kamloops this week - september home & condo

www.kamloopsthisweek.com FRIDAY, September 5, 2014 v D1

BC &&H O M Ekamloops C O N D O L I V I N G

WEST HIGHLANDS NEW LOTS ON CROSSHILL DRIVE

PAGE 11

CREATIVE ELEMENTSINTERIOR DESIGN PAGE 6

HOUSING MARKETLOW RATES, STABLE PRICES PAGE 8

KEYSTONE FINALISTSPAGE 4

S E P T E M B E R 5 , 2 0 1 4

2015 TRAINING HOUSE PROJECTPAGE 9

www.kamloopsthisweek.com D2 v FRIDAY, September 5, 2014

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www.kamloopsthisweek.com FRIDAY, September 5, 2014 v D3www.kamloopsthisweek.com FRIDAY, July 4, 2014 � D3

West Highlands in Aberdeen

is well known for its stunning

vistas and magnificent views of

the City of Kamloops and the

North Thompson Valley, but

there is much more to West

Highlands than views.

With all current building lots

sold out, the next phase of

building lots in West Highlands

will be available soon.

Read more on page 11.

This month in Kamloops Home

and Condo living read about the

latest interior design trends and

creative elements, find a list of

finalists for the 2014 Keystone

Awards, details on the 2015

training house project, house fire

prevention tips, an update on

the Kamloops housing market

and advice for home buyers.

CONTENTS

FEATURES

Homes & C O N D O S

For the new homebuyer or the tenured homeowner, K a m l o o p s H o m e a n d C o n d o L i v i n g i s t h e guide for enjoyable living.

L o v e y o u r h o m e a n d e v e r y t h i n g i n i t w i th the he lp o f th i s tailored resource, which brings you the help of the city’s premier home outfitters and builders.

W h e t h e r y o u ’ r e renovating your current space, on the market for a new one, renting or building something brand new, take advantage of new ways to make the most of your surroundings.

The experts are at your finger tips with everything you need to know about creating the space you want to live in. Find something for your condo or home, new or seasoned, and ideas for every room, from your kitchen to your closet.

New decor or furniture can turn your lived-in den to a brand new abode. Some new lighting? Different p a i n t c o l o u r s ? N e w landscaping? Or maybe you need to take out that wall or add that kitchen island you’ve always wanted? Whatever you’re thinking o f t r y i n g , s t a r t h e r e .

Learn about the hottest styles and local trends in today’s homes and who to talk to. Also find out how to get up to date on the most cutting edge automated home technology o r g r e e n s o l u t i o n s .

This month features advice from locals about the latest trends in kitchen d e s i g n a n d t h e m o s t popular materials from cupboards to countertops.

Your home i s your sanctuary. Let’s make it the place you want to return to.

On the HOME FRONTB U I L D I N G D R E A M S

Everything you need to know about out� tting your home exactly how you want it, today.

Get the latest on interior design trends on page six.

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K E Y S T O N E awards2 0 1 4

The Canadian Home Builders Association Central Interior has announced the 2014 finalists of the tenth annual Keystone Awards.

“We were thrilled to showcase the incredible work that is done in the Thompson and Nicola Valley region” said CHBA Central Interior president, Matt McCurrach.

The following finalist companies are SILVER award winners and will compete for the GOLD award, which will be announced at the Keystone Awards Gala at the Grand Hall of Thompson Rivers University on October 4, 2014.

This year’s finalists are:• Advantage Insulation• Blue Green Architecture Inc.• Casa Décor Home Furnishings Ltd.• City Furniture and Appliances (Kamloops)• Copper Island Fine Homes Inc.• D&T Developments Ltd.• DW Builders• Essence Lighting and Design• Excel Industries Ltd.• Fresh Inc. Branding Marketing Promotion• Granite Developments Inc.• Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre

• Kathy Herrington Interior Design• Malcom Homes Ltd.• Mark & Tracy Henning• Motivo Design Group Inc.• Norberg Truss Ltd.• Noremac Concrete Pumping• Norgaard Ready-Mix Ltd.• Pache Construction Ltd.• Portfolio Interiors Inc.• Rarebirds Co-operative

