The Vancouver Island Summer List
Find the best things to do in Nanaimo this summer, including festivals, markets, live music, waterfront events, and Island day trips.
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The Journal.
Life on the Island. A closer look at home.
Ideas, local stories and perspectives from our archive. For today’s numbers, explore Market Intelligence.
Gillette Team
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The Science Behind Passive House Design
High-Performance Living The Quiet Genius of Passive Homes A refined look at Passive House design, where comfort, performance, sustainability, and architectural intention meet. Derek Gillette Personal…
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The Tiny Garden Trend Quietly Taking Over Vancouver Island Homes
Vancouver Island Living The Small GardensPeople Are Holding Onto Across Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, more people are creating small outdoor spaces that feel calming, useful, and deeply personal —…
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Why Conversation Pits Are Returning to Modern Luxury Homes
Conversation pits and sunken living rooms are making a comeback in modern luxury homes, bringing back warm interiors, cozy entertaining, and connection-focused design.
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If You Only Add 3 Plants to Your Home, Make Them These
Discover the benefits of indoor plants at home and how simple additions can transform your space with balance, softness, and calm.
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Experience Nanaimo Like You’re on Vacation
Learn how to experience Nanaimo like a tourist. Explore local spots, slow down your routine, and rediscover the best of Vancouver Island living.
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10 Simple Ways to Give Your Home a Fresh Start This Spring
Looking for a spring home reset? Discover 10 simple and satisfying ways to refresh your home, declutter your space, and welcome the season.
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Home Design in 2025 and What’s Shaping 2026.
A refined look at interior design trends shaping 2025 and what top designers and Architectural Digest predict for 2026, from colour and texture to form and atmosphere.
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Before You React to your BC Assessment. Read This!
Wondering if your BC Assessment in Nanaimo reflects your home’s true value? We break down what it means and why market value is different.
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Nanaimo Raked #1 for Quality of Life in British Columbia and 2nd in Canada.
Explore the lifestyle, neighbourhoods, and quality of life that make this central Vancouver Island city so easy to love.
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Vancouver Island Winter Activities: Cozy Micro-Adventures Close to Home
Explore Vancouver Island winter activities like storm watching, cozy cafés, and easy micro-adventures close to home.
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Cozy Holiday Hosting — The Effortless Trend Everyone Loves
Learn how to host a cozy-casual holiday gathering with simple décor, easy food ideas, and stress-free entertaining tips for the season.
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What Is the Minimum Credit Score to Buy a House in BC?
Learn the minimum credit score to buy a house in BC, what lenders require, and how to qualify for the best mortgage rates in British Columbia.
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Vancouver Island Holiday Events This December
Vancouver Island holiday events for December 2025 include festive markets, coastal light displays, concerts, and local seasonal experiences.
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Most First-Time Buyers Don’t Realize They Could Save Thousands!
Vancouver Island organizations like Power To Be and the RAD Society are empowering people with disabilities to enjoy off-road adventures!
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Design Notes: October Inspiration from Near and Far
Vancouver Island organizations like Power To Be and the RAD Society are empowering people with disabilities to enjoy off-road adventures!
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Designing with the Island in Mind
Learn how to optimize your condo or studio space with these helpful tips from Gillette and Associates!
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Nanaimo Real Estate — September 2025 “First Out” Market Recap
Ahead of the official release, a first look at Nanaimo’s August market—prices, $/sqft, neighbourhood momentum, and why ranchers keep winning—plus a 60–90 day outlook.
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August 2025 Stats: South Nanaimo
Chris Rigby captures the latest stats in this August 2025 South Nanaimo Update. For more information, contact Gillette and Associates today!
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August 2025 Nanaimo Luxury Market Update
Chris Sinclair's run down of the August 2025 Nanaimo Luxury Market Statistics and how they compare to July!
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Creating the Perfect Breakfast Nook
Transform your kitchen into a cozy retreat with our guide to creating the perfect breakfast nook with Gillette and Associate
Read the storyAugust First Look: Nanaimo Real Estate Market Update 2025
Ahead of the official release, a first look at Nanaimo’s August market—prices, $/sqft, neighbourhood momentum, and why ranchers keep winning—plus a 60–90 day outlook.
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September 2025 Events
Find out the latest buzz on Nanaimo and the upcoming events in the area with Gillette and Associates today!
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The Ultimate Checklist for Preparing Your Home for Sale
Properly prepare your home for sale with these helpful staging tips and tricks from Gillette and Associates Nanaimo!
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Your Nanaimo Selling Roadmap: From Listing to SOLD
Our step-by-step guide walks you through the entire Nanaimo home-selling process, from strategic pricing to a successful closing.
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Seller’s or Balanced? What Nanaimo’s Key Real Estate Metrics Mean for Your Home
Discover how to interpret key indicators like the Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio to make smarter pricing and selling decisions in Nanaimo.
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A New Chapter for Long Lake
A new development enters phase two at Long Lake, innovating the area and building community within.
Read the storyAugust 2025 South Nanaimo Update
Welcome to your July Market Update, focused exclusively on South Nanaimo, including the University District, and Old City Quarter.
