Nanaimo and Vancouver Island News and updates

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July 2025 South Nanaimo Update

Despite macroeconomic headwinds and rising unemployment, the South Nanaimo market is demonstrating resilience. The increase in the sales ratio suggests a shift toward a more balanced and active market, with nearly half of all listings converting to sales.

Street Names: What You Need to Know

It’s easy to get lost in the alphabet soup of street names, wondering if there’s any real difference between an “Ave” and a “Rd.” While the distinctions have blurred over time, these suffixes can still offer subtle clues about a street’s character and the kind of neighborhood you’re considering. Let’s break down what they generally mean and why it matters when you’re searching for your perfect home in Nanaimo.

Nanaimo Real Estate Market Update, Recent June Sales

Actionable Data, First June stats to Market—From Gillette & Associates.
We break down the latest 90-day data for single family homes—providing the numbers and insights you need weeks before they appear in official market reports. Our analysis covers average price per square foot, hottest neighbourhoods, days on market, and the true impact of price drops. If you want to price your home right or buy with an edge, these are the numbers to know.

July 2025 Events

July in Nanaimo is synonymous with sunshine, community spirit, and a calendar packed with exciting events for all ages! Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or visiting our beautiful city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.

EXPLORING OLD CITY QUARTER

Walking into the Old City Quarter is like taking a delightful little step back in time. You can’t help but notice the beautiful old buildings, each with its own story, and those charming brick-lined streets. It’s got this wonderful, welcoming vibe that’s just so different from your typical shopping areas. For me, it’s easily one of our most treasured Nanaimo landmarks because it really shows off the true character of our harbour city.

Fridges With Flair

Think retro-inspired mint green fridges, canary yellow ranges, or a cherry-red kettle that practically winks at you from the counter. Designers call it “kitschen” — a playful, personality-packed look that’s part nostalgia, part design rebellion. And it works beautifully with the cottagey, coastal character of so many Island homes.

Architecture Can Embrace the Wild

On the lush, rain-kissed shores of Vancouver Island, we often speak about living in harmony with nature. But few homes embody that philosophy as purely as the Newberg Residence in Oregon—a masterful design by Jim Cutler of Cutler Anderson Architects. Perched like a bridge over a former logging pond, the home dissolves the line between structure and setting, becoming part of the ecosystem rather than interrupting it.

Gracewood at Fairwinds

Set on over 20 acres of natural landscape, Gracewood will feature 53 spacious lots ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 acres. This new phase is designed to blend beautifully with the surrounding forest and coastal setting, including a central park space for residents to enjoy.

Vancouver Island Real Estate Emerges as a Hotspot Amid Lower Mainland Pressures 

Despite the current fall of housing prices in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland from their excessive heights, a growing number of homebuyers and investors are turning their attention to Vancouver Island real estate. With its comparatively lower property prices, relaxed lifestyle, and strong community ties, the island is quickly becoming a compelling alternative for those seeking both affordability and quality of life.