• River City Rock Products• ROI Media Works Corporation• Rona Inc.• SA Electric Ltd.• Service Plus• The Fireplace Centre• Thompson Rivers University• Thompson Valley Roofing• Timeless Developments• Trophy Enterprises Ltd.The judging of entries took place on Wednesday,

Aug. 27, 2014 by three well-respected professionals in the home building industry. David Pfeutzner of Align West Homes, Robert Capar of maison d’etre design-build inc. and Alex Tavuchis of RDC Fine Homes drew on their experience and expertise to adjudicate each entry in its category.

The judges spent a full day reviewing the entries and making their assessment. Each judge gave their completed ballot to our monitor, a representative from BDO Canada LLP, who recorded each judge’s vote.

Tickets for the Gala are now available and can be purchased from the CHBA CI office 250-828-1844. CHBA Central Interior is the voice of professional residential building in the Central Interior region.


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Xeriscaping in KamloopsXeriscape means “water conservation through creative landscaping”. Landscapes suited to our semi-arid climate conserve water and have an advantage over pest problems. Apply these principles to any garden style and have a healthy, high quality landscape:

1. Planning and design: Group plants according to their water use. Slope hard surfaces to drain to planted areas. Avoid steep slopes – create terraces instead. Use groundcovers on gentle slopes.

2. Good soils: Organic matter is an excellent soil amendment. It improves moisture holding capacity in sandy soils and helps to loosen clay soils.

3. Appropriate plant selection: Drought tolerant plants thrive here. There are many beautiful trees, shrubs and �owers with low water needs.

4. Practical turf areas: Replace unused lawns with other plants. Use hard-surfacing for play courts, patios, and walkways.

5. Water wisely: Water deeply, but infrequently to encourage deep rooting and drought-tolerance.

6. Mulch: Apply a layer of organic matter to: protect roots from elements, enrich soil, and control weeds.

7. Proper maintenance: Your landscape will require less maintenance over time.

Visit the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at McArthur Island or the Harrington Road Booster Station at 790 Harrington Road for inspiration.

Contact:Integrated Pest Management [email protected]/ipm

www.kamloopsthisweek.com FRIDAY, July 4, 2014 � D5

Accord ing to F i re Prevent ion Canada, on average eight Canadians die from fire every week despite the fact that fewer fire losses are reported in Canada. The non-profit organization has put together the following key f i re sa fety t ips to help Canadians protect themselves from such tragedy.

Tip 1: Prevent cooking accidentsTaking precautions to prevent cooking

fires will significantly help protect your family and home against fire. Cooking related fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires in Canada, resulting in many deaths and hundreds of injuries each year according to Fire Prevention Canada. Don’t leave cooking appliances unattended when in use and be very cautious when cooking with oil. All cooking fires are preventable, so remember to select the proper heat for the food being prepared and keep your stove top clean and clear at all times.

Tip 2: Prevent smoking accidentsSmoking is another s ignif icant

source of home f i res . In fact , Fire Prevention Canada states that careless smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. A smoker falling asleep in an upholstered chair or bed is the most

common occurrence. Never smoke or allow someone to smoke when they are under the influence of medication, alcohol or drugs.

Tip 3: Get a monitored smoke detectorLastly, having a monitored smoke

detector will alert you to the presence of fire and smoke, giving you crucial notification to escape if needed. Smoke alarms are the first line of defense against a deadly fire, asserts Fire Prevention Canada. The sound of a smoke alarm is your warning to leave the building. By developing a fire escape plan and practicing it often, you will be prepared to react correctly if a fire strikes.

It’s crucial however to ensure that your smoke detector is functional. According to Patrice De Luca, V.P. of Marketing and Customer Care for Reliance Protectron Security Services, 41% of residential fires where the smoke alarm did not operate, the problem was due to the battery.

