Maintaining hydration is essential for a healthy lifestyle, though not necessarily requiring the frequently recommended eight daily glasses of water. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) confirms that most people typically fulfill their hydration needs through food and beverage consumption.

While caffeinated drinks do contribute to fluid intake, excessive sodium intake poses a problem as many individuals often consume two to three times the recommended daily limits.

Similarly, insufficient potassium, which is an important nutrient found in various foods, can lead to health issues.

An article from HealthNews highlights the importance of balancing salt intake and ensuring an adequate intake of potassium. An imbalance between excessive salt and inadequate potassium can result in high blood pressure.

Therefore, adjusting fluid intake during physical activity and hot weather, moderating salt consumption, and ensuring sufficient potassium intake are crucial factors for maintaining effective hydration.

Although often overlooked, vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a vital role in maintaining optimal health, supporting various bodily functions and promoting overall well-being.

1. Crucial for red blood cell production, B12 minimizes fatigue and prevents anemia, while also boosting energy levels, enhancing vitality, and combating feelings of tiredness.

2. B12 supports neurological function by aiding in the production of myelin, which protects nerve fibers and ensures smooth nerve transmission, thereby improving cognition, memory and brain health.

3. By regulating homocysteine levels, B12 effectively reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues and supports a healthy heart.

For those who follow plant-based diets or with limited meat intake, B12 supplementation or fortified foods can help meet the body's requirements.

To connect with Gen Z kids and grandkids in today's digital age, you must comprehend their preferences, values and expectations. Here are some ways to establish a meaningful connection with the Gen-Zers in your life:

Embrace Technology: Engage with them in their digital spaces and familiarize yourself with social media platforms and online trends to understand their interests and establish common ground.

Practice Active Listening: Encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns without judgment. Ask open-ended questions to show genuine interest and create a safe space for expression.

Respect Individuality: Learn about their unique passions, hobbies and goals. By respecting their individuality, you create an environment in which they feel understood and accepted, thereby strengthening your connection.

Be Open To Learning: Educate yourself on such topics as sustainability, inclusivity, and mental health. Show a willingness to learn about and understand their perspectives. Embracing their values allows you to forge a deeper connection with them.

Be Authentic and Genuine: This generation values authenticity and can easily spot insincerity. Avoid trying to be someone you're not or pretending to understand something you don't. Instead, be honest about your limitations and show a willingness to learn from them. Be your true self.

Connecting with Gen Z kids and grandchildren in today's digital age may seem challenging, but it's essential to establishing a meaningful relationship with them. By embracing technology, practicing active listening, being open to learning, respecting individuality, and being authentic, you can bridge the generation gap and understand their preferences, values, and expectations better.

Building strong connections with the younger generation not only benefits your relationship but also opens up new perspectives and experiences for both parties.

Continuing the trend that has emerged in the housing market this year, the benchmark price for all home types in Metro Vancouver increased in June as home buyer demand butted up against a limited inventory of homes for sale in the region.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Vancouver, BC – July 2023. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 8,740 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service^® (MLS^®) systems in June 2023, an increase of 21.9 per cent from June 2022. The average MLS^® residential price in BC was $991,648, up 4.7 per cent compared to June 2022. The total sales dollar volume was $8.7 billion, representing a 27.6 per cent increase from the same time last year. 

“June home sales continued to outperform expectations, following a very strong rebound in May,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “However, rising interest rates will likely dampen home sales activity in coming months.”

Active listings in the province were above 30,000 units for the first time since September 2022, but were still down 1.2 per cent compared to this time last year, and essentially flat month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
 
Year-to-date BC residential sales dollar volume was down 26.1 per cent to $39.4 billion, compared with the same period in 2022. Residential unit sales were down 21.1 per cent to 40,381 units, while the average MLS^® residential price was down 6.4 per cent to $976,885.

A dog ran into a museum that was completely covered in mirrors—all the walls, ceiling, doors and floors were reflective. Upon seeing his own reflections, the dog froze with surprise in the middle of the hallway.

From all sides, the dog saw a whole pack of dogs surrounding him, from top to bottom.

The dog bared its teeth and barked, and so did all the reflections. Horrified, the dog barked feverishly, and its reflections followed, raising the noise to an unbearable level.

