80- Friday, July 17, 1998 — North Shore News aan north shore news REAL ESTATE — Multi-unit starts drive N. Shore market | . Building declines provincially and nationally COULD things be looking up for B.C.’s sluggish building industry? Metro Vancouver housing starts for June totalled 1,176 units, a decrease of 33% com- -pucd to June of last year. according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The single detached market recorded 297 starts while 879 multiple units were started. There was a slight resurgence in the multiple unit market in June as the number of units started was up 12% compared to May. Despite this, start levels continue to sag Make your barbecues accident-free dehind levels seen for the same months last year due to more people Icaving British Columbia than moving in. “In the first quarter of 1988, there was a net loss of 3,555 people. This corresponds with strong job prospects in both Alberta and Ontario. In tact, 4,156 people moved to Alberta from B.C.,” says Andrew Middleton, market analyst with CMHC’s BC and Yukon Regional Business Centre. “In particular, there has been a significant decline in demand for single detached units. This is a result of two main factors. First, a drop in the number of families moving to the make province and also fewer families already living, in the province looking to move up in the housing market. “Second, job growth in B.C. has been concentrated in the service sector and, as a result, employment opportunities have been primarily tor young single people. This has increased demand tor rental and condomini- um units in urban areas, however it has had the opposite effect in suburban areas which are typically farther away fram jabs.” adds Middleton. “Currently, thers is less consumer conti- derce with a majority of buvers waiting on the sidelines in anticipation of lower prices and continued stable mortgage rates. While start levels are down fer the majority. of Metro Vancouver, there is the potential tor are tight. things to turn around relatively quickly as buyers jump into the market in response to stranger economic news or a hike in mort- gage rates,” Middleton says “While start levels are off, there are still a number of areas with a high level of activity. From January to June this year. Burnaby, Delea, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitr Meadows, Richmond, Wes: Vancouver, and White Rock are ahead of Iasi year’s pace, driven be a high level of multiple unit activi- ty,” Re says. Provincially, housing starts for July totalled 1,952 units, a decrease of 28% com- pared to June of last year. Nationally, housing starts declined 4.6% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 132,700 units in June from 139,000 units in Mav. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water after handling raw meat. Clean all surfaces and’ utensils that touch raw meat with hot, soapy water before . BARBECUING has become one of Canada’s favorite sum- mer pastimes. —-~#- It can be relaxing to bar- becue after a long work day when a quick meal prepared on the grill not only tastes “great, but is easy to clean up. However, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association believes we don’t ple steps that will hel the experience both safe. Maintaining an adequate distance between the grill and the outside wall of the house is important to reduce the chance of fire. And, a gas or charcoal grill should never be used indoors, in closed garages, or on enclosed patios and balconies. Not only is fire a threat in un and released by the charcoal can be dangerous. Other ways to avoid a fire are by making sure the grill is placed on a tevel Dacre so it won’t Up, and setting it away from any potential flammable objects such as cars, lawn mowers or gas tanks. Keep a clear walking path from the grill to the eating area so there is no danger of tripping and knocking over the griil. fire extinguisher handy for anv emergencies. Gas grills require some maintenance before shey are used fur the first time cich year. The hoses need to de cleared because insects can nest inside during storage, and old grease can accumu- fate and clot over rime. Make sure there are no cracks or holes in the hoses And, when grilling, keep the hoses away from the heac. Another barbecuing con- cern is the preparation of the food, especially the problem of a bacteria called E. coli. To avoid contamination, handle raw meat carefully. Keep it separate from other foods and never reuse a fate on which raw meat has placing other food.on coun- testops or reusing the*uten- sils. Meat should be thawed in the reftigerator “or microwave oven, not out at: room temperaiure. 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