If you lived through the mid-20th century, you might remember the bold color pairing of avocado green
and mustard yellow that now screams "vintage." For those who were born during the 21st century, those
hues are making a fresh and stylish comeback.

According to Living Etc., the earthy tones of the 1970s are trending again. Think mustard yellow,
avocado green, burnt orange, chocolate brown, and deep purple. Today’s designers are reimagining these retro shades in modern ways, often by using neutral walls as a backdrop and letting the colors pop through furniture, textiles, and accents.

Even the infamous avocado bathroom of the ‘60s and ‘70s is returning, and this time with a sleek twist.
Clean lines and geometric designs have replaced floral patterns. Expect to see bold greens, even on bathtubs, giving a nostalgic nod to the past with a distinctly modern vibe.

Vancouver, BC – July 2025. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 7,162 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® ) Systems in June 2025, up 1.3 per cent from June 2024.

The average MLS® residential price in BC in June 2025 was down 4.2 per cent at $954,065 compared to $995,614 in June 2024. The total sales dollar volume was $6.8 billion, a 3 per cent decrease from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 23 per cent lower than the ten-year June average.

“Many regional housing markets across BC remained resilient through the second quarter, with only the Lower Mainland falling below sales activity from the previous year,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “Until broader uncertainties are resolved, we expect overall housing activity in the most expensive areas of the province to continue lagging behind other regions that have steadily recovered since the onset of tariff uncertainty.”

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume is down 11 per cent to $34.2 billion, compared with the same period in 2024. Residential unit sales are down 7.1 per cent year-over-year at 35,847 units, while the average MLS® residential price is also down 4.2 per cent to $954,241.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Canadian housing starts were largely flat from the previous month, totalling 283,734 units in June at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR). Starts were up 18 per cent from the same month last year. Single-detached housing starts increased by 1 per cent from last month to 56,645 units, while multi-family and other starts were flat at 227,086 units (SAAR).

In British Columbia, starts rose by 72 per cent from last month to 67,029 units (SAAR) in all areas of the province. In areas of the province with 10,000 or more residents, single-detached starts increased by 1 per cent to 3,880 units, while multi-family starts rose by 85 per cent to 60,314 units month-over-month. Starts in the province were 64 per cent above the levels from June 2024. Year-to-date starts are up 130 per cent in Abbotsford and 23 per cent in Victoria, but down 70 per cent in Nanaimo, 33 per cent in Kelowna, and 11 per cent in Vancouver. 

https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-housing-starts-june-2025

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Something is magical about summer gatherings that seems to transcend time. Children splash in sprinklers while adults gather around picnic tables laden with seasonal delights. The scene creates a curious blend of déjà vu and timelessness that connects us across years and generations.

Perhaps these summer traditions resonate so deeply because of the way they mark our lives like gentle, recurring rhythms: the simple pleasure of biting into juicy watermelon, the familiar sound of a screen door closing as people wander between sunshine and shade, and the glow of fireflies or sparklers illuminating eager faces as evening settles in.

Summer has a way of distilling life to its essence. The pace slows, allowing us to notice details otherwise lost in our year-round rush. We become more present, more aware of the gentle miracle of generations connecting through timeless activities.

Watch a grandparent teach a child how to skewer marshmallows for roasting and you'll experience a silent dance performed countless times throughout decades — different hands, same movements, identical looks of anticipation and a beautiful continuity that no technology can replicate.

These summer traditions aren't just activities; they're messages passed between generations. They say: "This is who we are. This is what matters. This is how we connect." When a recipe is shared or a family story is retold during these golden months, generations link together in a chain of shared experience.

In our rapidly changing world, these summer constants grow increasingly precious and remind us that beneath our digital identities is something more fundamental — our human need for connection and continuity.

Which summer tradition connects you most strongly to other generations in your life?

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson were on a camping trip. They had gone to bed and were lying awake while looking at the sky.

"Watson, look up,” Holmes said. “What do you see? I see thousands of stars. And what does that mean to you?"

"I suppose it means we will have another nice day tomorrow,” Watson said. “What does it mean to you, Holmes?"

"To me, Watson,” Holmes said, “it means someone has stolen our tent."

It’s called mineral hydration—and it’s about more than just drinking water.

Your body loses essential minerals like sodium, magnesium, and potassium through sleep, sweating, and even caffeine. Adding a pinch of sea salt or an electrolyte mix to your morning water can help restore that balance.

Fans say it improves energy, focus, and may even reduce headaches.

Unlike sugary sports drinks, it’s simple, customizable, and easy to fit into your routine. Just remember: a little goes a long way. The goal is balance.

Canadian employment increased by 0.4 per cent from the previous month, gaining 83,000 jobs to 21.061 million in June. The employment rate rose 0.1 points to 60.9 per cent, while the unemployment rate fell by 0.1 points to 6.9 per cent. Average hourly wages rose 3.2 per cent year-over-year to $36.01 last month, while total hours worked were up 1.6 per cent compared to June of the previous year.

Employment in B.C. rose by 0.2 per cent to 2.968 million, gaining 5,000 jobs in June. Employment in Metro Vancouver rose by 1.1 per cent to 1.735 million in June. The unemployment rate in B.C. fell by 0.8 points to 5.6 per cent in June. Meanwhile, Vancouver's unemployment rate similarly fell by 0.6 points to 5.8 per cent in the sixth month of the year.

June's jobs report marks the first meaningful increase in employment since January, breaking a trend of largely stagnant job creation in 2025. Notably, the vast majority of employment growth was concentrated in part-time positions, reflecting greater demand for temporary roles across many industries during the summer. Moreover, the Canadian labour market remains relatively weak, with the national unemployment rate hovering near its highest level since the pandemic. This report likely favours a neutral stance from the Bank of Canada and a rate hold at its meeting later this month, though resurgent tariff risks will complicate the Bank’s outlook. 

https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-employment-june-2025

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.