“Smoke detectors can save lives, especially if they’re connected to a Reliance Protectron monitoring centre, because when the alarm sounds in your home, our monitoring centre is immediately notified,” he explained. Monitored smoke detectors also eliminate the worry of having to remember to replace the batteries. More information on fire prevention is available at www.fiprecan.ca and www.protectron.com.

— News Canada

QUICK TIPS For fi re prevention

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2 0 1 4 Interior

CREATIVE ELEMENTSThinking of redecorating or looking to make the most of your brand

new home? Two Kamloops decorators share their ideas below.

Lenna Sawyer of Lenna’s Creative Interiors on home decor trends: Lighter and brighter colours. A more fresh, airy look is trending •

in comparison to the dark earth tones that have been popular in recent years.

Warmer greys rather than muddy earth tones. • Hardwood floors are taking on lighter more natural hues. •

Bringing the outside in — having natural elements of the exterior • of your home flow into the interior.

Wallpaper is coming back as a feature, rather than just colour • features on walls. Although wall paper has been passé for quite a

few years, there are interesting options to liven up your space. You can use metal or wood panels on walls to add texture — adding

natural species to a wall feature rather than just colour. Lighting elements are taking on a more •

natural look, with irons and woods replacing glass. Less is more with accessories, but terrariums, •

vases, flowers, books, mirrors, candles and pebbles are all popular choices for a natural look.

Natural crystals are also a popular choice, • and can be used as book ends.

Custom, creative paintings and art, rather than just pictures, add • texture and character to your decor.

Gather pictures and look at products to decide what you like • before hiring a decorator. Once you know what you like, your

decorator can combine the right textures and colours and create a beautiful space.

“You want to walk into a room and say ‘What a beautiful room,’ not walk in and only see one element of that room,” Sawyer said.

Cori Logan, interior design consultant with Portfolio Interiors on home decor trends:

We are moving into more mixed, vibrant, vivid and energetic • colours with muted tones which create a balanced feel. The

greens, purples, teals, bright, bold, fun colours.Greys have moved from warm to cool, and are being mixed •

beautifully with taupe’s, creating a more relaxing soothing feel in a room.

Shades of blue and green inspired by the seaside are very popular. • Mixing them in with creams and driftwood create a coastal feel.

Mixing patterns is increasingly popular. • Accessories are nature oriented — birds, flowers, seashells, •

grasses, owls, coral, etc.Incorporate pieces out of nature, stumps, twigs, pussy willows.•

Use good quality, Canadian made furniture that is customizable to • a specific space.

“You want to walk into a room and say ‘What a beautiful room,’ not walk in and only see

one element of that room”

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D E S I G N G U I D E

Cozy. The word is cute, comforting, and a bit quaint. It recalls country cottages, cats curled in front of the fire and silver-haired ladies sipping Earl Grey poured from a pot with a crocheted cover. It’s an appealing image for those anticipating the cold months ahead – until we try to create a “cozy” retreat in a modern Canadian home.“Cozy can quickly turn to dull, dated and even kitschy,” says Sally Morse, interior designer and director of creative services for Hunter Douglas, a leading window treatments manufacturer. “While we long for comfort, warmth and security, we don’t want to sacrifice style, luxury or energy efficiency.”Start the Conversation. Arrange furniture in conversation areas that bring family and friends together. Attractive area rugs add intimacy to the groupings and warmth to bare floors.Make Fire a Focal Point. Invest in attractive fireplace accessories, stack logs of birch or pine in an attractive box or basket, decorate the mantelpiece with large, dramatic candles and a winter wreath or branches. If you don’t have a fireplace, invest in an electric one – it will pay dividends in atmosphere and energy savings.Go for the Glow. Turn off ceiling lights and spotlights and let soft light glow from table lamps. Candles and tea lights placed in groups throughout a space cast a magical glow. Consider battery-operated candles. They even flicker and are perfect for placing in a window.Window Dressings. “The right window treatments can bring warmth, ambience, texture and light, while making a very personal design statement,” says Morse. For example, new Solera Soft Shades from Hunter Douglas combine a soft, sculpted look with added dimension and a unique cellular construction that increases energy efficiency at the window. Solera shades also come with the LiteRise cordless lifting

