Pacific Shores News

The aquariums at Pacific Shores

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PST

Pacific Shores Resort & Spa in Parksville, BC features the largest privately owned aquarium in the province. The connected twin cylindrical aquariums in the restaurant total more than 6,000 gallons

Vacation homes made affordable

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:00:00 PST

Vacation homes made affordable

October 02, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By Cathie Bartlett, For Postmedia News; Edmonton Journal

Test the waters and see how the market responds. Research your options and be flexible.

And remember earlier efforts -- they could bear fruit later.

That's what British Columbia developer Andrew Pearson and his partners learned when they transformed six hectares of oceanfront property on Vancouver Island from a campground and trailer park into an upscale vacation resort.

Today the company Pearson and his wife Susan founded 20 years ago is selling a new phase of vacation homes based on fractional ownership.

Two decades ago, the Pearsons tried fractionals to lukewarm response, so they concentrated on time shares.

Now their original mode of vacation ownership is back in the market and going strong at Pacific Shores Resort and Spa.

Whole ownership was the intention in 1990 when Pacific Shores Resort was launched at its location overlooking Craig Bay, just south of Parksville. But time-sharing was more popular, so Pearson and his wife started it in 1991.

The couple also floated the idea of fractional ownership, launching a one-10th interest in fee simple deeded real estate.

All 50 shares sold quickly, and many of those original owners still spend five weeks a year at Pacific Shores.

Time-sharing remained the buzzword for several years, and Pacific Shores allied with Resort Condominiums International, becoming one of many RCI resorts around the globe.

In 2004 the Pearsons reentered the fractional real estate business. They built Parkside Victoria Resort and Spa -- a development of 126 vacation homes marketed as quarter interests -- in downtown Victoria.

A year later the concept spread to Pacific Shores & Spa when plans were announced for two-bedroom, two-bathroom units to be sold as fractional units.

Completed 21/2 years ago, the four-storey building is about 65-per-cent sold.

Amenities include underground parking and two full tennis courts.

Buyers can opt for one-eighth ownership, costing $95,900 to $123,900, giving them six weeks' occupancy during the year with two weeks guaranteed between June and September.

For quarter-owners, the price ranges from $193,900 to $234,900 for 12 weeks through the year with four weeks in high season.

Warren Smith, vice-president sales Vancouver Island for Aviawest Resort Group, the multi-destination vacation club the Pearsons founded in 2002, says owners can stay for part of their time, rent out the rest -- or stay or rent their complete slot.

"They can come here, generate income and do other things," he says.

The design of the units allows various owner use and rental options. The 32 fully finished units are also lock-off units.

Owners could stay in one side, perhaps the larger side with full kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, large master bedroom with sitting area, luxurious ensuite and access to the balcony to enjoy the oceanfront view.

The other side has finishings just as elegant, and as well a fireplace, couches that fold out to sleep four. There is no kitchen, but each has a small fridge, toaster, dishes and utensils.

Hassan Shokil, fractional sales consultant for Aviawest, says the flexibility fractional ownership offers and "the fact you own a physical asset rather than a points or weeks system" makes it appealing.

Time shares are also available at Pacific Shores, where amenities include indoor

pool and fitness centre, outdoor hot tubs, the Aqua-Terre Spa and the Landing West Coast Grill with a saltwater aquarium.

Pacific Shores makes waves near Parksville

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PST

Pacific Shores makes waves near Parksville

September 18, 2010