (“Baby Boomers”). This is the third report in a series on the life stages of Canadian home buyers. It follows the first time home buyers report and the repeat home buyers report.

Love is in the Air

Valentines Day is just around the corner, although Wing Creek can take any day and make it as romantic as February 14^th. Since my first visit to Wing Creek, almost two years ago, I still feel the romance of the property every time I step into one of the cottages, walk down to the beach, or sit and watch the stars. 

Steve, Wing Creek’s very own Marketing and Sales Specialist, brought me here and I fell in love with this hidden jewel of the Kootenays.  The rental cottages are quaint and intimate and set the tone for a perfect stay for you and your other half.

Last March Steve brought me to Wing Creek for an anniversary get away and still to this day I cannot think of a better place for such an occasion. On the Saturday morning Steve woke me up and said I had to come down to the beach to see the new sign. When I was ready he picked me up in the Wing Creek golf cart and we made our way down the windy path to the secluded waterfront. Steve led me over to where the creek meets Kootenay Lake and got down on one knee.

“I got you this box.”

Needless to say there was a ring inside that box, so shortly after we popped open a bottle of bubbly and Wing Creek became even more beautiful and romantic to us both.

Valentines Day doesn't need to be the one day a year for love. At Wing Creek, every day is as romantic as February 14^th.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Asia Snook

1 Part Campfire, 5 Parts Laughter

This past summer, Debra’s mom Shirley came out to Wing Creek for a couple of weeks, and as excited as she was to see everyone and discover what was new at the resort, there was one thing she was most excited to do: have a hot dog roast.

For Shirley, it would be her first campfire in over 65 years. For those of us who are a part of the Wing Creek community, the hot dog roast is part of our weekly routine; they bring out the inner child in each one of us and create wonderful lasting memories.

After a few low-key nights on her deck overlooking beautiful Kootenay Lake, Shirley was bound and determined to roast up dinner. We packed up the electric golf cart and made our way down to the private beach where there are several private fire pits. As the golf cart made each turn down the beach path, Shirley became more and more excited.

That evening Shirley regaled us with her fondest memories of childhood times and we all swapped our favourite campfire stories. With each tale she became more youthful. And Shirley didn’t have just one hot dog: she had two, plus a few s’mores to top off her evening, making up for lost time.

As I sat around the campfire overlooking the still lake and rugged mountain tops with my future husband Steve, as well as Kevin, Debra and Shirley, I realized how lucky I am to be able to be a part of such a simple but amazing experience: beach campfires at Wing Creek Resort.

Can't wait to see you enjoying your own hot dog roast at Wing Creek.

Asia Snook
on behalf of the entire Wing Creek team

See you soon!

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Kaslo’s Winter Wonderland

While Kaslo is a bustling mountain village during the summer months, there is also plenty to partake in once winter arrives. In addition to favourite winter activities such as ice skating, curling, skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and snowman building, the Kaslo area is also world renowned for its heli-skiing and cat-skiing operations. The fresh deep powder atop the stunning Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges makes for a skiers’ paradise and we are just steps from the best cross-country skiing on the planet. For the snowboarders out there, Whitewater in Nelson has a killer Rail Park!

There are also numerous organized events that keep us lively and active all winter long. To kick start the holiday season, Kaslo’s main street hosts the annual Light Up parade and festival, during which all the stores and businesses turn on their Christmas lights and show off their festive side, topped off by a visit with Santa and a very popular scavenger hunt for the kids.

A new local favourite is the Kaslo Jamboree hockey tournament. During the tournament the arena is filled with energy, excitement, and hard fought games. The concession is in full gear and the fans cheer loudly as Kaslo hockey players battle for the legendary Colander Cup. Of course, minor league hockey keeps kids, parents, coaches and officials busy with practices, games and tournaments much of the winter season.

There is always something going on at the Kaslo Curling Club. Whether you are a seasoned veteran,

beginner, or just want to be in a great atmosphere, this is a sure-fire place to kick back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon or an evening!

Kaslo is also the location for the annual Polar Bear Dip which is a fundraiser for the Langham Cultural

Centre. The Langham offers art exhibits, plays, movies, concerts, lectures, readings, the Japanese Canadian museum, and a wide range of workshops for all ages.