system and have no exposed cords on the back for enhanced child safety.Colour Me Cozy. Choose deep, soothing hues: dark greens, ruby red, warm shades of brown and taupe. Burnished accessories that reflect the light – bronze, copper, brass, and gold – will add to a feeling of comfort and peace.Layers of Meaning. Layering with various textures and colours adds visual interest and a feeling of warmth. Studies suggest that decorating a room with varied textures makes the occupants feel three degrees warmer. Try olive or mossy green, layered with a soft spa blue over it; dark gray paired with silver; deep brown layered with taupe and soft buttery hues. Accessorize with pillows, throws, quilts and blankets in subtle, coordinating prints.A Soft Touch. Soft, supple fabrics are essential to creating a cozy retreat. A velvet sofa, a faux-fur throw, a silk-covered cushion, linens, mohair and cashmere are elegant and welcoming.On the Scent. Signature fragrances for the home are a growing trend with “scent shops” offering an array of customized home fragrances. Create your own cozy scent with diffusers, sprays, scented oils, potpourri and candles. Buy these in complementary scents and “layer” them in different combinations. Start with a scent candle or diffuser in one scent and spray with another. The best scents in life are free and very cozy – cookies or bread baking, coffee brewing.Get Personal. Family photos or mementoes from a vacation are other good choices. “Watercolour pictures on the wall,” says Morse, “from a Caribbean Island or Paris will remind us I’ve been there, I’ve experienced that.”More information is available at www.hunterdouglas.ca.— News Canada

GETTING COZY WITH HOME DECORATING

“While we long for comfort, warmth and security, we don’t want to sacri� ce style, luxury or energy ef� ciency”


Enjoy the ease of active living in the heart of downtown Kamloops. Quality condo homes featuring:

• Private Balconies • 9' ceilings • In-suite Laundry • Exclusive Rooftop Patio • Secure Parking

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Presales now being offered from $150,000. Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes available and presale purchasers have some fi nishing choice options.

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429 St. Paul, a vibrant community within a few blocks of Riverside Park, arena events, theatre, library, museum and art gallery. Health and professional services, shopping, Farmers’ Market, restaurants — all easily accessible while leaving your car at home.

Presales now selling from $150,000. Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes available and presale purchasers have some fi nishing choice options.

Call: 250.320-6442Email: [email protected]

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Lo w m or t g a g e r a t e s a nd s t ab l e hou s ing pr ices re f lect a buyer ’s market in Kamloops .

Keith Allan, mortgage consultant with the Mortgage Alliance said rates sit between 2.25 and three per cent, depending on the term you are looking for.

He said the Bank of Canada rate has remained relatively unchanged for the last four years. In the last two years mortgage rates have actually come down slightly, from the 3.25-3.5 per cent range to three per cent. Comparatively, in 2008 the bank primary was sitt ing at 6.5 per cent.

“Your mortgage payments drop fairly dramatically when those rates come down,” Allan said. “It allows people to pay a bit more for a house than they would of otherwise so people can buy a more expensive house than maybe they were looking at or looking at a few years ago, maybe a better house.”

“It has allowed more people to enter the market.” Ingrid Pfeiffer, president of the Kamloops and

District Real Estate Association said prices are also steady. The median price for a home in Kamloops was $367,000 in July. Most home sales fell between $280,000 and $320,0000, meaning most buyers in the Kamloops market are first-time homeowners.

“Obviously it’s great for first time buyers because the interest rates are low right now, the lowest they’ve

ever been, and also prices are really good right now in Kamloops,” she said. “We are still in a buyers market.”

Pfeiffer said there is noticeably more activity in the market right now. Rates also have a positive effect on construction with builders recognizing it is a good time to be building new homes. Last year the number of building permits issued for residential dwelling units rose 42 per cent, according to the City of Kamloops.

Both Allan and Pfeiffer said they recommend first time buyers opt for a long-term mortgage, five years at a fixed rate rather than a shorter term with a lower rate that could potentially change.

