Lifestyle Locator Interview: Nurse Next Door

with Owner / Local Partner: Shannon Kirkwood

Shannon and her team at Nurse Next Door help with home care services in the communiies of: Whistler, Squamish to Lion’s Bay and then across to the Sunshine Coast from Gibsons and Sechelt up to Powell River.

Connect via Nurse Next Door website and search locations: Click Here

Phone Shannon at: +1 604-747-2847 Here is our YouTube Interview: Click Here

Nurse Next Door serves communities to provide compassionate 24 hour senior care services for your loved ones. I worked with Shannon and her team to assist my husband who was recovering from double knee replacement surgery in Whistler and happy to share my client testimonial of their professional, friendly and caring services provided! Also, as I have been the Chair of the Volunteer Board at Whistler 55 Plus Group: Whistler MAC

I can share the knowledge from our membership that “Happier Aging” is about celebrating the wisdom and experience that comes with age. It’s not the tasks that make a difference in a senior’s life; it’s about finding those gems that bring a senior happiness. Families can expect a caring, committed and passionate team of caregivers and nurses that have clients and their happiness as a top priority. Through their 24/7 Care Services Center, we provide services 365 days a year; 7 days a week; 24 hours per day. T

This means that if a need arises unexpectedly, even in the middle of the night, clients and their family members can expect someone to help them. In addition to their 24/7 availability, Nurse Next Door’s focus is on continuity of care and to provide “a perfect match” between client and caregiver. They pair clients and caregivers based not only on needs, but wants as well. Nurse Next Door is proud to serve local communities near you.

Nurse Next Door provides experts in Alzheimer’s & dementia as well. Connect through the website to find out full details of caring services.

From our interview together – here’s a book Shannon recommends: “Tuesdays with Morrie” via Amazon Canada link: Click Here

Product Tip – Lightweight jacket, even in summer … check out the shops via Whistler Chamber of Commerce – Business Directory: Click Here

________________________ Extra Note:

If you connect with Kathy White – Realtor® Advisor / Personal Real Estate Corporation at Engel & Völkers – Whistler via email: [email protected] and we schedule a coffee and chat for around 30 minutes to discuss real estate in Whistler or for other regional area of BC / Canada … happy to mail you some delicious coffee from www.forecastcoffee.ca & a tasty Whistler Chocolate Bar from www.whistlerchocolate.com as my thank you gift.

Lifestyle Locator Interview: Christina Rupp, Coordinator United Way ~ Better at Home in the Sea to Sky Corridor

Meet Christina Rupp, Coordinator of the United Way / Better at Home program managed through Sea to Sky Community Services: www.sscs.ca

Here is the YouTube Interview link: Click here

Better at Home Summary: https://betterathome.ca/ United Way, British Columbia: https://uwbc.ca/

Supporting the non-medical needs of older adults in British Columbia Recognizing a growing need Seniors and elders are an important and growing part of our communities, and their active involvement enriches everyone’s lives. To ensure that older adults continue to play an active part in our communities, they often need support to live independently in their own homes, surrounded by friends, families and neighbours. United Way British Columbia supports Seniors to age with dignity and in the comfort of their own homes.

With funding provided by the government of B.C., the United Way manages the operation of over 85 Better at Home programs across the province. Better at Home is looking for Volunteers! Better at Home services vary from community to community.

The basket of services includes: • Light Housekeeping • Transportation to Appointments • Friendly Visiting • Grocery Shopping • Light Yard Work • Minor Home Repairs • Snow Shoveling

Plus a book & movie Christina Rupp recommends you enjoy: “To Kill a Mockingbird” and here is Amazon.ca Book Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Kill-Mockingbird-Harper-Lee/dp/0446310786

Product Tip – Clinique Skin Moisturizer: https://www.clinique.ca/products/1687/skincare/moisturizers

Extra Note – Winter, 2023-2024: If you connect with Kathy White via: [email protected] and we schedule a coffee and chat for around 30 minutes to discuss real estate in Whistler or for other regional area of BC / Canada … happy to mail you some delicious coffee from www.forecastcoffee.ca & a tasty Whistler Chocolate Bar from www.whistlerchocolate.com as my thank you gift. Visit: www.whistlerhomes.com

Phase 1 and Phase 2: Whistler, BC

As a full-time Realtor® Advisor / Personal Real Estate Corporation in Whistler with over 20+ years of realty career experience in the British Columbia, happy to share my perspective on these two property uses in our wonderful year-round Resort (Winter 2010 ~ Olympic Host Village), just north of Vancouver and YVR Airport.

Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler

Here is Resort Municipality of Whistler = summary of Phase 1 & 2 for your review:

  • Phase 1 rental pool covenants are less restrictive than Phase 2 rental pool covenants. Phase 1 covenants are intended to maximize occupancy of properties for use by owners and visitors. When not in owner use, the covenants generally require the accommodation units be made available to the public through a rental pool. For properties where the covenant does not specify a single, integrated rental pool, RMOW Council policy supports multiple rental booking and unit management arrangements within a property, including the self-management rental of units by owners. RMOW Business License: Click Here
  • Example Phase 1: The Aspens / Town Plaza / Glacier’s Reach (you’ll see via websites property owners can self-manage or hire a company to manage bookings / operations)

Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler

  • Phase 2 rental pool covenants require that all units must be available for commercial rental to the public at all times except for limited owner use. Owners have a basic allotment for personal use of their unit, limited to 28 days for a defined summer period and 28 days for a defined winter period. Terms specifying how and when owners may use their basic allotment are detailed in the covenants. The terms also specify opportunities for additional owner use. Every accommodation unit on the property must be placed or listed in a single, integrated rental pool, as selected by the strata owners, through which the units will be made available for rental to the public. This provides for the orderly and assured management of reservations and use of units by the public and unit owners.
  • Example Phase 2: Westin Resort & Spa / Pan Pacific Mountainside / Four Seasons Resort

Encourage those who are looking to sell and buy a Phase 1 and 2 rental covenant property and other forms of property ownership in Whistler from deeded time ownership, quarter-share and residential zoned regions to reach out via email: [email protected] or call / text: 1-604-616-6933 for further assistance. There are indeed complexities for each community complex / building in Whistler and further research is very important.

As a Realtor®, I would also encourage everyone to hire independent legal, accounting and other professional consulting advice before proceeding, plus evaluating the current Federal, Provincial and Municipal Taxes and ongoing property costs that apply each year. I’m here to help, visit WhistlerHomes.com

Whistler – Heat Pump / Furnace System Year-Round!

As we move into the future, in order to reduce climate change & increase sustainability …

Would like to promote the idea of you meeting with a local heating & plumbing company to explore installing a “Heat Pump / Furnace” dual-system for year-round use & cost savings.

Another opportunity is to explore energy & cost saving grants available with your installer!

For example, Clean BC via Resort Municipality is currently offering $350 rebate: Click Here

Whistler & Sea To Sky Corridor – companies to obtain details, quotes & client testimonials:

Custom Air / Pipeline Heating / Pemberton Heating

Milani Heating / Western Technical Systems / Align Climate Solutions


A heat pump and furnace system in a townhouse typically refers to a dual-fuel heating system that combines the benefits of both a heat pump and a furnace. This type of system is designed to efficiently heat your home in various weather conditions.

  1. Heat Pump:
    • A heat pump is an electrical device that moves heat from one place to another. In heating mode, it extracts heat from the outdoor air (even in cold weather) and transfers it inside to warm the home.
    • Heat pumps are energy-efficient and cost-effective for moderate climates. However, their efficiency can decrease as the outdoor temperature drops.
  2. Furnace:
    • A furnace is a heating system that generates heat by burning fuel, typically natural gas or propane. This produces warm air, which is then circulated through the house via a system of ducts.
    • Furnaces are effective in providing reliable and consistent heat, especially in colder climates.

How the System Works:

  • In milder temperatures, the heat pump is the primary heating source. It operates efficiently and economically by using ambient air to extract heat.
  • As outdoor temperatures drop, the system may automatically switch to the furnace. Furnaces are more effective in extremely cold conditions, providing reliable heat even when the heat pump’s efficiency decreases.
  • The system is often equipped with a thermostat that can automatically switch between the heat pump and the furnace based on the outdoor temperature or other programmed parameters.

Benefits:

  • Energy Efficiency: The heat pump operates efficiently in moderate temperatures, while the furnace provides reliable heat in colder conditions.
  • Cost Savings: The system can be cost-effective, as it utilizes the most energy-efficient method based on the current outdoor conditions.
  • Versatility: The system adapts to varying weather conditions, providing comfort throughout the year.

Considerations:

  • Installation: Proper installation and sizing of both the heat pump and furnace are crucial for optimal performance.
  • Thermostat Control: A programmable thermostat with dual-fuel capabilities is often used to manage the transition between the heat pump and furnace.

It’s important to note that the specific configuration and features of the dual-fuel system may vary, and consulting with a qualified HVAC professional is recommended for a system tailored to the specific needs of your townhouse.

Encourage those who are looking to install or replace a property heating system, or exploring option to sell and buy a property in our Resort will reach out to connect via email: [email protected] or call / text: 1-604-616-6933 for further assistance. As a Realtor® Advisor / Personal Real Estate Corporation, I would also encourage everyone to hire independent legal, accounting and other professional consulting advice before proceeding, plus evaluating the current Federal, Provincial and Municipal Taxes and ongoing property costs that apply each year. I’m here to help, visit WhistlerHomes.com