The restless wind surged across the earth, tearing through valleys, bending trees to its will and lifting dust into swirling skies. It reveled in its might and took pride in the way the world submitted to its force.

But then there was the mountain.

No matter how fiercely the wind howled or how violently it struck, the mountain stood firm. It did not bend, break or waver. It simply stood — immovable and vast — as though the wind was no more than a fleeting breath.

The wind grew enraged and summoned its full power. It screamed through crags, summoned storms to batter the rock and lashed icy gales against the towering peaks. Yet the mountain endured — calm, steady and unbothered.

Finally, exhausted and defeated, the wind roared, "Why do you not fall? Everything else bows before me.”

The mountain rumbled with quiet laughter. “I do not fall because I do not resist,” it said. “I do not fight you, nor do I run. I simply am. And so, I endure.”

The wind paused, its fury ebbing into thought. Throughout its life, it was determined to assert its strength. Yet here was the mountain — powerful without struggle, strong without force.

Humbled, the wind softened and moved on, but gentler than before. And the mountain remained — unshaken, unyielding and utterly at peace.

True strength lies not in resistance or force but in calm endurance and steadfast presence.

Designing an efficient and accessible pantry is essential for every household. Here’s how to optimize your space:

1.Opt for Shallow Shelving – Use shelves no deeper than 18 inches to keep items visible and within reach. Adjustable shelves add flexibility.

2.Maximize Floor Space – Reserve about two feet of floor space for bulky items, such as paper towels or bottled water, to prevent clutter.

3.Incorporate Pull-Out Shelves and Bins –These features allow for easy access to items at the back, perfect for storing root vegetables, grains or snacks.

4.Utilize Over-the-Door Storage – An over-the-door organizer frees up shelf space by storing spices, condiments, and small items within easy reach.

5.Consider Portable Pantry Solutions – A portable pantry cart is ideal for kitchens without built-in pantry space, offering flexible and movable storage.

6.Implement Vertical Storage – Use tall shelving units or stackable storage containers to maximize space without taking up extra floor area.

7.Use Clear Containers and Labels – Store pantry staples in clear, airtight containers for freshness and easy visibility. Labeling enhances organization.

By applying these strategies, you can create a functional and efficient pantry, which
makes daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Canadian real GDP increased by 0.4 per cent in January, following a 0.3 per cent increase in December. Service-producing industries grew by 0.1 per cent, while goods-producing industries rose by 1.1 per cent. Thirteen out of twenty major industries expanded from the previous month, led by mining, quarrying, and oil/gas extraction (1.7 per cent), construction (0.7 per cent), and manufacturing (0.8 per cent). Finally, GDP for real-estate offices and agents was down 3.7 per cent month-over-month. Preliminary estimates suggest that real GDP was unchanged in February.

As its first rate cut of 2025 transmits through the economy, the Bank of Canada will be pleased to see Canadian economic growth surpassing its projection. Unfortunately, these numbers are likely non-influential in the Bank's next meeting, as they reflect an environment before tariffs were enacted. Given the immense uncertainty surrounding Trump's reciprocal tariffs next week, the Bank is most likely to hold during its next meeting before reassessing how the economy responds to these shocks.

https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-economic-growth-january-2025

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

About BCREA’s Housing Monitor Dashboard

The BCREA Economics team has created the Housing Monitor Dashboard to help REALTORS^® monitor BC’s housing market. This dashboard, which is updated monthly, provides up-to-date data on key variables for public education and use. Focuses include: 

• Resale Home Market

• Construction

• Rental Market

• Borrowing Costs

• Other BCREA Data

In the dashboard, the image and data are available for download under each chart, where possible.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Spring’s bloom brings seasonal allergies, with pollen, dust and pet dander triggering sneezing and congestion. Here are the most effective, expert-backed ways to reduce allergens in your home.

Close windows during peak pollen hours. Pollen counts are highest in the morning and early evening. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) recommends keeping windows shut and using air conditioning with HEPA filters to reduce exposure.

Upgrade air filters and use an air purifier. HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of airborne allergens. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises changing HVAC filters every three months and using a HEPA air purifier to improve indoor air quality.

Wash bedding and fabrics weekly. Dust mites thrive in bedding. The Mayo Clinic suggests washing sheets, pillowcases and blankets in hot water (130°F/54°C) weekly to eliminate allergens.

Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Regular vacuuming reduces dust mites and pollen buildup. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a HEPA-filtered vacuum traps allergens more effectively than standard models do.

Shower and change clothes after outdoor exposure. Pollen clings to skin and clothing. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends rinsing off and changing clothes after spending time outside to prevent allergens from spreading indoors.

Maintain indoor humidity below 50 percent. High humidity encourages dust mites and mold growth. The EPA advises using a dehumidifier to maintain 30 to 50 percent humidity for optimal indoor air quality.

By following these research-backed strategies, you can significantly reduce allergens in your home and enjoy a healthier, sneeze-free spring!

It’s every pet owner’s nightmare: Your dog runs away and disappears. You call, search and ask neighbors for help, but with a dog capable of traveling five miles in an hour, the search can feel hopeless. Fortunately, thermal drones offer a high-tech solution.

Because thermal drones detect heat signatures, finding lost pets is easier, even in dense vegetation or low light. They provide a major advantage during recovery efforts because they can cover large areas quickly.

During 2022 in Michigan, Lost Pet Drone Recovery reunited 22 dogs with their owners within its first month of operation. Similarly, during 2023, a drone operator in Connecticut located 40 missing pets.

Challenges and Considerations

Although thermal drones are effective, they’re not infallible. Environmental factors, such as the pet’s coloring and surroundings, can impact visibility. For instance, a white dog in a green field is easier to spot than one in snow. Even when a drone locates a pet, retrieving a shy or frightened animal requires a gentle and strategic approach.

Combining Drones With Traditional Methods

Thermal drones are most effective when used in conjunction with traditional search strategies, such as posting in Facebook groups, distributing flyers and seeking help from the community. This combined effort improves the chances greatly of a happy reunion.

For worried pet owners, thermal drones provide a much-needed edge in finding their lost companions by turning technology into a beacon of hope.

"Pets are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." – Roger Caras

To view the full interactive BCREA Mortgage Rate Forecast, click here. To download the PDF, click here.

Highlights:

• Ongoing trade tensions are creating significant uncertainty in financial markets.

• Surprisingly strong economic growth to close 2024 could be upended by tariffs.

The Bank of Canada's response to tariffs is complicated by potentially higher inflation.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani

Additional economics information is available here on BCREA's website.

Sleep is essential for physical health, emotional well-being and mental clarity, yet many people
struggle to get quality rest. Understanding sleep science and adopting healthy habits can improve
sleep significantly.

Consistency is the key. Going to bed and awakening at the same time daily helps regulate your
body’s clock and makes sleep more restorative. A relaxing bedtime routine — such as reading,
stretching or enjoying a warm bath — signals your body to unwind. Avoid screens before bed
because blue light disrupts melatonin production.

Optimize your sleep environment. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. A quality mattress and
pillows enhance comfort, and blackout curtains or white-noise machines help minimize disruptions.

Mind your diet. Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime because they interfere with
sleep. A light snack, such as a banana or nuts, can promote relaxation.

Stay active. Although regular exercise improves sleep quality, avoid vigorous workouts close to
bedtime to prevent overstimulation.

After a 46 per cent year-over-year increase of new listings in January, the number of newly listed properties on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver rose more moderately in February helping keep market conditions in balanced territory.

Read February MLS® Market Report to learn more: https://www.gvrealtors.ca/market-watc...

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.