Read the storyWheels and Wilderness: Inclusive Off-Roading on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island organizations like Power To Be and the RAD Society are empowering people with disabilities to enjoy off-road adventures!
Read the storyAugust 2025 Luxury Nanaimo Update
Find out information on the Nanimo Luxury market in our August 2025 Luxury Nanaimo Update by Chris Sinclair, Nanaimo Luxury Market Expert!
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A Guide to Central Vancouver Island’s Luxury Spas
For those seeking to unwind in a truly luxurious setting, Nanaimo to Parksville are home to some of British Columbia's most celebrated spas.
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August 2025 Market Update
Welcome to the August 2025 Market Update. You know it’s shifting beneath our feet—but what’s really happening right now?
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Westwood Lake Park Gets a Major Glow-Up
You know that feeling when a favorite spot gets even better? That's what's happening right here in Nanaimo at Westwood Lake Park!
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Subsidized Rental Housing Development Advances Near Downtown Nanaimo
This new development aims signals a crucial step forward in providing affordable housing options in downtown Nanaimo.
Read the storyPreparing to Buy a Home During Wildfires
Buying a Nanaimo home during wildfire season? Get essential tips on property risk, insurance, and making smart real estate decisions.
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August 2025 Events
Explore Nanaimo with these August 2025 events. With museum collections, concerts & farmers markets there is always something to discover!
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South Nanaimo Embraces Expanded E&N Trail
Discover how the E&N Trail expansion into South Nanaimo is transforming connectivity, safety, and outdoor recreation for residents.
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Nanaimo’s Best Coffee Shops: Old City Quarter
Explore some of Nanaimo's best coffee shops, located in Old City Quarter! Explore downtown Nanaimo and Vancouver Island today!
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Nanaimo Bathtub Races
Learn about the captivating Nanaimo Bathtub Races being held in town from July 25th - 27th at Maffeo Sutton Park!
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July 2025 Luxury Update
Gain insight into the shifting Nanaimo luxury real estate market for June 2025, with an increase in inventory.
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Semienterrada’s Legacy: Designing with Vancouver Island’s Landscape
Sustainable Vancouver Island homes inspired by Semienterrada. Learn eco-friendly design for resilient, energy-efficient living.
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July 2025 South Nanaimo Update
July 2025 South Nanaimo Update with Statistics provided by Chris Rigby of Gillette and Associates!
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Street Names: What You Need to Know
When buying a home it is important to know the difference between street names and their meaning. Find everything you need our guide!
Read the storyRelocating to Vancouver Island: Ditch the Downtown Dash
Over the past few year, there has been an influx of those relocating to Vancouver Island form the Mainland. Click here to find out why!
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Nanaimo Real Estate Market Update, Recent June Sales
Join us for the June 2025 - Real Estate Market Update covering Nanaimo, Vancouver Island and Canada as a whole.
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July 2025 Events
Explore a few of the July 2025 events being held in Nanaimo this Summer, with a large variety of engaging activities for those of all ages!
Read the storyEXPLORING OLD CITY QUARTER
In the heart of Nanaimo, Old City Quarter is home to many local businesses and engaging events that bring the community together!
Read the storyTrail to Tranquility: Nanaimo’s Forests Redefine Healthy Living
Discover how Nanaimo's stunning forest trails are redefining well-being and enhancing the real estate lifestyle.
Read the storyFridges With Flair
Discover how a splash of color in the kitchen can attract buyers and set your Island home apart. Check out our DG site for more on RE!
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Architecture Can Embrace the Wild
Discover how West Coast Vancouver Island homes blend architecture and nature, inspired by designs like Oregon’s Newberg Residence.
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Gracewood at Fairwinds
Set on over 20 acres of natural landscape, Gracewood at Fairwinds will feature 53 spacious lots ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 acres.
Read the storyVancouver Island Real Estate Emerges as a Hotspot Amid Lower Mainland Pressures
Don't miss out! Vancouver Island Real Estate homes are rising as they reign a competitive edge over the Lower Mainland costs!
Read the storyNanaimo Cell Towers Connect the City
Moving to Nanaimo? New cell towers mean better connectivity in areas like Hammond Bay & North Nanaimo. Learn more here!
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Pet-Friendly Nanaimo: Paws-itively Perfect
Nanaimo is the perfect place for pets with amazing parks, access to hiking trails and pet-friendly events, such as the Nanaimo Night Market!
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April 2023 Nanaimo Market Update
Educate yourself on the April 2023 Real Estate Market and where their is potential for your property or to buy a home.
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Market Report February 2021 – The Correlation between home prices and inflation.
In my opinion, Real Estate market is a direct correlation to inflation as property is an asset and there is a finite amount of it available. Google the recommended investments to make when hedging…
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2020 Real Estate Market – Recap
The fewer surprises and experiences that accumulated in 2020 made it feel like a much longer than normal year. Learning new ways of doing business, including many people transitioning to working from…
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May 2020 Market Update
Market update and report from Derek Gillette, with over 30 years of experience in the Nanaimo Real Estate Market!
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