Onni developer halts V6A construction but still pre-selling condos

ctvbc.ca

A major developer in Metro Vancouver is being investigated by an arm of the provincial government after CTV found it was still selling condos even though construction has been halted at the project.

It's a big name developer, which has been building in Metro Vancouver for decades.

On Thursday, the Onni Group of Companies which is behind the V6A condo complex near Main and Union streets in Vancouver -- said the project has been postponed. But when CTV went to the sales center -- we discovered the units were still being offered for pre-sale -- and perspective buyers were not being told the project was on hold.

Now B.C.'s Superintendent of Real Estate is investigating.

"We have contacted the developer and asked for an update,'' said L. Jay Mitchell, B.C.'s Deputy Superintendent of Real Estate.

"We've indicated they have to make an amendment to their disclosure statement,'' she said. "We're making inquires about the deposits and the status of the project

The situation at Main and Union has not escaped the attention of NDP Housing critic Diane Thorne.

"I could hardly believe what I was seeing and hearing on television,'' she said. "It's the best example I have ever seen of the lack of consumer protection in British Columbia."

Meanwhile, any new protection for presale buyers would start with the B.C. Finance Minister Colin Hansen.

"If there's way we can strengthen the regulation and the procedures developers must follow, we are certainly willing to take a look at those and if we can do it in a way that makes sense, we will certainly be ready to do that,'' Hansen said.

Asked if he will looking into the situation at Onni, Hansen said he likely will. "I will certainly be looking into this particular example to see what lessons we can learn from it,'' he said.

As for the future of the V6A project, on Thursday, Onni's vice-president of development Beau Jarvis said he wasn't sure.

"I wouldn't say there is a timeline at this point,'' he said.

On Friday, Onni's executive vice president Chris Evans called CTV News and said that while he doesn't know when construction will resume, Onni plans on finishing the project sometime in 2010.

He declined an invitation to do an on camera interview.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson

CTV Broadcast & more.

Valerie Arntzen, Assemblage Artist, Vancouver

Not many people in mainstream society would be familiar with the term Assemblage Art. A visit with Assemblage Artist, Valerie Arntzen, in Vancouver's Eastside Strathcona neighbourhood would astonish, astound, and amaze as found objects, odds and ends collected over the years, are assembled with a themed three-dimensional artistic composition. Arntzen's journey to this point in her career as an artist, and Executive Director of Vancouver's Eastside Culture Crawl for more than a decade, demonstrates how naturally this form of artistic expression is to her.

Arntzen's natural talents for pieces, objects, and creating found her pursuing an education and career behind the scenes in film and theatre productions. Attending school in Los Angeles in 1985 to study theatre, Valerie Arntzen was hired by the school upon completion. Working on everything from wigs, make-up, costumes, sets, and props, she also worked for other production companies as well. Growing tired of the LA life, and missing family and friends in (read more...)

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve and all through the city, the shoppers they bustle and hustle from mall to mall, with motorists tooting and hooting with fumes of ire.

It is a great season for fun, family, friends, and celebration. Preparation has been fun, catching up, sharing good cheer, buying gifts for those we love, and the rare moments in between when we get to sit down and relax, reflecting on the wonderful moments of the season. Time passes quickly, and the team here at StrataXL and LiveIn wish you a happy, safe, and joyous festive season.

Make the moments and memories count. Give and love easily, quickly, and freely. Soak up the Joy!

Happy Holidays Mount Pleasant Vancouver, Strathcona Vancouver, and Commercial Drive!

On a sad note, I know there are some adults and children alike who are fighting this nasty flu bug that is making its' rounds. Eat well, keep hydrated, and rest. We will celebrate together and wish everyone speedy recoveries and happy moments with loved ones.

Who are you going to call that may be spending Christmas alone?

Artists Crawl into Vancouver's Hearts

This has been a busy fall season in the lives of many. We've watched Thanksgiving come and go, heard the howling laughter of Halloween fade into the night, saw record numbers Crawl the streets of Strathcona for a lot of Culture at this years Culture Crawl, and enjoyed the Downtown Eastsides Heart of the City Festival thanks to the folks at Vancouver Moving Theatre. And Christmas is just around the corner!!

Live In had the opportunity to speak with Valerie Arntzen, the Culture Crawl's event coordinator for the past nine years, about this years Crawl. Record crowds exceeding 10,000 strong crawled the Strathcona, East Vancouver area to visit 48 venues and almost 300 local resident artists of Strathcona. This is a vibrantly enriched arts community living and working in Strathcona which has elevated the attractiveness of the neighbourhood through the beauty of the art, crafts, and skills. We are truly blessed.

There is much more to say about this subject. Live In wishes to share more about the experiences of the Crawl from an insiders perspective. As well, the Strathcona community is changing, gentrification is spoken of in mixed ways, and the impact on the arts community seems an anomoly needing exploring. Such an incredible gift that enriches our lives and community is to be cherished and protected. At the same time, I suspect some residents might find reason to complain about having 10,000 outsiders roaming their neighbourhood for a local event. Ironically, the success of such events can be a major contributor to increasing popularity of a community as a place to live.

Whatever side of the fence you choose to stand on, remember that choosing sides means someone loses. Live In suggests examining more than one's own view, and seek balance and opportunity that will allow the fence to come down. The answers are in us and right here in our neighbourhood. For Mount Pleasant, this holds equally true as we seek ways to secure a diverse, vibrant, and rich community of mixed influences.

We'll chat more soon!