The general forecast is that rates are going to stay relatively stable for another year and it will be well into next year before any indication of rates going up, Allan said. When rates do go up, he expects it to be a gradual incline rather than a jump. Of course, when mortgage rates increase, housing prices will decrease.

“My guess is it will probably be longer than that,” he said. “They’ve been telling us for the last five or six years that the rates are probably going to go up, when the economy stabilizes and things turn around in the U.S., but that hasn’t happened yet and who knows when it’s going to.”

“Thi s could become the new normal fo r a fair length of t ime, so it ’s di f f icult to say.”

HousingM A R K E T

Keith AllanMortgage Consultant

Mortgage Alliance

Ingrid PfeifferPresident

Kamloops & District Real Estate Association


820 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC V2C2H5

250-374-3010

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www.kamloopsthisweek.com FRIDAY, July 4, 2014 � D9

Canadian Home Bui lder s ’ Assoc ia t ion Central Interior and its partner Thompson Rivers University School of Trades and Technology are pleased to announce the start of the 2015 Training House Project. This year’s house is being built in the Juniper West Development.

This unique project, now in its 25th year, is especially beneficial to the first year residential construction, and electrical program students at Thompson Rivers University as a hands-on building experience. The students do the foundation, framing and rough in work, then the home is finished with the generous support of CHBA CI members.

For the last 19 years, the finished home has been sold to the Kamloops YMCA/YWCA for their Dream Home Lottery fund raiser. Proceeds from the Lottery have gone to specific community endeavours coordinated and run by the Kamloops YMCA/YWCA.

The annual project is very well known not only locally but provincially and nationally. The training house has won awards for i t s unique public private partnership, sustainable elements and community contribution every year.

The 2015 Training House will be a two story three bedroom home with an unfinished basement, approximately 1,500 sq. ft. on the main floor.

Designed by Danielle Fauteux of Home Design by Danielle, the home is being built as a Built Green home. The house style is refreshingly modern and positioned well to profile new products and systems to the general public and new home purchasers.

Members Ron and Dan Wrabel of Wrabel Brothers Construction with Jason Gagnon of Greenvale Construction are the project managers for this new build. Many CHBA CI members provide ongoing support in products and/or labour.

“This project allows us to be part of the community and also showcase the incredible talents in our local homebuilding industry,” said Matt McCurrach, CHBA CI president.

“For us it is about enhancing the educational experience of our trades students by giving them on site experience in addition to classroom work,” added Hank Bangma, Construction Foundations Instructor.

Due to the nature of the project, it features the latest innovative product and designs for those thinking of building a new home or even renovating extensively their current home.

CHBA CI will profile the building steps on Facebook and Twitter, giving followers an unusual snapshot of the residential building process.

Learn more about the CHBA CI at chbaci.ca

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In the spirit of giving, we at Hunter Douglas have partnered with The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada to create the magic of a wish.

Every qualifying purchase helps a child in need get closer to their wish.

Rebate200when you purchase† Duette® or Silhouette® Window Shadings with UltraGlide.®

CREATIVE INTERIORSKamloops, BC • [email protected]

KARA COUPLAND INTERIOR DESIGNKamloops, BC • [email protected]

LUCILLE'S INTERIOR AND WINDOW FASHIONS975A Notre Dame Dr., Kamloops, BC250-374-0077

KAMLOOPS PAINT & WINDOW COVERINGS105-805 Notre Dame Dr., Kamloops, BC250-828-1800

BC BLINDS-IN-MOTIONKamloops, BC • [email protected] • bcblindsinmotion.ca

† Purchase any combination of 4 Duette® or Silhouette® Window Shadings with UltraGlide® and receive a $200 rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades, you’ll receive an extra $40 for each. Valid at participating retailers only. The rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of The Hunt Group. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

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To d a y ’s h o m e b u y e r d o e s n ’ t a lways look l ike the tradit ional n u c l e a r f a m i l y o f t h e p a s t .

A recent survey for TD found that a quarter of Canadians who recently bought a home, or who are planning to buy one in the next two years, are doing so on their own, while 40 per cent think buying property with friends or family is a great way to get started.