The dog barked louder, and the echoes only grew louder. The dog flung itself from side to side, causing the reflections to stir and even threaten it with their own bared teeth.

Moral of the story: The world brings no good or evil on its own. Everything that happens around us is simply a reflection of our thoughts, feelings, desires and actions. The world is like a giant mirror that we must learn to treat with respect and compassion.

The Bank of Canada raised its overnight rate by 25 basis points to 5 per cent this morning. In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that the Canadian economy has been stronger than expected but is expected slow as higher interest rate work their way through the economy.  On inflation, the Bank cited the recent easing of inflation to 3.4 per cent but also noted that core inflation continues to run a at 3 to 4 per cent pace and has been more persistent than anticipated.  The Bank now forecasts a return to its 2 per cent target in mid-2025 rather than in 2024. 

While inflation has come down significantly in the past year, the economy seems somewhat impervious to the Bank's efforts to slow it down. The labour market continues to add jobs at a robust pace, consumer spending was brisk during the first quarter and the housing market remains unexpectedly strong. Although the impact of rate increases can take time to be felt, we should be seeing some signs of a slowing economy emerge relatively soon. However, the likelihood of an impending recession and a related fall in interest rates now seem to fading, meaning homebuyers and homeowners may need to wait until next year for any mortgage relief. Indeed, 5-year bond yields are now near 4 per cent for the first time since 2007 which has driven 5-year fixed mortgage rates to their highest point this year.  The Bank's statement suggests it may be on pause at 5 per cent, though further rate increases could be on the horizon if the economy continues to out-perform expectations. 

link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/bank-of-canada-interest-rate-announcement-u0thlemdkn

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

This cake is a light and fruity treat that incorporates whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt and natural sweeteners.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup mixed berries (your choice)

Topping:

• 1/4 cup mixed berries

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined well.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the mixed berries, reserving a handful for the topping.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved berries over the top. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the topping, combine the remaining berries and honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat for a few minutes until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly.

Drizzle the berry sauce over the cooled cake and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Vancouver, B.C. – June, 2023 – Commercial real estate sales and dollar volumes had a slow start to 2023, with year-over-year declines across all property types.

There were 273 commercial real estate sales in the Lower Mainland in Q1 2023, a 58.1 per cent decrease from 651 sales in Q1 2022, according to data from Commercial Edge, a commercial real estate system operated by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).

The total dollar value of commercial real estate sales in the Lower Mainland was $1.483 billion in Q1 2023, a 64.8 per cent decrease from $4.213 billion in Q1 2022.

“Not to sound like a broken record, but it’s hard to ignore the cooling impact higher borrowing costs have had on transactions in the real estate market overall, and the commercial market remains no exception,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s Director of Economics and Data Analytics, said. “With a 0.25 per cent hike to the Bank of Canada’s policy rate in June, and the possibility of another 0.25 per cent hike in July, relief doesn’t appear to be on the near-term horizon. That said, the silver lining is that inflation is heading in the right direction and is finally nearing the Bank of Canada’s target range of one to three per cent, suggesting that the need for any dramatic increases to the policy rate from here on is unlikely.”

Q1 2023 activity by category

Land: There were 86 commercial land sales in Q1 2023, which is a 60.7 per cent decrease from the 219 land sales in Q1 2022. The dollar value of land sales was $896 million in Q1 2023, a 62 per cent decrease from $2.356 billion in Q1 2022.

Office and Retail: There were 113 office and retail sales in the Lower Mainland in Q1 2023, which is down 53.7 per cent from the 244 sales in Q1 2022. The dollar value of office and retail sales was $172 million in Q1 2023, a 78.8 per cent decrease from $811 million in Q1 2022.

Industrial: There were 63 industrial land sales in the Lower Mainland in Q1 2023, which is a 58.6 per cent decrease from the 152 sales in Q1 2022. The dollar value of industrial sales was $322 million in Q1 2023, a 50.7 per cent decrease from $653 million in Q1 2022.

Multi-Family: There were 11 multi-family land sales in the Lower Mainland in Q1 2023, which is down 69.4 per cent from 36 sales in Q1 2022. The dollar value of multi-family sales was $93 million in Q1 2023, a 76.3 per cent decrease from $392 million in Q1 2022.

Download the Q1 2023 Commercial Stats Package.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.