As winter comes to a close, Kaslo is home to the annual Winter in the Forest festival. Taking place at the Kaslo Golf Club, participants can enjoy sleigh rides, woodsman sports, snowshoe races, interpretive nature booths, maple taffy on the snow and lots of hot chocolate.

In short, the winter season doesn’t slow us down one bit.

Baby it’s cold outside? Perfect!

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Topping-Off at Wing Creek

History of Timber Frame

The history of timber frame is rich with cultural significance, it represents a connection to the past and symbolizes luxury, class, and appreciation for the environment. Timber frame construction dates back to ancient Egypt, this style of wood joinery was often used in the building of furniture. Timber frames are present in churches, theaters, windmills, and many other structures throughout Europe. It was wildly popular until the late 1500s when usable timber became scarce. Its resurgence came in North America when early settlers rekindled the building style with the presence of our immense forests. However, after two centuries of popularity, timber framing almost became extinct as it was abandoned for cheaper stick frame construction. It wasn't until the 1970s that timber framing became popular again. The energy crisis of that decade had people searching for more energy efficient homes and timber frame is as good as it gets. The style is perfect to maximize passive solar energy, eliminate thermal bridging, and many were drawn to its use of natural materials.

Today timber framing continues to lead the way in terms of energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. It has also become a symbol of luxury and class as the natural elements showcase the beauty of quality craftsmanship. The skilled craftsmen at Hamill Creek Timber Homes are dedicated to this time honoured tradition.

The Topping-Off Ceremony


The Topping-Off ceremony occurs when the highest point of the structure is placed. The ceremony has been adopted by many styles of construction, but originated with timber frame craftsmen. The traditional meaning of the ceremony is to show respect to nature for providing the elements that make the build possible. It is also a sign of good fortune to all inhabitants of the new building. An important symbol of the ceremony is the placement of a small pine bough at the highest point of the structure. Honouring this tradition is important to many timber frame craftsmen because it represents their respect and passion for their livelihood.

Here at Wing Creek we are planning a Topping-Off ceremony for the showhome. The timber raising is taking place during the week of November 15th, 2010. The future residents of the homes at Wing Creek will be invited to join in the celebration to benefit from its good fortune. We are excited to maintain this tradition as the Wing Creek community continues to grow. We are very fortunate to live in this natural paradise and it's only fitting to pay homage to the environment that makes our vision possible.

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Thank you and look forward to seeing you here,

The Whole Team at Wing Creek

Creating Something Special

The Wing Creek Resort property cries out for the creation of something very special. It is not often these days that 20 acres of pristine waterfront with a charming creek running through it year round has remained intact. In most cases these types of property have been divided over the years or, like many surrounding Wing Creek, remain in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). Wing Creek Resort has the freedom to create something special. That, coupled with our partnership with Hamill Creek Timber Homes and our commitment to creating a legacy project, will result in a truly remarkable waterfront community.

In the last blog we discussed the importance of planning and ensuring commitment to the vision. In this blog we are discussing the homes that will transform this magnificent resort property into a unique waterfront community that will attract a select group of owners to this special area over the next several years.

It all starts with the team. We are fortunate to have a talented designer from Hamill Creek creating custom luxury designs for the homes at Wing Creek. Ken Austin is responsible for the designs of our first two homes and will continue to produce stunning concepts for future phases. The Birchgrove and Birchmount designs will be two and three bedroom timber frame homes, respectively. Lot 9 will be the location of the first home built at Wing Creek. This will be built as a show home to provide a tangible example of the incredible quality and style that each home will possess. The inspiration for the Birchgrove came from a home built in the early 1900s by two of the world’s most heralded home designers, Charles and Henry Greene. The home, which was built for David and Mary Gamble of the Proctor and Gamble Company, can be viewed at the Gamble House website by clicking here. Some of the unique design features of this famous home have been incorporated into the Birchgrove. For instance, a curved truss can be seen at the face of the home, as seen below, and it will appear throughout the home. In addition, the roof beams will extend beyond the roof line to give it a unique appearance.  We believe these creative designs set the homes at Wing Creek apart and complement the stunning landscape of the property.

We encourage you to request information or call us to schedule a viewing of the property. The next month is going to be incredibly exciting as we watch the show home construction get underway. Keep in touch with us to get consistent updates on the progress of construction and to take the first step toward living your dream at Wing Creek Resort!

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Cheers from the Wing Creek Team