Whether buying a home alone, or together with friends or family, the guiding principles remain the same.

Michelle Snow, associate vice president for retail products at TD, o f fe r s some t ips to he lp people navigate the home-buying process:

• Don’t rush. Make an informed d e c i s i o n b a s e d o n a r e a l i s t i c assessment of the budget, the down payment you can afford, and the type of property you want to buy.

• Set a realistic budget, taking into account all the costs associated with owning a home, like property taxes, insurance, utility bills and maintenance.

• Once your budget is set, test-drive the difference between rent and the

monthly mortgage payment by making an automatic transfer of that amount into a TFSA or other savings account.

This will help determine how comfo r t ab l e you a r e w i th tha t commitment before locking in – and you’ll be able to save for a bigger down payment at the same time.

• Talk to a mortgage specialist who can help you navigate the questions related to budgets, lending products and specific financing considerations related to solo and shared ownership.

More information is available at www.tdcanadatrust.com/

homeownership.—newscanada.com

TRADITIONAL ADVICE HOLDS TRUE FOR NON-TRADITIONAL HOME BUYERS


West Highlands in Aberdeen is well known for its

stunning vistas and magnificent views of the City

of Kamloops and the North Thompson Valley but

there is much more to West Highlands than views.

Sitting on the former Aberdeen Hills Golf Links, West

Highlands has turned old fairways and greens into

vibrant neighbourhoods made up of characteristic

homes and growing families.

With all current building lots sold out, the next phase

of building lots in West Highlands will be available

soon. The long awaited new lots on the Crosshill

Drive extension are bigger and wider to accommodate

large homes with luxuries, such as three-car garages,

and come site-graded with retaining walls. Many of

the lots back onto open green space, while others

have an outstanding view of the North Valley. The

anticipated lots will sell quickly but reservations are

available now.

The location not only boasts a magnificent view and a beautiful surrounding landscape, but includes amenities

that make living easy. The entrance to West Highlands is right off the roundabout at Pacific Way and Aberdeen

Drive, where kids have a mere five-minute walk to Pacific Way Elementary. Kids Time Childcare accommodates

parents within the area and is fit for 80 children of all ages to attend.

For a brisk workout or an afternoon stroll, outdoor amenities are plentiful in the area. Along Aberdeen Drive

is a multi-use path for walking and biking. Slightly down the hill is West Highlands Park, covering 38 acres of

the former golf course. It features a paved walking path and open wildlife corridors. There is more to come

as the City develops the park to include exercise areas, a community clubhouse, playing fields and ponds, all

easily accessible from West Highlands.

The neighbourhood is appealing to more and more families but is also home to a multi-generational community.

The variety of homes includes single-family abodes, an upscale gated community and budget-friendly starter

residences in a variety of multi-family developments.

Carradale Court, Stirling Heights and Livingston Court are suited for first-time home buyers or those looking

for maintenance-free living and start at $294,900 to $399,000. The single-family neighbourhoods on Linfield,

Crosshill and Dunbar have reached a level of visible completeness and are now well established. Single-family

homes for larger growing families start at $469,000 and are fully landscaped. Homes in the gated lock-and-

leave strata community, Pacific Ridge Estates, start at $399,900.

Kamloops’ most respected builders have built the community to high standards. Aberdeen Highlands has

ensured that every house adds to the community, creating consistent and appealing neighbourhoods. In an

effort to minimize traffic and keep the neighbourhoods family-suited, there is a limited number of homes that

have legal suite capability.

Although single-family lots are currently sold out, there is a great selection of new homes that are ready for

you to move in or are nearing completion.

For the empty nester or the growing family, the neighbourhoods of West Highlands offer comfortable and

convenient living. If you want to come home to the hills, call Aberdeen Highlands at 250-828-1676, go online

to aberdeenhighlands.ca or ask your Realtor.

WEST HIGHLANDSABERDEEN’S SIGNATURE ADDRESS

Come Home…to the Hills…

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kamloops this week - september home & condo

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